LIFESTYLE

3 African presidents who FREQUENTLY travel abroad for treatment

Published

7 years ago

June 1, 2017

African presidents who FREQUENTLY travel abroad for treatment

The trend of African presidents traveling out of their countries for treatment abroad has been condemned since it speaks volumes about the state of healthcare facilities and the medical systems in their home countries. Some presidents have become known for doing this on regular basis.

Below is a compiled list of some of them:

1. President Muhammadu Buhari

President Buhari with his wife, Aisha

President Buhari spent seven weeks in the UK between January and March receiving medical care for an undisclosed ailment, and returned there in May for further treatment.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, 60, has been running the country in his absence as Acting President.

2. Jose Eduardo Dos Santos

Jose Eduardo Dos Santos

Angola President, Dos Santos, who is 74, has held power since 1979, making him Africa’s second-longest serving leader after Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. He’s spent most of this month in Spain on a private visit that Foreign Minister Georges Chikoti confirmed was taken for medical reasons, before returning to Angola on Monday.

3. President Robert Mugabe

Robert Mugabe with his wife, Grace Mugabe

Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe is 93 years old and has held power since 1980. He is one the world’s oldest serving rulers who have refused to hand over power.

Mugabe and his aides have said he’s as “fit as a fiddle,” but he’s visibly frail and has traveled frequently to Singapore to undergo medical treatment.

Source: https://www.naij.com/1107647-3-african-presidents-frequently-travel-treatment.html

Related Topics:African presidents Angola Nigeria Zimbabwe

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Why You Should Drink Bitter Leaf Juice

Published

3 hours ago

May 5, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Bitter Leaf Juice: See Health Benefits | Fab.ng

Bitter leaf juice goes beyond bitterness. It is a common ingredient in African cooking, but did you know it also has potential health benefits? This leafy green, called Vernonia amygdalina by scientists, is packed with nutrients like protein, fibre, minerals, and vitamins.

The plant is easy to find and grows readily in many parts of Nigeria. However, the name says it all: the bitter leaf is known for its intense bitterness. Many people avoid it for this reason, especially when it comes to drinking the juice.

While it may not be the tastiest experience, proponents believe that bitter leaf juice offers significant health advantages. Let’s explore some of the reasons why you might consider incorporating the juice into your routine.

Benefits of drinking bitter-leaf juice

This juice, despite its name, is gaining attention for its potential health benefits. Let’s see some of these benefits below:

Six Health Benefits Of Drinking Bitter Leaf Juice — Guardian Life — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

1. Weight management

Looking to shed some pounds? The juice might be a helpful addition to your diet. It contains components that aid in burning fat and reducing bad cholesterol. Think of it as a bittersweet boost for your weight-loss journey.

However, it’s important to remember that bitter-leaf juice should be used alongside a healthy diet and exercise routine for optimal results.

2. It helps in cancer prevention

This juice might offer some protection against cancer. It contains andrographolide, a compound studied for its potential effectiveness in treating various cancers, including prostate, gastric, and colon cancers.

Research suggests it may also strengthen the immune system, which can help your body fight off cancer cells and hinder tumour growth.

3. It supports fertility

Struggling to conceive? Studies suggest bitter leaf extracts might be beneficial for both men and women. In men, it may improve sperm quality by providing essential nutrients.

The high levels of vitamins and minerals in bitter leaf can contribute to overall health, which can be helpful for couples trying to get pregnant.

For women, bitter leaf extracts may promote hormonal balance, which is crucial for ovulation and regulating the menstrual cycle. Additionally, the potential immune-system-boosting properties of bitter leaf juice might help fight off toxins that could hinder fertility.

Bitter leaf juice should not be seen as the sole solution for infertility, and consulting a healthcare professional is recommended for couples struggling to conceive.

4. Managing blood pressure

The juice might be a natural way to manage blood sugar and blood pressure. Research suggests that the phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals in bitter leaf, including potassium, can help lower blood sugar levels and regulate blood pressure.

Potassium helps the body get rid of excess sodium through urine, which can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

However, if you have pre-existing blood pressure concerns, consult with your doctor before using bitter leaf juice and ensure it doesn’t interfere with any medications you’re taking.

5. Digestive relief

Skip the trip to the pharmacy! Bitter leaf juice might be a natural remedy for stomach woes. It’s traditionally used to treat stomach upset, diarrhoea, dysentery, and other digestive issues.

This juice is believed to have properties that help soothe the digestive tract and fight off bacteria that can cause these problems. Additionally, the rich protein, vitamin, and mineral content in bitter leaf juice can contribute to overall gut health.

Remember, bitter leaf juice shouldn’t replace seeking medical attention for severe digestive problems, but it can be a helpful addition to your digestive health routine.

10 Benefits of Bitter Leaf Juice

Making bitter leaf juice in 10 minutes

Here’s a quick and easy way to make the juice at home:

Ingredients:

Fresh bitter leaves
A glass of water (adjust the amount based on how much juice you want)
Ice cubes (optional, for a chilled drink)

Instructions:

Prep the Leaves: Wash the fresh, bitter leaves thoroughly. Cut them into smaller pieces for easier juicing.
Extract the Juice: Squeeze the bitter leaves firmly to extract the juice. You can use your hands or a mortar and pestle for this step. Aim to get a “reasonable amount” of juice, depending on your preference.
Mix and Strain: Pour the extracted juice into a glass and mix it with water. The amount of water will determine the strength of your juice. Remove the squeezed leaves from the liquid.
Final Touches: Strain the remaining liquid to remove any bits of leaf.
Serve: Enjoy your bitter leaf juice right away! If you prefer it cold, add a few ice cubes.

Tips:

Wear gloves while handling bitter leaves to avoid irritation on your skin.
Start with a small amount of bitter leaf juice and gradually increase it as you get used to the taste.
You can adjust the water ratio to personalise the bitterness level of your juice.

For more articles like this, check here.

FOOD

How To Cook Nigerian Goat Meat Pepper Soup

Published

5 hours ago

May 5, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Goat Meat Pepper Soup: Learn The Nigerian Version | Fab.ng

Nigerian pepper soup is a spicy soup traditionally made in West Africa. It has various meats or fish, vegetables, and strong spices. Today, we’ll learn a favourite version: Nigerian goat meat pepper soup with white yam!

This recipe adds a twist by including yam chunks directly in the soup for a complete, hearty meal. You can also boil the yam separately and serve it on the side.

Pepper soup is known for its powerful kick—it’s very spicy. But it’s also incredibly flavorful, and it uses healthy spices and herbs. These spices are perfect for cold weather. Some even have natural cold- and flu-fighting properties.

Unlike thicker soups like okra or egusi, pepper soup is meant to be enjoyed on its own. You can also eat it with simple sides, like boiled white yam.

If you’ve never tried Nigerian pepper soup, get ready for an unforgettable experience! This goat meat and yam combo is packed with flavour and will transport you straight to Nigeria with every delicious bite.

What is Nigerian pepper soup spice made of?

This recipe uses a special spice mix that gives Nigerian pepper soup its authentic flavour. The mix includes African calabash nutmeg (Ehuru in Igbo), grains of Selim (Uda in Igbo), and alligator pepper. You can find this spice mix already made at most African stores or online. It’s usually gluten-free and sodium-free, but always check the label to be sure.

The spice mix is very spicy, so be careful when adding it to your soup. Start with a small amount, like a tablespoon, and taste as you go. You can always add more later if you need it.

Ultimately, you control how spicy your pepper soup is. On top of the spice mix, this recipe also uses scotch bonnet peppers, which are another source of heat in the soup.

Goat Meat yam Pepper Soup | Fab.ng

Ingredients for goat meat yam pepper soup

For this Nigerian pepper soup, you’ll need:

Protein: Goat meat (or your preferred protein)
Vegetables: African Yam (Nigerian yam tuber, recommended for freshness and available at African stores)
Spices and flavourings:
- Natural, sodium-free Nigerian pepper soup spice mix
- Fresh scotch bonnet peppers (be careful, they’re spicy!)
- Red bell peppers
- Chopped onions
- Knorr Bouillon Chicken seasoning
- Dry crawfish (optional, for a seafood flavour)
- Utazi leaves (use sparingly; they’re bitter)
- Basil leaves (optional; adds freshness)
- Fresh ginger (optional, recommended)
- Extra virgin olive oil (optional, for sautéing vegetables)
Salt: To taste

How to prepare Nigerian goat meat pepper soup

To begin, gather the essential ingredients, including the ultimate Nigerian pepper soup spice, which is crucial for an authentic flavour. You’ll also need vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and fresh bonnet peppers.

When selecting bonnet peppers, keep in mind that they are very hot and spicy. If you prefer a milder flavour, you can substitute them with other spicy peppers, like jalapenos.

Goat Meat yam Pepper Soup | Fab.ng

These ingredients will add depth and heat to your pepper soup, creating a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

1. Gather your ingredients

Before you start cooking, you must ensure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. For this recipe, you’ll need goat meat, bell peppers, onions, scotch bonnet peppers, dry crawfish, salt, Knorr Bouillon Chicken seasoning, African yam tuber, fresh ginger, Nigerian spice (pepper soup spice), olive oil (optional), and basil leaves.

2. Wash, cut, and blend the vegetables

Start by washing the bell peppers and onions thoroughly. Then, cut them into chunks and add them to a blender. Similarly, wash the scotch bonnet peppers and remove the seeds if desired for a milder flavour.

Add them to the blender along with the dry crawfish. Blend everything with some water until you achieve a smooth consistency.

3. Wash and clean the goat meat

Properly wash and clean the goat meat under cold, running water. You must ensure that the meat is free from any impurities. If the meat is frozen, thaw it completely before washing. Once washed, pat it dry with paper towels and place it in a clean pot.

4. Starting with the meat, cook your Nigerian goat meat pepper soup

Pour the blended vegetable mixture over the goat meat in the pot. Season the meat with salt and Knorr Bouillon Chicken seasoning according to your taste preferences.

Cover the pot and let the meat cook on medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined.

Allow it to cook for about 30 minutes until the meat is partially tender.

5. Prepare the yam

While the meat is cooking, wash, peel, and cut the African yam tuber into sizeable chunks. Keep the yam pieces in cold water to prevent them from turning brown.

If you have sensitive skin, you should wear gloves while handling and cutting the yam to avoid discomfort or itching.

6. Add pepper soup spice and water

After the meat has cooked for 30 minutes, grate fresh ginger into the pot for added flavour. Then, add water and the Nigerian spice (pepper soup spice) to the pot. If desired, you can also add a tablespoon of olive or vegetable oil for richness.

Stir everything well to ensure that the flavours are evenly distributed. Cover the pot and let it simmer for another 35–45 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.

7. Add the yam to finish up cooking

Once the meat is tender and infused with the flavours of the spices, drain the water from the yam chunks and add them to the pot. Stir gently to combine the yam with the soup. Cover the pot and let the yam cook for about 10–20 minutes until it becomes tender.

Finally, add sliced or chopped basil leaves to the soup for a fresh burst of flavour. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

By following these detailed steps, you’ll be able to prepare a delicious and authentic Nigerian goat meat pepper soup that’s bursting with flavour and perfect for any occasion.

Some important tips to keep in mind when making this pepper soup

The cooking time for your pepper soup may vary depending on the size of the meat chunks you cut. Larger pieces will take longer to cook than smaller ones.
Pepper soup spice is known for its heat, so add it according to your taste preference. You can adjust the amount to make your soup more or less spicy.
If you’re planning to meal-prep your pepper soup, you may want to skip adding yam directly to the soup. Instead, boil the African yam tuber separately. Once cooked, you can add the boiled yam and pepper soup to separate freezer-friendly containers before freezing for easy storage.
Ensure you use a high-quality, all-natural Nigerian pepper soup spice for the best flavour. Look for options that are gluten-free and sodium-free, especially if you have dietary restrictions.

How to serve Nigerian goat meat pepper soup

Combining goat meat pepper soup with African yam tubers creates a delicious pairing that many consider heavenly. Yam pepper soup is especially beloved and can elevate your next pepper soup experience.
In Nigerian culture, pepper soup is commonly served as an appetiser in restaurants and homes. It’s a favourite among enthusiasts like myself, and while it’s often enjoyed during colder weather, it’s actually a year-round delight.
Pepper soup can be served on its own or paired with other dishes like Nigerian Agidi (corn flour jelly), offering versatility in serving options to suit different preferences.
For the best flavour and experience, it’s recommended to enjoy pepper soup while it’s still warm or slightly hot. Reheating it before serving ensures you get the full richness of the spices and ingredients.

If you enjoyed reading this article, you can check here for more articles on food.

For a visual tutorial, watch this.

LIFESTYLE

5 Subtle Signs Someone Is Jealous Of You

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Signs Of Jealousy: 5 Subtle Signs Of Jealous People | Fab.ng

People often try to hide their jealousy, or at least, the signs of their jealousy towards you. They can be tricky to navigate because their actions are indirect and confusing. They might not outwardly say they’re bothered by your success, but their behaviour can leave you feeling frustrated and wondering what’s going on.

The good news is that by recognising these sneaky signs of jealousy, you can be more aware of the situation and respond accordingly.

Here are 5 subtle signs of jealousy:

1. Putting down your goals and achievements

Instead of celebrating your wins, they might try to downplay them. They could scoff at your ambitions, calling them unrealistic or unimportant. They might also dismiss the effort you put in, making it seem like your success wasn’t deserved.

Remember, their negativity is a reflection of their insecurities, not their worth.

2. Backhanded compliments and disguised insults

Forget genuine praise. Jealous people might resort to comments that sound complimentary on the surface but actually chip away at your accomplishment. They might frame their remarks as jokes or friendly teasing, making it difficult to call them out on their insincerity.

3. Fair-weather friends

Pay close attention to how people react to your good news. Does someone seem uncomfortable with your happiness? Do they try to downplay your good news or quickly change the subject? This could be a sign of underlying jealousy. True friends celebrate your wins and support you through challenges.

4. Mirroring your style or interests

Be wary of people who suddenly start copying your style, interests, or even way of life. While imitation can be flattery at first, if it’s driven by envy, it can morph into toxic competition. Keep an eye out for a gradual shift from friendly inspiration to an obsessive need to copy everything you do.

5. Turning everything into a competition

People who secretly battle jealousy might turn every situation into a competition, no matter how small. They might constantly try to outdo you, even in everyday moments. Sharing a personal achievement could trigger a story about their (possibly exaggerated) success. This constant need to one-up you is a dead giveaway of their hidden envy.

Check out more articles here.