Health, Food & Lifestyle – Page 6

Lifestyle Guide: MMV-A Beautiful Apartment Hotel in Cannes | Affordable But…

05/24/2014 3:41 pm

by Chris-Vincent Agyapong, Founding Editor

I’ve stayed in Copenhagen, Malmo, Amsterdam, Paris, London, Brighton, Marbella, Malaga, Glasgow and other European cities known to be expensive—but it seems Cannes tops them all.

Probably, it is not always that expensive out here at Cannes but if you are visiting at a time when the Cannes Film Festival is on the run, you should expect sky rocking prices for hotels and apartments. The festival period is a booming season for these hotels and apartments owners, as demand shoots up greatly.

With people from all around world coming down to Cannes for the festival, everything get expensive here—not just the hotels or apartments. Taxis, Car rentals, food, drink and I hear the ‘call girls’ even double their prices for both long and short nights.

If you ever want to live in a beautiful hotel apartment very close to Cannes that is well within budget, then I think you should check out MMV Les Vacances Club at Theoule—which is just 7 miles from the Cannes Film Festival grounds.

The beautiful hotel apartments which have 3 swimming pools with 1 being a heated pool also have a Sauna and a Seaview. So if you decide to go for a Seaview apartment like we did, you will get to enjoy the beautiful blue Sea view from your balcony…

Apart from the fact that the apartments are on mountain top which makes commuting difficult (if you do not have a car), the prices are affordable…

For a one bedroom Seaview apartment which takes up to 4 adults just like the one we got, prices fall within 170 euros and 200 euros per night. They also have studio apartments which I hear are cheaper…

Even though our stay so far has been pleasant, the customer service has been really bad—and everyone we’ve met out here has complained about this.

Did You Know That: Handshake is As Dangerous As SMOKING?

05/21/2014 9:56 am

by GC Staff Sw

Though all over the world people greet and welcome each other with handshakes, it is in fact a deep rooted African and Far East culture—which goes back to centuries.

However, a new research says, the usual handshake we give each day is as dangerous as smoking in public. According to the research, even though the handshake is a ‘deeply established cultural custom,’ it can spread disease between patients.

According to MailOnline;

A controversial report has called for doctors to stop shaking patient’s hands – and says the practice is an dangerous as smoking in public.

The team claims that even though the handshake is a ‘deeply established cultural custom,’ it can spread disease between patients.

‘Some parallels may be drawn between the proposal to remove the handshake from the health care setting and previous efforts to ban smoking from public places,’ the UCLA team claim.

DID YOU KNOW THAT: Chemicals in Toothpaste, Soap And Children’s Plastic Toys ‘Can Cause Male Infertility’?

05/12/2014 3:26 pm

by Nana Yaw Adjapong

It has emerged that, certain chemicals found in everyday products we use such as toothpaste, soap and plastic toys are having have an impact on the male fertility—and these are causing rising levels of male infertlity.

According to the research, these chemicals affect the potency of sperm, altering their swimming behaviour and causing them to prematurely release enzymes which are needed to penetrate egg cells.

It looks like nothing is safe around us—by cleaning your teeth, you may be in other ways harming yourself as man.

According to Independent;

One in three “non-toxic” chemicals used in the manufacture of everyday items significantly affected the potency of sperm cells, which may account for the high incidence of unexplained infertility in the human population, the researchers said.

It is the first time that a study has found a direct effect of the many ubiquitous man‑made chemicals in the environment on a vital function of human sperm. The findings will raise further concerns about the hidden toxicity of chemicals deemed safe by toxicology tests.

But the researchers believe they have developed a new way of testing the impact of household chemicals on human sperm which will allow regulatory authorities in Europe to decide whether to ban or impose restrictions on their use in certain products.

The study was part of wider research into so-called “endocrine‑disrupting” chemicals that for several years have been linked with declining sperm counts and widespread male infertility.

Beer Company Founder Reveals Trick to Drink And Never Get Drunk!

04/26/2014 5:02 pm

by GC Staff Sw

Even if the trick works as being reported, what is the point of drinking and not wanting to get drunk? That sounds silly to me—why don’t you drink some damn water then?

According to a brewer and co-founder of the Boston Beer Company, he has the trick to help people bring the days of drunken fights and alcohol-fuelled embarrassments to an end.

Jim Koch says he has a trick which allows people to drink all night without getting drunk. And the trick is simple; Mr Koch says yeast is the key to staying sober while drinking.

Apparent it works like magic and he uses it too. He says he swallows dry yeast before he drinks and that this stops him getting drunk.

If You Want to Live Healthier & Longer, Eat Raw Fish with Green Tea…

04/25/2014 9:40 am

by GC Staff Yaa

It has emerged that, Japanese women live longer and healthier, simply because of their diet—-which mostly has raw fish and green tea.

According to a new research, Japanese women live to old age of 86.4 years on average, much more than for example British women who live to just 82.7 years.

And according to the research by the UK’s Office for National statistics, women could push for a ‘further increases’ in life expectancy if they adopted the lifestyle of their Asian counterparts.

The Japanese diet is rich in wholegrains, vegetables and soy – and they eat on average three servings of fish a week, with smaller, daintier portions.

It is also believed that using chopsticks also slows down the eating process, giving the body time to realise what has been consumed, and therefore eat less.

Lifestyle Guide: Arik Air is a Mess | Avoid Them if You Can or Else…

04/21/2014 5:27 pm

by GC Contributor | Ellen Sackey-Addo Ellen

Throughout last week I was in Nigeria. First, I wanted to talk about the security fears of most people since Nigeria seems to be gradually feeling the plague of merciless terrorists known popularly as Boko Haram, who kidnap and slaughter in broad daylight and more recently have started bombing anywhere they like. Especially after an incident where the airport security wanted me to open my suitcase myself because he said it could explode!

Anyway, all that seemed like it would be on my radar to rant about until I encountered yet another lousy trip on Arik Air. I was initially going to spare them the bad publicity and let it slip but why have I chosen to talk about it? Because it was not the first time Arik Air has given its customers like me sub-standard service. Somewhere a little over two months ago, they delayed my flight from Lagos to Accra for a good 3 hours. Arik started by explaining that there would be a 10 minute delay, which turned into 30 minutes, one hour…until they stopped apologizing and started serving us juice and cupcakes. Amazing level of incompetence.

Well, on the 18^th, my flight W3 075 Y was scheduled to leave Lagos at 5pm, I got to the airport by 2 pm because check in was to start at 3pm. I waited for a bit and approached the counter; I was told the flight had been moved to 7pm. I wasn’t amused but I kept calm. Then an hour later, many people started queuing to check in, while we were queued checking in, a dark, big woman who they said was the manager came and called for our attention. She said she had bad news. I got scared because I know these Arik people; they are number one with crap services.

Lifestyle Guide: Tihitna Lounge for Cosmopolitan Dishes in East Legon, Accra

04/17/2014 2:44 pm

by GC Staff Sheila

Hey darlings! It’s your unrestrained food lover and I am back to give you details of my Eritrean/Ethiopian food/cultural experience.

I cannot even pretend that I did not enjoy this particular outing. So ethnic, African and enriching.

Anyway diving in!

Prior to last week, I didn’t know we had a delectable, spicy, Cosmo/ethnic (Mixture of several nationalities) place tucked away right here in Accra, East Legon where you can just chill out family style and have drinks and food over laughter and clean ambience. It wasn’t my plan to head out but I am glad I ended up there for the evening.

So my Eritrean friend invited me and I thought: ‘why not?’

As usual, I missed a few turns because really, I did not know the place except the direction they gave “close to PH hotels”.

Coming from American house, you should aim to take the first right after PH hotels and then a left. You will find Tihitna on the right looking very homey. Almost like a regular upscale home except that you will wonder why there are so many cars there!

So it was happening really well and I saw a young/mature crowd going in and out. I think I saw someone’s really young son too. So this is a place for all ages. It had the feel of a family reunion because everyone seemed to know each other. They mistook me a few times for an Eritrean woman but I loved it!

There were many Ghanaians in there although I must admit some of the Ghanaian girls who came in late were dressed too ‘decadently’ and it made me slightly embarrassed because I am Ghanaian! So note to Ghanaian women, you can dress chic without undressing and looking tacky. Please learn how to do that! Distinguish yourself.

I picked up quickly on the traditional greeting which is three kisses, cheek to cheek. Right, left and back to right. Both genders.

There was a good sized swimming pool in the yard and then the seating is all around the pool, some sofas too and then an inner area but everyone preferred to sit in the yard around the pool.

The night was especially for Eritrean/Ethiopian food called Injera. It was almost all new to me except the rice, bread and vegetables.

Most of the ingredients were familiar only that it was made differently from what I am used to. Actually they cater for all kinds of dishes on different days. I also found out it is a venue for hosting birthday parties, hen nights, bachelor parties and other special occasions and some movie makers rent it for shoots too. The food is deliciously spicy. Since I love spicy food, I felt right at home.

Lifestyle Guide: Do You Love Turkish Food? Try Gokyuzu and Kervan in North London, UK

04/14/2014 6:53 pm

by GC Staff GS

I don’t think I ask much when it comes to choosing a great place to eat out but for me an ideal restaurant is one where you get to sit in an attractive environment whilst eating a good meal that’s also good for you. Then at the end of the night you can pull out your purse or wallet without squinting at the bill…like I was saying I don’t ask for much!

It was definitely a delicious treat when me and the girls decided to try out a new local Turkish restaurant in North London Woodgreen, Gokyuzu and Kervan. Don’t let the ‘local’ get to you, it’s anything but local food.

As you can imagine North London is not shy of several other Turkish restaurants to choose from, in fact on the very same road, there are another two Turkish restaurants I’ve also tried. However the classy looking eatery of Gokyuzu and Kervan lures you in as you are given a view of the take away section of delicious and savoury looking food on display that can be spied from outside of the restaurant.

An already established food chain, the popular Kervan restaurant is known for its delicious menus to most in North London. It’s a mix of Mediterranean foods such as meats, salads, humus Turkish seasoned bread and buckwheat roasted in seasoned plum tomato sauce…it really is just GOOD food.

I was more than impressed with the setting and environment, very classy and the service was great. It’s also plush enough for a b-day, anniversary or first date.

There were 3 very lively birthdays happening on the top second floor…it got lively, perfect Saturday night out. However if you prefer it a bit calmer then the lower ground was a lot more low-key.

I love the Turkish food custom of providing the starters of tzatziki, humus and Turkish bread that you’re not billed for.

Lifestyle Guide: For the Best Seafood-Lobsters & Mussels, Try Melrose Restaurant in Brighton, UK

04/9/2014 3:55 pm

by Chris-Vincent Agyapong, Founding Editor

Apart from the fact seafood restaurants are not very much common when you do not live close to a beach, the price tag for seafood meals can be a little over the top—making it an occasional dish for many people.

I am sure I can afford a good seafood meal a few times in a year but to be frank, the last time I really had a proper seafood meal was about 4 years ago when I visited Brighton—and I have returned again for a second encounter, courtesy of the one and only SassyChic.

To me, I prefer to make seafood an occasional dish not necessarily because of the price but I get bored of things very quick, including food. The wider the interval, the more I enjoy the meal.

If you live in the UK or ever decide to visit the United Kingdom, Brighton which is less than two hours from London by drive and less than an hour by train has a beautiful ‘pebble’ beach, with a lot of affordable hotels and fancy restaurants.

For all the two occasions I’ve been to Brighton, I have stayed at Kings ‘Seafront’ Hotel which is just direct opposite the sea—not one of those seafront hotels that you never get to see the sea. And for the price, they are really affordable—a night out here now is £56 but a little higher during peak seasons.

For launch today, we decided to stay away from those meals we can find all around London and therefore found ourselves once again at Melrose Restaurant; about two minutes walk from Kings Hotel—all on Kings Road.

Since we were too hungry to do the whole starter thing, we went straight for what will taste good and be able to fill our stomachs. I went for the ‘Whole fresh Lobster’ served with Salad (I asked for half salad and half fries which the waitress gladly accepted) and SassyChic ordered ‘Mussels marinated in onion and herb soup’ plus slices of French bread.

Lifestyle Guide: Le Tandem-French Cuisine in Accra, Ghana

04/7/2014 10:50 pm

by GC Staff Yaa

I am a food lover and everyone knows that. Not a glutton but an appreciative indulgent lover. I see food as an art.

So when there’s good food before me, I adore it and savour it slowly and the taste gives me an almost extreme satisfaction.

So last week my friend and I decided to meet over dinner. We initially set the time for 6pm but work and traffic pressures of Accra kept pushing it back so we started wondering what diners would be open late.

She suggested Le Tandem which is in Labone close to Wangara/Nafti area. I took a few wrong turns before getting there but I knew the area pretty well so it didn’t pose a problem. Our meeting finally kicked off past 10pm. Luck was on our side, they are open late on all days.

A neat little French place with rooms for both short and long stay. I believe the rooms are mainly for tourists. They have great and secure parking too. And a warm mellow ambience. Also regular guitar players will soothe you with soft French music throughout. Though not the best voices, the music still manages not to be irritating and they do not get intrusive.

The menu arrived and to my surprise, I seemed familiar with it. I was expecting a few surprises since I have never been there.

For starters, I ordered a salmon Carpaccio and my friend ordered a mushroom Carpaccio because we wanted to swap half and taste both. I enjoyed the mushroom more. I must add that it goes down best with fresh French bread.

Then for the main meal, we ordered buttered lemon prawns with sautéed potatoes which were very, very good. The potatoes were crisp and their vegetables are so fresh. I am usually sceptical about biting into green beans no matter how much vegetable I order but these looked and tasted so fresh.

Lifestyle Guide: We are Bringing You Food, Restaurants, Hotels, Night Life & Other Places of Interest

04/6/2014 3:34 pm

by Chris-Vincent Agyapong, Founding Editor

We are going to overhaul the various lifestyle columns we have on GhanaCelebrities.Com starting this week, to add diversity to our content which ranges from Celebrity News & Gossip to interested articles on various Entertainment, Fashion and other issues…

Starting next week, we will be bring you a new column titled ‘Lifestyle Guide’ where we will share with you our lifestyle experiences—-food, travel, hotels, night life, tourism and others so that you can make great choice and try some of these places we will feature.

Our write ups on the above will not be sponsored so trust to have the best reviews, photos and videos from some of the best places around the world—be it Ghana, UK, France, Spain, Nigeria or America. If an item is sponsored, we will let you know and we promise that will not affect the quality of our content.

If you love food (you eat outside a lot) and love to visit some of the fine places in the world, you can also become a contributor to this column by dropping me an email via [email protected]

This column will focus on letting you know where to be and check out should you find yourself at any part of the world…

The Recipe for True Happiness…

04/5/2014 7:55 am

by Comfort Asante, GC Staff Writer

A good recipe and a good cook qualify for a good meal. In a way, it is similar with happiness. It is not the result of a single factor, but many things in life come together to produce happiness. These include work, play, time with family, and friends, and several activities. But there are also more subtle factors, such as attitudes, desires, and goals in life.

“Why are you laughing and always happy?” “Do you ever get angry?” These are two questions people often ask me continuously, be it in school, at home, church, and other places.

Most often, I do not answer those questions because I think they ask them rhetorically. I want to take today to share with GhanaCelebrities.Com readers some basic things one can do to make him/her happy.

Be Generous

If you really want to be happy, be kind to others. Be it your age mates, old people, kids, and everybody that you come across in life. The caution, however is, do not expect favors back from anybody that you’ve been generous to. (and do not broadcast the good you do for people to others). Instead of being self-centered, be generous and as well be interested in others. “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” This is a very popular saying from the Bible, and I can confirm this to be true.

Besides giving in a material way, one can give of his/her time and energy, which may be even more appreciated, especially to the aged. Make it your goal to be kind to at least one person every day, and you yourself will feel the positive impact.

DO YOU KNOW THAT: Usage of Mouthwash Has Been ‘Linked to Oral Cancer’?

04/4/2014 9:22 am

by Nana Yaw Adjapong

I am not sure anyone uses mouth wash more than 3 times a day but if you do, be aware that such usage has been linked to oral cancer…

According to Dr David Conway, a senior lecturer at the University of Glasgow Dental School, said people should not routinely use a mouthwash and stick to brushing and flossing instead as heavy usage has a greater chance of developing mouth and throat cancer.

DailyMail Reports;

The research supports an Australian study in 2009, which said there was ‘sufficient evidence’ that mouthwashes containing alcohol contribute to an increased risk of the disease, because they allow cancer-causing substances to penetrate the lining of the mouth more easily.

In the latest study, in journal Oral Oncology, University of Glasgow researchers and European colleagues assessed 1,962 cancer sufferers and 1,993 healthy people in 13 centres across nine countries.

Those with poor oral health, including people with dentures and persistently bleeding gums, were at greater risk, they found.

The study set out to identify risk factors for oral cancers affecting the mouth and larynx, as well as oesophageal cancer of the gullet.

Do You Want A Big BACKSIDE? Scientists Say Sitting Around Makes Your Bum BIG

03/21/2014 9:49 pm

by GC Staff GS

Do you want a big backside—the natural way? Even when there were no scientific backing, many of us knew sitting on buckets and other stuff help shape your bum—and make the bum big…

I remember how several of my friends use to sit on buckets for dinner and when chit chatting during my secondary school days, so to get give their backsides that perfect shape and size…

Scientist have found that, the more you sit down, the more fat cells in the buttocks expand creating a rounder derriere—casing a fat backside…

According to MailOnline;

Scientists at Tel Aviv University revealed that ‘cellular expansion’ plays a key role in fat production because the pressure on cells causes them to increase in size by 50 per cent.

They analysed the accumulation of fat cells in the body and found that nutrition only plays a small role in keeping slim.

Professor Amit Gefen, from the Department of Biomedical Engineering said: ‘We wanted to find out why a sedentary lifestyle results in obesity, other than making time to eat more hamburgers.

‘We found that fat cells exposed to sustained, chronic pressure – such as what happens to the buttocks when you’re sitting down – experienced accelerated growth of lipid droplets, which are molecules that carry fats.

DO YOU KNOW THAT: Women Who Smoke Just 100 Cigarettes in Their Lifetime Are ‘30% More Likely To Get Breast Cancer’?

02/10/2014 9:04 pm

by Chris-Vincent Agyapong, Founding Editor

Majority of the people who smoke are aware that smoking kills—which is boldly written on cigarette packs. But letting go the habit is very difficult, to the extent that death cannot even scare many from smoking… To many, you put your life at risk of dying out of smoking when you puff a lot. … Read more

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