Kwame Amanya, a mechanical engineer, has been accused of fraud and stealing a Valtra tractor valued GH¢80,000.00.
He was arraigned together with Joe Clark Arthur, a fabricator, who is facing the change of dishonestly receiving.
They have both pleaded not guilty to the charges and were admitted to bail in various sums of money.
Amanya, first accused (A1), was given bail in the sum of GH¢100,000.00 with two sureties to be justified by landed property, while Arthur (A2) was given GH¢20,000.00 with one surety who is a family member.
The court, presided over by His Honour Samuel Bright Acquah, has adjourned the next hearing to May 3, 2023.
Addressing the court, Chief inspector Daniel Danku said during the year 2019, the complainant in the case entrusted his Valtra tractor with registration number GR7118-18 to the accused on rental basis.
However, after a period of about six months A1 and the tractor could not be located.
He said the complainant later got information that the tractor had been spotted at Maame Krobo near Afram Plains in the Eastern Region.
Therefore, a report was made to the Cantonments police and investigations led to the arrest of A2 who was in possession of the said tractor.
He informed the police that he bought the tractor from A1, and this led to the arrest of the latter.
During investigations Amanya also stated that he sold the tractor to A2 upon the authorisation of the complainant, but could not produce his proof of transaction or any money paid to the complainant after the sale.
During investigations, a witness in the case also showed up at the police station and stated that the tractor in question had been sold to him by Arthur, but when he requested for the documents covering the vehicle, he was assured that the documents would be retrieved from the complainant in Accra for him, but A2 failed to do so.
The witness added that until he heard that the tractor in question was involved in a case under investigation at the Cantonments police station he did not know the real owner.
The prosecutor said the tractor had since been impounded by the police and kept at the Maame Krobo District Police Headquarters.
After thorough investigations, the 1st and 2nd accused persons were charged with the offences and put before court.
Five men and a woman, between the ages of 22 and 30 years, are standing trial for unauthorised transfer and interception of ECOBANK customers’ accounts.
They are Frank Effah, 25 and unemployed, Kwabena Agyapong, 30 and barber, Perlos Nyani aka Seth Baah, 30 and unemployed, Ebenezer Yaw Annin, 25 and unemployed, Aisha Ankoma Asumang, 22 and a student, and Nicholas Gyekye Apoctae alias Paygez, at large.
The accused persons are residents of Afrancho-Krobo, and Techiman-Takofiano.
They were arraigned before the court on conspiracy to commit a crime and unauthorised transfer and interception.
Their pleas are yet to be taken, and were remanded into police by an Accra Circuit Court, presided over by Samuel Bright Acquah, yesterday.
The trial court was told by the prosecuting officer, Chief Inspector Isaac Anquandah, that the management of Ecobank Ghana, represented by Peter Nyaba, Head of Internal Audit, reported the case.
According to him, on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, Ecobank Ghana reported to the police about some unauthorised transactions on some of their customers’ accounts.
According to Ecobank, internal investigations of customers who fell victim to these unauthorised transactions had their SIM cards linked to the accounts.
He said these SIM cards had been swapped or replaced and issued to the perpetrators to enable them gain access into the customers’ accounts to transfer various sums of money.
The court was told that the accused persons transferred the customers’ funds into the mobile money wallet of pre-registered SIM cards.
Preliminary police intelligence revealed the location of the perpetrators around Assin Fosu and Kumasi.
He indicated that the accused persons’ leader was Nicholas Gyekye Apoctae, alias Paygez.
C/Ins Anquandah added that based upon intelligence received, the police proceeded to Kumasi and upon sustained surveillance arrested all five accused persons.
He stated that preliminary investigations also revealed that Nicholas Gyekye Apoctae alias Paygez, who is at large, was the brain behind the fraud.
The prosecutor continued that a search conducted on the suspects revealed Ecobank account opening slips, 72 Vodafone and MTN SIM cards and starter packs suspected to be pre-registered.
Some involvements of all the accused persons had also been established.
The court was told that the investigation was still ongoing to locate and arrest suspect Nicholas Gyekye alias Paygez.
Based on this, the prosecutor urged Mr. Acquah to remand the accused persons into police custody to further assist the investigation.
An Accra Criminal Court, presided over by Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, has sentenced the remaining two Chinese nationals standing trial with Galamsey Queen Aisha Huang’s son.
Huang Haihua and Shi Yang, alias Philip, were charged together with Huang Lei, Aisha’s son, who was convicted on his own plea from not guilty to guilty.
The sentence of Haihua and Shi also follows the changing of their not guilty plea guilty.
They were charged with possession of forged residence permit and ammunition.
Justice Marfo sentences Haihua to a maximum fine of 1,000 on each of the five counts.
Haihua was guilty of one count, possession of forged residence permit, while Yang was held liable for possession of forged residence permit and ammunition.
The court ordered that upon failure to pay the fine, the convicts would serve two years imprisonment in hard labour.
Per the current rate, a unit fine is GH¢12.00, therefore, each of the convict would pay GH¢12,000.00.
Meaning Yang was sentenced on four counts, which should result in a fine of GH¢48,000, but would only pat GH¢12,000.00, because the charges are to run concurrently.
The court explained that it took into consideration the circumstance of the case, as well as the youthful nature of Huang Lei, being a first time offender.
It also took into account Haihua pleading early, which had saved the court’s time and resources. “I will sentence the 2nd accused person (Haihua) to pay a fine of one thousand penalty units, and in default he should serve two years imprisonment in hard labour.”
Justice Marfo added that Shi was sentenced on the previous preamble, and was to pay a fine of one thousand penalty units, and in default serve a prison sentence of two years in hard labour on counts four, five, six, seven and eight.
Facts
Watkins Adama, State Attorney, read the facts to the court that sometime in August, 2022, the National Security Council Secretariat, the Ghana Immigration Service, as well as other security agencies received intelligence that Huang Lei and Huang Haihua, together with other foreign nationals, had remained in the country without permits and were also suspected to be engaged in illegal mining activities.
On September 2, 2022, a team of security officers visited the residence of Lei and Haihua at Ahodwo in Kumasi, where they were arrested.
The arresting officers also found and arrested at the same residence Jian Li Hau, who is said to be the girlfriend of Huang Lei, and one Ruixia Huang, also known as En Huang or Aisha Huang.
Aisha Huang was repatriated from Ghana in December 2018, on the directive of the Comptroller General of the Ghana Immigrate (GIS), the directive is still in force.
The arresting team retrieved from Huang Lei his Chinese passport, with number E44932112. Affixed in his passport is a permit issued by the Director of Immigration with number EP-002029, which authorised Lei to remain in Ghana until May 16, 2022.
Lei, upon his arrest and interrogation, admitted he did not have a valid permit to remain in Ghana.
A search conducted in Lei’s room revealed ammunition among other things, including eight packs of Eley shotgun cartridges containing about 250 pieces of ammunition, but Lei was not able to provide a valid license for them.
Huang Haihua also had in his possession a Chinese passport bearing his name with number EC4624083, and affixed it was what appears to be a Republic of Ghana residence permit.
The said the permit number was RP-0386869, purportedly to have been issued by the Director of Immigration for one year with effect from May 26, 2022.
However, investigations disclosed that the supposed permit was not issued by or with the consent or authority of the Ghana Immigration Service.
Based on further intelligence gathered, the team of security officers visited a property at Daban, Kumasi, on September 14, 2022, where Shi Yang, together with others, were also arrested on suspicion of remaining in Ghana without the requisite permits, as well as engaging in illegal mining operations.
A Chinese passport, with number E716840608, bearing the name and other particulars of Yang was retrieved from him.
Affixed in the said passport was what appears to be a Republic of Ghana Residence Permit, with number RP0386576, purportedly issued by the Director of Immigration for one year with effect from May 26, 2022.
However, investigations disclosed that the supposed permit was not issued by or with the consent or authority of the Ghana Immigration Service.
Also retrieved from Yang’s room were 83 pieces of live 9mm ammunition, three pieces of live 8mm bullets, 22 pieces of live BB ammunition, and three pieces of live AA ammunition, all of which were in the possession of Yang without legal authority.
A United Kingdom tribunal has held that a Nigerian be fined the sum of £26,835 (over N15 million) after being charged in relation to 61,800 cigarettes found in his bag without appropriate disclosure to relevant revenue authorities. The cigarettes were seized at Heathrow Airport, London, in February 2020.
Details of the judgement are contained in an appeal filed by the Nigerian, Oladipupo Fagbewesa, against the civil evasion penalty issued on 21 June 2021.
In court documents seen by PREMIUM TIMES, the tribunal judge, Abigail Mcgregor, held that Mr Fagbewesa owned the cigarettes that were seized from his bags and subsequently upheld the penalty.
According to the court document dated 12 April, the Notice of Appeal was submitted to the tribunal just over a month late and was received on 23 September 2021. An explanation for the lateness was given in the Notice of Appeal, the document said.
The reasons for the lateness include, among others, the fact that the conclusion letter, dated 14 July 2021, was not received by Mr Fagbewesa until 14 August 2021 because he had been away in Nigeria caring for his sick mother for a 3-week period from 25 July 2021. Similarly, the document said Mr Fagbewesa works at night and therefore has limited time in the day to seek legal advice; he found affordable legal advice on 27 August 2021; English is not his first language and he had trouble understanding the procedure.
Based on the reasons given and the absence of objection from the HM Revenue and Customs, a non-ministerial department of the UK Government responsible for the collection of taxes, the court decided to admit the appeal late.
But after hearing arguments from the parties, the tribunal ruled that the seized cigarettes belonged to Mr Fagbewesa and upheld the £26,835 penalty against him.
A Family Court in Iyaganku, Oyo State on Thursday ordered that a 14-year-old boy, who allegedly defiled a 22-month-old baby, be remanded in the Agodi Corrections facility.
The police charged the boy, a minor, with defilement.
Chief Magistrate P. O. Adetuyibi did not take the plea of the minor for want in the jurisdiction.
Adetuyibi ordered the police to send the case to the Oyo State Directorate of Public Prosecution for legal advice.
She adjourned the matter until July 20, for mention.
Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Insp Oluwakemi Arowosaye told the court that the boy resides with his parents at No 4, Salawu Street, Ibadan.
Arowosaye alleged that the boy defiled the baby between March 31, and April 3.
She said that the baby, an orphan, was left in the care of her sister.
The offence, she said, contravenes the provisions of Section 34 of the Child’s Right Law of 2006.
The baby has been taken by the Oyo State Child Welfare Department of the Ministry for Women Affairs.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has congratulated Nigeria’s President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on his election victory.
This was even as Zelensky invited him to his war-ravaged country of Ukraine on a state visit.
The felicitation is coming two months after the former Lagos governor was declared winner of the contentious presidential election.
Tinubu polled 8,794,726 votes to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and his counterpart in Labour Party, Peter Obi, who garnered 6,984,520 and 6,101,533 votes respectively.
In his congratulatory message, Zelenskyy praised Tinubu over his victory, adding that his war-torn country is determined to further strengthen cooperation with Nigeria.
The Ukrainian leader also used the opportunity to extend an invitation to the president-elect to visit Ukraine on a state visit after his inauguration on May 29.
His letter read, “Please accept my sincere congratulations on your election as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Despite extremely difficult testing times, caused by the full-scale armed aggression of Russia against our state, Ukraine is determined to further strengthen cooperation with Nigeria at the bilateral level and within the framework of international organizations.
“We are grateful for your country’s support of the Resolution of the General Assembly of the United Nations Organization “Principles of the UN Charter underlying a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace in Ukraine.
“I count on the active participation of Nigeria in its practical implementation. We see the further provision of global food security, of which Ukraine was and remains a reliable guarantor at the global level, as an important direction of cooperation.
“The fulfilment of this task will be facilitated by the successful implementation of the Ukrainian initiative “Grain from Ukraine”, which is designed to significantly increase the supply of grain to African countries in order to prevent famine.
“Taking this opportunity, I invite you to pay an official visit to Ukraine at a time convenient for you.
“I am confident that your visit will strengthen the dialogue between our countries and contribute to further consolidation of joint efforts of the international community aimed at solving the urgent challenges of today, in particular the crisis situation caused by Russia regarding the guarantee of world food security.”
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) is negotiating with the International Municipal Investment Fund (IMIF) to secure support for some selected projects.
The KMA is considering support for the construction of the Krofrom Market complex project, the construction of a multi-storey car park, and the Bus Rapid Transit system.
The Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr. Samuel Pyne, who announced this at the First Ordinary Meeting of the 4th Session of the 8th Assembly on Tuesday, said the Assembly was anticipating the first mission of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) team to Kumasi as part of the implementation arrangements.
Sam Pyne – KMA boss
Tenders for the New Tafo (Krofrom) Market complex project, being undertaken by the Regional Coordinating Council in conjunction with the KMA to increase retail space in the Metropolis,
were opened in September 2008 under the Government of Ghana (GoG) funding, for which eight contractors were awarded the contract and paid a total of GH¢1,014,558.02 as at November 2008, as 20 percent mobilisation fee of the contract sum.
About 1,900 traders and 20 transport operators occupying the space then were displaced to make way for the implementation of the GH¢15,001,023.41 project in 2008, but it stalled for more than nine years due to irregular flow of funds.
The mobilisation of contractors and reconstruction of the project followed frantic efforts by the management of the KMA, with the support of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to secure GH¢40 million from the Fidelity Bank for the completion of the New Tafo (Krofrom) Market, all eight contractors, who won the bid to execute the construction of the market in 2008, returned to site to commence work in 2019, only for the project to stall again.
The contractors are Messrs Sir Bans Designs and Building Company Limited, Orabek Ghana Limited, A. BEK Limited, Joevid Company Limited, Messrs Attachy Construction, E. Owusu Mensah & Company, Messrs. Stanbay Limited, and Messrs. Jinas Construction Limited.
Notwithstanding the delay in the construction of the market, the Mayor, last Tuesday, announced that in furtherance of the Assembly’s developmental agenda, the KMA had embarked on about 27 projects in the areas of education, roads, water and sanitation, and governance.
The stalled New Tafo (Krofrom) Market
The KMA Boss also announced that the Assembly had established a Task Force to check congestion at the Central Business District from loading at unauthorised points by transport operators, and use of the pavements and walkways for trading.
He disclosed that the KMA was also considering lasting solutions to congestion under the Sustainable Urban Mobility Project (SUMP), with funding from Agence Française de Développement (AfD), which was preparing a plan to guide the development of transport in the city over the next 15 years.
Mr. Sam Pyne also disclosed that the KMA intended to establish a Transport Authority to manage the transport sector.
He also said the Assembly, with the support of the World Bank, was implementing the Kumasi Urban Mobility Project (KUMAP) to establish a Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system in the Metropolis, for which the Abuakwa and Ejisu road corridors had been selected.
Mr. Pyne stated that finance still remains a major challenge for the KMA, as its expenditure far exceeded its revenue, and urged members to help maximise revenue by enhancing the Assembly’s Internally Generated Fund (IGF), as well as working to reduce revenue leakages.
On education, the Mayor announced that the KMA sponsored Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) mock examinations for 7,000 candidates, and also provided educational materials for Kindergarten and Basic One pupils under the My First Day at School concept.
Under agriculture, the KMA distributed NPK, Ammonium sulfate, as well as liquid and power organic fertilisers to 1,441 beneficiaries, according to Mr. Pyne.
Diabetics are more particular about the type of food they eat. This is because the type of food can either increase or decrease their blood sugar content. Rice has been a subject of controversy for diabetics. However, others believe that not all rice is created equal and some types are diabetic-friendly. This is because white rice has a glycemic index of 89. Hence, I examine the science behind Basmati rice on our health in this article.
Nutrition facts
The nutritional value of Basmati rice varies depending on the type one buys. However, in the generic terms, each type has is high in carbs and calories, as well as micronutrients like folate, thiamine, and selenium.
The US Department of Agriculture states that: One cup (163 grams) of cooked white basmati rice contains the following:
Calories: 210
Protein: 4.4 grams
Fat: 0.5 grams
Carbs: 45.6 grams
Fiber: 0.7 grams
Sodium: 399 mg
Folate: 24% of the Daily Value (DV)
Thiamine: 22% of the DV
Selenium: 22% of the DV
Niacin: 15% of the DV
Copper: 12% of the DV
Iron: 11% of the DV
Vitamin B6: 9% of the DV
Zinc: 7% of the DV
Phosphorus: 6% of the DV
Magnesium: 5% of the DV
The same organization further held that, brown basmati rice is somewhat higher in calories, carbs, and fiber. Furthermore, the magnesium, vitamin E, zinc, potassium, and phosphorus are more as compared to white basmati rice.
Basmati: Scientific justification
Some types are whole grains
Brown basmati rice is regarded a whole grain, this means that it contains all three parts of the kernel — the germ, bran, and endosperm. Why are whole grains good for our health? One study happens to answer this: Aune et al. (2016) analyzed 45 studies and found that whole grain consumption decreases ones risk of heart disease, cancer, and premature death.
A previous review by Aune et al. (2013) also reported that consumption of whole grains, including brown rice, reduces ones risk of type 2 diabetes.
What is more interesting is that: one randomized controlled trial, Vitaglione et al.(2015) examined 80 respondents in an 8-week study and found that substituting refined grains with whole grains decreased ones levels of inflammatory markers.
Basmati, Supplemented
It is believe that the white basmati rice is mostly supplemented to improve some nutrients that were lost in the processing stages to enhance the nutritional value. This is done to improve our vitamins and mineral content.
Rice and other grains are regularly augmented with iron and B vitamins like folic acid, thiamine, and niacin.
Basmati, arsenic
Hong et al.(2014) study found that basmati is normally lower in arsenic, a heavy metal that could destroy our health and in turn reduces the risk of diabetes, heart problems, and some cancers juxtapose to other types of rice.
Also, arsenic accrues a lot in rice as compared to other grains. This raises many health issues for frequent consumers of white rice.
But the good news is that, basmati rice from California, India, or Pakistan have the lowest levels of arsenic, juxtapose to other rice varieties (Davis et al. 2017). Also, Basmati brown rice types have higher levels of arsenic than white rice, as it accrues in the hard outer bran layer.
Basmati, warnings
White basmati is a refined grain, unlike the brown basmati, this affect the nutritional content. Two meta-analysis, (Musa-Veloso et al. 2018; Hu et al. 2012) foundthat the more one eats refined grains could negatively affect blood sugar and potentially increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Additionally, another study, Kim et al.(2012) examined over 10,000 people and found that eating more white rice increases the risk of obesity.
Another study, Ahn et al. (2013) examined 26,006 people and found a link between white rice intake and a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. This could be due to white rice’s high amount of carbs and low amount of fiber compared with brown rice.
This means, although white basmati rice can be eaten in moderation, brown basmati may be a better overall option for your health.
Take Home
So from the review, is basmati diabetic-friendly? It appears so: According to the Canadian Diabetes Association, basmati, brown, wild, short, and long grain rice has a medium glycemic index (between 56 and 69), as opposed to jasmine and instant white rice with a glycemic index of 89, thus making it more suitable for diabetics as compared to certain other grains and products made from white flour. Besides, it also has many health benefits from studies.
NB:
Prof. Nyarkotey has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations to justify his write-ups. My articles are for educational purposes and do not serve as Medical advice for Treatment. I aim to educate the public about evidence-based scientific Naturopathic Therapies.
The writer is a Professor of Naturopathic Healthcare, a Medical Journalist, and a science writer. President, Nyarkotey College of Holistic Medicine & Technology (NUCHMT)/African Naturopathic Foundation, Ashaiman, Ghana. Currently BL Candidate at the Gambia Law School, Banjul. E. mail: professor40naturopathy@gmail.com.
References
Ahn Y, Park SJ, Kwack HK, Kim MK, Ko KP, Kim SS. Rice-eating pattern and the risk of metabolic syndrome especially waist circumference in Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES). BMC Public Health. 2013 Jan 22;13:61. doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-61. PMID: 23339671; PMCID: PMC3680034.
“The Glycemic Index”. Canadian Diabetes Association. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
Kim J, Jo I, Joung H. A rice-based traditional dietary pattern is associated with obesity in Korean adults. J AcadNutr Diet. 2012 Feb;112(2):246-53. doi: 10.1016/j.jada.2011.10.005. Epub 2012 Jan 25. PMID: 22732459.
Hu EA, Pan A, Malik V, Sun Q. White rice consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes: meta-analysis and systematic review. BMJ. 2012 Mar 15;344:e1454. doi: 10.1136/bmj.e1454. PMID: 22422870; PMCID: PMC3307808.
Musa-Veloso K, Poon T, Harkness LS, O’Shea M, Chu Y. The effects of whole-grain compared with refined wheat, rice, and rye on the postprandial blood glucose response: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J ClinNutr. 2018 Oct 1;108(4):759-774. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqy112. PMID: 30321274.
Hong YS, Song KH, Chung JY. Health effects of chronic arsenic exposure. J Prev Med Public Health. 2014 Sep;47(5):245-52. doi: 10.3961/jpmph.14.035. Epub 2014 Sep 11. PMID: 25284195; PMCID: PMC4186552.
Aune D, Keum N, Giovannucci E, Fadnes LT, Boffetta P, Greenwood DC, Tonstad S, Vatten LJ, Riboli E, Norat T. Whole grain consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all cause and cause specific mortality: systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies. BMJ. 2016 Jun 14;353:i2716. doi: 10.1136/bmj.i2716. PMID: 27301975; PMCID: PMC4908315.
Aune D, Norat T, Romundstad P, Vatten LJ. Whole grain and refined grain consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of cohort studies. Eur J Epidemiol. 2013 Nov;28(11):845-58. doi: 10.1007/s10654-013-9852-5. Epub 2013 Oct 25. PMID: 24158434.
Vitaglione P, Mennella I, Ferracane R, Rivellese AA, Giacco R, Ercolini D, Gibbons SM, La Storia A, Gilbert JA, Jonnalagadda S, Thielecke F, Gallo MA, Scalfi L, Fogliano V. Whole-grain wheat consumption reduces inflammation in a randomized controlled trial on overweight and obese subjects with unhealthy dietary and lifestyle behaviors: role of polyphenols bound to cereal dietary fiber. Am J ClinNutr. 2015 Feb;101(2):251-61. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.114.088120. Epub 2014 Dec 3. PMID: 25646321.
Last accessed at 24 January 2023, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basmati
Baobab is a tree native to certain regions of Africa, Arabia, Australia, and Madagascar.Adansonia is the scientific name and, can grow up to 98 feet (30 meters) tall and produce a large fruit that is commonly consumed and appreciated for its delicious citrus-like flavor.
The pulp, leaves, and seeds of the baobab fruit — which is also available in powdered form — have been associated with many health benefits and are a staple in various recipes and cuisines.
Baobab, Scientific Benefits
Baobab is a good source of diverse vitamins and minerals. Studies have been espoused to confirm that the nutritional content of baobab can differ based on where it is located and between different parts of the plant, such as the leaves, pulp, and seeds. For instance, one study(Muthai et al. 2017) found that the pulp is high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and many significant key minerals like potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc.
Baobab
Two other studies(Chadare et al. 2009; Rahul et al. 2015) found that the leaves are rich in calcium and high-quality proteins that can be simply digested. The same authors held that the seeds and kernels of the plant contain many fibers, fat, and micronutrients such as thiamine, calcium, and iron. However, the powder is mostly available in jurisdictions without fresh baobab. This notwithstanding, the powdered baobab has diverse significant nutrients especially high in vitamin C, vitamin B6, niacin, iron, and potassium.
For instance, the US Department of Agriculture notes that two tablespoons (20 grams) of powdered baobab can give you:
Calories: 50
Protein: 1 gram
Carbs: 16 grams
Fat: 0 grams
Fiber: 9 grams
Vitamin C: 58% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
Vitamin B6: 24% of the RDI
Niacin: 20% of the RDI
Iron: 9% of the RDI
Potassium: 9% of the RDI
Magnesium: 8% of the RDI
Calcium: 7% of the RDI
From the review, powdered baobab and fresh parts of the plant are extremelynourishing.
Supporting Literature
Weight loss
One study by Garvey et al. (2017) used 20 people and found that drinking a smoothie with 15 grams of baobab extract drastically decreased feelings of hunger compared to a placebo drink.
The US Department of Agriculture further notes that the fiber content in baobab is high, especially found in many powdered formulations providing about 4.5 grams of fiber in each tablespoon (10 grams).
One randomized controlled trial found that the fiber content in baobab goes through the stomach slowly and then keeps the stomach at bay and makes one feels full for a longer time( Yu et al. 2014).
A previous review(Howarth et al. 2001) found that the more fiber we eat by 14 grams per day reduced calorie intake by up to 10% and decrease body weight by an average of 4.2 pounds (1.9 kg) more than a four-month duration.
Blood Sugar
One randomized controlled trial by Coe et al. (2013) found that baking baobab extracts into white bread decreased the amount of rapidly-digested starch and slowed down the increase of blood sugar levels in the body.
Another human trial used 13 people and found that when we add baobab to white bread reduced the amount of insulin required to convey sugar from the blood to the tissues to help control blood sugar levels(Coe and Ryan, 2016).
A previous study(Lattimer and Haub, 2010) found that due to the high fiber content, baobab could slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. This could avertspikes and bangs in blood sugar and stabilize levels for a long time.
The lower the Glycemic Index (GI) of food, the slower the rise in blood glucose levels will be when the food is consumed. Researchers at Oxford Brookes University in the UK demonstrated that consuming Baobab Fruit Powder helps regulate blood sugar – which is particularly good news for those with Type 2 Diabetes.
Reduces inflammation.
Baobab is loaded with antioxidants and polyphenols, compounds that protect our cells from oxidative damage and reduce inflammation in our bodies. For instance, Hunter P( 2012) found that chronic inflammation may predispose one to several medical conditions such as heart disease, cancer, autoimmune disorders, and diabetes.
Some animal studies have found that baobab could reduce inflammation in the body. For instance, Ghoneim et al. (2016) study found that baobab fruit pulp decreased multiple markers of inflammation and could protect the heart from damage.
Another mouse study by Adeoye and Bewaji(2018) found that baobab extract reduced oxidative damage to cells and decreased levels of inflammation. We still need more human studies in this area.
Digestive Health
Baobab is loaded with fiber, and powdered could have about 18% of the daily recommended value in about one tablespoon (10 grams) according to the US Department of Agriculture.
On the other hand, Otles and Ozgoz(2014) found that the fiber in baobab goes into the gastrointestinal tract undigested and benefits digestive health. Another review(Yang et al. 2012) of five studies found that eating more fiber improved stool frequency in those with constipation. This is not all. Slavin J(2013) believes that the fiber in baobab is a source ofprebiotics and feeds the beneficial bacteria in our gut, enhancing the health of the gut microbiome.
Three studies(Satoh H, 2010; Pituch-Zdanowska et al. 2015; Alonso-Coello et al. 2006) found that the more we consume fiber in baobab could also protect against conditions like intestinal ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, and hemorrhoids.
The Hadza tribe of Tanzania, often referred to as the “last true hunter gatherers in the world,” eat Baobab Fruit Powder daily. Recent study(Schnorr, et al. 2014) has shown that the Hadza have an exceptionally healthy and diverse gut microbiome – far superior, in fact, to the US and European populations studied. It is regarged as the Hunter-Gatherer Diet
Finally, S. Manfredini, (2002) study found that its effectiveness as a prebiotic has been proven both in research and its traditional use in Africa. Italian researchers have discovered that Baobab Fruit Powder has a positive prebiotic effect on key groups of probiotic gut flora. Compared to controls, they found Baobab Fruit Powder promoted significant increases in the production of two of the three key bacterial groups; Bifidobacteri and Lattobacilli.
Adaptogens
Adaptogens are naturally occurring, non-toxic substances that can help protect your body from stress by stabilizing and optimizing a host of physiological functions. The name comes from their ability to adapt to whatever your body specifically needs to restore you to peak health.
When your body is stressed, it produces the hormones adrenaline and cortisol. Too much of these hormones, too often, can degrade your health; chronic inflammation, depression, mood swings, digestive problems, heart disease and insomnia. What makes adaptogens so remarkable is they can help defend against these damaging effects of stress by regulating the release of stress hormones and protecting your adrenals—no matter the underlying cause of said stress.
Baobab Fruit Powder is known to help boost the immune system. At 140,000 ORAC Baobab has an extremely high antioxidant profile. Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells in your body from free radical damage that can occur from exposure to certain chemicals, smoking, pollution, radiation, and as a byproduct of normal metabolism. Dietary antioxidants include selenium, vitamin A and related carotenoids, vitamins C and E, plus various phytochemicals such as lycopene, lutein, and quercetin. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants may be good for your heart health and may also help to lower your risk of infections and some forms of cancer.
With six times more vitamin C than oranges, Baobab Fruit Powder is a rich source. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin. We can’t store it in the body, which means we need it from our diet every day. Vitamin C helps protect cells and keeps them healthy. It is also involved in the production of collagen, which is important for the support and structure of all connective tissues in the body. It can help with wound healing. It increases our ability to absorb Iron. And of course vitamin C is one of many antioxidants that may protect against free radical damage.
Baobab has double the iron of spinach. Iron has a role in creating energy from nutrients. It also contributes to the transmission of nerve impulses — the signals that coordinate the actions of different parts of your body. If you have more iron than is needed, it’s stored in your body for future use. Without healthy levels of iron, your red blood cells cannot effectively provide oxygen to your cells and tissues. Symptoms of anemia include: fatigue, weakness, dizziness and difficulty concentrating.
Other essential minerals that Baobab is high in are Potassium, Magnesium and Zinc. Potassium deficiency can generate psychological effects and can contribute towards our stress inducing conditions such as mood swings, depression and lethargy. Magnesium is considered by many doctors to be the most critical and vital mineral needed for managing and coping with stress. Low levels of zinc can exacerbate stress levels. Taking your daily allowance of zinc can help reduce your stress.
Electrolytes
While exercising we lose electrolytes through our sweat, mainly sodium, and potassium. Ingesting potassium in combination with water helps the body to rehydrate more efficiently. Baobab Fruit Powder has potassium values ranging between 1800 mg and 2400 mg/100g; which is six times higher than bananas, the fruit most commonly recommended by nutritionists for its potassium content. The fact that it is over 80% soluble makes it ideal for hydrating powdered drink mixes and sports beverage applications.
Blood Alkalizing
Blood Alkalinity is believed by many to be the key to greater overall health, lowering illness, and promoting longer living. For our bodies to function optimally, we should make sure that we have an alkaline pH blood level. How do we do this? By eating highly alkaline foods.
The PRAL rating (potential renal acid load) is a measure of the alkalizing properties of foods. With a PRAL Rating of -52, Baobab Fruit Powder is one of the most blood alkalizing foods on the planet!
Take Home
From studies, baobab has many benefits such as supporting digestive health, weight loss, blood sugar,hemorrhoids, and many more.
NB:
Prof. Nyarkotey has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations to justify his write-ups. My articles are for educational purposes and do not serve as Medical advice for Treatment. I aim to educate the public about evidence-based scientific Naturopathic Therapies.
The writer is a Professor of Naturopathic Healthcare, a Medical Journalist, and a science writer. President, Nyarkotey College of Holistic Medicine & Technology (NUCHMT)/African Naturopathic Foundation, Ashaiman, Ghana. Currently BL Candidate at the Gambia Law School, Banjul. E. mail: professor40naturopathy@gmail.com.
The battle for the greatest rapper continues as Medikal has responded to Eno’s claims that she is a better rapper than he is.
According to Medikal, he thinks Eno is confused because his comments about her were praises for her rap prowess, especially as a female rapper in a male-dominated industry but unfortunately, she took it the wrong way.
In an interview with pulse Ghana, Medikal advised Eno to stay in her lane because she can never come against him in rap adding that some things are for big men only.
“I think Eno is confused, she does not want to understand that she is a female and I am a male.
What I said about her was a big up to her that she can rap but she took it in a wrong way. She should never in her sub-conscious think that she can come up against me in rap, she should stop the cap. She is dope but she should stay in her lane. Some things are for big men only, big man things”, he said.
Medikal some weeks ago heaped praises on Eno Barony for her rap prowess, especially as a female rapper in a male-dominated industry.
He told Andy Dosty that she even raps better than many male rappers in Ghana.
“You no sey Eno Barony dey rap? I dey drive wey I dey listen one of her songs on the radio, her verse was dope. For a female rapper, she is very dope.
“She dey rap pass plenty of the male rappers in Ghana apart from me,” he said in Pidgin English.
The rapper however went on to say that even though Eno is a very good rapper, he will still beat her in a rap battle.
He added that he cannot be compared to other rappers because he is in a different league.
“You know sey me I dey my zone. I dey do my things different. You no go fit pair me plus any other rapper. I will be the judge. You for put me then am for one song top I go show sey women empowerment no dey work for my top. I go lash am,” he said.
However, Eno who was not pleased with Medikal’s claims and responded to him.
The “King of Queens” replied by saying “I think I heard what he said. He said I rap better than most male rappers except him. I think Medikal is a dope rapper and he raps better than most of the female rappers except me.”
“People dream. Sometimes it is good to wake people up so that they know that some dreams don’t come true.”
These responses have had many wondering how soon a rap battle could be organized so they can go head-to-head.
The US Department of Agriculture states that: One cup (163 grams) of cooked white basmati rice contains the following:
