Health & Wellness - THE BOTAPRENEUR NATURALES

My Fitness Journey Part 1

Leave a Comment / Fitness, Health & Wellness / Botapreneur

People that have known me from 2015 to 2018 know me as a skinny girl 😂. Actually, I was also tiny when my mum gave birth to me. Along the line, I became fat and I reduced again after I fell sick. I could remember my mum would tell me that I have the tendency to be fat and I should not be taking sugar 🤷‍♀️. Then, in my house, we rarely take sugar. As for soft drinks, it used to be on special occasions that we get to take soft drinks or when we are sick 😂. You know when you are sick and you are unable to eat. I could remember on one occasion that I went home from school and my mum said I should take soft drink as per she was doing “welcome back home something.” My brother (Toyin) had to ask her if I was sick 🤣. Because the boy knew there was no special occasion, then that means I must have been sick for taking soft drinks 😄. However, things changed for me in my 400 level. Well, I had some people that influenced me 😅 and I started taking soft drinks like water. But you see, that’s not not even the issue. All along then, I was really suffering. I was seriously going thorough so many things that I could not open up to anyone, not even my parents. It started affecting me. People kept seeing a smiling girl but trust me, I was dying inside. I was emotionally stressed and disturbed. I would cry like there was no tomorrow 😁. I remembered on one of the strike we had, I was at home when I started crying. I cried to the point that my dad was so confused and worried. He asked me what happened and I kept saying NOTHING. Eventually, I resorted to what is called EMOTIONAL EATING. People who emotionally eat reach for food several times to to stifle anger, depression or negative feelings. Read more about emotional eating here. So, whenever I was angry, sad, or depressed, I would just eat 🤧. Well, there is no better way to explain it than that. I would take soft drinks because I felt I needed sugar to calm down. I really don’t eat many foods as such but the little I know how to eat (rice and bread especially), I abused them. So, I started getting fat little by little 🌚. The very first person that noticed was a friend from and that was shortly after my final year defence, I guess. He jokingly said it was a good thing to finish school. It was in my 400level I noticed I have started having big tummy 😂. That was how I made one concortion that I started drinking. At a point, I started drinking coconut oil too. That same year, I went for NYSC (National Youth Service Corps) and that was the height of it all. Click here to download my book titled MY NYSC JOURNAL. I got fatter during my NYSC days and I came back. At that time, I was already conscious of my weight even without anybody telling me. That was how I registered for one fit fam class like that. I paid for it but men and brethren, I could not cope 😥. In that program, we were meant to first take detox water and some specific fruits for the first 4 days. It was like torture 🤣. I couldn’t last for 48 hours sha. Also, we were given a food time tabe. Oats was part of the food in the timetable of which I don’t like too. Then, we were to be doing 100 skips per day. Unfortunately, I didn’t have money to buy skipping ropes. Neither do I have money to buy fruits and other foods needed. That’s how I gave up and I kept eating normal food again. Eventually, I came back home from NYSC and that was the beginning of body shaming for me. People said all sorts of things. Let me tell you some 😂 📍Whenever an issue of food comes up, some people will jokingly said that I do not need to eat again because I was already fat. 📍Some people said very soon, entrance of the door won’t contain me again. 📍Someone said I have bloated up. 📍Someone saw my before picture one day and I used to fast during those when I was skinny l and that I had fire. Meaning that I no longer fast that’s why I was fat. You get? 😂. Funny something. When in reality, reverse was the case. 📍Someone was told me that see how fat I was and I had not even given birth. That person met someone married around that time and said, “Awwww, I like her stature despite being married”. Invariably, trying to spite me that isn’t married but fat 🤣. 📍The worst part was when my friends started seeing me and they would laugh. 📍Then, people on this social media (WhatsApp especially 🌚) would comment on my pictures and be saying things like” Ah, Lizzy, you are now fat ooooh”. Someone that we haven’t chatted in months too would only comment on my fatness 🤷‍♀️. 📍One of the most funny part was when a brother told me that DO I KNOW THAT BROTHERS DON’T LIKE FAT PEOPLE 🤣😂. Wetin concern me with brothers? 🤷‍♀️. I will not marry all the brothers in this world. Abi? 📍One guy also saw me one day and said he is even better than me. Doing fatness comparison. How many do I want to even say. Let me just keep the rest to myself. Eventually, I started having know self esteem in myself 😳. I reduced posting pictures. And I have always been a picture freak. Whenever anyone talks about being fat, my mood will just change. I almost started getting rude to anyone that said. I became so sensitive to words. And

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Foods, Fruits And Drinks That Aid Digestion

Leave a Comment / Health & Wellness, Nutrition / Botapreneur

Digestion is the process by which food is broken down into smaller components that can be absorbed by the body. However, on several occasions, this prove difficult in the body as a result of many things. This is the situation in which we say the body is experiencing indigestion. Indigestion also known as dyspepsia refers to discomfort or pain that occurs in the upper abdomen, often after eating or drinking can happen when the body has difficulty in digesting what has been taken. Indigestion is a common happening to majority. Common causes of indigestion include: 1) Overeating, eating on a rush or late night eating. 2) Eating fatty, greasy or spicy foods. 3) Intake of too much of caffeine, alcohol, chocolate or carbonated beverages. 4) Effects of the usage of some medications. 5) Health conditions 6) Stress 7) Lack of sleep. Symptoms of indigestion include: 1) Stomach pain or bloating 2) Heartburn nausea 3) Vomiting 4) Burning sensation in the stomach or esophagus 5) Excessive gas or belching. 6) Inability to eat. 7) Inability to pass stool. Although indigestion can be cured by embarking on simple lifestyle changes like ensuring portion control of food, sleeping well, avoiding alcohol, not eating late at night, etc but on the other hand, there are some people that will/might still experience indigestion as a result of their slow metabolic rate. On that note, there are foods that actually enhances or aids easy digestion that should be included in our diets on the right proportions. These include: 1) Vegetables: This is my number one go to remedy for easy digestion. Vegetables are good sources of insoluble fiber which helps to quicken the pace of digestion. Vegetables are also good sources of magnesium which help relieve constipation by relaxing the digestive tracts and pull water into the intestines to make faeces softer and easier to poo. They are also rich in nutrients like folate, vitamin C, vitamin K and vitamin A. 2) Whole Grains: Whole grains have been known to enhance digestion to promoting. Grains (also known as cereals) are the edible seeds of some grasses. For a grain to be called whole grain, it must contain 100% of the kernel including the bran, germ and endosperm. Example of whole grain includes oats, quinoa, brown rice, and millet. Whole grains are rich in fiber which aid or improve digestion. 3) Ginger Ginger aids digestion and prevent nausea. Like I said in one of my recent post on Ginger, I mentioned that I love to take it as tea. Click here to read more about ginger and ginger tea. Ginger also reduces the risk of heartburn, nausea and stomach discomfort. 4) Coconuts: Coconuts are also high in fiber which helps bulk up the stool and supports bowel regularity. Recently, I ate coconut and I found myself using the toilet. It was as if the coconuts washed my stomach 😂. 5) Citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit: They contain less fructose making them easier to tolerate and less likely to cause gas. 6) Bananas: Bananas are another low fructose fruit that also contain fiber. They also contain inulin, a substance that enhances the growth of good bacteria in the gut. 7) Apple: Apple contain pectin which increase the bulk of stool and movement through the digestive tract. 8) Lemongrass Tea: Lemongrass tea has been shown to help soothe the stomach and keep digestive functions in check. Lemongrass contains a compound called citral which has anti-inflammatory properties which also makes it effective against bloating invariably aiding digestion. 9) Water: Water is still the number one best drink that aids digestion. Before I will even think of vegetables or any other thing that will enhances digestion, I would have taken enough water to an extent. When you are experiencing indigestion, the very first and most accessible thing to take is water. Some people experience indigestion just because they don’t take enough water. Click here to read more on why water is essential in the body. Drink plenty water in addition to taking high fibre foods. Remember that your high fibre foods are also meant to be taken in moderation and right quantity.

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A Healthy Life – Whats Does It Means To Live A Healthy Life

Leave a Comment / General Health, Health & Wellness / Botapreneur

Generally speaking, it is very easy to say one is healthy when the person is free from sicknesses. Right? However, may I inform or remind you again that being healthy is not just about being physically fine alone. The fact that you see someone free from headache or any disease means the person is free from sicknesses. Being healthy cuts across all areas of life and they are interwoven. Someone that is physically fine and not emotionally stable is not healthy. Someone that is emotionally sound and not spiritually standing is not healthy. In fact, being healthy starts with being healthy in our SOULS. 3 John 2 says 👇 ” Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth” (KJV) Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well (NIV). Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit(NLT). Beloved, I pray that in every way you may succeed and prosper and be in good health [physically], just as [I know] your soul prospers [spiritually] (AMP). This writer said that he wished we are in good health EVEN AS/JUST AS our SOULS (spiritual lives) prosper. THIS SIMPLY MEANS THE DEGREE AT WHICH YOUR SOUL PROSPERS IS HOW HEALTHY YOU WILL BE. Most times, we are so quick to quote this verse without thinking deep about the condition “EVEN AS”. The question we should ask ourselves is ARE OUR SOULS PROSPERING? Are we so confident that we can tell God that we want to be physically healthy at the degree at which our souls are prospering? HOW DO WE ENSURE THAT OUR SOULS PROSPER? 1) BY CONSTANT PRAYING. Praying can never be put asides or overly spoken of. A sustained communication with God deepens our relationship and intimacy with Him. And we all know that prayer is the avenue through which we get to communicate with God. Let me share a personal example here: Some days back, I was really afraid. Some things were making me afraid. The fear was so palpable that I could almost literally feel it with my hands. And it was stylishly affecting my efficiency. It got to a point and I started praying and casting out the spirit of fear. And guess what? It worked. I felt an unusual rest and peace after the prayers. Do you know that if the fear in my heart wasn’t dealt with, it would cause me to be mentally disorganized. Before you know it, one will start running temperature and maybe start developing high blood pressure. But PRAYING about the situation settled it all. So, PRAYING is an essential to ensuring that our soul prospers. 2) STUDYING OF THE SCRIPTURES. This goes hand in hand with praying. None of them can work in isolation. If you are fervent in praying and you are not grounded in the Word of God through studying, then you are not prospering in your soul and vice versa. 3) SING: Singing helps keep the soul in perfect harmony. Sing Psalms. Sing Praises. 4) FELLOWSHIPPING WITH OTHER BELIEVERS: The Bible says NOT FORSAKING THE ASSEMBLY OF BELIEVERS. Being among like minded people helps us grow and stay healthy. Now that we have looked at ways by which our soul prospers so that we can be in good health, let us look at some basic things we need to as well 1) DRINKING ENOUGH WATER: Drinking water can never be over emphasized. Not drinking enough water is a veryyyy bad habit oooo. And truth is that many are caught in this web of not drinking water. There are more to just taking water. Do you know there are some sicknesses that can be prevented/cure just by drinking water? Drinking water will naturally prevent or flush out kidney stones. Kidneys are the body’s filtration system but they require a copious amount of water to do their job properly and flush unwanted toxins out. Without proper hydration, the kidneys become unable to filter the blood properly, and you risk all kinds of hilarious nasties, from kidney stones to disease. Please, don’t always wait till you are thirsty before you drink water. Water your life well everyday 🤗. Read: Health Benefits of Drinking Water 2) SLEEPING WELL: Lack of sleep can be very dangerous. Let us endeavour to always find time to sleep well. We need nothing less than 6 hours sleep daily. Good sleep boosts the immune system, enhances mood and improve concentration. Sleeping well is essentially needed to live healthily. 3) EXERCISE: This is one underrated activity human being engage in 😂. Most times, people that lose weight or those in sports are the ones that tend to exercise more. And this ought not to be so. Do you know that exercising helps relieve stress and depression? Yes, it does. Exercising boosts the immune system and strengthens the bone. Exercising also prevents lots of diseases. Exercising helps to keep fit and remain healthy. And the truth is you don’t even have to go to the gym before you can exercise. There are simple home workouts that you can do. There are lots of apps and even YouTube videos that can serve as guides. Do you know that walking itself is a form of exercise. Instead of taking that #50 taxi, you can decide to trek instead. I recently got across a WALKING AT HOME YouTube channel by Leslie Sansone and it’s been super amazing. Very soon, I will also love to add running to my exercise routine 🤗. Let us make exercising a lifestyle. It might not be easy initially but once you get used to it, it becomes much easier and enjoyable. 4) BALANCED DIET/MINDFUL EATING: Recently, I’ve come to realize that it’s not because God has not blessed us with good health. It’s just

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Benefits of Soursop

1 Comment / Health & Wellness, Plants / Botapreneur

Soursop is also known as graviola, custard apple, guanabana and Brazilian pawpaw. It is the fruit of the plant, Annona muricata. This fruit has strong flavours between strawberries and pineapple. Soursop can be eaten raw. It can also be added to smoothies or made into teas, juices and ice cream. Benefits of soursop (fruits & other parts of the plant ) include the following: √ Soursop is very low in calories. √ It’s used as a sedative. √ Soursop is packed with essential vitamins and nutrients. √ It is also known to have cancer-fighting properties and has an amazing taste. Research shows it inhibits the growth of cancer cells which is essential for good health. √ Soursop help fights inflammation. The bark, leaves and roots of soursop tree are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. √ Soursop acts as an analgesic and provides relief for arthritis. The leaves can be cooked and applied topically on the affected area for effective relief. √ Soursop has antibacterial and antiviral properties and help to fight infections. √ Soursop is rich in dietary fiber which ensures easy digestion of food and supports healthy bowel movements. √ Soursop is rich in antioxidants and Vitamin B complex which protect the skin from free radicals. √ Soursop leaves are rich in compounds that help in treating conditions like asthma. √ Soursop helps in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Note: Seeds of the soursop should be avoided as they contain annonacin, a neurotoxin that may lead to the development of Parkinson’s disease.

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Benefits of Coconut + How To Make Cold Pressed Coconut Oil

Leave a Comment / Health & Wellness, Oils / Botapreneur

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.

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Health Benefits of Black Seeds

Leave a Comment / Health & Wellness / Botapreneur

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.

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Pregnancy Diet: 7 Fruits To Avoid During Pregnancy

3 Comments / Health & Wellness, Nutrition, Women's Health / Botapreneur

It is essential that a pregnant woman feeds on highly nutritious diets in order to keep herself and the growing baby healthy. And one of the major healthy foods to include in a pregnant woman’s diet are fruits. Fruits are nutritious, contain vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidants needed to stay healthy and glow. Fruits also help in fighting against diseases. However, as much as fruits are healthy and essential to take, there are some that a pregnant woman needs to either avoid totally or partially. In this article are listed 7 of those fruits that falls into this category: 1) PINEAPPLE Pineapple is a delicious and nutritious fruit packed with vitamins, minerals and lots of insoluble fiber. However, it is not advisable to be taken by pregnant women. This is because pineapple is acidic and may cause reflux and heartburn for those that have sensitive stomach. Pineapple also contains a compound called bromelain that may soften the cervix to trigger contractions in pregnancy which may cause miscarriage. It is best to avoid consuming too much pineapple juice during the early stages of pregnancy. 2) PAWPAW Studies has shown that pregnant women should avoid eating pawpaw in large quantities during the first trimester especially the unripe variety. Papaya contains an enzyme that activates oxytocin (the hormone responsible for producing milk and uterine contraction), therefore, eating too much of it may induce labour. The type of latex in unripe papaya is also not good for pregnant women. Additionally, green papaya contains prostaglandin plus oxytocin, which can both play a role in inducing labor contractions. 3) LITCHI Litchi, also known as ‘lychee’ or ‘lichee’ with high source of various antioxidants. However, it is not safe for consumption during pregnancy as it can raise blood sugar levels and lead to gestational diabetes. Litchis may also contribute to infections and result in haemorrhage. Hence, litchis should be avoided during pregnancy. Excess consumption of litchi can lead to fetal derangement, bleeding, abdominal pain heartburn, or miscarriage. 4) PEACHES Pregnant women diagnosed with high blood sugar can have peaches, but only in very small quantities because excessive intake can lead to bleeding internally if consumed as it generates more heat. 5) WILD APPLE Wild apples are acidic in nature and they can initiate contraction of the uterus. Their acidic and sour properties may induce the uterus to contract and lead to premature labour or a miscarriage. Pregnant women should avoid having wild apples during pregnancy. Related: Pregnancy Diet: Foods & Drinks To Avoid Pregnancy 6) LONGAN Both longan and litchi belong to the same family. Longan is known fetal derangement, abdominal pain, bleeding and cause harm to the fetus leading to miscarriage. 7) BLACK GRAPES Black grapes have high amounts of resveratrol present in them and this chemical can cause toxicity for the pregnant woman. The digestive system is usually weak during pregnancy and thus the system might have problem in being able to digest the skin of the black grapes. Consuming too much grape juice can also disrupt blood sugar levels.

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Pregnancy Diet: Foods & Drinks To Avoid During Pregnancy

9 Comments / Health & Wellness, Nutrition, Women's Health / Botapreneur

Pregnancy is one of the most special period in a woman’s life and the actions taken by a pregnant woman directly or indirectly have either positive or negative effects on the growing baby. Once a woman gets pregnant, one of the major things she needs to pay serious and important attention to is her diet. This is because whatever she feeds either aids or hamper the growth and development of the baby. That means such woman would have to feed on a well balanced diet in order to provide proper nutrition for her growing baby. Once a woman get pregnant, certain foods would have to be consumed rarely while others would be avoided completely. It might not be easy doing away with some foods especially the ones one is addicted during this period. However, the aim of keeping the baby healthy needs to be considered. In this article are listed foods that needs to be put in check once a woman gets pregnant. 1) RAW/UNDERCOOKED MEATS Eating raw or undercooked meats exposes a pregnant woman to a high risk of getting contaminated with bacteria. These bacteria may threaten the health of the unborn baby. It can lead to stillbirth or severe neurological illnesses or blindness. 2) HIGH MERCURY FISHES High Mercury fishes like king mackerel, marlin, shark, tilefish, swordfish, and tuna should be avoided by pregnant women. Excessive mercury intake can adversely affect the baby’s developing brain and nervous system. 3) ALOE VERA Aloe vera plant contain anthraquinones laxative compounds which can triggers uterine contractions and lead to losing of the pregnancy. The latex in Aloe vera plant is also a powerful laxative and can create an electrolyte imbalance in the intestines. Also, nursing mothers should also be cautious while taking Aloe vera as the compounds in it can be passed through breast milk which may upset the baby’s digestive system. 4) HERBS As much as herbs are good, it is advisable to avoid taking just any herb during pregnancy. If at all a pregnant woman wants to take herb, she should consult her doctor first. This is because herbs containing steroids can affect the baby’s growth during pregnancy when taken in large quantities. For example, Centella can cause harm to the liver, resulting in severe jaundice and damage the baby’s brain. Dong Quai contains some compounds that can initiate a miscarriage or premature delivery. Read Also: 7 Fruits to Avoid During Pregnancy 5) EGGPLANT Eggplant is called the king of vegetables and is also known as brinjal, garden egg or guinea squash, eggplant. Eggplant is very nutritious and it contains fiber, folate, and potassium that is needed for fetal development. Brinjal or eggplant may be eaten during pregnancy but in moderate quantities. This is because Egg plants grow in soil that is rich in toxoplasmosis which can cause premature delivery, miscarriage, stillbirth or damage to the baby’s brain and other organs especially the eyes. 6) UNPASTEURIZED CHEESE, MILK & JUICE Raw milk and unpasteurized cheese & juice do contain harmful bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella, Esherichia coli and Campylobacter that are dangerous both to the mother and baby. 7) SEAFOODS Most seafood like shellfish, oysters, crabs, sashimi, sushi, and prawns may be polluted with listeria that can result in pregnancy problems like preterm labour or miscarriage. It’s advisable to consume only well-cooked seafood. Crabs for instance also contain high mercury which when consumed by pregnant women can affect the foetus brain and nervous system growth. Although, it has been suggested that the mercury in king crabs is much lower than other types of crabs like blue crab, snow crab & Dungeness crab. However, it is advisable to eat king crabs in moderation or avoid it totally during pregnancy. 8) UNWASHED VEGETABLES Vegetables are very nutritious and laden with so many health benefits. However, it is unsafe to eat unwashed or raw vegetables by pregnant women. Raw or unwashed vegetables possess toxoplasma gondii, a common parasite which causes toxoplasmosis. That is why it is good to soak vegetables in clean salt water and wash them thoroughly before cooking mildly. 10) ALCOHOL Asides from being pregnant, alcohol is not even good to be consumed before of its adverse effects on the organs of the body talk less of being taken by a pregnant woman. Alcohol is highly detrimental to health. Alcohol should be totally avoided during pregnancy. Consuming alcohol (even in small quantity) can lead to different types of birth defects and it also increases the chances of miscarriage and stillbirth. 11) RAW EGGS Eggs do contain a bacteria called salmonella. This bacteria may cause intrauterine infections which can be severe and lead to a miscarriage. Pregnant women should avoid taking raw eggs or any food containing raw eggs like eggnog, homemade mayonnaise, smoothies containing raw eggs, etc It is advisable to cook eggs thoroughly before eating. This will help in killing the bacteria. 12) CAFFEINE Study has shown that caffeine is safe when consumed in moderation. However, it is advisable for pregnant women to regulate their level of caffeine intake. Too much of caffeine increase chances of miscarriage and can also result into low birth weight babies. Caffeine is not only present in coffee, it is also present in tea and chocolates. 13) ENERGY, SODA & CARBONATED DRINKS Energy drinks should be avoided by pregnant women because they contain a high amount of caffeine and other ingredients that poses effects on the fetus. Soda and Carbonated drinks have high level of sugar and when sugar is consumed in large amounts, it can drive insulin resistance and is also associated with various serious conditions, including type 2 diabetes and heart diseases. They are also highly filled with fructose and caffeine. Read Also: Foods & Drinks To Avoid After 40 14) RAW SPROUTS Avoid eating raw sprouts like alfalfa, clover, and radish. They are highly prone to listeria, salmonella, and E.coli bacteria. 15) JUNKS & CANNED FOODS Junks are majorly always

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Amazing Health Benefits of Snake Tomatoes

17 Comments / Health & Wellness, Plants / Botapreneur

What comes to your mind when you see the phrase “snake tomatoes?” You might not have heard or learnt much about this particular veggie (Yes, it is a vegetable). I guess you’ll be amazed at its numerous undetectable characteristics and wonderful health benefits. Snake tomato (Trichosathes cucumerina) locally known as “elejo tomato” or “tomati elejo” (for Ibadan folks) is a variety of tomatoes growing mostly wild in southern Nigeria. Trichosanthes cucumerina also known as the snake gourd is also referred to as the snake tomato because the ripe fruit is reddish in colour and tastes like tomatoes. Snake tomato has resemblance with a cucumber. It is super rich in vitamin A and C, essential amino acids, calcium among other nutrients than the most regular tomatoes. Sadly, this long veggie has been left to grow with little attention to it’s benefits. This vegetable was known to be widely grown in the 60s down to the late 90s and was very common in the local markets. In present days, attention has shifted to the pulpy tomato – Lycopersicon esculentum. Shall we briefly talk about the health benefits of Snake Tomatoes? They are numerous but let’s check out 7 out of the abundant benefits. 1) Jaundice The leaves of snake tomato together with coriander seeds decoction are effective managers of jaundice. It can be used based on professional suggestions but based on research opinions, you can ingest 30-60gram doses of the leaves crushed along with coriander seeds three times daily. 2) Diabetes Snake tomato is a low calorie food, and it may be liberally used by Type- II-diabetic patients. 3) Heart Disorders Juice obtained from fresh leaves of snake tomato is of great advantage in managing heart disorders like palpitation as well as pain within the heart on physical exercise. You can be rest assured of the wonder working effect the leaves have on the human body. Read This Also – The Pulpy Fruit : Tomato 4) Alopecia The extract from the leaves is also very effective in the treatment of alopecia (a scalp illness which leads to the partial or even complete hair loss). All you need to do is to constantly apply the extract on the affected area. 5) Purgative The leaves, roots and seeds of snake tomato helps greatly in controlling bowel problems. It helps in getting rid of toxins in the body. It also helps in the digestion of food. The seeds are specifically great as a moistening agent in the treatment of dry constipation. 6) Dandruff This is one of the most interesting uses of snake tomatoes. The juice of the fruit can be used in avoiding and treating severe cases of dandruff. For perfect results, just rub in the juice on your scalp like you’d do for your regular oil conditioner. Snake tomato juice leads to an increase in body fluid production, it serves as a moisturizer from within and also without. This kind gives the best result. 7) Low Calorie Food Snake tomato is a low calorie food. It provides vital nutrients needed for both growth and repair of body tissues without adding fat to the body. If you’re planning on losing weight, you can so trust snake tomatoes as a sure vegetable you should include in your diet. Snake tomato assists in the sustainability of proper body balance. It is extremely fortified with minerals like calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. It is widely available around us and very easy to cultivate. You should include it among the essential veggies in your garden. Snake tomato sauce is delicious and yummy. The pulp surrounding the seeds have a bright red colour together with a sweet flavor. The orange creamy pulp on the skin surface blended together with the pulp is a perfect replacement of the regular tomatoes. Now that you know quite a number of benefits snake tomato has, why not add it up to the varieties of vegetables in your garden.

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Health Benefits of the Miracle Tree (Moringa)

8 Comments / Botanical, Health & Wellness, Plants / Botapreneur

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.

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