Featured

‘Gari and beans’ lowers risk of belly fat, obesity

Published

2 years ago

August 14, 2022

Majesty

This article is a special request I received from some readers. This is a difficult article since meal preparation has many ingredients. However, I tried every possible means to research on this significant subject.

Let’s get started: Wikipedia(2021) notes that Gari and beans are very nutritious, gari is starch-rich and serves as a source of energy. In this article, I will focus on the scientific review of the four major ingredients used for gob3(Beans, Gari, fried Plantain, and Palm oil). The other ingredients are minor so I will not focus on them but they add up to the taste and holistic benefits.

Yoo ke garri, The Science

I examine yoo ke gari based on the four key ingredients as adumbrated:

Blacked eyed peas

Gari

Palm Oil

Fried Plantain

Beans

Gob3 is a Ghanaian staple food

Black-eyed peas are the beans used in gob3. There are other types of beans and they are nutritious.

Black-eyed peas, science

Weight loss

Black-eyed peas are loaded with protein and soluble fiber, this means eating gob3 or yoke gari supports weight loss. Two studies (Bloom et al.2006; Lomenick et al.2009 ) found that the Protein in gob3 reduces levels of ghrelin, a hormone that’s responsible for stimulating feelings of hunger.

On the other hand, as a soluble fiber, Lattimer and Haub’s (2010) study found that this fiber is a type of fiber that forms a gel-like consistency and goes into your digestive tract slowly to make you full. This account for why most people like eating gob3 to keep them for the day. Eating beans, therefore, helps to manage your weight.

For instance, one large study in 1,475 people, by Papanikolaou and Fulgoni(2008) found that people who ate beans frequently had a 23% lower risk of increased belly fat and a 22% lower risk of obesity, compared with non-consumers.

Another, Kim et al.(2016) review of 21 studies found that consuming black-eyed peas, in your diet(gob3) could be an effective weight loss strategy and may help reduce body fat percentage.

Digestive Health

As a soluble fiber food, black-eyed peas support digestive health. Interestingly, one meta-analysis by Yang et al.(2012) demonstrates that when we eat more gob3, the soluble fiber can help promote regularity and increase stool frequency in those with constipation.

Anderson et al.(2009) also found that the fiber in gob3 may avert digestive disorders, such as acid reflux, hemorrhoids, and stomach ulcers. Another good news is that one study by Carlson et al.(2019) found that the soluble fiber found in black-eyed peas and other plants can also act as a prebiotic, which helps the growth of the beneficial bacteria in our gut to help foster a healthy microbiome.

Kechagia et al.(2013) found that these beneficial bacteria go beyond our digestive health support but also reduce inflammation, enhance immune function, and reduce cholesterol levels.

Heart Health

Eating gob3 also reduces your risk of heart diseases. Bazzano et al.(2009) review of 10 studies, found that frequent eating of legumes was linked to lower levels of total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, these two could add to heart disease

Alizadeh et al.(2014) study on 42 women found that when we eat a low-calorie diet enriched with 1 cup of legumes per day for 6 weeks drastically decreased waist circumference and triglyceride and blood pressure levels, juxtaposed with a control group. Three studies(Esmaillzadeh and Azadbakht, 2012; Hosseinpour-Niazi et al. 2015; Golia et al. 2014) found that frequent consumption of legumes is linked to lower markers of inflammation, and therefore reduces your risk of heart disease.

Gari, science

'Gari and beans' lowers risk of belly fat, obesity

Gari makes a good choice for people with health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol since it’s extremely low in salt/sodium, sugar, and fat, plus free from refined carbohydrates and synthetic ingredients.

Although it’s not very high in fiber, protein, healthy fats, or other essential nutrients (aside from vitamin C), cassava is low in calories and allows you to enjoy some of your favorite recipes without the use of processed, bleached, or gluten-containing flours.

Cassava gari, vitamin C, digestion, colon health

one study by Montagnac et al.(2009) found that cassava is loaded in vitamin C juxtaposed to other staple crops (and grains) and contains more vitamin C than potatoes, yams, wheat brown rice, corn, and plantains.

Two studies (Korczak et al. 2017; Rachman et al. 2020) found that cassava gari is rich in dietary fiber. Dietary fiber aids digestion, fecal frequency, and weight. It also reduces the colonic transit time of digested food.

Cassava gari is a resistant starch. Magallanes-Cruz et al.(2017) explained that resistant starch is starched that the small intestine does not digest. Nugent, (2005) explained that resistant starch work in a similar manner to dietary fiber. They pass from the small intestines into the colon where they begin to ferment and finally promote gut health by feeding the beneficial gut bacteria as they ferment(Maier et al.2017).

Palm Oil

Palm Oil, Scientific Benefits

Support Brain health, Heart Health

Palm oil is loaded with tocotrienols, a form of vitamin E which contains antioxidants that may support brain health. In the human study, Gopalan et al. (2014) conducted for 2-years involving 121 people with brain lesions, the group who took palm oil-derived tocotrienols twice a day remained stable, but for those who received a placebo, their lesions grow.

Though some study results have been mixed, this oil largely appears to have beneficial effects on heart disease risk factors, including lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol (Fattore et al.2011; Ismail et al.2018; Lucci et al.2016; Voon et al. 2015)

In the case of Fattore et al.(2011), the study involved a large analysis of 51 studies and found that total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels were lower in people who consumed palm oil-rich diets than those who consumed diets high in trans fats or myristic and lauric acids.

In a previous clinical trial, Zhang et al.(1997) also examined the effects of palm oil, soybean oil, peanut oil, and lard on cholesterol levels. The authors found that palm oil caused a 13.1 percent decrease in bad LDL cholesterol and a 6.7 percent drop in triglyceride levels in those with normal cholesterol. Apart from Palm oil lowering your cholesterol levels, it also slows the progression of heart diseases.

Enhanced vitamin A

One old study by McLaren(1999) and a recent review study by Tan et al.(2021)found that Red palm oil enhances vitamin A status in people who are deficient or at risk of deficiency because it’s rich in carotenoids that the body can convert into vitamin A.

Another small study in 16 participants by Sommerburg et al.(2015)found that people with cystic fibrosis, a condition that makes it difficult to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, experienced an increase in vitamin A blood levels after taking two to three tablespoons of red palm oil daily for 8 weeks.

A previous clinical trial by Radhika et al.(2013) also found that Palm oil is mostly used as a supplement to help improve vitamin A status in those who are at risk for deficiency. This study emanated from the National Institute of Nutrition, Indian Council of Medical Research in India, for example, showed that treating pregnant women with red palm oil increased vitamin A levels for both women and their babies.

Another meta-analysis of nine high-quality studies by Dong et al.(2017)found red palm oil supplementation to increase vitamin A levels in both children and adults.

Fried plantain

Mixed Study on Glycemic index in Plantain.

Ogbuji et al.(2013) found that the average glycemic index for ripe plantain is 54.6 and 45.3 for unripe plantain. They also noted that the glycemic index values for fried, boiled and roasted ripe plantain are 56,54 and 55 respectively.

one study by Kouamé et al.(2017) in Côte d’Ivoire found plantain chips to have a GI of 45 which is within the low range(refer to my previous article on GI). The study did not support consuming Banane braisée(Charcoal –roasted light green stage plantain) which has a GI of 89 and uses the roasting method. The other cooking method for plantain such as chips used deep frying with major ingredients being salt, and refined palm oil.

A previous study by Ayodele and Godwin(2010) in Nigeria found no difference between boiled plantain (Bp), fried plantain (Fp), roasted plantain (Rp), boiled and pounded plantain (BPp), and plantain flour. The study found that roasted plantain gave the lowest glycemic index and the value was significantly lower than the other test foods.

Plantain, Science

Loaded with Potassium, Magnesium

Plantain contains 913 milligrams of potassium in one cup of cooked, mashed plantains. This is about 27 percent of the recommended daily amount of potassium, this gives plantains an advantage over cassava and makes it one of the most potassium-rich foods on the earth.

He and MacGregor(2008) study found that potassium contents also affect skeletal and smooth muscle contraction, which allows for regular digestive and muscular function. Potassium in addition supports heart rhythm, and studies show that people who consume diets with high potassium levels have a reduced risk of stroke, osteoporosis, and kidney disease.

Magnesium contents control blood pressure and support osteoporosis and many others. Additionally, Paunier’s(1992) study found that magnesium directly affects calcium absorption, which can avert or reverse osteoporosis.

Digestive Health, Immunity

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that fights free radical damage. Studies revealed that plantains have over 35 percent of the daily value of vitamin C. This makes plantain one of the best vitamin C foods to eat. Also, Plantain is loaded with 36 percent of the daily value of vitamin A and helps the body. Vitamin A and C support the immune system and fight diseases.

Plantains also can give you 24 percent of your daily value of vitamin B6. This important vitamin supports the brain. This vitamin in plantains is one of the eight B vitamins that aid in processing food into energy and metabolizing fats. Similar to vitamin A, B6 also helps slow the onset of eye diseases like macular degeneration. B6 and B12 work together to manufacture red blood cells and cells in the immune system and also fight rheumatoid arthritis.

Warning

Messina, V(2014) found that black-eyed peas are likely to cause stomach pain, gas, and bloating in some people due to their content of raffinose, a type of fiber that can aid digestive matters. However, this could be addressed by soaking and cooking dried beans to enable easier digestion. Alternatively, one can use tablets and pills to deal with the gas.

On the other hand, Masum et al.(2011) found that Black-eyed peas also contain antinutrients, such as phytic acid, which bind to minerals like iron, zinc, magnesium, and calcium and prevent their absorption in the body. This, Gupta et al.(2015) found that it can however be averted by soaking and cooking black-eyed peas before eating to drastically reduce their phytic acid content and help boost nutrient absorption.

So in conclusion Black-eyed peas in gob3 may help increase weight loss, improve digestive health, and support better heart health. Also, the study on fried plantain is mixed on diabetics’ health. So I advise diabetics to eat gob3 moderately.

Take home

So this is what you get from eating gob3. I hope my review helps you. Always do remember that the starch content in cassava products is resistant starch and they are beneficial to our health especially gut health.

The writer is a Professor of Naturopathic Healthcare, President, Nyarkotey College of Holistic Medicine & Technology (NUCHMT)/African Naturopathic Foundation. E-mail: collegeofholisticmedicine@gmail.com.

References

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Hosseinpour-Niazi S, Mirmiran P, Fallah-Ghohroudi A, Azizi F. Non-soya legume-based therapeutic lifestyle change diet reduces inflammatory status in diabetic patients: a randomised cross-over clinical trial. Br J Nutr. 2015 Jul;114(2):213-9. doi: 10.1017/S0007114515001725. Epub 2015 Jun 16. PMID: 26077375.
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Maier TV, Lucio M, Lee LH, VerBerkmoes NC, Brislawn CJ, Bernhardt J, Lamendella R, McDermott JE, Bergeron N, Heinzmann SS, Morton JT, González A, Ackermann G, Knight R, Riedel K, Krauss RM, Schmitt-Kopplin P, Jansson JK. Impact of Dietary Resistant Starch on the Human Gut Microbiome, Metaproteome, and Metabolome. mBio. 2017 Oct 17;8(5):e01343-17. doi: 10.1128/mBio.01343-17. PMID: 29042495; PMCID: PMC5646248.
Magallanes-Cruz PA, Flores-Silva PC, Bello-Perez LA. Starch Structure Influences Its Digestibility: A Review. J Food Sci. 2017 Sep;82(9):2016-2023. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.13809. Epub 2017 Jul 28. PMID: 28753728.
Starch Pasting Properties and the Effects of Banana Flour and Cassava Flour Addition to Semolina Flour on Starch and Amino Acid Digestion
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Featured

Things to think about before breaking a Guinness World Record

Published

3 months ago

January 10, 2024

Majesty

Breaking a Guinness World Record is a difficult but rewarding endeavour that demands thorough organisation and execution. Aspiring record-breakers may improve their chances of success and create a memorable experience for themselves and others who witness their amazing exploits by taking into account the criteria described above. Remember that breaking a record is about motivating others to push their boundaries and strive for greatness as well as attaining a personal milestone.

The desire to pursue or break records captivated many people in 2023, with some reaching viral fame while others went disregarded.

However, attempting such exploits needs considerable preparation outside of the spotlight.

Before going on a record-breaking adventure, consider the following factors:

Table of Contents

Think About Your Health

The pursuit of a record sometimes necessitates considerable physical and mental effort. Before embarking on such endeavours, it is critical to analyse your existing health situation. Consider the toll it may have on your body, since inconsistent sleep patterns and hard exercise regimens may hurt your health.

Take into account the available resources

Record-breaking attempts have financial ramifications. Determine if you have the means or funding to support your endeavour. Consider the price of a decent automobile, gasoline, maintenance, and other necessary expenses for certain records, such as a drive-a-thon.

Think about what you’ll get out of it

Recognise the motivation behind your ambition to set or break a record. Common motives include recognition, personal fulfilment, and promotional chances for your company. If the prospective rewards coincide with your objectives, it may be a worthwhile endeavour. However, if the endeavour does not provide real rewards, you should reassess your commitment.

Take a look at the rules and regulations

Each record category frequently comes with a set of regulations and guidelines established by organisations such as Guinness World Records. Learn about these rules and restrictions. Check that you can follow the regulations, as failing to do so may result in disqualification. Wasting time and effort on a project that does not fit the requirements yields an unsatisfactory result.

Prepare for a Positive or Negative Outcome

Understand that not every attempt to break a record will result in immediate success or fame. Prepare for the consequences, whether success, failure, or a lack of attention. Consider how the experience, whether you win or lose, may help you with personal development, skill development, or other elements of your life.

Setting off on a voyage to establish or break a record is admirable, but it takes careful planning and deliberation.

You may make an informed selection and boost your chances of a successful and enjoyable record-breaking event by carefully assessing these elements.

Conclusion

Breaking a Guinness World Record is a difficult but rewarding endeavour that demands thorough organisation and execution. Aspiring record-breakers may improve their chances of success and create a memorable experience for themselves and others who witness their amazing exploits by taking into account the criteria described above. Remember that breaking a record is about motivating others to push their boundaries and strive for greatness as well as attaining a personal milestone.

Featured

Consumers of pepper soup enjoy longer lives

Published

4 months ago

December 12, 2023

Majesty

Food containing 3% chilli powder, on the other hand, reduced the longevity of male cohorts by 9%. According to a study of diet and mortality data from four big, multinational studies, ingestion of chilli peppers may lower the relative risk of cardiovascular disease mortality by 26%, according to a previous research by the American Heart Association (2020). Chilli pepper usage was related with a 25% reduction in all-cause mortality and a 23% reduction in cancer mortality when compared to persons who never or only seldom ingested chilli pepper.

Consumers of pepper soup should rejoice. A recent study by Semaniuk et al.(2022) found that eating chilli peppers regularly, whether in soup or other forms, increases life span.

Chilli pepper fruits do contain phenolic compounds that are structurally similar to those that have anti-ageing activities.

Chilli powder given to diet at doses of 0.04%-0.12% significantly increased the median longevity of fruit fly cohorts of both genders by 9% to 13%.

Food containing 3% chilli powder, on the other hand, reduced the longevity of male cohorts by 9%.

According to a study of diet and mortality data from four big, multinational studies, ingestion of chilli peppers may lower the relative risk of cardiovascular disease mortality by 26%, according to previous research by the American Heart Association (2020).

Chilli pepper usage was related to a 25% reduction in all-cause mortality and a 23% reduction in cancer mortality when compared to persons who never or only seldom ingested chilli pepper.

This research piqued my interest in Nigerian pepper soup and Ghanaian light soups with spicy spices. For example, Jiang TA(2019) discovered that frequent consumption of spicy meals was also associated with a decreased risk of mortality from cancer, ischemic heart disease, and respiratory system disorders.

However, the real effect of spices and herbs in health maintenance, especially in preventing the development of chronic, noncommunicable illnesses, is still unknown.

Nigerian pepper soup has a rush of natural flavours and spices that excite your culinary senses and put your hunger right. It is quite adaptable since it can be created using a variety of meaty meats such as turkey, chicken, fish, and even our nutrient-dense offals.

Adegoke et al. (2015) conducted a study to assess customer perceptions of the gastronomic, social, and health characteristics of pepper soup. A systematic questionnaire was utilised to determine the reasons for eating pepper soup, the chosen type of pepper soup, the social setting for pepper soup consumption, beverage accompaniment preferred with pepper soup, and food categories preferred as accompaniment with pepper soup.

It also assessed people’s perceptions of the stated health advantages of pepper soup’s ingredients. According to the poll, respondents ate pepper soup on a weekly and occasional basis for enjoyment (68.3%) and relaxation (55.8%).

90.2, 85.9, 90.2, and 92% of respondents liked catfish, goat meat, chicken, and cow tail as the meaty components in their pepper soup, respectively.

Colour, texture, and flavour preferences were light or dark brown, thick or light, and peppery and spicy. 97% of respondents chose hot pepper soup, while 65.8% preferred warm pepper soup.

Respondents (66.3 and 79%) chose beer and wine with their pepper soup, whereas 75.9 and 90.7% selected non-alcoholic beverages as accompaniments, respectively, carbonated beverages and juices or mineral water.

The majority of respondents (60.5 8.52%) strongly disagreed that pepper soup held the majority of the health advantages associated with herbs, spices, and other pepper soup elements, showing that pepper soup may not be taken for its claimed therapeutic value.

The nutritional value of pepper soup is usually dependent on the components used in its preparation. The spices and condiments utilised have shown to be useful in medicinal treatments.

Pepper soup is a nutrient-dense, nutritious food. The soup is low in calories and fat, and it’s high in protein.

Pepper soup has a lot of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, and potassium. Pepper soup is not only nutritious, but it is also tasty and simple to prepare. You may make the soup using chicken, goat meat, or yams. Spice the pepper soup to taste.

An article in the Tribune by Eunice Olaleye(2022) stated that a scientific evaluation by Dr Heben’s team on DrHealthBenefits.com concluded that the soup does assist in managing heart rate.

It also aids in blood pressure regulation, preventing it from becoming dangerously high or low. In other terms, it aids in blood pressure stabilisation.

Because pepper soup is an antioxidant, it also drives away free radicals that might cause cancer (Nwose EU, 2009; Agbor et al., 2019).

Pepper soup might help you recover from a cold or cough. There are various therapeutic benefits that you should be aware of.

The soup is also beneficial in chilly weather, according to the author. Hot and spicy pepper soup is crucial for keeping your body warm. It’s a win-win situation. You enjoy your pepper soup while also warming up your body.

According to youmustgethealthy.com, the elements in pepper soup are what make it healthy. Pepper soup contains unripe plantain, fresh catfish, cow skin, beef, or goat meat, which not only tastes good but also contains anti-oxidants.

Consuming pepper soup is one strategy to maintain proper vitamin intake while being hydrated. Because of the spicy nature, one tends to drink a lot of water.

Key Takeaways

According to the literature, pepper soup with local spices has several health advantages. According to a review of diet and mortality data from four major, multinational studies, intake of peppers or spicy spices may lower the relative risk of cardiovascular disease death by 26%, according to the American Heart Association(2020). Chilli pepper usage was related to a 25% reduction in all-cause mortality and a 23% reduction in cancer mortality when compared to persons who never or only seldom ingested chilli pepper.

With this knowledge, fans of spicy spices may include them in their diets in any way to improve their health.

NB: Prof. Nyarkotey follows stringent source requirements and bases his articles on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutes, and medical societies. My posts are for educational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice for treatment. My goal is to educate the public about scientific evidence-based Naturopathic Therapies.

The author is a Naturopathic Healthcare Professor, a Medical Journalist, and a scientific writer. Professor40naturopathy@gmail.com is the email address.

Featured

Accra College of Education: History, Programs and Location

Published

4 months ago

December 12, 2023

Majesty

Accra College of Education is a leader in teacher education, educating the next generation of educators who will play a critical role in shaping the minds of Ghana's children. With a commitment to quality, a long history, and a devotion to comprehensive education, the institution continues to have a significant effect on the Accra and beyond education sectors.

Accra College of Education is a notable teacher education college in Ghana, located in the Eastern or Greater Accra zone. Following the Colleges of Education Act of 2012 (Act 847), the college was upgraded to tertiary status, allowing it to issue degrees in Basic Education. The university recently welcomed 321 new students into its academic community, demonstrating the institution’s ongoing involvement in creating the next generation of educators.

The college’s dedication to practical, scientific-based education is seen in projects such as “Experiment Share,” which attempts to improve science instruction through engaging and exciting live experiments.

Table of Contents

History and Background

Accra College of Education’s long history and commitment to educational quality have positioned it as a significant role in Ghana’s teacher training and growth. The institution’s programmes and activities, as well as its cutting-edge Teaching and Learning Resource Centre, highlight its continual efforts to improve teacher education quality and foster creative, practice-based learning.

The college’s willingness to adapt to the changing demands of the education sector, emphasis on practical teaching techniques, and excellent leadership under Dr. Samuel Awinkene Atintono, Principal, highlight its importance in the field of teacher education in Ghana.

Accra College of Education continues to play an important role in defining the country’s educational future by providing prospective teachers with the information, skills, and practical experience required to flourish in their careers.

Academic Programs

Accra College of Education is well-known for its wide range of academic programmes for prospective educators. The institution provides a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) programme that is aimed to provide students with the information, skills, and pedagogical strategies necessary for effective teaching. The programme frequently includes specialisations in many fields, allowing students to focus on their individual areas of interest.

Furthermore, the institution may offer diploma programmes in education, which would provide an alternate avenue for students seeking a more condensed teacher training programme.

Faculty and Staff

The quality of any educational institution’s faculty and staff is directly related to its success. Accra College of Education is proud of its staff of passionate educators and professionals who are not only specialists in their disciplines but also dedicated to building a supportive learning environment. The faculty frequently engages in research and intellectual endeavours that help to develop education in Ghana.

Campus Facilities

Accra College of Education provides a welcoming learning environment with cutting-edge technology to improve the entire student experience. These may include well-equipped classrooms, scientific and computer laboratories, a library with pertinent materials, and recreational areas where students may relax.

Campus Life

The institution emphasises a comprehensive approach to education, recognising that the college experience goes beyond the classroom. Accra College of Education has a bustling campus life that includes a variety of extracurricular activities, organisations, and events. These programmes allow kids to gain leadership skills, create long-lasting friendships, and participate in community service.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Accra College of Education frequently forms alliances and collaborations with other educational institutions, both nationally and worldwide, in order to keep informed of educational breakthroughs and global best practices. These collaborations may enable student exchange programmes, collaborative research projects, and faculty development opportunities.

Contributions to Education

Accra College of Education has made important contributions to Ghana’s education landscape by generating a cadre of trained and competent teachers who go on to serve in a variety of positions within the education sector. The college’s effect extends beyond its campus, impacting the quality of education in schools and communities across the country.

Conclusion

Accra College of Education is a leader in teacher education, educating the next generation of educators who will play a critical role in shaping the minds of Ghana’s children. With a commitment to quality, a long history, and a devotion to comprehensive education, the institution continues to have a significant effect on Accra and beyond education sectors.