A few days ago, Nigerian rapper, Lil Kesh lamented how he’s thought to be underage. Here’s how he put it: Everytime I asked for alcohol o...
Italy’s navy and coastguard, ships patrolling on a European Union anti-smuggling mission, vessels run by humanitarian groups and a commercial tugboat rescued intending migrants off the coast of Libya.
In one operation to help the migrants, they panicked when they felt choked by fumes and began throwing themselves into the water in a desperate bid to reach a vessel operated by Malta-based humanitarian group MOAS so they could be rescued.
Some members of the crew also jumped into the sea in an effort to save them, and one crewman had to be rescued himself after he swallowed fuel and passed out as he was overwhelmed by migrants.
The charity successfully rescued 354 people from a dangerously overloaded rubber dinghy. But five men and two women drowned unfortunately.
A Sky news reporter on board the Responder rescue ship told how the crew were radioed at 5am by the coastguard to go to the aid of 160 people in a sinking dinghy.
More than 1,000 people were rescued over the next three hours including three babies
Italy’s navy and coastguard, ships patrolling on a European Union anti-smuggling mission, vessels run by humanitarian groups and a commerci...
The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Southeast, has called on the five governors from the zone, to take more pragmatic steps in ensuring that the reported killings by herdsmen, come to an end.
The association, after a closed door meeting they held in Owerri, issued a statement through the Southeast Secretary of CAN, Nnabugwu Oluchukwu who told Vanguard that the activities of the herdsmen in the zone, was not acceptable and should be looked into in order to prevent outbreak of violence. He said, “ We plead that the governors of the Southeast states should react to this ugly development, hence the Fulani herdsmen are continuously harassing rural communities in their states. We have had the attacks by Fulani herdsmen in Ndiagu Attaukwu village in Akagbe Ukwu community, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu state, and recently in Akokwa in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State. This is indeed very sad and unpatriotic. “It is wrong to hear that herdsmen are now moving round the country with dangerous weapons to the point of invading rural communities, destroying their farmlands and their economic crops especially in this time of hardship, a situation which can affect the productivity of the people and further push them to extreme poverty. We have to do the right thing to end this. “We also call on the Federal Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that these herdsmen said to be committing these atrocities will be arrested and at the same time prosecuted in order to serve as a deterrent to others who have similar intention.”
The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Southeast, has called on the five governors from the zone, to take more pragmatic steps in ensur...
Booty. Bum. Junk in the trunk. Badonkadonk. Bottom. Backside. Whatever you call it, it’s safe to say that most people want one that’s tight enough to bounce a quarter off of.
But whatever your goal, it’s just a good thing to have a strong gluteus maximus — it’s the biggest muscle in the body and a key part of almost every move we make: standing up, sitting down, climbing stairs, etc.
Which is why you need to try out Cassey Ho’s booty-blasting workout that will get your glutes in prime, shapely form. (Bonus: This workout will kill your thighs, too!)
Booty. Bum. Junk in the trunk. Badonkadonk. Bottom. Backside. Whatever you call it, it’s safe to say that most people want one that’s tight ...
While black garlic certainly doesn’t sound all that appetizing – in fact, you might envision it to simply be burned garlic, it’s actually made by “fermenting” whole bulbs of fresh garlic in a humidity-controlled environment in temperatures that range from 140 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit for 14 to 40 days. There are no additives, preservatives, or burning for that matter, of any kind.
Once it’s removed from the heat, the garlic bulbs are placed in a dry area at room temperature to oxidize for 10 to 14 days. The process results in garlic that is matte-black and gooey soft with a somewhat chewy texture and a flavor similar to balsamic vinegar – the normal pungency taste of garlic disappears, which means that even those that can’t stand garlic may like black garlic.
As the Nordic Food Lab describes it, “The process is not, strictly speaking, fermentative—the transformation is due not to microbial metabolism but in part to enzymatic breakdown (the heat denatures alliinase, the enzyme that converts non-volatile alliin into volatile allicin, the compound responsible for fresh garlic’s pungency) and in part to the Maillard Reaction, a cascade of chemical reactions that produce the dark colour and complex, caramelized flavor.”
In fact, food connoisseurs say that it’s a perfect “sweet meets savory” mix of molasses-like richness with slight tangy garlic undertones and a melt-in-your mouth consistency similar to soft, dried fruit. Its appearance on the “Top Chef” and “Iron Chef” reality TV shows put it into the spotlight as one of the latest and greatest true “superfoods.”
In Taoism mythology, black garlic was even rumored to grant immortality – and, while we certainly can’t guarantee that, there is little doubt that it offers a ton of health benefits. It’s packed with nearly twice the amount of antioxidants as raw garlic – researchers have found that the aging/fermenting process appears to double its antioxidants. And, not coincidentally, a 2009 study conducted in Japan found that it was more effective than fresh garlic for reducing the size of tumors.
Black garlic is also filled with a high concentration of sulfurous compounds. One of the compounds in particular, s-allylcycteine or SAC, has been scientifically found to offers numerous health benefits, including the inhibition of cholesterol synthesis – which in layman’s terms means that it can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
It can be eaten alone, on bread, or used in any of your favorite dishes, much as you would regular garlic – but you’ll enjoy even greater health benefits than you would from this already very powerful herb.
If that’s not enough reason to get you to consider getting creative in your kitchen and putting black garlic to work in your meals, these reasons are sure to get you inspired.
4 Reasons To Start Eating Black Garlic
1. Treat type 2 diabetes
Those who suffer from type 2 diabetes know that the condition can wreak havoc on your health due to the effects of oxidative stress. Uncontrolled diabetes may lead to serious complications like kidney disease, heart disease, nerve damage and vision problems – sometimes even blindness.
The potent antioxidants in black garlic specifically can lessen oxidative stress caused by increased blood sugar levels. Multiple studies have found that its high level of antioxidants exert an even stronger effect than regular garlic and could be even more helpful in preventing complications of diabetes.
2. Improve cholesterol levels
While “good” cholesterol, or HDL, is essential for survival, keeping LDL, or “bad” cholesterol in check is important for reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke and premature death. Although raw garlic has gotten most of the praise when it comes to heart healthy benefits, black garlic has recently been the subject of multiple studies, and as it has a slightly different phytochemical makeup compared to raw garlic, as mentioned, it offers even greater benefits for supporting the heart.
A 2014 study conducted at Chonbuk National University Hospital in South Korea found that participants who took black garlic extract daily for 12 weeks say an average increase in HDL (“good” cholesterol), as well as a decrease in allpoprotein B in blood lipids – something that’s considered to be a strong indicator of heart disease risk.
3. Allergy relief and more
Whether you suffer from nasal or skin allergies, black garlic can bring significant relief. Studies have found that it actually has the ability to turn off genes that cause inflammation and allergic reactions in the first place. It’s also known to strengthen the immune system, due to its abundance of antioxidants, which is important whether you have allergies or not.
In addition to warding off allergies, as garlic is considered a natural antibiotic it can even help to battle viruses and infections. A 2012 study conducted at Washington State University found that garlic was 100 times more effective than two top antibiotics for fighting a bacteria known as Campylobacter, which is responsible for many intestinal illnesses throughout the world. It’s been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, include to help fight the plague in the 18th century.
Garlic has the ability to kill bacteria as well as viruses, fungus’s and pathogens without harming beneficial gut flora, unlike antibiotic drugs.
4. Help heal the liver from alcohol damage
The liver is one of the only organs that can heal itself from damage – if good habits are developed before it’s too late. Alcoholic liver disease occurs as a result of damage from oxidative stress, due to trying to break down the alcohol. That damages liver cells, which can lead to inflammation and scarring over time.
Scientists have found that black garlic can help reduce inflammation and even help reverse the damage of alcohol on the liver, as well as to remove fat that’s accumulated on the river, thanks to its potent antioxidant properties, once again.
While black garlic certainly doesn’t sound all that appetizing – in fact, you might envision it to simply be burned garlic, it’s actually m...
APC says the PDP is attempting to blackmail the Buhari-led administration. And that the nation’s economic woe is a result of the PDP’s mismanagement of the economy.
This is according to a statement signed by APC’s National Secretary, Mala Buni.
“The reality remains that the prevailing socio-economic hardship being faced by Nigerians is a direct consequence of the mismanagement of the economy and unprecedented looting of the country’s commonwealth perpetrated under its watch,” he says. “The PDP’s attempt to turn truth on its head is fraudulent, insensitive and an insult to Nigerians. For the umpteenth time, the PDP must own up to its transgressions and apologize to Nigerians,” he adds.
The party appoints out that the Buhari led government aims to upturn the economy through “various economic policies, fiscal discipline and socio-political reforms”. And urged the FG to remain focused on restoring the economy.
Source: LIB
APC says the PDP is attempting to blackmail the Buhari-led administration. And that the nation’s economic woe is a result of the PDP’s mism...
While I decided to hands off writing any more story on Mark Zuckerberg’s Lagos visit . I found an article that touched on the issue of labelling Nigeria and 45 or 47 other African nations (depending on who you ask) as sub-Saharan Africa. Thereby denying unique nationalities more precise identifiers.
Zuck’s visit brought that up again when a few media houses labelled his visit to Lagos as a trip to sub-Saharan Africa. And Nigerian’s took it up on social media, asking why it’s too difficult for said media houses to spell out the five letter word city, Lagos.
With the nation in a recession and scepticism from foreign investors. Telling Zuckerberg’s story to Lagos right will boost Nigeria’s image and help attract his sort.
But why the sub-Saharan eclipse?
Max de Haldevang explains it in this piece.
While I decided to hands off writing any more story on Mark Zuckerberg’s Lagos visit . I found an article that touched on the issue of la...
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety affects nearly 40 million people in the U.S. alone. And that anxiety can cause all sorts of other problems that negatively affect the quality of your life.
Anxiety is a normal part of everyone’s life occasionally – you may have felt it just before you got up to give a speech, or during a job interview, for example. Short-term anxiety increases the heart rate and concentrates the blood flow to the brain, where you need it, preparing you to face a challenging situation. But a persistent state of anxiety can have some devastating effects on both your mental and physical health.
Conditions like IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders, heart disease and chronic respiratory issues have all been linked to higher anxiety levels.
While it may be tempting to turn to a pill to ease anxiety, anti-anxiety medications tend to come with a lot of unwanted side effects. Just a few of those common side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Lack of coordination or balanced
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Confusion
- Stomach upset
- Headache
- Blurred vision
And there are some that are a whole lot scarier, like mania, aggression, hostility and rage, irritability, hallucinations, and even increased anxiety.
That’s the bad news. Fortunately, there is some good news too. Research has found that certain foods actually have the ability to not only lessen stress but relieve anxiety too.
1. Avocados
B vitamins are important for healthy brain cells and nerves, which leads experts to believe that for some, those feelings of anxiety could be rooted in a deficiency in the vitamin. Chronic stress, poor diet and certain medical conditions can all deplete the body’s stores of essential nutrients. Symptoms of a vitamin B deficiency include irritability, fatigue, emotional instability and anxiety.
Avocados are loaded with those stress-relieving B vitamins as well as potassium, which helps to naturally lower blood pressure. The next time you make a salad, throw on a few slices of avocado – or, for a creamier, anxiety-battling smoothie, scoop out about a half of one avocado and throw it into your blender with your other ingredients.
2. Blueberries
Blueberries are so sweet and juicy, they’re almost like a dessert, yet they’re extremely good for you and can even help boost your mood, easing anxiety. They contain anthocyanins, the pigments responsible for giving them their deep blue color. Those antioxidants help the brain to produce dopamine, which is essential to one’s mood. Blueberries are also loaded with vitamin C, a powerful stress buster that helps to repair and protect our body’s cells. You can freeze them and enjoy them as a delicious cold snack, toss them into a smoothie or throw a handful on some plain organic yogurt.
3. Dark chocolate
Many of us reach for our favorite treat when feeling stressed, and beyond taste, there may be a reason behind that – consuming it has been found to reduce stress hormones like cortisol.
A study published in the Journal of Proteome Research in 2009, found that eating the equivalent of one 1.4 ounce dark chocolate bar per day for two weeks reduced the levels of cortisol, as well as catecholamines, which are those “fight or flight” hormones in people who are highly stressed.
Other research, published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology showed that study participants who drank a daily dark chocolate drink that was equivalent to about 1.5 ounces of dark chocolate, reported feeling calmer than those who didn’t.
While this is a great excuse to indulge, moderation is key. Chocolate has a lot of calories – if you eat too much, those pounds can quickly creep up.
4. Oysters
If you like oysters, you’re in luck. Another nutrient deficiency that’s been linked to anxiety is zinc, and oysters are loaded with this trace mineral. If you have an imbalance of zinc to copper, with higher levels of copper and lower zinc levels, that can cause anxiety symptoms as zinc is necessary for proper neurotransmitter function and adaptation to stress.
Research corroborates this: A study conducted out of the Research Institute, Pfeiffer Treatment Center of Warrenville, Illinois, revealed that chronic anxiety sufferers had generally lower serum zinc levels as compared to copper. When they were treated with zinc, along with antioxidant supplements, their symptoms significantly improved.
While copper piping for water in homes is common and can contribute to ingesting traces of copper, raising levels in the body, it’s much easier to balance out your zinc to copper ratio by getting more zinc in your diet. Oysters are one of the best ways to do this. Just six little oysters contain a whopping 220% of the daily recommended value.
5. Bananas
Bananas are not only a great source of B vitamins, which as noted, work to help calm and soothe the nervous system, they’re an exceptional food for regulating dopamine, the natural reward chemical that helps boost ones mood, ultimately relieving anxiety. That’s because bananas, especially when they’re ripe, have a high level of tyrosine which is used to synthesize dopamine.
The tryptophan contained in bananas also results in an increase in the body’s magnesium level, which further helps to lessen anxiety. Scientific studies have discovered that low magnesium levels were associated with anxiety. It is estimated that as many as 80% of Americans are deficient in magnesium – and, when anxiety occurs, it causes magnesium depletion, creating an endless cycle.
6. Asparagus
This popular green veggie contains a number of important nutrients that may help battle anxiety symptoms. It’s an excellent source of folic acid – and a low level of folic acid has been associated with neurotransmitter impairment which is known to lead to anxiety. Just four spears contains 89 micrograms of the specifically beneficial B vitamin, or 22% of the recommended daily value, yet it has only 13 calories. Asparagus also contains a moderate amount of potassium to help lower blood pressure.
7. Wild-caught salmon
Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to actually alter brain chemicals associated with mood, like dopamine and serotonin. A diet that’s rich in omega-3s helps to prevent adrenaline and cortisol from spiking when those anxious feelings arise. And, wild-caught salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3. Just three ounces contains roughly 1,500 milligrams. Consuming that amount at least three times a week will go a long way in protecting your heart from those stress hormones as well as helping you feel more at ease.
8. Chamomile tea
Chamomile has long been used for its natural calming effects – it’s an herb that’s been used in traditional and herbal medicines for thousands of years. In fact, the ancient Romans, Greeks and Egyptians were said to use it for anxiety and insomnia, among other things. In recent years, science finally backed that up with a 2009 studyout of the University of Pennsylvania published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, noting that chamomile capsules appeared to have a calming effect on anxiety symptoms.
Chamomile tea is believed to offer similar benefits. Sip a cup of this mild tea every day, and you may notice a significant decrease in your anxiety symptoms within just a few weeks.
9. Turmeric
Turmeric, that bright yellow spice that serves as the main ingredient in curry, may work as well as anti-anxiety medications. That’s because the antioxidants in turmeric, known as curcuminoids, offer a neuroprotective quality that helps to enhance one’s mood. A 2014 study from the Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India found it to be an effective option for major depressive disorder, which is closely linked to anxiety disorders.
Other research, published in 2015 from the UCLA Brain Injury Research Center found that the curcumin in turmeric enhances the synthesis of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) from its precursor, ALA (a-linolenic acid). A deficiency of DHA has been linked to a number of disorders, including anxiety.
The curcumin is best absorbed by the body when turmeric is heated – in addition to using it to make curry, you can use it to make a turmeric tea, add it soups or stews, when stir-frying vegetables or to flavor your eggs.
10. Turkey
Tryptophan is an amino acid found in many protein-containing foods, but turkey is one of the best sources. As mentioned, tryptophan helps to increase the body’s magnesium level, which can help reduce anxiety symptoms. Researchers also believe that it has a positive effect on stress, as the amino acid helps the brain to produce feel-good hormones like serotonin that helps you feel more calm and relaxed. Turkey is one of the most famous of the tryptophan-rich foods, making one feel sleepy after that big Thanksgiving meal. Just a three-ounce serving contains 270 milligrams.
A pilot study, conducted out of Ontario, Canada in 2007, found that protein-sourced tryptophan combined with a high glycemic carbohydrate could be an effective treatment for social anxiety disorder.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety affects nearly 40 million people in the U.S. alone. And that anxiet...
Nigerian actress, Rita Dominic in a live chat with fans answered questions around her personal-life and career.
The chat ran a little over 17 minutes. It was interactive from the jump, with Rita telling her fans to ask her whatever they want to.
The first question was if she had kids? Responding, she said she doesn’t but will love to have pretty soon.
On her beauty routine, she says she drinks a lot of water, exercises a lot and eats right.
She even lets us in on her itinerary, as she’ll be at the Toronto International Films Festival for the screening of a movie she featured in. The movie title is 76.
Watch the video below:
Nigerian actress, Rita Dominic in a live chat with fans answered questions around her personal-life and career. The chat ran a little over...
In a Facebook chat with some of her fans, actress Rita Dominic, 41, says she currently doesn’t have kids but would love to. “No I don’t have kids but I would love to. I love children so much. I am working on it. Hopefully…”she said…
In a Facebook chat with some of her fans, actress Rita Dominic, 41, says she currently doesn’t have kids but would love to. “No I don’t hav...