One Sided Thoughts: LUST, FILANDERING AND LOVE; THE LIFE OF A POST NYSC LADY.

As Africans/ Nigerians we all have expectations both good and crazy. For young ladies who have completed the basic 9-3-4 education in Nigeria parents and family members would start looking round at every guy visiting you in light of prospective marriage. They become extra nice and friendly when these guys visit. The father who used to be very unwelcoming would share a joke or two to make the young man more comfortable and encourage a next visit. If she refuses to introduce him till he leaves questions will be raised as soon as she shots the door behind him.

This drama however, will be so subtle that as young ladies (under 30) we will only think they thought wrong this time but then we will know that it’s time we start serious consideration of the guys around us. Which is most suitable when measured against ours/ our family’s standard.

After mobilization to National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) Camp the camp presents us with so many young men and peers. Many eligible bachelors up for grabs (this situation always reminds me of the popular movie advert closing line ‘GRAB YOUR COPY NOW!). Both young and not so young ladies start putting up their best appearances in other to get the attention of these guys and maybe settle with one eventually. For those successful on camp yippee! It’s time for celebration and thinking of how and when to settle down. During this period we start devising so many means from sleeping with the guy to trying to force a pregnancy down his throat… all in a bid to get them settled. Some get lucky and some get luckier by luck I mean someone, anyone to take home to their parents. Luckier ones actually get a man with whom they can build a home; one they will find true love and true happiness.

Even after this stage there are still ladies left in their single states and like anaion(s) they become active in this environment (considering ‘age’ as a catalyst) they are willing to react with cation(s) hoping still some bachelors awaits discovery during the compulsory Community Development Service (CDS). We join all kinds of cliques (usually the ones with the most bois). It’s a period when many single ladies will prefer visiting or even staying over at the guys place doing chores in order to get his attention too. Also like every other stage some get luck while others get luckier.

Here comes the Passing Out Parade (POP) day! With wild partying and a one night stand that may cumulate into a forced/ involuntary married or co habitation or single parenthood.

NYSC is over! And there are still single ladies everywhere unleashed into the entire population scattered in different proportions among states or countries of the world. Some went for the national service with the ‘in a relationship’, ‘engaged’ or ‘married’ status, got wild and lost a good relationship for something they realized only when it was too late to be unworthy and unbefitting. For some others it was only about the flings with several bois and even others where in a deep season of heart breaks that they simply refused to come to terms with and move on.

Whatever happened, three sets of ladies pass out of the final parade. The religious, The desperate and The hardened hearted.

Ø  The Religious: these ladies where either too religious at school claiming to be holier than thou, more righteous than everyone around. They were too stern and unfriendly. Guys didn’t find them attractive preferring to avoid their judgmental and critical analysis of others. Getting to camp for their NYSC they tend to loosen up. They do all they ever condemned due to inexperience… their conscience get lost and forever doomed.

Ø  The Desperate: while they were having fun they missed themselves in the crowd, made some terrible mistakes that will haunt them for as long as they live. From a defective abortion that may have left their wombs damaged to an unwanted pregnancy whose father they are not even certain of. They want a man, anyone at this point to save them from societal shame anybody who would father the child of an unknown Daddy. The infant may end up the mother’s look alike if she’s lucky enough or he looks like he just fell from the sky not bearing the semblance of anyone around.

Ø  The Hardened Hearted: oh my! These ladies have been through a lot of ordeal either in severity or frequency. They may have been heartbroken, been through an abusive relationship (parental or spousal). Parents divorce can sometimes generate this emotional state in single ladies. Through it all they have grown a though skin and lost trust in the opposite sex. To them every masculine advance is perceived as wicked, untamed and criminal. To coat these pain and prejudice against the male sect they go by the label ‘feminist’ or ‘career women’. They have the strong desire to beat every male at his game; they are defiant, unnecessarily defensive and aggressive. Don’t mistake this they are very comfortable in the company of many men (old/young). They can be playful, flirtatious, but not very girly or naïve.

These sects of ladies where formed by societal expectations and bad experiences. The burden of the ‘need’ to be married and stay married irrespective of the state of the relationship is one pressure that makes a  thirty (30) year old lady give up on finding a happy life. Hence, men fear love outside of NYSC, they fear the mental attitude of women in their 30s they fear they may not discover their true character or be truly loved. They fear the career woman thinking she’s the vampire unleashed to suck men’s blood dry, they fear she may be out of control and out for a mission to destroy the male folk. They fear the religious, imagining a demonically oppressed image of a bleak past and a future that holds no hope for true happiness, freedom and love.

It takes a strong man, one determined and truly in love to find a woman amongst these ladies. It also takes a woman who is willing to forgive herself and leave the past behind to be able to move on, stay happy and find fulfillment with or without a man against societal pressures and odds.

Love is good, true love is better, but love which has overcome many obstacles is the best…

MUSINGS: A LEGACY THAT BENEFITS OUR GENERATION

We the Nigerian people have aired our views through various channels on the weaknesses and inadequacies of our government. Several surveys and studies have been carried out on and about the common Nigerian from surveys that show that we have the fifth (5) sexiest language on earth, through to those that state that most Nigerians live below poverty lines. We have been rated on sports, crimes and socio – economic profiles and all these more often than not contribute to the way we are perceived by the outside world.

Nigerian citizens have suffered many a setback on the heels of our diversion from an Agro Based economy to an economy which solely depends on the exportation of crude oil.

However, looking on the faces of many Nigerian youth or listening to a group of youth’s conversations what we tend to hear is the need to cause a revolution some believe in violent revolution others believe in a more subtle change while a few others have lost all hope for a better Nigeria. Whichever category we all fall into we all have an innate desire for a better, brighter and more promising future. We all want a better life to retire into and a better life for our children, but the question remains are we ready to have this future as a reality or do we want to remain in the ‘e go better’ dream we were born into?

Our generation has mostly suffered the bite of Nigeria’s economy. Most of us grew up hearing our parents talk about the good old days and how everything from jobs, to career opportunities to the easy of acquiring possessions to the presence of quality socio infrastructure were in abundance this most of us can only see with our mind’s eye.

Out of the bitterness of our realities we blame our parents for bringing us into a world that was unprepared, a shanty place were new born are welcomed with the cold realities of poverty and hunger, a place where dreams die before they are even born. We blame our government for all inadequacies from bad roads, inadequate water supply, poor housing, transport, poor salary structure, poor healthcare and so much more. We blame religious leaders for amassing wealth and teaching the gospel of prosperity, we blame our peers for misleading us and influencing us wrongly, we blame the west and world powers, we blame God for creating us a Nigerian. We blame! Blame!! Blame!!!

But what we have not explored has youths is our stake in the positive transformation of our beloved nation. We have refused to look inside of us and determine what or how we can make impact, on reaching positive changes in our society.

Many of us have attended various Tertiary institutions where the mediocrity of our generation becomes very obvious, while some girls believe that they cannot succeed except they satisfy the animal  urge in their lecturers some young men however, believe they must settle (bribe) lecturers in order to pass  this attitude has lowered the quality of education these sets of  youth have, hence making them unemployable after graduation they can neither get jobs based on merit even if there were any available, nor can they generate income through genuine and legal means because most have deadened their intelligence by believing bribery is the only way out.

When we eventually enter the employment market some still scale through and get well paid jobs through these shady means and we continue the tradition of bribery, corruption and laziness. Many of us take jobs we don’t want to work at. Many have become teachers of the next generation only to earn a salary. We do not attend classes or pass any form of knowledge to the generation coming after us how can we? When we had paid our way through school and made no effort to invest in educating ourselves. While some of us in public service are no better because bribe has become our major source of income. We complain that the pay is too small to cater for our responsibilities and this is the excuse we give to justify the need to continue to wallow in corrupt practises but to debunk this excuse all one needs to do is to see the amount of money been spent every weekend for birthdays, weddings and even burials of relatives who died a long time ago. The number of exotic cars on the streets and the number of shopping mall activities (a recent survey showed Nigerians as the second biggest shoppers in the United Kingdom). This entire scenario confirms that if we become modest we can still survive, work honestly and make a change that would change our future for good.

In order to change the present and make the future what we would like to be a part of is not a journey of one night. The road will not be easy, but we have to be willing.

To this I’ll quote my favourite secondary school teacher’s words ‘nothing good comes easy’ Change no matter how subtle or aggressive it may be we all need to change, change for good to create for the next generation the  reality we only dreamed of as youths. 

WOW THIS IS A MUST READ! A LESSON FROM THE GOSSIPING WIFE.

Came across this piece, not sure who wrote it, but it’s a great story with a solid lesson to teach and a reminder to every woman.

“Biyi hasn’t worked for that long?” Dayo’s voice drips with resentment. “For real?” “He’s been trying,” I say in feeble attempt to defend my husband. “You know how the economy is.”

…My husband and I had vowed never to bring in a third party into our relationship but with a bank account screaming for revival, I need to share my burden with someone else. I grip the phone. Dayo is unusually quiet. “You still there?” I ask. “Hello?” “I am here,” she says. “I just didn’t know things were this bad. And all this while, I thought Biyi was providing for the home.” But he is, I argue silently. Well, maybe not financially for now, but in every way else, Biyi is a rock. “It’s not that bad.” My words sound frail. Dayo clucks her tongue. “You might as well be a widow.” The words hit me like a fist. “Na you I blame,” she continues, oblivious to the damage her words have caused.

“Me? Why?” She is blaming me for this? Seriously?

“Why do you keep paying the bills?”

“Because there is no one else to do it,” I protest, upset.

“For real? He drives your car too?”

“He needs it,” I mutter. “To attend job interviews and stuff. He gets back late sometimes.”

“How late are you talking?

“Nine, ten… ish.”

Dayo pauses for a second. “I hate to say this gurl, but your husband spending your money on another woman.”

Whoa! Hang on. Where did that come from? “Haba, Dayo. Biyi would never—” “Look, I know men,” she slices in. “You are his moneybag and he will take you for a ride as long as it takes. Where is your dignity, gurl?” Ride. Dignity. Moneybag. Ouch. “But he’s a good guy,” I manage. Can my husband be using me? It had never crossed my mind in the past, but I now wonder if Biyi is actually having an affair.

“I trust my wonderful Dennis…,” Dayo is saying. I barely listen. My eyes are on the clock. It’s almost midnight and Biyi isn’t home. I force myself to hear what Dayo is saying about Dennis Ono, her multimillionaire-oil- company-golden-husband. Gosh I envy her life, her perfect marriage. “My marriage is wonderful,” Dayo says, as if in affirmation to my undeclared words. “But only because I show Dennis who the boss is. He cannot try nonsense with me. Abi, you think it’s easy to get ten thousand pounds a month as pocket money?” She really gets ten grand a month? That’s like, my entire annual salary in my crappy job plus bonuses. Life is unfair. Honestly. “I am Biyi’s wife,” I say. “I cannot just desert him.” Or can I? At this rate… “In that case,” there is an edge to her voice now, “give him an ultimatum. He gets a job in two weeks or you are out of that marriage.”

“I—” “Look, I know his type,” she says with conviction. “He conveniently won’t get a job as long as you keep dishing out your money.”

“But—” “Starve him,” she adds. “No sex. Make life hell. You are not an ATM machine.”

Keys jangle in the hallway. Biyi is home. “Talk later,” I say to Dayo. “He’s back.” “Stand your ground,” Dayo whispers menacingly. “Ultimatum. Two weeks.” I hang up with a sigh. My husband is leaning against the door frame. For a second my heart falters. He looks tired, drawn. But Dayo’s words punctuate my compassion. “Where have you been?” Biyi gives me a side smile. “No hug?” I jerk my head at the wall clock.” Its midnight.” “I had a job interview in Birmingham,” he says. “I called you tell you I was stuck in traffic but I kept getting your voicemail. What’s wrong?” I cock my head. Is that a whiff of female perfume? It is. Dayo is right. He has been with another woman. With my car. Spending my money. My head spins. “Biyi,” I glare at him, “Where are you coming from?” He steps back, surprised. “I went to Birmingham—”

“Did you get it?” I screech. “The job?”

Biyi shakes his head. “I didn’t—”

This is the last straw. I wrench my hand out. “My car keys.”

He gives me a hard level stare. “What is wrong with you, Toni? Did I offend you?”

“Pass my keys!”

He thrusts the car keys to into my palm. I push past him, grab my duffel bag and stuff my overnight things into it. I know I am acting crazy but I have to show him that I would not be taken for a ride. That I am not a moneybag. That I have dignity. I zip the bag up and spin around. My husband is staring at me. “Is everything all right with you, sweetheart?”

“Get out of my way.”

“Where are you going with that bag?”

“I need to clear my head.” I am still yelling.

“Can we talk first?” Biyi suggests.

“I don’t want to talk. Get out of my way.”

He moves out of my path. I swipe a hand across my face, smearing my cheeks with mascara. “Don’t look for me. I will be back when my head clears.” I rush out of the house, jump into my car. My rage doubles as the feminine scent permeates the car. He has been with a woman in my car. I feel like an idiot.

I pull up in front of Dayo’s mansion. Her husband’s Porsche is in the driveway, and the porch lights illuminate my dreary form as I reach the door. I ball my fists to knock, but a scream freezes the motion.

“Kill me!” I hear Dayo scream. “Good for nothing idiot. Womanizer of the century!” Whoa. Momentarily, I am unable to move. My hand hovers in the air. Dull thuds, muffled screams. Dennis curses. “I warned you never to serve me stew that is not freshly cooked!” “Am I your slave?” Dayo yells back. “If you want fresh stew, get your PA to cook it for you. Or you think I don’t know about her? You think…”

Dayo’s words are silenced by another thump. My hands fall to my side as a flurry of blows stifle her cries. I want call the police, do something…anything. But I cannot move. And so I shut my eyes tight and listen as my friend is pummelled by her husband. The beating stops. I should dash to my car, but something holds me back. “I am sorry I got you upset darling,” Dayo finally says. Her voice is laced with pain. “It is my fault. I should have cooked for you. I…Toni wouldn’t let me get off the phone…its her fault.”

“Next time you talk to me like that, I will tattoo a punch on your forehead,” Dennis growls. “Get into the kitchen and make me fresh stew. And do something about that leech you call a friend.”

That is enough for me. I sprint back to my car and drive home.

A knock sounds on the window. Biyi. I wind down and he gives me a smile. “Head clear now?” he asks. “Leave me alone,” I mutter. Dayo’s wonderful Denis beats her up? And she never mentioned?

“I will leave you alone in two seconds,” Biyi says.

There is a twinkle in his eyes. “But first, get out of the car.” I oblige, grudgingly. “What?” He reaches under the car seat and pulls out a small basket. “I didn’t come home straight from the interview. I stopped over at the Perfume shop to get you this.” He hands the basket over. Inside is a range of exotic feminine perfumes and a small card. I pull the card open, read the words: “Thank you for your support during the hardest times of my life! I love you.”

“That’s why I was late,” he explains as he pulls me into a warm embrace. “You have been so good to me, Toni. I couldn’t have asked for a better wife.” I can’t reply. My throat is lumpy.

“When you left the house to clear your head, I got a call back from the recruiter,” he says with a beam. “God answers prayers, babe. I got the job. It’s a package you won’t believe. Let’s go in. I’ll tuck you into bed and you can tell me what’s bothering you?”

I awaken to a text message from Dayo. “Denis is flying me to Seychelles this weekend. This is what you get when you stand your ground. You have to be a no nonsense gurl! Don’t you just love my life? Ciao sweetheart xxx.”

I type a quick response back: “Ciao! and i deleted her number right away.

Now, this is one story every woman should read. The grass is never greener on the other side, best believe that. No matter how good a friend’s marriage it, NEVER EVER compare with yours. It’s DEADLY and could cost you so much!

Money cannot buy happiness, envy cannot solve riddles. strength and glory however lies with those who forge ahead keep the faith inspite of all odds. Ogunwale Mary Oluwabukunmi.

Olivertwist: ARGUING FOR CHRIST!

Olivertwist: ARGUING FOR CHRIST!: I was on a social media recently and a group of people where arguing. This debate was particularly interesting because both sides where ar...

ARGUING FOR CHRIST!

I was on a social media recently and a group of people where arguing. This debate was particularly interesting because both sides where arguing for Christ! The only difference was the method each group has adapted to worship his god.

Both group believed their method to be fool proof and inspired by God. Though they agreed to worship the same God they believed some will end up in hell because their mode of worship is not acceptable to their shared Chi.

Their argument bothered on the subjective aspects of each man’s doctrine, their understanding or misunderstanding of each other’s preference and their varied reasons behind their choices. They were trying to woo each other to their own group through both sympathetic and cohesive means but neither seems to be changing their minds, then the arguing got so bad that they started exchanging insults and doling out threats to each other in no small measure. They weren’t arguing logically anymore it had now become a chat to out wit each other and silence the other party. Nobody wants to shift ground or acknowledge any form of misdemeanour on his part. It was a battle ground where everyone is right and nobody is wrong.

At this point i tried to put a stop to the nonsense act and i called them all ‘arrogant debaters’ (this was supposed to make them re evaluate themselves in light of what they had posted on the site) but that didn’t work, oops!

Then i called to mind strategy number two. The morale killer, thinking to myself certainly this would work it has never failed to work. Then i carefully read through all the chats and started picking on the illogical things they had put there and started calling it all up to reasoning, this caused an uncomfortable silence for a while until one bold enough ignored every illogical statement, ignored the questioning and reasoning and decided to go head strong into another phase of disjointed argument at this point Sighing i bowed out just to save my pride and not be dragged into the mess.

This experience brings to question our attitude to discussing religion. Is it in our place to argue for /against a religion, are we supposed to make categorical statement about people’s eternal destinations. What are the dangers of getting involved in discussions of this nature? Basically does our Chi encourage debates?

THE RETURN OF AN OILVER

During this period of silence, i have come to realise that life in so many ways than one is of different phases and faces. I have come to the conclusion that to forge ahead, make ends meet and eat satisfactorily the fruit (s) of one’s labour, one must strive not to lose passion. Do what you love to do best, put in some effort and time into it. Work hard, sensibly and diligently; the result is a fruitful, fulfilled and fulfilled life all in one.

In the most recent times i have passed through several stages of Picking projects only to abandon it half way and then wishing i could do more, if not for another project that i was already working on. These instability has led to a series of short sense of euphoria and then to a larger extent the feeling of failure and dissatisfaction something common to Oliver’s, they want so much more out of life.

The fear of failing again however has kept me from going back to those abandoned projects. I was rather willing to explore new ways to seek a fulfilled life by helping the less privileged, chating a new course or doing something differently all these equally led to half hearted involvements, forcing me to look behind as i have consistently set a train of various failing coaches.

Seating down and thinking about my predicament in this past few months i have decided to revisit all my failed projects, see why they failed and what I can do to get back on course. To my surprise i discovered i hadn’t failed at any of these tasks, what i had done was to abandon them because they were not becoming what i had expected in the short projections i had made. My expectations had been unrealistic and i wasn’t ready to deal with the harsh reality when they came, so i took to my heels. I then decided to revisit my library and going through my pile i discovered also a series of half read books, some i had only read the first chapter, while in some others i found my book divider just in-between the epilogue page.

My heart broke to discover that i who would be considered a book – worm was actually nothing but a book carrier lifting one book from one point to the other until something else catches my fancy. Now i see why my book critique project could not survive. I decided to put back my reading gear on, picking every of my projects and re-evaluating them, cutting them down and make them realistically workable with my already tight schedules and guess what i came up with...

Olivertwist was initially created a blog to help educate my friends and collegues on the usefulness of fruits and how best to spend economically to get the best out of their diet. But then with all my various disconjointed projects lying here and there i decided to make this blog less specific, though still educative and interactive. I have also decided to follow this blog up with my facebook page of the same name to increase the amount of traffic and people i can reach out to at once.

I hope sharing more of my thoughts and passion would help me become more creative in getting some other more physical projects done while i create information that would be useful to you.

Olivertwist: THIS WILL KILL YOU!

Olivertwist: THIS WILL KILL YOU!: It has been a while since I posted any form of information on my blog, not because I have abandoned my love for reading, writing and disco...

THIS WILL KILL YOU!

It has been a while since I posted any form of information on my blog, not because I have abandoned my love for reading, writing and discovery, but because I chose to sit back and watch how much the little I have done is helping others to have a better and healthier life.

I got many positive response; in form of e-mails and likes on my facebook page (olivertwist). These responses have helped me discovered that my effort at sharing what I have learnt from theory, other people’s challenge and personal experiences has been truly of benefit to you.

Therefore, during this season of Rain and Ramadan, I intend on sharing with you in a series certain food that should make the ‘NO’ list and some that should make the ‘YES’ list. I will also share the ‘SEATING ON THE FENCE’ list for a delightful desert.

However, in consideration of the Ramadan, I will be sharing some secret formula to making and attractive, delicious and healthy Sari to help encourage you through the holy month of Ramadan. 

Enjoy!

TIGER NUTS

HISTORY

The Tiger nut is not really a nut but a small tuber first discovered some 4000 years ago. It is a native of Mediterranean region. They were also cultivated by the ancient Egyptians and found in paintings in the tomb of Rekhmire. In the tomb was an inscription detailing how to make small loaves of a mixture of tiger nuts and honey. The ancient recipe: - First of all a quantity of tiger nuts should be ground in a mortar until they are of the consistency of flour. Put this in a bowl with honey and mix to form dough. Then put the mixture in a pan with a little oil and cook over a low fire until a firm paste has formed. This should smell toasted but not burnt. Remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool then take a little of the paste at a time and form into conical “loaves.” This was probably one of Rekhmire’s favourite foods and the recipe would have been written down so that it could be made for him in the next world.

NAMES

It has many other names like Zulu nut, yellow nut grass, Yellow Nut Sedge, ground almond, edible rush, Ofio, motha, Chafu and rush nut.

FAMILY

There are two major species of the nutsedge genus Cyperus found as a weed in the tropics and subtropics on all types of disturbed soil. The genus name Cyperus is from Cypeirus, the ancient Greek name for this genus. The species name esculentus is Latin and means edible and it’s a close relative of Cyperus rotundus (purple nutgrass) a severe problem weed in Florida.

CULTIVATION

Tiger nuts have been cultivated for two main reasons, as a livestock food (the grass) and for human consumption of the tubers. Tiger nuts were widely grown in Florida in the 1940’s. These nuts were widely available in Britain in the 1960’s (Apparently they gained popularity in the post-war years when sugar was in short supply). In the 1980s, they were still grown for livestock feed on a few farms in Florida. In Spain, Ofio is planted outdoors from late spring or from April through to September, dried during September and October until they are finally harvested in November/December. Like rice they need irrigation on a weekly basis, and seem to be particularly well adapted to the climate around the Spanish Mediterranean coast. They are also grown in Egypt where they are used in perfumes, food, medicine and ice cream flavoured with them or biscuits. Tiger nuts are widely cultivated in and exported from China, Mali and the Ivory Coast. Seldom grown as a food item in home gardens anymore, tiger nuts are now only available in health food shops or as fishing bait.

PRESERVATION

Tiger nuts can be kept for several years if dried properly. Usually it takes about three months of even drying to preserve them.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Tiger nuts is widely used all over Africa and it is rich in fibre, has 20-30 per cent tiger-nut oil which is nourishing to the epidermis, nullifies hard-knots in the stomach and acts as a coolant to hot flushes associated with premature menopause. The high fibre content of Ofio makes it a wonderful colon evacuator and cleanser. They have a high content of soluble glucose and oleic acid. They contain minerals: - chromium, sodium, phosphorous, magnesium, manganese, iron, copper and zinc, and have a high vitamin E and C content. Apart from all these beneficial ingredients, they also contain all the amino acids and some of the B-complex vitamins. The following are also the benefits of Ofio.

1.       It prevents constipation.

2.       It has necessary essential minerals; calcium, magnesium and iron necessary for bones, tissues repairs, muscles and the blood stream.

3.       Ofio contains a good quantity of vitamin B1 which assists in balancing the central nervous system and helps to encourage the body to adapt to stress.

4.       It supplies the body with enough quantity of Vitamin E, very essential for fertility in both men and women.

5.       It is excellent for colitis and assists proper digestion. In China, Ofio juice is used as a liver tonic, heart stimulant, drank to heal serious stomach pain, to promote normal menstruation, to heal mouth and gum ulcers, use in Ayurvedic medicines and is a powerful aphrodisiac (sexual stimulant).

6.       The black specie of the tiger nut is an excellent medicine for breast lumps and cancer (any type of internal canceration and inflammations).

7.       It can be used as eye compress and to bandage wounds.

8.       Tiger nuts give a heating and drying action to the digestive system in general and this gives it the potency to alleviate flatulence.

9.       Ofio promotes the production of urine, this is why it is a preventive measure for cyst, prostrate, hernia, rectum deformation and prolapsed (anal feature-small painful flesh and the tip of the anus) and to prevent endometriosis or fibrosis as well as blockage of the tip of the fallopian tube.

10.    It is believed that they help to prevent heart attacks.

11.    Based on Research, They are thought to be beneficial to for diabetic people due to its nutritional values and presence of sucrose, it is even better than the chocolate “ideal for children, old people and sportsmen”

12.    It is used to increase the size of female breasts

13.    It improves poor eyesight

14.    Regulates body weight

15.    Used to cure skin disorders

16.    Helps uterine contractions in child birth.

COMSUMPTION

Tiger nuts can be chewy and tough just like coconuts, but this toughness can be alleviated by boiling or soaking. They can also be incorporated as a replacement for coconuts in food, sauce, ice creams and so on (creativity is key). Tiger nut milk can be extracted for direct consumption.

MAKING TIGER NUT JUICE
Fetch 260g of dried tiger nut, 11/2 liter of water and one lemon rind, Wash Ofio and soak for 24 hours, change the water 2-3 times to avoid bad smell, drain off water well and blend with a rind of lemon, add 1liter of water and allow standing for about 20 minutes - sieve with a neat cloth two times, Put in the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours and serve in glasses of crushed ice. Nursing mothers should eat a lot of tiger nuts for enough production of their breast milk to satisfy their babies.    

CAUTION

Ofio is cholesterol free but contains 2.9 grams of sodium, so it should be eaten in moderation by people with blood group ‘O’.

Amazing alternatives to drinking water.

Stepping out from my house this morning i was greeted by the high temperature of the sun, generating a sweaty responds from my body. Looking at the joruney i was about to embark on and the hot weather i sighed...
On return from my body draining joruney, i decided this is a good time to discuss a healthy, low cost and delicious way to quench thirsts.

Basics:

About two-thirds  (2/3) of the human body is water, about 62% in an average male or as much as 76% in an infant. so in order to keep the body balanced and healthy it is important that we have a good dose of water daily. The issue of the amount of water to be consumed daily can not be over flogged as water deficiency can lead to low blood pressure, clotting of blood, kidney malfunction,severe constipation, even brain damage and many more. Taking the right amount of water daily is a good and simple technique to stay healthy, active and alive.

Water is boring:

A good quality glass of water should be colourless, odourless and tasteless. Any form of colouring, taste or odour in water is a sign that the consumption of such is dangerous.
Yes the first and most effective thirst quencher can be boring and unappealing to the eyes, but this universal liquid as kept man alive since the begining and has several other benefits apart from keeping us alive it aids digestion, helps to cushion our joints and prevents shocks in them, present in blood is the carrier of oxygen and nutrients to all our body cells, present in the Lymph helps the body to fight against various diseases, helps to regulate and maintain our body temperature. That explains why wet poultices are used to cure fevers.

Drinking water at room temperature is the best thirst quencher.

Alternative thirst quenchers:

 Thirsty but hate water?
some people who are averse to drinking water because of its boring characteristics (looking plain) have resorted to unhealthy living in order to quench thirst and savour the taste of a sweet drink (no judging). These attitude have led them to a number of untold sorrowies, from developing diseases such as Diabetes. There still exists a number of natural liquid containing fruits that can be alternated with water for the benefit of getting a full dose of daily water consumption.  

Watermelon:

The number one water logged vegetable ever is the watermelon. It is pocket friendly, you can get watermelon that can go for four (4) servings for as low as NGN 300. You can identify a fresh and healthy watermelon by knocking its shell, if it gives you an hollow sound then you are sure you have picked a ripe and fresh one. A good watermelon should be pink on the inside when cut into bites, it should also be looking drained (that is collected). There are several benefits of watermelon from its ability to hydrate the body, it contains low calories this should be an apealing factor to weight watchers, its a good source of vitamins A, C and B6. (for  more information about watermelon check my blog title 5facts about water melon).

Pineapple:

Pineapple is another amazing water logged fruit, it excites the tastes bug and apealing to the eyes. Fortunately, pinapples are abundant in West Africa and the cost of purchase is low. So here we are with a pocket friendly alternative for hydration. Pineapples sell for NGN (100-400) depending on the size and species. Identifying  fresh and healthy pineapple is key, the good news however, is  that pineapples are easily identifiable as it usually rot on the outside and licks liquid. In purchasing a pineapple check for any sign of rot or lickages, a fresh pineapple should in most cases have a yellow sink , hard and dry. Some of the health benefit of pineapples are its ability to prevent blood clot formation because of its bromelain content, it is a good source of viitamin C, it also contains sulphur and helps digest protein. Pineapples are also low in calories which makes it a great alternative for weight watchers.

To be continued.

5 Top Facts about water melon

Water melons can be highly refreshing especially when served cold. Below is a list of the top five (5) facts about what makes water melons thick.

1. Water melon reduces inflammation that contributes to conditions like asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis.

2. Watermelon is an ideal health food because it doesn’t contain any fat or cholesterol, is high in fiber and vitamins A & C and is a good source of potassium.

3. Watermelon is a vegetable! It is related to cucumbers, pumpkins and squash.

4. In China and Japan watermelon is a popular gift to bring a host.

5. Every part of a watermelon is edible, even the seeds and rinds.

So when next you buy watermelon from the market know that every part in your mouth is a munch towards improved health.

Food fats and others

This is my first post on my blog and i'll be giving you some facts about food, fruits and its derivatives to keep you healthy even as you enjoy your various delicacises.

Enjoy.