Health & Wellness

Foods That Boost The Immune System

2 Comments / Health & Wellness /

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.  

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50 Ways To Stay Healthy

8 Comments / Health & Wellness /

It is one thing to be healthy, it is another thing to stay or remain healthy. I’m pretty sure one of everybody’s life goals is to be healthy and remain healthy for as long as possible. However, the truth is that being healthy doesn’t come without some conditions attached to it. Do you want to be healthy? Do you want to stay healthy? There are things you need to constantly do to achieve that. I have listed out 50 incredible ways by which you can be healthy and remain healthy. 2) Avoid overeating and late night eating. 3) Avoid eating undercooked foods especially meats. 4) Drink plenty water. 5) Take fruits and vegetables regularly. 6) Take supplements. 7) Reduce sugar consumption. 8) Exercise regularly. 9) Get enough sleep and avoid late night sleeping. 10) Brush your teeth daily. 11) Wash your hands regularly. 12) Detoxify and deworm when necessary. 13) Stay away from phone once a while. 14) Smile always. 15) Take breaks. 16) Practice self love affirmation. 17) Listen to soul lifting music. 18) Read positive and inspirational books. 19) Avoid self medication, drug abuse, drug misuse and drug overuse. 20) Pay attention to your moods and feelings 21) Have a regular medical check up. Check your blood pressure, temperature, pulse, etc frequently. 22) Avoid contacts with sick people. 23) Be conscious of the change in your environment. 24) Spend quality time with positive people. 25) Drive safely. 26) Say NO to premarital and extra marital sex. 27) Cut down on processed foods. 28) Avoid trans fat. 29) Learn to say NO. 30) Pay up your debts. 31) Save and invest. 32) Forgive and avoid grudges. 33) Believe in yourself. 34) Travel to places that will develop your mind. 35) Feed your mind with positive things. 36) Let go of the past. 37) Seek for help when necessary. 38) Value yourself. 39) Take care of your hair and body. 40) Maintain personal hygiene. 41) Keep your environment clean. 42) Have accountability partners. 43) Practice meditation. 44) Observe intermittent fasting. 45) Practice silence and solitude. 46) Develop a sense of gratitude. 47) Love yourself deeply. 48) Go on retreats. 49) Study the Bible consistently. 50) Pray without ceasing. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prosperous – 3 John 2

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Meaning, Types, Causes, Prevention and Treatments of Diarrhoea

2 Comments / General Health, Health & Wellness /

Diarrhoea is almost like an everyday problem. Does it have any tragic effect among the population? What can be done about it? There are some basic facts you need to know about Diarrhoea: 1) Diarrhoea is the second leading cause of death in children under five years old. 2) It is both preventable and treatable. 3) Each year diarrhoea kills around 525 000 children under five. 4) Globally, there are nearly 1.7 billion cases of childhood diarrhoeal disease every year. 5) Diarrhoea is a leading cause of malnutrition in children under five years old.                     What is Diarrhoea? Diarrhoea is defined as the passage of three or more loose or liquid stools per day (or more frequent passage than is normal for the individual). Frequent passing of formed stools is not diarrhoea, nor is the passing of loose, “pasty” stools by breastfed babies.                     Types of Diarrhoea There are three clinical types of diarrhoea: 1) Acute watery diarrhoea – lasts several hours or days, and includes cholera 2) Acute bloody diarrhoea – also called dysentery 3) Persistent diarrhoea – lasts 14 days or longer. Note: The difference between Cholera and Dysentery is that diarrhoea is said to be cholera when there is passage of watery stool while it is dysentery when there is mucous stain or blood in the stool.              Causes of Diarrhoea 1) Diarrhoea is a symptom of infections caused by a host of bacterial, viral and parasitic organisms, most of which are spread by faeces-contaminated water. 2) Malnutrition: A malnourished child or adult has low immunity and any opportunistic infection can result to diarrhoea. 3) Chronic infections: A history of travel or antibiotic use can be clues to chronic diarrhea. Various bacteria and parasites can be the cause. 4) Other causes are Endocrine disorders and Malabsorptive disorders. 5) It can be caused from sources like water or animal feaces used as fertilizers from growing vegetables. Common signs and symptoms of diarrhoea are:– Watery stool (3 or more) in a day Stomach pain Abdominal cramps Bloating Thirst Weight loss Fever Blood or pus in the stools Persistent vomiting Dehydration      So How Can One Prevents Diarrhoea? a) Having access to safe drinking water: Do not drink water until you know the source of the water you are drinking and if you are not sure please boil or chlorinate the water before drinking. b) Maintaining a healthy and hygienic environment : Some persons environment is very untidy and have a lot of breeding site for flies please. To prevent diarrhoea, it is advisable to maintain a healthy environment. c) Always practicing washing of hands with soap and water: d) Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life: (For the nursing mothers and would be, this is very essential). e) Having a good personal and food hygiene. f) Properly washing of fruits and vegetables preferably with salt before eating or cooking. g) Avoiding eating of cold food: Some microorganisms breed on cold foods and may come out leading to diarrhoea. h) Properly storing of foods.    How To Treat Someone With Diarrhoea Key measures to treat diarrhoea include the following: 1) Fluids can be replaced by simply drinking more fluids, or they can be received intravenously(in hospital in severe cases.) Children and older people are more vulnerable to dehydration. 2) Oral rehydration solution or salts (ORS) refers to water that contains salt and glucose. It is absorbed by the small intestine to replace the water and electrolytes lost in the stool. 3) Zinc supplements: Zinc supplements reduce the duration of a diarrhoea episode by 25% and are associated with a 30% reduction in stool volume. 4) Antidiarrheal medication such as Loperamide, or Imodium, is an antimotility drug that reduces stool passage. Loperamide, Imodium,& Bismuth subsalicylate, for example, Pepto-Bismol, reduces diarrheal stool output in adults and children. It can also be used to prevent traveler’s diarrhea. 5) Antibiotics: Antibiotics are only used to treat diarrhea caused by a bacterial infection. It is common with almost everyone to quickly take Flagyl when there is diarrhoea. It not supposed to be because not all diarrhoea are caused by bacterial. From studies by Nutritionists from Stanford Health Care on some nutritional tips for diarrhea: 👉🏼Sip on clear, still liquids such as fruit juice without added sugar. 👉🏼After each loose stool, replace lost fluids with at least one cup of liquid. 👉🏼Do most of the drinking between, not during meals. 👉🏼Consume high-potassium foods and liquids, such as diluted fruit juices, potatoes without the skin, and bananas. 👉🏼Consume high-sodium foods and liquids, such as broths, soups, sports drinks, and salted crackers. 👉🏼Eat foods high in soluble fiber, such as banana, oatmeal and rice, as these help thicken the stool. 👉🏼 Limit foods that may make diarrhea worse, such as creamy, fried, and sugary foods. Foods and drinks that might make the diarrhea worse include: a) Gums, mints, sweet cherries, and prunes. b) Caffeinated drinks and medication. c) Fructose in high amounts, from fruit juices, grapes, honey, dates, nuts, figs, soft drinks, and prunes. d) Lactose in dairy products.                      Complications Dehydration is the most severe threat posed by diarrhoea. During a diarrhoeal episode, water and electrolytes (sodium, chloride, potassium and bicarbonate) are lost through liquid stools, vomit, sweat, urine and breathing. Dehydration occurs when these losses are not replaced. The degree of dehydration is rated on a scale of three. Please note these signs, you might help save a generation unknowingly. 1) Severe dehydration has at least two of the following signs: ✅ lethargyl ✅ unconsciousness ✅ sunken eyes ✅ unable to drink or drink poorly ✅ skin pinch goes back very slowly ( ≥2 seconds ) 2) Some dehydration include two or more of the following signs): ✅ restlessness, ✅ irritability ✅ sunken eyes ✅ drinks eagerly, thirsty 3) No

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Health Benefits of Folic Acid

1 Comment / General Health, Health & Wellness /

Let’s talk about acid. Not the regular chemical acid you know. This particular acid is a beneficial one. It is called FOLIC ACID. Folic acid is a form of folate( man-made form) a derivative of vitamin B that is found in fruits , vegetables and nuts and helps protect against some serious birth defects. Do you know that Folic acid is very essential for women the more? Yes, it is. Let me take you through some benefits of folic acid. 1. Folic acid helps in the prevention of birth defects (such as spina bifida and anencephaly). This is key because it is an important ingredient that forms the genetic material. This is why women of childbearing age and those who desire to be pregnant and/or are pregnant are encouraged to take this. Other research links adequate consumption of folic acid to the prevention of autism, cleft lip and palate and rheumatoid arthritis. 2. It helps in the prevention of a form of anemia known as folate-deficiency anemia. 3. Essential in the formation of red blood cells. 4. Recently some studies added that it helps decrease age-related hearing loss. As a B-vitamin, this acid is water soluble and can be found in some foods naturally. Natural foods that contain folic acid are: –          Cabbage –          Egg yolk –          Kidney –          Lettuce –          Papaya –          Kiwi –          Oranges –          Milk –          Spinach –          Sunflower seeds –          Peas –          Lentils –          Jacket potato –          Cauliflower –          Brussels sprouts –          Broccoli It can also be found in fortified cereals, bread, pastas etc When not taken adequately, it can be prescribed or added in some fortified foods. In fact, it is known that a healthy diet does not even have enough folic acid so taking the folic acid pills is also required especially for those trying to conceive or are pregnant. However, only take folic acid pills as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. It is also essential to take folic acid with enough water. Every woman over age 14 are expected to consume about 400mcg a day and this increases during pregnancy. The easiest way to this is by eating more of leafy vegetables and fruits. When buying canned foods/cereals/ milk, look at the nutrition content as well. (This will help you not only get foods that contain folic acids but also foods that are low in saturated fat and sugar).    

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Causes, Symptoms and Treatments of Allergies

Leave a Comment / General Health, Health & Wellness /

There are 100 million allergy-related Google searches a year and hundreds of Facebook pages dedicated to the subject. Allergies are frustrating, restrictive and sometimes frightening conditions and they seem to be rising at an astonishing rate even in developed countries. Allergies are overreactions of the immune system in response to something that is normally harmless. Different allergies are distinct conditions, which have different triggers, symptoms – from mild to life-threatening – and treatments, and occur at different rates in the population. Some allergies have similar symptoms to other conditions. Food intolerances, which can be unpleasant but don’t pose the same threats, are often confused with food allergies, which are less common and potentially dangerous. Some people with asthma, eczema and rhinitis are allergic, while others are not. Allergies can be seen in almost every organ, most commonly in the skin and the mucous membranes. Allergology is the science regarding allergic diseases and their differential diagnoses and mechanisms. The term “Allergy” was first coined on July 24, 1906 as “specifically altered reactivity of the organism. Allergy is not a disease itself, but a mechanism leading to disease. In clinical practice, allergy manifests in form of various different conditions such as anaphylaxis, urticaria, angioedema, allergic rhino-conjunctivitis, allergic asthma, serum sickness, allergic vasculitis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis and granulomatous reactions, as well as the colourful spectrum of food- or drug – induced hypersensitivity reactions. For most people with allergies, the first exposure to an allergen prompts their immune system to produce an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). With each subsequent exposure, their body produces more IgE, which attaches itself to two types of cells in the body – mast cells and basophils. When the allergen attaches to the IgE, the mast cells and basophils are activated to release histamine and other chemicals to defend against the allergen “invader.” The release of these chemicals causes allergic reactions, as the person’s body attempts to rid itself of the allergen “invader.” Common allergies include those to food and airborne allergens such as pollen, mold, dust mites and animal dander, urine and saliva. Allergies can be seasonal, like pollen or certain molds, or year-round, like dust mites. Different types of allergens are more prevalent in different parts of the country or the world.            CAUSES OF ALLERGIES 1) Genetic Disposition: Some people have a genetic tendency towards developing allergies. This is called atopy and is why being allergic can run in families. However, being atopic does not guarantee an allergy will develop, it just means it is more likely. Atopic family members frequently have different kinds of allergies to each other. Identical twins are more likely to have the same allergies. Genetic factors have a role but can’t help us predict exactly who will develop an allergy. 2) Exposure To Allergens: The case of exposure to allergens as a cause of allergy is even more complex. Sometimes exposure to an allergen helps reduce the risk of developing an allergy to it but sometimes exposure to an allergen brings on an allergy. Prolonged exposure to workplace materials such as flour, tobacco dust or the dander of animals can lead to the development of allergic conditions including occupational asthma. Occupational exposure can also give rise to contact allergies to substances such as latex in rubber gloves.                       DIAGNOSIS There is no one allergy test that can alone diagnose an allergy. Each of the diagnostic stages above need to be carried out under the care of a medical professional in conjunction with a face-to-face consultation because results from the tests must be considered in the context of the patient’s medical history. Applied kinesiology looks for muscle weakness after test substances are placed in the patient’s mouth or hands. Muscle weakness has no relationship to whether the patient is allergic to the substance. In fact, results of kinesiology tests are heavily influenced by the tester. Cytotoxic tests (ALCAT, FACT, Bryan’s test) expose a person’s blood sample to test substances. The reaction of the white blood cells is observed. But the reaction of blood cells is the same in people with and without allergies. Food-specific IgG testing (food intolerance test, YorkTest, Hemocode) looks for specific IgG antibodies against food stuffs in the blood. IgG antibodies are part of the immune system with a key role in fighting infections but the best medical evidence has shown elevated IgG levels do not suggest an allergy. Results are frequently positive in individuals who do not have an allergy or a food intolerance. Hair testing in most cases uses electro-acupuncture to look at the electromagnetic resonance of a lock of hair. Hair is not involved in allergic reactions so testing hair samples cannot provide any useful information on allergic status. Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Techniques (NAET) is based on the idea that allergies are cause by ‘energy blockage’ and can be diagnosed by muscle testing and cured by acupuncture. There is no credible evidence that this technique can diagnose or treat allergy. Vega test combines acupuncture and homeopathy theory and measures electronic resistance across the skin at various points. The measurements have no relation to allergic status and the test cannot distinguish between people who have an allergy and those who don’t.     TYPES AND SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGY a) Airborne Allergies Airborne allergies can range from seasonal annoyances to year-round problems in the form of allergic rhinitis (symptoms of the nose and throat) and/or allergic conjunctivitis (symptoms of the eyes). Airborne allergy symptoms include: Sneezing Itchy nose/throat Nasal congestion Coughing Itchy, watery and/or red eyes Dark circles around eyes Common airborne allergies include; Dust, Pollen, Mold, Pet dander, saliva and urine b) Food Allergies Severity and development of food allergies depend on the quantity of the food eaten, the amount of exposure an individual has had, and the child’s sensitivity to the food. Food allergies are usually not lifelong, with the exception of certain peanut, tree nut and

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Mouth Odour: Causes, Prevention and Treatments

7 Comments / General Health, Health & Wellness, Healthy Lifestyles /

Mouth Odour or bad breath medically known as Halitosis is a common problem and is usually simple and preventable. WHAT IS HALITOSIS? Halitosis is an unpleasant smell coming from the mouth. It can occur on occasion or it can be a chronic condition. Halitosis is an embarrassing condition caused by a group of anaerobic, sulfur producing bacteria that breeds beneath the surface of the tongue and often in the throat and tonsil area. These anaerobic bacteria assist in digestion by breaking down of protein into Amino acids and in the process they excrete waste as odorous and bad tasting compound that cause bad breath. CAUSES OF HALITOSIS There are many risk factors and causes for Halitosis and even healthy people have bad breath on occasion. 1) Food: is a primary source of bad odor that come from the mouth, some foods such as garlic, onions, spicy foods, exotic spice (such as curry), cheeses, fish and acidic beverages such as coffee can leave a lingering smell. Most of the time, the odor is short lived. Other foods may get stuck in the teeth promoting the growth of bacteria and dental plaques which causes bad odor. Low carbohydrate diets may also cause the body to burn fat as it’s energy source. The end- product of making this energy is ketones, which cause a fruity acetone- like odor on the breath when exhaled. This fruity odor in a diabetic might indicate uncontrolled blood sugars. 2) Tobacco products: Smoking and chewing tobacco can leave chemicals that remain in the mouth. Smoking can also precipitate other bad breath causes such as gum disease or oral cancers. 3) Poor oral health: When a person does not brush or floss her teeth regularly, food particles remaining in the mouth can rot and cause bad odors. Poor dental care can lead to a build up on the teeth can also lead to an unhealthy condition called periodontal (gum) disease. When plaque hardens,it is referred to as *Tartar*(calculus). Tartar holds bacteria that can irritate the gum and lead to gum disease. The mild form of gum disease is called gingivitis;if gingivitis is not treated,it can advance to periodontist. 4) Health problems: Sinus infection,pnueumonia, sore throat (pharyngitis) and other throat infections,the common cold influenza(flu), tonsil stone(tonsillitis),thrush, bronchitis, postnasa drip, diabetes, acid reflux,(gastroesphageal reflux disease), lactose intolerance, other stomach or digestion problems and some liver diseases or kidney diseases may be associated with bad breath.   5) Dry Mouth: also called xerostomia. Dry mouth can also cause bad breath. Saliva helps moisten and cleanse the mouth and when the body does not produce enough saliva,bad breath may result. Dry mouth may be caused by salivary gland problems, connective tissue disorder medications or breathing through the mouth. 6) Allergies: Many medications used to treat allergies can cause dry mouth, another cause of .In addition,post nasal drip is a common allergy symptom that can result in bad breath. Sinus congestion due to allergies can also cause people to breathe from their mouths causing dry mouth. 7) Mouth infections: Cavities, gum disease or impacted teeth may cause bad breath. 8) Dentures or braces: Food particles not properly cleaned from appliances such as braces can rot or cause bacteria and odor. Some people wear brace to correct their teeth but don’t manage it well. Loosing fitting dentures may cause sores or infections in the mouth, which can cause bad breath. For people that are using denture As a young lady or woman,is not advisable to be using denture because of its effect on the gum. So is better you go for either bridge or implant,though is more expensive but better and safer. 9) Medications: Many medications including antihistamine to treat allergies and diuretics can cause dry mouth which can cause bad breath. Other medications that may lead to bad breath may include triamterene and paraldehyde. 10) Morning breath: Bad breath in the morning is very common. Saliva production nearly stop during sleep, allowing odor causing bacteria to grow causing bad breath. A times when you wake up in the morning,you this discover that your mouth smell. 11) Pregnancy: Being pregnant in itself does not cause bad breath, but the nausea and morning sickness common during pregnancy may cause bad breath. In addition, hormonal changes, dehydration and eating different foods due to cravings may also contribute to bad breath during pregnancy. Other causes of bad breath: objects stuck in the 👃 nose (usually in children),so as mothers or intending mothers, you have to check your children nose when you discover bad breath from them. Alcoholism, and large doses of vitamin supplements may also cause bad breath. Not every supplements you will take, some sisters doesn’t have problem they just want to take the supplements as if is food ehn🤷🏻‍♀🤷🏻‍♀ PREVENTION AND TREATMENTS OF HALITOSIS 1. Stimulate your salivary flow : As have said before, a dry mouth gives the perfect environment for the group of anaerobic bacteria that causes mouth odor. So avoid a dry mouth by stimulating the flow of saliva in your mouth will help us to get rid of mouth odor. This can be done by chewing gum, lozenges or mints that are sugar free. The one that contain xylitol,a non-sucrose sweeter are best because they help you avoid cavities. You can also have a bottle of water handy to drink from time to time throughout the day to keep your mouth from getting dry. 2. Good dental hygiene How many time are we supposed to brush a day? Brush your teeth twice a day (in the morning when you wake up and at night before you sleep but not immediately after dinner, you have to wait for about 30mins to an hour before brushing) It is very important you don’t neglect to brush your teeth at night because while you sleep little or no Silva is being produced, so anaerobic bacteria have the perfect environment to thrive throughout your eight hours of sleep. Brushing your mouth before you sleep will help

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Health Benefits of Tiger Nuts Drink

9 Comments / Health & Wellness, Nutrition /

As a Corps Member, there is this joy that stem up from within me anytime I’m going for Community Development Service (CDS). One of the reasons is because I’ll get to purchase this healthy drink called Tiger nuts drink which I’ve got to love so much. I have always known that Tiger nuts are very nutritious but haven’t tasted the drink for once. Luckily for me, I’ve been taking the drink now. I do enjoy this drink so much and I’d love to let you know some of the health benefits of the nuts and how to produce the drink. Tiger nuts, botanically known as Cyperus esculentus, has several other names such as Rush nut, Yellow Nutsedge, Tiger Nut, Chufa, Nut grass, Tiger nut sedge, Earth almond, etc 1) Tiger nuts are very high in fibre which in turn help prevent indigestion and constipation. Fibre in tiger nuts has also been known to be effective in weight loss. 2) Tiger nuts also have high contents of arginine, an amino acid that is beneficial for those suffering from high blood pressure. 3) Tiger nuts are also very rich in magnesium, potassium, Vitamin C and E which helps the body fight against various diseases. Do you know that vitamin E makes the skin glow? And Tiger nuts have it in abundance. 4) Tiger nuts has been used as aphrodisiac in many African countries improve their sperm count and treat erectile dysfunction. The good news is that this healthy drink is easy to prepare. Let’s quickly look at how we can prepare Tiger Nuts drink. INGREDIENTS Tiger Nuts Dates Coconuts Water Spices like ginger or cinnamon Honey The coconut is to increase the creaminess of your drink while date is to sweeten it. PROCEDURES 1) Wash the tiger nuts and dates and soak in a considerable amount of water for about 24 hours. 2) Wash and slice your coconut into smaller pieces and remove the seeds of the dates. 3) Put everything in a blender, add little amount of water and blend. Blend very well until the mixture becomes thick and smooth. However, it’s advisable to use grinding machine if you want to produce much so as not to spoil the blender. You can add spices or sweetener of your choice like honey, cinnamon, etc 4) Sieve your drinks, pour in a jar and place inside the refrigerator. It’s best when served chill. Note: Apart from using Tiger nuts to prepare drink; 1) You can eat the nuts raw. 2) You can use tiger nuts to make burgers just like peanuts. 3) You can dry and powder the nuts into flour that can be used for cooking and baking. A very simple step, right? I’ll be looking forward to seeing you preparing Tiger nuts drink, a perfect substitute for carbonated . Click here to read about the health benefits of Zobo drink 

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Health Benefits of Walnut

1 Comment / Health & Wellness /

Awusa as fondly and popularly called is one of those nuts I love so much when I was small. One of the reasons I love Awusa is the bitter taste it gives when you drink water after eating. The fruit itself is not bitter. In fact, you’ll enjoy eating it. But, if you drink water immediately after eating it, your tongue, taste buds, throat and the entire mouth becomes bitter. It seems like walnut is going into extinction now because I barely could see them aeounfy again. Walnut is called Asala or Awusa in Yoruba; Ukpa in Ibo; and Okhue or Okwe in Edo. It is botanically called Tetracarpidium conophorum or Plukenetia conophora, African walnut belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. Walnut(Awusa) has been scientifically proven to contain some minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients needed for the healthy functioning of the human’s body which include; thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid, cyanocobalamin (vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, C and E), niacin, manganese, l-arginine, pyridoxine, selenium, melatonin, ascorbic acid, pantothenic acid, tocopherol, ellagic acid, polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids and oleic acid. In folk medicines, the leaves extracts are usually taken by pregnant women to prevent the risk of miscarriages. The leaf extracts of the African walnut (ukpa) can be used for regulating menstrual flow in women suffering from irregular menstruation. The leaves extracts of the African walnut are taken to stop and relief constant and prolonged hiccups. Also, the oil from the nut is used in the formulation of wood varnish, vulcanised oil for rubber and leather substitute. That being said, let’s focus on the health benefits of the seed/fruit: Walnut seeds have been reported effective for tackling male infertility issues by boosting sperm productions in the testicles. Walnut is an excellent source of healthy polyunsaturated fat and omega-3 fatty acids. This has made it effective for reducing the body’s cholesterol level. Walnuts contain antioxidants that are so powerful at free radical scavenging like polyphenols. Research has shown that walnut polyphenols may help prevent chemically-induced liver damage. Walnut polyphenols had the best efficacy among the nuts tested and also the highest lipoprotein-bound antioxidant activity. These antioxidants can decrease the enhanced vulnerability to oxidative stress that occurs in aging and also increase health span. Walnut also contain antioxidants called alpha linolenic acid, and omega-3 fatty acid that serve as stress relieving agents. Walnuts also contain melatonin, a hormone that induces and regulates sleep. Walnuts also contain many plant chemicals, including tannin which helps to fight inflammation. Researchers have suggested that these chemicals may put the nut in position to help combat asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.

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Sugar or Honey?

2 Comments / Health & Wellness /

Both sugar and honey add sweetness to foods and food products but they differ in tastes and nutritional values. Honey is produced mainly from bees and other related insects like aphids through extraction, settling or straining without any form of heating. The honeybee (Apis mellifera) collects nectars from flowers and converts it into honey through some enzymatic reactions. Honey produced is then stored in wax structures called honeycomb. On the other hand, sugar is extracted from of the stalks of sugarcane (Saccharum offinarum) or roots of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) through boiling. The juice gotten then undergoes some processes like filtration, purification, crystallization, centrifuging, drying and packaging. COMPOSITION OF HONEY AND SUGAR. It may interest you that both honey and sugar are carbohydrates which contains both fructose and glucose. However, sugar is 100% carbohydrates from sucrose (50% fructose and 50% glucose) while Honey, on the other hand, is made up of approximately 40% fructose and 30% glucose, with the remainder being made up from water, pollen, and other nutrients and vitamins that refined sugar lacks. Also, studies have shown that both honey and sugar are relatively high in calories and carbs. In fact, honey has more calories per gram. However, since honey is sweeter than sugar, one only needs to add less quantity to get a sweet taste. Also, unlike refined sugar, honey contains beneficial vitamins and minerals as well. And to digest sugar, fat and cholesterol, vitamins and minerals are needed. The vitamins and minerals help break down the calories in honey faster, therefore, making honey not a source of weight gain. Honey also contains small amounts of plant acids, waxes, gums, pigments and volatile oils which have antioxidant and antibacterial properties. WHAT EXACTLY MAKES HONEY OF MORE BENEFITS TO HEALTH? Below are  some of the benefits of honey: 1) Lower Glycemic Index: Honey is absorbed more slowly by the body than refined sugar because it is lower in fructose and contains other trace minerals. On the other hand, sugar has higher fructose content which makes it have high glycemic index. Having high glycemic index means it raise blood sugar level. 2) Honey For Wound Treatment: Studies have shown that honey can fight a number of strains of bacteria. Also, bees secretes an enzyme called glucose oxidase into the nectar. Honey gotten from such nectar releases low level of hydrogen peroxide when the honey makes contact with wound. 3) Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics: Honey contains a lot of probiotic bacteria which works with the lactic acid bacteria and other bacteria found in human gut to aid digestions. The probiotic bacteria found in honey are as a result of the bacteria within the guts of the bees. Nutrients: Honey also contains some phytochemicals like flavonoids and nutrients like riboflavin, niacin and thiamine which are essential nutrients needed in the body. 4) Honey For Hair: Honey is a great humectant which means it absorbs moisture. This, therefore, makes it a good ingredient in moisturizers, shampoos and conditioners. 4) Honey for Weight Loss: You can either use honey with cinnamon, lime or lukewarm as a therapy for weight loss. Also, consuming a spoonful of honey before going to bed will continue to stimulate the liver function and ease a number of stress hormones which are in the system. 5) Antimicrobial property: This antimicrobial property of honey makes it effective in reducing discomfort and swelling when one has a sore throat while sugar has been known to cause swelling inflammation. This is one of the reasons why too much consumption of carbonated drinks causes having belly fat and weight gain. Honey is also effective in soothing cough. 6) Honey For Skin: Regular application of raw honey on the face can treat various skin problems including acne, eczema, spots, etc as a result of its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. 7) Honey is very high in a chemical called methylglyoxal, which is the source of honey’s antibacterial properties which helps fight germs and bad bacteria in the digestive tract. In short, honey has a lot of health benefits. It is widely used as ingredients in making cosmetic products. It is also used very well in adding flavour to foods, drinks, bakes, etc ADULTERATION OF HONEY. It may interest you that honey can be adulterated. Adulteration is the addition of any other form of sugar, syrups, or even sorghum into honey to change its flavor or viscosity. Some even heat brown sugar for a very long time and turn it into honey. So, one has to be careful in buying the original honey. It is widely believed that pure honey does not dissolve immediately in water while adulterated honey dissolves immediately. It will take a bit of stirring of pure honey in water to dissolve the lumpy bits. However, the best way of identifying pure honey is by taste. Let’s briefly look at some side effects of consuming too much sugar: 1) Sugar increases the risk of obesity and diabetes. 2) Sugar causes cardiovascular diseases . 3) It causes tooth decay. 4) Too much of sugar causes high blood pressure. 5) It increases aging. Someone might think that brown sugar is better than white sugar. Well, I’ll tell you there’s no much difference between the two. The main difference between raw (brown) sugar and white sugar is that brown sugar hasn’t been refined completely. Raw sugar is 96% pure, the rest is molasses (still containing about 4% minerals while white sugar is 100%. In addition, remember that sugar is refined while honey is not. Sugar passes through heat while honey doesn’t. Honey is not heated or pasteurised in any way. Stop the intake of too much of sugar today and rather go for honey in a little quantity. Please Note: Do not give honey to infants. Honey can sometimes contain inactive spores of Clostridium botulinum , the tiny bacterium responsible for botulism food poisoning. Healthy adults don’t get sick from them because they’ve built defenses in their intestines to keep the spores from taking root

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