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Tag: fruits

  • ‘Vegetable, fruits, modified lifestyle can curb heart attack’

    ‘Vegetable, fruits, modified lifestyle can curb heart attack’

    At the third public lecture of the City Club, Surulere, Lagos, which had its topic as: “Heart Attack”, the unexpected happened about 45 minutes into the programme.  One of the elderly members (name withheld), who sat on the high-table collapsed, almost falling off his seat. But for the intervention of the medical team on ground  conducting a routine medical examination on participants., the old man might have died.

    The medical team, led by the first female Professor of Cardiology in Nigeria/Professor of Medicine, Janet Ajuluchukwu, revived the old man and later conveyed him in an ambulance to a hospital for further medical attention.

    Giving an insight into what happened, timely intervention of the medical team, and knowing precisely what to do, Ajuluchukwu said it was a case of heart attack, which  coincided with the topic at hand. She said: “The beauty of it is that this man was here today and we, the team, worked hand in hand to get him back on his feet. If it was at home and there was no immediate attention/intervention, that is, by-stander intervention, the worst could have happened. A first responder must know what to do in terms of First Aid.”

    Ajuluchukwu said heart disease and stroke  remained the first and third leading causes of death in Nigeria. “Heart attacks are once described as uncommon in the country, but there is a worrying rising trend. In 1971, a British medical Journal publication by Olufemi Williams showed that only 10 victims of heart attack were identified among 8,000 autopsies performed over 10 years in Ibadan.

    “More cases are occurring nowadays, but it is still not as common as it is in the industriaised countries. Our study showed that while heart attack caused  4.2 per cent deaths, stroke caused 50 per cent deaths among our hypertensive patients. The worry is that the risk factors are on the rise globally and in Nigeria,” said Ajuluchukwu.

    She said, for instance, hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes in Nigeria. Its prevalence has increased fom 11 per cent in 1990s to 25 to 30 per cent currently in different parts of Nigeria.

    Ajuluchukwu said Kano has the highest rate while Ikot Ekpene has the least. A natural observation by researchers indicated that Kano residents eat a lot of suya with fats embroiled in salt laden spices while Ikot Ekpene residents eat lots of vegetables, fruits and unadulterated palm oil.

    She said: “Hypertension is divided into two main categories: essential or primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Over 90 per cent of all diagnosed hypertension cases are essential, meaning that the underlying mechanism is unknown. In the remaining six to eight per cent, hypertension is secondary to another disease.

    “Several factors can either exacerbate high blood pressure or contribute to complications and more serious consequences from the hypertension. These include: Black racial background, males, postmenopausal women, earlier age of onset, diastolic pressure consistently >115, smoking, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol levels, obesity,  cardiac enlargement,  compromised blood flow to the heart and congestive heart failure,” she explained.

    According to her, prevention of risk factors and good management of hypertension are important. “The goal of prevention and management of hypertension is to reduce disability and death by the least intrusive method possible. These goals may be reached with lifestyle modification, nutrition/diet, or pharmacologic intervention,” said Prof Ajuluchukwu.

    She said lifestyle changes have the potential to prevent hypertension, lower blood pressure, and reduce other cardiovascular risk factors.

    Ajuluchukwu said: “Even if lifestyle changes alone are not satisfactory in controlling hypertension, these changes, along with nutrition/diet and health may be able to adequately treat the situation, or just lifestyle changes may reduce the number and dosage of anti-hypertensive medications needed. Lifestyle modifications for prevention and management of hypertension include: losing weight if overweight. Limiting alcohol intake: There are many good health reasons to consider in avoiding alcohol  altogether. Increase aerobic activity (30-40 minutes four or more times per week). Sedentary individuals with normal blood pressure have a 20 to 50 per cent increased risk of acquiring hypertension.”

    Ajuluchukwu warned that people should, “reduce  sodium  to  no more than 2.4 grams of sodium or six grams of sodium chloride per day. It is good to eat noodles alone with stew or sauce rather than with the seasonings the pack comes with. The seasonings are high in sodium (salt). Maintain adequate intake of dietary potassium. High levels of potassium intake in the diet may protect against hypertension and even help to control or improve hypertension and maintain adequate intake of dietary calcium and magnesium.

    “Low dietary calcium intake has been associated with an increased incidence of hypertension in most epidemiologic  studies. Increasing the calcium intake may lower blood pressure in some individuals with hypertension, but the therapeutic effect of calcium supplementation is only minimal. Evidence suggests an association between lower dietary magnesium intake and higher blood pressure,” she said.

    She continued: “Cigarette smoking is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Blood pressure rises with every cigarette smoked. The risk of cardiovascular disease returns to normal after having quit smoking for two years. Reduce intake of saturated fats in the diet and high cholesterol foods.

    “Although altering ones intake of fats does not seem to have much effect on hypertension, abnormal cholesterol ratios are a major independent risk factor for coronary artery disease. Reduce caffeine; mental/emotional stress can acutely raise blood pressure and if prolonged, could contribute to chronic high blood pressure.

    “Relaxation therapies and biofeedback  have been studied with mixed results, some showing mild, others significant decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Exercise regularly. Blood pressure can be lowered with moderately intense physical activity, and 30-45 minutes most days of the week. Regular aerobic physical activity can reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease and mortality. Even sedentary individuals with a normal blood pressure have a 20 to 50 per cent increased risk of developing hypertension.”

    She added that it was important to note that the concept of risk factors support ‘increased tendency’ for occurrence and invariably causal. “However, the higher the number of risk factors possessed by an individual, the higher the likelihood of the disease. The good news is that identifying and treating the modifiable ones, such as hypertension, can change  the equation to a positive outcome or prevention,” she explained.

  • Five Common Fruits That Cures Premature Ejaculation

    Five Common Fruits That Cures Premature Ejaculation

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  • Firm’s She Will Connect campaign yielding fruits

    World’s leading silicon innovator, Intel, has underscored the need for the girl-child to be empowered through technology, saying it will open avenues where their voices can easily be heard.

    Its Group Manager, Corporate Affairs, Babatunde Akinola, spoke while hosting female beneficiaries of  Intel’s ‘She Will Connect‘ (SWC) programme in Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The programme is aimed at reducing  gender gap all over the world through collaborations that would bring about an innovative combination of digital literacy training, online peer network and gender relevant content.

    Akinola observed that access to technology has opened a window of opportunities for women and the girl-child, noting that it is transforming their roles across the world.

    He explained that breaking the stereotypes on appropriate career paths for girls is critical to women’s economic empowerment.

    She reaffirmed Intel’s commitment to push for gender equality in the world of technology as well as equip young girls and women with digital literacy skills.

    “We started She Will Connect with a mission to empower five million girls in the next five years. This is the first year running and we are excited that the initiative is already yielding fruits among the beneficiaries present today,” Akinola said.

    Meanwhile, the programme’s Team also stopped at the Pastor Bimbo Odukoya Foundation (PBOF) Girl’s Home to train the girls on the use of computer and internet, using the Intel Easy Steps curriculum before heading to the cinema.

    Titilope Sonuga, She Will Connect ambassador, urged the girls to believe in their potential.

    “You can be whoever you want to be and your sex should not impede your career path. This is why we want more women to embrace technology, because technology is a liberator,” Sonuga said.

    One of the beneficiaries, Opeyemi Anifowose, a 26-year-old fashion designer and University of Ibadan undergraduate, expressed her gratitude to Intel for the initiative.

    “I participated in the training in May and since then, I have been applying what I learnt to my work. I now go online to research on latest trends in fashion designing and learn how to make them by myself,” Anifowose said.

    Coordinator of PBOF, Osasu Paul-Azino, said: “She Will Connect ties into our objective which is to rescue, empower and protect the rights of woman and the girl-child. It is important that we give a voice to them, and She Will Connect is doing so with technology empowerment.”

     

  • Nigeria spends $4.6b to import fruits’ concentrate yearly

    • Fertilizer suppliers owed N42b

    Nigeria spends $4.6 billion yearly on the importation of fruit concentrates for juice production, even as natural fruits waste away, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Audu Ogbe has said.

    He lamented that the influx of imported and adulterated food products into the country is hurting local fruit industries.

    Speaking at an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Rural Development yesterday in Abuja, he said the Federal Government is owing suppliers of fertilizer about N42 billion. He said the debt was due to inability of states to meet their 25 per cent counterpart funding of the fertilizer subsidy scheme.

    The Minister, who said most of the goods on the imports prohibition list still find their way into the country  through the border towns of Seme in Niger Republic and Cameroon.

    Chief Ogbe lamented that in just one night last week, 300 trucks of expired rice, some already 10 years old, found their way into Nigeria.

    He said: “How can we invite farmers to grow food, and yet they cannot sell them, because of cheaper imported substitutes? We cannot continue to sacrifice the lives of Nigerians on the altar of friendship.”

    According to Ogbeh, the free trade agreements signed by the country and globalisation were imparting negatively on the country’s fortune. He however said agricultural mechanisation is the way forward as it would attract younger farmers, adding that a new fertilizer distribution system that would eliminate middlemen, is essential.

    Chairman of the committee, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu urged the minister to embrace a “protectionism strategy” which he said is necessary to protect local farmers.

  • Fruits, vegetables ‘good for arthritis’

    Fruits, vegetables ‘good for arthritis’

    People who suffer from arthritis have been advised to consume  fruits and vegetables regularly.

    This, according to the Chairman, National Association of Natural and Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP), Lagos branch, Dr Yekini Akande, would ensure that damaged cells are repaired or replaced.

    He described arthritis as a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint, adding that it is common among the aged.

    “Today, the condition also affects the young and middle-age adults,” he said. He said people can suffer arthritis if they are overworked or engaged in too much of tedious work.

    “Sometimes, people who have over-worked themselves or are working too hard could develop arthritis. Previous injury, infection, smoking, and occupations which are very demanding physically can also cause it.

    “Arthritis can start suddenly without any obvious cause, and at any age. Sometimes something in your lifestyle or medical history – or a combination of these – could be responsible. A number of factors may increase people’s risk of developing the condition if they are already susceptible to it. Previous injuries sustained by people can increase their risk of arthritis,” he said.

    He continued: “Infections or an allergic reaction can cause short-lived arthritis.

    ‘’Some foods may appear to make your arthritis worse, although your diet or a food intolerance are unlikely to cause arthritis.”

    The traditional medicine practitioner  said men who engage in too much of intercourse without adequate care are likely to have arthritis.

    “After intercourse, men are usually advised to use mineral supplements to cover for the lost energy. This is because the energy expended during the exercise can cause wear and tear to the body,” he said.

    He advised people to rest for six to eight hours after a hard day job so that the body tissue and all organs recover from the activities.

    Akande said too much of carbonhydrates is bad, adding that most people who suffer arthritis are those taking starchy food often.

  • Ramadan: Prices of fruits go up in Kano

    Ramadan: Prices of fruits go up in Kano

    Barely 24 hours to the commencement of Ramadan fasting, prices of fruits, particularly orange have gone up in Kano, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    A survey conducted in Sabon Gari, Yankaba and Yanlemo markets, all in Kano, revealed that fruits sellers have increased the prices of fruits.

    According to the survey, a bag of orange which cost N6, 500 a week ago is now being sold for N7, 700.

    The survey shows that a set of 10 oranges cost N200 as against N150 last week.

    A medium size of the commodity which cost N20 last week now cost N30.

    One of the fruits sellers at Sabon Gari Market, Malam Najib Mohammed, attributed the increase in the prices to sudden increase in the cost of transportation.

    ‘’Most of the truck drivers have travelled to their respective villages to see their families before the commencement of the Ramadan.

    ‘’The price increase may also be attributed to shortage in supply of fruits to the market in an attempt to create artificial scarcity to maximise profit when the Ramadan fast commences,’’ he said.

    Another fruit seller at Yankura Market, Malam Suleiman Abba said the fruit sellers had to increase the price to recover their money and make profit.

    He explained that the prices of other fruits like Banana and Pineapple had also been increased slightly.

    “Hopefully, the prices will come down, especially watermelon when the commodities begin to flood markets soon,’’ he said.

  • Shoppers’ dilemma in fruits juice choice

    Shoppers’ dilemma in fruits juice choice

    The array of fruits juice drinks on the shelves may throw consumers into confusion. This becomes more difficult when children are the target market for such products.  In making a choice under this condition, parents and guardians should consider products’ aesthetics and the health of their children. TONIA ‘DIYAN reports.

    In the fruit juice drink market, several brands targeted at the children compete for leadership through various offerings. Drinks, such as Bobo, Viju Milk, Ribena, Happy-Hour, Lucozade Boost and Capri-Sonne, lead the pack in the rat race to capture the hearts of children and their parents. Maltina from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc has also joined the fray.

    However, some of these brand owners are likely to face the challenge of ensuring that their products are accepted by their target market. And if they are to agree with the position of Jack Trout and Al Ries in The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing, then marketing is not truly a battle of products, but a battle of perceptions. The implication of this is that even if a product is of the highest attainable quality, brand owners must still work on the perception from consumers.

    Today, genetically modified or synthetic consumers goods are being widely promoted despite the protests against their use. This should give natural products an edge in the minds of parents, who want the best for their children.

    The business landscape in Nigeria is undoubtedly attractive to investors because of the size of the population. Consequently, consumers may be confused in making choice from the array of brands they find in the market. Nowhere is this dilemma more evident than in the foods and beverages category of the fast moving consumer goods sector.

    Understandably, competition for patronage by operators in the sector is fierce. But in an increasingly health conscious world, consumers will only choose to buy the best. The brands that will ultimately survive the contest for consumer loyalty will be the ones with quality products manufactured locally, using world-class technology.

    Nevertheless, there are significant differences in their offerings, which define the competition and their respective performance in the marketplace. Many of the brands mentioned are a mixture of synthetic materials and natural ingredients.

    Nutritionists say some beverage drinks contains 100 per cent fruit ingredients that add to vitality and healthy growth of the child. This quality has naturally endeared such brands to discerning mothers.

    In today’s world, healthy living is uppermost in the minds of the people. And mothers, in particular, tend to be extra careful with what they give to their children. It is obvious that many people, including children, do not drink enough. They tend to eat too much, but not drinking enough! This is why parents use simple tricks such as buying fruit juice drinks to encourage their children to drink enough. But in the long run, the children are only going to drink more if they like and enjoy the taste of the beverage. When children turn fussy about eating, parents turn to buying healthy and nourishing products that suit the children taste buds and in almost all cases, the children take the drink with a smile. This is where some universally recognisable drinks, that are perhaps most well known for their stand-up pouch packaging, beat other beverages on offer.

    Mrs Allero Ike, a housewife, who wants the best for her children, said her children’s school bags are not complete without their daily intake of Capri-Sonne. “My children know what they want, if they want the best, they know what it is and I cannot give them what is close to the best. Nobody can fool them, they always ask for their favourite drink,” she said.

    The excitement of Gbemi, Mrs. Oladele’s four-year-old daughter, sighting her mother picking her favourite drink from the shelf in a supermarket recently, was a sight to behold. She confessed that the little girl will give her no rest if she failed to include the fruit drink among her purchases. “She loves the drink and I enjoy buying it for her because of its natural taste and as a supplement to her for her healthy development,” she said.

    According to a fruit drink retailer at Ikeja in Lagos, Mr Ikechukwu Ukomadu, the demand for the product is unparalleled.

    He said: I stock some drinks more than others because, they are preferred drinks for kids worldwide and they control more than 80 per cent of the fruit drink market for kids in the country. Some contain 100 per cent natural ingredients and it is estimated that five billion pouches are sold every year in approximately 100 countries. A particular one is made with the best juice of sun ripened fruits available and contains no artificial flavours and colours or preservative,” he said.

    Mr Ukomadu added: “The silver pouch used to pack some of these fruit drinks have made some more popular than the others, particularly among parents and children, as their designs make them easily portable. Most pouches are sturdy, hermetically sealed and tamper proof. They can withstand many tumbles and pass the hardness test in a freezer without bursting. This means that they can also be enjoyed as a tasty ice treat.”

    Some primary school pupils shared their  experiences from their favourite fruit juice drink.  Inioluwa Badmus, a basic 4 pupil of Gladys International Nursery and Primary School, Ketu-Lagos, told The Nation Shopping why his choice of fruit juice drink is determined by the consistent promotional offer a particular brand gives to children.

    He said Capri-Sonne fruit juice as a brand has been consistent in giving promotional offers to children, likewise Bobo, which is why they have become his choice fruit drinks.” One of Capri-Sonne’s recent offer from which I benefited is the Capri-Sonne School Surprise Offer aimed at providing rewards for kids who patronise the brand. Bobo would insert exercise books and stationeries into their packs before selling them out,” he said.

    Inioluwa said most offers come with several other exciting gifts such as wrist watches, flash lights, pouches, colour pencil cases and many more that will be useful for him at school. “There was also an extra bonanza option, where children would submit Capri-Sonne flaps or Bobo cap and stand the chance of getting free Jumbo Crayons and Water Colour Boxes and sometimes trips to Disney land,” he said.

    For another kid, Taiwo Bankole, the story is not different. Taiwo, the headgirl of Unique Laurel International School, Ojota, Lagos, said she  found free gifts inside a carton of Capri-Sonne her father bought for her nine years birthday. “I was able to gather different kinds of gifts for everyone in my class. I opted for Capri-Sonne because of its promotional offers. It saved my daddy some money for additional gifts and the stress,” she said.

    Fisayo Bakre, a basic five pulpil of Hogas International School, Ketu, Lagos said: “I like Bobo and Ribenna, but prefer Capri-Sonne because of its unique taste. But my sister Fiyin , will go for any brand because she loves drinking a lot instead of eating. She doesn’t have a favourite drink, for her everything and anything goes,” he said.

     

     

  • Benefits of taking fruits

    Benefits of taking fruits

    Fruit are very important to carry out daily activities; a healthy body cannot survive without fruit.

    However many people are still unaware about the health effects of fruits. The good news is that – fruits are loaded with fibres, water, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients and have significant chewing resistant which reduce cholesterol, slowed absorption of carbohydrate and contribute in weight loss.

    A study on 9,665 Adult in U.S found that fruit intake was associated with 40 per cent lower risk of diabetes in women but there was no different in men

    Another study looked at how different type of fruit affect the risk of type 2 diabetes those who consumed grapes, apple and blueberries had the lowest risk

    The study that looked at fruit and vegetable separately found no risk of breast cancer. Multiple observational studies have shown that people who eat fruit and vegetable have a lower risk of many diseases.

    Fruit and vegetable tend to reduce 7 per cent of heart diseases. There are also few randomized controlled trials showing that increase fruit intake can lower blood pressure, it reduce oxidative stress and improve glycemic control in diabetics.

    Even thought fruits are very healthy for most people if not all, the same cannot be said for fruit juice and dry fruit, many of fruit juice in the market are not “real” fruit juice as they consist of lot of water with some sort of concentration and a whole bunch of added sugar.

    How to select your fruit

    Select fruit that is fresh, bright in colour and flavour and feel heavy in your hands. Look carefully for blemishes, spot molds and signs of insecticide spray; buy a whole fruit instead of section of them for example by a small size watermelon instead of a section of big size of melon.

    After selecting your fruit try to wash them immediately after shopping. Rinse them with salt water for few minutes and then wash in cool running water until you are satisfied with complete cleanliness. It is recommended to eat at least 2-3 serving fresh fruit every day.

    At the end, fruits are real foods. They are highly nutritious and so eating fruits can help you feel more satisfied with less food.

     

  • Benefits of veggies, fruits

    Fruit and vegetables are packed full of goodness and often contain a number of essential vitamins and minerals that cannot be found in other types of foods or they may contain higher levels of these nutrients than other foods.

    They play a significant role in human nutrition, especially as sources of vitamins C (ascorbic acid), A, thiamine (B1), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), folacin (also known as folic acid or folate) (B9), E, minerals, and dietary fibre. Their contribution as a group is estimated at 91per cent of vitamin C, 48 per cent of vitamin A, 30 per cent of folacin, 27 per cent of vitamin B6, 17 per cent of thiamine, and 15 per cent of niacin in the diet. Fruits and vegetables also supply 16 per cent of magnesium, 19 per cent of iron, and nine per cent of the calories.

    Legume vegetables contribute about five per cent of the per capita availability of proteins in the diet as their proteins are of high quality due to their content of essential amino acids.

    Other important nutrients supplied by fruits and vegetables include riboflavin (B2), zinc, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. Fruits and vegetables in the daily diet have been strongly associated with reduced risk for some forms of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases.

    Although antioxidant capacity varies greatly among fruits and vegetables, it is better to consume a variety of commodities rather than limiting consumption to a few with the highest antioxidant capacity. There is increasing evidence that consumption of whole foods is better than isolated food components such as dietary supplements and nutraceuticals.

    The Dietary Guidelines encourage consumers to: Enjoy five a day, ie., eat at least two servings of fruits and at least three servings of vegetables each day. Choose fresh, frozen, dried, or canned forms of a variety of colors and kinds.

    Choose dark-green leafy vegetables, orange fruits and vegetables, and cooked dry beans and peas often. If you generally do not eat a lot of fruit and vegetables and are finding it difficult to add a few more portions to your daily diet, here are a few ideas to start you off:

    Start the day with a glass of freshly squeezed orange or grapefruit juice. Add sliced banana, strawberries, kiwi to your breakfast cereal. Have a fruit smoothie for breakfast made with banana, yoghurt and other fruit. Add lettuce, sliced tomato, cucumber to sandwiches. Add diced red, orange and green pepper to mayonnaise.

    Choose dried fruit snacks over chocolate. Add sliced fruit to yoghurt or other desserts. Choose healthy dips with vegetable crunchies over unhealthy snacks. Make healthy homemade vegetable soups for lunch or dinner. Always have a side salad of lettuce, cucumber, tomato and onion with your meal. Try different and exotic salads for a change.

    Try to eat three different vegetables with your main meal. Have fruit salad for dessert. Make healthy risottos with fresh vegetables. Some components of fruits and vegetables (phytochemicals)

     

     

  • Fruits: Tales of hazards

    Fruits: Tales of hazards

    Nutritionists and food technologists unanimously agree fruits are essential intakes for healthier living. Fruit-rich diets reduce risks of some cancers, strokes and other chronic diseases. They offer essential vitamins and mineral as well as fibres helpful for sound health. It is said that half of daily diets should include fruits and allied ingredients.

    Nigerians believe and practise this. Fruits are sold in nearly every nook and cranny of the country. The worry is most fruits consumed are imported, a development that comes with several dangers.

    Investigations revealed that most of the bananas consumed in Nigeria are from neighbouring Cameroon noted for its forest rains. Uganda, Tanzania and other East African nations also ship in large quantities of bananas. Nigeria’s burgeoning population and purchasing power make the market attractive for the commodity.

    Apple, which is difficult to grow in the country is mostly from South Africa and neighbouring Benin Republic. They are openly displayed in stores, supermarkets and even public markets across the nation. Nigerians revel in purchasing the eye-catching fruit, which is perceived as classy.

    Other fruits heavily imported into the country include orchards, celery, strawberry, peaches, spinach, grapes, bell peppers, blueberries, cucumber, runner beans and cabbage.

    … In Nigeria with much pains

    The imported fruits come in mainly through the sea and land borders. This is despite the fact that fruits are on the prohibition category of the Nigerian Customs website. A Customs official who craved anonymity said the commodities still find their way to the country despite the prohibition order.

    According to him, “Many of the fruits come through bushes and illegal routes. We are trying our best but the truth is we are grossly overwhelmed. Despite our best efforts, the commodities still find their way in.”

    It was gathered that some of the fruits spend weeks on the high seas under hygienic and refrigerated conditions. But the problem starts from when they arrive on the Nigerian shores. “When we take delivery, we cannot start distribution immediately. We have to contact our dealers across the country, which takes days. During this period, we have to apply preservatives to keep the fruits fresh because they are highly perishable. We then move them to dealers who get them across to the markets,” a fruit importer told our correspondent under strict anonymity.

    Most of the imported fruits, it was discovered, have undergone several laboratory experiments in frantic bids to increase yields. Most supermarkets have ‘seedless’ fruits already engineered in laboratories in a scientific process known as ‘genetic modification’.

    They become unsafe and dirty in the process though they eventually yield more for the producers and sellers. Also, the shipping procedures expose them to bacterial infection, which make the fruits harmful for consumption.

    Salmonella, a bacterium that causes food poisoning and typhoid fever in humans or shigella, a bacterium that causes dysentery, is easily contacted in the process.

    Pesticides, fungus and insect threats also force farmers to spray various chemicals on their orchards to improve and preserve production.

    More dangers with fruit juices

    But it is in the importation of concentrates for production of fruit juices that the nation loses much more. Nigerians take a lot of fruit juices, most of which are imported though the nation boasts of at least 14 local companies in the sub-sector listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

    The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, said Nigerians spend $1 billion yearly importing fruit juice, a development he described as disheartening.

    Nigeria consumes 50 per cent of the total volume of fruit juice sold in Africa, according to the Director General of Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Azikiwe Onwualu.

    The ban on importation of fruit juices has boosted local manufacturing but concentrates are still mainly imported. The concentrates come through the same processes and routes as the imported fruits.

    The country loses more foreign exchange and nutritional values with the gross import of concentrates for production of fruit juices.

    Local fruits: Same of the same

    Lettuces, potatoes and other vegetables are locally produced mainly in the North-Central states of Plateau and Benue. These local efforts are hampered by poor yields and environmental hazards. A local fruit seller agreed that most farmers in the North contend with insects, pests and poor storage facilities.

    “You will notice that fruits have seasons. So, when it is the season of mangoes, for example, they just waste away because the farmers cannot store them. We can’t transport them immediately and suffer more losses,” Mrs. Adeola Sulaimon, stated. The long hours of moving the fruits to major markets in the cities also hasten the rottenness of the commodity, she said.

    During off-season, the farmers and retailers are forced to induce the fruits to ripen by applying chemicals. Sulaimon confessed they are not left with much choice. “That is the only way to survive and meet growing demands. If you don’t apply the chemicals, you don’t get to sell anything,” she explained.

    Dr Adamu Onu of Garki General Hospital Abuja, said the practice is dangerous and harmful to vital organs such as the liver. According to him, the ripening chemicals distort the natural taste and flavour of fruits.

    An industrial chemist, Miss Ebere Nwachukwu, agrees. She said: “Ripening is the final stage of the maturation process; any attempt to force a fruit to ripe prematurely can destroy the natural ingredients in it.

    “Calcium carbide absorbs moisture and produces acetylene, which is a weak analogue of ethylene, responsible for triggering ripening process.”

    Headache, dizziness, mood disturbances, sleepiness, mental confusion, and memory loss, according to her, are some of the side-effects of consuming fruits with ripening chemicals.

    The dilemma is how do you identify those that have gone through this process?