Category: Food

FIVE ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS FOR HEALTHY SKIN AND WHERE TO FIND THEM!!

Skin-care is probably the most overrated issue in our life. With the flooding of creams, face-washes and other products in the market, beauty is arguably the most profit-generating venture. There are day creams, night creams, anti-aging, wrinkle-lift, fairness creams, cold-creams and what not!! I am sincerely waiting for noon creams, evening creams, summer creams, spring creams and most importantly, anti-dumbness creams. When all these creams don’t suffice, people flock to the parlors and salons for various treatments like bleaching and de-tanning.A little application of moisturizers and sunscreens is necessary for protecting our skin. Agreed!! Also,messages are very helpful in improving blood-circulation to the skin and relaxation. Agreed again!! But at the same time,there is a hoard of unnecessary products in the market that are simply aimed at duping huge sums of money from people.. The photo shopped images of celebs and models further push people towards parlours and beauty-treatments. The drive for that radiant flawless skin has never been stronger. Ironically, when the drive for looking younger and prettier is stronger than ever before, people have forgotten the essentials of ever-lasting beauty. In fact, the secrets of beauty are highly mis-understood.The old adage- You become what you eat, is long forgotten!! This leads to many problems like premature-aging,chemical burns etc. The safest and the longer-lasting ways to a healthy, glowing skin is probably the easiest too- eating right, exercising and protecting from sun!! So, let me take you to a tour into the beautiful kingdom of delicacies that will make your skin glow like never before!!

1. VITAMIN E

When our body comes in contact with external influences like Sun exposure, chemicals etc., some molecules constituting our body get oxidized and produce free-radicals. Free-radicals are extremely unstable molecules and they take electrons from neighboring molecules to gain stability. This induces a chain reaction that produces more such radicals, thereby causing severe damage to skin cells and collagen, the main structural protein of our body. This results in aging, fine-lines and wrinkles. Our body thus needs antioxidants that neutralize free radicals. Vitamin E is an extremely powerful antioxidant and thus, the route to longer youth. It is found in avocado, almonds. Hazelnuts, corn oils etc.

2. VITAMIN C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an elixir for your skin. Vitamin C is known to aid the production of Collagen, the main structural protein that makes up for about 25-35% of the whole body protein content. Collagen strengthens the capillaries supplying the skin and also helps in cell growth. Thus, Vitamin C is essential for skin repair and maintenance. Moreover, Being an anti-oxidant, it is also known to neutralize the free-radicals. It also reduces the effects of long-term effects of sun exposure like skin cancers. The main sources of Ascorbic acid are – Guava, Oranges, Lemons, Strawberries, Blueberries and other citrus fruits.

3. ZINC

Zinc is the goldmine of skin benefits. It is primarily responsible for carrying out repair work. Sebum is an oily secretion by sebaceous glands to keep our hair and skin moisturized. When secreted in excess, it can cause a variety of problems like Acne. Zinc helps counteract the damage to skin caused due to acne by reducing the amount of sebum secreted and repairing the scarred skin around acne. Zinc is one of the main constituents of almost all Sunscreen products because it provides protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. It’s anti-cancerous properties further reduces chances of skin cancer due to repeated exposure of sun. It is also important for a healthy scalp and provides protection against skin ailments such as burns, boils, eczema etc. Zinc is found in abundance in fish, meat, whole grains, nuts, sea-food, seeds etc.

4. OMEGA-3 AND OMEGA-6 FATS

Omega-3 fatty acids particularly, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) regulate oil production in the body and keeps your hair and skin hydrated. Without these essential fats, your scalp and skin will become dry and flaky. Apart from this, these fatty acids are very powerful anti-oxidants as well and thus, protect our skin from free-radical damage. They are also associated with skin maintenance and repairs and have anti-inflammatory action. For this reason, they are used for providing relief in skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis etc. They, however, cannot be produced by body and has to be obtained from outside. Chief sources include- flax-seed oil, linseed, walnut and rapeseed oil.

5.LOW GI-CARBS

Clear skin-tone, freedom from acne and a slim waistline, you name it and you have it!! Low GI carbs are your one-stop solution to all beauty-related problems. As opposed to high GI carbohydrates like sweets, potatoes etc. , low GI carbs release sugar in the blood-stream slowly. This makes you feel full for longer duration and also, helps avoid a situation known as hyperinsulinemia (excess of insulin in blood)which is often associated with acne. The main sources of low GI carbs include beans, pulses, porridge etc.

Once you start regulating your diet to include these products, you would feel a new re-flux of energy in your life. But don’t be too impatient. It takes about 6 weeks for a new layer of epidermal cells to form on your body. So, the diet changes would also take as much to provide visible results!! A little care and control today can guard your beauty forever!!

June 28, 2014
Secrets of the Bengali Kitchen

The best part about cooking, as every enthusiast would agree, are the little additions and subtractions here and there that can make-or-break your dish. All those who have tried their hand at cooking Bengali cuisine know how particularly tiring it can be to get the dish “just right”. Bengali cuisine, like every other cuisine, has a feel unique to it. For a true Bong foodie, distinguishing between authentic and ‘almost-authentic’ Bong food in a matter of a few seconds is a skill picked up quite early. Then how DOES one get it right? Here’s bringing you five delicious secrets from the Bengali kitchen that will add that extra zing to your maachh, mishti and more 😉

 Kosha Mangsho: One of the most popular and well-loved dishes in Bengal is definitely the “Kosha Mangsho”, translated to English as Red Mutton Curry. Along with great taste, Kosha Mangsho comes with high health benefits and has always been a favourite in Bengali kitchens. What tends to go wrong with it most of the time is the correct, and rather hard-to-achieve, balance of spices. The easiest trick in the book to get this one right is to go easy on the chillies. I would suggest avoiding chillies altogether, but if unavoidable, try getting hold of Kashmiri Degi Mirch. Degi Mirch refers to the dried fruit of chilli peppers and powdered Degi Mirch has been made easily-available in stores under various brand-names. To get the brilliant reddish-brown colour that defines the curry, add a spoonful of sugar in the oil and wait for it to caramelise before frying the spices.

 Maachher Tawk: This sweet-and-sour dish is a fish-based preparation, very popular with traditional Bengalis even today. The most important step to get right here is, of course, the choice of fish. Machher Tawk is prepared using large pieces of rohu or ‘katla machh’, an easily available sweet-water fish bred in Bengal’s numerous ponds but may also be prepared using the ‘mourala’ fish that can be eaten whole. The ‘tawk’ is often compared to the rasam of South India and helps cool the body and also helps in digestion, thus making it a popular summer favourite. The fish used has to be very fresh and devoid of any smell. The fish must be lightly fried; remember, it comes towards the end of the meal and must not be a heavy curry. Use a little jaggery instead of sugar, raw mangoes instead of tamarind and maybe one or two green chillies for the zing and voila! You have perfected the traditional fish curry!

 Garam Masala: Although this is one of the oldest tricks in the book, I deem it quite necessary to mention it here. A blend of ground spices common in Asian cuisine, the word garam refers to intensity of the spices used. A typical Indian version of garam masala contains turmeric, black and white peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, black and white cumin seeds and black, brown, and green cardamom pods. Garam masala contains several micronutrients and is considered good for health. One important commandment of Bengali Cuisine that one must remember is : toil brings rewards (in this case, flavour.) Instead of choosing the readymade garam masala available in the market, opt for making a powder of crushed small cardamom, clove and cinnamon. Do not go for badi ilaichi as it will ruin the authentic Bengali taste of your dish, no matter what you choose to cook.

 Fish in Mustard Sauce: The health benefits of mustard are innumerable; high in selenium and magnesium, it is recommended to patients of asthma, arthritis and high cholesterol. It also slows ageing and helps one to lose weight. The world knows about the Bengali love for fish, and ‘Bhetki machher paturi’ is a gem in the crown. The trick to getting this very tricky dish right is making a good mustard paste, making sure that it doesn’t taste bitter. Heads up: this could be a major challenge, especially if you’re not comfortable with this dish. Professionals often fail while trying to get this one right and it is unlikely that those attempting it for the first time will hit the bull’s eye. However, that is no reason to lose hope as long as time and practice accompany it! One little tip: instead of sticking to only black mustard, try to use equal portions of black as well as white mustard. Soak the mustard seeds overnight and when crushing it in the mixer, add small ice-cubes instead of water. The magic of mustard will soon reveal itself!

 Sweet Tooth: No Bengali meal is complete without the sweet dish at the end! No matter how wonderful your meal is, the true Bengali will always look at you expectantly at the end of the meal for that heavenly offering of mishti doi, sandesh or pantua. You have to get a little strict here; keep the calorie counter running! Although Bengali sweets are delightful to eat, they aren’t recommended in large amounts. A little tip here: when making mishti doi, make sure you use cow’s milk and never buffalo’s milk. Curd made from buffalo’s milk, although very common in East India, is not recommended at all for its high fat content. The best bit about Bengali desserts is the variety: cham-chams, rosogullas, payesh…the list is endless!

So what are you waiting for? Grab that apron, and you’re all set to win that Bong heart! A word of advice: serve it with a winning smile and a lot of love. Fondness is a dish best served smiling!

June 26, 2014
Chocolates- the most loved of all!
We all are crazy about chocolates. There would hardly be someone who doesn’t like chocolate. It is not only delicious but also is a rich source of copper which makes hair shiny and beautiful. It is produced from cocoa seeds and classified according to a lot of standards and methods. You will be excited to know these interesting types of chocolates and their effects on your health.

Chocolates can be found everywhere! In ice creams, biscuits, milk or even shampoos for that matter, chocolate is always a favorite flavor. It rejuvenates the mood just by its awesome aroma. Melted chocolate tastes even better. Cold coffee with chocolate sauce is personally my favorite. Drinking chocolate is another popular form.

Some of India’s best chocolates are given below. They are the ones which are loved and consumed all over the country in tremendous quantities!

1. Ferroro Rocher-

Ah, the all-time favorite Ferroro Rocher is of Italian origin and named after its creator. With a whole tasty hazelnut enclosed in wafer layer, the outermost crust of this round chocolate consists of crunchy nuts and milk chocolates. the golden wrapper itself tempts us.

2. Kitkat-

Kitkat is a simple chocolate which is a combination of wafer biscuits and chocolate cream. In India, Nestle Company is the producer of this marvelous chocolate but it is licensed in US under Hershey’s. it is available in gift packs and various sizes.

3. Snickers-

Snickers is manufactured by a company, Mars, all over the world. Snickers is more like a granola bar which is composed of wonderful ingredients like nougat, caramel, peanuts and chocolate. It is available in different sizes according to your hunger’s requirement. Its demand has increased a lot over the last few years.

4. Toblerone-

It is a Swiss chocolate under the Company Mondelēz International, Inc. Its unique shape and taste gives it an edge over others. Toblerone is produced in Bern and has a mesmerizing pentahedral shape. You can find a lot of flavors and sizes of this chocolate.

5. Bounty-

Everyone loves this chocolate which comes in a blue wrapper, manufactured by Mars Incorporated. It originated in UK and Canada and slowly became a favorite all over. The modern Bounty offers a milk chocolate crust that encloses delicious coconut filling inside.

6. Dairymilk Silk-

Dairymilk Silk is a Cadbury product, of course. It originated in UK, again, and its fame spread across the world making it the second largest confectionery brand. Various flavors like ‘fruit and nut’, ‘roasted almond’ etc are loved by people.

7. Milkybar-

Produced by Nestle again, Milkybar is a white chocolate and is sold under diverse names in different countries. Milkybar isn’t literally a chocolate as it does not contain cocoa butter.

8. Bournville-

Coming from Cadbury, Bournville is a well suited brother of Silk. It is the most consumed dark chocolate in India. With its mild bitter taste as its USP, it is classified into flavors according to the various other ingredients used to manufacture them.

Effects on of chocolates on health-

Pros
- Chocolates could be great for the circulatory system.
- They may help keep the blood pressure at normal levels and also help the heart in a positive manner.
- Concentrative abilities can be boosted.
- Chocolates are known to reduce cholesterol levels.
- Lowering of body mass index is another add-on which people look up to. We always think about weight management when it comes to eating chocolate.
- Chocolates contain copper which improves hair texture and makes them healthy.
- It is an anti-carcinogenic and contains flavonoids which treat diarrhea.
- Chocolates are also good for brain when taken in limited amount.
- Chocolates are a great gift as well. Be it any occasion, you can always present someone with chocolates. They convey good regards and lighten the mood because of the sweet taste.
Cons
- Chocolate has a very bad ingredient called theobromine. It has numerous ill-effects such as heartburn. It cannot be digested and is poisonous by many other animals and particularly for humans, it allows stomach acids to enter the esophagus.
- Chocolates for kidney stone patients are a very bad idea because of their oxalate content.
- Obesity is always a risk when chocolates are taken in large amounts and exercise proportional to these amounts is not practiced. Chocolate contains all calorie rich ingredients such as milk, added fats and sugars etc.
- Osteoporosis i.e. weakening of bones is another con of chocolate in most elderly people.
- Addiction to chocolate has also been a problem for people who get habituated to eating them a lot.
- If consumed without knowing about personal effects, chocolates can cause horrible allergic reactions, especially in children.
- Some cases of lead poisoning have been encountered due to eating some specific chocolates. This is because chocolates may absorb environmental lead in little quantities.
- Tooth decay is another common disadvantage of consuming any sweet thing, even chocolate. Proper care should be taken by cleaning teeth after having chocolates.
Thus, chocolates must be consumed in limited quantities to take the pros on our side as well as to avoid their bad effects on our health. Anything which is used in excess causes harm. Chocolate is undoubtedly the most loved food in the world but it necessary to keep all adverse effects in mind.
June 26, 2014
Almond-a complete food in itself

Want to know the reasons for which almonds should be consumed? There are many! It provides many essential nutrients which the adulterated foods today cannot provide. It’s good for brain, body and skin and great for hair. Here are some uses and benefits of almond that may make you interested in eating your share of almonds.

1.Hair

There is not a single hair problem that almonds cannot treat. This is the reason why almonds are used in hair oils everywhere. Almonds are rich in magnesium due to which it facilitates treatment of hair fall, dandruff, split ends and also leaves your healthy silky and shiny. Want awesome hair? Go for almond oils and consumption of raw almonds.

2.Eye-sight

This is another great benefit that you can reap off almonds. It has been believed and tested that almonds help maintaining a good eye-sight and also improves it if consumed in regulated amount.

3.Culinary uses

Almonds form a part of many dishes even if almond is preferred raw or roasted. It is a common garnishing element for tasty desserts. Salted almonds are eaten as snacks and almond is also used to prepare baby foods. Pastry-fillings, halwa, mithai, curries are all incomplete without almonds. Also, almond oil is of great use for cooking some dishes.

4.Complexion and skin

Skin care is an essential part of every lady’s life. You don’t want to start looking dull and old. What can help you? Well, almonds definitely can! They are rich in vitamin E, A and B. Almonds make your tan go away, improve complexion, moisturize your skin, make it soft and healthy. It takes inflammation and skin irritation away. And the best part, almonds are great on anti-ageing, dark circles and wrinkles which is why they find a prominent place in skincare cosmetics. Removal of impurities and dead cells from skin is also a pro for you.

5.Heart

Almonds work wonder for heart. You cannot imagine how much benefit almonds can bring to your heart, besides, it also an anti-carcinogenic! To start with, it reduces bad cholesterol and risk of heart attacks. The flavonoids in almonds prevent heart diseases and damage to arterial walls. If this wasn’t enough, it helps maintain normal blood pressure and insulin levels in body. Isn’t it marvelous?

6.Memory and nervous system

Almonds have been considered royal food and great memory boosters since times unknown. It surely makes your mind sharp and efficient if consumed on a regular basis. Almonds are believed to boost the memory. It is not only good for brain but also for the entire nervous system.

7.Bone and teeth health

Of course, how can one forget its effects on bone and teeth? Almond has great reserves of calcium and phosphorous. It is mostly given to babies so that their teeth and bones come out to be strong. A daily massage of almond oil for little ones is a good practice.

8.Substitute for cosmetics

As discussed earlier, almonds are good for skin because of which they can be a great substitute to many creams that you apply for benefit of your body. Almond oil works as a good make-up remover and is also light on skin as compared to oily and sticky cosmetics. The aroma and softness are add-ons.

9.Lips

Are you fed-up of lip balms that are ineffective on your stubborn chapped-lips? The solution is again, as expected, almonds! Make a fine paste out of honey and almonds or simply use almond oil to massage your lips gently. You will soon have pink and luscious lips.

10. Digestion

Another advantage of consuming whole almonds is its aid in digestion of food. The rich fibers help avoid constipation and make almond a good laxative.

11. Blood and immunity

Improved blood circulation and stronger immunity may become your reason to love almonds. Its high dose of vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients impart these great qualities albeit it’s small size. Almonds help fighting common infections and make your body energetic.

12. Muscle pain

Warm almond oil massages can make you get rid of your muscle sprains and pains. The stressed muscles relax beneath due to analgesic characteristics of almonds.

13. Nails

As we know, calcium, zinc and potassium are wonderful components of almonds which are great for healthy and strong nails. Massaging nails with almond oil leaves your nails strong, lustrous and infection-free.

14. Managing weight

Coming to weight, it’s always a problem, isn’t it? Some say overweight and others say underweight. Perhaps, almonds come to your help here as well. Almonds are a source of healthy fat which can help increase overall weight instead of gaining a sprouting paunch. Oh, are you the one who falls in the overweight category? Almonds have a solution for you too. They are responsible for decreasing body mass indices effectively. Consuming unsweetened almond milk, or whole almonds (they contain dietary fibers and almost all nutrients) do not deprive your body of essential elements but also make you feel full, thus making you avoid over-eating.

Now don’t you think almond is the perfect solution to all your problems? Go on and try it yourself. Almond paste is also an effective scrub for your face, by the way.

June 26, 2014
Secrets of dry fruits

Dry fruits are considered as rich source of nutrients and are booster packages of high fiber, potassium and enzymes. Dry Fruits are dried out fruits and nuts. They have a lot of health benefits of which most of us are unaware that exactly what qualities they have. They are considered as the best way to deal with sugar cravings. It is beneficial to eat dry fruits every day to get nutrients and vitamins. They are also rich sources of minerals and proteins. It is found that they are loaded with medicinal properties as well. Dry fruits have special significance during long journeys because of their high nutritive value. Dry fruits are healthy choice to make, and moreover a stomach filler. Easily eatable and works as a backup at the times when your refrigerator is empty and requires no hard work to break the crunch.

ALMONDS–

Almonds have beneficial antioxidants which actively cleanse and eliminate toxins and free your body radicals and make your skin smooth and glowing from inside. Sweet almond oil is considered as one of the oils which can help to prevent hair loss because of its softening action. It is rich in vitamin D and E and also minerals like calcium, magnesium. It has moisturizer property so it prevents your hair from going brittle and provides them nutrition to keep them healthy, stick and strong. Almond paste with water or cream helps in the cure of eczema and relieve constipation problems to restore sexual vigour. Almonds contains potassium and sodium, both are factors which regulates blood pressure and also helps in curing heart diseases.

RAISINS-

Raisins are nothing but dried grapes which can be of the green and black variety. Raisins are one of the most versatile dried fruits available today with high nourishing qualities. Raisins contain a high dose of antioxidants which may act as an anti-aging tool for the brain as well body. Studies have shown that it can also help to prevent serious diseases like cancer. People who suffers from low iron levels may also take benefit by regular intake of raisins. According to the result of various studies, it has positive effect almost on every part of our body such as increasing our body’s supply of energy and building up our immune system. It helps in relieving constipation and protects against tooth decay. They are also rich source of iron and copper which is necessary for formation of red blood cells.

WALNUTS-

Walnuts have unlimited health benefits. Walnuts improve cardiovascular function and have wonderful anti-inflammatory properties, hence they prevents diseases like asthma, arthritis and eczema as walnuts have high amounts of fatty acids in them. They are very good for the heart diseases as well because they reduces the levels of triglycerides. Melatonin is one more essential component of walnuts which effectively protect against inflammation and other health related problems. The Omega 3 Fatty acids are also present in the Walnuts which are good for the brain. It keeps the nervous system working smoothly and improves your memory. It also reduces the risk of breast cancer.

PISTACHIO-

Pistachio benefits include the presence of vitamin A, vitamin E and anti-inflammatory properties. They reduces risk of heart diseases and protects blood vessels. Pistachios are rich source of vitamin B6 which is essential to make hemoglobin, the protein which helps in carrying oxygen through the blood stream to cells. Phosphorous in pistachios helps in breaking the proteins into amino acids resulting in glucose tolerance. They also protect our body from certain, infections, diseases as well as cancers. The oil of pistachios protects your skin from dryness and is used in cooking. A healthy immune system requires proper and regular intake of vitamin B6, which pistachios abound in. It helps the body in making the healthy red blood cells, and helps to maintain the health of lymphoid glands, which ensures the production of white blood cells that protects the body from infections.

CASHEWS-

Tasty and filling cashew nuts are the most consumed nuts in the world. It has loads of nutritional benefits. It is a good source of mono unsaturated antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fats. Cashews are full of copper content which gives black color to your hair. With the help of magnesium present in them, they lowers your blood pressure. Proanthocyanidins and high copper content of cashew nuts helps you to fight against cancerous cells and keeps you away from colon cancer. They helps in building muscles and bones along with promoting the health of gums and teeth because of their calcium and magnesium contents. They are cholesterol free and the antioxidants present in them keeps you away from heart diseases. Cashew nuts also helps in development and growth, nucleic acid synthesis and digestion. Cashew nuts have that ability to filter Sun’s ultraviolet rays and protect us from macular degeneration.

June 26, 2014
Here is why you should stop eating bread

Bread is one such food item which we extensively use in our daily life. It is prepared by mixing flour with water. The mixture obtained is then baked. If you will look at the history of the bread you will find its existence in almost every civilization. People find bread as the easiest food option available in front of them, so whenever they feel hungry, they eat the dishes made using them. But most of the people are not aware that the white bread consumption affects the human health in many ways. It simply means that bread isn’t healthy at all and you should start avoiding bread instantly. Many research conducted on this topic have yielded the same result. It is so recommended by the dietitians to stop eating bread and instead go for other food items which are available. We will hereby give you some of the adverse effect which bread can cause on the human health.

Bread is a rich source of the protein named as Gluten which has the properties found in glue and it is responsible for the viscoelastic properties of the dough. It has been proved in various research conducted worldwide that those people who regularly eat bread have the excess amount of Gluten in their body. This in turn seriously damages the digestive tract which results in lots of pain, tiredness and inconsistency in stool. The Gluten also causes disorder in brain and people get affected by the cerebellar ataxia disease. So you should stop eating bread and go for other options that are available.

People believe that bread is made using grains and is healthy for the body but they are not aware that it is not made using actual whole grains. They are made using grains which have been pulverized so as to get fine flour. Because of this process the breads gets digested easily and moreover the starch present in the bread also breaks down and so they enter as glucose into the bloodstream. This results into the steep rise of the insulin and blood sugar which is not at all good for human body. Again when the blood sugar level comes down we feel hungry. That is why people who are dieting and those who are affected with the blood sugar disease should avoid it instantly. Moreover if the blood sugar level is above the permitted value, it results into the formation of glycation and it is one such component which results into aging.

Bread is deprived of any sort of nutrients which is beneficial for the human body. Bread contains fructose which if present in access amount affects the health. This is proved worldwide that bread has sugar in it which is not at all healthy. They also have phytic acid in it which is generally known as the anti-nutrient. This phytic acid if present in the body makes the minerals required by the human body for growth and development to get stick to each other and so they do not get absorbed. The human body produces two types of cholesterol. While one is bad for the human health, other one is actually good and its presence is required. If you are a regular bread consumer then it is likely that the LDL cholesterol of the body will increase by 60 % which is quite a big figure and for your information LDL cholesterol is in fact the bad cholesterol which we have in our body. So it makes you prone to the different diseases such as the heath and lung diseases.

In all the bottom line is bread is not at all good for you as it is not at all nutritious. If we compare bread with other food items which are easily available to us, bread lie below them in terms of essential nutrition and minerals that they provide. Since the acid formed due to the bread consumption damages the intestinal lining, the absorption of the minerals and nutrients is not carried on by the human body and consequently its deficiency causes various diseases.

While this may be a bad news for all those people who love to eat bread or the dishes made using breads, it is for their own safety and healthy body that we hereby ask them to stop eating bread. It is not that you should completely eliminate it from your diet but then the frequency with which you eat bread and bread products must be decreased. So the next time you feel like eating bread, just remember that it will not only affect the functioning of your digestive system but will also not allow you to lose weight. We have given enough evidence which clearly states the adverse effects the human body. Other than bread there are various food items which are available and if you will eat those then you will certainly have a healthy body. So go for those and stop eating bread. Stay healthy.

June 26, 2014
Red Meat: Is it really bad for your health?

Red meat is certainly one food item which has created a lot of controversies and people are divided on the basis of their opinions id it sis good or bad for the health. When the red meat is raw, it is of red color and moreover its color does not change to white after it is cooked. There had been many reports lately suggesting that red meat is not good for the human health and so people should immediately stop eating it. These reports have been prepared on the basis of observational studies. Almost all the meat which is obtained from the body of mammals is red meat as they have a high concentration of myoglobin in it. The red meat lovers are in dilemma that whether they should eat their favorite food or skip it for the sake of their health. Some people have claimed that these reports are not correct and if you eat unprocessed i.e. the fresh raw meat then there is no harm. You just have to pay attention towards the fat content and the preparation of the dishes made out of red meat as it is the best way you can stay protected and enjoy your favorite food. The processed red meats are the ones which undergo various processes such as the smoking, adding preservatives etc. after it is obtained from the animal’s body. Here we are discussing if the red meat is actually bad for the health or it is just a myth that people have.

Talking about the red meat it is a wonderful source of many essential nutrients and minerals which the human body needs. It is in fact the most nutritious food which is available. If you measure 100 grams of red meat, it will have the following minerals and nutrients in it. Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin), Vitamin D, Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), Phosphorus, Iron (12 % of RDA), Zinc (32 % of RDA), Selenium (24 % of RDA), Creatine, Riboflavin, Thiamin and Lipoic acid. It also has the high calories and about 10 grams of fats in it. Those people who are vegetarians are deprived of certain nutrients such as Carnosine and Creatine. Red meat is a rich source of both these proteins which is essential for the timely development of human body. Red meat also increases the hemoglobin count in the blood and also helps in building and repairing of the muscles. The meat obtained from the body of the chickens, pigs and rabbits are actually white meat and it is also completely safe to eat.

There has been so many research conducted to verify if the red meat actually causes the so called cardiovascular diseases and diabetes which results into the death of the person. And every research has given us the report that these are just a myth and there is no evidence which can support these claims. But the catch here is that you should eat only those red meats which are unprocessed one. The processed red meats are unhealthy and they can therefore lead to you all these diseases. You have to clearly understand the distinction between the two and choose accordingly.

Another myth that people generally have is that red meat is one such food items whose consumption can increase the chances of cancer in the body. Generally people relate colorectal cancer with the red meat which is one of the most common cancers in today’s time. Although the careful studies conducted by the experts suggests that there is weak link between these two but since there is not enough evidence as the studies which have been conducted so far are the observational ones and so they cannot say that eating red meat will cause you colorectal cancer and this is actually a myth that people generally have.

Now for those people who love to eat red meat we hereby recommend that when you prepare any red meat dish, cook it at moderate temperature. The high temperature cooking can lead to the formation of the harmful compounds such as AGE, HA and PAH. These compounds can then harm your health. Any food item if cooked at high temperature will lead to the formation of these compounds in it. So go for the options such as the steaming and stewing. Further if you want to cook gravy dishes with red meat then first marinate it with the garlic or olive oil or red wine as this will reduce the formation of the HCA to a larger extent. When you start cooking, make sure that the meat is not overcooked and none of the pieces are burnt because of it. The burnt pieces must be thrown away. All these methods that have been mentioned here are for precautions. So eat unprocessed red meat by cooking it gently and make sure that they are not charred. Red meat is actually very healthy and if you are eating it frequently then I bet you will have a healthier body.

June 26, 2014
The Love For Cherry
If life is a bowl full of cherries, then we are all in for a treat…!!!

This bite size stone fruit in its vivid red hue is a summertime favorite- and each little sweet cherry packs a powerful punch of nutrients. Sweet or sour, cherries are bursting with nutrition.

Cherries have a very short fruiting season. In Australia, they are usually at their peak around Christmas time. In many parts of North America, cherry fruit trees are among the first fruit trees that ripen. In addition, to being a delicious fruit, they have attractive flowers and are commonly planted for their flower display in spring.

A handful of fresh cherries in the summertime are a natural gourmet natural. Cherries, along with other berries, are a rich source of anti-oxidants. Queritrin – a flavinoid is rich in cherries, and has been found by researchers to be one of the most potent anti-cancer agents.

More than just a delicious fruit, cherries are low in calories. Eating cherries can help u lose weight and stay trim. A cup of cherries is less than 100 calories and packs only in 3 gm of fiber, which helps you in keeping full for a longer time.

Also, these little beauties contains vitamin B such as- thiamine, riboflavin and vitamin B 6, these vitamins are crucial for the body and help in conversion of nutrients to energy.

Cherries are not only healthy and delicious, but versatile also. They can be added to anything to everything from dairy, to pork, eaten raw or cooked down to make a sauce or a shake.

They are a power-pack remedy to a large number of disorders-

1. Lowers down blood pressure-

Cherries are an excellent source of potassium, which helps in lowering of blood pressure by helping the body to get rid out of excess blood pressure. Eating cherries can help you maintain the balance between sodium and potassium.

2. Cherries get good sleep-

Tart cherries contain melatonin, a hormone that makes you sleepy. Two tablespoons of little tart juice is used as a tasty bedtime sleep aid.

3. Cherries help fight cancer-

The distinctive red hue of the cherry is due to the flavinoid called cynaidin, which in combination with anti-oxidants of cherry can help fight the free radicals of the body. Also cynaidin, helps to keep cancerous cells in control.

4. Cherries help ease arthritis pain-

For those who suffer from arthritis and gout, eating 2 cup of binge cherries can give a lot of relief. Cherries can also reduce painful inflammation by decreasing the amount of the reactive protein produced.

5. Helps cure migraine-

Cherries help in curing migraine problem, by reducing the inflammation in the body. The cynaidin flavinoid of the cherry can aid in reducing the migraine headaches.

6. prevents premature ageing-

cherries are rich in two important flavinoids- queritrin and isoqueritrin, which act as antioxidants and work by removing the by-products of oxidative stress, thereby slowing down the process of pre-mature ageing.

Some easy cherry recipes:

1. Cherry beer cake-

A. 3/4 cup cherries

B. 2 cup all- purpose flour

C. 2 tbsp baking powder

D. 1/4 tbsp salt

E. 4 eggs

F. 2 cup granulated sugar

G. 2 tbsp vanilla extract

H. 2 tbsp melted butter

I. 1 cup cherry wheat beer

J. 1 tbsp baking soda

K. 1 pack cream cheese

L. 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

In a large bowl, add butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, flour, baking soda, vanilla extract, baking powder and salt. Add walnuts and cherries to the mixture.

Transfer the mixture to a battered pan, which is greased with oil. Bake the cake in the preheated oven kept at 350` C for 25-30 minutes. Cool it for 10 minutes.

For frosting in a large bowl, beat cream cheese till fluffy. Then add sugar and water, to achieve consistency. Add food coloring, if required. Spread the frosting over and between the cake layers.

Spread walnuts over the top layer.

2. Cherry milkshake-
1. Vanilla ice-cream
2. 2 tbsp milk
3. Fresh cherries
4. Marshmallows for garnishing
Chop the cherries, into small dices by removing the stalk and the seeds. Blend ice-cream, milk and the chopped cherries until smooth. Do not over blend it. Pour the shake into glasses and garnish with stalked cherries and marshmallows.

3. Vegan cherry pie-

A. 1 1/4 cup dark cherries

B. 1 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour

C. 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

D. 1 tbsp baking soda

E. 1/2 tbsp salt

F. 1 cup sugar

G. 1/2 cup oil

H. 1 tsp vanilla extract

I. 1 cup coffee powder

J. 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Preheat the oven to 375` C and in a medium bowl mix together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda and whisk them. In another bowl, add coffee powder with cold water, oil and vanilla extract. Now mix both of them together. Now, add the apple cider vinegar and mix till it is evenly distributed in mixture. Add cherries to the mixture, and do not whisk now. Bake for 35 minutes and then let it cool.

Garnish with chocolate chip and stalked cherries.
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