Friday 19 October 2012

The Secret Behind Celebrity Juice

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The truth behind the celebrity juice © RexYes, Jennifer Aniston swears by her ‘Wonder Smoothie’ for a better body, Liv Tyler relies on green juice for clearer skin and Kim Kardashian puts her weight loss down to her protein smoothie, but our advice is not to follow the hype without following the rules.
Because while those innocent-looking smoothies may be branded as the best way to get your five a day (which done correctly should equal glowing celebrity skin and a body to match) it’s not always the case, say the health experts. As soon as you pulp any fruit you take away the pith, peel and skin which is where you’ll find all the fibre, “as well as essentials vitamins and protein,” says nutritionist Ian Marber.
“Plus, while smoothies have the edge over juices as they at least contain some fibre, shop-bought smoothies tend to have only pulped fruit and juice in them,” explains Marber, “so while it does mean no nasties it also means no protein, which you need to help energy and appetite.” Add the fact that you need such a large amount of fruit for each small bottle of smoothie and you’re left with a sugar bomb say experts.
So if you’re going to replace a fresh piece or fruit (which in fact is your best option) or even a meal with a smoothie to improve your energy, body or skin, forget the calorie-heavy blends and go simple with Marber’s best smoothie recipes.
Jessica Alba, Rachel Bilson and Kim Kardashian with their on-the-go smoothies © RexThe Energy Booster
“Always opt for a fibrous fruit bases to start. Go for apples, pears, bananas or berries and then add a little protein to keep your sugar levels in check,” says Marber.
- Add 25g plain yogurt for protein to your fibre base
- 50ml water
- One shot of espresso
The Fat Burner
“Low in fat, rich in protein this also helps the body to use it’s sugar stores for energy.”
- Add semi skimmed milk or unsweetened soya milk to your fibre base
- 50g of silken tofu which is low in fat yet rich in protein
- One pinch of cinnamon

The Workout Recovery Drink

“You are looking to replenish glycogen levels as well as provide the muscles with amino acid to help tone muscles.”
- Add 50ml orange juice mixed in with your fibre base.
- One small tbsp of manuka honey....
i know say make una try am oooooooooooooooooooooooo..lolz


D’Banj Reveals The Only Thing That Will Make Him Work With Don Jazzy Again

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In a major interview post ‘Mo Hits, DB/Good Music/Mercury/IDJ artiste, Dapo Oyebanjo popularly called D’banj, sought to lay to rest various allegations and rumors being peddled about him, in an exclusive interview he granted a Lagos State based radio station, Cool FM.
The artiste, who lists Why Me as his break out song, also spoke on chances of reconciling with former partner and friend, Don Jazzy. Asked if there were chances that both parties may reconcile, he said “We can always work together and Don Jazzy still produced some songs on my forthcoming album. Yes we can work together in future. Maybe a big company can pay a lot of money for us to perform and yes it has to be a lot of money for me.”
Although the separation remains fresh in the minds of the public since the break-up in March this year, the singer appeared to still be nursing the wounds. He appeared overwhelmed with emotions when the interviewer referred to Don Jazzy as his friend. To this he went metaphorical saying, “What do you guys call friends, I mean I had friends for nine years and you guys saw what happened after the divorce. I lost custody of my children (signees) apart from the one I had out of wedlock.”
D’banj also said he was boss of defunct MoHits Record by claiming that it was his record label D’Banj (DB) Records that went into partnership with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D and not Mo’Hit.
Ever since the singer was officially signed on to West’s G.O.O.D Music label in July 2011, he was rumoured to have joined the dreaded Iluminati Cult, which is alleged to be home to a number of American celebrities, including West.
In defence, D’banj said, “I don’t know anything about the Illuminati. When I wanted to travel out of Nigeria for the first time, I collected my international passport from Bishop David Oyedepo. That shows that I owe my success to God. If my success is too fast for people or they cannot understand it, please don’t attribute it to illuminati. I feel very offended when that is being said because it simply translates to giving God’s glory to another person which He does not share with anyone. God will strike anyone who attributes my success to someone else.”
To the allegations of an existing relationship with Nollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji, he said, “I am very single, and Genevieve is my friend. I have been saying this for over a year since we shot the Fall in Love video. Can’t you people just see fine boy and fine girl in a video kissing each other and not think anyhow?”
Although the singer who released his debut album, No Long Thing in 2005, was recently featured on West’s Cruel Summer CD inlay and a couple of other singles, he has been criticized for ‘leaving his kingship in Nigeria to become a prince in America.’
Amidst laughter, Dbanj replied, “Did I change the crown? I only carried my crown to the US. People are just confused, but the truth is I am still a king wherever I am. Being in a different country and culture I had to study the environment which is what I am still doing. I actually thought I would release my album in America, but my label thought UK would be better because I have a bigger fan base there. I weighed my options, remember everything did not come from me, so I had to do what I did to move on.”
The singer, who revealed that his mother allowed him to travel to the UK in 2002 with a condition that he would spend just two months there, describes social media network as platform for idle talk.
“I am too busy for social media, please. If you people want to talk to me go to TV or radio I don’t go to social media except I have something to say. I never give out recharge cards on Twitter (laughs) even when I was with Globacom, I never did that. If you want to do that why not help a charity instead.”

“I am a football player, not a bartender” – Joseph Yobo denies owning a night club

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Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, has vehemently denied stories making the rounds in local media, that he has opened a night club. The Fenerbahce defender, was speaking to Turkish sports website, SPORTSMAN.com and clarified that it was his brother who owned a hangout years back, but has since closed it down.
“In Nigeria, some newspapers wrote that I am operating a night club,” he said. “ I'm a football player. I'm not a bartender or the publican who runs a nightclub.”
Former skipper, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, is the most popular club owner, who once played for the national team. His hangout, Club 10, is located in Victoria Island.....

Michelle Obama Gives Relationship Advice

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Cute good. But cute only lasts for so long and then it’s, who are you as a person? That’s the advice I would give to women: Don’t look at the bank book or the title. Look at the heart. Look at the soul. Look at how the guy treats his mother and what he says about women. How he acts with children he doesn't know. And more important, how does he treat you? When you’re dating a man, you should always feel good. You should never feel less than. You shouldn't be in a relationship with somebody who doesn't make you completely happy and make you feel whole. And if you are in that relationship and you’re dating, then my advice is, don’t get married. Get out of it and find that person that brings you complete and utter joy with who you are at the moment.....

Tributes at service of songs for slain Ugochukwu Ozuah

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L-R-Ozuah’s sister, Uju Ifet; his widow, Joan; and deceased’s sister, Uzo Nwogu.
Ozuah’s sister, Uju Ifet; his widow, Joan; and deceased’s sister, Uzo Nwogu.
Tears and tributes flowed freely at King’s College, Lagos, on Wednesday as family and friends held a memorial service in honour of Ugochukwu Ozuah, a 36-year-old engineer who was allegedly killed by policemen five days after his wedding.
Ozuah, who graduated from King’s College in 1993, was once the Sports prefect of the school. Some of those present at the event were; members of the King’s College Old Boy’s Association, ex-colleagues of the deceased at University of Ado Ekiti and University of Lagos, where he was pursuing a Master’s degree in Operational Research; as well as the principal and current students of the college.
Ozuah’s Chelsea Football Club jersey, inscribed with the word, ‘Hugo 10’ was seen hanging from the ceiling of the auditorium while many wore a black T-shirt displaying the deceased’s picture.
The three sisters of the deceased, who read tributes, described their brother as a loving and kind person who was always willing to help those in need.

The eldest sister, Nkechi Nnonyelu, said in a written tribute that it was sad because she planned Ozuah’s wedding and just a month later, she was planning his burial.
The wife of the deceased, Joan, said in a written tribute that their five days of marriage were the best days of her life.
Joan said, “Sweets, so it is true that you are no more. I can’t believe that you have gone so soon. You were my husband, my brother, my friend and mentor. I can’t forget that fateful night of September 20, when the police shot you in the chest and left you to die in cold blood. It was like a dream when the doctor told us that you couldn’t make it.
“Baby love, you were a caring, loving, God-fearing, calm and thoughtful man. Your desire was to make me happy when I was sad and you were an awesome husband. The last words you said to me before you left were, ‘my wife, my wife, I’m coming back in 10 minutes’ as you drove off to drop your friend and never returned.
“My husband, you were a real gem, you made me have the wedding of my dream and I’m grateful for those five days we spent together. It was the most exciting moment and days of my life. Sweet, sweet, it is true that death is inevitable but the memories of your personality will definitely live forever. I ask no questions for God knows best. I will miss you. I love you sweet.
The head boy of King’s College, accompanied by other pupils sang the school anthem in honour of the deceased.

Source: Punch

Meet the 13 finalist for Sylvia Nduka's hair competition

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Chinazom-Sandra-Mbagwu  & Pamela-Efa-Eteng
Chinyere-Dick & Nesho-Abo
MBGN 2010 Sylvia Nduka is doing something different, and am loving it. 13 ladies have been selected for the finals of the maiden edition of the Face of Sylvia Hair reality TV show for her newly opened hair line, Sylvia’s Hair Gallery.

The winner of the competition will be rewarded with a sum of N 1 million, a car, trip to Dubai and become a brand ambassador of the hair outfit.Consolation prizes include N50,000 for the best dressed girl in camp and a Chris Aire diamond wrist watch for the contestant with the loudest cheer. 

More photos of the girls when you continue....Pick your favorite hair/personafter the cut

Judith-Onuwa

Suzzie-Precious-Ndulue

Chioma-Uba

Adaora-Ikokwu

Joy-Oya

Tope-Senbanjo

Flora-Omogbai

Rita-Onyemaechi

Jessica-Henshaw

7 Nollywood Stars Who Have Delved Into The Nigerian Music Industry

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In the wake of the release of Nollywood star, Tonto Dikeh‘s songs, “Hi” and “Itz Ova” on Wednesday 17th October 2012, BellaNaija Music spotlights 6 Nollywood stars who have also been involved in the  Nigerian music industry.
Some of them have completely put a hold on their music careers and others are still in the game. Today, find out who makes the list of actors turned musicians, exclusively brought to you by BellaNaija.com
Check out the list!
Genevieve Nnaji
She is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated actresses and red carpet style star. The award winning actress who was featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2009 on the TV mogul’s list of Most Famous People in the World, delved into the Nigerian music industry.
On Saturday 11th December 2004, the 33 year old Mirror Boy star, launched her debut album, One Logologo Line in Accra, Ghana. To promote the album, Genevieve officially released a video one of her singles, No More.
The 8 track album which retails presently on Amazon for $7.92 consists of the following songs; Ma Bre’Wo feat. ObourThinking Of You feat. Kojo AntwiNative Doctor feat. DedeOne Logologo Line feat. VIPBunp It Up, No More, Missing You and Genevieve.
Watch Genevieve’s No More Video
Jim Iyke
Known for his bad boy image in lots of Nollywood blockbusters, Nigerian actor, Jim Iyke has gone on to become a household name and a bona fide superstar.
Just before the actor launched his clothing line “Untamed Closet” last year, he made a foray into the Nigerian music industry by releasing the video of his first song, “Who am I” featuring one of Africa’s most undisputed entertainers, 2Face Idibia. He later followed-up with another video for his other song “Born To Do This” featuring Puffy T.
We are not sure, if we should expect any more music from Jim Iyke as he publicly announced on stage while hosting the 2011 Africa Movie Academy Awards with Phone Swap lead actress, Nse Ikpe-Etim, that “Actors should stick to what they do, including me”, after Nse teased him about his song “Who am I”
Check the videos of Who am I and Born To Do This by Jim Iyke
Patience Ozokwor
This Nollywood veteran actress, Patience Ozokwor is racking up endorsements and smiling all the way to the bank. But a few years ago, Patience who has starred in over 200 Nigerian movies delved into the music industry under the stage name “Mama G”.
She released lots of videos for her songs including Ihe Neme N’uwa, Iyo Ngwo Ngwo, Adaeze, Make We Jolly and National Moi Moi, where Nollywood actors, Tonto Dikeh and Charles Awurum make cameo appearances.
Watch the videos of National Moi Moi and Make We Jolly by Mama G
http://youtu.be/DgSPoR5C9zI
Nkem Owoh
We can’t forget the Nollywood actor, Nkem Owoh‘s hilarious roles in Osuofia in London and Okada Man. The actor who is also an MTN ambassador alongside Patience Ozokwor, has also been involved in music.
He has released not less than 5 videos to promote his music career including songs like I Go Chop Your Dollar, Olamma, Akalaka, Marry Me and School Na Good Thing.
Check out the videos for I Go Chop Your Dollar and Marry Me by Nkem Owoh
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde
Currently in London, promoting her latest flick, Amina, where she plays a character of a woman with a mental disorder, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is among Nigeria’s most renowned entertainers.
The 34 year old movie star, who joined the Nigerian music industry a few years ago with her debut album Gba, told BellaNaija’s Adeola Adeyemo that she decided to join the Nigerian music industry because ” I have things that I want to say, I love to sing, I want to express myself through music which I can’t do through movies.”
Her first album Gba, was released in 2005 to critical acclaim on the record label “Sound Factory” and the songs included Show Me Love feat. Sound SultanDance feat. RuggedmanThings You Do to Me feat. Nana KingDon’t Flip, Honey Boy, Life or Death, What You Looking At, Baby Girl, Things You Do to Me feat. Pasto Goody Goody and the album’s hit single, Naija Lowa (Gba) featuring Six O.
Later on, Omotola teamed up with Paul Play, Del B and Harry Song to produce her sophomore album “Me, Myself and Eyes”. It was launched on Friday 24th September 2010 under the label, Red Hot Records. Songs on the album included; Feel Alright feat. Harry SongBarren Land, Call Me, Get Busy feat. Harry Song,  Harmony, Missing You, Through The Fire feat. UcheNever Let Me Go feat. Tito, Keep Going, Through The Fire feat. Paul Play and Stop The War feat. Mode Nine.
Is Omosexy slowing down on her music career anytime soon? Apparently not. She told BellaNaija’s Adeola Adeyemo that she will be releasing another album before December 2012. So keeping refreshing BellaNaija.com for the exclsuive launch
Watch the videos of Feel Alright and Missing You by Omotola
Stella Damasus
Even before she became a household name in the Nigerian movie industry, Stella Damasus was known to only a few as a professional singer. Critically acclaimed for her dramatic movie roles, Stella also proves she can battle with the songstresses in the music industry.
Her music résumé includes being among an all star studded cast in Tade Ogidan‘s “OGD All Stars Jazz” album, the soundtrack for the movie, Bent Arrows titled “Cause I’ve Got You” and proving that we are going to hear more melodious music from her, she released a new song tilted “Love Me Quick”, just yesterday.
Watch Cause I’ve Got You  Video and listen to Love Me Quick by Stella Damasus
Tonto Dikeh
Tonto Dikeh’s certainly towing a path here. She’s got a line of A-listers ahead of her. If you missed the feature for Tonto’s spanking new songs, click here
BN Music Extra!In 2006, renowned Nollywood director, Tade Ogidan gathered some of Nigeria’s most famous actors and actresses to be a part of his OGD All Stars Jamz album. The album which consists of highlife, hip-hop, gospel, folklore and kiddies’ school medleys, featured the voices of Stella Damasus, Bimbo Akintola, Richard Mofe-Damijio, Segun Arinze, Tina Mba, Teju “Babyface” Oyelakin, Ramsey Nouah, Funke Akindele-Oloyede and Shola Sobowale.
Watch OGD All Stars’ Aye Le video


Source : bellanaija.com

Photos: Actress, Oge Okoye Bags Doctorate Degree

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Nollywood actress, Oge Okoye has been honoured with a doctorate degree by Wisconsin International University, USA. The beautiful actress was awarded today, Friday, October 19, 2012 at an event held at The Auditorium, NECA House, Central Business District, Ikeja, Lagos.
In a chat with Nigeriafilms.com, Oge disclosed to us that her movie role in the film ‘Fulani’ gave her the honour being bestowed on her today. She revealed that she is very happy to be honoured by the American university.
A belated Oge was all smile today at the ceremony. When Nigeriafilms.com asked Oge how she would preferred to be addressed; either Oge Okoye or Dr Oge Okoye, the actress said she would prefer both.
Oge Okoye presently at the peak of her acting career in Nigeria.awwwwwww congrats to her..

Click for Full Image Size Click for Full Image Size Click for Full Image Size


The one thing that ever woman should have in their life, in addition to great shoes...is a nice collection of assorted accessory pieces.

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The one thing that ever woman should have in their life, in addition to great shoes...is a nice collection of assorted accessory pieces.

Accessories are the finishing touches to any outfit, it completes the look! Sometimes it's even the main focus of an ensemble. For example, if I'm decked out in all black, I would add a few great accessory (necklace, bangles, earrings) stand out pieces to make i
t more interesting. 

When it comes to making a fashion statement, African inspired jewellery is the best. It's bold, vibrant, big, daring, colourful, and they will make any subtle piece pop! Since Fall is a season where dark colours are the majority in most people's closets, now would be a great time to incorporate colourful ethnic pieces to brighten up your wardrobe....

“I Sleep With Five Men A Day Just To Eat” – Girl tells CNN

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We met her in the car park of a small shopping mall on the edge of Mbabane, Swaziland’s capital. She was too shy to get out of the car her friend had brought her in, too nervous of who might see, or what might be overheard.
She told us that she knew an isolated place where we could talk. Ten minutes later we are in scrubland standing by the rubble and remains of someone’s home.
Here Nelsie – not her real name – stops fiddling with her plastic necklace and starts looking me in the eye, but even that appears to take considerable effort. She tells me that for the last two years, since both her parents died in a car crash, she has lived on the periphery, isolated from her remaining family and society.
“Right now I don’t feel that I am a human being” she confesses. “Right now I am scared to greet my family because if I say that I am a prostitute all of the people will just say that I am a prostitute”.
She wants us to know that this was not her first choice; she did try to find work. “Here in Swaziland there are no jobs” she says. The necklace fiddling starts again. “I have no choice to be a sex worker, whether I like it or not, I must do that”.
Tucked away in one corner of Swaziland’s annual International Trade Fair we find the HIV and Aids stands. It is an unusual addition at a trade fair but then so is the large number of children who have come here for a day out with their parents; there is barely a businessman or woman in sight. These stands are testimony to a tragic accolade; Swaziland has the highest rate of HIV and Aids in the world.
A staggering one in four people have HIV/Aids in Swaziland. At one stand Zelda Nhlabatsi, who runs the Family Life Association of Swaziland, is trying to raise awareness about the disease. The free condoms on her table seem to have attracted quite a crowd.
Her organization offers support and education to sex workers and she believes there is a growing number of women, just like Nelsie, who are turning to prostitution because of the country’s financial woes.
“Everyone needs food, those are basic needs and the unemployment rate is quite high so sex work for most people is a livelihood you know”. And the situation is likely to get worse she warns me. “You are going to be seeing more and more people engaging in different kinds of work, including sex work.”
Swaziland’s government blames the financial woes on a drop in income from the Southern African Customs Union following a new tariff deal. Organizations like the IMF have urged Swaziland’s government to cut its bloated civil service, reduce spending and attract foreign investors.
At the height of the crisis, anti retrovirals were scarce, cancer treatment was stopped and schools were closed. According to the African Development Bank, youth unemployment in Swaziland is currently over fifty percent. Political parties may be banned here but the unions are emboldened and have led angry protests on the streets.
South Africa’s President Zuma has offered some respite after the IMF refused Swaziland a loan. A three hundred and fifty five million dollar bailout was agreed but so far, none of that money has materialized. Majozi Sithole, Swaziland’s Finance minister, tells me.
“Right now I am not sure, we are waiting for the South Africans to engage with us whether that money is still available or not and if it is then we will gladly take it. It will assist us in meeting some of the fiscal challenges that we are currently facing but if it is not available then we are already taking steps to say let’s look at what we have.”
Critics of King Mswati believe he and his array of wives have contributed to the financial demise of this small landlocked kingdom. There are reports of shopping trips to Europe, a private jet from a private sponsor and plans for a second international airport for a country with just over one million people. However, the country’s finance minister denies this.
“I can assure you that his Majesty, the Royal Family, they never overspend in what they have been allocated. If there are any challenges then they are in other ministries,” he tells me when we met him in his office.
“Those who would blame it on his Majesty they do not have the information, he never overspends, we discuss the fiscal challenges on a weekly basis, I brief him, he has concerns and he will, as he did this year, say whatever you work don’t even increase my budget because I understand the fiscal situation.”
Sitting on a block of rubble with the sun fast descending behind her, Nelsie tells me she always wants the men she meets to use condoms. “I am HIV positive, I have got HIV by rape, I was raped. While I was not raped I was HIV negative because I did not like to sleep with a man without a condom.”
She and around 20 other women working in the neighborhood hide in the shadows of the night waiting for a car to pull up. To feed herself she says she has to have sex with twenty men in two weeks “but sometimes in a day I used to sleep with five or six men”.
Like many people who are struggling to make a living in Swaziland, there is no respite or prospect of a bailout. “In this work we will die so while they do not think about us I do not think they are making an improvement in this country. We know that our economy is down but they must try, whether to supply us with food, whether to supply us with work.”

Shola Adebowale: The Miracle Tree: Between Nigeria And Malaysia

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2011-11-09-16.06.31

Few years back, Malaysia got its tenera oil palms from a Nigeria. Today Malaysia is the world’s biggest palm oil-producing country, accounting for about half of the world production. This was as a result of Malaysia’s research and development (R&D) program in oil palm breeding, by its Department of Agriculture’s exchange program with Nigeria in the 1960s.
Herein, is a nation that can see into the future. Less a decade after, by the 1970s, Malaysia had established a special university, known as the Universiti Pertanian Malaysia (UPM), to train agricultural and agro-industrial engineers and agro-business graduates to conduct further research and training in oil palm production. The major driving force, behind the government’s oil palm dream, is the use of oil palm production as major tool to create employment and invariably reduce poverty.
By 1995, Malaysia had become the world’s largest producer with 51% of world production. For instance, Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) is the world’s biggest oil palm planter with planted area close to 900,000 hectares in Malaysia and Indonesia. Felda, was formed specifically with the main aim of eradicating poverty.
Research has shown that oil palm is the most productive oil seed in the world. And that a single hectare of oil palm can yield 5,000 kilograms of crude palm oil, or nearly 6,000 liters of crude palm oil, making the crop remarkably profitable when grown in large plantations .One particular study that looked at 10,000 hectare-plantations suggests an internal rate of return of 26 percent annually.
As is well known, palm fruit takes five to six months to mature from pollination to maturity. The palm fruit is reddish, about the size of a large plum and grows in large bunches. Each fruit is made up of an oily, fleshy outer layer (the pericarp), with a single seed (the palm kernel), also rich in oil. When ripe, each bunch of fruit weighs 40-50 kilogrammes.
The high oil yield of oil palm trees (as high as 7,250 liters/hectare/ year) has made it a common cooking ingredient in Asia, Africa, and America. While it’s increasing use in the commercial food industry in many parts of the world is buoyed by its cheaper pricing, high oxidative stability of its refined product and its high levels of natural antioxidants.
By virtue of its high yield, palm oil is a cheaper substitute than other vegetable oils and gradually providing a viable alternative to petroleum or any other fossil fuel. As we all know, Oil Palm product, according to experts, has been the world’s dietary staple for more than 5,000 years of man’s existence on mother earth.
And specifically it is indigenous to West Africa, from where it picked its scientific name-Elaeis Guineensis (Guineensis from Guinea, a West African nation). Scientifically, it has been discovered that, oil palm is the only fruit in the world that can give two types of oil. For instance, one can obtain oil from the flesh of the fruit and from the kernel as well. In other words, oil is extracted from both the pulp of the fruit (palm oil, edible oil) and the kernel (palm kernel oil, used in foods and for soap manufacture). For every 100 kilograms of fruit bunches, typically 22 kilograms of palm oil and 1.6 kilograms of palm kernel oil can be extracted. Its production costs are low and productivity very high. All over the world, it has been regarded as the highest-yielding source of edible oil in the world.
Moreover, it has been discovered that, Palm oil is a staple with a  number of nutritional benefits and thus included in many products as a component of many processed foods, like biscuits, chocolates, cookies, sweets, cream for coffees or peanut butter, condensed milk, powdered milk, cereals, dry cake mix ,cakes and sponge cakes, sauces, fat substitutes, crackers and microwave popcorn. And because of its stability at high temperatures, it has been found to be the most ideal for frying French fries, potato chips, pastries, doughnuts, fish/seafood and other deep-fat-fried foods. It is also found in shaving gels, acne treatments, lip balm, cosmetics and as oil as an alternative to oils that are high in trans fats.
Furthermore, palm oil is highly advantageous in the manufacturing of cosmetics, soaps and chemicals, face and body lotion, shaving gels, shampoo, conditioner and hair spray, washing powder/detergents ,toothpaste, waxes, lubricants, and ink. It is also use in the manufacturing of many other products, like paper pulp, dyes, lamp shades, particleboard, polishes, textile finishes, hammocks, cigarette papers and upholstery stuffing.
Industrial wise, palm oil has been found to be used in the production of candles, lubricating greases for machinery used in the production of edible foods, grease for bread molds and bread making equipment, grease used to protect tanks, pipelines and similar instruments which remain uncovered and in the open air, drilling mud for the petroleum industry, plastification and sterilization of products in the plastics industry(in particular during the production of PVC).While it is ,also be used in the production of glue, printing inks, steel cold rolling processes, tinplate rolling, and acids to lubricate fibers in the textile industry. In other words, petroleum, plastics, printing and textile industries all commonly make use of palm oil.
In addition to the above, oils extracted from the oil palm fruit and other parts of the tree are highly essential raw materials in many industries. While, the leaf, fibers and empty fruit bunches are used to produce chipboard and plywood. So much the more, palm fronds and kernel meal, a byproduct of palm oil can be processed, and used in the production of concentrated foods and as a supplement in animal food or as a feedstock. Even after oil palm plantations are cleared out due to old age or other factors, the trunks of old palms can be used to make furniture.
Medical wise, it has been discovered and proven beyond reasonable doubts that, oil palm can be used for preventing vitamin A deficiency. And as well used in the treatments of acne, malaria, high blood pressure, wounds and cyanide poisoning .And as a balm, it can as well be used for instance in preventing or treating cracking of the lips.
As early as the beginning of the 20th century, it has been discovered that palm oil from oil palm, can be used as biofuel. Most especially, when Rudolf Diesel was noted to have used vegetable oil as fuel for his car, from which the motor engine subsequently took its name. Years later, palm oil was successfully developed as a biofuel for cars. Presently, palm oil is used in the production of some types of biodiesel. As is well known, biodiesel is a veritable alternative to fossil-based fuels. And, it is produced from vegetable oils, and used as a fuel for vehicles, at a very adoring competitive cost in terms of cost of production.
Palm oil can as well be burned in order to produce electricity at power plants, like the Sabah palm oil, power plant in Malaysia, which generates about 20MW of electricity and Bugala oil palm, power station in Uganda which generates about 1.5 MW. Besides, palm oil is being developed and used to make a sustainable, environmentally friendly fuel for automobiles and machines as noted hitherto. When grown sustainably, palm oil offers an environmentally sound alternative to diesel fuel. Palm oil’s high ignition and oxidation levels has been known to create a smooth-running and efficient engine and is more environmentally friendly (for emphasis)and more advantageous than other combustible fuels such as petro diesel and standard petrol
And, for these reasons, it is becoming more popular.
One of the greatest undoing of most 21st century nations today, is high rate of unemployment; there is therefore no doubt, that one of the answers is oil palm production. Oil palm production can generate a lot of employment, as it is contributing to the world’s high demand for renewable energy sources. Its capacity to generate qualitative employment has to do most especially, to the high demand for palm oil which has increased in recent years due to its use as a biofuel. For the benefit of hindsight, in any oil palm plantation, like most extensive plantations anywhere in the world, there is virtually no identified or known profession in this world, that cannot be found or employed and in their large numbers in-house in an oil palm plantation.
With such benefits in mind, in terms of derivations/multi usage, cost of production, end result, absorption of once idle or under-utilized man power and other comparative advantages, it is not surprising therefore to note that, Colombia has pledged to produce biodiesel using palm oil mixed with diesel. This will eventually play an important role in providing energy fuels which can power thousands of cars and machines with motor engines across Colombia. It has even be discovered that using palm oil as a biodiesel brings a lot of benefits and itis environmentally friendly (for emphasis, again), unlike other sources of energy, most especially fossil fuel.
And as stated at the beginning, Malaysia has quickly tapped into the great benefit that could be derived from oil palm production when it matter most to its national developmental goals and drive. ‘Such a wise nation is hard to come by’, a generation would say, one day. Today, Malaysia has had one of the best economic records in Asia, with GDP growing at an average 6.5% for almost 50 years, nonstop.
While, the nation is presently, diversifying from agriculture-based economy to one based on manufacturing and industry in areas such as computers and consumer electronics. Presently, manufacturing has a large influence in Malaysia economy. In an effort to diversify the economy and make Malaysia’s economy less dependent on exported goods, the government has pushed vigorously to increase tourism in Malaysia. As a result, tourism has become Malaysia’s third largest source of income from foreign exchange.
Quite interesting to note, that the Malaysian government is aggressively refocusing its palm oil industry towards biodiesel to meet growing demand from European countries by encouraging the building of several biodiesel plants. While, simultaneously, pushing through legislation to enforce a mandatory switch from diesel to biofuels. And hence incredibly, from 2007 till date, all diesel sold in Malaysia is made up of 5pc of palm oil!
Today, it is quite interesting to note that the world’s palm oil production is concentrated mainly in Borneo Island of Malaysia, Indonesia, while Thailand and Columbia are seriously tagging along. And quite amusing and amassing to note that Africa, most especially the western coast from where oil palm is traditionally found insitu, in its primordial aboriginal state of nature, is nowhere to be found in the reckoning of such high end natural endowment and great source of wealth.
As could easily be seen and deduced from above, any nation, under the shackles of poverty and crushing debt burdens due to low capacity of industrialization and judicious engagement of its citizenry in productive capability, oil palm related industries offers a very viable vehicle of transformation. And I think this is a golden opportunity to many of the under developed nations of the world and a wakeup call, as well: to tap from the knowledge of those that have trod on this path of ‘grass to glory’ through oil palm production. And let the world hope and pray that someone would listen and listen well.
Lastly, as technology develops at the speed of light and the fulcrum of industrialization like fossil fuel (petroleum) is fast becoming more and more synonymous with conflicts, fluid in nature and controversial in substances, palm oil offers the world a low-carbon alternative and substitute to petroleum-based transport fuels. In other words, no wonder then that palm oil is gaining popularity as a cheap and effective solution to the world’s fuel crisis and a viable, cheaper way of reducing the world’s over dependence on fossil fuels.
As far back as the 15th Century Ca’da Mosto, a Portuguese explorer once tasted palm oil in Africa and was said to have written: “It smells of violets, tastes like olives and has a colour that blends foods together like saffron…’,mesmerized by his discovery, sense of taste, sight and reasoning, he had no choice but to concludes that ‘.. But even all this can’t sufficiently describe its special qualities”.
To the Asians palm oil is regarded as a ‘gold oil’, while among the Yoruba of West Africa, like the testimony of Ca’da Mosto-‘ it is the tree of life ‘.
I call it a miracle tree.
By Shola Adebowale
Mr. Adebowale is a prolific freelance writer, syndicated columnist, researcher, and blogger.