REFLECTION SERIES

Cherimoya is the fruit of the cherimoya tree which is heart shaped and can weigh from 100g to 1kg. It is covered with a green skin with scale-like design that looks like a reptile. The pulp contains numerous black seeds that are easily removed. Cherimoya is noted for its high sugar and energy contents. It is also rich in vitamins (B1, B2 and B6) and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron and potassium). However, it is low in protein and fat.  Cherimoya is recommended for all ages particularly for adolescents. Athletes and students will also gain energy together with vitamins and minerals appropriate to their activities when they eat it. It is therapeutic for people with heart failure, obesity and stomach pains (Gastritis and Gastroduodenal Ulcers).  You can eat cherimoya raw or combine it with other fruits like orange. Written by James Mckeown Amoah

Cashew is the seed of the cashew fruit and it is one of the most highly prized nuts in the world. It is an oil bearing nut with a sweet, pleasant taste and rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.  It is noted for its magnesium content, one of the highest in the vegetable kingdom. Meat, milk and eggs are poor in magnesium. Magnesium is involved in a variety of metabolic functions, but particularly the transmission of nerve impulses. Lack of magnesium produces nervousness, irritability, cramps and spasms. Since cashew is rich in magnesium as well as vitamin B1 and B2, it is recommended in case of nervousness, irritability, depression, weakness, abnormal tiredness and spasms in hollow internal organs leading to irritable bowel, dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation) or angina pectoris (chest pains).  Research shows that eating more nuts such as cashew can boost your immune system and lower your risk for cardiovascular diseases by reducing blood pressure ...

When it comes to food, human beings can eat just about anything from mammary gland secretions (milk) to mineral crystals (common salt), including fruits, flowers, seeds, leaves, roots, seaweed, fungus, eggs, fish and bird or the dead bodies of various animals. All these things put together provide thousands of different recipes and foods. With this background, there are two (2) critical questions that must be answered in the selection of food. Does the fact that we can eat these variety of foods mean that all of them are equally fit for human consumption ? Is there an ideal diet for humans such that in addition to it being nourishing, maintains health and prevent disease? Always keep in mind that our health depends on the food we eat. Written by James Mckeown Amoah

The word Anaemia which literally means “lack of blood” is defined as a decrease in Red Blood Cell (RBC) count in the blood. The function of the Red Blood Cell is to deliver oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and remove carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. A decrease in Red Blood Cell count therefore impairs gaseous exchange in the body and leads to symptoms such as pale skin, dizziness, general weakness, headache, easy fatigue and loss of energy, shortness of breath, cold hands and feet, brittle nails, poor appetite, tingling sensation in the feet, insomnia and leg cramps. Anaemia is twice common in women than men. Diet plays an important role in the body’s ability to produce enough Red Blood Cells. Food supplies the body with essential nutrients such as iron, protein, and vitamin B required for blood cell production.   It is therefore important to increase intake of legumes, soy, fruits, green leafy vegetables, avocado, spinach, lemon, grape and red beet. Tea and a...

Myocardial Infarction is the irreversible death (necrosis) of the heart muscles caused by prolonged lack of oxygen supply to the heart (Ischemia).   This ischemia is usually caused by reduced blood flow in the heart blood vessels (Coronary artery) due to atherosclerosis or blocking of an artery by a blot clot or both. Approximately 1.5 million cases of myocardial infarction occur annually in the United States of America (Zafari, 2018). Patients with myocardial infarction experience severe chest pain that occurs suddenly and continues despite rest and medication. Other symptoms include fatigue, palpitation, shortness of breath, anxiety, malaise, nausea and vomiting. Risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, smoking, alcoholism, obesity, and lack of exercise Like all medical conditions, diet plays an important role in either preventing or encouraging it. Foods such as meat, saturated fat, sausages, ham, margarine, butter, fried foods, milk, alcoholic beverages, white sugar ...

Angina pectoris is a condition of the heart which manifests itself through an intense, oppressive pain in the left side of the chest and radiates down the left arm. It usually occurs after some physical activity, intense emotions or a stressful situation. It is a severe chest pain caused by ischemia of the heart muscle (lack of blood supply hence oxygen supply to the heart), obstruction or spasm of the coronary arteries (the heart's blood vessels) and atherosclerosis (narrowing and hardening of the coronary arteries). Angina is reversible and usually does not leave any permanent heart damage. The diet we choose has a great influence on the condition and function of the heart’s blood vessels (coronary arteries). A diet that is poor in plant-based foods and rich in saturated fats and high salt, in addition to tobacco and lack of exercise puts a person at risk of atherosclerosis which causes angina.  To improve the condition of the heart, you must increase intake of grapes, walnu...

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by a feeling of sadness, pessimism, hopelessness, discouragement, dejection (self-dislike) or despair. Depressed individuals often exhibit physical symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, constipation, sleep disorder, aches and pains, menstrual disorder in females, loss of libido, fatigability and neglect of personal hygiene and appearance. Suicidal thoughts and self-destructive behaviors are common in severe stages. The actual causes of depression are not fully understood. However, a complex combination of genetics, biological changes, environmental, psychological and social factors can cause it. It can be treated even in severe stages using medication, psychotherapy or combination of the two. The earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is.   Generally speaking, people who are depressed tend to crave for refined sweets (pastries, candy, chocolate etc.) that have very little nutritional value. Some may also ha...