Health
Coconut water, natural remedy for high blood pressure — Expert
A Public Health Nutritionist, Hajiya Hauwa Suleiman, has advised that
drinking coconut water will help to reduce blood pressure.
She gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
She said that “coconut water contains higher amount of potassium than other fruits and potassium
normalises the sodium level in the body, thereby reducing blood pressure.
“The high potassium in coconut water helps to balance excess sodium in the body, and this
effect can reduce high blood pressure.”
Suleiman, who explained that coconut water was a natural sports drink, with high calcium and magnesium content, added that it
was good for people who engage in vigorous exercises.
She explained that “during exercise, the muscles hit on the bones and in that process, there is thin wearing away of the muscles.
“Calcium helps to rebuild the muscles, while magnesium helps to incorporate the calcium into the muscles. Both calcium and magnesium are present in coconut water.”
The nutritionist also said that “coconut water contains five of the amino acids found in human breast milk which help to repair worn out tissues.”
She also said that cytokines are present in coconut water, explaining that “cytokines are plant hormones with anti-aging properties and can potentially fight cancer cells.”
Suleiman noted that various products such as coconut milk and coconut candy could be derived from coconut and that no part of the fruit was a waste.
“Cytokines are not only present in coconut water, but also in coconut oil.
“Applying coconut oil gradually wears away wrinkles on the face. It can also be applied on fresh wounds to prevent the formation of scars.
“There are just so many products to get from the coconut and the interesting thing is, every part of the fruit is important.”
She also made it clear that eating coconut or any of its products has no side effects on the health of individuals as long as it was consumed in moderation.
She said it could be eaten two times in a week.
She, however, said that coconut was not recommended for people with renal failure as it would worsen their situation.
“Like I said earlier, the potassium in coconut pulls out excess sodium from the body. This sodium is being sent to the kidney for possible excretion.
“For someone with renal failure, excess sodium in the kidney will worsen the situation and can lead to complete failure of the kidney.
“Hence, we do not recommend coconut to such people,” Suleiman added. (NAN)
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to reducing maternal and child mortality through improved health interventions and grassroots engagement.
Speaking during a meeting with traditional rulers in Jalingo, Taraba State, she emphasized the administration’s focus on strengthening healthcare—particularly among women and youth—by targeting preventable diseases and improving service delivery.
“We are here to encourage frontline health workers by providing incentives and recognizing their efforts,” Tinubu stated. “When well-supported, we believe maternal and infant mortality rates will decline significantly.”
She underscored the crucial role traditional institutions play in community mobilization, urging monarchs to help raise awareness of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s ongoing health programs.
The First Lady also drew attention to the need for action on HIV/AIDS, especially mother-to-child transmission, which she described as persistently high. “Treatment for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis is available and free. We need to get this message to the people, and traditional leaders are key to that,” she added.
Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, echoed her sentiments, highlighting the government’s frontline healthcare efforts.
“In the North East alone, 8,500 frontline health workers have been trained—1,300 from Taraba. Over 1,000 health facilities receive quarterly funding from the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, including 170 in Taraba,” he said.
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, and First Lady Agyin Kefas, commended the federal interventions and noted they align with the state’s developmental priorities.
As part of her visit, Mrs. Tinubu donated 10,000 professional kits to midwives across the six North East states and presented a ₦50 million cheque to empower 1,000 women in Taraba.
Researchers have discovered that chewing gum releases hundreds of tiny plastic fragments directly into the mouth, raising concerns about microplastic exposure.
A study by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) found that a single gram of gum can release an average of 100 microplastic particles, with some brands shedding over 600.
Lead researcher Sanjay Mohanty emphasized that while no direct evidence links microplastics to health risks, the study highlights another way these tiny pollutants enter the body.
People who chew around 180 pieces of gum annually could ingest approximately 30,000 microplastic fragments. However, Mohanty noted that bottled water and other sources contribute significantly more to microplastic intake.
As the world marks International Women’s Day, 4 Communities by Communities (4CbyC) is highlighting the resilience of women battling cervical cancer. Through personal narratives, the organization aims to raise awareness about the disease, stressing the importance of early detection, vaccination, and community-driven healthcare solutions.
For Ene, the impact of cervical cancer became deeply personal following the loss of her aunt, Evelyn, and the declining health of her mother. Living in Awo-Kajola, their family’s once-vibrant evenings were shattered by grief. Fearing a tragic pattern, Ene sought answers at the One-Stop Shop for Health, where she met a clinician, Funke.
Funke’s explanation changed everything: cervical cancer was not a curse but a preventable disease. Testing confirmed Ene’s worst fears—her mother had Stage 3 cervical cancer. However, hope remained. Funke assured Ene that she and her sister, Blessing, could receive the HPV vaccine, preventing future cases.
Similarly, Jennifer’s story underscores the urgency of awareness and healthcare access. Misdiagnosed for years, her cervical cancer advanced unchecked, and by the time she received proper care, it was too late. Financial constraints and limited healthcare resources delayed her treatment, leading to her passing in 2020.
To prevent more cases like Jennifer’s, organizations like the SaliHoe Foundation are stepping in, offering free cervical cancer screenings, vaccinations, and education. Campaigns such as “Know Her, Save Her” are using digital platforms to spread life-saving information, while FemmeHealth connects women with screening and treatment options.
Directors of 4CbyC—Prof. Juliet Iwelunmor, Prof. Joe Tuckler, and Prof. Oliver Ezechi—emphasize the need for continued advocacy, early detection, and accessible healthcare.
“The fight against cervical cancer is not just about health; it’s about breaking down the barriers of stigma, access, and education,” they said. “Through collective action, we can create a world where no woman dies from a preventable cancer.”
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