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Health: Meet olive oil, your new friend with benefits (1)

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1 year ago

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Olufunke Faluyi
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Last week, I shared a story corroborating the fact that part of the ways man knew about herbs was watching animal species create their pharmacies from ingredients in nature. Mrs Ajoke Toheerah Amure, the CEO of plant 2 wellness has something to tell us.

She said she once read somewhere that one of the ways our forebears knew about herbal compositions and their uses, despite the fact that they did not have access to scientific research, was through animals.

For example, horny goat weed earned its name when a Chinese goat herder realised his animals were more sexually active after eating the plant. She went further to say that she had an experience which convinced her further. She said there was a Spondias mombin tree (iyeye) around her house, and that sometimes an elderly man came to cut some of the leaves and flowers. She told me that out of curiosity, she asked the man questions and he told her that the plant was meant to feed his goats that just had kids (the birthing process in goats is called kidding).

She said she went further to ask why he chose that particular plant and the elderly man said he observed his goats love eating the Spondias leaves after kidding. She said she was amazed because Spondias mombin is traditionally used to treat postpartum infections and cleanse the womb after a miscarriage. So, this is a pointer that the goats knew exactly what they needed to treat themselves.

While on medicinal plants series, I discussed Spondias mombin. This is another confirmation that animals play a major role in the discovery of some of the ethnobotanical claims passed down to us by our forebears.

This week, in our visit to nature’s pharmacy, we shall talk about olive oil. It is a liquid fat obtained by pressing whole olives. Extra virgin olive oil is a great source of antioxidants, which are compounds that help in fighting inflammation and chronic diseases. The oil’s main antioxidants include the anti-inflammatory oleocanthal as well as oleuropein.

In addition to its impressive antioxidant content, extra virgin olive oil is loaded with monounsaturated fatty acids, a type of healthy fat that has been linked to several benefits. In particular, research suggests that monounsaturated fatty acids could benefit heart health and may even help protect against heart disease. It also contains a good amount of vitamins E and K in each serving.

Olive oil, also called the ‘Elixir of the youth and health’ by the Ancient Greeks, is a cornerstone in the Mediterranean diet. It is no coincidence that Mediterranean populations tend to live longer and suffer less heart disease, high blood pressure and strokes. This observation has inspired great interest in the Mediterranean diet, particularly olive oil, one of its main components.

Homer, the author of The Iliad and The Odyssey, referred to olive oil as ‘liquid gold’. Hippocrates, the physician known as the father of Western medicine, called it ‘the great healer’ and prescribed it for 60 medical conditions. Dioscorides, another doctor, was one of the first to recognise that the healthiest olive oil was the fresh oil extracted from certain varieties of unripe olives – a fact already confirmed by scientists, whose studies have also added to the long list of olive oil’s health benefits.

It is commonly used in cooking and salad dressings. It can also be found in some cosmetics, soaps, pharmaceuticals and fuels for traditional oil lamps. It is a natural and safe lubricant and can be used to lubricate kitchen machinery (grinders, blenders, cookware etc). It also has additional uses in some religions. Regular olive oil goes through heating to extract the oil and it is refined while extra virgin olive oil, also known as EVOO, is cold-pressed and left unrefined. It (Extra virgin olive oil) is usually stronger in flavour and darker in colour than regular olive oil.

Drinking olive oil straight may sound like an eccentric health fad, but the truth is, many in Mediterranean countries, where drinking it is a long-standing practice, swear by the practice as an elixir of health. In the US, it seems it is becoming a trend because some celebrities swear that extra virgin olive oil is the key to their health. Goldie Hawn drinks two tablespoons of olive oil before bed and uses it to massage her face to keep her skin looking young and healthy. Kourtney Kardashian drinks a tablespoon of olive oil every other day, according to her website, Poosh, where she extols the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil. Dr Drew Ramsey, clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University, believes that the best way to enjoy olive oil’s health benefits is simply by drinking a shot glass. He convinced Carson Daly on the Today show to drink a shot of extra virgin olive oil while Savannah Guthrie and Hota Kotb looked on.

Selena Gomez reportedly drinks a small glass of olive oil before going on stage – a trick that she learned from Kelly Clarkson. Screenwriter and producer, Shonda Rhimes, credits Beyonce for her new habit of drinking olive oil daily. Beyonce enjoys drinking extra virgin olive oil so much that she even invested in an olive oil company that sells their oil with a small shot glass to allow you to savour the flavour of the oil.

Drinking it may relieve constipation. Multiple studies have found that consuming olive oil works as a stool softener. It can soothe an upset stomach, reduce gas and heartburn. Even though olive oil is calorie-dense, it has been found to suppress appetite and regulate blood sugar. Finally, drinking olive oil allows you to really taste the olive oil, it lets the flavour really shine in your mouth.

Olive oil contains large amounts of antioxidants; it has strong anti-inflammatory properties; it may help prevent strokes; it is protective against heart diseases; it is not associated with weight gain; it may fight against Alzheimer’s disease; it may reduce Type 2 diabetes risk; the antioxidants in it has anti-cancer properties; the oil has antibacterial properties; and it can help treat rheumatoid arthritis.

A study titled ‘Consumption of extra virgin olive oil improves body composition and blood pressure in women with excess body fat: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial’ by Cândido et al concludes that extra virgin olive oil consumption reduced body fat and improved blood pressure. Results indicate that EVOO should be included into energy-restricted programmes for obesity treatment.

A study titled ‘Role of monoaminergic system in the etiology of olive oil induced antidepressant and anxiolytic effects in rats’ by Tahira Perveen et al supported the use of olive oil as food supplementation for mood elevation.

There is a lot of fraud in the olive oil market. Many oils that read ‘extra virgin’ on the label have been diluted with other refined oils. I will guide you on what to look out for to identify a good Olive oil brand.

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NAPTIP retracts report of Akwa Ibom clinics engaging in organ harvesting

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January 13, 2025

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The Zonal Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, (NAPTIP), Akwa Ibom State command has faulted the media report that hospitals and Clinics in the state involve in organ harvesting.

The agency’s Head of Public Enlightenment in the state, Mrs Eme Ukpabio made the denial in a statement on Monday following media reports credited to her during the 2025 National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Uyo that “one person had been arrested in connection with organ harvesting and that some clinics and hospitals were engaged in the business of organ harvesting in the state.”

While noting that her response to the question on organ harvesting as asked by the media was misinterpreted; she said it was aimed at drawing the attention of stakeholders to the dynamism and evolving nature of human trafficking in all the states in Nigeria and globally.

According to her, her remark was also intended to highlight the need for collective efforts of all stakeholders, adding that NAPTIP never accused any entity within the state of organ harvesting.

The statement read in parts, “My attention has been drawn to the publications by some national newspapers and online media organizations that clinics and hospitals in Akwa Ibom State indulge in organ harvesting and that an organ harvesting suspect was subsequently arrested in the state.

“I therefore want to put the record straight as follows: That my statement on the organ harvesting syndicate was intended to draw attention of stakeholders to the dynamism and evolving nature of human trafficking in all the states in Nigeria and globally especially

“That the statement was to highlight the need for collective efforts of all stakeholders including sister law-enforcement agencies, CS0’s, development Partners, State and Non-State Actors among others and that NAPTIP never accused any entity within the state of organ harvesting.

“That my statement translated to the fact that there is possible suspicion of organ harvesting in the state as it is in other states in Nigeria.”

She also stated that the figure of 750-1000 people being trafficked in Akwa Ibom State were obtained from UNODCS google report of June 2023 which states that; “between 750,000 to one million persons are trafficked

She said “I also want to put the records straight that the statistics or data that 750,000 to one million person trafficked yearly from Nigeria which Akwa Ibom State is part, was drawn from UNODCS google report of June 2023 which states that; “between 750,000 to one million persons are trafficked annually from Nigeria, and I added that Akwa Ibom State is one of the Nigerian States that is endemic.”

The Enlightenment Officer who highlighted the collaborative role of Akwa Ibom State government and other stakeholders in the fight against human trafficking commended the state governor, Umo Eno in setting up anti- trafficking task force through the Office of the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, and the recent creation of the Humanitarian
Affairs Ministry.

She added “NAPTIP Uyo Command makes bold to say with all sense of responsibility that it has enjoyed unparalleled collaboration and support of the State Government in the areas of tackling the issues of human trafficking.

“That His Excellency’s led administration has proved to be most responsive in addressing critical issues that affect the citizens like human trafficking. That it is demonstrated through the setting up of necessary structures and institutions in the state.

“On the Agency’s part, we shall continue to work closely with the State Government through relevant organs of the Government and as well as the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Nigerian Barr Association (NBA), NACTAL, and Religious bodies”

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Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, 6 others named most dangerous areas in Nigeria

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January 13, 2025

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A research firm, SB Morgen, SBM, Intelligence, has identified Port Harcourt, Lagos, Maiduguri, Jos, Calabar, Kano, Eleme Junction in Rivers State and Onitsha as the eight most dangerous areas for security threats in Nigeria.

In its findings, SBM highlighted major cities and highways prone to theft, attacks, and road hazards, offering critical insights into the country’s security challenges.

The report noted that Port Harcourt is the most perilous city, with 85 reported incidents, primarily involving violent crimes such as armed robbery and kidnapping.

According to the report, Maiduguri ranks next with 52 incidents, plagued by ongoing insurgent threats. Lagos recorded 32 incidents, with urban crime concentrated in high-density areas.

“The Makurdi-Jos route presents another troubling scenario, with a blend of youth gang violence and farmer-pastoral conflicts.

“These incidents often lead to roadblocks and attacks on motorists, highlighting systemic lapses in government security provisions,” the report stated.

Jos, Calabar, and Kano each registered between 18 and 23 incidents, with communal clashes and urban theft dominating the security landscape.

Eleme Junction in Rivers State, a strategic transport hub, accounted for 16 incidents, while Onitsha’s bustling trade routes recorded 15 cases of theft and related crimes.

“The Port Harcourt-Warri route has now surpassed the Abuja-Kaduna highway in danger levels,” the report added, noting the prevalence of kidnapping for ransom.

The report also highlighted infrastructural deficiencies, revealing that 84.6% of respondents had experienced or heard of security incidents on their travel routes. Only 42% considered the roads somewhat safe, while just 2.4% described them as very safe.

The survey underscored challenges such as potholes, poor drainage, and traffic congestion, which exacerbate road hazards. It called for “improved security measures to safeguard travellers” and enhance road infrastructure.

Nigeria’s roads remain fraught with danger, with uneven maintenance and inconsistent police patrols leaving residents and travellers vulnerable.

The findings emphasised the urgent need for strategic interventions to address these challenges and ensure safer travel nationwide.

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Refusal to assist officers under attack attracts N100k fine, jail term – Police

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2 days ago

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January 13, 2025

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The Nigeria Police Force, NPF, has announced that refusal to assist its officers under attack will attract a fine of N100,000 and prison term.

The force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi made the announcement in a now controversial tweet on Sunday.

While citing Section 99 of the Police Act 2020, Adejobi stated that anyone who refuses to assist a police officer in distress commits an offence.

“Section 98 Police Act 2020: A person who assaults, obstructs or resists a police officer in discharge of his duty, or incites any other person to assault or obstruct a police or other person assisting the officer in the discharge of his duty commits an offence. And is liable on conviction to a fine of N500,000 or six months imprisonment or both.

“Section 99, Police Act 2020: When a person is called upon to aid a police officer who is, while in the discharge of his duty, assaulted or in danger of being assaulted or resisted, and the person refuses to assist, the person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a N100,000 fine or imprisonment for a term of 3 months or both.”

The police made this public after a video showing a confrontation between a police officer and a woman went viral on social media.

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