Day: June 26, 2014

Berry healthy, Berry delicious, Berry juicy

Strawberries are the most popular type of berry fruit in world. The strawberry is also known an aggregate fruit because it is formed from separate carpels of a single flower. Its red fleshy part does not develop from the flower’s ovary, but derived from the non-reproductive parts of the flower. Studies have shown that strawberry is a perishable, fragile and delicate fruit. It is the only fruit whose seeds are visible from outside. Strawberries are used as fresh or as a part of processed foods like ice creams, jams, juices, chocolates and milkshakes because of their extra juicy and sweet flavor. These berries have the taste which from quite sweet to acidic. Calories in strawberries are much lower than many fruits. A strawberry has about four calories. Strawberries are a healthy and tasty option for many weight watchers, also they are a great source of nutrition for the body.

NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS-

Strawberry is an excellent source of manganese, flavonoids, vitamin C, and E and beta carotene. It is a good source of fiber, copper, vitamin K, zinc, iodine, fatty acid and some healthy minerals. Strawberries have some phytonutrients which helps them to work as antioxidants in our body. Strawberry also contains some small amounts of salicylic acid which is an anti-inflammatory compound very similar to acid of aspirin. It is low in calories, sugar and protein and devoid of cholesterol and fat.

HEALTH BENEFITS-

Strawberry has around 32 Kcal/gm which is very low and it is very low in fat as well. But, it is a rich source of vitamins and minerals which are essential for your health. There is a compound in strawberries called phenol, it fight against many inflammatory disorders, such as asthma, osteoarthritis etc. They do not carry unwanted side effects like intestinal bleeding. Strawberry is listed as one of top foods which helps in lowering the cancer rate because of its very high content of anti-oxidants which work synergistically and more powerfully against oxidation and prevents damages caused by free radicals in our body. Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin-C which helps the body to develop resistance against inflammation and infectious agents. It is rich in B complex group of vitamins which helps as cofactor to help the body in metabolizing proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Acetyl acids are also found in strawberries, it helps to prevent blood clots formation and hence improves the function of heart. It is also found that strawberries can help in improving memory, and brain’s ability to process information which helps in preventing brain defects in babies during pregnancy. Strawberry improves your immunity and keeps you fit. It also enhances your blood sugar regulation.

SKIN BENEFITS–

Skin Cleanser– Strawberries have great cleansing properties. Strawberry extracts are used as an ingredient in skin cleansers, face washes. Ellagic acid is present strawberry which combats skin damage to maintain its freshness and youth. They remove impurities and soften the skin as well as soothe allergies and other irritants and provide protection against pollution.

Treatment of pigmentation- Since strawberries are rich source of ellagic acid, its oral ingestion can cure hyper pigmentation caused by Ultra violet rays by inhibiting the synthesis of melanin, the chemical which gives the skin its color.

Food scrub- Strawberries are very effective in giving you crack free and soft feet. Strawberry foot scrub can be easily prepared by mashing 6-7 strawberries and mixing them with a few drops of glycerin and oats. This mixture will exfoliate your dead cells and rough skin. Strawberry can also be used as a skin toner. It gives you wrinkle free, blemish free and younger looking skin.

Strawberry is an astringent, it reduces dark circles and under eye puffiness. Strawberries repairs your skin, save your skin from damages and heal wounds. It contains some ingredients which reduces oiliness of your skin and controls acne.

HAIR BENEFITS-

Strawberries protects the cell membrane of the scalp because of its antioxidant property, and hence prevents the formation of layer on their surface which separates the scalp from contact of water. Manganese, copper and magnesium in strawberry controls the growth of fungus on your scalp. Strawberries are rich in allegic acid which protects your hair from falling and thinning. It also prevents hair loss and provides extra shine to your hair as it works as a natural conditioner. It can be mixed tea or tree oil to get rid of dandruff.

The acids in strawberries are known to remove stains. They helps in removing plaques and strengthen and heal gums and gives you white and shiny teeth. Strawberries are rich in potassium which is a mineral, it helps to regulate the electrolytes in the body pushing down the dangers of heart attacks and strokes. They are very beneficial as a healthy morning breakfast and also gives you the perfect energy boost for the whole day.

June 26, 2014
Foods To ‘Spark Up’ A Runner’s Plug !

Running is one of the best workouts for us. If you are looking for a cardio exercise to control your weight, go running. If you are looking for a workout to get rid of lifestyle diseases, go running. Well, there are other types of workouts too, and you must be thinking why am i stressing on running out of all the exercises. This is because in the fast- paced lives as ours today, everything is preferred to be short and sweet with excellent results. And running is something that, if done merely for 15 minutes per day, will help you as equally as a one hour long aerobics or yoga session.

Running is a handy exercise. You just need o put your shoes on and find a track to run, that might be a simple road, a jogging trail or even a treadmill, for that matter. And the most important aspect about running is the kind of food you eat. Yes !! Runners have special nutritional needs, even if you are doing it for losing weight. Runners need to constantly maintain their energy throughout the day, repair their muscles and joints by proper lubrication, and all this can be done if they eat food that can perform these tasks in their bodies.

So here are some of the foods that runners should definitely have in the grocery list :-

Banana:

Bananas are packed with instant energy boosters, i.e. , carbohydrates and are among the best pre-workout foods for runners. They are loaded with potassium which makes them even more desirable as potassium regulates blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke specially in people who suffer from heart problems. This banana restores the level of potassium in the body that is lost while sweating during exercise. Moreover, the softness and lightness in texture and taste makes it easier to consume even with pre-running nerves.

Berries:

The colorful substances that are responsible for the blue color of the blueberries, the deep purple color of the blackberries and rich red color of raspberries are a powerful group of antioxidants called anthocyanins, which provide a host of health benefits ranging from maintaining healthy blood vessels to prevention of cancer. They are one of the ideal foods for runners, as they prevent muscle soreness and strength loss due to the presence of vitamin c and potassium. Frozen berries are just as good as fresh ones, in fact they can be stored for a long time and can be consumed as and when required. Berries can be used as a part of smoothie, can be added to yogurt or oatmeal an consumed as a great treat.

Low fat yogurt:

Running an definitely improve your bone density, provided that its coupled with calcium. And there’s nothing like a bowl of low-fat yogurt for your daily calcium intake. In addition to this, yogurt has special milk proteins, that are important for building and repairing muscles after the tough run. It is also abode to millions of healthy bacteria which help our digestive tract to be in a proper shape and prevents inflammation and soreness. Yogurt can be used a part of smoothie, as a salad dressing, or can be topped with fruits and granola for a tastier bite.

Salmon:

Salmon is the king of fishes, nutritionally. In addition to being an excellent source of high-quality protein, they are loaded with omega-3-fatty acids, which, unfortunately are sorely deficient in our diet otherwise. Omega-3-fatty acids not only boost the heart’s health by creating more elastic blood vessels, but also improve nervous system functioning. They also help to balance the body’s inflammation response, and fend off diseases. It can be eaten baked, grilled or poached with fresh herbs and citrus zest. It is also great in salads, pasta, soups or as a topping of a pizza.

Whole grain pasta:

Pasta is a wonderful food for runners as it restocks the spent glycogen stores, and whole grain pasta is even better because of its digestible carbs, and more fiber that fills you up, and vitamin d that is crucial to energy metabolism, and other disease fighting compounds. Some really good varieties even contain the much needed omega-3-fatty acids. Pasta is great when tossed with veggies, meat, seafood or tofu, as it makes a great one-pot meal.

Eggs:

Eggs are known as the body building foods due to their protein-rich content. One egg fulfills 10 per cent of your daily protein need. They contain all the proteins that muscles need to promote repair and recovery and to cure soreness. In addition, eggs are good for your eyes, brain and heart. Eggs are great anytime, whether boiled, poached, scrambled or as a part of sandwiches, toasts or wraps.

So these were some of the foods that must be there in your kitchen if you are planning on a running regime or are already an active runner. Incorporating these foods in your diet, will not only keep your muscles and joints in good shape, but also keep you active to continue the workout for days ahead. So, ‘spark up’ the energy plug in your body and go running !!

June 26, 2014
Aloe Vera comes with an antiseptic and medicinal properties

You all must be aware about the benefits of aloe Vera when skin issues are concerned.. Whether it might be rashes, sunburns etc..!! But do you people know about its health benefits..?? I think over millions of people only thousands of them know its other part and the rest must be treating it as an antiseptic for their skin.

Aloe Vera is a succulent plant that is very short-stemmed and naturally grows up to 60-100 cm. The leaves of this plant are fleshy green with small white teeth over it. It has entitled as the ‘Wand of the Heaven’ by the Americans for having widespread antiseptic properties.

Aloe Vera in its history is known for its medicinal and antiseptic properties. According to scientific researches it is generally considered as the beauty secret. Aloe Vera extract can be used as a lotion or is diluted to form aloe Vera gel. These extractions or prepared gel are applied on the skin to make it more smooth and shiny. It is used to obliterate your eye makeup very smoothly and also helps in providing relief to tired and swells eyes. Skin specialist considers it as a remedy for sunburn, skin irritations, acne etc. It is applied 2-3 times a day and its cooling properties help in curing sunburns.

Aloe Vera is rich in Vitamin C and E and our skin needs these vitamins so that it always remains hydrated and soft. And nothing can be better than adding coconut oil to it so that essential nutrients and required fats all together are provided to our skin. It internal qualities keep our skin moisturizing and it’s under layer effects keeps it shiny. Aloe Vera gel is also applied on hairs to make it smoother.

This is all about its healing properties and its major concern with skins. Now let’s talks about its health benefits. Aloe Vera extract is not only applied on skins rather it is also used in preparing aloe Vera juice. This aloe Vera juices in turn is taken and overpower its medicinal properties. This plant has a magical property which is used in the treatment of various diseases. So the major issue is How to prepare this aloe Vera juice. It’s quite easy and has a homemade recipe.

Aloe Vera Juice: Initially breaks off some of the leaves from Aloe Vera plant. Then, with the help of knife, take out the extract from the leaves gently. Peel out the yellow layer from the extract so that we are left with only a clear gel. Place this in the blender and add one cup of grapes/orange juice into it. Blend these into it for some time until it is fully mixed. Pour this into a glass and your Aloe Vera Juice is ready.

Aloe Vera juice helps in maintaining our digestive system and allows food particles to pass through our intestine flawlessly. It acts as a detoxifier and helps with alleviating ulcers, acidity and inflammation. Drinking this regularly helps in removing joint pains and decreases swelling. It also reduces rigidness of bones and makes them soft. It also cures diabetes and decreases sugar level to the large extent. Its antibacterial properties help in promoting cell growth and increases mouth gums. It also helps in improving immunity and boosts our immunity. It also increases energy along with maintaining weight. It contains minerals and nutrients which help in improving blood pressure and blood oxidation.

To make it more delicious to drink instead of preparing aloe Vera juice we can make Aloe Vera Cocktail. Just by adding few more ingredients to it, it can take a new form of drink. Firstly, prepare aloe Vera juice as usual and then add 1-2 cup of pineapple, one carrot and one green apple along with 2-4 tbsp of water to it. Finally, blend them and pour it into a glass with a straw. Now this exotic cocktail is ready to be served.

Now we are all familiar with its health and skin benefits, but these are all due to its nutritional value. It consists of 12 vitamins, 75 nutrients, 18 amino acids, 20 minerals and 200 enzymes in it. When Vitamins is concerned, it consists of Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E. These minerals have their effects internally or externally. It also consists of various compounds such as mannans, lectins and polysaccharides etc.

Aloe Vera Gel: Take out the extract and place it into the blender. Foe every ¼ cup of aloe add 400IU Vitamin E and 500mg Vitamin C. Blend these together and placed the prepared gel in refrigerator.

As we know every coin has two faces similarly Aloe comes with its advantages and disadvantages both. Excess drinking of aloe juice may be a cause of cancer in later days and can lead to serious kidney diseases and sometimes even results in death. So it’s better to consult a doctor before its intake.

June 26, 2014
Maltese Cuisine – The Streets

” Food is the beginning of wisdom. The first condition of putting any thing into your head and heart, is to put something into your stomach.”-

– Ludwig Feuerbach

It is something you can’t resist.You NEED it.Maybe the models with a 69 cms waist don’t need it but , whatever! Food is everyone’s need and for people like me , well , its our crack!Food has had the likes of Bobby Chin, David Rocco ,Gordon Ramsay and Nigella Lawson on its fingertips.And good food is anyone’s getaway.

So in this article , let me take you through the rocky limestone mountains, the narrow cobblestone streets,into the kitchens where all the women work and cook together like it’s cake walk ( I must warn the non-foodies that cooking is an art .Your mom must have made you realize that times uncountable….so BEWARE! :P). A place with its eclectic mix of cuisine.Lets dive into the fine culinary culture of Malta.

Many civilizations have occupied the Maltese Islands over the centuries. Located in the relatively narrow straits that separate Sicily and the coast of North Africa, Malta is of great strategic importance, and the islands have changed hands many times throughout recorded history. The United Kingdom gained control of Malta in the early 19th century, making it a British colony.The food was no exception.And so, the vast repertoire of dishes which would be considered as making up the traditional Maltese cuisine are infused with a complex history of colonialism, trade links, and multi-cultural influence.

Maltese cuisine does share some ingredients with the other Mediterranean countries like pasta, tomatoes, olive oil, fish, garlic, rice etc. but it has also enriched the food with its rich, regional diversity and left its mark on several dishes.

If you want to try the local cuisine you can very well do that in any village bar. A fine Maltese vintage wine with `gbejnet ( sheep cheeses) , a dish of olives, zalzett (coriander flavoured sausage) with Maltese crackers known as galleti and some bigilla ( bean plate) ladled with Maltese bread and olive oil is bound to make your summer days a little more tasty, a little more yummy! 😀

As for the cold days, just grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine with hot pastizzi (savoury ricotta filled pastries)!!! And who doesn’t love ricotta!? <3<3

If you are planning a day out at the beach, do not forget to try the hobs biz-zejt, a snack made from a thick slice of crusty Maltese bread rubbed with juicy tomatoes and topped with some fresh mint, onion, sheep’s cheese and anchovies all doused with a good amount of green olive oil.

In the mild, humid winter , restaurants with outdoor seatings bring on bowls of golden minestra which is a thick vegetable soup served with Maltese bread and oil. Fish is a consistent aspect of the Maltese cuisine and the aljotta, a delectable garlicky fish soup is savoured by many.Depending on the season, you can see spnotta (bass), trill (red mullet) and cerna (grouper).

With the globalization, the culinary tradition of a place tends to decline but Malta seems to hold onto it’s roots strongly. Nationally, the Maltese celebrate the Imnarja, a harvest festival held in June during the Feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, and the Regatta on September 8, which celebrates Malta’s victory over the Turks during the Great Siege of 1565 and Malta’s resistance to Axis bombing during World War II. However, the largest celebration in Malta occurs in mid-February during the festival of Carnival.This calls for summer villages producing street foods.The take- away restaurants too, offer sweet foods like imqaret (date pastries) and Qubbajt (nougat) which you can enjoy along with the fireworks and processions of the Carnival.

The Ross fil-forn ( baked rice), imqarrun ( baked Macaroni) or timpana ( a special rich pasta baked in a pastry case) followed by rabbit or meat dishes with potatoes and vegetables are a favourite when it comes to special family meals.And the special occasions also call for desserts!Easter sees the production of Figolli which are almond stuffed pastry figures and during Christmas qaghaq tal-ghasel (honey rings) are famous. But if the occasion is none of the above, then a simple Cassata ( ricotta filled sponge with marzipan), Sicilian-style, semi-freddo desserts, Helwa tat-tork (sugary mix of crushed and whole almond) or some Kannoli (ricotta filled with fried pastries) is perfect with cup of coffee or without coffee also!Its dessert after all!! 😀

Malta may not be as celebrated like its neighbours for wine production but Maltese vintages are anything but spectacular. The international grape varieties grown on the Islands include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Carignan, Chenin Blanc and Moscato.The indigenous varieties are Gellewaza and Ghirghentina that produce some excellent wines of distinctive body and flavor.

So, if you are ever in Malta, I can promise you that you won’t be let down by the food, the picturesque palaces and cathedrals, public squares, or the people. When you sit in front of a baroque castle, chumping away at a zalzett and watching the sunset , you make a memory and one that you definitely do not want to forget.

June 26, 2014
Ten reasons why we should use coconut oil

The coconut tree belongs to the palm family.The term coconut refers to the entire coconut palm.This is found almost every place we go and is having vast range of uses in many fields.These coconuts are a part of their diet for few people.The derivatives from coconut are oil and milk that are most commonly used in cooking and frying.Coconut finds wide range of applications and its oil is used in the manufacturing of soaps and cosmetics.In summer most of the people drink coconut water as it is having high glucose content.The coconut leaves and other parts are used as decorative purpose.

Coconut a substitute of palm tree

Fact 1:

The fats that are created by coconut are very less in amount and are easily diminished.The fats that are present in coconut oil are short term medium chain saturated fatty acids.These fats are actually healthy and is not a form of trans fat.Actually if we are taking food items that are having trans fats it lead to cholesterol and heart problems.But if we take food items that are having saturated fatty acids they are easily metabolized in the liver and are converted into energy which acts as a fuel for brain and for the muscular function.This type of fat will not store in our body as cholesterol.

Amount of saturated fatty acids in coconut oil

Fact 2:

Coconut oil is very much helpful in reducing the weight of a person.Few people conducted research on this theory and observed that women who consumed coconut oil have reduced their weight eventually and experienced great results.According to many people this coconut oil is healthy, easy to digest and also protects one’s body from insulin resistance.People who want to reduce their weight take coconut as a diet along with their workout for better result.

Coconut oil that is used for weight loss

Fact 3:

Taking food items that are made out of coconut oil reduces digestion problems.People who are frequently suffering from digestion problems and the uneasy feeling whenever they take any food inside can overcome this problem by taking food items that are made out of coconut oil.Fatty acids have microbial properties but when we go to coconut oil we are having saturated fats and has anti microbial properties.Because of these anti microbial properties it helps in overcoming digestive problems.

Coconut oil for digestive related problems and colon health

Fact 4:

Type two diabetes can be managed by regular usage of coconut oil.As it is better to take care before occurring of any disease than after suffering. By using coconut oil in food recipes and deep frying this reduces the chance of occurring type 2 diabetes.As coconut oil contains saturated fats these can be easily converted into energy and will not form as fats.This not only reduces the fat but also improves insulin sensitivity.

natural_coconut_oil_for_type_two_diabetes

Fact 5:

Immunity system can be developed using coconut oil.Coconut oil comprises healthy lauric acid, caprylic acid and capric acid which contain anti fungal, anti bacterial and anti viral properties which is used to boost up the immunity system.As the Lauric acid contains about 75 percent of saturated fatty acids they are easily digestive.

A book showing coconut oil is good for immune system

Fact 6:

Body metabolism can be boosted using coconut oil.According to research it is found that people who uses coconut oil are observed to have improved body metabolism.By taking two table spoons of coconut oil at the start of the every day we can reduce about kilo joules of fat.

coconut-oil-weight-loss-metabolism

Fact 7:

Skin problems and formation of wrinkles can be reduced by using coconut oil.As coconut oil is having multiple uses it is not only used for cooking but it is also used for hydrating our skin too.By applying this coconut oil to skin it makes our skin’s connective tissues strong enough and make it free from wrinkles and will will appear more and more younger than before.This is mostly applied to skin of children so that the skin will be very soft and if we apply daily it increases the glow of skin.Make sure to take direct coconut oil with no additives added to it for better results

using coconut oil reduces wrinkles and makes skin smooth and glow

Fact 8:

This coconut oil is used for cooking at extreme temperatures.As coconut oil is a comprising saturated fatty acids it can withstand very high temperatures.While preparing recipes that require extreme high temperatures it is better to choose coconut oil.

Cooking-with-coconut-oil

Fact 9:

sugar cravings can be stopped by the usage of coconut oil.With the proper fats and protein content we can get proper energy this can happen with the use of coconut oil.

Coconut oil benifits

Fact 10:

This coconut oil is used for making delicious dishes and deserts.As it can withstand very high temperatures deep fries can be done using coconut oil.By using this we can prepare nutritious and healthy food items which has high protein and less fat content.

Cook using coconut oil with vibrant taste

June 26, 2014