Nutrition
Health benefits of wheat
Wheat flour is a powder made from the grinding of wheat used for human consumption.
1. For healthy skin and hair
The main benefit of wheat flour is that it has a positive effect on our body. It contains selenium, an antioxidant that is an essential element to fight against harmful infections. It also helps the scalp from g etting dry and prevents dandruff. The whole wheat grain has a zinc and vitamin E element that helps in getting lustrous hair, nourishes the hair and protects them from damage. It also helps in skintightening and anti-ageing.
2. Aids digestion
The richness of fibre present in the whole wheat grain has multi -dimensional effects on our body. It is not only good for aiding good digestion but also helps in clearing harmful toxins from the body. The antibacterial properties of whole wheat grain help in the reduction of the adverse effects of digestive tracts and help to improve the interstitial health tract. With a good digestive system, the overall health of the body also improves. It has a positive effect on the skin and hair.
3. Prevents weight gain
Researches suggest that eating rich fibre food can help in the re duction of weight and lowers the risk of obesity. Studies also suggest that whole wheat grain helps to cut down the bad fat from the body and helps in the distribution in the body. In fact, it was also suggested that if a person is having three meals of whole wheat grain daily then the body mass index (BMI) will be lowered.
4. High in nutrients and fibre
Whole wheat flour is rich in vitamins, fibres, magnesium, zinc an d proteins. The whole wheat has a high content of zinc. It is also a rich source of Vitamin B. It contains a good amount of minerals such as zinc, iron, magnesium, and manganese. Antioxidants are also found in whole wheat.
5. Cleanses the system
Wheat stimulates clean blood and eliminates harmful bacteria which is considered the best detox diet. Diseases such as headache, joint pain and bloating can be relaxed with the consumption of whole wheat grain. Consumption of wheat helps in reviving constipation because of the presence of fibre that detoxifies the system and maintains a healthy colon and intestine.
6. Reduction in chronic inflammation
Inflammation is the cause of many chronic diseases. One of the main benefits of using wheat flour is that it reduces inflammation. Adding whole wheat to your diet can not only help in the reduction of infl ammation but also reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
7. Improves mental health
The fact is that vitamin B and E, which are present in whole wheat help in energy generation and also maintains the healthy DNA in the body.
Vitamin B is said to comprise eight classes of vitamins. Of these, the Vitamin B complex is the most known but it is water-soluble by nature, our body cannot retain this vitamin. Therefore including Vitamin B complex in our diet is good for inflammatory regulations in the brain and s ubclinical mental illness. Vitamin E is a good source of preventing memory-related diseases.
8. Lowers the risk of heart diseases
The biggest health benefit of using whole grains is that it lowe rs therisk of heart disease. Studies show that three (28-gram) meals of whole grains daily are good for the health of the heart. Researchers found that whole grain diets are good for maintaining a healthy heart over refine d grains.
9. Reduces the risk of cancer
Studies show that including whole wheat in your diet may help in reducing the risk of skin cancer. The presence of selenium in whole wheat helps in that process. It also helps in nourishing the skin and maintaining radiance. Wheat has the benefit of eliminating colorectal cance r which is a common type of cancer.
Source: indiagateflours
The familiar curl of smoke from a mosquito coil may seem like a small comfort against buzzing pests, but behind that comfort lies a hidden danger.
According to Dr Lawrencia Osae-Nyarko of the Public Health Research Unit at CSIR-WRI, the smoke carries synthetic chemicals that once inhaled, can irritate lungs, trigger adverse reactions, and silently worsen the health of vulnerable groups-children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
Her remarks framed discussions at the second stakeholder meeting of the Clean Air Fund (CAF) project, spearheaded by the Presbyterian Relief Services and Development (PRESED) in collaboration with CAF, on Tuesday.
The gathering assembled community leaders, facilitators, and experts to review recent data collection and chart a way forward in tackling air pollution and e-waste challenges.
According to Dr Osae-Nyarko, the smoke from the mosquito coils and other material burn to ward of mosquito or other insects rather exposes users to a number of dangerous substances that slowly create problems.
“In Ghana’s urban slums, where cramped living spaces often lack proper ventilation, the risks are magnified,” she warned.
“What people breathe in daily is not just mosquito coil smoke; it is a cocktail of pollutants from waste burning, traffic fumes, and household emissions. These exposures compound vulnerabilities and deepen health injustices,” she added.
Dr Osae-Nyarko, also an Advisory Member of PRESED, stressed that advocacy must highlight the disproportionate impact of pollution on marginalised groups.
She underscored the importance of involving children early: “When children learn about air pollution, they not only protect themselves but also become powerful messengers. Through artwork and storytelling, they can express the dangers and inspire change.”
International studies echo these concerns. Research in China and Malaysia found that burning a single mosquito coil indoors can release fine particulate matter equivalent to 75–137 cigarettes, along with carcinogens such as formaldehyde and bis (chloromethyl)ether (BCME)—both linked to lung cancer.
One study published in Environmental Health Perspectives reported that formaldehyde emissions from a single coil equaled those from 51 cigarettes, while the particulate matter load was comparable to heavy indoor smoking.
For children, pregnant women, and the elderly, these exposures are especially severe. Frequent use in poorly ventilated homes magnifies the danger, leading to respiratory irritation, asthma flare-ups, and long-term cancer risks.
The meeting agenda included an overview of the data collection process, key findings, and the formation of action groups to champion specific objectives. A newly developed training manual will guide facilitators and community members in communicating both the science and the lived realities of pollution.
Her advice was practical yet urgent: “If mosquito coils must be used, ensure proper ventilation. But more importantly, communities need safer alternatives and collective advocacy to demand cleaner air. This is not just about comfort—it is about survival.”
The call to action extended beyond households. Mr Emmanuel Nyarko Ankama, Coordinator for PRESED, urged Assemblies to enforce the registration of waste collectors, especially operators of ‘Aboboya’ tricycles.
“The fact is they can dump waste anywhere, which ends up being burnt and contributes to air pollution,” he cautioned.
Mr Joseph Oberesekun Kiddy-Kodua, Environmental Officer at the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), reinforced the point: “By Ghana’s waste management policy, every waste collection company should be registered by the Assembly. Otherwise, it is an illegal activity.”
“As the project advances, the message is clear: everyday practices—from burning coils to disposing of waste—must be re-examined. With children, elders, and mothers at the heart of the struggle, the fight for clean air is as much about justice as it is about health,” noted Mr Ankama.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
Ingredients
-2 tablespoonsful of baobab powder
-200 grammes of milk
– 5 pieces of cloves
– 1 large piece of ginger
-5 tablespoonful of honey (optional)
-1 teaspoonful of flavour (vanilla or strawberry essence)
Preparation
-Place 2 tablespoonful of baobab powder in a bowl and mix with water.
-Set mixture aside for it to dissolve properly.
-Blend ginger, cloves and extract liquid.
-Sieve the baobab mixture to remove lumps and fibre for a smooth drink.
-Add ginger, cloves extract to the sieved baobab mixture.
– Add honey or sugar, milk and flavour to your taste.
-Best served chilled.
