Blema's Kitchen

12/11/2022

SEHT (SATURDAY EVENING HEALTH TIPS)

ITEM IN THE PICTURE: AFRICAN CHERRY

PICTURE USED DOES NOT BELONG TO US.

We often commonize our native fruits without being aware of the numerous health benefits we might be taking for granted. Udara/Agbalumo/African Cherry/African Star Apple is a fruit with numerous health benefits that will surprise you. Here are a few:

#1. Has high antioxidant content like beta carotene and Vitamin C. Surprisingly it has far more Vitamin C than an orange.

#2. Rich source of fiber which aids digestion and slows down the absorption of sugar, helping diabetic patients maintain sugar levels and aiding weightloss for weight loss enthusiasts.

#3. The acidic taste of Agbalumo helps prevents the urge of vomiting during pregnancy.(consult your doctor on ante-natal diet).

#4. A regular diet of the fruit prevent colds and cough

#5. It is an ideal fruit for people with high blood pressure who needs to reduce their intake of salt because it is low in sodium and contains potassium and calcium.

When last did you lick one?
The season is here, join the gang.

Don't forget to like, comment, save and share!

24/08/2022

Amazing health benefits of eating okpa regularly.

Okpa is made from Bambara groundnuts. The scientific name of this plant ☘️ is voandzeia subterranea. It is wildly cultivated in west Africa 🌍, with Nigeria producing the largest quantity in the sub region.

Bambara nut furnishes most especially in the north middle belt and south east of Nigeria.

Okpa which is special Bambara nut 🥜 pudding is a good delicacy.
Mostly enjoyed in Nigeria by South easterners which are indigenous of Enugu, Ebonyi and Anambra state in particular.

Your inputs are welcome 🤗

Various chemical analysis of Bambara growing in Nigeria from North to South, have shown that it exceptionally has the following nutrients to a very large degree.

Potassium, zinc, magnesium, iron and Methionine.

Because of it high content of POTASSIUM, okpa can be useful in and can help the following condition.

1 increasing electrical potential of our body cells for optimum cell to cell communication.

2. Aid normal heart rhyme.

3. Prevent edema.

4. Tone the muscle 💪.

5. Prevent constipation.

6. Maintain proper acid -alkaline balance in the body .

7. Assist in brain tissue oxygenation.

8. Assist in treating some forms of allergy.

Bambara nut is also rich in MAGNESIUM, okpa can be useful in and can help the following conditions.

* Provide relief from indigestion.
* Support the prostate gland.
* Prevent irritability and depression displayed by heavy drinkers.

11/08/2022

Knowledge is power✨🤗

📌 Of the 13 Vitamins that your body needs every day, 8 of them are the B VITAMINS.

Among the many benefits of Vitamin B is the ability to help your body turn energy-giving nutrients into fuel. 💫

Unfortunately, older adults and pregnant women are more at risk of a deficiency as they require a larger amount of some type of Vitamin B. 🙃

With each type performing a unique function in the body, so also come various symptoms of Vitamin B deficiency.

Symptoms such as fatigue, confusion, anemia, or even worse mental problems. ☹️

Thus, eating food high in several Vitamin B is highly recommended. 👌

What food, you wonder…right? 🤭

PRAWNS 🍤!

Prawns are great sources of several B Vitamins but mostly B12, B6, and Niacin.

That's right! B12 helps in regulating the nervous system and in red blood cell formation.

This means that a deficiency in B12 can lead to depression and megaloblastic anemia, i.e the bone marrow producing large abnormally shaped red blood cells.

This and many more can be avoided by adding prawns to your diet! 🙂

Found this helpful? Sharing is caring! 🤗

25/07/2022

Noodles
Blema's Kitchen

21/07/2022

Meet the face behind Blema's Kitchen
😍😍😍😍🥰❤️

11/06/2022

SEHT (SATURDAY EVENING HEALTH TIPS)

ITEM IN PICTURE: PLUM

PICTURE USED DOES NOT BELONG TO US.
Plums are actually from the same family as apricots, peaches, and nectarines, but that’s where the similarities end. In fact, plums offer much more variety than any of the other stone-fruits in their family tree. When it comes to size and color, plums can be purple, yellow, orange, and red and can be large or small.

Thousands of years ago, plums were first grown in China. From there, they were eventually brought to Japan, the US and certain areas of Europe. Flash forward to today and there are over 2,000 plum varieties grown throughout the globe.

Plums add subtle sweetness to salads and desserts, but their health benefits are the juiciest part of the package

PLUM HEALTH BENEFITS
The vitamin C in plums helps your body heal, build muscle, and form blood vessels. It's great for your eyes, too.

Here are other ways that plums are good for your health:

Heart disease. Phytochemicals and nutrients in plums lower the inflammation that triggers heart disease.

Anxiety. A plum a day may keep anxiety away. When your antioxidants are low, anxiety can be high.

Constipation Relief. Plums, like prunes, can also help keep things moving through your system. They have a lot of sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that acts as a natural laxative.

High blood pressure and stroke. The potassium in plums is good for blood pressure control in two ways. It helps your body get rid of sodium when you p*e, and it lessens tension in the walls of your blood vessels. When your blood pressure is lower, your odds of getting a stroke go down.

Rich in antioxidants. These substances protect the body against the cell and tissue damage that can lead to diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and cancer.

Reduce blood sugar. Plums are chock full of fiber, which helps slow down a blood sugar spike after you eat carbs. They can also boost your body’s production of adiponectin, a hormone that helps regulate your blood sugar levels.

Bone health. Research on animals shows prunes (dried plums) may help reduce bone loss, and may even reverse it.
Plums are also a good source of:
Calcium
Magnesium
Phosphorus
Potassium
Vitamin C
Vitamin A
Vitamin K
Folate

Prunes, which are dried plums, have the same nutrition benefits, but they're much higher in sugar. One cup of pitted prunes has 66 grams of the sweet stuff.
One cup of prunes also has 12 grams of fiber. That's why they're a common home remedy for constipation. That fiber also gives them a low glycemic index, which means they help control your blood sugar.

Plums are great raw, roasted, poached, grilled, or sautéed. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

[ ] Work plums into salads.
[ ] Cut them up with other stone fruits for a fresh fruit salsa.
[ ] Add a slice of plum to your water or tea.
[ ] Top your morning yogurt or granola with them.
[ ] Add plums to smoothies.

Blema's Kitchen

10/06/2022

VPHB-(VEGGIES AND PLANTS 🪴 HEALTH BENEFITS)

ITEM IN PICTURE: WATERLEAF
The blood, heart, liver and brain 🧠 tonic vegetable.
Africa is indeed full of medicinal and aromatic plants. Nigeria as the giant of Africa has a Giant share of these plant 🪴 species.

Waterleaf is a plant of the purslane family known as the portulacaceae.
Waterleaf itself is botanically called talinum triangulare. It is an important vegetable with antioxidant property mostly utilised in southern part of Nigeria It is called Gbure in Yoruba; Mgbolodi in Igbo, in Edo, it is regarded as Ebe-dondon and generally referred to as waterleaf.

This vegetable contains lots of water and nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, crude fiber, lipids, crude protein, and others which make them nutritious and medicinal in several ways such as:

JAUNDICE
it is useful in the treatment of high bilirubin in the blood (hyperbilirubinemia)
LIVER PROTECTION
waterleaf has shown to be effective in protecting and treating some liver diseases

Enhances Cognitive Ability
Waterleaf helps the brain function adequately by supplying it with adequate oxygen to prevent/improve Cerebral Hypoperfusion, Schizophrenia, and the death of the brain tissues.
The presence of iron, a micronutrient found in waterleaf, also helps strengthen the brain muscles and tissues, which helps improve the human brain, thereby improving cognitive reasoning.

Improves the Blood Cells
Its functions when it comes to blood cells in the body can’t be overemphasized. It is believed to help in the adequate pumping of blood and its supply and is used in many cases, such as in the treatment of anemia.
It generally helps improve the blood cells, which includes both the white and red blood cells, and the content of iron helps in this case.

CONSTIPATION AND INDIGESTION
are you having issues with indigestion and constipation?. Waterleaf eases indigestion, it is rich in soluble fibres and is excellent for constipation and its associated problems.

Eliminates Infections & Diseases
Contain certain properties such as antibacterial properties, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that help suppress the growth of bacteria, fungi, and inflammatory diseases in the body.
Waterleaf consumption has been locally used to treat and prevent this health condition; for more effective results, the leaf should be washed and properly squeezed to extract the juice, which has to be taken orally.
There is no measurement for the quantity of waterleaf juice to be taken, but it should be moderate.

Waterleaf Juice
The juice of waterleaf is very beneficial to health and is effective in increasing the blood level and treating many health conditions that have proven successful.
To get the juice;
Wash the waterleaf thoroughly to remove dirt and sand
Don’t pluck the leaves from the stem as both are medicinal and contain various degrees of nutrients.
Cut it into tiny pieces to enable easy squeezing or pounding.
Then squeeze effectively and strain the juice.

Conclusion
Waterleaf should not be underrated, as it has many benefits which it has to offer when we consume it adequately. Its richness in many vitamins and minerals makes it one of the vegetables we should add to our daily meals for an effective result.
Blema's Kitchen

02/06/2022

VPHB-(VEGGIES AND PLANTS 🪴 HEALTH BENEFITS)

ITEM IN PICTURE: INDEPENDENCE 🍃 (SIAM 🍃 W**D)

PICTURE USED DOES NOT BELONG TO US.
September 19, 2021 Prof Gilbert.
I once asked an elderly man why this plant 🪴 goes by the following names "independence leaf 🍃 ", "Queen Elizabeth w**d", "Ewe Akintola" and "Ewe Awolowo " and the response I got was that the plant never started flourishing in Nigeria as such until the year 1960 or thereabout.

The nomenclature is of historical significance as this plant started flourishing massively in Nigeria during the era of the country's independence from the colonial masters.

This medicinal w**d is all over the place today to the extent of almost constituting a nuisance to farmers. If a piece of land is left fallow for just couple of months , this plant begins to grow uncontrollably and if left unchecked, overpowers and over grows every other nearby vegetation.
Perhaps, that is why farmers consider "independence w**d " (siam w**d) as a troublesome vegetation.

The igbo chose a very appropriate name for this plant when they named it "obiarakara" meaning, he arrives and overpowers.

Known scientifically as chromolaena odorata, siam w**d is rated very high in healing all manner of bruises, burns, wounds and sores. It possesses all the medicinal actions required of a perfect wound healing and soothing herb.

Imagine that you sustained an injury, the following may likely occur;

[ ] You may experience pain at the injury
[ ] Certainly, there will be an inflammation and possibly swelling around the injury
[ ] Bleeding may occur at the site of the injury
[ ] You may shortly therefore, experience feverish condition.
[ ] The wound is open and therefore vulnerable to all sorts of pathogenic infections.
[ ] The trauma may occasion periodic spasms on the underlying muscles near the injured tissue.
Now think of the possibility of having A SINGLE HERB 🌿 that will address all the needs enumerated above.

Good that possibility is realised with "independence w**d".
**d **d Blema's Kitchen

29/05/2022

SAHT (SUNDAY MORNING HEALTH TIPS)

ITEM IN PICTURE: DRAGON FRUIT

PICTURE USED DOES NOT BELONG TO US.
What Is Dragon Fruit?

Dragon fruit is a food that grows on a climbing cactus called hylocereus, which you'll find in tropical regions around the world. The plant’s name comes from the Greek word "hyle," which means "woody," and the Latin word "cereus," which means "waxen."

On the outside, the fruit has the appearance of a hot pink or yellow bulb with spike-like green leaves shooting up like flames around it. Cut it open, and you'll find fleshy white stuff inside dotted with black seeds that are OK to eat.

This fruit comes in red- and yellow-skinned varieties. The cactus originally grew in southern Mexico and South and Central America. The French brought it to Southeast Asia in the early 19th century.
Dragon fruit is juicy with a slightly sweet taste that some describe as a cross between a kiwi, a pear, and a watermelon. The seeds have a nutty flavor.

Dragon Fruit Health Benefits
Dragon fruit has many potential health benefits, including:

* It’s rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, phenolic acid, and betacyanin. These natural substances protect your cells from damage by free radicals -- molecules that can lead to diseases like cancer and premature aging.

* It’s naturally fat-free and high in fiber. It makes for a good snack because it can help keep you full for longer between meals.

* It can strengthen your immune system. Dragon fruit is high in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which are good for your immune system.

* it can boost your iron levels. Iron is important for moving oxygen through your body and giving you energy, and dragon fruit has iron. And the vitamin C in dragon fruit helps your body take in and use the iron.

*Dragon fruit may promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut, which is associated with a healthy gastrointestinal tract.

* Dragon fruit is a great source of magnesium, a nutrient needed for over 600 biochemical reactions in your body.

* Faster ageing can be caused due to stress, pollution and other factors such as poor diet etc. However, it’s a rich source of antioxidants that can treat sunburn, dry skin and acne. Its content of vitamin C can aid in brighter skin. You can prepare dragon fruit juice and drink it once a day for radiant skin.

* Need thick, black and shiny hair? Try dragon fruit powder mixed with a glass of milk (250ml) once every day and this will do you good. The high source of nutrients found in this fruit extract powder reduces hair damage caused by artificial hair colouring and improves hair texture, thus, leaving it soft and shiny. All you need to do so is to consume this once a day and you will witness changes.

How to Prepare Dragon Fruit

Before you buy dragon fruit, squeeze it gently. It should give a little bit without feeling too soft or mushy. Avoid fruit that has bruises or dry leaves -- signs that it's overripe. If it feels hard when you press on it, let it ripen on the counter for a few days before eating.

To prepare the fruit, cut it into quarters. Either p*el away the skin or remove the flesh with a spoon, ice cream scoop, or melon baller. Don't eat the skin.

How to Eat Dragon Fruit

You can eat dragon fruit in a few ways. Toss it into a fruit salad along with other tropical fruits like pineapple and mango. Cut it into a salsa. Churn it into ice cream. Squeeze it into juice or water. Use it as a topping for Greek yogurt. Or freeze it and blend it into a smoothie.

24/05/2022

The work of my hands is blessed.
My efforts to prosper shall always prevail.
The love of God shall distinguish me amongst many.
Happy birthday to me 💞❣💝💫🤍🥰😍💃.

Blema's Kitchen

21/05/2022

SAHT (SATURDAY MORNING HEALTH TIPS)

ITEM IN PICTURE: DATES

PICTURE USED DOES NOT BELONG TO US.
Dates are tropical fruit that is grown on a date palm tree in small clusters. Scientifically it is known as Phoenix dactylifera is the tastiest and highly nutritious fruit. It has dark brown skin, soft flesh and is uniquely sweet.

dates are one of the most popular fruits of Arabian peninsula. Dates are one of the oldest cultivated fruits it's thought that they were a staple part of the Babylonian diet 8,000 years ago.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CONSUMING DATES
Dates are free from cholesterol and contain very low fat. Dates are rich in vitamins and minerals. They are very rich source of protein, dietary fiber and rich in vitamin B1,B2,B3 and B5 along vitamin AL and C.

Researches have revealed the fact that potassium intake up to certain extent can reduce risk of stroke. Dates have high iron content are very useful in treating anemia.
The patient can eat many dates for better advantages.

Dates also have fluorine that slows down the process of tooth decay.

It helps people suffering from constipation. Soak dates over night and take it along with water 💧.
It helps increase one's sexual stamina soak one handful of dates in goat's milk over night, in the morning grand the dates in the milk and add honey and cardamon powder and drink it.

Dates help in weight gain and are beneficial for those who suffer from over slimming problem.

Cures abdominal cancer. The best thing is that it does not have any side effect on the body and is completely natural.

It also helps in improving eye sight and help in curing night blindness as well.

Dates are an excellent source of vitamin C and D which helps to maintain your skin elasticity and keeps your skin smooth. Dates also come with anti-ageing properties and prevent the accumulation of melanin.

The other health benefits of dates include helping to deal with insomnia. If you have been suffering from insomnia for many months now and are considering purchasing over the counter medications, you should stop for a moment and try a quick and easy home remedy with only a few ingredients to sort out the issue naturally. Make a drink with dates, fox nuts and milk all blended and drink it up before going to bed. Try this for a couple of weeks and notice the difference!

Piles are the commonest problem during pregnancy due to poor intake of fibres. Dates are an amazing source of fibres. They may help to reduce the risk of piles during pregnancy.

Promote Natural Labour – Eating dates in the later stage of pregnancy can make you easy. It promotes cervical dilation and lowers the need for induced labour. Dates successfully mimic the action of oxytocin and bring natural contraction of uterine muscle during labour.

Dates also have a compound called tannin which also helps to facilitate uterine contractions during labour.

Whenever you’re craving something sweet, instead of going for candy or sugar, opt for dates instead. They’re just as sweet and way better for you🤗.

Blema's Kitchen

14/05/2022

SAHT (SATURDAY AFTERNOON HEALTH TIPS)

ITEM IN PICTURE: CASHEW NUTS

PICTURE USED DOES NOT BELONG TO US.
Cashews are a kidney-shaped seed sourced from the cashew tree- Anacardium occidentale. This evergreen tree produces both, an apple-like tree and a nut that hangs beneath the fruit. These cashews are native to Brazil and introduced by colonists to Africa and India.

Cashew are high in calories. 100g of nuts provide 553 calories. They are packed with soluble dietary fiber, vitamins minerals and numerous health promoting phyto-chemicals that help protect from diseases and cancers ♋.
They are rich in "heart friendly " monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic and palmitoleic acids. These essential fatty acids help lower harmful LDL cholesterol while increasing good HDL cholesterol. Research studies suggest that metatherian fatty acids help to prevent coronary artery disease and stroke by favouring health blood lipid profile.

Cashew- nuts are very rich source of essential minerals. Minerals, especially manganese, potassium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium are concentrated in these nuts.
A handful of cashew nuts a day in the diet would provide enough of these minerals and prevent deficiency diseases.

AMAZING HEALTH BENEFIT OF CASHEWS NUT
1. lowers high blood pressure
cashew nuts lower your blood pressure with the help of magnesium present in them.

2. Healthy heart
3.prevent cancer ♋
Proanthcoyanidins are class of flavonols which light against tumor cells by stopping ✋ them to divide further. This is one of the major cashew nut benefits.

4.healthy bones
5. Prevents gall stones
Daily intake of cashew nut reduce the risk of developing of gallstones up to 25%.

6. Helps in weight loss
Even though cashew nuts are considered as fats it contains good cholesterol. So contrary to popular belief, those who eat cashew at least twice a week gain less weight when compared to those who eat less.
7.helps digestion
8.free radicals

9. Pleasant sleep
After menopause, these cashew nuts can give you relaxed and pleasant sleep during night 🌙

10. High on vitamins
Cashew nuts are in vitamin like Riboflavin, Pantothenic acid, Thiamine, Niacin etc. These vitamins keep you safe from anaemia pellagra etc.

11. Health gums and teeth
As mentioned before, the magnesium content present in cashew nuts is very good for bones so it gives Healthy teeth as well as strong gums to hold them.
12. Healthy bones
13. Helps digestion
14. Hair growth and skin

15. Macular degeneration
Cashew nuts have the ability to filter sun's rays and protect us from macular degeneration. Now that you know the health benefits of CASHEW NUTS, ensure that you eat a few once every week.

Blema's Kitchen