DIET TIPS
The ideal of medicine is the prevention of disease and the necessity for curative treatment is a tacit admission of its failure. Sir. George Newman
Dear Friends,
Another year has come to an end. I guess it is time to start planning a healthier start for a new year. Judging from the questions that have come in I have no doubt in my mind people are willing to make those changes.
Compliments.
Bon appétit,
Celiapenny Nsek
Dear Celia Penny,
What Is “Zobo” drink made from and what is the health benefit?
In Nigeria the flower, Hibiscus sabdariffa is used to prepare a popular beverage called ‘zobo’. It is cultivated in the northern part of the country. Extracts of the flower is alkaline in nature and has been known to have cleansing properties. It helps to keep the body’s pH balanced, (without white sugar). The extract is used fresh for making wine, juice, tea, spice and the likes. The flower has pectin that CAN make a firm jelly. It can also be used raw in salads. The red flower contains antioxidants including flavonoids. The flesh Hibiscus flower is also rich in riboflavin, Vitamin C, niacin, carotene, calcium, and iron which are all nutritionally necessary.
Dear Celia Penny,
would it be okay to substitute aspartame for sugar as a diabetic?
Aspertame is a sweetening agent found in many diet drinks. Aspertame has no health benefit, Therefore there is no reason to take this product.
Studies show that Aspertame is especially deadly for diabetics because it keeps the blood sugar level out of control, causing many patients to go into a coma.
When the temperature of Aspartame increases beyond 30 degrees centigrade, the wood alcohol in it is said to be converted to formaldehyde and then to formic acid, which in turn causes metabolic problems. Formaldehyde, isn’t that similar to the stuff used in the morgue to embalm bodies?
The formaldehyde is stored in the fat cells, especially in the hips and thighs. So a diabetic who must lose fat, must by all means stay away from aspartame in any form. If you want to lose fat, diet drink containing Aspertame is not for you.
It is reported to make you crave carbohydrates and will make you fat.
Aspartame changes the brain’s chemistry. Studies show that the majority of “Aspertame caused” problems are neurological, because the aspartame destroys the nervous system.
Anyone with “Aspertame disease” sometimes suffer spasms, shooting pains, numbness in the legs, cramps, dizziness, headaches, tinnitus, joint pain, depression, anxiety attacks and slurred speech. Diabetic patients may sometimes present memory loss, confusion, blurred or loss of vision.
It could cause severe seizures and change the dopamine level in the brain. Aspertame can also cause Birth Defects.
Beware of foods which carry “SUGAR FREE” on the labels—if you look closely, you will find aspartame listed on the pack. Also watch out for health foods or supplements containing Aspertame e.g. Vit C. Do not even consider buying them.