Below are the 7 benefits of this diet.

High Blood Sugar Level

Meals consumed during a ketogenic diet naturally helps lower blood sugar level. Research has proven that ketogenic diet is a more effective way to prevent or manage diabetes compared to a low-calorie diet plan. Remember in my last article, it was established that the food ratio for ketogenic diet is 75% of fat, 20% of protein and 5% of carbohydrate. Sugar which happens to be the end product of carbohydrate is a major root cause of Diabetes; which is why ketogenic diet known as low-carb diet is the best for high blood sugar level.

Weight Loss

Ketogenic diet uses the body fat as an energy source and this helps with weight loss. While on the ketogenic diet the insulin, level go down turning your body into a fat burning machine. Based on personal experience and research the ketogenic diet is more effective compared to low-fat and high-carb diets.

Intellectual Focus

Ketones have been said to be a great source of fuel for the brain. This is because of the increased intake of fatty acids which has great benefits to our brain function. When you are on a low-carb diet, it helps avoid big spikes in blood sugar level which can result in improving focus and concentration. The ketogenic diet also helps increase energy level by giving your body a better and more reliable energy source.

Reduced Hunger Pangs

Fats are naturally more satisfying and they end up leaving the body in a full state for a longer period. The portion control included in the ketogenic diet plan helps the stomach reduces hunger pangs.

Managed Epilepsy

Research shows that keto helps in controlling seizures in some people with epilepsy. This diet is usually recommended by doctors for children whose seizures have not responded to a different type of medication. It is also used to prevent and reduce seizures in children living with epilepsy.

Blood Pressure and Reduced Cholesterol

A popular misconception about keto diet says that this lifestyle is prone to raise the cholesterol level in the body causing high blood pressure because of the high fat intake which fears the LDL. But on the ketogenic diet, you are encouraged to feed healthy fats like coconut oil, palm oil, lard, eggs, cream, red meat, grass-fed animal products and dairy fats like butter and yogurt to mention a few. The LDL cause high cholesterol and high blood pressure while ketogenic diet increase HDL.

The Easy Flow of Menstrual Cycle

Personally, prior to this time my menstrual cycle comes with lots of pain and the colour was different from the usual, but after I started the ketogenic diet I no longer feel menstrual cramps and the colour, now pure red. I am happy to be on this journey because I feel healthy.

Aside from the benefits listed above, I have also been told of personal stories how ketogenic diet tackles Fibroid, barrenness, Polycystic Ovarian syndrome, infertility problem, and hormonal imbalance. Also, it starves cancer cells of their food which is glucose.

You should give this diet a try, if you are looking to stay healthy and free from any medical condition.

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This common saying “you can’t eat your cake and have it”  implies you can not have the best of both worlds- sacrifices must be made to achieve set goals. This invariably mean that you discipline yourself and abide by set rules in order to see that desired change in your body size and health.

In discussing this new path towards healthy living, I will give a brief introduction into all about Ketogenic and how it works.

What is Ketogenic:

Ketogenic is a low carb diet which is structured to put your body in a state of ketosis, Ketogenic uses fat as its primary body source of fuel (Energy), this occurs because glucose a product of carbohydrate which gives you energy is cut from your meal plan and replaced with fat.

How does Keto work:

For you to achieve your set goals in Ketogenic you must follow this strict ratio of your diet, the Ketogenic diet is 75% of fat, 20% of protein and 5% of carbohydrate.

A look at the pie chart above shows you what your plate of food should look like when you are about to have your meal for the day.

Fat eaten is circulated as triglycerides in the blood stream and stored as adipose tissue i.e. body fat which is used as energy to keep your body going. Remember low carbohydrate diet is equal to low energy hence I would advise you eat more fat for you to have energy while going about your day to day activities.

I have read comments on ketogenic having the risk of high cholesterol which will result into low-density lipoproteins:  this is caused by eating of fatty foods that are high in sugar (bad fat)  but with research, I have been made to understand that high-fat diet requires eating of healthy fat, vegetables, fruits, fish etc. Eating of fatty foods which are high in sugar causes ketoacidosis.

Let’s try practice the above this week as we look at benefits of Ketogenic diet subsequently.

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A Protein based deep conditioner helps to strengthen the hair, this prevents hair breakage and split ends. It improves elasticity and boosts porosity of the hair. Protein based conditioners repairs damaged hair.

The Moisture based deep conditioner retains moisture in the hair. Frequent use of moisturizing deep conditioner softens the hair over time and leaves the hair shining.

The Do’s And Don’ts of Deep Conditioning

Apply your deep conditioner on a freshly and neatly washed hair.

Apply on your hair and not on your scalp, special focus should be on the tip.

It is advisable to warm your conditioner or use a heat cap after use.

You may use a steamer for easier and quicker penetration.

You are to make use of your deep conditioner as directed by the manufacturer.

Do not sleep with the conditioner on, thirty minutes will just be enough but if it is a DIY deep conditioner it can last for an hour.

Pay attention to ingredients and not the price tag when buying your hair product. Best ingredients include cationic polymers, silicones, cationic surfactant, oils and emollients.

Moisturise and seal your hair

Style as desired.

Deep Conditioning Benefits

1. It prevents damage, dryness, breakage and split ends.
2. It adds moisture and protein to the hair.
3. It helps protect the hair from bad chemicals generated from hair products.
4. It keeps the hair soft and strong.
5. It keeps the hair alive and healthy which encourages growth.
6. It repairs damaged hair.
7. It reduces frizzles.

Remember your hair is a plant when fed and nurtured well, you get your desired growth and result.

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Generally caused by an accumulation of bacteria in the mouth; which causes inflammation and exude great foul smell. Basically, all the food eaten begins to be broken down in your mouth. If you eat foods with strong flavour (such as garlic or onions), brushing and flossing; even mouthwash merely covers up the odour temporarily. The odour will not go away completely until the foods have passed through your body.
If you don’t brush and floss teeth daily, food particles can remain in your mouth, promoting bacterial growth between teeth, around the gums, and on the tongue. This causes bad breath. In addition, odour-causing bacteria and food particles can cause bad breath if dentures are not properly cleaned.

Smoking or chewing tobacco-based products also can cause bad breath, stain teeth, reduce your ability to taste foods, and irritate your gum.

Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth may be a warning sign of gum (periodontal) disease. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth. Bacteria cause the formation of toxins to form, which irritate the gums. If gum disease continues untreated, it can damage the gums and jawbone.

For some, mouth odour is a temporal issue that only rears its unfavorable trait in a rather unique way; such as when you just get out of bed in the morning, or after eating a pungent-releasing food. For many others, it is a recurring phenomenon regardless of whether the teeth is either brushed or flossed, rinsed with mouthwash or consistent eating of mint-releasing candies.

Other dental causes of bad breath include poorly fitting dental appliances, yeast infections of the mouth, and dental caries (cavities).

Xerostomia; the medical condition depicting dry mouth can also cause bad breath. Saliva is necessary to moisten the mouth, neutralize acids produced by plaque, and wash away dead cells that accumulate on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. If not removed, these cells decompose and can cause bad breath. Dry mouth may be a side effect of various medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous breathing through the mouth.

Medically, there are many other diseases, illnesses or medications that may cause bad breath. Respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis, chronic sinus infections, postnasal drip, diabetes, chronic acid, etc. are some of these medical conditions.

How to know if you have Bad Breath

1. Get a very good friend to be absolutely honest, but do make sure they are a true friend.
2. A simple test you can do yourself is to lick the inside of your wrist and wait for the saliva to dry. If the area you licked smells unpleasant, it is likely that your breath does too.

What Can I Do to Prevent Bad Breath

1. Practice good oral hygiene

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush teeth after you eat (keep a toothbrush at work or school to brush after lunch). Don’t forget to brush the tongue, too. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months or after an illness. Use floss or an interdental cleaner to remove food particles and plaque between teeth once a day. Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash twice a day. Dentures should be removed at night and cleaned thoroughly before being placed in your mouth the next morning.

2. See your dentist regularly

Make effort to see your dentist at least twice a year. He or she will conduct an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning and will be able to detect and treat periodontal disease, dry mouth, or other problems that may be the cause of bad mouth odour.

3. Drink lots of water

Drinking water keeps your mouth moist and makes you produce more saliva, which in turn neutralises bad breath. Chewing gum (preferably sugarless) or sucking on candy (preferably sugarless) also stimulates the production of saliva, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria. Gums and mints containing xylitol are best.

4. Application of mouthwash

Some mouthwashes not only leave breath smelling minty, they contain some antiseptic agents, such as cetylpyridinium chloride (ask your dentist about which product is best for you), to reduce plaque and prevent gingivitis; which can also cause bad breath.

5. Regular intake of vegetables

Fibrous vegetables, such as celery and cucumbers boost saliva production; which ultimately washes away odour-causing bacteria. Crunchy vegetables help in removing plaque on teeth and gums, which bacteria can feed on.

6. Keep a log of the foods you eat

If you think they may be causing bad breath, bring the log to your dentist to review. Similarly, make a list of the medications you take. Some drugs may play a role in creating mouth odour.

7. Stop smoking and chewing tobacco-based products

Ask your dentist for tips in kicking out the habit.

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To Keep Fit

Even while pregnant being physically fit is very possible, that is if you take the right food in the right proportion that helps your bone remain strong. You do not have to always complain of weariness during pregnancy if you take the right meal. A pregnant woman that eats well will be healthy and well. Good food fights and wards off illnesses and diseases. It is necessary that pregnant women remain healthy and strong throughout the pregnancy period.

To Feel and Look Good

Pregnancy is not an excuse to look unhealthy or malnourished which is why it is advisable to eat a healthy meal at all times; this will make you look beautiful all through the stages of pregnancy. Some women hide under the guise of being pregnant to look scruffy, if you can look beautiful without pregnancy; you can still look extremely gorgeous while pregnant when you eat healthy. An imbalanced diet may result into a malnourished look.

Prepares You for Delivery

Maintaining a healthy diet helps prepare you for delivery. All the classes of food have their work in the body system from giving you strength, to purifying your system and can help put the body in good shape prior to the delivery date. You must have heard of some women that just strolls into the hospital to give them calmly, they definitely did well in maintaining a good diet which made this possible.

For a Healthy Baby

When a mother maintains a good diet, it affects the child also because the child feeds off the mother. When the mother takes junk, it tells on the well-being of the child. A mother that eats healthy will produce an equally healthy child. Have it at the back of your mind that the health of your child is in your hands.

To Keep Sickness Away

 One of the vital role of a healthy diet is giving you a clean state of health rather than falling sick often. Balanced diet serves as a body builder for the mother and child; helping to overcome undernourishment and any form of ill-health. There is a less chance of being hospitalized when you follow through a proper diet, as you get all form of nutrient you need to give a good and sound health. If you can follow a healthy diet while pregnant, it will become easier to continue even after you have had your child.

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1. Give Your Feet a Break: Don’t we all love to strut along in our beautiful 3-inch heeled sandals or shoes? It gives a spring to our steps which will not last if it is rooted in pains. Rest your feet by throwing on slippers at your desk or while moving around for a longer period of time. Heeled shoes put more pressure on the balls of the feet and leave a lasting effect that might take surgery to correct. Timing is key when it comes to making your feet feel good.

2. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize: This cannot be over emphasized. The skin of the feet is drier than normal and can give away your age if not cared for. Moisturizing your feet with oil will keep your feet hydrated and healthy-looking. Oils like Coconut oil and olive oil should be massaged into the foot at night to help the feet rest properly.

3. Wash your feet: This sounds funny but a lot of ladies have been washing the feet the wrong way. Washing your feet correctly means that you pay attention to every part of the feet including the spaces between your toes. This helps to prevent athlete’s foot and other foot diseases. After washing, dry every part of your feet and rub in a generous amount of body lotion. Your feet will glow and look good in your shoes when you do this.

4. Use a Plaster: A plaster is not only for covering wounds, it can also prevent wounds. Wearing leather shoes can leave your feet battered and bruised. This is due to the constant rubbing that takes place. Placing a plaster on the spot prone to blisters will keep your feet clean. You can also tape your third and fourth toes together to reduce the pressure and boost support in your beloved high heels.

5. Switch Your Shoes: We sweat on our feet and the moisture takes a while to dry. Wearing a particular pair of shoes all week does not only wreck your shoes, it also provides a perfect breeding ground for fungi and bacteria which will end up on your feet. Wearing a different pair of shoes every day does not only help your feet rest, it also gives your shoes time to dry properly. Airing your shoes leave them smelling good.

6. Choose a Perfect Fit: Wearing tight shoes is a no-no. Tight fitting shoes will leave your feet disfigured and also promote toe bunions growing on them. Take out time to shop for your correct shoe size by visiting the shoe store in the afternoon or evening when your feet are tired and swollen. This will help you choose a size that will give your feet room to breathe and also accommodate the eventual swelling that comes with walking around.

7. Do a Pedicure: I can almost hear the heavenly sounds of violins for this one. There is no better way to pamper your feet than to give it a befitting soak in warm water and oil. You can leave out the Epsom salt as it has drying qualities. Remember to remove your old nail polish before soaking your feet. After the soak, dry your feet and moisturize. Cut and file the nails carefully. Use a pumice stone to get dead cells off the under of your feet. Then get out your favourite nail polish and coat your nails. Your feet will thank you.

Now you have a beauty routine to keep your feet happy. Try it today and watch your feet become more beautiful. Remember, your feet are as lovely as the treatment they get. Enjoy!

Folakemi Philips

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Back in the 90’s, it was termed “Christmas Rice” by all. Then you would find little children going from house to house for a fill of this delicious meal.

Over the years, a lot of arguments have ensued on which country pioneered the cooking of the sweet delicacy of Jollof rice in Africa, this argument has been between two powerful countries in Africa (Nigeria and Ghana). Ghanaians claim Jollof rice originated from Ghana while Nigerians believe they own it. some have gone far to iron out which tastes better; Ghana Jollof or Nigeria Jollof. Whichever, One can deny the meal will always be an all-time favourite.

In preparing this sweet delicacy, these steps should be noted.

Step 1– Ingredients :
• 6 large fresh tomatoes (I prefer buying from the mallam’s).
• 6 large fresh tatashe (Bell pepper).
• 3 medium sized onion bulbs.
• Pepper.
• Vegetable oil (Buy a healthy choice).
• 2 teaspoons thyme.
• Chicken stock/Beef stock.
• 4 Cups rice.
• 4 bay leaves.
• Curry.
• Salt.
• 3 cubes of seasoning.

Step 2– Cooking the Jollof
1. Blend your tomatoes, tatashe, onion bulbs into a paste.
2. Parboil the rice.
3. Pour oil into the pot.
4. Add the paste into the hot oil, allow paste to fry.
5. Add your seasoning and spice for taste.
6. Add stock water.
7. Add bay leaf.
8. Allow to boil for few minutes.
9. Add parboiled rice.
10. Cover the pot and leave to cook on low to medium heat so as to enable the rice to cook properly without burning.(Allow to cook for 10 minutes, if not edible enough add little water to the rice until you are satisfied.)
Viola!!! The hidden secret of getting the right taste of Jollof rice is by letting the water level added to the pot to be the same level of the rice. This is to ensure that all the water dries up by the time the rice is cooked. 
Serve with fried meat or chicken, coleslaw, salad, moi-moi and plantain. Remember to remove the bay leaf as you serve your rice.

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Genotypes are divided into six- AA, AC, AS, CC, SC and SS. People commonly know about the 4 basic divisions, actually, there are 6 of them; though AC and CC are rare. SS and AC are the sickle cells.

It is important to know that for as many people that know their genotype, there are even yet many more that do not know theirs. Below are reasons why it is important to know your genotype.

1. Marriage Purpose
2. Ignorance
3. Health Purpose

The need for partners to be aware of their genotype before marriage is highly essential to avoid a deadly health implication in marriage. Intending couples should know both their own genotype and their partner’s at the early stage of their relationship before they are deeply rooted in love and emotions. Emotions and time spent in the relationship can affect people’s decision to break up if they are not medically compatible; giving birth to sickle cell children and putting themselves and their children through pain, torture and agony. Parents should check the genotype of their children during pregnancy or immediately after birth. This will help to know the health status of the child and what they have to do to sustain and maintain the child’s health.

“AA” genotype can marry anybody. It is safe for someone with AS to marry someone with AA genotype. The combinations of AS and AS, AS and AC should not be risked. There is probability of having a SS. Although. Two sickle cells should not even have a relationship or get married.

The outcomes of a genetic combination are-

SS & SS: SS, SS, SS, SS

AC & AC: AA, AC, AC, SS

AS & AC: AA, AC, AS, SS

AC &SS: AS, AS, SS, SS

AS & AS: AA, AS, AS, SS

AS & SS: AS, SS, SS, SS

AA & SS: AS, AS, AS, AS

AA & AC: AA, AA, AA, AC

AA & AS: AA, AS, AA, AS

AA &AA: AA, AA, AA, AA

History of Nigeria dates back to the era when the “abikus” were very prominent. Children who died prematurely or right after their births were called “Abikus” This was as a result of Ignorance and lack of proper knowledge on blood group or genotype. If these people were proper fully informed these may have never happened. Thankfully, the advent of modern medicine has provided basic explanation and education hence ignorance no longer is an excuse.

Genotype “AA” carriers are susceptible to malaria sickness in their early ages. Sickle cell “SS” arises when there is a faulty gene that affects how red blood cells develop. When the red blood cells do not have the required oxygen, there will be changes in its original disc shape to a “crescent-like” or”Sickle-like” shape resulting in the name “sickle cell”. Sickle cell patients experience severe pains in body organs that lack oxygen flow. Their bone marrow fails to produce red blood cells and this result to anaemia. Blood transfusion usually saves this anaemic crisis.

You should visit a certified hospital to get your genotype test done because the consequence of not knowing your genotype can be quite fatal and ignorance is not an excuse.

‘Lamide Olajide

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