A common ingredient in every kitchen, it’s the organic sulfur compound allicin in garlic that gives it its pungent smell and makes it a healthy addition to your diet.

Garlic also contains useful minerals such as phosphorous, calcium, and iron, as well as trace minerals like iodine, sulfur, and chlorine, which are also present in the cloves.

Below are some of the many benefits of garlic.

• Protects skin and hair

Garlic protects the skin from the effect of free radicals and slows down the depletion of collagen which leads to loss of elasticity in ageing skin.

Garlic’s antioxidants can clear up your skin by killing acne-causing bacteria. Research also shows rubbing raw garlic over pimples can clear them away. Be aware, though, that it could cause a burning sensation on your skin.

• Aids in digestion

Daily inclusion of garlic in your diet aids in eliminating any digestive problems. The herb assists in the normal functioning of the intestines for good digestion. Even swelling or irritation of the gastric canal may be rectified with garlic as a treatment.

• Treats cold and boosts immunity

Taking 2-3 cloves of raw or cooked garlic a day or sipping some garlic tea (with a touch of honey or ginger to lift the taste) is not only going to relieve a stuffed nose and cure a cold but also build your immunity.

• Anti-bacterial and Anti-parasitic

Garlic can be used as an antibiotic to treat bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections.

If you have athlete’s foot or ringworm, soak your feet in garlic water or rub raw garlic on your feet to attack the itch-causing fungus.

Fruits are nature’s gifts to man, and avocado pear is a priceless one.

Priceless because the avocado pear stands out among the fruit species. From its unique taste to its endless nutritional value, the evergreen fruit is loaded with a lot of health benefits that guarantee our well-being.

And as described by Chris Gunnar, avocado is loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids; with 77% of its calories coming from fat, thus making it one of the fattiest plant foods in existence.

However, it is important to note that avocado pear doesn’t just contain any fat…the majority of the fat in avocado is oleic acid.

And oleic acid, on the other hand, has a lot of health benefits which include, lowering blood pressure, weight loss, protecting cells from free radical damage, preventing type 2 diabetes, as well as ulcerative colitis and generating brain myelin.

Here are six health benefits of avocado pear

1. Avocado regulates blood pressure

A significant risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease, is due to the rising blood pressure of the body that is lacking in potassium.

While bananas are known to be rich in potassium, studies have shown that the avocado pear far outpaces the banana in potassium value, thus making it a truly underestimated superfood when it comes to lowering blood pressure.

2. Avocado helps with arthritis

Arthritis is a painful condition that is caused by swelling and inflammation of the bone joints. And this pain could often be worsened by staple foods such as wheat, corn, sugar, etc.

However, avocado is one fruit scientifically renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties and painkilling.

Laced with a substantial amount of monounsaturated fats, phytosterols and antioxidants like vitamin E, vitamin C, and carotenoids, the evergreen fruit have a palliative effect on arthritis symptoms.

3. They can prevent cancer

Studies have shown that adequate intake of folate from food tends to protect against colon, stomach, pancreatic, and cervical cancers.

Although the mechanism behind this apparent reduction in risk is currently unknown, researchers believe that folate protects against undesirable mutations in DNA and RNA during cell division.

It has also been suggested that avocados may even have a role to play in cancer treatment, with some research finding that phytochemicals extracted from avocados can selectively inhibit the growth of precancerous and cancerous cells and cause the death of cancer cells.

In addition, delicious food has also been shown to decrease chromosomal damage caused by cyclophosphamide, a chemotherapy drug.

4. Avocados aid eye protection

According to recent studies, certain antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin are needed for a healthy eye.

And the avocado pear is particularly notorious for extracting such antioxidants from other food sources, while it also has them in high quantities.

These nutrients are front liners in addressing the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, especially among the folks.

5. Avocado helps to reduce bad breath

More often than it is known, bad breath is not an exclusive issue of an unhealthy mouth, but also an imbalance in your stomach and intestinal system.

Well, if you’re suffering from this condition, avocado juice is a natural cleanser for both your mouth and intestine.

It also helps to remove the microbes that are the cause of bad breath.

Bonus point: They are excellent for pregnant women

For expectant mothers, the health benefits of avocado pear cannot be overemphasized.

Loaded with folic acid, avocado pears do not only help in forming the nervous system of the unborn child, but it also ensures healthy brains, cells, and blood.

In addition, it helps to reduce the cholesterol levels of the pregnant mother and reduces the risk of depression as well.

In conclusion, it is important to note that the health benefits of avocado pear are almost endless.

With its cancer-protecting features, skincare potential, helping with weight loss, and normalizing sugar levels, it has been discovered that people who consistently eat avocados are usually blessed with robust health.

However, these reasons will make you think twice before indulging in the drinking pastime.

In considering the benefits of drinking palm wine, we must also be cautious about the adverse effects that excess intake brings.

1. Palm wine could give rise to neurological symptoms like affecting body rigidity and muscle contraction.

2. The high ethanol content in palm wine can affect liver function and lipid metabolism causing liver damage.

3. Palm wine decreases blood clotting factors, leading to uncontrolled bleeding.

4. It can also weaken the heart muscle and ability to pump blood.

5. It causes fat to accumulate in the liver.

6. Fermented palm wine contains a high percentage of alcohol, which is probably higher than what is found in some of the alcoholic beverages we drink.

Since the lifespan of palm wine is only 12 hours, that means what we mostly have is fermented palm wine which destroys the kidney, liver and other systems in the body. This can also cause hypertension.

7. Pregnant women should not drink fermented palm wine at all. It can cause miscarriages, stillbirths and some abnormalities in babies because of its high alcoholic content.

Alcohol is capable of crossing the placenta into the fetus causing fetal alcohol syndrome.

This can lead to mental retardation and make a child have a low intelligence quotient (IQ) and hence will be dull in school or any other activity that requires some level of IQ.

When buying Palm Wine

You should be careful with your source of palm wine. In villages and places with an abundance of palm trees, it is very easy to get fresh palm wine.

However, when sources are scarce, palm wine sellers are known to dilute fresh palm wine with water and add artificial sweeteners like saccharine to make it sweet.

The resulting wine is lighter than the normal palm wine and can be spotted easily, but some vendors also add cassava starch to the palm wine to conceal their debauchery and make it whiter.

Drinking adulterated palm wine can cause:

• Diarrhoea, stomach upset and other water-borne diseases if unclean water was used to dilute the palm wine.
• The artificial sweetener and sugars used can increase the risk of having type 2 diabetes, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.

This spice, which is found in almost every kitchen, is well-known for its medicinal and health benefits which we have been even implementing into our daily lives for years.

However, not everyone is aware of the benefits this super ingredient has for your skin and hair, which is due to its high concentration of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial to your skin, hair, and body.

Here we bring you 5 ginger health benefits that will promote healthy hair growth and skin rejuvenation.

• Reduces wrinkles and fine lines

Ginger makes up for a great wrinkle remedy due to its high antioxidant content. Ginger also prevents elastin breakdown, which is one of the primary causes of wrinkles and fine lines. Fresh ginger can be used in cooking to reap the benefits.

It helps improve the appearance of the skin by stripping away harmful toxins and stimulating circulation, ensuring that the skin receives more nutrients.

• Gives tone and glowing skin

This superfood contains the antioxidant gingerol, which can fight oxidative stress and give you a more even skin tone and a healthy glow.

Slices of ginger root applied to your face, as strange as it sounds, can help to give you a refreshing glow.

Ginger also works on toning your skin while cleaning, fighting blemishes, and making your skin more radiant.

• Manages dandruff

Dandruff can also be treated with ginger. Its antiseptic properties help keep natural yeast and bacteria, which cause dandruff, at bay.

Applying ginger oil twice a week to your scalp and massaging it in can help you avoid getting dandruff.

• Promotes hair growth

Ginger improves blood flow to the scalp which contributes to making your hair silky and shiny at the same time.

Ginger stimulates hair growth and strengthens the hair root and follicles as a result.

Furthermore, the numerous fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals found in ginger can help to strengthen hair strands, preventing hair loss.

• Fades scars

Ginger has antioxidant properties as well as a toning effect, allowing it to normalise hypopigmented scars (those that are lighter in colour than your natural skin tone).

Its anti-inflammatory properties also aid in the reduction of acne redness and scarring. This superfood is a natural ingredient that softens the skin while improving its elasticity.

Coconut oil is popular for its excellent ability to moisturize the skin and get rid of bacteria on the skin.

Due to this effect, it has been discovered that it’s also excellent for clearing stretch marks. Coconut oil is widely used or added to skincare treatments due to its ability to repair the skin.

With coconut oil, you don’t need to break the bank for creams that claim to clear stretch marks.

The properties of coconut oil keep your skin healthy as it clears stretch marks.

Here are some of the ways you can use coconut oil to get rid of the stretch marks on your skin.

1. Plain coconut oil

You can use ordinary coconut oil to get rid of stretch marks. All you need to do is heat coconut oil to a point that’s tolerable for the skin.

Massage the warm oil on your skin for 5-10 minutes at night.

Leave the oil overnight and wash it off the following day. Repeat this process daily for an excellent result.

2. Coconut oil and aloe vera

The combination of aloe vera and coconut oil will not only clear the stretch marks, but it would also supply your skin with the nutrients needed to glow.

Just mix one tablespoon of coconut oil and aloe vera gel.

Heat the mixture to a warm state and massage gently on the affected spot for about five to ten minutes.

Leave the oil on your skin overnight and repeat the process every day for the best result.

3. Coconut oil and turmeric

Turmeric is effective at treating skin conditions and boosting the development of collagen. Its combination with coconut oil will send those stretch marks packing.

To make this work, you have to mix a half teaspoon of turmeric powder with one teaspoon of coconut oil. Massage the mixture on the affected area.

Leave for about an hour and wash after. Moisturize your skin after washing the mixture off your skin. Repeat this process daily.

4. Coconut oil and shea butter

Shea butter is popular for its ability to keep skin healthy. It has anti-inflammatory properties that get rid of stretch marks.

Mix a tablespoon of coconut oil and shea butter in a bowl. Apply the mixture to the affected area and leave it overnight.

5. Coconut oil and olive oil

The mixture of coconut and olive oil will do wonders for your skin. Mix half a teaspoon of olive oil and one teaspoon of coconut oil.

Massage the oil blends on the affected area at night so you can leave it overnight. Repeat this process every day.

Imagine you opened a container of a skincare product that is filled with black care substances. You are now thinking, how can this act as a cleansing product?

However, this black substance is activated charcoal, which is vehemently used nowadays as a regular skincare product.

Once the regular charcoal is exposed to extreme heat, it will produce a fine black powder. It is highly absorbent.

Mostly, charcoal benefits for oily skin to make it oil-free, accompanied by glowing fairness.

Before delving deeper into the benefits, let’s have a quick look at a “Charcoal brief.”

What is Activated Charcoal

Slow pyrolysis or heating of wood helps to produce charcoal. The entire procedure takes place without the presence of oxygen. That being said, activated charcoal is widely used in beauty products.

On the other hand, activated bamboo charcoal absorbs any significant odour and purifies water simultaneously. Besides, most hospitals also use activated charcoal to absorb any drug or chemical overdose.

Multifarious benefits have made activated charcoal quite popular nowadays. To know the same, jump straight to the following paragraphs.

• Improving acne issues

Charcoal masks can remove the impurities from the skin by helping less sebum production.

It works like a magnet by absorbing toxins and bacteria. Getting a clearer complexion over time is just simple, like the salt blends in the water.

• Minimising the pores

Not only does Batman or Superman have the super-power, but charcoal has its own as well. Activated charcoal will help to unclog the pores by leaving them free from any impurities.

Mainly oily skin suffers from pore issues, which is what charcoal benefits for oily skin. Over time, the pores will get smaller.

• Gentle exfoliator

Activated charcoal has a gritty yet soft texture, which helps the same to be a natural exfoliant.

Sloughing off dead skin cells is the primary task that is performed by activated charcoal. After that, it’s a matter of some time to get fresh new skin.

• Treating various skin conditions

Activated charcoal has both antifungal and antibacterial property that helps to repair the damaged skin. It also helps to soothe the skin symptoms like psoriasis and eczema.

• Refined Appearance

With all the charcoal benefits for skin, your skin will become more luscious and vibrant. In addition, activated charcoal will detoxify your skin by removing all the impurities and unwanted toxins.

How charcoal works for different skin conditions

Were you looking for the key to healthy skin? It is lying beside you with all the remarkable properties. Irrespective of your skin type and condition, it can be the ultimate saviour.

• Oily skin

Oily skin produces excessive serum to make your skin look shiny. Activated charcoal will work as the magic wand by removing excess oil, followed by reducing the blackheads. Besides, it also cleans the pores by removing all the dirt and bacteria.

Swipe away your existing facial scrub with the activated charcoal scrub. Having blackheads and acne issues may be frustrating, but the charcoal strips can do the best for you by removing the same.

• Normal skin

This type of skin is either not too dry or not too oily. If you have normal skin, you can use activated charcoal facial wipes to eliminate the impurities.

Then, whenever you think your face needs a refresh, try the facial wipes. Your skin will get ready to get the maximum appreciation.

• Sensitive skin

People having sensitive skin may have different skin issues that can lead them to lose glow and intensity.

However, activated charcoal can be a good option for alleviating typical skin problems. Try a small patch at first applied on your skin.

• Combination skin

Do you have both dry and oily areas on your skin? All right, you have combination skin. Mainly the T-zone is the only area, i.e., forehead, chin, and nose, that becomes the oiliest. You can use any charcoal mask that will leave your skin plump and fresh.

It will act as a detoxifying cleanser to flush out all the toxins from your skin.

• Usage of activated Charcoal

Familiar Enough with the activated charcoal? Now, it’s time to get some real-life applications.

To make your skin glow like a teen, we would introduce a few masterclass components. How would it be if we incorporate bentonite clay, salicylic acid, or tea tree oil with activated charcoal? Here we go-

• Activated charcoal beauty bar

Not only the face masks, but charcoal is also way good while using the same as the face or hands soap. If you are reading about Charcoal-infused beauty bar and their characteristics, you are probably reading the best.

People having sensitive skin will get the best outcome as the charcoal bars are oxidant reach. Besides, it won’t dry out the skin. Therefore, no hindrances are there for daily usage.

• Activated charcoal face mask

Maybe you have used facial masks for acquiring maximum benefit. Sometimes it gives you delighting results while ending up like a stretched elastic band full time.

Give a shot to an activated charcoal mask, especially if you have oily skin. It will help to draw out all the impurities. Apply a mask on your face and leave it for 10 minutes.

To make it more specific, we can add a few skin-improving elements. It includes salicylic acid, tea tree oil, etc.

In this part of the world, sleep can be sometimes seen as a luxury, and why not, there are bills to be paid, food to put on the table, alongside many other financial and social commitments to meet up, all in a bid to earn a good living.

Yes, it is important to hustle for that “daily bread” or “urgent 2k” as the government isn’t catering for the basics, but what good is it if it comes at the detriment of one’s health and ultimately, one’s life?

A lack of sleep can lead to a whole lot of health complications that include anxiety, depression, paranoia, suicidal thoughts, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, heart failure, stroke and so on.

So would you really want to find yourself in such a bracket?

It’s very common to hear the phrase “sleep is for the weak”. Well, here are five reasons why sleep is for the strong:

1. Helps improve mood, performance, and productivity

When one has quality sleep, it puts the body in a state where it is being regenerated. The result of that regeneration when waking up is a reinvigorated and energized spirit to conquer the day’s tasks.

Yes, it gives a boost in whatever task is done, so productivity is at its peak.

Ever wondered why some look low in confidence at the start of the day? It’s partly because of no sleep.

2. Helps to prevent illness and disease

As stated earlier, a lack of good sleep can lead to a host of illness and be the start of certain conditions all previously listed above.

When good sleep is in effect, there’s a natural healing process taking place in the body to keep organs in good shape. Yes, as sleep takes place, it gives room for the heart, lungs, the brain to equally relax. So when next you think sleep isn’t important, just realise you’re doing a lot of harm to your body.

3. Keeps the skin fresh

One thing good sleep does is it helps in making the skin look good. When one sleeps well, the skin removes toxins, repairs damaged cells, replaces aging cells, and creates new ones. The result is a radiant, fresher, younger look.

If you deprive yourself of sleep, it will reflect on the skin, and it’s usually not a nice outcome. So think well if you want to stay looking fresh as you age.

4. Makes the body strong

By having quality sleep, an opportunity is given to the body to relax as previously stated and this is more strength for organs in the body such as the brain, heart, lungs, stomach, the bones among many others, to function as they should.

When there’s a lack of sleep, it puts pressure on these organs, forcing them to work on overdrive which can be catastrophic health-wise.

5. Gives you good thoughts

When you sleep well, you wake up feeling energized and revitalized and this will lead to having good thoughts and a positive mind.

A lack of good sleep coupled with a troubled mind means one will wake up with those lingering problems which is likely to see one having a bad day, but when one gets quality sleep, the mind is refreshed, giving room to start the day afresh with no worries.

It’s usually recommended that one gets a minimum of seven to eight hours at night. While this might not be possible for some, we’ve got to ensure we make room to have that quality sleep even if it’s at different shorter times.

If you’re part of the “sleep is for the weak” school of thought, then think again very well. Remember saying, “body no be firewood”.

Onion water is a homemade extract gotten from either blending and straining onions or by juicing directly.

The potential benefits of its usage is why you should start using onion water now.

Rich in vitamins C, B6, and folic acid and an extensive supply of calcium, magnesium, iron, chromium, and phosphorus, drinking a glass of Onion Water on an empty stomach in the morning can do a lot for the body.

1. Improves digestion

Onion water improves circulation thereby promoting digestion. Onion has substantial amounts of fiber known as oligofructose which is a soluble fibre.

Onions also have a good supply of Insulin, a dietary fiber responsible for the healthy bacteria present in the intestines, which promotes a healthy bowel movement.

2. Accelerates hair growth and reduce dandruff

Onion water is very good for hair, especially natural African hair. It contains trace amounts of sulfur, which is one of the essential nutrients in promoting hair growth.

A study has shown that applying onion juice on hair and scalp twice in a week for two months can stimulate hair growth. It can also be applied to hair as a cure for dandruff.

Apply the onion water to the hair and scalp using a cotton ball or pad and massage gently for around five minutes using your fingertips.

Cover with a shower cap and leave on for about 20 minutes. After that, wash off with regular shampoo and water.

3. Good for heart health

According to Bordia, A. et al, onion water helps to reduce cholesterol and can thereby improve heart health. Although garlic is said to be more effective than onion, onion water has also been known to prevent lipid accumulation in the aorta.

4. Helps skin health

Diluted onion juice has substantial amounts of Vitamins A, B, and C. It is also rich in calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus.

Onion water mixed with honey is used as a cosmetic recipe to clear the skin and prevent the occurrence of acne.

5. Helps reduce inflamed areas

Onions also contain Quercetin and bioflavonoids which can lower inflammation, fight pain and help to build better resistance. Onion juice contains thiosulfates and cepaenes.

These compounds have properties that can inhibit inflammatory cell influx in humans.

As a result, they can be used as anti-inflammatory medicine and treatment of swellings.

But, not many people know that there are positive aspects to crying. Research has shown that crying can give you health benefits.

Let us look at nine health benefits of crying:

1. DETOXIFIES YOUR BODY

Crying relieves your body of a stress hormone called cortisol.

Though cortisol has some benefits, people who are prone to stress have higher levels which is quite dangerous to their mind and body.

Crying can reduce the cortisol levels in the body which in turn can lower your stress.

So, the next time you find yourself stressed due to your job or your personal issues, find a private space where you can have a cry!

2. RELIEVES EMOTIONAL PAIN

Emotional pain is sometimes tougher to handle than physical pain. You can use painkillers to quickly relieve yourself of pain, but the same trick won’t be useful with emotional pain.

People often see emotional pain as a sign of depression. Psychiatrists prescribe medications which can do more harm than good.

Those medications may provide some temporary relief, but they can give you harmful side effects too.

One of the natural ways to relieve emotional pain is crying. Scientists have done studies on crying which showed that crying can release neurotransmitters in the brain which can alleviate emotional pain

3. HAS ANTI-BACTERIAL EFFECTS

This should be one of the most surprising health benefits of crying. Scientists say that crying is effective in killing harmful bacteria in the body.

They attribute this anti-bacterial property to a particular enzyme called lysozyme. This enzyme is present in tears that come down from your eyes while crying.

It is said that lysozyme can kill bacteria within 15 minutes. There have been experiments which have shown that tears can even fight bacteria which cause anthrax.

Lysozyme can destroy the cell walls of bacteria which would eventually result in the destruction of the bacteria.

So, next time when you cry, make sure you get tears and also try to swallow some of the tears instead of wiping it off.

4. IMPROVES EYESIGHT

Crying can improve your vision. Again, tears coming out while crying is responsible for this.

Tears have the ability to lubricate your eyelids and eyeballs. They actually end up hydrating your eyes.

Dehydration is one of the common causes of deteriorating eyesight. But, tears can naturally offset this problem. It is common knowledge that dust particles can cause eye problems.

But, tears have the ability to take away the dust particles in your eye. Tears can also hydrate mucous membranes present near the eyes.

So, the next time you feel itchy in your eyes or your vision seems blurry, try crying with tears.

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5. CRYING FACILITATES BREATHING IN BABIES

Newborn babies cry a lot. The crying sound can sometimes be deafening and you may think that something is wrong with the baby.

But, crying is actually good for babies. As a matter of fact, it is not a good sign if a newborn baby isn’t crying as it may be a sign that the baby is facing breathing difficulties.

Most newborn babies cry naturally. But, if a baby is not crying, then doctors try different things such as holding the baby upside down or dipping the baby in cold water just to make the baby cry.

This is actually known as a baby’s first cry and is extremely vital for the baby’s breathing once the umbilical cord is cut.

6. INDUCES SLEEP IN BABIES

Making babies sleep is a common challenge that parents face. When a baby cries, its parents try hard to stop it from crying.

But, letting him or her cry can help the baby sleep. Parents should learn a technique called ‘controlled crying’ which is effective in inducing sleep in an infant.

It is said that a baby sleeps longer after crying and the chances of the baby waking up in between sleep is also reduced as the baby tends to go into a state of deep sleep after controlled crying.

7. MOOD ELEVATION

People often try different things to elevate their mood.

But, nature has given us a simple tool called crying which can elevate our mood without the help of any external elements.

Tears are known to be natural anti-depressants. Some studies have also been conducted in this regard which showed that tears can improve a person’s mood and make one feel positive.

Crying is actually considered to be a self-soothing technique. People with mood-related disorders or anxiety issues can definitely give crying a try.

Crying can make you inhale cool air which is useful in lifting your spirits up. Inhalation of cooler air can also regulate your brain’s temperature.

8. IMPROVES IMMUNE SYSTEM

Scientists have conducted experiments which revealed that crying has a positive impact on our immune system.

It is said that crying is particularly effective against skin allergies since it regulates the secretion of immunoglobulins. People prone to allergic reactions can have an abnormal secretion of immunoglobulins.

People with eczema and other skin-related disorders can use crying as a natural way to prevent allergic reactions.

People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease, noticed a reduction in pain and other symptoms after crying.

Crying can control the secretion of all kinds of immune chemicals which are known to aggravate allergic symptoms.

9. TEARS ARE RICH IN ELECTROLYTES

Tears get secreted when you cry. They originate from a gland called the lacrimal gland in the eye.

Not many people know that tears resulting from crying have electrolytes and proteins that are useful for our body.

Some of the electrolytes present in human tears include potassium, sodium, magnesium, zinc and , calcium. Tears also contain useful proteins such as Lacritin, Lactoferrin, Lysozyme and Lipocalin.

We know that lysozyme has antibacterial properties.

So, next time when you cry, try to sip your tears as the electrolytes and amino acids present in the tears are good for your body. Sipping on your tears is the most natural way of taking in electrolytes.

The leaf has been proven to possess some anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that make it a good home remedy to several health issues such as diarrhoea, high blood pressure and many others.

Some people may not find the taste of bitter leaf enjoyable but the health benefits are so much so that putting up with the taste seems work it.

Check out the 7 amazing ways your body can benefit from drinking bitter leaf!

1. Helps get rid of fever

Bitter leaf contains flavonoids which have powerful antioxidant effects in treating a variety of health issues such as a high fever.

It works together with other elements such as andrographolide lactones, glucosides, diterpene which work together to treat and trim down fever and its symptoms.

It is said that a glass of bitter leaf juice is a strong herbal remedy which is said to treat malaria and fever.

2. Lowers blood pressure

Research has shown that chewing on fresh bitter leaves or drinking juice extract will drastically reduce the amount of sugar in your blood and therefore help manage your blood pressure better as well as reducing the risk of diabetes.

Bitter lead also contains traces of potassium which is another good remedy for those suffering from high blood pressure.

It works by flushing out the accumulation of salt which affects ones sodium levels and leads to high blood pressure.

3. Treats a bad stomach

When eaten raw or juiced, bitter leaf can be used to treat abdominal difficulties such as diarrhoea, stomach upset and gastrointestinal tract diseases like dysentery and other related issues.

To get the best out of your bitter leaf, get a handful of fresh bitter leaves. Wash well with little quantity of salt and water.

Squeeze to extract the juice then take a glass of this juice twice a day to flush out your stomach.

4. Good for bones and teeth

Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant mineral found in bitter leaf that plays a vital role in the body which is the maintenance of bones and teeth.

It also contains a trace of vitamin K which helps the body maintain healthy bones and prevents the weakening of bone tissue, also known as osteoporosis.

5. Improves metabolism function

Vitamin B1 is also known as thiamine and it plays an important role in the metabolism of lipids, amino acids and glucose in the human body.

Thiamine is an important dietary supplement occurring naturally in a bitter leaf that helps to oxidize fatty acids in other to produce the synthesis of lipids.

Bitter leaf is very effective in this chemical synthesis known as metabolism because it contains the mineral that plays the key role.

6. Fights free radicals

Another nutrient in bitter leaf, which is vitamins E serves as an antioxidant that fights against free radicals which have harmful effects on the body system.

Bitter leaf contains also anti-bacterial compound known as sesquiterpenoids that give the property of bitter taste.

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7. Fights against diabetes

Scientifically, it has been proven that bitter leaf contains plant compounds which contribute to its bitter taste and play a pivotal role in moderating the blood sugar level and promoting normal insulin function.

This makes is an essential part of a diabetic diet and when used over a long period of time, can contribute towards management of the disease.

Pineapple, named for its resemblance to a pinecone, has long been used as an ancient home remedy for digestive issues and inflammation. It has also been studied for its potential benefits to the immune system and ability to reduce healing time.

There are more than 100 different varieties of pineapple, but only eight varieties are grown commercially.

In this article, we examine some of the health benefits that can come with drinking pineapple juice. We also take a look at some tips for adding pineapple juice into a diet, and some things to consider with juice intake.

Five health benefits

Here are a number of possible health benefits from drinking pineapple juice in moderation:

1. Boosting the immune system

Drinking pineapple juice may boost the immune system and shorten recovery time from illnesses.

In one study conducted in the Philippines, researchers examined the effects of pineapple in school-aged children.

Those who were given canned pineapple daily developed fewer viral and bacterial infections than those who did not eat canned pineapple. Their recovery time from these illnesses was also shortened.

2. Digestion

Bromelain is an enzyme contained in the pineapple stem and juice that helps to break down and digest proteins. Bromelain in capsule form has also been shown to reduce swelling, bruising, healing time, and pain after surgery.

Consuming pineapple and pineapple juice will not provide enough bromelain to be used as medical treatment for healing, however. Common processing procedures used when making pineapple juice severely decrease the amount of bromelain contained in the juice.

3. Cancer

One laboratory study, in which fresh pineapple juice was used, found that the juice from the core, stem, and flesh all suppressed growth of ovarian and colon cancer cells.

Further studies in humans need to be conducted before any connections between pineapple juice and cancer are made.

According to the Harvard School of Public Health’s Department of Nutrition, beta-carotene may play a protective role against prostate cancer.

In another study, people who ate more beta-carotene-containing foods than others were found to have a reduced risk of developing colon cancer.

4. Skin

Pineapple juice contains vitamin C and beta-carotene. These antioxidants can help to fight skin damage caused by the sun and pollution, reduce wrinkles, and improve overall skin texture.

Vitamin C also helps with collagen formation, which is a common protein in the body that gives the skin its strength and structure.

The vitamin C found in pineapple may help keep eyes healthy and free from cataracts.

5. Eyes

One study found that diets rich in vitamin C can cut the risk of cataract formation by one-third. The researchers examined the effects of such diets in 1,000 pairs of female twins in the United Kingdom.

The fluid inside the eye contains vitamin C, and a diet rich in vitamin C may help to maintain that fluid and prevent the breakdown that leads to cataracts.

Nutrition breakdown

According to the United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, one cup (250 grams) of canned, unsweetened pineapple juice contains:

• 132 calories
• 0.9 grams of protein
• 0.3 grams of fat
• 32 grams of carbohydrate
• 0.5 grams of fiber
• 25 grams of sugar

One cup of pineapple juice provides 63 percent of an adult’s daily needs for manganese, 42 percent of their daily vitamin C, and 10 percent or more of thiamin, vitamin B-6, and folate.

Pineapple also contains the following nutrients:

• potassium
• magnesium
• copper
• beta-carotene

Diet tips

Because processed store-bought juices often have a lower nutritional content, the best juice is made at home.

People should be sure to pay attention to serving size when it comes to all fruit juices. Although they do contain vitamins and minerals, they are also high in carbohydrates and sugars.

Pineapple juice has a naturally sweet but tart taste. It is most healthful to choose pineapple juice that does not contain added sugar.

People can try to make their own pineapple juice at home to get the most nutritional benefits. The processing and storing of juice often decreases nutrient content.

When someone is making their own juice, they can be sure there are no added preservatives or sweeteners. People can also be certain that they are getting the most nutrients from the ripe fruit.