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01/10/2022

01/10/2022

Warm wishes on Nigeria independence day to everyone

12/06/2022

*Health benefits of nuts: Cashew nut* _- Olufunke Faluyi_ https://punchng.com/health-benefits-of-nuts-cashew-nut/?amp I got many text messages from people who wanted to know the local name of Pecan nut. At the beginning of this series, I mentioned that most of the nuts I will discuss do not belong to this clime. Pecan is a nut from a species of hickory trees native to northern Mexico and the Southern United States, so, you cannot get a name for it in our local languages. However, you can get them to buy here.

I will discuss cashew nuts today but I want to share something with you. I saw a video of fufu making on Facebook some weeks ago and I was shocked that the cassava was just blended and thrown into the pot to make the fufu. Cassava must go through fermentation to reduce its cyanide content before it is safe for consumption. I shared this with my mother and she told me something more shocking. She said one of her friends bought already made fufu and that everyone who ate it farted! Another person bought readymade fufu and it turned black overnight. Definitely, something must have been added during the preparation. If you love eating fufu, try to buy cassava and make it at home. This is not limited to fufu. You can make your gaari, cassava flour, yam flour and more at home.

*Cashews come from a tropical tree known as Anacardium occidentale.*

They are good for you as they are a powerhouse of proteins and essential minerals including copper, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. Sodium is also present in small quantities. It also contains vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, vitamin E and vitamin K. They are a source of oleic acid and provide a good quantity of monounsaturated fat and low amounts of polyunsaturated fats with no total cholesterol content when consumed in moderation.

*A particular scientific study*

evaluated the effects of cashew nut consumption on reflex development, memory and profile of fatty acids of rat offspring treated during pregnancy and lactation. So it is good for pregnant women. The oil from the nut is an edible cooking oil and considered a high quality cooking oil. Cashew flour, also known as cashew meal, is a powdery substance made of ground cashews.

*Some of its benefits*

Makes muscles and nerves healthier: Cashews are a good source of magnesium vital for the healthy development of bones, muscles and tissues. Magnesium helps maintain blood pressure, boost immunity, maintain nerve function and keep the bones strong. It also may be involved in metabolic functions and help regulate blood sugar levels. A deficiency of magnesium can alter the metabolism of calcium.

Keeps the heart healthy: Cashews are known to be a good source of healthy dietary fats essential for our body to absorb the fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin A, D, E and K) and produce fatty acids that are vital for the development of the brain and blood clotting. These healthy fats include monounsaturated fats (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fats (PUFA).They are good for the heart and help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) if consumed in appropriate amounts even in diabetics. LDL cholesterol can rise as a result of excessive consumption of saturated fats, posing a major threat to people suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Studies have demonstrated that choosing unsaturated fats over saturated fats enhances the levels of HDL cholesterol, reduces triglyceride levels and beneficially lowers blood pressure as well. The inclusion of nuts such as cashews in the diet can provide these healthy unsaturated fats to the body.

Prevents gallstones: Gallstones are stone-like deposits that usually consist of cholesterol which accumulates in the gallbladder. Risk factors include age, weight and any gastrointestinal issues. Regular inclusion of healthy nuts such as cashews can help lower the risk of the formation of gallstones.

Boosts immune system: Cashews contain zinc which plays a vital role in the strengthening of the immune system. It can be extremely important during pregnancy for the growth of the baby and the developmental years of childhood.

Boosts bone and oral health: Cashews provide phosphorus which can be essential for the healthy development of teeth and bones. Phosphorus may also aid in protein synthesis, absorption of carbohydrates and fats and the maintenance of cellular health.

Good for eye health: Cashews contain zeaxanthin and lutein that are antioxidants which protect from UV rays. The antioxidant pigments naturally occur in the eyes and are an essential defence against damaging light and may reduce the risks of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.

Helps boost brain function: Increases male fertility.

Promotes formation of RBC

Aids in managing diabetes

*Scientific studies*

In a study titled, “Health benefit of a handful of cashew nuts (Anacardium Occidentale L.)to prevent different disorders like diabetes, heart disorders, cancer, weight gain, gallstone, migraine headache,’’ by Vyavahare et al, the conclusion is that consumption of a handful of cashew nuts daily is useful in the prevention of all the above mentioned disorders.

In a study titled, “Nutritional evaluation of cashew (Anacardium occidentale) nut protein concentrate and isolate,’’ by Ogunwolu et al, the conclusion is that the high essential amino-acid composition, high digestibility and low anti-nutrients contents of CNPI(cashew nut protein isolate) and CNPC (cashew nut protein concentrates) could make them good protein sources for fortification of a variety of food products to combat protein deficiency in many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries.

In a study titled, “Maternal intake of cashew nuts accelerates reflex maturation and facilitates memory in the offspring,’’ by Marília Ferreira Frazão Tavares de Melo et al, the conclusion is that maternal consumption of cashew nuts can accelerate reflex maturation and facilitate memory in offspring when offered in adequate quantities.

In a study titled, “Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) nuts counteract oxidative stress and inflammation in an acute experimental model of carrageenan-induced by Paw Edema Marika Cordaro et al, the conclusion is that cashew nuts possess interesting anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and analgesic activities.

In a study titled, “The role of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) nuts on an experimental model of painful degenerative joint disease,’’ by Fusco et al, results showed that oral administration of cashew nuts reduced pain severity, restored the pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance and limited joint inflammation and tissue injury. They may be considered a valuable option to fight osteoarthritis.

Before anyone tells you that you should not eat cashew nuts because they are toxic, let me burst the bubble. Cashew nuts themselves are not toxic but they are surrounded by a shell that consists of the toxic oil urushiol and this is why they are not sold in stores with their shells still intact. Roasting or steaming shelled cashews at high temperatures removes any urushiol that may have soaked through their shells. This means that you should not eat raw cashew seeds so that you do not ingest this toxic chemical. If you have kidney stones or are at risk for kidney-related conditions, you may need to avoid the nut because it has fairly high oxalate content.

Health benefits of nuts: Cashew nut

12/06/2022

*US concerned over possible link of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine to heart inflammation* https://healthwise.punchng.com/us-concerned-over-possible-link-of-novavax-covid-19-vaccine-to-heart-inflammation/ The Food and Drug Administration voiced concern Friday about myocarditis being potentially linked to the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, just as experts are to weigh its use in the United States.

Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle. The inflammation can reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood.

The Novavax vaccine is already authorised in other countries, particularly in Europe. In the United States, an independent committee convened at the request of the FDA is to meet Tuesday to evaluate data from the clinical trials of Novavax and give its recommendation.

In advance of that, the agency published a lengthy document on Friday analyzing these results, as it had done for the three other vaccines already authorised in the country.

Shortly afterward, Novavax stock dropped 20 per cent on the New York Stock Exchange.

Novavax’s vaccine was found to be 90 per cent effective against symptomatic cases of the disease, in trials conducted before the appearance of the Omicron variant, according to the FDA.

But six cases of myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, were detected in the group that received the vaccine, against one case in the placebo group, the agency pointed out.

Five cases occurred within two weeks of vaccination.

“Identification of multiple potential vaccine-associated cases” out of 40,000 clinical trial participants “raises concern that if causally associated, the risk of myocarditis following” the Novavax shot “could be higher than reported” on other vaccines such as Pfizer or Moderna, the FDA said.

A small risk of myocarditis had in fact been identified after Pfizer or Moderna vaccinations, which are based on Messenger-RNA, particularly in young men and adolescent boys.

But the FDA noted that during clinical trials of these vaccines, no cases had yet been detected, and the agency appeared concerned that the risk is higher with Novavax.

The company issued a statement in response to the FDA report on Friday, saying “we believe there is insufficient evidence to establish a causal relationship,” adding that it was normal “to see natural background events of myocarditis in any sufficiently large database.”

The Food and Drug Administration voiced concern Friday about myocarditis being potentially linked to the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, just as experts are to weigh its use in the United States. Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle. The inflammation can reduce the heart’s ability to pump blo...

12/06/2022

*Slimming tea ineffective, could stop menstruation* _–Experts_ https://healthwise.punchng.com/slimming-tea-ineffective-could-stop-menstruation-experts/ Health experts have said that there is no evidence that any slimming tea is effective in supporting long-term weight loss, noting that most of the claims made by the sellers of the products have no scientific backing.

The experts also cautioned Nigerians against indiscriminate consumption of slimming teas to lose weight, noting that they can predispose the users, especially women, to several health complications.

According to the experts, some hormonal ingredients in slimming teas can cause the cessation of menstruation and other health issues.

They also warned that the cessation of menstruation increases the risk of womb cancer in women.

The experts, a former director of Nutrition Services, Dr. James Oloyede, and a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Dr. Stanley Egbogu, noted that the quick-fix slimming teas are no substitute for a healthy diet and exercise for anyone who wishes to lose weight.

Slimming teas have become quite popular in the last few years. Most of the sellers of the products target women who desire to look slim with their advertisements.

The sellers claim that the slimming teas help the consumers lose weight and cleanse their systems.

The sellers often claim that the tea stimulates digestion, aids metabolism, and, in some cases, rids the body of impurities.

There are many slimming teas in the Nigerian market.

PUNCH HealthWise’s findings revealed that the slimming teas sold in Nigeria are mostly imported from the USA, Europe and Asia.

The United States Food and Drug Administration, however, says it has not approved any slimming tea.

According to a recent article published by Very Well Fit – a medically reviewed health site, several of the ingredients in slimming teas are laxatives and diuretics.

The article, however, acknowledged that it is possible for persons drinking slimming tea to feel that their stomach is flatter very briefly, especially, after they expel urine and faeces.

It, nevertheless, noted that the slimming teas have “no long-term benefit, no sustainable weight loss, and no guarantee of a flat tummy.”

Speaking with our correspondent, Oloyede said that the slimming teas are deceptive products, noting that they only contain laxatives.

The nutritionist explained that the laxatives in the products bring about the laxative effects been falsely promoted as weight loss.

The nutritionist said, “slimming tea works by suppressing appetite, increasing metabolism which raises the rate of energy consumption in the body and in few cases reduces the absorption of fat.”

Oloyede, however, noted that slimming tea products can cause abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, or fainting syndrome in the users.

A recent article published by Medical News Today, a web-based outlet for medical information and news, warned that slimming teas cause weakened colon, aggravated constipation, and reduced potassium levels which is dangerous for people with heart problems.

Also speaking with PUNCH HealthWise, Egbogu, warned that some slimming teas could contain hormonal ingredients which can interfere with a woman’s me**es.

Such interference, he said, could lead to the cessation of a woman’s period menstruation and lead to serious long-term health issues.

The consultant gynaecologist said, “If the content is the one that affects the hormonal interplay in a woman, she may have issues with her me**es until she stops it or the particular hormone is gotten back”.

The cessation of me**es, he said, is a grave risk if it occurs continuously for three months or more.

He asked women who experience this to quit taking the slimming tea immediately and see a gynaecologist for treatment.

He said, “If a woman stops seeing her me**es for more than three months, it is a risk for cancer of the womb or endometrial cancer.

“What happens in cancer is that the cells are supposed to grow and some of the cells in the body when they have finished their function they are supposed to die, even human beings grow, at a point they die, same as plants. So, when the time comes those cells die.

“The cells of the womb grow to a certain extent in a month and prepare to receive a baby. If the womb did not carry a baby, at some point towards the end of the month or whenever those cells will collapse and it is their death that you would see as me**es.

“Now if that shedding fails to occur because the hormone for the building of the cells continues and the one that is supposed to collapse did not die, this could be due to the slimming tea.

“If it occurs continuously for three months and above without that shedding, those things can become cancerous.”

The experts urged persons who wish to lose weight to replace calories in foods with fruits and vegetables, noting that modifying their diet is better than indulging in drinking teas that are appetite suppressants.

Amarachi Okeh Health experts have said that there is no evidence that any slimming tea is effective in supporting long-term weight loss, noting that most of the claims made by the sellers of the products have no scientific backing. The experts also cautioned Nigerians against indiscriminate consumpt...

12/06/2022

*Lack of exposure to sunlight put children at risk of rickets, surgeon warns mothers* https://healthwise.punchng.com/lack-of-exposure-to-sunlight-put-children-at-risk-of-rickets-surgeon-warns-mothers/ A former President, Nigerian Medical Association, Prof. Mike Ogirima, has urged mothers to ensure that their children are exposed to the sun once in a while, warning that lack of exposure to sunlight can cause nutritional rickets in children.

Nutritional rickets, according to experts, is a bone disease in early childhood resulting in bone pain, delayed motor development, and bending of the bones, caused by vitamin D deficiency and/or inadequate dietary calcium intake.

According to Mayo Clinic – a medical center focused on integrated health care, education, and research, children with nutritional rickets aside from suffering delayed growth and delayed motor development are also more at risk of developing bow leg, knock knees and breastbone projection.

The health expert flayed some traditional practices that compel mothers and children to stay indoors, noting that cultural practice that prevents children from going outside is unhealthy for proper child growth.

He explained that when children are exposed to the sun, the ultraviolet light in the sunlight converts the inactive form of vitamin D to active forms under the skin.

This, he said, helps reduce the risk of Vitamin D deficiency and thus helps prevent nutritional rickets.

He stated further that rickets causes poor mineralisation of the bone, adding that this often leads to a condition called osteopenia in children. Ostopenia, he said, can also affect adults and can lead to osteoporosis.

The professor of orthopaedic and trauma surgery explained that osteopenia occurs when the bone density is lighter than it is supposed to be, adding that the condition can be detected through an x-ray.

Persons with this condition, he said, are at risk of suffering a sudden bone fracture.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with PUNCH HealthWise, Prof. Ogirima, who is also the Provost, College of Health Science, Federal University Lokoja, noted that while anyone can develop osteopenia, the condition is generally seen more in the elderly, especially females.

He said this is because of the effect of s*x hormones, and estrogen levels in the female gender.

He said, “Osteopenia can be caused by inactivity. That is why those staying in one place for a long period of time are at risk. This is because the minerals in the bone will look as if it has been washed-off the bone.

“Also, chronic liver disease, chronic alcoholism and chronic abuse of steroids are the other factors associated with osteopenia.

“Generally, any chronic condition that keeps an individual in one place for a long period of time, maybe more than three or six months in one place can

Result in osteopenia which can lead to osteoporosis.”

Vitamin D deficiency, he explained, “can be caused by kidney problems because the formation of vitamin D goes through the kidney for it to be active.

“So, if you have chronic kidney failure, chronic renal problem, or renal disease, these are the things that can cause the minerals to be washed out of the bones and present it as a very light bone on the x-ray. That is what we call osteopenia.”

Ogirima stated further that individuals suffering from this condition will present symptoms like, “Generalised bone pains, not joint but bones, the person can present easy fracture that is, they can trip, fall and fracture their bones.”

If an individual has osteoporosis or osteopenia, the person will be advised to go for a detailed medical check-up to ascertain the cause, he added when asked about the treatment options available to patients.

He said, “When you do the x-ray and discover osteopenic changes. What is first done is to ascertain the cause.

“For the younger ones, we will find out the cause and treat it. If it is rickets, replace vitamin D and calcium, if it is chronic liver disease, we treat the liver disease, and if it is a chronic renal problem, you have to treat the problem.

“Of course, there is nothing you can do about ageing and that is why we advise aged people to be on supplements. Post-menopausal women are also advised to take calcium supplements, nutrients rich in calcium like dairy products, these are the things that can restore the usual mineral loss in the body.”

Prof. Ogirima also advises Nigerians to engage in regular physical exercise, noting that it would serve as a preventive measure to ensure the bones are in healthy condition.

He said, “They say, movement is life and life is movement. So, don’t be restricted to one place. You must move around so the blood can circulate and the bone can be involved in daily metabolic exchanges.

“This is because what normally keeps the bone strong is the exchange of iron. That involves the calcium and the phosphate in the bone, adding that it helps to balance the blood levels.

“So, if all these are not circulating well, one can have the clinical state of nutritional rickets, osteopenia which can result in osteoporosis.”

oluwaHe, however, noted that the health condition could be treated, noting that after proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the bone can go back to its previous healthy state.

Oluwatobiloba Jaiyeola A former President, Nigerian Medical Association, Prof. Mike Ogirima, has urged mothers to ensure that their children are exposed to the sun once in a while, warning that lack of exposure to sunlight can cause nutritional rickets in children. Nutritional rickets, according to....

19/09/2021

YOU NEED TO KNOW

1. Antibiotics like Tetracycline, Doxycycline and oxytetracycline shouldn't be taken with milk or yoghurt

2. Don't take more 2,000MG of Vitamin C daily expect advise by your doctor

3. Don't take more 8 tablet of paracetamol daily

4. Don't take Ampliclox without prescription

18/09/2021

IF YOU HAVE DIFFICULTIES IN REMEMBERING WORDS OR NAMES, YOU COULD BE SUFFERING FROM A DISORDER KNOWN AS "ANOMIC APHASIA"

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Gnawed Nails

Biting your nails may be nothing more than an old habit, but in some cases it's a sign of persistent anxiety that could benefit from treatment. Nail biting or picking has also been linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder. If you can't stop, it's worth discussing with your doctor.

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Dark Lines Beneath the Nail

Dark lines beneath the nail should be investigated as soon as possible. They are sometimes caused by melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.

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Puffy Nail Fold

If the skin around the nail appears red and puffy, this is known as inflammation of the nail fold. It may be the result of lupus or another connective tissue disorder. Infection can also cause redness and inflammation of the nail fold.

25/08/2021

CRACK OR SPLIT NAILS

Dry, brittle nails that frequently crack or split have been linked to thyroid disease. Cracking or splitting combined with a yellowish hue is more likely due to a fungal infection