HEALTH TIPS

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to replace any medical treatment. It is offered here as a service. Use this information at your own risk. No guarantee is made towards validity.
====================================================================
  ========================================================         

                                                             Health benefits of Kola nut

The kola nut is used to flavor sodas and as a supplement to increase energy or improve health. But what are the health benefits of the kola nut?

The nut comes from the evergreen kola tree, which is found in the rainforests of Africa. Inside the tree’s star-shaped fruits are white shells, which contain the seeds or kola nuts.

In Nigeria, it is an important cultural symbol for many ethnic groups. It is given to guests at weddings, funerals, and naming ceremonies, and it is used in medicine. Ceremonial breaking of the kola nut is important for making people feel welcome in a village or gathering.'

The information above  is copied from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319626

The kola nut has some reported benefits for health. Here we explore those benefits and other information about this tropical nut.

 
                                    
 ========================================================

============================

The amazing health benefits of Bitter Kola (Garcinia Kola)

Bitter kola is a type of nut mostly found in several parts of Nigeria and West-Central Africa as a whole and the tree grows in the (tropical) rain forests. Its biological name is “Garcinia kola” and belongs to the family of “Guittiferal”. Bitter Kola has been identified as a potent antibiotic which could be effective in the treatment of many diseases. The fruit, seeds, nuts and bark of the tropical tree have been used for centuries in traditional medicines to treat many forms of ailments.

Chewing bitter kola relieves coughs, hoarseness, bronchial and throat troubles. Several studies discovered bitter kola to be a remedy for dysentery, osteoarthritis, antidote against poisoning and considered an aphrodisiac.

I hope many Africans both at home and in diaspora will continue to appreciate herbal medicines with little to no side effects compared to pharmaceutical drugs with gazillion known side effects. I have broken down the several health benefits of Bitter Kola (Garcinia kola) for the healing of many common and seasonal ailments:

Bitter Kola Improves Lung Functions

Bitter kola (Garcinia kola) has been used for centuries to treat chest colds in traditional medicine, but research has taken a look and found out why it is effective. A study in the 2009 issue of The Internet Journal of Pulmonary Medicine, performed on mice, reports that Garcinia kola improved respiratory function after 28 days of use of a Garcinia extract. Written by Simon Adekunle of the Ekiti State University in Nigeria, the study shows that Garcinia kola works by dilating the alveolar ducts and sacs in the lungs by improving the strength of the fibers in the lung tissue. Bitter kola’s beneficial lung properties are attributed to its high antioxidant content.

Bitter Kola Health Benefit for Malaria

Considerable experimental studies found the chemical constituents in bitter kola have anti-malaria properties. That aside, traditional healers have for many years prescribed bitter kola for the treatment of malaria infections. Researchers who reported that bitter kola had anti-malaria effect in the 2010 issue of Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, from a survey of plants used by traditional healers in the Democratic Republic of Congo, attributed this to its quinones content.

Further more, kolaviron, the powerful chemical compound found in bitter kola, was reportedly tested on a malaria parasite and found to inhibit malarial activity.

“We extracted its chemical constituents, which is called Kolaviron and when it was tested on malaria parasite, we found it had significant anti-malarial activity,” says Professor Olusegun Ademowo, a researcher at the Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, South West of Nigeria.

“What we are now trying to find out is the right dosage of its extract that would be required in treating malaria. Also, we are looking at what other effects its use will have on the human cells. But at the moment it is in the preliminary stage.”

In 1999, a group of researchers in Kinshasa, Congo, attested to why people should consider feeding more on bitter kola to ward off malaria. Under laboratory conditions, they found extracts from bark, stem and seed of bitter kola tree inhibit the growth of malaria parasite (Plasmodium falciparum) by at least 60% at a low concentration of 6 mg/ml.

Bitter Kola Health Benefit for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, characterized by pain, inflammation and limited movement in the joints, according to the National Institutes of Health. Causes of osteoarthritis can include joint injury, obesity and aging. Since many arthritis sufferers prefer natural herbal medicines to other pain relievers and medications, researchers at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria tested the effects of Garcinia kola against arthritis symptoms. The results of the study, written by Olayinka O. Adegbehingbe and published in the July 2008 issue of the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, conclude that Garcinia kola significantly reduced inflammation and pain and increased joint movement in subjects that had osteoarthritis symptoms. It is believed that Garcinia kola works well as a result of its antioxidant properties.

Garcinia kola appeared to have clinically significant analgesic/anti-inflammatory effects in knee osteoarthritis patients. Garcinia kola is a potential osteoarthritis disease activity modifier with good mid term outcome; Olayinka O Adegbehingbe, Saburi A Adesanya, Thomas O Idowu, Oluwakemi C Okimi, Oyesiku A Oyelami and Ezekiel O Iwalewa discovered in their study on the Clinical effects of Garcinia kola in knee osteoarthritis.

The side effects reported from the Garcinia kola use in this study were “weight loss”, “increase in sex drive” and “extended sleep” which many considered helpful to meet their individual and marital demands.

(Note: If anyone takes Garcinia kola and experience diarrhea, hives, irregular heartbeat or other signs of allergic reaction, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention.)

=================================================                                           

List of Tip On Food Safety To Prevent Illness Caused by Bacteria Contanimation in Foods

1. Washing hands, cooking foods to proper temperatures, and storing food are key to preventing food borne illness.
2. Rinse fruits and vegetables under running tap water, including those with skins and rinds that are not eaten. Dry with a paper towel.
3. Washing hands is the number 1 way to prevent getting sick. Teach your children to always wash their hands.
4. Meat quality can be affected when thawing in the microwave, but this is an acceptable way to defrost meat.
5. An average of only 1 in 6 people washes their hands after using the restroom.
6. Wash insulated lunch totes or boxes with hot soapy water after each use.
7. Your child’s lunch could include perishable items (sandwiches, fresh fruit) and shelf-stable items (packaged pudding). Use an insulated lunch box, with an insulated bottle for hot foods or a frozen gel pack or a frozen juice box to keep foods cold.
8. When packing egg or meat sandwiches for school lunches, include an ice pack to ensure these items stay cold.
9. Use leftovers for school lunch. If your child ate the beef stew last night for dinner, serve it up for lunch (place an ice pack in the lunch box though to prevent food illness).
10. Avoid bacteria by buying foods that need to be refrigerated last when you are grocery shopping.
11. Defrost meat in the refrigerator is a good food safety practice.
12. Scrub the cantaloupe before slicing into it to prevent bacteria contamination.
13. If lunches are made at home the night before, keep them in the refrigerator until it’s time to go. Make sure the refrigerator is 40° F or below at all times and use an appliance thermometer to check the temperature.
14. Use a separate cutting board when slicing meat and vegetables to prevent cross contamination of bacteria.
15. While shopping for food, check out the sell by dates to make sure they are current.
16. Make sure your child knows to throw out all used food packaging and perishable leftovers. Do not reuse plastic bags as they could contaminate other foods leading to foodborne illness.
17. Use an insulated soft-sided bag if possible. It’s best for keeping food cold.
18. When cooking eggs make sure the yolk and white are firm, not runny.
19. Put all leftovers into the refrigerator.
20. Use paper towels to clean the kitchen surfaces instead of a dish towel.
21. Select your cold foods last so they ll stay cold until you get home and prevent food illness.

=================================================================

                                                         29th November, 2013

 Your Baby's Growth and Development in Early Pregnancy

The amniotic sac is a water-tight sac that forms around the fertilized egg.  It helps cushion the growing embryo throughout pregnancy.

The placenta also develops at this point in the first trimester. The placenta is a round, flat organ that transfers nutrients from the mother to the baby, and transfers waste from the baby.

A primitive face takes form with large dark circles for eyes. The mouth, lower jaw, and throat are developing. Blood cells are taking shape, and circulation will begin.

By the end of the first month of pregnancy, your baby is around 6-7mm (1/4 inch) long - about the size of a grain of rice!

Month Two of Pregnancy

Your baby's facial features continue to develop. Each ear begins as a little fold ofskin at the side of the head. Tiny buds that eventually grow into arms and legs are forming. Fingers, toes, and eyes are also forming in the second month of pregnancy.

The neural tube (brain, spinal cord, and other neural tissue of the central nervous system) is well formed. The digestive tract and sensory organs begin to develop. Bone starts to replace cartilage. The embryo begins to move, although the mother cannot yet feel it.

By the end of the second month, your baby, now a fetus, is about 2.54cm (1 inch) long, weighs about 9.45g (1/3 ounce), and a third of baby is now made up of its head.

Month Three of Pregnancy

By the end of the third month of pregnancy, your baby is fully formed. Your baby has arms, hands, fingers, feet, and toes and can open and close its fists and mouth. Fingernails and toenails are beginning to develop and the external ears are formed. The beginnings of teeth are forming. Your baby's reproductive organs also develop, but the baby's gender is difficult to distinguish on ultrasound. The circulatory and urinary systems are working and the liver produces bile.

At the end of the third month, your baby is about 7.6 -10 cm (3-4 inches) long and weighs about 28g (1 ounce).

Since your baby's most critical development has taken place, your chance ofmiscarriage drops considerably after three months into the pregnancy.

========================================================================

                                           27th November, 2013

                            Skin care: 5 tips for healthy skin

Good skin care — including sun protection and gentle cleansing — can keep your skin healthy and glowing for years to come.

By Mayo Clinic staff

Don't have time for intensive skin care? Pamper yourself with the basics. Good skin care and healthy lifestyle choices can help delay the natural aging process and prevent various skin problems. Get started with these five no-nonsense tips.

1. Protect yourself from the sun

One of the most important ways to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. A lifetime of sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems — as well as increase the risk of skin cancer.

For the most complete sun protection:

• Use sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. When you're outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours — or more often if you're swimming or perspiring.
• Seek shade. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest.
• Wear protective clothing. Cover your skin with tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. Also consider laundry additives, which give clothing an additional layer of ultraviolet protection for a certain number of washings, or special sun-protective clothing — which is specifically designed to block ultraviolet rays.

2. Don't smoke

Smoking makes your skin look older and contributes to wrinkles. Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are important to skin health. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin — the fibers that give your skin its strength and elasticity. In addition, the repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking — such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke — can contribute to wrinkles.

If you smoke, the best way to protect your skin is to quit. Ask your doctor for tips or treatments to help you stop smoking.

3. Treat your skin gently

Daily cleansing and shaving can take a toll on your skin. To keep it gentle:

• Limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower time, and use warm — rather than hot — water.
• Avoid strong soaps. Strong soaps and detergents can strip oil from your skin. Instead, choose mild cleansers.
• Shave carefully. To protect and lubricate your skin, apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving. For the closest shave, use a clean, sharp razor. Shave in the direction the hair grows, not against it.
• Pat dry. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on your skin.
• Moisturize dry skin. If your skin is dry, use a moisturizer that fits your skin type. For daily use, consider a moisturizer that contains SPF.

4. Eat a healthy diet

A healthy diet can help you look and feel your best. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. The association between diet and acne isn't clear — but some research suggests that a diet rich in vitamin C and low in unhealthy fats and processed or refined carbohydrates might promote younger looking skin.

5. Manage stress

Uncontrolled stress can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. To encourage healthy skin — and a healthy state of mind — take steps to manage your stress. Set reasonable limits, scale back your to-do list and make time to do the things you enjoy. The results might be more dramatic than you expect.

=================================================================================

                                             26th November, 2013

HEALTH TIPS FOR MEN AT ANY AGE

With Father’s Day, our thoughts naturally turn to the men in our lives. We love them and want them to be around for the long haul. So we’ve assembled important health and diet tips that will keep our favorite guys happy and healthy in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s and beyond.

In his 20s

Build muscle: In his 20s, a man’s muscle-building hormones (testosterone, DHEA growth hormone) hit their peak, so this is the best time to pack on muscle. Registered holistic nutritionist Peggy Kotsopoulos suggests resistance training for strong bones and cardio for heart health.
Get plenty of omega-3s: “They help to reduce inflammation in the body, lubricate joints, aid in muscle recovery, keep the mind sharp, prevent heart disease and prevent erectile dysfunction,” explains Kotsopoulos. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include oily fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel and cod; chia seeds, flax seeds or walnuts; and fish oil supplements.
Fortify with folate: Folate helps prevent irregular DNA production, which could lead to some cancers. Nutritionist Dawn Napoli of MD Anderson Cancer Center in Orlando, Florida, recommends eating one cup of folate-fortified cereal four times a week with a half-cup of blackberries, raspberries and strawberries for increased antioxidant properties.

In his 30s

Keep your cool: A man’s blood pressure often increases in the 30s due to stress. To reduce hypertension, Napoli suggests a higher intake of potassium rather than sodium, as recommended by the DASH diet. For example, consuming a half-cup of beans, a banana or a handful of raisins daily increases potassium by 400 mg per day.
Smart snacks:Snack on foods low in sugar and rich in protein to slow down your metabolism. Napoli suggests noshing on a slice of cheddar, Swiss or provolone cheese, a cup of low-fat plain yogurt, a stick of beef jerky or a handful of almonds.

In his 40s

Load up on antioxidants: Colorful foods packed with antioxidants (berries, apples, beets, broccoli, dark chocolate) protect cells against free-radical damage. “[Antioxidants] are especially important if you are at a higher risk for diseases like cancer, [prone to] stress or engage in sports or intense exercise,” says Kotsopoulos.
One way to get the vitamin A-rich antioxidant beta-carotene in your diet, Napoli says, is to eat two sweet potatoes a week. Similarly, red grapes have been linked to lowering LDL cholesterol and preventing clogged arteries. Napoli recommends 12 to 15 grapes a day or a one- to four-ounce glass of red wine each day.
Fiber is your friend: Fiber found in all plant-based foods (leafy greens, vegetables, beans and legumes) helps eliminate bad cholesterol and toxins from the body, helping reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, prostate cancer and diabetes.

In his 50s and beyond

Protect your prostate: Harvard researchers found that men with the highest levels of selenium had a 48 percent lower incidence of advanced prostate cancer. Napoli says eating three Brazil nuts a day equals 200 mcg of selenium.
Keep eyes healthy: According to the National Institutes of Health, people with the highest lutein consumption are 43 percent less likely to develop age-related eye disorders like cataracts and macular degeneration. Napoli advises to getting lutein with two servings of greens per day (a half-cup of cooked broccoli, spinach or Brussels sprouts equals one serving).
Boost brain function: Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can help prevent disease and reduce the buildup of protein deposits in the brain that cause dementia and Alzheimer's.
Keep bones strong: Like women, many men experience bone loss as they age. Registered dietitian Kristin Kirkpatrick says fighting against this may be as simple as eating Greek yogurt. A recent study found that probiotics may be a treatment option for patients with osteoporosis. Strength training and vitamin D are also required to maintain healthy bones.

                                                                                                              25th November,2013
                           Fitness, Nutrition, Weight Loss Tips for Men

Men Health Tips

In general, human beings, both men and women, need to follow certain basic guidelines when it comes to their health. The bodies of both sexes need a certain amount of nutrition and exercise to ensure their continued good health. However, there are some major differences between men and women. Men tend to grow larger bodies and usually require more nutrition than women. Men and women also have specific body functions that require different kind of care. The differences also apply to typical health problems. There are some diseases that affect men more often than women and vice versa. Heart disease and prostate cancer are two diseases that occur frequently in men.

Healthy Eating Tips

When it comes to health tips for men, there are some basic tips that need to be followed. Males should follow health eating tips for men to avoid the problems associated with poor dietary habits. In ancient times, men used to be involved in physical labor and strenuous tasks. Modern lifestyles do not provide this sort of physical exertion for men. Men can have extremely muscular bodies if they spend a lot of time exercising. However, because of a general lack of physical exercise, men tend to be overweight and without muscle strength. This is further exacerbated by avoiding healthy eating tips for men. The key components of healthy eating tips for men include the consumption of a good quantity of protein and an avoidance of carbohydrates that give an instant rush of energy such as refined sugars and flour.

Weight Loss Tips

When giving health tips for men, one cannot ignore fat and fat consumption. Fat is a part of every healthy diet, but it must be consumed in moderation. Excessive fat consumption is likely to cause obesity and can cause deadly problems in the blood circulation system. The development of blocks can cause heart attacks and can even lead to blood clotting in important organs of the body.

Fitness Tips

In order to maintain a healthy body weight, one can apply some basic fitness tips for men. Weight loss tips for men can also help shed those extra pounds, for those already overweight. The optimal weight for an individual is calculated based on his body mass index. Males can consult with their doctors for fitness tips for men. Some amount of endurance exercise should be a part of every routine as this will ensure that there is energy usage. Men can also perform resistance training in order to build up their muscle strength which will enable them to perform physically intensive tasks. writing from NAN.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.  Drink 8-10 Glasses of Water a Day. If you normally do NOT add salt to your food, you may need to add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to your diet as a result of drinking this amount. This cleans out toxins and helps the body function much better.

2.    Add Movement to Your Life. Park further so you walk between the car and the stores, take steps instead of elevators, and take longer routes to your desk.

3.   Think Positively.

4.   Take Time to Relax. Allow yourself to destress at least once a day.

5.   Sleep 6-10 hours a night (or until you are well rested).

6.   Wash your hands often. Minimally wash hands before eating and after using the restroom.

7.    Eat a large variety of fresh produce or supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals.

8.   Believe is Something. Studies have found that people who have faith live longer.

9.   Eat vegetables every day. Vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Many are known to prevent various diseases including cancer.

10   Drink water before, during and after exercise. Thirst lags behind your body's need for water. So drink water early and often.

11.   Laugh. Let humor enter your life. One of the easiest ways of being healthier is to find a way to relax more and have more fun.

12.  Find a way to bring joy into your life. Treat yourself to long baths or help a neighbor. Find a way to smile and help others smile.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Top Ten tips for Better Health

Cover up in the sun
UV rays are penetrating the earth's atmosphere all year long. It's important to wear protection at all times to protect yourself from excessive sun exposure.

Cut out fat
Dairy products such as cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions.Butter and sauces in sandwiches should be kept to a minimum, if possible. And try to avoid fried or fast food, as they have a high amount of fatty acids in them.

Don't smoke
Give up smoking as soon as you can. Smoking not only causes lung cancer, but its also recently been linked to many other illnesses. Research has shown that smoking reduces life expectancy by seven to eight years. So try giving up the next one.

Drink alcohol in moderation
Recent studies have shown that a glass of red wine a day can help protect against heart disease. But if you drink excessively, you will have health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer in later life.

Eat Healthy
Make sure you eats lots of fruit and vegtables each and every day. Even try adding a multivitamin to your daily routine. You'll soon see the difference.

Get active
One of the best ways to stay healthy is to exercise. It's recommended to do 30 minutes of cardio exercise 3 times a week. This even includes going for a walk with the dog, or even running around with the children.

Keep stress in check
Getting stressed out is bad for your health. If you are stressed in the work place you are more likely to cause an accident and injure yourself or even fall ill.

Positive outlook
It has been scientifically proven that a person with a positive outlook on life will be healthier than someone who doesn't.When you smile your brain releases small amounts of serotonin that give your body a good feeling. So next time your sad, smile.

Relax
Relaxation has actually become a medical treatment. It's very important to relax in the evenings after working. Try find somewhere that you feel comfortable, and just kick back. It can be anywhere from a chair, to a bubble bath.

Ways to increase your daily excercise
Walk to the shops rather than taking the car. Try taking the stairs whenever possible. If you get two or more buses, can you walk one of the journeys? Or even get off the bus or train a stop earlier.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maintaining Good Eye Health

1. Eat for Good Vision

Protecting your eyes starts with the food on your plate. Studies have shown that nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E may help ward off age-related vision problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Regularly eating these foods can help lead to good eye health:

• Green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collards
• Salmon, tuna, and other oily fish
• Eggs, nuts, beans, and other non-meat protein sources
• Oranges and other citrus fruits or juices

Eating a well-balanced diet also helps you maintain a healthy weight, which makes you less likely to get obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults.

2. Quit Smoking for Better Eyesight

Smoking makes you more likely to get cataracts, optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration. If you've tried to quit smoking before and started smoking again, keep trying. Studies show that the more times you try to quit smoking, the more likely you are to succeed.  

3. Wear Sunglasses for Good Vision

The right kind of sunglasses will help protect your eyes from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Too much UV exposure makes you more likely to get cataracts and macular degeneration.

Choose sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound lenses help protect your eyes from the side. Polarized lenses reduce glare when driving.

If you wear contact lenses, some offer UV protection. It's still a good idea to wear sunglasses for more protection.

4. Use Safety Eyewear at Home, at Work, and While Playing Sports

If you work with hazardous or airborne materials at work or home, wear safety glasses or protective goggles every time.

Certain sports such as ice hockey, racquetball, and lacrosse can also lead to eye injury. Wear eye protection (such as helmets with protective face masks or sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses) to shield your eyes.

5. Look Away From the Computer for Good Eye Health

Staring at a computer screen can cause:

• Eyestrain
• Blurry vision
• Difficulty focusing at a distance
• Dry eyes
• Headaches
• Neck, back, and shoulder pain

Protect your eye health by taking the following steps:

• Make sure your glasses or contact lens prescription is up-to-date and adequate for computer use. 
• Some people may need glasses to help with contrast, glare, and eye strain when using a computer.
• Position your computer so that your eyes are level with the top of the monitor. This allows you to look slightly down at the screen.
• Try to avoid glare on your computer from windows and lights. Use an anti-glare screen if needed.
• Choose a comfortable, supportive chair. Position it so that your feet are flat on the floor.
• If your eyes are dry, blink more.
• Every 20 minutes, rest your eyes by looking 20 feet away for 20 seconds. At least every two hours, get up and take a 15-minute break.

6. Visit Your Eye Doctor Regularly

Everyone, even young children, should get their eyes examined regularly. It helps you protect your sight and make sure that you are seeing your best.

Eye exams can also find some eye diseases, such as glaucoma, that have no symptoms. It's important to find these diseases in their early stages, when they're easier to treat. Depending on your eye health needs, you can see either an optometrist or an ophthalmologist for an eye exam. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye care. They can provide general eye care, treat eye diseases, and perform eye surgery. Optometrists have had four years of specialized training after college. They provide general eye care and treat the most common eye diseases. They do not perform eye surgery.

A comprehensive eye exam may include:

• Talking about your personal and family medical history
• Taking vision tests to see if you have nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism (a curved cornea that blurs vision), or presbyopia (age-related vision changes)
• Tests to see how well your eyes work together
• Eye pressure and optic nerve tests to determine if you have glaucoma
• External and microscopic examination of your eyes before and after dilation

You may also need other tests, depending upon your particular case.