Using Corn For Food And Snack Offers Wonderful Benefits.

Corn, called Zea mays, is a large grain plant that is used both as a grain and vegetable. Though corn is considered to be high in starchy carbohydrates, it is has a lot of healthy nutrients which offer fantastic health benefits. Corn is commonly called maize and comes in colours ranging from white, yellow, purple and blue.

Corn has the following nutrients;

• Complex carbohydrates.
• Low protein.
• Low fat.
• Vitamins A, C, E, B vitamins like pantothenic acid, folates.
• Minerals like phosphorus, manganese, zinc, calcium, magnesium and iron.
• High in fiber.
• Antioxidants and phytochemicals like lutein, zeaxanthin, anthocyanin, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, protocatechinic acid, syringic acid, beta-carotene, coumaric acid, ferulic acid etc.

Corn helps in the following ways because of its nutrients;

1)      Corn has an impressive combination of antioxidants and phytochemicals which help to protect the body from oxidative stress or the ravages of free radicals. These in turn protect the body from heart disease, diabetes and cancer.  It also helps to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and lower blood pressure. Some of these antioxidants help in eye health. This antioxidant activity is increased when corn is cooked.

2)      Corn has a high level of fiber which aids in digestion and regulates blood sugar. This helps in protecting against constipation and hemorrhoids. It also helps to fight fat.

Corn is versatile in cooking. It can be boiled, roasted, or ground to powder (cornmeal) to use in baking and pastes. . All over the world, corn is used to make so many food products. In Nigeria, it is made into tuwo, ogi, eko, akamu, koko etc. Here are three healthy snacks and meals from Nigeria, using corn.

1)      Cooked or roasted corn with coconut.

2)      Stewed beans and corn.

3)      Tuwo, ewedu, gbegiri and soft bone stew.

Corn has so much to offer for everyone, especially individuals trying to snack and eat healthy meals. Remember to eat in moderation to avoid unwanted weight gain.

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You Can Easily Shrink Hemorrhoids At Home.

Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in and around the anal region. They are commonly called piles and cause pain, swelling, irritation, swelling, discomfort and sometimes bleeding due to increased pressure on the affected veins.

Some of the symptoms of having hemorrhoids around the anus are:

• Itching and irritation.
• Swelling and inflammation.
• Rectal pain.
• Small lumps.
• Discomfort especially when sitting down.

The most common cause of hemorrhoids is usually due to pressure increase on anal veins  or on the lower pressure caused by the following:

• Chronic constipation.
• Pregnancy.
• Liver congestion.
• Weight gain or obesity.
• Sitting for long hours.
• Chronic diarrhea.

Hemorrhoids can be treated easily at home. Natural herbs with astringent properties are the best to use for shrinking hemorrhoids. Natural herbs and product also contain other active components which help to reduce the itching, swelling and discomfort while decreasing the secretions like blood that are produced. Most astringent products are applied topically to the hemorrhoids while some can also be taken internally. Below are some herbal remedies for shrinking hemorrhoids;

1)      Alum would top my list of products to use because it is effective and easily available. Dissolve some crystals or powder in water and apply with a cotton pad to the piles.

2)      Cocoyam stem. Peel the outside of the widest part of the stem (nearest part to the root), grate and squeeze the juice. Apply to the hemorrhoids.

3)      With hazel. Grind the leaves and bark. Soak with water to make an infusion which is applied to the hemorrhoids with cotton balls. This is a popular remedy.

4)      White oak bark. Make a decoction with the bark and apply to the hemorrhoids.

5)      Garlic. Grate some garlic cloves and apply the paste to the hemorrhoids.

6)      Apple cider vinegar. Apply some to the hemorrhoids.

Other herbs which are used are;

• Butcher’s broom.
• Stone root.
• Horse chestnut.
• Lemon juice.
• Chamomile.

Most astringents will shrink hemorrhoids fast but they need to be applied at least twice a day. A good diet that is high in fiber will help to ease passage of waste, thereby reducing pressure due to straining and constipation. Shrinking hemorrhoids with herbs will not stop them from coming back if the conditions that cause them are not treated. Drink plenty of water and eat lots of vegetables and fruits.

Leave a comment below to share your experiences with natural products, ask questions or add. You can send emails to yvonnebosede06@gmail.com or follow on Twitter @heal2bwell.

Substitute Rice And Pasta With Bulgur Wheat For Better Health.

Bulgur wheat is a kind of cracked wheat that only has a minimal amount of the bran removed. Bulgur is also made from the groats of wheat, most commonly durum wheat. Bulgur is a natural weight loss food that is excellent to include in an anti-inflammatory diet. 

Bulgur wheat is highly nutritional and can be used to replace rice, spaghetti, macaroni or couscous in planning a meal for those trying to lose weight, with diabetes, other health conditions or just to be healthy because it is a whole grain. Here is why bulgur is excellent for health and weight loss:

• Low in fats.
• Low in calories.
• Gluten free.
• High in fiber.
• High in protein.
• Low glycemic index. It is high in slow digesting carbohydrates.
• Rich in vitamins. Niacin, folate and other B vitamins.
• Rich in minerals. Manganese, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc.

Because of the healthy nutrition and fiber provided by bulgur wheat, it is beneficial in:

• Combating chronic inflammation and the diseases associated with this condition
• Helping in combating high blood pressure.
• Helping with digestion.
• Guarding against gallstones.
• Helping the body use insulin properly.
• Lowering cholesterol level.
• Helping to maintain a healthy weight and combat weight gain.

Even though bulgur is processed, it has most of the nutrients because the processing is minimal and no preservatives or additives are to it.

Bulgur consumption is not popular in Nigeria but health conscious individuals have started to use it in their diets. It has its origins in the Mediterranean and Middle East where it is popular. Cooking bulgur wheat is just like cooking rice and the taste is not so different from that of rice, though it is a bit chewy. This makes it easy to include in the Nigerian diet or any diet. It can be consumed with stew, vegetable soups or used to replace pasta in salads and meal. Try a vegetable stir-fry bulgur wheat to replace your usual stir-fry rice for health.

Have you got a healthy recipe or meal to share? You can share below or send an email to yvonnebosede06@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell.

Fade Your Stretch Marks Naturally.

Stretch marks are thick off-coloured streaks or stripes that appear on the skin. Stretch marks appear on the skin when there is rapid stretching of the skin or quick weight gain which weakens the connective tissues and collagen. The skin is made up of elastin which makes it soft, supple and stretchable. They commonly occur on the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, lower back, arms, calves and breasts. 

Stretch marks most commonly appear where there are large fat deposits and can be caused by the following:

• Excessive or rapid weight gain.
• Skin stretching due to pregnancy.
• Exercise.
• Muscle building.
• Hormonal changes.
• Use of some creams, lotions, medication.

Most people do not like the sight of stretch marks and they are quite difficult to get rid of. However some natural products can help to fade, reduce or remove stretch marks. The best approach to fading stretch marks is to use ingredients which have antioxidants, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins A, C and E and a lot of other nutrients which are great for healing the skin. Drinking a lot of water to avoid dehydration and moisturizing the skin are important. Here are a few natural products that you can use:

1. Potato Juice. Grate some potatoes and squeeze the juice. Apply the juice to the stretch marks area and leave for 20 minutes. Wash off with warm water and apply some natural oil.
2. Aloe Vera Gel. Apply aloe gel to the area and leave for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Wash off with warm water. Apply oil.
3. Egg Whites. Apply egg whites to the stretch marks for about 30 minutes and wash off with warm water. Apply oil.
4. Lemon or Lime Juice. Rub some lemon or lime juice to the stretch marks in a circular manner and leave for 20 minutes. Wash off and apply oil.
5. Avocado. Apply some mashed avocado pulp and leave for 30 minutes. Wash off with warm water. Use often.

Natural oils like shea butter, coconut oil, cocoa butter, olive oil, rose oil, lavender oil, almond oil, castor oil, lavender oil, myrrh oil etc. are good for fading and reducing stretch marks. Applying them many times daily provides good results.

Other products which can be used are:

• Sugar.
• Coconut milk.
• Honey.
• Sandalwood.
• Banana and the skin.
• Apricots.
• Alfalfa.
• Basil.
• Oats.

However fading stretch marks takes time and a lot of dedication, so do not give up when the result is not coming as fast as you will like. 

Leave a comment to add to this or share your experience. Send an email to yvonnebosede06@gmail.com and follow on Twitter @heal2bwell.

Cooking With Firewood Often Is Not Ideal.

Firewood has been used as a fuel source from the beginning of time for different purposes and it is still being used for cooing these days. Firewood is used to cook, roast, defend against wild animals,for warmth etc.

Anyone who has ever cooked or been near where firewood is being used would readily attest to the fact that it is always an unpleasant experience. Cooking with firewood is uncomfortable but will cause no serious health issues if it is not frequent but long-term or daily use of firewood may affect the lungs, heart and eyes.

The main health risk of cooking with firewood is the smoke. Smoke is an air pollutant that is made up of unburned fuel particles which can affect the lungs. Some of the short-term effects of inhaling burning firewood are;

• Nasal congestion.
• Runny noses.
• Coughing.
• Eye irritation.
• Triggering asthma symptoms.
• Difficulty in breathing.

During firewood burning, chemicals like carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and other toxic gases are released into the air. Smoke particles have so many negative impacts on the lungs and heart. Frequent inhalation of wood smoke is not ideal for good health.

This practice is very common in rural areas where there is limited access to other sources of fuel. Educating people on the need to substitute firewood for other fuel sources is important. Wood can be used for more important things like building, compost, furniture and the trees themselves can provide shelter from the sun. Reducing the practice of cooking with firewood will also help to reduce the cutting down of precious trees.

Let’s hear from you below or send an email to yvonnebosede06@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell.

Some Home Remedies For Food Poisoning.

Food poisoning is a stomach disorder that has happened to most people at one time or another. It is caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites and other toxins found in food.  When you experience food poisoning, please do not ignore it.

Some of the symptoms of food poisoning are;

• Diarrhea.
• Vomiting.
• Abdominal cramps.
• Stomach pain.
• Dizziness.
• Sweating.
• Headache.
• Dry mouth.
• Nausea.

The first treatment for mild to moderate food poisoning is drinking a lot of water to prevent dehydration from frequent stooling and vomiting. Since most cases of food poisoning is from pathogens, the use of herbs with antimicrobial activities are useful in treating this condition. Some will also help with calming the stomach. Below are some herbs which can help;

• Bitter kola. Chew bitter kola.
• Ginger. Make ginger tea and drink often.
• Apple cider vinegar. Mix 30ml apple cider vinegar with 250ml hot water.
• Lemon or lime juice.  Squeeze some lime or lemon and mix with hot water to drink.
• Basil leaves. Squeeze some leaves and add a pinch of salt to the juice.
• Garlic. Grate some garlic cloves and put in some warm water to drink.
• Cloves. Grind some cloves to powder and put in hot water to drink.
• Bananas. Eat some bananas.
• Cinnamon. Grate some cinnamon bar and use to make tea.
• Neem or dogonyaro leaves. Make a hot water infusion of these leaves and drink.
• Cumin seeds. Boil some in water and drink.

Prompt medical attention is also needed for food poisoning especially when the symptoms are severe.  Honey can also be used to mix any of the remedies above.

Let us know about some remedies that worked for you below. Send your questions by email to yvonnebosede0@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell.

Getting Relief From Menstrual Cramps With Herbs.

Painful menstrual cramps are due to a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin which causes contraction of the uterine muscles and this condition is known as dysmenorrhea. This condition afflicts quite a few ladies. The pain can be a mild to severe throbbing pain from the lower abdomen to the lower back and can last up to 72 hours for some ladies, and can result in the disruption of their daily activities.

Here are some herbal remedies for relief.

1)Tamarind, Pawpaw leaves, salt and water.

• Pour some hot water on some dried tamarind fruits.
• Squeeze some fresh pawpaw leaves and add to the tamarind extract.
• Add a pinch of salt.
• Drink 60ml frequently for relief.

2) Ginger root  tea.

• Make a hot infusion with grated ginger and drink often.

3) Basil leaves and ginger.

• Squeeze some basil leaves.
• Grate some ginger and make an infusion.
• Add the basil juice to the ginger infusion.
• Drink from time to time for relief.

4) Ginger root, lemongrass and pineapple juice.

• Grate some ginger roots.
• Slice some pineapple with the peel after washing.
• Cook the pineapple, lemongrass and ginger.
• Drink about 100ml each time for relief.

Other herbs that are used for menstrual cramps are;

Mistletoe, Viscum album, afomo.

Wonderful kola fruit and bark.

Jatropha gossypifolia, botuje pupa stem latex.

Cinnamon.

Cramp bark.   

Chaste tree berry or vitex.

Red raspberry leaf.

Fennel.

Black cohosh.

Jamaican dogwood.

Wild yam.

Placing a hot water bottle on the lower abdomen helps by improving circulation.  Rubbing a balm made with dry pepper powder and shea butter on the abdomen and back also helps. Consuming hot peppersoup during this time will help because of the medicinal properties of the ingredients.

Have you had some experience with finding relief from menstrual cramps. Let us know below. Send emails to yvonnebosede06@gmail.com if you have questions. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell.