HEALTH BENEFITS OF CUCUMBER

 It’s good for your muscles: Cucumbers contain silica, a trace mineral necessary to keep connective tissue healthy. Add a few slices to your workout water bottle.

It’s good for your skin: The silica and antioxidants help your skin stay clear and supple. I read that you can remove the soaked cucumbers from cold cucumber water and use them to reduce acne redness. Or, wash your face with cucumber water in addition to your usual acne routine to reduce redness.

Its low calorie: An entire cucumber averages about 45 calories so a few slices in your water is not adding very many additional calories

You may drink more water: We like things that taste good. Better tasting water just may prompt you to drink more of it. Cucumber water worked for me.

 It’s detoxifying: I’ve been encouraged to drink cucumber water as an integral part of juice cleanses..

Making it is easy: It takes just a few minutes to fill a pitcher (or glass) of water and slice a few cucumbers into it.

Aids in weight loss and digestion - Due to its low calorie and high water content, cucumber is an ideal diet for people who are looking for weight loss. The high water content and dietary fiber in cucumbers are very effective in ridding the body of toxins from the digestive system, aiding digestion. Daily consumption of cucumbers can be regarded as a remedy for chronic constipation.
Cures diabetes, reduces cholesterol and controls blood pressure - Cucumber juice contains a hormone which is needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin which has been found to be beneficial to diabetic patients. Researchers found that a compound called sterols in cucumbers may help reduce cholesterol levels. Cucumbers contain a lot of potassium, magnesium and fiber. These work effectively for regulating blood pressure. This makes cucumbers good for treating both low blood pressure and high blood pressure.
Promotes joint health, relieves gout and arthritis pain -Cucumber is an excellent source of silica, which is known to help promotes joint health by strengthening the connective tissues. They are also rich in vitamin A, B1, B6, C & D, Folate, Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium. When mixed with carrot juice, they can relieve gout and arthritis pain by lowering the uric acid levels

Fresh Cucumbers Equals Fresh Breath: Excess heat in the stomach is said to be a major cause of bad breath. Eating cucumbers and staying hydrated help tone down excess stomach heat. There is also a link to cucumbers slices killing off bacteria that lives on the roof of your mouth.

Cucumber Water Aids In Maintaining Healthy Weight: Low calorie and high fiber foods are a great way to curb your hunger and maintain healthy weight. One cup of cucumbers contains less than 20 calories, making cucumbers one of the lowest calorie snacks there are.

 Extra Vitamins and Minerals: For such a simple vegetable, cucumbers have a surprising amount of nutritional benefit. One cucumber contains Vitmain A, Vitamin B-6, and Vitamin C, as well as Magnesium and Calcium. Put that in your glass and drink it!

It Helps to Hydrate Your Body: What’s the most important thing to keep in mind when you’re outside during the summer months? Hydration, of course! Drinking copious amounts of water to combat the summer heat is an excellent start. Now try adding cucumbers to the mix. Not only does it aid in hydration, but cucumber water is also so refreshing you’ll never want to spend a hot summer day without it again.

 Cucumber Water Can Protect Your Brain: Cucumbers naturally contain the anti-inflammatory flavonol called fisetin. Over time this will protect your brain’s cells and functions.

Consuming Cucumber Water Is Good For Your Skin: Silica is in cucumbers. This helps prevent acne and other skin conditions. Consuming cucumbers helps your complexion just as much as a cliched “cucumber over the eyes face mask”.

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Health Benefits Of Locust Beans

Do you know that locust beans is a food species whose importance is recognized both regionally and internationally? In some societies on the African continent it is not an ordinary food item but a therapeutic food and a source of income.

Locust bean, commonly referred to as iru by Yorubas, ‘ogiri’, ‘dawa dawa’ by Igbos, is a local seasoning or condiment used in soups and stews. A very popular soup ingredient, globally, it is referred to as African locust bean with the botanical name as Parkia biglobosa. It is not easy to look at, and the smell is unpleasant – at best. These aside, Locust Bean is the single, most significant ingredient guaranteed to take your soups, stews or mixed vegetables from just okay to great.

THEY are used for local seasoning of soups, from bitter-leaf soup (Onugbu in Ibo) to palm fruit soup (Ofe akwu in Ibo). They come with sometimes, offensive odour, but make delicious meals. Indeed, the fermented seeds of Parkia
biglobosa and Parkia bicolor are used in all parts of Nigeria and the West Coast of Africa for seasoning traditional soups. They belong to the plant family Mimosaceae of the order Leguminisae.

P. biglobosa popularly known as the African locust bean tree is known in Yoruba as Igba, or Irugba, in Hausa as Dorowa, Nune in Tiv, and in lbo as Ogili. In Yoruba, P. bicolor is referred to as Igba odo, Dorowa, in Hausa, and in lbo as Ogili okpi.
According to a study published in Plant Biology 2010, “the seed of African locust
bean when boiled and fermented is known as dawadawa in Hausa language in Nigeria, a black strong smelling tasty seasoning, rich in lipid 29 per cent, protein 35 per cent, carbohydrate 16 per cent, good source of protein, fat and calcium for rural dweller.

“The bark is used as a mouthwash, vapour inhalant for toothache, or for ear
complaints. It is macerated in baths for leprosy and used for bronchitis, pneumonia, skin infections, sores, ulcers, washes for fever, malaria, diarrhoea, and sterility. Roots are used in a lotion for sore eyes. ”

According to The Useful Plants of West Tropical Africa by H. M. Burkill, “the
pulverised bark of P. bicolor is employed in wound healing. P. biglobosa is known to provide an ingredient that is used in treating leprosy, and for treating
hypertension. “In Gambia, the leaves and roots are used in preparing a lotion for sore eyes. A decoction of the bark of P. biglobosa is also used as a bath for fever, as a hot mouthwash to steam and relieve toothache. The pulped bark is used along with lemon for wound and ulcers. ”

 But results of a recent study suggest that the aqueous extract of leaves of Parkia biglobosa stimulate the production of total lymphocytes (white blood cells) and TCD4+ (a marker of the immune system). The study published in Agriculture and Biology Journal of North America is titled “ Effects of aqueous extract of leaves of Parkia biglobosa on markers of cellular immunity in rabbit. ”
The studies of the aqueous extract of leaves of Parkia biglobosa by Ivorien researchers showed that doses of 25, 50, 75 and 100mg/kg of BW induced a significant increase both in the count of total lymphocytes count and TCD4+ count of rabbits.

The researchers concluded, “the aqueous extract of Parkia biglobosa leaves induced an increase in both the count of total lymphocytes and TCD4+ in blood. Thus, doses of 75 and 100mg/kg Body Weight (BW) mobilising more of total lymphocytes and TCD4+ in peripheral blood, and over a period of six days. To this end, the leaves of this plant contain immunostimulatory activity molecule.
“This assertion is supported by the increase in the immunosuppressive activity of
Methylprednisolone by the aqueous extract of leaves of Parkia biglobosa and the
isoprinosine. This leads us to suggest that the aqueous extract of leaves of Parkia
biglobosa would have the same mode of action than isoprinosine. Therefore, it could help strengthen the immune system of immuno-suppressed. ”

Methylprednisolone (Medrol) is in a class of drugs called steroids. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. Methylprednisolone is used to treat many different conditions such as allergic disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, or breathing disorders.
Isoprinosine (Ip) is a prescription drug posited to have immune modulating and
anti-viral properties.

Also, results of another study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology revealed that the aqueous methanol extracts of all the five medicinal plants, including Parkia biglobosa, investigated have pharmacological activity against diarrhoea. This may explain their use in traditional medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea.  The study titled: “Evaluation of five medicinal plants used in diarrhoea
treatment in Nigeria, ” was carried out by researchers at Ahmadu Bello University,
Zaria, Kaduna State.

Also, the results of a study published in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology demonstrated that both aqueous and methanolic extracts of
fermented seeds of Parkia biglobosa (PB) exert a hypoglycaemic (reduces blood
glucose) effect, hence, PB has an anti- diabetic property. However, only the
aqueous extract of PB ameliorated the loss of bodyweight usually associated with diabetes. The researchers from the Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, wrote: “Although the aqueous extract has a favourable lipid profile, which is probably an indication of its possible anti-arteriogenic property (hypertension and ischaemic heart diseases being common complications in diabetes mellitus), the methanolic extract shows possible contraindication to ischaemic heart diseases. ”

Another research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that
procyanidin-rich fractions from Parkia biglobosa leaves caused a reduction in
blood pressure.

Also, researchers at the Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, have demonstrated the anti-snake venom activities of Parkia biglobosa stem bark extract. The researchers wrote in the study published in Toxicology: “We have studied
the ability of one such traditionally used plant to reduce the effects of two snake
venoms (Naja nigricollis, and Echis ocellatus)

in several experimental models. A water- methanol extract of P. biglobosa stem bark significantly protected the chick biventer cervicis (cbc) muscle preparation from N. nigricollis venom-induced inhibition of neurally evoked twitches when it was added to the bath three to five minutes before or after the venom.
“P. biglobosa extract (75, 150 and 300 microg/ml) significantly protected C2C12
murine muscle cells in culture against the cytotoxic effects of N. nigricollis and E.
ocellatus venoms. The extract protected egg embryos exposed to lethal concentrations of E. ocellatus venom for more than 12 hours and completely blocked the haemorrhagic activity of the venom at concentrations of 5 and 10 microg/1.5 microl. ”

“ P. biglobosa extract (400 mg/kg) did not protect mice injected i.p. with 5 and 2.5 mg/ kg of E. ocellatus and N. nigricollis venoms, respectively. It, however, protected 40 per cent of the mice from death caused by E. ocellatus venom after the extract and venom were pre-incubated for 30 min before injecting the mixture.

Watch out for this suspected ATM fraudster, EFCC warns Nigerians

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has raised the alarm about the activities of identity thieves and automated teller machine fraudsters in the country.

It has also urged Nigerians to be more careful when carrying out transactions via ATMs and to avoid disclosing their Personal Identification Numbers to others.

In a post on its Facebook page, the anti-graft agency drew attention to the activity of one suspected ATM fraudster, who goes by the name Akinade Tofunmi.

The EFCC, which has released images of the suspect, is seeking the cooperation and support of Nigerians to capture her and prevent her from defrauding more people.http://punchng.com/watch-suspected-identity-thief-efcc-warns-nigerians/

7 benefit of Ginger

Ginger is a flowering plant whose rhizome, ginger root or simply ginger, is widely used as a spice or a folk medicine. Ginger produces clusters of white and pink flower buds that bloom into yellow flowers. Because of its aesthetic appeal and the adaptation of the plant to warm climates, it is often used as landscaping around subtropical homes. It is a perennial reed-like plant with annual leafy stems, about a meter (3 to 4 feet) tall. Traditionally, the rhizome is gathered when the stalk withers; it is immediately scalded, or washed and scraped, to kill it and prevent sprouting. The fragrant perisperm of the Zingiberaceae is used as sweetmeats by Bantu, and also as a condiment and sialagogue

1. Ginger Contains Gingerol, a Substance With Powerful Medicinal Properties

Ginger is a flowering plant that originated from China.

It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, and is closely related to turmeric, cardomon and galangal.

The rhizome (underground part of the stem) is the part commonly used as a spice. It is often called ginger root, or simply ginger.

Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional/alternative medicine. It has been used to help digestion, reduce nausea and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few.

2. Ginger Contains a Substance That May Help Prevent Cancer

Cancer is a very serious disease that is characterized by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginger

Ginger extract has been studied as an alternative treatment for several forms of cancer.

The anti-cancer properties are attributed to 6-gingerol, a substance that is found in large amounts in raw ginger (17, 18).

In a study of 30 individuals, 2 grams of ginger extract per day significantly reduced pro-inflammatory signalling molecules in the colon (19).

However, a follow-up study in individuals at a high risk of colon cancer did not confirm these findings (20).

There is some, albeit limited, evidence that ginger may be effective against pancreatic cancer, breast cancer and ovarian cancer. More research is needed (21, 22, 23).

Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice, and is sometimes added to processed foods and cosmetics. It is a very common ingredient in recipes.

The unique fragrance and flavor of ginger come from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol.

Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger, responsible for much of its medicinal properties. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects (1).

3. Ginger Can Treat Many Forms of Nausea, Especially Morning Sickness

Ginger appears to be highly effective against nausea (2).

For example, it has a long history of use as a sea sickness remedy, and there is some evidence that it may be as effective as prescription medication (3).

Ginger may also relieve nausea and vomiting after surgery, and in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (4, 5).

But it may be the most effective when it comes to pregnancy-related nausea, such as morning sickness.

According to a review of 12 studies that included a total of 1,278 pregnant women, 1.1-1.5 grams of ginger can significantly reduce symptoms of nausea (6).

However, ginger had no effect on vomiting episodes in this study.

Although ginger is considered safe, talk to your doctor before taking large amounts if you are pregnant. Some believe that large amounts can raise the risk of miscarriage, but there are currently no studies to support this.

4. Ginger May Reduce Muscle Pain and Soreness

Ginger has been shown to be effective against exercise-induced muscle pain.

In one study, consuming 2 grams of ginger per day, for 11 days, significantly reduced muscle pain in people performing elbow exercises (7).

Ginger does not have an immediate impact, but may be effective at reducing the day-to-day 

5. The Anti-Inflammatory Effects Can Help With Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common health problem.

It involves degeneration of the joints in the body, leading to symptoms like joint pain and stiffness.

In a controlled trial of 247 people with osteoarthritis of the knee, those who took ginger extract had less pain and required less pain medication (9).

Another study found that a combination of ginger, mastic, cinnamon and sesame oil, can reduce pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis patients when applied topically.

6. Ginger May Drastically Lower Blood Sugars and Improve Heart Disease Risk Factors

This area of research is relatively new, but ginger may have powerful anti-diabetic properties.

In a recent 2015 study of 41 participants with type 2 diabetes, 2 grams of ginger powder per day lowered fasting blood sugar by 12% (11).

It also dramatically improved HbA1c (a marker for long-term blood sugar levels), leading to a 10% reduction over a period of 12 weeks.

There was also a 28% reduction in the ApoB/ApoA-I ratio, and a 23% reduction in markers for oxidized lipoproteins. These are both major risk factors for heart disease.

7. Ginger Powder May Significantly Reduce Menstrual Pain

Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) refers to pain felt during a woman’s menstrual cycle.

One of the traditional uses of ginger is for pain relief, including menstrual pain.

In one study, 150 women were instructed to take 1 gram of ginger powder per day, for the first 3 days of the menstrual period (14).

Ginger managed to reduce pain as effectively as the drugs mefenamic acid and ibuprofen.

Note: Ginger produces a hot, fragrant kitchen spice.^[6] Young ginger rhizomes are juicy and fleshy with a very mild taste. They are often pickledin vinegar or sherry as a snack or cooked as an ingredient in many dishes. They can be steeped in boiling water to make ginger tisane, to which honey is often added; sliced orange or lemon fruit may be added. Ginger can be made into candy, or ginger wine, which has been made commercially since 1740.

Mature ginger rhizomes are fibrous and nearly dry. The juice from ginger roots is often used as a seasoning in Indian recipes and is a common ingredient of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, and many South Asian cuisines for flavoring dishes such as seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes.

Fresh ginger can be substituted for ground ginger at a ratio of six to one, although the flavors of fresh and dried ginger are somewhat different. Powdered dry ginger root is typically used as a flavoring for recipes such as gingerbread, cookies, crackers and cakes, ginger ale, and ginger beer.