(HAJJ) THE BENEFIT IN OBSERVING THE FIRST TEN DAYS AND NIGHTS OF DHUL-HIJJAH

Report by:   Olanrewaju Elegbede (Real Africa News)   

Observing the first Ten days and nights of Dhul-Hijjah (Hajj Season)

sarah

Most Muslims very well know the blessings of the nights of Ramadan, especially the last ten nights. However, not everyone knows that the first ten days of the last month of the Islamic month, Dhul Hijjah, are equally packed with blessings.
Allah has provided Muslims numerous opportunities throughout the year to renew their faith and to encourage them towards acts of goodness by specifying such special days. So, we have another such opportunity that we shouldn’t let pass by just like any other period in time.
Allah says in the Quran in Surah Al-Fajr:

“By the dawn; By the 10 nights” [Surah al-Fajr 89:1-2].

Most scholars agree that these ten nights refer to the first ten nights of Dhul-Hijjah. Ibn Katheer also had validated that opinion by stating: “This is the correct opinion.” [Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 8/413]
Ibn ‘Abbas reports that the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said,
“No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these days [meaning the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah].”
Among the deeds recommended during those ten days are observing voluntary fasting, offering animal sacrifices (lamb, goat, etc.), sincere repentance, recitation of the Quran, staying up the night and finally praying the Eid prayers on the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah.
Hafsah reported, “There are five things that the Messenger (saws) never abandoned: fasting the day of Ashura in the month of Muharram, fasting the [first] 10 [days of Dhul-Hijjah], fasting 3 days of every month and praying two rak’aah before the dawn prayer.” [Related by Ahmad and an-Nasa’i]

Abu Hurairah relates that the Messenger of Allah (saws) said, “There are no days more loved to Allah for you to worship Him therein than the ten days of Dhul Hijja. Fasting any day during it is equivalent to fasting one year and to offer salatul tahajjud (late-night prayer) during one of its nights is like performing the late night prayer on the night of power. [i.e., Lailatul Qadr].” [Related by at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, and al-Baihaqi]

The Prophet (SAWS) commanded us to recite a lot of Tasbeeh (“Subhan-Allah”), Tahmeed (“Al-hamdu Lillaah”) and Takbeer (“Allaahu akbar”) during this time. ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (SAWS) said: “There are no days greater in the sight of Allah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so during this time recite a great deal of Tahleel (“La ilaaha ill-Allah”), Takbeer and Tahmeed.” (Reported by Ahmad, 7/224; Ahmad Shaakir stated that it is saheeh). (Islam-QA.com)
For Muslims who do not attend Hajj, fasting on the day of Arafah is highly recommended.
Fasting on the day of ‘Arafah is a confirmed Sunnah for those who are not performing Hajj. It was narrated from Abu Qataadah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked about fasting on the day of ‘Arafah and he said: “It expiates for the past and coming years.” Narrated by Muslim (1162). According to another report: “I ask Allah that it may expiate for (the sins of) the year that comes before it and the year that comes after it.”

Ibn Qudaamah (may Allah have mercy on him) said in al-Mughni (4/443), which is a Hanbali book:
It is a great and noble day, and a blessed festival which is of great virtue. It is narrated in saheeh reports from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) that fasting it is expiation for two years. End quote.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) was asked: What is the ruling on fasting the day of ‘Arafah for non-pilgrims and pilgrims?
He replied: Fasting on the day of ‘Arafah for non-pilgrims is a confirmed Sunnah. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked about fasting on the day of ‘Arafah and he said: “I ask Allah that it may expiate for (the sins of) the year that comes before it and the year that comes after it.” According to another report he said: “It expiates for the past and coming years.”
As for the pilgrim, it is not Sunnah for him to fast on the day of ‘Arafah, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did not fast on the day of ‘Arafah during the Farewell Pilgrimage. In Saheeh al-Bukhaari it is narrated from Maymoonah (may Allah be pleased with her) that the people were not sure whether the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was fasting on the day of ‘Arafah, so she sent him some milk when he was standing in ‘Arafah, and he drank it whilst the people were looking on. End quote.
Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (part 20, question no. 404) [Source: islam-qa.com]

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THE COMPONENT OF NIGERIA MINING INDUSTRY

Report by:   Olanrewaju Elegbede (Real Africa News)

THE COMPONENT OF NIGERIA MINING INDUSTRY

Coal, Lignite and Coke

Main article: Nigerian Coal Corporation

Mining is the extraction[removal]of minerals and metals from the earth. The Nigerian Coal Corporation (NCC) is a parastatal corporation that was formed in 1950 and held a monopoly on the mining, processing, and sales of coal, lignite, and coke products until 1999.^[2]

Coal was first discovered in Enugu in 1909, and the Ogbete Mine had opened and begun regularly extracting coal by 1916. By 1920, coal production had reached 180,122 long tons (183,012 t). Nigeria's peak coal production was in the late 1950s, and by 1960 production was at 565,681 long tons (574,758 t). The Nigerian Civil War caused many mines to be abandoned. After the war ended in the early 1970s, coal production was never able to recover. Attempts to mechanize the industry in the 1970s and 1980s were ultimately unsuccessful, and actually hindered production due to problems with implementation and maintenance.^[2]

The Nigerian government is currently trying to privatize the Nigerian Coal Corporation and sell off its assets. While the domestic market for coal has been negatively affected by the move to diesel and gas-powered engines by organizations that were previously major coal consumers, the low-sulfur coal mined in Nigeria is desirable by international customers in Italy and the United Kingdom, who have imported Nigerian coal. Recent financial problems have caused a near shutdown of the NCC's coal mining operations, and the corporation has responded by attempting to sell off some of its assets while it waits for the government to complete privatization activities.^[3][4]

In April 2008, Minister of Mines and Steel Sarafa Tunji Ishola announced that Nigeria was considering coal as an alternative power source as it attempts to reform its power sector, and encouraged Chinese investors to invest in the coal industry.^[5]

The Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office manages all the Nigerian mining licenses and mining rights. They are a subsiary of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Gold

Gold deposits are found in Northern Nigeria, most prominently near Maru, Anka, Malele, Tsohon Birnin Gwari-Kwaga, Gurmana, Bin Yauri, Okolom-Dogondaji, and Iperindo in Osun state it is not very dominant in the country.^[1]

Gold production began in 1913 and peaked in the 1930s. During the Second World War, production declined. Mines were abandoned by colonial companies, and production never recovered.^[1]

The Nigerian Mining Corporation (NMC) was formed in the early 1980s to explore for gold. Lack of funds, and the lure of easier profits from oil production led to its failure. There is no large scale gold mining operation in Nigeria today, though there is small-scale mining carried out by artists.^[1] The family of Aleye from Anka is one of the leading gold families in the region.

Iron Ore

Nigeria has several deposits of iron ore, but the purest deposits are in and around Itakpe in Kogi State.^[6][7]

The National Iron Ore Mining Company was founded in 1979 and given the mission to explore, exploit, process, and supply iron ore concentrate to the Ajaokuta Steel Company (ASCL) in Ajaokuta and Delta Steel Company (DCL) in Aladja. Additional demand has come from several steel rolling mills. The company and its mining operations are based in Kogi State. Export of excess iron ore beyond what is required for domestic needs is currently being explored. Additionally, the Nigerian government has invested in foreign iron ore operations in Guinea.^[7] 3

Uranium

The Nigeria Uranium Mining Company (NUMCO) was a parastatal organization that controlled the exploration and mining of uranium in Nigeria and was a public/private partnership with Total Compagnie Minière of France, which owned 40% of the company. In 1989, Total pulled out of the partnership, and in 1993 the government reassigned NUMCO's responsibilities to the Nigerian Geological Survey. The NUMCO corporation was dissolved in 1996, and the government is in the process of liquidating its remaining assets.^[8]

Recently, several important uranium deposits were discovered in Cross River State, Adamawa State, Taraba State, Plateau State, Bauchi State, and Kano State by the British Geological Survey.^[9]

Ecological effects

Environmental officials with the government of Plateau State believe that 1,100 tin and columbite mines, abandoned after the mining boom of the 1960s,now pose serious health risks to as many as 2 million people living in the area. Radioactive mine tailings were reported to be a danger to local people living around mining fields in Jos,Barikin-Ladi,Bukur, Bassa and Riyom districts.^[10] Petroleum in Nigeria was first discovered in the 1970s.

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Arabella Kushner Trump Grand Daughter Entertain Chinese

Report by:   Olanrewaju Elegbede (Real Africa News)

President Trump’s Grandkids Sing in Mandarin for the Chinese President

President Trump and President Xi Jinping with their wives, Melania Trump and Peng Liyuan, at Mar-a-Lago. (Photo: AP)

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with President Trump at the southern White House this week (Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida) to discuss a number of issues from trade to security. 
If there had been any tension between the world leaders, they may have eased when Trump’s granddaughter Arabella Kushner, 5, met Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, and sang for them in Mandarin. Her performance was captured and shared to Instagram by her mother:

“Very proud of Arabella and Joseph for their performance in honor of President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan’s official visit to the United States. 欢迎 (welcome)!” Ivanka Trump wrote.
Arabella performed the song “Jasmine” for the first couple of China as well as the “Three Character Classic” and some poetry from the Tang dynasty.
This is not Arabella’s first performance singing in Mandarin. In February, her mother posted to social media her singing a song Chinese celebrate lunar year
“Arabella singing a song she learned for Chinese New Year Wishing everyone an amazing year to come during these days of celebration. 新年快乐” wrote Ivanka Trump on Twitter.
Chinese state-run news agency Xinhua reports that President Trump has accepted President Xi’s offer to visit China at an “early date.”
The meeting happened under somewhat strained circumstances, however. As the world leaders dined, the United States was in the midst of launching airstrikes against Syria. The move was in retaliation for an alleged chemical attack by Bashar Assad’s government. China has historically opposed such actions and, along with Russia, has defended Assad on the world stage. After their meeting, Trump addressed the nation about the airstrikes:

“We ask for God’s wisdom as we face the challenge of our very troubled world; we pray for the lives of the wounded and for the souls of those who have passed. And we hope that as long as America stands for justice, then peace and harmony will in the end prevail,” said Trump.

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THE BIGGEST TRANSFER EVER IN EUROPE/2017.

Report by:   Olanrewaju Elegbede (Real Africa News)

Gossip: Manchester United 'get Neymar boost', Griezmann 'rules out Real Madrid move', Manchester City 'lead Alexis race'

Neymar, Sanchez and Griezmann – all wanted for big fees

If Neymar never ever signs for Manchester United, imagine how many lives would have been wasted speculating on whether he might. Lives that could have been spent making worthwhile contributions to society – curing disease, fighting injustice, cuddling orphaned monkeys – but were instead sucked into a bottomless vacuum of pointless rumour-mongering that helped no one.

Actually, this is not even a conversation Hot Football Transfer Gossip wants to get involved in on a Monday morning. It’s too distressing. Instead, let’s turn our attention to the Daily Press, which says that Neymar could be on his way to Man Utd. Woah, cool!
This is not strictly the belief of the Express, but the belief of Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, who reportedly “feels” that Neymar has a Nou Camp “escape plan”, due to his unhappiness with Barca’s faltering form and his “tense relationship” with Lionel Messi.
 

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The reason this is good news for United is that they are “one of the few teams who would be able to afford him”. Or, at least, one of the few clubs willing to meet his £170m release clause. Remember, the one that was inserted when Neymar signed a new contract a few months ago. The contract that was supposed to end all this speculation and help us regain our sanity and our dignity. Remember THAT?

Deep breaths… Moving on, the Red Devils have also received a boost in their pursuit of Antoine Griezmann after he appeared to rule out a move from Atletico Madrid to rivals Real, describing the idea as “dead”.

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The 9 Symptoms of Stroke You Need to Know

Report by:   Olanrewaju Elegbede (Real Africa News)

The 9 Symptoms of Stroke You Need to Know

While many of us are eating and getting our diets right to prevent a future heart attack, we can’t forget about how deadly a brain attack — otherwise known as a stroke — could be. The National Stroke Association reminds us it’s the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. and strikes someone every 40 seconds. While it’s possible to make a full recovery when you have a stroke, most people do not. In fact, more than two-thirds of survivors have some kind of disability associated with the attack.
Much like a heart attack, strokes can happen anywhere, any time, and it all starts when blood flow is cut off from an area of your brain. From here, your oxygen-deprived brain cells start to die, which then causes issues elsewhere or even death. There is good news for us all, however — most strokes can be prevented, and there are plenty of symptoms to warn you when this condition is about to strike.

Learn to act F.A.S.T.

Know the most common symptoms of a stroke first. | iStock.com/megaflopp

Before we delve into some stroke symptoms you may not be aware of, it’s important to know the basics. There’s an easy way to detect the most common signs with this acronym: F.A.S.T.
“F” stands for face: Is your face drooping? Try to smile while looking in the mirror to see if one side of your face looks as if it’s being pulled down.
“A” stands for arms: Raise your arms. If one arm drifts downward, this is a sign.
“S” stands for speech: Are you slurring your words?
“T” stands for time: If a stroke is on its way, your time is limited. Act quickly and seek emergency care if any of these symptoms occur, as an attack could be well on its way.
As for the not-so-common symptoms, here they are.

1. Sudden and severe headache

A sudden headache is a sign. | iStock.com/gpointstudio

We all get that annoying pain in our skulls from time to time — maybe work has us stressed or we had too much to drink the night before. While the occasional headache usually isn’t something to worry about, you should be wary if your headache comes on without any warning and is cripplingly painful. These are called thunderclap headaches, and they can signal bleeding in the brain, says Everyday Health.
If you’re over 50 and suddenly have the worst headache of your life or you notice you’re getting them more often than usual, contact your doctor immediately. This could be a sign of a stroke or another neurological problem.

2. Trouble speaking

Pay attention to changes in speech. | iStock.com

Depending on what part of the brain is affected, an incoming stroke can cause speech troubles in some. This is part of the F.A.S.T. acronym as stated before, but this symptom can manifest in a few ways. U.S. News & World Report explains someone who is about to have a stroke could experience difficulty speaking sentences that make sense, or they can also have trouble understanding complex conversations.
This symptom usually indicates that the area of the brain that controls language isn’t getting the blood supply it needs. If you can’t keep up with your friend’s riveting story no matter how hard you concentrate, this is a definite sign of a stroke.

3. Loss of coordination

Having trouble walking? Watch for this. | iStock.com

If a stroke is on its way, you may suddenly feel as if your arms and legs aren’t working the way they should. This may mean you’re having difficulty walking because you’re off balance, or your limbs are suddenly weak. You might also find yourself stumbling more than usual or having a hard time picking up objects, eMedicineHealth explains.
Droopiness in the face is a symptom most people look for when they consider a stroke (it’s part of F.A.S.T., after all), but know this limp feeling can happen anywhere in the body. Whether it’s a sign of something serious or not, it’s never normal to feel sudden weakness in your body.

4. Blurry vision

Sudden blurriness in your vision isn’t normal. | iStock.com

Your carotid arteries are located on the sides of your neck, and they have the ever-important job of supplying blood to your brain, neck, and face. The New York Times explains strokes commonly happen in this area, which can result in some strange changes to your vision. As oxygen is reduced in this part of your brain, you may experience poor night visionvor feel as if a shade has been pulled down over your eyes.
If you have a stroke that’s occurring in the arteries along the base of the skull, you’ll also see changes in your eyesight. You may even experience a complete loss of vision.

5. Sudden hoarseness

Hoarseness, along with other symptoms, could be a sign. | iStock.com

Your voice typically isn’t the first thing affected by a stroke — you’ll probably notice weakness in your limbs or bad coordination before this one — but it’s a symptom to be aware of. The Voice Foundation explains the strength of your voice box can be affected by many neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and, you guessed it, stroke.
Loss of blood flow to the brain stem can cause a hoarse or breathy voice from the vocal muscles being paralyzed on one side. It’s also possible to completely lose the ability to speak when the side of the brain that’s more dominant is affected. If your once beautiful singing voice is now nothing more than a whisper, be wary.

6. Hiccups

Painful hiccups could mean a stroke is on its way. | iStock.com

We’ve all been there — you’re starving and ready to scoff down your dinner when in the middle of another quick forkful of food, the hiccups start. Most of us think of the hiccups as a mild annoyance that disappear just as quickly as they start. There are instances, however, when this irritating bodily function could signal a stroke.
Neurologist Diana Greene-Chandos tells Prevention these aren’t your average, run-of-the-mill hiccups. They’ll be painful, constant, and extremely severe. It’s also likely you’ll notice numbness and blurry vision at the same time. If your hiccups are unrelenting and accompany other symptoms, head to the ER and suggest this possible cause to the doctors — stroke may not be the first diagnosis on their mind, either.

7. Pain in the arms or face

Unexplainable pain should be checked by you doctor. | iStock.com

When you have arm pain, you probably fear an incoming heart attack. It also signals a stroke, though. Carolyn Brockington, M.D., tells Everyday Health this is a symptom women should definitely be aware of. It’s not that women are more likely to experience pain prior to a stroke — it’s that they are more likely to think strokes primarily affect men, the elderly, or those in poor health, and therefore may ignore this sign.
If your upper body pain is accompanied by feelings of weakness or an inability to move that specific side, or any of the other symptoms here, seek medical attention.

8. Fainting

Feeling light-headed? Pay attention to any other symptoms of a stroke you may have. | iStock.com/AntonioGuillem

Strokes and fainting can often look the same, but usually, they’re unrelated. Fainting is a brief loss of consciousness because of a lack of oxygen to the brain. A stroke, on the other hand, occurs when blood flow to the brain is cut off. Because it only affects one part of the organ, people don’t usually faint before having a stroke, Merck Manual says.
There is a situation where fainting is a sign of stroke, and that’s if the part of the brain affected by the lack of blood flow is the area that helps keep you awake and aware. If you’ve fainted after a dizzy spell and you’re feeling a little less coordinated than usual, it may signal something serious.

9. Seizure

Seek medical care immediately after a seizure. | David McNew/Getty Images

A minor stroke will not cause a seizure, but something more severe could. The New York Times explains a hemorrhagic stroke occurs when there’s bleeding in the brain. A blood vessel bursts, causing the bleeding which can then result in brain swelling, pressure in the head, and damage to the surrounding tissue. In short, these strokes are as serious as they come. These strokes can quickly threaten your life — don’t hesitate to seek help.

Stroke risk factors

Having diabetes increases your risk. | iStock.com

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle doesn’t just give you the physique you’ve always wanted — it protects your brain, too. Unfortunately, if you’ve already had one stroke, severe or not, you’re already at a higher risk of having another one, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains. Having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes makes you more susceptible as well.
Heart disease and stroke are linked pretty closely, too. Coronary artery disease occurs from plaque buildup in the heart. This can then block the flow of blood to the brain, causing a stroke. If you don’t have heart disease but you’re still smoking, eating a poor diet, and refusing to hop on the treadmill every once in awhile, know you’re putting yourself at unnecessary stroke risk.

What women need to know

High blood pressure during pregnancy is something to watch for. | iStock.com/tamaravidmar

Ladies, listen up — out of every 10 strokes that kill, six occur in women. While this disease mostly affects older adults, there’s an increasing number of women under 45 who are having them. Younger women are also more likely to experience vertigo and headaches as symptoms, so it’s important to pay attention to your body when it’s acting abnormally.
High blood pressure is a risk factor for both genders, but women need to pay particular attention to their blood pressure during pregnancy. If it rises to unsafe levels and you’re with child, this can certainly raise your risks for stroke. Also, if you’re on birth control, ask your doctor if it could be increasing your chances of an attack in the future. Some types of the pill raise your risk even higher if you have high blood pressure or smoke.

Possible complications

Therapy can help stroke survivors with any symptoms of depression they may have. | iStock.com

Strokes can certainly be deadly, and even survivors don’t always get  away unscathed. The American Stroke Association explains brain swelling, pneumonia, urinary tract infections and loss of bladder control, seizures, and depression can all occur in the aftermath. Depending on how your mobility is affected from the stroke, you may also get bedsores, blood clots in the legs, or pain in the limbs.
Luckily, there are a lot of options for stroke survivors. Physical therapy can assist in restoring range of motion and preventing problems in the blood vessels, and deep breathing exercises can help decrease pneumonia risk. Counseling is also useful for those dealing with the emotional effects.

You can have a stroke without even realizing it

Not every stroke is severe. | iStock.com/alex-mit

As scary as a stroke sounds, some people have one and never even know it. Ted Lowenkopf, M.D., tells Providence Health & Services if you have a stroke that is either very small or that damages tissue with no critical function, then you may have no symptoms at all. It’s possible to have a minor stroke in your sleep, too. While this may not wake you, it’s important to note any strange symptoms you may have if you do wake up in the middle of the night for seemingly no reason.
Having a mild stroke may not cause you any problems, but it should serve as a warning. You could be at risk for having a more severe episode in a few hours, days, or weeks, so be sure to report any of your unusual symptoms.

What can you do? First, get more sleep

Make sure you’re getting enough sleep. | iStock.com/AntonioGuillem

You can blame it on late-night TV binges or the overwhelming workload you have at the office, but either way, daytime sleepiness plagues millions of people each year. Most of us can pinpoint why we’re tired — maybe we’re not really putting in the eight hours of rest we need. But what if you are?
A study from the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes showed the participants who reported “significant daytime dozing” had a higher risk of stroke compared to those who reported some dozing or no sleeping at all. Researchers aren’t sure of the direct correlation between stroke and tiredness, but there’s surely a relationship between disturbances in sleep and vascular disorders. To protect your heart and your brain, make sure you’re getting quality rest each night. It’s the easiest, and perhaps one of the most effective, things you can do.

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Top 9 Inflammated-Fighting Foods You Should Be Eating

Report by:   Olanrewaju Elegbede (Real Africa News)

Top Nine Inflammated-Fighting Foods You Should Be Eating

While most of us think about food in terms of how it can affect our weight and physical performance, it goes well beyond that. Everything from our skin to our hair to how our organs are performing is affected by what we eat. Chief among the foods we want to avoid in order to optimize how our body functions are those that promote inflammation.

So what exactly is inflammation?

A swollen ankle is a good example of inflammation. | iStock.com

If you’ve ever sprained your ankle only to find it swell up like a balloon, you’ve witness inflammation firsthand. It’s a natural immune response whereby the tissues in your body react to a harmful stimuli such as an infection or an injury. It’s a protective response meant to eliminate the initial cause of harm. In the case of the ankle sprain, it’s a temporary, targeted form of inflammation.
When you consistently eat a poor diet rich in sugary, starchy foods (pasta, bread, pastries, baked goods, fried foods including chips, pretzels, soda, red meats, margarine … ), your body is systematically being affected by inflammation, which increases the risk of degenerative disease, chronic pain, joint pain, fatigue, and damage to blood vessels. It also causes sagging skin, dark circles, and puffiness, among many other internal and external factors.
The good news is there’s plenty that can be done to control inflammation. The key is to be strategic about the foods you eat, focusing on following a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods and drinking water (or tea) throughout the day.
Here’s a look at the inflammation-fighting foods you should always have around.

1. High-quality protein

Salmon is one of the best inflammation-fighting foods. | iStock.com

Fish, especially cold water fish like wild Alaskan salmon, tuna, scallops, halibut, herring, sardines, and anchovies are all high in inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids. Shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster), poultry (free-range chicken, turkey, Cornish hens, nitrate-free bacon on occasion), seitan, tempeh, and tofu are all great dietary staples that will work to naturally fight inflammation, too.

2. Dark leafy greens

Go for this bowl of fresh spinach. | iStock.com

Rich in antioxidants, dark leafy greens like kale and spinach have been proven to fight inflammation. They’re also high in vitamin E, which is thought to help protect the body from pro-inflammatory molecules called cytokines.

3. Nuts

Eat a variety of nuts. | iStock.com

Opt for raw, unsalted nuts. Walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, Brazil nuts, and hazelnuts are all great options as they’re high in inflammation-fighting monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, fiber, and antioxidants.

4. Berries

Mixed berries make for a delicious snack. | iStock.com

Berries, especially blueberries, will work to fight inflammation with their high antioxidant content. They also have that sweet taste we all love, so consider nibbling some of these fruits as an after-dinner treat.

5. Seeds

Chia seeds are great for fighting inflammation. | iStock.com

Flax, chia, pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame are all high in inflammation-fighting omega-3s. They’re seriously easy to add to your meals, too. Try tossing them in smoothies or sprinkling a small handful over a salad.

6. Beans and lentils

Beans are rich in fiber and other nutrients. | iStock.com

Lentils (red, green black), lima beans, kidney beans, white beans, pinto beans, and black beans are all rich in fiber and phytonutrients, which help lower CRP, an indicator of inflammation found in the blood. They’re also rich in protein and fiber, which will keep you full.

7. Grains

Always go for whole grains. | iStock.com

Oats, barley, quinoa, and buckwheat are all low-glycemic carbohydrates (i.e. they won’t cause a sugar spike), making them a great option. These whole grains will also work to lower CRP.
 

8. Healthy fats

Sliced avocado is a healthy fat. | iStock.com/MSPhotographic

Extra-virgin olive oil, flax oil, macadamia nut oil, avocados, coconuts, and olives are all fantastic sources of healthy fats. Avocados in particular are rich in carotenoids, which have been proven to help fight inflammation.

 

9. Sweeteners

Honey is a better alternative to white sugar. | iStock.com

When necessary, sweeten foods with honey or another less processed type of sugar. Natural sweeteners tend to fall lower on the glycemic index, which means they won’t spike your blood sugar as much. This may help combat inflammation.

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The Real Reason Why The Whales Jump

Report by:   Olanrewaju Elegbede (Real Africa News)

The Real Reason Why The Whales Jump

Lauren Phillips,Coastal Living Thu, Mar 30 2:45 PM PDT

Scroll back up to restore default view.

It’s hard to miss: A 30-ton mammal flings itself out of choppy waters, hanging in the air for a brief moment before its 45-foot frame crashes back into the water, sending a plume of sea foam into the air as it lands.
You’ve just seen a humpback whale breaching. These whales have been spotted breaching-or exposing large portions of their bodies above the water-year-round, in their winter breeding grounds, their summer feeding grounds, and while traveling between the two. Their breaching behavior while on the move caught the attention of a team of scientists in Australia, who wondered why-when breaching takes so much energy, and humpbacks rarely, if ever, eat while migrating-these giants would use their energy to jump unless it meant something.

Researchers working with the BRAHSS (Behavioural Response of Australian Humpback Whales to Seismic Surveys) project observed 94 different groups of humpback whales migrating past the coast of Australia en route to the Antarctic. In a scholarly article published in Marine Mammal Science, the team pinpointed specific surface behaviors-its term for the whales’ actions as they breach or slap the water with their fins-and what they might mean. It noticed the whales’ surface behaviors became more common on windy days or when there were other groups of whales very far away, supporting the opinion that whales use these behaviors as a form of communication. By leaping into the air or slapping the water with their fins, whales make major noise-noise that helps them communicate across large distances when background sounds from the weather, boats in the area, or other sources might block out their vocal noises.

The team concluded that these surface behaviors serve multiple communication purposes for migrating humpback whales, purposes that can’t be achieved by vocal sounds. It also tried to decipher what the whales are trying to say. According to the article, breaching is possibly communication between far-apart groups of whales. Whales use the incredible underwater noise they can create by crashing their bodies into the water as a signal to other groups in the area, while fluke (tail fin) or pectoral fin slapping may be important for close-range and between-group communication. The whales may use this communication to mediate social interactions such as groups coming together or splitting apart.
Humpback whales breach and display surface behaviors year-round, so, even though migrating whales were the focus of this study, it's possible that they use these actions for the same purposes wherever they are. These actions take place regardless of the presence of an opposite-sex pairing and outside breeding grounds, so it's unlikely that they are limited to mating behaviors. This Australian team only studied humpback whales, but all species of whales breach, and it's possible that other baleen whales (like blue whales) use breaching to communicate, too.
The next time you’re fortunate enough to see a whale jumping above the water, know that jump takes a lot of energy, and it’s not just for fun or to put on a show-that jump might carry a message.

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