Beans - Superfood for Diabetes

Beans also know as Cowpea, is an important source of protein in the diet of families especially in developing countries such as Nigeria. There are over 40,000 varieties of beans in the world and more are still discovered by the day but we have only three common varieties in Nigeria; the Olo, Oloyin and Drum as they are commonly called.

Beans are high in protein, complex carbohydrates, folate and iron. It contains significant amount of fiber. All these help to control or prevent diabetes. Let's break this down;

Why is beans a Superfood?

*Carbohydrates: as previously said, beans contains complex carbohydrates which prevents spikes in blood sugar level when consumed. Release of sugar is slow and gradual.

*Protein: the breakdown of protein takes a longer time than carbohydrates which is why it is not strictly monitored in a diabetic diet. Beans is quite rich in this.

*Fiber: Fiber-rich foods helps to slow down the rate of digestion. Diabetic patients are always advised to eat more of vegetables because of this. Beans contain both soluble and insoluble fiber which can help reduce the rate of release of sugar into the blood.

*Vitamin and Minerals: Beans is rich in folate, iron, potassium, magnesium and calcium which are essential in the proper functioning of the body.

Beans is relatively cheaper to the other sources of protein to the diet such as beef and with all these super benefits, you should have it in your meal more than once a week. If you're a new eater, it is advised that you introduce it slowly.

TIP: To reduce bloating, soak your raw beans for at least 8 hours before cooking.

Coconut Oil: A nay or yay?

Coconut is a #superfood used for skin and scalp problem. It's oil is one of sources of good fats - 'Medium-chained fatty acids (MCFA), which helps in #weight management.
Studies have also shown that MCFA helps to increase good High-density lipoprotein (HDL) which lowers the risk of #heart disease.
Coconut oil have also been known for promoting digestion generally  and absorption of calcium by the body.
If you're planning to watch your weight, coconut oil is high in calories but can be consumed in moderation for a balanced diet.
So would you opt for coconut oil rather than other oils in your cooking?

Save yourself from REPROACH, get RID of COUGH FAST!

Cough is a common and troublesome respiratory disease which is caused by bacteria, virus or allergens stuck in our throat or lungs. There are OTC (Over The Counter) drugs which fairly gives relieve and can make you drowsy. But here is one that can give relieve without making you drowsy and simply natural.

Ginger is a natural expectorant which is useful when having breathing or respiratory problems. It breaks the phlegm and allows its easy passage out, thereby restoring your respiratory system back to normal. Ginger also has anti-histamine and good decongestant ability. In order to harness its power, we make it into a tea.

Here is a step by step way of making a ginger tea.

1. Boil some water.

2. Grate a thumb of ginger into a cup.

3. Add the boiled water and stir.

4. Drink while warm or cold but warm is preferable.

Add lemon or honey to improve taste.

Ten BAD habits that damages your BRAIN

The human brain is an organ that controls the functions of the body, interprets information from the outside environment and contains the mind and soul. It is therefore paramount that we take care of this important organ whose breakdown is irreplaceable.

Below are ten common habits that damages the brain if not stopped early.

Benefits of Breastfeeding to the child, mother, family and Community - World Breastfeeding Week 2016

This year's world breastfeeding week is aimed at raising the awareness that sustainable development can be achieved through breastfeeding. Not only does the mother and the child benefits from breastfeeding but the community/country as a whole is not left out. Here are a few things that breastfeeding your infant can do.

Causes, Types, Symptoms and Cure for Hepatitis - World Hepatitis Day 2016

A few days ago, it was World Hepatitis Day. Over 400 million people presently live with Hepatitis with up to 10 million new cases every year. The awareness of this disease is quite little, yet the disease is so deadly. It's mode of transmission is even more easier than that of AIDS; some types can be transmitted through sweat. Most of its cause are viral. Yet the knowledge of this disease is unknown to many. Let me shed some light on this hideous yet fatal disease.

8 Natural ways to lower your High Blood pressure!

High blood pressure is defined as blood pressure higher than 140 over 90 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). 1 in every 3 adults are having this condition. Hypertension, as it is also called, is a silent killer. The earlier you start managing it, the better.

Here are 8 natural ways to combat this problem;

Ewedu; Cleopatra's beauty SECRET ingredient

Ewedu (corchorus olitorius) is a common soup amongst the Yorubas in Nigeria, it is also a dish among the Hausa-speaking communities of the northern Nigeria, where it is called Lallo or Turgunuwa. The use of this leaf as soup is not only bound to Nigeria but it is also consumed in other African countries like Egypt and in India, which is the largest producer in the world. This slimy and slippery soup is a delicacy rich in antioxidants and minerals required by the body. Do you want to be forever young? Try this Cleopatra's beauty secret ingredient.

Bananas; Facts and Myth debunked

Banana Facts

Below are interesting facts about our common Banana;

• Bananas may have been the world's first cultivated fruit. Archaeologists have found evidence of banana cultivation in New Guinea as far back as 8000 B.C.
• Bananas are produced mainly in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, Asia and the Americas, as well as the Canary Islands and Australia.

Health Risk of going Bananas

Eating bananas in moderation comes with no significant side effects. Excessive is when you eat dozens of bananas everyday which is quite unlikely except you are a monkey. But consuming the fruit in excess quantities can cause the followings;

Headaches and Sleepiness

Headaches can be caused by the amino acids found in the fruit which causes blood vessels to dilate. The overripe bananas contain more amino acids than the greener ones. Too much of the amino acid; Tryptophan in the blood can contribute to sleepiness.

Bananas; Health Benefits of eating a Banana

Bananas have been recorded as one of the most consumed fruits in the world. But it’s still quite surprising that people still ask the question; are bananas good for me? This medium sized yellow fruit is packed with nutrients that will wow you after reading up the article. This easy to consume fruit is believed to be the ‘forbidden fruit’ that Eve offered to Adam, interesting, isn't it?

Now let’s look at the possible health benefits that can be derived from the sweet nutritious bananas which range from cardiovascular health benefits to even cancer.

Health Benefits of eating a Banana

Lowers Blood Pressure

You might be at the edge of losing your sight!.....Tips for maintaining a good eyesight!

“Almost nothing need be said when you have eyes.”

― Tarjei Vesaas, The Boat in the Evening

Your eye is an asset that you do not want to loose because there are no retirement plans for it. A good vision goes a long way in helping you achieve that dream. Close your eyes and try to move around, maybe you can understand me better. Below are tips for maintaining or improving your eyesight.

SIX PILLARS OF GOOD ‪#‎NUTRITION‬

Nutrition might be quite confusing but if you can keep well with these six pillars, you are on the move to having a healthier you 'nutritionally' because good ‪#‎health is more than ‪#‎food!
These rules are keys to getting that body you desire, whether the muscular one or the less fatty one. You don't have to get obsessed over calorie counting or what to eat, just streamline your diet to these pillars and you are good to go!

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IN WEIGHTLOSS

A new week is here and a healthy one I wish you! Let's check out the basics, when I said fruits, I don't mean fruit juices as these juices might contain added sugar. My full focus is whole fruits not processed. Fresh unprocessed fruits and vegetables are readily available now, even in the most urban areas.
The main attribute of these fruits and vegetables is the fibre they contain. The level of fibre that they contain causes the variation in how much they can help in #weightloss process or even maintaining the weight. Please, diet change alone can't assure in weight loss, you need to add physical activities like exercise.

Health Benefits of Lime - Amazing facts about the fruit called "LIME"

The use of lime have been known for a long time even though back then, no one could point out the essential content of the fruit which gave it its healing power. In this update we will be looking at the content of the fruit and some uses of the fruit you don’t even know about.

I am going Nuts with Cashew - Cashew Nuts and its Health Benefits!

The delicately flavoured cashew nut is a favourite in-between meal snack that can be readily found in your local market all year round. It also makes wonderful nut butter and a special addition to salads and stir-fry dishes.
Cashew nuts are actually the kidney-shaped seeds that adhere to the bottom of the cashew apple, the fruit of the cashew tree, which is native to the coastal areas of north-eastern Brazil. While cashew apples are not appreciated in the United States, they are regarded as delicacies in Brazil and the Caribbean. Cashews are always sold shelled because the interior of the shells contains a caustic resin, known as cashew balm, which must be carefully removed before the nuts are fit for consumption. This caustic resin is actually used in industry to make varnishes and insecticides. In Nigeria, you can get the nuts de-shelled and it became a delicacy sold commercially due its advertised nutritional benefits. I have so many friends here that have been asking me; 'why should I eat nuts when I am trying to watch my weight?' and many other questions concerning nuts, below you will get some reasons why you should go nuts especially with cashew.

Expert Tips to Kick Sugar Addiction

It’s About Biochemistry, Not Willpower
It’s important to recognize that sugar addiction is not simply a lack of willpower. For long-term recovery, it is absolutely necessary to balance the biochemical systems in the body, such as blood sugar, poor intestinal health, and insufficient brain chemicals (neurotransmitters). Only then can sugar addiction be overcome, otherwise relapse occurs similar to any other addiction.The number one tip for someone looking to free him or herself of sugar addiction would be to have an in-depth nutrition consultation. This is critical to address the unique biochemical needs of the individual. Treating sugar addiction is complex and different for each person.

In weightloss; eating pattern doesn't matter!

For weight loss, popular diets advocate everything from eating according to your blood type to nearly fasting for 2 days a week. Now, one popular instruction - to eat small but frequent meals throughout the day - has been called out by researchers, who say it does not boost metabolism or encourage weight loss. In fact, the research - presented recently at the
Society for Endocrinology annual BES conference