THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

 The word being earnest in my own definition means 'purposeful', 'passionate' etc. Being earnest or passionate about whatsoever you do would lead you to heights you wouldn't imagine. Being earnest entails staying focused and determined. Imagine this: A boy was told by his Aunt whom he had lived with for fifteen years that his parent lives in the middle of a thick forest. The young boy who had never known his parent would automatically be passionate to see and know them. Passion can make one take dangerous risks just to see a positive result. Despite the hurdles on the way to see his parent in the thick forest, his passion and purposeful heart would overcome them all.

Once again, I would say 'PASSION CAN MAKE SOMEONE TAKE DANGEROUS RISKS JUST TO SEE A POSITIVE RESULT'. A man without purpose and passion cannot achieve anything. Hence:

Number one importance of being earnest is that IT MAKES YOU AN ACHIEVER. To climb the ladder of success, you must be an achiever. Achievements all depends on your passion; it could be helping the needy ones, it could be providing a means of education for the needy, it could be reaching the world with the gospel via preaching, writings or songs, it could be providing employments etc. Achievement means a service to mankind. This leads to the second importance of being earnest.

Number Two: MAKES YOU A GOOD LEADER. The call for leadership is only for the passion driven persons. Persons full of the desire to service and touch lives. Being earnest prepares you for leadership. At this point , I think leadership would be the next article to write on. A good and successful leader is one whose passion and vision is to build and bring out the best in his followers.

Number Three: BRINGS PROMOTION. Looking at 'being earnest from the point of view of an employee. An employer would be pleased and willing to display an employee of passion to the world. Example, lets say Mr. Ibe is working with Balmybreeze Reality Printing Press as an editor. If Mr. Ibe shows an attitude of desire, passion and zeal, that can earn him a promotion as deputy Editor. A PASSION DRIVEN WORKER IS THE JOY OF HIS BOSS.

Importance of Tomato in Improving Health

The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a plant. Tomato is used in the  prevention of cancer-cancer of the breast, lungs, prostate, pancreas, ovaries, bladder, colon, rectum, stomach and cervix. It is used also in the prevention of Diabetes, Cataracts, Asthma Diseases affecting the blood vessels, and heart. Tomato could also be used in the treatment of HBP (High Blood Pressure), Common cold and Digestive disorders.

Tomato is a good source of Vitamin A and C. 

• Vitamin A is essential in the growth of cell (cell division and differentiation), growth of bone, enhances the function of the immune system, eye, urinary tract, intestinal tract and the respiratory tract. In elaboration, Vitamin A is required for several vital functions in the body including;

  Vision

  Vitamin A is required in the maintenance of normal vision. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to visual disturbances. In the eyes, a form of vitamin A called retinal is combined with a protein called opsin to give rhodopsin which is an essential light-absorbing molecule needed for colour vision and seeing in dim light.  

  Immune system

  Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy immune function and deficiency can lead to an impaired response to infection.

  Cell growth

  A form of Vitamin A, retinoic acid is, a key hormone-like growth factor for epithelial cells and other cell types in the body.

  Gene transcription and protein formation

  Tomatoes also contain Lycopene. Lycopene is a very powerful antioxidant which can help prevent the development of many forms of cancer. Cooked tomatoes and tomato products are the best source of lycopene since the lycopene is released from the tomato when cooked. A raw tomato has about 20% of the lycopene content found in cooked tomatoes. However, raw or cooked tomatoes are considered the best source for this antioxidant.

  Vitamin A, in the form of retinoic acid is essential for gene transcription. Retinol is taken up by the cell and oxidized to retinaldehyde, which is then oxidized to give retinoic acid. The conversion of retinal to retinoic acid is irreversible and the process is tightly regulated because retinoic acid functions as a ligand for nuclear receptors. Retinoic acid binds to these nuclear receptors called in order to regulate gene transcription.

  Skin health

  Retinoic acid maintains skin health also by activating genes that cause immature skin cells to develop into mature epidermal cells. Currently, the retinoic drug isotretinoin is the most commonly prescribed agent in the treatment of acne. This drug decreases the size of sebaceous glands and reduces their secretions. The agent also reduces the amount of bacteria present in the ducts and surface of the skin, which occurs as a result of reduced sebum, which bacteria rely on as a source of nutrients.
• Vitamin C is essential. According to recent research, vitamin C may offer health benefits in these areas:
  1. Stress. "A recent meta-analysis showed vitamin C was beneficial to individuals whose immune system was weakened due to stress -- a condition which is very common in our society," says Moyad.  And, he adds, "because vitamin C is one of the nutrients sensitive to stress, and [is] the first nutrient to be depleted in alcoholics, smokers, and obese individuals, it makes it an ideal marker for overall health."
  2. Colds. When it comes to the common cold, vitamin C may not be a cure, but it can help prevent more serious complications. "There is good evidence taking vitamin C for colds and flu can reduce the risk of developing further complications, such as pneumonia and lung infections," says Moyad.
  3. Stroke. Although research has been conflicting, one study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that those with the highest concentrations of vitamin C in their blood were associated with 42% lower stroke risk than those with the lowest concentrations.  The reasons for this are not completely clear. But what is clear is that people who eat plenty of fruits and vegetables have higher blood levels of vitamin C."People who consume more fruit and vegetables will not only have higher [blood] levels of vitamin C, but higher intake of other nutrients potentially beneficial to health, such as fiber and other vitamins and minerals," study researcher Phyo K. Myint said in an email interview.
  4. Skin Aging. Vitamin C affects cells on the inside and outside of the body.  A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined links between nutrient intakes and skin aging in 4,025 women aged 40-74. It found that higher vitamin C intakes were associated with a lower likelihood of a wrinkled appearance, dryness of the skin, and a better skin-aging appearance. 
  Other studies have suggested that vitamin C may also:
• Improve macular degeneration
• Reduce inflammation.
• Reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Note that the Leaf of Tomato could be harmful in excess because it can cause body poisoning. Its symptoms can include; vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, throat irritation and even death in several cases.

If you have more informations about this topic, please leave a comment.

 LIVE FREE, LIVE VICTORIOUS, LIVE HEALTHY!!!

Tips to Improve Heart wellness

Heart disease occurrence is getting rampant these days and this calls for carefulness. The heart is a very important organ in the body that we can't even live without. It certainly works all day alongside with the brain. Hence, there is no doubt that ensuring its wellness is paramount. Below are tips on how we can improve the wellbeing of our heart.

1.  Reduce Body Weight: This is for the obese or overweight individuals. Overweight and obesity comes with High Blood Pressure (HBP) which signifies that the heart is under stress and prolonged stress on the heart is very risky.

2. Exercise: Exercise is an essential tool in keeping the whole body in good health, hence, it is helpful in the effective heart functioning. This is also a tool in which one can reduce excessive fats/weight and also keep the body generally active which could also prevent disease (improves blood flow, hence, the white blood cells which are the body army reaches round the body quickly and blocks room for parasites growth).

3. Eat Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acid: This reduces the blood pressure of the body (increased blood pressures gives more work to the heart which could cause heart failure). Foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids are; eggs, walnuts, soybeans, sardines etc.

4. Eat Anti-inflammatory Foods: When injury occurs in the heart, inflammation occurs. Eating food rich in anti-inflammatory compounds like quercetin, would help in keeping the heart healthy and strong. Foods rich in anti-inflammatory compounds are; apple, red wine, green vegetable, beans, tea, grapefruit etc.

OTHER FOODS/FRUITS ESSENTIAL FOR  A HEALTHY HEART are; avocado pear, olive oil, mango, oranges, yogurt, peanut, whole grain products, watermelon, tomato, red pepper, paw-paw, carrot, guavas etc.

5. Avoid Food High in Sodium: Sodium increases blood pressure which could cause hypertension. Eating saltly food rich in sodium, cause additional strain on the heart which can lead to heart failure. Foods rich in Potassium is an antidote for sodium rich foods. A well known fruit that contain high potassium is banana.

6. Avoid Junks and Food High in Sugar.

7. Avoid Tobacco: Smoking of tobacco destroys vitally all the organs in the body and the heart is certainly not an exception. Either smoking or non-smoking tobacco in-take or chew, it is harmful to the heart.

If you know more, please comment and add your view.