PEN KITCHEN with Olasehinde Kabirah: How To Keep the Body Fit and Healthy During Harmattan Season

 

"You can't just eat good food. You've got to talk about it too. And you've got to talk about it to somebody who understands that kind of food,"–Kurt Vonnegut.

On this week PEN KITCHEN edition, we won't be talking about any special recipes but instead, we will be talking about how to keep the body fit and healthy during this harmattan season.

The harmattan has brought dust and dry air with it. Surprisingly, instead of cold weather, there is extreme heat, which could lead to dehydration, if not handled appropriately.

Every individual is, however, encouraged to avoid or reduce excessive exposure to the harsh impacts of the weather. Take enough of water to combat dryness and hydrate the body throughout the day and night.

Medically, it's advised to eat fruits during this season. Seasonal fruits include carrots, watermelons, and pineapples, among others. Orange and carrots are a nutritious complement to your everyday diet. They are low in calories, fat-free, and contain high levels of certain vitamins and minerals. While carrots are delicious on their own, their mild flavor makes them a versatile option to increase the nutrition of many other recipes as well.

The Harmattan period is not a time to consume cold drinks, but rather to drink hot water or a warm drink.

Cold drinks or cold water are not beneficial during the harmattan period since they might cause cough, flu, sore throat, catarrh, and other symptoms.

Let us always keep our body warm and always stay hydrated and avoid any cold drinks instead take more of warm drinks like tea.

DID YOU KNOW?

* Drinking enough water makes the skin fresh and nourishes the body.

* Bathe with lukewarm causes hot water gets rid of the skin’s moisture and leaves it drier.

* Asthma and allergies might be worse during this season. Asthmatic individuals should keep their inhaler ready at all times and avoid dust as much as possible.

* This dry, chilly, dusty season also causes sickle cell disease (SCD). Patients should drink plenty of water and limit their exposure to the elements as much as possible.

Thank you.