How okra-prevents-diabetes-peptic-ulcer-others

Online wellness and health platform
As written by funke oshifuye:
Okra, also known as “lady finger”,is a highly nutritious green edible pod vegetable. 

 Its scientific name is Hibiscus esculentus. Botanically, this perennial flowering plant belongs to the mallow family similar to that of cacao. It is green, sweet, tasty and most of all, slimy. Okra is known for a lot of names in different parts of the world.
 Okra is either loved or hated by many for its distinct sticky character but the health benefits are amazing.  For instance, Okra is one of the richest sources of soluble as well as insoluble fiber that offer protection from various lifestyles related disorders like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity etc.

Okra can tolerate hot, dry climates which makes it a popular vegetable in the tropics. It’s leaves may also be eaten, but people are often interested in the plant’s pods Okra is very low in calories and a rich source of dietary fiber, minerals and vitamin. It is recommended in cholesterol controlling and weight reduction programmes.

 The pods contain healthy amounts of vitamin A, and flavonoid anti-oxidants such as beta carotenes, xanthin and lutein. It is one of the green vegetables with highest levels of these anti-oxidants. 
These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties and are essential for vision. Vitamin A is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural vegetables and fruits rich in flavonoids helps to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers. Fresh pods are good sources of foliates  It provides about 22 per cent of RDA per 100 g.

 Consumption of foods rich in  foliates, especially during pre-conception period helps decrease the incidence of neural tube defects in the offspring. The pods are also an excellent source of anti-oxidant vitamin, vitamin-C.  Okra provides about 36 per cent of daily recommended levels. 

Consumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps the body develop immunity against infectious agents, reduce episodes of cold and cough and protects body from harmful free radicals. Okra is also a stomach friendly fiber rich vegetable.  Okra is an excellent prebiotic. Okra fiber has a soothing effect on the stomach lining.

 They prevent adhesion of Helicobacter pylori to the Gastric mucosa and thus prevent peptic ulcer. They also help to prevent inflammatory bowel syndrome. The fiber in okra is heart- friendly. Okra fiber also helps to fight the free radicals that can lead to plaque formation clogging the arteries and thus prevents atherosclerosis.

 However, you can rely on okra to reduce your waist and hip circumference as it is low in calories and high in fiber. Fiber provides satiety and thus you don’t tend to feel hungry and overeat.

 Also, rich in B-complex group of vitamins like niacin, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), thiamin and pantothenic acid. The pods also contain good amounts of vitamin K.  Vitamin K is a co-factor for blood clotting enzymes and is required for strengthening of bones.

Why you should start drinking milk everyday

Online wellness and health platform

MILK and dairy products are among the essential classes of food for several reasons. Bone health: Milk and dairy products help in  strengthening bone health. They  provide calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and protein which are all essential for healthy bone growth and development.

Adequate consumption of milk and dairy from early childhood and throughout life can help to make the bones strong and protect them against diseases in later life.

Healthy teeth: The amounts of calcium and phosphorous in milk and dairy products are also beneficial for the development and maintenance of healthy teeth. Dentists recommend that milk is the only safe drink to have between meals (except for water) as it has been shown not to cause tooth decay even in conditions perfect for damaging teeth.

Blood pressure: Consuming recommended portions of dairy products each day, along with five portions of fruit and vegetables as part of a low salt diet can reduce high blood pressure in both adults and children. 

Cardiovascular disease: Several studies link milk and dairy consumption with  reduced risk for cardiovascular diseases like hypertension and diabetes. 
Obesity:
 Contrary to popular belief, research has shown that people who consume milk and dairy foods are likely to be slimmer than those who do not.



Experts say milk is an excellent choice of fluid as it not only re-hydrates the body, but provides a host of beneficial nutrients. Hence, Nigerians have been advised to explore various ways to include milk in their diet as it remains one of the natural sources of vitamins and minerals, helping in enhancing growth and development of mental and physical performance while also serving as one of the cheapest sources of protein.

 Public Health Physician, at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Dr. Elochukwu Ukatu who spoke during the 2016 World Milk Day, organised by Friesland Campina WAMCO, makers of Peak Milk,  said that it’s high time the Nigerian family and society begin to appreciate the role of milk in the diet.

 On her part, Marketing Manager for Peak Milk, Mrs. Dolapo Otegbayi noted that over 40 percent of Nigerians are actually below the age of 18 which makes it very important for the country advocate for consumption of milk because it plays important role in family and societal development.

 “We all grew up with milk but are very limited in our understanding of its versatility. If you ask the average Nigerian how milk is to be used, they would only tell you that it is to be used with their coffee and tea.

common-nail-conditions-shouldnt-ignore

Online wellness and health platform

Take a close look at your fingernails and observe how they look. Are they strong and healthy or do you see ridges, dents, or discoloration? Many such undesirable nail conditions can be avoided through proper fingernail care.

 As these conditions might indicate an underlying disease or nutrient deficiency that demands attention. Nails These can fall anywhere between anemia to thyroid disease. Nails are one of the last ones to receive nutrients that we take and therefore, care is of utmost importance.

 Our fingernails are composed of laminated layers of a protein called keratin which grow from the area at the base of the nail under the cuticle.

 Here are some tips to make you nails beautiful and healthy:
Brittle or split nails:
Lack of moisture or not enough of the B vitamin biotin. Solution: oral medicine Biotin (a vitamin) should be taken for at least six months. Available in 1mg size and smaller the medicine should be taken 3 times a day to get started. Pregnant women should avoid taking this drug. Upward bending soft nails are a symptom of thyroid infection. Caused by Iron deficiency.
If tests confirm low iron, take 325 mg of iron sulfate three times a day. Vertical ridges:  Vitamin or mineral deficiencies as well as general malnutrition or other illness if they run horizontally.
 Solution: 

Use few drops of almond oil to polish the nails and a chamois buffer so as to remove the upper thin layer of the nails.

 This should be done every week to keep this condition from recurring. 

Horizontal ridges or dents: Some conditions like high fever, nutritional deficiencies, psoriasis, or trauma from surgery can affect the nail growth and create some dents. 

Solution
 includes giving the recommended daily allowance of protein which is 55 grammes. Yellow nails: Caused by lack of vitamin E and could mean endless bronchitis. One of the most common causes of yellow nails is a fungal infection. As the infection worsens, the nail bed may retract, and nails may thicken and crumble. For treatment, take adequate vitamin E twice every day to prevent discoloration. 
Oils like Almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts and wheat germ oil are additionally great antioxidants. Fungus: 
Yeast or microorganisms that develop when the nails are consistently under warm, damp and wet environment. Toe nails are most affected in these conditions. Soak nails in antibacterial tea tree oil for 15 minutes a day until the parasite clears. Apple cider vinegar is also an excellent solution for the same. White Spots: Caused by nail injury or zinc deficiency. 

Nutritionists prescribe 50 mg of zinc every day. Zinc is also available in red meat, sesame seeds, pumpkinseeds, and peas. White nail beds could mean liver infection.

Cigarettes smoke has 4,000 chemical-Dr. Abayomi ajayi

Online wellness and health platform

Many Nigerians still doubt the ultimate price  to pay for smoking: Death.  The perception about smoking may not be unconnected with the common saying among smokers, “It is a matter of taking a bottle of Soda water to clear the system”

 This has been a long standing belief among smokers. Unfortunately, Soda is not an escape route as the scary truth is that  the drink  is just as bad as smoking a cigarette.   Worse still, studies have shown that a daily Soda habit can age your immune cells by two years.   Soda has also been linked to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other chronic diseases.

 But why is smoking a killer habit? According to the World Health Organisation, WHO, about  six million people die from tobacco consumption annually. Further breaking the deaths down, according to WHO, whereas five million die from direct consumption, 600,000 non-smokers die from exposure to second-hand smoke also known as passive smoking. Second-hand smoke is the smoke that fills restaurants, offices or other enclosed spaces where people burn tobacco products such as cigarettes, bidis and water-pipes. 

There are more than 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, of which at least 250 are known to be harmful and more than 50 are known to cause cancer. Unfortunately, smoking of cigarette and India hemp is  common place among young adults, and  even  secondary school students across  the country. Hospital statistics have shown a rise in cases of smoking-related  ailments  such as kidney diseases and  cancer, among others. It is also an established fact that smoking has been found to harm  virtually every organ in the body and diminishes  overall health. Smoking is a leading cause. It causes cancer of the lungs, esophagus, larynx, mouth, throat, kidney, bladder, liver, pancreas, stomach, cervix, colon and rectum, as well as acute myeloid leukemia. 

A  renown  cardiologist, Dr. Kingsley Akinroye, said  tobacco smoking  is harmful as it affects almost every organ in the body, hence the need for people to be educated on the dangers of smoking. 

According to him, tobacco smoking causes heart diseases, stroke, aortic aneurysm chronic obstructive pulmonary disease chronic bronchitis and emphysema, diabetes, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, age related macular degeneration,  cataract, and worsens asthma symptoms in adults. Akinroye, who is also the Executive Director, Nigerian Heart Federation, NHF, said: “Also smokers are at higher risk of developing pneumonia, tuberculosis, and other airway infections. “It also causes inflammation and impairs immune function. Smoking makes it harder for a woman to get pregnant. A pregnant woman who smokes is at higher risk of miscarriage, having an ectopic pregnancy, having her baby born too early and with an abnormally low birth weight, and having her baby born with  cleft lips and cleft palate.

 “A woman, who smokes during or after pregnancy, increases her infant’s risk of death from sudden infant death syndrome. Men, who smoke, are at greater risk of erectile dysfunction. Cigarette smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke cause many premature deaths each year in Nigeria. Smoking is the leading cause of premature, preventable deaths in Nigeria and Africa at large. However, the good news is that regardless of their age, smokers can substantially reduce their risk of diseases, including cancer by quitting smoking”. Nigeria became a signatory to WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in June 2004 and took giant strides on March 15, 2011 when the Senate passed a bill to regulate and control production, manufacture, sale, advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products. To reduce effects of smoking among Nigerians, Akinroye  called for effective enforcement of the Tobacco  Control  Act passed by the 7th Assembly and signed into  law in 2015. Akinroye, who  expressed worry on the rise in tobacco smoking among school children and  the  delay in the  implementation of the Tobacco Control Act, urged  smokers to quit  the habit  to avoid becoming a victim. He said only few African countries have honoured their own pledge by ensuring that all  tobacco  sold has no brand name on the packaging. 

“Federal government should take a cue from those few countries as giant of Africa. It is all about the President  making a pronouncement that we have to honour the treaty that we signed. Number two, we now have a tobacco law in the country. 

 Are we honouring the  law  former President  Goodluck Jonathan signed in 2015? One of the ways we can honour a law is by empowering the agencies for implementation and also funding is very important.

” WHO Framework Convention on tobacco recommends that parties consider adoption of plain packaging and through the World No Tobacco Day 2016, WHO aims to highlight the role of plain packaging as part of a comprehensive, multispectral approach to tobacco control and facilities policy development by Member States. WHO also encourages Member States to work towards plain packaging in a step-wise approach by strengthening packaging and labeling measures  and restrictions on advertising, promotion and sponsorship. In recent times, there has a global awakening on the adverse effects of tobacco consumption and different countries have risen up to fight against the growing casualty from its consumption. Unfortunately, Nigeria is way back even after the last administration in 2015 passed into law   the billed that banned smoking in public places. Lagos State House of Assembly earlier  banned smoking in public places in January 2014. With the World Health Organisation, WHO, explanation that there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke and about 80 percent of the world’s 1 billion smokers live in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria, there is need for the country to enforce policies that will discourage smoking, particularly in public places.  

Smokers are liable to die young! 

Warning Signs that Your Body is Full of Parasites

Online wellness and health platform

Just imagining a parasite in the body is a scary thing, but many people have parasites and are not even aware of it.

Parasites are microorganisms that live off other organisms. Anyone can get a parasitic infestation. It is more common than you may think.

Some parasites can cause disease directly, while others cause disease by the toxins that they produce. There are several types of parasites that live in and feed off your body. Some survive on the food you consume, some feed on red blood cells and some even lay eggs inside your body.

Some of the common parasites that can infest your body are pinworms, Gardia lambia, hookworms, tapeworms, trichinella, and dientamoeba fragilis.

They normally enter the body through the skin or mouth. A person can get a parasite infestation due to several reasons, including exposure to areas having parasites, traveling to places that have parasite infestations, intake of contaminated water or food, poor sanitation, poor hygiene and a weak immune system.

Close contact with pets can also lead to a parasite infestation.

As parasites are of different forms, shapes and sizes, they cause a very wide range of signs and symptoms.

1. Chronic Digestive Issues

Intestinal parasite infestation can cause inflammation and destroy the intestinal lining of the gut, leading to chronic diarrhea.

A 2015 study published in the Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare emphasizes routine intestinal parasite screening to increase the diagnostic rate of parasitic diarrhea and improve the treatment and prevention strategies of diarrhea in children with severe acute malnutrition.

If you are eating high fiber and highly alkaline foods on a daily basis and still experience diarrhea or other digestive issues, consider a parasite cleanse.Here are the twarning signs that your body is full of parasites.

2. Abdominal Pain

Another stomach problem caused by parasites is abdominal pain. Parasites residing in the upper small intestinal region cause inflammation and irritation in this area. This leads to a bloated feeling and pain in the abdomen.

Plus, parasites can even block the passage of waste products exiting the body, which can lead to pain in the upper abdominal region.

3. Anal Itching

Itching around the anus is another sign of a parasite infection. Especially those suffering from pinworms often complain of anal itching or discomfort. Itching around the anus occurs frequently at night when the female pinworms lay their eggs.

The itching is caused by the female pinworms that migrate to lay eggs around the anus. Both the migrating female pinworms as well as the clumps of eggs are irritating and cause itching, crawling sensations or even acute pain.

4. Fatigue and Weakness

Fatigue may also be a symptom of a parasite infestation. This is mainly associated with intestinal worms that deplete the body of vital nutrients by feeding on the food you eat.

Malabsorption of vitamins, minerals, fats and carbohydrates can make the body weak, leaving you exhausted, depressed and with a feeling of general apathy. It can lead to exhaustion at mental, physical and emotional levels.

5. Change in Appetite & Weight Loss

If you notice a sudden change in your appetite, particularly an increase in appetite, it may be due to the presence of parasites in your body.

6. Mental Distress

A parasite infestation can even cause mood swings, depression, anxiety and also visual hallucinations. Often, these symptoms are paired with digestive issues.

The intestine contains both neurons and neurotransmitters (specifically serotonin), which are important for a healthy enteric nervous system.

Toxic metabolic waste produced by parasites residing in the intestine can attack neurons and neurotransmitters, causing nervousness, restlessness, mood swings and even depression.

7. Teeth Grinding

If you grind your teeth in your sleep, one possible cause is a parasite infestation. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, may occur while sleeping due to anxiety and restlessness caused by waste and toxins released by the parasites in the body.

A 2010 study published in Dental Research Journal confirmed the correlation between intestinal parasitic infections and bruxism among small children.

8. Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Infestations by intestinal roundworms or pinworms can lead to iron deficiency in the body and ultimately cause anemia.

The parasites steal the good vitamins, including iron, from the food the person eats, leading to an iron deficiency.

A cripple to under head transplant come september 2016(photos attached)

Online wellness and health platform

Is it possible to transplant a head of one person to another? This September they can attempt to do the first surgery of this kind. Learn what the head donor wants.

His name is Valery Spiridonov and he is just 31. The man cannot walk due to the Werdnig-Hoffman disease, which deteriorates the muscles of his body. The guy is willing to take all the risks to avoid death and get a new body able to move and have the normal life.

The surgeon behind the possible transplant of the head is Dr. Sergio Canavero. People call him Doctor Frankenstein. The operation is to take place in September of this year.  Here is what the patient says: 

“I do understand the risks of such surgery. They are multiple.” 

And the doctor adds: “We can’t even imagine what exactly can go wrong. I’m afraid I wouldn’t live long enough to see it happen to someone else.”

lifestyle-modifications-required-to overcome sudden cardiac death

They also say that a team of doctors from China is ready to try and perform this complicated operation of the head transplantation. What the doctors struggle with the most is the ethical aspect of the whole business. They have a hard time obtaining the permission to do so. The consequences of the failure are grave for the patient. But who knows what would happen, if they succeed?!

Why u must eat cucumber today(a must read)

Online wellness and health platform

 Wow it's all about cucumber this time around, it wasn't long I finished with the medical benefits of groundnut...cucumber has a list of the impressive health benefits that it carries: here are the reasons you should make cucumber a part of your meal on a daily basis

• Keeps you hydrated. If you are too busy to drink enough water, munch on the cool cucumber, which is 96 percent water. It will cheerfully compensate!
• Fights heat, both inside and out. Eat cucumber, and your body gets relief from heartburn. Apply cucumber on your skin, and you get relief from sunburn.
• Flushes out toxins. All that water in cucumber acts as a virtual broom, sweeping waste products out of your system. With regular use, cucumber is known to dissolve kidney stones.
• Lavishes you with vitamins. A B and C, which boost immunity, give you energy, and keep you radiant. Give it more power by juicing cucumber with carrot and spinach.
• Supplies skin-friendly minerals: magnesium, potassium, silicon. That’s why cucumber-based treatments abound in spas.
• Aids in weight loss. Enjoy cucumbers in your salads and soups. My favorite snack? Crunchy cucumber sticks with creamy low-fat yogurt dip.
• Revives the eyes. Placing chilled slices of cucumber on the eyes is a clichéd beauty visual, but it really helps reduce under-eye bags and puffiness.
• Cuts cancer. Cut down your risk of several cancers by including cucumber in your diet. Several studies show its cancer-fighting potential.
• Stabilizes blood pressure. Patients of blood pressure, both high and low, often find that eating cucumber brings relief.
• Refreshes the mouth. Cucumber juice refreshes and heals diseased gums, leaving your mouth smelling good.
• Helps digestion. Chewing cucumber gives the jaws a good workout, and the fiber in it is great for digestion.
• Smooths hair and nails. Silica, the wonder mineral in cucumber makes your hair and nails stronger and shinier.
• Soothes muscle and joint pain. All those vitamins and minerals in cucumber make it a powerful enemy of muscle and joint pain.
• Keeps kidneys in shape. Cucumber lowers uric acid levels in your system, keeping the kidneys happy.
• Good for diabetics. Patients of diabetes can enjoy cucumber while also reaping its health benefits: cucumber contains a hormone needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin.
• Reduces cholesterol. A compound called sterols in cucumber helps reduce bad cholesterol.

Amazing benefits of eating groundnuts

Online wellness and health platform

Groundnuts are known by many names. Some call it  peanuts or even monkey nuts. They are among the cheapest nuts, available abundantly all over the world. They are often referred to as the ‘poor man’s protein’ because they are abundantly available, and can be afforded by even the poorest of men.
They come in an easy-to-crack shell and have an outer kernel that may often be removed before consumption. To many, groundnuts are just snacks to be munched on whenever they are watching their favorite programmes on TV, To others it is something to hang on to when hungry before the actual meal arrives.

Groundnuts are legumes and are very rich in proteins. They are also rich in fats which is why oil can be extracted from them. Although the humble nut may just be snack to most people, they contain some much nutrient that are beneficial to health.

Here are some reasons why you should eat groundnuts:

They Are Good For Your Heart
It is true that groundnuts contain a lot of fats, which is one of the reasons many don’t like it. However, these fats are very healthy for the heart. They contain both monounsaturated and poly unsaturated fats – which are both good for maintaining the health of the cardiovascular system. They help prevent cholesterol and plaque build up in the arteries, therefore reducing the risk of coronary heart disease.

They Are Excellent Source Of Protein For Body Building

Many people overlook groundnuts as an important source of protein.They contain more protein than meat and two and half times more protein than you can obtain from eggs. A 100g serving of groundnuts contains about 28g of proteins. This makes up for about 50% of protein’s RDA. Proteins form the base of all the enzymes and are also digested to produce amino acids – which form the building blocks of all cellular material. Proteins are required for the healthy functioning of the endocrine glands. They also assist in growth and development of the body.

They Boosts Fertility
They are very rich in folates which are known for boosting fertility. Doctors recommend consuming folic acid when women plan pregnancies simply because folic acid is crucial in the healthy development of the neural tube of the fetus – a development that usually occurs even before a woman realizes she is pregnant.

They Help In The Treatment Of Haemophilia And Other Blood Disorders

Research  has found out that groundnuts are helpful in the treatment of haemophilia and other related inherited blood disorders, which includes people suffering from nose bleeding and excessive menstrual flows.

Groundnuts Improves Your Mood And
Prevents Depression

Groundnuts contain  Tryptophan – a biological chemical which improves mood and helps in the production of the ‘happiness’ chemical known as serotonin. Increased amount of serotonin in the blood can help fight depression and improve your overall mood, this is the reason women suffering from postpartum depression are advised to eat lots of groundnut.

They Are Rich In Vitamins

Apart from protein, groundnuts are also rich in vitamins. It contains about 13 different vitamins and 26 essential minerals for good health and strong bones. Every 100 grams of groundnuts come, among others, with:90mg of calcium, 350mg of phosphorous, 2,8mg of iron, 7.0 mg of vitamin E. It is highly recommended for protein, phosphorous, thiamin and niacin content, among others.

It Boosts Your Immune System

It is also known to boost the immune system and builds resistance against diseases as hepatitis and tuberculosis.
Groundnuts Helps You Loss Weight
Groundnuts have also been proven to be effective in the treatment of obesity. Roasted groundnuts could be taken before lunch. They do a good job in lowering appetite which could contribute to weight loss.

It Helps You Retain And Enhance Your Cognition

Groundnuts are a rich source of vitamin B2 or niacin. This vitamin, though required only in trace quantities, is highly beneficial for maintaining and enhancing cognitive functioning. Adequate intake of vitamin B2 can be really helpful in fighting against age related cognitive decline.
They Contain Anti-Cancer Properties
Groundnuts contain Poly-phenolic anti-oxidants in high quantity and P-Coumaric acid which has the ability to reduce the risk of stomach cancer by reducing the productions of carcinogenic nitrous-amines.

You should note however, that although groundnuts are very healthy, they should not be consumed excessively because it can be detrimental to your health if you consume too many of them.

Health benefit Of African Bush mango(ogbono) you should know

Online wellness and health platform

African Bush Mango Seed popularly known as Ogbono has its botanical name as Irvingia gabonensis and is also called wild African mango or bush mango. The Igbo people of Nigeria call it Ogbono.and we call it keyama in Yakurr,cross river state,
Ogbono which is called “Apon” by the Yoruba people of Nigeria is indigenous to the humid forest zone of northern Angola, including Congo, DR Congo, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire and south-western Uganda but is planted in parts of southern Cameroon, Ghana, Togo and Benin.
The tree which is present in the tropical wet and dry climate zone grows naturally in canopied jungle, gallery forests and semi-deciduous forests and produces edible mango-like fruits,which are specially valued for their fat and protein-rich nuts.
The fruits can be eaten fresh, processed into jelly, jam, juice and sometimes even wine. The pulp has also been used to prepare black dye for cloth coloration. Compared to the seed, the fruit is only a tiny resource.

This poisonous foods are killing Nigerians on a daily basis

Online wellness and health platform

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, said the health of Nigerians is threatened by the daily consumption of items such as pure water and smuggled frozen chicken which according to him poisonous foods and are detrimental to health.
Ogbeh disclosed this yesterday while speaking to Senate Committee on Agriculture during a one-day public hearing at the National Assembly on bills bothering on food security by the committee.
According to him, the consumption of poison from some food items everyday arose from wrong habits of processing and preserving such items.
He cited an example that preparing of foods like “moi moi” in cellophane, otherwise known as nylon, is poisonous because nylon contains a large dosage of dioxins which are naturally inactive in leaves when used to package such food.
He also added that the consumption of sachet water commonly known as pure water exposed to sun at over 28 degree centigrade, is poisonous and thus results in many cases of kidney and liver failure among Nigerians.

Lies about cancers you should Neva believe

Online wellness and health platform

Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. And there have abounded several cancer facts as well as fiction about how it starts and spreads.
These latest science-based information will help clarify some common cancer facts, myths and misconceptions.
Myth 1. Cancer Just Happens, There is Nothing You Can Do To Prevent It
Contrary to this myth, up to 50 percent of all cancers can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices such as exercise, diet, and avoidance of toxins.
Establishing healthy eating habits by avoiding excess sugar and heavily processed foods. Including lots of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet is also important.

Myth 2. Hair Dyes and Antiperspirants Can Cause Cancer.

There is currently no conclusive scientific evidence that using hair dye and antiperspirants increases the risk of developing cancer.
Some studies have suggested that the hair dyes used before 1980 could be linked to an increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but the unsafe chemicals have since been removed from these products. There is limited and inconsistent evidence that hair dye can increase the risk of other types of cancer.
There is however no consistent evidence to support the claim that for antiperspirants, the skin may absorb the aluminum-based compounds that act as the active ingredient. These compounds are known to cause hormonal changes, which has led some to believe that antiperspirants could contribute to the development of breast cancer.

Myth 3. Cancer Is Hereditary And Can Only Be Gotten If It Runs In The Family
There are familial patterns of inheritance with many forms of cancer, yet the most common forms of cancer are often unrelated to genetics.

More importantly, even if a cancer is genetic, it does not necessarily mean that you will express that cancer. The medical field still does not fully understand why certain patients will get a cancer while other family members with similar genetics and environmental exposures will not.
Myth 4. Having A Cancer Gene Means You Are Doomed To Get It
Many people who have a genetic mutation associated with an increased cancer risk think there is nothing they can do to avoid it, but there are so many intricate pathways in our metabolism and in our cells.
Some of these pathways can turn genes on and some can turn them off. It’s a field called eipgenetics, where environment and external influences can alter gene expression.
Myth 5. Cancer Surgery Causes Cancer To Spread In The Body
The chance that surgery will cause cancer to spread to other parts of the body is extremely low. Following standard procedures, surgeons use special methods and take many steps to prevent cancer cells from spreading during biopsies or surgery to remove tumors.

Myth 6. Sugar Causes Cancer
Sugar doesn’t cause cancer, nor does it worsen it. Sugar is needed to support the immune system, which helps fight cancer. Sugar (glucose) in moderation is just fine and important in a balanced diet.

Myth 7. Cancer Is A Death Sentence
Many people think cancer is incurable despite all the money that has been invested in decades of research. But although cancer can be a devastating diagnosis, it is not hopeless.

Why there is no cure for cancer,scientist explained!

Online wellness and health platform

Irrespective of a four-decade war against cancer, which kills an estimated 600,000 annually, there is yet to be a known Cancer cure and research has given reasons for this.
Cancer has been such a hard problem to tackle mainly because of a lack of basic understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms that drive it.
Cancer is seen today less as a disease of specific organs, and more as one of molecular mechanisms caused by the mutation of specific genes. The implication of this shift in thinking is that the best treatment for, say, colorectal cancer may turn out to be designed and approved for use against tumours in an entirely different part of the body, such as the breast.

7 Signs You Might Actually Be A Natural Genius

Have you been thinking lately, maybe you really might be a genius?
Well, science and facts have proven that you’re probably right.
Even if you don’t particularly consider yourself to be intellectually superior to others, you might possess many of the traits shared by geniuses.
It turns out many people who are geniuses have personality traits, habits and behaviors in common.
If you have any or all of the seven signs below, then it is very likely you are actually much smarter than you think:

1. You are very curious

Do you like to read widely on a variety of subjects, follow different blogs and find yourself always searching the Internet for answers to questions that pop into your head?
Do you perform little experiments to see what happens, even if they’re as simple as mixing up the ingredients in a recipe?
Geniuses are naturally curious people. They are constantly formulating questions in their minds, and then seeking out the answers.

2. You talk to yourself

If you often find yourself talking to yourself, don’t worry; this could be a sign of genius.
When your mind is constantly roaming, you often have problems, questions and ideas you are working through.
The more intense that process is, the more likely you are to speak to yourself or mumble under your breath.

3. You read a lot

Not too many people fancy reading. However, geniuses are almost obsessed with it.
Some extraordinarily intelligent people focus on a single genre, such as science fiction or abstracts.Others read materials from a wide variety of areas, including both fiction and nonfiction.
Others read materials from a wide variety of areas, including both fiction and nonfiction.
If your bookshelves are full and you are constantly acquiring new things to read, you tilt heavily into the genius category.

4. You enjoy challenging your own intellect

Do you enjoy playing logic, word and trivia games to test your brain?
If so, you have at least one thing in common with a lot of very intelligent people.
Many geniuses work on sudoku and crossword puzzles as impulsively and habitually as other people check Facebook and Twitter.
Are You Genius? Check These 7 Signs

5. You forget stuff easily

There is something to the idea of the absent-minded professor. Extremely bright individuals often overload their minds with a lot of complicated and intense things.
They become preoccupied with their projects and ideas. As a result of this, a lot of simple, common-sense things go out the window.
This is why smart people often enter a room and forget why they’re there.
It’s also why smart people frequently lose things and forget appointments.

6. You have a checkered past.

We’ve all read about the tortured geniuses who use drugs or alcohol to cope. This isn’t just a plot device used in dramatic fiction, either.
It doesn’t take much to create a long mental list of writers, musicians, artists, scientists and other creative geniuses who have succumbed to or struggled with addiction.
Some use alcohol or drugs to cope with the difficulties of fitting in. Others use alcohol or drugs because of their desire to have new experiences.
Obviously, this is a completely unhealthy thing.
But if you did some past experimentation, know that it’s not an unusual thing for geniuses.

7. You worry and overthink things
You would think geniuses would always be full of confidence. The truth is, geniuses are often full of doubt.
They know there are no black and white answers, and that truth and knowledge continually evolve and grows.
Unfortunately, this can also lead to feelings of inadequacy and lack of confidence.
There you have it! If you checked more than 3 out of the 7, then you are most likely a genius.
Read more in

Why you need to trek at least every day

You would never imagine what walking can do for your body and soul. It is a wonder, this is because walking is not only a form of exercise but also a sort of miracle drug – affordable, effective and easily accessible for the treatment of countless ailments.

Here are some excellent reasons that will hopefully encourage you to get out there, start trekking and get

Walk For Strong And Healthier Bones
Taking a walk actually strengthen your bones. So in order to avoid factures, osteoporosis, and spine shrinkage down the road, go for a walk.
Bone density is built through exercise, including walking, and according to studies, people who do it have healthier, stronger bones than people who don’t.

Reduces Stress

Have you been stressed lately? Then try walking. It has been proven that people who walk are less stressed, as the act of moving around pushes the stress hormone cortisol through the body, stemming the flow of worries.
A study of 18,000 commuters carried out in Britain found that people who walk or bike to work experience lower stress levels than those who drive to work.

Makes You Happier

Moving around outdoors can lift one’s mood quickly. Walking has been found to combat symptoms of depression as effectively as medication.
Researchers have discovered that “a brisk 30-minute walk or jog around the track three times a week may be just as effective in relieving the symptoms of major depression as the standard treatment of anti-depressant medications.

Clears Your Brain

“Fuzzy brain,” “brain drain,” “brain fatigue,” can all be handled by a walk. Getting outside for a walk will clear your mind and rest it. This is especially true while walking in a rural area or green space, rather than on city streets, where you must remain vigilant at all times.

Wandering through a green space allows for reflection and relaxation.
Improves Concentration
It has also been proven that walking improves one’s level of concentration. A study from the University of East Anglia found that people who walk (or bike) to work reported better concentration upon arrival at their jobs . The same has been found for kids who walk to school.

So next time you are going to work or hanging out with friends, try walking instead of driving, taking a taxi. Also encourage your children to also walk.

Remove Stretch Marks without taking a capsule

Online wellness and health platform

Stretch marks have become the challenge of so many people today, but most especially women. So many women have become irritative to their men.
What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks are the long, stripes, narrow streaks or lines that develops on the skin and which differ in hue from the surrounding skin. They are the result of a sudden stretching of the skin and are extremely common in women.
Anyone can develop stretch marks, although they tend to affect more women than men.
Stretch marks can be visible on body parts including the tummy, thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms, and lower back. The marks form in the middle layer of the skin; when there is a constant stretch, the layer tears, leaving stretch marks.
Stretch marks are usually a slightly red or purple shade to begin with, fading with time to silvery white lines that may or may not disappear.
Occurring in 40-90% of women, stretch marks appear following rapid repeated over-stretching of the skin over weak connective tissue. The most common areas affected are as follows:
Abdomen
Breasts
Hips
Flank
Buttocks
Thighs
What causes stretch marks?
I want you to understand that the skin consists of three main layers and they are:
1. Epidermis (the outer layer)
2. Dermis (the middle layer)
3. Subcutaneous or hypodermis (the deepest layer).
Stretch marks form in the dermis when the connective tissue is "stretched" beyond the limits of its elasticity due to rapid expansion or contraction of the skin from sudden growth or weight gain.
Stretch marks eventually fade to a silvery, white or glossy appearance due to the blood vessels contracting and the pale fat underneath the skin becoming visible instead.
Natural remedies for stretch marks
1. Salt, Sugar and Palm Oil Paste
Ingredients needed:
250 grams of salt
250 grams of sugar
150 ml of palm oil
Method of preparation:
In order to get a thick paste, same as store-bought gel, mix all ingredients together. Allow the resulting mixture to stand still for half an hour before you mix well again. After that your peeling is ready to use!
How to use:
Massage the problematic parts of the skin by doing circular motions, lasting for 2-3 minutes. Use the peeling every night before showering.
After using the peeling, after taking a shower, apply a little moisturizing cream or body lotion.
After a month of regular use you will notice as the stretch marks and cellulite both become less visible. Do not quit the treatment after the first positive results. Be persistent.
2. Potato Juice
Potato juice contains vitamins and minerals that foster growth and restoration of skin cells.
Cut a medium-sized potato into thick slices. Take one of the potato pieces and rub it gently on the stretch marks for a few minutes. Make sure the starch from the potato covers the affected area.
Allow the potato juice to dry for some time and then wash it off with lukewarm water.
3. Egg Whites
Eggs are a rich source of protein. For stretch marks, you want to use only the egg whites, which contain amino acids and proteins.
Whip the whites of two eggs gently with a fork. Clean the affected skin area with water and then apply a thick layer of egg whites with a makeup brush.
Allow the egg whites to dry completely and then rinse the area with cold water.
Finally apply some olive oil on the skin to keep it moisturized.
Repeat the process daily for at least two weeks and watch for positive results.
4. Lemon Juice
Another simple way to lessen stretch marks is to use lemon juice. Lemon juice is naturally acidic which helps heal and reduce stretch marks, acne, and other scars.
Rub fresh lemon juice gently onto the stretch marks using circular motions. Allow the lemon juice to soak into your skin for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
Another option is to mix equal quantities of cucumber juice and lemon juice and apply the mixture on the stretch marks.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is effective in the treatment of many skin problems. Its healing and soothing properties can be used to get rid of stretch marks. There are a couple of ways to apply it.
You can directly rub aloe Vera gel on the affected skin area, leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse the skin with lukewarm water.
Another option is to make a mixture with one-fourth cup of aloe Vera gel, oil from 10 vitamin E capsules and oil from five vitamin A capsules. Rub this mixture onto the skin until fully absorbed. Repeat this process daily.
More of such health solutions @ http://nutrivalve.com/5-natural-solutions-to-stretch-marks/

How Tattoo exposes you to cancer say experts

Online wellness and health platform

Experts have warned that tatoos are dangerous to the human body.
President of the United Kingdom tattoo and piercing industry union, Rick Stevens has kicked against the consumption of the cheap Chinese inks as a way to avert more health hazard to the body.
Stevens said some of these products are not properly checked and this could eventually breed more harms to the body.
According to a report in the Metro, an online news portal, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) also warned that some tattoo inks may cause allergies, itching and even a risk of cancer on their bodies.
The report suggested that tattoos
involve scratching, etching, burning or superficially cutting designs, pictures, or words into the skin as a permanent body modification.
In the process of body scarification, scars are formed by cutting or branding the skin by varying methods and sometimes using further sequential aggravating wound-healing methods at timed intervals (like irritation) will cause wound healing to scar more and not scar less.
Stevens therefore advised consumers to pick their colours carefully, adding: “Before you decide to get yourself inked, you might want to think about what you are actually putting into your body.
Cancer is a group of disease involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body.”

Source : http://www.naij.com/908035-must-read-this-is-the-dangerous-thing-having-tattoos-on-your-body-can-cause.html