Botapreneur

Elizabeth Ashibuogwu (also called Botapreneur) is a certified plant scientist, fruit and herbal therapist, and passionate natural health enthusiast. With a deep commitment to promoting wellness through nature, she combines scientific expertise with holistic approaches to help individuals achieve healthier, balanced lifestyles.

Why Drinking Water Is Good for Your Health

Why Drinking Water Is Good for Your Health

People often ask me why Iโ€™m always with a bottle or sachet of water. The truth is simple, I genuinely love water. Not just because it refreshes me, but because I understand how important it is to my health.ย  From fetching it to drinking it, water has always felt like a natural part of my daily rhythm. Some of my friends like to tease me by calling me โ€œfishโ€ and not because I swim, but because Iโ€™m always with water. Funny, right? But thereโ€™s a reason: I love water deeply. From fetching it as a chore to drinking it all day long, water has become one of the best habits Iโ€™ve nurtured and itโ€™s done wonders for my health. Why Is Water So Important? Water is more than just a drink, itโ€™s life. Every single cell, organ, and system in our body depends on it. We cook with it, bathe with it, clean with it and most importantly, our bodies run on it. According to Dr. Jeffrey Utz (Neuroscience, Pediatrics, Allegheny University), our bodies are largely made of water: Babies: ~78% water 1-year-olds: ~65% Adult men: ~60% Adult women: ~55% (due to more fat tissue, which holds less water) This means:โœ”๏ธ Babies have more water than adultsโœ”๏ธ Men have more water than womenโœ”๏ธ People with less body fat have more water So why are some people still drinking only a glass of water per day, or just two sachets of pure water? Some even eat meals without a single sip. Thatโ€™s a habit we need to change. 8 Good Things Water Does for Your Body Builds Cells Water is the foundation of every living cell in your body. Without it, your cells canโ€™t grow, function, or repair themselves properly. This is why staying hydrated is vital for tissue repair, skin health, and overall bodily function. ย  Regulates Body Temperature Water plays a key role in keeping your body temperature stable. When you’re hot, your body releases sweat to cool down. Without enough water, this natural cooling system can’t work efficiently especially in hot or humid weather. ย  Aids Digestion Water helps break down food so your body can absorb nutrients. It forms saliva to begin digestion in the mouth and helps produce digestive juices in the stomach. It also prevents constipation by keeping things moving in your digestive tract. ย  Protects Vital Organs Water acts as a cushion for sensitive organs like the brain, spinal cord, and heart. It surrounds and insulates them, protecting these vital areas from shock or injury. In pregnant women, water (amniotic fluid) also protects the growing baby. Flushes Out Toxins Your kidneys need plenty of water to filter your blood and remove waste through urine. When youโ€™re dehydrated, waste builds up and can lead to kidney stones, infections, or even more serious health problems. ย  Lubricates Joints Water keeps your joints moist and cushioned, reducing friction between bones. This helps prevent joint pain, stiffness, and long-term damage, especially for active people or those with arthritis. ย  Protects the Nervous System Water surrounds and protects your brain and spinal cord. It helps transmit electrical signals that control how your body moves, feels, and responds to the world around you. A well-hydrated nervous system means better balance, focus, and mental clarity. ย  Supports Kidney Function Your kidneys are like a filter for your bloodstream. They remove waste, excess salt, and toxins. But they canโ€™t do it alone they needย enough waterย to perform efficiently. Chronic dehydration puts serious stress on them, leading to infections or stones. How Water Supports Kidney Function Your kidneys are your bodyโ€™s natural filters, but they need a lot of water to function well. Without enough, they get stressed, and you could end up with kidney stones, toxicity, or other complications. People who have experienced kidney stones are advised to drink 2โ€“3 liters of water per day to prevent recurrence. Is It Possible to Drink Too Much Water? Yes, overhydration is real. When your kidneys canโ€™t expel excess water fast enough, it dilutes your bloodโ€™s sodium levels, leading to a dangerous condition called hyponatremia. But donโ€™t worry, this usually only happens if you drink liters and liters at once. Your kidneys can handle about 500ml per hour. However, certain health conditions can make someone more prone to overhydration, such as: Kidney disease Heart failure Liver cirrhosis Hormonal disorders like SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone) Use of medications like diuretics or antidepressants So while water is essential, itโ€™s important to drink it steadily throughout the day, and not all at once, especially if you have an underlying medical condition. Staying Hydrated Isnโ€™t Just for Sunny Days Even when the weather is cold, donโ€™t ignore your water needs. Hydration isnโ€™t seasonalโ€”itโ€™s essential every day. โœ… Drink colourless, odourless, and clean waterโœ… Avoid water with pollutants or visible dirtโœ… Listen to your body, it often tells you when itโ€™s thirsty You can also read: How To Drink More Water Everyday Conclusion Water isnโ€™t just a drink, itโ€™s your body’s fuel, filter, and defense system. Love your body. Nourish it. Drink water dailyย just like I do. And maybeโ€ฆ just maybeโ€ฆ youโ€™ll earn a fun nickname like โ€œfishโ€ too.

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Why You Need To Eat Beans

  There is this general belief that men love eating beans than women. I have always wondered why this is so. Could it be as a result of nature? Of course, I don’t think it is a rule as well. I know beans is one of the major source of protein being taught in schools. It one of the foods we eat a lot in my family as well. Despite all these, I couldn’t love beans still. I prefer rice to any other food. Everybody knows me as rice freak. I had eaten rice for a whole week before and I never got tired of it. At a point, I had to reason along with the fact that I needed protein in my body. I was really deficient of protein and I have to fall in love with beans by force. Now, beans is one of my best food as I’m really enjoying it. Beans ย are food plants of the Papilionaceous family , in which there are as well known trees as the carob tree or herbs as alfalfa. Beans are another species of papilionaceous used as food for the nutritional value of seeds enclosed in their pods. The genus Phaseolus is the commonest and it comprises about 36 species. 1) Phaseolus vulgaris : Also called “common bean”. 2) Phaseolus coccineus: Known by the common name of runner bean or scarlet runner bean . 3) Phaseolus acutifolius : (Tepary bean) 4) Phaseolus polyanthus : (Year bean) The above species are still classified into varieties. Some of which are : * kidney beans * soy beans * garbanzo beans * adzuki beans * lima beans * red lentils * green lentils * brown lentils * black beans * black eyed peas * broad beans * red beans * butter beans * fava beans * great northern beans * haricot beans * mung beans * navy beans * pinto beans * yellow split peas * green split peas * white beans Some of these varieties are not found in Nigeria. Nevertheless,beans is still beans. Why Should We Eat Beans ?ย  1) Beans are known to be a high source of protein. 2) They contain negligible fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Health benefits of beans include a good amount of dietary fiber. 3) It also contains important minerals like calcium (for bone health) and potassium (for overall health). 3) It is rich in folates, which help in keeping a healthy heart and preventing cancer. Folates are also very important for women of childbearing ages and those in early stages of pregnancy. Read this:ย  Health benefits of Folic Acid 4) Beans also provide the body with soluble fiber, which plays an important role in controlling blood cholesterol levels. Studies find that about 10 grams of soluble fiber a day reduces cholesterol by about 10 percent. 5) Beans also contain saponins and phytosterols,which help lower cholesterol. Debunk the theory that says beans make people purge. It isn’t true. All of you have to ensure is cooking the beans properly. There are many varieties of food one can prepare from beans. Anyone still finding it difficult to eat beans can try any of the varieties. We have both local and international dishes we can get from beans. Some of the local dishes are : 1) Moi Moi (Moin Moin) The beans coat is removed by a special technique and the beans blended and cooked with ingredients. These days, some people do not peel the beans before preparing this meal especially when using brown beans. 2) White Moi Moi (Ekuru) Another version of Moi Moi which is cooked without any ingredients, usually eaten with stew and Eko. 3) Akara (Bean Cake/Balls) This is another food recipe where beans coat is removed, the seeds blended and fried to make balls known as bean cakes. It is a very popular breakfast meal. 4) Ewa Agoyin Also known as Beans & Stew. Is is a good way to enjoy beans even if you are not a fan of beans. It tastes oh-so-good with soft, stretchy bread. 5) Peeled Beans Porridge In this beans recipe, the beans coat is also removed and the beans cooked as in Beans Porridge. 6) Gbegiri Soup Gbegiri Soup is a Yoruba soup prepared with beans. It goes well with Amala when served with Ewedu Soup. Better still, beans can be cooked with rice. This can be served with stew and meat/fish. Yummy!!! Yummy!!! It is advisable to have beans or its varieties in the family menu especially when you have young children in the family. BEANS ALL THE WAY.

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