LIFESTYLE - Thegoldenliving

KALE: THE MAGIC VEGETABLE

on January 9, 2026 by PRINCE

Kale is a leafy green cruciferous vegetable that is chock-full of essential vitamins A, C and K as well as minerals like copper, potassium, iron, manganese and phosphorus. A cup of fresh kale has only about 40 calories but packs almost 3 grams of protein! One cup of cooked kale has over 1000% more vitamin C than a cup of cooked spinach and unlike spinach, kale’s oxalate content is very low which means that the calcium and iron in kale are highly absorbable in the human digestive system.

Possible Health Benefits of Consuming Kale

Diabetes: Studies have shown that type 1 diabetics who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetics may have improved blood sugar, lipids and insulin levels. One cup of chopped fresh kale provides about 2.6 grams of fiber. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 21-25 g/day of fiber for women and 30-38 g/day for men.

Further, kale contains an antioxidant known as alpha-lipoic acid, which has been shown to lower glucose levels, increase insulin sensitivity and prevent oxidative stress-induced changes in patients with diabetes. Studies on alpha-lipoic acid have also shown decreases in peripheral neuropathyand/or autonomic neuropathy in diabetics.

Of note, most studies have used intravenous alpha-lipoic acid and it is unsure whether oral supplementation would elicit the same benefits.

Heart disease: The fiber, potassium, vitamin C and B6 content in kale all support heart health. An increase in potassium intake along with a decrease in sodium intake is the most important dietary change that a person can make to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease, according to Mark Houston, M.D., M.S., an associate clinical professor of medicine at Vanderbilt Medical School and director of the Hypertension Institute at St. Thomas Hospital in Tennessee.

Other Benefits on Heart Health:

For blood pressure, increasing potassium intake may be just as important as decreasing sodium intake for lowering blood pressure because of potassium’s vasodilation effects.

You can count on kale to provide valuable cardiovascular support in terms of its cholesterol-lowering ability. Researchers now understand exactly how this support process works. Our liver uses cholesterol as a basic building block to product bile acids. Bile acids are specialized molecules that aid in the digestion and absorption of fat through a process called emulsification. These molecules are typically stored in fluid form in our gall bladder, and when we eat a fat-containing meal, they get released into the intestine where they help ready the fat for interaction with enzymes and eventual absorption up into the body. When we eat kale, fiber-related nutrients in this cruciferous vegetable bind together with some of the bile acids in the intestine in such a way that they simply stay inside the intestine and pass out of our body in a bowel movement, rather than getting absorbed along with the fat they have emulsified. When this happens, our liver needs to replace the lost bile acids by drawing upon our existing supply of cholesterol, and, as a result, our cholesterol level drops down. Kale provides us with this cholesterol-lowering benefit whether it is raw or cooked. However, a recent study has shown that the cholesterol-lowering ability of raw kale improves significantly when it is steamed. In fact, when the cholesterol-lowering ability of steamed kale was compared with the cholesterol-lowering ability of the prescription drug cholestyramine (a medication that is taken for the purpose of lowering cholesterol), kale bound 42% as many bile acids (based on a standard of comparison involving total dietary fiber).

Cancer: Kale and other green vegetables that contain chlorophyll have been shown to be effective at blocking the carcinogenic effects of heterocyclic amines, which are generated when grilling foods at a high temperature. If you tend to like your grilled foods charred, make sure to pair them with green vegetables to help negate these effects.

Bone health: Low intakes of vitamin K have been associated with a higher risk for bone fracture. Adequate vitamin K consumption is important for good health, as it acts as a modifier of bone matrix proteins, improves calcium absorption and may reduce urinary excretion of calcium. One cup of kale provides a whopping 550 micrograms of vitamin K, over 680% of our daily needs.

Digestion: Kale is high in fiber and water content, both of which help to prevent constipation and promote regularity and a healthy digestive tract.

Healthy skin and hair: Kale is high in vitamin A, a nutrient required for sebum production to keep hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair. Further, adequate intake of vitamin C, which kale contains in ample quantity, is essential for the building and maintenance of collagen, which provides structure to skin and hair. So if you are a skin, nail and hair care afficionado, go for it!

Iron-deficiency is a common cause of hair loss, which can be prevented by an adequate intake of iron-rich foods, like kale.

Kale is now suspected to provide comprehensive support for the body’s detoxification system. New research has shown that the isothiocyanates metabolized from kales’ glucosinolates can help regulate bodily detoxification at a genetic level!

Finally, researchers can now identify over 45 different flavonoids in kale. With Kaempferol and quercetin heading the list, kales’ flavonoids combine both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits in a way that maximizes the vegetables’ ability to prevent of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.

Risks and precautions:

This does not mean every and any one can indulge wantonly! Beta-blockers, a type of medication most commonly prescribed for heart disease, can cause potassium levels to increase in the blood. High potassium foods such as bananas should be consumed in moderation when taking beta-blockers.

Consuming too much potassium can be harmful for those whose kidneys are not fully functional. If your kidneys are unable to remove excess potassium from the blood, it could be fatal.

Conclusion: Whether you are using this super-vegetable for smoothies, for your pasta or rice to reduce its glycemic index, steamed, or raw in your salad, you can be sure that you are consuming a nutrient dense vegetable that is doing amazing good to you internally!

GENERAL RESEARCH LIFESTYLE

A Critical Look at the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025–2030 Food Pyramids

on January 8, 2026 by PRINCE

Where the Science Aligns—and Where Concerns Remain

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has formally acknowledged the release of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), 2025–2030, a document that shapes nutrition policy, federal food programs, clinical counseling, and public understanding of healthy eating for the next five years. As with previous editions, many of the recommendations are grounded in well-established nutrition science. However, the newly released food pyramids and accompanying guidance also raise several important concerns that warrant careful scrutiny.

This critique expands on the Academy’s position, highlighting both areas of alignment and points where the guidelines appear inconsistent with the current body of evidence or present challenges for practical implementation.

What the Academy Supports

1. Emphasis on Nutrient-Dense Foods

The Academy supports the continued focus on nutrient-dense foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. These foods are consistently associated with improved cardiometabolic health, reduced chronic disease risk, and better overall diet quality. Their prominent placement in the 2025–2030 food pyramids reinforces long-standing evidence that plant-forward eating patterns are beneficial across the lifespan.

2. Limiting Highly Processed Foods and Added Sugars

Another positive aspect of the DGAs is the recommendation to limit ultra-processed foods and added sugars. Excess intake of added sugars has been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and dental caries. Encouraging Americans to reduce sugar-sweetened beverages, refined snacks, and desserts aligns with decades of public health research and previous guideline iterations.

3. Saturated Fat Cap Remains at ≤10% of Total Calories

The Academy supports maintaining the long-standing recommendation that no more than 10% of total daily calories come from saturated fat, while encouraging the replacement of saturated fats with unsaturated fats such as those found in olive oil, canola oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish. This approach is supported by strong evidence demonstrating improvements in lipid profiles and reduced cardiovascular disease risk when saturated fat is replaced—not merely reduced.

4. Greater Attention to Fiber and Gut Health

The increased emphasis on dietary fiber and microbiome health reflects emerging science linking fiber-rich diets to improved glycemic control, cholesterol reduction, gut integrity, immune function, and potential mental health benefits. Highlighting whole plant foods as key fiber sources is a welcome and evidence-based advancement.

Where the Academy Has Concerns

1. Mixed Messaging on Saturated Fat

Despite maintaining the ≤10% saturated fat limit, the 2025–2030 DGAs place visible emphasis on foods such as butter, beef tallow, red meat, and full-fat dairy within the food pyramids. This creates a fundamental inconsistency.

The preponderance of evidence shows that these foods are significant sources of saturated fat, which is associated with increased LDL cholesterol and higher cardiovascular disease risk. While these foods can technically fit into a diet below the 10% threshold, their visual and narrative prominence risks confusing consumers and may undermine efforts to reduce saturated fat intake at the population level—particularly in communities already exceeding recommended limits.

2. Limited Consideration for Dairy Alternatives and Dietary Diversity

The new guidelines continue to center dairy as a core food group, with insufficient attention to individuals who cannot or choose not to consume dairy due to lactose intolerance, milk protein allergy, cultural dietary patterns, ethical preferences, or plant-based eating choices.

Millions of Americans; particularly individuals of African, Asian, Hispanic, and Indigenous descent, experience lactose intolerance. Failing to equally emphasize nutritionally adequate non-dairy alternatives (such as fortified soy beverages or other calcium- and vitamin D–rich foods) may reduce the inclusivity and applicability of the guidelines.

3. Caution Around Low-Calorie Non-Nutritive Sweeteners

The DGAs emphasize moderation and caution regarding low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners, despite the fact that the current evidence base generally supports their safety when consumed within established acceptable daily intake levels.

While ongoing research is appropriate, framing these sweeteners as a concern without equally emphasizing their potential role in reducing added sugar intake may inadvertently discourage their appropriate use; particularly for individuals with diabetes or those working to reduce caloric intake.

4. Overgeneralization of Concerns About Synthetic Food Dyes

Consistent with the Academy’s Nutrition Fact Check, the evidence suggests that a small subset of children may be sensitive to certain synthetic food dyes, particularly in relation to attention or behavioral outcomes. However, the overall findings remain inconsistent, and causality has not been firmly established.

The DGAs’ tone risks overstating the evidence, potentially fueling unnecessary fear or confusion among consumers. More nuanced language acknowledging the limited and mixed nature of current research—while calling for further study—would better reflect scientific consensus.

Implications for Public Health and Practice

“Some of the recommendations in the DGAs are not aligned with the current body of evidence and will create challenges for implementation, particularly across federal nutrition programs that serve millions of Americans,” said Deanne Brandstetter, President of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

“Registered dietitian nutritionists and nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered, play a critical role in applying the DGAs in ways that protect public health and meet the needs of a broad spectrum of populations. However, elements of this version of the guidelines will make that work difficult.”

This concern is particularly relevant for programs such as school meals, WIC, SNAP-Ed, and older adult nutrition services, where clarity, consistency, and evidence alignment are essential for effective implementation.

Health Implications of the 2025–2030 Food Pyramids

Beyond conceptual inconsistencies, the structure and emphasis of the new food pyramids may have real clinical implications for common chronic and diet-related conditions. Registered dietitians working in clinical, community, and federal nutrition programs must be particularly attentive to these downstream effects.

1. Constipation and Gastrointestinal Health

The DGAs appropriately emphasize fiber; however, the visual elevation of animal-based fats and lower-fiber foods (e.g., butter, tallow, red meat, full-fat dairy) risks crowding out fiber-rich plant foods in real-world eating patterns.

Low fiber intake remains widespread in the U.S., with most adults consuming less than half of recommended fiber intakes. Diets higher in saturated fat and animal products and lower in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are associated with slower colonic transit time and increased constipation risk.

Implication:

If consumers interpret the pyramid as endorsing frequent intake of animal fats without equal emphasis on fiber targets (25–38 g/day), constipation prevalence, already high among older adults, children, and individuals with limited food access may worsen.

2. Gout and Hyperuricemia

The increased normalization of red meat and animal fats in the pyramid raises concern for individuals at risk of gout and hyperuricemia. Red meat and certain animal products are high in purines, which metabolize into uric acid.

Multiple studies show that plant-forward diets and lower intake of red and processed meats are associated with reduced gout risk, while saturated fat intake may impair renal uric acid excretion.

Implication:

Without clearer guidance, individuals with gout may misinterpret the pyramid as supportive of dietary patterns that increase flare frequency and medication dependence, rather than preventive nutrition therapy.

3. Kidney Disease (CKD)

For individuals with chronic kidney disease, dietary guidance must carefully balance protein source, saturated fat, sodium, phosphorus, and fiber. The pyramid’s emphasis on animal-based fats and proteins raises concern, as these foods are associated with:

Increased dietary acid load
Higher phosphorus bioavailability, which may be a concern with ESRD patients.
Greater cardiovascular risk in CKD populations

Plant-based and plant-dominant diets have been shown to slow CKD progression, improve metabolic parameters, and reduce mortality risk.

Implication:

The pyramid may complicate nutrition education for CKD patients by visually prioritizing foods that conflict with renal-protective dietary patterns, especially in dialysis and pre-dialysis populations.

4. Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, making dietary messaging around saturated fat critically important. While the DGAs retain the ≤10% saturated fat limit, the visual and narrative prominence of butter, tallow, red meat, and full-fat dairy undermines decades of evidence linking saturated fat replacement—not moderation alone—to improved cardiovascular outcomes.

Implication:

Mixed messaging may lead consumers to underestimate the cardiovascular impact of saturated fat, potentially increasing LDL cholesterol levels at a population level—particularly among individuals already at high cardiometabolic risk.

5. The Place Given to Whole Grains on the Pyramids’ Scheme:

Whole grains have been long been established as healthy sources of carbohydrates, which is the body’s preferred fuel source. Whole grains are high in fiber, b-vitamins and minerals and are a preferred for diabetic patients, children, and the general population. The placing of this food group on the pyramid suggests that it should be eaten as little as possible, even though the evidence states that the average person needs between 45-65% of energy from carbohydrate sources.

Implications:

There is a possibility that these guidelines could increase risk of ketoacidosis, especially in diabetic patients. Furthermore, unless a person is a vegan/vegetarian, on a keto diet or on a carnivorous diet, there is simply no evidence base for this guideline.

Overall Public Health Considerations

Taken together, these implications suggest that the 2025–2030 food pyramids may inadvertently promote dietary patterns that:

Worsen constipation through insufficient fiber displacement
Increase gout flare risk via higher purine and saturated fat intake
Complicate kidney disease management
Undermine cardiovascular disease prevention efforts

For federal nutrition programs, clinical settings, and community education, this creates added burden for registered dietitians, who must actively reinterpret and contextualize the pyramid to align recommendations with evidence-based medical nutrition therapy.

Closing Perspective

While the Dietary Guidelines for Americans remain an essential public health tool, their effectiveness depends on clarity, consistency, and inclusivity. As nutrition science continues to evolve, visual models such as food pyramids must accurately reflect not only theoretical nutrient targets, but also the real-world health consequences of dietary patterns—especially for populations living with chronic disease.

Registered dietitian nutritionists will continue to play a critical role in translating these guidelines into practical, individualized, and protective nutrition care—but doing so should not require correcting the very framework meant to guide the public.

LIFESTYLE

Coca-Cola: The Toxic Relief

on January 7, 2026 by PRINCE

Coca cola has become the most consumed carbonated product in the world. It’s refreshing taste and crispy sweet feel has gotten many people near addicted to the thing. You probably don’t know that the toxic and health damaging ingredients used to make this product is what brings that very temporary feel that you near get addicted to. For example, it contains carbonated water, sodium benzoate, citric acid, orthophosphoric acid, aspartame, sodium cyclamate, food coloring and assorted aromas. It is important to look at each of these ingredients in order to truly understand what is included in the drink. Of course, the aromas are basically there to make the drink smell good so you will drink it.

*Orthophosphoric acid is one of the drink’s most abundant ingredients and simultaneously its most infamous. A scary thing about this particular ingredient is that it is so corrosive that it must be trucked in using special containers in order to guard against the containers becoming corroded by this ingredient. It is a frightening prospect to think of putting anything in your body that is so dangerous that it can corrode steel on contact. However, it is a prevalent ingredient in Coca-Cola. Inside the body, it typically prevents the absorption of calcium, leading to bone density problems. This in turn may lead to more serious problems later on such as osteoporosis and even broken bones. It also adversely affects the eyes and even the skin, often causing painful skin rashes that can lead to infections.

*High Fructose Corn Syrup: This is found in Coca-Cola Classic and is used to extend it’s shelf life as well as to contribute sweetener properties. Linked to obesity due to the pervasiveness of its presence, digestion of this substance promotes fat storage in the body as it is calorie dense. HFCS has also been associated with fatty liver disease and the much-dreaded diabetes.

*Sucralose: This is found in diet coke and is 600 times sweeter than regular sugar. Preliminary research has found that it can cause organ damage and intestinal complications as it is removed from the blood stream by the kidneys.

*Saccharin: This is an organic petroleum molecule, 300 times sweeter than sugar and should be avoided during pregnancy. It is used in Diet Coke and can cause brain tumors, cancers and can be especially harmful to children.

*Coca-Cola Light relies on aspartame in order to get its sweet taste. Aspartame is a sugar substitute which actually breaks down into methanol under certain conditions. The high level of phenylalanine and methanol in Aspartame could damage neurons, lead to memory loss, brain tumors and even cancer. Diseases associated with aspartame consumption include chronic fatigue syndrome, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, Grave’s disease, multiple sclerosis and even brain tumors.

*Sodium cyclamate: This is an artificial sweetener that was originally banned by the FDA due to evidence that it could cause cancer. However, it was later determined by the World Health Organization that it was safe for human consumption and now appears in Coca-Cola as well as other products. However, the evidence that it has the potential to cause cancer still exists. It also causes infertility in men and diminishes testicles.

What Happens Within 1 hour of Coca-Cola Consumption:
Almost immediately after you finish drinking a can of Coca-Cola, you have what amounts to approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar in your body. It takes all this sugar approximately 20 minutes to cause the insulin in your blood to skyrocket as the liver starts changing the sugar into fat. This fat is then stored in your body and unlike fat from food, it is very difficult to get rid of. Approximately 40 minutes after you have consumed a can of regular Coca-Cola, the caffeine is affecting the body to the greatest extent. This causes your blood pressure and your heart rate to go up. You feel more awake, but you are also jittery and you may become irritable. Almost immediately thereafter, a chemical called dopamine is produced in your brain. This is a chemical that is designed to produce a sense of euphoria. It is also basically the same effect that heroin addicts experience when they shoot up. A few minutes later, and approximately 1 hour after you have consumed a can of Coca-Cola, your metabolism rises, but not in a good way. Zinc, magnesium and calcium are bound by the phosphoric acid contained in the brink. This means that your body is largely unable to use anything in the drink that may be helpful. Virtually all of the calcium in your body is then expelled in your urine. After that, you essentially experience the “crash” that comes after consuming large amounts of sugar because any positive effects have gone, leaving you feeling exhausted and mentally dazed.

GENERAL RESEARCH LIFESTYLE

ZOBO: OUR AFRICAN CHAMPAGNE

on January 1, 2026 by PRINCE add comment

Happy new year, smellos! Glad we made it into 2026. To usher us into this wonderful new year, I thought I would do a piece on the hibiscus flower drink, which we Nigerians colloquially call zobo. I would cap this piece with a lovely recipe for you to try, so look forward to that.

Roselle (Hibiscus) has been used in folk medicine as a diuretic and mild laxative, as well as in treating cancer and cardiac and nerve diseases. Although information is limited, the potential for hibiscus use in treating hypertension and cancer, as well as for its lipid-lowering and renal effects, are being investigated.

Hibiscus flower is high in calcium, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin C and iron. The beverage has no caffeine. In East Africa, “Sudan tea” is consumed as medicine to cure coughs. In Guatamala, roselle is believed to cure hangovers. In Senegal, a roselle extract is said to lower blood pressure. In India, Africa and Central America, infusions made from roselle calyces or seeds are prescribed as a diuretic, to stimulate bile production and to treat fever.

Now, What’s New?

Zobo drink has been described as a local drink that helps in lowering blood pressure as it contains an enzyme inhibitor which blocks the production of Amylase. Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down complex sugars and starches. Drinking a cup of hibiscus tea or zobo after meals is said to reduce the absorption of dietary carbohydrates and assist in weight loss. Further, this rich red rider is rich in Vitamin C and makes a wonderful herbal remedy to fight off colds and infections.

In addition, hibiscus tea helps to prevent kidney stones, according to a study reported in the May 2008 issue of The Journal of Ethnopharmacology. The study showed that hibiscus tea improved the kidney’s ability to filter out the waste product — uric acid and oxalic acid, both of which can form kidney stones if they accumulate to excessively high levels.

In addition to its natural blessedness, fermentation is a process zobo passes through and this introduces microorganisms which process the original product to churn out more nutrients and phytochemicals which nourish the body.

A Word of Caution: Please Do Not Drink a Drum of The Thing!

However, although hibiscus seems to be safe for most people, research findings show that it is unsafe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Although previous studies suggested that it could cause kidney stones in people who are not well hydrated, a more recent study conducted at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University did not find any deleterious effect of hibiscus extract on the kidneys.

Here’s a Quick Recipe on how to Prepare a Healthful and Delicious Jug of Zobo Drink:

Ingredients:

• 150g Zobo leaves

• 7 Liters water

• 30g Dry ginger or Fresh ginger

• 3 tbsps. Cloves a.k.a Konofiri

• 1 Large Pineapple

• Artificial flavors and sweeteners such as (foster Clark’s Pineapple flavor, jolly juice e.t.c) -Optional.

• Sugar Cane or Honey – Optional (You can substitute with Sugar).

Directions:

Step 1: Before peeling the pineapple, wash the skin thoroughly and rinse with clean water. You can use both the inner part and the outer skin to get added flavor. (P.S: Use the skin only if you are sure of how it was stored or if it’s been thoroughly washed.) Peel and Dice the fruit – Set aside

Step 2: Wash the dry leaves of the hibiscus severally with cold water. This is because the leaves are often times dirty due to the way they are stored. Once you’re done washing, place the washed leaves in a large pot and add the water and turn on your burner.

Step 3: Add the chunks of pineapple, ginger and Cloves (Konofiri). The taste of the zobo really intensifies when it’s boiled with the ingredients unlike when its left to steep. Leave to boil for about 25mins.

Step 4: Sieve out the extract into a bowl and leave the drink to cool. The boiled leaves in the pot can still be reused till the red color of the zobo totally reduces. You’d know when the red color becomes less intense.

Step 5: This is supposed to be a health drink so i ensure i use only natural sweeteners and flavors like honey, sugar cane juice, pineapple juice etc. Alternatively if you don’t have the natural juices, you can substitute with Artificial flavors and sweeteners such as Foster clarks flavor, Nutri C, jolly juice e.t.c.

Step 6: Refrigerate and serve cold.

LIFESTYLE WOMEN’S HEALTH

PEANUTS AND BEAUTY

on December 30, 2025 by PRINCE add comment

Apart from satisfying hunger pangs, consumption of peanuts may also smoothen make the skin, ensuring a supple and younger looking dermis.

Okay, okay.. before you crucify me with chants of “Groundnuts cause pimples”, let me address that issue first:

Ground nuts, if excessively consumed can cause acne and pimples. They contain fatty acids which enter the sebum of blocked sebaceous glands and trigger inflammation of these glands, causing pimples. Further, peanuts contain certain androgen-like compounds which may contribute to acne, especially in people who are sensitive to these hormones.

Pheww, now we’ve got that out of the way, to the business of the day:

1.) The. Anti-inflammatory properties of peanuts treat skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema. The fatty acids present in peanuts also reduce swelling and redness. It contains Vitamin E, Zinc and Magnesium whicch keeps the skin glowing from within and fights bacteria which leads to acne. The protein in peanuts also help with cell regeneration.

2.) Peanuts contain a relatively good amount of fatty acids which is believed to be crucial to the brains nerve cells. This brain friendly cell helps with stress management and mood swings to prevent various skin disorders like wrinkles and dullness.

3.) Also, the fibers in Groundnuts is essential for the elimination of waste and toxins. Toxins in the body reflect on the outside causing excess oil, dullness and breakouts. Peanuts help in flushing out these toxins and maintaining a healthy skin.

4.) Peanuts are packed with magnesium which helps in calming our nerves and blood vessels, thereby providing better blood flow to the skin, making it healthy and beautiful.

5.) Vitamin E in peanuts help to defend the skin cells against oxidation and free radical damage. It guards the skin agains UV ray damage from the sun.

6.) Vitamin C is contained in peanuts in moderate amount which helps in production of collagen. Collagen provides the skin with elasticity, preventing wrinkles, stretch marks and discoloration. It sustains tendons, skin and cartilage.

7.) Beta carotene found in peanuts are converted to vitamin A which helps in the growth and repair of body tissues. Therefore, peanuts help in faster healing of wounds and bruises.

8.) They are packed with omega-3 fatty acids which modulate inflammatory response on the skin and eruptions. Further, these unsaturated fatty acids also lower the risk of developing squamous cell skin cancer by destroying free radicals which can “go crazy” and eventually lead to cancer. Finally, these oils moisturize and hydrates the skin from within to treat dry and scaly skin!

Lol, I don’t advocate over-indulgence; too much of everything is bad, especially if you are trying to lose weight. A serving portion twice or thrice a week would provide you with all you need to stay young, fresh and beautiful.

Shine on, people!

LIFESTYLE

TYPHOID FEVER HOME REMEDIES

on December 29, 2025 by PRINCE add comment

Scientists have suggested that pawpaw leaves may serve as a cheap source of antimicrobial compound for the treatment of typhoid fever.

In a study, which looked at the effects of its extracts on germs that cause typhoid fever, the scientists corroborated the antibacterial effect of water and methanol extracts of pawpaw leaves against Salmonella typhi, the causative agent of typhoid fever. Findings are summarized below.

An Overview of Typhoid Fever:

Typhoid fever, also known simply as typhoid, is a common worldwide bacterial disease transmitted by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person, which contain the bacterium Salmonella typhi.

The bacteria that cause typhoid fever spread through contaminated food, drink, or water. The germs after having access into the body travel into the intestines and then into the bloodstream, where they can get to the lymph nodes, gallbladder, liver, spleen, and other parts of the body. A few people can become carriers of Salmonella typhi and continue to release the bacteria in their stools for years, spreading the disease.

Typhoid infection leads to symptoms such as headache, abdominal pain, fever and diarrhoea. The symptoms are alleviated with the help of antibiotic medications. Typhoid fever, in some cases, may result in serious life-threatening complications.

Currently, typhoid fever is a problem in the African continent with limited success of treatment with antimicrobial agents, thereby necessitating the search for other agents in form of herbal product for curing this disease.

Pawpaw leaf extract is used in treating malaria caused by the parasite, Plasmodium specie. It is one of the cheapest medicinal leaves that are easily found within the local environment, and its leaves are available all through the year.

In a study, the methanolic extracts of the plant showed the highest bactericidal effect on the test isolates at low concentration of 4.5mg/ml. Also, the ethanolic extracts of the leaves had a bactericidal effect on the test isolates at concentration of 6.0m/ml whereas the hot aqueous solution showed susceptibility at 9.0mg/ml.

The researchers, who found that the bacterium Salmonella typhi was only susceptible at higher concentrations, observed that the crude extracts of the plant contain active principles that inhibited the growth of the test organism.

Many medicinal plants have been reported to contain some active chemicals which are toxic and inhibitory to some micro-organism causing diseases in human. Traditional medicine has employed the use of lemon grass as a natural remedy to thyroid fever.

Called Kooko oba in Yorubaland, Isauri (in Hausa) and Acharaehi (in Igbo), lemon grass has been used for centuries for useful properties including antibacterial, antifungal and fever-reducing effects. In one test-tube investigation, published in the medical journal Microbios in 1996, researchers demonstrated that lemon grass was effective against 22 strains of bacteria and 12 types of fungi. Scientific research has also supported the herb’s reputation as an analgesic and sedative.

To treat typhoid fever, it is recommended that lemon grass leaf be boiled in water for about half an hour with whole lime, grape fruits, unripe pawpaw fruits, unripe pineapples, cut garlic and bark of Alstonia bonnei (awun in Yoruba; cheesewood/pattern wood in English).

In addition, peeled raw garlic, a natural antibiotic are suck like a lolly for 20 minutes or so. It is continued for days. If the clove is large, this could be cut it into small pieces.

Lemons and honey are also good natural remedies. The entire lemon or lime is squeezed and its juice is added to hot or cold water and honey to taste. Lemons and limes are natural disinfectants and will alkalize the intestine.

In recent past, Vitex doniana (root), Cassia tora (Leaf), Alstonia boonei (bark), Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (leaf), and pawpaw (leaf) have been claimed by traditional medical practitioners in Ebonyi State to be effective for the treatment of fevers, particularly typhoid fever.

Vitex doniana is commonly referred to as Black plum, dinya in hausa and ori nla in Yoruba. Cassia tora is called ochigichi in igbo and ako rere in Yoruba. Alstonia boonei is known as Ahun in Yoruba, Egbu-ora in Igbo and Ukhu in Edo. In Igbo, Stachytarpheta jamaicensis is referred to as Albaka.

In a study substantiating the efficacy of the recipe, the researchers reported that V. doniana, A. boonei, Cassia tora and S. jamaicensis showed anti-typhoid activity against S. typhi strains when these were tested at different rates. The ethanol extracts of V. doniana and A.boonei were the most active inhibiting 9(90 per cent) and 8(80 per cent) of test organism.

They wrote: “Our result showed that V. doniana and A. boonei showed the highest anti-typhoid activity with ethanol extract; A. boonei, S. jamaicensis and C. tora showed the highest activity with hot water extract and A. boonei, C. tora and V. doniana showed the same activity with cold water extract.

“In comparison with the control antibiotics (chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin), the activity of V. doniana and A. boonei is the most encouraging among the plant extracts tested.

Writing in the 2011 edition of the African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, the researchers stated that “The result of the present investigation emphasizes the utility of V. doniana, A. boonei, S. jamaicensis and C. tora in the treatment of typhoid fever and the need to enhance its exploitation in this regard.

“Also the remarkable anti-typhoid activity observed with V. doniana and A. boonei is of particular urgent interest considering the rate of multi-drug resistance strains of S. typhi and the fact that typhoid fever ranks high as one of the most common ailments among all age groups in the under- developed countries.

LIFESTYLE

BODY ODOR: HOME REMEDIES

on December 27, 2025 by PRINCE add comment

Actually, I had to sit close to someone with a case of the stinkies in church; You can imagine my suffering each time the pastor asked us to give glory. Most of us have that one friend that has body odor, most of the time it’s not their faults, they don’t know. Well, here are some sure home remedies to this embarrassment.

What causes body odour?

Here’s a brief lesson in the science of sweat: The eccrine glands, which are located on almost every part of the body, produce body cooling sweat that’s mostly water. Think of it as nature’s little air conditioning system. The apocrine glands, which are located in the armpits and in the groin (among other areas), produce sweat that performs a number of functions, one of which is to work as a kind of waste removal system that offloads microscopic bits of fat and other matter. The sweat from the apocrine glands is the big problem with body odor. Bacteria feed on the fats and other secretions, and their waste products produce that distinctive fetid aroma that announces your presence before you enter a room. You’ll notice after a vigorous workout that your sweat smells OK, not great, but at least clean and healthy. Wait a couple of hours and the bacterial feeding frenzy that ensues will transform your healthy smelling sweat into something pretty foul.The strength of the odor a person produces depends on how much sweat his or her glands secrete as well as the number of bacteria on the skin. People with strong underarm odors carry two to three times as much underarm bacteria as other people. The best way to prevent body odor is to wash away sweat and bacteria thoroughly and regularly.

Foods rich in the amino acid carnitine (found in beef and pork) are known to leave residues in the intestines which have to be worked on by the natural digestive flora.Specific enzymes known as flavin monooxygenases break the residues down to an odorless state ready for excretion. If they are in poor supply, missing, or bowel flora is disturbed, a “fishy” body odor can result.

Use Vinegar to Get Rid of Body Odor

For the same reason which makes witch hazel a good remedy for body odor, vinegar too can be used to get yourself rid of your body smell. Vinegar can also lower the pH level of your skin so that you feel fresh for the whole day without worrying about your body odor. You can use vinegar in more than one ways.

Ways to use white vinegar for body odor

*Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply to your underarms.

*Store vinegar in a sprayer and spray it under your arms after having bath. Don’t use any deodorant after using vinegar.

*Dilute some white vinegar in a mug of water while having bath and rinse your underarms with this water.

*Don’t use vinegar just after shaving as this may burn your already abrased skin.

However, many people may not get the benefit of vinegar while they try to remove their body odor. They may use lemon juice for body odor which is our next natural remedy.

Apply Lemon Juice to Remove Body Odor

Just like vinegar and witch hazel, lemon juice lowers your skin’s pH level making it difficult for odor producing bacteria to survive. Moreover, lemon can be used by even those who have sensitive skin that can’t tolerate even vinegar.

Get this:

Lemon- 1, cut into two halves

Cotton ball (optional)

Water (optional)- ½ – 1 cup

Do this:

*Take one half of the lemon and rub it under your arms, one by one, squeezing its juice on to your skin. Store the other half of the lemon to be used later.

*Alternatively, you can squeeze the juice out of the lemon and apply this juice to your underarms with the help of a cotton ball.

*If you do not like the super acidic nature of lemon or you only have mild body odor, you can dilute lemon juice in water and rinse your underarms with it.

*Lemon juice also stings when used after shaving. So better shave the nigh before to give a long gap between shaving and applying lemon juice on skin.

Baking Soda – Lime Juice Mixture for Body Odor

Some people sweat a little but then also suffer from body odor. For them vinegar or lime juice alone can work. There are some other people who sweat a lot and also have body odor. For such people, combining baking soda with lime juice can be a fantastic remedy for their body odor. Baking soda not only helps absorb sweat but also eliminate bacteria and act as a natural deodorant. This makes it eligible for using all by itself too! However, here I give you the way of using baking soda with lemon juice.

Get this:

*Lemon juice- from half or 1 lemon

*Baking soda- enough to make paste

Do this:

Before having bath, mix lemon juice with baking soda to make a paste.

*Apply this paste to your underarms.

*Leave for about 5-10 minutes.

*Wash off with water.

Now have bath.

Tomato Juice Bath for Body Odor

Tomato is considered to be a natural antiseptic and it can kill an extensive range of bacteria. Ancient Indian medicine, Ayurveda, has long used tomato juice as the remedy for body odor. It recommends using tomato juice in bath water. However, many modern herbalists recommend having tomato juice internally too for getting rid of body odor. They recommend drinking tomato juice three times a day. Here is how you can use tomato juice for bath water.

Get this:

*Tomatoes- 8-10

*Sieve

*Water- 1 bucket

Do this:

*Crush the tomatoes to get their pulp

*Using sieve, extract the juice out of tomato pulp.

*Add this tomato juice to a bucket full of water.

Bathe with this water. If you need morewater for bath, increase the quantity of tomatoes.

Unscented Liquid Alum Deodorant for Body Odor

Many people do not like using scented deodorants but they still want to use them just to get rid of their body odor. You need not do this now. There is this ingredient, alum, which can help you make such unscented deodorant.

Get this:

*Alum powder- 4 tsp

*Baking soda- 2 tsp

*Rubbing alcohol- 225 ml

Do this:

*Mix alum, baking powder and rubbing alcohol.

*Store in a spray bottle.

*Use when needed.

Diet Remedies for Body Odor

Diet is of utmost importance, even when it comes to body odor. What you eat will define how you smell. So, you might need to omit certain foods while include another in your diet to get rid of body odor. Here are some suggestions for you to consider when changing diet habits for controlling body odor.

1.) Drink lots of water. This helps in eliminating toxins from your body so that you do not smell bad.

Have balanced diet complete with all groups of food- protein, whole grains, fish or lean poultry, pulses, healthy fats, fresh fruits and vegetables.

2.) Limit consumption of fried meat. Foods that doesn’t digest easily or completely tend to produce toxins in body.

3.) Avoid process foods. Refined sugar, white flour and fats etc. found in junk foods will lead you to many health conditions including body odor.

4.) Don’t have much of spicy food. While onion and garlic are beneficial for health, overeating them can lead to body odor.

5.) Avoid caffeinated beverages, tea, coffee, colas and alcohol.

6.) Avoid any fried food that has been made in rancid oil.

7.) Have high fiber diet and avoid those with low fiber content.

8.) Include such herbs in your diet as coriander, parsley, oregano, mint.

9.) Tobacco causes body odor. Quit smoking and stop using tobacco in any form.

Lifestyle Remedies for Body Odor

Sometimes we need to change just some of our habits to get rid of body odor. While diet is really important, if you are having it right then before adopting any home remedy or visiting doctor for body odor treatment, you need to check on your lifestyle. Here are some tips on cleanliness, hygiene and other habits that can help you in fighting with your body odor.

1.) Bathe daily at least once in a day. Don’t use harsh soaps. Also don’t use soap for longer. If possible, use soaps with natural ingredients.

2.)Do not wear unwashed clothes. Always wash your clothes once you have used them.

3.) Closed feet in shoes that are there for long time can give rise to bacteria and fungi leading to odor. Do not wear tight shoes. Also avoid wearing shoes for longer. Try wearing open sandals too.

4.) Remove unwanted hair from armpit and other body parts where you get more sweat. Hair traps sweat and are breeding grounds for bacteria.

5.) Manage your stress and anger. They lead to more production of sweat.

6.) Keep yourself dry. Moist body promotes growth of bacteria. Dry the skin fold properly after bath or when you wash them.

7.) Wear breathable clothing to avoid trapping of sweat and moisture.

If you maintain proper hygiene and follow the rule of balanced diet, you may not need the help of home remedies for body odor. If, however, you need to use home remedies and then also don’t get rid of body odor, visit your doctor to rule out any chance of some serious medical condition.

LIFESTYLE

IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP WITH FOOD!

on December 9, 2025 by PRINCE

Happy new month and happy holidays, super cool cats!

I thought to do a summarized piece on how to fix your sleep the nutrition way because lets’ face it, we could all do with a little more zzz’s than we often get. Don’t think I don’t notice the tired faces on the hallways on some mornings.

On a serious note, the National Library of Medicine tells us that the body uses sleep as an opportunity to repair muscle, grows new tissue, synthesizes proteins, and releases key hormones, thereby setting the stage for physical and mental performance the next day.

Nutrition plays an important role in your sleep cycle and sleep quality. So, lets get right into it!

Top Foods That Support Better Sleep:

Tart Cherries: Tart cherry juice contains a natural source of melatonin, the hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle.

Nuts & Seeds: Almonds, cashews, and pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium, which promotes muscle relaxation and supports deeper sleep. Pumpkin seeds also supply tryptophan, which helps the body produce serotonin and melatonin. Remember to go for the unsalted option for your hearts’ sake.

Turkey: Turkey packs quite the tryptophan-punch, which helps your body produce sleep-promoting neurotransmitters.

Dairy: Dairy contains tryptophan and casein, a slow-digesting protein that supports overnight muscle repair and prevents blood sugar dips. Just do yourself a favor and choose the 2% or 1% option to avoid clogging those arteries up, while you pursue sleep.

Chamomile and Passionflower Teas: These teas contain apigenin, an antioxidant that promotes sleepiness. So, brew yourself a cup about 30 minutes before you are ready to turn in, while you read a book or watch the news, and get ready to float away.

Eggs: Eggs contain 83 mg of tryptophan per serving—about 25% of the daily recommended intake.

Quinoa: Quinoa is a high-protein, tryptophan-containing option similar to dairy, great for evening meals. Look online for ways to make this high protein, nutrient and fiber dense meal and enjoy a plate for dinner with the fam!

Fatty Fish: Aside its role in supporting the heart and preventing cardiovascular diseases, the omega-3s in tuna, mackerel, and salmon also support serotonin production and sleep quality. Try some grilled, air fried or baked fish, with some rice and a side of vegetables today, ugh, writing this is making me hungry!

Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate contains omega-3s and antioxidants that help regulate the circadian rhythm. They are also a great aphrodisiac, for those looking to improve their bed-matics.

Now, on the flipside, here are some foods that can disrupt sleep:

Caffeine & Alcohol: Caffeine delays sleep onset, while alcohol disrupts the later stages of sleep which is important for resting the mind, solidifying short-term memory during dreaming, and rebuilding damaged tissue.

Spicy or Acidic Foods: These may cause heartburn or reflux, triggering nighttime awakenings. So, go easy on the jalapenos, salsa and enchiladas before bedtime!

High-Sugar or Ultra processed foods : Asides from being generally bad for you, fast-food, high sugar meals and beverages, and packaged foods cause blood sugar swings and acid reflux which may make it difficult to fall or stay asleep.

I hope you learned something new from this brief!

GENERAL RESEARCH LIFESTYLE MEN’S HEALTH

BISPHENOL A: WHY YOU SHOULD AVOID HEATING IN STYROPHOM AND PLASTICWARE

on December 3, 2025 by PRINCE

Hello folks!

BPA stands for bisphenol A, an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1950s. BPA is used to make clear, hard plastics and epoxy resins, and it is found in food containers, tableware, baby bottles and other common products. They may also be used in other consumer goods such as food cans, bottle tops, and certain water supply lines. Some dental sealants and composites also may contain BPA. Research presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 84th Scientific Sessions suggests that decreasing exposure to bisphenol A may reduce a person’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Other research has shown that BPA can seep into food or beverages from containers that are made with BPA. Exposure to BPA is a concern because of the possible health effects on the brain and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children. It can also affect children’s behavior, causing ADHD further in their development. Additional research suggests a possible link between BPA and increased blood pressure, cancers, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said that BPA is safe at the very low levels that occur in some foods. This does not mean that you need to push your luck by adding more during the heating process.

WAYS TO AVOID BPA:

Use BPA-free products: Manufacturers are creating more and more BPA-free products. Look for products labeled as BPA-free. If a product isn’t labeled, keep in mind that some, but not all, plastics marked with recycle code 3 or 7 may contain BPA.
Avoid heat: Don’t put plastic containers in the microwave or dishwasher, because the heat may break them down over time and allow BPA to leach into foods.
Focus on fresh, whole foods: When you can, choose fresh whole fruits and vegetables.
Use alternatives: Use glass, porcelain or stainless-steel containers for hot foods and liquids instead of plastic containers.

Stay jiggy folks!

For further reading:

Type 2 diabetes: Drinking from plastic bottles may raise risk (medicalnewstoday.com)

GENERAL RESEARCH LIFESTYLE

LATEST RESEARCH: NON-STICK PANS AND YOUR HEALTH

on December 3, 2025 by PRINCE

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) such as Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are a class of chemicals used to make things non-stick, stain-resistant, and waterproof. Some microwave popcorn bags, fast-food wrappers, rain jackets and other consumer products use these chemicals’ slippery properties as well. Unfortunately, PFAS and their biproducts may accumulate in the human body and wreak havoc, potentially causing abnormal thyroid hormone levels, reduced immune system response, act as endocrine disruptors in males and females, and cancer. When recipes call for a non-stick pan or other non-stick cookware, try substituting it with cast iron or stainless steel. These durable alternatives serve the same purpose when used properly. There are many coatings and materials marketed as healthy alternatives to non-stick, but ceramic coated pans, cast iron and stainless steel are time-tested and proven to be safe. For cooking in the oven, ceramic or glass are good options.

These durable alternatives serve the same purpose when used properly. There are many coatings and materials marketed as healthy alternatives to non-stick but cast iron and stainless steel are time-tested and proven to be safe. If you already own non-stick cookware, consider the following while using to prevent the release of PFAS:

• Cook at medium and low temperatures and use ventilation.

• Never cook on high heat, as this may release PFAS into food from the cooking utensil.

• Use wooden cooking utensils to prevent scratching the coating of the cookware, as scratches can promote the release of PFAS.

Consider these tips to reduce the accumulation of toxic substances in your system. Stay jiggy and have a lovely holiday season!