Professor Rotimi Arise of the University of Ilorin’s Department of Biochemistry has urged Nigerians to include more locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts in their daily diets to increase the production of antibodies that will protect them from conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and ulcers.
He made the recommendation at his first lecture, saying that eating locally grown, fresh produce that is high in micronutrients, short peptides, and antioxidants is really good for your health.
He spoke against the practice of taking medications like antibiotics and alcohol at the same time while addressing the theme of the 228th inaugural lecture at the university, “Modulating the Mediators of Life Processes: The Strategic Role of Enzymes in Health and Wellbeing.”
According to study on the effects of co-administration of ethanol and antibiotics, which are frequently used to treat negative infections, on several biochemical parameters of a rat kidney, there may be some harm on the kidney, he said.
He said that the test results showed higher serum urea, total protein, and cholesterol levels, along with a significant decrease in the kidney’s ability to produce lactic dehydrogenase.
We came to the conclusion that taking alcohol and antibiotics at the same time is harmful to the kidney and the body as a whole.
These results also show that long-term use of ivermectin and albendazole could hurt the liver, kidneys, and brain cells.
Because of the risk or injury involved, he stated, “The general public is hereby cautioned against the practice of concurrent intake of pharmaceuticals such as antibiotics with alcohol, the use of galena (tiro), and the exposure of skin to used lubricating oil.”
He also said that another result of their experiment showed that vitamin E can improve the side effects of giving rats both albendazole and ivermectin at the same time.
He declared, “Our typical native fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts are particularly rich in micronutrients, short peptides, and antioxidants.”
Research has also revealed that they have the ability to prevent and protect against diseases including diabetes, hypertension, and ulcers because they are effective modulators of key enzymes.
“Ewedu (Corchoris olitorius) leaves have strong immune-stimulating and blood sugar-modulating properties.
The use of fresh Teflara occidentalis (fluted pumpkin, Ugu) fruits and leaves as well as watermelon seeds as components of fresh vegetable salads is also advised, especially for pre-diabetics and diabetics due to their robust and secure blood sugar modulatory potential.
The biochemistry professor suggested people consume cashew nuts on a regular basis at home and at work because of their ability to regulate blood sugar and blood pressure. He also advised people to consume eggs, yoghurt, and foods that are rich in taurine and vitamin E.
The professor said that his team has also looked into a number of traditional medicinal plants that are used to treat different illnesses. They did this to find out how safe they are and how they might affect metabolic life processes, either positively or negatively.
Biochemistry is the foundation of all biological sciences, according to Arise. Capital-intensive equipment is used in teaching, training, and research.
“Thus, in order to improve education, there is a need for enough funding and the availability of adequate equipment for laboratories and classrooms.”
The report still recommended businesses support research as part of their corporate social duty in the pharmaceutical, food, and beverage industries.
He said that government agencies like NAFDAC and SON, among others, should do more to make sure that new products are tested in the same way as other products.
