Ghanaian Red Bean & Sweet Potato Groundnut Stew

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This is a dish popular in principle throughout West Africa. We say “in principle” because that’s a big place, and there is a lot of regional variation. The archetypal peanut stew is from Senegal (as maafe) or Mali (as tigadèguèna), but for its more balanced nutritional profile we’ve chosen one from Ghana—and since there are regional variations within Ghana too, we should specify that this one is from the south.

If you are allergic to nuts, you can substitute a seed butter (or tahini) for the nut butter, and omit the nuts—this will work in culinary terms and be fine healthwise, but we can’t claim it would be the same dish, having lost its defining ingredient. If your allergy is solely to peanuts, then substituting with any oily nut would work. So, not almonds for example, but cashews or even walnuts would be fine.

You will need

  • 1½ lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½” cubes
  • 2 cups low-sodium vegetable stock
  • 2 cans kidney beans, drained, cooked, and rinsed (or 2 cups same; cooked, drained, and rinsed)
  • 1 can chopped tomatoes
  • ½ cup unsalted dry-roasted peanuts
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and chopped
  • ¼ bulb garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 heaped tbsp unsalted peanut butter, minimal (ideally: no) additives
  • 2 tsp white miso paste
  • 2 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp MSG or 1 tsp low-sodium salt
  • ½ tsp coarsely ground nigella seeds
  • Extra virgin olive oil

Method

(we suggest you read everything at least once before doing anything)

1) Heat some oil in a sauté pan, or other pan suitable for both frying and fitting the entire stew in. Fry the onions until softened, turn the heat down low, and add the garlic, ginger, red bell pepper, cumin, cayenne, black pepper, and MSG/salt.

2) Add ¼ cup of the vegetable stock, and the sweet potato, and turn the heat back up, on high for about 30 seconds to get it to temperature, and then take it down to a simmer.

3) Stir in the miso paste and chopped tomatoes.

4) Add most of the rest of the vegetable stock, keeping ¼ cup aside. Simmer for about 20 minutes.

5) Stir in the kidney beans, and simmer for about 30 minutes more—the sweet potato should be soft now; if it isn’t, let it simmer a while longer until it is.

6) Combine the peanut butter with the remaining ¼ cup vegetable stock, and blend until smooth. Stir it into the stew.

7) If the stew is looking more like a soup than a stew, take out 1 cup and blend this 1 cup to a purée, adding it back in.

8) Add half the peanuts unto the stew. Taste, and adjust the seasonings if necessary.

9) Crush the remaining peanuts using a pestle and mortar; not too much though; you want them broken into bits, not pulverised.

10) Garnish with the crushed nuts and nigella seeds, and serve.

Enjoy!

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For those interested in some of the science of what we have going on today:

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  • Do You Need to Wear Sunscreen Indoors? An Analysis

    10almonds is reader-supported. We may, at no cost to you, receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

    Dr. Michelle Wong—chemist, science educator, and cosmetician—explains the science:

    Factors to take into account

    UVA and UVB aren’t entirely interchangeable, so it’s important to know what you’re up against.

    Sunscreen is rated by SPF, which indicates UVB protection—guarding against burning, skin cancer, and premature aging. Broad spectrum or UVA ratings measure protection against UVA rays, which cause tanning, contribute to melanoma, and can lead to skin aging and hyperpigmentation. However, most UV studies are based on white skin, which may not apply universally.

    The need for sunscreen indoors depends on how much UV exposure you receive there:

    • Direct exposure occurs when sunlight shines directly on you, such as when sitting by a window.
    • Diffuse exposure happens when UV rays are scattered by air molecules or reflected off surfaces, which can still occur in shaded areas.

    Indoors, walls and barriers do reduce UV exposure significantly. However, factors like window size, distance from windows, and the type of glass (which blocks UVB but not all UVA) play important roles in determining exposure.

    The UV index (your phone’s weather app will probably have this) indicates the level of sunburn-causing UV in a specific area at a particular time. In Sydney, for example (where Dr. Wong is), the UV index can vary from 12 in summer to 2 in winter. Although UVA levels fluctuate less dramatically than UVB, they still peak during midday and in summer. Health guidelines in countries like Australia recommend wearing sunscreen when the UV index is 3 or above, but not necessarily every day.

    Personal factors also influence the need for sunscreen indoors. People with darker skin, who have more melanin, may need less protection from incidental UV exposure but might still require UVA protection to prevent pigmentation. Those using skincare products that increase UV sensitivity, like alpha hydroxy acids, or those with specific medical conditions, such as photosensitivity or a family history of skin cancer, may also get particular benefit from wearing sunscreen indoors.

    As to the downsides? There are some drawbacks to wearing sunscreen indoors, including cost, the effort required for application, and the risk of clogged pores. Though health concerns related to sunscreen are generally minor, they may tip the balance against wearing it if UV exposure is minimal.

    For more on all of this plus visual teaching aids, enjoy:

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    *But different, because now we need to take into account such things as axial tilt, the sun’s trajectory through the atmosphere (and thus how much gets reflected, refracted, diffused, etc—or not, as the case may be).

    Take care!

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  • 52 Ways to Walk – by Annabel Streets

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    Most of us learned to walk at a very young age and probably haven’t thought much about it since, except perhaps in a case where some injury made it difficult.

    Annabel Streets provides a wonderful guide to not just taking up (or perhaps reclaiming) the joy of walking, but also the science of it in more aspects than most of us have considered:

    • The physical mechanics of walking—what’s best?
    • Boots or shoes? Barefoot?
    • Roads, grass, rougher vegetation… Mud?
    • Flora & fauna down to the microbiota that affect us
    • How much walking is needed, to be healthy?
    • Is there such a thing as too much walking?
    • What are the health benefits (or risks) of various kinds of weather?
    • Is it better to walk quickly or to walk far?
    • What about if we’re carrying some injury?
    • What’s going on physiologically when we walk?
    • And so much more…

    Streets writes with a captivating blend of poetic joie-de-vivre coupled with scientific references.

    One moment the book is talking about neuroradiology reports of NO-levels in our blood, the impact of Mycobacterium vaccae, and the studied relationship between daily steps taken and production of oligosaccharide 3′-sialyllactose, and the next it’s all:

    “As if the newfound lightness in our limbs has crept into our minds, loosening our everyday cares and constraints…”

    And all in all, this book helps remind us that sometimes, science and a sense of wonder can and do (and should!) walk hand-in-hand.

    Treat yourself to “52 Ways to Walk” from Amazon today!

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  • 7 things you can do if you think you sweat too much

    10almonds is reader-supported. We may, at no cost to you, receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

    Sweating is our body’s way of cooling down, a bit like an internal air conditioner.

    When our core temperature rises (because it’s hot outside, or you’re exercising), sweat glands all over our skin release a watery fluid. As that fluid evaporates, it takes heat with it, keeping us from overheating.

    But sweating can vary from person to person. Some people might just get a little dewy under the arms, others feel like they could fill a swimming pool (maybe not that dramatic, but you get the idea).

    So what’s a normal amount of sweat? And what’s too much?

    ERIK Miheyeu/Shutterstock

    Why do some people sweat more than others?

    How much you sweat depends on a number of factors including:

    • your age (young kids generally sweat less than adults)
    • your sex (men tend to sweat more than women)
    • how active you are.

    The average person sweats at the rate of 300 millilitres per hour (at 30°C and about 40% humidity). But as you can’t go around measuring the volume of your own sweat (or weighing it), doctors use another measure to gauge the impact of sweating.

    They ask whether sweating interferes with your daily life. Maybe you stop wearing certain clothes because of the sweat stains, or feel embarrassed so don’t go to social events or work.

    If so, this is a medical condition called hyperhidrosis, which affects millions of people worldwide.

    People with this condition most commonly report problematic armpit sweating, as you’d expect. But sweaty hands, feet, scalp and groin can also be an issue.

    Hyperhidrosis can be a symptom of another medical condition, such as an overactive thyroid, fever or menopause.

    But hyperhidrosis can have no obvious cause, and the reasons behind this so-called primary hyperhidrosis are a bit of a mystery. People have normal numbers of sweat glands but researchers think they simply over-produce sweat after triggers such as stress, heat, exercise, tobacco, alcohol and hot spices. There may also be a genetic link.

    OK, I sweat a lot. What can I do?

    1. Antiperspirants

    Antiperspirants, particularly ones with aluminium, are your first line of defence and are formulated to reduce sweating. Deodorants only stop body odour.

    Aluminum chloride hexahydrate, aluminium chloride or the weaker aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex glycinate react with proteins in the sweat glands, forming a plug. This plug temporarily blocks the sweat ducts, reducing the amount of sweat reaching the skin’s surface.

    These products can contain up to 25% aluminium. The higher the percentage the better these products work, but the more they irritate the skin.

    Woman with antiperspirant in one hand, reading the lid in the other
    Make sure you’re buying antiperspirant and not deodorant. Okrasiuk/Shutterstock

    2. Beat the heat

    This might seem obvious, but staying cool can make a big difference. That’s because you have less heat to lose, so the body makes less sweat.

    Avoid super-hot, long showers (you will have more heat to loose), wear loose-fitting clothes made from breathable fabrics such as cotton (this allows any sweat you do produce to evaporate more readily), and carry a little hand fan to help your sweat evaporate.

    When exercising try ice bandanas (ice wrapped in a scarf or cloth, then applied to the body) or wet towels. You can wear these around the neck, head, or wrists to reduce your body temperature.

    Try also to modify the time or place you exercise; try to find cool shade or air-conditioned areas when possible.

    If you have tried these first two steps and your sweating is still affecting your life, talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out the best way to manage it.

    3. Medication

    Some medications can help regulate your sweating. Unfortunately some can also give you side effects such as a dry mouth, blurred vision, stomach pain or constipation. So talk to your doctor about what’s best for you.

    Your GP may also refer you to a dermatologist – a doctor like myself who specialises in skin conditions – who might recommend different treatments, including some of the following.

    4. Botulinum toxin injections

    Botulinum toxin injections are not just used for cosmetic reasons. They have many applications in medicine, including blocking the nerves that control the sweat glands. They do this for many months.

    A dermatologist usually gives the injections. But they’re only subsidised by Medicare in Australia for the armpits and if you have primary hyperhidrosis that hasn’t been controlled by the strongest antiperspirants. These injections are given up to three times a year. It is not subsidised for other conditions, such as an overactive thyroid or for other areas such as the face or hands.

    If you don’t qualify, you can have these injections privately, but it will cost you hundreds of dollars per treatment, which can last up to six months.

    Health worker administering Botox injection to man's armpit
    Injections are available on Medicare in some cases. Satyrenko/Shutterstock

    5. Iontophoresis

    This involves using a device that passes a weak electrical current through water to the skin to reducing sweating in the hands, feet or armpits. Scientists aren’t sure exactly how it works.

    But this is the only way to control sweating of the hands and feet that does not require drugs, surgery or botulinum toxin injections.

    This treatment is not subsidised by Medicare and not all dermatologists provide it. However, you can buy and use your own device, which tends to be cheaper than accessing it privately. You can ask your dermatologist if this is the right option for you.

    6. Surgery

    There is a procedure to cut certain nerves to the hands that stop them sweating. This is highly effective but can cause sweating to occur elsewhere.

    There are also other surgical options, which you can discuss with your doctor.

    7. Microwave therapy

    This is a newer treatment that zaps your sweat glands to destroy them so they can’t work any more. It’s not super common yet, and it is quite painful. It’s available privately in a few centres.

    Michael Freeman, Associate Professor of Dermatology, Bond University

    This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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  • What’s the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest? One’s about plumbing, the other wiring

    10almonds is reader-supported. We may, at no cost to you, receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

    In July 2023, rising US basketball star Bronny James collapsed on the court during practice and was sent to hospital. The 18-year-old athlete, son of famous LA Lakers’ veteran LeBron James, had experienced a cardiac arrest.

    Many media outlets incorrectly referred to the event as a “heart attack” or used the terms interchangeably.

    A cardiac arrest and a heart attack are distinct yet overlapping concepts associated with the heart.

    With some background in how the heart works, we can see how they differ and how they’re related.

    Explode/Shutterstock

    Understanding the heart

    The heart is a muscle that contracts to work as a pump. When it contracts it pushes blood – containing oxygen and nutrients – to all the tissues of our body.

    For the heart muscle to work effectively as a pump, it needs to be fed its own blood supply, delivered by the coronary arteries. If these arteries are blocked, the heart muscle doesn’t get the blood it needs.

    This can cause the heart muscle to become injured or die, and results in the heart not pumping properly.

    Heart attack or cardiac arrest?

    Simply put, a heart attack, technically known as a myocardial infarction, describes injury to, or death of, the heart muscle.

    A cardiac arrest, sometimes called a sudden cardiac arrest, is when the heart stops beating, or put another way, stops working as an effective pump.

    In other words, both relate to the heart not working as it should, but for different reasons. As we’ll see later, one can lead to the other.

    Why do they happen? Who’s at risk?

    Heart attacks typically result from blockages in the coronary arteries. Sometimes this is called coronary artery disease, but in Australia, we tend to refer to it as ischaemic heart disease.

    The underlying cause in about 75% of people is a process called atherosclerosis. This is where fatty and fibrous tissue build up in the walls of the coronary arteries, forming a plaque. The plaque can block the blood vessel or, in some instances, lead to the formation of a blood clot.

    Atherosclerosis is a long-term, stealthy process, with a number of risk factors that can sneak up on anyone. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diet, diabetes, stress, and your genes have all been implicated in this plaque-building process.

    Other causes of heart attacks include spasms of the coronary arteries (causing them to constrict), chest trauma, or anything else that reduces blood flow to the heart muscle.

    Regardless of the cause, blocking or reducing the flow of blood through these pipes can result in the heart muscle not receiving enough oxygen and nutrients. So cells in the heart muscle can be injured or die.

    Heart attack vs cardiac arrest
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    But a cardiac arrest is the result of heartbeat irregularities, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively around the body. These heartbeat irregularities are generally due to electrical malfunctions in the heart. There are four distinct types:

    • ventricular tachycardia: a rapid and abnormal heart rhythm in which the heartbeat is more than 100 beats per minute (normal adult, resting heart rate is generally 60-90 beats per minute). This fast heart rate prevents the heart from filling with blood and thus pumping adequately
    • ventricular fibrillation: instead of regular beats, the heart quivers or “fibrillates”, resembling a bag of worms, resulting in an irregular heartbeat greater than 300 beats per minute
    • pulseless electrical activity: arises when the heart muscle fails to generate sufficient pumping force after electrical stimulation, resulting in no pulse
    • asystole: the classic flat-line heart rhythm you see in movies, indicating no electrical activity in the heart.
    Aystole heart rhythm showing no electrical activity
    Remember this flat-line rhythm from the movies? It’s asystole, when there’s no electrical activity in the heart. Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock

    Cardiac arrest can arise from numerous underlying conditions, both heart-related and not, such as drowning, trauma, asphyxia, electrical shock and drug overdose. James’ cardiac arrest was attributed to a congenital heart defect, a heart condition he was born with.

    But among the many causes of a cardiac arrest, ischaemic heart disease, such as a heart attack, stands out as the most common cause, accounting for 70% of all cases.

    So how can a heart attack cause a cardiac arrest? You’ll remember that during a heart attack, heart muscle can be damaged or parts of it may die. This damaged or dead tissue can disrupt the heart’s ability to conduct electrical signals, increasing the risk of developing arrhythmias, possibly causing a cardiac arrest.

    So while a heart attack is a common cause of cardiac arrest, a cardiac arrest generally does not cause a heart attack.

    What do they look like?

    Because a cardiac arrest results in the sudden loss of effective heart pumping, the most common signs and symptoms are a sudden loss of consciousness, absence of pulse or heartbeat, stopping of breathing, and pale or blue-tinged skin.

    But the common signs and symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain or discomfort, which can show up in other regions of the body such as the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach. Also frequent are shortness of breath, nausea, light-headedness, looking pale, and sweating.

    What’s the take-home message?

    While both heart attack and cardiac arrest are disorders related to the heart, they differ in their mechanisms and outcomes.

    A heart attack is like a blockage in the plumbing supplying water to a house. But a cardiac arrest is like an electrical malfunction in the house’s wiring.

    Despite their different nature both conditions can have severe consequences and require immediate medical attention.

    Michael Todorovic, Associate Professor of Medicine, Bond University and Matthew Barton, Senior lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University

    This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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  • The Osteoporosis Breakthrough – by Dr. Doug Lucas

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    “Osteoporosis” and “break” often don’t go well together, but here they do. So, what’s the breakthrough here?

    There isn’t one, honestly. But if we overlook the marketing choices and focus on the book itself, the content here is genuinely good:

    The book offers a comprehensive multivector approach to combatting osteoporosis, e.g:

    • Diet
    • Exercise
    • Other lifestyle considerations
    • Supplements
    • Hormones
    • Drugs

    The author considers drugs a good and important tool for some people with osteoporosis, but not most. The majority of people, he considers, will do better without drugs—by tackling things more holistically.

    The advice here is sound and covers all reasonable angles without getting hung up on the idea of there being a single magical solution for all.

    Bottom line: if you’re looking for a book that’s a one-stop-shop for strategies against osteoporosis, this is a good option.

    Click here to check out The Osteoporosis Breakthrough, and keep your bones strong!

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  • The Optimal Morning Routine, Per Neuroscience

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    Dr. Andrew Huberman, neuroscientist and professor of neurobiology, has insights:

    The foundations of a good day

    Here are some key things to consider:

    • The role of light: get sunlight exposure within an hour of waking to anchor your body’s cortisol pulse, set your circadian rhythm, and boost mood-regulating dopamine. Light exposure on the skin also boost hormone levels like testosterone and estrogen, contributing to energy, motivation, and overall wellbeing.
    • The role of caffeine: delay caffeine intake for 60–90 minutes after waking to allow adenosine to clear naturally, preventing afternoon energy crashes. Otherwise, caffeine will block the adenosine for 4–8 hours, causing the wave of adenosine-induced sleepiness to resurge later.
    • The role of exercise: morning exercise helps clear adenosine, raise core body temperature, and improve wakefulness
    • The role of cold: cold showers or ice baths trigger adrenaline and dopamine surges, enhancing mood and drive for hours.

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