Rana Obaidat appointed as JFDA Director-General
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Jordan Times
12 hours ago
- Jordan Times
Hunger must never be 'weapon of war', UN chief tells Africa food summit
ADDIS ABABA — UN chief Antonio Guterres on Monday said food must not be used as a weapon of war as world leaders gathered for a food summit in Africa, where 280 million people face chronic hunger. The African Union urged donors to provide greater support for the world's poorest continent, which is struggling with poverty, unrest and the effects of climate change. A new report co-authored by several United Nations agencies found global hunger fell slightly in 2024 thanks to progress in Asia and South America. But 8.2 per cent of the world -- an estimated 638 to 720 million people -- still faced hunger last year, and the situation was worsening particularly in Africa, where the figure is 20.2 per cent. "Hunger fuels instability and undermines peace. We must never accept hunger as a weapon of war," Antonio Guterres told the UN Food Systems Summit in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa via video link. "Climate change is disrupting harvests, supply chains and humanitarian aid," he said. He highlighted the worsening crises in Sudan and Gaza. The World Health Organization has warned that malnutrition in the occupied Palestinian territory has reached "alarming levels" since Israel imposed a total blockade on Gaza on March 2. In late May, Israel began allowing a trickle of aid to enter, but more than 100 NGOs have warned that "mass starvation" is spreading. Millions going hungry The summit takes place against the backdrop of aid cuts by the United States and other Western nations that are badly affecting much of the developing world. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, head of the African Union's executive commission, told the summit that food insecurity was on the rise across Africa, blaming "climate shocks, conflicts and economic disruptions". "At this crucial moment, how many children and mothers on the continent are sleeping hungry? Millions, certainly," he said. Youssouf said more than 280 million Africans were malnourished, with "nearly 3.4 million... on the brink of famine" and some 10 million displaced by drought, floods and cyclones. He urged AU member states to devote 10 per cent of their gross domestic product to agriculture to help foster "nutritional resilience". "But we cannot do this alone. We call on our partners to honour their commitments to finance and support African solutions," he said. 'Not good news' The UN report made clear how far there was to go to meet its goal of ending world hunger by 2030. Current projections suggest some 512 million people will still be undernourished by the end of the decade, 60 per cent of them in Africa. "Global hunger figures have slightly improved compared to 2022 and 2023," Alvaro Lario, president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development, told AFP. "But we have not come back to the levels of five years ago. This is not very good news." Four of the worst five countries for food security are in Africa: Nigeria, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ethiopia. The UN report highlights "persistent inequalities", with women and rural communities most affected, and the gap widening further over the previous year. "Despite adequate global food production, millions of people go hungry or are malnourished because safe and nutritious food is not available, not accessible or, more often, not affordable," it said. It found the response to price spikes between 2021 and 2023 was "more coordinated, informed and restrained" than the previous inflationary shock during the 2007-08 financial crisis. Some 2.3 billion people had to occasionally skip a meal in 2024 and are considered moderately or severely food insecure -- 335 million more than in 2019.
Jordan News
19 hours ago
- Jordan News
Healthy Juice Proven Effective in Lowering Blood Pressure in the Elderly - Jordan News
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Exeter has found that a nitrate-rich juice may help reduce blood pressure in older adults, thanks to specific changes in their oral microbiome. اضافة اعلان The study suggests that dietary nitrates—primarily consumed through vegetables such as beetroot—are converted in the mouth into nitric oxide, a vital compound that helps regulate blood pressure and maintain vascular health, according to Russia Today. The study involved 75 participants: 39 younger adults under 30 and 36 older adults in their 60s and 70s. Participants consumed both a nitrate-rich beetroot juice and a placebo version, with washout periods in between. The researchers used gene sequencing techniques to analyze changes in the oral microbiome before and after each phase. Older participants drank two doses of concentrated beetroot juice daily for two weeks, resulting in a significant drop in their blood pressure. In contrast, the younger group saw no similar effect. Researchers attribute this difference to beetroot juice's ability to alter the bacterial balance in the mouth—reducing harmful bacteria like Prevotella and increasing beneficial ones like Neisseria. This healthier microbial environment improves the efficiency of nitrate conversion into nitric oxide. Professor Anni Vanhatalo, lead author of the study, explained: "As people age, their bodies produce less nitric oxide, contributing to higher blood pressure and cardiovascular complications. Encouraging older adults to consume nitrate-rich vegetables could offer substantial health benefits." Co-author Professor Andy Jones noted that the study opens new avenues for understanding how diet, lifestyle, and biological sex influence cardiovascular health. Dr. Lee Beniston of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council praised the study, highlighting its role in uncovering links between diet, the microbiome, and healthy aging. He emphasized the potential of nutrition to improve vascular health. It's worth noting that nitrate-rich alternatives are not limited to beetroot; spinach, arugula, fennel, celery, and kale are also excellent options for those seeking to enhance their health without relying solely on beetroot juice.
Jordan News
19 hours ago
- Jordan News
Green Coffee: Impressive Benefits for Weight Loss and Overall Health – But Use with Caution! - Jordan News
Green coffee, which refers to unroasted, raw coffee beans, is well known for its rich content of plant-based compounds that promote health. Its extract is often used as a dietary supplement, though it can also be consumed as a regular beverage. However, it tastes noticeably different from roasted coffee, offering a much lighter flavor. According to experts, the chemical composition of green coffee differs greatly from roasted beans—it's especially rich in chlorogenic acids, which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a strong booster for overall well-being. اضافة اعلان How Does Green Coffee Support Weight Loss? Multiple studies suggest that regularly drinking green coffee with hot water can significantly reduce body weight and fat accumulation. Some research indicates that individuals who consume green coffee may lose 3 to 5 kilograms more than those who don't. It's also believed that green coffee improves the lean body mass to fat mass ratio. However, it's best used alongside a balanced diet and regular exercise, not as a substitute. In addition, green coffee may help lower blood sugar levels and prevent fat buildup. Some studies have shown it may also reduce high blood pressure in certain individuals. While the optimal dosage for various health goals hasn't been firmly established, consulting a doctor before use is highly recommended. Additional Health Benefits and Antioxidant Power Thanks to its high chlorogenic acid content, green coffee is a rich source of antioxidants, helping combat oxidative stress, a major contributor to premature aging and chronic diseases, including cancer. Animal and lab studies have also shown that green coffee may reduce inflammation and even protect DNA from damage. Potential Side Effects: Caffeine and Calcium Deficiency Just like regular roasted coffee, green coffee beans naturally contain caffeine. While moderate caffeine intake is generally safe and even beneficial for most people, excessive consumption can lead to anxiety, sleep disturbances, and elevated blood pressure. Some animal studies also found that daily doses of green coffee extract could lead to significant calcium depletion in bone tissue. Therefore, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating green coffee into your routine—especially if you have any medical conditions or are taking medications.
