MONEY IS YOURS TO COMMAND

What if you had all the money you ever wanted, what would you do with it? I'll tell you. You would still want more. So be contented with the little you have. And grow from there.

The ability to be able to control your appetite for money makes you it's master. And until you have mastery over it, you can't make it obey you. It starts with the little you have at the moment. Remember you have the power to reproduce and multiply. Use that power. 

Money is not the problem at times. It's the ability to control it and to be in charge of it that matters. The truth is you will never have enough. No one can.

Money is meant to serve you. Not the other way round. You are the boss of money. Rule and take charge over it. 

Money answers to those who call and command it. When you give your offerings in church, what do you say to it before you drop it in the offering box? What actually is your attitude towards giving? Do u do it with a heart of gratitude or do you do it with a heart of regrets. You must know this. There is a spirit that controls everything on earth. There is a spirit behind money. 

Money is not meant to control the user. Money is not suppose to be kept idle. It's suppose to be wisely spent. And please know this: your money is suppose to answer, not only to your needs, but to the needs of others. Be a blessing to others via your money n gifts. 

Money will answer to you today and always. You will control it. It won't control you. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen!  

See simple steps on how to slim down and get in shape.

Want a trimmer body and a more balanced mood? End that gnawing sensation in your stomach with these simple solutions for feeling fuller and more gratified.

Top your omelet with hot sauce and splash sriracha on your stir-fry: Though no-frills foods might seem more saintly, flavorful options—especially the spicy variety—are actually more gratifying than bland ones. The concentrated burst of flavor may send a faster, more powerful satiety message to the brain. 

Have an Apple a Day

Start your meal with an apple and, research shows, you're apt to eat less overall. The fruit's filling fiber content (a medium one contains four to five grams, or roughly a fifth of a woman's daily needs) may be partially to thank. Go with the actual solid fruit: In a study published in the journal Appetite, people who sank their teeth into an apple 15 minutes before a pasta meal consumed 15 percent fewer calories than those who had applesauce or apple juice instead. The apple's volume, as well as the act of chewing, may result in a fuller stomach and a longer digestion time. 

Learn What Full Is

You might actually be full but not realize it. Most people don't even know what satiety feels like, so they keep eating.  Practice aiming for "three-quarters full". And remember, the notion that your brain needs time to register fullness is true. Take 20 minutes to eat every meal and it'll get easier to know when you should stop.

Quit Faking It

When someone says he's always hungry, the first thing I tell him is to cut out artificial sweeteners. Research shows that faux sugar's intense sweetness makes you want dessert even more. (Basically, trying to trick your body backfires.) Your system knows it didn't get the hit of sugar it was expecting and will make up for it with extra food. So if you're currently trying to stall cravings with a six-pack-a-day diet soda habit or by tossing back dozens of sugar-free candies from your desk drawer, a little bit of the real thing (say, a serving of fruit juice or a small cookie) may actually be the wiser choice. After all, in a study from Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, people who had candy and treats (yep, with real sugar) in moderation were slimmer than those who abstained.

Stock Up on Skinny Fats

Fat slows the rate at which your stomach and intestines digest food—but when it comes to staving off snack attacks, not all fat is created equal. You might think the fat from a juicy steak would be more substantial than that of an avocado, but it's actually the other way around. A study showed that unsaturated fat—think nuts and vegetable oils—hits the spot better than saturated fat (mostly animal fat, found in meat and dairy). In another study, muffins made with canola oil were rated as more filling than those made with butter.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia-fy Your Foods

Those seeds that make Chia Pets grow could help you shrink. Slayton tells clients to add chia seeds to salads, soups, and smoothies, since they soak up water and swell during digestion. A hundred calories of chia seeds last far longer, from a hunger perspective, than a hundred calories from almost any other food. Steel-cut oats and ground flaxseed also expand during digestion, helping you stay sated.

Give In to These Munchies

When you can't get around the fact that you want to stuff your face, accept that you're looking for volume-then choose foods that won't do too much caloric damage. Things you can demolish when necessary (and sometimes it just is) include high-fiber GG Scandinavian bran crispbread, raw veggies, egg-white omelets, and up to three cups of plain air-popped popcorn.

Multiply and Conquer

Instead of a giant sandwich, have half a small one, a side salad, a piece of fruit, and a cup of tea. Or pass up a big bowl of pasta in favor of a piece of seafood, sauteed veggies, and a few whole-wheat noodles on the side. The meals with multiple lower-calorie elements looks like more food, so you're tricking your brain into being satisfied.

Sip a Bit of the Bubbly

Carbonation expands the intestinal tract, which makes you feel as if you have a gut full of food. (That's not a license to chug soda; sparkling water, unlike its artificially flavored counterpart, hasn't been tied to weight gain or other issues like tooth-enamel damage.) Out on the town? If booze isn't a binge trigger for you, sip club soda with a splash of cran and vodka, or go for a glass of champagne.

Get a Dose of D

When your vitamin D levels are low—and most women's are—it has a negative impact on leptin, the hormone that tells you you've had enough food. (That may explain why studies have linked low D with obesity.) You can get it from fish like salmon, but it's also smart to supplement with 1,000 IUs of D3 drops like Carlson or Bluebonnet brands.

I hope this helps. Stay healthy and live longer. 

STEPS ON HOW TO REDUCE AND PREVENT THE RISK OF HAVING BREAST CANCER

Breast cancer prevention starts with healthy habits — such as limiting alcohol and staying physically active. Understand what you can do to reduce your breast cancer risk.

If you're concerned about breast cancer, you may be wondering if there are steps you can take toward breast cancer prevention. Some risk factors, such as family history, can't be changed. However, there are lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk.

WHAT CAN I DO TO REDUCE MY RISK OF BREAST CANCER?

Lifestyle changes have been shown in studies to decrease breast cancer risk even in high-risk women.  The following are steps you can take to lower your risk:

1. LIMIT ALCOHOL. The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer. If you choose to drink alcohol — including beer, wine or liquor — limit yourself to no more than one drink a day.

2. DON'T SMOKE. Accumulating evidence suggests a link between smoking and breast cancer risk, particularly in premenopausal women. In addition, not smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.

3. CONTROL TOUR WEIGHT. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer. This is especially true if obesity occurs later in life, particularly after menopause.

Be physically active. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, which, in turn, helps prevent breast cancer. For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training at least twice a week.

4. BREAST FEED. Breast-feeding may play a role in breast cancer prevention. The longer you breast-feed, the greater the protective effect.

5. LIMIT DOSE QND DURATION OF HORMONE THERAPY. Combination hormone therapy for more than three to five years increases the risk of breast cancer. If you're taking hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms, ask your doctor about other options. You may be able to manage your symptoms with nonhormonal therapies, such as physical activity. If you decide that the benefits of short-term hormone therapy outweigh the risks, use the lowest dose that works for you.

6. AVOID EXPOSURE TO RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION. Medical-imaging methods, such as computerized tomography, use high doses of radiation, which have been linked with breast cancer risk. Reduce your exposure by having such tests only when absolutely necessary. While more studies are needed, some research suggests a link between breast cancer and exposure to the chemicals found in some workplaces, gasoline fumes and vehicle exhaust.

7. CHECK YOUR FAMILY HISTORY

Women with a strong family history of cancer can take special steps to protect themselves, so it’s important for women to know their family history. You may be at high risk of breast cancer if you have a mother or sister who developed breast or ovarian cancer (especially at an early age) or if you have multiple family members (including males) who developed breast, ovarian or prostate cancer. A doctor or genetic counselor can help you understand your family history of the disease.

One may ask. Can a healthy diet prevent breast cancer?

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables hasn't been consistently shown to offer protection from breast cancer. In addition, a low-fat diet appears to offer only a slight reduction in the risk of breast cancer.

However, eating a healthy diet may decrease your risk of other types of cancer, as well as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. A healthy diet can also help you maintain a healthy weight — a key factor in breast cancer prevention.

Be vigilant about breast cancer detection. If you notice any changes in your breasts, such as a new lump or skin changes, consult your doctor. Also, ask your doctor when to begin mammograms and other screenings.

Don’t Forget Screening

Despite some controversy, breast cancer screening remains the single best way to protect yourself from the disease.

It doesn’t help prevent cancer, but it can help find cancer early when it’s most treatable.

All women over the age of 20 should get screened regularly for breast cancer. The right screening tests mainly depend on a woman’s age:

IF YOU ARE BETWEEN AGES 20 AND 39:

Get a clinical breast exam about every 3 years.

IF YOU ARE AGE 40 OR OLDER:

Get a mammogram and clinical breast exam every year.

If you’re at high risk, you may need to have mammograms more often and begin them at an earlier age. You may also need to have some different types of screening tests.

And don’t rely on finding breast cancer yourself with self-exams. It’s OK to do breast self-exams, but they don’t take the place of mammograms and clinical breast exams. Any changes in your breasts should be reported to a doctor as soon as possible.

OTHER IMPORTANT RISK FACTORS FOR BREAST CANCER.

Unfortunately, there are also a number of important breast cancer risk factors that women have no control over. Knowing which ones apply to you can help you understand your risk and do what you can to lower it. If you feel you’re at high risk, talk to a doctor or other health professional. These can increase a woman’s breast cancer risk:

• Older age, especially 60 years or over

• Family history of breast cancer

• First menstrual period (menarche) before age 12

• Menopause at age 55 or over

• First childbirth after age 35

• No children

• Tall height (5'8" or taller) • Dense breasts

• History of benign breast disease (like atypical hyperplasia)

But in all these, have a good praying life. Every infirmity has been paid fully on the cross with the blood by our lord Jesus Christ. Remain blessed and be a blessing. 

SMILE WITH HEALTHY TEETH.

HEALTHY TEETH. HEALTHY LIVING

You have so many good reasons to keep your family’s teeth and gums healthy. Their sparkling smiles. Being able to chew for good nutrition. Avoiding toothaches and discomfort. And new research suggests that gum disease can lead to other problems in the body, including increased risk of heart disease.

Fortunately, there are simple ways to keep teeth strong and healthy from childhood to old age. Here’s how:

1. Start children early. Despite great strides in decay prevention, one in four young children develops signs of tooth decay before they start school. Half of all children between the ages of 12 and 15 have cavities. Dental care should begin as soon as a child’s first tooth appears, usually around six months. Teeth can be wiped with a clean, damp cloth or a very soft brush. At about age 2, you can let kids try brushing for themselves -- although it’s important to supervise.

2. Seal off trouble. Permanent molars come in around age 6. Thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth can prevent decay in the pits and fissures. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sealants can significantly reduce caries. Yet only one in three U.S. kids receives dental sealants. Talk to your dental professional.

3. Use enough -- but not too much -- fluoride. The single biggest advance in oral health has been fluoride, which strengthens enamel, making it less likely to decay. Three out of four Americans drink water that is fluoridated. If your water isn’t fluoridated, talk to your dental professional, who may suggest putting a fluoride application on your teeth. Many toothpastes and mouth rinses also contain fluoride. Fluoride should be used sparingly in young children -- no more than a pea-sized dab on the toothbrush. Too much can cause white spots on teeth.

4. Brush twice a day and floss daily. Gum disease and tooth decay remain big problems -- and not just for older people. Three-fourths of teenagers have gums that bleed. Along with the basic advice, remember:

Toothbrushes should be changed 3 to 4 times a year.

Teenagers with braces may need to use special toothbrushes and other oral hygiene tools to brush their teeth. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist.

Older people with arthritis or other problems may have trouble holding a toothbrush or using floss. Some people find it easier to use an electric toothbrush. Others simply put a bicycle grip or foam tube over the handle of a regular toothbrush to make it easier to hold.

REASONS WHY YOU NEED WATER IN YOUR BODY

Personally I drink water like I live I. The ocean. So finding out how it actually helps me in different ways is cool. Share with me. 

1. Drinking Water Helps Maintain the Balance of Body Fluids. Your body is composed of about 60% water. The functions of these bodily fluids include digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintenance of body temperature.

Through the posterior pituitary gland, your brain communicates with your kidneys and tells it how much water to excrete as urine or hold onto for reserves.

When you're low on fluids, the brain triggers the body's thirst mechanism. And unless you are taking medications that make you thirsty, you should listen to those cues and get yourself a drink of water, juice, milk, coffee -- anything but alcohol.

Alcohol interferes with the brain and kidney communication and causes excess excretion of fluids which can then lead to dehydration. 

2. Water Can Help Control Calories. For years, dieters have been drinking lots of water as a weight loss strategy. While water doesn't have any magical effect on weight loss, substituting it for higher calorie beverages can certainly help.

What works with weight loss is if you choose water or a non-caloric beverage over a caloric beverage and/or eat a diet higher in water-rich foods that are healthier, more filling, and help you trim calorie intake. 

Food with high water content tends to look larger, its higher volume requires more chewing, and it is absorbed more slowly by the body, which helps you feel full. Water-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, broth-based soups, oatmeal, and beans.

3. Water Helps Energize Muscles. Cells that don't maintain their balance of fluids and electrolytes shrivel, which can result in muscle fatigue. When muscle cells don't have adequate fluids, they don't work as well and performance can suffer. 

Drinking enough fluids is important when exercising. People should drink about 17 ounces of fluid about two hours before exercise. During exercise, its recommended that people start drinking fluids early, and drink them at regular intervals to replace fluids lost by sweating.

4. Water Helps Keep Skin Looking Good. Your skin contains plenty of water, and functions as a protective barrier to prevent excess fluid loss. But don't expect over-hydration to erase wrinkles or fine lines.  

Dehydration makes your skin look more dry and wrinkled, which can be improved with proper hydration. But once you are adequately hydrated, the kidneys take over and excrete excess fluids.

You can also help "lock" moisture into your skin by using moisturizer, which creates a physical barrier to keep moisture in.

5. Water Helps Your Kidneys. Body fluids transport waste products in and out of cells. The main toxin in the body is blood urea nitrogen, a water-soluble waste that is able to pass through the kidneys to be excreted in the urine, explains Guest. Your kidneys do an amazing job of cleansing and ridding your body of toxins as long as your intake of fluids is adequate. 

When you're getting enough fluids, urine flows freely, is light in color and free of odor. When your body is not getting enough fluids, urine concentration, color, and odor increases because the kidneys trap extra fluid for bodily functions.

If you chronically drink too little, you may be at higher risk for kidney stones, especially in warm climates. 

6. Water Helps Maintain Normal Bowel Function. Adequate hydration keeps things flowing along your gastrointestinal tract and prevents constipation. When you don't get enough fluid, the colon pulls water from stools to maintain hydration -- and the result is constipation.

Adequate fluid and fiber is the perfect combination, because the fluid pumps up the fiber and acts like a broom to keep your bowel functioning properly. 

5 Tips to Help You Drink More

If you think you need to be drinking more, here are some tips to increase your fluid intake and reap the benefits of water:

1. Have a beverage with every snack and meal.

2. Choose beverages you enjoy; you're likely to drink more liquids if you like the way they taste.

3. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Their high water content will add to your hydration. About 20% of our fluid intake comes from foods.

4. Keep a bottle of water with you in your car, at your desk, or in your bag.

5. Choose beverages that meet your individual needs. If you're watching calories, go for non-caloric beverages or water.

----------------------

Please drop a comment. 

DRESS CODES FOR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS.

Ever get up in the morning and not know what to wear. Fear not. This shows you exactly what to wear and when.

Black tie means formal. Women wear long evening or cocktail dresses or dressy evening separates. Men wear traditional tuxedoes with formal white shirt, black bow tie, and black cummerbund. Men may also choose to add their own flair to their tux by wearing a traditional style tie (silver or gold) or colored bow ties and cummerbunds.

Black tie optional or black tie invited means you have the option of wearing a tuxedo, but it gives you an indication as to the formality of the event. A dark suit, white dress shirt, and a conservative tie would be the other option for men and women should choose a short or long cocktail dresses or dressy evening separates.

Casual means anything goes, but please be tasteful, no holes, tears or paint spots.

Cocktail attire simply means short, elegant dresses or dressy pantsuits for her and dark suits for him.

White attire simply means wear all white; such as white dress or pantsuit for her or white shirt and slacks for him, however remember depending on the time of event will determine how dressy the occasion.

Creative black tie allows for personality influences in your formal wear. Men can go with a more modern tuxedo - maybe a black shirt, no tie. Women can wear long or short dresses or separates (maybe a long lace or sequined skirt with a sleek blouse).

Dressy casual usually means no jeans or shorts. A cocktail-length dress for the ladies and your standard khakis with a button-down shirt and tie for the guys... no jacket required. This attire is similar to business casual, but a bit dressier.

Formal usually means the same as Black Tie. If your host is especially trendy, men may wear a black shirt, no tie with a tuxedo. Tradition, however, requires that men wear the standard tuxedo and women wear long cocktail dresses or dressy evening separates.

Informal can mean the same as casual, however, when the event is associated with a wedding or another special occasion, some form of decorum and respect should prevail. A dress for her or a nice pair of slacks and a shirt for him are informal, but respectful of the event.

Formal or informal are two terms usually found with weddings. The time of day determines the dress. 

. . . IF the event or wedding is held before 6 pm, women may wear a tailored suit or pretty daytime dress (avoid black before 6 pm). If it’s a religious wedding, bring a wrap to cover bare shoulders. Men may wear a traditional business suit, shirt and tie (dark colored for winter, lighter colors for summer) or a blazer, dress slacks, and tie. One never wears formal attire before 6pm, except for the members of the wedding party. 

. . . FOR an event after 6pm, men wear dark suits or dinner jackets, women should wear a cocktail dress, dressy evening separates, or dinner suit. Black is fine to wear after 6 pm. 

. . . FOR an event labeled “Informal”, even if it’s after 6pm, you may dress as though it’s a before 6pm event. 

. . . IF the invitation requests Black of White tie, men and women should follow the guidelines listed for those terms.

Semi-formal is the trickiest of all dress codes. Typically it means that tuxedos are not required, nor are long dresses. An evening event (after 6:00 pm) would still require a dark suit for men and a cocktail dress for women. Daytime semi formal events mean a suit for him and an appropriate short dress or dressy suit for her.

Sophisticated resort wear means upscale sundress for her and subtly colored linen trousers for him.

Theme or festive attire means please find appropriate attire to go with the event theme. Theme attire is becoming more prevalent these days and dress codes have expanded to fit the occasion. To encourage your guests to dress in costume, include a specific request on the invitation, such as: “Renaissance garb requested by not required.” Be sure to let quests know that they may still attend even if they do not dress for the theme, otherwise you may alienate those guest who don’t feel comfortable in costume.

Ultra-Formal means White tie. Women wear long gowns, men wear full dress, with white tie, vest and shirt.

White tie means ultra-formal. Women wear only long gowns, formal evening gowns. Long gloves are often worn, as well. A woman may keep her gloves on during cocktails, when dancing, and when going through the receiving line; gloves should be removed during dinner. men wear a black coat with tails and white pique vest. This is worn over a white formal shirt with white pique bow tie and black patent leather shoes.

Outdoor events... It is extremely helpful and considerate to mention to your guests that your event will be held outdoors. To do so appropriately simply add it into the wording of your invitation. For example, prior to giving the location name and address include a line that states “in the garden”, “under the stars”, or “on the terrace”; whichever wording is appropriate.

A note about etiquette... Appropriate attire has been traditionally indicated by the time of day and location of the event and does not properly appear on wedding or formal invitations. With many quests being potentially unaware of this point of etiquette, you may feel it necessary to indicate appropriate dress on your invitation or reception cards. When using Black tie, the ‘B’ is uppercase and the ‘t’ is lowercase. Black tie generally appears in the lower right-hand corner of the reception card. When no reception card is used, “Black tie” appears in the lower right-hand corner of the invitation. If you do not like corner lines on invitations, you may include a reception card to indicate the type of dress.

IF YOU MUST LIVE LONG, AVOID SUGAR.

Added sugar is the single worst ingredient in the modern diet.

It can have harmful effects on metabolism and contribute to all sorts of diseases.

Here are 10 reasons why you should avoid added sugar like the plague.

1. Added Sugar Contains No Essential Nutrients and is Bad For Your Teeth

You’ve probably heard this a million times before… but it’s worth repeating.

Added sugars (like sucrose and high fructose corn syrup) contain a whole bunch of calories with NO essential nutrients.

For this reason, they are called “empty” calories.

There are no proteins, essential fats, vitamins or minerals in sugar… just pure energy.

When people eat up to 10-20% of calories as sugar (or more), this can become a major problem and contribute to nutrient deficiencies.

Sugar is also very bad for the teeth, because it provides easily digestible energy for the bad bacteria in the mouth.

Bottom Line: Sugar contains a lot of calories, with no essential nutrients. It also causes tooth decay by feeding the harmful bacteria in the mouth.

Added sugar is the single worst ingredient in the modern diet.

It can have harmful effects on metabolism and contribute to all sorts of diseases.

Here are 10 disturbing reasons why you should avoid added sugar like the plague.

1. Added Sugar Contains No Essential Nutrients and is Bad For Your Teeth

You’ve probably heard this a million times before… but it’s worth repeating.

Added sugars (like sucrose and high fructose corn syrup) contain a whole bunch of calories with NO essential nutrients.

For this reason, they are called “empty” calories.

There are no proteins, essential fats, vitamins or minerals in sugar… just pure energy.

When people eat up to 10-20% of calories as sugar (or more), this can become a major problem and contribute to nutrient deficiencies.

Sugar is also very bad for the teeth, because it provides easily digestible energy for the bad bacteria in the mouth.

 

Bottom Line: Sugar contains a lot of calories, with no essential nutrients. It also causes tooth decay by feeding the harmful bacteria in the mouth.

2. Added Sugar is High in Fructose, Which Can Overload Your Liver

In order to understand what is so bad about sugar, then you need to understand what it is made of.

Before sugar enters the bloodstream from the digestive tract, it is broken down into two simple sugars… glucose and fructose.

Glucose is found in every living cell on the planet. If we don’t get it from the diet, our bodies produce it.

Fructose is different. Our bodies do not produce it in any significant amount and there is no physiological need for it.

The thing with fructose is that it can only be metabolized by the liver in any significant amounts.

This is not a problem if we eat a little bit (such as from fruit) or we just finished an exercise session. In this case, the fructose will be turned into glycogen and stored in the liver until we need it.

However, if the liver is full of glycogen (much more common), eating a lot of fructose overloads the liver, forcing it to turn the fructose into fat.

When repeatedly eating large amounts of sugar, this process can lead to fatty liver and all sorts of serious problems.

Keep in mind that all of this does NOT apply to fruit. It is almost impossible to overeat fructose by eating fruit.

There is also massive individual variability here. People who are healthy and active can tolerate more sugar than people who are inactive and eat a Western, high-carb, high-calorie diet.

Bottom Line: For people who are inactive and eat a Western diet, large amounts of fructose from added sugars get turned into fat in the liver.

3. Overloading The Liver With Fructose Can Cause Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

When fructose get turned into fat in the liver, it is shipped out as VLDL cholesterol particles.

However, not all of the fat gets out, some of it can lodge in the liver.

This can lead to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), a growing problem in Western countries that is strongly associated with metabolic diseases.

Studies show that individuals with fatty liver consume up to 2-3 times as much fructose as the average person.

Bottom Line: Excess fructose gets turned into fat, which can lodge in the liver and cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

4. Sugar Can Cause Insulin Resistance, a Stepping Stone Towards Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes

Insulin is a very important hormone in the body.

It allows glucose (blood sugar) to enter cells from the bloodstream and tells the cells to start burning glucose instead of fat.

Having too much glucose in the blood is highly toxic and one of the reasons for complications of diabetes, like blindness.

One feature of the metabolic dysfunction that is caused by the Western diet, is that insulin stops working as it should. The cells become “resistant” to it.

This is also known as insulin resistance, which is believed to be a leading driver of many diseases… including metabolic syndrome, obesity, cardiovascular disease and especially type II diabetes (9).

Many studies show that sugar consumption is associated with insulin resistance, especially when it is consumed in large amounts.

Bottom Line: When people eat a lot of sugar, it can cause resistance to the hormone insulin, which can contribute to many diseases.

5. The Insulin Resistance Can Progress to Type II Diabetes

When our cells become resistant to the effects of insulin, the beta cells in our pancreas make more of it.

This is crucial, because chronically elevated blood sugars can cause severe harm.

Eventually, as insulin resistance becomes progressively worse, the pancreas can’t keep up with the demand of producing enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels down.

At this point, blood sugar levels skyrocket and a diagnosis of type II diabetes is made.

Given that sugar can cause insulin resistance, it is not surprising to see that people who drink sugar-sweetened beverages have up to an 83% higher risk of Type II diabetes.

 

Bottom Line: Because of the harmful effects of sugar on the function of insulin, it is a leading driver of type II diabetes.

6. Sugar Can Give You Cancer

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and is characterized by uncontrolled growth and multiplication of cells.

Insulin is one of the key hormones in regulating this sort of growth.

For this reason, many scientists believe that having constantly elevated insulin levels (a consequence of sugar consumption) can contribute to cancer.

In addition, the metabolic problems associated with sugar consumption are a known driver of inflammation, another potential cause of cancer.

Multiple studies show that people who eat a lot of sugar are at a much higher risk of getting cancer.

Bottom Line: There is considerable evidence that sugar, due to its harmful effects on metabolism, can contribute to cancer.

7. Due to its Effects on Hormones and the Brain, Sugar has Unique Fat-Promoting Effects

Not all calories are created equal.

Different foods can have different effects on our brains and the hormones that control food intake.

Studies show that fructose doesn’t have the same kind of effect on satiety as glucose.

In one study, people drank either a fructose-sweetened drink or a glucose-sweetened drink.

Afterwards, the fructose drinkers had much less activity in the satiety centers of the brain and felt hungrier.

There is also a study where fructose didn’t lower the hunger hormone ghrelin nearly as much as glucose did.

Over time, because the calories from sugar aren’t as fulfilling, this can translate into an increased calorie intake.

Bottom Line: Fructose doesn’t cause satiety in the brain or lower the hunger hormone ghrelin nearly as much as glucose.

8. Because it Causes Massive Dopamine Release in The Brain, Sugar is Highly Addictive

Sugar can be addictive for a lot of people.

Like abusive drugs, sugar causes a release of dopamine in the reward center of the brain.

The problem with sugar and many junk foods is that they can cause massive dopamine release… much more than we were ever exposed to from foods found in nature.

For this reason, people who have a susceptibility to addiction can become strongly addicted to sugar and other junk foods.

The “everything in moderation” message may be a bad idea for people who are addicted to junk food… because the only thing that works for true addiction is abstinence.

Bottom Line: Because sugar causes a large release of dopamine in the brain, it can cause addiction in a lot of people.

9. Sugar is a Leading Contributor to Obesity in Both Children and Adults

The way sugar affects hormones and the brain is a recipe for fat gain disaster.

It leads to decreased satiety… and can get people addicted so that they lose control over their consumption.

Not surprisingly, people who consume the most sugar are by far the most likely to become overweight or obese. This applies to all age groups.

Many studies have examined the link between sugar consumption and obesity and found a strong statistical association.

The link is especially strong in children, where each daily serving of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with a whopping 60% increased risk of obesity.

One of the most important things you can do if you need to lose weight is to significantly cut back on sugar consumption.

Bottom Line: Because of the effects of sugar on hormones and the brain, sugar dramatically increases the risk of becoming overweight or obese.

10. It Ain’t The Fat… It’s SUGAR That Raises Your Cholesterol and Gives You Heart Disease

For many decades, people have blamed saturated fat for heart disease… which is the #1 killer in the world.

However… new studies are showing that saturated fat is harmless.

The evidence is mounting that sugar, NOT fat, may be one of the leading drivers of heart disease via the harmful effects of fructose on metabolism (29).

Studies show that large amounts of fructose can raise triglycerides, small, dense LDL and oxidized LDL (very, very bad), raise blood glucose and insulin levels and increase abdominal obesity… in as little as 10 weeks (30).

These are all major risk factors for heart disease.

Not surprisingly, many observational studies find a strong statistical association between sugar consumption and the risk of heart disease. 

Take Home Message

For people who can’t tolerate it, added sugar is incredibly harmful.

Empty calories are just the tip of the iceberg.

So I say to you, please absten from sugar as much as you can. Live life and enjoy it. 

THE WONDERFUL AND BEAUTIFUL EFFECTS OF WATERMELON

When I posted about the miraculous effects of banana, I got a lot of response. And now I present to you yet another wonder-fruit called Watermelon. 

Despite popular belief that watermelon is made up of only water and sugar, watermelon is actually considered a nutrient dense food, a food that provides a high amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for a low amount of calories.

Watermelons have become synonymous with summer and picnics, and for good reason. Their refreshing quality and sweet taste help to combat the heat and also provide a guilt-free, low maintenance dessert for kids and adults alike to enjoy.

Along with cantaloupe and honeydew, watermelons are a member of the botanical family Cucurbitaceae. There are five common types of watermelon: seeded, seedless, mini (also known as personal), yellow and orange.

Nutritional breakdown

One cup of diced watermelon (152 grams) contains 43 calories, 0 grams of fat, 2 grams of sodium, 11 grams of carbohydrate (including 9 grams of sugar and 1 gram of fiber) and 1 gram of fiber. One cup of watermelon will provide 17% of vitamin A, 21% of vitamin C, 2% of iron and 1% of calcium needs for the day.

Watermelon also contains thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, choline, lycopene and betaine. According to the National Watermelon Promotion Board, watermelon contains more lycopene than any other fruit or vegetable.

Despite being a great source of the above nutrients, watermelon is made up of 92% water.

Possible health benefits

Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated with a reduced risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions. Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like watermelon decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality, diabetes, heart disease and promotes a healthy complexion and hair, increased energy, overall lower weight.

Asthma prevention: The risks for developing asthma are lower in people who consume a high amount of certain nutrients. One of these nutrients is vitamin C, found in many fruits and vegetables including watermelon.

Blood pressure: A study published by the American Journal of Hypertension found that watermelon extract supplementation reduced ankle blood pressure, brachial blood pressure and carotid wave reflection in obese middle-aged adults with prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension and that watermelon extract improved arterial function.

Diets rich in lycopene may help protect against heart disease.

Cancer: As an excellent source of the strong antioxidant vitamin C as well as other antioxidants, watermelon can help combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer. Lycopene intake has been linked with a decreased risk of prostate cancer prevention in several studies.

Digestion and regularity: Watermelon, because of its water and fiber content, helps to prevent constipation and promote regularity for a healthy digestive tract.

Hydration: Made up of 92% water and full of important electrolytes, watermelon is a great snack to have on hand during the hot summer months to prevent dehydration.

Inflammation: Choline is a very important and versatile nutrient in watermelon that aids our bodies in sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory. Choline also helps to maintain the structure of cellular membranes, aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, assists in the absorption of fat and reduces chronic inflammation.1

Muscle soreness: Watermelon and watermelon juice have been shown to reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery time following exercise in athletes. Researchers believe this is likely do to the amino acid L-citrulline contained in watermelon.

Skin: Watermelon is also great for your skin because it contains vitamin A, a nutrient required for sebum production that keeps hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair.

Adequate intake of vitamin C (one cup of watermelon provides 21% of daily needs) is also needed for the building and maintenance of collagen, which provides structure to skin and hair. Watermelon also contributes to overall hydration, which is vital for having healthy looking skin and hair.

How to incorporate more watermelon into your diet

Jazz up a boring salad by adding watermelon or add to a few ice cubes in a blender for a cold refreshing treat!

Look for a watermelon that is firm, heavy and symmetrical without soft spots or bruising.

Place diced watermelon and a few ice cubes in a blender for a cold refreshing treat that's perfect for rehydrating after exercise or a day in the sun.

Jazz up a boring salad by adding watermelon, mint and fresh mozzarella to a bed of spinach leaves. Drizzle with balsamic.

Visit the National Watermelon Board's recipe site for even more fun, inventive ideas on how to incorporate more watermelon into your diet.

Potential health risks

It is the total diet or overall eating pattern that is most important in disease prevention and achieving good health. It is better to eat a diet with variety than to concentrate on individual foods as the key to good health.

ON MY WAY TO ABUJA: LAUGH WITH ME

Boarded a bus going to Abuja recently. As we were about taking off, an Akwa Ibom girl hawking some edibles walked up to me and said "Oka mbok I ket Raka Sada, egg doul, and I efun dey cell cledit. I af cro.

My jaw dropped and I tried faking a smile because I didn't know what to say. But all of a sudden the man sitting next to me tapped me n said "Oka mbok tork to the kel na".

"What was that?" I asked but he just looked at me as if saying "didn't you get me the first time?" And I was still in shock when a man from the rear shouted at the driver "raifa rowa the vorium of that ladio mbok"

I was officially confused at this time. So I asked the driver "Diver please where is this bus headed?, just to be sure. And he said "Abuya"

I simply told him "Don't worry. I'm not going again. Let me get off"

Mbok what did I get myself into?

THE WONDER DRUG CALLED BANANA

The banana tree is actually the largest herbaceous flowering plant in the world which on an average is 20 - 25 feet tall. There is a lot more to this humble fruit than meets the eye. This starch-rich fruit doubles as a meal many a time.

There are various varieties and shapes and sizes of bananas. It has been found that bananas have curative properties both scientifically and traditionally. Birds and animals - especially monkeys and elephants love bananas.

There are many healing and medicinal properties of bananas:

 The high content of iron in bananas increases the production of hemoglobin in the blood -therefore they are very good for anemia.

 They regulate bowel movement - whether it is constiption or diarrhea. Our elders believed that eating a banana after every meal improved digestion significantly.

 When you suffer from a hangover - a banana milkshake with honey can give you immense relief. Cold milk soothes the stomach lining and bananas with honey build up depleted blood sugar levels.

 Bananas are exceedingly good for students as the rich source of potassium can make a person very alert; the fruit is often called a brain tonic

 Bananas work well as a snack for people who have high blood pressure as they are wholesome with low salt levels.

 For those suffering from depression, bananas are good as they contain a protein called serotonin – which is also called the ‘happy hormone’ as it makes one feel happy and relaxed.

 Bananas can be eaten frequently to treat ulcers as they neutralize acidity in the stomach. This soft and smooth fruit cannot irritate the stomach walls.

 For pregnant women suffering from morning sickness, eating bananas in between meals helps immensely in settling the queasiness in the stomach.

 Eating bananas helps people give up smoking as this fruit is rich in vitamin C, A, B6 and B12. Bananas contain potassium and magnesium as well, which help the body recover from nicotine withdrawal.

 Bananas have an antacid effect, so people who experience heartburn find relief on eating a banana.

 Potassium is a vital mineral which normalizes heartbeat while regulating the body’s water balance. As banana is a rich source of potassium, it re-balances disturbances of fluids in the body.

 For weight watchers, banana is an excellent snack in place of crisps and chocolates. Research found that food craving during high pressure work could be assuaged safely and in a healthy manner by eating a banana every 2-3 hourly as it is a high carbohydrate food that controls blood sugar levels.

 Topically, the peel of a banana – with the yellow side on top can be taped to a warts. It will shrivel and fall off.

 The peel of a banana fruit can be rubbed on a mosquito bite with good effect, the stinging sensation stops and the swelling also reduces.

 A ripe banana mashed and applied on the face is great at moisturizing and nourishing tired and dry skin.

BANANA STEM:

When a bunch of bananas is harvested, the stem/tree is cut away. The tender inner stem is used as food and has many medicinal properties as well.

Layers of hard outer stem are peeled away and only the tender inner stem is used. It is very fibrous, so the thread fiber has to be cleaned. The stem is chopped into small bits and soaked in buttermilk or diluted yogurt for half hour. In Southern parts of India, it is cooked as a vegetable and eaten along with rice.

The banana stem has fiber – this is very beneficial for those on a weight-loss program. It is also a rich source of potassium and vitamin B6 which helps in the production of insulin and hemoglobin. Eating banana stem once a week keeps high blood pressure in control. Banana stem also maintains fluid balance within the body. It is a diuretic and helps detoxify the body. The popular belief is that eating banana stem is very good for kidney stones.

BANANA FLOWER:

The banana flower grows at the end of a bunch of bananas. It is a leafy maroon colored cone with cream colored florets layered inside. These florets need to be cleaned well before they are cooked as a vegetable. The banana flower is rich in vitamins, flavonoids and proteins. The flower has been used in traditional medicine to treat bronchitis, constipation and ulcer problems. It eases menstrual cramps. The extracts of banana flower have antioxidant properties that prevent free radicals and control cell and tissue damage.

BANANA PLANT LEAVES:

In India and Asia, banana leaves are used like aluminum foil. They are used to wrap food prior to steaming and grilling. The leaf makes an excellent platter and food served on these leaves tastes delicious. The leaves are not eaten but while steaming food some of the polyphenols are imparted to the food.

RED SKINNED BANANAS:

The peel of this type of bananas is a maroon red color and they are plumper than normal bananas. They are also highly nutritious - the vitamin C content depends on how red the banana is. The potassium content is high - more or less like the yellow bananas. The flavor of red bananas is unique and they are delicious and rare.

THE HEART BEAT OF GOD

Money. Power. Fame. Beauty. What’s that thing that makes your heart skip. What makes you feel like going the extra mile? What gives you that strength to keep moving forward when every other thing is telling you to back down? But preaching the gospel and making sure that people are drawn to the kingdom is our main reason for living. It is the totality of our existence. It the hearth beat of God.

 Heaven rejoices over a soul that repents and comes to Christ. God is more interested in people hearing and living by the Word than any other thing. For faith, salvation, hope and peace come as a result of hearing and hearing of the Word of God. One misconception about ‘preaching the gospel’ has always been that people think that it is only behind the pulpit that is the only place one can preach the gospel. THAT IS A WRONG perspective.

 The pulpit is NOT the only place where the Gospel can be preach from. We can preach via our behaviors, words and even actions. Our lifestyle can be a very big sermon to people out there. Sometimes when you say nothing, you say a lot. Provocation will always come. But the ability to respond, and not react, to such situations tells whether you’re really saying the mind of God.

 In your office, church, home spread the gospel of love. Your words can be half of who you are but your actions reveal ALL about you. You were saved for a reason, and that reason was for you to bring others to the God that gave you salvation. Preach the gospel in your own way. Bring people to Christ. Make God’s heart beat.

Meet the ECOWAS diplomat who took Ebola to Port Harcourt

Ibukun Koye is the Head, ECOWAS Liaison Office Lagos, Nigeria. He reportedly fled quarantine in Lagos and traveled to Port Harcourt in Rivers state, where he infected a doctor with the deadly Ebola virus. Olu-Ibukun Koye made primary contact with index case, Liberian Patrick Sawyer but later escaped quarantine despite the fact the he noticed he was showing symptoms of the Ebola disease. Koye fled to Port Harcourt, Rivers state and hired Dr. Iyke Samuel Enemuo to treat him secretly at Mandate Hotel. He recovered from the life-threatening disease and returned to Lagos where he was certified free of Ebola but Dr. Enemuo who treated him died on Friday, August 22, 2014. It was their little secret, until Olu-Ibukun Koye heard of the Dr. Enemuo’s death and then admitted that he actually travelled to Port Harcourt with the disease. Meanwhile, Dr. Enemuo’s wife and 3-month old baby have been quarantined while about 200 people have been placed under observation in Rivers state. It is said that Olu-Ibukun Koye may be charged of manslaughter for his actions which led to the death of Dr. Enemuo.