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‘Cashew Is healthy for Diabetes, Hypertension’

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CASHEW

 

In both developed and developing countries, hypertension and diabetes are of serious public health concerns.

Synthetic drugs used for managing these diseases are expensive; they also have their side effects due to long term usage. In some people, treatment is usually inadequate or not yielding the desired positive result.

More so, diabetes is a risk factor for hypertension and vice versa, hence it is necessary to look for a multi-potent treatment regimen from cheaper, safer, efficacious and accessible natural sources that can help to manage both diseases.

Now, experts in a new study say that cashew nut in diet of individuals with diabetes reduced systolic blood pressure and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations with no deleterious effects on body weight or blood sugar level.

It was earlier believed that all nuts were bad as they contain quite a lot of calories and people thought taking nuts would result in increased weight and high cholesterol. However, during the last decade, the nutritional value of nuts like walnuts and their health benefits have been proven by many studies.

The randomised controlled trial on the health effects of cashew nuts in the Journal of Nutrition was among adults with type 2 diabetes involving 300 adults with diabetes in Chennai that were randomly assigned to receive advice to follow a standard diabetic diet (control) or similar advice plus 30g cashew nuts/d (intervention).

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At the end of 12 weeks, the researchers’ analysed various parameters, such as their blood pressure, cholesterol level, etc. In addition to their medication, the participants were asked to follow a standard diabetic diet of 1,400 calories, with 60 to 65per cent of energy coming from carbohydrates, 15 to 25per cent from fat, and the rest from protein.

The results of the study showed that their blood pressure – usually high among those with diabetes – had dropped by 5mm, whereas their high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level or ‘the good cholesterol’ had also increased by 2 milligram.

The researchers, however, pointed out that the study was done using raw cashew nuts, adding that the beneficial effects of cashew may be mitigated, if the cashew nut is salted or roasted in unhealthy oils or ghee.

Although commonly referred to as tree nuts, and nutritionally comparable to them, cashews are really seeds.  The nuts contain high levels of magnesium and potassium – which are essential elements in the human body. A handful of cashew nuts – or 100g – contain 292mg of magnesium.

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Magnesium helps keep heart rhythm steady; it is vital for healthy bones and teeth, muscle function, the nervous system and keeps bowels healthy.  It can also control blood sugar to combat insulin resistance which can lead to type 2 diabetes.

But experts have since revealed there is a link between the proteins (albumin and globulin) content of cashew nut to its blood sugar lowering effect and the increased HDL in people who eat the nuts in a dose –dependent fashion.

The researchers said in the March edition of Heliyon that cashew nut is laden with useful plant proteins that may be further explored for regulation of blood pressure and sugar in the hypertensive and diabetic.

However, moderation is the key as an intake of more than a handful of cashew can spike one’s calorie intake which may elevate the risk of allergy and oxalates. Excess of oxalates may cause kidney stones.

Moreover, some nuts are better than others for people with diabetes. For example, several studies link eating tree nuts, which include almonds, with improved blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.

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In a 2011 study involving 20 people with type 2 diabetes, the participants who ate 60 grams of almonds daily experienced lower levels of fasting insulin and fasting blood sugar than those who ate a controlled diet.

Almonds may also be beneficial for pre-diabetes, a condition in which a person’s blood sugar levels are abnormally high but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. According to the American Diabetes Association, people with pre-diabetes have a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The results of a 2010 study indicate that an almond-enriched diet, in which almonds contribute 20 percent of the total calories, may improve insulin sensitivity and cholesterol levels in people with pre-diabetes.

It is important to choose unsalted almonds and avoid those that have a coating of sugar, honey, or chocolate. Salt can increase blood pressure and heart problems, while sugar is a carbohydrate and not a good choice for people with diabetes.

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Okada rider stabbed to death over N100 ticket in Ogun

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A commercial motorcyclist has reportedly been stabbed to death by a transport union tax collection group, popularly known as agberos, following an argument over a N100 ticket in the Ijoko area of Ogun State.

According to reports, the incident occurred on Tuesday night after a disagreement between the deceased and some levy collectors escalated into a violent confrontation.

While it was unclear if the suspect had been arrested, the killing reportedly sparked protests by commercial motorcyclists across Lambe, Agbado and Akute communities.

Some riders were seen confronting levy collectors in parts of the affected areas, disrupting transport activities and forcing many commuters to trek to their destinations.

A motorcyclist said that two persons were stabbed during the altercation, but only one survived.

“They were fighting over a N100 ticket. It started as a small argument before it escalated on Tuesday night. The person who was killed is one of the motorcyclists from Nasarawa,” he said.

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“His colleagues are the ones now confronting agberos in Lambe, Ijoko and parts of Akute.”

Another rider in Akute confirmed the incident, saying tensions had remained high since the killing.

“The man was stabbed to death by one of the agberos during an argument over the ticket. The agbero suddenly brought out a knife and stabbed him,” he said.

“Some riders have refused to work since then, which is why there are fewer commercial motorcyclists around today. The police are aware and arrested some people during another confrontation.”

Violent clashes between commercial motorcyclists and levy collectors are not new in the state. In recent years, riders have repeatedly protested what they describe as extortion and harassment.

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VIDEO: Police bust illegal baby factory in Ekiti

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The Ekiti State Police Command says its operatives have uncovered an illegal baby factory located in Ikere Local Government Area of the state.

The state commissioner of police, Joe Eribo, who disclosed this to journalists, said the command received a tip-off and arrested one Onyechi Oluwadare, alongside four other suspects behind a popular hotel along Ise-Ekiti Road, Ikere-Ekiti.

Other people arrested were, Onuoha Gloria, Victoria Linus, Ihegbogu Mercy, and a pregnant woman, Emmanuel Esther.

 

The statement read in part, “On the 24/01/2026 at about 08:30hrs, the Command received a credible tip-off that the prime suspect, Oluwadare Onyechi, a 43-year old woman, runs an illegal baby gactory alongside four other suspects somewhere behind Inisa Hotel and Suit, along Ise-Ekiti Road, Ikere-Ekiti.

“Upon the receipt of the information, the Command Operatives swung into action, cordon off the premises used for the illegal business, and arrested Oluwadare Onyechi and four other accomplices namely, Onuoha Gloria ‘28 yrs’, Victoria Linus ‘25 yrs’, Ihegbogu Mercy ‘21 yrs’ and a heavily pregnant Emmanuel Esther ’23yrs’.

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“Search was conducted in the premises and six children within the age of 2 and 9 reasonably suspected to be under bondage and exploitation were rescued. Items such as baby delivery materials, some rolls of dexamethasone tablet, and some bottles of Goya oil were recovered from the scene”.

The prime suspect in the alleged baby factory, Onyechi, denied the allegations, saying she only prays in the building for those seeking God’s favour.

The Command’s operatives also arrested one Ibrahim Abubakar, a notorious cattle rustler.

Investigation revealed that Ibrahim Abubakar has over the years, rustled numerous cattle in Ekiti, Kwara and Kogi States and has been on the wanted list of the three States.

During investigation, Ibrahim Abubakar confessed that he is into cattle rustling business and equally mentioned different occasions in the past where he attacked Cattle owners and made away with their cattle.

A large number of rustled cattle numbering two hundred and fifty-five(255) were recovered from him, alongside other 303 cattles recovered from prime suspect, making 558 cattles.

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NAFDAC uncovers fake Goya oil factory, counterfeit alcoholic drinks syndicate in Lagos

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Operatives of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have uncovered an illegal factory producing fake Goya oil in Lagos.

The agency also dismantled a major syndicate involved in the counterfeiting of alcoholic drinks in Lagos, warning that the activities pose grave dangers to public health.

Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC and Chairman of the Federal Task Force on Fake and Substandard Products, said the discoveries were made during surveillance and enforcement operations carried out over the past few weeks.

“We have carried out a couple of activities in recent weeks, and what we discovered was very surprising to us. We felt it was important to speak with Nigerians so they can know what has been going on,” Iluyomade said.

He disclosed that NAFDAC operatives uncovered an illegal operation inside Oke-Arin market, Lagos, where counterfeit Goya oil was being produced locally.

“The original Goya oil is imported into this country through a reputable company, and there are still original products in circulation. But we discovered that some people were faking this product and manufacturing it inside the market,” he said.

According to Iluyomade, the fake oil was produced by burning palm oil and adding chlorine, using crude equipment like stove.

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“They were using a stove. We saw the stove and everything they were using. We also saw a large number of empty bottles they were refilling and repackaging,” he added.

Iluyomade warned Nigerians, particularly, churches and prayer houses, stressing that original Goya oil is never packaged in plastic (PET) bottles.

“Let me say this clearly to everybody—churches, prayer houses, and anywhere this oil is used: there is no original Goya oil packed in plastic bottles. Original Goya oil comes in glass bottles,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to report anyone selling the product in plastic bottles to the nearest NAFDAC office.

“Anywhere you see Goya oil being sold in PET bottles, report it. People should beware, noting that the use of fake anointing oils in religious settings had become widespread and dangerous.

“Some people even drink anointing oil. You are not drinking anointing oil—you are drinking poison,” Iluyomade said.

The enforcement director explained that NAFDAC’s strategy is to halt production at the source rather than punish unsuspecting traders.

“We are stopping the production. Once there is no new supply, whatever is in the market will dry up,” he said.

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“We do not want to compound the problem of market women and others who may not know. But for the producers, it is the end of the road.”

He appealed to religious bodies to cooperate with the agency.

“We are not issuing threats, but it will not be nice for us to arrest people within your premises. Please partner with us and do not allow the sale or use of this product,” he said.

Iluyomade also revealed that NAFDAC had busted a major operation involved in the production of fake alcoholic drinks in Lagos.

“The faking of alcoholic drinks has become seriously endemic in Nigeria because it is one of the easiest products to counterfeit,” he said.

He said a suspect, Mr. Moses Nelson, was arrested in the Badagry area of Lagos and has been charged to court.

“In his house, we found all manner of fake products—virtually every major brand. There was none we did not see,” Iluyomade said.

According to him, the syndicate operated a distribution chain, producing the drinks in Badagry and supplying them to major markets across Lagos.

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NAFDAC also warned distributors against patronising unauthorised suppliers.

“You know the original owners of these brands. Why buy from people you know are not the owners just to make more money? In the process, you are killing people,” he cautioned.

He also advised Nigerians to be wary of unusually cheap products.

“If the normal price is five naira and someone offers it at three naira, you should be suspicious. The little money you want to save, I hope you will not spend it in the hospital,” he said.

Stating that no one has the right to endanger the lives of others, Iluyomade appealed to Nigerians engaged in such illegal businesses to desist.

“We are all Nigerians and everyone wants to make ends meet, but no Nigerian has the right to make ends meet at the expense of the health of another Nigerian,” he said.

“No one has the right to make huge profits while increasing the health burden of this country.”

He assured Nigerians that NAFDAC would sustain enforcement actions nationwide and urged the public to stop patronising counterfeit products and report suspicious activities to the agency.

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