Temi Iwalaiye

In the recently concluded Miss Universe pageant, Miss Denmark Victoria Theilvig won while Miss Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina was the first runner up.

However, Africans are not known for winning the Miss Universe pageant.

Only four African countries have brought home the Miss Universe crown.

<h2>Here’s a historic run of African countries that have produced a Miss Universe</h2>

Botswana had the first black Miss Universe [facebook]

Botswana had the first Miss Universe [facebook]

Mpule Kwelagobe in 1999 was the first black African woman to be the Miss Universe and the first woman from Botswana to win.

Her triumph was noteworthy because it brought attention to the representation of Africans in pageants like this.

<h3>2. South Africa</h3>

South Africa is the African country with the most Miss Universe winners.

The first African woman to win Miss Universe was Margaret Gardiner in 1978.

Margaret Gardiner won Miss Universe for South Africa in 1978 [Pinterest]

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/fashion/countries-have-the-most-miss-universe-winners/f3frbb4">Nigeria has never won Miss Universe but these 10 countries have won many times</a>

The first of the twenty-first century and the second South African is Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters (2017).

South Africa's Demi Leigh Nel Peters [rvcj]

As the first black South African Miss Universe to don the Mouawad crown, Zozibini Tunzi won the crown in 2019 and made history.

Zozibini Tunzi Miss Universe 2019 [businessinsider]

Tunzi wasn't the first South African woman to be named Miss Universe, but she was the first Black South African woman to take home the crown.

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/5-records-chidimma-adetshina-broke-at-the-miss-universe-2024/y3fkf20">5 groundbreaking records Chidimma Adetshina shattered at Miss Universe 2024</a>

Namibia won Miss Universe in 1992 [Pinterest]

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/miss-universe-south-africa-withdraws-from-miss-universe-pageant-as-it-begins/2kn09mx">Miss Universe South Africa withdraws from Miss Universe pageant as it begins</a>

At the age of 19, McLean became the first Namibian woman to win the title of Miss Universe.

Michelle McLean is a Namibian actress, writer, model, and beauty queen who was named Miss Universe 1992 in Thailand.

Leila Lopes was Miss Universe 2011 [baystatebanner]

Miss Universe 2011 was won by Angolan beauty pageant queen Leila Lopes. She was the first woman from Angola to win.

Her previous victories were Miss Angola 2010 and Miss Angola UK 2010.

The competition has been around since 1952 and only four African countries have won.

The writer of this article believes there ought to be more racial and ethnic diversity among the winners.

African countries that have won Miss Universe

Here are the African countries that have brought home the Miss Universe crown.

The only 4 African countries that have won Miss Universe title

Pepper soup is a versatile Nigerian soup made with a variety of herbs, spices, and proteins.

A typical <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/beauty-health/pulse-tv-live-highlights-all-you-need-to-know-about-nigerian-pepper-soup/9kg5jhf">Nigerian pepper soup</a> recipe includes ginger, garlic, cloves, scent leaf, bay leaf, calabash nutmeg, thyme, cinnamon, lemongrass, paprika, salt, and pepper.

The type of protein used—be it meat, fish, cow innards, or chicken—determines the specific flavour profile.

These ingredients are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to the soup's potential health benefits.

The ginger, garlic, and black pepper in pepper soup help with digestion. It relaxes your gut and enhances bowel movement.

Pepper soup has water as one of its main contents, so anytime you are taking pepper soup, you are drinking water.

The spiciness of the soup also makes you drink a lot of water, which makes you properly hydrated.

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/how-to-make-the-perfect-catfish-pepper-soup-for-the-rainy-season/cq75jj2">How to make the perfect catfish pepper soup for the rainy season</a>

<h3>3. It boosts the immune system and serves as an antioxidant</h3>

Some of the ingredients in pepper soup, like turmeric, ginger, scent leaf, and black pepper, have antioxidants that protect cells from damage, thereby protecting the immune system.

The spicy ingredient helps you lose weight by drinking so much water. When you drink a lot of water and eat less.

The heat from the hot pepper soup helps you sweat out, which burns fat in the process.

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/food-travel/diy-how-to-cook-nigerian-yam-pepper-soup/0140fx9">How to cook Nigerian yam pepper soup</a>

Nigerian pepper soup, rich in African nutmeg, is beneficial for teeth health, treating toothaches and preventing cavities, making it a popular choice for enhancing dental hygiene.

You can take pepper soup solo or with yam, plantains, rice, or really anything you want.

Food recipe for Assorted Meat Pepper soup

Pepper soup offers much more than relief from a stuffy nose and sore throat.

5 amazing benefits of taking pepper soup regularly even when you’re not sick

Have you ever wondered why a pregnant woman’s feet get swollen at a particular period during her pregnancy and if it’s normal?

This swelling is known as Edema and it occurs mostly during the third trimester or sometimes in the middle of the second trimester.

<h2>Here’s why a pregnant woman’s feet swell</h2>

Her body holds more water than usual during pregnancy because more hormones are being produced to support the growth of the foetus.

If the weather is hot, the fluid gathers and settles in the lower part of her body. This swelling typically occurs and intensifies later in the day.

During the third trimester, the foetus is almost fully developed, so extra weight is put on the legs and feet, and this leads to fluid buildup and swelling.

The swelling doesn’t occur in the legs and feet alone, but also in the ankles and fingers. It should reduce a week or two after your baby is born.

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/beauty-health/5-conditions-that-make-your-legs-swell/qvx65sp">5 conditions that make your legs swell</a>

Feet swelling in older women [shuttershock]

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/5-easy-home-remedies-to-reduce-leg-swelling/6gt19hb">5 easy home remedies to reduce leg swelling</a>

In advanced cases, swelling could be a sign of pre-eclampsia. This is a pregnancy-specific disorder that can cause sudden swelling and weight gain.

It increases blood pressure and protein levels in urine, leading to fluid accumulation and swelling in the face, hands, or feet.

It can damage organs like the brain, kidneys, lungs, or liver and cause problems with the baby.

To reduce or prevent the swelling, you should avoid standing for a long period, wear compression socks, place your legs on something higher, preferably a pillow, reduce your salt intake, and try to sleep on your left side.

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/beauty-health/how-to-reduce-swollen-legs/jvnfel0">Why your legs may swell after sitting for a while and how to reduce it</a>

Luckily, not all women experience oedema, but if you do, it’s normal, unless you notice unusual swelling or swelling in the face, then you should see your doctor.

What causes feet swelling in pregnant women? [careplusfoot]

Here’s why pregnant women have swollen feet.

Here's what causes pregnant women’s feet to swell

Africa is a continent with a lot of billionaires and millionaires, each with a love of luxury cars.

From businessmen to musicians, many have luxury cars, but who owns the most expensive car in Africa?

While you may think that South Africa’s Johann Rupert or Nigerian Aliko Dangote, the richest man in Africa, has the most expensive car, you would be sorely mistaken, though they both have many luxury vehicles.

You might even think Davido or Burna Boy own the most expensive car, but you would be wrong.

<h3>Who owns the most expensive car in Africa?</h3>

The person with the most expensive car in Africa is Ghanaian, Osei Kwame Despite, the owner of Despite Media and many other businesses and investments.

According to GHpage, his net worth is $800 million.

Among his vast car collection is one of the world’s most expensive cars, the Bugatti La Voiture Noire.

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/entertainment/celebrities/6-luxurious-and-expensive-cars-owned-by-osei-kwame-despite/kg8clq9">6 luxurious and expensive cars owned by Osei Kwame Despite</a>

Bugatti La Voiture Noire [BugattiBroward]

This rare car has a staggering price tag of $18.7 million after taxes. Only four exclusive models exist of this car, and Despite owns one.

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/the-most-expensive-car-in-the-world/3fv021z">10 most expensive cars in the world</a>

Despite's collection also has a Rolls-Royce Sweptail. Another super expensive car, the Sweptail, is estimated to cost around $13 million.

He also owns a Lamborghini Veneno Roadster, which is valued at approximately $4.5 million, and a Bugatti Chiron, one of only 30 ever made; he is the first Ghanaian to own such a prestigious car.

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/5-most-expensive-cars-owned-by-nigerians/6sqg71w">5 most expensive cars owned by Nigerians</a>

What's more, he is the first Ghanaian to own a coveted Tesla Cybertruck.

Finally, even though a car is a status symbol it's interesting to note that the owner of the most expensive car in Africa is not the richest man in Africa.

Who owns the most expensive car in Africa?

If the condom is broken or expired, it’s as ineffective as a surgeon using gloves with holes.

Ensuring that your condom stays intact throughout intercourse is crucial. You can check its condition both before and after use.

Here’s how to tell if a condom is broken or expired:

<h3>1. Look for any obvious holes or tears</h3>

After sex, take a look at the condom thoroughly. Check for any obvious flaws, tears, or tiny holes.

If you feel that the sensation changed during sex, do a leak test. Fill the used condom with water. The condom is broken if water is seeping out.

The condom may have broken if you experience an abrupt change in sensation during sexual activity. When a condom tears, many people notice less tightness or a change in friction.

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/beauty-health/why-some-people-use-refrigerated-condoms/4rghn0y">Why some people refrigerate their condoms before use</a>

Every condom has an expiry date. Before you use a condom, check the date and look for damage on the packaging or wrapper before using.

How to tell if a condom is broken or expired before using it [lovemattersindia]

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/beauty-health/condoms-burst-for-these-9-unexpected-reasons/5z31dh4">Condoms burst for these 9 unexpected reasons</a>

<h3>5. Check if the wrapper is damaged</h3>

Every condom comes in a wrapper. Even if it's not expired, a damaged, torn, or worn-out wrapper could mean that the condom is compromised.

A bulging or puffed-up wrapper is another sign that the condom might be damaged.

<h3>6. Texture and appearance</h3>

When you open the condom, is it soft, sticky, dry, or discoloured? An expired condom may also feel less lubricated or smooth.

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/mens-health/how-to-find-the-right-condoms-for-your-pnis-size/rk2ll2s">How to find the right condoms for your p*nis size</a>

Due to the lubricant or latex breaking down, expired condoms can have a terrible odour. Avoid using it if the smell is outside the ordinary.

You can gently stretch the condoms between your fingers. It may be expired or damaged if it feels rigid, breaks readily, or doesn't stretch smoothly.

If you notice this or you've overstretched it, it would be wise not to use the same condom.

With all these tips at your disposal, you are better equipped to protect yourself and practice safe sex.

If you want to practice safe sex and prevent pregnancy, using a condom is essential.

How to tell a condom is broken before or after using it

When travelling internationally, you usually need a visa to enter a country unless your home country has a visa-free agreement with that destination.

The visa application process can be stressful, and the country has the right to reject your application even after you’ve paid the fees.

A good alternative is a visa on arrival, which often provides a more straightforward entry process and easier access to the country.

As the name implies, a visa on arrival is a type of visa that is issued at the country's entry point, which may be an airport, a land checkpoint, or a seaport.

Unlike an Embassy visa, you do not need to apply for a visa in advance, making travel easier. Instead, you must meet the requirements set by the host nation in order to be eligible for a visa on arrival.

Countries that issue visa on arrival [workstudy]

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/food-travel/10-countries-that-offer-powerful-visa-free-passports-through-investment/8bh1jdc">10 countries that give a second 'stronger' visa-free passport for the right price</a>

<h3>Here is the list of countries that issue visas on arrival:</h3>

<ol><li>Thailand</li><li>Qatar</li><li>Armenia</li><li>Egypt</li><li>Kenya</li><li>Bangladesh</li><li>Bolivia</li><li>Cambodia</li><li>Gabon</li><li>India</li><li>Georgia</li><li>Iran</li><li>Kuwait</li><li>Laos</li><li>Mongolia</li><li>Myanmar</li><li>Malaysia</li><li><a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/food-travel/nigerian-passports-get-visa-on-arrival-to-20-countries/jds6xmn">Nigeria</a></li><li>Nepal</li><li>Oman</li><li>Pakistan</li><li>Papua New Guinea</li><li>Saudi Arabia</li><li>Sri Lanka</li><li>Taiwan</li><li>Turkey</li><li>Uganda</li><li>Vietnam</li></ol>

Each country has a specific visa policy, allowing individuals to apply for a visa on arrival. For instance, in Nigeria, people with an ECOWAS passport don't need a visa on arrival.

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/food-travel/nigerian-passports-visa-free-countries-can-go/y1993hv">Nigerian passports can get you to these 26 countries visa-free</a>

Most countries will require you to come along with a valid passport with six months of eligibility, a round-trip ticket, a bank statement, a visa application fee, a filled-out form, and a passport photograph.

This visa is typically issued for short-term purposes like tourism, business meetings, family visits, and medical reasons.

However, it does not allow extended residence, work, or registration for government benefits.

If the country you are visiting is not on this list, check with the embassy of the country to determine if you are eligible.

Countries that issue visa on arrival [Visadone]

These countries issue visas on arrival.

Countries that give visas on arrival; you don't need an embassy visa to visit

Rice is a popular and affordable food due to its ease of purchase, preparation, and delicious taste.

However, is it healthy? What are the benefits or potential drawbacks of eating rice every day?

<h2>Here's what happens to your body if you eat rice every day</h2>

Rice is a higher source of arsenic, a chemical compound found in soil and water. The World Health Organisation links arsenic exposure to increased cancer risk.

To reduce arsenic consumption, buy rice grown in lower arsenic areas like white basmati from India, Pakistan, and California and wash rice before cooking.

Carbohydrates are important for energy, hormone synthesis, and cognitive function.

Rice is a nutritious, nutrient-dense grain that is a great source of carbs.

Rice is good for athletes, people with labour intensive jobs, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and anyone recovering from illness or injury because of the energy it provides.

One of the three main macronutrients that the body needs daily to survive is carbohydrates.

According to the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, between 40% and 65% of daily calories should come from carbs.

What happens to your body if you eat rice every day [naijastatickitchen]

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/food-travel/15-unconventional-foods-that-nigerians-eat/bcl3079">15 unconventional foods that Nigerians eat</a>

Rice increases blood sugar levels due to its high carb content.

The glycaemic index measures how much food impacts blood sugar, and rice falls in the middle.

High sugar levels can cause diabetes, nerve damage, and other deadly diseases.

To maintain blood sugar balance, it is recommended to eat rice around when you are most active in the day, such as before a workout or walk.

Also add fibre, vegetables, and high-quality protein sources like fish, chicken, tofu, or hard-boiled eggs to your rice.

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/food-travel/the-nigerian-tribe-with-the-most-delicious-soup/jhcj6sz">This is the Nigerian tribe with the most delicious soup</a>

What happens if you eat rice everyday[Zenakitchen]

The cost of preparing jollof rice has increased [Zenakitchen]

<h3>Rice helps food digestion and stomach upset.</h3>

Rice is often recommended for those recovering from nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea.

Its low-fat content makes it easy to digest, making it suitable for those experiencing stomach issues.

<h3>Rice limits the nutrients consumed</h3>

Eating only rice limits the nutrients you get daily.

Health professionals recommend mixing up rice with other food types to provide various fibre and micronutrients to the gut.

Eat different kinds of grains like wheat and oats and not just rice. This is because other grains provide additional nutrients.

Eat your rice with lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and heart-healthy fats to remain healthy.

Brown, wild, and black rice are among the<a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/5-types-of-rice-youve-probably-never-heard-of/xbkfmpz"> varieties</a> that offer distinct flavours and micronutrients.

There isn't enough proof to conclude that rice causes weight gain.

Rice may help manage weight if eaten as part of a well-balanced diet, but it can cause weight gain if eaten with a less nutrient-dense diet or if eaten in excess.

Finally, rice has many health advantages if eaten in a balanced since it has more than 15 vital vitamins and minerals.

What happens if you eat rice every day [poshjournal]

If there is one meal Africans and Nigerians eat every day and even multiple times in a day, it’s rice, but how healthy is it?

What happens to your body if you eat rice every day?

At least 14 countries are still sending money to France because they still use their colonial currency.

The West African CFA Franc created in 1945 is used by eight West African countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo.

Six Central African countries use the Central African CFA Franc: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo. The Comorian Franc is used only by the Comoros.

Interestingly, all these countries were colonised by France except Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea who were colonised by the Portuguese and Spain respectively.

All these three currencies are backed by <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/food-travel/7-ways-france-still-controls-its-former-african-colonies/z8rpc8z">France,</a> meaning they are pegged to the euro and can be freely exchanged.

France manages the issuance and printing of these currencies. In exchange, countries using the CFA Franc must deposit at least 50% of their reserves at the French Public Treasury.

The CFA Franc's peg to the French Franc, and now the euro, has hindered the region's economic development.

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/food-travel/the-strongest-currency-in-the-world/wves7zx">Here's the strongest currency in the world - No, it's not the dollar or pound</a>

<h3>Here are some implications of African countries using the CFA Franc</h3>

<ol><li>Reduced liquidity: Governments may struggle to access necessary funds during economic crisis.</li><li>Export penalties: Industries that engage in exports may face challenges due to fixed exchange rates.</li><li>Limited central bank intervention: The central banks of these countries have reduced flexibility to cause economic growth since they are focusing primarily on inflation control.</li><li>Investment scarcity: Businesses and households may face higher interest rates and reduced access to investment capital.</li></ol>

Countries using the cfa franc [worlddata]

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/food-travel/heres-the-richest-country-in-africa-no-its-not-south-africa-or-nigeria/4bs38xb">Here's the richest country in Africa - No, it's not South Africa or Nigeria</a>

<h3>Benefits of the CFA Franc System for France</h3>

France still maintains significant economic control over the CFA Franc zone in the following ways:

<ol><li>Access to foreign currency reserves: When CFA Franc zone countries have trade surpluses, their foreign currency reserves are deposited in French banks, allowing France to use these funds for international finance.</li><li>Preferential market access: French companies enjoy preferential access to the markets within the CFA Franc zone.</li><li>Resource exploitation: French companies can exploit and extract resources from these countries.</li><li>Profit repatriation: French companies can freely repatriate their profits back to France without concerns about foreign exchange fluctuations.</li><li>Investment flexibility: French companies can establish businesses anywhere within the CFA Franc zone.</li></ol>

However, despite these, the advantage of using the CFA Franc is that it is stable, and that in turn helps these countries immensely, which is why a change may not be on the horizon.

Did you know that some African countries are still using their colonial currency?

African countries still sending money to their colonisers

These animals transparency serves as a survival mechanism, helping them blend into their environment and avoid predators.

<h2>Here are five of such transparent animals.</h2>

The glass frog has a transparent and translucent body, making its internal organs like the heart, liver, and intestines visible.

Glass frogs can be found in the rainforests of Central and South America.

These frogs primarily live in trees and feed on small insects. They often sleep on green leaves, blending in seamlessly with their surroundings.

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/the-5-most-beautiful-animals-in-the-world/skxc52b">The 5 most beautiful animals in the world you won't believe exist</a>

The barreleye, also known as the spookfish, is found in tropical to temperate waters, including the Pacific Ocean.

This fish has bright green, tubular eyes that face upward, which can be seen through its transparent forehead.

These special eyes help the barreleye spot prey from up and rotate forward, giving it a wide field of vision.

glass winged butterfly [princeedwardisland]

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/5-animals-that-love-to-dance-just-like-humans/90rvjkp">5 animals that love to dance just like humans</a>

The glasswing butterfly, also known as the Great Oto, is famous for its transparent wings, which help it camouflage effectively.

Its wings can span up to six cm and are almost entirely see-through. In Spanish, it is called "Espejitos," meaning "little mirrors."

The glass-like wings help it hide from predators rather than scare them away. The wings have dark, coloured borders, which make them slightly visible; without these, the butterfly would be nearly invisible to the human eye.

The glass octopus is another transparent animal, mostly found in the deep ocean where sunlight cannot penetrate. Its nearly transparent body reveals its eyes, digestive tract, and optic nerve.

The glass octopus has three upper arms of equal length. Scientifically known as Vitreledonella richardi, it uses its transparency and unique eye structure to camouflage in its deep-sea habitat.

Scientifically known as Aurelia aurita, the moon jellyfish is also called moon jelly or common jellyfish.

These jellyfish have a lifespan of about six months, typically dying after reproducing for several months.

heir translucent, moon-like bell and short tentacles make them distinct. Moon jellyfish have four gonads, easily visible through the top of their bell, adding to their ghostly appearance.

These are just a few examples of the many transparent animals in nature. Their translucent bodies help them avoid predators and make them incredibly fascinating to observe.

Temi Iwalaiye

Articles written by the author

The only 4 African countries that have won Miss Universe title

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Here's what causes pregnant women’s feet to swell

Who owns the most expensive car in Africa?

How to tell a condom is broken before or after using it

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What happens to your body if you eat rice every day?

African countries still sending money to their colonisers

5 animals so transparent you can see through their bodies

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