OLUFUNKE FROM PUNCH
“Although I talked about a plant for prostate enlargement, I will like to remind men to always see their doctors for prostate checks. Prevention, they say, is better than cure.”
I find coffee’s aroma irresistible but I try not to take too much because of its caffeine. When I was younger, I used to think that coffee was from cocoa. I will like to clarify this because of the people who think the same way. The plant that produces coffee is botanically called Coffea arabica and it belongs to the Rubiaceae family, while the plant that produces cocoa is botanically called Theobroma cacao and is in the family Malvaceae. You can now see that they are not the same.
Away from that; the last time I talked about how you need to cook your spinach to remove its antinutrients. I will like to shed more light on that so you do not overcook it. For maximum nutrient retention, use quick-cooking methods such as sautéing, stir-frying or blanching.
Although I talked about a plant for prostate enlargement, I will like to remind men to always see their doctors for prostate checks. Prevention, they say, is better than cure.
Last week, I stopped on aromatherapy (the use of aromatic plant extracts and essential oils for healing and cosmetic purposes). Let us see more things you can do to alleviate pain:
Fish oil
It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation plays a large role in pain, says Michael Cronin, ND, a naturopathic physician at Scottsdale, Az. In one study, researchers instructed patients with neck or back pain to take 1200 milligrams a day of fish oil supplements with eicosapentaenoic and decosahexanoic acid. After 75 days on fish oil, more than half of the 125 patients who reported back said they had stopped their prescription painkillers.
Resveratrol
It is found in red wine, grapes and berries. Resveratrol is known to have many beneficial effects – it is anti-cancer, brain protective and life-prolonging. Recently, researchers reported that the substance works on a cellular level for pain regulation.
Epsom salt
When placed in water, Epsom salt breaks down into magnesium and sulfate. The theory is that when you soak in an Epsom salt bath, these minerals get absorbed into your body through the skin. This may help relax muscles, reduce swelling and pain from arthritis, and relieve pain from fibromyalgia and various causes.
Let us talk about Endorphins, which are the brain’s natural pain reliever. Endorphins are released by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in response to pain or stress. This group of peptide hormones both relieves pain and creates a general feeling of well-being. We also release endorphins when we laugh, fall in love, have sex and even eat a delicious meal. You can increase your body’s endorphin release by engaging in these activities:
Exercise: A moderately intense pace; walking fast or doing another form of aerobic activity seems to be best for releasing endorphins.
Acupuncture: An effective way to release endorphin is with pressure points. Placing fine needles into the skin at specific points around the body triggers the release of endorphins.
Meditation: Breathing deeply and focusing your brain calms your mind and eases pain.
Sex: These hormones are the reason for that blissful feeling many of us get after having sex. Experts believe that endorphins promote the release of other hormones that are involved in feelings of love.
