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PRESS RELEASE: Cocoa fruit sorbet; Venchi launches a gelato made with Koa.

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Summer is here. With its latest gelato product range, the Italian chocolate and gelato manufacturer Venchi offers a surprisingly refreshing taste experience. The ingredient for the new cocoa fruit sorbet is produced by the start-up Koa. The natural cocoa fruit juice “Koa Pure” offers the ideal basis for innovative applications with a sustainable vision.

Until now, the pulp that surrounds the cocoa beans couldn’t be processed in cocoa-growing countries due to a lack of infrastructure and technology. In conventional cocoa processing, only a small part of the white pulp was used for fermentation. Koa has found an innovative way to gently process the cocoa fruit in close cooperation with 1,600 smallholders. “The utilisation of the cocoa pulp enables the smallholders to earn an additional income and at the same time creates jobs in rural Ghana,” Daniel Otu, Operations Director at Koa in Ghana, explains.

Cocoa fruit sorbet, shake, and praline for Gelato fans
Koa Pure opens up new possibilities for the food industry. Thanks to the 100% natural juice and its gentle processing, the original aroma of the cocoa fruit is preserved. Besides aroma, sweetness is an important factor for gelato creations. Koa Pure naturally provides it. Especially at low temperatures, the exotic fruity taste unfolds. Thus, it’s ideal for applications such as gelato.

The Italian chocolate and gelato manufacturer Venchi has discovered this potential and recently presented its product innovation, the cocoa fruit sorbet. Based on the sorbet, Venchi also offers a gelato shake and a gelato praline. The three creations are available in Italy, England, and Germany at Venchi boutiques (https://eu.venchi.com).

Giovanni Battista Mantelli, Venchi director, and innovation manager emphasizes: “I am really glad we found a partner which is located directly at the cocoa farms and perfectly preserves this precious nectar. Thanks to this collaboration, we can present a world premiere of our Italian gelato made with cocoa pulp to discover the delicate fruity and refreshing taste which I tried for the first time when I visited the cocoa rainforest.”

For Koa, the partnership is a milestone. “As young entrepreneurs, we’re particularly proud to cooperate with the traditional manufacturer and innovation leader Venchi for this new gelato,” Anian Schreiber, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Koa, highlights. “Venchi’s launch clearly shows how versatile Koa Pure can be used and what potential the cocoa fruit has. The additional income benefits not only the cocoa farmers but also gelato fans with a wonderful summer-like taste and the conscience of doing something good.” By using the pulp, cocoa farmers can now benefit twice. Koa aims to partner with 80,000 smallholders by 2030 to sustainably transform cocoa farming.

About Koa
The Swiss-Ghanaian start-up Koa uses the pulp of the cocoa fruit, thus reducing food waste and providing cocoa smallholders with an additional income. Today, 42 employees in Ghana and Switzerland dedicate themselves to the growth of Koa to boost value creation in the cocoa-growing regions and to developing innovative and pioneering processes. With the natural cocoa fruit products, Koa brings a previously unknown taste to the European market and opens up new possibilities for both the food and beverage industry as well as for gastronomy.

www.koa-impact.com

Press contact
Koa Switzerland AG Andrea Werdin
+41 79 825 47 05
andrea@koa-impact.com

Using cocoa fruit to fight smallholder poverty.
Smallholders with farms of two to three hectares form the backbone of cocoa farming worldwide. More than 90% of cocoa comes from smallholders, 75% of which live in West Africa. In Ghana, the second-largest cocoa producer, around 800,000 smallholders cultivate mixed crops.

The cooperation with Koa and the use of the cocoa pulp increases the income of smallholders and diversifies their income source. At the same time, new jobs are created for locals.

Photos
A selection of photos in high resolution can be found here:

http://bit.ly/cocoafruitgelato

Cocoa fruit products since 2017
Koa has been working with smallholders in Ghana since 2017 and offers cocoa fruit products for a wide range of applications.

Besides “Koa Pure,” their cocoa fruit juice, Koa recently launched “Koa Powder”, dried cocoa fruit pulp. All Koa products are pure and all-natural, gently processed, and 100% transparently traceable. All in line with the company’s motto, “Taste your impact,” doubling the customers’ enjoyment.

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LIFESTYLE: Foods to avoid if you have fatty liver disease.

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Fatty liver disease as the name suggests having too much fat in the liver. In a healthy body, the liver helps to remove toxins and produces bile, the digestive protein. The fatty liver disease damages the liver and prevents it from working as it should.

There are two major types of fatty liver disease: alcohol-induced and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease affects adults and it is one of the leading contributors to liver failure. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is most commonly diagnosed in those who are obese or sedentary and those who eat a highly-processed diet.

There are definitely foods one should avoid or limit if you have fatty liver disease. These foods generally contribute to weight gain and increasing blood sugar.
Alcohol. Alcohol is a major cause of fatty liver disease as well as other liver diseases.

Added sugar. Stay away from sugary foods such as candy, cookies, sodas, and fruit juices. High blood sugar increases the amount of fat buildup in the liver.

Fried foods. Fried foods are high in fat and calories.

Salt. Eating too much salt can make your body hold on to excess water. Limit sodium to less than 1,500 milligrams per day.

White bread, rice, and pasta. White usually means the flour is highly processed, which can raise your blood sugar more than whole grains due to a lack of fiber.

Red meat. Beef and deli meats are high in saturated fat.

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Generation Africa is here again with the third annual US$100,000 GoGettaz youth Agripreneur Prize Competition.

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The Generation Africa is here again with the third annual US$100,000 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition looking for young, agrifood change-makers with business models that can revolutionize food systems across the African continent.

Returning for its third year, the ground-breaking US$100,000 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition continues to inspire agrifood entrepreneurs from Cape Town to Cairo to use their energy, courage, and creativity to solve the biggest problems facing Africa’s food systems. Launching on 19 April 2021, this year’s competition aims to expand the GoGettaz community of agripreneurs, providing them with access to education, mentorship, and investment networks as they launch, grow, or scale their agrifood ventures.

The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition is open to African citizens between 18 and 35 years old who are founders or co-founders of social or commercial agrifood businesses headquartered in Africa. After a challenging selection process ending in a grand finale pitch competition in July 2021, two winners, one woman, and one man, with scalable and impactful business or social ventures will each receive US$50,000 for their businesses. The award ceremony will take place alongside the prestigious Africa Food Prize. Applications can be submitted here: http://gogettaz.africa.

Head of Generation Africa Dickson Naftali says, “This is an incredibly important year for global food systems. COVID has exacerbated food insecurity, inequalities, and poverty. The pandemic has challenged conventional logic around food production and food security as global supply lines came to a standstill. It is obvious that things must change. Generation Africa believes that food systems can change if we collaboratively support young African agri-food entrepreneurs, as well as small and medium agribusinesses across the continent.”

Through the GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition, Generation Africa seeks to reward visionary young Africans who demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset and innovative problem-solving in developing and growing their agrifood businesses. Beyond the two grand prizes, last year’s competition awarded four additional prizes of US$2,500 to enterprises that played an inspiring role in their communities. These Impact Awards were created to celebrate businesses with tangible social impact. Generation Africa hopes to discover more deserving recipients in the 2021 competition.

Cash prizes are not the only motivation for entering the competition. “Last year, a thousand members of the GoGettaz community received free access to the Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness courses organized by the Agripreneurship Alliance. And all who join the GoGettaz community gets instant online access to high-quality training material to help guide them through the business start-up process,” says Amanda Namayi, GoGettaz Lead.

The Generation Africa GoGettaz online platform is also a community-building initiative to give a voice to the young agripreneurs of Africa. Through research surveys, conversations, and high-level meetings, Generation Africa works to ensure opportunities and challenges are understood and taken seriously in agenda-setting forums across the continent and globally.

Since its launch in 2019, Generation Africa has brought onboard USAID as a co-founding partner. Additionally, influential new collaborators, Nourishing Africa and One Young World have joined the exciting Generation Africa ecosystem development movement to reach and inspire agrifood entrepreneurs on the African continent in innovative ways.

Speaking from the AGRA head office, Amanda says, “Even with the COVID crisis, last year more than 3,000 applicants from 29 African countries, registered to compete, with 12 exceptional businesses making it through to the Top 12. It was an impressive turn-out. This year we look forward to thousands of more entrepreneurs hearing our message, joining GoGettaz, and caring to compete for the grand prizes. GoGettaz is a movement for change, and these are the changemakers!”

The proposition is simple: Show the world your solution and win US$50,000.
Go to http://gogettaz.africa to find out more.
Generation Africa Co-Founders:
Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa: https://agra.org/
Corteva Agriscience: https://www.corteva.com/
Econet: https://www.econetafrica.com/
Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions: http://www.sacau.org/
Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture: https://www.syngentafoundation.org/
U.S. Agency for International Development https://www.usaid.gov/
Yara International: https://www.yara.com/

Generation Africa Collaborators:
Nourishing Africa https://nourishingafrica.com/
One Young World https://www.oneyoungworld.com/

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LIFESTYLE: Amazing health benefits of mustard seed that you must know.

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Mustard seeds are rich in a nutrient called selenium, known for its high anti-inflammatory effects. N The high source of magnesium in mustard seeds helps to reduce the severity of asthma attacks and certain symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and lowering blood pressure.

Health benefits of mustard seed.
It help prevents cancer.
The presence of compounds like glucosinolates and mirosinase in mustard seeds are known to use phytochemicals to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. This is definitely a major mustard seeds health benefit.

It helps to relieve Rheumatic Arthritis
Mustard seeds are a source of relief for people having rheumatic arthritis. The selenium and magnesium content in it helps in providing relief from this problem.

It helps to relieve Migraine
Migraine occurrence also reduces owing to the magnesium content present in the mustard seed. A little touch of mustard to your fish can boost the constituting omega-3 content.

It prevents Respiration Congestion
Mustard seeds or mustard, in general, are known to relieve any congestion problems in respiration.

It aids in disease Prevention
There are certain nutrients in mustard seeds that prevent diseases from occurring. They are all a part of the basic structure of the Brassica family to which mustard belongs.

It serves as Dietary Fibre
Mustard seeds are a good source of dietary fibres that improve digestion in the body. They make bowel movements better, thus improving the overall metabolism of the body. The fibre content here is mostly very readily soluble making it effective for use.

It lowers cancer risk
Selenium content in mustard seeds provides good resistance to the body against cancer cell formation. It is known to slow down the rate of development of cancer cells and also acts as an anti-oxidant.

It serves as blood pressure and menopausal relief
A number of nutrients present in mustard seeds like copper, iron, magnesium, and selenium also assist in the treatment of blood pressure and menopause relief.

It prevents Asthma
Mustard seeds are also known to be beneficial for Asthma patients. The presence of minerals like copper, magnesium, iron, and selenium in it are responsible for the prevention of Asthma Attacks.

Skin Benefits of Mustard Seeds
Natural scrub: Mustard seeds are a natural scrub. You can add it to either lavender or rose essential oil. Use this mix to scrub your face and exfoliate dead skin.

Hydrates skin: Mustard seeds, used with aloe vera gel, can act as a great combination to hydrate your skin. It removes all impurities from your face and nourishes it from within.

It fights infections: These seeds contain a good amount of sulphur which is known for its anti-fungal properties. They help ward off skin infections.

It slows down aging: Mustard seeds make for a great source of carotene and lutein. It is also a great powerhouse of vitamins A, C, and K. Together these nutrients make for an excellent antioxidant.

Hair Benefits of Mustard Seeds
Hair growth: Mustard oil, extracted from mustard seeds, is a good source of Vitamin A. Vitamin A is a great nutrient for hair growth. It is also a great stimulant that leads to faster hair growth.

Strengthens hair: Mustard seeds contain protein, calcium, vitamin A and E, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids. All of these together strengthens your hair from within. Strengthened hair means lesser hair fall too.

Conditions: Mustard seeds contain fatty acids. These are known to condition your hair from deep within. It also gives hair a good shine and bounce.

Other uses
Removes odour: If your jars start to smell like the spices or ingredients you store in them, using mustard seeds can help. Warm a little water and add it to the jar. Also, add a little mustard seed paste to the jar and shake it well. Pour it out. You would be surprised how the smell goes away.
Relieves Muscle Pains: Stiff muscles or sore and aching muscles can be treated with mustard seeds too. Just soak yourself in a tub of warm water. Now add some mustard seeds powder to the same to relieve pain.
Treats Cold: Mustard is often used to relieve congestion caused by a bad cough or cold.
Treats Back Pain: The extract of mustard seeds is useful in relieving spasms and back pain.
Treats Fever: Mustard seeds induce heavy sweating, which is used to lower fever. It helps release toxins from the body and has been useful in flu and cold too.

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Volta Agriculture Directorate to train farmers in rice seed production.

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Mr. William Dzamefe, Volta Regional Agriculture Director, has hinted that the Directorate is working on plans to equip some rice farmers in the region with the knowledge to go into rice seed production.

He said that would help them to have access to quality seed. In addition, he said seed is an important input in agriculture, thus the need to make it available to farmers at all times.

Mr. Dzamefe, speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview said one key factor in achieving higher yields in rice production was seed quality, so his outfit would ensure that the planting material was of high quality to enable farmers to derive maximum benefits from their sweat.

“Rice is one crop that does well across the region for that matter the potential is huge…it is one crop that holds a lot of prospect for our farmers, but we still have room to expand to make us reap the full benefits in the industry,” he said.

Mr. Dzamefe said the region had produced 4.7 metric tons of rice/hectare as a regional average per annum with the figure not changing over the past three years.

The Director disclosed that the high cost of land preparation is one of the major challenges bedeviling farmers in the region, making most of them unable to develop available fields to upscale production.

He said though the government provided subsidized machinery to support them in preparing the land, those subsidized machineries are still way beyond the reach of individual farmers.

Mr. Dzamefe called on the farmers to form associations to raise money to fund the cost of machinery to undertake their activities to sustain their business and called for proper maintenance of their farm fields, saying “government can come in to do the field for you, but the rest of the intervention to ensure proper yield is purely yours.

“Though it is capital intensive, once you have chosen to be a rice farmer… you have to do what you could to make the best out of it”, he stated.

Mr. Dzamefe said the soil had a lot of money in it, “but you need to dirty your hand to get that money out of the soil”, urging the youth to take advantage of the numerous opportunities in the agricultural sector to enhance their lots.

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ADB and more organizations commit financial and technical support towards the 4th AG-STUD Bootcamp.

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Several organizations, including the Agricultural Development Bank, have committed their financial and technical support towards the organization of the 4th annual Agricultural Students career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogue & Bootcamp (AG-STUD AFRICA) organized by Agrihouse Foundation, scheduled to hold from April 19 to 23, 2021.

The list of organizations includes OCP, MyBarnes, Holland Akokor, CDF Canada, ADDFRA, Sonal Global, and Nanaam Ventures.

This is the third time running ADB is supporting the 5-day boot camp which seeks to build the capacity of the Ghanaian youth in innovative ways that feed into the country’s agricultural objective of achieving food security while providing them with sustainable employment.

The boot camp, annually brings together agricultural students, beginner agribusinesses, and start-ups to appreciate the pivotal role they are expected to play, in building resilience and preparedness towards sustaining the food security of the nation through creative and innovative agriculture.

The boot camp employs Military disciplinary drills, Mentorship sessions, coaching, educational tours, dialogues, role play, strategic competency-based capacity building, and leadership sessions, to contribute to the mindset change, whiles attracting campers to appreciate the entire value chain cycle, the roles, and career path, they can create and ultimately, assisting them to develop their business ideas and ensuring implementation of their business.

The Head of Marketing and Communications at ADB, Mr. Selorm Amevor reiterated ADB’s desire to contribute to the future building of the Agri-Youth, through the AG-STUD Bootcamp initiative. We are going to lead two major Training sessions during the boot camp; “Financial Modelling, Planning and Securing Financing and, “Developing or securing infrastructure, for a new farm enterprise. We are hoping that at the end of the day, we shall work closely with Agrihouse Foundation and the campers to support and enable them to establish and grow their business.

In their respective statements, CDF Canada and Holland Akokor both reiterated the need for corporate entities to support Agrihouse to lead the charge, in scaling up the boot camp initiative, which has over the last four (4) years, trained and equipped about six hundred students directly, across the country.

CDF Canada will be leading the campers through the 4R’s of Farming Practices, during the 5-day boot camp, whiles Holland Arkokor will be sharing the, “An entrepreneurs’ journey”, with the campers.

In a brief statement, Sonal Global, who will equally be leading the coaching session on Quality Food Production systems and standards, commended Agrihouse Foundation for creating a platform that continues to make an impact positively on the agri-youth.

OCP noted they are keenly looking forward to the main event while praising Agrihouse for being consistent with its efforts to increase young agripreneurs in the country.

Nanaam ventures noted that the food security of the nation depends greatly on its youthful population, and therefore urged the student’s and beginner agribusinesses who will be part of the Bootcamp to take advantage of the learning opportunity to build their capacity.

Schools and institutions participating in the 5-day boot camp include Ejura Agric College, Kwadaso, Damango, Animal Health, Fair River, Asuanzi, Wenchi, Animal Health, All Nations, UCC, Christian College, UDS, Legon, KNUST, Central, and the University of Energy and Ohaw Agric College respectively.

Ms. Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, said, the 5- day boot camp will be a scale-up of the last 3 events, employing more practical, action-oriented, creative, and innovative structures, that will drive and engineer speed for growth, amongst the campers.

This year’s Bootcamp is on the theme, “We have Enabled and Established the Agri-youth! Time to Scale-Up them-Up to Feed Ghana,” is a call on corporate institutions, development partners, Government, and stakeholders to join hands with Agrihouse Foundation, to support in scaling-up the Agri-businesses that has already been established, whiles supporting other promising youth to identify and build career paths within the value chain.

The Agricultural student’s career guidance and mentorship dialogue boot camp, (AG-STUD Africa), started in 2018, with nine institutions, and has steadily grown to be camping sixteen institutions (4 students from each school), “Our growing list of schools is a clear indication of the positive socio-economic impacts the program is having on participants and this year, we are committed to ensuring that our youth are equipped to feed the nation going forward,” Alberta noted

She said, this year’s Bootcamp will engage campers in activities such as Military Disciplinary Drills; Agri-Ted Mentorship Talks with industry leaders who will be present to share impactful stories of their life and professional experiences; An Ag-Voyage experience, which is an educational and tour to a number of agribusinesses and factories; Business Ideas Presentations; Brainstorming sessions with coaches; Competence-Based Training Sessions, with a focus on planning the economic sustainability of the new a new farm enterprise, Going digital; role-plays and other learning modules by the coaches and mentors who will be present with the campers.

Highlighting impacts of the Bootcamp, Alberta said, over the years, AG-STUD AFRICA, has introduced participating students and groups to several opportunities within the agricultural value chain; the platform continues to educate them with relevant knowledge and skills on how to harness such opportunities. As a result, over 600 students from 30 different schools who have participated in previous editions of AG-STUD have been taught to be self-reliant and supported with start-up capital to help them start their own agri-businesses.

Indirectly, the boot camp has benefitted over 1000 agri-business students and beginner agribusinesses enabling them to develop strong and bankable business plans. About 43 successful businesses are present, being run by students who have participated in AG-STUD.

According to Alberta, the primary objective of AG-STUD is to “Grow Futures,” by helping the students and beginner Agribusinesses, to appreciate the key roles they play in the growth and future of the entire agribusiness sector. In the 2nd year, the goal was to establish the Agri-youth, thus the theme, ‘Growing futures; establishing the Agri-youth. In the 3rd year, the Bootcamp sought to “ENABLE”, and therefore chose the theme, “Growing futures, Enabling the Agri-youth.”

“In this 4th year, our objective is to support start-up agribusinesses to survive and sustain, to help our young agripreneurs, to be more resilient to feed their household, community, and the nation,” she stressed.

She said, students are going to leave this year’s Bootcamp with practical knowledge in the production process; that will guarantee maximum efficacy; develop businesses, and be able to sustain them.

“We intend to assist our business clubs with opening bank accounts, seed capital to commence the Agribusiness idea/ initiative; a start-up input pack for farming and a business plan to direct their business idea. We will keep checking upon them as a way of monitoring, to help them establish themselves,” she added.

Ms. Akosa described AG-STUD Bootcamp as an innovative vehicle by which the passion and capacity of Ghanaian youth for agriculture can be ignited and developed and therefore used to the opportunity to call for corporate support towards the annual event.

AG-STUD AFRICA is in partnership with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA); National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association of Ghana (NFFAWAG).

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LIFESTYLE: Discover the amazing medicinal benefits of cinnamon you do not know.

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Photo credit: BBC FOOD

Cinnamon is a spice that comes from the branches of trees of the Cinnamomum family.

People have used cinnamon since 2000 BC in Ancient Egypt, where they regarded it highly. In medieval times, doctors used it to treat conditions such as coughing, arthritis, and sore throats.
It is now the second most popular spice, after black pepper, in the United States and Europe.

As a spice, cinnamon is available in powder form or whole, as pieces of bark. People can also use cinnamon essential oil and supplements.
There are two main types of cinnamon: cassia and Ceylon. The two have different nutritional profiles.

Improving fungal infections
Cinnamon oil may help treat some types of fungal infections.

A 2016 laboratory study found that cinnamon oil was effective against a type of Candida that affects the bloodstream. This may be due to its antimicrobial properties.
If further research confirms these findings, cinnamon oil could play a role in treating this type of infection.

Influencing blood sugar levels
Animal studies have shown that cassia cinnamon may reduce blood sugar levels.

The review also noted that after 60 people with type 2 diabetes consumed up to 6 grams (g) of cinnamon per day for between 40 days and 4 months, they had lower serum glucose, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol.

However, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), a 2012 review concluded that cinnamon does not help lower levels of glucose or glycosylated hemoglobin A1c which are long-term measures of blood glucose control in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Another small study looked at the impact of cinnamon, calcium, and zinc on blood pressure management in people with type 2 diabetes. The results did not show that this treatment had any impact.

It prevents Alzheimer’s disease
Some animal studies have suggested that cinnamon may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

According to researchers, an extract present in cinnamon bark, called CEppt, contains properties that may prevent symptoms from developing.

Mice who received the extract experienced a decrease in features of Alzheimer’s, such as amyloid plaques, and improvements in their ability to think and reason.

If further research confirms its effectiveness, this extract — but not necessarily whole cinnamon — may be useful in developing therapies for Alzheimer’s.

It protects against HIV
In 2000, a study of extracts of Indian medicinal plants found that cinnamon may help protect against HIV.

Scientists tested 69 extracts in a laboratory. Cinnamomum cassia, or cinnamon bark, and Cardiospermum helicacabum, which is the cinnamon shoot and fruit, were most effective in reducing HIV activity.

In a 2016 laboratory study, scientists found that an extract from cinnamon showed anti-HIV activity.

This does not mean that foods containing cinnamon can treat or prevent HIV, but cinnamon extracts could one day become a part of HIV therapy.

It prevents multiple sclerosis
Experts have tested cinnamon for activity against multiple sclerosis (MS).
Studies have suggested that cinnamon may protect regulatory T cells, or “Tregs,” which regulate immune responses.

People with MS appear to have lower levels of Tregs than people without the condition. In mouse studies, cinnamon treatment has prevented the loss of certain proteins specific to Tregs.

Scientists have also found that cinnamon treatment restored myelin levels in mice with MS. MS occurs when the myelin coating on nerve cells becomes damaged.
The NCCIHT is supporting more research into how cinnamon may help treat MS.

It lowers the effects of high-fat meals
In 2011, researchers concluded that diets rich in “antioxidant spices,” including cinnamon, may help reduce the body’s negative response to eating high-fat meals.

Six people consumed dishes containing 14 g of a spice blend. Blood tests showed that antioxidant activity increased by 13%, insulin response fell by 21%, and triglycerides fell by 31%.

It treats and heals chronic wounds
Research from 2015 says that scientists have found a way to package antimicrobial compounds from peppermint and cinnamon into tiny capsules that can both kill bacterial biofilms and actively promote healing.
In this way, peppermint and cinnamon could become part of a medicine for treating infected wounds.

It reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease
Various compounds in cinnamon may benefit the cardiovascular system. Cinnemaldehyde, for example, lowered blood pressure in an animal study.

In a 2014 study, rats that received long-term treatment involving cinnamon and aerobic training had better heart function than those that did not.

It prevents cancer
The authors of one article note that cinnamaldehydes may have antitumor and anticancer properties.

In the study, scientists treated mice with cancer using an extract of cinnamon and cardamom. Tests found lower levels of oxidative stress in the melanoma cells of the mice that received the treatment.

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Poultry Farmers to meet President over replacing eggs with Chinese mackerel for school student.

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Poultry farmers are raged over the decision by the government to replace eggs with Chinese mackerel for the students in Ghana.

Speaking to Angel FM this morning, Mr. Boris B, a poultry farmer described the report of the government’s decision as shocking depicting a character of unconcern and cruelty by the government to the farmers.

Reports indicate that Akufo-Addo’s led government has awarded a contract to a Chinese company to import mackerel for the school children under the school feeding programme to replace the consumption of eggs by the students.

He added that the government’s decision to replace eggs with Chinese mackerel is a means to collapse their poultry business. “We have gone for loans to produce both eggs and broilers for the country. We are already in a state of losing our business due to the high cost of poultry feed, why should the government increase our woes with such a decision”? He quizzed.

The poultry sector has witnessed the lay-off of workers for the past months now due to the effect of the pandemic, high cost of feed, and low patronage of poultry products.

The poultry farmers are to meet Akufo-Addo, the President of the Republic of Ghana to address their grievances. The President has accepted to meet the poultry farmers on this issue on Friday.

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A sustainable seed value chain must engage and involve all stakeholders – Seed Co.

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The West and Central Africa Regional Manager of Seed Co, Dr. Takemore Chagomoka had opined that seed is an important catalyst for the development of agriculture that needs all the stakeholders’ engagement for its sustainability.

Agriculture is the backbone of most economies in sub-Saharan Africa but the yields of various crops, especially maize are low in West and Central Africa as compared to East & Southern Africa. This is due to the kind of seeds that the farmers cultivate in these regions.

According to Dr. Chagomoka, the adoption rate of improved varieties of seed is higher in Eastern and Southern Africa as compared to West and Central Africa, because the seed industries in Eastern and Southern Africa are more developed as compared to West and Central Africa.

“The seed sustainability business value chain must consist of all actors including seed companies, the government, input dealers; fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides and pesticides, farmers and farmer organizations or cooperatives, off-takers of grain; breweries, poultry farmers, all consumers of grain NGOs”, he said.

He espoused the need for the stakeholders to engage in educating the farmers and farmer-based organizations on the difference between improved seeds and GMOs that have created great controversy in the sector.

“The use of improved varieties seeds is misunderstood by most of the farmers and this has created a glitch in the agricultural development in Ghana”, he mentioned.

Most of the farmers have the belief that improved seeds are GMO but the assertion is that improved seeds are not GMOs. “Improved seed is not a genetically modified seed. The two are not interchangeable, they are actually very, very different”, Dr. Chagomoka reiterated.

He elaborated that improved seeds are developed through cross-pollinating two seeds of the same species to improve yield. It is a completely natural process assisted by humans.

Genetic modification (GMO) is deliberately altering an organism’s genome he said. A gene out of its genome can be completely removed or a gene from a completely different species or kingdom could be added to it. GMO is a deliberate modification of the plant by direct manipulation.

He admonished the use of scientific advances in the seed industry to improve efficiencies, farmers’ yield, and business profitability.

“I would urge the farmers to observe Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) as a very important tool to unlocking potential yields through breeding. Seed industry continues to pose huge opportunities to youth and agriculture graduates”, he added.

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LIFESTYLE: Drink soaked groundnut water to cure these ailments.

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Photo credit: Plantfoods

Groundnut water is obtained by steaming/ boiling or soaking groundnut in water for 15 – 30 minutes. Groundnut is also known as Peanut which is rich in monounsaturated fats, the type of fat that is emphasized in the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet.

Groundnut water has great health benefits which are derived from nutrient-dense groundnut. The health benefits of groundnut water include:

May Aid Blood Sugar Control
Groundnut water may HELP stabilize your blood sugar levels. Groundnut has a GI (glycemic index) score of 14. While the GI of groundnut is 14 (on a 100-point scale), their GL (glycemic load, which tells what a particular food will do to your sugar levels) is just 1. That is why the American Diabetes Association names groundnut as a diabetes superfood. The fiber in groundnut also helps lower blood sugar levels. They also contain magnesium and other healthy oils that play a role in this aspect.

It promotes heart health
Groundnut water may help protect against coronary heart disease (CHD). A study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health found that groundnut may lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels. Bad cholesterol leads to plaque development in the blood vessels, and groundnut may prevent this. A study conducted on rats also stated that polyphenol-rich peanut skin extract may reduce the inflammation that causes heart disease.

It prevents gallstones
Consumption of groundnut water is linked to a lower risk of gallstones. A study conducted by the Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Boston) found that consumption of groundnut may lower the risk of gallstones. Men consuming five or more units of nuts (including groundnut) a week are at a lower risk of gallstone disease. Women consuming five or more units of nuts a week are at a reduced risk of cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder). However, long-term studies are required to understand this benefit of groundnut.

It aids your weight loss efforts
Groundnut water is very high in calories, but they contribute to weight loss instead of weight gain. Groundnut is an energy-dense food. That is why having them as a snack, drink or shake may make you consume fewer calories later in the day. Groundnut elicited stronger feelings of fullness when consumed as a snack than with a meal. This may eventually help with weight loss. Some studies suggested that higher nut consumption was not associated with greater body weight gain and may aid weight control. Including groundnut in your diet is one way to enhance nutrient intake without causing weight gain. Research also shows that the consumption of groundnut and peanut butter can increase feelings of fullness. These could satisfy individuals better than carbohydrate-filled snacks in equal quantities

It reduces cancer risk
High intake of groundnut (including other nuts) has been associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. The is flavones, resveratrol, and phenolic acid found in groundnut have anticancer properties which may help reduce the risk of cancer. A study conducted in The Netherlands found that peanut intake is also associated with a reduced risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. Groundnut was also found to prevent gastric and esophageal cancers among older American adults. When comparisons were made, individuals who did not consume any nuts or peanut butter were at the highest risk of developing these cancers.

It treats erectile dysfunction
Groundnut water is rich in arginine, which is an essential amino acid. Arginine has been studied extensively as a possible treatment for erectile dysfunction. More research is required to understand if arginine alone can help with the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

It relieves symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Although, there is little research in this regard. Anecdotal evidence suggests that groundnut may help treat PCOS as they contain monounsaturated fats. Some research states that a diet high in these fats could help improve the metabolic profile of women with PCOS.

It has antioxidative properties
Groundnut is rich in numerous plant compounds and antioxidants. Most of these compounds are available in the skin of groundnut, which should be eaten raw to get all of its benefits. Some of the plant compounds that are readily available in groundnut include resveratrol, coumaric acid, and phytosterols that help impair the absorption of cholesterol, isoflavones, and phytic acid found in plant seeds.

It helps protect against Alzheimer’s disease
Foods that are rich in niacin – like groundnut water – may protect against Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline. Groundnut is an excellent source of niacin and vitamin E, both of which have been shown to protect against Alzheimer’s disease. A study conducted on 4000 people aged 65 years and older found that niacin from food slows down the rate of cognitive decline.

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