Thanks for visiting my blog. Previously we discussed the tomato and we listed some of its benefits to health such as its healthy skin effects, helps in strong bone development, its antioxidant properties which reduces the risk of cancer and a lot more. In this blog post, I'll be enumerating the amazing health benefits of the Avocado.
Avocado is simply one of the most delicious fruits on the planet. Most fruits are primarily known for their carbohydrate contents but the Avocado pear is popularly known for its healthy fat contents. Avocado is the fruit of the Avocado tree called Persea Americana. Avocado pear which is also known as Alligator pear because of its pear shaped nature and bumpy skin just like the alligator is incredibly nutritious and is commonly used by people who are nutrient conscious because it has nutrients in abundance.Avocados come in different sizes and shapes. The most popular type is called Hass Avocado. The Avocado is very nutritious and contains more than 20 vitamins and minerals
POSSIBLE HEALTH BENEFITS OF AVOCADOS
Vision: Lutein and zeaxanthin which are two phytochemicals present in the tissues of the eyes are antioxidant in nature and provides protection to the eyes against harmful exposure such as ultraviolet light.
Strong healthy bones: The intake of Avocado provides the right amount of vitamn K required daily for the body. Just like calcium and Vitamin D, Vitamin K can also help strengthen the bones by increasing calcium absorption and decreasing the excretion of calcium.
Cancer: Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases . It has been proven that the intake of Avocado can help reduce the risk of cancer
Improved Digestion: Avocados are rich in fibers. The high fiber content helps to improve the digestion and decreases the chances of constipation despite its creamy nature. Regular intake of Avocado can help reduce the chances of colon cancer
Detoxofication: Studies show that the presence of fiber in Avocado enhances the movement of the bowels which is important for the excretion of toxins through stool or bile. Fiber also helps in regulating the immune system and inflammation.
Protection against diseases: Regular intake of fiber lowers the risk of diseases like heart problem , cancer , diabetes , inflammation, obesity, stroke, etc. Fibers also reduces the blood cholesterol levels,increases the sensitivity of the insulin and increases weight loss.
Incorporating Avocados in our diet
Avocados can be eaten in its raw , natural form after ripening.A ripe Avocado is usually soft and can be detected by pressing the fruit . Avocados can be eaten with bread in place of butter or can be added to our salad if it is not too soft.
For quicker ripening of the Avocado, place the fruit in a paper bag with Banana and tie the bag shut .to ensure it is airtight. After a few days, it will ripen.
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Sunday, August 7, 2016
TOMATOES AND ITS AMAZING BENEFITS
1. Tomatoes are good for your skin.
Tomatoes contain a high level of lycopene, which is a substance that is used in some of the more pricy facial cleansers that are available for purchase over-thecounter.If you want to try tomatoes for skin care, you need to start with about eight to twelve tomatoes. Peel the tomatoes and then place the skin on your face with inside of the tomato touching your skin.Leave the tomatoes on your face for a minimum of ten minutes, then wash. Your face will feel clean and shiny. Some redness may occur, but should fade with time.
2. Tomatoes help prevent several types of cancer.
A number of studies have been conducted that indicate that the high levels of lycopene in tomatoes works to reduce your chances of developing prostate, colorectal and stomach cancer. Lycopene is a natural antioxidant that works effectively to slow the growth of cancerous cells. Cooked tomatoes produce even more lycopene, so go ahead and cook up a batch of your mom’s famous tomato soup.
3. Tomatoes help maintain strong bones.
Tomatoes contain a considerable amount of calcium and Vitamin K. Both of these nutrients are essentialin strengthening and performing minor repairs on the bones as well as the bone tissue.
MORE BENEFITS OF TOMATOES INCLUDES
4. It help repair damage caused by smoking.
No, eating tomatoes is not the most recent fad to help you quit smoking. However,tomatoes can reduce the amount of damaged done to your body by smoking cigarettes. Tomatoes contain coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid that work to protect the body from carcinogens that are produced from cigarette smoke.
5. Tomatoes provide essential antioxidants.
Tomatoes contain a great deal of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. This is primarily because these vitamins and beta-carotene work as antioxidants to neutralize harmful free radicals in the blood. Free radicals in the blood stream are dangerous because it may lead to cell damage. Remember, the redder the tomato you eat is, the more beta-carotene it contains. In addition, you also want to keep in mind that cooking destroys the Vitamin C, so for these benefits, the tomatoes need to be eaten raw.
6. Tomatoes are good for your heart.
Because of the Vitamin B and potassium in tomatoes, they are effective in reducing cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure. Therefore, by including tomatoes in your regular balanced diet you can effectively prevent heart attacks, strokes as well as many other heart related problems that may threaten your life.
7. Tomatoes are good for your hair.
The Vitamin A in tomatoes works perfectly to keep your hair shiny and strong. In addition, it also does wonders for your eyes, skin, bones and teeth.
8. Tomatoes are good for your kidneys.
Adding tomatoes without seeds to your diet has been proven in some studies to reduce the risk of kidney stones.
9. Tomatoes are good for your eyes.
The Vitamin A found in tomatoes is fantastic for improving your vision. In addition, eating tomatoes is one of the best foods to eat to prevent the development of night blindness. Cataracts are the most common causes of visual problems.Decrease in the level of vitamin C in the lens of the human eye leads to increased number of cataracts. Increase of vitamin C in tomato intake increases the blood supply to the visual zones of the body and helps to cure this eye disorder.
10. Tomatoes are good for diabetics.
Tomatoes are packed full of the valuable mineral known as chromium. It works effectively to help diabetics keep their blood sugar levels under better control
11. It Lowers Blood Pressure.
The tomatoes provide significant drop in blood pressure. After 8 weeks, ongoing tracking of daily tomato ingestion (in the form of lycopene complex – a tomato extract) showed a drop in both the blood pressure top number (systolic) by 10 points and the bottom number (diastolic) by 4 points.
12. Protection from cell Damage.
The tomatoes are excellent source of antioxidant lycopene. Antioxidants travel through the body, neutralizing dangerous free radicals that otherwise damage cells and cell membranes. Free radicals escalate the progression or severity of atherosclerosis, diabetic complications, asthma, and colon cancer. High intakes of lycopene have been shown to help reduce the risk or severity of all of these illnesses.
13. Reduce Migraines.
Tomatoes are an outstanding source of riboflavin, which helps for reducing the migraine attacks.
14. Boost Immunity.
Due to consumption of tomatoes helps to avoid flu and colds, especially for males. These common illnesses are widely believed to be rooted in carotenoid deficiencies, including low amounts of lycopene and beta carotene in our body. Drinking tomato juices assists in building defenses against colds and flu.
15. Natural Sunscreen.
It has been showing that lycopene in tomatoes works as a natural sunscreen and provide protection against UV rays.
7 Proven Health Benefits of Ginger
Ginger is commonly used to spice up our dishes. Its presence in our dishes leaves an unforgettable flavor in our mouth. Gingers are used to prepare cake, chin-chin, biscuits Ginger has also been used in food preservation and can be used in the stead of pepper in reducing and eradicating pests in farm products such as maize, beans ,etc.
Apart from using ginger in our homes for cooking and preservation, ginger has been proven to be of very vital importance to our health. In fact, most people who add ginger to their diets are unaware of its remedial nature. In our previous blog post, we discussed the health benefits of kolanuts such as inhibiting the growth of cancer in prostrate, weight loss, fighting infections, ailment for chest colds, etc. In our subsequent sections, we shall, in detail, discuss the health benefits of Ginger..
Ginger is one of the most delicious spices on earth and it is loaded with many bioactive compounds which play a very important role to our body and brain functions. Below are the most powerful uses of ginger.
(1) Ginger is beneficial in reducing the blood sugar level and thus, improves the condition of diabetic patients. Ginger is known to increase the sensitivity of insulin. Ginger does not only help in preventing and treating diabtetes, it also protects against the complications that diabetes may pose.
(2) Just like the carrots, gingers can also be used to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells. Studies carried out by University of Michigan researchers with mice as the case study reveal that the growth of cultured ovarian cancer in mice were inhibited after being treated with ginger. These test was carried out on few other rats without immunity and the result showed that after treating the mice with ginger, there was a remarkable boost in their immunity which also helped conquer the cancerous cells.
(3) Ginger has also be known to cure stomach ulcer and GERD. This was discovered after a research carried out in 1980. This knowledge was further affirmed by a group of Indian scientists who discovered that ginger is 8 times more potent than pervacid; the drug used in treating GERD.
(4) Ginger is very popular in curing nausea and curing indigestion . Studies show that gingers reduces the time with which stomach is emptied. This is why persons with bloated stomach and constipations are advised to take a few doses of ginger as it helps move the bowels. The intake of ginger is used as a remedy to cure nausea in surgery and chemotherapy patients. Ginger is very helpful among pregnant women who suffer morning sickness to relieve them of nausea.
(6) Ginger has been found to prevent stroke and heart diseases; the two most dreaded diseases. Combination of ginger with onions and garlic acts as a powerful prevention against stroke and heart diseases ; keeping them at bay.
(7) The Journal of Microbiology and Antimicrobials published a study in 2011 that tested just how effective ginger is in enhancing immune function. Comparing the ability of ginger to kill Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes with conventional antibiotics, Nigerian researchers discovered that the natural solution won every time! T
he drugs — chloramphenicol, ampicillin and tetracycline — just couldn’t stand up to the antibacterial prowess of the ginger extract. This is important because these two bacteria are extremely common in hospitals and oftentimes cause complications to an already immune-compromised patient. Key takeaway: If you ever need to go to the hospital for surgery or to visit a friend, make sure you bring some ginger essential oil with you and add a couple drops to your water. You’re less likely to get a dangerous staph infection, and it can help speed the healing process! Other healing remedies that are effective against infections include oregano oil, clove oil and melaleuca oil.
How To Avoid Feet Infection During The Rainy Season
Rainy season is lurking at our door. The season comes with lots of challenges; especially, how to keep our feet free from infections and all the trappings of the rainy season. Clean feet has always been the dream of many especially in the rainy season but one cannot avoid few splashes of water and mud that come with the season. Dirty feet are more prone to infection than clean feet and hence, the need to keep them dry and clean. A podiatrist once said that the best way to protect the feet from germs during rainy season is by wearing rubber shoes.
A podiatrist is a food doctor. A podiatrist diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot,ankle, and related structures of the leg.
Fungi and bacteria grow rapidly because of high humidity. This is the case in our tropical environment; especially during the rainy season, that in our case lasts six months of the year. Odour of the feet can result too, as the feet are also susceptible to fungal infections of the skin, especially between the toes. Other problems caused by fungus and bacteria are itching, stinging sensations, skin softening, and peeling. The result is a spike in skin diseases and fungal infections, especially in the feet.
There is no need to hate the rains as long as you keep your feet clean to rid them of those infectious bacteria and dirty or muddy waters, you can enjoy the rainy season, probably even more than the dry season
HOW TO AVOID FEET INFECTION DURING THE RAINY SEASON
Wash the feet thoroughly with soap and water immediately after arriving home.
After washing with soap, apply alcohol on the feet and let them dry before stepping into your slippers. For people who are suffering from athlete’s foot, combine one glass of white vinegar and one glass of lukewarm water in a basin. Soak your feet for 15 minutes. Let your feet dry and apply anti-fungal foot powder.Repeat this wice a day.
One should use an antifungal wash/cream twice daily.
Clean under your toenails regularly to avoid accumulation of dirt.
One, as a matter of foremost necessity, must wear appropriate footwear for the season.
Many women and men may opt for shoes more for fashion than comfort or season requirement. They therefore end up wearing the wrong kind of footwear that can harm their feet. The wrong kind of footwear can also splash water and mud on your clothes making them dirty or spotted. During the rainy season you need footwear that will give you good grip and will keep your feet as clean as possible, such as plastic/rubber sandals, which are typical rainy season footwear that is usually always available. But make sure they fit well, as your feet need to breathe, and they need to be comfortable while travelling.
You can also opt for regular pedicures; if not in a spa or clinic, at home.
Do ensure that nails don’t get or stay dirty. Cut them regularly. As well, try to keep them short so that dirt won’t get deposited in them
Do clean your footwear thoroughly before wearing.
Dip your feet in warm water after returning home. You can put some drops of essential oils such as mentholatum, lemon, lavender, peppermint, Rosemary, macerated onion, garlic or ginger in the water; it will help to refresh you and get rid of smelly feet. Do use a moisturising lotion and massage it into your feet.
There is no need to hate the rains as long as you keep your feet clean to rid them of those infectious bacteria and dirty or muddy waters, you can enjoy the rainy season, probably even more than the dry season.
Health Benefits of Blood Donation
I was 17 when I first donated my blood. I was afraid as it was the first time I was going to lose a pint of blood to a patient. My aunty was undergoing childbirth through caesarean section where she lost a lot of blood. As a general donor, it took the persuasion of e my relatives for me to agree to donate my blood. Necessary tests were carried out to ascertain the safety of my blood before my blood was collected. It wasn't really as scary as I presumed. I watched as my blood ran into the blood bag and in less than five minutes, a pint of blood had been taken.
Blood donation is very important. There is a feeling of satisfaction one experiences when one realizes that one's blood was used to save a life. Apart from the psychological satisfaction, the following are the health benefits of blood donation.
Benefits of blood donation
Reduces the risk of heart disease
Blood donation reduces the level of iron contents in ones blood. Too much iron can interfere with the oxidative processes of the heart which might result to series of severe heart complications. Blood donation eases out these iron and reduces the incidence of heart related ailments.
Reduces the risk of cancer
Blood donation has been widely accorded as one of the ways to reduce the risk of cancer. Iron has been implicated as a major cause of cancer and therefore, the need for blood donation cannot be overemphasized. Contrary to stories that blood donation causes cancer (which aim at discouraging people from donating blood) ,blood donation has been proven to be very helpful in reducing the risk of cancer.
As a weight control measure.
About 650 kilocalories of fats are burnt in every donation. Regular blood donation can be used to put obesity to check. Depending on the level of the blood hemoglobin and iron levels, it is advised that blood be donated within a space of 2 to 3 months and not more regular. Now go to a nearby clinic and shed off some weights .
Free health checkup
Before donating blood ,several tests will have to be carried on your blood against any possible contamination. I must confess, my first HIV status was confirmed when I made my first blood donation and it was free. Several other tests were also ran free of cost.
Who/when do we donate ?
1. Accident victims.
Some fatal accidents can cause the victims to lose lots of blood. Too much loss of blood can reduces the chances of an accident victim of surviving. The only way through which his blood level can be sustained in such an emergency situation is through blood transfusion.
2. During surgery.
Surgeons require blood to supplement for the loss of blood that may result during the surgical process. They always require it as standby in case the patient loses enormous blood. It is therefore important that blood donation is encouraged to help people who are in dire need of it. Come on, just a few of your excess blood wouldn't hurt.
3. Anemic patients
It is quite unfortunate that some people are born with the disability of constant loss of blood. People like these need blood transfusion regularly in order to keep them alive and well. Sickle cell and blood cancer patients are very much in need of regular transfusion in order for them to survive as their system has been fraught with the inability to replicate blood cells.
4. Women in labour.
When women undergo labor, a lot of blood might be lost and hence the need for blood to be on the standby in case it is needed to supplement for the lost blood. As I mentioned in the beginning of this article, I donated to an aunty of mine who bled profusely during labor. Not only was her life saved, she delivered successfully leaving me with the feeling of fulfillment.
Conclusion.
We have seen the need for donating blood. Blood donation is not only beneficial to the person who receiver, it is also beneficial to the donor. Blood donation should be encouraged and the awareness should be created to educate people on the need to donate blood.
Save a life today!
TOENAIL OR FINGERNAIL REMOVAL - CAUSES,PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
It could be very painful when one accidentally loses a toenail.In this article, I will be sharing my experience on how I treated a torn nail but first of all, let us examine the possible causes of toenail detachment from its nail bed.
POSSIBLE CAUSES OF TOENAIL REMOVAL
1. Injury
Injury is one of the most common causes of nail removal. Severe injuries can force the nails to tear off from the nail bed. This is common among aesthetes especially ones that do not wear shoes that are not roomy enough. Stubbing the toe continuously might create a cumulative effect on the nail bed; compromising its rigidity.
2. Chemicals
Chemicals such as nail polish can cause the weakening of the nail bed
3. Severe illness
TREATMENT
Sadly, when a nail is detached for whatever reason, it can not be reattached. A new nail will grow to replace it. The growth rate for toenail is slower than the fingernail. It takes about 18 months and 6 months for the toenail and fingernail to grow back respectively.
The following are the remedies to broken nails:
1 Prevention is always the best cure. Always keep the nails trimmed and filed to smoothen the edges. This will reduce the risk of exposing the nails to impeding dangers like being caught or ripped off from its bed.
2 If the nail is not completely detached from its bed but torn or broken, you can cut off the broken part from the whole or have it totally removed from its bed. The pain could be severe and ugly while removing the nail so care should be taken to avoid tearing the skin off with the nail. If you decide to all. If you decide to leave the nail alone instead of detaching it, it will eventually fall off as a new nail growth will push it off.
Using the scissors
Use a scissors if you must remove the partly attached nail completely and afterwards, soak the finger or toe in cold water for 20 minutes. Apply an antibiotic ointment on the toe or finger and cover with an adhesive tape to keep them protected while the new nail is growing.
PREVENTING THE TOE OR FINGER FROM INFECTIONS
After a nail has been removed, the toe or the finger will be exposed to infections. To prevent further catastrophe, always observe the following best practices:
1.Soak the finger or toe in salted water two times daily for 3 consecutive days. The water should be a solution of 5g of salt and a liter of water. After each exercise, always reapply the antibiotic ointment and cover with adhesives.
2.Always keep the toe or finger dry. Change the adhesives once you notice any wetness.
3.Keep applying the adhesives until the nail bed has become firm and new nail growth is noticed.
4.Watch out for any sign of infection such as soreness, redness and weakening of the skin region. It
is advised you report to your doctor if the infection escalates.
CONCLUSION
Nail loss can be prevented through proper pedicure and manicure which involve trimming the nails and smoothing the edges. If eventually nail loss occurs either by accident or through fungi, the affected toe or finger should be properly treated to avoid further degeneration of the situation. Endeavor to see your doctor if the situation escalates.
Healthy Tips For Beard Groomers
There is an excitement one experiences when new strands of hair start sprouting out from one’s face. While some experience this hair growth in the later part of their adulthood, some have their facial hair shooting out very early. Genetics has a role to play in determining how fast and how much hair grows on one’s body. Beards grooming could be fun for some people. Though some people are of the controversial opinion that growing beards makes them more handsome, boosts their confidence, increases their masculinity or gives them a different personality, others see beards grooming as stressful, rough, time consuming and buggy and prefer to wear them low.
Hair is a natural gift from God and everyone should try grooming beards at least once in his lifetime. It is one thing to grow hair; it is another thing to keep them looking fresh. As a beginner, it is natural you might face some difficulties in keeping your hair tidy, but don’t lose your patience yet as you will get some tips on how to keep them attractive .
While some people prefer having their hair cut by professionals, others will not even have them touched by another person and would prefer to have them cut by themselves. If you are going to do all the stuffs yourself, you need to brace up and see hair grooming as an art which needs to be mastered otherwise, you are just going to stop half-way before you get “there”.
To start with, you will need to get yourself a good mirror (magnifying one preferably); a scissors or a beard trimmer (clipper); some hair conditioners and a comb. A magnifying mirror will give you a better view of your jaw lines and will make cutting easier and precise. If you are going to use a scissors, it is recommended you get a good one specifically meant for cutting hairs which is quite different from the regular ones used for cutting papers or fabrics. Beard trimmers come in different forms. The most commonly used and most handy are the “manual” beard trimmers where a blade serves as the shaving element. If you are going to shave with this method, make sure you have enough razor blades so you can easily have replacements in case one goes blunt. Get the disposable ones as they are cheaper and come in larger quantity. Electric razor, as is commonly called, is another form of beards trimmer. You can get a pocket-sized electric razor from any of their retail outlet. Most people who use the electric razor for shaving consider the use of the manual beard trimmers as old school. They say they are allergic to razor blades and complain of bumps developing on their skins each time they finish shaving. The choice is yours to determine which of the methods you find most convenient. If you are going to make use of the beard trimmers, you should also get a brush handy which will be used in removing hairs hanging on the trimmer guides. It is not a good habit blowing hair off from the paws of the trimmer with your mouth as you could end up causing more harm than good. Blowing with your mouth can cause moistures to accumulate on the paws of the trimmers, making their edges rust and blunt over time.
If your hair is coarse, it’s time you softened it with a hair conditioner or a shampoo. Hair conditioners soften the hair and make them more spiky or wiry. Coarse hair becomes offensive after shave as their edges become sharp. It is better imagined as tiny pins with edges projecting inside your body. This could be very irritating and a major cause of bumps. Hair shampoos or conditioners will soften your hair and make you more comfortable; reducing the chances of itch considerably. The uses of hair shampoos are post shave practices. In other words, they should be applied after having your shaved. Different hair shampoo products are in the market. Personally, I use Main & Tail because my hair is silky. You can also use a mixture of oils (olive oil mixed with lavender oil) to keep them soft and at the same time strong.
Combs are very vital tool in hair grooming. In fact, its role is highly indispensable as they are greatly employed during the trimming exercise. It is recommended you buy one with short bristles as it can reach a greater portion of your hair especially when your beards are short. Long-bristled combs are better if you decide to keep long beards.
Enough said on the needed tools- now let’s head to the bathroom (or anywhere suitable for the purpose). Your shaving room should be well illuminated. At least, it will be such that enough light falls on your face. You can use a reading lamp to project the light directly on your face if you are shaving in a dimly-lit room at night or in the morning. Tilt it in a position such that the light doesn’t hurt your eyes but have the beams concentrated on your jaw lines. Get your scissors or beards trimmer ready to do some work. Gently run the comb through your hair to straighten your hair and remove any possible kinks. A better practice is to run it from the top, downwards. With either the beards trimmer or the scissors, trim the hair towards one side of the mouth and then towards the other side. Be careful to get a uniform trim level. The beards trimmer guide could be adjusted to choose how close your hair will be packed. You might consider shaving your moustache but it is a common practice to leave them grows higher, towards your nose. It is note-worthy that beards should not be shaved when wet. Hairs are longer when wet and cutting them might leave them shorter than you expected when they become dry.
After having a satisfactory shave, the next thing is keeping them clean. This is where the shampoo comes handy. Work them properly inside your hair with your fingers. Different methods of application might differ for different shampoo products. Make sure you read the labels. Next rinse your hair with either cold or warm water. Proper rinsing is important to wash off the shampoo reagents as they may come back hunting your hair, especially if you have a naturally soft hair. Leaving the shampoo longer on your hair before rinsing might be required if you have a tough, stubborn coarse hair. Once the rinsing is done, use a good water-absorbing hand towel to dry off the water. If you are in a hurry, you can use an electric hair blower to blow the moisture off your hair. You might consider brushing your hair with a good fine-edged brush. This is to give your hair a better styling and remove any possible traces of the towel morsels stuck on your hair.
Don’t be discouraged when you get your hair a bit messy; a constant practice will get you right on tracks just like a person who learned how to ride a bicycle and never forgets even in old age.
Good luck!
Friday, August 5, 2016
The Benefits of carrots in Health
In our first blog post, we discussed the health benefits of bitter leaf . We showed the different benefits of bitter leaf like nourishing the skin, curing stomach ailments, tightening of the uterus after childbirth, etc. In this very blog post, we will be discussing the importance of carrots in our health.
Carrot is one of the commonest vegetables used extensively in preparing varieties of delicacies. While carrots can be eaten in its sugary, flavored raw form, it can also be cooked to add more delicacy to our diets.
The first sets of carrots were cultivated in Afghanistan in its purple and yellow form with bitter and woody taste. These species were grown in the 16th and 17th centuries; long before the existence of the orange carrots we have today which are sweeter.
Possible health benefits of carrots
An overwhelming body of evidence exists suggesting that increased intake of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables reduce cancer and cardiovascular disease risks, carrots included.
A variety of dietary carotenoids have been shown to have anti-cancer effects due to their antioxidant power in reducing free radicals in the body.
One study found that current smokers who did not consume carrots had three times the risk of developing lung cancer compared with those who ate carrots more than once a week.2
Colorectal Cancer
Beta-carotene consumption has been shown to have an inverse association with the development of colon cancer in the Japanese population.
Leukemia
Carrot juice extract was shown to kill leukemia cells and inhibit their progression in a 2011 study.4
Prostate Cancer
Among younger men, diets rich in beta-carotene may play a protective role against prostate cancer, according to a study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health's Department of Nutrition.
Vision
According to Duke ophthalmologist Jill Koury, MD, vitamin A deficiency causes the outer segments of the eye's photo-receptors to deteriorate, damaging normal vision. Correcting vitamin A deficiencies with foods high in beta-carotene will restore vision.
Studies have shown that it is unlikely that most people will experience any significant positive changes in their vision from eating carrots unless they have an existing vitamin A deficiency, which is common in developing countries.
So where did all the hype surrounding carrots and vision come from? During World War II, the British Royal Air Force started an advertising campaign claiming that the secret to their fighter pilots clear, sharp vision was carrots. Realistically, the fighter pilot's accuracy was due to a new radar system the British wanted to keep secret from the Germans, but the rumor spread and remains popular today.
Other possible benefits of carrots
The antioxidants and phytochemicals in carrots may also help with blood sugar regulation, delay the effects of aging, and improve immune function.
Monday, July 25, 2016
The Health Benefits of Bitter Leaf ( Vernonia Amygdalina )
Bitter Leaf is a vegetable which is popular in Nigeria and is usually known for its delicacies among the Igbos when used to prepare the " Ofe Onugbu". Apart from its kitchen value, Bitter Leaf, botanically known as Vernonia Amygdalina is also known for its medicinal values.Its juices are extracted from the leaves and used to prepare medicines for different ailments.
Extracting the Juices
Traditionally, the juices can be extracted by rubbing the leaves between the palms and squeezing out the juices. The juices is then separated from the leaves with the help of a sieve leaving the filtrate behind. The juice can be stored in a cup.
The bitter taste is usually a turnoff for many people. I still have the indelible memory of the taste after my grandmother forced a full glass of the juice down my throat. But the bitterness can be reduced by adding some drops of orange , pineapple , or mango juices. The dry leaves can also be used but must be properly cleaned.
Benefits of Bitter Leaf
Only a few people are aware of the the potency of bitter leaves in curing many health diseases. The following are the health benefits of bitter leaf:
1. Bitter leaf juices can be used to cure feverish conditions. Taking 3 glasses of the juices daily can speedily relieve the fever.
2. Bitter leaf juices can be used to increase breast milk in nursing mothers. A few glasses of the powerful juice can help increase the production of breast milk.
3. Bitter leaf juices can be used to contract the uterus after childbirth. But pregnant women should avoid the intake of the juices as the contraction of the uterus could pose serious problem during the delivery. Too much contraction of the uterus can also lead to miscarriages
4. Bitter leaf juices also nourishes the skin. The powerful juices is rich in the essential vitamins that gives the skin a beautiful tone. Take a few glasses daily and you will begin to expect the cosmetic effects of the juices.
5. The juices is also potent in curing slight stomach ailments. This is the most common use of bitter leaf.
6. The juices can be used to detoxify the body systems. A few glasses daily can help wash off all the body toxins which will be passed out as urine. .
7. Finally, bitter leaf juices increases the body metabolism and thus aides digestion
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