Health: 10 Benefits of Velvet Tamarind You Need To Know

Velvet tamarind (dialium guineense) commonly known as ‘icheku’in igbo, ‘awin’ in yoruba and ‘tsamiyar- kurm’ in hausa is a woody plant that occurs in the rain forest region of west Africa. It has smooth grayish bark, dark green glossy leaves and whitish flowers which bears densely velvet black fruit that are less circular and flattened.
The pulp of the fruit is edible and sweet, rich in vitamin C, sodium, iron, magnesium and potassium. It is used as flavor in snacks and non alcoholic beverages.

Health Benefits of Velvet Tamarind

Different parts of velvet tamarind plant have been scientifically proven to offer a wide range of health benefits, some of them are explained below:

1. Treats Ulcer and Prevents Hypertension: The leave extract of velvet tamarind has the ability to increase gastric mucus secretion. Therefore, a decoction of the leave can be a remedy for gastric ulcer. The leaves are also highly diuretic-promotes the production of urine, making it easier for the heart to pump blood hence, reducing the risk of hypertension.

2. Malaria: According to research, the leave extract inhibits the growth of plasmodium falciparum which causes malaria therefore; taking a decoction can cure malaria.

3. Improves Oral hygiene and cures Tooth ache: The stem used as chewing stick (indigenous tooth brush) contains saponin which adds cleaning effect to the teeth and at the same time removes plaques and caries on the teeth of users. The stem bark decoction is also used to treat tooth ache.

4. Anti-inflammatory and Anti-microbial Properties: The fruit pulp contains abundant vitamin C which fights against microbial infections. The stem bark has the ability to reduce inflammation in bronchial tubes that arises due to bronchitis.

5. Jaundice and Diabetes Management: A decoction of velvet tamarind leaves is used in preparing medicinal solution for curing jaundice. It also lowers blood sugar and increases insulin sensitivity hence, can be used to treat diabetes.

6. Reliefs Menstrual Cramp and stops Diarrhoea: The stem bark extract has significant analgesic property hence, can be used to reduce menstrual pain. You can take it along with papaya leaf, salt and water to work effectively. It can also stop diarrhoea.

7. Hemorrhoids (pile): Piles are swollen veins in the anal canal caused by too much pressure in the pelvic and rectal areas and while not life threatening, these veins can be very painful. A study performed on ethanolic leaves extract of velvet tamarind showed it to be beneficial for pile treatment.

8. Treats Scurvy and Wounds: The fruit pulp has high ascorbic acid content which is an anti-scurvy vitamin hence used as food supplement. Tender leaves of velvet tamarind, when squeezed and applied on wounds, stimulates the growth of healthy skin and protects the wounds against germs and moisture.

9. Improves lactation and checks genital infections: A review of several studies has concluded that chewing the fruit pulp increase secretion of milk as well as check infections.

10. Velvet Tamarind increases the Antioxidant Capacity of the body. Oxidative damage which involves free radicals - highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons, is believed to be one of the mechanisms behind ageing and many diseases. The abundance of antioxidants in the leaves helps protect the human body from damage caused by these free radicals when taken. Source: health.wikinut.com

SEEING THE INVISIBLE

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. - Hebrews 11:1

Walking by faith is not always easy. This is because we have become accustomed to walking by sight. But to walk by faith is to believe what God has said, not what we see.

For instance, when we pray and ask God to meet a need in our life that is clearly promised in His Word, we must believe that God has met that need even before we physically receive our request. We must believe that God's Word is true and that He has actually done what He said He would do.

Jesus said in Mark 11:24, "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."

Jesus did not say that we are to believe we have received when we see results. He said we should believe that we have received what we have asked for at the time we pray. That's praying in faith.

We pray, then we believe God so much and trust His promises so strongly, that we know that He has already accomplished our request.

This is seeing the invisible and calling things that be not as though they were. From that time on, we give God thanks for meeting our need. Waiting to believe when you receive is not faith.

Faith is believing God, regardless circumstances. As Christians, we are to walk by faith and not by sight.

If the circumstances say one thing and God's Word says another, we must take side with God. God does not lie. He is dependable. He will always do what He said He would do.

Prayer: Father, give me inner strength to always trust in Your word.

Scriptural Reading: Hebrews 11:1-7

Relationship: When God Doesn't Answer Your Child's Prayer

The other day at bed, my littlest girl and I prayed a bold prayer for a contract on our home ... that night. She doubts God right now. She doesn't see things changing ... she doesn't see God working. We all really need something to change soon, but God doesn't seem to be changing anything right now.

I wanted God to do something amazing that night ... I'd even have taken the next day. In fact, I thought it probably would be the following day.

Unfortunately, it didn't happen. And the "somewhat interested" response from the people who looked at my house caused my faith to wobble a bit.

See, I've been reading a book that has encouraged me to pray big prayers so I can see God answer in big ways ... and I'm all for praying big prayers ... but I'm wondering if I pray big prayers for big answers, am I also praying big prayers understanding that God might not answer in a big way? His gentle and loving answer might be something like, "Not yet."

But I will be honest and tell you that I am tired of the "not yet" answer ... and the "no" answer ... I'd like a "yes." But even as I say that I know that some of the nos and not yets have been the very best answers to my prayers. And I do trust Him to answer perfectly.

Argh! But I so want to get out of this situation ... when I've used the word "desperately" to describe something in the past I don't believe I've understood it as deeply as I do now ... I desperately want to be released from this place God has my children and me. I don't want to be here anymore. But I also don't want to force it and end up in a place I'll eventually desperately not want to be either.

I'd rather trust God.

That's huge. Because right now, I can tell you I've had some conversations with God ... and they haven't all been holy.

But when given the alternative of figuring things out without Him, I'd rather trust God.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths" (Prov. 3:5-6).

When faced with decisions and dilemmas in this life, I'd rather trust God.

"Now no discipline seems to be joyful at the time, but grievous. Yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness in those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift up your tired hands, and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame go out of joint, but rather be healed" (Heb. 12:11-13).

When I'm trying to raise my children to love and honor Him, I'd rather trust God.

"All your sons shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your sons" Isaiah 54:13

When I'm exhausted and weary with nothing left to give, I'd rather trust God.

"But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will boast in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, in reproaches, in hardships, in persecutions, and in distresses for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor. 12:9-10).

When I have no idea which way to turn, I'd rather trust God.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake" (Ps. 23:1-3).

No matter how strongly I feel that I know what would be best, I'd rather trust God.

"May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ" (2 Thess. 3:5).

Oh, how I need my heart directed. This has been an exceedingly difficult time ... and sometimes I don't think others can quite understand the challenges. I don't think I'm necessarily doing it with the grace I'd hoped, but the Lord continues to meet me where I am. He continues to love me through my doubts, fears and faltering faith. He continues to be faithful. I do trust that He will guide my family, that He is a shield about me, that He is my refuge and strength.

I do trust that He will enable me to do this life well ... even when it feels anything but wonderful.

And I do trust Him for the sale of my house and the purchase of our next home.

But most importantly, I trust that He will reveal Himself to my littlest girl in just the right way at just the right time. That I don't need to orchestrate things to convince my daughter of His love, faithfulness and existence! He will handle that ... I just need to love on her and pray.

So tonight, as I lay my head down on my pillow, I will be praying for my children and their faith and for me to trust Him without hesitation ... and for a buyer for my house!

Sue Birdseye

Health: Apple cider vinegar can help prevent blood sugar spikes

Goodbye bad bacteria, and hello good!

An apple a day may keep the proverbial doctor away, but a daily splash of apple cider vinegar may be just what your trainer ordered. Fitness pros are gung-ho on the ingredient’s better-body powers, and for good reason. Here’s why:

How It Helps: “Apple cider vinegar has a positive impact on gut health because it’s anti-microbial. It helps to break down bad bacteria and feed the good,” say New York City-based master trainerJosh Stolz.

“My digestion improved when I added it to my diet so I started recommending it to clients. One had chronic bad breath that may have been linked to an imbalanced digestive system, so I got her on a daily apple cider vinegar protocol and her breath, digestion, and skin improved within weeks.”

Consistent ingestion of apple cider vinegar has been tied to moderate weight loss as well. “Some studies suggest the acetic acid in it can boost satiety between meals so you may eat less,” says Brian St. Pierre, R.D.

How To Try It: Stir a couple teaspoons into a glass of water and sip before meals. Another trick: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons to seltzer water then add stevia to taste (optional). “It’s like drinking a non-alcoholic, non-caloric sparkling cider,” says Stolz, who advises keeping your daily ACV dose to 2 to 3 tablespoons max.

Some advocates favor the pungent tonic first thing in the morning, but pairing it with your starchy meals may be your best bet. “Research shows apple cider vinegar can help prevent blood sugar spikes because it interferes with starch and carbohydrate absorption,” says Stolz. Pros agree that reducing the glycemic response in the body is especially important if you’re diabetic or have insulin resistance, but anyone can benefit. Notes St. Pierre: Ingesting it with a higher carbohydrate meal can decrease post-meal blood glucose levels, which can also lower inflammation and protect blood vessel linings. yahoo.com

Yet another super-worthy stat: Apple cider vinegar enhances the nutrition of bone broth. “Add it to the bones, water, and seasonings—1/8 cup for 1 pound bones, ¼ for 2 pounds of bones, and so on—about a half an hour before boiling. This helps pull more minerals from the bones,” says Stolz.

YOU ARE UNIQUE

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and , knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous — how well I know it. - Psalm 139:13-14

The Bible says you were prescribed before birth. God knew what you would be like. He chose you, and He chose your characteristics.

This means you are unique. There is only one you. There is nobody else who could be you. If you don't be you, who is going to be you? You are irreplaceable.

I read recently that there are 25,000 varieties of orchid in the world. If I had been God, I would have made a yellow orchid, a blue orchid, and a red orchid. Not God. The Creator loves variety — He made 25,000 different varieties of orchid.

What's even more amazing is, there are 4 billion varieties of people. And God made them all. You're unique. Nobody can be you.

David says be grateful: "Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous — how well I know it" (Psalm 139:14 NLT).

Be glad you're you. God didn't make you by accident. Can you imagine an artist whose paintings all look the same? Think about an artist who paints 12 pictures and puts them up in his living room, then the pictures come to life and vote to all become like one.

The artist would be disappointed. God doesn't want you to be like anybody else. He wants you to be you. When you understand this, you will be less likely to fear rejection.

Prayer: Father, thank You for making me so wonderful and unique.

Scriptural Reading: Psalm 139:13-18

Prayer for new week

Whatever situation you might find yourself in I speak victory in the name of Jesus! I decree every obstacle in your life now a stepping stone to your miracle! The Lord will showcase his glory through you and many people shall come to see it in Jesus name! Claim it.  Your great dreams, aspirations n revelations will surely manifest. You will not live in the shadow of God's masterplan for your life In Jesus Name.

Even if you have made the worst mistake and miss the road to the top, Christ will cause all things to work for your good in Jesus Name.

Happy New Week from us ASB-World. 

Health: Remove Teeth Plaque At Home Naturally

Maintaining good oral health is important for overall health and confidence, and plaque is a common problem. Plaque turns to tartar when left alone, it’s formed by accumulated bacteria in your mouth. You may notice it as a hard yellowish layer, also called calculus, on your teeth. Removing plaque usually requires a visit to your dentist, however you can remove it at yourself at home using natural remedies.

Here are some to help you maintain your lovely smile:

• Baking soda

This is the most well-known and often used tool for removing plaque. Simply pour a little baking soda into a small container, wet your toothbrush, put some baking soda on it and brush. You can mix a pinch of salt into the baking powder for more cleansing power. This removes tartar effectively for pennies.

You can even make your own mouthwash: You will need one-half cup baking soda, one cup water, 10 drops essential lemon oil, 4 teaspoons vegetable glycerin, and 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel. Mix all the ingredients and store in a bottle, use once or twice a day.

• Strawberries and Tomatoes: Strawberries and tomatoes have good quantities of vitamin C which is excellent for oral health. Rub these fruits directly onto your teeth and let sit for 5 minutes, this will soften any tartar build-up. Then rinse your mouth with baking soda mixed with warm water to remove plaque, leaving you clean pearly whites. You canalso use other vitamin C rich foods like bell peppers, berries, lemons, papaya, oranges, and lime the same way.

• Food Coloring:  Using food coloring is a great way to spot plaque on your teeth. First dab a little petroleum jelly to your lips to prevent staining, take a couple drops of food coloring in a teaspoon of water and swish it around your mouth. Spit it out and rinse with clear water. Look for colored areas and remove them with your toothbrush. When performing regular brushing pay special attention to those areas of your mouth.

• Cheese: Eating an ounce of an aged cheese, like Swiss or Cheddar, before meals helps neutralize the acids that affect plaque production. More aged, fragrant cheeses work best. Mothernature.com explains that a component in aged cheese acts as a buffering agent. The Student Care Center at the University of Chicago suggests eating raw peanuts for the same effect, neutralizing acids in the mouth and re-mineralizing teeth.

Besides these remedies there are a few other things you can implement into your oral health regimen:

• Brushing teeth regularly with a soft brush using vertical strokes. Concentrate on the space where teeth and gums meet.
• Floss regularly to remove food particles and bacteria between your teeth.
• Eating spicy food will also help keep your mouth clean. When you eat spicy food it stimulates your salivary glands, that saliva cleans your mouth naturally.
• Rub an orange peel on your teeth before going to bed and do not rinse off. This will help your teeth fight bacteria.
• Quit smoking, tobacco products contain tar that sticks to your teeth which results in plaque buildup. source:jcmysavior.org