by Munirah Hashim | Apr 20, 2022 | Health & Wellness
There is a current craze about having a slim figure. This is especially common among female folks. As a result, it has led many to the use slimming teas. The effectiveness of the slimming tea is the center of most adverts. But wait, is slimming tea really effective?
Slimming tea is used with the main aim of weight loss. It promises its users instant loss of weight within a short period of its consumption.
No doubt, having a healthy weight is important as being overweight/obese predisposes one to certain diseases.
When you rely on the efficiency of slimming tea without making any lifestyle changes, this becomes an issue.
What makes slimming teas more enticing to many is the idea that they’re made from natural ingredients.
However, these ingredients are not meant for continuous consumption due to some of their negative impacts.
Constituents of Slimming Teas
The following are the major constituents of slimming teas in addition to different tea types like green tea.
Slimming tea can contain one or all of these as the case may be and they add to the effectiveness.
1. Laxatives
A laxative is meant for the treatment of constipation. It works by increasing bowel movements thereby aiding defecation. It is not meant to be taken for a long time.
Laxatives are a major constituent of slimming teas as such there is a high likelihood of consistent consumption.
A friend once described how the slimming tea she bought worked. She said it made her purge excessively thereby shedding weight.
Now you know why you purge after taking these teas. It’s due to laxatives being active ingredients in them.
Examples of laxatives used are; Senna, cascara, aloe, etc.
2. Diuretics
Diuretics are used to treat high blood pressure. Also known as a “water pill”, a diuretic helps the body to get rid of excess water and salt thereby lowering blood pressure.
These diuretics are contained in slimming teas as well.
So you shouldn’t be surprised when you find yourself urinating frequently after using them.
4. Stimulants
Stimulants like caffeine are contained in slimming teas. They are meant to curb your appetite and increase your body’s metabolism. They reduce your urge to eat more thereby preventing weight gain which makes it seem effective. However, they come with negative effects too when consumed excessively.
Is slimming Tea Effective?
This is usually the first question on any consumer’s mind. The answer is, that they are effective only when taken continuously. It means as soon as you stop taking these teas, you return to your previous weight or even gain more.
10 Reasons You Should Avoid Slimming Teas
Having known the constituents and effectiveness of these slimming teas, the following are reasons you should avoid them.
1. They Do Not Have Long-Term Effects
Most slimming teas are only effective within the period you use them. If you use them without any lifestyle modification, you have a high tendency of weight gain when you stop.
To prevent this weight gain, some have developed a dependency on these teas. This is to help them maintain a consistent slim figure. Sadly, such dependency is harmful.
2. Their Consumption Results in Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a major effect of the use of laxatives. This results in dehydration and loss of electrolytes. It also presents with vomiting, headache, fatigue, etc.
3. They Can Cause Severe Dehydration
The laxative and diuretic constituents of slimming teas lead to loss of water.
Water is lost in two ways; as a result of purging from the laxative effect and frequent urination from the diuretic constituent.
This leads to dehydration which has a dangerous effect on the kidney.
Dehydration leads to weight loss which should be a health concern. However, you would consider such weight gain as an effective result of the tea.
4. Loss of Electrolytes
Electrolytes are important components of your body fluids. Examples of these electrolytes are sodium, potassium, chloride, etc. Electrolytes are important for the proper function of muscles, maintaining blood PH, etc.
Dehydration is accompanied by loss of electrolytes. The use of slimming teas could result in the loss of essential electrolytes.
Absence or reduced electrolytes lead to spasms and abnormal heartbeats, cardiac arrhythmias, and even death.
5. Weakened Colon
Slimming teas work on the colon to increase its movement and aid defecation.
When the colon is stimulated consistently, it weakens over time. And this becomes an issue as it results in dependency.
6. Dependency
When a colon is weakened by the effect of consistent stimulation, dependency sets in. In this case, the colon now depends on the laxative to cause movement and defecation. As such, you depend on slimming tea to carry out the normal function of a healthy bowel.
7. No Loss of Fat
If you have been reading between the lines, you would realize that we didn’t mention anywhere where fat is shed. Why? This is because the slimming teas don’t work on them. They’re ineffective in that regard.
Complete digestion and absorption take place in the small intestine. The effect of laxative is exhibited on the colon (large intestine).
This shows that it doesn’t prevent the absorption of fats. It only makes defecation easy.
Other harmful effects of slimming teas are abdominal cramping, headaches, and increased blood pressure.
Healthy Ways of Losing Weight
The major way you can lose weight is by lifestyle modification. This is based on two major factors:
1. Check Your Diet
The importance of a healthy diet cannot be overexpressed. It is important in weight management as well as overall general health. To maintain a healthy weight, do the following:
- Consume more fruits and vegetables.
- Eat high-protein meals for breakfast.
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks.
- Cut down consumption of fat.
- Avoid processed and canned food. Eat more unprocessed foods.
- Stay hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water.
2. Exercise Regularly
Exercise doesn’t have to be hectic. Walking, cycling, jogging, skipping, and dancing are simple exercises you can engage in to keep you healthy and maintain a healthy weight.
Conclusion
Above, we have explored what makes up slimming tea, its effectiveness and why you should avoid it. We have as well given you a better alternative to maintaining a healthy weight.
Although some people have given slimming teas favourable recommendations. We however recommend that you see your doctor before using any slimming tea. Before you try any slimming tea, you should balance the benefits and drawbacks.
Have you used slimming teas before? What are your thoughts on their effectiveness?
Do share your thoughts in the comment section.
FAQs
Is slimming tea effective?
Yes, but only on a short-term basis. For long-term effectiveness, it has to be used continuously. This poses serious harm to one’s health.
What makes slimming teas harmful?
The ingredients contained in slimming teas are not meant for long-term consumption. As such, taking these teas without proper guidance come with lots of health risks.
What should I do before consumption of any slimming tea?
Check out the ingredients first. Consult your doctor to ensure you don’t react to any of the ingredients contained in the tea. Ensure you eat healthy meals and do not consume them for a long time.
Does slimming tea make one stool?
Yes, it does. This is due to the presence of laxatives in most of them. Ensure you have a restroom close by before you consume it.
Is it okay to drink a slim tea every day?
It is not healthy to drink slimming tea every day. This is due to the harmful effects it has on the body from long-term consumption.
by Ameenah Gumbi | Jan 19, 2022 | Health & Wellness
Moringa is a plant known as Moringa oleifera and also known as “Zogale” in Northern Nigeria. This plant is medicinal from the leaves down to its root. Moringa plant benefits include; use in treating “tired blood” or joint pain, as an antioxidant and treatment of many other illnesses.
People use Zogale in its natural form or powdered form or the oil extract. The plant can be eaten as a soup or garnished which is known as “Kwaɗan Zogale” in Northern Nigeria.
Every part of this plant is beneficial to humans. Here are some Moringa plant benefits to humans that we found useful for you.
10 Moringa Plant Benefits
1. It Is Good for Diabetes Patients
High sugar levels can risk your health conditions. It also gives you heart problems or diabetes over a period of time. Zogale fights diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels according to food scientists.
This plant improves the protein content in your urine. And regulate the haemoglobin content in our urine thereby treating diabetes. An increase in insulin and blood sugar levels can lead to the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
The leaves of Zogale can reduce lipid, glucose levels, and oxidative stress in your body
2. Moringa is Good for the Liver
The liver cleans the blood and metabolizes the fat in your body. Zogale has high concentrations of polyphenols to reverse oxidation in the liver. It also increases the protein levels in the liver. The consumption of Zogale can reduce liver fibrosis and protect against liver damage.
It can also protect the liver from damages if you are suffering from tuberculosis. Zogale can also help reduce the negative effects of the drugs you are taking.
Another way you can also improve your liver health is by taking green tea.
3. Moringa is a Good Source of Nutrients
Zogale is known as the superfood. Since it is a good source of riboflavin, potassium, vitamin E, and magnesium. The leaves have more vitamin C than the rest of the plants.
Its leaves are also rich in vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B3, B6, and Folate. Zogale is also rich in magnesium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc.
4. Zogale is Good for the Skin and Hair
Zogale oil is good for protecting hair, keeping it clean and healthy. Since it contains protein that is helpful in protecting skin from damage. It also has hydrating and detoxifying elements, which also benefit the skin and hair.
Read: Loss of Hair Can Mean Something Serious
The leaves of Zogale improve the health and appearance of your skin. By decreasing the appearance of wrinkles on your skin. Since it has antioxidants and nutrients. Applying Zogale seed oil reduces dandruff, adds life, and bounces to dull hair by strengthening your hair follicles. They are also good for treating oedema and are present in a lot of skin and hair products.
5. Moringa Plant can Cure Stomach Aches
The powder of Zogale has about 30% fibre – and insoluble fibre that you need only for digestion purposes. This plant is a natural antibiotic and antibacterial plant. It may also help inhibit the growth of certain pathogenic bacteria in your body.
The extracts of Zogale can help treat some stomach disorders. Like constipation, gastritis, and ulcerative colitis. Since it is high in vitamin B content, it can assist people with digestion problems.
6. Zogale Aids in Weight Loss
The leaves of Zogale increase the rate of fat burn in your body. This is essential if you want to slim down without losing energy reserves. It helps in reducing cravings for food and boost metabolism. They also help in reducing cholesterol.
7. The Plant is Good for The Cardiovascular System
The Moringa plant has the ability to lower blood pressure and improve heart function. One of the benefits of Zogale is the reduction of inflammation, lowering oxidative stress, and relaxing arteries to improve blood flow in your body.
The antioxidants found in the extract of Zogale might help prevent cardiac damage. It is also known to help in maintaining a healthy heart. The extracts can help lower cholesterol and improve heart health.
8. Moringa is a Good Antioxidant
Zogale has anti-oxidative properties and protects against the effects of free radicals. It is rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene that act against free radicals.
They also have Quercetin which that can lower blood pressure and chlorogenic acid that can regulate blood sugar levels after taking your meals.
9. It Also Helps with Inflammation
Inflammation is the way your body responds to cellular injury. Zogale has anti-inflammatory effects in humans. Food scientists have seen Zogale significantly lower inflammation in cells. The inflammation that lowers polyphenols and isothiocyanates.
Zogale reduces the inflammation in your body by suppressing inflammatory enzymes and proteins in the body.
10. Moringa Plant can Boost Sexual Activity
Stress can affect your sex life since it can affect your hormone levels by increasing cortisol and decreasing dopamine. Researchers believe it can bring down cortisol levels and also boost testosterone levels.
Zogale is used to treat erectile dysfunction as a traditional medicine eating as an aphrodisiac food option.
Conclusion
The Moringa plant benefits (Zogale) are quite vast. These benefits include being nutritious, lowering blood sugar levels down to help your skin. There is a variety of dishes that you can make with Zogale.
How do you like to use your Moringa (Zogale) plant? Kindly leave your comments below or share them with your loved ones to let us know if you prefer using the leaves, powder, or prefer using the oil.
by Umar Farouk Kabir | Nov 10, 2021 | Health & Wellness
Why don’t you switch that morning cup of coffee with a nice cup of green tea? Why you may ask, well, it’s fairly simple. Green tea is a superfood!
Green tea has been around for centuries. Originating from China, it quickly gained popularity as its many benefits were discovered by the rest of the world.
Green tea is made from unoxidized Camellia sinensis leaves and is one of the least processed types of tea. This is why it contains the most antioxidants.
Those that already take this beverage, already know of its many benefits. For those who are new, allow me to enlighten you about the numerous benefits of green tea, you’ll surely be a regular consumer of this tea by the time you’re through reading this!
The 10 Benefits of Green Tea
Here, we shall discuss the major and scientifically proven benefits of regular green tea consumption.
1. Green Tea Is Useful for Weight Loss
One of the most efficient and healthy ways to speed up your metabolism is through the consumption of green tea. When your metabolism is high, you break down calories from foods quite quickly. When the body burns calories fast, it inhibits weight gain.
Green tea helps in bumping up the speed at which food is broken and absorbed by the body. The more fat the body burns, the better the circulation of blood due to the reduced cholesterol levels. Enjoy a cup of tea and relish the fact that the pesky excess fat is being put to good use!
2. It Helps with A Healthy Heart
One of the many benefits of green tea consumption is that it improves cardiovascular conditions. Through a high amount of consumption of some foods, one develops fatty deposits in the blood vessels, this is called cholesterol. This cholesterol is a waxy type of fat that tends to restrict blood flow in the system. When there is too much of this cholesterol, it builds upon the walls of the arteries thereby making it narrow and reducing blood flow to the heart; this is what causes coronary heart disease.
Green tea helps in reducing these cholesterol levels that play a part in several heart diseases. Consumption of green tea reduces the amount of LDL( low-density lipoprotein) which is sometimes called bad cholesterol.
Give your heart a fighting chance. Go get that green tea
3. Green Tea Aids in The Prevention of Cancer
Another major benefit of green tea is that it contains some elements called flavonoids. These metabolites fight and to some extent kill off cancerous cells in the body.
Research has been conducted in countries where green tea consumption is high. In this research, it was discovered that some cancer rates tend to be lower in such countries.
Furthermore, the research showed some evidence of the benefits of green tea consumption for lowering the risk of cancerous cell generation within the body.
Some of the cancers green tea impacts positively include:
Breast cancer
Lung cancer
Prostate cancer
Skin cancer
Colon cancer
Ovarian cancer
Bladder cancer
Oesophagal cancer
Green tea has a lot of antioxidants majorly because it is unprocessed and unoxidized. Here’s a pro tip; avoid adding milk to your green tea as studies show that milk reduces the antioxidants properties.
4. It Has Healthy Skin and Anti-Aging Properties
For those that are extra enthusiastic about skincare routines, this is great news. Green tea is a tasty and cheap way of maintaining that youthful and fresh look without having to rely heavily on expensive cosmetics.
The primary agent responsible for this is polyphenol. This agent found in green tea has been shown to slow and to some extent reverse skin ageing and repair skin damage. The ultraviolet rays that we expose ourselves to daily hurt the overall health of our skin.
The carcinogenic activity of the ultraviolet radiation from the sun and other man-made sources causes what is known as photoaging. Photoaging refers to those pesky wrinkles and spots that appear on our skin as we grow older.
A regular cup of healthy green tea is what you need to help you maintain a youthful and exuberant look.
5. Green Tea Improves Brain Activity and Improves Mood
Another great benefit of green tea consumption is that it helps boost brain function and improves mood. A lot of tea drinkers look to their cups whenever they feel distressed and need a little ‘pick-me-up’. This isn’t just because of purely sentimental reasons. There is a genuinely scientific and logical reason behind that. One of the main components thought to be responsible for this is the caffeine content found in green tea.
Green tea goes as far as improving brain activity by increasing alertness, improving memory retention and even reducing anxiety. I’m sure now you really want to add green tea to that shopping list if you aren’t a fan already.
6. Green tea Helps to Repair Cell Damage
The DNA in the body’s cells are destroyed by what are known as free radicals. Free radicals are basically oxygen-containing molecules that are naturally produced by the body as a byproduct of metabolism. These molecules are highly unstable and cause damage to the cells of the body.
Green tea contains micronutrients called polyphenols, which are antioxidants that help the body to eliminate these free radicals swimming in your system.
7. Green Tea Fights Against Diabetes
The Benefits of green tea just keep getting better and better, don’t they?
You’ve learned how green tea fights cancerous cells and cholesterol levels, now, you’ll learn how it fights against diabetes.
Diabetes is a disease associated with high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels may result in damage to several precious organs including the kidney.
Green tea helps to control and lower the blood sugar level of the body through polysaccharides and thermogenic properties consequently controlling and preventing type II diabetes in adults.
8. Green Tea Helps Maintain Healthy Kidneys
Frequent consumption of green tea has been proven to be beneficial to the overall health of the Kidneys in several ways.
It protects the kidney from oxidative reactions of the free radicals in the body
Green tea improves blood supply to the kidney
It neutralizes the toxicity of heavy metals in the kidney
9. One of The Benefits of Green Teas Is That It Improves Liver Health
Another great benefit of this amazing tea is that it improves liver health.
The antioxidants in green tea help the liver to function effectively in the eradication of toxins from the body.
Catechins found in green tea react with and neutralize the harmful effects of heavy metals freeing the liver from their adverse effects.
10. It Helps Get Rid of Bad Breath
Let’s face it, nobody likes bad breath.
If you’re suffering from it or know someone who is, you’ll find this benefit of green tea especially interesting.
Green tea contains antimicrobial agents acting against bacteria and other microorganisms that cause bad breath. Catechins in green tea inhibit the growth of streptococcus mutans which is a common bacterium that causes mouth bad breath.
Conclusion
For the movie lovers, the avid readers of fiction, you all must have heard of the fictional substance called the elixir of life said to give eternal life and cure all diseases. That sounds amazing, doesn’t it? Well, it is not far-fetched to think of green tea as an elixir of life. While it does not give immortality, it does help in preventing and fighting a lot of diseases and generally improving the quality of one’s health.
Try adding green tea to your daily diet, you will be delightfully surprised by the positive effects and changes you’ll notice to your overall health.
by Maryam Idris Bappa | Nov 4, 2020 | Health & Wellness
Fenugreek is an annual herb that belongs to the Fabaceae family, the same family as soy. It is a leafy green legume native to Eurasia and Africa that is widely used for its nutritional and aromatic value, with India reported to account for its major products throughout the world.
The leaves of Fenugreek are rich in folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K. It is also a storehouse of minerals such as potassium, calcium, and iron. Adding fenugreek to your diet in the required dosage is safe and provides beneficial nutrients, mucilage, and fibre. The benefits of this herb are so much that many are yet to be scientifically proven. For instance, fenugreek is used for beauty and health purposes all around the world.
Below are 16 benefits of fenugreek which can be obtained from its seeds and leaves.
Benefits of Fenugreek
1. Fenugreek Is Good for the Skin
Salicylic acid present in fenugreek helps to unclogs pores while potassium, carotene, and vitamin C in the seeds boost skin elasticity. The oil made from the seeds which contain mucilage help in moisturizing, softening, and hydrating skin without irritating it.
Apply the paste made from fenugreek leaves preferably at night to prevent a fresh breakout of acne. You can also apply fenugreek oil directly to the skin.
2. It Is Important For the Hair
Fenugreek seeds and leaves contain a variety of nutrients that promote hair growth as well as prevent dandruff. The paste made from the leaves promotes and preserves the natural hair colour and silky texture. Due to the high mucilage content of fenugreek seeds, it possesses hair conditioning properties that can treat dry scalp by moisturizing it.
Apply Fenugreek leaf paste to the scalp and rinse with water to improve your hair quality. Also, blend the seeds of fenugreek into powder, add into a hair mask or a conditioner in order to accentuate its benefits and soften hair.
3. Fenugreek Can be Used as a Spice
The fresh and dried seeds of this plant have been used as a spice and flavouring agent for ages. The seeds have been described to have a natural sweet nutty flavour like maple syrup or burnt sugar. Fenugreek seeds when combined with other spices will give your saucy dishes a certain sweetness and flavour.
In addition, throw in fenugreek powder to your fry or add it to your soup to obtain its unique flavour.
4. The Plant Aids Digestion and Relieve Constipation
One of the benefits of fenugreek is that it aids digestion and relieves constipation. Fenugreek can improve digestion and prevents stomach disorders by acting as a laxative.
This is typical of foods containing large amounts of soluble fibre known as bulk-forming laxatives. When fenugreek seeds absorb water in the intestines, they expand and the volume increases. This will trigger a reflex muscular contraction in response to this pressure, thereby stimulating bowel movement. However, mucilage contained in fenugreek seeds when ingested will soften the mucus membranes to ease constipation.
Take fenugreek tea or drink water in which fenugreek seeds have been soaked to ease digestion. You can also mix about a teaspoon of fenugreek powder in a cup of water strain and drink it up.
5. Fenugreek Helps Fights Inflammation
Certain acids and substantial levels of antioxidants in fenugreek seeds make it a good anti-inflammation agent. Mucilage extracted from its seeds also contributes to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Use fenugreek seed oil extract on inflamed places directly on the skin to ease inflammation.
6. Do you Know Fenugreek Treats Heartburn
One of the benefits of fenugreek is that it treats heartburn cases. Fenugreek is an effective treatment for gastritis. More so, it reduces the severity of heartburn by forming a shield over the intestinal lining to soothe gastrointestinal inflammation and prevent heartburn.
In addition, intake of a fenugreek fibre product, 30 minutes before two meals in a day will reduce the severity of heartburn.
7. It Helps with Weight Loss
Fenugreek contains fibre that promotes a feeling of fullness and keeps people from overeating. If you want to lose weight, adding fenugreek seeds to your diet is a must. Furthermore, fenugreek seeds aid in reducing fat accumulation and enhance the metabolism of lipids and glucose which help in weight loss.
That is to say, fenugreek will help with energy extraction and also increase overall energy consumption. Therefore, it is going to increase calories burned daily and thus, increase weight loss
Chew fenugreek seeds twice or thrice a day to promote a feeling of fullness and satiation without having to eat much.
8. Fenugreek Also Helps with Weight Gain
Although fenugreek seeds in themselves do not make you gain weight they can boost your appetite. Also, with the intake of the right foods, fenugreek makes you gain weight. Furthermore, taking fenugreek seeds with a glass of water will help in absorbing the saponins found in fenugreek, which will increase your appetite.
More so, take a total of four teaspoons daily of ground fenugreek seeds or otherwise known as fenugreek powder with two cups of water after having some bites of bread or an apple. Then eat foods that are rich in calories and nutrients rather than fat.
This will help you gain healthy weight.
9. An Important Benefit of Fenugreek It Improves Breast Milk Production
More so, one of the benefits of fenugreek is that it increases breast milk production. Fenugreek may help stimulate milk production and flow in lactating mothers. Women use the seed to increase their breast milk production across Asia. This herb also contains phytoestrogen that boosts milk production in lactating mothers.
Moreover, drinking fenugreek tea seems to increase the supply of breast milk in mothers, which also promotes weight gain in infants.
10. Fenugreek Also Increase Breast Size
Fenugreek contains Phyto oestrogen which builds the level of prolactin in your body and also helps increase the size of your breasts by encouraging the development of breast tissue. Massage your breasts daily with warm water which has been brought to a boil with fenugreek powder.
You can also apply the oil on the breast directly and firm it up with a bra for better effect.
11. Acts As an Aphrodisiac for Men and Women
Fenugreek was one of the foods used as aphrodisiacs by ancient people in Rome, Egypt, and Greek. It has been used as an aphrodisiac used for centuries by men and women to increase sex drive. This is because the herb contains compounds that the body can use to make sex hormones like oestrogen and progesterone.
Fenugreek also boosts testosterone levels, a hormone that plays a vital role in many bodily functions in males.
12. Fenugreek Alleviate Menstrual Cramps
In addition, fenugreek seeds have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Ingesting fenugreek seed powder reduces pain associated with menstrual cramps and other symptoms such as fatigue, headache, and nausea.
This is one of the numerous benefits of fenugreek.
13. It Also Serves as Remedy for Fever and Sore Throat
The mucilage found in fenugreek seeds has a soothing effect on the throat. The seeds are said to provide relief for fever when taken with a tablespoon of lemon and honey.
14. Fenugreek Also Lowers Cholesterol Level
Fenugreek seeds are rich sources of steroidal saponins which intercept the absorption of cholesterol and triglycerides. The seeds discourage the production of cholesterol in the liver and stimulate the production of good cholesterol.
15. You Can Use Fenugreek to Treat Diabtes
The fibre in fenugreek forms a thick and sticky gel in the intestine, which makes it harder to digest excess sugars and bad fats. In addition, fenugreek seeds help control blood sugar and decrease insulin resistance.
Aiding diabetes treatment is definitely one of the benefits of fenugreek.
16. This Herb Reduces Aluminum Toxicity
Furthermore, fenugreek seed powder reduces aluminium toxicity by offering protection to the brain, bones, and kidneys.
Conclusion
Side effects of ingesting fenugreek may include diarrhoea, stomach upset, and other allergic reactions. People with chronic health conditions or lactating women should speak with a doctor before ingesting Fenugreek supplements.
