Health & Wellness

Coconut, Cocos nucifera is a member of the palm tree family (Arecaceae). Coconut is a fibrous one-seeded drupe. Drupes are fruits that have an inner flesh and seed surrounded by a hard shell. Products that can be gotten from Coconut include: Coconut Meat Coconut Oil Coconut Milk Coconut Cream Coconut Flakes (desiccated coconut), Coconut Flour Coconut Sugar Coconut Butter Coir Some of the benefits of these products include the following: Coconut meat is rich in copper and iron which help form red blood cells. Coconut meat contains phenolic compounds like gallic acid and caffeic acid that help protect cells from oxidative damage. Coconut Flakes is used in Savoury dishes, baking, cookies, muffins, and breads. Coconut flour can be used in baking as a substitute for wheat flour. It’s gluten-free. Coconut oil helps to keep hair and skin healthy, prevents wrinkles, removes acne, prevents hair loss and clear spots. Coconut water contains important electrolytes that help in maintaining hydration. Coir is the the fiber from the husk of the coconut. It is used in ropes, mats, doormats, brushes, and sacks, etc HOW TO PRODUCE COLD-PRESSED COCONUT OIL. 1. Open your coconuts and rinse the flesh in clean water to get rid of sand or the brown particles of the coconuts. 2. Cut the coconuts into smaller cubes to make it easy for easy blending or grating. 3. Once done, use a cheesecloth or strainer to squeeze out the milk. 4. Cover the coconut milk with a lid and leave it in a cool place to settle for about 12 hours or overnight. Note: If it’s put in a hot, it will become sour. Better still, you can simply place it in the fridge to quicken the process. 5. After that, you will notice that the mixture has been selected into layers. The oil above, curd in between and water below. It is advisable you use a transparent bowl so that you can see this clearly. 6. Gently scoop out the oil into another bowl. Take your time to in order to avoid mixing up together. Viola, your cold-pressed coconut oil is ready. There is another method called the Hot Pressed Method. Here, the blended coconut pulp is placed on heat to produce the oil. However, cold-pressed coconut oil has stronger taste and flavor and a higher content of antioxidants, protein, vitamins, and healthy fatty acids than hot pressed. This is because if high temperature is applied during the hot pressed method, it can cause a change in the composition and properties of the coconut oil.

Sometimes last week, I saw my dad and mum taking a particular liquid from a bottle after eating and I had thought it to be a drug. I was curious and had to ask if they were sick. But I found out that what they both took was a teaspoon of black seeds oil each. I was forced to ask why and their response was that it helps in boosting immune system and they are just using it as preventive measure. As per the fact that both of them are health workers and with the issue of coronavirus at the moment, they needed to also do their own part as they pray along for safety. My mum then mentioned the fact that black seed oil was part of what Governor Seyi Makinde used when he tested positive for coronavirus. Governor Seyi Makinde who happens to be the current governor of Oyo State in Nigeria once tested positive to coronavirus and after sometimes, tested negative. In an interview he had after his recovery, he mentioned the fact that during the time he tested positive, he took in lots of vitamin C, carrots and black seed oil mixed with honey (one teaspoon both in the morning and at night.) Few days after the discussion I had with my parents, I happened to be on an online class when a woman attested to the use of black seed oil as well. This woman happens to be the assistant director of nursing in a very big hospital in Nigeria. She gave a testimony of how her daughter was afflicted with a disease for 3 years that deferred orthodox medicine until she stumbled on black seeds oil. According to her, she believes black seed is a potent herb against coronavirus. She also gets to sell black seed oil to nurses, doctors and health workers in her place of work. These incidences coupled with the fact that someone had once made enquiries from me about the health benefits of black seeds made me to put up this short article about black seeds (based on all the knowledge I’ve gathered from my studying and researching.) Black seeds botanically known as Nigella sativa is a flowering plant that is native to South Asia and the Mediterranean but has grown to some other parts of the World. Black seed is called by different names such as black cumin, black caraway, cumin noir, fennel flower, seed of blessing, small fennel, kalonji, roman coriander, etc Even though black seed is also sometimes called black cumin (or black cumin seed), it is different from the regular cumin of the Cuminum family. The seeds have an aroma that is similar to fennel, a pungent flavour similar to nutmeg and a bitter taste compared to oregano. Black seeds contain a variety of chemicals (of over 100 chemical compounds) in which quinine compounds are the most abundant. The most prominent compounds are thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone. Crystalline nigellone is another major active ingredient found in black seeds oil. Black seeds also contain more than 25 minerals and vitamins. Black seed has been known to cure various diseases. The numerous chemicals, vitamins and minerals available in black seeds make it suitable in curing as many diseases as possible. Black seeds have been proven to have the following properties: Anticancer property Antiinflammatory property Anticoagulant property Antihypertensive Analgesic property Antibacterial property Antifungal property Antioxidant property Antiviral property Historically, black seeds have been used in the treatment of several treatment such as migraine, toothache, nasal congestion, intestinal worms, hiccups, meningitis, epilepsy, conjunctivitis, cataract, abscesses, digestive tract infections (such as diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, and hemorrhoids), respiratory conditions (such as asthma, allergies, cough, bronchitis, emphysema, flu) Black seeds have also been used in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Women also use black seeds for birth control and lactation. Black seed oil has also been discovered to be effective for treating acne, psoriasis and also used as wound healing hereby making it a great choice of oil for the skin. The oil is also good for the hair as it makes hair soft and shining. HOW TO USE BLACK SEEDS Black seeds can be sprinkled on foods such as flatbread. The seeds can also be grounded and used as spices in food. Black seed oil can be mixed with other oil or cream and be applied to the skin. Few drops of black seed oil can be added to bathing water. Black seed oil can be consumed in either capsule or liquid form (1 teaspoon daily is okay as too much intake of it might have adverse effects as well). Also, due to its pungent flavour, you may want to mix the oil with honey, lemon juice or warm water before using. The OIL is the most effective way of consuming black cumin than taking the SEEDS directly because the oil is more readily absorbed.

Moringa oleifera is a plant also known as drumstick, horseradish or miracle tree. Moringa is called the miracle tree because it has been reported in phytomedicine to cure as much as 300 diseases. Moringa is a tree that has several vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals in abundance. Moringa has lots of antifungal, antiviral, antidepressant and inflammatory properties and has been widely used for nutritional, pharmacological and medicinal purposes. Like I said early, Moringa has been known to cure as much as 300 diseases and that’s a whole lot. No wonder it us called THE MIRACLE TREE.  In this article, we will looking at 20 health benefits of Moringa. 1) Moringa contains polyphenols and isothiocyanates which greatly help in reduction of inflammation in the body. 2) The leaves of Moringa contain an antioxidant called chlorogenic acid. Chlorogenic acid acts as a natural fat burner which invariably makes Moringa leaves suitable for weight loss. Read: Detox Drink For Burning Belly Fat 3) Moringa powder is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which is a powerful antioxidant for inhibiting the growth of cancer. 4) The powdered form of Moringa leaves can be applied on cuts and wounds. It aids the healing of cuts and wounds. It also clears of marks that the cut or wound might want to leave on the skin. 5) Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients abundantly found in Moringa make it a great choice for boosting energy and the immune system. Read: Foods That Boost The Immune System 6) Moringa contains about 30% fiber. This help in digestion and prevent constipation. 7) Moringa helps in balancing the blood sugar and glucose levels in the body which makes it suitable for diabetics patients. 8) Regular consumption of Moringa leaf gives necessary nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy. Moringa leaves also improve breast milk production. 9) Moringa helps to relieve menstrual cramps. 10) Moringa contains calcium and phosphorous which enhance strong and healthy bones. 11) Moringa contains quercetin, an antioxidant that helps to lower blood pressure. 12) Moringa helps to improve sleep. 13) Moringa leaves are effective natural adaptogen. Adaptogens are herbs or plants that help the body relieve stress. 14) Moringa helps in fighting infections because of its antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral properties. 15) Moringa improves eyesight. Moringa leaf can be taken as tea or incorporated into diet. It is also available in capsule form which should be taken as prescribed. Moringa tea can be flavoured with honey. MORINGA FOR HAIR AND SKIN Moringa powder is high in vitamins that greatly help in enhancing hair growth and improving the skin. Moringa oil obtained from moringa seeds is also a good moisturizer for the skin. SPECIAL NOTE All these health benefits centers on usage of Moringa leaves only. It doesn’t mean that the barks and roots are not useful. In fact, the roots of Moringa are believed to fight bacteria and fungi and purify water. However, the bark and root can be very poisonous if used inappropriately. It is even unsafe for pregnant woman to use the root or bark of Moringa as it can cause miscarriage. The roots contain spirochin, a toxic substance.  

If you were born in the 70s or grew up in the 80s, you will be sure to remember the calls of women as they carry local ‘agbo’ medicine from street to street. Intertwined between their wares was the famous Alabukun powder in a white and red packet, as they play the role of both a traditional healer and a pharmacist. Not just that, when you go to any chemist nationwide then, you are sure to find this medication. It is very interesting to find that at a point Nigerians take Alabukun regularly for major ailments like pain, headaches, irritation etc, thereby making it one of the most abused drugs at that time. So, what exactly is the drug Alabukun and what is the use? Alabukun was produced in 1918 by Jacob  Sogboyega Odulate, a Nigerian Pharmacist. With a determination not to just make a name for himself but put Nigeria on the map as a medicine producing nation, Odulate went ahead to produce and package the famous Alabukun powder. Just like the popular Andrew liver salt, Alabukun was largely used to treat migraine headache, fever, pain and even arthritis. Yes, the drug has the potential to do a lot of these. Alabukun Powder contains Acetylsalicylic Acid and Caffeine as active ingredients with mixture of herbal and European ingredients. There were claims that it treats myocardial infarction ( medical language for heart attack). It may because it contains acetylsalicylic acid. However, any medical professional knows that the acetylsalicylic which is also an active ingredient in Aspirin is better used for preventive purposes and not as a cure (meaning it can reduce the risk for heart attack). So why would Nigerians go crazy after this medication? It’s simply because it did work! Just as the American Aspirin would work, Alabukun did work. Alabukun is still being used till date by some people However, there is a huge difference between medicine over a century ago and now. Yes! Alabukun is that old and I think Nigerians needs to celebrate this drug. However, we need to know this fact: It cannot just be consumed as a regular herbal medication without a doctor’s prescription. This is because the major component acetylsalicylic can inhibit platelet aggregation acting as a blood thinner. In other words, there is increased bleeding with this medication and shouldn’t be consumed or taken as a daily pain management medication without a doctor’s knowledge; especially for women who are of child bearing age and children. Too much consumption can cause ringing in the ears ( known as tinnitus), liver toxicity or in some cases constipation. So the next time you see a package of Alabukun, celebrate the creativity of a Nigerian legend but don’t be too quick to take this without letting your physician know about it.

Sugar is a common ingredient being used on a daily basis. Virtually everything we consume contains sugar. Even raw agricultural produce contain natural sugar in various degrees. Sugar is widely used in baking. Some people go as far as using sugar to cook. The commonly used sugar known as table sugar is extracted from the roots of sugar beets and the stalks of sugarcane after undergoing processes like undergoes some processes like filtration, purification, crystallization, centrifuging and drying. Yes! Sugar is sweet but it has been medically proven that too much of sugar is not good for the body. Too much consumption of sugar causes a lot of health diseases. The good news is that there are natural substitutes for sugar that we can use in our diets. Below are the best and perfect 5 substitutes you should know. 1) HONEY Honey is produced mainly from bees and other related insects like aphids through extraction, settling or straining without heating at all. Honey contains some amounts of vitamins and minerals, as well as abundance of antioxidants. Taking honey help raise the levels of antioxidants in the blood and high levels of antioxidants in the blood are linked to lower risk of disease. Read More About The Effects of Sugar body and the health benefits of honey. 2) STEVIA Stevia is a natural sweetener being extracted from the leaves of a shrub botanically known as Stevia rebaudiana. Stevia is primarily grown in Brazil and Paraguay but has been widely extended to China, Japan and many countries. The plant can even be purchased at gardens. Stevia has been known to taste about 300 times sweeter than table sugar. Stevia contains zero calories and poses no health challenge when used in moderation. 3) YACON SYRUP Yacon syrup is extracted from the yacón plant botanically known as Smallanthus sonchifolius. It is a native plant in South America. Yacon syrup contains one-third of the calories of table sugar. Yacon syrup is safe to use but taking large amounts of it may lead to excess gas, diarrhea or general digestive discomfort. Also, one cannot cook or bake with bacon syrup but can be used sweeten coffee, tea, oatmeal and even be added it to salad dressings. Yacon syrup can’t be used to cook nor bake because high temperatures break down the structure of the fructooligosaccharides in it. 4) MAPLE SYRUP Maple syrup is a thick, sugary liquid made from cooking the sap of maple trees (Acer saccharum). It contains minerals like calcium, potassium, iron, zinc and manganese and different types of antioxidants. It has a slightly lower glycemic index than table sugar. Maple syrup can be used in baking. Maple syrup is a better option than table sugar but should still be consumed in moderation. 5) DATE PASTE Dates are very loaded with soluble fiber. Date paste is the most perfect sugar substitute and natural sweetener that can be easily made at home. How to prepare date paste: 1) Pit your dates. You can decide to soak in water for a while. 2) Blend in a blender or food processor until smooth! 3) Store the date paste in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks and use it in your favorite healthy recipes.

Have you ever heard that the ability of someone’s system to resist disease or get healed faster is dependent on how strong such a one’s immunity is? Currently at the moment, the world at large is experiencing this pandemic called Covid’19 which first broke out in a place called Wuhan in China. Now, you must have also heard that those with weak immune system, existing health challenges and old people are most likely at the risk of contacting this virus. I’m not here to talk about Covid’19 itself as a lot of articles have talked so much about it while there will still be lots more. It’s my sincere prayer to God that the whole pandemic come to an end in Jesus name. Okay! What I want to talk about centres on the immunity aspect. Immunity is the process by which the action of specific antibodies or sensitized white blood cells in the body help in the resistance of a particular infection or toxin. These antibodies and white blood cells are biological defenses that will fight infection, disease from invading the body or suppressing the action of infection The truth is that immunity differs from one person to another. This depends on what we do to strengthen or weaken the immune system. Some have strong immune systems while some have weak immune systems. Naturally, there are a lot of vitamins that help boost immune system and the good news about it is that most of these vitamins are present in abundance in the foods we eat. And out of all the vitamins, vitamin C is the best that helps a lot in building and boosting immunity. There are various types of foods that contain vitamin C but I’ll love to intimate you with 7 major foods that are highly rich with this vitamin. 1) Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits are highly rich in Vitamins (especially vitamin C) and plant Compounds. They are good sources of Fiber. They aid digestion and ease bowel congestion. Why do you think people those having constipation to take lots of oranges?Common citrus fruits include the following: oranges grapefruits tangerines lemons limes Yes, you must have read some articles that said people should put lemon in warm water and drink 😊. The logic behind it is just for it to boost the immune system. 2) Garlic: Garlic are also known to boost the immunity. They are rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6 and manganese However, overtaking of garlic can cause bloating, bad breath and body odor. 3) Ginger/Tumeric: Ginger is a flowering plant that originated from China. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, and is closely related to turmeric. Ginger has a very long history of use in alternative medicine. It is been used to help digestion, reduce nausea and help fight the flu and common cold, decrease inflammation, reduce sore throat and other inflammatory illnesses. I love to take ginger tea a lot. I peel the back, boil in water for a while and drink. Tumeric belongs to the same family as ginger and also help to boost the immune system. 5) Spinach: Spinach is an example of common vegetables in Nigeria. There are different types of spinach but the commonest is known as Efo tete among the Yoruba. This vegetable is highly rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, iron, and calcium. 6) Brocolli: Brocolli is another good source of vitamin C. Broccoli contains sulfur compounds that research suggests boost production of glutathione, an antioxidant compound which helps free radicals to minimize their potential damage. Unfortunately, broccoli are rarely found in Nigeria. They are only readily accessible  some big supermarkets. Carrots: Carrots are highly rich in vitamin C which helps in boosting the immune system. Carrots also contain antioxidants which help the body fight free radicals, cell damage, and inflammation. 7) Bell Pepper: Bell pepper are highly rich in vitamin C and some other vitamins such as vitamin A, E and K1. Endeavour to include all these foods in your diet and boost your immunity/immune system. NOTE: Too much of sugar weaken the immune system. Reduce the intake of sugar especially carbonated drinks and totally avoid taking alcohol. Click here to read about the effects of sugar in the body. Lastly, as much as we feed on physical foods boost the immune system, we shouldn’t forget to feed on the Word of God. It the best food that never fails in boosting immunity.