AAU's 123rd Inaugural Lecture: University Don Advocates Natural Food for Optimal Human Health and Well-being

By Esosa Omorogbe 

A University Don, Prof.(Mrs) Amraibure Edith Odia, a Professor of Organic Chemistry of the Department of Chemistry Faculty of Physical Sciences, Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma  has advocated  the consumption of natural and unprocessed food as been crucial  for human health and well-being. 

According to the University don, "These foods contain protective phytochemicals that improve immune function,  prevent diseases like cancer, protect brain function and support a healthy heart. 

Prof.(Mrs) Amraibure Edith Odia who stated this while delivering the 123rd  edition in the series of Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma's Inaugural Lecture with the theme, "Chemical Constituents In Botanicals: Exploring The Gift of Nature For Our Well Being", said "Consumption of plant-based foods, especially among elites and city dwellers, is recommended  to maintain a healthy  lifestyle.

"Plant chemicals present in fruits, vegetables, grains etc are the nutritional(primary metabolites) and  non-nutritional (secondary metabolites) bioactive substances. Primary metabolites include protein, liquid and carbohydrates  and they play crucial role in the human body and are used for various  Physiological, metabolic  and morphological  processes, whereas  secondary metabolites include alkaloids, polyphenols,flavonoids,saponins, carotenoids and terpenes, which effectively protect cells against damage caused by reactive oxygen species(ROS).

The AAU Professor of Organic Chemistry then recommends that "We should all return to nature. Eat more of food grown on plants than food produced on plants. Use natural food preservation and processing methods. Use natural therapeutics facilities and we shall be healthier and live longer life."

In his opening remarks at the event, the Acting Vice Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Professor Sunday Olowo Samuel, noted that "Exploring the chemical constituents in botanicals can unlock their potentials for promoting human well-being."

He emphasized that "Human well-being is not just the absence of disease or illness, but a complex combination of a person's physical, mental, emotional, and social health factors. The chemical constituents in botanicals play a vital role in providing the needed medicinal properties that enhance our well-being."

The highlight of the well-attended 123rd Inaugural Lecture was the decoration of Professor Amraibure Edith Odia and her admission into the University's Hall of Academic Giants.

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