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Tag: health benefits

  • Seven key health benefits of regular exercise

    Seven key health benefits of regular exercise

    Exercise is a vital activity that involves physical effort aimed at maintaining or improving health and fitness. It not only trains the body to enhance its functions but also plays a crucial role in overall well-being.

    The health benefits of exercise are extensive, impacting mental health, cardiovascular health, and physical structure.

    Here are seven key reasons why exercise is essential for the human body:

    1. Maintains a healthy weight:

    Regular exercise aids in shedding excess weight and preventing obesity, making it easier to carry out daily tasks and enhancing overall mobility.

    Read Also: Five edibles that can help lower blood pressure

    2. Improves Sleep Quality:

    Engaging in physical activity helps regulate sleep patterns, leading to better and longer sleep. Consistent exercise can significantly improve sleep quality.

    3. Enhances Cognitive Function: 

    Exercise boosts memory and cognitive abilities by increasing blood flow to the brain, promoting the growth of new brain cells, and improving overall brain function, which in turn enhances productivity.

    4. Increases Physical Fitness and Flexibility: 

    Regular physical activity enhances flexibility, builds muscle, and strengthens bones and joints, resulting in increased energy levels and improved physical fitness.

    5. Elevates Mood and Reduces Stress:

    Exercise is known to relieve stress and decrease anxiety and depression symptoms. It contributes to better sleep quality and helps boost overall happiness and well-being.

    6. Supports Cardiovascular Health: 

    Physical activity strengthens the heart, lowers blood pressure, and improves blood circulation, significantly enhancing cardiovascular health and boosting the immune system.

    7. Reduces Chronic Disease Risk: 

    Regular exercise strengthens the immune system, helping it fend off illnesses and diseases. It helps control weight, lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels—all crucial factors in preventing chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

    Incorporating regular exercise into your routine can lead to a healthier, happier life by promoting physical fitness and overall well-being.

  • Health benefits of cucumber

    CUCUMBERS are extremely beneficial for overall health, especially during hot weather since they are mostly made of water and important nutrients that are essential for the human body. The flesh of cucumbers is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and folic acid, while the hard skin is rich in fibre and a range of minerals including magnesium, molybdenum, and potassium.

    Different varieties of cucumber are grown in different regions, and they are usually eaten fresh or pickled.

    They are rich in various nutrients, vitamins, minerals, energy, and water. According to USDA cucumbers are a good source of potassium, phosphorus, vitamin C, niacin, and vitamin K. They also provide iron, sodium, zinc, riboflavin, and vitamin B-6.

    The health benefits of cucumber are not widely known in many cultures. The taste of fresh cucumber is somewhat bland in comparison to other squashes, but the thirst-quenching and the cooling qualities of this squash are truly refreshing.

    The health benefits include: Skin Care: Doctors often recommend cucumber juice because of the silica content for a healthier and brighter skin. It is also well known that moisture is the best friend to healthy skin. The extract of cucumbers is often used topically for treating various types of skin ailments like sunburn and swelling under the eyes. Ascorbic and caffeic acid are the two vital compounds in cucumbers that prevent water loss from the body. The squash also promotes healthy hair growth and can treat skin ailments like psoriasis, eczema, and acne.

    Control Blood Pressure: Cucumber, therefore, regulates blood pressure and contributes to the proper structure of connective tissues in our body, including those in the muscles, bones, ligaments, cartilage, and tendons.

    Manage Diabetes: The presence of carbohydrates and their result on the body is measured by the quantity of glycemic index (GI). Every food item contains essential nutrients in different percentages. The carbohydrates contribute to raising the glucose level, however, the ones present in the cucumber can be easily digested by diabetic patients. Thus, consumption of this cool fruit keeps the glucose level in check. Nowadays, most commercial stores have cucumber supplements as spiny sea cucumber extract powder, which is very effective in combating the effects of diabetes.

    Read Also: Fan Milk launches ‘one planet one health’

    Maintain Overall Health: Cucumbers have excellent cleaning properties, and they actively remove accumulated waste and toxins from your body. These fruits are very good for optimising urinary bladder, kidney, liver, and pancreatic functions. Cucumber juice along with carrot juice is extremely effective for rheumatic conditions caused by excessive uric acid in the body. Drinking cucumber juice on a regular basis also helps cure gout and eczema. If you are having lung or stomach problems, be sure to add it to your diet. It also promotes muscle flexibility, while the magnesium content of cucumbers ensures proper blood circulation and relaxed nerves.

    When buying cucumbers it is important to look for firm ones and check if the colour is bright medium green to dark green. Avoid the yellow, puffy cucumbers that have water-soaked areas or wrinkled tips. You will find fewer seeds in the thinner cucumbers.

  • Health benefits of cucumber

    CUCUMBERS are extremely beneficial for overall health, especially during hot weather since they are mostly made of water and important nutrients that are essential for the human body. The flesh of cucumbers is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and folic acid, while the hard skin is rich in fibre and a range of minerals including magnesium, molybdenum, and potassium.

    Different varieties of cucumber are grown in different regions, and they are usually eaten fresh or pickled.

    They are rich in various nutrients, vitamins, minerals, energy, and water. According to USDA cucumbers are a good source of potassium, phosphorus, vitamin C, niacin, and vitamin K. They also provide iron, sodium, zinc, riboflavin, and vitamin B-6.

    The health benefits of cucumber are not widely known in many cultures. The taste of fresh cucumber is somewhat bland in comparison to other squashes, but the thirst-quenching and the cooling qualities of this squash are truly refreshing.

    The health benefits include: Skin Care: Doctors often recommend cucumber juice because of the silica content for a healthier and brighter skin. It is also well known that moisture is the best friend to healthy skin. The extract of cucumbers is often used topically for treating various types of skin ailments like sunburn and swelling under the eyes. Ascorbic and caffeic acid are the two vital compounds in cucumbers that prevent water loss from the body. The squash also promotes healthy hair growth and can treat skin ailments like psoriasis, eczema, and acne.

    Control Blood Pressure: Cucumber, therefore, regulates blood pressure and contributes to the proper structure of connective tissues in our body, including those in the muscles, bones, ligaments, cartilage, and tendons.

    Manage Diabetes: The presence of carbohydrates and their result on the body is measured by the quantity of glycemic index (GI). Every food item contains essential nutrients in different percentages. The carbohydrates contribute to raising the glucose level, however, the ones present in the cucumber can be easily digested by diabetic patients. Thus, consumption of this cool fruit keeps the glucose level in check. Nowadays, most commercial stores have cucumber supplements as spiny sea cucumber extract powder, which is very effective in combating the effects of diabetes.

    Maintain Overall Health: Cucumbers have excellent cleaning properties, and they actively remove accumulated waste and toxins from your body. These fruits are very good for optimising urinary bladder, kidney, liver, and pancreatic functions. Cucumber juice along with carrot juice is extremely effective for rheumatic conditions caused by excessive uric acid in the body. Drinking cucumber juice on a regular basis also helps cure gout and eczema. If you are having lung or stomach problems, be sure to add it to your diet. It also promotes muscle flexibility, while the magnesium content of cucumbers ensures proper blood circulation and relaxed nerves.

    When buying cucumbers it is important to look for firm ones and check if the colour is bright medium green to dark green. Avoid the yellow, puffy cucumbers that have water-soaked areas or wrinkled tips. You will find fewer seeds in the thinner cucumbers.

  • Amazing health benefits of maize

    Healthy eyes

    A nutritious diet, filled with the right kind of elements will definitely help prevent many diseases from taking form. It is no secret that food is the ultimate medicine that can keep the heart and other organs going. Corn contains carotenoids – lutein and zeaxanthin. There are multiple studies that show the benefits of these for your eyes. They are often referred to as macular pigments that are present in the retina to prevent any damage that may be caused by free radicals cells. These are essentially antioxidants.

     

    Prevents Diverticular Diseases

    These diseases are often very painful and lead to a lot of discomfort and suffering. Although studies are still being conducted on this subject, there has been an observation made on about 47,228 men that shows the benefits of consuming popcorn to prevent the symptoms of this disease from developing.

    Anemia Prevention

     

    This is another one of those illnesses that is spreading more than ever. This is especially true for women. You may start to develop symptoms of anemia when there is profound deficiency of vitamins and minerals such as iron in your body. The body needs iron and folate to form new red blood cells. Corn is a very good source of iron, per 100 grams of serving it provides an impressive 2.7 mg of iron.

     

    Cancer Prevention

     

    It is true that an antioxidant rich diet will help prevent cancer. There are many studies that show that antioxidants fight free radicals cells and prevent oxidative damage to the body. Sweet corn when cooked is observed to have more antioxidants than non-cooked corn. Corn contains carotenoid antioxidants that are proven to protect the eyes and skin from oxidative damage. Popped corn can be a good way to get those antioxidants in.

    Source of Fiber

     

    Fiber helps the body in several ways by reducing cholesterol and making the digestive system more efficient. Corn provides a healthy and impressive amount of fiber when eaten either on the cob or in the form of popcorn. Corn provides an impressive 7 grams of fiber per 100 grams of serving. Fiber helps prevent constipation and also lower cholesterol levels.

     

    Weight Loss

     

    Often trying to lose weight becomes a burden as we tend to believe that starvation will help us, or not catering to bouts of hunger and craving will diminish those extra inches. However, this is not true; to lose weight eating the right kind of nutrient rich foods is necessary. Corn is the best snack for this, it is a source of energy and will also leave you feeling full for longer due to its fiber content. Popped corn without any salt, cooked with a tablespoon of coconut oil is the way to go.

    Bio active plant compounds

    Many people nowadays are opting for a plant based diet. This is due to the immense benefits that plants contain in the form of phytonutrients and bio-active chemical compounds. Corn contains anthocyanins, phytic acid, ferulic acid, zeaxanthin and lutein. These enzymes provide multiple health benefits      .

    Gluten free

    People suffering from gluten intolerance often suffer intense reactions to the enzyme, causing different types of health complications. Corn and corn flour is a good option as it is naturally gluten free and a better option than other grains.

     

    Source of energy

    Corn contains a high amount of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide the energy required for the body and mind to function properly. Corn is a complex carbohydrate that takes time to get fully digested. This is beneficial for the body as it keeps you fuller for longer. It can also be a good post workout snack.

     

    Diabetes management

    It has been observed to help non-insulin dependent diabetes. The organic kind is the best as it retains most of its nutrients and is free of harmful elements such as pesticides. The regular consumption of corn provides energy to people suffering with diabetes without spiking blood sugar levels too much.

     

    Prevents Hypertension

    It contains phenolic phytochemicals that help regulate blood pressure and prevent hypertension. There is also a good amount of vitamin B that is beneficial for the optimal functionality of your adrenal glands.

     

    Manganese rich

    It has a good amount of manganese per serving. This mineral has multiple benefits and keeps the blood sugar levels in check. This also helps fuel the body by breaking down complex carbohydrates.

  • Bitter kola’s many health benefits

    Bitter kola’s many health benefits

    Chairman, Bioresource Development Group (BDG) Prof Maurice Iwu answers the question from his Enugu base.

    Bitter Kola, Garcinia kola, used extensively in West Africa as a social beverage and offered to guests as ‘Kola’ in many of Nigeria’s cultural settings, is valued also for its medicinal properties. It is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of Laryngitis, general inflammation, bronchitis, viral infections and diabetes as well as a rejuvenating agent, adaptogen and general antidote. Scientists at our laboratories have performed extensive research and written many books on this wonder plant called ‘Garcinia’. Researchers have identified bitter kola as a potential antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and a potential detoxifying agent.

    Bitter kola is a food supplement and anti-infective agent in the management of cold, bronchitis, and it reduces congestion of the upper respiratory tract.

    Because some people do not like to chew Bitter kola, yet want to experience its potency in some of the above, at Bioresource Development Group (BDG) has come up with a formulation, called Garcinia-IHP.

    Garcinia-IHP is a scientifically processed garcinia kola which retains all the goodness of bitter kola in capsules, with the potency and effectiveness guaranteed.

     Major indications

    Cold remedy

    Very effective in managing symptoms of cold and sore throat, pains, cough, nasal congestion and helps coagulate phlegm.

    Antimicrobial

    It is used in many tropical countries to fight infectious diseases. It is effective for managing pains, bacteria and viruses.

    Detoxification

    Garcinia has a cleansing effect on the liver, gall bladder and the entire body system.  It reduces the absorption of poison.

     Anti-inflammatory activity

    Kolaviron is a deflated ethanol extract from the seeds of garcinia kola, which studies have shown to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

    Other health benefits

    Immunity:The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant property makes the body resistant to infections. It is used to prevent infections especially in people with immune system.

    Libido enhancement:Impotence is restored by increasing blood supply to the core area in men who have hardening of the arteries. Bitter kola is the number one sexual performance medicine for men. Few natural products can match the sexual benefits of bitter kola.

    Hangover:It prevents the alcoholic induced hangover and improving lung function.

    Improving lung function: 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 2008 issue of The Internet Journal of Pulmonary Medicine, performed on mice, reports that Garcinia Kola works by dilating the alveolar duct and sacs in the lungs by improving the strength of the fibres in the lungs tissue. Garcinia Kola’s beneficial attributed to its high antioxidant content.

    Reduction of eye pressure:An increase in eye pressure can lead to glaucoma, according to a report from The New York Times Health Guide. Researchers at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba, Lagos, tested the effectiveness of eye drops that contained 0.5 percent extract of Garcinia Kola. The results of their study, published in the January 2010 issue of Middle East African Journal of the Opthamology showed that the opthamolic solution that contained the Garcinia significantly reduced eye pressure when used twice a day.

    Relieve arthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, characterised 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 Obafemo Awolowo University in Nigeria tested the effects of Garcinia kola against arthritis symptoms. The result 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. What the study termed as the “side effects” of Garcinia Kola were “weight loss”, “increase in sex drive” and “extended sleep” which many considered helpful to meet their individual and marital demands.

    Medical significance: Garcinia kola is used to fight infectious diseases. It has shown to possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral properties.

    Blood glucose lowering: The folk use of bitter kola in the management of elevated blood sugar has been validated by several laboratory studies. Garcinia-IHP is beneficial as a food supplement for diabetics.

    Weight loss: Bitter kola has been shown to be a natural hunger suppressant and also increases the urge to drink more water.

    How to use bitter kola: It should be eaten by removing outer brown coated skin. As the name implies it is very bitter to eat, hence, Garcinia-IHP is encapsulated Garcinia kola, so if you cannot handle the bitter taste of the raw seeds, you can still enjoy the benefits that it offers to your health.

    Antioxidant property: Bitter kola contains kolaviron, mixture of bioflavonoids,  benzophenones and chromanols which are responsible for its strong antioxidant activities. An evaluation of the antioxidant properties of garcinoic acid (structurally similar to vitamin E) and its congeners showed that it has a stronger antioxidant activity than vitamin E.

    Bitter kola as an adaptogen: It is intriguing that bioflavonoids of Garcina kola are capable of modulating almost any physiological anomaly. The answer perhaps lies in the role of flavonoids in the evolutionary course of human beings. Humans, over many millennia, have adapted to a diet, which is favourable for the survival and the flavonoid-like structures, were part of that primordialphysiological scheme.

    If you take Garcinoa-IHP and experience diarrhea, hives, irregular heartbeat other signs of allergic reaction, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention.