Unilever East Africa today unveiled the new Blue Band spread with Omega 3 and 6 to improve nutrition in Kenya. The product is particularly designed for children as it contributes to healthy growth and development of the body. The spread comes in handy as stats from the Ministry of Health reveal that nutrition related illnesses affect more than 25% of children below the age of five years.
Whether in plastic or metallic packaging, we all grew up using Blue Band, and you will agree with me that it was and still is a vital part of breakfast. Matter of fact I am still a firm believer of the ‘B (Bread) without BB (Blue Band) is like a train without an engine’ slogan. Since the 1950s it has stuck around, evolving with the world but still maintains its great taste. And now, it is the only spread in East Africa that contains the essential fats-Omega 3 and Omega 6.
Speaking at the launch, Unilever CEO for East Africa, Marc Angel stated, “Our Company is committed to boosting nutrition by helping 1 billion people worldwide take action to improve their health and well-being by 2020. We are keeping our commitment to the Kenyan people by continuing to deliver better products for healthier diets and helping to grow greater kids.”
Extracted from locally grown Kenyan Rape seed, the two essential fats will combine with the seven Vitamins currently included in Blue Band to ensure that children get to have a healthier nutritious and tasty breakfast when used with bread or porridge. The World Health Organization recommendations on dietary intake of fats stipulate that for children above the age of 2 years, good fats should constitute 25-35% of daily kilocalories.
Why are Omega 3 and Omega 6 important?
- The human body needs them for building healthy cells
- They maintain brain and nerve function
- The body itself cannot produce these essential fats, therefore we must get them from the food we eat.
Dorothy Murugu, Unilever Nutrition Manager for East Africa says, “In a balanced diet, a child should get up to 10% of daily energy from essential fats that is, Omega 3 and Omega 6. This is why Blue Band has now added these fats in its new innovation to ensure that children and families consistently enjoy nutrient rich meals.”
This is a great innovation from Unilever. Try it out for yourself and your kids and let us know what you think about this new spread. Stay healthy!
