More Reasons to Change your view about Coconut

Coconut milk is the milky substance pressed out from a fresh coconut meat.   A mature coconut milk is bound to have more oil than a young coconut.   Many have erroneous belief about  coconut milk and that is the fact that it is full of fat and oil,   but surpringly, the  saturated fat that go along with this milk  is one that is rare in nature.  Meaning, it is not the bad or man made fat manipulated for profit making, helping to prolong the shelf life of most common oils termed as ' healthy'

Coconut could be expressed using special gadgets for it or you just chew the  fresh coconut with the milk.  It has numerous health benefits.  The oil found in the milk contains disease fighting agents which your body converts into special soldiers to fight all kinds of infections internally.  So if you are always battling with infections especially intestinal bacterial,  than you must incorporate the healthy food into your diet.

If you suffer stomach ulcer,  then incorporate this food into your diet.

If you suffer low energy.  Then do not forget this natural gift from God to us.

Another good news is that it does not make you fat as previous preached.

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9 Healthy Foods That May Be Unhealthy During Pregnancy

Pregnancy in women is usually a period of  joy  that requires great care especially in the area of nutrition.   As  a result of great changes arising from hormones, the woman's nutritional requirement is also affected, prescription supplements in the form of iron and folic acid are usually given to boost blood production, lessons are given during antenatal visits in some care centres on foods to eat.   While attention is usually focused on what to eat, less is usually discussed on what foods to avoid.  Women during their first trimester are usually at risk of complications should any error occur either nutritionally or otherwise.  The first timers i.e those carrying their first pregnancy are usually confused on what to avoid at this critical time, especially in the face of many advisers.  I have heard cases of women insisting that they were advised by friends to consume garlic.  Yes,  garlic is a  supper food, good for almost everything, ranging from inflammations, bacteria infection, yeast infection, constipation and many more, but definitely not for pregnancy.   Here are 9 healthy foods that may be unhealthy during Pregnancy

Garlic:  Garlic is a supper food noted for its numerous health benefits,  It is an ante fungal and an immune boosting food.  It is one food recommended to be included daily in our diet without side effect.  One point to note however about garlic is that it is a blood thinner and this makes a food to be avoided especially in its raw state during pregnancy more importantly during the first trimester. Being a blood thinner, could actually lead to unexpected bleeding at the early stage of pregnancy.

2. Unripe pawpaw:   Did you know? that though unripe pawpaw is an enjoyable delight yet has high content of  latex which can cause uterine contraction and may lead to spontaneous abortion.  Unripe or partially ripe pawpaw are great especially in the hot summer, however if you are aiming to be pregnant or in your first trimester, then better to avoid it.

3. Teas and Coffee:  These all contain caffeine which may be harmful  to the unborn child.  According to Natural On post on the subject, "over consumption of caffeine can lead to miscarriage or low birth weight"  It can also lead to dehydration.  Chocolate or dark cocoa should also be reserved for the delicacy after birth due to its content of caffeine, other teas include black and green teas.  Caffeine can cross the placenta and cause problems for the unborn child.

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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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8 Reasons to keep Cinnamon Powder in Your Kitchen

If you are in the habit of just consuming only known foods and never try a new one, then you are definitely not on the part of health, your body needs variety, your body needs some new foods from time to time.

Cinnamon powder is not known to many Nigerians, but if you are over 40yrs. Then its time to monitor the following and watch what you eat:


1. High Cholesterol (bad fat)
2. Excess body weight
3. Excess sugar leading to Diabetes
4. Blood cloth
5. High Blood Pressure
6. Stomach Ulcers
7. Poor blood circulation
8. Arthritis and other Inflammatory diseases


HOW DOES CINNAMON COME IN HERE?

Cinnamon powder is an inexpensive spice available in our markets, many are not aware that this singular spice can actually save your life, Cinnamon is beneficial in all the 8 points
mentioned above.

I have personally tried incorporating cinnamon powder into my regular diet, its working, in what ways:

In all the 8 points mentioned specifically:

1.  Constipation:

In cases of explainable indigestion, constipation or whatever, I have found Cinnamon Powder to the Rescue


2.      For Managing High Cholesterol:

Cinnamon powder is also beneficial. By the Many Nigerians over 40yrs are not even aware of their cholesterol status, High Cholesterol is not a disease, so its good to know your status and take steps nutritionally to avert crisis, many have, slumped and given up the ghost not because it was time but, because, they had symptoms, they had warnings, but neglected it. It is well, It is well is our usual confession. It will definitely be well,

3.    Guard Against Diabetes:

 It is difficult at later age in life to keep away permanently from , certain foods that we love, such foods like rice.  Why?  because,of because we must watch against diabetes, however cinnamon powder comes to the rescue when you consider that it will not only enhance the taste of your meal, but help with sugar response.

4.  As  a blood thinner: 

It helps keep our blood as liquid as possible in order to help avoid some diseases associated with your blood being thick.  When people suffer stroke, blood thinners are often given to them to avoid a re occurrence, however, if you are already on medication, it is well to stay with your medication, if you are however approaching those delicate years, prevention we know is better than cure.

5.  High Blood Pressure

Cinnamon powder is definitely not a cure, rather it is used as a preventive natural remedy.  During those sensitive years, when blood pressure is prone to arise too frequently even with little provocation,  it is necessary that we include foods like cinnamon powder as a taste enhancer due to the positive effect it will have on the blood pressure.

6.  Stomach Ulcers:

Unknown to many, they have ulcers in their stomach.  When carbonated beverages are consumed too frequently, these ulcers get worse.  Foods like white bread, sugar, unhealthy fats, prevents the ulcers from healing.  However, if spices like cinnamon powder is consumed regularly, these ulcers get healed unknown to us as well.

7.  Poor Blood Circulation:

The benefits of good circulation to the health of all cannot be over emphasized.  Spices as this are helpful in ensuring that blood circulates to all organs of the   body,  this helps boost immune system.

8.  Anti Inflammatory Benefits:

Inflammations is now known to be the cause of many diseases including arthritis.  Where it is not the direct cause, it makes it worse.  this medicinal food is anti inflammatory naturally and this makes it beneficial as an immune booster which helps fight many diseases including inflammatory diseases like arthritis.

  

Summary:  

Remember that moderation is the key,  you can also mix the powder in hot water and add honey to keep cold away. Remember however that moderation is the key.  Consuming large quantities of cinnamon powder regular without supervision will definitely give a counter effect.

• but paying attention to your health especially what you eat, will make
• it well.definitely make it well.

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Gluten Free Foods to include in Your Food List This Season

What is Gluten?

Not until recently I never knew or heard of the word gluten, a deeper walk into the world of nutrition, introduced gluten to me.  Gluten is actually  a rare form of protein found mostly in wheat endosperm.   What makes gluten worth noting is its usually unnoticed negative effects on the health of some individuals, over time. Below are 19 foods that are gluten free to include in your diet this season.

1.  Bananas:

Bananas are usually found in their natural form and is among top gluten free foods to look for especially if you have irritable gut.  They possess uncommon carbs known as disaccharides which usually provide a quick form of energy.  They are good  if you are walking out or just back from a long walk and need quick replenishment of electrolyte and energy.  It is easily digestible and low in sodium, calming the stomach if troubled.  It is rich  in important minerals, and vitamins especially those of the B group.

2.  Egg.

  Eggs, especially Chicken eggs are nutrient dense and surprisingly, its gluten free too.  Its loaded with important nutrients, like vitamins A, D, K and E .  It is low in calorie despite its nutrient density.  It is a source of protein too and helps you meet your body's nutrient requirement for the day without gluten.

3.  Milk:

Another delicious but controversial food is milk.  Though it is difficult to rank today's milk as a totally natural food as we usually advocate, but it is almost practically impossible to have it 100% natural especially in today's toxic environment, it incidentally ranked among the gluten free foods.  Some  prefer goat's milk, which is not as available as the common cow's milk.  but whichever, milk is another nutrient dense food that is gluten free.  It is a food we begin eaten from childhood  and even at the evening of our lives when our digestion and teeth are no longer taking all that we desire to eat.  Milk is one food that the elderly still admits, though in reduced quantity.  They desire it daily, as it contains most nutrients like calcium, magnesium, zinc and other vitamins needed at old age.

4. Millet 

Millet is another common food rich in fibre but easily digestible and yet gluten free.  With celiac disease, you get to enjoy this delicacy more often. It is rich in B vitamins and other antioxidants which help build a healthy body.  If you ferment your millet, It will also aid its digestion and serve as probiotics as well as  helping strengthen the gut.

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HERE ARE 10 MORE REASONS TO INCLUDE FERMENTED CASSAVA FLOUR (IJEBU GARRI) IN YOUR DIET

1.     

      1.  Easily  Digestible

When you consider the benefits of regular consumption of foods that are easily digestible, you will agree that cassava flour places no stress on the gut.  Why, obviously, due to the absence of fats and oils.  Ijebu Garri as it is popularly called delivers quality energy without unnecessary strain on the gut.  I believe , this is a plus for Ijebu garri.

       

    2. Gluten-Free:  Before now many are not aware of the dangers of gluten rich grains like wheat on the gut, so many opt  for wheat when  a low fat diet is recommended especially for diabetics.  According to Wikipedia, Gluten  is a composite of storage proteins termed prolacmins  and glutelins found in wheat and related grains (Wikipedia)

Wheat is a prime source of gluten.  Gluten-related disorders is the  umbrella term for all diseases triggered by gluten which include celiac disease, wheat allergy, gluten ataxia and dermatitis.  The good news about cassava flour (garri) is that iti is among the few starchy foods that are completely free of gluten.

  

3.  Non-gas producing:  If you suffer gastritis or looking for food that will not produce gas in your gut.  Then, you will have to include or incorporate Ijebu garri into your diet.  Most times that people suffer gas,  they quickly go for medication without first considering what kind of food they consume that could have been responsible.  If the stomach is made to constantly produce gas, then we must check our nutrition and diet including life-style for this is definitely not healthy for the gut.

4. Heals the Gut:  Many a time, we sustain injuries in the stomach due to either stress or wrong food combinations or even poor diet.  At such times, the stomach needs some break to allow it heal, however in observing the break, we still need a little energy to keep the body moving until the stomach heals. 

Fermented garri  (Ijebu garri) is highly valuable at such a time.  Many are confused on what to eat at such times due to ignorance, some resort to bread, biscuits unknown to them, they are adding salt to the injuries because these foods are highly acidic, and cannot help the gut heal.

5. Good Remedy for Diarrhea:  If you suddenly notice that your stomach is out of control and you have had  to pass stool more frequently, pls take time to rest and just start chewing on Ijebu garri in very small amount and within 24 hrs you will notice calmness in your gut, I 

have personally experienced and tasted this aspect, using fermented garri from my garden and believe it, it worked for me.  However, if your symptom persists,  you will definitely need a competent physician to examine you.  It is  naturally home Remedy to control diarrhea.

 6. Helps the body produce Acetycholine:  According to Oh-Lardy .com.  Fermentation helps  the  body produce Acetycholine, this is a neurotransmitter of nerve impulse, within the context of digestion, it helps increase the movement of the bowel and can help reduce constipation.  It also helps improve the release of digestive juices and enzymes from the stomach, the pancreas and the gallbladder.  By helping your body produce acetylcholine, fermented foods act as potent digestive aids.

7.   Good For Diabetics.  Fermented garri could be mixed with a dried soya to improve the protein quality for diabetics or consumed with protein rich soup to make it balanced.  I have personally observed that if you wake up at night and must take something to calm your stomach from hunger, a tablespoon of garri with a little honey in cold water settles the hunger pang and puts you back to sleep without stress or gas until dawn.

8. A source of probiotics:  All fermented foods must have gone through one form of bacteria activity or the other. The fermentation adds more nutrients in the form of beneficial bacteria.  Fermented cassava flour is not an exception.

9.  A natural energy source with no fat and oil:  If cassava flour is processed without the addition of red palm oil to give you the yellow garri version, you will actually get a high fibre energy food without fat and oil.  When the immune system is suppressed, the body finds it difficult to deal with fats especially the  unhealthy fats, this low fat natural flour is a food to seek after at such a time.  What many call yellow garri is actually produced by the addition of red palm oil to the grated cassava either before frying or before the fermentation.  Few drops of oil are added. Several persons have asked me why I prefer the white version of this flour. and my response is simple, "I am mindful of calorie"  So if you are aiming to cut calorie, definitely the yellow garri is not the best option.  For persons over 45yrs, definitely calorie should count.  More active people will definitely prefer the yellow garri.

I however maintain  that since you have the red oil in your soup, what then is the use of adding oil again to the garri to increase the calorie.  Red palm oil is a source of palmitic acid and other fats which may not be friendly with our arteries.

10. Fermentation increases the Nutrients quality:

Definitely, this is one of the known benefits of fermentation and this root vegetable is not an exception.  Knowing that garri is not a high protein food, it is best however to ensure the addition of other proteins in other to improve its protein content.

Summary

The main challenge today in having access to fermented cassava flour is poor awareness.  People need education on the benefits of fermentation.  Also ensure to get well fermented cassava flour from a trusted source.  So many are eager to make sales and get money and may not be patient to allow fermentation  as this may delay production.  Poor processing also leaves stones, particles and other unwanted pebbles in the flour which are not desirable.

Moderation should however be the key, too much consumption of this flour without protein to balance it may suppress the immune system.

 
Widipedia

draxe.com

Oh-Lardy.com

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HEALTH BENEFITS OF FERMENTED CASSAVA FLOUR (ijebu Garri)

INTRODUCTION

What  do we mean by the word ‘FERMENTED’ It actually comes from the word “Ferment”  which is simply a process of keeping some natural foods  over some nights either for a night, two nights or several days and nights as the case may be in order to allow bacterial act on them. 

Fermentation of foods is an ancient way practiced several years ago by our ancestors with the intention of preserving those foods to stay longer.  Various cultures and nations of the world have different fermentation types and methods common with them.  However in Nigeria and most west African countries, fermentation of grains such as corn, millet, sorghum appears to be more popular. 

Although our ancestors and grand parents practised  fermentation a great deal, yet due to the absence of scientific research and education, most of them were not very much aware of the huge benefits derived from the practice.  Most of them lived to riped age without suffering some of the degenerating diseases common with us today.  Today, it is now becoming clearer as events unfold that though they had no refrigerators, micro wave ovens, deep freezers and the like as we do today, the absence of these scientific gadgets may have  actually been instrumental to their longevity.

I have written earlier on the benefits of fermentation.  However, in this subject, I am focusing on the benefits of fermented cassava flour (Garri Ijebu) which is a popular staple among Nigerians and some west African countries.  

Garri as it is popularly called  was being relegated to the background, until recently when Foundations such as this began awareness creation on  such subjects and health benefits of our traditional diets like fermented garri.  We are encouraged to return to our traditional recipes like fermented foods.

It is made by harvesting, grating , fermenting and drying the fibrous cassava root, or frying it after days of fermentation to produce a fine grain that can easily be soaked and drunk in cold water or prepared with hot water to get your swallow (Eba)

It is a handy snack for quick energy that can be chewed or carried about in case you wish to stay away from other white flours or pastas, noodles or biscuits.  It is lower in calorie after the fermentation and frying.  It is also low in sodium. 

Specifically, the regime of Obasanjo during his tenure encouraged the use of cassava  by manufacturers in productions  such as bread, many resisted it, kicked against including my humble self, but I believe most of us were ignorant,  but now we know better, and would rather encourage bakers to go back.  If you have ever managed a diabetic patient  from the standpoint of nutrition, you will agree with me that fermented cassava flour is far superior  to white bread or flour in terms of glycemic response and sugar control.  When it comes to diabetes, especially when taken in moderation  with either nut or dried fish in moderation and occasionally in its well fermented state, you will agree with me that its more reliable than white bread or other carbs like yam.

If you are looking for a gluten-free food rich in energy and fibre without fats and oils, then look no further. 

 Click Here To Read 10 more reasons to include fermented cassava flour (Ijebu Garri) in your family menu

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