Toenail fungus is also called onychomycosis. It is most commonly caused by dermatophytes, molds, or yeasts that infect the nail bed, matrix, and nail plate. These fungal infections may be present in various ways that affect the nail’s shape, color, and general appearance. However, this is not something alarming since a nail fungal infection may not look aesthetically appealing but it is one of the most prevalent nail disorders. It may not have a major impact on your life unless it becomes severe. This means you do have to cure it still.
Causes
A fungal nail infection appears when a fungus penetrates the nail. There are several sources where you may acquire the fungus. These include public swimming pools, sharing infected personal items, and using unsterilized nail tools. It may also be caused by being in contact with someone infected or an infected surface.
People Who Are At Risk
People of various ages and ethnicities may acquire fungal nail infections. Older men are the most prone. Several common factors also increase the likelihood of being infected: being over 65 years old, having a nail injury, wearing tight footwear, being obese, being immunocompromised, frequent use of shellac on nails, and having foot deformities, smoking, and others.
Symptoms
The clinical appearance of the nail will inform any doctor of the presence of fungus. They often look for the following symptoms: nail discoloration often white and yellow, nail detachment, nail deformities, nail trauma, foul odor coming from the nail, and moisture caused by footwear.
Treatment
It’s crucial to consult the doctor for any advice and treatment plans since there are several factors to consider before a treatment plan is provided to resolve the nail condition. The following are some of the usual options for a nail fungus treatment: oral medications, topical nail paints, and laser treatment. For severe nail fungal infections, nail removal may be required.
1All about Cucumber and Groundnut
Cucumbers and groundnut are both nutritious, healthy, and sumptuous. This combo of fruit and nuts works together as a healthy snack. Most people in Nigeria consume cucumber and groundnut as an appetizer or snack. Cucumber is medically known as Cucumis sativus and it belongs to the same family as melons and squashes. Groundnut, on the other hand, has the scientific name Arachis hypogaea. Cucumbers are popularly considered a vegetable, but it is a fruit. Cucumbers may be consumed raw along with other vegetables in the salad, turned into a juice, and eaten as a snack together with groundnuts.
Nutritional Profile of Cucumbers
Cucumbers are low in calorie content. They have a high water content which is at 96 percent, keeping your body properly hydrated. Other nutrients that are present in cucumber are vitamins, proteins, and fiber, which are completely consumed unpeeled.
Nutritional Profile of Groundnuts
Around 3.5 ounces of groundnuts have around 567 calories. This means that groundnuts are both high in calories and fat. They are also known to contain 7 percent water. Other nutrients that are present in groundnuts are vitamins, proteins, antioxidants, and carbohydrates.
As Antifungal/Antimicrobial
A compound isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of the Cucumis sativa flowers showed antimicrobial properties when compared to a standard drug. It showed inhibition activity against E. coli, S. typhi, B.cereus, and E. faecalis compared to the standard drug Chloramphenicol. It has also shown inhibition activity against C.albicans and C.lunata compared to the standard drug Fluconazole. This only means that the compound isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of Cucumis sativus flowers exhibits antibacterial and antifungal activities not to mention antimicrobial activities against several microorganisms.
Other Health Benefits
Cucumber and groundnuts have health benefits that people must be aware of. These are some of them:
Helps improve body functions
Groundnuts help to repair worn-out tissues same as any other leguminous plants. It also helps the body since it contains a lot of phosphorus, which the body needs to make proteins. Proteins are necessary for maintaining body functions as well as the growth and repair of body tissues and cells. Cucumbers also contain a lot of vital minerals that are important for bodily functions.
Supports Digestive Health
Consuming cucumbers may improve your digestive system and enables regular bowel movement. Cucumbers are rich in fiber and they make you feel hydrated, preventing constipation in the process. Cucumber juice functions as a natural laxative that can help relieve constipation. Groundnuts are loaded with fiber and may help prevent gallstones.
Supports Skin Health
Cucumbers are rich in silica, which is significant for having healthy skin. Cucumber can be chopped in circles and applied underneath the eyes. Other nutrients found in cucumber may remove dark circles and other skin imperfections. Doing this rejuvenates the skin and groundnuts also help with skin health.
Helps Reduce Blood Sugar
Cucumbers have been proven to help reduce blood sugar. This helps to reduce the risk of getting diabetes and other diabetic complications. Groundnuts are known to have a low glycemic index (GI). This makes them beneficial to people who have diabetes.
Helpful to Pregnant Women
Groundnuts are rich in folate and proteins. Folic acid is an essential supplement that pregnant women need. This will prevent pregnant women from incurring birth defects. It also contributes to the proper development of the spine and brain. It is recommended for all pregnant women to consume a large amount of folic acid throughout the conception period. Women may take them cooked, roasted, or fried.
Helps with Sleep
It is helpful to have coconut and groundnuts before bedtime since this can calm the nerves and reduce stress and anxiety. Because of these effects, this meal can improve one’s sleep cycle.
Helps with Weight Loss
Cucumbers and groundnuts can be added to your weight loss regimen. Cucumber can help one lose weight because of its high water content and low-calorie content. This can be added to any salad. This may also add flavor to other meals. Groundnuts also don’t contribute to weight gain even if they contain many fats and calories. Based on nutritional research studies, groundnuts will be able to help maintain a healthy weight and reduce your chances of becoming obese.
This meal is a low-cost and nutrient-dense snack that is good for both adults and children.
