Is drinking Human Breast Milk beneficial for adults?

Question 1
My wife has large surplus of breast milk which was more than what our baby could consume. I started drinking it and actually found I like the taste of it. Is it safe..

Answer
Yes, breastmilk is quite beneficial for adults as well. It increases immunity in Adults, protect from different ailments ie Diarrhea, Infection, Flu etc as well as beneficial for female as well. As longer breastfeeding save woman from Breast Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, arthritis etc.
Moreover, every Mammals milk composition is for its on Race.... Cows milk is made for Cows, Goats milk is for Goat.....As the metabolism is different in Cow, Goat, Camel & Human Being

Question2
Is it more healthy drinking human breast milk than drinking cow's milk. Are there any health benefits to drinking my wife's milk?
My husband wants to taste my breast milk. Is it okay if he does?

Answer
Susan Condon
lactation consultant
It's fine to offer him a taste. If he wants to
suckle, though, make sure that you, he, and/or the baby don't have a communicable virus or infection such as thrush or herpes that can pass easily among the three of you.

Remarkably, the immunological properties of breast milk benefit humans at any age. Human milk has even been used in some cases to treat various illnesses in adults. Many breastfeeding mothers tell me that their husbands and older siblings want to try Mom's milk. If you're comfortable with this request, what you do in the privacy of your home is up to you.

Cancer, arthritis, diabetes, even acne - is breast milk the new wonder cure?

There's little doubt that breast milk helps keep babies healthy, but could it be a miracle cure for adult illnesses, too?

That's the suggestion from a number of studies on its use as a treatment for conditions as varied as cancer, diarrhoea and diabetes.

In the latest research published last week, a Swedish team reported that the sizes of bladder tumours were reduced just five days after patients were injected with a breast milk compound.

The team at Gothenburg University had been looking at the antibiotic properties of breast milk when a researcher noticed that cancerous lung cells in a test tube died on contact with breast milk.

They then isolated the key compound - a protein called alpha-lactalbumin.

Subsequent tests showed the compound becomes lethal only when exposed to acid, as it is in the stomach, so the scientists mixed it with oleic acid, which is found in babies' stomachs, to form a compound they call HAMLET (human alphalactalbumin made lethal to tumour cells).

The Swedish team, led by Professor Catharina Svanborg, have shown that HAMLET attacks cancer cells, causing apoptosis - a form of cell suicide - in 40 kinds of tumour.

Studies with rats showed that after just seven weeks a highly invasive brain cancer called glioblastoma was seven times smaller in those treated with HAMLET.

The product has also been made into a cream and tested on warts (which share the same growth properties as tumours) and found to reduce their size by 75 per cent in 20 volunteers.

Researchers believe this could have implications for the treatment of cervical cancer, which is linked to the human papilloma virus, or HPV.

Its extraordinary ability to attack rogue cells could be why breast milk appears to protect babies from all sorts of illness - a protection that scientists believe could linger in the body for years.

Research shows that breast-fed babies have a reduced risk of many adult illnesses, including cancer. But cancer is not the only focus of breast milk research:

DIABETES & PARKINSON'S

Breast milk could be a new, and easier, source of stem cells. Stem cells are one of the most exciting discoveries in medicine, thanks to their remarkable ability to develop into many different cell types in the body, serving as a sort of internal repair system.

Stem cells are already being used to treat leukaemia and could soon help treat eye conditions.

Scientists are also researching their potential in the longer term for treating conditions such as spinal injuries, diabetes and Parkinson's disease.

A molecular biologist at Perth University, Australia, has discovered stem cells in breast milk.

Dr Mark Cregan and his team cultured the cells of human breast milk and found the result was positive for a stem cell marker called nestin.

'These cells have all the physical characteristics of stem cells,' he says. 'What we will do next is to see if they behave like stem cells.'

If so, this promises to provide researchers with an ethical and easier means of harvesting stem cells for researching treatments. Indeed, Dr Cregan believes this development could be possible within five years.

DIARRHOEA

Chronic diarrhoea kills up to 2.2 million people worldwide every year, mostly children in developing countries. Scientists are looking at whether breast milk could help treat it.

One approach is based on indigestible sugars known as oligosaccharides, many of which occur only in human milk. These sugars protect a baby from pathogens to which the mother has never been exposed.

It's thought oligosaccharides might be used to boost elderly people's weakened natural protection against pathogens. They could also be used after a course of strong antibiotics by helping re-colonise the digestive tract with beneficial bacteria.

So far, scientists have been able to genetically engineer mice to produce oligosaccharides in their milk and are working on bioengineering bacteria to produce human oligosaccharides to put into baby formula milk (to protect bottle-fed babies) or as supplements for adults.

Other compounds found in breast milk, called lysozyme and lactoferrin, have been tested on children with diarrhoea and have been shown to not only be an effective treatment, but to offer some sort of protection against future bouts.

ARTHRITIS

Breast milk contains lactoferrin, which helps prevent babies' immune systems from overreacting.

This is being looked as a potential treatment for auto-immune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and septic shock.

DEMENTIA

In Italy, studies are under way to see if a breast milk molecule called glyerophosphocholine (GPC) can improve mental function in people with dementia or victims of stroke and traumatic brain injury.

In many separate trials, GPC appears to improve memory, attention and orientation in people with various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's.

It works like a brain nutrient, feeding the most energetically needy cells of our body, such as the brain cells.


ACNE

A science student at the University of California recently discovered that the lauric acid in breast milk reduces irritation and spots, and has developed an acne cream that is undergoing clinical trials.

The cream uses tiny gold particles to carry lauric acid into pores where its anti-microbial properties fight bacteria.

As breast milk is difficult to source, researchers are working to develop new sources for its healthgiving compounds.

The compounds lysozyme and lactoferrin are harvested for research from a specific variety of rice, and the milk from genetically engineered goats and cows.

Though some of these beneficial compounds are found in milk from other animals, others occur only in human milk, and the nonhuman versions are less potent when given to humans.

HEALTHCARE

Breast milk has a long history in healthcare. The ancient Egyptians used it as a medicine, blending it with honey. And in the Sixties, Albert Sabin, inventor of the oral polio vaccine, conducted a study that showed mice recovered from polio when fed human breast milk.

Today, some patients suffering from immunological diseases - such as HIV, leukaemia or hepatitis - or those receiving therapy that reduces the immune system, such as chemotherapy, have drunk breast milk in the hope that it can help adults, just as it helps sick babies.

It has also been taken by cancer patients who claim it slows the progression of the disease.

In the U.S., some milk banks provide it to adults. However, the benefits of drinking breast milk are unproven, and scientists maintain any beneficial effect may have more to do with placebo.

While British milk banks do sometimes receive requests to supply milk for adults, they are not able to provide it, says Gillian Weaver of the UK Association of Milk Banking.

'This is partly because of a lack of clinical evidence of benefit, but also because milk banks are not funded or organised on a scale in which they could provide it,' she says.

There is also understandable concern about diverting breast milk from needy babies.

Source: Dailymail UK
Updated by-By Louise Atkinson
Updated: 07:15 GMT, 27 April 2010

Ways to Induce Labor Naturally

Ways to induce labor are many and varied. Here we talk about the more natural ways to induce labor. You will most likely hear about these methods from your Midwife or Doctor too.

There are many factors that influence the start of labor . Scientists are still discovering new information even now. It is well known that a combination of factors needs to be in place before labor can start naturally. One of the most important issues is how relaxed you are and what position your baby is lying in.

If your baby is lying in a posterior position, also known as back-to-back, then it can be much harder for him to instigate labor. Your baby will try to trigger labor in late pregnancy when he or she is ready. Babies do this by putting pressure with their head on your cervix or neck of the womb. If a baby is in the posterior position all the pressure will go onto your lower back or bowel.

To encourage your baby into the forward-lying position, with him looking towards your back, spend ten minutes several times a day on all-fours. With your knees hip-width apart and your hands shoulder width apart sway from side to side gently. Make sure your back is level and as flat as possible.

Some of the natural ways to encourage labor to start are itemized below. Other ways which haven't been included but are equally effective include Cranial Osteopathy and Homeopathy.

Being Physically Active

Keeping fit and doing regular exercise throughout your pregnancy will make it less likely that you'll go overdue and be offered induction of labor. Pregnancy yoga is also another good preparation for labor. Walking, especially up steep hills is helpful if you are having a long pre-labor and want to help it along.

What's happening here is that you will be leaning forward much more as you head up the hill. You can sometimes simply stand in the house or garden and lean over a piece of furniture or your partner or a friend. You will be helping your baby to put the right sort of pressure onto the cervix encouraging the neck of the uterus to efface (thin out and get ready for dilating). This is a good position to take up if you are having strong Braxton-Hicks contractions. These are the 'practice contractions' where your uterus is preparing and practicing for labor.

Walking up stairs or steps has the same effect. You need to be leaning at approximately 40-45% angle (imagine a nun kneeling at prayer in church, that is the angle you need or slightly more). If you are unsure if you are having a practice or false labor or the real thing, leaning forward may make the difference and encourage true labor to get going!

Pineapple & Other Fruit

Many tropical fruits including pineapple, kiwi, mango and papaya contain enzymes that may cause mild contractions - especially pineapple which is rich in Bromelain, which some studies suggest can help to soften and 'ripen' the cervix.

One of the ways to induce labor is to eat fresh or tinned pineapple or drink pineapple juice once you get to 40 weeks. You can’t take too much, so think of ways you can have pineapple - smoothies are good. Taking this fruit in abundance will probably help keep your digestive system regular too. Being constipated can definitely stop you going into labor.

Dried fruit is also great to eat leading up to labour. It's full of iron so will reduce your chances of being anemic (anemia can lead to heavy bleeding during and after the birth). it's always good to have a healthy iron level in pregnancy without the need for iron supplements or medication....avoiding those nasty side effects.

I once told my 41 week pregnant neighbor to drink plenty of pineapple juice as one of the ways to induce labor and to encourage the baby's arrival. The next day her husband came knocking on my door to announce that his baby daughter had arrived after a very short labor ....no time to get to hospital. So she had a lovely home birth instead! The mom also thinks that the Homeopathy treatment she had was a strong aid to having a short labor and avoiding a hospital induction.

Garlic.

This is THE important ingredient when people tell you to eat spicy foods or curry as one of the ways to induce labor. It’s not actually the spices that get you into labor but the garlic. If you eat enough garlic your bowels will be stimulated, causing loose stools.

This can trigger contractions. Having an empty bowel will give more space for the baby to move down lower in your body. The lower the baby is the more he can stimulate labor to begin when he is ready.

Raspberry Leaf Tea.

This isn't strictly one of the ways to induce labor, but it contributes in so many ways to a shorter, earlier labor! This is usually taken as a tea or infusion without milk. It’s a good idea to drink raspberry leave tea from about 24 weeks of pregnancy onwards. It works as a tonic for the womb (uterus). The muscles of the uterus are like most other muscles; they need to relax as well as contract. Raspberry leaf is also very high in iron, so will help you avoid or treat anemia in pregnancy.

Taking a gentle, natural tonic such as Raspberry leaf tea will help tone the uterus and prepare it for labor. If taken regularly, say 2 - 3 times a day for the last few weeks of pregnancy, it can reduce the pain of contractions too!

It will also help reduce a condition known as ‘irritable uterus’ that some women suffer with in mid to late pregnancy. Helping the muscle to be more toned is very beneficial. Raspberry leaf tea can be taken after the baby is born to help bring your womb back to its pre-pregnant size. This drink can also reduce strong after pains in the hours and days following birth.

See a qualified Medical Herbalist for more ideas on ways to induce labor naturally. They may also suggest herbs like Blue Cohosh or Black Cohosh. It’s important to be extremely careful when using medical herbs as they have powerful effects on you and your baby.

Warm Bath

Taking a warm relaxing bath will help you relax and it’s your emotional state rather than the warm water that will help induce labour. Have the water on the cooler side rather than too hot. Remember that your baby will feel hotter than you do as he is deep inside where the temperature is higher. Getting too hot can cause the baby stress, so keep the water temperature so you don’t go bright red when you get in the tub!

Adding 1 or 2 tiny drops of a natural product such as Essential Oil of Lavendar may also aid your relaxation. It is well worth seeking professional advice from a qualified Aromatherapist as they may well have other suggestions. A massage or two will also help.

Reflexology

I have seen this work amazingly well for many pregnant women; bringing on contractions within 24 – 48 hours. Reflexologists use acupressure points as well as other techniques. Reflexology can be performed on hands or feet. It is also effective for pain management during labor. There is bound to be a local qualified Reflexologist somewhere near you.

Acupressure Points

It is fairly well known that acupuncture or acupressure is one of the ways to induce labor naturally. Have a look in your area to find a qualified Acupuncturist. If you don’t like the idea of the fine soft needles, ask them to use acupressure instead. This therapy also has good results for turning breech babies so that they are head down and ready for a (vaginal) natural birth.

Making Love: Oxytocin The Love Hormone:-

Your Midwife or Doctor may well suggest you try this. Making love involves the love hormone Oxytocin which will aid your birth process all the way along.
Semen contains prostaglandins which can ripen the cervix but only if your baby is ready. This is one of the more enjoyable ways to trigger labor rather than using Pitocin which is a Synthetic Prostaglandins drug. After all this is how your whole pregnancy began, love can start and continue the journey of bringing your baby into the world! Pitocin is one of the methods a hospital would use for labor induction.

Nipple Stimulation

This is another one of the ways to induce labor naturally. Nipple stimulation is subtler and usually helps to strengthen your contractions once you are in established labor. Why not try it when you are having strong Braxton-Hicks contractions and if you are more than 40 weeks pregnant.

Nipple stimulation can be achieved in several ways. You can ask your partner to help you. You can use a breast pump to simulate the sucking of a baby at the breast; this helps release the hormone Oxytocin which causes the uterus to contract. You can use your fingers to gently stroke or tweek the nipples or you can purchase one or two Avent “Nipplettes” online at our Natural Pregnancy Store. There are instructions with the Nipplettes. They are mainly sold for helping with inverted nipples, for which they work very well. When using them for natural induction, just try wearing them for short periods regularly throughout the day or evening,; maybe 10-15 minutes at a time.
Stimulate your nipples intermittently or as needed. This might be every few minutes for a short period each hour if you are trying to avoid a hospital induction or if your waters have broken and there are no contractions. The skin of your nipples is very sensitive so don’t over use this method of inducing labor naturally.


What Methods and Situations To Avoid

Castor Oil:

I would definitely advice you to avoid castor oil as a way of inducing labor. It will most likely give you strong stomach cramps and uncontrolled loose stools for several hours.

There are many gentle and 'more natural' ways to encourage your baby to come out into the world! Most women who've tried it, will tell you not to take it.

Lounging Back on the Sofa:

Don't be tempted to put your feet up (unless you have puffy ankles). Lying on your back will only encourage your baby to lie on your back too, i.e he'll become a back-to-back posterior baby and find it much harder to instigate labor.

Instead lie on your sofa on your left side, rolling forwards slightly, so that your pregnancy bump is resting on the sofa and you aren't rolling backwards onto your back. Prop yourself up on cushions or on your elbow. This is a very comfy position and will encourage your baby to lie with his back towards your front - in a lateral position.

Constipation:

As mentioned earlier, having a full bowel or rectum can definitely slow down your chances of going into natural labor. Make sure you are eating a healthy high fibre diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables too. Prunes, figs and other dried fruits are good to eat at the end of pregnancy or in early labor.




General Advice

Over my years as a midwife I have met many different women who've found one or more of these methods have worked for them. Remember to choose a qualified practitioner if you go for an alternative health method like Reflexology or Homeopathy etc.

Another very important point to remember is that if you leave it until you are more than 40 weeks pregnant, you don't have as much time as when you start seeing a practitioner from say 38 or 39 weeks. It makes sense to seek professional advice well in advance if you want to avoid hospital induction and use natural ways to induce labor instead.

All the Health Practitioners are aiming to help you to be at your optimum health and readiness when labor begins or when your baby wants to trigger labor. They are not actually inducing labor, but purely helping everything to be in perfect alignment ready for labor to start naturally. Hopefully this will also facilitate a nice, reasonably short labor.

If you have been booked in for a hospital induction of labor and you want to avoid this, try to see an alternative health practitioner as early as possible and talk about ways to induce labor naturally. Treatments don't always work immediately and often 2 or 3 appointments are needed. It can depend on what position your baby has taken up!

It's also important to talk to your baby. Reassure him or her that life outside their nice cozy womb is going to be just great. Having a Blessing Way or Baby Shower can also be good at this time, as a marker between pregnancy and birth.

It's all part of having a natural pregnancy, including having a healthy diet for pregnancy , avoiding pollutants like cigarette smoke and alcohol during pregnancy and generally keeping yourself fit by doing exercise in pregnancy.

Source: Natural Pregnancy Midwife
Source link: http://www.natural-pregnancy-midwife.com/ways-to-induce-labor.html

Vaginal Discharge - Home Remedies for Leukorrhea (Vaginal Discharge)

Vaginal discharge is a fluid or semisolid substance that is normal and helps keep the vagina clean. Normal vaginal discharge is clear or milky white and does not have an unpleasant odor. Bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including trichomonas, gonorrhea, or Chlamydia can cause a change in color or odor. Symptoms of infection may include yellow-green or gray discharge, strong odor, or irritation of the genitals. Treatment depends on the infection.


Home Remedies for Leukorrhea (Vaginal Discharge)

Leukorrhea is a very common problem among women. It refers to a thin or thick, whitish or yellowish vaginal discharge that may occur in between menstruation cycles or during pregnancy and usually lasts from a few days to weeks.

In most cases, it is nothing to be alarmed about and is considered normal as long as it does not cause irritation, discomfort, odor and itching.

Leokorrhea, however, can also be caused by hormonal changes, particularly due to an increase in estrogen.
A vaginal infection or STD, too, may cause leukorrhea, especially if the discharge is yellow or green and accompanied by foul odor.

Other factors that contribute to abnormal discharge are unhygienic conditions such as a tampon left too long in the vagina, and conditions like anemia and diabetes. At times, injury or trauma to the vagina can also trigger leukorrhea.

As already mentioned, leukorrhea in most cases is not a cause for concern. However, if you have a lot of discomfort, consult a doctor (or inbox Food Clinic for your privacy).

There are many over-the-counter as well as prescribed medicines to treat leukorrhea. You can also deal with this problem with the help of some simple home remedies.

If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before trying any home remedy for leukorrhea.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for leukorrhea.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is considered beneficial for treating leukorrhea. It helps restore your body’s natural pH balance. Also, its acidic and antiseptic properties help restore the acidic quality of the vaginal flora and reduce vaginal odor.

Mix equal amounts of distilled water and raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Use it as a vaginal wash once or twice a day for a few days.
You can also drink a glass of water mixed with one or two tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar once daily.

Note: Though considered effective by many still, douching is supported by little or no scientific evidence and is even advised against as it may disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina.

2. Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds help improve the pH level in the vagina and are also also believed to affect estrogen levels. Plus, the seeds work as a natural immune booster.

Soak one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in water overnight. The next morning, strain the water and add one-half teaspoon of honey. Drink it on an empty stomach.
 Alternatively, boil two teaspoons of fenugreek seeds in four cups of water for 30 minutes. Strain and allow it to cool. Use this water as a vaginal wash three or four times daily until the symptoms subside.

3. Indian Gooseberry

Indian gooseberry, also known as amla, has anti-infection properties that make it extremely beneficial for vaginal health. Plus, its high vitamin C content boosts your immune system to help your body fight off the problem.

Mix one or two teaspoons of Indian gooseberry power with enough honey to make a thick paste. Have this mixture twice daily for about a week.
Another option is to boil one teaspoon of dried Indian gooseberry root powder in one cup of water until the quantity is reduced to half. Add a little sugar or honey and drink it on an empty stomach every morning.

Try to follow one of these remedies for one month for positive results.

4. Banana

Bananas are another good home remedy for leukorrhea. The fruit is also useful in relieving complaints like digestive disturbances and lethargy that could be accompanying the problem.

    Eat one to two overripe bananas daily to help control leukorrhea.
    You can also mix two tablespoons of banana flower juice with two teaspoons of powdered palmyrah candy and have it once daily.
Follow these remedies daily until you get the desired result.

5. Fig

According to Ayurveda, figs are considered a good remedy for leukorrhea. They have a powerful laxative effect that helps remove harmful toxins and waste from the body, in turn helping reduce leukorrhea.

    Soak two to three dried figs in one cup of water overnight. The next morning, blend the soaked figs in water and drink it on an empty stomach.
    You can also grind equal amounts of the bark of the fig tree and banyan tree into a fine powder. Mix one tablespoon of this powder in two cups of water. Use this solution as a vaginal wash.

6. Cranberry

Cranberries contain antibiotic, antifungal and antioxidant properties that can help prevent bacteria from attaching to the vaginal wall and fight the problem of leukorrhea.

    Drink one glass of unsweetened cranberry juice two or three times daily until the problem is resolved.
    If cranberry juice is not available, you can take cranberry tablets. Consult your doctor for the correct dosage.


7. Okra

Okra, also known as lady’s finger, is beneficial in treating leukorrhea. Being mucilaginous in nature, okra helps remove mucous from your system, in turn reducing vaginal discharge.

Wash 100g okras and cut them into small pieces.
Boil the okra pieces in half a liter or about two cups of water for 20 minutes until the water is reduced to half.
Strain and divide this solution into three parts.
Take one part of this solution along with some honey three times daily.
Follow this remedy until condition improves.


8. Indian Lilac

Indian lilac, also known as neem or margosa, is very effective for treating vaginal odor that may occur with leukorrhea. Its antiseptic properties help fight off vaginal infection and reduce itching and other discomforts associated with leukorrhea.

    Boil a handful of neem leaves in water. Strain and allow it to cool. Use it to rinse the vaginal area once daily for a few weeks.
    You can also dry roast a handful of Indian lilac leaves in a pan. Allow them to cool and then crush them to make a fine powder. Mix two teaspoons of this powder with enough water to make a paste. Apply it to your vagina and surrounding area. Do this twice daily for a few days.


9. Pomegranate

Pomegranate has strong healing and medicinal properties that are beneficial in the treatment of leukorrhea. The fruit, as well as its leaves and rind, can be used.

Drink a glass of freshly extracted pomegranate juice once daily for one month.
Alternatively, grind together 30 fresh pomegranate leaves and 10 black peppercorns. Mix this paste in half a glass of water. Strain and drink it twice daily for three weeks.
Another option is to dry the rind of a pomegranate and grind or crush it into a powder. Mix one tablespoon of this powder in two cups of water. Use this solution as a vaginal douche.


10. Saffron

The antiseptic and antioxidant properties in saffron help treat leukorrhea. Plus, saffron acts as an immune booster to speed up recovery.

    Boil one teaspoon of saffron in one-fourth cup of water until the water is reduced to one tablespoon.
    Divide this solution into three equal portions.
    Mix one portion with an equal amount of water.
    Drink this solution three times daily for several days.

Additional Tips

Wash undergarments daily with an antibiotic solution, and let them dry under the sun.

Avoid wearing dirty, tight or synthetic undergarments.

Change your undergarment two or three times a day until the problem is resolved.

Consider wearing a panty liner.(Contact Food Clinic for naturally treated Panty liners and Pads that helps for such cases)

Thoroughly wash the vagina and its surrounding area with water and medicated soap twice daily at least. Note that you do not wash inside the vagina with soap, only the surrounding areas..wash inside with water only.

Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.

Avoid oily and dried foods.

Avoid coffee, alcohol and aerated drinks.

Increase your fluid intake to help flush out toxins.

Try to do some light exercises or yoga daily.

Although these home remedies are safe and effective, it is always best to consult your doctor before trying any of them, especially if you are pregnant.

Sourcelink-
http://www.top10homeremedies.com/home-remedies/home-remedies-leukorrhea-vaginal-discharge.html/3

Health Benefits of Velvet Tamarind

Velvet Tamarind

Health Benefits of Velvet Tamarind

1. Treats Ulcer and Prevents Hypertension
2. Malaria
3. Improves Oral hygiene and cures Tooth ache
4. Anti-inflammatory and Anti-microbial Properties
5. Jaundice and Diabetes Management
6. Reliefs Menstrual Cramp and stops Diarrhoea
7. Hemorrhoids (pile)
8. Treats Scurvy and Wounds
9. Improves lactation and checks genital infections
10. Velvet Tamarind increases the Antioxidant Capacity of the body

Velvet tamarind (dialium guineense) commonly known as ‘icheku’in igbo, ‘awin’ in yoruba and ‘tsamiyar- kurm’ in hausa is a woody plant that occurs in the rain forest region of west Africa. It has smooth grayish bark, dark green glossy leaves and whitish flowers which bears densely velvet black fruit that are less circular and flattened.
The pulp of the fruit is edible and sweet, rich in vitamin C, sodium, iron, magnesium and potassium. It is used as flavor in snacks and non alcoholic beverages

Health Benefits of Velvet Tamarind

Different parts of velvet tamarind plant have been scientifically proven to offer a wide range of health benefits, some of them are explained below:

1. Treats Ulcer and Prevents Hypertension

The leave extract of velvet tamarind has the ability to increase gastric mucus secretion. Therefore, a decoction of the leave can be a remedy for gastric ulcer. The leaves are also highly diuretic-promotes the production of urine, making it easier for the heart to pump blood hence, reducing the risk of hypertension.

2. Malaria

According to research, the leave extract inhibits the growth of plasmodium falciparum which causes malaria therefore; taking a decoction can cure malaria.

3. Improves Oral hygiene and cures Tooth ache

The stem used as chewing stick (indigenous tooth brush) contains saponin which adds cleaning effect to the teeth and at the same time removes plaques and caries on the teeth of users. The stem bark decoction is also used to treat tooth ache.

4. Anti-inflammatory and Anti-microbial Properties

The fruit pulp contains abundant vitamin C which fights against microbial infections. The stem bark has the ability to reduce inflammation in bronchial tubes that arises due to bronchitis.

5. Jaundice and Diabetes Management

A decoction of velvet tamarind leaves is used in preparing medicinal solution for curing jaundice. It also lowers blood sugar and increases insulin sensitivity hence, can be used to treat diabetes.

6. Reliefs Menstrual Cramp and stops Diarrhoea

The stem bark extract has significant analgesic property hence, can be used to reduce menstrual pain. You can take it along with papaya leaf, salt and water to work effectively. It can also stop diarrhoea.

7. Hemorrhoids (pile)

Piles are swollen veins in the anal canal caused by too much pressure in the pelvic and rectal areas and while not life threatening, these veins can be very painful. A study performed on ethanolic leaves extract of velvet tamarind showed it to be beneficial for pile treatment.

8. Treats Scurvy and Wounds

The fruit pulp has high ascorbic acid content which is an anti-scurvy vitamin hence used as food supplement. Tender leaves of velvet tamarind, when squeezed and applied on wounds, stimulates the growth of healthy skin and protects the wounds against germs and moisture.

9. Improves lactation and checks genital infections

A review of several studies has concluded that chewing the fruit pulp increase secretion of milk as well as check infections.

10. Velvet Tamarind increases the Antioxidant Capacity of the body

Oxidative damage which involves free radicals - highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons, is believed to be one of the mechanisms behind ageing and many diseases. The abundance of antioxidants in the leaves helps protect the human body from damage caused by these free radicals when taken.

Source: Wikinut

Yam-Nutritional benefits

First of all, Yams are not same as Sweet Potatoes! They are classified as root vegetables and they represent the main source of dietary carbohydrate in most of West Africa.

Yams come in different varieties; their variations stemming from their starch, water and fibre contents. Some degree of variation is also dictated by the region in which the yam is cultivated.

The different species of yams have a peculiar appearance by which they can be identified. These variations also determine how best to prepare and cook them.

Nutritional Benefits: Yams are rich in nutrients that help to protect the body and are hence considered to be one of the healthiest foods for human consumption.

They are a good source of vitamin C (though most of this reside near the skin). A medium-size yam provides 1/3 of the vitamin C recommended daily for an average adult.

Yams supply potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and large amounts of vitamin B6, folic acid and other B vitamins. They also contain small amounts of vegetable protein are low in sodium, virtually fat free and easy to digest.

Food facts: Yams have a low-medium glycaemic index, high in dietary fibre and a source of slow release energy. They also contain a unique substance that is used as a starting material for the synthesis of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone.

Common uses: Yams can be boiled, roasted/baked or fried like their European equivalent - potatoes. They can also be dried and milled into flour.

Cooking Yams: Leaving skin on yams during cooking is an excellent way to conserve their nutrients, but yams must be thoroughly washed to remove all traces of soil. If yams are to be peeled before cooking, keep peelings as thin as possible, since some of the yam's nutrients are found close to the skin.

Storing Yams: Store yams in a cool, dry, dark place that is well ventilated. Under these conditions yams will keep well for several weeks. Warmer temperatures can encourage sprouting and shrivelling. Sprouting yams can still be used. Simply peel to remove sprouts completely before cooking. Some varieties of yams can be peeled, sliced and refrigerated/frozen but will only then be ideal for boiling afterwards. Freezing some yam varieties may cause them to darken and develop an odd bitter taste.

The most popular yam recipe among West Africans is pounded yam or yam foofoo, which is made by peeling, boiling and then pounding into a dough using traditional mortar and pestle. This is usually served with vegetable soups and stews.

Yams can also be stewed, grated and deep fried or added to complement soup or snack recipes.

There is much more you can do with yams. For instance you can make a variety of light meals and snacks that can be enjoyed for relaxation with friends and family.

Tip: Older, drier yams have a much more sweet and creamy taste and texture; perfect for pounding, boiling or stewing. Soaking them in some fresh clean water for about 20 minutes before cooking increases their moisture content and enhance texture.

Nutritional Data (Based on 100g of boiled yam)
Calories: 136.3kcal
Dietary fibre: 3.9g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Protein: 1.7g
Fat: 0.2g
Vitamins: B1 B6, C
Minerals: Potassium, Managanese

Source: Funke Koleosho  blog

African Giant Snails

African Giant Snails
Snail is the general term used to reference the shelled, slimy creature commonly found in back gardens, yards, farm lands and the rain forests. Though there are quite a number of varieties, the land snail is the most familiar to man, used for food and in cosmetics.

Snails come in different sizes depending on their geographical location. Those found in Europe are smaller while those typically found in West Africa are much larger, growing up to about 20cm in length. Their shell is a variegated shade of brown/dark brown with a fleshy muscular body having similar colours or sometimes dark grey and black.

In Nigeria, snails are a delicacy enjoyed particularly by the people in the southern western regions where they are typically cooked and served in stews or soups, or fried and eaten as snacks, canapés or starter.

Nutritional Profile (based on 100g of snail flesh/meat) 
Calorie - 105.1kcal
Protein - 20.5g
Carbohydrate  - 0g
Fat - 1.3g
Fibre - 3.8g

Vitamins: A, B6, B12, K and folate.

Minerals: High levels of Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium. Also contains significant levels of Iron. Other minerals include Manganese, Copper, Sulphur and Sodium

A Healthy Source of Food?
Snail meat has very high levels of protein, higher, in fact, than beef, chicken or rabbit according to research. It is also low in fat (containing mainly polyunsaturated fatty acid) compared to these other meats and has negligible amount of cholesterol.

Snail meat contains the amino acids arginine and lysine at higher levels than in whole eggs! It also contains healthy essential fatty acids such as linoleic and linolenic acids, required for normal tissue development and maintenance. The high-protein, low-fat content of snail meat makes it a healthy alternative food/meat compared with chicken, beef and rabbit meat.

According to another report, the significantly high levels of iron in snail meat  is believed, contributes to the fight against iron deficiency anaemia," (Nutritional benefits of the African Giant Snail - read it here...http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd23/3/mali23060.htm)

Other uses

Largely in some parts of the world, snails are regarded as pests which can cause serious damage to agricultural produce, so, in these areas, great efforts are made to get rid of them and keep them under control. In other parts of the world (example Japan) snail slime is used in facial treatment to erase wrinkles!

The slime has a powerful mix of antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and proteins, all of which help the skin to retain moisture, soothe any inflammations and even act as an exfoliant for dead skin cells. Specially bred snails are used in this treatment.

This slime is also extracted and made into a cosmetic gel /cream which is applied to the face as a moisturiser.

In addition, snail slime contains unusual crystals of the commonly-occurring mineral, calcite which is being researched in the treatment of bone fractures and hip replacements.

Risks
Eating raw snails may pose the risk of ingesting a parasite which may cause meningitis-like symptoms, so they must be well bred and prepared before used for food. Touching or handling live snails do not pose this risk though. Simply follow regular hygiene precautions of washing hands, after handling them.

Source: Funke Koleosh blog

African Star Apple (agbalumo, udara)

The African star apple (or white star apple; botanical name chrysophyllum albidum), locally known as agbalumo, udara, is a West African origin exotic fruit with a tough leather-like, green to dark orange skin depending on the stage of ripeness.

When ripe, the fruit has a tender, sweet & tart tasting inner flesh which is also dark red/orange in colour again depending on stage of ripeness. The fruit also possesses a cluster of about 5 large seeds stuck together in the shape of a star. The seeds have a shiny hard brown casing which feels like plastic and are covered with a cream-ish white fibrous sweet membrane.

Agbalumo is a seasonal fruit and in Nigeria, you find them at every market in urban and rural towns particularity in the months of December to April when they are in season. Traditionally, the fruits are not harvested from the trees, but left to drop naturally to the ground before they are picked. They are rarely used in cooking but rather, when ripe, they are eaten raw as snacks.

The star apple tree secretes a whitish sap/latex which gives the pulp/flesh a chewing-gum like texture!


                                                 

Nutritional Profile:
Star apples are a rich source of calcium, with each serving providing up to 10% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA). This fruit also contains good amounts of vitamins A and C (higher, in fact than levels found in oranges or guava). Star apples are also quite rich in iron (a mineral the body needs daily).

According to a report published by the African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, the leaves of the star apple tree and to some extent the flesh of the fruit itself, possess some chemical nutrients which have similar properties to insulin found in the body, and believed to effectively reduce blood sugar levels. This property makes the leaves/fruits useful medically, for the treatment of type two diabetes though further research is being carried out.

Some other traditional uses/remedies of the star apples (including fruits, leaves and bark) include:

*Reduction of inflammation associated with laryngitis (sore throat) and pneumonia
*Treatment for hypertension & heart problems
*Antibacterial properties useful in the relief of tooth abscesses, intestinal/stomach upset, skin infection and diarrhoea.

Weight control:
Star apples are rich in dietary fibre. Eating up to 3-5 fruits can give a feeling of being full and keep dieters from over-eating and consequently controlling calorie/food intake thereby helping to control/manage weight.

Nutritional Data (100g of pulp/flesh only)
Calorie - 61 kcal
Carbohydrate of which sugars) - 11g
Protein - 2g
Fat - 0g
Fibre - 3g
Vitamins: - A, C
Minerals: - Iron, Calcium

Source: funke-koleosho blog