An average adult human secretes about 1.5 litres of saliva per day, equivalent to about two bottles of 75cl table water, a renowned Nigerian academic has disclosed.
Emeritus Professor Musbau Adewumi Akanji, former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, and Pioneer Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, made the disclosure in his weekly Jumah message on Friday.
According to the Professor of Biochemistry, saliva plays critical roles in human well-being, including cleaning the mouth, moistening food and serving as a lubricant to ease food movement from the throat to the stomach.
He added that saliva also contains antibacterial and digestive enzymes that break down food into simpler components for easy digestion.
“To think that ordinary saliva can be so important in the well being of humans! Allah indeed is Awesome in Creation,” Prof. Akanji said, quoting Quran 6 verse 102.
The don lamented that many people waste the fluid through indiscriminate spitting, quarrelling and unnecessary shouting.
He noted that such wasteful shouting will be common during the ongoing electioneering campaign, when supporters of opposing candidates shout under the pretext of singing.
Prof. Akanji urged Nigerians to be mindful of the favour and preserve the gift, noting that there are many people who cannot talk, let alone sing and shout.
He called on the public to show appreciation to the Creator through constant worship, quoting Quran 76 verse 25.