Date Event : 06 May 2019
College of Pharmacy at University of Basrah organized a scientific symposium entitled:(Food is the base of the healthy pyramid) with the participation of researchers and specialists. The symposium included scientific lectures, the first one was introduced by Dr. Salah Kadhem Al-Ahmadi about the ketogenic system, which is characterized by reducing the proportion and carbohydrates while increasing unsaturated fats, which will be adopted as a source of human energy while maintaining a stable percentage of proteins to supply the muscles of the body. The health conditions that could benefit from this system were also clarified, including treating obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Dr.Al-Ahmadi also mentioned the precautions and warnings that must be followed before starting such regimens. Another lecture-was introduced by Dr. Hayat Al-Mousawi. The lecture was about eating three main meals for diabetics (breakfast, lunch and dinner), which were fixed in terms of time and the amount of carbohydrates. And three snacks, such as fruits and nuts, to adopt a balanced healthy dish (half a plate of vegetables, a quarter of a plate of carbohydrates, a quarter of a plate of proteins). The aim of the symposium is to shed light on the role of food in causing many diseases and morbidities such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and others, as well as the importance of nutrition in treating and controlling these diseases. The symposium recommended the necessity of energy balance as it is the cornerstone of weight control (meaning that calories are still important), as well as food quality is an equally important part of preventing weight gain and promoting weight loss, in addition to intermittent fasting, which is an effective way to reduce weight and body fat.