Health Information

An ear infection occurs when any of the chambers of the ear are affected by a bacterial or viral infection. It results in ear pain due to the swelling and fluid that accumulates. Usually, outer ear and middle ear infections are more common compared to inner ear infections. Ear infections can be chronic or acute. Acute ear infections are painful but short in duration. In general, children are more prone to infection in the middle ear than adults. Ear infection happens when there is fluid buildup in your middle ear due to any of the following: Excess mucus   Allergies Smoking Infected or inflamed adenoids Changes in air pressure Severe colds Sinus infections What are the symptoms of ear infections? The prominent symptoms of ear infections include: Fluid drainage from the ears Problems with hearing, Fever A feeling of pressure inside the ear Loss of balance Discomfort in the ear Severe headaches Irritability

Iceberg lettuce is one of the main ingredients in salad preparations known for its crunchy texture. It's composed of 96% water similar to celery and cucumbers. This makes it great for getting in extra hydration during hot days. It has comparatively fewer nutrients than other greens you may find in salads. Iceberg lettuce is an excellent source of potassium and manganese. It also contains significant amounts of iron, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, as well as small traces of sodium, copper, and zinc. Iceberg lettuce is lower in calories per serving, but it doesn’t deliver nearly as powerful of a dose of nutrients as spinach or kale. In fact, it doesn’t even come close. Its rich in vitamin A, K, C, thiamin, vitamin B6, and folate (vitamin B9). Water and dietary fiber make up most of it. It has a very low content of sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol. Calories: 14 Protein: 0.9 g Fiber: 1.1 g (4% dv) Vitamin A: 10% dv Vitamin C: 3% dv Vitamin K: 20% dv Folate:...

Hair damage is more than just split ends. Extremely damaged hair develops cracks in the outside layer. Once the cuticle opens, your hair is at risk for further damage and breakage. It may also look dull or frizzy and be difficult to manage. Damaged hair tends to be devoid of natural oils and has a dry, coarse, and brittle look.  The best home remedies for damaged hair include a healthy nutritious diet, drinking an adequate amount of water, using oils like coconut oil, castor oil for hair massage and applying egg yolks, aloe Vera juice etc. Here are the top home remedies for you: Aloe Vera Juice: Aloe Vera contains proteolytic enzymes, which help heal & repair the damaged cells in your scalp. This improves the health of the hair follicles and indirectly boosts healthy and faster hair growth. Coconut Oil: Coconut is a rich source of lauric acid, which has a high affinity towards hair proteins. Massaging your scalp with pure coconut oil will heal the damage that i...

Cycling was invented by Baron Karl von Drais, in the year 1817. Cycling is an activity that involves a great deal of pedaling. It’s assumed that this activity helps only in toning the muscles of the calf and thighs, but it is actually an overall physical workout and involves the movement of almost every part of the body. What he invented wasn’t exactly the bicycle which we know and use. He actually invented the walking machine that helped him to walk in the royal gardens faster. This device had wheels, but didn’t have any gears, chains, and peddles. Also, it moved ahead by pushing his feet against the ground. With an improvement in this technology, this crude device was eventually transformed into the modern-day bicycle. Health Benefits of Cycling The human body requires physical activity for normal functioning. At least thirty minutes of moderate to intense physical activity is very important and is required in order to achieve long-term health. Weight Loss: Cycling is an...

Tofu (wara in Nigeria) , also known as bean curd, is a food prepared by pressing coagulated soy milk into flat white blocks. It has been a common ingredient in global cuisines, such as Chinese food, for many centuries. It’s a traditional component in East Asian and South Asian cuisines. This power-packed food substitute is ideal for vegetarians and vegans all around the world because it contains no traces of animal products of any kind – it is a pure organic food that supplies a wealth of nutritive value in a variety of delicious ways. Tofu can be soft, firm, or extra firm. Tofu has a very low-calorie count, which makes it an attractive option for people who want to lose weight. It contains a very small amount of fat, but a large amount of protein & very low levels of sodium. In terms of vitamins and minerals, it is a rich source of iron, magnesium, copper, phosphorous, and it also has good amounts of calcium & potassium.

Sleep helps your body and brain function properly. A good night’s sleep can improve your learning, memory, decision-making and even your creativity. What’s more, getting sufficient sleep has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke and obesity. Natural sleep aids are any food, herb or lifestyle change that can help to improve your sleep patterns and provide more restful sleep. While there are many popular products and prescriptions to aid your slumber, natural sleep aids are often preferred because they have far fewer side effects, are less expensive, and are more easily accessible. To achieve the recommended 7-9 hours of restful, undisturbed sleep, using some of these safe, natural remedies may be your best option. The amount of sleep you require depends on your age, as well as certain health conditions, so always try to get the right amount for your particular demographic.

Mulberries are the sweet, hanging fruits from a genus of deciduous trees that grow in a variety of temperate areas around the world. Thought to possibly have originated in China, they have spread throughout the world and are highly praised for their unique flavor and impressive composition of nutrients. In fact, most varieties found in different parts of the world are considered to be “native” from those areas, as they are widespread. Mulberries have interesting names in local dialects. They are called ‘Shahtoot‘ in Hindi, ‘Mulberi’ in Malay, ‘Morbær’ in Norwegian, ‘Mora’ in Spanish and ‘Mullbär’ in Swedish. ‘Kambali Pandu‘ in Telugu, ‘Mucukkattaip palam’ in Tamil, ‘Hippunerale‘ in Kannada, ‘Shetur‘ in Gujarati, ‘Tutee‘ in Marathi, and ‘Shatut‘ in Punjabi. The names are quite tricky to remember, so let’s just stick to ‘mulberry.’ Whatever the name is, mulberries are delicious and nutritious. The sweet or tart flavor makes these berries ideal for sherbets, jams, jellies, fruit tart...

Scientifically known as Salvia officinalis or garden sage is a subshrub, with woody stems, grayish leaves, and blue to purplish flowers. It is a member of the family Lamiaceae (the mint) and is native to the Mediterranean region though it has naturalized in many places throughout the world. The traditional use of sage in medicine is well-documented and goes back thousands of years. It was initially used for the treatment of snakebite, protecting against evil, boosting female fertility, and other uses that are no longer en vogue or relied on. The impact of sage on the human body can be considerable, which is why it is widely exported around the world and makes its way into recipes from the United States to the Middle East. Typically, it is added to savory dishes due to its peppery flavor and is a key ingredient in many meals and meat-based preparations. Health Benefits of Sage Improves Bone Health: Vitamin K is a crucial element in developing bone density and ensuring the in...

Brown Rice  is an unrefined and unpolished whole grain which is produced by removing the surrounding hull of the rice kernel. Its grain retains its nutrient-dense bran and germ layer. It is chewier as compared to white rice and has a nutty flavor. Germinated brown rice, also known as ‘sprouted brown rice’, is another popular form of brown rice attributing to its high nutritional value.  The high nourishing content of the germinated brown rice is due to the presence of gama-aminobutyric acid. The germinated form can be obtained by soaking and sprouting of the brown rice in water for a specified number of hours.

Pistachios a member of the cashew family, is a small tree originating from Central Asia and the Middle East. The tree produces seeds that are widely consumed as food. It’s often confused with other species in the genus Pistacia that are also known as pistachio. Pistachios are one of the oldest edible nuts commonly used all over the world. Pistachio nuts belong to the Anacardiaceae family from the genus Pistacia. A pistachio tree takes about 10 to 12 years to produce the first crop. They are drupe, where the fruit has a large seed in the center, which is edible. The nuts of pistachio are not seasonal and are available all year long. Pistachios are one of the few nuts that contain most of the nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, amino acids, fats, and dietary fiber. They are rich in minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, and sodium. They also provide you with essential vitamins like vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K, as well as thiamine, ribo...

Honey is a sweet liquid made by bees using the nectar from flowers. It is graded by color, with the clear, golden amber honey often fetching a higher retail price than the darker varieties. Honey isn’t just delicious and sweet in taste, but nature has packed it with countless health benefits. Humans found honey about 8,000 years ago and haven’t stopped using it since then. It was widely utilized in Greece and Egypt. And later it became a mandatory component for Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. This miraculous substance possesses healing properties that makes it a natural healer. It is a secret ingredient for countless home remedies as well. You can consume or mix honey with other spices, herbs, and water to get the most of it. The nutritional Value of Honey is as follows: Sodium 6mg, Protein 15mg, Carbohydrates 17g, Pantothenic Acid 05mg, Riboflavin 06mg, Vitamin C 1mg, Zinc 03mg, Iron 05mg, Water 6g, Fructose 1g, Maltose 5g, Glucose 5g. Health Benefits of Honey T...

Cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) is a tropical evergreen tree that produces the cashew seed and the cashew apple.It can grow as high as 14 m (46 ft), but the dwarf cashew, growing up to 6 m (20 ft), has proved more profitable, with earlier maturity and higher yields. The species is originally native to northeastern Brazil. Portuguese colonists in Brazil began exporting cashew nuts as early as the 1550s. Major production of cashews occurs in Vietnam, Nigeria, India, and Ivory Coast.

Bones are living tissues that are constantly changing; some cells add calcium to bones, while other cells remove the mineral from bones. An adult human has 206 bones, while babies are born with 300 bones; throughout childhood, some bones fuse together as the body grows. Healthy and strong bones are vital for good health. People can take care of their skeletal systems by eating a diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Regular exercise is also crucial for strong bones. When you stress your bones through physical activity, the cells increase the rate of calcium addition, causing the bones to grow denser. Don't Smoke: Smoking reduces the blood supply to bones and the absorption of calcium; the nicotine in cigarettes causes certain cells to make less bone; and smoking affects the breakdown of estrogen, which is important for strong bones in both women and men. Skip the Vibration Therapy for Now: Whole-body vibration therapy in which a machine rapidly vibrates the body to...

Snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina), also called serpent gourd, rapid-growing vine of the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae), cultivated for its oddly shaped edible fruits. The snake gourd is native to southeastern Asia and Australia and is also grown in parts of tropical Africa. The whole fruit is eaten as a vegetable when young and can be dried and used as soap. The leaves and shoots are also edible, and the pulp of mature fruits is sometimes eaten as a tomato substitute. It is called snake gourd due to its unusual shape which is 40 and 120 cm long.

Running  is considered as one of the most effective and enjoyable exercises that have different reasons to support its importance. Running is a method of terrestrial locomotion allowing humans and other animals to move rapidly on foot. It’s easy to perform, doesn’t require any practice or equipment, and can be performed by people from all different age groups. Running is dedicated to providing good physical and mental health. Therefore, it is preferred by fitness freaks.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an economically indigenous African legume and the most versatile African crop which feeds people, their livestock, the soil and other crops. Cowpeas are a very important legume crop in many parts of Asia, Africa, and other arid parts of the world. While the beans are the primary focus of the cowpea plant, which is most known by individuals. The leaves, pea pods, and green peas are also edible and can deliver a powerful burst of nutrients and minerals to the human body. These versatile and hardy peas from the Vigna genus are able to grow in harsh, unforgiving climates, providing people in those areas with a dense form of nutrients. For more than 4,000 years, cowpeas have likely been cultivated in these regions of the world.

Popcorn is usually a delicious snack for movie theaters and relaxing nights at home, but there are many health benefits associated with this air-popped food that most individuals have never taken note of. Popcorn is a type of corn that has a hard endosperm, hull, or shell, containing a starchy interior. When this popping corn is heated, the pressure inside the hull increases and eventually a POP! occurs. Corn was first domesticated about 10,000 years ago in what is now Mexico. Archaeologists discovered that people have known about popcorn for thousands of years.

Bean Sprouts are produced by the seeds of all types of beans but the two primary types in the world come from mung beans and soybeans. They can be grown by placing and watering the sprouted beans in the shade until the roots grow long. Mung bean sprouts are extensively cultivated and consumed in East Asia. Vigna radiata is the scientific name for mung beans, while soybeans are known as Glycine max. Soybean sprouts are slightly larger than mung bean sprouts and have a yellowish tint, while mung bean sprouts may have a green edge to their color. These types of beans sprout and can be consumed within a week, offering a denser source of nutrients than the original bean.

Soybeans also known as soya beans, are a species of legume that has become one of the most widely consumed foods in the world with numerous uses. The plant is classed as an oilseed rather than a pulse which are extremely useful for human health and they are easy to cultivate as well. These legumes are produced in greatest numbers in the United States and South America, but they are actually native to East Asia. Nigeria is the largest producer of soybean in sub-Saharan Africa. Soya beans are mostly produced in the middle belt with Benue state accounting for the highest production in Nigeria.

Life is beautiful, filled with challenges that we face daily. Tossing out the heaviness and the stress that weighs us down is the easiest way to feel light and free again. In lightness and freedom comes a sense of openness, expansiveness, and newfound energy. And it is with this awakened energy that we can actually do better work and end up helping more people.

Soursop tea is an herbal tea that is made from the leaves of the soursop fruit tree. Soursop tea is also called graviola tea and is rumored to have significant powers to prevent or treat cancer. Unfortunately, however, researchers have not been able to prove this benefit in clinical studies. In addition, consuming soursop (especially long-term) may cause harm. Soursop tea is not a "tea" in the traditional sense and is not made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, like black tea or green tea. It is brewed just parts of the soursop plant, which does not contain any caffeine.

Palm oil is an extremely useful vegetable oil derived from the pulp of the fruit of oil palms. The main source of palm oil is the Elaeis guineensis tree, which is native to West and Southwest Africa. Its use in this region dates back more than 5,000 years. A similar oil palm known as Elais oleifera is found in South America, but it's rarely grown commercially. However, a hybrid of the two plants is sometimes used in palm oil production. In recent years, oil palm growth has expanded to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and Indonesia. These two countries currently produce more than 80% of the world's palm oil supply. Like coconut oil, palm oil is semi-solid at room temperature. However, its melting point is 95°F (35°C), which is considerably higher than 76°F (24°C) for coconut oil. This is due to the different fatty acid compositions of the two oils. Palm oil is naturally reddish-orange in color because of its high beta-carotene content. It is also one of the very few natu...

Rose tea is made from whole rose blossoms or the rose petals themselves (after being dried). This is a popular Middle Eastern variety of tea, but it can be enjoyed anywhere in the world. The many benefits of rose tea are a result of the high concentrations of vitamin C, polyphenols, vitamin A, various minerals, nerol, geraniol, myrcene, quercetin and other antioxidants. Health Benefits of Rose Tea Adding rose tea to your health regimen can help you treat arthritis, menstrual cramps, cancer, flu, cold, digestive difficulties, bronchitis, depression, insomnia, and many other chronic diseases. Unlike rosehip tea, which is made from the fruit of the rose plant, this tea is derived from the whole blossoms or petals. Respiratory Distress Digestion Mood Detoxifying the Body: The active ingredients in rose tea can help to improve liver function and increase urination. Menstrual Discomfort: It eliminates cramping and mood swings that are often associated with menstruation. ...

Why weight loss produces remission of type 2 diabetes in some patients Summary: A clinical trial recently showed that nearly half of individuals with type 2 diabetes achieved remission to a non-diabetic state after a weight-loss intervention delivered within six years of diagnosis. Now a new study reveals that this successful response to weight loss is associated with the early and sustained improvement in the functioning of pancreatic beta cells.

Good sleep should have a few key characteristics: undisturbed, a feeling of refreshment upon waking, alertness during the day, a lack of snoring/ fitfulness/ disturbed breathing, and the sleep should come on roughly twenty minutes after lying down with the intention to sleep. If you aren’t getting your seven to nine hours or feel beaten down and tired during the day, there are probably some very good reasons for this. The common tips to ensure a good sleep include: Avoid Late-night Screen Time: In our tech-heavy world, it seems impossible to tear ourselves away from our gadgets and gizmos even long enough to grab some shut-eye. However, playing on this gadgets or watching television late at night gets our brain stimulated and active, making it harder for us to go to sleep. Stop Down on Alcohol and Cigarettes: Alcohol may help you “pass out”, but that isn’t restful sleep. Similarly, cigarettes and nicotine are stimulants, technically making it harder for your pulse to slow ...

With verities of cooking oils available on the market, it’s hard to know which ones are best for your health. Peanut oil, also referred to as groundnut oil or arachis oil, is a vegetable-derived oil made from the edible seeds of the peanut plant. Though the peanut plant flowers above ground, the seeds or peanuts actually develop underground. This is why peanuts are also known as groundnuts. It comes in a number of varieties, including refined, unrefined, roasted, and cold-pressed , which have slight differences in their nutritional value and health benefits. Peanut oil is most commonly used in Asian cultures, including that of China and Southeast Asian nations like Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Nutrient Composition Here is the nutritional breakdown for one tablespoon of peanut oil: Calories: 119 Fat: 14 grams Saturated fat: 2.3 grams Monounsaturated fat: 6.2 grams Polyunsaturated fat: 4.3 grams Vitamin E: 11% of the RDI Phytosterols: 27.9 mg Most of the health b...

Cranberries  (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are one of the native fruits of North America. It’s a versatile fruit and their benefits make them useful in food as well as in medicinal products. Cranberries have a tremendous amount of antioxidant capacity as compared to other vegetables and fruits like broccoli, spinach, and apples. Cranberry juice is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and salicylic acid. By containing only 45 calories per cup, cranberry juice fits very well within the dietary guidelines. Cranberry juice also contains 87.13 g water per 100 g. It provides energy, protein, and carbohydrates.   For minerals, it contains calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and zinc. It also contains vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin E , & K. Health Benefits of Cranberry Juice Soothes Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of cranberry juice work extremely well in treating inflammation, particularly lung inflammation, ca...

Bulgar wheat is a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine, traditionally used to make tabbouleh and pilafs. This ingredient is very popular in side dishes and is able to cook very quickly, which makes it a convenient and versatile food. Bulgur wheat can be made in many forms, including pasta, bread, and warm or cold grain salads. The key components of bulgur wheat include high levels of iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, niacin, copper, phosphorous, manganese, fiber and dietary protein. While there are many varieties of cereal in the world, many of them come from refined wheat, which is then used to produce refined carbohydrate foods. Low in fat, high in fiber and rich in minerals, bulgur wheat is a healthy dietary choice. These are good for your health, but they don’t compare to the raw, nutrient-packed nature of bulgur wheat. This varietal offers a higher concentration of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber than refined wheat, making it even more beneficial for human health. ...

Pepper fruit, which is botanically known as Dennettia tripetala G. Baker, belongs to the Annonaceae family. It is well known as mmimmi by the igbo people of Nigeria (West Africa), Ata Igebere or igberi by the Yorubas, Imako by the Niger Deltas and Urhobo, ako by Bini, Nkarika by the Efik and Ibibio. It is a pungent, pepperish, spicy medicinal plant that is characterised by greenish appearance when unripe but tends to be reddish or pinkish in colour when ripe. People consume the fruit during cultural ceremonies, coronations, traditional marriages, naming ceremonies, new yam festivals and other events in the eastern part of Nigeria. The fruit is usually found in the tropical region of West African especially Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Cameroon. Pepper fruit tree thrives mainly in the Savannah and rainforest zones while the fruit usually ripens between April and May. Edible mature pepper fruit is mostly chewed raw but can also be used for food preparations and for preparing herbal m...

Cornstarch , sometimes referred to as corn flour, is a carbohydrate extracted from the endosperm of corn. This white powdery substance is used for many culinary, household, and industrial purposes. In the kitchen, cornstarch is most often used as a thickening agent for sauces, gravies, glazes, soups, casseroles, pies, and other desserts. Because cornstarch is made from corn and only contains carbohydrates, it is a gluten-free product. When you need a substitute for Cornstarch in the kitchen, there are quite a number of viable replacements, both in consistency and nutritional profile. Substitute for Cornstarch are; Wheat Flour Arrowroot Potato Starch Tapioca Rice Flour Glucomannan Psyllium Husk Ground Flaxseeds

Wheat is a grass widely cultivated for its seed, a cereal grain which is a worldwide staple food. The many species of wheat together make up the genus Triticum; The archaeological record suggests that wheat was first cultivated in the regions of the Fertile Crescent around 9600 BCE. Botanically, the wheat kernel is a type of fruit called a caryopsis. Wheat is grown on more land area than any other food crop (220.4 million hectares, 2014). World trade in wheat is greater than for all other crops combined. In 2016, world production of wheat was 749 million tonnes, making it the second most-produced cereal after maize. The whole grain kernel of wheat, composed of bran (outer layer), wheat germ, and endosperm (innermost part), is an immense energy source. Unprocessed wheat contains complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and a moderate amount of proteins. It is rich in catalytic elements, mineral salts, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, chlorine, arsenic, silicon, manganese, zinc...

Wheat germ oil is derived from the germ of the wheat berry, which is the nutrient-dense core that feeds the plant as it grows. Since oil makes up roughly 10-14% of the wheat germ, which is an agricultural byproduct, so extract processes like pressing & solvent extraction are used. The more refined wheat germ oil is, the fewer usable nutrients it contains for human health. The uses of wheat germ oil are in culinary applications, but generally, this specialty oil is used for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. The many benefits of this oil come from the rich supply of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids it contains, as well as vitamins A, E, B, and D and other volatile compounds and antioxidants. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that wheat germ oil has approximately 8 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids, which is far from the ideal 1:1 ratio of these fats. Benefits & Uses of Wheat Germ Oil Most individuals use wheat germ oil when they are suffering fr...