Health Benefits of Ginger

Ginger water is a natural remedy used to help conditions like nausea and morning sickness. It has several health benefits. Making ginger water correctly is important because you want to get the dose right.

Ginger is native to Southeast Asia. It’s common in food and herbal remedies around the world. The ginger plant is rich in natural chemicals that can promote health and wellness.

Ginger water, also known as ginger tea, is one way to enjoy the benefits of ginger. Read on to learn more about the possible health benefits benefits, uses, and side effects of ginger water.

Benefits of Ginger Water

As with many herbal medicines, more research is necessary to better understand and prove the uses of ginger and ginger water.

Many anecdotes about uses for ginger water can’t be guaranteed to be healthy or effective. However, limited research does back several potential benefits.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Inflammation is one of your body’s natural self-preservation functions. Diet and lifestyle changes may be necessary to fight chronic inflammation.

Consuming ginger may help prevent and heal inflammation. 2020 research found that oral and topical ginger helped reduce inflammation in cases of delayed onset muscle soreness.

According to research, human and animal studies have suggested that certain compounds in ginger helped reduce symptoms of inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis

While a doctor may recommend medical treatments to directly address inflammatory conditions, you may wish to discuss with your doctor the possible benefits of adding ginger to your diet.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants fight reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause oxidative stress and damage your cells. Your body naturally makes ROS, but some lifestyle choices — like drinking large quantities of alcohol, smoking, or experiencing chronic stress — can make you produce too much ROS.

Consuming foods and drinks with antioxidants, like ginger water, may help prevent and fight the negative side effects of ROS.

Research showed that numerous clinical studies have identified the antioxidant properties of ginger. The review suggests that ginger may be a complementary treatment for conditions such as obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease.

You may wish to talk with your doctor about the possible benefits of ginger’s antioxidant properties for your specific condition.

Anti-nausea and digestion aid

Cultures around the world regularly take ginger to help ease indigestion and nausea.

Ginger may help manage nausea and vomiting. The article also indicates that further studies could help better understand which ginger constituents may be most beneficial.

Manage blood pressure

Research in 2019 showed that ginger could help lower both systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.

The review notes that further studies are necessary to learn more about the possible benefits of ginger on blood pressure.

Balance blood sugar

Ginger improves fasting blood sugar in people with diabetes. These and other findings show promise that ginger can help treat health concerns caused by chronic diabetes.

However, a 2019 study found that consuming ginger did not significantly alter fasting blood sugar. It did improve the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) from the baseline, though.

Cholesterol

A study in 2018 showed that ginger could help manage triacylglycerol (TAG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).

It also found that a low dose of no more than 2 grams of ginger per day could help lower TAG and total cholesterol.

Weight loss

Reports show that ginger supplements significantly decreased body weight and waist-to-hip ratio.

However, the review found that ginger did not affect body mass index (BMI).

Hydration

While ginger may not directly help with hydration, taking your ginger in water may help.

Starting your day with a glass of ginger water, or finding another regular time to drink one each day, can help you hydrate.

Credit -www.healthline.com

Gardening, News

Crashing Onion Prices in Nigeria: Producers Deny Impact of Niger Republic Imports

The National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) and the Regional Observatory of Onion in West and Central Africa (ORO/WCA) have refuted as misleading a recent report alleging that massive onion imports from the Niger Republic are responsible for falling prices in Nigeria.

In a joint statement issued in Sokoto on Sunday, the associations described the report as “false, unfounded, and unsupported by any credible trade or market data.”

The bodies emphasised Nigeria’s dominance in onion production within Sub-Saharan Africa, asserting that the country remains a net exporter of onions—not an importer—especially to neighbouring countries like Niger Republic.

“Nigeria’s domestic production far exceeds that of Niger Republic, which actually depends on our supply during its lean seasons,” the statement noted.

To expatiate their position, the associations presented current market price data revealing that importing onions from Niger is commercially unviable.

“As of July 2025, onions in Niger Republic cost between 35,000 to 50,000 CFA (₦95,000 – ₦135,000) per bag, excluding transport and duty costs. Meanwhile, prices in Nigeria range from ₦90,000 to ₦100,000 per bag,” they explained.

The groups stressed that such pricing patterns clearly demonstrate that the alleged influx of cheaper onions from Niger is economically unrealistic.

Recalling a similar market scenario from March 2025, the statement added that while Nigerian onions sold for ₦40,000 per bag at that time, Nigerien onions were priced at 15,000 CFA (about ₦50,000), further debunking any narrative of cheaper imports flooding Nigerian markets.

Rather than foreign imports, the associations identified internal factors—such as seasonal production cycles, inadequate storage infrastructure, and local supply-demand dynamics—as the real causes of onion price volatility in the country.

The groups expressed concern over what they called “sensational journalism” that threatens to distort public understanding and policy around Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

“We urge reputable media houses like The Guardian to verify facts with recognised stakeholders before going to press. Such inaccuracies can damage the integrity of our agricultural value chain,” the statement warned.

In a related note, NOPPMAN and ORO/WCA commended the Federal Government, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), for ongoing interventions aimed at supporting onion farmers, especially those affected by recent floods.

Looking ahead, the organisations reaffirmed their commitment to expanding onion production through modern storage systems, processing facilities, and stronger market linkages to ensure long-term food security and economic development.

They called on policymakers, researchers, and the public to rely on data from credible sources such as NOPPMAN and ORO/WCA when engaging with agricultural trade issues.

“As the backbone of onion production in the region, we remain committed to transparency and collaboration in advancing Nigeria’s agricultural prospects,” the statement concluded.

Gardening, Tips & Tricks, Watering Plants

5 Vegetables You Can Plant Without Sunlight

Vegetables are low in calories but high in nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They’re also high in natural chemical compounds called antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage.

All gardens bask in the glory of full sun, and for those with shaded areas, growing vegetables can seem daunting.

However, many vegetables thrive without direct sunlight, making them perfect candidates for partial shade gardens.

We would explore 5 of such vegetables that can grow happily and healthily even when the sun is a bit shy.

1.Leaf Lettuce

Lettuce is a good choice for shaded gardens. Its tender leaves don’t require full sun and can grow crisp and delicious in dappled light.

2. Spinach

Spinach enjoys cool temperatures, making it ideal for shady spots. It grows well without direct sunlight, maintaining its nutrient-rich profile.

3. Cabbage

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Cabbage can grow in low light, developing dense heads. It’s a great addition to any shade-tolerant vegetable garden.

4. Cauliflower

Much like broccoli, cauliflower can also thrive without full sun. It prefers the cooler conditions of a shaded garden.

5.Carrots

Carrots may take longer to mature in shade, but they develop a sweet flavor. Ensure the soil is loose for root growth.

Gardening, News

FG, Partners to Spearhead 50 Hectares All-Season Farming in Katsina

The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with key partners to launch a 50-hectare all-season demonstration farm at the Sabke Dam in Katsina State.

This project, many say, is a major step towards utilising the dam infrastructure for all-year-round agriculture.

The partnership, signed during a formal ceremony attended by the Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda, lawmakers, the Sokoto Rima River Basin Authority, and private sector stakeholders including OCP Africa and The Infrastructure Bank, sets out a collaborative framework for the farm’s development.

The MoU defines clear roles and responsibilities for NADF, OCP Africa, the Katsina State Government (KTSG), and the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA).

The Executive Secretary of NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, in his remarks, noted that the agreement is a concrete outcome of a strategic public-private partnership aimed at demonstrating the commercial viability of all-season agriculture using Sabke Dam’s irrigation infrastructure.

Speaking at the event, Ibrahim described the initiative as a proof of concept to show how water infrastructure can be optimised for modern agriculture.

He revealed that following a visit to Katsina State, the NADF decided to take concrete steps by first funding “very bankable technical and commercial feasibility for the optimisation of this dam.”

“While that is ongoing, private partners came to us knocking to say we are also interested in seeing how this place can be optimised. And that is why we are here today,” he added.

The farm will feature four staple crops — maize, sorghum, cowpea and soybeans — and serve as a live demonstration site covering the entire agricultural value chain, from land preparation to seed selection, soil nutrition, crop management, harvesting, post-harvest handling, and market access.

“This model farm will showcase an outline of everything from proper land preparation through to seed genetics, plant nutrition, harvest and post-harvest, and hopefully a go-to market strategy,” Ibrahim said. He, however, commended the Katsina State Government for providing a supportive investment environment.

“We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation, not only for receiving us, but for making an investment-ready climate. The Katsina State Government is providing land clearing, mechanization and farm management support for this project,” he noted.

Ibrahim also highlighted the roles of the other partners. OCP Africa, as technical manager, has completed a full soil mapping of the Sabke Dam irrigable area and will lead the development of custom fertiliser blends aligned with specific soil and crop types.

“OCP has done a complete soil mapping and will now utilise that to showcase how blends should be put where they are in tandem with soil and crop type,” Ibrahim stated.

The Infrastructure Bank is acting as a financier for key inputs, while NADF will serve as the overall project manager.

Ibrahim was optimistic about the project’s potential to become a replicable model. “When the studies are out, we will not only have a reputable bankable study, but we will have a model on the ground to showcase,” he said.

While expressing support for the initiative, Governor Radda said: “When the idea of the project was introduced to me, I quickly jumped into it, given the fact that the chain of benefits it will have on the economy of our state and on the livelihood of our people,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of continuous agricultural activity: “We want to have activities in that project all year round, so that we keep our people busy, we keep our facilities busy, and we optimize the use of the resources spent to build that very big dam that has been left fallow for a very long time.”

Dr Alik Orevaoghene of OCP Africa said the farm would serve as a hub for capacity building. “The farm serves as a platform for teaching and for training smallholder farmers on good agronomic practices,” he said.

According to the MoU, OCP is also expected to provide quality fertilisers for the farm and for any out-grower schemes.

Abubakar Malam, Managing Director of SRRBDA, hailed the effort as a revival of dormant infrastructure.

CREDIT – Nairametrics

Gardening

How to Attain High Yield in Maize Farming

Maize is one of the most widely grown crops globally, and for good reason. Not only is it a staple food for millions of people, but it’s also a versatile crop that can be used for animal feed, biofuels, and even industrial products. With the right techniques, tools, and knowledge, farmers can increase their yields and improve their livelihoods.

Maize farming offers numerous benefits, including job creation, food security, and economic growth. Maize is also a nutritious crop, rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. By adopting modern farming practices, such as irrigation, crop rotation, and pest management, farmers can boost their productivity and contribute to the country’s food security. Additionally, maize can be processed into various products, such as corn flour, animal feed, and ethanol, opening up new income streams for farmers and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting, maize farming is a promising venture that can improve your economic prospects and contribute to the nation’s growth.

Here are some factors to consider if you want to start a maize farm

1. Ensure the Soil is Healthy

To attain healthy crops, start with healthy soils. Don’t guess, test your soil before planting!
Soil tests reveal nutrient levels and pH, helping you apply the right fertilizer and organic matter to boost maize growth.

Plant at the right time avoid dry spells or late rains.
Choose a high-yielding, climate-suitable variety.
Maintain correct spacing to prevent competition for light, water, and nutrients.

2.Control Weeds

Weeds rob your maize of nutrients and water.
Early and consistent manual or chemical weed control is key to strong, healthy crops.

3.Watch out for Pests

The fall armyworm and termites can devastate fields overnight.
Monitor your crops regularly and apply early intervention pest control to avoid damage.

4. Apply Fertilizer Wisely

Use fertiliser that matches your soil’s needs.
Apply at critical growth stages—especially during planting and early vegetative growth—for maximum effect.

5. Study The Weather And Rainfall Pattern

Rainfall timing and patterns are critical.
Keep an eye on forecasts and adjust planting dates to avoid drought stress or flooding.

If you take the time to understand and manage these factors can dramatically improve yields and help you farm more profitably, season after season.

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Category Archives: Gardening