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“Boosterize” naturally and visit your favourite produce department

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Build your internal arsenal as we try to beat back COVID-19 and Non-Communicable Diseases

 

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

 

#TurksandCaicos, January 19, 2022 – Imagine, your home is being attacked by a hundred thousand invaders but you have a hundred million soldiers; easy win right? Maybe not.  Imagine your soldiers are too weak to pick up their swords, the fight becomes significantly harder, in fact it may become a losing battle and your quality of life or life itself is the prize.

Every day, our immune systems are engaged in these unseen battles.  However, there are too many of our systems are losing to invaders like Covid-19 because they are simply not strong enough.

How do you build up your fighters to turn around a losing battle, to give your body the victory?  Magnetic Media has searched out eight superfoods to help your effort.

They are easy to find and very affordable at your local grocer.

Our natural boosters list includes: Spinach, Beets, Garlic, Dasheen, Callaloo, Ginger, Onions and Celery are eight superfoods that are readily available to Islanders and are known to inject our immune systems with a serious boost.

 

Spinach

There’s a reason Popeye the Sailor popped open a can of this leafy green when he was in trouble. A single cup of spinach contains .86 grams of protein, 30 milligrams (mg) of calcium, .81 g of iron, 24 mg of magnesium, 167 mg of potassium, 2,813 international units of Vitamin A and 58 micrograms of folate says the United States Department of Agriculture.

So yes, it does make you super strong!

Spinach, delicious raw cooked or blended into smoothies helps to  “improve blood glucose control in people with diabetes, lowering the risk of cancer, and improving bone health, as well as supplying minerals and vitamins that can provide a range of different benefits,” says Medical News Today.

Spinach also helps with asthma prevention and bone health, however please avoid spinach if you are using blood thinners, say medical experts.

 

Beets

This richly colored root vegetable has a bad reputation for not being the tastiest morsel on the plate but there are several ways to consume beets that you just might try after hearing the mounds of benefits associated with the red vegetable.

“Beetroot provides a wide range of possible health benefits, such as reducing blood pressure, improving digestion, and lowering the risk of diabetes. A 2019 review of studies Trusted Source found that certain compounds in beets can disrupt the cancerous mutations of cells. Such compounds include betalains, which are pigments that give beets their red and yellow color,” Medical News Today explains.

Highly recommend is making beetroot juice by peeling beetroot and blending it with a combination of fresh orange, mint, pineapple or apples, lemon, and ginger.  Beets can also be roasted, steamed, boiled or pickled.

 

Garlic

Since the Middle Ages Europeans have used garlic for all sorts of reasons, but you would be better served popping it in your mouth than using it to ward off Count Dracula, you know the vampire guy. Mainly because garlic is widely used for several conditions linked to the blood system and the heart, including atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high cholesterol, heart attack, coronary heart disease, and hypertension.

Medical News Today says researchers recommend raw garlic as the most effective. Cooked garlic also retained much of its properties.

 

Dasheen

This root vegetable also called Taro root in certain countries is Asian in origin and is similar to yams or potatoes. Dasheens contain a wealth of nutrients including Fiber, Manganese, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, Potassium, Copper, Vitamin C, Phosphorus and Magnesium says Healthline.

It is rich in fiber and may reduce risk of heart disease and may even assist in weight loss journeys. Dasheen can be mashed or fried as well as added to soups and stews.

 

CallalooA breakfast staple in countries like Jamaica this green leafy vegetable can be added to soups or steamed with fish.

Callaloo is a good source of vitamin C. According to the Food Composition Tables for the Caribbean the vegetable provides iron, potassium, calcium, fiber, sodium, vitamin C and protein. The vegetable can reduce blood pressure and regulate heart health.

Like spinach, persons with kidney disease should avoid this vegetable as it is rich in potassium.

 

Ginger 

Every Caribbean child has been treated with ‘a little ginger tea’ for some ailment or the other at some point in time so it’s no surprise that the spice has made the elite list.

Medical News Today says antioxidants and other nutrients in ginger may help prevent or treat arthritis, inflammation, and various types of infection. Researchers have also studied its potential to reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer, and other health problems.

Ginger has been proven to reduce gas and improve digestion as well reduce nausea and ease colds and the flu so grandma’s faith in the remedy was well placed!  Ginger even helps in reducing belly fat, as it has a thermogenic effect to activate the metabolism and help in burning fat.

Ginger can be blended, drawn as a tea or incorporated into meals like stir fry.

 

Onions

The quintessential Caribbean spice. Whether they’re red, white or yellow, if it’s a Caribbean dish you can bet your conch shell it’s going to have onions somewhere in the mix.

However, there is more to this layered cooking staple than just its taste.  Research proves  onions also provide potential health benefits. These include reducing the risk of several types of cancer, improving mood, and maintaining skin and hair health. The spice also contains high levels of vitamin C B-6 and Manganese.

LifeHack.com shares that onions stops colds in their tracks, can help rid your skin of blemishes, eases the pain of  bee stings, helps with detoxifying the body, lowers bad cholesterol and nourishes the brain for improved mental health.

Onions can be roasted, grilled, sautéed, caramelized or eaten raw.

 

Celery 

One of the greatest enemy of toddlers’ dinner plates and even some adults, this crunchy veggie is another food which carries the reputation for not being the tastiest.

But whether it’s juiced, added to lunch boxes as a side or blended into smoothies this vegetable helps to prevent inflammation and lowers blood pressure.

Celery is also extremely hydrating and a good source of fiber according to Medical News Today. 

It is important to note that an occasional munch on these foods will not provide serious immune support, but its seeds do offer a one two punch to germs, and a juice proves to be an excellent diuretic, supporting detox and weight loss.

Celery cleans up the liver and for the skin, it helps in reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

 

 

 

Bahamas News

RBDF Operation Strengthens Maritime Security Amidst Regional Turmoil

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Defence Headquarters, 17 MAR. ’24: A joint operation between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) led to the apprehension of 50 Haitian migrants approximately 5 nautical miles west of Bell Island on Saturday, March 16th.

The operation was initiated following the initial sighting of a sailing vessel, believed to be of Haitian origin, 8 miles southwest of Staniel Cay in the Exumas. RBDF swiftly deployed air and surface assets stationed at Matthew Town Inagua, supported by Police officials in Staniel Cay who verified the sighting. The migrants were intercepted by RBDF personnel stationed at the Land and Sea Park, Wardrick Wells Exuma, and subsequently handed over to the safe boat crew. They are currently under apprehension pending further investigation, with the imminent arrival of HMBS Rolly Gray.

In response to the ongoing instability in Haiti, Commodore Raymond King has announced the implementation of a strategic blockade in the southern Bahamas. This initiative includes the deployment of six surface vessels, one aircraft, and 120 highly skilled RBDF personnel. Patrol operations will be concentrated in critical areas such as the northern coast of Haiti, the Old Bahama Channel, and the Windward Passage, with the aim of deterring unauthorized entry attempts and preserving maritime security in the region.

The effectiveness of these decisive measures is evident, with recent apprehensions totaling 247 individuals by the RBDF. Commodore Raymond E. King emphasizes the commitment to bolstering maritime security through collaborative efforts with regional partners and local law enforcement agencies.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to safeguarding the nation’s borders and territorial integrity, working collaboratively with regional partners.

(For further information please contact the RBDF Public Relations Department or visit our website: www.rbdf.gov.bs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and view our Youtube channel)

-rbdf-

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Bahamas News

CIBC CARIBBEAN and Bahamas Girl Guides Association host inaugural Delaney Leadership Seminar

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Nassau, Bahamas, February 28, 2024 – Enthusiastic girl guides, ranger guides, and girls representing schools across The Bahamas recently gathered at the first ever Delaney Leadership Seminar.

The seminar, named in honor of CIBC FirstCaribbean’s (now CIBC Caribbean) first female chief executive officer, Ms. Colette Delaney, empowered the next generation of female leaders through focused sessions on leadership development, cultivating a leadership mindset, and the importance of building strong, supportive friendships. 

The event featured a series of team building exercises, interactive discussions, and a keynote address by Dr. Jacqui Bend, CIBC Caribbean’s Managing Director. Dr. Bend shared insights on the essence of leadership, guiding principles, and emphasized the role of young women in shaping a vibrant future for The Bahamas and beyond.

“It was a privilege to witness the incredible energy and budding potential of the young leaders that participated. Leadership is not just about guiding others; it’s about inspiring action and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. The Delaney Leadership Seminar is a testament to CIBC Caribbean’s commitment to nurturing young, bright minds and equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to lead with purpose and passion,” said Dr. Bend.

Held under the theme, Our World, Our Bahamas, Our Thriving Future, the seminar underscored the importance of lifelong learning, perseverance, empathy, and collaboration in leadership, among other guiding principles. Dr. Bend highlighted the strides already being made by the participants and encouraged them to continue exploring their potential and envisioning their roles in creating positive change within their communities and the wider world.

Delina Rolle, a tenth-grade participant and aspiring lawyer from Preston H. Albury High School in Eleuthera, shared, “This seminar has been a life-changing experience for me. Hearing Dr. Bend’s success story and her tips were inspiring for me as a young girl trying to be a leader. I am happy I was selected by my school’s administration to attend and connect with so many amazing girls who share my dreams of making a difference.”

The Delaney Leadership Seminar has set a new benchmark for youth leadership programs in The Bahamas. The event concluded with a commitment from both CIBC Caribbean and the Bahamas Girl Guides Association (BGGA) to continue their support for youth leadership initiatives. 

In 2022, CIBC FirstCaribbean donated to the BGGA to assist in completing the interior of its $1.5 million, West Bay Street headquarters, which will feature meeting rooms, office spaces, training areas, accommodations for girl guides visiting from other countries and other essential working areas.

It was at that time that Dr. Bend affirmed the bank’s commitment to support organizations that mirror the bank’s promise to assist women and girls in the communities it serves. Prior to that, the bank donated several native trees to BGGA, which were planted at its campsite, Camp Discovery, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Housing’s Forestry Unit.

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Bahamas News

BAMSI BRINGS IN PUREBRED ANIMALS TO DIVERSIFY NATIVE HERD

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Nassau, Bahamas, March 6th, 2024 – IN A STRATEGIC MOVE to boost the genetic quality of livestock available in the country, the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) recently collaborated with the Department of Agriculture to acquire purebred small ruminants (sheep and goats).  The initiative is part of BAMSI’s broader breeding programme to inject quality genetics into the local livestock population.  Shedding light on the project’s objectives and timeline, Dr Mark Butler, the Institute’s Veterinarian, said the animals promise a more sustainable and prosperous future for the local farming community.

The newly acquired stock of animals, Dorper and Barbados Black Belly sheep and Boer and Savanna goats, are integral to the upcoming artificial insemination programme which BAMSI is set to commence later this year.  

“The new animals will be used in one arm of our breeding programme, facilitating natural mating to ensure genetic diversity and quality,” Dr Butler explained.  “The goal is to increase the herd and improve genetic traits, and we anticipate over 85 per cent success in terms of animals giving birth—a crucial marker for the programme’s success.”

Currently, 30 sheep and 30 goats are part of the breeding programme, with the expectation of 50 to 60 live births by the end of the year.  The focus is not only on increasing the herd size but also on ensuring the genetic quality of the offspring.

“We want offspring that exhibit high genetic quality.  Purebred Dorper sheep and Boer goats show better growth rates and are ideal for farmers looking for efficient weight gain at market age,” Dr Butler emphasized. 

Ayrett Lightbourne, BAMSI’s Farm Manager, addressed why BAMSI chose these specific breeds, and their potential impact on the local livestock industry.  “The Dorper Sheep, for example, gains weight faster than native breeds, offering a different market for lean meat consumers.  Similarly, the Boer and Savanna goats, being larger and more meat-producing, contribute significantly to improving meat quality in the country.”

The imported purebred animals will create a nucleus herd at BAMSI’s farm in Andros to upgrade the existing livestock population.  Their offspring will breed with the native flock, and some of the offspring will be distributed to local farmers.  This collaborative effort between BAMSI and the Ministry of Agriculture aims to enhance the genetic potential of the native flocks, ultimately benefiting farmers and consumers alike.

The BAMSI herd, comprising 190 animals, is expected to grow as the breeding programme progresses.  The next phase involves artificial insemination, marking a crucial step towards achieving BAMSI’s goal of increasing the quantity and improving the genetic quality of Bahamian livestock.  The institute’s dedication to scientific advancements in agriculture promises a more sustainable and prosperous future for the local farming community.

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