Mind You, Consuming Protein and Carbohydrates together May Interfere With Your Digestion

Truly, the more you live, the more you learn.  Did you know that Protein and Carbohydrates may not be as stomach friendly as we were told especially starchy and root vegetables.  If you do have digestive issues or desire to avoid constipation and other gut problems, then you must try finding this out yourself just as I did.  May of us like beans and yam or beans and plantain  whether roasted or fried.  Others prefer beans and rice or beans and corn.  Yes beans and other legumes tend to go well with grains like rice.  Yet as you age and start getting more sensitive about what you consume you will agree that beans and plantain or beans and yam or beans and potatoe as some would recommend are not the best combination.

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Are You Still Afraid of Coconut Oil?

Its surprising that despite numerous research and findings on coconut and its health benefits, many are still afraid to use it due to its saturated fat content. More research are confirming that the fat in coconut oil is not bad but healthy, we now know that the absence of these good fats contributes greatly to many things we call disease today, without these fats your cells are unprotected especially from free radical activity. Without these fats you cannot be free from intestinal parasites, bowel diseases like stomach ulcer may not depart from you, without these fats your blood sugar cannot be stable, without these fats some nutrients you take in cannot be utilized, without these nutrients in coconut oil, you metabolism and thyroid will not be at their best, Why not have a rethink and make conscious effort to incorporate it gradually into your diet and that of your family. You will definitely pay less visits to the hospital. Follow the link below to see more reasons why you should bring this oil into your home.
http://positivemed.com/2014/03/22/coconut-oil-uses/

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Metabolism Boosting Foods

As you age, so do your metabolism. It is therefore necessary to include foods that will help boost your metabolism, such as apple, green, follow the link below for a full list of foods to help boost your metabolism.
http://lifelivity.com/6-foods-boost-metabolism/

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Beat Water Retention through Natural Foods

Water retention is usually associated with pregnancy, however, water retention can affect the best of us, and can sometimes sabotage weight loss plans. If you’re feeling puffed and bloated, and don’t seem to get anywhere no matter how many crunches you do, you may be suffering from water retention.

What is Water Retention?

Edema, also known as fluid or water retention, and is caused by the accumulation of excess fluids in the circulatory system and areas between the body’s cells. It can cause different body parts to swell, with the face, hands, feet, ankles and legs being most common. Edema often affects pregnant women, but anyone can develop the condition. Certain diuretic and potassium-rich foods can help combat edema.
 
Causes of Water Retention
According to University of Maryland Medical Center, there are many potential causes of water retention, such as the body’s reaction to humid weather, hormonal changes during menstration, pregnancy, menopause and side effects of oral contraceptive pills among women. Nutritional deficiencies, hypothyroidism, heart or liver disorders could be the reasons behind water retention for both, men and women. Further, a lack of protein, poor kidney function, prescribed medications and inadequate intakes of certain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are all thought to be potential causes. Even the presence of toxins in the body caused by everything from pollution and smoking to dust and processed foods, are also believed to be possible contributors. But top of the hit list are food allergies.

Food Allergies
As we get older our stomachs become less efficient at producing acid and our food doesn’t digest properly. The partially undigested food then passes into the intestine where it can cause irritation and inflammation. This also damages the intestinal wall, causing it to become ‘leaky’, allowing undigested food particles and other potentially harmful substances to enter the blood.
Because these particles should not be in the blood, the immune system springs into action and releases antibodies to deal with them, this is what causes allergy symptoms, including fluid retention. It is thought we are more likely to become allergic to the foods we eat most often such as wheat, dairy and eggs, so these are the main foods that are most likely to be responsible for causing fluid retention.
Eliminating the foods causing problems will cause the fluid retention to disappear and you’ll lose weight quickly. If, however, fluid retention is caused by another problem, weight loss may be much slower.


How To Beat The Bloat

Lay Off The Salt
Eating foods such as french fries, potato chips, and various other foods loaded with unnecessary amounts of sodium, will cause you to retain water. The body only needs between 2000-2500mg of sodium a day to complete its metabolic functions, so if you go way over that, you are overindulging, which can create many health problems and concerns. Keep your sodium moderate, and replace excess salt with spices such as garlic, ginger, fresh vegetables, black pepper, chives, cilantro, or hot sauce.

Eat More Fiber
Most Americans, and even more surprisingly, most “bodybuilders”, do not consume adequate amounts of fiber. Similar to water, which cleanses the urinary tract and kidneys, fiber cleanses the colon & intestinal tract, keeping things moving smoothly, and mores, aiding in the removal of excess fluid.
During meals, I include fresh vegetables, and eat them raw or steamed with Balsamic Vinegar and/or garlic for plenty of nutrients. I also include fresh fruits such as blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries, all of which have plenty of fiber and many antioxidants that help prevent cancer and other ailments.

Get Sweaty
Water retention is not simply “water”, but sodium ions trapped underneath the skin, and is why your sweat tastes salty. Sweating is a way the body regulates its temperature, and if you are sweating, it means your metabolism is in high gear. A higher metabolism equals a higher resting body temperature, so a trick you can use is to sit in a sauna, and keep drinking water or coconut water. In the beginning, your sweat will taste salty, telling you that you are retaining sodium, but after a while, your sweat will begin to taste like water. This tells you that you have sweat most of the sodium out that was being retained underneath your skin, and have lost a good portion of that muscle-masking fluid.

Natural Diuretics
Diuretics can be natural or synthetic, and they increase the amount of urine excreted from the body. The kidneys make urine by filtering out water, sodium and potassium from the blood, then the kidneys return an exact amount of sodium and potassium ions and some water to the blood stream so these levels will remain constant. The rest of the water goes into the bladder as urine.
When blood flow to the kidneys declines due to illness, they respond by retaining water, which is why diuretics are prescribed. For this reason, doctors also prescribe diuretics to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and liver disease, all of which cause water retention.
That said, prolonged use or abuse of any diuretics without medical supervision can lead to dehydration, which can cause kidney damage and an imbalance in normal levels of electrolytes (sodium & potassium), which are vital to the heart, kidney and liver function. When electrolytes are out of balance, you’re at high risk for heart failure and sudden death.

Foods With Diuretic Properties
Beverages containing caffeine like Coffee and tea work very well, along with several other foods including celery, onion, eggplant, asparagus and watermelon are also very effective.
In addition, many herbs such as hawthorn, corn silk, and parsley are used as diuretics in natural medicine. Of these, hawthorn, is said to be the most powerful. The natural herb dandelion root is also a good naturally occurring diuretic, and works well when taken in conjunction with the previous methods I have outlined.
One main rule of thumb is that 90% of your diet should consist of whole grains, unprocessed foods, fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, non-GMO tofu, soya and oily fish. The other 10 percent can be whatever you want.

Water
You may think restricting your water intake will reduce your bloat, but dehydration will actually make your body hold on to water, just like it does with fat. When it comes to water, DRINK UP! Drink a glass as soon as you wake up and keep sipping all day. Make it even more effective by slipping it with a few slices of lemon, lime, or orange as citrus is high in potassium and can relieve bloating!

Melons
Melons, citrus, and other potassium-rich fruits will help reduce water retention because they are high in the mineral potassium that balances sodium levels. Start your day with a fruit salad or a fruit smoothie!

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Read This! Before Applying those Talcum Powder

Talcum Powder come is various forms and colors, white, brown, or even pink.  Which ever it is, Powder as it is popular called has been an instrument of adding beauty among women and sometimes men for ages.  It is a beauty item found in most homes.  Nursing mothers use it on their babies entire body to keep their skin dry and to prevent diaper rashes,  Young ladies apply them under their armpits and sometimes under wears.   The main ingredient in most powder is the talc which has other industrial applications such as plastic making, painting and coatings.  Many are so carried away with the beauty aspect, without  caring to know what ingredient is the powder they are using.  Our ancestor were beautiful and participated in all forms of beauty pageants beginning from the time of the biblical Easter.  What was their beauty secret?  If you ask me, definitely not talcum powder. According to Herbs Info website  "Talc is actually a mineral  - hydrated magnesium silicate  which has the chemical formula H2mG3(sIo3)4.  In powder form, it is typically known as talcum "

Are you a lover  of powder and may possibly not go out unless you have powdered your face, arm pits, under wears etc.   We were together in it before, but the truth is now emerging and whether you believe it or not, Research is showing that most cancers including ovarian and lung cancers are now linked to the popular beauty item called "Talcum Powder".  Women, ladies and young girls who are fond of applying powder in their under wears and pants to keep it dry should beware.  


Based on the evidence from studies, in 2006 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified genital talc use as possibly carcinogenic to humans, listing it in  2B category in the IARC listing as mobile phones and coffee. However despite several studies finding a positive correlation to cancers (stretching back over 25 years!) the official line is that this connection is still “unproven”. However it could also be argued that its safety remains unproven also!

 My opinion is that if you are a health conscious person or battling any ailment, it is in your interest to review your continual use of talcum powder until you are sure of the ingredients.   In  Fact, it is advisable to always find out the main ingredients and content of any beauty product you use whether on your skin, hair or even nails.   I have personally noticed that most talcum irritates my  eyes and have long discontinued  their usage.  For the purpose of reference, here is what a (Material Safety data sheet) for talc powder states:

“CAUTION! CHRONIC INHALATION MAY CREATE A RESPIRATORY HAZARD. MAY AFFECT EYES, RESPIRATORY SYSTEM AND CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM. MAY AFFECT LUNGS. CANCER HAZARD. CONTAINS CRYSTALLINE SILICA WHICH CAN CAUSE CANCER. "

As you shop for the yuletide, why not go for more natural products to keep your skin and that of your family beautiful.  It is now evident that most beauty products, imported into our region are insidiously hurting our health. 

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Soursop Fruit Health Benefits

Soursop, Graviola Brazilian paw paw,

Have you ever been wondering why our ancestors especially from the African region though not as educated, but lived  and aged graciously to good old age.  They depended on natural foods especially raw foods like the Soursop.  As western diets and other highly processed foods  with unhealthy fats and oils flooded our markets, diseases and ailments uncommon to our region began to show up.

Soursop is one uncommon fruit regaining its rightful position and gaining more awareness due to its numerous health restoring and disease fighting benefits.

Though sour in taste as the name also sounds, but definitely supper on our health.

Soursop graviola or Brazilian graviola (whichever you prefer to call it) is rich in vitamin C and B such as thiamin, riboflavin and niacin. You may also discover calcium, phosphorus and a few iron, which could make your body stronger.



There are numerous Health Benefits You Will Get From Soursop Fruit.

The seeds of the fruit which have emetic properties certainly are a robust combatant fighting against nausea and vomiting. By concocting the leaves right into a concoction, apply it to the entire scalp and head lice can be reduced by you and reinforce the origins of the locks. If you’re suffering from the wound, the fresh, crushed leaves can do wonders for a treatment for natural healing. Individuals that have eczema can use mashed leaves as poultice so your skin issues could be relieved.

Regularly, you feel just like gulping juice rather than mastication the fruit, if the requirement add fresh fruits within our diet is improving with each passing day. If you ingest the juice, it assists in treating liver troubles.

Can Cancer Be Healed With Soursop Fruit:
Talking about soursop and cancer cure, Soursop has some incredible skill when it comes to battling out the fatal disorder, cancer. Researches were carried out, which reveal it is quite powerful when it comes to slowing down the speed of cancer cells more compared to classic chemotherapy drugs. Soursop really has the capability to fighting the cancer cells additionally. Further probing is still ongoing  within the medical area  to identify all the components inside the sweet pulp, which aid in giving greater opposition to cancer.

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4 Foods To Consume Less this Season

Yes, the end of the year is around the corner and the Christmas and new year makes the season, a time of celebrations accompanied by lots of foods and drinks. So many free foods and drinks, you must however be health conscious particularly with respect to what you eat. While the mood of the season lasts, here are five foods to consume less this season:


1. Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils. Most of these oils targed as heart friendly are actually the cause of most health problems we are facing. They deplet our digestive enzymes reserves and suppress our immune system


2. Boillion Cubes: These come in various brand names depending on the producing company, their, ingredients are however the same, we tag them 'silent killers'

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Beware! Preservatives in Some Beauty Products Linked to Breast Cancer

As you prepare for the yuletide,  many of us go for various relaxers,  hair and beauty products to soften our hair and possibly enhance beauty. It is important to remind us of dangers lurking in some of our hair/beauty  products. There are natural ways to soften the skin, and hair  if you choose to avoid these chemicals, which we known know are harmful to our health.   Research is showing more reasons why we should minimize their usage or altogether avoid them.  According to Enviroblog in their post "Common Preservatives in Personal Care Products Linked to Breast Cancer"
.  

According to the article by Paul Pestano, (Research Analyst,) "Low doses of chemical preservatives widely used in cosmetics, shampoos, skin lotions and other personal care products may be linked to breast cancer, according to a new study from researchers at the University of California, Berkeley.
The preservatives are parabens, found in more than a fifth of the products in EWG’s Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database. It's been known for more than a decade that parabens, which mimic the hormone estrogen, can disrupt lab animals' endocrine systems, but some scientists argue the concentrations in people are too low to worry about.
Now the UC Berkeley study, published online Oct. 27 in Environmental Health Perspectives, argues that previous research only looked at parabens' effects in isolation. The study shows that when parabens interact with other biochemical changes in breast cancer cells, the effect is much stronger and could lead to faster, more aggressive growth of tumors and formation of malignant cancer.

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The Truth About Vegetable Oils

 
Most popular vegetable oils are unhealthy

As the end of year approaches, one business that booms so much is that of vegetable oil.  Many new products are in the market with attractive names and content.  However may not be as healthy.  Vegetable oils add flavor taste and helps make our food preserved for longer.  One aspect of nutrition we must be very much aware of is that of the type and quantity of oil we consume.  Many employ them for frying fish, meat, chicken, plantain, egg and many more.  We need not emphasis here again that frying is the worst cooking pattern to adopt in your cooking.  Children will always crave for fried things, as adult however, let us endeavor to help them develop a dislike for fried foods for health reasons.

As we shop and stock food for the season, let not not forget to go only for oils that will benefit our heart and that of our family.  Unhealthy oils are now finger as the secret enemy and cause of most ailments plaguing us today ranging from heart disease, blood pressure, obesity and many more.  Truly speaking, most industrially processed oils are not actually as healthy and heart friendly as we thought them to be.  The truth is gradually being unveiled.  They do us more harm than good.


In addition to the problems with industrially processed vegetable oils containing genetically modified organisms, GMOs,  they re also highly processed, refined and rancid (oxidized).
Read what Sally Fallon has to say about industrial vegetable oils, from her must-read article, “Dirty Secrets of the Food Processing Industry"

The food processing empire is built on industrial fats and oils, extracted from corn, soybeans and other seeds. Crude vegetable oil–which is dark, sticky and smelly–is subjected to horrendous processing to produce clean-looking cooking oils, margarine, shortening and spreads. The steps involved in processing usually include degumming, bleaching, deodorizing, filtering and removing saturates to make the oils more liquid.In the process, the nutrients and antioxidants disappear–but not the pesticides. Most processors also add a hexane solvent in order to squeeze the very last drop of oil out of the seeds. Caustic refining, the most widely used process for oil refining, involves adding very alkaline, chemicals to the oil.

In order to make a solid fat out of liquid oil, manufacturers subject the oils to a process called partial hydrogenation. The oil is extracted under high temperature and pressure, and the remaining fraction of oil is removed with hexane solvents. Manufacturers then steam clean the oils, a process that removes all the vitamins and all the antioxidants—but, of course, the solvents and the pesticides remain. These oils are mixed with a nickel catalyst and then, under high temperature and pressure, they are flooded with hydrogen gas. What goes into the reactor is a liquid oil; what comes out of that reactor is a smelly mass resembling grey cottage cheese. Emulsifiers are mixed in to smooth out the lumps, and the oil is then steam cleaned once more, to get rid of the horrible smell. The next step is bleaching, to get rid of the grey color. At this point, the product can be called “pure vegetable shortening.” To make margarines and spreads, artificial flavors and synthetic vitamins are added. But the government does not allow the industry to add synthetic color to margarine–they must add a natural color, such as annatto–a comforting thought. The margarine or spread is then packaged in blocks and tubs and advertised as a health food.

Saturated fat is the type of fat found in such foods as lard, butter and coconut oil. Saturated fat molecules are straight, so they pack together easily. That is why saturated fats are solid at room temperature. Unsaturated fats have a little bend at each double bond, with two hydrogen atoms sticking out on the same side. And when that molecule gets incorporated into your cells, the body wants those two hydrogen atoms to be on the same side of the carbon chain, forming an electron cloud; that is where controlled chemical interactions take place.

During the process of partial hydrogenation, one of those hydrogen atoms is moved to the other side, causing the molecule to straighten out so that it behaves chemically like a saturate—although biochemically it behaves very differently. The original, unsaturated molecule is called a “cis” fatty acid, because the two hydrogens are together, and then it becomes a trans fatty acid, because the two hydrogens are across from each other (“trans” means “across”). Your body doesn’t know that this new molecule is something that has never existed in nature before, and when you eat one of these trans fatty acids, it gets built into your cell membranes. Because of the chemical rearrangement, the reactions that should happen can’t take place. Enzymes and receptors don’t work anymore. The more trans fatty acids that you eat, the more partially hydrogenated your cells become and the more chaos that you are going to have on the cellular level.6 Worse transfat foods

All of the margarine, shortenings and even low-trans-fat spreads are made with these harmful ingredients. They’re used in chips and crackers, and most restaurants use them for cooking fries. Until the early 1980s, fast food outlets and restaurants cooked the fries in tallow, which is a very safe fat, but now they use partially hydrogenated soybean oil.

In the past, when you made desserts for your kids, at least the sugar they contained came with butter, eggs, cream and nuts—all good wholesome foods. Now manufacturers can imitate the butter, eggs, cream and nuts, so all you have is sugar, industrial oils and artificial ingredients in these instant puddings, pastries and other artificial desserts.

Many diseases have been associated with the consumption of trans fatty acids—heart disease, cancer, and degeneration of joints and tendons. The only reason that we are eating this stuff is because we have been told that the competing saturated fats and oils—butter, lard, coconut oil, palm oil, tallow and suet—are bad for us and cause heart disease.


Such assertions are nothing but industry propaganda.
So what should you eat instead of dangerous, rancid, GMO laden vegetable oils? Healthy, traditional fats.
That means: Tropical Oils (organic, unrefined forms are best)
Coconut
Palm (sustain ably sourced only)
Animal Fats (from pastured/grass-fed, organic sources)
Butter or Ghee
Lard (pig fat)
Tallow (beef fat)
Schmaltz (chicken fat)
Duck fat
Full fat dairy
Fat found in pastured meats, eggs
High-fat seafood (wild caught)
Healthy Oils from Vegetable Sources
organic, extra virgin, cold-pressed, organic peanut oil
olive oil (can be used at low to medium heat for light sauteeing)
sesame oil
flaxseed oil (in very small amounts)
avocado
nut oils (walnut, pecan, macadamia,)
nuts & seeds(including peanut & seed butters)


Minimize using these  oils this season
canola oil
corn oil
cottonseed oil
vegetable blend oil
soybean oil
safflower oil
grapeseed oil
sunflower oil
rice bran oil
margarine and other “buttery” spreads
hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils

If you are health conscious, pls as much as possible be very selective in choice of oils, you can contact our admin for further counseling on which oils to avoid this season and spare your immune system. At all costs stay away from transfat

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Good News for Coffee Drinkers

This is an interesting piece on wellness through natural foods. If you have been avoiding coffee because of caffeine, you are not alone, we were in that school together, but, now more facts are emerging and I have personally reversed my view and opinion, about coffee , we were told, coffee was bad because of caffeine, but as the years rolled by, we are getting older and wiser. I have joined the fan of coffee drinkers as a result of the positive effects experienced  after taking coffee especially in the morning or midday. It is not all about caffeine, it is loaded with other beneficial antioxidants especially brain boosting natural ingredients which particularly benefits the middle aged and the elderly. The information below from research taken from www.theregistrar.co.uk website further attests to the health boosting benefits of coffee. Read What the experts are saying through the site.

"If your liver's packing it in after a lifetime of boozing, changing your poison may yet keep you alive a little longer.
So says Dr Alex Hodge, a consultant gastroenterologist and liver disease specialist at Monash Health, a unit of Australia's Monash University.

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11 HEALTH BENEFITS OF CAYENNE PEPPER

Cayenne Pepper popularly called  chilli pepper in many countries is a very good source of vitamin A in the form of pro-vitamin A Carotenoids including betacarotene Two teaspoonsfulls of dried cayenne pepper can provide up to 30% of our daily vitamin A.  Cayenne pepper has vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Managanese and K.



The main medicinal properties of cayenne or chillies are the capsaicin.  Capsaicin is being studied for its health benefits in the fight and prevention of arthritis, psoriarisis, inflammation, diabetic neuropathy, cardiovaculary problems, stuffy nose, congested lungs and stomach ulcers.  There have been many encouraging results that show capsaicins effectiveness in treating and preventing these conditions. It is a popular pepper among the Yorubas of Western Nigeria.  Surprisingly, while  they consume it along with other peppers.  Many are not aware of its health benefits.  In my interaction with many who sell and consume this super food, most confessed that they just enjoy, but are not aware of its health benefits.  Its popular name in Lagos is Shombo.  You can find them fresh, dried or grounded mostly sold by the Mallams of Northern Nigeria.  It is a supper food that should be consumed daily due to its no calorie, no fat and 0 Cholesterol content.



Its functions/health benefits includes:
 

1. Circulatory Benefits:  Most ailments cannot heal without proper circulation, for it is in the course of circulation that nutrients are moved to the points where they are needed for repair work.  This is one of the most attractive benefit of cayenne pepper.  It is one food that should be in the list of  our daily diet, due to its numerous benefits.  It is available and affordable too in our local markets. 

   2.  Warming:  No doubt, the body's ability to keep warm helps ward off disease, when cold feeling comes, its a sure sign that all is not well inside, cayenne pepper is one good food at all times.  Its ability to carry oxygen to cells helps in achieving this benefit and in doing this, inflammatory diseases like arthritis are kept away by the heat caused by cayenne pepper



3. Relaxes The Stomach and Reduces Gas:  It may interest you to know that when people suffer from stomach ulcers, they are advised to stay away from peppers,  but if you ask me, definitely not Cayenne.
Cayenne pepper is excellent is relaxing stomach, reducing gas and other ailments and digestive issue affecting the stomach.  Surprisingly, it is one sure natural food I recommend for treating stomach ulcers, Yes it worked for me, has worked for others and will work for you too.  It is useful in alleviating allergies, muscle cramp improving digestion, gives more energy and helps wound healing with minimal scar tissue.

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TRUE STORY: 70YRS OLD DIABETIC FOOT ULCER ESCAPES AMPUTATION, HEALS COMPLETELY IN 3 MONTHS

INTRODUCTION
 
This is a true story of a 70 years old Nigerian woman with type 2 diabetes who had been on diaonil and glucophage for about 16 yrs. It is a story of her eventual and total healing of her diabetic foot ulcer when all hope was lost. It is intended to remind us again that no disease is incurable, given adequate care and proper nutrition.

HOW DID IT BEGIN?
It actually started in September, 2014, when she felt a hard painful lump under her left foot which troubled her for weeks. She then ignorantly requested zealous neighbours to help her cut the spot open. Peradventure, some bad blood could gush out and possibly bring some relief, unknown to her, that was the beginning of her journey to the world of pains and narrow escape from total foot amputation.

WHERE DID THIS HAPPEN?
The woman in question is a Nigerian from the Eastern part of the country. She was residing in a remote part of the village where access to qualified medical personnel was a luxury and rear privilege. It was this challenge in accessing good and quick medical attention coupled with illiteracy that led her to seek for help from the ignorant and ill experienced villagers who eventually compounded her problem.

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26 Surprising Benefits of Lemon Grass

What is Lemongrass?

Lemongrass is the one of natural medicine that is often used to cure people’s illness. But, not all of the variety of  lemongrass can be used for remedy. This plant can grow to 1 meter and often found in the wild. Apart from being  used for natural medicine, this plants is also used for Asian cooking style. It is because the lemongrass has citrus-like smell that is really good for cooking as well.

The lemongrass is known as the medicine for some illness such as laryngitis, sore throats, and fevers. This great natural plant has anti-pyretic property making useful in decreasing  fever.  Also, it is helpful in cases of damaged tissue such as ligaments, cartilage, and tendons. Even, the lemongrass can be used for preventing the acne on skin face. It is because the lemongrass contains vitamin A which good for revitalization of skin.

In addition to its culinary usage, lemongrass offers a wide array of medicinal benefits and is in extensive demand due to its antibacterial, anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties across Southeast Asia, as well as the African and American continents.

The genus Cymbopogon comprises of 55 species of grass, two of which are referred to as Lemongrass. These are West Indian lemongrass or Cymbopogon citratus which is famously preferred for culinary use and East Indian lemongrass or Cymobopogon flexuosus which is used in the manufacturing of various products such as fragrances because of its extended shelf life, owing to the low amount of myrcene in that variety.

Nutritional Value of Lemongrass

Lemongrass is an aromatic storehouse of essential nutrients providing a wide array of health benefits. It is a source of essential vitamins such as vitamin A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin) B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), folate and vitamin C. It also provides essential minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, manganese, copper, zinc and iron, which are required for the healthy functioning of the human body. It offers no harmful cholesterol or fats.

Lemongrass – An Aromatic Healer
  
1. A Source of Antioxidanats:  It is a source of  antioxidants, flavonoids and phenolic compounds such as luteolin, glycosides, quercetin, kaempferol, elimicin, catecol, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid, all of which help in providing an impressive range of medicinal aids. The main component of lemongrass is lemonal or citral, which has anti-fungal and antimicrobial qualities, while also providing a distinct lemony smell.

Some of the Most Well known Health Benefits of Lemongrass include:




 
2. Cholesterol: Lemongrass possesses anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic properties that support healthy cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that the regular consumption of lemongrass has shown significant results in sustaining healthy levels of triglycerides and reducing the LDL cholesterol in the body. This helps in preventing the accumulation of lipids in the blood vessels and promotes the unobstructed flow of blood in the arteries and prevents various cardiac disorders such as atherosclerosis.
 
3. Detoxification: Lemongrass helps in cleansing and flushing harmful toxic wastes out of the body, as a result of its diuretic properties. Detoxification helps in better regulation of various organs of the body, including the liver and kidney, while also helping to lower the levels of uric acid. The diuretic effect of lemongrass helps in increasing the quantity and frequency of urination, which helps in maintaining digestive health, eliminating accrued fats, and assisting in maintaining a clean system.

4. Cancer: Lemongrass is effective in treating various types of cancers without affecting the healthy normal cells of the body. Research conducted to prove the anti-cancerous activity of lemongrass has shown promising outcomes in the prevention of skin cancer. Studies have shown that a certain component, citral, which is present in lemongrass, helps in inhibiting the growth of hepatic cancer cells during the initial phases and prevents any further production of cancerous cells. Another study has provided supporting evidence regarding the anti-proliferative effect of citral in impeding the growth of human breast cancer cells and the induction of apoptosis.

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Ginger Drink Home Remedy for Bloating

Ginger is a common spice in our environment.  It is hot spice used as food and medicine. It  is a carminative which means it relieves the pressure of bloating by helping gas pass through the digestive system. It also thins the blood to improve circulation. It contains gingerols, which act as pain relievers  and shogaols, which soothe and relax the intestinal muscles.

Method 1:

• Peel and slice a piece of fresh ginger root.
• In a cup, mix the slices with lemon juice and honey.
• Pour in hot water and let steep 10 minutes.
• Drink regularly before and after meals.

Apart from ginger, lemon and honey, there are other natural foods that helps relieve bloating such as Cucumber, yogurt, garlic,  and straberries.



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Health and Nutrition Quote

I strongly agree with Willaim Osler, MD in this memorable quote.

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56 NAMES OF SUGAR

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I Had An Accidental Fall Resulting in Pains, Find Out 8 Things That Helped It Heal

Inflammation is a condition where your body attempts to protect itself and heal the pain caused from an injury or infection. Some of the common symptoms of inflammation that may occur are swelling, irritated skin, severe pain and loss of function or full movement of that particular body part.
Chronic inflammation, however, harms rather than heals, because the immune system attack never stops. It’s like being shot by “friendly fire” during a perpetual war raging inside the body, says Dr. Schauer.
Most of us at least up to the age of 30yrs and above must have suffered  pain(s) at one time or the other.  Pain is common especially among young ladies who would  usually, go for paracetamol or other pharmaceutical drugs that will always mask the problem.  Even menstrual pains, but now  we  know better not as if we have conquered pains completely.

Unexpected injuries could occur, in this case there is little or nothing you can do, if it occurred as an accident just as I experienced a severe fall recently while on my high heel shoes, The pain was so severe and almost forced me to go for conventional pain relievers, which I had bade goodbye for some years now, but  thanks be to God that the pain is over now. Of course there were a few lessons also  learned from this experience, which has further strengthened my belief, teachings  and resolve that food can actually be your medicine and that your body's ability to heal is greater than you can even imagine.

According to Yahoo Health many scientists now believe that most chronic diseases that we fear most including heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s are all caused by chronic inflammation.

If You Suffer Pain(s) Here’s What To Do About It!

Poor dietary choices over stimulate the immune system and cause chronic inflammatory responses that deteriorate the body’s overall health, limiting mobility and contributing to painful joints.
There are however, steps you can take today to reduce the likelihood that you’ll suffer from chronic joint inflammation and pain for long period of time. Getting started is as easy as incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet. Fortunately, the list of foods that fight the effects of chronic inflammation is long.

Surprisingly, there are foods that are rich in immune boosting vitamins, antioxidants, flavonoids, phytonutrients, minerals, proteins, healthy fats or complex carbs to help reduce your chronic pains and inflammations.

Here are a few tips that helped me heal the severe pains from the unexpected fall.

Firstly I went very low on carbohydrates especially simple carbs
The first few days, the pain was so severe, I used hot water every night on it, dry clean and massaged very well and deeply with natural shear butter mixed with coconut oil.

2) Avoided temporarily foods containing caffeine in any form weather natural or otherwise:
This I did so as not to aggravate the pains through the effect, gradually I ensured to use the leg as frequently as possible and allowed it to rest so as to avoid stress, because stress makes every condition worse including pains and inflammations.

3) Ginger Became my Favorite Tea
As you are already aware through my previous posts, ginger is a natural pain killer. So I drank more of ginger tea with a little honey and milk to help also improve circulation and allow blood flow to get to the point of the injury.
 

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Education and Knowledge Quote

Were You born hating another person or you were thought to hate?  Igbos, Hausas, Yorubas, Christians or Muslims, white or black.  Which ones are you hating and why.  It is better, more natural and healthier to love.  Loving has health benefits but I do not know any benefit of hating.  I love the way this African Icon Nelson Mandela coined it in this famous quote.

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Health and Nutrition Quote

Forests are truly the World's air-conditioning system, why are we destroying them.  I love the expression of Prince charles in this memorable quote.

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8 Health benefits of Rice

Rice

Rice is much-revered oriental food and the most important tropical cereal. It is the staple food of about half the human race and is often the main source of calories and the main source of calories and the principal food of many millions of people.
Rice from which only husk has been removed, but layers of bran and most of the germ retained, is known as brown rice. Rice from which husk,germ and bran layers have almost completely milled to a high degree is known as white rice
Rice from which husk, germ and bran layers have been partly removed without the use of power machinery is known as hand-pounded rice.
Rice milled to a high degree and then coated with some foreign substance such as glucose or talcum is called polished rice.
Rice specially processed by steaming or soaking in water, then heated and dried, is called parboiled paddy. It can then be milled to various degrees or home pounded. It is called parboiled milled or parboiled home pounded.

Origin of Rice
Rice has been cultivated in south eastern Asia since ancient times where it is one of the oldest of food crops. The date or place of its domestication is not known with certainty. One of the earliest mention of rice dates back to 2800 BC, when a chinese emperor established a ceremonial ordinance for the planting of rice that would later be used by the royal physicians for healing purposes. It was grown in ancient India as far back as in 3000BC.

Food Value
Starch constitutes the bulk of the rice grain. The protein content of the rice is lower than that of wheat, but is of superior quality and utilized better by the body than the wheat protein. The ancient and modern Oriental healers through traditional medicines have always advocated the use of natural brown rice as a key to youthful health-building. The processing removes many of the valuable B-complex vitamins and some of the minerals.

8 Health Benefits of Rice

Rice has always been considered a magical healers in the East. It was originally believed to have medicinal values that could restore tranquility and peace to those who were easily upset. It has been mentioned in early Oriental writings that natural whole grain rice is a perfect healing food. In the ancient literature of Thailand, Burma, Malaya and Indo-China, rice is mentioned as a source of health. It was also revered as a food of divine health and used in religious offerings.
Modern researches have confirmed the beliefs of ancient oriental folk physicians that the eating of brown rice is a source of serenity and tranquility. It has been shown to contain all the elements needed for the maintenance of good health.

1. Digestibility
Rice is about 98percent digestible. It is one of the most easily and quickly digested of all foods – being fully digested in an hour. Rice starch is different from other grain starches as it contains 100percent amylopectin which is most completely and rapidly digested grain starch. This makes rice an ideal food for those who seek speedy and healthy assimilation.

2. Internal Rejuvenation
Rice protein, which comprises up to eight percent of the grain, has a special benefit as it has eight of the essential amino acids in a delicately balanced proportions. A complete internal rejuvenation takes place when rice protein is metabolized into health-building amino acids.

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DID YOU KNOW?

that Onions are noted for their easily assimilable iron content? They are, therefore, beneficial in the treatment of anaemia. Latest researches of Russian doctors have further confirmed the bactericidal properties of onion. According to these findings if a person consumes one raw onion every day by thorough mastication, he will be protected from a host of tooth disorders. Toothache is often allayed by placing a small piece of onion on the bad tooth or gum.

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Inspiration Quote

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Dietary suggestions for stomach ulcers

Stage two diet:
The liquid diet of cabbage and carrot juice and others should be followed by the introduction of nourishing, easily digested foods, such as raw goats milk, at frequent intervals, the previous liquids and diets in stage 1 should also be continued in less amounts followed by the addition of the following foods:
1. Ripe bananas
2. Okra lightly cooked as soups
3. Fermented millet as pap
4. Cooked eggs

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Papaya and Green Tea May Prevent Diabetes Say Researchers

Papaya fruit

Green tea

Biomedical and Biomaterials Research at the Mauritius University have found that green tea and fermented papaya are preventive means for diabetes.
Green tea prevents an increase of sugar levels in blood while the fermented papaya helps positively reduce the level of the reactive protein C and the uric acid,” said the professor. Bahorun said the results are very significant because they show a reduction of risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases without medical intervention.
The researchers asked 77 participants, who had reached a pre-diabetic stage to drink three cups of green tea before meals for 14 weeks. Apart from this, 78 participants took three cups of hot water everyday for the same period, followed by a two-week weaning period.

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Natural Immune Boosting drink for the family

Using natural and herbal remedies are gaining more popularity by the day, Many of us are probably aware of the health benefits of ginger root and even lemon when used alone. However, not many are family with the synergy that are delivered when you combine them. Ginger root promotes the elimination of intestinal gas as well as relaxing and soothing the intestinal tract. Both the lemon and the ginger root are rich sources of antioxidants that inhibit inflammation. Combining the benefits of both ginger and lemon is not only tasty, but a winning combination for great health beneficial to the entire family

Sipping a cup of hot ginger lemon tea are beneficial in the following ways:
* Relieves stress and mood swings
* Fights off flu, cough and cold
* Keeps motion sickness at bay
* Aids digestion

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Benefits of Drinking Fresh lemon With Honey and Warm Water in the morning

You’re bombarded with toxins in today’s modern world… everywhere from the polluted air you breathe, the water you drink, the shampoos and other cosmetics that lather your body with chemicals, and of course, all of the chemical additives, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics and other harmful compounds in the food that you eat.

All of these TOXINS can have harmful effects on your body, harming your metabolism and hormones, impairing your digestive system, and zapping your energy levels.
If I could tell you ONE thing that you could do each morning right as you wake up to help your body eliminate some of these toxins, improve your digestion, stimulate your metabolism, and BOOST your energy, would you do it?

Immediately upon waking each day, squeeze about 1/2 to 1 full lemon (depending on size of the lemon) into an 8 oz glass of warm or room temperature purified water. This is gentler on your body first thing in the morning compared to ice cold water. I’ve found that slicing the lemon into quarters before squeezing by hand is easier than squeezing halves.

Drink this at least 10 minutes before eating any food for the day.
Make sure to use fresh organic lemons to make this drink, and not bottled lemon juice. You want to use organic lemons to avoid the pesticides that can accumulate.

Benefits of Lemon, honey and warm water in the morning

According to a leading health publication, TheAlternativeDaily.com:
“The health promoting benefits of lemons are powerful. For centuries, it has been known that lemons contain powerful antibacterial, antiviral and immune boosting components" We know that lemons are a great digestive aid and liver cleanser.

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See the Secrets of Japanese Women Longevity and Fitness

Definitely, you’ve already heard about the longevity of Japanese men and women, mostly attributed to their food choices and life style. Traditionally, the Japanese diet has been praised for its health preserving benefits – and don’t restrict your view of the Japanese cuisine to sushi rolls.
Naomi Moriyama has decided to share the basic principles of her country’s cooking in her book ‘Japanese women don’t get old or fat’. She argues that going back to her mum’s way of food preparation helped her and her husband shed unwanted pounds and increased their energy levels.
These days, the Japanese too are experiencing challenges the modern life brings and are adopting less health-promoting foods. Nonetheless, the old wisdom is not forgotten and Naomi Moriyama’s book explains how to eat well once again.

The 7 Secrets of Japanese People for Great Health

The principles Japanese follow when they choose, prepare and eat food all play an important part in the ‘magic formula’. You’ve probably read about them before, but Moriyama summarizes them in 7 categories:

Secret #1: Diet based on fish, soy, rice, vegetables and fruit
A home cooked Japanese meal is the key to success. Forget about complicated restaurant meals that take a long time to master – a traditional meal in Japan usually consists of some grilled fish, a bit of steamed rice, simmered vegetables, a bowl of miso soup, and green tea (which has 8 amazing health benefits) and fruits for dessert.
(See below for some of the’ Limitations’ of these food choices).

Secret #2: Small portions
Have you noticed that the food you get in a Japanese restaurant comes in small, pleasing to the eye bowls, and it satisfies you despite the smaller portions? Presentation is important in Japan and the rule is to enjoy your food slowly. Other things that help you slow down and eat less include:
The plates are not completely filled.
Each dish is served on its own plate.
Food is arranged in a way to show its natural beauty and makes you stop to enjoy its aesthetic

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Education and Knowledge Quotes

Are you  having headaches through rebuking your children?, then here is an encouragement for you in this lovely quote by Charles Spurgeon.

 

 Check out this lovely quote by C.H Spurgeon " When Your Will is God's Will, You will have Your Will" - God wills that you be in perfect health according to 3rd  John vs 2 if that is your Will, then have it.

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Health and Nutrition Quotes

I Strongly agree with Hippocrates in this memorable quote about nutrition  that " If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have found the safest way to health". - Hippocrates










I love this quote by  Charles Spurgeon, There is a lesson there for us, "Beware of No man more Than of Yourself; we carry our worst enemies within us" - Charles Spurgeon.  It is truly stated.

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DID YOU KNOW?

That Cinnamon is well known for its blood sugar lowering effects?  Apart from the beneficial effects on insulin resistance, cinnamon can lower blood sugar by several other mechanisms. 

First cinnamon has been shown to decrease the amount of glucose that enters the bloodstream after a meal.  It does this by interfering with numerous digestive enzymes, which slows the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract.

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8 Powerful Nutrition and Wellness Lessons I have Learned from My Pet (Gigi)

Having a pet, particularly dog  is one thing I had always regarded as a
Western Culture.  If you dislike dogs and other pets, No condemnation at all because we were in it together.  However, staying with Gigi my German Shepherd pet had opened my eyes and taught me so many lessons about nutrition  and wellness.  Here are 8 important Lessons Learned from  the17 months old Gigi.

1. Eat Only Real Food:  Why is She always interested in only real food.  She hates saturated fats and hydrogenated vegetable oil, for her its NO to fried foods infact, she is allergic to fried things, they irritate her skin, and honestly, the same thing happens to humans, fried foods are enemies of good skin, yet we love them so much, we love to consume fried stew, potatoes, plantain, fish, groundnuts, meat, eggs, we fry virtually everything.  I have also disciplined myself learning from Gigi.  Say NO to fried varieties and watch your skin appearance improve.  It is one powerful lesson you can learn from a German Shepherd Pet.  

2. Exercise Regularly:  After food, its time for exercise.  For Gigi, daily exercise is a must, you must take her out for a walk, why? Exercise should be part every day event if you want to stay healthy.  If you have spent time with  Gigi, she will not completely love and respect you unless you take her out for a daily exercise.  Important lesson too,  but why do humans enjoy disobeying this important rule of good health.  These beings know the place of exercise in their well being and insist on being taken out for a walk regularly.  Let us learn from it.


3. Get Excited when you see loved ones:  Why do you have to conceal your feelings, express it, it contributes to wellness too.  When your are happy show it,  let your loved ones see how excited you are, upon seeing them.  It is common in pride to show lack of excitement, even when you are.  Dogs especially German Shepherds are particularly good at expressing their feelings.  If its a stranger, or intruder they bark, if its their owner, they jump around and wag their tail.

4. Takes less carbs more protein:  Gigi detests much carbohydrates, prefers proteins especially from animal sources, that is those with complete amino acids.  Though their preference for  animal protein is in slight variance with what an adult human nutrition desire and requirement should be.  However, the important lesson here is that proteins are building materials, they are building blocks, and should dominate carbohydrates.  The reason we have suppressed immune system and so many nutritional deficiencies is because most times, we consume more carbohydrates, sugars and processed foods.  This lesson teaches me also that protein should be higher than carbs in our everyday meal.  It is an important lesson.

5.  Plenty of Water:  Gigi drinks lots of water especially in the morning possibly due to her high protein food consumption.  Water indeed is required in higher amount in all activities in the human body, such as metabolism, transportation and absorption.  Yet many could consume foods over and over again without water until they are tasty.  Do not wait to get tasty before you take water.  Let us learn from these beings.  They know what is good for them.  Take more water, not sweetened fruit juices, sodas, minerals and other flavored beverages.  Pure water is better and benefits your health, Let us learn from this Pet.

6.  She loves To Be Calm and Remain Unnoticed:  If you have no need for Gigi;s attention, she could stay for hours without a noise.  She loves to nap during the day.  Resting most of the time, Its a healthy way lesson I have also learned from Gigi.

7.  Less Salt:  Have you noticed that most dogs do not like much salt,  indeed much of it is injurious to our health, yet many of us are not mindful of the salt content of what we are consuming.  Salt especially refined table salt is among foods that stresses some internal organs and should be consumed in small amount.  Gigi hates salty food and cannot even afford to consume it.  Its dangerous to her health, let us learn from it.

8. She Smells it First :  There is a reason why our nose was put where it is on our face by God.  How well do you make use of your nose, If she smells it and it is nice, then she taste it.  In the case of humans, at times even when the smell is saying no, you still take the risk of tasting or consuming it because you are hungry, but Gigi does not take such risk.  Whatever her nose does not accept, her mouth would not taste either,  No matter how hungry she is.  Very powerful lesson too,  You could attempt perceiving the smell or aroma first before you consume.  It is a good guide to learn from gigi. 

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