Consequences of excess salt and sugar

    Salt and sugar are both used to add taste in our meals, without which our meals are tasteless. Salt and sugar also regulates various metabolic functions in the body such as our blood pressure, blood sugar levels etc. Like most foods and nutrients, they can be helpful in small amounts. However, if you consume too much salt and sugar, you may put yourself at risk for health complications like heart disease and diabetes.

EXCESS SALTS
    The human body only needs about 3.8 grams of salt per day, but most people consume closer to 7 grams daily. The sodium in salt influences the volume of liquids retained by the body outside the cells. This determines blood volume, which in turn regulates blood pressure. On the other hand the chlorine in salt becomes a part of the acid in our stomach with helps in digestion.

1)      Too much salt lead to high blood pressure

2)      Raises  your risk of heart problems

3)      Too much sodium, one of the components of salt, may cause hypertension

4)      It would gradually lead to a stroke

EXCESS SUGAR
     Sugars are simple carbohydrates like glucose, fructose and sucrose. Fruits are naturally high in sugars and not necessarily bad for your body.

1)      Causes tooth decay, by fuelling the bacteria that causes cavity

2)      It makes your immune system not to function properly. If you eat sugar at every meal, it means that your immune system will be functioning at half-capacity for most of the day.

3)      Leads to weight gain .Extra sugar your body does not immediately require for energy can easily be converted to triglycerides, a type of fat that can then be stored around your waist as well as in your hips and thighs.

4)      Eating too much sugar can also result in the increase of insulin levels. The more sugar you eat, the more insulin your pancreas produces.

5)      It raises the risk of type 2 diabetes .One of the damaging effects of a diet high in sugar and other refined carbohydrates is that it puts you at risk for developing type 2 diabetes

 

Olives: Amazing benefits from a hundred years old tree.

    

 

 

      Thinking of olive the first thing that comes to mind is anointing oil right? Lol. The oil from the olive fruits are more than just anointing oils, although today olive oil is still used in many religious ceremonies, they are used in cooking as well. The olive tree is native to the Mediterranean region and Western Asia .Olive originated from Syria and was first cultivated there over 5,000 years ago before it spread to Israel, Greece and Egypt. The olive seed is either eaten as a fruit or extracted for its oil which is very medicinal. Olives are largely self-fruitful and the trees are tough, an amazing tree that typically lives for hundreds of years. However, they require some cold (below about 45 degrees F) for proper flower development. This fluctuates greatly with olive variety. Because of the cold temperature requirement, olives cannot be produce in tropical regions.

   The maturity of an olive at harvest can be anything from completely green to completely black. The greener fruit yields oil that is more bitter and pungent (peppery), while the completely ripe fruit produces oil that is mild and buttery. Olives are too bitter to be eaten right off the tree and must be cured to reduce their intrinsic bitterness. Here are some healthy benefits of eating olives either by eating the fruit or cooking with olive oils:

1) Olives are a great source of vitamin E.

2) They eliminate excess cholesterol in the blood.

3) It enhances fertility and reproductive system.

4) Olives help in maintaining blood pressure levels.

5) Although high in calories, olive oil has shown to help reduce obesity.

6) Olives are rich in mineral content such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus and iodine.

7) Olives provide essential vitamins and amino acids.

8) Olives can improve the appearance of wrinkles by 20% since they contain oleic acid, which keeps skin soft and healthy.

9) Olive oil diet reduces risk of type 2 Diabetes.

10) Olive tree leaves are used as incense in some Muslim Mediterranean countries and are substitutes for dates (if not available) during Ramadan fasting.

Source: SA Olive Industry Association press release

Health Benefits of Watermelon

     I always call watermelon the eatable melon; this is because the other melon can’t be eaten raw. Watermelon is juicy containing a lot of water (up to about 90% of the fruit is water) and sweet. It is a favorite fruit used in the preparation of fruit salad. Watermelon is nutritious as it hydrates and contains very low-fat. It is also very beneficial for our health.

Benefits of Watermelon

1)      They contain amino acid which helps in the flow of blood through the arteries.

2)      Watermelon is a great source of vitamin A which is good for sight.

3)      It also contains a very high amount of vitamin C which heals wound, promote body immunity and prevents the damage of cells.

4)      Water melon is an alkaline-forming food which is great for the body, as it helps in reducing the many acidic effects from our consumption of meat, eggs etc.

5)      Watermelon is rich in potassium which is good in regulating the actions of muscles and nerves in the body.

6)      Watermelon contains citrulline which reduces the accumulation of fat in our fat cells, thereby reducing fats in the body.

7)      The potassium in Watermelon helps to retain calcium in the body, resulting in stronger bones and joints.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mango: More than just a fruit

      Mangoes are sweet and tasty. They are seasonal fruits which are in abundant supply during summer periods. India is the main Mango producing country in the world, and it is believed that mangoes have been cultivated there for over 4,000 years. They are over 300 varieties of mango species all over the world. The colour of the fruit varies from orange, yellow and green. Some of the benefits of mangoes include:

1)      Improves digestion:  Mango helps in improving digestion because it is very rich in fibres. Fibres help in good bowel movement.

2)      Maintains body alkali: Mango contains Tartaric acid, malic acid and citric acid which maintain the percentage of alkali in the body.

3)      Lowers Cholesterol: Mangoes contain large amount of fiber, protein and Vitamin C and these elements helps in lowering the cholesterol level in the body.

4)      Dandruff reduction: Mango contains vitamin A which helps in fighting dandruff and adding shine to your hair. It is often used as an ingredient in hair moisturizers.

5)      Prevents stroke : Mangoes are also known to prevent strokes as they control homocystiene levels in the blood

6)      Glowing Skin: it is a great source of antioxidants  which keep your skin healthy and glowing

7)      Protects against cancer: The antioxidant compounds in mangoes also protects you from cancer.

8)      Improves vision: Mangoes contains high dosage of Vitamin A or Retinol which helps protect eye sight.

9)      Increases fertility: Mangoes are very rich in folic acid which helps in improving fertility.

10)  Prevents diabetes: Mangoes contain natural sugars.

11)  Rich in vitamin E: Mangoes are rich in Vitamin E, which helps increase and improve the sex drive in humans. 

Mangoes should not be eaten on an empty stomach. Eating unripe mangoes can lead to indigestion, constipation and blood impurities.

Tomatoes and its surprising benefits

  Everyone knows tomatoes, the red juicy vegetable we use in our kitchen in preparing stew, soups, jollof rice, salads etc. Tomatoes have fleshy internal segments filled with slippery seeds surrounded by a watery mix; they are usually red, pinkish or orange in colour. China is the largest tomatoes producing country in the world. Tomatoes provide an excellent amount of vitamin C and beta-carotene. But, the juicy red vegetable is much more than just a vegetable.

Benefits of tomatoes

1)      Tomatoes soup taken before meals increases appetite

2)      Tomato is good for the health of the liver. Tomato has detoxification effect in the body.

3)      Tomatoes juice is used to cure sunburns.

4)      Tomatoes are packed with an excellent amount of vitamin C and vitamin E

5)      Reduces cancer risk. High consumption of tomatoes decreases the risk of various cancers such as breast, Prostate, pancreatic, oral and cervical cancers. People who ate tomatoes regularly have a reduced risk of contracting cancer diseases.

6)      Tomatoes lowers blood pressure tomato, it prevents hardening of the arteries thereby, reducing high blood pressure.

7)      Application of tomatoes juice on the face for few minutes removes acne, black spots and makes the skin glow.

8)      Raw ripe tomatoes eaten regularly, improves vision.

9)      A combination of cucumber and tomatoes applied on the skin removes excess oil from skin.

10)  Tomatoes reduce the risk of obesity. This is because a tomato helps in the regulation of fats in the blood.

Onion: A Gift to mankind

      What comes to mind when you think of an onion? The vegetable that makes us cry in the kitchen right?  The compound allyl sulphate which is produced when an onion's ruptured cells are exposed to air is responsible for producing tears, to reduce the production of this compound, chill the onions for half an hour or so before cutting to reduce the activity of the enzyme. Onion is one of the oldest cultivated herbs; it is believed to have originated from central Asia. Onions differ in size, colour and taste; some are white, red and yellow. It is more active when eaten raw, this is because it contains a variety of organic sulphur compounds, contained in a volatile oil, that provide health benefits              

1)      Onions are a good source of folic acid.

2)      Onion contains natural sugar, vitamins A, B6, C and E, as well as minerals such as sodium, potassium and  iron

3)      Raw onion encourages the production of good cholesterol

4)      Onions is an excellent stain removal. Rub onions on mud stains in clothes and wash with soap.

5)      Onions contains a powerful compound called quercetin which  play a significant role in preventing cancer

6)      Applying raw onions to the forehead or eating raw onions helps in controlling cold.

7)      Onions contain chromium, which assists in regulating blood sugar

8)      Warts are superficial growths on the skin, rubbing raw onions on the area helps in reducing warts.

9)      Onions helps in the reduction of pain after been stung by a bee. Apply onion juice on the area for immediate relief from the pain and burning sensation.

10)  Onions cures insomnia. One teaspoon of onion juice mixed with honey and milk taken at bedtime induces sleep.

11)  A mixture of onions and honey helps in the cure of coughs.

12)  Onions helps to freshen our homes. Put a sliced onion in a room with bad odour and soon the bad odour will disappear.

13)  Onions reduces your risk of developing gastric ulcers. Onions juice helps to cure stomach disorders and clean digestive tracks.

14)  Onions is very valuable in the treatment of heart disease. Regular intake of onions maintains the normal blood circulation and helps to prevent heart disease.

Having lots of mosquitoes in the house? Just cut some onion into two pieces each and place around the bulbs in the house and soon all the mosquitoes would fly away.

 

 

 

18 Things you didn’t know about lemon

     When I was little, i do remember i enjoyed licking lemons just because of its acidic taste. But little did i know how beneficial to our health and life the lemon fruit is. Now Lemons are a favorite all over the world and an essential food in kitchens everywhere. Lemons contain many substances notably citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, pectin, and limonene that promote immunity and fight infection. There’s so much more to this little yellow fruit some of which are:

1)      Reduces high blood pressure. Lemon contains potassium which controls high blood pressure and reduces the effect of nausea and dizziness.

2)      Lemon assists in the production of urine which helps you to reduce inflammation by flushing out toxins and bacteria while also giving you relief from arthritis and rheumatism.

3)      Lemons are acidic to the taste, but are alkaline-forming in the body, helping to restore balance to the body’s ph.

4)      Lemons are a rich source of vitamin c

5)      Lemon juice stops bleeding gums and reduces toothaches. Make an impromptu mouthwash by rinsing mouth with lemon juice.

6)      Lemons reduces bad odor. This can be achieved by cutting a lemon into two and placing them in the room with bad odor and soon the room would smell fresh.

7)      Lemon juice destroys intestinal worms.

8)      Stops bleeding by pouring a few drops of lemon juice directly on the cut

9)      Lemon juice helps to purify the blood, reduces your chances of indigestion, constipation, and eliminates toxins from the body.

10)  Lemon juice mixed with little water can prep up your mood and relieve you from depression and stress.

11)  Clears hair dandruff. Just massage two tablespoons lemon juice into your scalp and rinse with water. Then stir one teaspoon lemon juice into one cup water and rinse your hair with it. Repeat daily until your dandruff disappears.

12)   Fresh lemon juice added to a large glass of water in the morning is a great liver detoxifier. Lemon is a wonderful stimulant to the liver and is a dissolvent of uric acid and other poisons.

13)  Lemons increase peristalsis in the bowels, helping to create a bowel movement thus eliminating waste and helping with regularity. Add the juice of one lemon to warm water and drink first thing in the morning.

14)  Lemon juice reduces the production of free radicals which are responsible for aging skin and skin damage

15)  Citric acid in lemon juice helps to dissolve gallstones, calcium deposits, and kidney stones. Regular consumption of lemon juice mixed with water may increase the production of urinary citrate, a chemical in the urine that prevents the formation of crystals that may build up into kidney stones.

16)  Lemon peel contains the potent phytonutrient tangeretin, which has been proven to be effective for brain disorders like Parkinson’s disease.

17)  Lemon juice is calorie free and an antioxidant.

18)  Lemon juice mixed with water can be used as a face cleanser. Wash your face with lemon juice for a natural cleanse and exfoliation

Lemons are effective home remedies for a variety of health concerns but in the case of serious illness always consult your doctor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Untold Truth about diet soda

    We all have the belief that drinking diet soda controls the level of sugar we take which also helps in weight reduction right? But here is what you don’t know about diet soda. Researchers have found out that there is nothing healthy about drinking diet sodas. Sodas are produced with aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose.  But most of the diet sodas contain aspartame which when consumed breaks down in our body system to a wood alcohol poison(methanol)which converts to formaldehyde with heat above 86 degrees f,and the temperature in the human body is 98.6 degree f. These chemicals have the ability to cause severe damage to DNA. Artificial sweeteners have more intense flavor than real sugar and have the same effect on your body as sugar.

Problems arising from diet soda consumption

1)      Heart problems: Consumption of a regular soda a day could lead to your risk of having a stroke or heart attack

2)      Headache: Aspartame as an artificial sweetener triggers headaches.

3)      No nutritional value: Sodas have no nutritional value.

4)      Increases the rate of diabetes.

5)      Weight gain: Contrary to what is hyped that sodas helps in weight reduction, diet sodas actually helps you gain weight. Diet soda is calorie-free, but it won't necessarily help you lose weight. The artificial sweetners are used to confuse your body system when in fact you are gaining weight and not losing any. These sweeteners trigger insulin, which sends your body into fat storage mode which then leads to gaining of weight.

6)      The acid in diet sodas gradually dissolves the teeth leading to worse dental health.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Health Benefits of Snail

    How I love snails, fried, boiled, so yummy and tasty. Snails have amazing, astounding and incredible health benefits. Snail which is popularly known as Congo meat has gained much popularity with time, this animal feed on fresh and decaying leaves. Snails are prepared and cooked with spices and make a tasty meal in virtually every part of the world. It sounds unbelievable but it is true that snails have a lot of health benefits that we didn’t realize.

 

 

 

  

1)      The typical snail is comprised of 80% water, 15% protein, and 2.4% of fat which is primarily healthy fat.

2)      Snails are good for those who want to loose weight as they are low in calories and a good source of protein .Losing weight means limiting your calorie consumption so eat snails.

3)      Another benefit of snails is that they have less than 2 grams total fat and less than 1 gram unhealthy saturated fat.

4)      Snails are high in potassium and low in sodium thereby making them good in maintaining blood pressure levels and reduces the  risk of  stroke, heart disease and kidney disease.

5)      Snails also contain a glycoprotein which is believed to contain cancer-fighting properties.

6)      Snails are rich in vitamins E, A, K and B12.

7)      Snail’s mucin (slime) is beneficial in healing skin and reducing scarring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Amazing benefits of Natural Honey

  What comes to your mind when you think of honey? Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet! Yes honey is sweet, infact very very sweet. It is often used in place of sugar as a sweeter in drinks and foods. It is a syrup produced by the ever busy bees, and used everywhere in the world. Honey is so sweet and comforting that many people do not know of its many benefits. 

1)      Honey is a natural energy booster. It is a natural source of carbohydrate which provides the body with energy and strength.

2)      Honey lowers blood sugar levels and reduces metabolic stress.

3)      Natural honey is rich in potassium, an electrolyte, which conducts nerve impulses and helps the brain’s neurotransmitters to work properly.

4)      Honey soothes and lubricates a sore throat. Honey not only soothes sore throats but can also kill certain bacteria that causes the infection.

5)      Honey makes us sleep well. The natural sugar found in honey raises our insulin slightly and allows tryptophan the compound famous for making us sleepy to act.

6)      It heals cut and bruises: simply put a little honey on that bruised skin and cover with plaster or bandage. It also helps in the healing of burns.

7)      It is a powerful immune booster by improving our digestive system and helps in fighting diseases.

8)      Honey moisturizes the skin hence it is used in the manufacture of various skin products

9)      A mixture of honey and lemon can help you loose weight.

10)  The antioxidants in honey are a cholesterol fighter and have the potential to protect against heart disease. 

Honey possesses unique life-supporting qualities not found in other sugars and delivers much more.