Tomatoes, often overlooked as a simple ingredient in our daily meals, have long been lauded for their rich nutritional value. However, as the world continues to grapple with the complexities of cancer, researchers have uncovered a surprising ally in the fight against this devastating disease: the humble tomato.

Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, these juicy fruits have quietly made their way into the spotlight as potent cancer fighters. For years, scientists have extolled the virtues of tomatoes, highlighting their rich nutritional profile and antioxidant properties. Now, a growing body of evidence suggests that eating tomatoes may play a significant role in cancer prevention.

Lycopene: The Cancer-Battling Champion

The vibrant red hue of tomatoes is primarily attributed to lycopene, a carotenoid pigment that belongs to the family of antioxidants. Numerous studies have linked lycopene consumption to a reduced risk of various cancers, including prostate, breast, lung, colon, and stomach cancers.

How Lycopene Works

• Antioxidant Power: Lycopene acts as a potent antioxidant, neutralising harmful free radicals that can damage cells and DNA, which are key factors in cancer development.
• Inflammation Reduction: Chronic inflammation has been implicated in several types of cancer. Lycopene helps reduce inflammation, creating a less hospitable environment for cancer cells to thrive.
• Cell Cycle Regulation: Lycopene may interfere with the cell cycle, preventing abnormal cell growth and division that can lead to cancer.
• Apoptosis Induction: In some cases, lycopene can trigger apoptosis, a process of programmed cell death, eliminating damaged or cancerous cells.

Enhancing Lycopene Absorption

To maximize the benefits of lycopene, it’s essential to prepare and consume tomatoes in ways that promote absorption. Cooking tomatoes, especially with a bit of oil, can significantly increase lycopene bioavailability. Consider these methods:

• Cooking: Saute tomatoes with olive oil or add them to stews and soups.
• Processing: Tomato sauce, juice, and paste are excellent sources of lycopene.
• Combination: Consuming tomatoes with foods rich in healthy fats, such as avocados or nuts, can enhance lycopene absorption.

Incorporating Tomatoes into Your Diet

Tomatoes can be easily integrated into your daily meals. Here are some creative ideas:

• Salads: Add cherry tomatoes or diced tomatoes to your salads for a burst of flavor and nutrition.
• Sandwiches: Top your sandwiches with tomato slices or tomato-based spreads.
• Soups and Stews: Tomato-based soups and stews are hearty and flavorful.
• Smoothies: Blend tomatoes with other fruits and vegetables for a refreshing smoothie.

A Note of Caution

While tomatoes offer numerous health benefits, it’s crucial to note that no single food can guarantee cancer prevention. A balanced and diverse diet, along with regular exercise, is essential for overall health and well-being. If you have concerns about cancer risk, consult with a healthcare professional for personalised guidance.

In conclusion, tomatoes, with their rich lycopene content, have emerged as a formidable weapon in the fight against cancer. By incorporating these delicious and versatile fruits into your diet, you can take a proactive step towards protecting your health and reducing your risk of cancer. So, let’s raise a glass of tomato juice or enjoy a plate of pasta with tomato sauce to celebrate the power of this humble yet mighty fruit!

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi has revealed that the Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital in Oraifite, Anambra State has completed 117 open-heart surgeries.

Obi made this revelation via a post he shared on his official X account on Friday night following his visit to the hospital and Our Lady of Lourdes College of Nursing Sciences, Ihiala, Anambra State.

“Today, in furtherance of my unwavering commitment to critical and measurable areas of development such as health, education and lifting people out of poverty, I visited Our Lady of Lourdes College of Nursing Sciences, Ihiala,” he wrote.

“During my visit, I took stock of their progress and was pleased to witness the positive outcomes of our ongoing support, the most recent being the ₦20 million I donated a few months ago to aid their efforts.

“In recognition of their commendable work, I made an additional donation of ₦10 million today with the promise of continued support.

“Thereafter, I visited the Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital in Oraifite, a world-class medical facility specialising in cardiovascular diseases built by the Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation.

“This facility, working in collaboration with the VOOM Foundation is doing remarkable work in saving lives.

“I was truly impressed to learn that they have completed 117 open-heart surgeries, two vascular surgeries and 10 interventional cardiology procedures.”

Obi said these milestones represent an immediate and substantial contribution to improving healthcare and saving lives, thereby supporting a healthier and more prosperous society.

He thereafter extended his heartfelt gratitude to Sir Emeka Okwuosa and the VOOM Foundation for their extraordinary dedication.

Obi said as he has often stated, Nigerians can collectively build a better society where the needs of children, the vulnerable and the underprivileged are met.

“We must all work hard and sacrifice for a new Nigeria that is possible,” the former governor of Anambra State summed up.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched its nationwide campaign against drug abuse in schools.

NAFDAC in a statement on Wednesday said the “Catch Them Young” initiative is aimed at combating drug abuse and substandard products among secondary school students.

The campaign kicked off at Government Secondary School Tudun Wada in Abuja where the agency also inaugurated its Consumer Safety Club (NCSC).

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye represented by Dr. Gbenga Fajemirokun, emphasised the importance of educating students on the dangers of drug abuse, urging them to make informed decisions.

“The programme aims to raise awareness and equip students to resist peer pressure, avoid illicit drugs, and focus on their education for a better future,” the agency said.

The school’s principal, Mr. Joseph Akoh and NAFDAC officials further encouraged students to report any pressure to use drugs.

Akoh during his address further highlighted the severe health and life consequences of drug abuse.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sounded a warning about the spread of low-quality and counterfeit medications in Nigeria, which presents a serious risk to public health.

Bala Mshelia, director of NAFDAC’s North West Zone, warned at a community sensitization workshop in Kaduna on Friday, ‘We are maximizing efforts to curb the menace of substandard and falsified medicines in the state.”

Mshelia identified specific targeted medicines, including Fansidar 25/500mg and Combiart 20/120mg (antimalarials), Oheal ampicillin, and cloxacillin capsules (antibiotics), along with additional medications for hypertension, diabetes, and lifestyle diseases.

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“The fight against substandard and falsified medicines cannot be won in isolation. It requires collaboration between government agencies, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and the public,” Mshelia emphasised

“As we proceed with this workshop, let us remember that the fight against substandard and falsified medicines cannot be won in isolation.

“It requires collaboration between government agencies, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and the public. Together, we can create a future where every medicine on the shelf is safe, genuine, and beneficial to the health of our communities,” he said.

Sunday Ukoh, the Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, expressed his commitment by saying, “We must be on the lookout to do the needful.”

Abosede Garba, Vice Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists, stated, ““As frontline healthcare providers, pharmacists bear a crucial responsibility in combating this challenge. We must be vigilant, proactive, and steadfast in promoting safe medication use.”

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has enhanced its monitoring efforts, regulatory measures, educational initiatives, and public awareness campaigns to protect public health.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed seven deaths from a suspected cholera outbreak in Adamawa State.

NEMA disclosed this in a post it shared on its X account on Tuesday morning, adding that the suspected cholera outbreak occurred in the Yola North Local Government Areas (LGA) of Adamawa State.

According to the agency, the suspected cholera outbreak which it has responded to affected the communities of Alkalawa, Doubeli, Rumde and Gwadabawa.

“As of Monday, September 16, 2024, 71 patients have been hospitalized with over 100 under observation and seven confirmed deaths,” it wrote.

“The outbreak is attributed to a recent flood disaster that contaminated the primary drinking water source.

“Due to the overflow at the isolation center, some patients are being transferred to the Federal Medical Centre.”

NEMA along with the Adamawa State government has initiated emergency measures including chlorinating toilets and providing water treatment to reduce the spread of infection.

The agency said it has also conducted community education to raise awareness about the disease.

NEMA added that its officials are closely monitoring the situation and co-ordinating with stakeholders for timely intervention.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said it has confirmed 55 suspected cases of Mpox.

The NCDC said the 55 cases of Mpox were
out of 935 across 39 local government areas (LGAs) in 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Nigeria.

NCDC disclosed this in a report on its official website, noting that no death has been recorded from the disease so far in 2024.

The report, however, revealed that 70 per cent of the reported cases were males while the remaining 30 per cent were females.

“The age distribution of confirmed Mpox cases revealed that 19 cases were recorded in ages 0-10, eight cases in ages 11-20 and 12 cases in ages 21-30,” the report read.

“Additionally, eight cases were recorded in ages 31-40, seven cases in ages 41-50 and one case in an individual aged 50 and above.

“The breakdown of the confirmed cases include eight from Enugu, six from Bayelsa, six from Akwa-Ibom, five from Cross River, three from Delta, three from Benue and three from Plateau.

“Others are: Osun (two), Imo (two), FCT (two), Anambra (two), Rivers (two), Abia (two) while Lagos, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Edo, Ebonyi, Zamfara, Oyo, Kaduna and Niger had one case each.

“Since September 2017, 4,752 suspected cases have been reported from 36 states and the FCT with 1,141 confirmed cases (24.0 per cent) from 35 States and the FCT with 17 deaths. Males (70 per cent) are predominantly affected.”