Take Care of Your Health

  5 easy switches you can make to improve your health this Heart Awareness Month September is a month of renewal and positive change. It’s also when South Africa celebrates Heart Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to make impactful lifestyle choices that improve heart health. As it stands, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of SA cites cardiovascular disease as the second-leading cause of death in the country, responsible for some 18% of all deaths, with 120 people suffering from a heart attack every day. Mbali Mapholi, Laager Rooibos partner dietitian, explained the risk of heart disease can be reduced by making small daily changes, with a focus on simple dietary adjustments. “As Heart Awareness Month unfolds, it’s the perfect time to make simple, yet effective changes to improve your heart health,” explained Mapholi. “In South Africa, where heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death, these five easy swaps can help you take control of your heart health with min...

  Maximize your nutrient intake : Fresh vegetables and fruits are loaded with fiber and nutrients that the human body craves. Ideally, you must eat 5 portions of veggies and fruits throughout the day to maintain a healthy weight and decrease the risk of developing chronic diseases.   Stay hydrated : It’s important to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water every day. Healthy beverages such as green tea, lemon tea, coconut water, etc. keep the body energized and replenished without increasing the calorie intake. According to a recent study, people who don’t stay hydrated properly are more likely to be obese and have a higher body mass index (BMI).   Don’t skip breakfast : Numerous studies have revealed that people who don’t eat a proper breakfast tend to gain weight. It is important to kick-start your day with a hearty and healthy high-fiber, low-fat breakfast which includes fresh fruits or juice, high-fiber cereal, yogurt, eggs, etc.   Avoid refined carbohydrates : Lo...

  GUIDELINES ON HOW TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IN NIGERIA  The following are some of the guidelines to follow in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle in Nigeria today: PRIORITIZE A BALANCED DIET  In Nigeria, we are blessed with an abundance of fresh and natural foods, from fruits and vegetables to grains and proteins. However, maintaining a balanced diet requires more than just eating traditional meals. It means ensuring that every meal contains the right proportions of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. For instance, staples like rice, yam, garri, and plantains are rich in carbohydrates, providing the energy needed to go through the day. To complement this, beans, fish, meat, and eggs are excellent sources of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall growth. Additionally, healthy fats, which are found in groundnut oil, palm oil, and avocados, are important for brain function and energy. Nigerian markets are full of nutrient-rich fruits an...