It is that season again, that time of the year. The famous orange glossy fruits are out again. Growing up in the western part of Nigeria, the love I had for agbalumo as a kid was nothing compared to that of my meals. I also remember using its seeds to play and calculate at some point. Without knowing its benefits, I cherished this fruit.
Having studied and learned more about this fruit, I would be sharing in today’s article most of what you need to know about this special fruit and its different health benefits.
Known to the Yorubas as Agbalumo, to the Igbos as Udara, and to the Hausas as Ciwoh, this amazing fruit (African Star Apple) has many benefits that would amaze you when compared to its size.
Agbalumo is very beneficial to human health
Agbalumo/Udara has this sweet-sour taste with this milky juice coming out when squeezed or sucked before consuming its flesh. It also has a chewable edible skin that is usually orange in color.
Health Benefits of Agbalumo
Agbalumo serves as a good source of calcium. The calcium content in one agbalumo fruit is about 10 percent the amount you need in a day and calcium serves as a source of strength for the bones and teeth.
It is also a very good source of Vitamin A and C. A single agbalumo fruit provides about 5 percent of the daily recommended value of these vitamins in the body. This helps to prevent gum diseases such as scurvy and also helps fight other diseases in the body.
According to the locals, this amazing fruit can be used as a natural remedy to treat sore throat, toothaches, and constipation.
agbalumo
Its parts (the leaves, roots and barks) have also been said to be used in times past in preparing traditional herbs to treat cough, yellow fever and high blood pressure.
It has also been said to help in weight management. Agbalumo contains fibre which helps in reducing your appetite and prevents you from eating too much. This fruit provides 3g of the recommended 25 to 38g daily intake of fibre needed by the body.
It helps in lowering blood sugar and cholesterol, thus, could be useful in preventing heart-related diseases.
Its seeds are useful in treating diarrhea.
Other uses of this fruit include treatment for hypertension, intestinal issues and cancer.
This is the season of this wonderful fruit. Try as much as possible to take an adequate amount of this fruit to obtain its maximum benefit.
It is that season again, that time of the year. The famous orange glossy fruits are out again. Growing up in the western part of Nigeria, th...
It is no longer news that Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson was pregnant but the identity of the baby father was hidden. Earlier this week, the actress reportedly gave birth to her baby in Ghana but the
The news of her delivery flooded the internet over the weekend. The identity of the father was still unknown.
Few days after the news that Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson gave birth, details of her baby daddy surfaced the internet.
According to YEN, the father of Yvonne’s baby girl is a fashion photographer based in London.
It was also reported that the caring father was by her side during the birth of the baby girl.
It is no longer news that Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson was pregnant but the identity of the baby father was hidden. Earlier this week, the...
A newly unsealed docket in the criminal case against Paul Manafort and his longtime business associate Rick Gates alleged that both men had received “millions of dollars” from Ukrainian and Russian oligarchs that would allow them “to live comfortably abroad” and therefore make them a flight risk.
The government wrote in the documents unsealed on Tuesday, which include arrest warrants and the terms of their release, that Manafort and Gates “have connections to Ukrainian and Russian oligarchs, who have provided” them with “millions of dollars.”
“Foreign connections of this kind indicate that the defendants would have access to funds and an ability ‘to live comfortably’ abroad…a consideration that strongly suggests risk of flight,” the filings said.
Whereas Gates was released on his own personal recognizance, or a promise that he will return to court, Manafort was released into a “high intensity supervision program.”
Both men were placed on house arrest after the government successfully argued that they “pose a risk of flight based on the serious nature of the charges, their history of deceptive and misleading conduct, the potentially significant sentences the defendants face, the strong evidence of guilt, their significant financial resources, and their foreign connections.”
Manafort and Gates, who both pleaded not guilty on Monday, were required to turn over their passports to the FBI and notify the bureau of their movements. According to the filing, Manafort currently has three passports with different numbers — and has “submitted ten US passport applications on ten different occasions” over the past decade.
“Manafort and Gates are frequent international travelers, consistent with the nature of their work for foreign entities,” the filing read. “Within the last year, Manafort has traveled to Dubai, Cancun, Panama City, Havana, Shanghai, Madrid, Tokyo, and Grand Cayman Island…The investigation has also revealed that Gates and Manafort traveled to Cyprus, the place where many of their foreign accounts are based.”
Additionally, Manafort allegedly registered a phone number and email address using an alias, according to the government. He traveled with that phone to “Mexico in June 2017; to China on May 23, 2017; and to Ecuador on May 9, 2017.”
The New York Times reported in July, citing financial documents filed in Cyprus, that Manafort was in debt to pro-Russian interests by as much as $17 million by the time he joined President Donald Trump’s campaign team in March 2016.
Manafort also has significant business ties to the Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska, who signed a $10 million annual contract with Manafort in 2006, according to the Associated Press, for a lobbying project in the US that Manafort said would “greatly benefit the Putin Government.”
That relationship turned sour in 2014, though, when Deripaska’s representatives filed legal complaints in the Cayman Islands alleging that Manafort all but disappeared with $19 million Deripaska had given him to invest in a Ukrainian TV company called Black Sea Cable.
In early 2016, Deripaska’s representatives “openly accused Manafort of fraud and pledged to recover the money from him,” according to The Associated Press. “After Trump earned the nomination [in May], Deripaska’s representatives said they would no longer discuss the case.”
In a July 2016 email, Manafort asked his longtime employee Konstantin Kilimnik, a Russian-Ukrainian dual citizen, to offer Deripaska “private briefings” about the campaign.
Kilimnik, too, may appear in the newly unsealed docket. According to the government, “Manafort, Gates, and a Russian national—who is a longstanding employee of Davis Manafort Partners, Inc. and DMP International LLC (collectively DMI)—served as the beneficial owners and signatories” on the many offshore accounts they had opened.
“More than $75 million flowed through these overseas accounts,” the filings said, “and the government has substantial documentary evidence to support that allegation.”
Manafort also represented the value of his assets on loan applications “in divergent amounts, ” according to the court filings. The values varied wildly in 2016, when he was serving as Trump’s campaign chairman — from $48 million in February 2016 to $136 million in May 2016 to $25 million in November 2016 — suggesting “considerable resources, the full extent of which is unclear,” the government wrote.
Gates, meanwhile, “frequently changed banks and opened and closed bank accounts,” prosecutors said. He allegedly opened 55 accounts with 13 different banks, some of which were based in England and Cyprus.
A newly unsealed docket in the criminal case against Paul Manafort and his longtime business associate Rick Gates alleged that both men h...
Not in contention for a Super Eagles berth, their brilliance over the weekend caught the eye as they made our weekly list of outstanding Nigerian players.
Anthony Nwakaeme
There really isn’t a better time for Hapoel Be’er Sheva forward to get firing than this time. Nwakaeme who started off on the left of the Camel’s attack scored a beaut of a goal almost reminiscent his goal six days before against Maccabi Tel Aviv. It wasn’t Tony working his way to the shot this time, it was more instinctive, seeing a loose ball from Maor Melikson’s heavy touch, the forward ran up five yards to hit a perfectly-placed, low, first time shot form the edge of the box in the 63rd minute to put his team ahead. He put the icing on the cake six minutes to the end of regulation time when he and Melikson combined for an unorthodox one-two-three that had his teammate play a strong, low cross through a thicket of defenders. Tony took a touch with the cleat of his boot popping up the ball before he fired home.
The forward with three goals in his seven starts will hope to replicate such scoring form with the Super Eagles in a bid to join the squad to the World Cup in Russia.
Joel Obi
Injuries have not been fair to Joel Obi. The midfielder worked his way to full fitness after a lengthy layoff to begin the Serie A season with Torino. Two games into the season, Obi was with a goal and an assist but injury struck unfortunately after 10 minutes into his third game of the season. The former Inter Milan player had to sit out 49 days due to the muscle injury. He returned to score the winner for his team against Cagliari over the weekend. Joel came on in the 56th minute replacing Afriye Acquah and he quickly got on in the action almost scoring few seconds after coming on. Obi looked lively all through his cameo, popping in the danger zone engaging in a number of goalmouth actions.
His most important action came ten minutes after he had come on. Cagliari’s goalkeeper Rafael stopped a shot at the near post with his foot but the ball rebounded off the inside of the crossbar to line up perfectly for the onrushing Obi to head in. The midfielder will hope to stay injury free as he builds his impressive substitute performance for Sinisa Mihajlovic’s side.
Mikel Agu
Much-maligned Mikel Agu showed what made Gernot Rohr take a liking to him in Bursaspor’s 4-0 win over Antalyaspor . The midfielder was effervescent in the midfield and defensive third with a 90% pass completion rate from a team-high 72 passes while still posting three tackles and two interceptions. The former Porto player did score the game’s opener with his only touch in the box all game. Agu rose highest in the 37th minute to head home Pablo Batalla’s inswinging corner to set his team on the rout of Samuel Eto’o’s team.
The midfield has been a lynchpin in the Crocodiles’ midfield starting all of the team’s games snapping at heels and winning an impressive 3.6 tackles per game (Second in the League). Agu will, however, have to do more in the green of the Super Eagles to win over critics who continually question his inclusion in the National team.
Ogenyi Onazi
There were three red cards, eight yellow cards and 33 fouls in Trabzonspor’s game against Galatasaray but incredibly Ogenyi Onazi who played in the midfield that saw 42% of the match action was without a foul. What made it even less believable was the fact that Onazi led the game in tackles with his eight tackles alongside four interceptions.
The defensive midfielder was instrumental in his team’s first victory in their last six games as he delivered a solid performance, covering huge distances across the midfield for the 89 minutes he was on. Onazi hardly putting a foot wrong against the best midfielder in the Turkish SuperLig, Fernando. The Nigerian midfielder will hope he is rewarded with his third consecutive start against Kayserispor as he continues on the path of redemption at Trabzonspor.
Peter Olayinka
Olayinka got his goalscoring tally to five in a fortuitous manner. The 21-year old was on for the full duration of Zulte Waregem’s 2-1 win over KV Mechelen. Olayinka’s cross from the by-line on the left was intended for Sandy Walsh but it bounced off the turf into the net. The Nigerian who is on loan from Gent has proved a shrewd acquisition by Zulte Waregem with his contributions in goals and assists. The former 36 Lions player has seven assists this season from his 13 starts for Waregem.
Not in contention for a Super Eagles berth, their brilliance over the weekend caught the eye as they made our weekly list of outstandin...
It’s high in beneficial nutrients, as well as certain plant compounds and antioxidants that may help treat and even prevent some conditions.
Also, cucumbers are low in calories and contain a good amount of water and soluble fiber, making them ideal for promoting hydration and aiding in weight loss.
This article takes a closer look at some of the top health benefits of eating cucumber.
1. It’s High in Nutrients
Cucumbers are low in calories but high in many important vitamins and minerals.
One 11-ounce (300-gram) unpeeled, raw cucumber contains the following:
Calories: 45
Total fat: 0 grams
Carbs: 11 grams
Protein: 2 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Vitamin C: 14% of the RDI
Vitamin K: 62% of the RDI
Magnesium: 10% of the RDI
Potassium: 13% of the RDI
Manganese: 12% of the RDI
Although, the typical serving size is about one-third of a cucumber, so eating a standard portion would provide about one-third of the nutrients above.
Additionally, cucumbers have a high water content. In fact, cucumbers are made up of about 96% water.
To maximize their nutrient content, cucumbers should be eaten unpeeled. Peeling them reduces the amount of fiber, as well as certain vitamins and minerals.
2. It Contains Antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules that block oxidation, a chemical reaction that forms highly reactive atoms with unpaired electrons known as free radicals.
The accumulation of these harmful free radicals can lead to several types of chronic illness.
In fact, oxidative stress caused by free radicals has been associated with cancer and heart, lung and autoimmune disease.
Fruits and vegetables, including cucumbers, are especially rich in beneficial antioxidants that may reduce the risk of these conditions.
One study measured the antioxidant power of cucumber by supplementing 30 older adults with cucumber powder.
At the end of the 30-day study, cucumber powder caused a significant increase in several markers of antioxidant activity and improved antioxidant status.
However, it’s important to note that the cucumber powder used in this study likely contained a greater dose of antioxidants than you would consume in a typical serving of cucumber.
Another test-tube study investigated the antioxidant properties of cucumbers and found that they contain flavonoids and tannins, which are two groups of compounds that are especially effective at blocking harmful free radicals (6).
3. It Promotes Hydration
Water is crucial to your body’s function, playing numerous important roles.
It is involved in processes like temperature regulation and the transportation of waste products and nutrients.
In fact, proper hydration can affect everything from physical performance to metabolism.
While you meet the majority of your fluid needs by drinking water or other liquids, some people may get as much as 40% of their total water intake from food.
Fruits and vegetables, in particular, can be a good source of water in your diet.
In one study, hydration status was assessed and diet records were collected for 442 children. They found that increased fruit and vegetable intake was associated with improvements in hydration status.
Because cucumbers are composed of about 96% water, they are especially effective at promoting hydration and can help you meet your daily fluid needs.
4. It May Aid in Weight Loss
Cucumbers could potentially help you lose weight in a few different ways.
First of all, they are low in calories.
Each one-cup (104-gram) serving contains just 16 calories, while an entire 11-ounce (300-gram) cucumber contains only 45 calories.
This means that you can eat plenty of cucumbers without packing on the extra calories that lead to weight gain.
Cucumbers can add freshness and flavor to salads, sandwiches and side dishes and may also be used as a replacement for higher calorie alternatives.
Furthermore, the high water content of cucumbers could aid in weight loss as well.
One analysis looked at 13 studies including 3,628 people and found that eating foods with high water and low calorie contents was associated with a significant decrease in body weight.
5. It May Lower Blood Sugar
Several animal and test-tube studies have found that cucumbers may help reduce blood sugar levels and prevent some complications of diabetes.
One animal study examined the effects of various plants on blood sugar. Cucumbers were shown to effectively reduce and control blood sugar levels.
Another animal study induced diabetes in mice and then supplemented them with cucumber peel extract. Cucumber peel reversed most of the diabetes-associated changes and caused a decrease in blood sugar.
In addition, one test-tube study found that cucumbers may be effective at reducing oxidative stress and preventing diabetes-related complications.
However, the current evidence is limited to test-tube and animal studies. Further research is needed to determine how cucumbers may affect blood sugar in humans.
6. It Could Promote Regularity
Eating cucumbers may help support regular bowel movements.
Dehydration is a major risk factor for constipation, as it can alter your water balance and make the passage of stool difficult.
Cucumbers are high in water and promote hydration. Staying hydrated can improve stool consistency, prevent constipation and help maintain regularity.
Moreover, cucumbers contain fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements.
In particular, pectin, the type of soluble fiber found in cucumbers, can help increase bowel movement frequency.
One study had 80 participants supplement with pectin. It found that pectin sped up the movement of the intestinal muscles, all while feeding the beneficial bacteria in the gut that improve digestive health.
7. Easy to Add to Your Diet
Mild with a distinctly crisp and refreshing flavor, cucumbers are commonly enjoyed fresh or pickled in everything from salads to sandwiches.
Cucumbers are also often eaten raw as a low-calorie snack or can be paired with hummus, olive oil, salt or salad dressing to add a bit more flavor.
With just a bit of creativity, cucumbers can be enjoyed in many ways.
Here are a few recipes to help incorporate cucumbers into your diet:
Baked Cucumber Chips
Quick Pickled Cucumbers
Thai Cucumber Salad
Strawberry, Lime, Cucumber and Mint-Infused Water
Cucumber and Mint Sorbet
Cucumber Goat Cheese Grilled Cheese
The Bottom Line
Cucumbers are a refreshing, nutritious and incredibly versatile addition to any diet.
They are low in calories but contain many important vitamins and minerals, as well as a high water content.
Eating cucumbers may lead to many potential health benefits, including weight loss, balanced hydration, digestive regularity and lower blood sugar levels
It’s high in beneficial nutrients, as well as certain plant compounds and antioxidants that may help treat and even prevent some conditions....
A lot of people eat bananas but very few of us know the healthy benefits they provide for our bodies, especially the nutritious value the peels provide.
Yes, you heard us right. Banana peels can provide even much more nutritious value than the pulp itself, especially if you are considering using them as a smoothie.
By incorporating them into your smoothie, you can provide your body with essential nutrients. If you’re still wondering why and how the peels can be eaten, here’s why you won’t regret doing so.
They Can Help You Lose Weight
If you’re thinking of losing weight, then you should incorporate banana peels along with your smoothies. They contain very high levels of both soluble and insoluble fiber.
These fibers help to slow down digestion and provide you with a feeling of being full, which will help stop you from eating much if you’re trying to lose weight. Moreover, the high levels of the fibers also helps to lower your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of having cardiovascular diseases.
They Offer Protection For The Eyes
The peels of bananas are packed with essential compounds and vitamins including vitamin A and lutein. These two compounds especially offer protection for the eyes and immensely contribute to eye health.
They most importantly offer protection from macular degeneration and cataracts.
They Help You Maintain A Healthy Heart
Bananas along with their peels have very high levels of the element potassium in them. Potassium helps in ensuring that your body has the right balance of fluids and electrolytes and by so doing, they help to regulate your heartbeat, heart rate and blood pressure.
This helps to protect you against heart related problems and diseases that can have severe consequences.
Furthermore, potassium is naturally good for teeth whitening and using banana peels to clean your teeth can ensure they get back to their natural colours.
Banana Peels Help To Improve Your Mood
The peels of bananas contain the essential amino acid – tryptophan which have a significant effect on certain hormones in the body. More so, they also contain mood-elevating serotonin that can make you livelier and happier.
The catch with the peels are that the levels of serotonin in them increases as the bananas get riper.
They Contain High Levels Of Antioxidants
Antioxidants play a variety of roles in the body which includes mopping up free radicals which can be inimical to the healthy growth of the body.
They contain high levels of certain phytochemicals such as polyphenols and carotenoids which have antioxidant properties. They phytochemicals help to inhibit cancerous cells and generally fight cancer in the body.
Eating Them Will Help Reduce Your Waste
This is a good and and reason to eat your banana peels as doing so will help to reduce the amount of waste you have to dispose.
Whether you’re blending your peels with a high-powered blender or cooking them till they’re edible for consumption, they are sure to reduce the strain on nature as you consume them and get all the healthy benefits they provide.
A lot of people eat bananas but very few of us know the healthy benefits they provide for our bodies, especially the nutritious value the ...
President Donald Trump’s former campaign manager Paul Manafort has gone to the FBI’s offices in Washington to face charges as part of an investigation into the Trump campaign’s links to Russia. He was shown on CNN as he turned himself in at 7:15 a.m. with his lawyer.
The development came minutes after The New York Times reported that Mr. Manafort had been asked to turn himself in as part of an ongoing special counsel investigation into possible collusion between Mr. Trump’s campaign and some Russians.
The Times also reported that Mr. Manafort’s former business associate, Rick Gates, was also asked to turn himself in. But Mr. Gates did not arrive with Mr. Manafort at the FBI office in the U.S. capital.
It is not immediately clear what charges would be filed against Messrs. Manafort and Gates. Media reports suggest their arrests may have more to do with tax charges than alleged Russian interference with the 2016 presidential election in that country.
A former director of the FBI, Robert Mueller, was appointed special counsel to look into the controversies surrounding the 2016 elections.
CNN first reported on Friday that Mr. Mueller had secured some indictments in the probe.
They are both expected to be interviewed by FBI investigators with possibility of being arraigned before a district court later Monday.
He served as part of the Trump campaign from June to August 2016. However, he was forced to resign over reports he received millions in illegal payments from a pro-Russian political party in Ukraine.
President Donald Trump’s former campaign manager Paul Manafort has gone to the FBI’s offices in Washington to face charges as part of an inv...
The symptoms of brain tumours vary just as the sizes and shapes in which they come, which is why understanding them can help detect them early.
The symptom of brain tumours is usually dependent on their location, meaning if there’s one present around the part of your brain that controls your eyesight or arms, you’re likely to have blurry vision an limb weakness respectively.
Certain genetic disorders are responsible for brain tumours but a majority of them arise in people with no known risk factors or predisposing factors. Adults over 60 years and Children are more likely to develop tumours, but everyone irrespective of sex or age is at risk.
Almost all cells in the brain can form tumours and this makes it difficult to identify them. Here is a list of common signs and symptoms to look out for.
A Change In Your Vision
Blurry vision, double vision or a complete loss of vision are all symptoms associated with tumours. Having floating spots or shapes which is usually described as an “aura”, also indicates the likely presence of a tumour.
Headaches Aren’t Usually Associated
Despite the fact that a lot of people think constant headaches are symptoms of brain tumours, they are usually not an early indicator of brain tumours.
While headaches can accompany very large tumours, they don’t usually emerge as an early symptom.
Repeated Seizures
No matter the type of tumour, seizures are the first indication of a serious problem. When the tumour is irritated, the brain’s neurons react uncontrollable, causing abnormal movements.
This results in abnormal jerking or flexing of one limb or a part of the face and whole-body convulsions.
Unintended Clumsiness
Any form of clumsiness including missing your steps or struggling to find the right keys could be a sign of trouble.
If you also have issues speaking, swallowing, or controlling your facial expressions, the clumsiness of it all could be pointing to something in or around your head.
Confused Feeling And Problems Remembering Things
Tumours have the tendency to cause big shifts in the personalities and behaviours of people that have them so much so that they may feel confused and suffer from some thinking problems that are less dramatic than those portrayed in movies.
Nausea
Having a very nauseating or sick feeling in your stomach can be an indication of a brain tumour, especially if the symptoms are persistent and largely unexplainable.
The best thing to do is to visit a hospital and have some tests run to determine the exact problem.
Numb Feeling Around Your Face
If you have a number feeling where you seem to feel nothing in a part of your body or face, it’s best you see a doctor as soon as possible.
This is even particularly important if the tumour forms on the brain stem, which is the area where your brain connects with your spinal cord, which causes you to experience clumsiness or a loss of feeling around some parts of your body.
Lastly, cell phones are not a known risk factor despite the common misconception and there are no significant evidences linking them.Treatment for large or malignant brain tumours, treatments could involve surgery, medications, radiation, or chemotherapy.
It is however also important to note that not all brain tumours are serious as a lot of them are small and benign that can only be monitored for growth or changes.
The symptoms of brain tumours vary just as the sizes and shapes in which they come, which is why understanding them can help detect them e...
Former President Barack Obama is being called up to participate in one of the most important tasks that a civilian can be summoned to perform: jury service. In fact, he will be a willing juror in court, according to reports.
After eight years as President, Obama will now take on a new job and will become an unbiased juror in a yet-to-be-unidentified case.
Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans told officials on Friday that Obama had been called up for the civilian service next month in Illinois, the state where he served as a Senator.
Obama, 56, is to go ahead with the duty, shrugging off fears about his public status, according to CNN affiliate WLS.
Sources told the news site that Evans had revealed the detail about Obama when discussing the importance of jury service in a public meeting on Friday. Obama could sit in on criminal cases or civil hearings.
“He [Obama] made it crystal-clear to me through his representative that he would carry out his public duty as a citizen and resident of this community,” Evans told the Chicago Tribune.
A spokesperson for Obama is yet to comment publicly on his participation.
The precise dates of the former President’s jury service will not be announced, nor will the location of the court, or the exact case, for security reasons. Even after leaving the Oval Office, former Presidents require significant security details.
“Obviously we will make certain that he has all the accouterments that accompany a former President,” Evans said. “His safety will be uppermost in our minds.”
Many local United States politicians have undertaken jury service as have celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey. But Obama, a global figure, would likely be the most famous juror ever to serve in Illinois. Those who partake in jury service stand to earn up to $17.20 a day, a little less than the $400,000 per year the former President earned during his eight years in the White House.
Obama is eligible to vote in Chicago, still owns a property in the city’s Kenwood neighbourhood, and once served as a senior lecturer at the Chicago Law School before he was elected President. (Newsweek)
Former President Barack Obama is being called up to participate in one of the most important tasks that a civilian can be summoned to perfo...