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Four health benefits of coconut water and milk

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You’re not new to coconut water and coconut milk. However, it’s important you know the difference between the two so as not to mix them up.

Coconut water is the clear liquid usually contained inside young green or immature coconut fruits. This coconut water is what matures to become coconut meat; the white and edible part of a mature coconut.

On the other hand, coconut milk is the solution gotten from grated coconut meat. This liquid is tasty and usually forms the ingredient for some of our special delicacies like coconut rice.

One important thing to note is that coconut water is super rich in nutrients like; sodium, carbohydrates, and magnesium. And this beverage has been used for centuries to aid in health issues like aiding digestion. Coconut milk is a great source of vitamin C.

While we drink these liquids for sheer fun, knowing their health benefits can help us be intentional about how and when we consume them as well as include them in our diets. This is the major reason for this article – to help identify and highlight the importance of coconut water and milk for you.

Coconut Water Dehydrates

Coconut water is a great dehydrating agent which is best enjoyed straight from a fresh coconut. This special water contains electrolytes like; magnesium and potassium which help keep the body hydrated and even help to replenish energy after rigorous activities like say taking a run.

Coconut water is slightly sweet, rich, and low in calories

Coconut Milk Aids In Weight Loss

Recall that it’s been previously mentioned how coconut water is low in carbohydrates and calories. In addition to this, coconut contains a unique substance known as chain triglycerides. These substances are usually referred to as “healthy fats”.

These chain triglycerides prolong the feeling of being satisfied after drinking the milk, making it easier for a person to eat less.

Coconut Water May Have Antioxidant Properties

Recall that coconut milk is rich in vitamin C and A which are powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants neutralize oxidative stress and free radicals created by exercise.

For reference sake, antioxidants are natural or artificial substances which slow down or delay several types of cell damages. Vitamin C is one of the 3 major antioxidant vitamins alongside vitamin E and beta-carotene [the body usually converts this substance into vitamin A].

Basically, these antioxidants contained in coconut water help nullify the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are weird molecules produced in your cells during metabolism. When produced at a normal rate, they may be harmless but too much of these free radicals can put your body in a state of oxidative stress.

Coconut Milk Promotes Healthy Hair and Skin

It’s no coincidence that tons of hair and skincare products are made from coconut milk especially as a conditioning agent. Coconut milk helps prevent dandruff and other hair problems when applied to the scalp.

Coconut milk has the ability to combat these hair conditions because it contains lauric acid which acts like an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial.

For the skin, coconut milk encourages elasticity when applied topically – this, in the long run, discourages wrinkling and helps give the skin a younger, supple look. This isn’t all, the antibacterial properties in coconut milk help prevent pimples – which is pretty awesome by the way!

Here’s hoping that at least one person gets to drink more coconut milk and water for the benefits they add to the body. We’d like to hear your experiences in the comment section. See you there!

One more thing I’d advise is to stay off artificial coconut water and milk if you can because they could have added preservatives and chemicals added which may not provide you with the best of nutrients or give you the best results from either of these beverages.

Health

WHO approves Japanese mpox vaccine for emergency use

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) has granted emergency use listing (EUL) for the LC16m8 mpox vaccine.

This would be the second mpox vaccine to be supported by WHO following the declaration of mpox as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2024.

The LC16m8 is a vaccine developed and manufactured by KM Biologics in Japan.

The technical advisory group (TAG) for EUL of vaccines convened to discuss the outcome of the LC16m8 vaccine review, including the product and programmatic suitability assessments.

Cases have been reported across 80 countries, including 19 countries in Africa, as of October 31, 2024.

The Democratic Republic of Congo, the hardest-hit country, recorded a majority of suspected cases — over 39,000 — as well as more than 1,000 deaths.

In a statement on Tuesday, the WHO said the move is particularly relevant as the Japanese government has announced that it will donate 3.05 million doses of the LC16m8 vaccine, alongside specialised inoculation needles, to the DRC.

“This is the largest donation package announced to date in response to the current mpox emergency,” the statement reads.

“The TAG recommended the vaccine for use in individuals over one year of age as a single dose vaccine, via a multiple puncture technique using a bifurcated needle.

“WHO’s assessment for EUL is based on information submitted by the manufacturer and review by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), the Japanese regulatory agency of record for this vaccine.

“The LC16m8 vaccine has been used in Japan during previous mpox outbreaks and was shown to be safe and effective, including in people with well-controlled HIV.

“The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization reviewed available evidence and recommended the use of LC16m8 vaccine in outbreak settings in children and others with a documented high-risk of exposure to mpox.

“However, minimally replicating vaccines, such as LC16m8, should not be used during pregnancy and in people who are immunocompromised.

“Immunocompromised persons include those with active cancer, transplant recipients, immunodeficiency, and active treatment with immunosuppressive agents.

“They also include people living with HIV with a current CD4 cell count of <200 cells µl.”

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Health

Five ways to rid your home of ants

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Ants are just one of the many pests that can launch an attack on your home.

The tiny insects are particularly attracted to the scent of sugar or grease. The scent of other foods may also attract ants which is why it is imperative to promptly clean spills.

Without proper management, ants can overrun your home.

Here are five ways to rid your home of ants.

Cucumber peels

Cucumber peels can serve as an excellent ant repellent.

Put them around areas affected by ants and you will notice that they will disappear in no time.

Salt

Ordinary salt is the safest remedy to keep ants away.

Use the mineral as a barricade to prevent the ants from crossing the designated area.

Duct tape

This can be useful to save your plants or keep ants from climbing your table or bed legs.

Wrap the tape around the base of plant or table leg with the sticky side outwardly. It will gum all the ants, and they will either die or be unable to move and fall prey to other insects.

Boiling water

If you can manage to find the source of the ants in or around your compound, you can pour a kettle of boiling water directly onto the ant hills to protect your home.

Vinegar

Vinegar diluted in water used to clean surfaces helps in eradicating ants due to its fungicidal and insecticidal properties.

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Health

Six tips for coping after miscarriage

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miscarriage can be a traumatic experience one that can be difficult to overcome.

The pain that comes with pregnancy loss is indescribable. So, here are six steps that most people find helpful on how to recover/cope after a miscarriage. 

1.     Process Your Emotions

Take time to process your emotions and learn about your grieving process.

A miscarriage is a major emotional loss and so, it is normal to mourn this loss the same way you would mourn any other loss.

Try to familiarise yourself with your grieving process so that you will understand that what you are feeling is normal.

Usually, the first stage of the emotional grief is denial. You might find yourself thinking, “This isn’t really happening; it’s a bad dream that’d go away soon.”

The second stage is feeling anger, guilt, or depression and it features common thoughts like, “This isn’t fair!” or “I did everything right, why me?”

The last stage is acceptance. You will definitely still feel sadness, but you will begin to accept the reality of the situation.

2.     Be patient with yourself

Keep in mind that this emotional experience is different for everyone.

Everyone will glide through the different stages at their own pace. You might coast quickly through the denial stage, but then find yourself stuck in anger.

Do not beat yourself up. Rather, make efforts to be kind to yourself.

Take a moment each day to acknowledge your emotions; just don’t judge them and give yourself the time you need to heal and process your emotions.

Most importantly, know that your experience is your own.

You may have friends or family members who have gone through a miscarriage of their own and naturally, they will want to give you advice on how to handle it.

It’s fine if you want to listen, but it’s okay to feel like your situation is different.

It’s fine to tell them, “Thank you for your concern and advice, but I really need to handle this in my own way.” Most people would understand and be respectful of your wishes.

3.     Be okay with setbacks

Healing is a process and not necessarily a destination.

As the days go by, you will make progress and feel better- time heals all wounds. However, you are also likely to experience some bumps in the road. Setbacks aren’t palatable, but you can get through them.

Maybe you experience a setback when a friend tells you that she is pregnant. After such loss, this is going to be hard for you to hear.

Remind yourself that you can still be happy for your friend while feeling sad about your own loss.

If you feel yourself sliding back into sadness for a few days, that’s perfectly fine. Be patient with yourself and know that you’ll move forward again when you’re ready to.

4.     Make your own choices

You are likely to find that well-meaning friends and relatives will come offering a lot of (unsolicited) advice during this time.

First, remind yourself that they mean well. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to listen to everything they say.

For instance, your mum may suggest that it is time to give 0ut all of the baby clothes that you bought.

Eventually, this might be something that you want to consider but if you’re not ready now, don’t do it.

It is your right to say, “Thank you for your thoughts, but I’m not ready to take that step right now. Kindly respect my pace.”

5.     Speak to your doctor

Some miscarriages can also be difficult to deal with physically.

It might require you to undergo a surgical evacuation procedure. It is also normal to feel the effects of a hormonal imbalance at this time.

This is why you should talk to your doctor so that you can start the process of healing your body right.

Ask your doctor if there are certain precautions you need to take.

You can ask for advice in handling any bleeding and dealing with mood swings.

Don’t hold back on asking for any support that you need. He/she could also point you to support groups if they happen to know any.

6.     Keep your body healthy

You need plenty of rest to heal physically.

Plus, good physical health is directly related to your emotional health.

Ensure that you are getting the rest that you need to heal. If necessary (and possible), consider taking a brief time off from work. They’d understand.

See to it that you are eating a healthy diet; focus on whole grains, fruits and veggies, and protein.

Do not forget get part of being healthy is communicating with your partner. Your spouse will also be going through a difficult time. They too might be experiencing sadness, anger, or grief.

Take time to be there for, and talk to one another.

Be open and honest about your feelings. If you are feeling depressed, don’t be afraid or shy to admit so.

Your partner at such a time could be your best source of support, so don’t be scared to lean on them.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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