The Real Carbohydrates To Avoid And Why.

Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients that the body needs apart from proteins and fats.

They are found in a lot of foods and are important for health because an essential role in the proper functioning of the immune system, clotting of blood, growth, fertilization and development. When the body is deficient in carbohydrates, there is impaired functioning of the body systems that need carbohydrates for proper functioning.

Most natural carbohydrates are healthy, especially those that are complex because they contain other nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, minerals and beneficial micronutrients which give the body good health. A lot of natural foods with high sugar and carbohydrate content also contain chromium, a mineral that helps in proper metabolism of naturally sweet foods, regulates blood sugar levels and stops cravings for sugar. Fiber helps in good digestion

The real carbohydrates to avoid are;

1. Foods or beverages with sugar which are high in calories with little or no beneficial nutrients. When sugarcane is processed, most of its nutrients is removed, including chromium.
2. Refined grains which usually have most of their beneficial fiber content and nutrients removed during processing. Refined grains also provide only calories which are digested quickly to cause blood sugar spikes and they contain no other beneficial nutrients. Whole grains on the other hand contain fiber and nutrients which are needed for their proper breakdown and absorption by the body. Examples of refined grains are white rice, white flour and foods made with them.
3. Processed fruits which most often have sugar added. Fresh fruits are high in fiber and nutrients.
4. Sweets and candies are loaded with just calories and nothing else.

Eating more of the above foods results in the deficiency of a lot of nutrients which the body needs leading to metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, high blood cholesterol, depression and weight gain to mention just a few of the diseases caused by eating a lot of carbohydrates without other nutrients. Processed foods are usually high in sodium and low in potassium.

These are the real carbohydrates to avoid if you want to have good health and reverse some diseases.

Carbohydrates are rated based on their glycemic index, which is the potential of carbohydrate foods to raise blood sugar levels. Limiting or avoiding foods with high glycemic index is always recommended for dealing with diseases and weight loss.

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What Is Really Wrong With Eating Chicken Skin?

We have been warned consistently not to eat chicken skin if we don't want to gain weight or have cholesterol and heart issues. Some of us really love chicken skin, which can be crunchy when fried. The main issue is that chicken fat is mainly found attached to the skin. 

Here are some facts you need to consider when buying chicken if you want to enjoy the skin:

1. Chicken fat is made up of more polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids than saturated fatty acids. Unsaturated fats are actually health for the body and promote heart health, so eating some fat from chicken may not contribute to heart health issues, but weight gain. This is because all fats provide 9 calories/gram so if you are trying to lose weight, it is better not to eat too much fat.
2. The parts of chicken referred to as dark like thighs have more fat than the white parts like breast.
3. Some chicken contain more fat than others.  Most big sized chicken are broilers which have been raised to produce maximum amount of meat in a short time. They are fed high caloric meals for up to 24 hours a day with no exercise, so they become obese and have a higher fat content. On the other hand, our local free-range chickens are healthier because of the way they have been bred even though they lose out on size.

If you do not want to consume fat from chicken for any reason, steer clear of those fat chickens

(orobo) and buy those with less fat, especially the layers. Chicken fat is also what you can see when cutting, so trim it off during cleaning. However, chicken fat helps to give chicken more flavour and keeps it moist and juicy during cooking.

It’s your choice! Buy leaner hens and enjoy the skin and more goodness or buy orobo fat chicken and remove the skin. Eating skin without the fat is definitely not an issue!

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Use Yaji And Spice Your Food Easily With Good Medicine.

Yaji or suya spice is a blend of defatted ground nut powder and spices which is used to spice meat, fish,sweet potatoes, rice, yam, salad, stew, plantain and all kinds of food. It is a popular spice blend made and used in Northern Nigeria. The ingredients commonly used for preparing yaji are:

• Kwuli kwuli or ground nut powder.
• Ginger powder.
• Garlic Powder.
• Cayenne pepper powder.
• African black pepper.
• Cloves.
• Salt and other seasoning cubes.

This spice blend provides an easy and delicious way of using ingredients that contain a lot of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fiber and antioxidants. It has all the health benefits of ground nuts, ginger, garlic, peppers and cloves. Most of these ingredients combat oxidative stress, fight inflammation and so help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Below are properties of some of the ingredients.

• Ground nut powder; , antioxidant, anti-inflammatory.
• Garlic and ginger; digestive aid, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory.
• Peppers; digestive aids, anti-flatulent, antimicrobial, carminative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Cloves ; antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, anti-flatulent, carminative.

Yaji is a nice tasting spice that can be used by everyone for so many foods. Just sprinkle some on your prepared foods or use in cooking to add a spicy ground nut taste to your food. Spices are high in medicinal properties. Foods that have high antioxidants values and anti-inflammatory properties help to keep diseases away.

We have so many local foods that are healthy and are made from all-natural ingredients. We need more of these unprocessed foods in our diet to remain healthy and maintain a good weight. Share your recipes below or send by email to yvonnebosede06@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell.

African Black Soap Is A Fantastic Conditioning Shampoo For Hair.

African black soap is commonly called ose dudu, alata simena or anago soap in parts of West Africa.  This is the soap that has always been used by people living in rural areas for washing their bodies and hair. African black soap is made from natural oils, water and plantain peels or palm tree fronds or cocoa pods.

If you are trying to revive your hair and scalp after years of harsh treatment from shampoos and soaps that contain synthetic chemical additives like dyes and fragrance, then you should look at using African black soap.

A lot of shampoos leave hair deficient in vitamins and other micronutrients needed for hair and scalp health, leading to weak and brittle hair. This is why we have to use other treatments like conditioners, moisturizers and placenta each time we visit the hair salon.

African black soap on the other hand, is a wonderful conditioner and moisturizer for hair because of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants content provided by its natural ingredients. Below are some of the benefits of African black soap for hair and scalp:

• To nourish scalp and hair.
• To combat scalp issues like dandruff and dryness.
• To stop brittleness and breakage of hair by moisturizing.
• To give strength to hair.
• To allow hair to be combed easily.

African black soap will definitely promote hair growth and health if it is used to replace synthetic shampoos. Your hair and skin need to be taken care of with more natural products if you want them to shine and glow with minimal effort and low cost.

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Our African Star Apples Have More Than Juiciness Offer.

The African star apple fruit is called agbalumo, udara and otien in parts of Nigeria. It is also known as Chrysophyllum albidum botanically. It is a tree that is grown and known in Africa more for its much-loved juicy fruit than for medicinal purpose. 

The fruits come into season from December until April and this is much awaited by a lot of people because of their love for, and enjoyment of, the fruits which are sweet and sour in flavour. The fruits have an orange skin while the skin is dark yellow with five seeds.

Like most fruits and natural foods, the African star apple has nutrients and properties to offer for the body and health. Below are some of the nutrients and properties:

• Vitamins; has a high content of vitamins A and C.
• Minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium and iron.
• High fiber content.
• Low in calories.
• Low in carbohydrates.
• Low in proteins.
• High in antioxidants like flavonoids and terpenoids.
• Has astringent properties with tannins present.
• Has antimicrobial properties.
• High in resins.

Some of the uses for health are:

1. To treat infections because of the antimicrobial properties.
2. The fruits can be used to treat diarrhea and because of the astringent properties.
3. They can protect against chronic diseases because of the high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
4. The bark is made into decoctions to treat malaria and typhoid fevers.
5. The seed cotyledons are powdered and used against skin issues.
6. The leaves decoctions are used to treat high blood pressure in South-West Nigeria.
7. The cotyledons are also reported to be able to lower blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels.

The fruit flesh is chewed like gum while the seeds can be used for jewelry and decoration. African star apples rarely grow out of season so you can only enjoy these delicious fruits when in season.

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Refresh, Rejuvenate and Re-hydrate With Coconut Water.

Coconut water is the sterile, clear and sweet juice that is found inside coconut shells. Most of the

time, we dispose of this nutrient rich juice when we break open coconuts, even though it has great health and beauty uses. Here are some of the valuable nutrients that coconut water contains:

• Vitamins; C, B1, B2, B6, B9.
• Minerals; Potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, zinc.
• Antioxidants.
• Low in fat, proteins and sugar.
• Digestive enzymes.

Some uses of coconut water are:

1. It is used to re-hydrate after dehydration from diarrhea and vigorous exercise.
2. It can rejuvenate when tired and give a boost of energy.
3. It helps in recovering from hangovers.
4. It is used to quench thirst and refreshes.
5. It aids in digestion because of the fiber content and can reduce bloating, acid reflux and gas.
6. It can replenish lost energy.
7. It can fight oxidative stress and inflammation because of the high antioxidant content.
8. It can help to prevent muscle cramps.

Coconut water is a wonderful beverage that can be drunk alone to replace sugary ones or can be used with other natural fruits to make juices, smoothies or any other drink for health. The next time that you are breaking a coconut shell, take care to collect the healthy and refreshing water.

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Alum Will Tighten Your Sagging Skin And Wrinkles.

Sagging skin, wrinkles and fine lines can occur due to the aging process, exposure to sun, sudden weight loss and repeated facial expressions. Skins begin to wrinkle and sag when they lose strength and flexibility. There are many options for reducing or getting rid of wrinkles. Some of the available choices include surgery, botox injections, filler injections, dermabrasion and over the counter preparations which can be expensive.

Alum is a naturally occurring ingredient that has astringent properties and has been used in many anti-wrinkle and anti-aging skin creams. Alum has the ability to make the skin tight and remove wrinkles on its own.

Using alum for this purpose is very easy, cheap and effective. Below are two ways that you can use alum to tighten your skin and remove wrinkles on your face and neck.

Method 1

Wash your face and leave wet.

Wet a big piece of alum with water.

Rub the wet alum gently over your skin.

Allow to dry and leave for as long as you can.

Rinse off.

Method  2.

Grind some alum into powder and put in a container with a lid.

Pour some clean water into the container and mix the mixture.

Wet a cotton ball with the alum mixture and apply to your face and neck.

Allow to dry and leave for a while before rinsing off.

You can use either of the two methods before bed and leave overnight. If you would like to leave longer during the day, wipe off the white powder residue left by the alum.

You will start to feel and notice a difference after some weeks of consistent usage. Alum causes dryness of skin too, so you will need to apply a light moisturizer after rinsing off the alum.

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Use okra to condition your hair for shine and bounce.

Okra is a popular vegetable that is eaten in Nigeria. Okra has mucilaginous properties that makes it

ideal for use as a natural hair conditioner.

Okra contains a lot of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that promote the health of the scalp and hair. Here are the benefits of using okra for conditioning hair:

1. Okra gives bounce to hair.
2. Okra makes hair shine.
3. Okra makes hair soft.
4. Okra gets rid of dandruff.
5. Okra nourishes and moisturizes the scalp.

Okra hair conditioner recipe;

• Grate 5 okra pods and put in a small pot.
• Add 50ml hot water.
• Boil on low heat for about 10 minutes until the okra juice becomes slimy.
• Remove the pot from the stove.
• Add some other natural ingredients like lemon juice, honey, mint oil etc.
• Allow the mixture to cool and then filter.

The okra juice is applied to the hair after washing with shampoo and drying. It is massaged into the hair and scalp, then left for 5 minutes. It is then rinsed off.

This juice can also be used as a leave-in conditioner for thick natural hair for easy combing.

Try using this natural conditioner. Because okra is a natural ingredient and you are using no preservatives, make only enough to use for a few days. Refrigerate any left over.

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The Wealth of Health Benefits Offered By Onions.

Onions have been used for thousands of years to flavour food because of their pungent smell, but most people do not realize that they have a lot to offer for health. Onions are in fact, potent medicine because of their micronutrients and phytochemical composition. Some of these are below:

• Fiber.
• Vitamins; Vitamin C, B1, B6, B9,
• Minerals; Chromium, manganese, copper, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, sulphur and selenium.
• Phytonutrients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Low in calories and do not contain fat.

Onions have the following properties:

• Antioxidant.
• Anti-inflammatory.
• Antimicrobial.

Onions can be used in the following ways for health:

1. For the detoxification of the body, especially the liver because of the high sulphur content from the amino acids.
2. Onions lower blood sugar levels because of the chromium content. This helps in treating diabetes and obesity.
3. Onions boost the immune system because of the antioxidants present in them.
4. They help to strengthen bones.
5. Onions lower blood cholesterol levels.
6. They are good for treating high blood pressure.
7. They reduce the risk of cancer because they inhibit the growth of tumours.
8. They help to reduce inflammation. They can help in cough, asthma, swellings etc.
9. They fight infections because of their antimicrobial properties.
10. Onions are insect repellents.
11. They are used to treat skin issues like boils, pimples, acne, swellings, insect bites and stings. Onions also help to clear skin blemishes and dark spots.
12. They help to stop nosebleeds.
13. Onions help with hair growth.

You must eat at least half of a medium-sized onion daily if you want to use it for health or healing purposes. You can do this by finding ways of adding fresh or slightly cooked onions to your meals. Cooking does not affect the nutrients in onions as long as you still use the juice.

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African Salad Is So Delicious And Rich In Nutrients For Health.

African salad is a delicacy prepared by the people of Eastern Nigeria. It is known in Igbo as abacha ncha or abacha and ugba. It is served as a meal, snack or side dish at home, restaurants or parties. It is also sold by hawkers especially in markets.

African salad has so much in terms of nutrients and can be classified as a healing meal. This is because:

• It is made from many ingredients
• Most of the ingredients are in their raw form.
• The ingredients that have been processed have been done so minimally.
• The various ingredients provide a balanced meal.

Below are the ingredients that are used in preparing African salad:

• Sliced cooked and fermented African oil bean seeds. (Ugba or ukpaka)
• Sliced dried cassava. (abacha)
• Red palm oil.
• Onions.
• Pepper.
• Crayfish.
• Dry or roasted fish.
• Garden eggs fruits and leaves.
• Utazi leaves (Gongronema latifonum)
• Uziza leaves. (African black pepper)
• Calabash nutmeg.
• Powdered potash. (Kaun, akaun)
• Ogiri or iru.

African salad ingredients are sure to provide carbohydrates, proteins, healthy oils, dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients with healing properties like antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ones. Consuming this salad provides a convenient way of having all the nutrients you need in just one meal.

Find a way to include this healthy meal into your healthy diet. You just can’t go wrong with it. It is easy to prepare and tastes good. This meal is great for those trying to keep healthy, lose weight, dealing with diabetes or other health related issues. The benefits are numerous.

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The Health Value of African Oil Bean Seeds.

The African oil bean seed is called Pentaclethra Macrophylla, ugba (Igbo), kako, apara (Yoruba)

ukana (Efik). The African oil bean seed tree is a perennial legume tree that grows widely in West Africa. The seeds which are flat in shape and dark in colour are widely consumed by the Igbo after cooking and fermentation while the Yoruba use the pods and seeds for medicine. This is because the African oil bean seed has good nutritional values and the potential to promote good health. African oil bean seeds are:

• High in crude protein and contains all 20 essential amino acids. Essential amino acids are important because the body cannot produce them and so, have to be obtained from food.
• High in oil which contains essential fatty acids.
• Low in carbohydrates.
• High in minerals like magnesium, copper, manganese, iron and calcium.
• Low in vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin and niacin.
• Contain phytonutrients such as saponins and tannins.

Uses of the African oil bean seed for health:

1. Because the African oil bean seed is high in proteins, it is a cheap source of protein especially for low income families.
2. They help in building blood and combating anaemia because of the high iron content.
3. The saponins and tannins help in lowering cholesterol levels.
4. They are used to treat diarrhea.
5. Regular consumption offers protection against cancer.
6. They are used for stomach disorders and inflammation. The pods are burnt to ashes by the Yoruba, added to oil or shea butter and applied to boils and inflammations.

African oil bean seeds need to be cooked and fermented before consumption because they contain trace amounts of a poisonous alkaloid called paucine and a growth depressant called caffeoylputrescine. Processing removes the negative effects of these components but also decreases the mineral content level.

There are many other uses for African oil bean seeds. Have you got any to share? Please leave your comments and feedbacks below or send an email to yvonnebosede06@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell.

Turmeric; The Gold of Spices.

Turmeric is the rhizome of the Curcuma longa plant that is used in cooking and as medicine.

Turmeric has an orange flesh, brown skin  and earthy flavour. It has been used for thousands of years to treat many health conditions because of its numerous antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, of which curcumin is the highest. Curcumin is responsible for the orange colour of turmeric and it is a powerful phytonutrient with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is called ata ile pupa in Yoruba (coloured ginger).


Some nutrients in turmeric.

• Turmeric is high in dietary fiber which helps to lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
• Turmeric is rich in vitamins such as niacin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, vitamin C.
• It contains minerals such as manganese, iron, copper, potassium, calcium and magnesium.

Turmeric has a lot of properties below, which give it the potential to combat chronic illnesses;

1. Antioxidant.
2. Anti-inflammatory.
3. Antiviral.
4. Antibacterial.
5. Antifungal.
6. Anticancer.

Some of the uses of turmeric are:

1. To treat gastrointestinal diseases and digestive disorders.
2. To treat arthritis and inflammatory conditions.
3. To improve liver function.
4. To treat cancer treatment.
5. To treat skin issues including acne, boils and abcesses.
6. For cardiovascular health and to lower cholesterol level.
7. For diabetes.
8. To treat cataracts.
9. To prevent allergies.
10. Used to treat and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

Consumption of turmeric on a daily basis will go a long way in reducing the risk and preventing

many chronic illnesses and malignant diseases with no adverse side effects or toxicity. You can drink turmeric as tea or sprinkle some powder or grated root on your food. Or you can just use as a spice in cooking.

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Dancing Your Way to Wellness and Weight Loss.

Dancing for exercise is one way of enjoying superior health benefits that a lot of us do not realize. Some form of exercise is always recommended as part of a wellness plan. Most people lack the time, energy or will to do this. Even though dancing is most often at the bottom of exercise list for most people, it provides more than helping you to lose weight or keep fit and listed below are some of its superior benefits:

1. Dancing gives a sense of happiness or feeling good. Apart from the physical gains, it improves your emotional, psychological, mental and social aspects. It helps to remove stress and depression.
2. Dancing is good for improving your body circulation and cardiovascular health.
3. Dancing increases your intelligence by keeping your mind sharp.
4. It strengthens your muscles and bones.
5. It gives your body increased flexibility, energy, strength and endurance.

Dancing is low impact, free, fun and easy to perform. You can do it whenever you like and do not need to follow any rules but just move to music. These days, music sources surround us through our phones, TV channels, radio stations, computers and just everywhere, so you have no excuse for not exercising. Dancing keeps you moving and smiling.

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The Health Benefits of Consuming Garden Eggs.

Garden egg, known botanically as Solanium melongema, is also commonly called egg plant and aubergine. It is a plant that is mostly grown for the fruits which are used for food. Eggplant has various varieties, resulting in different sizes, shapes and colours. The shape can be round, oval or spherical. Eggplants have a slightly bitter taste and a spongy texture.

Eggplant has a lot of benefits for health because of its nutritional

components. Below are the main important nutritional components of eggplant:

• High dietary fiber.
• Low protein, fat and sodium contents.
• Carbohydrates.
• High in minerals like magnesium, potassium, manganese, copper and iron.
• High in vitamins like vitamins C, K, niacin, folate, thiamin and pantothenic acid.
• High in phytochemicals with antioxidant properties like flavonoids, phenolics, anthocyanin.

You gain a lot from consuming garden eggs and here are some of the health benefits:

1. Garden eggs can aid with weight loss because of the high fiber content.
2. Garden eggs can help to improve digestion and aid in maintaining good colon and digestive health.
3. Garden eggs are beneficial for reducing cholesterol levels.
4. Garden eggs help with lowering blood pressure and protect against cardiovascular issues.
5. They are good for regulating blood sugar levels.
6. They are beneficial for treating glaucoma because of the high magnesium content as they help to lower eye pressure.
7. Because of the high level of antioxidants in garden eggs, it is good for protection against inflammation and many chronic inflammatory diseases, including cancer.

Garden egg is eaten raw alone or included in salads, including African salad. In Nigeria, it is used to

prepare garden egg sauce and added to vegetable soups. It is also used as a healthy snack with groundnut and spices paste.

If you have a garden egg recipe to share or any comment, please do below or send an email to yvonnebosede06@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell.

You Gain So Much From a Fiber Rich Diet.

Fiber or roughage is the part of plant-based foods that cannot be broken down by the body, so they are passed out undigested. There are two types of fiber:

• Soluble fiber can dissolve in water and is the type that is useful in regulating blood sugar levels
  
  and reducing cholesterol levels.
• Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and is the bulky type. This is useful in treating constipation.

Many natural and unprocessed Plant-based foods contain the two types of fiber. Fiber has a lot to offer for good health and some of the benefits include:

1. Achieving a healthy weight. Fiber adds bulk to food and is low in calories. This means that you feel full and satiated while cutting down on calories.
2. Fiber is good for the health of the digestive system because it normalizes bowel movement. It also helps to maintain easy bowel movement and reduce the risk of constipation and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Fiber helps to maintain heart health and protect against the risks of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
4. Fiber helps to control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of or reverse diabetes.
5. Fiber helps to reduce inflammation and improve the skin.

You gain so much more than the benefits listed above by going on a high fiber diet. Incorporating fiber into your diet is quite easy, since most natural plant foods contain fiber, eating more of unprocessed natural foods guarantees fiber intake. Consuming a fiber rich diet is a sure way of maintaining an ideal weight and keeping healthy. Fruits and vegetables are also good sources of fiber.

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Using Malabar Spinach for Food and Medicine.

Malabar spinach is called Basella alba botanically. It is also called amunututu or toromoganna in Yoruba. It is a perennial vine that is used as a vegetable for food and aa a herb for medicine in Africa and Asia.

Malabar spinach is a highly nutritious vegetable that has the following nutritional profile;

• Low in calories.
• Low in fats.
• High in proteins.
• High in vitamins A, C, some B complex vitamins like folate, pyridoxine and riboflavin.
• Contains antioxidants like beta-carotenes, lutein, zea-xanthin.
• It is a good source of chlorophyll.
• It has antiviral, diuretic, astringent, mucilaginous and laxative properties.

Because of its nutrients profile and properties above, it has been used medicinally for the following;

1. The leaves are used to treat constipation because it is mucilaginous.
2. The astringent roots are used to treat diarrhea.
3. The root paste is used on boils, burns, scalds and ulcers.
4. The root paste is also used to inflammation, rheumatic pain and swellings.
5. The flowers are used as an antidote to poison, snake bites and insect bites.
6. The fruit juice is used to treat conjunctivitis and some eye infections.
7. A decoction of the leaves is used to reduce labour pains.
8. Leaves decoction is used to treat catarrh because of its demulcent properties.
9. The leaves are used to promote fertility in South-West Nigeria.

Malabar spinach is cooked as a vegetable soup in Nigeria especially for relieving constipation and

digestive issues. That is why it is called amunututu (something that calms the digestive tract) in Yoruba. It can soothe and protect inflamed tissues.

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The Goodness of Sugar Cane for Health.

Sugar cane is a form of grass whose stem is rich in sugar. Sugar cane is popular all over the world and it is mainly used as a raw material for producing refined or table sugar. Sugar cane is also consumed in its raw form and it is a high-energy food.

Natural sugar cane juice is rich in a lot of nutrients which offer numerous benefits for health to the body. Here is why sugar cane juice contributes to good health.

1. It is rich in vitamins A, C, B2, B1, B3, B5 and B6.
2. Sugar cane is high in minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese.
3. It is rich in basic amino acids; lysine, histidine, tryptophan. These form proteins, so sugar cane helps to boost protein levels in the body.
4. Essential amino acids like methionine, beta alanine and pipecolic acid which help to build muscles and burn fat are present in sugar cane.
5. Sugar cane juice is high in antioxidants like polyphenols which help to protect the body from the ravages of free radicals, infections and chronic diseases.
6. Unlike most refined foods that are high in sugar, sugar cane is alkaline to the body. Most diseases including cancer cannot thrive in an alkaline body, so sugar cane juice helps to protect against a lot of diseases.
7. Sugar cane juice boosts the body immune system because of its high level of antioxidants and nutrients.
8. Sugar cane juice has a low glycemic index which means that it does not cause a sudden increase in blood glucose levels and it does not have simple sugars. This makes it safe for people with type II diabetes to consume in moderation and helps to keep people generally healthy.
9. The potassium in sugar cane allows it to be beneficial as a digestive aid and can help in treating constipation.

Substituting sugar cane juice for refined sugar or glucose will help to give the body healthy nutrition on the long run. Most refined sugars have only the carbohydrate content left with no other useful nutrients for health for the body. Using sugar cane juice to sweeten your own home made juices makes a lot of good sense and is a step in the direction to good health.

Here  are two homemade refreshing drinks you can make.

Mix some lemon juice, ginger, coconut milk, sugar cane juice and water.

Boil some hibiscus flower calyxes with some grated ginger. Add some sugar cane juice and pineapple juice.

Have you got a recipe with sugar cane to share or a feedback? Please do so below or send an email to yvonnebosede06@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell.

Why You Need Tetrapleura tetraptera For Food And Medicine

Tetrapleura tetraptera is a flowering plant whose fruit is widely used in Nigeria for cooking (spice) and traditional medicine. It is native to West Africa and is locally known as the following;

Local Name	Language
Aridan	Yoruba
Oshosho	Igbo
Imiminje	Etsako
Apapa	Ijaw
Edeminang	Efik
Ighirehimi	Ishan
Ighimiaka	Bini
Prekese	Twi (Ghana)

Aridan is useful in healing because it contains a lot of phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals. It is high in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The fruit, bark and beaves are the parts that are used in medicine. Below are some of the important nutrients in aridan fruit.

• Vitamins
• Minerals; zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium, manganese and sodiu.
• Antioxidants; flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, polyphenol, anthraquinones.
• Proteins, sugar and starch.

The fruit of Aridan has the following properties;

1. Ability to lower blood pressure.
2. Anti-inflammatory; this is why it is used to treat a lot of chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatism and arthritis.
3. Antimicrobial.
4. Helps to regulate blood sugar.
5. Promotes blood flow.

Aridan has also been used to treat a lot of diseases like leprosy, female reproductive issues, stomach ailments,fever, malaria, convulsions, flatulence and gonorrhea. It is used by men for birth control and used in pepper soup to aid in cleansing the womb after child birth. Ground aridan powder is tied in a cotton cloth, heated up and used on the umblical cord of newborn babies to prevent infections. It is also used to prepare banga soup in Nigeria because of the aroma. The uses are so many in different cultures and even though this powerful medicinal spice is native to West Africa, most of us in cities are unaware of its healing abilities.

Cooking regularly with aridan as a spice is a good way of enjoying its benefits. Hot Aridan infusion can also be used as a health tea or included in herbal preparation.

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Reasons to Include Cocoyam in Your Diet.

Cocoyam, Colocasia asculenta, is also called taro and is a starchy root used as food. Cocoyam is widely used in Nigeria, especially in the rural areas where it is a part of the diet but they are disappearing from urban diets. There are two varieties of cocoyam in Nigeria. One is mainly used in South-East Nigeria to thicken soups like bitterleaf and oha. The other is prepared and consumed just like yam.

 Cocoyam has the following in terms of nutrition;

• High in complex carbohydrates.
• Gluten free.
• High in dietary fiber.
• Low in glycemic index.
• Low in fat content.
• Low in proteins.
• Contain vitamins like vitamin A, C, E, pyridoxine (B6), riboflavin, folate, thiamin and pantothenic acid.
• Contain minerals like zinc, potassium, copper, iron and magnesium.

Here are a few of the health benefits of cocoyam;

1. Their high potassium and vitamin B6 help to promote heart health and regulate blood pressure.
2. Cocoyam roots contain antioxidants like flavonoids and carotenes which protect the body from oxidative stress and diseases. They also boost the immune system.
3. They are a good source of dietary fiber.
4. They have complex carbohydrates which digest slowly. Because of this and their fiber content, they do not cause blood glucose spikes.

Cocoyam corms are easy to prepare and can be used in many ways. They can be boiled, fried, roasted, baked, pounded to a paste and used in soups. They are good to include in the diet because they are natural foods with a lot to offer for health and have a delicious taste. However if you are trying to lose weight or be healthy, eat in moderation and do not fry.

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Reverse Graying Hair Naturally.

                                               Graying of hair is caused primarily by reduced production of melanin, which is the pigment that is responsible for hair colour. Some of the factors or conditions which contribute to graying are;

• Heredity or genetic disposition.
• Illnesses or adverse medical conditions.
• Hormonal imbalances.
• Stress.
• Poor nutrition.
• Deficiency in some vitamins and minerals like copper, iron and zinc.
• Smoking or use of narcotics.
• Using unsuitable or bad hair products.

Graying is mostly associated with old age, but sometimes graying can occur at an early age, making the affected individual appear older.

There are natural herbs and products which can help to reverse or prevent hair graying without having to resort to the use of chemicals or dyes. Gray hair may also be a sign of other adverse processes like aging and oxidative stress are going on inside too, so it is better to deal with this condition internally too. Here are a few herbs that can be used externally on hair to promote natural darkening;

1. Natural oils like coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter, almond oil, black seed oil.
2. Onion juice.
3. Henna or laali leaves or juice.
4. Lemon or lime juice.
5. Curry leaves or juice.
6. Amaranth leaves or tete leaves or juice.
7. Amla or Indian gooseberries powder.
8. Rosemary leaves or juice.
9. Black tea juice.
10. Sage leaves.

You can make a combination of two or more of the herbs to use. Massage hair often with natural oils which contain antioxidants, moisturizers and other ingredients which promote hair health generally. Most of the juices above are used to massage the hair and left for about 30 minutes before washing off. Amla powder is mixed with natural oils and applied at least twice a day.

Reversing graying of hair takes time but it happens. A good nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices help to prevent graying.

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Some Hot Health Benefits of Peppers.

Peppers are pungent and fleshy berries with seeds that have hotness in common. There are so many types of peppers; scotch, habanero, chili, bell, jalapeno, cayenne etc. They all contain capsaicin which makes them hot and they have a lot of important health benefits. Peppers also contain a lot of phytochemicals which are good for health.

Peppers have the following for health;

• They are high in capsaicin which is an antioxidant
• Peppers are high in vitamins A, C, E, K, some B vitamins. Some of these vitamins are also antioxidants.
• They contain minerals like potassium, copper, iron, manganese
• They are low in calories.
• They are low in sodium.
• They contain no carbohydrates or fats.

Because of their good nutritional content and capsaicin content, peppers help the body in many ways, including the following;

1. They are excellent for relieving  pain especially when applied topically to areas with pain because of their capsaicin content. People with inflammation and other pains benefit from topical application.
2. Capsaicin also gives peppers the ability to help the body fight inflammation.
3. The heat from peppers helps to clear congestion of the nose and lungs.
4. Peppers promote cardiovascular health thereby reducing the risk of heart issues and strokes.
5. Peppers help to lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
6. They promote weight loss by increasing metabolic rate.
7. Capsaicin helps in killing some cancer cells.
8. Peppers suppress appetite, boost energy and improve stamina.
9. Peppers aid digestion.
10. Peppers do not cause ulcers but can aggravate existing ulcers.

Peppers have varying degrees of hotness within the same variety and among different varieties. If you don’t like too much pepper, just find a level where you will be comfortable instead of removing them from your diet. Peppers are excellent for promoting good health and wellness.

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The Many Uses Of Castor Oil For Health.

Castor oil plant is known as Ricinus communis and the seeds produce the oil which is popular. Castor oil is transparent and pale yellow with no smell or taste. The plant is called eso laara in Yoruba and also known as palm of Christ. Castor oil has been used for centuries but the usage has declined recently, even though it has so many healing properties and it is cheap. Castor oil has been avoided because the seed contains ricin, a toxic component which does not affect the oil but the remaining paste. This is because ricin is only water soluble. The oil is safe to ingest as it is not toxic.

Castor oil has many medicinal uses and below are some of the common uses;

1. Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, a very uncommon fatty acid, which can inhibit the growth of several bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeast.  It is used to treat vaginal infections.
2. Castor oil is used to treat skin infections and issues like scars, keloids, ringworms, psoriasis, rashes, acne, warts, skin tags, corns, moles etc.
3. It is used in expelling intestinal worms including tapeworms which are hard to be rid of.
4. Castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties, so it is good to use in treating arthritis, nerve damage, muscle aches, soreness, swellings and general body pains. It is used to relieve foot ache.
5. Castor oil is a mild laxative and is used to treat constipation.
6. Castor oil is used in shrinking hemorrhoids and is sometimes mixed with baking soda to apply to the hemorrhoids.
7. Castor oil is used to shrink swollen lymph nodes and external tumours.
8. Castor oil boosts the immune system.
9. Castor oil is also used in a lot of hair, skin, feet and lips cosmetic products.

Because castor oil is absorbed deeply into the skin or penetrates deeply into the body, it can be used as carrier oil with some other components to treat internal organs when applied topically. It is useful in treating female reproductive organs issues, gallstone pains, colic in babies, stomach pains, menstrual cramps,

Castor oil has been used to induce labour so pregnant women should avoid the ingestion. Consuming the whole seeds is however toxic to humans and animals. Every part of castor oil plant must be handled carefully because of toxicity. It is better to wash your hands after handling to stop the ingestion of the toxins.

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Removing Skin Tags Easily At Home.

Skin tags are fleshy bumps of hanging skin called acrochordons. They are commonly found on the face, neck, eyelids, underarms, groin folds, back and under breasts. Most skin tags are benign, painless and medically harmless but annoying. They can be uncomfortable and sometimes unsightly.

Skin tags are caused by friction due to the rubbing of skin against skin especially in areas where the skin folds and creases.

Skin tags can be easily removed in many ways and doing it yourself at home is possible in many ways, using cheap remedies. They can also be removed by your doctor. If you choose to remove them yourself, here are some simple and cheap home remedies.

1)      Tying of skin tags with a string. Tie a bit of string tightly around the base of the skin tag and leave. Continue to tie until the skin tag falls off.

2)      Using apple cider vinegar. Wet a cotton ball with some apple cider vinegar and place on the skin tag overnight while holding in place with a band aid. You may also do this for 15 minutes three times a day until the skin tag darkens and falls off.

3)      Tea tree oil is one of the best remedies for removing skin tags. Wet a cotton ball with water and put 3 drops of tea tree oil. Rub the skin tag lightly with the cotton ball in a circular motion for about 2 minutes. Do this 3 times daily until the skin tag drops off.

4)      Lemon or lime juice. Squeeze some lemon or lime juice onto a cotton ball and apply on the skin tag. Repeat this about 3 times daily until the skin tag decomposes and falls off.

5)      Garlic. Grind some cloves of garlic into a paste and apply to the skin tag, using a band aid to hold in place. You can leave for 15 minutes 3 times daily or overnight.

6)      Duct tape. Cover the skin tag with a duct tape overnight until it drops off.

Other natural ingredients used to remove skin tags easily are;

• Oregano oil.
• Dandelion stem or root juice.
• Onion juice.
• Pineapple juice.
• Castor oil and baking soda.
• Banana peel.
• Potato.
• Aloe vera.
• Fig stem juice.

Some people have more than one skin tag at the same time. These treatment work if you are dedicated and determined to remove the skin tags.People who are overweight or dealing with diabetes are also prone to having skin tags. 

If you have feedbacks or questions, please do so with a comment below or send an email to yvonnebosede06@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell.