5 HEALTHY FOODS THAT FIGHTS AGAINST COLD & FLU

Hello Guys before we look at the foods that fights cold, lets learn a Little more about what Cold really is, how to prevent them, how long it last and how to get rid of it.

Although many types of viruses can cause a common cold, rhinoviruses are the most common culprit. A cold virus enters your body through your mouth, eyes or nose. The virus can spread through droplets in the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks.

How long does a cold last for?
Cold symptoms usually appear 2 or 3 days after a person has been exposed to a source of infection. People with colds are most contagious for the first 3 or 4 days after the symptoms appear and may be contagious for up to 3 weeks. Although some colds can linger for as long as 2 weeks, most clear up within a week.

Signs and symptoms, of cold  can vary from person to person, might include:

    Runny or stuffy nose.
    Sore throat.
    Cough.
    Congestion.
    Slight body aches or a mild headache.
    Sneezing.
    Low-grade fever.
    Generally feeling unwell (malaise)

 There's no vaccine for the common cold, but you can take common-sense precautions to slow the spread of cold viruses: Wash your hands. Clean your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water, and teach your children the importance of hand-washing.

 Ginger
Ginger is known as the universal medicine .  ginger helps break down mucous to help clear your respiratory tract and alleviate symptoms of congestion. It also contains phytochemicals that help fight viruses that can cause respiratory illnesses.  use fresh ginger in teas and cooked with food.

Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic Acid include the treatment of the common cold, boosting the immune system, The important sources of Vitamin C are any citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapes. Strawberries, raspberries, cabbages, cauliflower, other leafy vegetables, red peppers, potatoes, broccoli, chilies, watercress, parsley, Brussels sprouts, cantaloupes, mange tout, and kiwi fruits are also rich sources of this vitamin.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is known to help keep certain parts of the body, like the lining of the digestive tract, healthy. This helps prevent infection because the digestive tract is a physical barrier to infection and illness.

 vitamin A foods include sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy greens, winter squashes, lettuce, dried apricots, cantaloupe, bell peppers, fish, liver, and tropical fruits.

 Chicken Soup
You should eat chicken soup when you’re sick. This age-old elixir combines many elements that help
speed your recovery. The warm broth not only soothes your throat but helps you stay hydrated, too. “Hot liquid, like soup, raises the temperature in your body and airways, loosening mucus secretion.

Beef

If you want to boost your immune system, eat some beef. “Beef is a good source of zinc, and zinc is important in the development of the white blood cells that defend your body,”  Research has shown that having a zinc deficiency decreases a person’s immune function and response. Plus, the extra protein you get from chowing down on beef supports the body in building antibodies and fighting off infection,

 I hope you have learned alot here, don't forget to leave a comment, like and share to your loved one's

BENEFITS AND USES OF SHEA BUTTER

What is Shea Butter?

Shea butter is a skin superfood that comes from the seeds of the fruit of the Shea (Karite) tree and that is naturally rich in vitamins A, E and F. It offers UV protection (it is SPF ~6) and provides the skin with essential fatty acids and the nutrients necessary for collagen production. Shea butter has been used in Africa and other countries for years to improve skin and hair.
 Shea butter exhibits several health benefits, particularly for the skin and the hair. It is used in a variety of cosmetics and medicinal formulas in combination with other botanical ingredients. Some of the health benefits of shea butter are given below.

Benefits

Reduces Inflammation: A 2010 study found that due to its cinnamic acid and other natural properties, shea butter was anti-inflammatory. (source) One compound in particular, lupeol cinnamate, was found to reduce skin inflammation and even potentially help avoid skin mutations. This also makes it beneficial for some people with acne.

Skin Smoothing: Shea butter aids in the skin’s natural collagen production and contains oleic, stearic, palmitic and linolenic acids that protect and nourish the skin to prevent drying. With long term use, many people report skin softening and strengthening as well as wrinkle reduction.

Moisturizing: The concentration of natural vitamins and fatty acids in Shea butter makes it incredibly nourishing and moisturizing for skin. It is often used to remedy dry skin and to help protect the skin’s natural oils. 

Shea Butter For Skin
Shea butter is considered a super food for the skin as it is  rich in precious constituents such as unsaturated fats with a large proportion of non-saponifiable components, essential fatty acids, vitamins E and D, phytosterols, provitamin A and allantoin. It has been used since time immemorial for skin care, baby care, and for consumption. In fact, the legendary Egyptian queen, Nefertiti, owed her beauty secrets to shea butter, which further demonstrates its goodness for the skin. Given below are its various benefits for the skin.

Healing Qualities:

Shea butter is known for its healing properties that can be attributed to the presence of several fatty acids and plant sterols such as oleic, palmitic, stearic and linolenic acids. These oil-soluble components do not undergo saponification or convert into soap on coming in contact with alkali. Shea butter is more non-saponifiable than other nut oils and fats, thus imparting it a great healing potential for the skin. Raw, unrefined shea butter is effective in curing skin rashes, skin peeling after tanning, scars, stretch marks, frost bites, burns, athletes foot, insect bites and stings, arthritis, and muscle fatigue.

1. As a natural baby-care product (alone) or ingredient in baby care recipes
2. By itself on the lips or in homemade lip balms
3. Or homemade shimmer lip balm
4. To improve skin elasticity (some even say it helps with cellulite)
5. On the hair or scalp (in mixture with other natural ingredients)
6. In homemade liquid creme foundation and makeup
7. After sun or beach exposure to replenish skin
8. On the eyelids before applying makeup to make it last longer
9. As a natural cuticle cream
10. On scars to naturally help collagen production
11. On sore/raw noses during a cold or flu
12. By itself for face and body as a natural moisturizer
13. In a shea butter lotion bar stick for easy use
14. Alone or in a pregnancy stretch mark salve to ward off stretch marks
15. As the best under-eye wrinkle remover and bag-reducer
16. For massage butter
17. In velvety soft whipped body butter
18. or basic homemade lotion
19. As a base for homemade deodorant
20. As an SPF 6 skin lotion
21. In magnesium body butter

 

THE AMAZING USES OF BANANA PEEL

Do you eat a lot of bananas? Don’t throw away the peels just yet. Banana peels can be used in everyday chores and tasks. Contrary to popular belief, banana peels can also be eaten. They contain high levels of fiber and antioxidants that make a great addition to a healthy diet. Banana peels are chock-a-block with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, so they’re a natural cure for many an ailment and an aid for cell regeneration.

These are just few of its most important uses in your home:

Teeth Whitening

You want white teeth? Well, you are in the right place. Banana peels can be extremely efficient and beneficial in whitening your teeth. All you have to do is grab a banana peel and rub it on your teeth every day for 5 minutes. You will notice amazing results just after one week of using this whitening method.   These are just few of its most important uses in your home:

Teeth Whitening

You want white teeth? Well, you are in the right place. Banana peels can be extremely efficient and beneficial in whitening your teeth. All you have to do is grab a banana peel and rub it on your teeth every day for 5 minutes. You will notice amazing results just after one week of using this whitening method.

Psoriasis

Banana peel is also extremely useful in treating psoriasis. It can cure psoriasis in just few days. Just rub the banana peel on the affected area. Repeat this process 2 times a day. Banana peel has the ability to moisturize your skin, relieve itchiness and as we said, cure psoriasis in just few days.

Helps with Hemorrhoids

The peel from this tropical fruit is also extremely beneficial and useful in the case of hemorrhoids. All you have to do is rub the banana peel on the affected area for 5 minutes, 5 times a day.

Headache

We all know that bananas are loaded with potassium, and it can help you heal the main cause of the pain. Just grab the banana peel and hold it across your forehead and the pain will go away. You can also put it across the back of your neck. You will get the same results – get rid of the pain.

Acne
anana peel is also very useful in treating acne. In order to reduce the inflammation and irritation, take a banana peel and rub it over the affected area. You should repeat this process every night before going to bed, until you get rid of the acne.

Warts

This is another useful benefit of the banana peel. Banana peels can also help you eliminate those stubborn warts. Cut a piece of the banana peel and put it on the warts. You can secure it with a bandage and leave it overnight. Or you can rub the inner side of the peel on the affected area.

Bruises

You can use banana peel to speed up the healing process of bruises. This is because of the regenerative and healing properties of banana peels.

Natural polishing agent

They can be very useful for everyday tasks and for cleaning your home. Banana peels can be extremely useful for cleaning your furniture, kitchen utensils, polish your shoes and you can even use them to clean off the dust and debris from the leaves of your houseplants.

Bug bites

You can reduce itching from insect bites and calm the affected area on your skin. All you have to do is grab a banana peel and rub it over the bug bites.

Rashes and itches

Banana peels are extremely useful and beneficial in relieving rashes and itches. Just rub the banana peel over the affected area 2 times a day. You need to repeat this method until it disappears.
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COMBINATION OF HONEY AND CINNAMON THAT WILL HELP IN THE TREATMENT OF 6 DISEASES

Scientists have repeatedly confirmed that the benefits of regular consumption of honey in combination with cinnamon are a powerful weapon in the fight against many enemies to your health.

More than 4000 years honey is used as a traditional remedy for almost every ailment. Egyptians used it to treat wounds, the Greeks for a long life, and Indians to establish a balance in the body. Modern medicine shows that these beliefs are true. As there were positive beliefs about honey so existed and cinnamon since ancient times. Cinnamon is considered a gift suitable for any monarch and deity through evidence of its usefulness in the treatment of many diseases.

Here are some useful recipes derived from a combination of these powerful natural ingredients that you can use in the treatment of some diseases including chronic diseases such as arthritis.

Combination of honey and cinnamon that will help in the treatment of 6 diseases:

1. Against heart disease

At the morning, instead you put marmalade or jam on the bread, put the paste of honey and cinnamon powder. If you consume this combination will regularly reduce cholesterol levels in the blood and prevent the possibility of getting a heart attack.

2. Against Arthritis

In the cup boiling water mix two tablespoons of honey and a tablespoon of cinnamon powder. This liquid drink at morning and evening. Regular use of this drink will help you in the treatment of chronic arthritis.

3. Against infections of the gallbladder

If you have any infection of the gallbladder, you can use a mixture that is applied for the treatment of arthritis, but this time change the amount of honey and cinnamon. In a cup of boiling water put two teaspoons of cinnamon and a tablespoon of honey.

4. To reduce cholesterol

In a large glass of tea mix two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons cinnamon. Drinking of this mixture will cause a reduction of cholesterol by 10% in a period of two hours.

5. Against Colds

If you have problems with frequent colds observe consumption of a mixture of one tablespoon honey and a quarter teaspoon cinnamon. This habit will help in the treatment of colds, chronic cough and clogged sinuses.

6. Strengthen immunity

It is desirable to get the habit of daily consumption of these foods. They naturally protect the body from bacteria and viruses for more information like our Facebook page webfuntaiment recipe blog

Easy to try pineapple cake

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups (10 ounces) all purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
zest of 1 lemon
7 ounces unsalted butter, room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple (do not drain - see note)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
optional: fresh whipped cream for serving

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan and line it with parchment paper (note: the 8-inch pan cuts it a bit close with the batter when the cake rises in the oven but won't spill over). Place the cake pan on a baking sheet.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, kosher salt and lemon zest (make sure the zest doesn't clump together). Set aside.
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar together for several minutes until light and fluffy (first on low speed and then gradually increasing the speed to medium high). Turn off the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula.
Turn the mixer back on low speed and add the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the bowl after the second egg. Allow the eggs to incorporate completely and then scrape down the bowl again. This is a lot of eggs so don't worry if the mixture starts to break. The next step will bring it back together.
Add the crushed pineapple along with the vanilla and mix briefly on medium low to combine. With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture in 3 batches and mix until just combined. Turn off the stand mixer and scrape down the bowl with a spatula, giving the batter one final stir.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and use a spatula to level off the top.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before removing the cake from the pan. Serve plain or with freshly whipped cream.

Notes:

If you have sliced pineapple or pineapple chunks (the canned variety), you can make crushed pineapple by pulsing it in a food processor until it's broken down. You want pineapple canned in juice, not in syrup.
Don't drain the canned pineapple. You want all of the pineapple juice in the cake for both flavor and moisture.

4 Reasons Why You Should Never Skip Breakfast Ever

Are you tired of hearing about how breakfast is the most important meal of the day? Well, this advice probably not going to stop until more of us start eating our morning meals.

About 18 percent of males and 13 percent of females between the ages of 35 and 54 are breakfast skippers, according to a 2011 study by the market research company NPD group.

But the evidence that suggests that breakfast is a meal not-to-be-skipped is overwhelming. In fact, I have never encountered a study that suggests the opposite.

Ghanaian cuisine has diverse traditional dishes from each ethnic group, tribe and clan from the north to the south and from the east to west. Generally, most Ghanaian recipe dishes are made up of a starchy portion (rice, fufu, banku, tuo, gigi, akplidzii, yekeyeke, etew, ato etc) and a sauce or soup saturated with fish, snails, meat or mushrooms.

Some of the main starchy Ghanaian recipe dishes are:

 Cooked rice
 Waakye -  rice and beans

 Fufu -  pounded cassava and plantain or pounded yam and plantain, or pounded cocoyam


 Banku/Akple -  cooked fermented corn dough and cassava dough

 Kenkey/Dokonu - fermented corn and cassava dough, wrapped in corn or banana leaves and cooked into a consistent solid paste

 Kokonte - from dried cassava chips

 Gari - made from cassava

However Lets take a look at some of the research showing the possible benefits of breakfast:

Diabetes: Skipping breakfast may increase a woman's diabetes risk, according to a study published this month in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Women who ate breakfast an average of zero to six times per week were at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than women who ate breakfast every day.  

Heart Disease: Eating breakfast was associated with a lower incidence of heart disease in men between ages 45 and 82, according to a July study in the journal Circulation. The study also found that skipping breakfast was associated with hypertension, insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar levels.

Memory: A 2005 Journal of the American Dietetic Association review of 47 breakfast-related studies found that eating breakfast is likely to improve cognitive function related to memory and test grades. Translation: Eating breakfast is a smart move!

Weight Loss: In one recent study, people who ate breakfast as their largest meal lost an average of 17.8 pounds over three months. The other participants consumed the same number of total calories per day, but ate most of their calories at dinner, according to the study published in July in the journal Obesity. The large-dinner group only lost an average of 7.3 pounds each over the same time period.

      In a nutshell breakfast is very important and in Ghana  the type of breakfast you eat actually depends on the kind of work you do. for instance Manual workers like people who do heavy jobs should eat breakfasts that contain a lot of protein and carbohydrate but the same time that food should also be balanced with all the necessary nutrients, foods like Waakye or Banku Red Red  and rice  isn't  a bad  idea for breakfast to a Manual worker.

    Finally people who do less energy work like those who work in the offices should go for light breakfast foods which is balanced like oats with bread, salad bread with tea and some fruits  etc

i hope this little peace has helped in some way. feel free to leave a comment and always remember to stay healthy.