Menstruation is a natural process in the female body. It involves the shedding of the uterine lining and the release of an egg from the ovaries, typically occurring once every 28 days. A complex interplay of hormones regulates it, and any disruption to this hormonal balance can lead to alterations in the menstrual cycle, including cessation…
Ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or small intestine, and they can be caused by a number of factors, such as the bacteria H. pylori, certain medications, and stress. To manage symptoms and promote healing, it is important for ulcer patients to avoid certain foods that can irritate the stomach…
Stockfish is a type of fish that is widely eaten in Nigeria. It is very tasty and is mostly used in preparing soups because of how it enhances taste and aroma. Popularly called ‘okporoko’ amongst the Igbo people in Nigeria, stockfish is enjoyed all around the world. What we call stockfish is a type of…
Lifestyle diseases, also known as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), are diseases that are commonly caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices such as poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption. These diseases are becoming increasingly common in Nigeria, and they pose a significant threat to public health. Unfortunately, many people in Nigeria are still at risk…
Despite the doubts concerning its effectiveness and reliability, traditional medicine is still very popular among Nigerians. Most of the information about traditional medicine in Nigeria are based on practical knowledge, observation and procedures passed down from generation to generation. These traditional medical knowledge are used in the diagnosis, prevention and treatments of physical and mental…
Every stage of pregnancy is important. From the first few weeks to the final few days just before the baby is born, you have to make sure that you are keeping the baby safe. The pregnancy period often comes with anxiety as you try to do everything to protect your pregnancy, particularly in the early…
Tiger nuts (also known as chufa nuts or earth almonds) belong to the sedge family of plants that can be found in various parts of the world, but they were first found in Ancient Egypt. Tiger nuts, as they are usually called, are not actually nuts. They are marble-sized and wrinkled tuberous rhizomes of a sedge grass (cyperus…
African oil bean seed is a nutrient-packed food condiment native to Eastern Nigeria. It is popularly known as “Ukpaka” or “ugba” in Igbo land, “apara” in Yoruba land, and is called “Ukana” by the Efiks in Southern Nigeria. The botanical name of African oil bean is Pentaclethra macrophylla. This traditional food condiment generally produced by…
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic condition that arises when the pancreas produces insufficient insulin or when the body’s insulin is ineffectively used. This is characterized by high blood glucose (or blood sugar) levels, which can cause catastrophic damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves over time. The aetiology and pathogenesis of…
Halim seeds, otherwise known as garden cress, are seeds from the garden cress plant. They are grown without soil, using nutrients from water instead. They are quite popular in the Middle East and Asia. Halim seeds are consumed because of their many health benefits, and because of the flavour they add to food. Indeed, these…
