There is less than a week left until the start of the new school year. Pupils and students who spend most of their days in schools and universities usually eat here twice a day. Therefore, it is very important that they eat properly, balanced and healthy. Considering that many students buy their meals in the canteen of the educational institution, the composition and quality of food in the canteens is an important issue.
Bizim.Media investigated the composition of food at buffets and how the balance between foods should be.
Speaking on this issue, nutrition expert Asim Valiyev lamented that the food offered in the canteens of many educational institutions is unhealthy and cannot fully provide the nutrients students need.
He also referred to the composition of food at buffets:
“Among the most popular foods at buffets are fast food, especially foods with high calorie content but low nutritional value, such as hamburgers, pizzas, fried foods, French fries, etc.
These foods are high in saturated fat, sugar and salt. Long-term consumption can lead to various health problems. Alternatively, some buffets also offer healthy foods such as salads, juices and fresh fruit. But their quality, cleanliness and nutritional value are also questionable.”
What should be paid attention to in the products used?
According to the expert, it is important to prefer fresher and higher quality products to ensure healthy and balanced nutrition at buffets:
“For example, fresh salads, vegetable soups and boiled, not fried, foods are better choices. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber that the body needs.
We should pay special attention to salads and watery dishes on sale. Fresh vegetables, for example tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, etc., should be used in salads. Sauces and spices added here should also be healthy. Otherwise, dressings with high fat and salt content reduce the nutritional value of the salad. At the same time, juicy meals should be fresh and low in fat, and should be made from nutritious but not heavy foods. For this reason, vegetable dishes or soups made from boiled chicken without frying are good options.
The interviewer also addressed the issue of buffet hygiene:
“Unfortunately, some establishments do not pay enough attention to hygienic conditions, which reduces the quality of food. Food prepared in clean and hygienic conditions always causes less harm to health and prevents cases such as food poisoning.
Offering more healthy foods at buffets can have a positive effect on students’ health in the long term.
To do this, educational institutions, food providers and parents must work together. In this way, it is possible to protect the health of pupils and students in educational institutions.”
