Effects of Drinking cold water while eating.

The issue of drinking cold water while eating has been a topic for debate for a long time now. The cool sensation provided by cold water can not be denied, the soothing relief we get from drinking cold water after being devoured by the heat of the day is mind relaxing.

Drinking cold water while eating is known to be unwise, because fatty foods tend to solidify when mixed with cold water, making digestion more difficult.

As Nigerians most of our dishes are basically oily, from our simple Egusi soup to Efo riro and even beans all have great oil level. So many people believe that a perfect plate of food like the ones mentioned should be pushed down with a cold bottle of water or beverage, not knowing the harm this combination brings to their health.

Imagine two plates of oil on your table, imagine you pouring cold water into the first plate of oil, and pouring warm water into the other plate of oil, a clear difference comes to mind.
Imagine what the colon looks like when we ingest cold water on oily food.

Also imagine your kitchen sink where you wash your oily plates daily, sometimes when water fails to run through the sink properly  we pour in hot water to make room. Same goes to our body system.

Apart from solidifying fat cold water also slows down digestion. Nothing is better than living healthy if warm water opening doors for nutrients to circulate our body why go against it.

So the next time you are seated to eat a plate of pounded yam and egusi soup demand for a bottle of warm water and not cold water.

Herbs for weight loss

Healing power of herbs:

Herbs are products of nature, they can be used in tablets, capsules or extract form as well as in bath and poultices.
There are so many herbs that help to keep the body in better shape.

Herbs for weight loss:

Tumeric: Helps reduce inflammation which may be a significant cause of obesity and difficulty loosing weight.

Cinnamon: Helps control blood sugar and insulin levels, protecting you from diabetes while simultaneously managing your hunger.

Cayenne pepper: Increases the body's  ability to burn fat when eating three times a day.

Cloves: Helps you lose weight by speeding up your metabolism and helping your body to burn more calories.

Ginger: Reduce your appetite and cut cravings.

Garlic: Helps the body metabolise carbohydrate and fat more effectively and prevent the body from creating more fat.

Super Almond

One of the super foods that fight obesity are almonds. Almonds are high in good fats, it reduces belly fat because it is a power house of essential nutrients like magnesium, protein, vitamin E and fiber. When the body has enough good protein it develops lean muscle mass which in turn helps the body burn fat.

- Soak 6-8 almonds in water over night
- Drink first thing in the morning
- If you have taken lemon water, wait for 30 minutes before taking the soaked almonds.

This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor.

Grape a super fruit.

Grapes, one of the most popular and delicious fruits, they are rich sources of vitamins A, C, B6 and folate in addition to essential minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and selenium. They contain antioxidants that are anti-inflammatory, immunity-boosting  and simple sugars that provide instant energy.

The potential health benefits of consuming grapes are numerous:
Prevention of cancer heart disease, high blood pressure, constipation, indigestion, fatigue, kidney disorders, macular degeneration and the prevention of cataracts.

Fruit nutrition and health benefits

Fruits and vegetables are essential for balance diet and good health. They are good source of vitamins and minerals without which human body cannot maintain proper health and develop resistance to disease. 

They are natural gifts from nature, it is necessary to make half your plate fruit. Fruits and vegetables provide health benefits and are important for the prevention of illnesses.

Fruits and vegetables contain variety of nutrients including vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. 
Fruit is naturally low in fat, sodium and calories, and rich in potassium, fiber, vitamin C and folate.

Fiber in fruit helps to protect against heart disease and lower cholesterol. Fruits have been shown to help protect against heart disease, stroke, certain types of cancer, gastrointestinal issues, high blood pressure, eye disease and more.

Homemade fruit juice:

I prefer to juice my fruits when I can't keep up with chewing, I'll vote for home made juice any day. The manufactured juice out there ain't the perfect source of needed nutrients, most packs come with the 100%  pure fruit inscription, my mum would say "its just water and flavour".

In getting the necessary nutrients you need from fruits you either chew the fruit or personally juice them.

Freshly squeezed juices from fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of minerals and vitamins. An increased intake of fruit and vegetable juices ensures that the body will efficiently absorb more minerals and vitamins.

Another helpful benefit of fruits and fruit juices is their ability to promote detoxification in the human body. Fruits help to cleanse the body, especially those with high acid levels.

So what are your excuses for not eating fruits? Take those thoughts out, add fruit and vegetables to you dish. There are lots of fruits out there, different shapes, flavours, colours, you could play around with the colours by juicing or making fruit salad.
If the cost of fruit is your excuse, you can overcome this. Buy a little at a time, find out stores that sell at good and affordable prices.
There is no excuse that should prevent you from having good health. Only make sure to eat fresh fruits.

Tiger nuts and its benefits

I remember back then as a child I fancied tiger nuts, its sweetness and milky nature did it for me. I didn't mind spending my lunch money on tiger nuts. Apart from chewing I recently found out I could make milk out of the nuts, which is awesome by the way.

In Nigeria tiger nut is also called "Ofio" (Yoruba) and "Aya" (Hausa).
Tiger nuts are a highly nutritious plant food. They are not nuts they are simply tiny tubers with a nut-like flavor and nut-like texture.

Tiger nuts are very healthy, they help to prevent heart attacks, thrombosis and activate blood circulation. The very high fibre content combined with a delicious taste, make them ideal for healthy eating.
Tigernuts are said to act as a mild appetite suppressant because they contain resistant starch, a type of starch which resists digestion.

Tiger nut milk is a creamy beverage.
The tiger nuts, fresh or dried are best soaked in water for at least 6 hours prior to making the drink. I personally prefer to soak

Wash thoroughly in water and remove any stones/twigs and other non-tiger nut things. The tiger nuts, fresh or dried are best soaked in water for at least 6 hours before blending, ensure the nuts are covered in water. 

Once soaked, pour the tigernuts and liquid through a colander and rinse well. Place the tiger nuts in your blender and add water. You can add ginger to give it flavour.

Pour through a fine mesh strainer to separate the milk from the pureed tiger nuts, u  can re process the tiger 2 to 3 times. Pour your milk into a glass and your tiger nuts milk is ready.

Enjoy this milk chilled, or use it in your favorite smoothie recipe.

Benefits of tiger nuts:

- It has great protein content
- It is a good source of Vitamin E
- Its high fiber contents help to control body weight
- Helps control blood pressure
- It provides the body with potassium
- Tiger nut milk is a perfect substitute of animal milk. 
- It is recommended for those who suffer from indigestion, flatulence and diarrhoea because it provides digestive 
- Highest source of resistance starch.

Do yo know (10) The health benefits of Nutmeg

It improves appetite and digestion, used to dispel flatulence, prevent gas and fermentation in the intestinal tract, good for nausea and vomiting, treats toothache, eczema, abdominal pain etc.

This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor.

Therapeutic massage "a way of sharing energy and enjoying pleasurable relaxation"

Massage  is the therapeutic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. It is a general term for pressing, rubbing and manipulating your skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Massage may range from light stroking to deep pressure.

Massage is generally considered part of complementary and alternative medicine. Studies shows that massage is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscles tension.

Benefits of therapeutic massage

- Encourages relaxation
- Lower blood pressure
- Relaxes muscles
- Relieves headaches
- Improves joint mobility
- Reduces spasms and cramping
- Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues
  and vital organs improving circulation
- Exercise and stretch weak, tight muscles

 

There are many different types of massage, including these common types:

Swedish massage. This is a gentle form of massage that uses long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration and tapping to help relax and energize you.

Deep massage. This massage technique uses slower, more-forceful strokes to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, commonly to help with muscle damage from injuries.

Sports massage. This is similar to Swedish massage, but it's geared toward people involved in sport activities to help prevent or treat injuries.

Trigger point massage. This massage focuses on areas of tight muscle fibers that can form in your muscles after injuries or overuse.

How to find a massage therapist

The best way to find a massage therapist is to get a referral from someone you know who has a massage therapist or from a health professional who is  knowledgeable about forms of complementary and alternative health care.

When interviewing a massage therapist you should feel comfortable asking questions, find out if he or she graduated from an accredited school. It is proper to ask if he or she is licensed.

Do you know (9) The health benefits of Broccoli

It has twice as much Vitamin C as spinach and as much as lemons, thus being an excellent support to the immune system, it has antioxidant and anticancer compounds, it improves body detox process and can lower cholesterol levels, prevent heart disease.

This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor.