DRINKS

Are Alcoholic Drinks Only Harmful? See Surprising Health Benefits

Published

2 mins ago

November 30, 2024

Health Benefits of Alcoholic Drinks | fab.ng

Research indicates that moderate alcohol consumption may offer subtle health benefits. Specific drinks contain compounds that can potentially provide modest wellness advantages when consumed judiciously.

However, experts emphasize that these benefits are minimal and do not outweigh the risks of alcohol consumption. Individuals should consult healthcare professionals before considering alcohol as part of their health strategy.

Reduced Risk of Heart Disease

One of the most well-known health benefits of alcoholic drinks is their potential to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Studies have shown that moderate alcohol consumption can increase levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL) and decrease levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL).

Additionally, alcohol can help prevent blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Research suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Alcohol can increase insulin sensitivity, helping the body use insulin more effectively.

However, it’s crucial to remember that excessive alcohol intake can lead to insulin resistance, which can increase the risk of diabetes.

Potential Cognitive Benefits

Some studies have indicated that moderate alcohol consumption may help protect against cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

The antioxidants and other compounds found in certain alcoholic beverages, such as red wine, may play a role in these protective effects.

Stress Relief and Improved Mood

Alcohol is often used socially to relax and unwind. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, and it may even improve mood in small doses.

However, it’s important to be aware that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to negative mood changes and worsen mental health conditions.

Potential Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Certain compounds found in alcoholic beverages, such as polyphenols, have anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds may help reduce inflammation throughout the body, which can contribute to various health conditions.

Reduced Risk of Gallstones

Moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of gallstones, which are small, hard substances that form in the gallbladder. Alcohol can help regulate bile flow, which may help prevent gallstone formation.

Social Benefits

Alcohol has been a part of social gatherings and celebrations for centuries. Moderate alcohol consumption can facilitate social interaction and bonding, which can have positive effects on mental health.

Consuming alcoholic drinks in moderation is essential to gain their health benefits. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a wide range of health problems. This includes liver damage, addiction, and increased risk of various cancers.

If you choose to drink alcohol, it’s crucial to do so responsibly and in moderation. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine what is considered moderate drinking for you.

Remember, the key to reaping the potential health benefits of alcoholic drinks is to drink responsibly and in moderation.

For more reads on drinks, click here.

Related Topics:Alcohol Alcoholic Drinks Drinks health

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You Can Make Your Kunu Drink With This Simple Recipe

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DRINKS

You Can Make Your Kunu Drink With This Simple Recipe

Published

6 days ago

November 24, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Ever wondered how to make the kunu drink you love to consume? Kunu drink, a cherished Nigerian beverage, delights with its refreshing taste and numerous nutritional benefits.

Traditionally derived from grains like millet or sorghum, this lightly spiced and mildly sweet drink stands out as a perfect choice for cooling down on hot days or enhancing the flavour of meals. If you’ve ever wondered how to make kunu drink, the process is simple yet rewarding.

To make this beloved drink, you begin by soaking grains like millet or sorghum until they soften. Next, blend them with fresh ginger, cloves, and optionally, sweet potato or cooked rice to enhance the creaminess.

Strain the mixture to extract the liquid, cook it to achieve the ideal texture, and sweeten to taste.

Mastering how to make kunu drink at home allows you to tailor its flavours while enjoying a healthy and delicious treat.

Follow this guide to learn how to make kunu drink your way!

Ingredients for Making Kunu Drink

2 cups of millet (or sorghum)
1/4 cup of ginger (peeled and chopped)
1/4 cup of cloves (optional for added spice)
1 small sweet potato or 1 cup of cooked rice (optional for creaminess)
Sugar or sweetener to taste
Water

Equipment Needed

Blender or food processor
Fine sieve or cheesecloth
Large bowl
Storage bottles

How to Make Kunu Drink

1. Soak the Millet

Wash the millet thoroughly to remove dirt and impurities.
Soak the millet in water for 24 to 48 hours, changing the water every 12 hours to prevent fermentation.

2. Blend the Ingredients

Drain the soaked millet and transfer it to a blender.
Add ginger, cloves, and sweet potato (if using).
Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients, then blend until smooth.

3. Strain the Mixture

Pour the blended mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl, squeezing out as much liquid as possible.
Discard the residue or save it for other recipes like livestock feed.

4. Cook the Mixture

Transfer the strained liquid to a pot and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
Once the mixture thickens slightly, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool completely.

5. Sweeten and Serve

Add sugar or your preferred sweetener to taste, mixing thoroughly.
Chill the kunu in the refrigerator or add ice cubes for immediate serving.

Tips for the Perfect Kunu Drink

Flavour Variations: You can experiment with additional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for unique flavours.
Storage: Store the drink in airtight bottles in the refrigerator for up to five days. Shake well before serving.
Millet Alternatives: Substitute millet with sorghum, maize, or rice for variations of the drink.

Health and Nutritional Benefits of Kunu Drink

Its combination of natural ingredients provides essential nutrients that support overall well-being. Here are the key benefits of kunu drink:

1. Rich in Nutrients

Kunu is an excellent source of essential nutrients like vitamins B and E, magnesium, iron, and zinc, derived from grains like millet or sorghum. These nutrients are vital for energy production, healthy skin, and immune system support.

2. Aids Digestion

The ginger and cloves commonly added to kunu have natural digestive properties. They help relieve bloating, improve gut health, and stimulate the digestive enzymes, making the drink an effective remedy for mild indigestion.

3. Boosts Energy Levels

The carbohydrates in kunu provide a natural energy boost, making it an excellent option for staying energized throughout the day. It’s a great alternative to processed energy drinks.

4. Supports Heart Health

Millet and sorghum, the primary grains in kunu, contain compounds like magnesium and fiber that support cardiovascular health by helping to regulate blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels.

5. Strengthens the Immune System

The spices in kunu, especially ginger, contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help the body fight off infections and strengthen the immune system.

6. Hydrates the Body

Kunu is predominantly water-based, making it an excellent hydrating drink, especially in hot weather or after physical activities.

7. Lowers Risk of Diabetes

The low glycemic index of millet and sorghum helps regulate blood sugar levels, making kunu a beneficial drink for people looking to manage or prevent diabetes.

Enjoying a glass of kunu not only satisfies thirst but also supports overall health, making it a delightful and nourishing addition to your diet.

Click here for more articles on drinks.

DRINKS

5 Health Benefits Of Drinking Warm Water Early In The Morning

Published

2 weeks ago

November 16, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Drinking Warm Water In The Morning: See Health Benefits | fab.ng

Drinking warm water early in the morning has gained popularity for its numerous health benefits. This simple habit can transform your wellness routine, boost your overall health, and promote a positive start to your day.

If you’re looking for a natural and effective way to improve your body and mind, consider starting your day with a glass of warm water.

This article will explore five key benefits of this daily practice.

1. Enhances Digestion

One of the primary benefits of drinking warm water in the morning is its positive effect on digestion. The warmth helps to stimulate your digestive tract, making it easier for food to pass through smoothly.

Aids in breaking down food: Warm water helps dissolve and break down food particles more efficiently, easing the workload of your digestive organs, especially the stomach.
Relieves constipation: Drinking warm water on an empty stomach can soften hardened stools and stimulate bowel movements, helping relieve constipation.
Flushes out toxins: By increasing blood circulation, warm water can assist in removing waste and toxins from your system. This cleansing process can prevent bloating and discomfort.

Starting your day with warm water ensures your digestive system is ready to take on meals throughout the day.

2. Promotes Weight Loss

If you’re looking to lose weight naturally, drinking warm water in the morning could be a simple and effective method. This habit can boost your metabolism, which is essential for burning calories.

Increases metabolic rate: Warm water raises your body temperature slightly, which prompts your metabolism to speed up. This means you’ll burn calories more efficiently throughout the day.
Reduces appetite: Drinking a glass of warm water before eating can help curb your appetite. It creates a feeling of fullness, which may prevent overeating.
Breaks down fat deposits: Warm water helps break down fat deposits in your body, making it easier to shed unwanted weight. It also assists the kidneys in functioning more effectively, which can help reduce water retention.

Combining warm water with a healthy diet and exercise can accelerate your weight loss journey.

3. Improves Blood Circulation

Good blood circulation is vital for delivering oxygen and nutrients to every part of your body. Drinking warm water helps enhance blood flow, which supports overall health and vitality.

Relaxes blood vessels: The heat from warm water can dilate your blood vessels, making it easier for blood to circulate freely. This reduces the strain on your heart and can lower blood pressure.
Prevents blood clotting: Warm water can help reduce the risk of blood clots by keeping your blood in a thinner, more fluid state. This can be especially beneficial for people with circulation problems.
Supports muscle and joint health: Improved blood circulation can help relax tight muscles and relieve joint pain, making it ideal for those with arthritis or muscle soreness.

This increased blood flow can also help your skin glow, giving you a healthier, more youthful appearance.

4. Supports Detoxification

Your body accumulates toxins from food, the environment, and stress. Drinking warm water in the morning can help flush these toxins out, promoting better organ function and overall health.

Boosts kidney function: Warm water supports your kidneys’ filtering process, making it easier for them to remove waste. Proper hydration can prevent kidney stones and urinary tract infections.
Stimulates sweating: The heat from warm water can raise your core body temperature slightly, encouraging sweating. Sweating is a natural way for your body to expel toxins through your skin.
Improves liver function: A glass of warm water can stimulate the liver to produce bile, which aids in digesting fats and eliminating toxins. This keeps your liver functioning optimally.

Regular detoxification helps you feel more energetic, reduces fatigue, and can even improve your mental clarity.

5. Relieves Nasal Congestion and Sore Throat

If you suffer from allergies, colds, or respiratory issues, warm water can be a soothing remedy. It helps clear your nasal passages and provides relief from sore throats.

Loosens mucus: Warm water helps dissolve mucus, making it easier to expel through coughing or sneezing. This can provide relief from nasal congestion, especially during flu season.
Soothes irritated throat: Warm water can soothe an irritated or scratchy throat, often caused by dryness or infection. It can also help prevent throat irritation, especially for people who wake up with a dry throat.
Reduces inflammation: The warmth can calm inflamed tissues, reducing swelling and discomfort in the respiratory tract. This is especially beneficial for people with asthma or chronic bronchitis.

By starting your day with warm water, you can breathe more easily and reduce the discomfort associated with seasonal allergies or colds.

How to Maximize the Benefits of Drinking Warm Water in the Morning

Now that you understand the benefits, here’s how you can make the most of this simple practice:

1. Drink it on an empty stomach: To achieve optimal results, drink warm water first thing in the morning before consuming any food or drinks.

2. Add lemon or honey: For an extra health boost, add a slice of lemon or a teaspoon of honey. Lemon provides vitamin C and antioxidants, while honey has antibacterial properties.

3. Avoid boiling water: The water should be warm, not boiling, to avoid burning your mouth or oesophagus. Aim for a comfortable, soothing temperature.

4. Be consistent: Consistency is key to reaping long-term benefits. Make it a habit to drink warm water every morning for a few weeks to see noticeable improvements.

Drinking warm water in the morning is a simple, effective, and natural way to enhance your health. It promotes digestion, aids in weight loss, improves circulation, supports detoxification, and relieves nasal congestion.

By adopting this practice, you can kickstart your day on a healthy note and enjoy better physical and mental well-being. Why not give it a try tomorrow morning? Your body will thank you!

Visit here for more healthy tips.

DRINKS

Ever Tasted Sweet Plum Juice? Here’s How To Brew One!

Published

3 weeks ago

November 10, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Plum juice is a delightful beverage packed with antioxidants and vitamins. The juice combines both a refreshing taste and exceptional nutritional benefits. It’s a perfect drink to quench your thirst, especially during hot summer days.

Here’s a simple guide on how to brew this refreshing drink.

Ingredients for Brewing Plum Juice

Ripe plums
Water
Sugar (optional, for sweetness)
Lemon juice (optional, for tanginess)

Equipment:

Large pot
Strainer
Juicer (optional)
Glass jars or bottles

Instructions:

1. Prepare the plums:

Wash the plums thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
Cut the plums into halves and remove the pits.

2. Boil the plums:

In a large pot, add the prepared plums and water.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce heat and let the plums simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they become soft and the juice is released.

3. Strain the juice:

Once the plums are soft, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the pulp and seeds.

4. Sweeten and flavour (optional):

If you prefer a sweeter juice, add sugar to taste.
For a tangy flavour, add a squeeze of lemon juice.

5. Bottle the juice:

Pour the juice into clean, sterilized glass jars or bottles.
Seal the containers tightly and store them in the refrigerator.

Tips for the Best Plum Juice

Choose ripe plums: Ripe plums are sweeter and juicier, resulting in a more flavorful juice.
Adjust sweetness and tartness: Taste the juice before bottling and adjust the sweetness and tartness to your preference.
Store properly: Store the juice in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
Use a juicer: For a faster and more efficient process, use a juicer to extract the juice from the plums.

Can I freeze plum juice?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze plum juice to extend its shelf life and enjoy it long after the fresh fruit season has passed. Freezing plum juice is a practical and convenient way to savour its flavour year-round.

When freezing plum juice, be sure to use high-quality, freezer-safe containers to prevent leakage and freezer burn. Glass mason jars or BPA-free plastic containers work excellently for this purpose.

Remember to leave about 1 inch of headspace at the top of each container to allow for the natural expansion that occurs as the juice freezes. This extra space prevents the containers from cracking or bursting in the freezer.

For optimal quality and freshness, try to minimize the amount of air exposure in the containers before sealing them tightly. You can achieve this by using a ladle to carefully pour the juice, leaving as little headspace as possible.

Alternatively, you can use a funnel to fill the containers, further reducing air pockets.

Plum Juice Recipe | fab.ng

How long does homemade plum juice last in the refrigerator?

Homemade plum juice, when stored in airtight containers and refrigerated, can typically last for 3-4 days. However, the exact shelf life can vary depending on some factors.

These factors include the freshness of the plums, the cleanliness of the storage containers, and the temperature of the refrigerator. To maximize the shelf life of your homemade plum juice, it’s important to:

Use fresh, ripe plums.
Clean and sanitize the jars or bottles you’ll use to store the juice to prevent bacterial growth.
Refrigerate promptly. Once the juice has cooled down, refrigerate it as soon as possible.
Keep the refrigerator temperature consistent to maintain the quality of the juice.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your delicious homemade plum juice for a longer period.

Can I use dried plums to make juice?

Absolutely, dried plums, commonly known as prunes, can be repurposed to create a delightful and nutritious juice. While fresh plums are the ideal choice for juicing, using dried plums is a viable alternative, especially when the fresh fruit is out of season or unavailable.

However, there’s an important step to consider when using dried plums for juice – the rehydration process. Dried plums have a significantly lower moisture content compared to their fresh counterparts, so they require a bit of preparation before being juiced.

Begin by soaking the dried plums in water for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight, to allow them to regain their plumpness and soften.

This crucial step ensures the dried plums can be broken down effectively during the boiling process, extracting maximum flavour and nutrients into the resulting juice.

Once rehydrated, the dried plums can be treated the same as fresh plums in the juicing method, yielding a rich, concentrated elixir brimming with the sweet-tart taste of prunes.

With a bit of extra prep work, dried plums can be seamlessly incorporated into your homemade juice repertoire, providing a delicious and versatile option for year-round enjoyment.

What are the health benefits of plum juice?

Plum juice is a true elixir of health, packed with an impressive array of beneficial nutrients and compounds. At the heart of its wellness-boosting properties are the high levels of antioxidants.

This is particularly polyphenols, which help neutralize harmful free radicals and protect cells from oxidative stress.

Beyond the antioxidant powerhouse, plum juice is also a rich source of essential vitamins, including vitamins A, C, and K, which support immune function, skin health, and blood clotting, respectively.

Additionally, the juice contains minerals like potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium, all of which play crucial roles in maintaining cardiovascular health, regulating blood pressure, and facilitating proper digestion.

Regularly incorporating plum juice into your diet can yield tangible benefits for your overall well-being. The combination of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can help improve digestion.

This is done by promoting healthy gut function, boosting immunity to ward off common illnesses, and supporting cardiovascular health by lowering inflammation and cholesterol levels.

Truly, plum juice is a refreshing and restorative beverage that can be a valuable addition to any health-conscious lifestyle.

Can I use plum juice in cooking?

Yes, plum juice can be a versatile ingredient in your kitchen. Its unique sweet-tart flavour can elevate various dishes. You can use it to deglaze pans, create flavorful sauces for roasted meats, or add a fruity twist to marinades.

In baking, plum juice can be used to moisten cakes, add depth to frostings, or create unique glazes for pastries. Its natural sugars and acidity make it a great alternative to artificial flavourings and sweeteners.

You can enjoy the refreshing taste of homemade plum juice with those simple steps above. Experiment with different varieties of plums to discover your favourite flavour profile.

Did you learn the basic things you need to brew your homemade plum juice? Would you like to read more articles on drinks? Visit here.