Welcome to Nollywood Times

Welcome to Nollywood Times


Angel expresses shock following reactions generated by her outfit –“Everyone here is looking at me”

Posted: 04 Jan 2022 12:30 AM PST

Popular reality star, Angel Smith, laments the awkward reactions that trailed her outfit to an event from people who can not keep their eyes off her body.

The reality star who was recently dragged for disgracing her fans over her dance video in bikini expresses overwhelming feelings from the way she was fixated on at an event.

Angel who wore a cross-like skirt that covered only her front leaving her hips open, with an athletic bra that exposed her tummy and her side-breast emphasized how much of a 'baddie' she was rocking the outfit.

Taking to Twitter, she wrote, "Everyone here is looking at me like Lmfaooooo. they ain't never seen a baddie."


Shatta Wale dares Burna Boy– “I will give you modern David and Goliath style”

Posted: 04 Jan 2022 12:00 AM PST

Controversial Ghanaian musician, Charles Nii Armah Mensah who is popularly known as Shatta Wale has said that he intends to give the Grammy award winning musician, Burna Boy a modern David and Goliath style as he calls him poor boy with small money.

This comes in the midst of their feud, which began a few days ago after Burna Boy reacted to Shatta Wale's rant about Nigerian artists.

A lot of words have been said, and Shatta Wale is still on Burna Boy. Tweeting from his verified Twitter profile this morning, he wrote:

"Goliath was a giant but David just use one stoneRolling on the floor laughing .. Don't let your height deceive you..You said fight so don't worry I will give you Mordern David and Goliath style …see poor boy with small money …

You come write long statement like WAEC chew and pour … Don't worry am waiting in Ghana ..Ibe you start am so no problem ..Ladies first"


Simi – “Motherhood has changed me more than marriage”

Posted: 03 Jan 2022 11:30 PM PST

Sensational singer, Simisola Kosoko, commonly known as Simi, has disclosed how motherhood changed her more than marriage.

Speaking on what marriage has changed about her, the Afro-pop singer told Sunday Scoop that:

"Nothing really. I feel motherhood has changed me more than marriage has because in marriage, it is still the two of us and it is pretty much the same. It is just a change of address."

The mother-of-one also discussed her experience as an entertainer in 2021. She said;

"It was an interesting year and I did not put out any music until November. It was a great year for afrobeats and I am glad that I was a part of the explosion that has been happening in the industry."

The singer, who gave birth to her first child, Adejare, in 2020, revealed what motherhood has taught her. She said;

"It has taught me to prioritise and go easy on myself because it is a lot (of work). You have to enjoy the moment that you have, whether in your work or with your child."

Speaking about one thing she would like to change about herself if possible, the Simi said;

"I would be more proactive about the things I want outside of music and to actually push it consistently and be more patient. I want to be a more patient person in 2022."

Tobi Bakre welcomes his wife, Anu and first child

Posted: 03 Jan 2022 11:00 PM PST

Reality TV star, Tobi Bakre recently took to social media to break the news about the birth of his first child.

The ex-Double-Wahala housemate in the post he shared revealed that his child, Abdulmalik Oluwatobi Bakre by name was born on the 30th day of December 2021.

Recall that the Big Brother Naija star tied the knot with his wife, Anu in August 2021 and it is good news that their union has been blessed with a child already

Captioning the post, he wrote:

"If I had to write a perfect 2021, couldn't have written a better ending than this.
.

I got you forever Abdulmalik Oluwatobi Bakre. 🤍
.

Love you son 30/12/21 in the books forever.
.

Happy new year from me and mines 👶🏻"

See post below:

Sophia Momodu breaks down in tears – “Am I a bad woman for allowing my daughter hang out with her sister?”

Posted: 03 Jan 2022 10:43 PM PST

Davido's babymama, Sophia Momodu has broken down in tears while addressing rumours of her alleged fight with fellow babymama, Amanda.

Recall, Sophia Momodu and her co-babymama, Amanda reunited with their babydaddy, Davido and their kids in Ghana.

Subsequently, a blogger claimed that the babymamas got into a heated fight at a club in Ghana shortly after their reunion.

The blogger identified as Cutiejulz also claimed that the babymamas got into the fight over who would get more attention from their babydaddy, Davido.

Reacting to the allegation, Sophia Momodu went live on Instagram, where she addressed the entire drama in tears.


Sophia Momodu stated that she has no issues and only wanted the kids, Imade and Hailey to be together and relate more with each other as sisters.

She noted that everything she does is for the sake of her daughter's happiness and not because of any other motive.

She further debunked claims that she fought with babymama Amanda, as she added that she would never do anything to make the little girls feel like the family isn't united.

Lady cries as she begs to follow Mayorkun home

Posted: 03 Jan 2022 10:30 PM PST

A video making the rounds on the internet captured moment when an obsessed lady who appears to be a staunch fan expressed her intense love for popular musician, Mayorkun, as she cried bitterly, insisting that the singer takes her home.

The incident happened in Abia State.

The 'Holy Father' crooner who was perplexed watched as she cried profusely, begging him to take her to his home.

On seeing the viral video of the lady who burst into tears, Mayorkun took to the insta-stories section of his verified Instagram page and requested for the social media handle of the lady from his fans and followers.

Ruby Ojiakor gives reasons –A relationship without money is bound to fail even when there’s love

Posted: 03 Jan 2022 10:00 PM PST

Nigerian Nollywood actress, Ruby Ojiakor believes money is one of the important factors that determines a successful relationship.

According to her, a relationship where love is present but money is absent is bound to be fail.

Speaking during an interview with Sunday Scoop, the actress said, "Love is important but it is not enough to make a relationship work. Money (has to be) involved. There will be serious problem in a case where there is love without money.

"There won't be respect in that home. Love is not enough. Both partners should have something doing. Once there money, the family and relationship will be sweet."

Reacting to her opinion, a Facebook user @Ifechukwu Orah said, "All I know is that me I can't fall in love with someone who doesn't spend on me. My love language is gifts, I love gifts and I love giving gifts. If I can't get anything from you in the course of our relationship, I can't stay long in that relationship period."

Tonto Dikeh cries out after threatening to hack accounts– “Why is my account shaking?”

Posted: 03 Jan 2022 09:30 PM PST

Veteran actress, Tonto Dikeh has taken to Instagram to cry out as her account begins to shake after threatening to hack the account of anyone who opposes her.

Tonto earlier took to her Instagram to send a message to some specific person/persons warning that anyone who fights her this year will have their accounts hacked by her and she's going to shut the social media life of the person up and she wouldn't need to fight you.

Shortly after she made that post and deleted it after she realized it was a joke gone too far, Dikeh made another post crying out that her account has begun to shake asking whether one cannot joke anymore on the internet.

According to Tontolet, life isn't balanced at all because when you plot to damage someone or do something to them, someone else is preparing the same thing for you, and her page starts doing shakey and shakey, which isn't cool.


Lady says – “I so love Burna Boy, he’ll knack this my big bum-bum”

Posted: 03 Jan 2022 09:00 PM PST

A lady has boldly professed her love for the popular singer, Burna Boy while envisaging how pleasurable it will be if they finally get intimate.

In the video, the lady could be heard telling her friend who made the clip how much she loves the self-acclaimed African Giant. She went on to demonstrate how they would make out with each other if such an opportunity ever presented itself.

The young woman went on to flaunt her endowed backside while insisting that Burna Boy would 'get hold' of it someday.

Watch the video below:

Netizens have reacted accordingly to this video;

burutuelo1 wrote:

"Instead of you to draw closer to Christ which is Your lord and personal savior .. Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand🙌🙌🙌"

justemmanuel24462 wrote:

"This one no even get sense for new year 😂"

brownsonsani wrote:

"😂😂this one think say na by big ikebe..who go tell her"

 

10 tips to take care of your skin

Posted: 03 Jan 2022 08:00 AM PST

The skin is a living organ that changes over time.

As we get older, the skin stops producing as much collagen as before which causes it to become less elastic and more fragile. Decreased production of natural oil makes the skin dry and appear wrinkled. When these happen, the skin is said to have started aging.

Skin aging cannot be avoided but with some changes in lifestyle and extra care, it can be delayed.

Here are some anti-aging skincare tips for you:

Cleanse your skin gently

Do not scrub your skin like you would scrub your clothes. Scrubbing the skin irritates it which makes it age faster. Exfoliate your skin gently and with extra care to remove dead skin cells.

Moisturize your skin always

Always ensure your skin is moisturized to avoid skin dryness. Moisturizing should be done on wet skin to lock in moisture.

Never step out without your sunscreen

Ultraviolet exposure from the sun can cause skin cancer. Make it a rule to never leave your house without applying sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, SPF 30, or higher and water resistant, even when there is no sun out.

Drink water

Water is essential in every aspect of life. The last thing your skin needs is to be dehydrated. Help yourself by drinking at least 16 cups of water daily.

Limit stress

One of the fastest ways for your skin to age is through stress. It also causes wrinkles. Always manage your stress level and you can also engage in some destressing activities.

Cut back on sugar

As if the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disaster is not enough, excess sugar in diet basically damages the skin.

Take collagen supplements

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and it promotes hair, skin and nail health. Unfortunately, as we grow older, the natural production of this protein in the body depletes. By taking collagen supplements, the body can absorb the supplement and stimulate the natural production of the protein.

Get facial massage routinely

Facial massage is not only enjoyable, it also helps to release tension and increase circulation thereby keeping the skin healthy and vibrant.

Get enough sleep

Inadequate sleep can wreck serious havoc on your skin, including eyebags. Prioritize your sleep and get a standard eight hours of restful sleep daily. It allows your skin enough time to heal and repair itself.

Reduce salt in your diet

Excess sodium in your diet can suck the moisture out of your skin and leave it dry and dull. If you do not want your skin to age pretty fast, it's time to reduce your salt intake in food and junks.

Here is what the green, yellow and red light signifies in a breakup

Posted: 03 Jan 2022 07:00 AM PST

Although all relationships are unique, there are some similarities when it comes to the warning signs of a breakup, which should always be kept in mind. Knowing these signs can help you avoid breaking up with your partner. The three warning signs of a breakup are listed below.

1. The Green light is when your partner is ignoring you.

This isn't to say that there isn't any talking or communication going on. No, no, by ignoring I mean when everything appears to be normal, when the light remains green, but your partner begins to lose interest in you. When they don't ask you how you're doing, how you're feeling, or even where you've been?

When this happens, take a moment to consider why your partner might be ignoring you. Have you forgotten about his or her birthday or another significant occasion? Have you been acting in a less-than-loving manner lately? Is he or she unappreciated? People typically react to something they believe has occurred. This could just be their perception, but since he or she is your lover, you should try to understand his or her point of view.

So, why not treat your partner to a nice meal, then sit down and ask them what's up? Why are they so grumpy, though I think I'd phrase it a little differently! It's possible that they're preoccupied with something unrelated to your relationship. Couples' communication isn't always what it should be, so try talking. Who knows where it will take you?

2. The Yellow light is when your partner doesn't want to see you or go out with you.

The yellow warning light should turn on if your lover becomes suddenly unavailable and too busy to see you, but wait. There's got to be a reason they're avoiding you, and you need to figure it out. Don't be a doormat. There's no excuse for not confronting your boyfriend or girlfriend and asking why they think it's okay to act this way. Whatever you do, don't ignore these signs or you might end up receiving a breakup letter.

3. The Red light signal is when your partner is distant in the bedroom

Even though sex is only a three-letter word, it has the potential to cause major problems. Just ask any married couple who has been together for a long period of time. Family or life issues can sometimes get in the way of making love. It's also a well-known fact that the initial surge of animal attraction rarely lasts, so it's perfectly normal not to make love every night. It's not normal to go months without being intimate. Shared emotions and feelings bind couples together. So don't dismiss the value of a cuddle.

Even if your partner's mood has nothing to do with your actions, it is always important to take note of it as a sign that trouble is brewing. I guess what I'm trying to say is that you should always be aware of when your partner is content and when he or she is not. Because unless you start paying attention and keeping an eye out for the above breakup warning signs, you'll soon find yourself newly single and wondering what went wrong.

Causes of Back pain during pregnancy

Posted: 03 Jan 2022 06:00 AM PST

You've been praying for a baby for months, and now you're finally pregnant. But nobody told you the amount of pain you would have to go through. Of course you're happy; the pain would end in glory when you eventually get delivered of your baby. Right now, however, your back aches unbearably. Why?

Pregnant women frequently experience back pain. Although it shows that your baby is growing, it can still be difficult to endure. Below are possible reasons you feel the pain:

Weight gain:

The most obvious sign of pregnancy to outsiders is weight gain. Not just because of your protruding belly, but also because your hips begin to widen, and you generally become fatter, gaining about 25 pounds. Your spine has to carry all that weight, which may cause lower back pain. Despite that, the weight of the growing fetus alone is enough to put pressurize the blood vessels and nerves in the back.

Hormone changes:

We know that the body releases lots of hormones during pregnancy to aid the entire process, one of which is relaxing. Relaxing causes the ligaments in the pelvis to relax, as well as loosen the joints in preparation for delivery. It also causes ligaments supporting the spine to loosen, causing instability and pain.

Muscle separation:

As the uterus expands to accommodate the growing fetus, some muscles may begin to separate, most especially the rectus abdominis muscles. From the rib cage to the pelvic bone, two parallel sheets of muscles run, separating along the center. Of course, the separation causes back pain.

Posture changes

Have you heard of center of gravity? It is the point where a person's mass is concentrated. In the body, the center of gravity is around the abdomen. However, pregnancy shifts center of gravity. As a result, you may slowly begin to change your posture, which would undoubtedly cause back pain.

Not to worry, there are a handful of tips you can try in order to reduce the back pain your little bundle of joy would undoubtedly cause you.

When lifting or picking something up from the floor, bend your knees and
keep your back straight.

Avoid any activity that requires lots of strength and strain.
To avoid twisting your spine, move your feet when you turn.
Rather than heels, opt for flat shoes. 
Ensure your back is straight and well-supported (preferably by maternity pillows) while sitting. 
You should get plenty of rest each day throughout the pregnancy.
Sleep on a mattress that supports you properly.
Regularly stretch your lower back.
Avoid standing for long periods.
Avoid sleeping on your abdomen. 
Practice gentle exercises regularly.

Here're 10 health benefits of coconuts you need to know

Posted: 03 Jan 2022 05:00 AM PST

Coconuts are a lot healthier than some give them credit for and here's why they're to never be underrated.

Coconut is making a huge comeback as the new miracle food. They are highly nutritious, rich in fiber, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

What is it about this exotic food that continues to tantalize and intimidate us at the same time?

Let's explore more of the amazing health benefits of coconuts.

Young coconuts are the most health enhancing. The water in the young coconut is one of the highest sources of electrolytes. Electrolytes are responsible for keeping the body properly hydrated so the muscles and nerves can function appropriately.

Therefore it is more beneficial to drink the water from a young coconut after an intense workout rather than sports drinks.

Coconut water is also low in calories, carbohydrates, and sugars, and almost completely fat-free. In addition, it is high in ascorbic acid, B vitamins, and proteins. Furthermore, the soft meat, or flesh, inside the coconut helps to restore oxidative tissue damage and contains a source of healthy fats, proteins, and various vitamins and minerals.

Top 10 Health Benefits of coconuts

Supports immune system health: it is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-parasite.
Provides a natural source of quick energy and enhances physical and athletic performance.
Improves digestion and absorption of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
Improves insulin secretion and symptoms associated with diabetes.
Helps protect the body from cancers due to insulin reduction, removal of free radicals that cause premature aging and degenerative disease.
Reduces risk of heart health and improves good cholesterol (HDL).
Restores and supports thyroid function.
Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infection.
Promotes weight loss.
Helps keep hair and skin healthy and youthful looking, prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, age spots, and provides sun protection.

10 easy cocktails you need to know and how to make

Posted: 03 Jan 2022 04:30 AM PST

A cocktail is basically a mixed drink featuring two or more alcoholic drinks, one of which is usually a distilled drink - vodka, brandy tequila etc.

Cocktail drinks, as every cocktail lover can attest to, are undoubtedly one of the highlights of any successful soiree.

A non-alcoholic mixture of drinks is referred to as a mocktail, and in some cases, they share similar ingredients as cocktails, save for the alcoholic ones.

Cocktails are usually served in any standard bar, and can also be enjoyed in the comfort of one's home provided the ingredients are known.

So, are you an alcohol enthusiast who's always wanted to enjoy a nice cocktail from the comfort of your own home?

Here are 10 of some of the most popular cocktails in the world whose recipes you should know by heart.

Mojito:
Traditionally a Cuba drink, the mojito is a hugely popular cocktail and combines a mix of white rum, sugar (traditionally sugar cane juice), lime juice, sparkling water, and mint leaves. Get the mojito recipe here.

Margarita:
A citrusy cocktail, the margarita combines a mix of tequila, triple sec and lime or lemon juice, often served with salt on the rim of the glass. Get the margarita recipehere.

Pina Colada:
The pina colada is the national drink of Puerto Rico and is a sweet cocktail mixing rum, coconut cream or coconut milk, and pineapple juice, and is usually served either blended or shaken with ice. Get the pina colada recipe here.

Martini:
Unarguably one of the most popular cocktails, the martini has various various such as the apple martini, dry martini and more. The standard martini is however made with gin and vermouth, and garnished with an olive or a lemon twist. Get the strawberry martini recipe here.

Daiquiri:
If you like your liquor sweetish, then the daiquiri is the way to go. This rum-based cocktail combines a mix of rum, citrus juice (typically lime) and sugar or any other sweetner. It also has other variations like the widely popular strawberry daiquiri. Get the frozen daiquiri recipe here.

Sex on the beach:
This cocktail has several variations, however according to the International Bartenders Association Official Cocktail recipe, its ingredients include vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice.

Cosmopolitan:
This cocktail is made up of vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed or sweetened lime juice.

Gin and tonic:
This is a a highball cocktail made with gin and tonic water poured over ice and garnished with a slice of lime. Get gin and tonic recipe here.

Screwdriver:
One of the easiest cocktails in existence, the screwdriver simply sees a mix of vodka and orange juice.

Long Island Iced Tea:
Make no mistake, this cocktail does not feature iced tea in its line up of drinks, but rather it gets its name due to its hue which is similar to iced tea. Long island iced tea is made with tequila, vodka, light rum, triple sec, gin and a splash of cola.

[For Men]: 4 habits that could harm your penis in a long time

Posted: 03 Jan 2022 04:00 AM PST

Your private organ is a very delicate organ of the body. Any negative impact on it can make you infertile.

Your private organ can be easily damaged because it is a fragile organ. Your behaviours or actions as a man play a key role in every aspect of your health, including your sexual health.

Some of the habits that cause harm to the private organ of man include:

Not having enough sleep
The significance of sleep cannot be overemphasized. Lack of enough sleep, makes your levels of testosterone lessen drastically and this could have adverse effects on your private organ.

Not exercising
Exercises have several health benefits of which one of which is enhancing your private organ health and keeping it in the best shape. A study has revealed that men who exercise always have a lessened risk of suffering erectile dysfunction.

Excessive smoking
Excessive smoking is known to be unhealthy for general health. Too much smoking can cause harm to certain sensitive tissues in your private organ which could result in weak performance during intimacy.

High amount of alcohol consumption
Too much alcohol intake could cause harm to your private organ as alcohol may disrupt the production of testosterone, causing low levels of testosterone in the blood and thus making your private organ to be weak during intercourse.

5 places you shouldn’t touch a woman during sex [For men]

Posted: 03 Jan 2022 03:30 AM PST

While the heat is on, you may think there is no boundary as to what to say or touch, but be careful, you may kill the fun while touching these places.

Sex is always a moment of pleasure that intimate partners often take informally. Lovers usually have no boundaries to their pleasurable activity while the moment is on.

However, the lovemaking process is very sensitive and couples should curtail the habit of placing their hands on some sensitive parts of the genitals which are listed below.

Her cervix
If you reach her cervix during sex, recognize that something is wrong. Remember, this is the narrow canal that connects the vagina to the womb. That isn't a place you want to go to, so don't try to touch her there.

For starters, it's painful for her to have something rammed against her cervix, and it could be a sign that you need to shift for a position with shallower penetration.

Head of the clitoris
We know the clitoris is a super-sensitive zone and has a lot of nerve endings, but stimulating the head of the clitoris vigorously can turn out to be an intense and painful experience for her. Imagine gulping a cup of piping hot coffee immediately followed by an ice-cold beverage. The feeling is not pleasant, right? Instead, try rubbing around in circles or simply at the shaft of the clitoris.

Feet
Don't touch her feet if she's wearing socks! Wondering why? According to a study from Johns Hopkins University, wearing socks in the sack can increase the chances of having an orgasm. This logic applies to men as well. Another reason is that women need to be completely relaxed to climax, and cold feet can be an uncomfortable distraction.

Her hair
You may think that it is strange yet this one is genuine – no lady prefers her hair to be pulled or entangled during sex when she has gone through hours (and wasted thousands!) in the salon on them.

Her nipple
Assuming that she's breastfeeding or going to menstruate, try not to squeeze the nipples. It harms beyond your imagination.

New year resolution ideas to help you grow in 2022

Posted: 03 Jan 2022 03:00 AM PST

Personal growth feels good because it honors hard work. If you desire to succeed professionally and personally, you need to have a purposeful mindset and set goals.

With the new year approaching, many people have started setting resolutions that they may never live up to. Why? Because people are fond of setting unrealistic goals. What makes you any different? Well, you're reading this, and below, you'll see some achievable resolutions you can set for the new year.

1. Read books

If you want to expand your perspective in life, education is the key. Reading opens your mind to different ideas you can implement. Please don't say you want to read five books a month because realistically, we know you may not achieve that. You can read one book a month, that's 12 books for the year. Imagine what extraordinary knowledge you'll gain and be able to implement.

2. Donate excess household items

Always count your blessings and remember that some people pray to be in your current situation. You probably have so much stuff at home, and you don't know what to do with them. Why don't you start donating these household items to people that need them? Not only are you making the world a better place, but fulfillment comes with it.

3. Volunteer for charity

There are charity programs that need volunteers. Your gratitude grows when you give to other people, and you'll appreciate life more. Charity is a great way to give back to the world.

4. Learn a new skill

You are never too old to learn a new craft. Broadening your skill set makes you adapt out of your comfort zone. Besides, skills build character and make you feel better. It can be learning a new language or craft; just remember to take it slow and steady.

5. Create a healthy habit

Many people plan to go to the gym, but they barely accomplish this goal because only a few are actually motivated to leave their homes and head for the gym. Set goals you can accomplish; if you want to lose weight, it can be as simple as doing a few exercises immediately you wake up. You don't necessarily have to visit the gym. If you do these exercises every day for a year, you'll be in much better shape than going to the gym once every three months.

Here are foods that reduces anxiety

Posted: 03 Jan 2022 02:30 AM PST

Certain foods can reduce anxious feelings.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental disorders.

There are specific types of anxiety like social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress.

However, the most common is generalised anxiety disorder which is accompanied by fear, tension, heart palpitations, excessive worry, feeling irritable, and annoyed.

Here are some foods that can reduce anxious feelings:

1. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate has certain ingredients that improve one's mood and lift feelings of anxiety. It increases serotonin levels because it contains tryptophan, flavonoids and magnesium.

2. Banana
Bananas also have a high tryptophan content which increases serotonin and causes you to feel happier and relaxed.

3. Green tea
Green tea has an amino acid known as theanine which increases serotonin and dopamine and helps to balance moods.

4. Yoghurt
Inflammation can cause anxiety and depression. Yoghurt has anti-inflammatory qualities which reduce such feelings and the bacteria in yoghurt is perfect for your brain's health.

5. Turmeric
Turmeric is basically a spice that can be added to meals. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and reduces oxidative stress that can cause mood disorders.

What are this things called Hormone Imbalance?

Posted: 03 Jan 2022 02:00 AM PST

To understand what Hormone imbalance is about, we need to understand what Hormones are.

Hormones are like the messengers of the human body. They are produced in the Endocrine glands & travel to the different tissues/organs in our body, helping them to function properly.

Hormone imbalance occurs when there's too little or too much of a particular hormone in the body.

While it is normal for hormone levels to shift throughout your lifetime, sometimes the Endocrine glands get things wrong & produce levels of hormones that can cause problems.

What this means is that, when these hormones are present in abnormal levels, they make our tissues & organs to function either below normal capacity or above normal capacity.

Here are some of the common symptoms that hormone imbalance can cause :

(1) Irregular periods :

If your period doesn't show up at about the same time each month, this might be as a result of an imbalance in your levels of Oestrogen & Progesterone (two important hormones).

The most common hormone imbalance in women of reproductive age is PCOS (i wrote about this separately in another article on my IG page).

For some women who are close to Menopause, it is also normal for them to have changes in their hormone balance.

(2) Weight changes

Oestrogen, an important hormone in women, reduces during menopause & this can lead to weight gain around the abdomen & hips.

Apart from Menopause & PCOS, an under-active thyroid gland (which produces less thyroid hormones than normal) can also cause weight gain.

As for weight-loss, an over-active thyroid gland could be responsible. This is because if is producing more thyroid hormones which leads to your body burning more calories than normal.

(3) Sexual Problems

Hormonal imbalance can lead to reduced sexual drive in both Men & Women. This occurs as a result of reduction in testosterone levels.

For men who have problems like Erectile dysfunction, Low libido & low sexual performance, it is important to check their levels of Testosterone & Oestrogen. This also applies to women.

Low Oestrogen levels can also cause Vaginal dryness & tightness in women.

(4) Breast & Skin changes

An increase in Oestrogen levels can cause breast tissue to become thick, which could lead to the formation of breast lumps & cysts.

Prolactin, a hormone produced in the brain, also leads to breastmilk production (which would be regarded as normal in pregnant/breastfeeding women but abnormal in Men & women who haven't been pregnant before)

A shift in hormones (eg During Menopause or due to a thyroid problem) could also be responsible for dry skin.

(5) Mood changes

Hormonal changes have been linked to conditions like Stress, Mood swings & Depression.

Many women experience irritability, mood swings, anxiety & depression before & during their periods. This is linked to Pre-menstrual Syndrome.

Also, if you either feel tired or hyperactive all the time, you might want to have your hormones checked, especially your thyroid hormones, as they have been linked with these symptoms.

There are more than 50 different hormones in your body right now & each of them is delivering a message to a particular part of your body right now.

There are many other symptoms that hormone imbalance could present with (Thinning of hair, Sweating, Increased hunger, Blurred vision etc) so see your Doctor if you suspect that you might be having hormone imbalance.

Regardless of the hormonal changes you might be experiencing, there's usually a form of treatment available!

The health benefits of Sweet Potato will blow your mind

Posted: 03 Jan 2022 01:30 AM PST

Findings from latest research have shown that sweet potato contains a low glycemic index and can help reduce the level of blood sugar and insulin resistance in diabetes patient.

For some, sweet potato is believed to be one of the healthiest foods in the world. And this is because of its numerous health benefits.

According to Laura Flores, a San Diego-based nutritionist, sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A, vitamin B5, B6, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, and, due to their orange color, are high in carotenoids.

Findings from latest research have also shown that sweet potato contains a low glycemic index and can help reduce the level of blood sugar and insulin resistance in diabetes patient, as the magnesium in the purple-peel plant can help to control the level of our blood sugar in our blood.

In addition, sweet potato has been shown to have an unusual ability to raise our blood levels of vitamin A and was found to contain between 100-1,600 micrograms (RAE) of vitamin A in every 3.5 ounces. (Enough, on average, to meet 35% of all vitamin A needs, and in many cases enough to meet over 90% of vitamin A needs).

However, it is important to note that some of the nutritional benefits from sweet potatoes maybe achieved with ease if you use steaming or boiling as your cooking method.

Recent studies show excellent preservation of sweet potato anthocyanins with steaming, and several studies comparing boiling to roasting have shown better blood sugar effects (including the achievement of a lower glycemic index, or GI value) with boiling.

With that being said, read on to see some of the mind-blowing health benefits of sweet potato.

Here are some mind-blowing health benefits of sweet potato

1. It promotes eye health
Observation has shown that vegetables and fruits with bright colours, like sweet potato, contain important substances that are of benefit to our health.

Sweet potato contains a high level of Vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene that can fulfill our 1.033% of our daily nutrition.

However, it is important to note that lack of vitamin A deteriorates the outside segment of the photo-receptor which eventually breaks normal vision.

Nevertheless, consuming vitamin A with high beta-carotene will help return our vision ability. In addition, the Vitamin C and E contained in sweet potatoes are proven effective to support the health of our eyes as well as prevent them from degenerative failure.

2. It helps to promote good heart health
Various studies have shown that sweet potatoes are a great source of B6 vitamins, which are powerful when it comes to the breaking down of homocysteine, a substance that contributes to the hardening of blood vessels and arteries.

And according to the American Heart Association, the potassium content contained in it can be very helpful for the heart, as it lowers blood pressure by maintaining fluid balance.

It is also important to note that potassium is an important electrolyte that helps regulate the heartbeat.

3. It helps to prevent cancer
Findings from studies suggest that sweet potato contains anti-carcinogenic properties like beta-carotene. And beta-carotene may reduce the risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women and ovarian cancer in postmenopausal women.

As a matter of fact, purple sweet potatoes may be even more effective in staving off cancer when compared to other foods with anti-carcinogenic properties, as it has been shown to have better cancer-fighting abilities, with a positive effect on cancer cell growth.

4. Sweet potatoes are a good energy source
Sweet potatoes are known to contain important minerals like iron and magnesium that can increase our energy to perform our daily activities.

And studies have long shown that iron stimulates the production of red blood cells for our body; thus preventing us from easily getting tired, as well as increase the oxygen distribution to our body.


5. It helps to improve our skin texture
This one here is for those who priorities their looks; and of course, we all do.

You can use sweet potatoes to improve skin texture by keeping the water that was used for parboiling them. The reason for this is that the water contains nutrients that are beneficial for improving our skin texture as well as cleaning it.

It is okay to store the water in a bottle and put it in the refrigerator and use it as a toner for your skin face.

This natural toner has been proven to absorb the dirt, clean our face pores, as well as calming the irritated skin.

Here's why some women miss their period

Posted: 03 Jan 2022 01:00 AM PST

Issues regarding missed periods or stopped periods are very common amongst women.

Let me first state that not all women have regular periods.

If the gap between the start of your periods keeps changing, then you have irregular periods. You should see your Doctor if this happens.

That said, let's now discuss some of the common causes of missed periods :

(1) Pregnancy

This is either the most desirable or the most dreaded possibility, depending on who you ask.

It is probably the most common cause of missed/stopped periods in sexually active women of reproductive age.

So if you're sexually active, in your reproductive years & have missed your period, you should carry out a pregnancy test.

(2) Stress and weight issues

It has been noted that stress could cause a temporary imbalance in the hormone profile of women which could, in turn, affect the regularity of periods.

Also, your weight can affect your menstrual cycle in more ways than one.

For instance, excessive of sudden weight loss can affect the hormones regulating your menstrual cycle & cause you to miss your period. Too much exercise can also cause missed periods.

On the flip side, being overweight may lead your body to produce goo much Oestrogen, which can also affect how often you get your periods.

(3) Polycystic ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

I have discussed PCOS extensively in an article on my IG page (you can access this through my highlights or by scrolling down my page).

PCOS usually affects the ability of affected women to release eggs, which means that they cannot ovulate.

In some parts of the world, PCOS is responsible for more than 30% of cases of missed periods, so it is important to know about it.

(4) Birth control methods

One of the most common effects of hormone-based birth control options is to cause Missed periods.

Whether it is the Intra-uterine system (like Mirena), Injectable or even the Progestogen-only pill, the hormonal component can cause your period to become irregular or even stop completely.

Don't be worried about this though. When you stop the birth control method, your period should return.

(5) Menopause

Menopause is a natural occurrence that all women will go through in their 40s or 50s. It is when a woman stops seeing her period and marks the end of her menstrual cycles.

When Menopause begins, the woman's Oestrogen levels start to reduce & ovulation becomes more irregular.

That said, if you notice that you're having the signs of Menopause earlier than normal, please see your Doctor.

If you are sexually active and you miss your period, the first thing you should do is a pregnancy test.

If you normally have regular periods, have now missed your period for 3 months or more & your pregnancy test is negative, please see your Doctor.

Fortunately, there is usually a solution to this issue, so you shouldn't panic. Just seek medical help and let your Doctor help you through this.

Acid Reflux Disease

Posted: 03 Jan 2022 12:30 AM PST

Acid reflux disease is a commonly misunderstood condition, so I'll start by explaining a couple of things.

Food in the Stomach is acted on by Stomach acid. When this stomach acid travels from the Stomach upwards into the Oesophagus, this is known as Acid reflux. The peppery sensation that acid reflux causes is called Heartburn.

If the symptoms of acid reflux happen more than twice a week, then it might be as a result of a condition called Acid reflux disease (also called Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease or GERD for short).

Why do some people have Acid reflux disease? Let me explain :

There's a valve at the entrance of the Stomach called Lower Oesophageal sphincter (LES).

Normally, this valve should close after food enters the stomach & prevent anything from going from the Stomach back up to the Oesophagus.

Now, if this valve doesn't work properly, then stomach acid will be able to leave the stomach & cause Heartburn.

The following can either cause or increase the risk of Acid reflux disease (GERD) :

Hiatal hernia : Basically, this is a stomach abnormality where part of the stomach moves up into the chest.
Eating large meals often
Lying down too soon after large meals
Certain foods (Coffee, Tomatoes, Garlic, Onions, Spicy or Fatty foods)
Being Overweight
Smoking
Pregnancy
Stress & Anxiety
Some medication like Aspirin
The common symptoms of this condition are :

Heartburn : We all have experienced this one, a burning/peppery sensation in the chest
A sour taste in the mouth ( that's the stomach acid, by the way)
Bloating/ Belching
Hiccups/Cough
Feeling like there's something stuck in the throat (Dysphagia)
Hoarse voice
Bad breath 
Acid reflux disease is often misdiagnosed.

Conditions that resemble Acid reflux disease include Achalasia, Stomach ulcer & Gastritis.

Because of this, instead of just taking Antacids and saying that you have Acid reflux disease, first see a Doctor to examine you and run necessary tests to confirm your diagnosis.

For many people, the reason why they aren't getting any better is because they are treating the wrong condition.

In many cases, acid reflux disease can be properly treated by combining Medication ( like Antacids, PPIs, Pro-kinetics etc) with lifestyle changes.

Here are some lifestyle changes you can make :

Eat smaller meals more frequently all through the day, rather than eating 2 or 3 large meals
Eat about 3 hours before lying down
Raise the head of your bed by 4-6 inches
Don't wear tight clothing. If you have acid reflux disease, just throw your Waist trainer away.
Quit smoking 
Loss weight if overweight 
With these lifestyle changes & medication, many cases of Acid reflux disease can be properly treated.

That said, for those who have severe cases and it is starting to affect their lives negatively, there are surgical procedures that can be done to stop the acid reflux.

Acid reflux disease can cause complications if not treated properly, so please see your Doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

9 beautiful body piercing options you need to know

Posted: 03 Jan 2022 12:00 AM PST

Piercing is a form of body art in which a needle is used to puncture a hole into a part of the body, a piece of jewelry is then inserted into the hole.

Piercings are quite painful and are very prone to infections if they are not properly done and taken care of.

Any part of the body can be pierced. Naturally, some areas will be more difficult and more painful to pierce than others, while some require more care and attention than others because they are more sensitive. Also, some piercings take longer to heal than others. Some piercings even take up to 8 months or more to completely heal up.

Here are some cool piercings options you can get:

Septum

The septum is the cartilaginous wall that runs down the center of the nose, separating the right and left nostrils. The thin wall of cartilage itself is not pierced, but the soft space of tissue just below the septum. Septum piercing takes about four to six weeks to heal.

Belly button

This piercing is cool, especially when you are wearing a crop top. It takes about 6 months to heal up and it requires extra caution during the process of piercing and the after care because the belly button is a sensitive area of the body.

Earlobe

This is the commonest type of piercing and also the easiest to get being that it is not as painful as other piercings and also takes a shorter time to heal completely.

Smiley

This is a type of in-mouth piercing that goes through the small piece of skin connecting the upper lip to the upper gum. This piercing can be seen when you smile hence the name. It may take about 3 to 4 weeks to heal.

Tongue

This is a type of piercing done through the center of the tongue to accommodate a small stud or bar piece of jewelry. It requires extra care because of its location to avoid irritation.

Nose

A nostril piercing goes through the soft cartilage that surrounds the outside of the nasal passage. They are very simple and don't cause much pain.

Tragus

A tragus piercing is done on the small cartilaginous area that partially covers the ear canal.

Daith

Daith piercings are located in the innermost fold of the ear cartilage just slightly above the ear canal. They are very pretty and are anecdotally thought to relieve migraine by activating a soothing pressure point on the ear.

Helix

This is a type of piercing done on the upper ear cartilage. It takes about six months to heal up.

The health benefits of moringa are unbelievable

Posted: 02 Jan 2022 11:30 PM PST

Owing to its high concentrations of polyphenols in its leaves and flowers, moringa protect the liver against oxidation, toxicity, and damage.

For reasons quite obvious, the moringa tree has been dubbed the tree of miracle.

Known to the ancient Chinese, Indians and many other cultures around the world, it recently resurfaced as an answer to many health challenges of modern times.

While only a fraction of the many reputed health benefits of moringa has been researched, it is now a common notion that this miracle plant is rich in healthy antioxidants and bioactive plant compounds.

Moringa leaf is best known as an excellent source of nutrition and natural energy booster. It also helps in lowering blood pressure and promote a good sleeping condition.

Amazingly, it is believed that moringa's potency has seven times the amount of vitamin C in oranges, four times as much calcium and double the amount of protein in milk; four times the vitamin A in carrots, and three times the potassium in bananas.

Here are ten health benefits of Moringa

1. Its nutrients content is amazing
Moringa is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It contains vitamin A, C, and E. Also included in its nutrient content are calcium, potassium, and protein.

2. It fights free radicals
With antioxidants like flavonoids, polyphenols, and ascorbic acid in the leaves, flowers, and stems, moringa help prevents the damage and degradation that free radicals cause in the cells of different organs in the body.

In addition, it keeps the organs healthy and functioning at their best.

3. It fights inflammation
One dreadful thing about inflammation is that it can lead to chronic diseases like diabetes, respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and obesity.

Moringa reduces inflammation by suppressing inflammatory enzymes and proteins in the body, and moringa leaf concentrate can significantly lower inflammation in the cells.

4. It helps reduce some diabetes symptoms
Juice from the leaves is believed to have a stabilizing effect on blood pressure and is used to treat anxiety. It is believed to control glucose levels and regulating oxidative stress in diabetic patients.

5. It fights infection
Moringa leaf, when mixed with honey, followed by a drink of coconut milk for two or three times a day, is used as a remedy for diarrhea, dysentery, and colitis.

Additionally, moringa leaf juice combined with carrot juice is used as a diuretic. Owing to its diuretic action, eating moringa leaves is highly recommended in cases of gonorrhea.

6. It is used for antiseptic
Moringa leaf juice is used as a skin antiseptic.

7. It is used for treating fever and other infection
Leaves are used to treat fevers, bronchitis, eye and ear infections, scurvy, and catarrh (inflammation of the mucous membrane).

8. It protects the liver
The liver is responsible for blood detoxification, bile production, fructose metabolism, fat metabolism, and nutrient processing.

However, it can only fulfil these functions with the aid of liver enzymes, so it's vital they stay at normal levels.

It also helps in the reduction of liver damage and fibrosis; as well as reversing oxidation in the liver.

Additionally, moringa oil help restores liver enzymes to normal levels, reducing oxidative stress, and increasing protein content in the liver.

9. It is a wound healing agent
Moringa leaves, roots and seeds have blood-clotting properties; and they help promote wound healing and can reduce clotting time, which means it reduces the time it takes for scratches, cuts, or wounds to stop bleeding.

10. Research has shown moringa to have anticancer properties.
How to use moringa?

Moringa leaves, when blended to powder, are excellent for making tea. It is also available in capsule form which can be taken as prescribed.

For energy boost, try mixing a half teaspoon of moringa powder with honey for effective result.

Here's why you need to take shower everyday

Posted: 02 Jan 2022 11:00 PM PST

Is a daily bath important?

For some, it is outrightly preposterous to suggest that people should not have their bath daily or even twice.

This year, we witnessed some Hollywood celebrities saying that they do not bathe their kids every day except when they notice a stink.

Some dermatologists also spoke in support of the no bathing every day idea. Speaking to Essence Magazine, a dermatologist said, "Washing once a day is optimal for social reasons, but it may not be absolutely necessary for your health."

"The more you wash, especially in hot water, the more likely you are to dry out and irritate your skin. You could be washing away good bacteria that naturally help your skin and make small cracks that can lead to skin infections."

Another doctor told Healthline.com, "Washing once a day is adequate for most children and adults to maintain a socially acceptable level of personal hygiene and cleanliness."

During the lockdown due to the pandemic, many people stopped bathing every day. For those who worked remotely, bathing every day might seem optional and one can see why they are not going out, but there are parts of our body that need daily cleaning.

However, for Nigerians, we have to put our humid climate into consideration.

If you sweat throughout the day then bathing every day is imperative, if you do not want to have troubling skin conditions.

An easy solution is to have shorter showers and not to use hot water to bathe because it strips the skin from its much-needed nutrients but for the sake of people's noses, shower every day and use deodorant.
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