Have You Ever Wondered What A Fly Is Doing When It Lands On Your Food?

As it happens, flies don't just look disgusting, but actually are pretty disgusting creatures with a number of bad habits. one of these bad habits is simply loving other really disgusting stuff.

That is to say that flies are attracting to things like corpses, faeces, rubbish and  stagnant water. 

And when a fly lands on your food, there's a good chance that it has just come from landing on some poop. As you might imagine, this means that their hairs can actually still carry traces of faeces and bacteria from those sources and it means that they can end up on your food. not good!

Some African countries don't take sanitation seriously  it may be government official didn't talk to them how important this is, to avoid flies flying around our household we need to keep our environment clean. 

A recent survey asked participants: "if you were at a restaurant, which critter would make you drop your fork:

Rodents, cockroaches, flies, ants, or snakes?" 61% chose cockroaches. But scientists warn that flies are actually two times more likely to spread germs  specifically those ubiquitous, hard to swat houseflies. so what's the science behind this? Well, flies eat some of the grossest things imaginable: Poop, garbage, rotting animal carcasses. 

Another fact about flies is that they cannot chew, so in order to eat, they spit-up enzymes onto their food, which dissolves it and lets them slurp it up. Even though it's probably the grossest thing imaginable, it's actually the bacteria and viruses that get stuck to their body that spreads disease and makes people sick, not their enzymatic spit-up.

They only need to touch your food for a second for their legs or the tiny hairs all over their bodies to transfer germs from all those nasty things they eat onto what you're eating.

Flies carry diseases like cholera, dysentery, and typhoid, it's probably best if you avoiding eating things that a fly lands on. Are you the type of person who throws out your food, if a fly lands on it. Have you become one after reading this article. Hmmm.....

                              Extra Tip
Climatic change can cause frequent flooding, so do not dump refuse into drains, to avoid blockage. Additionally, help conserve water in your household.

Ebola fever is now out of control it's killing more people

An outbreak of the terrifying Ebola virus emerged in the West African nation of Guinea in February and has been spreading ever since, infecting people in Sierra Leonne DR congo and Liberia as well. 

It is now the biggest and deadliest outbreak of Ebola since the virus was identified in 1976. The disease's spread seemed to slow down for a while, but has picked up in recent weeks. An estimated 528 people have been infected, and 337 have died in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. While it's likely that many cases go uncounted, the Associated Press notes that previously, the largest reported death toll was in the Congo in 1976, when 280 people died. (The most widespread outbreak infected 425 people in Uganda in 2000, killing 224.) "The epidemic is now in a second wave.

Bart Janssens, the director of operations for Doctors Without Borders told the Associated Press. "It is totally out of control." The World Health Organization has planned a meeting between the three countries affected by this latest outbreak for June 23. 

There needs to be a real political commitment that this is a very big emergency," Janssens added. "Otherwise, it will continue to spread, and for sure it will spread to more countries." This outbreak is unique because it has struck densely populated areas like Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia, and Conakry, the capital city of Guinea. Ebola usually emerges in sparsely populated rural regions, where fewer people pass through.  Robert Garry, a microbiology professor at the Tulane University School of Medicine, warned that the outbreak so far is just "the tip of the iceberg.

Ebola is one of the deadliest viruses ever known, with the most fatal strains killing up to 90% of people infected. The current strain is killing about 60% of people infected, Ebola begins as fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat, but soon progresses to vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and impaired organ function.

 A large proportion of those infected also bleed profusely, both internally and externally. It's considered highly contagious, though it isn't transmitted through the air — instead it's spread by bodily fluids like blood and saliva which can be very hard to avoid when someone is bleeding heavily from every orifice. Ebola first emerged in humans in 1976, and there have been more than 18 outbreaks since then. There is currently no vaccine and no cure.

Bananas elevate hope for stopping HIV & microbial spread

People's with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) may heaved a sigh of relief following the result of new study, suggesting that bananas may over take anti-retroviral drugs in stopping HIV/AIDS spread. The new United States study which was published in the journal of biological chemistry concluded that banana lectins, a natural chemical found in banana has the ability to stop the transmission and prevention of HIV.
Also in another development, Nigerian researchers at the University of Lagos have shown that potency of unripe banana, lemon grass and turmeric against pathogens that cause typhoid fever, pneumonia, skin afflictions and diarrhoea.
The study titled, "A lectin isolated from banana is a potent inhibitor of HIV replication"   was conducted by Michael D. Swanson, Harry C. Winter, Irwin J. Goldstein and David M. Markovitz from the Department of Internal medicine, Division of infectious Diseases, Programme in Immunology, Cellular and Molecular Biology Programme and Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical centre, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States.

This new research found Ban Lec, "a jacalin-related pectin isolated from the fruit of bananas, a potential component for an antiviral microbicide that could be used to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV-1. Ban Lec is an effective anti HIV pectin and is similar potency to T-20 and maraviroc,  two anti-HIV drugs currently in clinical use."     In the study by Nigerian researchers, dried banana pulp has also shown promise as natural agents for lowering blood cholesterol levels and the risk of heart diseases.
Also Nigerian researchers have successfully used dried banana pulp to treat Hypercholesterolaemia in animal models.

Hypercholesterolaemia is a condition in which levels of cholesterol in the blood are higher than normal. The researchers claim this Hypercholesterolaemia effect ( lowering of blood cholesterol levels) can be  replicated in human. Banana fruits have been reported to be preventing anaemia (lack of blood) by stimulating the production of haemoglobin in the blood.   Haemoglobin is the iron containing oxygen-transport metalloprotein in the red blood cells of vertebrates and the tissues of some invertebrates. Several studies have shown that the medicinal parts of banana used are the fruits mainly as well as peels, leaves and the juice. Banana function in regulating blood pressure has been linked with the high content of potassium. Banana is known to help Slovenia the problem of constipation without necessary resort to laxatives.

Bananas have been known to cure heart burns, stress, strokes,  ulcers and many other ailments. The root of banana is anthelmintic (worm expeller by stunning or killing them). The fruit has been used as part of anti-ulcer diet in combination with pineapples, blueberries, cloves, ginger and cinnamon. Also anti-fungal and antibiotic chemical substances are found in the peel and pulp of fully ripe banana. The peel in combination of other substances made into a liniment helps to reduce acute arthritis pain and aches.                    The lead author of the United State study, Michael D. Swanson said, "the problem with some HIV drugs is that virus can mutate and become resistant, but that's much harder to do in the presence of lectins. Can  bind to the sugars found on different spots of the HIV-1 envelope, and presumably it will take multiple mutations for the virus to get around them." The authors say even modest success could save millions of lives.

Other researchers had estimated that 20 percent coverage with a microbicide that is only 60 percent effective against HIV  may prevent up to 2.5 million HIV infections in three years.            Ban Lec  is a jacalin-related pectin isolated from the fruit of bananas. This lectin binds to high mannose carbohydrate structures, including those found on viruses containing glycosylated envelope proteins such as HIV-1.  There fore, we hypothesized that Ban Lec might inhibit HIV-1 through binding of the glycosylated  HIV-1  envelope proteins, gp120. We determined that Ban Lec inhibits primary and laboratory-adapted HIV-1 isolates of different tropism and subtypes. Ban Lec possesses potent and HIV activity, with IC… Valves in the low nanomolar to pecomolar range. "  The researchers, further state that Ban Lec as indicated by temperature sensitive viral entry studies and by the decrease levels of the strong-stop product of early reverse transcription seen in the presence of Ban Lec. Thus, our data indicate that Ban Lec inhibits HIV-1 infection by binding to the glycosylated viral envelope and blocking cellular entry. The relative anti-HIV activity of Ban Lec compared favourably to other anti-HIV lectins, such as snowdrop lectin and griffithein, and to T-20 and maraviroc.
Ban Lec is a potential component for an anti-viral microbicide that could be used to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV-1. Researchers say treatment using Ban Lec could be cheaper to create than current anti-retroviral medications, which use synthetically produced components. Also, Ban Lec may provide a Large range of protection for many people particularly in developing countries where poverty is abject and the women have little or no say in sexual relationships between spouses.

Meanwhile, Nigerian researchers at the University of Lagos have shown the potency of unripe bananas, lemon grass and turmeric against pathogens.   The formulations were in the powder form as used locally.

The study showed the antimicrobial activity of these plants was examined using different solvents and efficacy was compared. The solvents were ethanol (70 per cent, v/v) and water. The clinical isolated (pathogens) on which the antimicrobial activity in the study was carried out include aerobic facultative bacteria such as  Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella paratyphi,  Shigella flexneri,  Escherichia coli ATCC 25922,  Ecoli,  Klebsiella pneumoniae,  Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonae auriginosa.    According to the researchers, the results obtained from the test analysis carried out reveal that unripe bananas, lemon grass and turmeric plant have antimicrobial activity and therefore are medicinal plants. In this study, it was observed that the potency of unripe bananas, lemon grass and turmeric plant was enhanced by the type of solvent used, indicating that some of the active materials in The medicinal plants dissolve well in ethanol than in water.
The various studies in the United State and Nigeria lend credence to the medicinal importance of bananas in therapies for HIV and other microbial infections.

        
                                             Extra tips
Are you feeling signs of Persistent, sneezing, watery/itchy nose are features of allergic rhinitis. Avoid dust, strong perfurmes. Get anti-histamine nasal spray for fast relief.

How to ensure good nutrition for teenagers and toddlers

Guaranteeing good nutrition for toddlers and teenagers is one of the challenge that parents always confront as all parents want their children to be healthy, as toddlers and teenagers start elementary schools, they go through remarkable physical changes of all kinds, thus their food intake becomes a critical aspect of this growth and development.
Recent research show that nourishing food not only makes a child healthier but also emotionally more stable and it improves school performance. Therefore, it appears that paying attention to our children's diets pays high dividends. Parents should adopt measures to insinuate nutritious foods into the family menus and ensure that nutritious foods is eaten by children and other family members. 

                                        BREAKFAST
A toddlers or teenagers in the classroom whose last meal was dinner the night before has gone about sixteen hours without food, and that child must be hungry, whether he knows it or not. A nutritious breakfast certainly provide energy for several hours until lunch. Traditionally in most schools, teachers schedule heavy' subjects,  such as Mathematics or reading lessons during the morning hours, so it becomes even more important that the child's brain be fueled by giving him or her good, nutritious food. Providing a nutritious breakfast for toddlers and teenagers before sending them off to school, a parents should give a diet that is energy giving, rich in essential vitamins that aids brain function.
A breakfast diet with sliced fresh fruits, or vegetable stew with yam and hard boiled eggs, will be ideal for children of school age.

                                          LUNCH
Parents particularly mothers should get creative and devise a way to pack their children's lunch in a lunchbox or  sack launch that will make youngster be delighted with the launch box and would want to eat his or her launch. When a child gets home from school and  ready to eat anything and everything he or she sees in the refrigerator or kitchen, it shows that the child is always bored with launch box and therefore jettison it.  For school children's lunch, parents should get a couple of plastic containers with lids that say on and fill them with fruit cocktail.
Apple and orange slices certainly qualify on all counts nutritious,  no preparation and  relatively inexpensive. After school snacks should also be provided by parents as children of school age arrive home wanting and needing an immediate energy boost. Parents should post a notice on the refrigerator door  indicating "what is inside" and let the child help him or her self.
Parents should also select a special spot where the child will find either that day's snack or a note telling him or her where to find it.

                                          DINNER
The time honoured, traditional three meals a day breakfast, lunch and dinner seems the best way to ensure s balanced diet for children and adults. However there is no hard and fast rule about the number of time a child or an adult eats. And it is not a matter of life and death if a family member misses dinner. No child has ever starved to death because he or she was playing and forget to come home for a dinner. Parents especially mothers should allow common sense, flexibility and creativity go along way to make the evening meal a pleasant experience which children and every member of the family will look forward to.
Parents can achieve this by making food attractive and interesting. Also, youngsters should be involved in the family menu. Let them suggest foods, familiar and unfamiliar, although, some of their choices may need to be discussed in terms of whether or not they fit into the family budget. Children should be expected to taste every dish that is being prepared. If they don't like it, they don't have to eat anymore. This is an excellent way to expand their food horizons. Parents should occasionally take their children to the market or supermarket for shopping. It is a good place to give them choices. What you do not buy is an important as what you do buy. Always turn off the television set during dinner and other meal time. Make the table a place for good conversation. Avoid exposing your children to fast food as most fast food restaurants serve food that have fat their main calories. Even if the children may sporadically go to a fast food restaurant, parents must ensure that their daily diet is nutritious.

                              FOR NIGERIANS ONLY
FOR DINNER, SEMOVITA, EBA, FUFU AND VEGETABLE OR EGUSI SOUP WILL BE GOOD ENOUGH. RICE AND STEW OR FRIED RICE IS EQUALLY ADVISABLE.

                                     EXTRA TIPS
Dental floss are better than toothpicks, as toothpicks will wear your teeth and could damage your gums. Flossing gives a better result altogether.

Lassa Fever And Ebola Fever Alert: Avoid Bush Meat, Isi Ewu, Always Wash Your Hands With Anti-septic Soap Regularly

Nigerian Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, has alerted Nigerians on the need to be at alert about the deadly Ebola fever even though there are no real signs of yet in the country. He told State House correspondents after yesterday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja: “Ebola has been moving eastward towards Nigeria as well and we are already facing danger from Central African Republic (CAR). With what is happening in Congo, people are also migrating to Chad and Chad, Cameroon are also in our borders. “Yes Ebola‎ is a real threat. It is true that as at today we have not been able to report a single case of Ebola. But mind you Ebola is not the only threat, it is an added threat because West Africa never had a single case of Ebola until this year, it was more in Central Africa. But now we have added it to the ones that are even more native to West Africa, which is Lassa fever.” Ebola has no cure for now but you can do something to protect yourself. Lolu Akinwunmi, Chairman, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), who has researched into the matter, advises the following reasonable precautions:

1. Wash your hands frequently with soap or a disinfectant.

2. Get a hand sanitiser. It’s freely available and inexpensive. Use it as frequently as required.

3. Also get for your children and teach them how to use it. Get also for other members of the family. Keep one in the kitchen for the helps, drivers, etc. Keep one in the bathroom as well.

4. Be careful with hand railings, door handle, toilet faucets, especially those used by the public.

5. Lovers of bush meat, be very careful. Indeed for now, avoid them. And if you also enjoy buka food, be careful. Be especially wary of meat foods like isi ewu.
Finally, watch out for people with flu-like symptoms such as fever, malaria, headache.

Always bath with Antiseptic liquid

5 Ways To Remove Cellulite Firmer For Good

Ask any woman on the street what the definition of “cellulite” is and you’ll get a confused variety of answers. From “toxic fat pockets caught in the skin” to “bands of fiber pulling down on the skin” and many odd things in between.” The truth is that: most people really don’t know what “cellulite” actually is, or, what causes this odd appearance of the lower body trouble zones…” This is no surprise as there actually is no such thing as ‘cellulite’… So how do we get rid of something which doesn’t exist? The word, “cellulite”, was cleverly made-up several decades ago, in a European beauty-spa, to DESCRIBE the bumpy, shadowy and dimpled appearance of skin in the lower body trouble zones of the female body. "butt, hips, thighs, legs” The beauty spas then started cashing-in and profiting big-time by marketing “beauty” services and products to get rid of “cellulite”. And if you’re like most women who’ve been challenged by this issue, then you probably already know all of those passive and superficial beauty treatments do not get rid of the dented shadows and mushy dimples on your buns, legs and thighs.” In order to make your lower-body smooth, tight and attractive.

(5) CRITICAL KEYS TO KILL YOUR CELLULITE

{1} You cannot get rid of the dimples and shadows (cellulite) by rubbing an odd gel, weird lotion or goopy cream on your trouble zones and problem spots. So, stop using them – as some can actually make your cellulite worse. Despite the fact that there are dozens of supposed ‘cellulite reduction creams’ on the market, there is no possible way for any one of them, no matter how expensive, to get rid of your cellulite. Cellulite is not a skin problem. Its an underlying structural issue, that can only be corrected by reversing the cause of atrophied muscle fibers directly beneath your “cellulite” trouble spots.” Since the squishy dimples and shadows are a superficial symptom of a problem below the surface; it’s impossible for the creams, lotions or gels to have any physiological impact on the cause of the issue

{2} Risky and expensive ‘medi-spa treatments’ can only reduce your bank account – not your cellulite problems. And there are many consumer reports about women being seriously scarred or injured as well. Stay away from these as the FDA reports show women who’ve been scarred or injured for life. Painful, dangerous and uncomfortable services ranging from endermologie to body-wrapping have been proven to be totally ineffective when it comes to treating cellulite. However, advertising and marketing loopholes allow these services to be cleverly marketed to desperate women who are at wits end with the unattractive dimples and shadows on the lower-body problem areas.

{3} The unattractive dimples, shadows and saggy ripples known as cellulite are not ‘genetic’ and you are NOT stuck with them forever if you have them. Falsely believing this will prevent you from getting rid of your cellulite. So, don’t entertain this nonsense for 1 second. These two ridiculous myths are often passed around by ‘neighborhood know-it-alls’ – and many women actually believe these 2 myths – especially if they haven’t found the right way to get rid of the cellulite. Whats even more alarming are the number of doctors who also believe in and foster these 2 demoralizing falsehoods. Yes – it is common to see a mother and daughter, both with the lower-body “orange peel” look, BUT this doesn’t mean cellulite is genetic – it simply means both women have not found a way to lift, tone and firm the muscle layers under the dimpled, saggy skin.

{4} You can get rid of cellulite, regardless of your age – or when you began to notice it.” Since cellulite is a structural issue (muscle) – it can be fixed with simple and unique body movements which target the cellulite areas.” These types of moves can be followed by any woman, regardless of her age or fitness level. And it doesn’t matter if the cellulite started in the early teen years – or after pregnancy – or after menopause – it’s still a structural issue that results from soft, un-toned muscles underneath the saggy, dimpled, shadowy skin.

{5} The only proven way to permanently get rid of the dimples and shadows of cellulite is through a series of simple, yet specifically targeted lower-body movements” These unique movements focus on lifting, shaping and toning the muscle layers so they gently push outward against the skin – to bring back the smooth, tight and sexy appearance, while burning off any excess flab, if there is any.” This is how regular women reverse the cause of cellulite dimples and shadows… AND, if there happens to be any excess fat in those zones – it will be burned off as fuel by the muscles. This bonus of losing any unhealthy excess body-fat is nice because it reveals a great body and it works wonders for your health profile.” BUT you won’t learn about these unique slow-tempo movements in the gym or your local health club.” These body movements are NOT done with typical weights and machine type exercises.” “Most regular fitness instructors don’t even know about this type of targeted cellulite-killing method. These muscle-stimulating movements can be done right at home, in total privacy.

{&} The female lower-body has over 90 muscles… "90 muscles BENEATH your skin’s surface in your legs, butt, hips and thigh zones. That’s where the magic happens in regards to true removal of mushy dimples and saggy shadows in the trouble spots and problem areas… Despite what most women have been led to believe, there is a critical difference between a ‘general workout program’ – and a laser-focused, cellulite removal method. The sweetest benefit of this is; you don’t need access to a health club or fitness center. These are simple, unique moves you can start doing today, right in the privacy of your own home. And if you start this type of targeted muscle stimulation method today – you will start feeling results within 2 weeks and seeing results within 3 to 4 weeks.” To see the 90 muscles in your lower-body and how you can reverse the cause of the bumps, shadows and dimples in your trouble zones and problem spots, just click play above.

The Dimples, Ripples and Shadows of Cellulite Get Worse if They Are Not Taken Care of Properly. And the worse it gets, the harder it is to reverse. It’s your body so just do the right things for it.

EXTRA TIPs:
Body, Did you wake up with itchy areas you didn't have when you went to sleep? This may be due to bedbugs. Get a fumigator to treat your mattresses and beds.

Is It True That Cold Weather Cases Cold and flu?

questions like this has been probably  asked since the first time the flu made someone sick. After all, cold and flu season occurs when the weather is cold, so there must be a connection, Well, not quite.

No matter how many times your mother and grandmother told you not to go out in the cold because you would catch a cold or the flu, it just doesn’t work that way.

The truth is that, the flu and the common cold are caused by viruses. People get sick more often in the winter because they are exposed to each other more in the winter than in the summer. When it is cold outside, people tend to stay inside and are more likely to spread germs to one another. Also, because school is in session, kids are around each other all day and are not afraid to share their germs. With so many people in such close contact, the likelihood of passing germs is much higher when it is cold outside than when it is warm and people are outdoors. There is also evidence now that viruses spread more easily through dry air. When it is cold outside, the air is drier both outdoors and inside (where people have their heaters on) which may make it easier for germs to pass from one person to another. But it is not the cold weather that causes the cold, it just might make it easier to spread the virus. In tropical areas, where it does not get cold, the common cold and flu season generally occurs during the rainy season. But again, these illnesses are not caused by the rain. They are just more prevalent because people come in closer contact with each other than they do during the dry season. Learn All About the Flu, Learn All About the Common Cold.

The most important thing to remember during cold and flu season is to remember to protect yourself against these germs when you are around other people. Viruses are passed by contact between people, so be sure to wash your hands.

EXTR TIPs:

Are you experiencing waves of sharp pain in your back, side or abdomen? This may be due to kidney stones. Talk to your doctor about having CT scan. Stay healthy!!. 

20 healthy fruits that cure chronic diseases

Few things compare to the sweetness of fresh picked strawberries or the luscious first bite of watermelon that leaves juice dripping down your chin.
Fruits are not only delicious but healthful too. Rich in vitamins A and C, plus folate and other essential nutrients, they help prevent heart disease and stroke, control blood pressure and  cholesterol, prevent some types of cancer and guard against vision loss. They're so good for you that Canadian health recommendes that most women get seven or eight servings of fruit and vegetables each day.

If it's the vitamins that promote good health, you may wonder if you can just pop supplements. Sun-drenched peaches and vine-ripened grapes contain more than just vitamins, they're a complex combination of fibre, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals, as well as the vitamins- that work in combination to provide protective benefits. All fruits offer health benefits, but the following 20 stand out as nutrient-dense power house with the most disease fighting potential.

[1] Cherry
Nutritional value {1/2 cup / 125ml} 46 calories, 1.5g fibre, rich in antioxidants
Disease fighting factor: sour cherries contain More of the potent antioxidant anthocyanin than any other fruit. Anthocyanin may help reduce inflammation and ease the pain of arthritis and gout.
•Did you know? That, Sour cherries, commonly used in pie and jam, have more vitamin C than sweet cherries do , but much of it is lost when  they are heated.

[2] cranberry
Nutritional value {1/2 cup/ 125ml} 25 calories, 2.5g fibre, rich in antioxidants
Disease fighting factor; cranberries are antibacterial and studies show that they can help treat and prevent  urinary tract infections. Recent research has also linked cranberries to the prevention of kidney stones and ulcers.
•Did you know? That, unsweetened cranberry juice makes an excellent mouthwash studies show it can help kill bacteria and fight cavities.

[3] Cantaloupe
Nutritional value {1/2 cup/125ml} 25 calories, less than 1g
Fibre, source of vitamin A, folate and potassium
Disease fighting factor: cantaloupe is high in the antioxidant beta-carotene, which may help reduce the risk of developing cataracts. Cantaloupe is a perfect diet food since it has about half of the calories of most other fruits.
•Did you know. that, since bacteria can grow onthe outside rind, it is important to wash cantaloupe before cutting into it.

[4] Apple
Nutritional value {1 medium} 75 calories, 3g fibre
Disease fighting factor; Apples contain antioxidants called flavonoids , which may help Lower the chance of developing diabetes and asthma. Apples are also a natural mouth freshener and clean your teeth with each crunchy bite.
•Did you know? That, apple's flavour and aroma comes from fragrance cells in apple skin, so for maximum flavour, don't peel your apple.

[5] Avocado
Nutritional value {1/2 avocado} 114 calories, 4.5g fibre, source of vitamin E and folate
Disease fighting factor; Avocado contain healthy monounsaturated fats that can help lower cholesterol levels when eaten instead of harmful saturated fats. For a healthy-heart boost, replace butter with avocado on your favourite sandwich.
Did you know? That, babies love avocados. Their soft, creamy texture makes them easy to eat, and their high fat content helps with normal infant growth and development.

[6] Banana
Nutritional value {1medium} 105 calories, 3g fibre, source of vitamin B6, potassium and folate
Disease fighting factor; with 442 milligrams of potassium per banana, these sweet delights have more potassium than most fruit and may help lower blood pressure levels.
•Did you know? That, people with rubber latex allergies may also be allergic to bananas since the two come from similar trees and share a common protein.

[7] Blackberry
Nutritional value [1/2 cup/125] 31 calories, 4g fibre, rich in antioxidants
Disease fighting factor; blackberries get their deep purple colour from the powerful antioxidant anthocyanin, which may help reduce the risk of stroke and cancer. Studies show that blackberry extract may help stop the growth of lung cancer cells.
•Did you know? That, the ancient Greeks called blackberries "gout-berries" and used them to  treat gout-related symptoms.

[8] Blueberry
Nutritional value {1/2 cup/125 ml} 41 calories, 1.5g fibre, rich in antioxidants
Disease fighting factor; blueberries rank No.1 in antioxidant activity when compared to 60 other fresh fruits and vegetables.
Blueberries may help lower the risk of developing age-related disease such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
•Did you know? That, Blueberries freeze very well. Here's how: Rinse, then let berries dry in a single layer on towels. Freeze in  a single layer on rimmed baking sheets. Seal in freeze-safe containers for morning cereal, blend into a smoothie or mix into pancake or muffin batter.

[9] Goji berry
Nutritional value {1/2 cup/125 ml} 90 calories, 2.5g fibre, source of vitamin A, rich in antioxidants
Disease fighting factor; Goji berries are a nutrient powerhouse, containing six vitamins, 21 mineral and a slew of antioxidants.
They have been linked to the prevention of diabetes and cancer, but more research is needed to understand their effects.
•Did you know? That, Dried goji berries, which look like dried cranberries, can be found in most health food and built stores.
Note: Health Canada has warned people using the prescription drug warfarin to avoid goji berries, because they can alter the drug's effectiveness.

[10] Frozen fruit
If your favourite fresh fruit is only available for six weeks of year, head to the frozen food aisle. Grocery store freezers house a variety of affordable frozen fruit, ranging from cubed mango to woodland blueberries to tropical fruit salad.

Not only is frozen fruit convenient, but it's also equally nutritious _if not more so_ than its fresh counterpart. Fresh fruit starts to lose nutrients as soon as it's picked. The time between harvest and consumption can be long enough for significant nutrient losses to occur. Frozen fruit, however, is picked and frozen immediately, retaining much of the nutrient value. Plus,  frozen fruit is already Washed, peeled and cut, it's a breeze to use. It can be thawed at room temperature or defrosted in the microwave. Once defrosted, eat it as you would fresh fruit, or use it atop cereal, mixed in yogurt or blended into smoothies.

[11] Grape
Nutritional value {1/2 cup /125 ml} 53 calories, less than 1g fibre, source of manganese
Disease fighting factor; Grapes contain resveratrol, an antioxidant that may help prevent heart disease by reducing blood pressure levels and lowering the risk of blood clots. Resveratrol may also help stop the spread of breast, stomach and colon cancer cells.
•Did you know? That, you can freeze red and green grapes and use them as colourful ice cubes in your favourite drinks. They add a special touch to sparkling water or champagne.

[12] Grapefruit [pink]
Nutritional value {1/2 grapefruit} 52 calories, 2g fibre, source of vitamin A
Disease fighting factor; pink grapefruit contains Iycopene and flavonoids, which may help protect against some types of cancer. Grapefruit also boasts an ample supply of pectin, a soluble fibre that may help lower cholesterol levels.
•Did you know? That, Grapefruit can heighten the effect of certain grugs, including cholesterol-lowering statins. Check with your pharmacist to see if grapefruit may interfere with any of your medications.

[13] Kiwifruit
Nutritional value {1 large} 56 calories, 3g fibre, source of vitamins C and E, n' magnesium and potassium
Disease fighting factor; with more of vitamin C than oranges, kiwis can help in development and maintenance of bones, cartilage, teeth and gums. They can  also help lower blood triglyceride levels {high triglycerides increase the risk of heart disease}.
•Did you know? That, most people remove the fuzzy skin, but kiwis can actually be eaten whole- skin and all.

[14] Mango
Nutritional value {1/2 medium} 54 calories, 1.5g fibre, source of vitamins A and E
Disease fighting factor; mangoes are high in antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which may help protect vision and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration {the leading cause of blindness in adults}.
•Did you know? That, Mangoes can be enjoyed ripe as a sweet, juicy dessert choice or unripe as a sour, crunchy addition to chutney and salads.

[15] Orange
Nutritional value {1 medium} 62 calories, 3 g fibre, source of vitamin C, folate and potassium.
Disease fighting factor; Oranges are a good source of folate, an important vitamin for for pregnant women that can help prevent neural tube defects in their infants. They also contain a phytochemical called hesperidin, which may lower triglyceride and blood cholesterol levels.
• Did you know? That, The edible white part of the orange rind has nearly the same amount of vitamin C as the flesh, so eat that part too!!.

[16] Prune
Nutritional value {3 prunes} 60 calories, 2g fibre, source of vitamin A
Disease fighting factor; Prunes are a source of the mineral boron, which may help prevent osteoporosis. Prunes also impart a mild laxative effect due to their high content of a natural sugar called sorbitol.
•Did you know? That, marketers in the united state are trying to legally rename prunes "dried plums" to appeal to a younger market.

[17] Raspberry
Nutritional value {1/2 cup/ 125mL} 32 calories, 4g fibre, source of folate and magnesium
Disease fighting factor; Raspberries are rich in ellagic acid, an antioxidant that may help prevent cervical cancer. Studies in animals have led researchers to believe that raspberries may also help treat esophageal and colon cancer.
•Did you know? That,  Raspberries are so perishable that only three percent of Canada's raspberry crop is sold fresh. The remaining berries are used to make jam, baked goods and other delicacies.

[18] Strawberry
Nutritional value {1/2 cup /125 ml} 23 calories, 1.5g fibre, source of vitamin C
Disease fighting factor; Strawberries are rich in serveral antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties, including helping to prevent atherosclerosis {hardened arteries} and to suppress the progression of cancerous tumours.
•Did you know? That, The flavours and colour of strawberries is enhanced by balsamic vinegar. For a fabulous dessert, drizzle balsamic vinegar over ripe strawberries and serve with vanilla ice cream.

[19] Tomato
Nutritional value {1 medium} 22 calories, 1.5g fibre, source of vitamin A, folate and potassium
Disease fighting factor; Tomatoes are nature's best source of Iycopene, a potent antioxidant that help reduce cholesterol levels and protect against advanced-stage prostate cancer.
•Did you know? That, Tomatoes cooked with a touch of oil provide more Iycopene than raw tomatoes, so a rich tomatoes sauce made with olive oil is  healthy delicious.

[20] Watermelon
Nutritional value {1/2 cup /125 ml} 23 calories, less than 1g fibre, source of vitamin A
Disease fighting factor; Watermelon is 92 percent of water, making it aptly named. It's a great addition to any weight-loss diet because it is low in low in calories and satisfies the sweet tooth.
•Did you know? That, Watermelon rinds and seeds are both edible. Roasted, seasoned seeds make a great snack food, and the juicy rind can be stir-fried, stewed, or pickled.

Glossary
Phytochemicals; Most of the more than 1,000 known phytochemicals have antioxidant properties that help protect our cells against disease causing damage. Phytochemical are often indentified by their colour {for example, the purple hued anthocyanins in blackberries and red Iycopene in tomatoes}. Each colourful phytochemical provides a different health benefit to the body, so for the best protection against a variety of disease, choose an array of colorful fruits each day, we need to be eating  them every day.

Free radicals: Harmful molecules that occur naturally in the body or that come from pesticides, pollution, smoking and radiation. They damage the body's cells, which can lead to cancer and heart disease.

Antioxidants: Powerful substances that can protect the body against the harmful effects of free radicals. Some of the vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals found in fruit can act as antioxidants.

Stop forcing fruits to ripen is too dangerous stop it now!!

For those who are into the habit of forcing fruits to ripe permanently in order to eat them, or sell to others who consume them have been warned to desist from the habit as it is dangerous to human health and can cause damage to the liver and other vital organs.

This warning is being made by Dr Adam Onu of Garki General Hospital, Abuja. Onu, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Abuja, on Tuesday, said the application of chemicals on fruits caused such fruits to ripe permanently. He further said the practice distorts the natural taste and flavour of such fruits, while the he advised fruits dealers, who usually applied carbide on fruits, to desist from the act.

Also, miss Where Nwachukwu, an industrial chemist, condemned the practice of hastening the natural ripening processes of fruits with chemicals. Nwachukwu said the practice could cause fruits to lose natural ingredients and the supplements they were meant to provide. Stop it now!!

The 30 Reasons Why Sugar Ruins Your Health

The some of reasons why sugar ruins your health, there are including:-

(1) Sugar can increase reactive oxygen species {ROS}, which can damage cells and tissues.

(2) Sugar can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, inability to concentrate and crankiness in children.

(3) sugar can suppress your immune system.

(4) sugar upsets the mineral relationships in the body.

(5) Sugar eaten during pregnancy and lactation can influence muscle force production in offspring, which can affect an individuals ability to exercise.

(6) Sugar can produce a significant rise in triglycerides.

(7) Sugar reduces the body's ability to defend against bacterial infection.

(8) Sugar causes a decline in tissue elasticity and function_ The More sugar you eat, the more elasticity and function you lose.

(9) sugar reduces high density lipoproteins {HDL}.

(10) Sugar can  elevate glucose and insulin responses and return them to fasting levels.

(11) Sugar interferes with the body's  absorption of calcium and magnesium.

(12) Sugar may makes eyes more vulnerable to age-related macular degeneration.

(13) sugar raises the level of neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.

(14) sugar can lead to an acidic digestive tract.

(15) Sugar can cause a rapid rise of adrenaline levels in children.

(16) sugar is frequently malabsorbed in patients with functional bowel disease.

(17) Sugar can cause premature aging.

(18) sugar can lead to alcoholism.

(19) Sugar increases the risk of crohn's  disease and ulcerative colitis.

(20) sugar assists the uncontrolled growth of Candida Albicans {yeast infection}.

(21) sugar can lower the amount of vitamin E in the blood.

(22) Sugar can decrease the amount of growth hormones in the body.

(23) Sugar can increase the amount of liver fat.

(24) sugar can increase the size of the liver by making liver cells divide.

(25) sugar can increase kidney size and produce pathological changes in the kidney.

(26) Sugar can damage the pancreas.

(27) Sugar is number one enemy of the bowel movement.

(28) Sugar can lead to the formation of kidney stones.

(29) sugar can be a risk factor for gallbladder cancer.

(30)  Sugar can worsen the symptoms of children  with attention deficit disorder.

Eating too much salt, the 7 danger of it

Too much salt in diet, which is marked by high sodium content, can deeply impact almost all biochemical pathways in your body. As a standard, your dietary intake of sodium should not exceed 2,000 milligrams per day. Any excess of this amount can inhibit the proper absorption of nutrients and disrupt normal body functions. The following are seven dangerous health consequences of eating too much salty foods.

(1) hypertension
The number one medical consequence of high salt intake is hypertension. High intake of salt causes water retention and promotes abnormal influx of water molecules into your blood vessels. This action instantaneously increases your blood volume and blood pressure. Sudden rises of blood pressure can trigger life threatening cardiovascular emergencies like strokes and heart attacks. Reducing your sodium intake through diet can lower your blood pressure by as much as 25%.

(2) Abnormal heart development
A habit of eating salty food can also heighten your risk of non-blood pressure related heart diseases. Having higher than normal blood volume means that your heart has to work much harder to provide proper circulation. Over time, your heart can become abnormally large and  your heart valves can become thinner. An enlarged heart is significantly weaker and can lead to symptoms like chest pains, breathlessness and chronic fatigue. Fatal cases like  sudden cardiac arrest and heart failure can also occur.

(3) Osteoporosis
Sodium inhibits your body's absorption and utilization of calcium, leading to a loss of bone mass and increased porousness of your bones. Women after menopause, diabetics and elderly people who are already at high risk of osteoporosis should be especially careful about about salt intake. Having a high salt diet can drastically heighten your chances for fractures and other skeletal deformations.

(4) Kidney disorders
Excess calcium and sodium that are not used by your body goes into your urine. This can increase the filtration load of your kidneys and increase the likelihood of crystal formation. Elevated blood pressure and blood volume are extremely damaging to your kidneys.

(5) Dehydration and swelling
Feeling thirsty is a direct response after eating salty food. This happens because excessive sodium in your blood draws water out of your cells and into your tissues. Dehydrated cells signal your brain for water. Having fluid filled tissue makes you look bloated and swollen, and these symptoms are especially severe in the lower parts of your body. Reducing your salt intake is an effective way of preventing swollen feet, ankles and calves.

(6) Digestive diseases
Sodium regulates the acid base balance  of blood and body fluids. Too much salt can trigger acid reflux and cause heart burn and long-term damage to your upper digestive tract. Studies have shown that habitual intake of salty foods is a strong risk factor for duodenal and gastric ulcers and cancers.

(7) Electrolyte and Hormone imbalance
Excessive sodium can impact both your electrolyte and hormone imbalance. Too much sodium can severely hinder the conduction of nerve impulses and induce symptoms like dizziness,  muscle cramps and shakiness. You can also have impaired sensory response, feel disoriented or develop other depressive symptoms.

Eggs And Heart Disease

Eggs had been vilified in recent decades because of their high cholesterol content. Many people have replaced their egg based breakfast with cereals and toasts to decrease their dietary cholesterol intake, but may actually be depriving their bodies of important nutrients found in eggs. Most healthy people can eat eggs daily without any adverse effect. Enjoy you vegetable omelet for breakfast, hard boiled eggs for a snack or poached eggs on a salad of leafy greens for lunch.

Eggs and heart disease
Eggs contains an average of 200milligrams of cholesterol each. Many years ago, dietitians and nutrition researchers assumed that dietary cholesterol was responsible for high blood  cholesterol. However, the types of fat and carbohydrates you eat effect your blood cholesterol levels, dietary cholesterol is essential to optimal human health and should not be feared. The cells in your body need cholesterol to build their membranes. Cholesterol is also needed to synthesize vitamin D from sun, produce many hormones and contribute to brain health.

Although people with heart disease used to be advised to eliminate eggs from their diets, recent studies show that the high  cholesterol content of eggs has nothing to do with the development of heart disease, although eggs increase LDL cholesterol, the so-called "bad" cholesterol, they also increase HDL cholesterol, the type of lipoprotein  thought to protect against heart disease. Egg consumption is also associated with the pattern A type of LDL particles, which is less likely to form plaque in your arteries, compared to the pattern B, often seen with a high carbohydrate intake.

Nutritional benefits
Eggs can be part of a healthy diet to prevent chronic diseases. Egg yolks are one of the best sources of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, two compounds that can benefit your eye his health and prevent macular degeneration. Choosing free range eggs could also help you get more heart protective omega-3 fats. Eggs from free-ranging fowls contain up to 10 times more of heart-healthy fats compared to eggs from factory hens

Amount of eggs you should eat
The exact amount of eggs you can eat with out adverse effect will depend on your over all health and individual sensitivity to dietary cholesterol. Have your blood cholesterol checked regularly. Ask to have your LDL and HDL fractions measured in addition to your total cholesterol and triglycerides. You can eat an egg a day for three months, with the supervision of your doctor, and then check your levels. For the next three months, you can experiment with either more or fewer eggs. Record your dietary changes and lipid profile to figure out how many eggs you eat with out an adverse effect on your health.

Dangers of eating sardines

Risks of eating sardines

Sardines are considered one of the healthiest foods to eat because they contain omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA which reduce cholesterol levels and benefit heart. However one downfall of eating too much fish is the possibility of consuming too much mercury, which is found in a variety of ocean fish in varying amounts. While extremely low amount of mercury are not harmful to your health, eating excessive quantities of fish that contain higher than normal levels of mercury could cause detrimental health conditions. Fortunately, sardines are a type of fish that generally contains minimal amounts of mercury and usually poses no health risk.    

WHAT IS MERCURY?

Mercury is a naturally occurring mineral that is also released into the atmosphere via industrial pollution. Dropping from the air into the ocean and other bodies of water, mercury is converted into methylmercury once it touches the water. Fish cannot help but absorb this substance in to their bodies, where it accumulates and causes problems when human eat fish that have been contaminated. According to the environmental protection agency, if you are regularly eat types of fish that are high in methylmercury, it can accumulate in your blood stream over time. Methylmercury is removed from the body naturally, but it may take over a year for the levels to drop significantly." Symptoms of mercury poisoning.

Symptoms of mercury poisoning resemble symptoms of arsenic poisoning - vision impairment, especially in peripheral vision; a feeling  of "pins and needles" in the extremities and mouth area; uncoordinated movements; speech difficulties and extreme muscle weakness. The National institutes of  health states that organic mercury poisoning is treated by administering chelators, substances that eliminate mercury from the system. Occasionally, chelator medication must be taken for several weeks to several months in order to be effective. How many sardines can be safely eaten.

According to Dr. Tamir Katz, says that pregnant women and children can probably eat two or three servings of sardines each week, and others can probably safety consume three to six servings weekly. Other fish that contain amounts of mercury similar to sardines include salmon , canned Atlantic Mackerel, canned light tuna, flounder , smelt , whitefish and haddock. They also can be eaten in the Same amounts as sardines, with the same limits for pregnant women and children. Large fish that live long lives contain the highest amounts of mercury. They include sharks, king mackerels, tilefish and swordfish.    

When  sardines are eaten in recommended amounts, they provide a variety of health benefits. In addition to omega 3 fatty acids, sardines also provide rich amounts of vitamin B-12 an important vitamin for cardiovascular health. It also reduces levels of homocysteine,  a substance that can harm arterial walls and promote atherosclerosis. Sardines also contain calcium and vitamin D, which are necessary for bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis. Selenium is another beneficial nutrient found in sardines. It contributes antioxidant activity, which may reduce the risk of certain cancers.

The risky of drinking cow's milk

THE DANGERS OF DRINKING COW'S MILK
  Due to the extreme processes that milk goes through and the high amounts of antibiotics, hormones and genetically modified substances that cows are continually exposed to, l believe there are real and and eminent concerns associated with drinking milk from cows. All cows release toxins theory their milk, as milk is a natural exit-portal for substances that the body cannot use.

Ingredients added to cows milk

*  A veritable hormone  Cocktail-   including pituitary, asteroid, hypothalamic and thyroid hormones - "remember most cows are extremely stressed".    * Gastrointestinal peptides- Nerve and epidermal growth factors, and the growth inhibitor MDGI and MAF

*RBGH (Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone): a genetically engineered hormone directly linked to breast, colon and prostrate cancer. This is injected into cows to increase milk production.

*Pus- National average show at least 325 million cell-counts of pus per glass, This is well above the human limit for pus-intake, and has been directly linked to paratuberculosis  bacteria, as well as crohn's disease. The pus comes from infected udders on the cows known as mastitis.

*Blood Cells- The USDA allows up to 1.5 millions White blood cells per milliliter of commonly sold milk. Yea, you are drinking cows  blood in the milk and the USDA allows this

*Antibiotics- Currently, cows are in such a state of disease and mistreatment that they are continually being injected with antibiotic medicines, and rubbed down with chemical-laden ointments to deal with their chronic infections. Currently, regulating committees only test for 4 of the 85 drugs in dairy cows. This means that the other 81 drugs in cow's milk are coming directly into your glasses and bodies. Estimates show that 68% of milk in Nigeria is "contaminated with sulfa drugs or other antibiotics," according to a study by the centre for Science in the public interest and published in the wall street journal on December 29, 1989. A study from the FDA data showed that over half of all milk was laden with traces of pharmaceuticals yet nothing has been done to control this.

How does this affect the cows? Milk cartoon

Not only people are drinking these toxins, but they are also taking in the energetic effects of the life of cows.

Studies show that many cows are affected with incredible painful inflammatory infections such as mastitis. Due to over milking, artificial hormones, bacteria and medications, cow's udders can become chronically inflamed, thus altering the color and taste of the milk.
Over time, this bacterial invasion cause harm to the cow's mammary gland, reeking havoc on the milk being produced. From parasitic worms to cancerous tumors, these diseases are often passed along to the next generations of cows and more often, into the milk we drink.

Often times the conditions in which cows live, as well as the rigorous milking regimes, cause dairy cattle to live in a permanent state of sympathetic stress response, as well as adrenal overload. When our adrenal glands are over worked for long periods of time, there is a overload of cortisol in the blood. When we drink this milk , we are then exposed to the millions of stress response cells in the milk of cows.

Avoid dangers related to cow's milk

Here are some ways to avoid the danger associated with cow's milk.
     Replace cows milk with healthy natural substitutes- rice milk, almond milk , raw goat's milk and hemp milk.

     If you do insist on drinking cows milk, make sure to buy only the non-genetically modified, range fed, organic raw versions. Even better talk to your local organic farmers to make sure the cows are treated kindly.

Sweetener Foods, The Danger Of It

The dangers of food sweeteners we eat e everyday

Food sweetening substances are greater advancement in the field of chemistry. It is used widely in Nigeria for the production of juice, powdered juice, wine, yoghurt, milk, beverages and other food drinks and food substance. It is cheaper and 200 times sweeter than sugar and saccharin, there are several and server side effects that comes along with the consumption of these chemical compounds. Nigerian legislators, like other country legislators do not make any comment on these substances.

Some of the chemical compound food sweetener includes:

NEOTAME-cancer  causing substance

ACESULPHAME-Used in the sweetening of flavours drinks and some other drinks. It can cause cancer  when taken in large dosage or quantity.

ASPARTAME-used in the sweetening of powdered juices, It can cause cancer when taken in large quantity and it prevent the quick healing of wounds even when taken in small quantity.

CYCLAMATES-food sweetener that contains very toxic substance that can cause bladder cancer, its has been bound in the USA.