By Ekaete Bassey

Libido, or sex drive, naturally varies between individuals. Having a low sex drive is not necessarily a problem but if a person wishes to boost their libido, they can try a range of effective natural methods.

Anxiety, relationship difficulties, health concerns, and age can all affect libido. While low libido is not usually problematic, it can affect a person’s relationships and self-esteem.

In this piece, we will be sharing 20 handy foods that aid the improvement of the male and female libido. So you don’t have to go seeking out kayanmata vendors as these are cheaper and readily available.

Find the list below: 

AVOCADOS

Avocados are rich in vitamin B6 and folic acid, which help increase overall energy, a major factor against that mood-killing evening energy crash.

B6 also helps regulate prolactin, a libido enhancer.

Avocados are also rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, though the mechanism is not entirely clear, current research suggests that monounsaturated fats help to increase testosterone production.

BANANAS

This sweet and smooth fruit is well worth slipping into your diet for a lift to your sex drive: “Bananas are a great source of potassium, a critical nutrient for muscle contraction which is very important for good quality sex.

Bananas naturally contain bromelain, which helps produce testosterone. Also, studies show that women with higher sex drives have higher testosterone.

BELL PEPPERS

One large bell pepper contains nearly 600 percent of your needs for vitamin C.

Vitamin C aids in blood circulation to organs and has also been associated with improved female libido.

Note: All bell peppers are a great source of vitamin C but red peppers rank higher than green, so opt for them if you can.

CELERY

Celery has an aroma which contains two steroids called androsterone and adrostenol. When we ingest celery, the subtle pheromone of these two natural chemicals travels through our sweat glands and works to attract the opposite sex.

Celery also contains arginine, which is an amino acid that expands blood vessels the way Viagra is supposed to do.

CHOCOLATE MILK

This childhood staple has some very grown-up effects.

Chocolate contains theobromine and phenylethylamine. Theobromine has a mood-improving effect, while phenylethylamine is the same chemical produced in the brain when a person is in love; the perfect ingredient to get you in the mood.

DARK CHOCOLATE

“The Aztec ruler Montezuma (the final ruler of the Aztec Empire prior to the Spanish conquest) used to drink up to 50 cups of a chocolate drink before heading to his harem.

But to get the antioxidants from chocolate you don’t need as much as Montezuma. Choose chocolate made from 60-70 percent cocoa and eat 1-ounce servings.

Dark chocolate helps release the same chemicals as those released during sex. Those feel-good chemicals will help build desire with your partner.

DATES

Dates are rich in amino acids, which are known to increase sexual stamina, and they’re a popular aphrodisiac in North African countries like Nigeria.

The act of eating dates can be very sexual, they melt in your mouth.

Dates are known to improve sexual stamina, libido and your performance.

GARLIC

Yes, seriously. Garlic is chockfull of allicin, an active compound that increases blood flow, making everything extra sensitive to touch. It also stimulates blood circulation for stronger erections and greater endurance in the bedroom.

Pro tip: Keep breath mints handy after ingesting an extra rich garlic meal.

GINSENG

Ginseng might not look appealing but it could do wonders for your sex life.

Researchers in a 2010 study found Korean red ginseng in particular improved sexual arousal in menopausal women.

But you can give some to your hubby too as it has also been shown to improve sexual function in men.

KIDNEY BEANS

“Kidney beans are also very rich in L-arginine.

A study has also shown that a supplement high in arginine improved female desire, satisfaction, and frequency of sex.

OYSTERS

For years, oysters have been rumored to help boost libido. You may ask why is that?

Well, they contain two amino acids, D-aspartic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartate, that have been found to increase sex hormones in men and women.

PINE NUTS

The pine nut is an ancient aphrodisiac.

Pine nuts are rich in zinc, which is needed for testosterone production. And women with the most testosterone have the highest sex drive.

POMEGRANATE

Studies have shown that a daily intake of pomegranate juice led to increased testosterone levels in women and men, reduced stress levels, and increased mood.

The antioxidants present in this delicious fruit are triple-threat. They help increase testosterone production, improve blood circulation, and improve overall mood.

PUMPKIN SEEDS

Pumpkin seeds are a great source of zinc, which boosts testosterone.

Not only is this great for men, but studies have shown women with high levels of testosterone have a greater sex drive.

Zinc works to block the enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen.

Bonus: Pumpkin seeds are loaded with antioxidants, iron, zinc, magnesium, and much more nutrients that are good for you.

RED GRAPES

Red grapes are a good source of boron, which is a mineral that helps stimulate the production of both estrogen and testosterone.

A boost in estrogen and testosterone can send fresh energy to your sex organs and put you in the mood quicker than Ryan Gosling in a Blade Runner trailer.

SALMON

Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fats, which help to lower blood pressure, triglycerides, and improve circulation.

Efficient circulation means that blood will easily deliver nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, including to your sexual organs, so that they can function at their peak.

Omega-3s also boost the production of dopamine, one of your brain’s pleasure chemicals.

SPINACH

There’s never been a better time to add spinach to your diet.

It’s a rich source of magnesium and the mineral is known for helping dilate blood vessels.

What does that mean for your libido? It increases blood flow to all parts of your body which in turn increases arousal.

WALNUTS

Walnuts pack a great punch for the libido. They’re a good source of L-arginine, which gets converted into nitric oxide, and this keeps arteries flexible, dilates blood vessels, and improves blood flow, which is important for getting oxygen to the sex organs.

As a woman, slip your man a handful too, as L-arginine can help strengthen his erection.

WATERMELON

There’s no reason to ditch this summer staple after temperatures drop.

Watermelon relaxes the blood vessels to improve blood flow to the sex organs, which has the ability to enhance arousal.

The phytonutrient citrulline in watermelon is responsible for the effect.

Since citrulline is most concentrated near the rind(the hard tough outer layer) you should consider eating more pickled watermelon rind.

WINE AND SPIRITS

Moderation is the key here, but by all means, indulge to amplify your sexual desire.

Alcohol is a relaxant and is known to decrease inhibitions. But one to two glasses is all you need.

If you drink too much, it actually impedes arousal.

According to the National Institute of Health, excessive alcohol can result in impotence.

By Ekaete Bassey

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a programme set up by the government to involve graduates in nation-building and the development of the country.

Upon its creation, graduates of universities and later polytechnics have been required to take part in the National Youth Service Corps program for one year.

Below are 12 important facts you need to know about NYSC:

1. NYSC was created May 22nd, 1973 as an avenue for the reconciliation, reconstruction and rebuilding of the nation after the civil war.

2. The military regime of General Yakubu Gowon had established NYSC based on the decree No. 24 that states that the scheme was created “with a view to the proper encouragement and development of common ties among the youths of Nigeria and the promotion of national unity.”

3. Corps members (participants in the National Youth Service Scheme) are posted to states other than their state of origin where they are expected to mix with people from different ethnic groups, social and family backgrounds, and learn the culture of the indigenes in the location they are posted to.

This action is aimed at bringing about unity in the country and helping the youths appreciate other ethnic groups.

4. Meanwhile, graduate posting is done in three batches in the course of the year. We have the: Batch A, Batch B and Batch C.

5. To be eligible to participate in the compulsory one-year service, a graduate must be below 30 years upon graduation else he/she will be given a Certificate of Exemption, which is also equivalent to the NYSC Discharge Certificate.

Although a person who graduated before 30 years but skipped the service year, will still be eligible to serve even if he/she wants at the age of 60 since his/her certificate of graduation was dated before he/she clocked 30 years of age.

6. The National Youth Service Corps Year comprises of four (4) main segments in which every corps member must satisfactorily participate before he/she is qualified to be issued a certificate of National Service. It includes Orientation Courses, Primary Assignment, Community Development Service and Winding – Up/Passing –out.

7. A National Youth Service Corps year starts with a 3-week orientation course and it is compulsory for all graduates mobilised for national service across the 36 states of Nigeria.

The orientation course opens with a swearing-in/opening ceremony presided over by the executive Governor of the State/FCT Minister. The Oath of Allegiance and the National Pledge are administered by the Chief Judge of the State/FCT.

The orientation course content involves physical training, drills, lectures on the people and tradition of the host State, professional lectures for Corps health personnel’s, lawyers, teachers and Skill acquisition training e.t.c. Corps members participate in social activities designed to create opportunities for them to interact.

Like dance/ drama competitions, Miss NYSC and Mr Macho, inter platoon competitions on football, volleyball, table tennis, cooking, sanitation, competitions on inter-platoon drills and tug of war.

8. At the end of the orientation, Corps members are posted to their Place of Primary Assignment (PPA). While the NYSC Management takes into consideration the areas of specialization of Corps members carrying out the posting exercise, emphasis is placed in rural posting in the areas of Agriculture, Health, Education and Infrastructure.

It is expected that Corps members should accept their posting and be agents of change contributing towards the development of their host communities.

9. Corps members also engage in Community Development Service (CDS) aimed at harnessing the skills, creativity and innovativeness of Corps members. Where they are expected to identify the needs of their host communities and mobilise members of their host communities to embark on the projects.

Through this programme, many Corps members able to construct bridges, health care centres, classroom blocks, market stalls, culverts etc.

They also carry out projects like HIV sensitization, adult literacy campaign, extra-mural classes for students, road safety campaign etc.

Corps members also get to participate actively in the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) through the War Against Poverty (WAP) programme of the scheme.

10. At the end of the service year (usually at the 12th month) corps members are gathered in their respective zones for assessment of the service year and de-briefing.

It is the period when Corps members present their final clearance letters from their employers and submit same to their Zonal/Local Government Inspectors in order to be issued their Certificate of National Service.
Parade rehearsals are conducted in readiness for the passing-out ceremony which is usually presided over by the Executive Governor of the State.

During the ceremony, those with outstanding performance during the service year are given State Honours Award. For a Corps member to merit an award, he/she must be outstanding in the orientation course, primary assignment, community development service and winding-up exercise.

11. Nigerian graduates are ineligible for employment in governmental establishments (and most private establishments) until they have completed the mandatory one year service or obtained the relevant exemptions.

12. However, the second chamber of the National Assembly, the House of Representatives is considering discontinuing the National Youth Service Corps Scheme, as the bill pushing for the scrapping of the NYSC gets the 2nd reading on the floor of the House.

The sponsor, Mr. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, in the explanatory memorandum of the proposal, listed the various reasons why the NYSC should be scrapped, top of the reason put forward was insecurity.

He noted that due to insecurity across the country, the National Youth Service Corps management now gives consideration to posting corps members to their geopolitical zone, thus defeating one of the main objectives for which it was established i.e. “developing common ties among the Nigerian youths and promote national unity and integration.”

By Oluwatomisin Amokeoja

Mastering the art of effective time management serves as a precursor to a productive life leading to satisfaction.

A lot of militating factors rob humans of their time when deliberate efforts are not made to control or take charge of how the time is used.

Time is so valued that it has been likened to money, and when not spent well could spell doom.

Below is a compilation of 10 ways to maximise your time:

1. Be organised

Organisation is key as without it you’ll only be unnecessarily wasting time. How much time do you spend looking for something because you are disorganised. Declutter your home and working environment and give everything a permanent place where you know you’ll be able to find it. Get rid of the things that you just don’t use or need.

2. Don’t Procrastinate

Faffing about and putting things off in order to do something less important is a common trait for many of us. To avoid this, try to distance yourself for all those potential distractions that could put you off the tasks you should be doing. Often the best thing to do first is the very thing you are least looking forward to doing as you’ll at least get it out of the way.

3. List “Time-Wasters”

Start your day with a list of things you know you tend to waste time on. Keep the list nearby. When you notice you’re wasting time, add that time-waster to the list. This will serve as a reminder of things you shouldn’t allow yourself to do–like watching music videos when you should be sending emails.

4. Hide or Uninstall Social Media Apps

Among those who use social media, the average person spends 3.6 hours per day socialising online, reveals research conducted by Ipsos Open Thinking Exchange. That’s about a quarter of the time you’re awake! Imagine what you could do with those extra hours.

To keep yourself from wasting this time, remove social networking apps from your mobile device’s home screen and the toolbar on your computer’s browser. While the sites won’t be completely out of reach, this practice can keep you from checking updates on impulse.

5. Set Daily Goals With Reminders

Every day comes with new tasks to accomplish. Make it easy for yourself to complete each task by taking life one day at a time. Do you have a huge report due next month? Consider what you’ll do each day to finish it instead of waiting until the last minute. You can set up reminders to stay organized and make sure you don’t forget anything.

6. Compile A List To Tick

Free your mind by making a list of all the things that you need to do, that way you can look at it and tick stuff off as you go. A list on a scrap of paper, on you mobile phone, or in a notebook will all serve their purpose. As you cross off things you’ve done this may encourage you to crack on and complete the remainder.

7. Complete Most Important Tasks First

It’s easy to start your day with the simplest tasks. It makes you feel like you’re accomplishing something even when you’re avoiding your big project. But by the time you’re done with your less important tasks, you’re already worn out and even more reluctant to start on your priority work.

Switch things up and perform the most important tasks first. It will be a relief once you’re done, and the rest of your day will run more smoothly.

8. Stop Multitasking

Multitasking is a myth! As NPR reports, humans can’t physically multitask. Our brains instead juggle attention from one task to the other so quick we’re given the illusion we’re multitasking.

But we’re not very efficient at it. If you try to do too many things at once, you probably won’t finish those tasks to a high standard. Plus, it could take you more time than if you simply focused on one task at a time, meaning you only hinder your productivity by multitasking.

9. Make Use of Dead Time

What do you do when you’re in the waiting room for an appointment or headed home on the bus? If you’re staring out the window, you’re wasting valuable time. Instead, you could be sending emails or brainstorming and taking notes on your next project at work or school. You could even use this dead time to work in your daily stress-relieving breathing exercises as long as you’re doing something productive.

10. Read Time-Management Books to Take The Advice

To get the best advice on how to manage your time, consider reading time-management books. They’ll likely be more useful to you since they’re more in-depth. You’ll often find exercises to help you apply the concepts, too.

By Oladeji Adeola

Mental health is essential to our overall well-being and important as physical health. It affects how we think, feel and act.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), mental health is not just the absence of mental disorder but a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.

Our mental health helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices.

Here are some things you can do to care for your mental health:

1. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH GOOD PEOPLE

You should be around people that support you and are always there for you when you need them. People with strong family or social connections are generally healthier than those who lack a support network. So it is very essential for you to surround yourself with your family members or even friends.

We may talk to friends in confidence about things we wouldn’t discuss with our families.

Friendship is a crucial element in protecting our mental health. They form one of the foundations of our ability to cope with the problems that life throws at us.

2. TRY NEW THINGS

You can do away with some routines that you’re stuck on and just try out new things. You can take swimming classes, read a new book, start a blog. You can try a new restaurant or just try cooking new food. If you’re not too sure about it, you can invite your friends to tag along with you while you explore new things.

3. WATCH COMEDY SERIES

Watching some funny comic movies, comedy series can actually help relax tension and help you get over depression.

Research from experts have shown that laughter can boost your immune system, ease your pain, relax your body and reduce stress.

4. DO THINGS THAT MAKES YOU FEEL HAPPY

Everyone gets sad sometimes at certain points in their life but you shouldn’t let that control you. It is okay to feel sad but do not stay sad for too long.

Look for activities where you can meet people and network, make plans with your friends and supportive family members.

5. EXERCISE

Exercise is important to keep us physically healthy but it can as well keep us mentally healthy. Research shows that people who exercise regularly have better mental health and emotional well-being.

Exercise may also help in treating some mental health conditions, like depression and anxiety. For example, research suggests physical activity can be as effective as antidepressants for mild depression.

It can boost your mood, concentration and alertness and may even help give you a positive outlook on life.

6. EAT RIGHT

It is generally known that nutrition plays a major role in a person’s physical health but it directly affects emotional well-being, too. The relationship between our diet and our mental health is complex. However, research shows a link between what we eat and how we feel.

Sticking to a diet of healthy food, helps set you up for fewer mood fluctuations, an overall happier outlook and an improved ability to focus.

Studies have even found that healthy diets can help with symptoms of depression and anxiety.

7. SEEK HELP

You can ask for help when you feel you need it, asking for help is not a sign of weakness so it should not be seen as such. Asking for help is actually a sign of strength.

Talk to someone you trust, it can be a family member or even a friend that you trust. You can seek out a professional’s help as well, talk to a mental health professional in any medical facility near you or simply check out mental wellness pages that provide help and share useful information on social media platforms.

When we feel mentally well, we can work productively, enjoy our free time and contribute actively to our communities.

By Oladeji Adeola

Rain is one of the crucial elements in the Earth’s water cycle, which Is vital to all life on Earth. Rainwater provides a habitat for fish to live and nourishes the soil with enough water for vegetation.

The rainy season can be pleasant sometimes; the cool weather, the perfect time to drink a cup of hot tea or coffee, a reason to wear coats and turtlenecks, enjoy snuggle time with loved ones but can also be irritating as it comes with illnesses such as flu, common cold, fever, malaria and others.

The Lagos government in April alerted residents that the state will experience normal rainfall for 238 to 261 days in 2021.

Fortunately, to stay safe during this period, there are some simple tips to adopt.

Here are some tips to stay safe during the rainy season:

1. AVOID GETTING SOAKED IN THE RAIN

Make sure to always carry an umbrella and rain coat to avoid getting soaked from a sudden downpour. Getting soaked in the rain can cause flu,cold, cough and other rain causing illnesses.

Rain gears such as umbrellas, rain coats, rubber boots helps to protect you from getting soaked and shields you against cold or fever.

Wearing rubber boots is advisable to protect yourself against possible viruses and germs that could be in the water.

2. WASH YOUR HANDS REGULARLY

To keep you from getting cold, cough and flu, regular hand washing is necessary to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria. Bacterias and viruses come alive during the rainy season and you can come in contact with them anywhere.

Wash your hands as often as you can with soap and water. It is also advisable to carry a pocket-sized hand sanitiser with you when you go out.

It is important to wash your feet and hands when you get home, especially after contact with rain or flood.

3. BE A WEATHER CONSCIOUS PERSON

You need to stay up to date with the latest news on weather and weather forecasts to avoid going out when there will be a heavy downpour. You can monitor the weather through Radio,TV and the internet.

Follow accounts that share useful information about weather and traffic updates, which might help you to get rid of flooded areas and find alternate routes.

4. AVOID TOUCHING ELECTRIC POLES AND WIRES

Staying away from electric poles and wires is one of the most important safety measures for the rainy season. Do not touch wires that have fallen due to heavy rain or are dangling precariously from the pole.

If you see wires lying in a puddle of water after rain, stay away from it as far as possible since stepping in it can possibly electrocute you.

5. KEEP MOSQUITOES AWAY

Rainy season is the perfect breeding season for mosquitoes. They lay their eggs in pools of stagnant water so you must make sure to sweep away any stagnant water that is around you.

Mosquito repellent spray should be used in the house,burn mosquito coils as well to keep the insects away.

When you need to go outside,wear long sleeved shirts and rub mosquito repellent cream on your arms and legs. Use mosquito nets around your bed too.

6. STAY WARM

It is usually cold outside when it rains,so wear warm clothes to keep your body temperature up.

Cardigans, sweaters, turtlenecks and coats should be part of clothing during this season. They help you stay warm and avoid catching a cold.

Remember to stay out of the rain too if you can.

7. TAKE A HOT SHOWER

Taking a shower after getting drenched in the rain might sound absurd, however taking a hot shower will help raise your body temperature and also get rid of the germs and protect you from many infections but If you don’t feel like having a shower, try soaking your feet in warm water.