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LIFESTYLE: Why brown rice is preferred to white rice in our homes.

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Photo credit: VegKitchen

Brown rice is a whole grain that’s often considered a healthy food. Unlike white rice, which only contains the starchy endosperm, brown rice retains the nutrient-rich germ and bran layers of the grain. The only part removed is the hard outer hull.

Yet, while it’s higher in several nutrients than white rice, brown rice remains rich in carbs.

Health Benefits of Brown Rice
Brown rice may not appeal to your taste buds, especially if you have been used to white rice. However, the impressive list of its health benefits may just convince you to make slow and steady changes in your diet and strengthen your resolve to get healthier.

It helps in diabetes management
Brown rice can be beneficial for diabetics and hyperglycemic individuals. It has a low glycemic index, which helps reduce insulin surges and assists in the stabilization of blood sugar levels in the body. A comparative study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition revealed that it is rich in phytic acid, fiber, and essential polyphenols. It is a complex carbohydrate that helps in the slower release of sugar as compared to white rice.

It aids digestion
Brown rice is a helpful staple that can be easily added to the daily diet to optimize the digestive system. The fiber present in it helps regulate bowel movements and keeps you feeling full. A study investigating the effects of brown and white rice during digestion found evidence that the bran layer on the former slowed emptying, thus bulking stool. Fiber content also brings relief from other conditions such as constipation and colitis.

It provides antioxidants
According to a 2018 study, the more a grain undergoes milling processes, the more it tends to lose beneficial phytocompounds. Owing to this, the rice is bound to have more phytochemicals that exhibit antioxidant activity, especially when compared to white rice or other heavily processed grains.
The grain is also rich in flavonoids such as flavones and tricin, amongst others, which adds to its antioxidant activity. Antioxidants reduce stress, help get rid of toxins and keep some health conditions at bay.

It helps reduce obesity
Brown rice is one food shown to be instrumental in weight control for many people combating obesity. A study conducted in this regard revealed that whole grains such as brown and black rice, have positive effects on the body concerning a reduction in body mass index and fat. They also enhance the activity of glutathione peroxidase, an antioxidant enzyme linked with elevating the levels of HDL (good) cholesterol in obese individuals. Another comparative animal research study also suggests the anti-obesity effects of the germinated variety.

It has neuroprotective effects
High cholesterol diets have been known to add to the risk of neurodegenerative disorders and impair cognitive performance. This rice can help cut down on cholesterol by replacing it with healthier nutrients such as fiber. A 2016 study concluded that germinated brown rice could offer neuroprotective action, thus protecting the brain from oxidative stress. This makes it especially beneficial for someone who is at risk of diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.

It improves maternal health
Sprouted brown rice may be beneficial for the mental health of lactating mothers. Brown rice consumption showed positive results in nursing women concerning a reduction in mood disturbances, stages of depression, and fatigue, according to an investigative study in the European Journal of Nutrition. It has also suggested that the consumption of this rice during lactation enhances the body’s ability to resist stress and improves the overall immune defense.

It boosts heart health
The benefits of whole grains over processed food for heart health are not unknown to many. This rice is a step further in maintaining the natural state of the grain. Germinated brown rice is a source of magnesium and proanthocyanidin, which can help reduce cardiovascular complications and also decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke. A Nurses’ Health Study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition also suggests that overall increased intake of whole grains may have a protective effect against coronary heart diseases.

It controls cholesterol levels
This rice has no cholesterol content. It works well as a replacement for any cholesterol-rich options you are looking to cut back on in your diet. An investigative study performed on rats revealed that it possesses hypocholesterolemic qualities, thus regulating cholesterol catabolism. It also contains beneficial nutrients that help in lipid and glucose metabolism. More research is needed, but initial findings are promising regarding brown rice’s role in lowering cholesterol.

It has antidepressant properties
According to one animal study, germinated brown rice may contain anti-depressant qualities that help combat anxiety-related disorders. An investigative study suggested that it contains essential amino acids such as glutamine, glycerin, and GABA. These inhibitory neurotransmitters facilitate a reduction in the allowance of messages associated with anxiety, depression, and stress in the brain, resulting in a relaxed state of well-being. Overall, an easy and healthy diet tends to have a positive effect on your mental health.

It helps to sleep better
While melatonin is already present in your body, if you have trouble getting a good night’s sleep, you can use melatonin-rich foods such as brown rice to fulfill any deficit. A study notes that ‘all fractions of germinated rice are a rich source of melatonin and rice bran fraction is a good source of serotonin revealing the potential use of each milling fraction of rice grain.

It maintains bone health
Brown rice is helpful for the maintenance of healthy bones, as it is rich in magnesium which, along with calcium, provides the bones their physical structure. Magnesium-rich, it may help mitigate bone demineralization and is beneficial for medical conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis

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An increase in the prices of eggs is as a result of high cost of feed – GPFA

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The Greater Accra Poultry Farmers Association (GHAPFA) has attributed the recent increase in egg prices to the high-cost feed used by the poultry farmers.

The president of the association, Mr. Michael Nyarko-Ampem stated that, the raw materials used in preparing the feed have surged by over 100 percent.

“There was a major problem with the prices of the raw materials especially maize and soybean. Maize for instance went up by 100% and then wheat and soybean all went up” he said.

He explained that the feed producers had no option but to also increase the feed price.

“Subsequently, the feed mills increased the prices and so when that happened, then the farmers who are the end-users of the feed mills will also increase the prices of the eggs” he stated.

Mr. Nyarko-Ampem made this assertion in an interview with the B&FT after a workshop organized by the association for its members.

Explaining further, he said a 50kg bag of maize was sold at GHS65.00 in 2020 but the same is going for GHS110.00 this year.

He stated that other raw materials like wheat also saw an increase from GHS130.00 to GHS190 for a 50kg bag within the same period under review.

This, he said negatively impacted egg production hence the cost was passed on to the consumer.

Though there is maize available, Mr. Nyarko-Ampem reiterated that the prices still remain a challenge.

A crate of egg is now sold for GHS25.00 and GHS27.00 depending on the size, but was previously sold for GHS18.00.

He then urged authorities to subsidize the prices of the raw materials to help them increase production.

“For us, we feel if some of these things are not curtailed and we collapse, then the industry also collapses because prices will just escalate” he stated.

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LIFESTYLE: 15 amazing medicinal benefits of mango leaves you should know.

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Mango, the king of fruits, is quite popular throughout the world. Not only the taste and variety it comes with, but the health benefits of mango leaves are also well known. But why only the fruit? Surprisingly, the mango leaves (aam ke patte) are also equally important for your health

The fresh mango leaves are surely edible. The tender mango leaves are often used for cooking a number of dishes and eaten too. They provide health benefits in a number of ways, yet they can be allergic to some people, particularly, to those who are allergic to mangoes

Benefits of Mango Leaves for Diabetes:
The tender mango leaves contain tannins named anthocyanidins which are helpful in the treatment of diabetes. When the dry mango leaves to cure diabetes are used in a powdered form, they help in treating angiopathy diabetes as well as retinopathy diabetes. The compound named 3beta taraxerol along with ethyl acetate help in treating hyperglycemia too.

How to Consume Mango Leaves:
To use mango leaves for diabetes, simply boil around 10 to 15 leaves of the mango tree.
Leave the water overnight to cool and drink it on an empty stomach in the morning.
Drinking mango leaf tea is also helpful for treating diabetes around 2 times a day.

Mango Leaves for High Blood Pressure:
The health benefits of mango leaves also include maintaining the blood pressure levels for the youths these days. The leaves contain nutrients that are much helpful in reducing blood pressure levels. Along with this, the leaves are quite effective in making the blood vessels strong which is essential in the treatment of varicose veins.

How to Consume Mango Leaves:
For working on the blood pressure levels, obtain the health benefits of boiled mango leaves in either a warm state or a cold one on empty stomach.
You can also opt to drink tea made using mango leaves around two times.

Mango Leaves for Weight Loss:
Similar to papaya, mango leaves come with a number of essential nutrients that help in reducing weight. The list of mango leaves benefits and uses also includes cutting weight as it contains the enzyme papain which boosts digestion. Again, it also increases the production of leptin hormone and regulates the accumulation of fats in the body, and eliminates it too. The active elements in the mango leaf reduce your desire to eat more and keep you full.

Dissolve Gall and Kidney Stones:
Surprisingly, the mango leaf powder benefits also include the treatment of kidney stones and gall stones too. If the powder is used on a daily basis it would shade away from the stones in the kidney, break them and throw them out of your body through urination. The leaves are the best form for removing the harmful toxins from the body. Through the water, it becomes possible to dissolve the kidney stones in a natural way.
How To Consume Mango Leaves:
Take some mango leaves and dry them. Powder them and mix them in water.
Keep the water overnight and drink it on an empty stomach every morning.


How to Consume Mango Leaves:
For reducing weight, add mango leaves to your diet for around a month.
Drinking mango leaf water on an empty stomach or mango leaf tea is also advisable.

Treats Restlessness:
Does your body feel tired even if you haven’t worked for long hours? Wait a minute! You can treat yourself to the benefits of mango leaves in a natural way. For people suffering from restlessness, anxiety, or tiredness, mango leaves are the best home remedy to rely on for quick relief. They contain properties that boost your mood and help in refreshing your mind and body treating your uneasiness.

How To Consume Mango Leaves:
The use of mango leaves for restlessness can be obtained by merely adding around 2 to 3 glasses of tea from mango leaves to the bathing water.

Cures Respiratory Problems:
Are you suffering from any kind of respiratory problem? Want to cure it in a chemical-free way? The medicinal uses of mango leaves would help you out. The leaves have proved to be a boon for people suffering from bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory issues. Using the water in the warm state is sure to help you clearing the voice loss too.

How to Consume Mango Leaves:
Take some mango leaves and boil them in the water.
When boiled, add some honey to the warm water.
Drinking such water 2 or 3 times a day would bring quick results.

Stops Hiccups:
Hiccups are surely troublesome. Even while trying different ways to stop them, it becomes impossible at times to stop them. The health benefits of mango tree leaf not only include curing the hiccups but also helps in solving other throat issues too. Among the various home remedies, mango leaves are a great way to deal with hiccups and throat issues. No doubt, drinking the warm water with mango leaves daily would be beneficial for your throat, for hiccups, there is another way too.

How To Consume Mango Leaves:
The mango leaves and their uses for hiccups include burning some mango leaves and inhaling the smoke for quick results.

Healing Burns:
Did you know mango tree leaves benefits also include healing skin burns? The use of mango leaves for the skin can be beneficial. The leaves of the mango tree contain essential properties and nutrients that help in healing the burns and scalds on the skin. Again, the anthocyanin element in the mango leaves which are helpful in keeping any kind of bacterial infection from the burns on the skin. This gives you instant relief from the burns.

How To Consume Mango Leaves:
Dried mango leaves benefit for burns, take some mango leaves and burn them.
Take the ash from the leaves and apply it to the burns.

Prevents Various Stomach Ailments:
The health benefits of mango leave tea also include a good list of stomach issues. The mango leaves are filled with properties like antimicrobial and antioxidants which are helpful for getting instant relief from a number of stomach ailments. It works as the best tonic for your stomach if used on a regular basis. The antioxidant advantages of mango leaves remove unwanted toxins from the body clearing your gut and stomach.

How to Consume Mango Leaves:
Boil some water. Place some mango leaves in the warm water and close the lid.
Leave the water overnight and drink the water the next morning after straining on an empty stomach.

Cure Ear Aches:
Having a painful ear is too irritating. There can be various reasons behind the pain. Compared to other home remedies, the benefit of mango leave would be more effective on the earaches. The mango leaves are rich in a number of nutrients like saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, etc. that help in curing earaches.

How To Consume Mango Leaves:
For using the mango leaves for relief from the ear pain, take some mango leaves and extract the juice from them.
Pour around 1 tsp of mango leaves extract similar to eardrops and you are done. Heat the juice before using.

Reduce The Risk of Hypertension:
Hypertension is an issue that is prevailing among various people these days. The ratio includes old age more. The list of mango leaf tea benefits also counts hypertension as one. The mango leaves are helpful in treating hypertension as well as making the blood vessels fragile which can lead to an increase in the risk of developing hypertension.

How to Consume Mango Leaves:
Look for dried mango leaves uses by making some mango leaf tea out of it.
Also, drinking mango leaves the water is helpful for quick results.
Practicing mango leaf water on an empty stomach daily comes with a magical impact on controlling hypertension.

Treating Cough and Cold:
Are the cough and cold harassing you? Want to get rid of it quickly? What if I tell you the medicinal uses of mango tree leaves includes curing cough and cold! The flavonoids and antioxidant properties of the mango leaves help in healing the cold and cough effectively. Along with cough and cold, the leaves are also effective for asthma. The uses for mango leaves not only cure cough but also helps you soothe the throat.

How to Consume Mango Leaves:
For curing a cold and cough, drink warm boiled water containing mango leaves.
Add some honey to the water which helps in curing cough properly and also soothes the throat.

Cures Dysentery:
Dysentery is a situation that is too hectic to handle. And if bleeding is observed along with it, the situation worsens. Luckily, this situation can be cured in a natural way. Dysentery is included in the list when it comes to what are the health benefits of mango leaves. Using mango leaves in various forms can help in curing the situation.

How to Consume Mango Leaves:
Take some dry mango leaves and crush them to powder.
Take this powder 3 times a day till cured.
You can also intake mango leaves water by boiling it for additional benefit.

Mango Leaves for Black Hair:
Are you tired of using those chemical dyes damaging your hair? Here is a natural solution to your colouring. The mango leaves use for hair include giving it a natural black colour. The flavonoids present in the mango leaves have the ability to colour the hair black naturally without adding any kind of chemical to it.

How to Consume Mango Leaves:
Take some tender mango leaves or fresh leaves from a soft branch and make a paste out of it.
Add water if required to make a thick paste.
Apply the paste on the hair and wash your hair after around 15 minutes with water.

Mango Leaves for Hair Growth:
The mango leaves for hair growth are among the ancient natural techniques used for growing hair quickly. The leaves are rich in nutrients like Vitamin C and A which boosts the production of collagen that is important for healthy hair. The technique is also helpful for dull hair as it adds shine to the hair. It also treats dandruff and your scalp by nourishing it.
How To Consume Mango Leaves:
Make a fine paste of mango leaves. You can add other ingredients like amla powder, aritha powder, etc. to the paste.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: INTER-AGENCY INVESTIGATION INTO FISH MORTALITY IN ACCRA AND AXIM.

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The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development is Coordinating an inter-agency investigation into the reported incidents of dead fishes of various species, washed ashore beaches in Accra and Axim over the Easter weekend.

The agencies include the Fisheries commission, Food and Drugs Authority, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Ghana Maritime Authority, the Ghana Navy, the Marine Police, and the respective Metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies in the respected areas affected.

The investigations will determine the causes of the incidents and possible preventive measures for the future.

The above agencies are also collaborating to prevent an entry of fish from this incident into the markets and food chain.

The Ministry assures the general public that it will take all necessary steps to protect the fisheries industry from the potentially harmful effects of this incident. Further, the Ministry reiterates the advice of FDA to the general public to desist from consuming the fish, in view of the potential risk to health and safety.

The public is also being entreated to inspect the freshness of the eyes and gills of fish they seek to buy, which should generally be reddish in colour. The washed-ashore fish typically shows signs of popped out and unclear eyes, the dull colouration of gills, bloating around the abdominal areas, and possible oozing of foul scented fluids.

The Ghana Police Service and City security officials have been alerted to arrest any persons found distributing fish from these incidents into the Ghanaian food chain.

The Public will be updated on the outcome of this investigation

Thank you.

HON MAVIS HAWA KOOMSON (MP)
MINISTER

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LIFESTYLE: Amazing medicinal benefits of Kola nut that you must know.

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Photo credit: Health Benefits Times

The kola nut is used to flavor sodas and as a supplement to increase energy or improve health. But what are the health benefits of the kola nut?

The nut comes from the evergreen kola tree, which is found in the rainforests of Africa. Inside the tree’s star-shaped fruits are white shells, which contain the seeds or kola nuts.

In Nigeria, it is an important cultural symbol for many ethnic groups. It is given to guests at weddings, funerals, and naming ceremonies, and it is used in medicine. Ceremonial breaking of the kola nut is important for making people feel welcome in a village or gathering.

The kola nut has some reported benefits for health. Here we explore those benefits and other information about this tropical nut.

Health benefits
Regarding the health benefits, kola nuts may be similar to coffee.
The health benefits of kola nut align with those of coffee.

Several possible benefits of the kola nut and its products include the following

Boost to metabolism: Kola nut products contain caffeine, which may give a person’s metabolism a boost.
Aid to digestion: Kola nut powder and extract may help digestion. They are thought to promote the production of gastric acid, which increases digestive enzyme effectiveness in the stomach.
Increase in circulation: The caffeine and theobromine in the kola nut may speed up the heart rate, which increases circulation.
Boost to energy levels: The kola nut naturally stimulates the central nervous system, which may increase alertness and boost energy levels.
Antibacterial benefits: One study reported in the Journal of Biosciences and Medicines indicates that the use of kola nut extract might stop the growth of harmful bacteria.

There are several health conditions that might be improved by the consumption of the kola nut.

Prostate cancer
Although extensive studies have not been conducted, early research indicates that certain compounds found in the kola nut may decrease the risk of prostate cancer.

The research is still being debated, but it is thought that the phytoestrogens in kola nuts may kill cancer cells and stop tumors from growing.

Slow metabolism
People with a slow metabolism could benefit from using products that contain kola nuts.

Conditions that may affect a person’s metabolism include low testosterone, Graves’ disease, and Cushing syndrome.

Migraines
The kola nut may be helpful for people who have migraine headaches. Migraines often affect the blood vessels in the head and caffeine has been used for headache pain.

The theobromine and caffeine contained in the kola nut may dilate or widen blood vessels in the brain, which might decrease migraine pain.

Asthma
Although it may not be recommended as a treatment for respiratory conditions, kola nuts might be useful for people with certain breathing problems, such as asthma.

The caffeine in kola nuts may act as a bronchodilator, which means it opens the airways to make breathing easier.

Uses
In certain African countries, the kola nut is chewed during ceremonies and rituals. It is also used to sweeten breath. Another application of the kola nut in the western world is as a flavoring agent for sodas.

The kola nut is also used as an additive in energy drinks and performance enhancers. In some cases, it is used in the form of an extract or powder.

The nut is boiled to extract the kola or it can be ground into a powder. In certain parts of the world, the nut is used as a type of alternative medicine.

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Support for smallholder farmers is the key to ending hunger in Africa – AGRA President.

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Photo credit: Devex

The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) President Dr. Agnes Kalibata says that contrary to the narratives that farmers are invariably resistant to adopting technology, nine out of ten smallholder farmers engaged with AGRA programmes have adopted one or more technologies within one planting season.

Africa’s strongest route towards the Sustainable Development Goal of eliminating hunger lies in helping smallholder farmers to access capital and supporting governments to promote policies that enable the farmers to adopt technologies and increase yields.

Statistics indicate that by 2050, about four in five people living in extreme poverty will be concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa, where food insecurity is already a major challenge as a result of rapid population growth. To ensure food security in the future, experts say current food production levels will need to be increased by at least 70%.

With studies showing that growth coming out of the agricultural sector is eleven times more effective at reducing poverty than growth coming out of other sectors, Dr. Kalibata says AGRA has been pursuing three strategies to unlock the potential of Africa’s smallholder farmers, who produce 80 percent of the food the continent eats.

“We are working with the governments across Africa to prioritize agriculture, supporting the enabling environment to benefit smallholder farmers and to make it possible for the private sector to provide services to smallholder farmers by reducing the real and perceived risk associated with the agricultural sector. We are also supporting farmers to access technologies that enable them to increase the yields and incomes while developing resilience to pests, climate change, droughts, and floods,” she says.

Dr Kalibata credits the Strengthening State Capability pillar of AGRA’s approach as the most transformational in driving scale, pointing out that functional government policies are key to success.

“For example, the provision of early generation seed is usually driven by government institutions. If they aren’t functioning well, it makes it impossible for the private sector to function and farmers to access improved varieties of seeds. If markets don’t function, and they quickly revert to subsistence farming, which perpetuates the poverty cycle,” she says.

Through technical assistance and grants, AGRA has helped to make capital more accessible to farmers, while delivering incentives to the private sector to invest in smallholder farmer systems, to shore up an agriculture sector that currently receives less than 10 percent of private lending.

Apart from finance, AGRA is supporting resilience and sustainability for smallholders especially in response to challenges brought on by climate change. For example, in semi-arid areas of Kenya, AGRA is working with governments and the private sector to conserve, protect and enhance natural ecosystems.

“With the judicious use of appropriate fertilizers and with the right seeds, farmers are able to triple, even quadruple their yields, says Dr. Kalibata.

“Ending hunger is a solvable problem. AGRA has learned the hard way that if you’re going to be serious about pulling farmers out of poverty, you need to support reforms of policies and support programmes that can help reach millions of farmers. If Africa smallholder farmers become prosperous, they will change the continent forever,”.

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Fisheries Ministry investigates the cause of fish deaths at Osu beach.

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The Ministry of Fisheries has said it is investigating the cause of the death of tons of fish that were found along the shores of the Osu Castle beach in Accra on Friday.

A statement said samples of the fish have been collected on ice to be examined critically in the laboratory.

“Initial observation of the fishes showed no wound /lesions on their bodies. It is to be noted that after two to three days of the death of an animal pathological signs change. Samples of the fish were collected on ice to be examined critically in the laboratory.

“Seawater samples have also been collected at the beach in the Korle Klottey District in the Greater Accra Region. Examinations will be carried out on the fish gills and other histological examinations will equally be conducted to ascertain any pathological cause,” the statement added.

Below is the full statement from the Fisheries Ministry:
INVESTIGATION OF FISH MORTALITY – OSU CASTLE BEACH – GREATER ACCRA REGION.
Information got to Fisheries Commission yesterday, April 3, 2021, in the evening, about fish mortalities sighted at the Osu Castle Beach. A team from the Fish Health Unit and the Fisheries Scientific Survey Division of the Fisheries Commission was dispatched to the area. Upon arrival at the beach, the team noticed that there were dead small pelagic and demersal fishes at the shore.

Initial observation of the fishes showed no wound /lesions on their bodies. It is to be noted that after two to three days of the death of an animal pathological signs change. Samples of the fish were collected on ice to be examined critically in the laboratory.

Seawater samples have also been collected at the beach in the Korle Klottey District in the Greater Accra Region. Examinations will be carried out on the fish gills and other histological examinations will equally be conducted to ascertain any pathological cause.

The seawater samples collected will be analysed for physical, chemical, and other biological parameters.
The colour of the sea and temperature are normal. We assure everyone that we are working hard to ascertain the actual cause of mortality of the fish.

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LIFESTYLE: Beans has amazing medicinal benefits than you know.

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Photo credit: Hutwise

Beans are the seeds from flowering plants in the Fabaceae family and are classified as legumes.

Several beans grow in pods or capsules that develop from flowers. Other legumes include peas, peanuts, and lentils. These beans are available to dry, canned, or frozen.

They differ nutritionally from green beans or wax beans where a person eats the entire pod.

Beans contain amino acids, which are the protein building blocks that the body uses to heal and to make new tissues, such as bone, muscle, hair, skin, and blood. Protein is an essential nutrient.

There are many types of beans. Dried beans need cooking to make them tender enough to eat. Canned and frozen beans are typically ready to eat after warming on the stove or in the microwave. Some of the most popular bean varieties include:

Lima beans
Black beans
Black-eyed peas
Soybeans
Kidney beans
Garbanzo beans
Navy beans
Pinto beans
Red beans

Health benefits of beans
Beans offer several health benefits.

Protein
Protein is a vital nutrient that plays a key role in maintaining and repairing the body. Beans are high in amino acids, the building blocks of protein.

There are 20 amino acidsTrusted Source, and nine of these are essential. There are also two types of protein sources: complete and incomplete.

Animal products, soy, and quinoa are all complete proteins, which means they contain all nine essential amino acids.

However, of all the types of beans, only soybeans contain all nine amino acids.

People can combine incomplete proteins with nuts, seeds, dairy products, or grains at a single meal or throughout the day to make complete proteins.

For example, a person can:

Eat beans with rice or couscous for lunch
Have black beans at lunch with almonds or cheese
Beans make an excellent source of protein for vegetarians and vegans.

They are also lower in calories and saturated fat than some other protein sources, such as meat and full fat or low-fat dairy products.

Examples of the protein content of beans are:
A 1-cup or 40 grams Trusted Source (g), serving of canned black beans provides 14.5 g of protein, 16.6 g of fiber, and 4.56 milligrams (mg) of iron.
A 1-cup or 155 g Trusted Source, serving of shelled edamame beans provides 18.5 g protein, 8.06 g fiber, and 3.52 mg iron.

Folate
Beans contain several vital nutrients, including folate. Folate is essential for overall health, to make healthy red blood cells, and help prevent neural tube defects in a fetus during pregnancy.
A 1-cup, or 155gTrusted Source, serving of shelled edamame beans provides 482 micrograms (mcg) of folate.

Antioxidants
According to research Trusted Source, beans are rich in polyphenols, which are a type of antioxidant.
Antioxidants fight the effects Trusted Source of free radicals, which are damaging chemicals that the body produces during metabolism and other processes.

Free radicals can cause cell damage that can result in various diseases. Antioxidants help the body remove free radicals. In this way, antioxidant-rich foods, such as beans, can help protect the body from disease.

Heart health
People who consume beans regularly may be less likely to die of a heart attack or other cardiovascular problems. The authors of a 2017 meta-analysis Trusted Source suggested that one reason for the decrease in cardiovascular risk was that people had replaced higher fat animal meat proteins with beans.

A 2013 review and meta-analysis found a clear correlation between eating beans and a lower risk of coronary heart disease.
Other research suggests that nutrients in beans may help lower cholesterol. High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease and heart attacks.

There is evidence Trusted Source that a high-fiber diet may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. A half-cup or 88 g Trusted Source, serving of black beans provides about 14 g of fiber, which is over half an adult’s daily requirement for fiber.

Reduced risk of cancer
Some studies have shown that beans act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. These effects could reduce the risk of cancer.

Research published in 2015 analyzed whether beans might have antioxidant properties that fight intestinal cancer. The results suggested that black beans had the highest antioxidant activity.

A 2016 study also found that chemicals in Northeast China black beans could slow the growth of colorectal cancer by preventing cancer cells from multiplying.

Diabetes and glucose metabolism
Beans may help stabilize Trusted Source blood glucose levels or even prevent diabetes. Beans are high in fiber, which can help lower blood glucose.

The author of a 2018 review Trusted Source concluded that consuming a high fiber diet could reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. There was also evidence that it may help lower blood sugar in people who already have the condition.
Another study Trusted Source looked specifically at the effect of adding a cup of legumes to the daily diet of people with type 2 diabetes. This study showed a reduction in blood sugar levels and lower blood pressures in the group who ate beans over the control group who included more whole wheat fiber.

Preventing fatty liver
Fatty liver happens when fats accumulate in the liver. It can develop alongside obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and other aspects of metabolic syndrome.https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/non-alcoholic-fatty-liver-disease.

Doctors base the treatment of fatty liver disease on weight loss and controlling blood sugars, as well as reducing blood levels of fats, such as triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol. Replacing higher fat animal proteins with beans is a good step towards better liver health.

Controlling appetite
When a person eats beans, the fiber and healthful starches they contain can help create a feeling of fullness and satisfaction.
As a long-term dietary strategy, this could help prevent overeating and may lead to weight loss, according to a 2013 review Trusted Source.

Improving gut health
Research Trusted Source has shown a variety of beans, especially black beans, enhance gut health by improving intestinal barrier function and increasing the number of beneficial bacteria. This may help prevent gut-associated diseases.

Healthful gut bacteria also support immune system function and may promote weight loss. Beans feed the healthful gut bacteria colonies.

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FDA will arrest illegal operators in the food chain.

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The Eastern Regional Head of the Food and Drugs Authority, Mr. Samuel Kwakye says FDA is going to collaborate with the Ghana Police Service to enforce part seven section 97(1) of the public health acts, 851, 2012 which states “A person shall not manufacture, import, export, distribute, sell or supply food or expose food for sale unless the Authority has registered the food” to clamp down on all illegal operators in the food chain industry to help sanitize the industry which will lead to safeguarding public health and safety.

He was speaking during a stakeholder engagement and training program for water manufacturing producers in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The aim of the engagement was to foster good relations with their stakeholders.

Speaking during the engagement, the Eastern Regional Head of the FDA, Mr. Samuel Kwakye said the water producing industry is very important and it is the vision of the FDA to help them to sustain their business, he further said the industry is very essential and they should continue to hold the fort.

Mr. Kwakye reiterated that the key responsibility of the FDA is to ensure product quality and safety and called on them to continue to adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in their daily activities that will assure the quality and safety of their products.

Speaking during the program Mr. Kwakye said “it is not the priority of the Food and Drugs Authority to make things difficult for you and coming to FDA should not be a problem” he stressed.

He further called on them to “Report all illegal manufacturers to the FDA to help the authority sanitize the industry and the market because their water is not good and it is not helping the FDA and general public, we will maintain your confidentiality”.

Mr. Richard Abotsivia, Vice Chairman National Association of Sachet & Packaged Water Producers said their association was not left out of the hardship of the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and called for some relieves to cushion their operations.

He also said they are ready to collaborate with the authority to flush out illegal operators who are manufacturing in their bedrooms to the authority to face sanctions to help sanitize the industry.

He ended by commending the FDA for their responsiveness over the years and support which has helped them to grow their business.

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Projected 2021 budget allocation to the Fisheries Ministry increased by 163.6% – Send Ghana.

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The projected 2021 budget is seen to increase the budget for the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development by 163.6%. This was revealed at the press conference on the 2021 budget assessment by Send Ghana at Accra.

Evaluating the budget to the press, Send Ghana noted that the increment is in line with calls for increased funding for the development of the sector. However, the analysis over the years shows that execution rates have been low, owing to non-releases of substantial amounts of approved budgets for spending.

The instances are that, in 2018, the total approved budget for capital expenditure (CAPEX) for the Ministry was GHS 39,142 million, but only 15.8 percent (GHS 6, 208 million) was released.

Similarly, in 2019, the ministry spent less than half (45.7 percent) of its approved budget of GH¢59,592,448. This was because, not a pesewa out of the approved budget expected to be funded by Development Partners (DPs) for capital expenditure (CAPEX), (GH¢24,050,000) was released. Meanwhile, in 2021, DPs are expected to contribute about 84. 8 percent to fund CAPEX.

This is a worrying trend that could potentially hinder progress in undertaking important infrastructural development in the sector

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