by Editorial Staff | Mar 15, 2022 | Uncategorized
Many girls living in northern Nigeria are either school drop-outs or are out of school. A survey conducted by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) showed that only 45% of girls in northern Nigeria are enrolled in school. These girls face several socio-economic barriers which ultimately create educational setback which eventually hinders their ability to make decisions that are critical for their lives and their families in the future.
Despite Nigeria’s oil wealth, poverty is acute and widespread, especially in the North. The North has one of the highest rates of early marriage and maternal mortality and the lowest female literacy rates. The United Kingdom’s House of Commons International Development (2016-17 Second Report of Session) has described education in northern Nigeria as a state of “multi-dimensional crises” characterized by the lowest enrollment, retention and pass rates and the most significant secondary school gender disparities in the nation.
The Centre for Girls Education (CGE) has, over the years, been successful in using the safe space model to increase school enrolment rates as well as the age of marriage in the communities in which we work. Of the first 1,000 girls in the program, outcomes recorded include;
- increased secondary school enrolment from 4% to 82%
- delayed age of marriage by 2.5 years, from 14.9 to 17.4
With support from the Malala Fund, CGE implemented the Malala Advocacy Project (MAP) to advocate for Government Stakeholders to implement safe spaces. The MAP implemented safe spaces for In-school and out-of-school girls across four local governments- Zaria, Giwa, Sabon Gari and Kudan.
At the start of the project, the Centre recruited and worked with 432 adolescent girls from four local government areas. Over twelve months, the project has recorded a tremendous increase in knowledge and reading and writing, especially for the Out-of-school girls. At the beginning of the safe spaces, these girls could neither hold a pencil nor identify alphabets or numbers. Today, the girls can read and write simple sentences, do basic arithmetic and speak English to a small degree. On the other hand, the In-school girls have completed their primary school education and transited to junior secondary schools.
Through the safe spaces, the Centre creates viable alternatives for adolescent girls educationally. The safe spaces break the socio-economic barriers faced by girls and empower them to become an improved version of themselves. Girls who pass through the secure areas become confident, have improved self-esteem, speak and express themselves publicly, make decisions that affect their lives’ overall outcome and create a network of support for other adolescent girls like themselves.
The Safe space program is of great importance because, in many societies, especially northern Nigeria, the girl child is left behind, giving more preference to the male child. Hence, safe space aims at educating the girl child about every aspect of her life needed to survive.
A safe space often consists of 15-20 adolescent girls, a trained mentor, a private space provided by the community or government, and a girl-centred curriculum emphasizing the acquisition of life skills such as agency, voice, decision making, reading, and writing and arithmetic among others. Girls feel free to express themselves in a confidential environment in safe spaces without fear of judgement or intimidation.
To reach more girls, especially marginalized and at risk, programs must be complemented by government support. To achieve this, it is vital that the Kaduna state government, through the Ministries of Education and Human Services and Social Development and other Stakeholders, take up this initiative to provide an opportunity for all adolescent girls within Kaduna state to benefit from safe spaces.
Written By;
Sakina Abdulkadir, 23
Intern, Center for Girls Education,
Zaria
by Editorial Staff | Feb 13, 2022 | Uncategorized
He’s AS and so?
These are the exact words the voice inside me keeps chanting when I’m forced to make a decision to either allow a fine ass man to go because of incompatibility or enjoy a risky relationship. Sometimes this is the hardest point for any sickle cell carrier. There were times when I wanted to say ‘ I’ll just date him, the rest is my children’s problem’. But half the time I knew that it would be a great mistake to be in a relationship with someone I’m not compatible with.
Read: 10 Things You Must Do at the Start of Every Relationship
I’ve asked myself severally;
“Why do I have to choose between him and having children that are SS?”
“Can’t I just be in love without stressing over genotypes?”
After searching for answers for a while, I discovered that the answer to this problem is making sure I don’t fall in love with an AS guy ever again. You may want to ask, how is that even possible? Well, I’ve come up with tips to make sure love doesn’t catch me unawares again. If you are like me, who is tired of being in the position where you have to choose between an AS lover and your future children, then you should pay attention to these tips.
Always Ask for The Genotype
The moment you are already physically attracted to someone, the next point of introduction should be your name, followed by your genotype. I remember telling my family that I’m adding my genotype to my name. “I’m Bala Rebecca AS” and they all thought I was crazy. Crazy or not, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Sometimes we say, let me wait and see where it goes and before you know it, boom! You are already attached or worse case- in love. To avoid stories that touch the heart, always ask for genotype. It is never too early to ask.
Don’t Bestie Zone Them
The next resort after finding out you can’t date them is to turn them into besties. The moment you get close to someone in a way that you can do anything for them, be vulnerable around them, talk to them about your deepest secrets, let them see you ‘naked’, flaws and all. There’s very little you can do to separate your heart from such a friendship. I don’t know how people say they can be best friends with the opposite sex without falling in love. If you both are compatible, why not but when you are both AS simply don’t.
You can be friends but limit your attachment. Don’t say I did not warn you.
Know Your Friends’ Genotype
If you have any friends of the opposite sex, ask them their genotype. E get why. I never saw the need to do this until I fell in love with one of my friends. The friendship blossomed so well, I just couldn’t separate my heart from it. He too was already feeling me so we had a conversation about it. My biggest concern was not the genotype; it didn’t even come to my mind. My biggest concern at the time was the friendship that I might lose. It was when I was ready to give it a try that I remembered that I didn’t even know his genotype. I asked him and he was AS. That was one careless mistake I didn’t see coming.
Trust me it was one of the hardest truths I’ve had to accept. So now, I’m adding ‘what is your genotype’ to the list of questions I’m asking when we are getting to know each other and you should too. So that cupid will be shooting a love arrow in the right direction.
Don’t Do Recreational Dating
Just catch cruise with him.
Many people are dating for fun.
Just date him and forget genotype.
The relationship may not even last long enough till marriage.
I’ve heard these words clearly from well-meaning friends. The big question is what if this relationship thrives well enough to end in marriage. What do I do then? Do I wait till I’m far gone before I make the decision to leave?
Stop dating people that you are incompatible with for fun. It may start as a cruise but you can’t tell how it will end. Don’t take the risk.
Don’t Get Physically Intimate
Before you start making out with someone be sure to know their genotype first. You are supposed to be running away from getting attached to people that are AS. Don’t put yourself in the position where you get physically intimate. Two things can happen, you either fall in love and end up making the tough decision or you have a baby and you end up making an even tougher decision.
Always make sure that before you start shoving your tongue down someone’s throat, you know their genotype. You may want to add hepatitis status to that list too.
On a Final Note…
People may think you are crazy when you go about asking them their genotype but I’d rather be called crazy than put myself in the position where I have to give up on a good relationship because of genotype incompatibility. I’ve had someone reply the question ‘what is your genotype’ with “are you trying to marry me”. The truth is we never can tell. I always say that “every date is a potential mate”. If you Date him, it’s because you think he may be good enough to marry. It’s a maybe and it can go both ways. So it’s better you know his genotype and cancel the spirit of attraction on time or you fall in love and be left with tough choices. You decide.
Having to give up on someone I love has been one of the most demoralizing parts of being AS and I never ever want to be in that position again. Do you?
by Editorial Staff | Feb 8, 2022 | Facts
Entrepreneurship is one of those schools of thought that has been debated by many scholars, economists, and innovators throughout history. Fortunately, it has been in existence longer than you expect and there is no specific definition for it. In other words, entrepreneurship means many things to different people. However, what comes to the mind of many when they hear entrepreneurship is a risk-taker who creates a business to make profits. Therefore, this article contains 100 facts about what entrepreneurship truly means and how to successfully venture into that path.
What Are the 7 Characteristics of Entrepreneurship?
The main characteristics of entrepreneurship include passion, self-motivation, risk taking, vision, curiosity, creativity and confidence. Other characteristics include planning, money management, flexibility, focus and networking.
What Are the Advantages of Entrepreneurship?
Among the many benefits of entrepreneurship comes the escape route from a fixed routine, becoming your own boss, learning new things, determining your earnings and lots more.
Facts You Should Know About Entrepreneurship
1. Entrepreneurship is a risky part to tread upon. But, for every risk, there is a reward attached
2. Entrepreneurs are those who create new business and engage in entrepreneurship.
3. Most entrepreneurs are willing to use their time, energy, and resources in creating value for others.
4. The main benefit of every entrepreneurial activity is of monetary value.
5. To attain a successful entrepreneurship endeavour you must draft a business plan— This plan contains strategies for growing your business.
6. Qualified and adequate human resources are needed for entrepreneurial ventures. This refers to the availability of manpower to execute the task at hand.
7. All entrepreneurial ventures thrive better when they have the availability of material resources and finance.
8. Good leadership skill is a pivotal quality every entrepreneur must possess— This attribute enables you to work cooperatively with your team.
9. Reluctancy towards risk-taking limits the growth of entrepreneurial activities.
10. Creativity and innovation are inseparable driving forces of entrepreneurship. You must be creative to generate innovative ideas.
11. Oftentimes, governments are willing to support entrepreneurs and promote entrepreneurship activities due to their benefits to society at large.
12. Small business constitutes a larger percentage of entrepreneurship. This type of business requires little funds to begin.
13. As an entrepreneur, take responsibility for your venture.
14. Small business creation is the fastest route to poverty alleviation by creating employment opportunities.
15. The field of entrepreneurship should be incorporated into the school curriculum to build an entrepreneurial attitude in students before graduation most especially in Universities.
16. Government should create flexible laws and regulations to foster more entrepreneurship activities.
17. Lack of access to finance seems to be a major setback for many entrepreneurs. This is why it is important for entrepreneurs to know how to pitch business ideas to investors.
18. Entrepreneurial activities differ substantially depending on the type of organization and creativity involved.
19. High-value entrepreneurial activities need capital from the government and nonprofit organizations to expand their businesses.
20. Most entrepreneurial ventures start as small businesses. This implies that it’s easy to grow small businesses when starting entrepreneurial ventures.
Intresting Facts About Entrepreneurship
21. Successful entrepreneurs possess the ability to adapt to environmental change and make proper planning.
22. As an entrepreneur you must understand your strengths and weaknesses to lead your business positively.
23. A person who creates “for women, by women” enterprises, to improve the quality of life and well-being of girls and women is called a feminist entrepreneur.
24. Feminist entrepreneurs are motivated by the desire to create social change and wealth for females.
25. Storytelling is a tactic that can be employed to convince people into engaging in entrepreneurship ventures. Regardless of the firm size, entrepreneurs can create something new and different.
27. Availability of opportunities is the foundation of idea generation for most entrepreneurs.
28. Beyond the availability of opportunities, entrepreneurs must be open to identity opportunities, to effectively take advantage of them.
29. Entrepreneurial process requires the organization of people and resources. It takes skilled people to utilize resources effectively.
30. Adequate and valuable information about a business niche is needed for all entrepreneurial ventures to thrive better.
31. Entrepreneurial ventures offer an innovative product, process, or service to society.
32. The term entrepreneur is closely related to the term startup.
Related: Why 90% of Startups Fail and What to Do About It
33. Every innovation aims to make life better, although everything with advantages has its disadvantages.
34. The term “millennial entrepreneur” refers to a business owner who is born during the millennial age. These sets of generations are brought up using digital technology.
35. Most business breakthroughs come from millennial entrepreneurs who are equipped with knowledge about new technology and can utilize it positively.
36. Unfriendly economy is a major barrier to most entrepreneurial ventures.
37. Challenges may arise due to a lack of compliance with regulatory laws. If you disobey the law, you may get your business banned by the government.
38. Did you know that nascent entrepreneurs undertake numerous entrepreneurial activities? This set of entrepreneurs engages in two or more ventures to add value to society.
39. Every entrepreneur must possess the management ability needed for effective planning.
40. Team building is an essential quality of an entrepreneur. This is very important because entrepreneurial ventures are all about the division of labour.
Mind Blowing Facts About Entrepreneurship
41. To fully understand your entrepreneurial venture, simplify your plans and strategy.
42. As an entrepreneur you must get familiar with uncertainty by making plans and numerous alternatives.
43. To expand your business horizon you must be willing to learn and put to practice what is learned.
44. To avoid failure, always ask questions about areas you are unsure about from those who have gone ahead of you.
45. To achieve progress in your business always listen to the feedback from your customers and adjustments when necessary.
46. Entrepreneurial venture is a continuous process of advancement—everyday improvement
47. Don’t be afraid to explore and try out new business models. Perhaps, your initial business ideas aren’t working out, feel free to come up with new plans.
48. To retain your customers, add value to their lives with your products and services. Many entrepreneurial ventures provide solutions to already existing problems.
50. Ensure your entrepreneurial business moves with the advancement of technology positively.
51. Entrepreneurship enables people to create jobs for themselves and others
52. Irrespective of the products or services you desire to offer, it must be in alignment with your environment do’s and don’ts to attract more customers.
53. Entrepreneurship growth requires economic strategies— Every business needs money to progress.
54. Did you know that living in the future in your thoughts is one way to generate creative ideas?
55. A successful entrepreneur must have insight and the ability to foresee the future.
56. Active marketing is what you need to show your business to the world.
57. Imitation is not creativity. In essence, you either modify existing products or create one.
58. Being adamant to change blindfolds an entrepreneur from seeing opportunities— Be willing to learn and adapt to positive trends.
59. Your business style is one of those many things that distinguish you from your competitors.
60. Effective communication skills help you build a healthy relationship with your customers.
Surprising Facts About Entrepreneurship
61. Research shows that students with diverse social networks are likely to become entrepreneurs.
62. Women excel more at negotiating compared to men— Inherently, they know the right words to use. But, it doesn’t mean men can’t negotiate too.
63. Did you know that gender is not a barrier to entrepreneurship ventures? This is because access to the right resources guarantees success.
64. Research reveals that the probability of becoming self-employed decreases with age for women, but increases with age for men.
65. Oftentimes, having the right support fosters entrepreneurial behaviours and desires. Most especially from family and friends.
66. To a large extent past experiences influence a person’s entrepreneurial behaviours.
67. Those who will be entrepreneurs are easily detected from childhood, through the display of certain entrepreneurial characteristics
68. Social status and good parenting influence entrepreneurs’ business outcomes.
69. Academic excellence is never accurate to determine the success of an entrepreneur.
70. Determination propels the actualization of your business dreams.
71. Hard skills and soft skills aren’t enough to guarantee success. You also need social skills.
72. Intention before the creation of business influences the longevity of that venture.
73. Oftentimes, entrepreneurs are motivated to produce new products and services as a result of the heat of unemployment.
74. The more you keep learning the higher your business returns.
75. You need to optimize your talent to build your business. This implies you seek advanced knowledge in your field of specialization.
76. To reach a wide range of audiences your business must be transnational.
77. An entrepreneurial resource is an asset that has the economic value— Monetary Values.
78. Economic value provided by entrepreneurial activities are either tangible or intangible resources.
79. Tangible resources can be handled physically like equipment, machinery, and their kinds.
80. Statistically, 46% of small business entrepreneurs are between the ages of 41 and 56.
Encouraging Facts About Entrepreneurship
81. To prevent your business ideas from being stolen, you need to register them with one or more intellectual property rights like patents or copyright.
82. Oftentimes, entrepreneurs fund their business with their savings.
83. Effective utilization of your business funds prevents bankruptcy. As a business person ensure you use your business funds for the needful which supports your business growth.
84. Adequate manufacturing strategy reduces product development costs. This strategy is needed if your business deals with the production of goods.
85. Teamwork breeds positive business ideas.
86. A defined market is needed for high business sales— Don’t hesitate to know who your customers are and what are their needs.
87. Most businesses fail because their products and services are no longer needed or are outdated.
88. Intangible resources can’t be handled physically like skills, experience, and their kinds.
89. As an entrepreneur, guard your business secrets judiciously— To remain unique you must withhold your business secrets from your competitors.
90. Did you know that there are 582 million entrepreneurs in the world?
91. 20% of small businesses fail within the first year. The cause of this ranges from the lack of financial support to inadequate marketing strategies.
92. Research shows that middle-aged men start the most successful businesses. During this stage, they are willing to learn more and advance.
93. Entrepreneurs have the free will to work at a flexible schedule since they own and run their businesses.
94. Entrepreneurship activities boost your self-confidence. This is because you become the boss of yourself.
95. Entrepreneurial ventures open you to new skills and knowledge— In essence, your business growth will compel you to learn more.
96. To stand out from among the crowd use business intelligence. This is all about utilizing your business strength to its maximum to achieve success.
97. One of the driving factors of entrepreneurship is the increase in the needs of customers for the variety and luxury of goods and services.
98. Entrepreneurial ventures create wealth for themselves and the society at large— The exchange of goods and services in return for money creates wealth.
99. Entrepreneurship contributes to the increase of a Nation’s income through wealth generation.
100. Entrepreneurship is the fastest route to creating social impact— Entrepreneurship ventures don’t happen in a vacuum but in a social space, creating social impact.
by Editorial Staff | Feb 8, 2022 | Facts
The science field is that field of discovery that seems to provide a reason for every phenomenon we can ever think about—sounds cool and interesting. But, it leaves you with more questions to ask, creating a never-ending cycle of curiosity about everything within our reach. Oftentimes, it may sound unimaginable but to some extent scientific studies are real. Generally, science shapes the planet we find ourselves in and further enlightens us with what is beyond our planet. The field of science is broad and can’t be exhausted. However, we have compiled 100 fascinating facts about science that will leave you at the edge of your seat.
Amazing Science Facts
1. The first evidence of science dates back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia around 3000 to 1200 BCE.
2. The light from the sun reaches the earth in about 8 minutes— Photons emitted from the Sun must travel across the vacuum of space to reach the earth.
3. It’s impossible to taste food without saliva on the tongue because it’s the saliva that helps dissolve the chemical from the food.
Related: 100 Fascinating Facts About Food
4. Planets like Jupiter, Neptune, and Uranus are made up of gasses, void of solid surface. Therefore, it’s impossible to walk on foot.
5. Earth’s atmosphere is made up of 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen.
6. Those who study science are called scientists. They are motivated by curiosity and desire to provide solutions to perplexing human problems.
7. An average active person takes about 7,500 steps per day. When compiled in an entire lifetime, it’s equivalent to going five times around the world.
8. There are about 10 million species of living beings on earth.
9. Social sciences focus on the study of humans and society, this includes economics, psychology, and sociology.
10. Across the entire universe Octopus are the only living thing with three hearts, nine brains, and blue blood.
11. Surprisingly, the stars on Earth are more compared to the grain of sand on earth.
12. Our known universe is made up of 50,000,000,000 galaxies— The Milky Way is but one of billions of galaxies in the observable universe.
13. Research shows that hot water freezes faster than cold water—you can always try that out.
14. 1 million Earth could fit inside the sun. In essence, the sun is about 3,000,000 times bigger than the earth.
15. Did you know that your heart beats around 100,000 times a day?
16. Logic reasoning, mathematics, and computer studies are all grouped under formal sciences.
17. The moon has no light of itself, it’s simply the reflection of the sun.
18. The human brain is able to take in 11milion bits of information every second.
19. The instability of the gravitational pull from the sun and moon is what leads to the high to low ocean waves and tides.
20. The highest mountain known to man is called Vesta, found in an asteroid that is about thrice the height of mount Everest here on earth.
21. The blood cell makes a complete circuit in the body within seconds.
22. Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon in 1969.
23. Footprints can’t be erased on the moon, it’s because there is no wind to blow them off— permanently stamped.
24. Our solar system is a very tiny part of the milky way galaxy.
25. Natural sciences are concerned with the study of all forms of nature, this includes biology, chemistry, and physics.
Crazy Facts About Science
26. Did you know that about 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water?
27. Scientifically, the earth has been around for about five billion years.
28. The earth, which is the third from the sun, is the fifth largest planet in the solar system.
29. Earth’s largest and only natural satellite is the moon— The moon helps moderate the earth’s climate and is about 240,000 miles (385,000km) from the earth.
30. Earth Is the only planet in the solar system known to support life— The rest of the planet contains gasses and is void of solid surface.
31. It takes the body system about 12 hours to fully digest a meal after eating.
32. The largest living structure on earth is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It covers an area of approximately 133,000 square miles and it’s the largest coral reef system in the world.
33. Did you know that your brain contains around 100 billion nerve cells?
34. Outer space is extremely silent since it has no atmosphere for sound to travel through.
35. The smallest bone in the human body is called stirrup found in the middle part of the ear.
36. Surprisingly, your mouth produces about a litre of saliva per day. It’s produced by the salivary gland on the tongue.
37. Did you know that your teeth are as strong as that of a shark? The enamel on the teeth is responsible for the hardness.
38. According to scientific findings the human nose can detect about 3 trillion different scents.
39. As we grow, our bones fuse together. This is because an average adult has about 206 bones compared to a baby with 300 bones.
40. Assume that your lungs could be spread out, it can be up to 75square meters— this is half the size of a tennis court.
41. The entire blood vessels in an adult body can circle the earth’s equator four times.
42. The DNA in the human body put together is twice the diameter of our solar system.
43. Dogs have the most active sense of hearing, they can hear sounds four times the distance humans can.
44. Research shows that Earth’s inner core is a sphere of solid iron surrounded by liquid iron.
45. Eagles have eyes that are four times sharp compared with human eyes.
46. The ostrich is known as the fastest running bird in the world, having a running speed of 70 km per hour.
47. Amazingly, Owls can rotate their heads up to 270 degrees without moving their body.
48. Nothing can survive in the black hole, for instance, the one at the centre of our galaxy, the milky way.
49. A medium-sized cumulus cloud weight is equivalent to 12 elephant’s combined.
50. Did you know that your saliva contains a painkiller called opiorphin? This chemical is six times more powerful than morphine.
Mind-Blowing Facts About Science
51. In an average lifetime, the human skin replaces itself about 900 times.
52. The Amazon rainforest in Brazil is responsible for 20% of the earth’s oxygen.
53. When science becomes real-life practice, it’s known as an applied science like medicine.
54. Did you know that your stomach acid is strong enough to dissolve stainless steel? Stomach acid is a very strong acidic liquid produced by the body to digest and absorb nutrients in food.
55. Uniquely, Venus is the only planet that spins clockwise.
56. Sweating is the body’s natural way of cooling down when hot.
57. Gravity on the moon is sixth of what it’s one earth. In essence, you would weigh less on the moon.
58. Surprisingly, the wind we know is silent until it touches something.
59. The eyes are 100,000 times more sensitive to light.
60. On planet Neptune 16 hours make a day when compared with 24hours to make a day here on earth.
61. Did you know that the core of the Earth is as hot as the surface of the sun?
62. The fastest spinning planet in the solar system is Jupiter—it takes about 10hours to complete a full rotation on its axis.
63. Neutron stars can spin 600 times in one second— These are ancient remnants of stars that have completed their evolutionary journey through space and time.
64. No two persons on earth have the same fingerprints. In addition, fingerprints vary between each finger on the hand.
65. One-quarter of your bones are in your feet.
66. Human blood is as salty as the ocean— This is attributed to the blood plasma having a concentration of salt.
67. The eyes are unique and can detect a candle flame from 30 miles away.
68. The human ear and nose never stop growing. This is because they are made up of cartilage.
69. About 100 trillion cells can be found in the human body.
70. The human mouth contains more bacteria than there are people in the world.
71. Scientifically, people look taller in the morning than in the evening— During the day, the cartilage in our knees and spine slowly compresses causing us to shrink a little. However, while sleeping it returns to normal causing the difference in height.
72. The human skin renews every 27days. These new cells replace an estimated 40,000 old skin cells that the body sheds every day.
73. About 2.5 million red blood cells are lost every second in the body.
74. Even in an aeroplane, a trip to Pluto would take about 800 years.
75. It takes the eye about one hour to adjust to the dark. The rhodopsin in the eyes are able to regenerate and reactivate, becoming sensitive in the dark but it takes time to adapt causing the delay.
Fascinating Science Facts
76. An adult makes 23,000 breaths per day.
77. One can hear how blood runs through the blood vessels of the ear by using a seashell.
78. Majority of humans can’t hold their breath for more than one minute, but scientifically humans can hold their breath for up to 7.5 minutes.
79. Scientifically, most people see at least 7 dreams per night.
80. Medically, laughter reduces allergic reactions— Laughing decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells which leads to the reduction of allergy.
81. Fingernails grow faster than toenails. This is because the fingernails are utilized in doing more things when compared with the toenails which lie dormant.
82. One-quarter of the body’s oxygen is utilized by the brain.
83. Raindrop falls at a speed of 11 kilometres per hour.
84. Did you know that Grasshoppers ears are in their bellies? It’s active in detecting sound.
85. An average person breathes in around 11,000 litres of air every day.
86. Sadly, a person can die from suffocation within 4 minutes. Blood and oxygen simply stop following to the brain and other sensitive parts of the body, resulting in death.
87. The largest organ in the body is the skin. The skin covers every part of the human body.
88. The epidermis is thicker on the palm and the sole of the feet.
89. Did you know that astronauts grow 3% taller in outer space? The body spinal column is stretched when in space due to the absence of gravity and vice versa on earth leading to the increase in height.
90. An eyelash has a lifespan of 150 days after which it shrinks and falls off, being replaced by new ones.
91. The longest bone in the human body is the femur—thigh bone.
92. Elephants need to drink more water to survive than food— Interestingly, an adult male elephant can drink up to 212 L of water in less than five minutes.
93. An average person sweats about a litre a day.
94. Humans have unique tongue prints. In essence, no two humans have the same tongue prints.
95. Interestingly, an average person will sleep for 26 years in their lifetime.
96. Most brain developments happen during sleep. During this time the body is at rest enabling growth to take place.
97. Shed particles of the human skin become dust when they fall off.
98. Despite the small size of a woman’s brain when compared with that of a man, it’s more efficient, especially in processing information.
99. Theoretically, human hair is very strong. It’s strong enough to hold the weight of two elephants without breaking.
100. Elephants have the longest gestation period (95weeks) among all mammals. This is approximately 22 months when compared with the 9 months of human pregnancy period.
by Editorial Staff | Feb 5, 2022 | Facts
Food is any substance that can be eaten by a living thing to stay alive. Most importantly, food is a very crucial component of human survival, we need food to grow, stay energized, and be productive. However, food not taken in the right proportion has detrimental effects on the body. Similarly, when cooked wrongly. Therefore, this article contains 100 facts about food.
Fun Facts About Food
1. Antioxidant in apples is one chemical substance that can extend a person’s lifespan— This chemical neutralizes free radicals that have been linked to a variety of diseases.
2. Research shows that dark green veggies have more vitamin C compared to light-coloured red veggies.
3. Honey has an infinite lifespan. In other words, it doesn’t get spoiled.
4. Apple keeps you more awake and alert compared with coffee. Apple contains about 13 grams of natural sugar. These vitamins are released slowly throughout the body, making you feel more awake.
5. To improve your mood, eat some bananas— This is made possible because it contains lots of nutrients like vitamins B6, fibre, tryptophan, iron, protein and more.
6. Rubbing the inside of a banana peel on a mosquito bite keeps it from itching— This is due to the natural oils found within the banana’s skin.
7. Majority of the vitamins and minerals found in eggs are concentrated in the yolk.
8. Apple can last as long as a year, still looking fresh, if properly kept in a cool place.
9. Some dairy products are made from seaweed like in puddings, chocolate milk, chewing gum, jams and jellies.
10. Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and fat. Hence, they are a healthy diet for weight loss and maintenance.
11. Globally, strawberries are the only fruits with seeds on the outside.
12. An ostrich egg is equivalent to twenty-four chicken eggs.
13. Sardine fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids which prevent heart attack.
14. Surprisingly, the outer waxy coat of a cucumber is capable of erasing ink stains. It contains cleaning chemical content.
15. Did you know that potatoes can absorb and reflect radio wave signals? Because of the potatoes’ water content and chemistry.
16. 60% of the human gene is similar to that of a banana.
17. Did you know that chewing coffee beans can help eliminate bad breath? Yes, because coffee resists the bacteria that leads to bad breath.
18. Milk supplies calcium to the body which strengthens the bone and teeth.
19. Too much intake of ice cream causes toothaches. This is due to worn down enamel, exposing the dentin and causing pain when your tooth comes into contact with hot or cold foods and beverages.
20. Banana is a great source of fibre, potassium, and vitamin C.
Healthy Facts About Food
21. Garlic is one of man’s earliest medicines, it’s diverse in its function. This includes easy digestion, easing arthritis symptoms, calming nausea, relieving menstrual cramps and lots more.
22. 60% of the body’s blood glucose is utilized by the brain.
23. One of the many benefits of omega-3 fatty acids is that it helps fight inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
24. An average strawberry has about 200 seeds.
25. Did you know that cucumbers are 96% water? Hence, you can stay hydrated on cucumbers.
26. Cucumber is capable of removing the fog on bathroom mirrors that appear after bathing.
27. Eventually all bananas we eat are cloned from a single plant in southeast Asia.
28. Medically, cayenne pepper helps prevent asthma. It contains capsaicin, this substance helps reduce wheezing and clears airways to help you breathe comfortably.
29. Research shows that eating peanut butter can help lower body cholesterol. This is due to the high amount of unsaturated fats in peanut butter.
30. Globally, there are over 600 different types of strawberries. Broadly classified into June-bearing, everbearing, or day-neutral.
31. Avocados contain more healthy fat than any other fruit— It contains both monounsaturated fat, saturated fat and polyunsaturated fat.
32. Blueberries are the best sources of effective antioxidants in the world.
33. Lamb has high Omega-3 fatty acids. This helps protect the heart.
34. Medically, almonds improve metabolic health. Naturally, almonds are highly nutritious and rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
35. Studies reveal that those who eat seafood food, especially fish, tend to live longer and reduce their risk of illnesses.
36. Studies show that people who eat the most full-fat dairy have a lower risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
37. Research proves that beans contain proteins, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are good for the brain and muscles.
38. Broccoli is best eaten raw or lightly steamed. This is because overcooking leads to nutrient loss.
39. Eating cayenne pepper equalizes the blood and promotes blood clotting. This is because it increases circulation and improves blood vessel strength.
40. Eating blueberries boost cognitive ability and prevents cardiovascular diseases.
Weird But True Facts About Food
41. Medically, watermelon juice helps reduce the level of muscle soreness— This is attributed to an amino acid found in watermelon called L-citrulline.
42. Did you know that apples, pears, and peaches are all in the Rose family?
43. Vitamins B-2 and B-12 are found in eggs and help in generating red blood cells in the body.
44. Eggs provide a good amount of choline, which is important for cell membranes.
45. The oil in peanuts is one of the ingredients in making dynamites— Its oil is converted to glycerol, which in turn can be used to make nitro-glycerine, an ingredient for dynamite.
46. Antioxidant lycopene which is packed with tomatoes reduces the rate of so many cancers like skin, lung bladder, and prostate cancer.
47. Medically, broccoli contains a chemical known as sulforaphane that increases testosterone.
48. The best way to stay hydrated naturally is by consuming watermelon.
49. Constant consumption of blueberries cures hypertension faster in women. It helps lower blood pressure.
50. Tea drinking exercisers lose more weight compared with non-tea-drinking exercisers— It contains catechins which boost metabolism and break down fat rapidly.
51. The DHA Omega-3 acids in turkey, improve brain function and prevent the fat cells from growing in size.
52. Eating beans is good for your heart function— Folate, antioxidants, and magnesium found in beans can help lower blood pressure.
53. Coconut oil contains a chemical that cures Alzheimer’s disease. This is a disorder involving loss of mental function resulting from the brain tissue change.
54. Beans is one of those foods that dissolve slowly which helps you stay fuller without feeling hungry for long.
55. You’re likely to pick quality food products when you go shopping on Monday or Tuesday since it’s rare for the crowd to shop on that day.
56. Mustard boosts the body’s metabolism— Mustard seeds are low in calories and are packed with antioxidants.
57. Walnuts contain nutritional value good for the body— It has healthy Omega-3 fats. Furthermore, It helps in reducing inflammation and improving heart function.
58. Magnesium found in cashews helps the body get rid of constipation, insomnia, and muscle cramps.
59. Women who eat high-quality chocolate have 32% lower risk of developing heart failure than those who don’t.
60. Turmeric helps improve cognitive coordination in the body. This is attributed to curcumin found in turmeric that helps clear Alzheimer plaques.
Mind-Blowing Facts About Food
61. Sadly, excessive caffeine intake leads to insomnia and heart palpitations. Caffeine is a chemical with stimulant effects found mainly in coffee, tea, cola, cocoa.
62. Eating more slowly gives the brain time to perceive when you are full.
63. Studies show that eating slowly also reduces the number of calories consumed. Eating slowly permits thorough chewing which helps reduce calories intake.
64. Eating eggs in the morning with or as your breakfast keeps you full and prevents high consumption of calories in the later meal.
65. Eating high protein meals decreases the level of ghrelin, the hunger hormone.
66. Cooking a meal at home lowers obesity risk and improves diet. Homemade meals utilize fresh ingredients compared with processed ingredients used in cooking at restaurants.
67. High Omega-6 can lead to inflammation and cause diseases like heart attack and cancer.
68. Eating from a small bowl makes your food portion appear big. It further prevents overeating which may result in obesity.
69. One of the best natural energy drinks is green tea. It contains healthy bioactive compounds which improve productivity.
70. Storing fresh herbs naturally with water will last longer than those stored in the fridge.
71. Some people feel soup tastes better a day after preparation. I’m one of those people, what about you?
72. Oatmeal helps you stay fuller than you think, and prevents mid-interval meals like junk food.
73. To get deeply flavoured foods, don’t overcrowd the pan. Ingredients will be unevenly distributed when the pan is full.
74. Did you know that cold temperatures compromise the flavour of potatoes, onions, unpeeled garlic, and peaches?
75. Oftentimes, going late to the market guarantees you a large number of foodstuffs, since most vendors are in haste to close for the day.
76. Addition of coconut oil to boiling rice increases the rice resistance to starch which slows rapid digestion.
77. You get to feel full by eating pasta left overnight and reheated compared with freshly prepared pasta.
78. You’ve heard it over and over; sugar causes havoc to the body, so, keep your sugar intake low.
79. Sugar found in energy drinks is more corrosive to your teeth— Its sugar content can erode your enamel making your teeth vulnerable to decay and cavities.
80. Recently, research shows that taking too many energy drinks could destroy your liver. Although it causes acute liver injury, the exact chemical for this is still under investigation.
Random Food Facts
81. Research shows that eating from a small bowl increases the feeling of satiety and reduces energy intake for those who want to lose weight.
82. Oatmeal has lots of fibre and helps balance every meal. It serves as a stabilizer.
83. Research shows that hot dogs may be harmful to your body. It contains harmful chemicals like Sodium phosphate, corn syrup, sodium, sodium nitrite that increases the chances of heart disease, kidney disease, and weak bone.
84. Artificial sweeteners increase hunger hormone in the stomach. This includes Saccharin, Acesulfame, Sucralose among others.
85. Sunflowers seeds are the best alternative to chewing gum, it also provides you with vitamin E.
86. Unsweetened yoghurts are healthier for the body. It benefits gut bacteria and boosts the immune system.
87. Oftentimes, dairy products lead to belly bloat. Belly bloating occurs when the gastrointestinal tract is filled with air or gas.
88. Consumption of hydrogenated oils regularly causes heart disease— It increases your bad cholesterol and lowers your good cholesterol.
89. Low intake of nuts and seeds increases the risk of stroke and type 2 diabetes. Interestingly, nuts are full of unsaturated fatty acids, phytochemicals, fiber, vitamin E, folate, calcium, potassium and magnesium.
90. Ultra-processed foods are highly overeaten which can lead to excess calorie consumed and weight gain
91. Coffee intake increases longevity but minimizes your intake per day(not more than 4 cups). Most importantly, avoid high sugar additives.
92. Ginger and turmeric have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may help improve your overall health.
93. The bacteria in your gut are collectively called microbiota and are important for your overall well-being.
94. Disruption to gut bacteria leads to obesity and digestion problems.
95. High-fiber food improves gut bacteria— Certain bacteria in your gut can digest fiber, which stimulates their growth.
96. Drinking water is the best way to stay hydrated—it’s free of calories, sugar, and additives.
97. Vitamin D improves bone strength, boosts the immune system, and reduces symptoms of depression.
98. Did you know that high protein intake boosts the metabolic rate in your body? This is due to the high thermic effect of protein.
99. Extra virgin olive oil is the best vegetable oil for cooking—its unsaturated fats and powerful antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties.
100. You can calm queasy feelings by eating ginger— Ginger contains gingerol and shogaols which has anti-inflammatory properties and may improve digestion.
