Month: November 2017

Tiger nuts are one of nature’s super foods. They are high in fibre and highly nutritious. It is believed to contain ingredients that can help prevent heart attacks and improve blood circulation. People in North Africa and Spain have been snacking on tiger nuts for centuries. The Tiger nut is not a “nut” but a “TUBER”

Composition of Tiger Nuts Tuber (g/100 g)

Below are 6 of the amazing health benefits of tiger nuts:

1.Tiger nuts are a good source of Vitamin E

Tiger nuts are a good source of the antioxidant, Vitamin E, which helps to protect against the damage caused by free radicals in the body. By protecting the body against free radicals, Vitamin E can help prevent both cancer and coronary diseases, as well as slow down the onset of the signs of ageing.

2.They help to control blood pressure

The nuts are high in amino acids, especially one called arginine, which has been shown to be beneficial to those suffering with high blood pressure. It has also been clinically proven to reduce blood pressure.

3.They contain the healthy fats

Tiger nuts contain the healthy oils that are very similar to olive oil. The oil extracted from the nuts consists of around 80% unsaturated fats and only 18% of the cholesterol causing saturated fat.

4. They help regulate blood sugar levels

Another one of great health benefits is that they help regulate blood sugar levels. The insoluble fibre found in tiger nuts can be of great help to diabetics. It is important to diabetics, because, unlike other carbohydrates, it does not cause peaks and troughs in the blood sugar levels.

5. They are a rich source of protein

A vital ingredient used in the building of muscle, skin and bone is protein and tiger nuts provide a rich source of it. They are in fact one the best, non-meat, sources of protein that there is.

6.They are a good source of magnesium

They are good natural source of magnesium, needed for the proper functioning of the immune system. Magnesium help with muscle and nerve function and regulates the heart beat and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

These days, everyone is trying to ether lose weight or maintain it. Losing weight comes with so many ups and downs accompanied sometimes by exercises that sometimes deter one from even achieving the goal of losing weight.

As it stands, our weight is mostly determined by the foods we eat. This is because foods we eat can have a major effect on our weight.

1.Sugary Drinks

Sugar-sweetened beverages, like soda among others are one of the unhealthiest foods on the planet. They are strongly associated with weight gain and can have disastrous health effects when consumed in excess. Even though sugary drinks contain a lot of calories, your brain doesn’t register them like solid food. Liquid sugar calories don’t make you feel full, and you won’t eat less food to compensate. Instead, you end up adding these calories on top of your normal intake. If you are serious about losing weight, consider giving up sugary drinks completely.

2. Pastries, Cookies, Cakes

Pastries, cookies and cakes are packed with unhealthy ingredients like added sugar and refined flour. They may also contain artificial trans fats, which are very harmful and linked to many diseases. Pastries, cookies and cakes are not very satisfying, and you will likely become hungry very quickly after eating these high-calorie, low-nutrient foods. If you’re craving something sweet,it is advisable to reach for a piece of dark chocolates instead.

3. Ice Cream

Ice cream is incredibly delicious, but very unhealthy. It is high in calories, and most types are loaded with sugar. A small portion of ice cream is fine every now and then, but the problem is that it’s very easy to consume massive amounts in one sitting. Consider making your own ice cream, using less sugar and healthier ingredients like full-fat yogurt and fruit. Remember that store-bought ice cream is high in sugar, and homemade ice cream is a better alternative. Also, be mindful of portions, as it’s very easy to eat too much ice cream. Serve yourself a small portion and put the ice cream away so that you won’t end up eating too much.

4. Some Types Of Alcohol, Especially Beer

Alcohol provides more calories than carbs and protein, or about 7 calories per gram. However, the evidence for alcohol and weight gain is not clear. Drinking alcohol in moderation seems to be fine and is actually linked to reduced weight gain. Heavy drinking, on the other hand, is associated with increased weight gain. The type of alcohol also matters. Beer can cause weight gain, but drinking wine in moderation may actually be beneficial.

5. Foods High In Added Sugar

Added sugar is one of the worst things in the modern diet. Excess amounts have been linked to some of the most serious diseases in the world today. Foods high in added sugar usually provide tons of empty calories, but are not very filling. Examples of foods that may contain massive amounts of added sugar include sugary breakfast cereals, granola bars and low-fat, flavored yogurt. You should be especially careful when selecting “low-fat” or “fat-free” foods, as manufacturers often add lots of sugar to make up for the flavor that’s lost when the fat is removed.

Many products, such as low-fat and fat-free foods, seem healthy but are loaded with sugar

Tetrapleura tetraptera is a species of flowering plant in the pea family native to Western Africa. The plant is called Prekese (or, more correctly, Prɛkɛsɛ) in the Twi language of Ghana. It is also called Uhio (Uhiokrihio) in the Igbo Language of Nigeria,

The tree has many uses. Its sweet fragrance is highly valued. The fruit is conventionally used as spice and as a natural multivitamins. It is rich in protein, lipids, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, and vitamin C. In Nigeria, it is cooked in soup and fed to mothers to prevent post-partum contraction. In Ghana, prekese has been used to flavor soft drinks. The major constituents are Tannins, flavonoids and starch.

In West Africa, the plant Tetrapleura tetraptera (locally known as Aridan) is used as a spice, a medicine and as a dietary supplement rich in vitamins. It is mostly found in Ghana in the West Africa. it is used to prepare palm nut soup because of it medicinal benefits.

Below are 5 health benefits of Prekese:

1. Diabetes

As per a study done on rats, it was found that Tetrapleura tetraptera or Uyayak is very beneficial in controlling type 2 diabetes mellitus. It was also found that prekese fruit extract was beneficial in lowering blood glucose levels in both fasting and nonfasting conditions.

2. Fever And Enema

A person who is recovering from a medical condition is often asked to bathe with water soaked with whole fruit. This also gives fast relief from feverish conditions. Similar infusion also helps people suffering from constipation, enema, and emetic.

3. Mosquito Repellent

The fruit has a strong smell due to which it is often used as the mosquito repellent and is effective too. This property is attributed to the presence of essential oils in it.

4. Pospartum Care

Edeminang pod is used as an additive in the soup which is served to postpartum mother to avoid contraction. The pods are rich in potassium, iron, and calcium which are the three most important ingredients required for postpartum woman. The soup also helps in the production of milk in new mothers and helps to restore the lost blood.

5. Wound Healing Properties

Wet fruit extract of the dry prekese has very good wound healing properties. Traditionally the aqueous extract from the fruit is used for healing which is proved scientifically too. However, the low concentration (200mg/ml) of the extract proved to be more efficient than when high concentration (2000mg/ml) extract was taken. The study was done at the University of Uyo.

To have best effects always use the fruit extract in low concentration for healing wounds.