Consumption of white rice (WR) has been shown to predispose individuals to metabolic disorders. However, brown rice (BR), which is relatively richer in bioactive compounds, possesses anti-glycaemic and antioxidant effects. In this study, fifteen cultivars of paddy rice that are predominantly consumed in North West Nigeria were analysed for their nutritional composition, bioactive contents and effects on metabolic outcomes in a fruit fly model. Gene expression analyses were conducted on the whole fly, targeting dPEPCK, dIRS, and dACC. The protein, carbohydrate, and fibre contents and bioactives of all BR cultivars were significantly different (p < 0.05) from the WR cultivars. Moreover, it was demonstrated that the glucose and trehalose levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05), while glycogen was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the WR groups compared to the BR groups. Similarly, the expression of dACC and dPEPCK was upregulated, while that of dIRS was downregulated in the WR groups compared to the BR groups. Sex differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the WR groups in relation to the nutrigenomic effects. Our findings confirm metabolic perturbations in fruit flies following consumption of WR via distortion of insulin signalling and activation of glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. BR prevented these metabolic changes possibly due to its richer nutritional composition.

The increasing incidence of nutrient-related non-communicable chronic diseases (NCCDs), like type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancers, cardiovascular diseases and hypertension, as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, posed researchers in Nutrition and Nutrigenomics to search for the possible link between such diseases and the foods consumed by different communities. Hence, the objective of this paper is to provide a critical review of nutritional significance and nutrient-related chronic diseases prevention potential of brown, unpolished rice using relevant literatures searches from online and library sources. The study, therefore, investigated the various nutritional and health protection potentials of the brown, unpolished rice. The review highlighted the implication of polished, white rice consumption in conditions such as hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and oxidative stress, as well as the preventive effects of the brown rice consumption against these disease conditions. It can, therefore, be concluded that substitution of the widely consumed polished white rice with the unpolished brown rice may promote healthy living and prevent the risk of various nutrients-related chronic diseases.

Millet is a staple food in Northern Nigeria, widely used for the preparation of various millet‐based dishes. However, traditional processing methods, such as de‐husking, can significantly affect the grainʹs nutritional and antioxidant properties. This study evaluates the antioxidant composition and nutritional value of four millet varieties cultivated in Northern Nigeria, with a particular focus on the impact of de‐husking on these parameters. Our analysis encompasses the proximate composition, phytochemical content, antioxidant vitamins, mineral elements, amino acid profile, and antioxidant activities of the millet samples. The findings reveal that all millet varieties contain significant levels of antioxidant compounds, including phenolics, flavonoids, and vitamins, although their concentrations varied due to genetic differences and environmental factors. Notably, in the mineral composition, higher (p<0.05) levels of selenium (Se) and magnesium (Mg) were observed, while trace levels of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) were present. The study demonstrated that de‐husking significantly (p<0.05) reduced the levels of most nutritional and antioxidant parameters, underscoring the superior nutritional value of whole grains compared to their de‐husked counterparts. This highlights the importance of consuming millets in their unprocessed form to maximise health benefits. Moreover, the presence of essential phytochemicals, amino acids, and dietary fiber in these grains, suggests their potential role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes. These findings underscore the nutritional and functional potential of millet grains as valuable sources of essential nutrients, which can be utilised in nutraceutical formulations or as functional foods for promoting human health. This study emphasises the need to preserve the integrity of millet grains during processing to fully capitalise on their health benefits.

Prolonged consumption of vegetables grown in soils contaminated with heavy metals poses significant health risks in humans and animals. This study, therefore, investigated the levels of some heavy metals of biological importance, such as mercury, cadmium, chromium, iron and lead in soils and selected vegetables grown in irrigation sites in Katsina State, Nigeria, using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry after HNO3/H2O2 digestion. The findings revealed that the heavy metals were detected at varying levels, notably, Pb (0.98±0.00 mg/kg to 4.01±0.80 mg/kg) and Cd (0.001±0.00 mg/kg to 0.022±0.00 mg/kg) were present in all the soil samples at levels exceeding those recommended by Food and Agriculture Organization. The highest concentrations for Pb (1.81±0.03 mg/kg to 4.01±0.80 mg/kg) and Fe (8.01±1.24 mg/kg to 12.61±2.06 mg/kg) were observed in the vegetables grown in ‘Kofar Sauri’ irrigation site, while the lowest levels for Hg (0.001±0.0 mg/kg) and Cd (0.004±0.00 mg/kg to 0.021±0.00 mg/kg) were found in the vegetables grown around ‘Ajiwa’ dam site. Mercury (Hg) was however, not detected in most of the vegetable samples. Therefore, identification of contamination sources, sustainable agricultural practices and stringent regulatory measures are necessary to mitigate heavy metals contamination of foods and ensure food safety and healthy living.