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.

Share your experiences below or send an email to yvonnebosede06@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell.

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.