Tag: fruits

  • Water: The Most Essential Requirement for the Human Body

    Water: The Most Essential Requirement for the Human Body

    It has been proved that the human body is 60 % made up of water. Water is the most essential requirement for any individual. Different people have different opinions on how much water you should drink each day. Generally it is recommended that you should drink about 2 liters of water per day. There is an 8×8 rule which says that a normal human being should drink 8 ounce of water, eight times a day which adds up to form about half a gallon water. Although this rule is arbitrary and there is no scientific explanation behind it, it is very much useful. The human body requires this much of water daily as it constantly loses water in the form of sweat and urine. But some people have the opinion that in order to avoid the dehydration, you should drink water throughout the day even if you are not thirsty. There are certain internal and external factors which play a vital role in an individual’s need for water. The important point is that without water the survival of the human beings is not possible. You cannot survive long if we do not drink water daily in the adequate amount. For most of the body organs to work properly and the various metabolism functions in the body, water is extremely essential.

    glass-of-water

    If the human body is not provide with adequate amount of water, the energy level of the body comes downs and so as a result the functioning of the brain is affected. There are unexpected mood swings and headaches. Even the mild dehydration of the human body gives rise to the several problems. People start to lose weight and the brain consequently experiences its negative impact. If you are among such people who perform vigorous exercises then you must stay hydrated all the time as the less water content in your body will affect your physical performance and will eventually decrease your endurance.

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    Many people believe that drinking lots of water help them in losing weight because the water reduces the appetite and it increases the metabolism activities in the human body. This is actually true. When you drink water the metabolism of the body increases by about 25 % which is a very significant figure. Now again if you drink the prescribed amount of water daily, the energy expenditure of the body which is measured in the term of calories increases by about 96 calories per day. The key point here is that you should drink water prior to your meals as it will help in reducing the amount of the calories that you will consume during your meals. In this way you can keep a check on the amount of calories you consume and lose weight as per your requirement.

    drink-water

    Now there are many health benefits of drinking water and it also helps you in avoiding many life taking diseases. According to the studies conducted in the various parts of the world, if you consume water in the prescribed amount daily, then you can avoid constipation, formation of stones in your kidneys, skin hydration, formation and spread of acne and most importantly you can also protect yourself from and bladder cancer. If you are among such people who do not drink water in desired quantity then, you must start doing it as it is extremely beneficial for your health.

    drinking-water

    Now it is also not necessary that you should drink the plain water to complete the daily dose of your water requirement. You can also drink tea, coffee and eat water rich foods to compensate for the water required by the human body. There are many vegetables and fruits which are very much rich in water content. Meat, eggs and fish are some of the examples of such foods. All these food items also contribute in maintaining the fluid balance in your body. But you must protect yourself from sweating a lot.

    girl-drinking-bottled-water

    Maintaining the water balance in the body is one such aspect where you must pay special attention. We feel thirsty when the water balance in your body goes below the accepted level. If you feel thirsty, then you must immediately find a water source and drink it in appropriate amount. You should never ignore such feelings as it is highly essential for your survival. In a normal human being the thirst instinct is so strong and reliable that it is sufficient to pay attention towards the water requirement of the body. The water need of the body varies from individual to individual. For some people 2 liters is more than enough while for some people they feel like drinking water on very small intervals. In certain case such as ladies who get involved in breastfeeding their child should drink a lot of water. Similarly if you had vomiting or if you are suffering from diarrhea, then you must increase the amount of water that you drink daily.

  • Foods that can actually kill you

    Foods that can actually kill you

    We have several food items in the market which people believe are very healthy and essential for the human body. But there are not aware that these food items can cause serious damage to their body. The result of which can even lead to death of the person. You must be aware of the side effects of such food items so that you can stay protected. Here we are mentioning some of those foods and you should stop eating  immediately as they can kill you.

     

    Sports Drink:

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    Today we have several sports drink in the market and people believe that they are highly beneficial for the body. These types of drinks are specially designed for the people who get involved into the training sessions or play different sports. Due to the intense workout and physical labor they sweat a lot and the level of glycogen in their body goes down. The sports drink contains water, sugar and electrolytes which compensates for the loss of fluid, energy and the electrolytes. If you are not getting involved in any intense workout sessions then this drink can be highly dangerous for your body as you don’t need any additional sugar, fluid and electrolytes. So please avoid drinking it.

     

    Heart Healthy Vegetable Oils:

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    People are so much influenced with the heart healthy vegetable oils that are present in the supermarkets. They believe that with its consumption, they can protect their heart and keep it healthy. But it is not necessarily true. The methods performed in their extractions are quite complex and involves several processes such as bleaching and addition of hexane which are very much harmful for the human body. As a result these oils have a large amount of Omega 6 fatty acid and trans fats in them which are not at all beneficial. There are chances that you may get diagnosed with the chronic diseases if you consume these types of oils.

     

    Agave Nectar:

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    You must have seen several advertisements in which the manufacturers claim that their product is sugar free. It is because it contains Agave Nectar and it gives the sweetened taste. While people prefer it as Agave Nectar has low glycemic index and it acts as a wonderful replacement to the actual sugar, they are not aware that it contains unnatural fructose which cause several damages to the human body. Those people who are not very much active or say don’t exercise much, high fructose can lead them to serious diseases which are life threatening. Agave Nectar has 40 % more fructose in it than the actual sugar. So it is better to avoid them.

     

    Energy Bars:

    energybar

    Energy bars are not for such people who have a normal routine. They are very much similar to the sports drink. The ingredients that they have are required only by the specific peoples and if you are not among them, then you should avoid it so that you remain protected. The sports personalities need extra protein intake so as to make them fitter and gain energy. So they eat it in 2-3 hours intervals. If you don’t have such work then there is no need for you to eat these energy bars. They have a lot of ingredients which are harmful for a normal person.

     

    Fat Free Foods:

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    Today people love to eat those food items which have less fat or absolutely no fat in them as they believe that it is the best way they can keep a check on their health. But this is not at all a wise decision. The absence of fat in the body also leads to several diseases. The fat free foods have several disadvantages. Since they are highly processed and several chemicals and sweeteners are added so as to get rid of the fat contents, they are extremely dangerous for the human body. It is advised that you stay from such food items as their adverse effects can take your precious life from you as well.

     

    Foods Having Low Carbohydrates:

    Best-low-carb-food

    People generally believe that it is good to eat those food items which offer low carbohydrates as they offer several health benefits. The market today is full of such food. For the companies which manufacture such food items, they find it a perfect opportunity to make some cash as people prefer them without knowing that such foods harm them and make them prone to the diseases. The artificial ingredients added in them can cause some serious damage and you can eventually get yourself killed because of its side effects.

     

    Gluten Free Foods:

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    People today have started to eliminate gluten from their diet completely as they find it one such ingredient which causes them serious trouble. Gluten is found in wheat and barley. So the food items in the markets today are gluten free. But the point which needs attention here is that gluten free foods are not at all healthy. They contain starch and other artificial chemicals which causes several adverse effects on the health. Moreover they also have large sugar content. So you should understand that gluten containing food items are much healthier and the complete absence of gluten can deteriorate your health and cause you trouble.

  • Foods which are best for skin

    Foods which are best for skin

    The nutritious and healthy food is all that you want to have a perfect and blushing skin. Not only it protects the inner body but also shields from the outside.  The better and more nutritious food stuff we take in results in more beautiful and vibrant skin. Now a day’s people spend a lot amount of money in buying skin products, but the results out of them are not found to be satisfactory. We can protect our skin by proper exercising, sleeping for adequate amount, avoiding damage from the sun and most importantly by eating healthy and nourishing food items.  The right kinds of food items can certainly shield the skin from the effect of environment, location and time. People have become less concerned of what they eat and hence they end up buying expensive cosmetics for their skin. Taking all the necessary nutrients in your diet definitely results in glowing, healthy looking skin. So if you really want the radiant and shining skin then you have to make sure the food items you take in.

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    Drink a lot:  In order to make your skin more flexible, drink a lot to provide it with moisture. Deficiency in the amount of moisture can lead to dry, dull and drained skin. It has been found out that it is necessary to drink around 6 to 8 glasses of water every day. If you are working or move out of your house, make it a habit to carry a bottle of water along with you. Consuming alcohol is damaging for the skin, so avoid extreme amount of it. Teas which do not contain caffeine are also good for the skin.

    Raw-Almonds

    Almonds: Almonds are rich in Vitamin E and because of that it helps in protecting the skin from the damage of the sun. It has been found out that the people who ingest about 20 almonds a day are more resistant from the exposure to the sun as compared to the people who do not consume almonds. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and hence it is quite beneficial for the skin.  So don’t forget to eat almonds every day to have a beautiful and vibrant skin.

    food-skin-health

    Fruits and Vegetables: Effective and necessary antioxidants are present in fruits and vegetables that provides shield to the skin from the cellular ravage that is triggered by the free radicals. These free radicals can lead to wrinkles and age marks on the skin. They are produced by contamination, effluence, smoking as well as sunlight.  Proper amount of fruits and vegetables in your diet are very important for healthy and fit skin. Try to include papaya, spinach, pumpkin and sweet potatoes in your diet as they rich in all the necessary nutrients which the skin wants.

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    Green Tea: Green tea has many benefits like it provides relaxing and soothing effect. Apart from that it contains antioxidants that fight with tenderness, swelling and inflammation. It is also studied that the consumption of green tea may diminish the danger of skin cancer as well. Because of the high amount of antioxidant present in the green tea, it helps in reducing the redness. So it is advised to consume 1 cup of green day every single day.

    Foods-For-Healthy-Skin

    Guava, Orange, papaya:  Vitamin C is considered as an excellent antioxidant. It is very essential for us and provides us with many benefits like it plays a vital role for the robust immune system. It makes the skin glowing, shining and healthy looking. It helps in the healing of the blemishes and the marks. There is wide range of vitamin c rich food items that you can consume. Some of the finest sources include guava, orange, papaya, kiwi and many more.  Hence, make your skin looks vibrant and lively as a result of vitamin c rich food stuff.

    chocolat

    Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate proves to be very valuable for the skin. The antioxidant present in the dark chocolate is ‘flavonols’ that helps in reducing the coarseness in the skin. It also provides protection from the sun. It acts as a sun blocker. The skin becomes more flexible and agile as the cocoa provides moisture to the skin. A little amount of it every day certainly improves the glow and shine on the skin. The person who consumes it has an advance texture of the skin and he or she is more resistant to the sun rays.

    Walnuts

    Walnuts: Omega -3 fatty acids are very important for us as it helps in improving the flexibility and agility of the skin. Walnut is very rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.  Apart from that walnut also contains copper, which is a useful mineral that increase the creation of collagen. So in order to get a better skin texture and to make the skin more refreshing eat walnuts every single day.

    best-foods-for-your-skin

    We all have various creams as well as skin treatments but the skin becomes more beautiful with the intake of nourishing and healthy food products. It is essential that we include the desirable nutrients in our everyday diet to make the skin radiant and fabulous. So make sure that you consume the vital nutrients every single day.

  • Get hydrated with fruity Fruits this Summer!

    Get hydrated with fruity Fruits this Summer!

    Fruits are lovable part of the diet all over. These are naturally sweetened, flavored palatable to famish over whenever you want and the  bonus is the vitamins and minerals we get and other innumerable benefits. They are overloaded with vitamins and other nutrients and antioxidants and keep you fit, healthy, and hydrated and also the pleasurable feeling you get after the consumption. The refreshing experience of the fruits is irreplaceable. The wrenching heat of summer demands hydration of body or otherwise it gets too stressed up and tiring. In summer, your body water levels drop so quickly that you wouldn’t even realize when you are already dehydrated due to sweating. Obviously, water is the best bet for hydration, but you also need to make up for the electrolytes you loose in sweat due to sun or heat. For that, you need fruits to keep you fully refreshed and hydrated. According to the old rule of thumb, one is supposed to drink eight glasses of water per day, which sometimes can’t be fulfilled due to any varied reasons. Though, its really important to drink plenty of water in the summertime, but one can also quench his thirst by having the hugely hydrating foods, which have atleast 90% water content. Hydrating foods provide us with plenty of fluids and nutrients to fuel the hotness of summer. Let’s go through these summer special fruits high in water and nutrients and how they benefit us in so many ways;

    watermelon
    Watermelon: It is but obvious that juicy watermelon is full of water. It has almost 90% water content, low in calories and high in fiber, which helps in losing weight and prevents constipation and obviously keeps you hydrated. Afterall, it is the number 1 water containing fruit. They are also rich in Vitamin C, which provides protection against immune system deficiencies and also have Vitamin A which is important for good skin and good eyesight. The red skin of a watermelon is also a significant source of phytochemicals, called lycopene, a nutrient which is cancer fighting anti-oxidant. This fruit is really refreshing is a great incentive to drink more water overall.

    Lychee-Fruit
    Lychee: It is very sweet flavored, all time favorite fruit of old and young. It is a great source of Vitamin C, which helps to prevent cold, gum bleeding, heal wounds, build collagen for skin and bones, protects the heart and prevents infections and also helps the body to fight against cancer. They are very rich in polyphenols, which help to protect against heart problems, cancer and infections and lychees also help to improve bowel movement and digestion. Lychees are also a good source of potassium, an electrolyte that helps to control blood pressure, contract muscles and maintain fluid balance.

    pineapple-cut-open
    Pineapple: Pineapple has anti-inflammatory properties and growth of cancer cells and is a good source of energy. It is a great digestive fruit as contains enzyme bromelain, which softens the food in the stomach and is rich in fiber and relieves constipation. It is also rich in manganese that is necessary to build strong bones and connective tissues. It has high Vitamin C content which strengthens the immune system and improves hair, skin and nails.

    M_Id_386615_Mangoes
    Mango: The king of all fruits, Mango is very tasty, juicy, versatile fruit and is loved by everyone. The enzymes in mango help to improve digestion, and the Vitamin A in mango is like a power supply for your eyes and skin, improves acne, clears complexion, helps to prevent eyesight related issues and gives a glow to your skin, with anti ageing benefits. The vitamin B6 content helps to improve brain function and memory and Vitamin C helps to boost immunity. It also keeps the body cool and refreshed.

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    Honeydew Melon or Cantaloupe: This moist, luscious melon provides a big nutritional payoff for very few calories. It is a refreshing fruit filled with water give you cool feeling on a summer day. It is high in Vitamin A and C which helps to neutralize toxins and also helps in the synthesis of collagen, which is used to support blood vessels, ligaments and skin. It also improves skin texture and complexion. The potassium in the cantaloupe helps to lower high blood pressure. If you have a sweet tooth, it will definitely satisfy.

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    Peaches: The peaches, being naturally sweet, high in fiber and low in calories helps in weight loss. Also being a good source of Vitamin B provides energy. Peaches also provide magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, iron and calcium, and they work to support red blood cells, bone and nervous system health. Peaches are rich in Vitamin A, a great antioxidant, which helps in protecting the body against cancer, skin, eyes from damage. The fiber in peaches helps to lower cholesterol and they are a super source of potassium for normal BP, heart disease and muscle function.

    amla
    Amla: Something that is extremely rich in Vitamin C is, amla. It is a powerful antioxidant and helps to prevent gum problems and prevents common cold and cough by boosting immunity. It has many benefits ranging from improving vision and cataracts and improves skin texture and act as anti ageing, also strengthens nails and prevent hair fall. It helps in the absorption of iron thereby preventing anemia and increases your digestive power and helps in weight loss as well. It also acts as a detoxifying agent for the liver and kidneys, prevents cancer, mouth ulcers and also enhances mood. Amla is really worth having.
    Now, you can enjoy so many fruits this summer as per your choice and taste and keep your body healthy and hydrated, to keep your water levels high and feel refreshed at any time of the day in this hot summer.
    Love fruits. Happy Summertime.

  • Foods that have the healing powers

    Foods that have the healing powers

    Eating proper food is very important in maintaining a healthy body as it helps the body organs to function appropriately. Treating the diseases with the healthy food is one such method which we have been following from a very long time now. A normal person is generally aware of such food items which give the essential required nutrients to the human body and so they love to eat them. But they are not necessarily aware that there are few food items as well which have high healing capacity in it. This simply means that if you eat these food items then your body will have the enough power to fight the diseases and will heal automatically. All these food items which have been mentioned here have several distinct properties in them which help in maintaining a healthy body.

    There are hundreds of food options that are available and so people have the liberty to choose the food as per their liking. But eating a food which has the healing power in it has several advantages. Firstly it helps in treating the diseases without the need of medicines. Secondly it slows down the aging mechanism of the human body. So you will fell fresh and young. Thirdly it helps the body in gaining the energy required to fight the disease causing germs and bacteria. Today science and medicine has progressed a lot and all these facts that we are going to mention in this article have been proved in various research conducted by the scientists. Start eating these foods and protect your body from any harmful disease.

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    Spinach: You must have seen the Popeye cartoon series in your childhood where he eats the spinach and gets the strength to fight against the enemies. It is because spinach has tremendous amount of Folic acid, Fibre, Vitamin A and Vitamin C in it which has several positive effects on the human body. The fibre present in the spinach helps in controlling the condition of constipation and is a very essential mineral for the proper functioning of the eyes and the digestive system. Spinach also has the anti-inflammatory properties in it which stops the cancer causing cells in getting replicated and protects the body from the prostate and breast cancer. Several eye and heart disease can also be avoided with the help of spinach. It also helps in keeping your bones strong as it has Vitamin K in it. So it is advised that you should eat spinach on a regular basis.

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    Carrots:  Carrot not only has an adequate quantity of Vitamin A in it but is also very much rich in antioxidants. It has carotenoids in it which makes it an excellent food if you have an eyesight problem as it helps in maintaining the proper vision and protects you from the postmenopausal breast cancer which is very common now a days in the ladies. It also helps in regulating the blood pressure of the body. One can eat carrot daily and stay away from all these health problems. Carrots also help in stimulating the body’s immune system which fights with the disease causing germs and bacteria.

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    Beans: Beans has several essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals in it which makes the body stronger and helps in fighting the harmful effects of the diseases. Beans have very low glycemic index level in it which helps the human body in regulating the insulin production and maintaining the sugar level in the blood. Beans are actually low in energy density level which is a good sign as it helps in sustaining the energy and maximizing the positive effects on the human body. To your surprise beans is also equipped with rich amount of magnesium, fatty acids and potassium which provide several benefits to the human body. Where else will you find so much essential nutrients together in one place? So it is often said by the learned people that you must start eating beans to stay healthy.

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    Cherries: Cherry is one such fruit which has lots and lots of antioxidants and various vitamins in it. One of the biggest benefits with cherry is that they are themselves very rich in sugar which acts as an excellent source of fibers which are required by the human body. Further they have low carbohydrates content in it which again proves to be good for the body. All these help us in getting our body shielded from the harmful effects of the various diseases. Cherries can be consumed daily.

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    Kiwis: Kiwis is one such food which is often recommended by the doctors as it has the excellent healing capacity. Kiwi has the perfect amount fiber, potassium and phytonutrients in it which help in protecting the body against the heart stroke, respiratory diseases and cancer. It has the natural property of making the blood thin so that it can easily flow through the heart and also checks the formation of the blood clot as they are extremely dangerous for the body. It helps in lowering down the cholesterol present in the body and also maintains the blood sugar. Kiwi also helps damaged cells to get repaired and protects the DNA from getting damaged.

  • Mangoes: Shout out to all the Mango Maniacs

    Mangoes: Shout out to all the Mango Maniacs

    Summer is at full stretch and the scorching heat and frequent power cuts don’t make it easy to fancy this season. There are still stuffs that we do root for throughout the year. Yes! I’m talking about long vacations, hometown visits or vacationing in the hill stations! But for all the “Foodaholics”, out there awaits the king of all fruits. Yes! MANGOES!! Though age is no category for a mango maniac, still I believe that kids are best examples of the same as to them apart from joining exciting summer camps or watching TV for endless hours, mangoes do hold a special place. Have to admit watching kids eat mangoes with pulp all over hands is an off-putting yet adorable sight. They are ones who won’t count calories but would feast upon them and contest with their siblings of who had the most like a true Mango maniac! As a kid when we used to head for our hometown, the sight of mango laden trees and lots of them used to get us frantic! Even in the cities at that time the quality of mangoes available in the market used to be fine and more feasible for the “Feast contests”.             Nowadays, we find it difficult to make a difference between which one is naturally and which are artificially ripened mangoes as both of them look almost alike. Well, to be honest artificially ripened looks more alluring. There are many features that set them apart like artificially ripened ones will have distinct patches of green color and their taste gives slight burning sensation in the mouth.  It is said that to get the taste of natural mango one should wait for the season to set in like after April. Now to list up all the mouth watering delicacies made from mangoes, though note that this wouldn’t include any sophisticated recipes but more like a list of the best homemade “Beat the heat” and other refreshments  from mango. Just to be sure Do Google the recipes for them!

    1. AAM PANNA!

    Refreshing drink made from raw mangoes, Aam panna is made by taking the pulp out of boiled raw mangoes and then mixing the pulp with water adding sugar or jaggery. Of course not forget, Ice! Having a chilled glass of Aam panna after an exhausting day in office or playing all day in the scorching heat surely refreshes the senses. Aam_Panna

    1. AAMRAS!

    Aamras is nothing but mango puree flavored with cardamom and saffron. This refreshment goes well with Puris, Paranthas or can relished solo. Sweetened naturally doesn’t have added sugars and one can enjoy this with limited calorie intake. aamras

    1. MANGO SMOOTHIE!

    Delicious summer drink prepared by blending mango pulp with almost equal amount of water and lime juice (as per preference). Sugar or sugarcane juice can be added to sweeten it more.Smoothie should be served chilled. Mango-Smoothies

    1. KHATTI MEETHI CHUTNEY!

    As it is not so much popular than the above refreshments, so I don’t know what its market name is. Regardless in our household it has been given that name.So, it’s basically prepared by frying raw mango pieces with mustard and cumin seeds. The fried mango pieces are the poured into hot sugar or jaggery syrup and cooked for few minutes.This mouth watering chutney tastes tangy-sweet and goes well with the meals or can be enjoyed as it is. Khatti meethi chutney

    1. MANGO MOUSSE!

    One of the favorite deserts ever! Mango mousse is a light and creamy sweet dish prepared by both using egg or egg less. Prepared by blending the mango pulp with honey and cream and refrigerated for 30 minutes or so. This can be served with your favorite toppings like blueberry, tooti fruity e.t.c.  In the egg version while blending, egg whites pre- cooked in caramel is added. Mango mousse

    1. MANGO UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE!

    Fan of baking? If not too, this flavorsome cake is worth every bite.  Prepared like any other cake with a twisted layer of mangoes at the bottom. Top the cake with whipped cream and there you have a perfect piece of delight. Mango upside down cake   Okay, so the point made Mangoes are “Kings of Fruit”. Apart of being awesomely delicious let’s see if they carry more value.

     SKIN

    Having acne problems? Boil a raw mango, take the juice and apply as an acne remover. Mangoes are believe it or not great cleansers and exfoliate your skin too. Add wheat flour to mango pulp and apply this mixture to clean pores in the skin from deep within. For exfoliation purpose blend peeled mango with milk and crushed cashews or oat. People with sensitive skin can use mango-milk pack for refreshing their skin without worrying about reactions. Mangoes are also known to remove blemishes and enhance the skin color because of the presence of vitamin A, C and Beta carotene.

    Mango health benefits

    HEALTH

    4000 Years and older this fruit contains abundant levels of anti-oxidants  which is said to beneficial for preventing diseases like cancer, leukemia e.t.c.  It helps improving the eyesight due to presence of vitamin A. Additionally, the presence of fiber and Vitamin C helps in bringing down cholesterol and it increases metabolism.Mangoes are said to be rich in folic acid which helps in improving fertility.    So, a Mango maniac yet? There is around a month more for the mango season to get over, make sure you grab a bite of delectable must haves from safe to say now an “All rounder” fruit!

  • Save The Food : Preservation At Home

    Save The Food : Preservation At Home

    Do you have those days in your life when you want to eat mangoes in winters? Or do you want to figure out a way of eating seasonal fruits and vegetables all year round? Well, preservation is the answer, a term that is often considered as infamous, because of its chemical ways that probably deprive the food of its nutritional value. But there are a number of natural and DIY preservation techniques which don’t make use of a single chemical agent !! Preservation is necessary for storing food items for a long time. You might think the ways i am talking about are just refrigerating the food, but, actually, there is much more to do than just refrigerating, when it comes down to preservation of food. That is why, for example, beans develop fungi even after keeping inside a fridge.

    freezer

    All foods don’t have a common preservation method, and they range from salting, dehydrating, to storing in air-tight containers etc. But the main key to preservation is – cleanliness. This means we should have clean hands, use clean utensils, surfaces and bottles. Also the food item should be fresh when you start preserving it, instead of being on the verge of deterioration.

    Every food has a unique and rather frustrating(for us!)  Characteristic of getting spoilt. If it shows signs like molding(growth of fungus), lumping(curdling), smelling(rotting), it means that the food is spoilt. There are, basically, two ways by which food can be spoilt – one, by action and growth of bacteria and fungi and two, by chemical reactions of various enzymes within the food item, which makes it rotten and lose its flavor and texture. Preservation not only retards the spoiling process but also maintains the aroma and flavor. The only thing you have to keep in mind is to choose the correct method of preservation for a particular food article. For this, here is a list of some common methods of preservation for commonly preserved food items :

     

    freezing

    Freezing:

    The easiest and simplest way of preserving food is to refrigerate it, as the temperature of the fridge is much below than that of surroundings and this helps to prevent activity and growth of micro-organisms. The colder a food is, the slower is its deterioration. While refrigerating reduces microbial activity, freezing stops it altogether.

    Vegetables should be balanced in boiling water first to destroy germs. To blanch, bring a pot of water to boil, dunk food for a brief time, then pat it dry and freeze it in the freezer inside freeze-proof containers. Herbs can be frozen too, in ice cube trays.

     

     

    canning

    Canning:

    This method is perfect for fruits and vegetables that have a high acidic content. The food is heated to a high temperature, which kills the bacteria. Foods like apples, tomatoes, raspberries, cherries and citrus fruits can be preserved by this method. While canning is safe and simple if proper instructions are followed, improper canning can result in a serious health hazard for us.

     

     

    vinegar

    Addition of natural preservatives :

    Vinegar is the most common pickling liquid. It hardens food to such an extent that it becomes resistant to bacterial action. Foods like apples, beans, cucumbers etc. Can be preserved by adding vinegar.

    Adding salt or sugar is another way of preservation, as such high concentration dries up the moisture and prevents growth of microbes, thus making the food safe. Foods that can be preserved by this method are tamarind, raw mango, amla, fish etc.

    Adding oils and spices can also be used to preserve food. While oil forms a layer on food, cutting its exposure to air, spices add flavor to the pickled food.

     

    drying

    Dehydrating or drying:

    Dehydrating food makes it less attractive to moisture-loving bacteria and dehydrating can be done either naturally using the sun or can be dried with the help of an oven. Some foods like plums, tomatoes are halfway dried and then stored in oil.

    Dried food takes up the least space in the refrigerator. Foods that can be preserved by drying or dehydrating are apples, peaches, grapes, apricots, potatoes, fried fish etc.

     

    ferment

    Fermentation:

    You can control spoilage with this comparatively new, and fascinating science called fermentation. Foods which are fermented will technically still spoil, but they will do so by the growth of beneficial and friendly microbes rather than the bad ones. Fermented foods are created by allowing one type of microbes to grow and act on a food substance and convert its contents to alcohol or acids. Cheeses, wines, yogurt, all are fermented foods, apart from chocolate, coffee, pickles etc.

     

     

    heating

    Sterilization by heating:

    Food is preserved by application of high temperature to prevent growth of micro- organisms. If the boiling temperature is maintained for a long period of time, all bacteria in the food get killed and this will result in good preservation.

     

    preservation

    Thus, foods can be preserved in healthy and hygienic ways which not only help to control spoilage, but also maintain the nutritional value of the foods. If not preserved properly, these foods can be houses of potential pathogens and can cause severe diseases if you consume them. So it is better to be safe than sorry and to preserve foods in a correct manner and enjoy them whenever you want all the year round.

  • Unveiling The World Of Food Fraud

    Unveiling The World Of Food Fraud

    Everybody knows that homemade food is best for our health. But if we step out of this illusion, then, we will find that even homemade food can be potentially harmful to us. This is not because of the cooking, it is because of the ingredients used in cooking. Those ingredients, even if are present as less as 1 tablespoon in our food, can turn the food into a poison. Adulteration has taken away the joy of eating. Today, we are exposed to harmful chemicals in almost everything that is not grown at home.

    Food fraud is a term that encompasses deliberate substitution, addition, tampering or misrepresentation of food, food ingredients or packaging. Adulterants are used to save money and to contaminate the food and the responsibility of safeguarding ourselves falls solely on us.

     

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    From loose packed ground spices to wet produce like milk, everything has a potential of being adulterated these days, even if purchased from a reputable grocery retailer. Even the official systems set for food safety and prevention are constantly outdone by hidden and booming food adulteration business.

    But obviously, turning a blind eye to food adulterants is no solution, we have to plan and avoid the adulteration. Here is a list of commonly adulterated food stuff, so that next time when you buy them, you can be extra cautious.

     

    turmeric

    Turmeric:

    The common adulterants in turmeric these days are a chemical known as metanil yellow and kesari dal, to enhance the yellow color of turmeric. The chemical is highly carcinogenic if consumed for a longer period of time and can also cause stomach disorders.

     

    green-chili-peppers3

    Green chilies :

    Malachite green, a green colored dye that is often present in green chilies, has proven to be carcinogenic for humans, if consumed for a long period.

     

    milk

    Milk:

    Milk is a at the top of the food fraud list. Earlier it is used to be combined with water to increase the volume and decrease the nutritional value. Nowadays, even the water it is combined with, is contaminated. We also have higher levels of adulteration like starch, caustic soda, sugar, urea and lime, to give milk a thick texture. This can cause grave stomach disorders.

     

    ice crm

    Ice cream:

    Ice creams are adulterated with fatty substances when it is in the cold chamber, like pepperoni, ethyl acetate and washing powder. These substances are never mentioned on the packet of the ice cream; and are added to give beautiful white sheen and lightness of flavor to the ice cream, but instead cause stomach and liver disorders.

     

    coffeee  coffee

    Coffee:

    Do you know that your morning cup of coffee is not just coffee, it is a huge bag of sawdust, tamarind seeds and chicory powder and these ingredients cause more harm to us than the caffeine provided by coffee. They are added to provide bulk and color, and can cause diarrhea,  stomach disorders, giddiness and severe joint pains.

     

    seafood

    Seafood:

    The mercury content in sea food is something that is not hidden from the world. And we humans accumulate this carcinogenic mercury, not only by eating the seafood, but also by eating the birds which eat these fishes. Eating many such birds and fishes can cause cancer in our bodies.

     

    flour

    Flour:

    Rice and wheat are India’s  staple food, and these are adulterated with starch to thicken them and leaves the consumer in the illusion that our diet is perfect. This, in reality costs us our life. Therefore, the process should be very carefully executed from cleaning of grains to grinding it.

     

    saffron

    Saffron:

    Given that it is the most expensive spice in the world, there’s no doubt it is a victim to adulteration. Sandalwood, dust, starch, yellow dye and gelatin are common adulterants in starch. The easiest way to detect adulteration in starch is to avoid deep red color ones and cheap ones while buying.

     

    honey

    Honey:

    The purest form of honey are nowadays only found when winnie the pooh sticks his hand in the honeycomb to lick out the honey. In markets, honey is adulterated with minerals, antibiotics that are not meant for human consumption, corn syrup etc. Moreover, the ultra filtration process done on honey bottles makes the adulterants undetectable.

     

    olive oil

    Olive oil:

    It is said that olive oil is one of the best fat-free oil for human consumption. Well, the truth is that when it is adulterated with cheaper cracked oil, deodorants, corn oil, hazelnut oil and palm oil, it deteriorates the health instead of improving. Sometimes, it is laced with mineral oil, which makes the matters even worse.

    So, next time when you buy this stuff, make sure it doesn’t have something that will land you in hospital. Take care that your food is authentic and there are minimal chances of you falling prey to the locus of adulterants; as your health is much more important in your life than anything else, and it is solely your responsibility to take care of it. So gear up, and say no to adulteration of food!

  • Step-By-Step Guide on How To Eat Well

    Step-By-Step Guide on How To Eat Well

    1. Eat at regular intervals and make sure that you have three meals a day. This should help your blood glucose level to remain steady throughout the day. Also, having three proper meals at regular intervals will prevent you from feeling hungry.

     

    1.  Watch the amount of fat you eat. Fried and fatty foods are loaded with calories (they are obviously not good for you if you are trying to shed a few inches off your waist). Intake of saturated fats may lead to rise in one’s cholesterol level. However, you can switch to healthier unsaturated fats which will not harm you in any way.

    Food to avoid: Butter, Ghee, Paneer, Pastries, Crisps, Samosas, etc

    How to eat healthy fats? Instead of cooking with butter or ghee (saturated fat), use olive oil or cornflower oil (unsaturated fat). Avoid using too much coconut in your cooking. Creamy coconut and coconut milk are high in saturated fat. Choose skimmed milk and low fat yogurt over cream and full- fat yogurt. Replace Paneer with Tofu.

     

    A helpful recipe-

     

    vegan-chinese-salt-and-pepper-tofu-recipe-2

    Grilled Salt and Pepper Tofu

     

    Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 springs onions ( chopped, plus the finely chopped green parts of 4-6 spring onion), 5 cm piece root ginger (chopped), 6 garlic cloves (chopped), 5 cm stalk celery (chopped), 2 green chillies (sliced), 200g tofu (cut into 2 cm cubes), 1/8 tsp salt, 7-8 black peppercorns ( crushed), 1 tbsp lemon juice

    Method: Heat the oil in a pan. Add the spring onions, ginger and garlic, and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the celery and green chillies, and sauté for 30 minutes. Stir in the tofu, salt and crushed peppercorns and sauté until tofu gets some brown flecks. Add the spring onion greens and sauté for 1 minute. Add the lemon juice, toss and serve.

     

    1. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help prevent damage to one’s arteries. So, eat as much fruits and vegetables as regularly as possible. These foods are nutritious, low- GI, low in calories and fat and quite filling. Dried fruits can be had as snacks in between meals. Have fruits in dessert instead of sweet meats. Incorporate the habit of having some salad with yours meals. For example –

     

    Bulgur Wheat and Fruit Salad

     

    Ingredients: 200g bulgur wheat, 2 medium size red peppers, 1 medium size yellow pepper, 1 medium size onion ( sliced),  4 garlic cloves ( thinly sliced), 2 medium size tomatoes (seeded and diced), 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, ½ tsp salt, ground white pepper to taste, pinch of sugar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 medium size apple ( diced), 4 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint leaves, a few leaves of Iceberg lettuce, 1 tbsp olive oil

    Method: Soak the cracked wheat in water for 15 minutes, then strain. Push each pepper on to a fork and, one at a time, roast directly on a flame. (If you prefer, you can char the peppers under the grill or roast them in the oven) Put the soaked wheat into a salad bowl, and stir in the onion and garlic. Run water on the charred peppers and then remove the burnt skin. Cut the flesh into small pieces and add to the salad bowl. Stir in the tomatoes and parsley, then add the salt, white pepper and sugar. Mix. Add the lemon juice, apple and mint leaves. Tear up the Iceberg lettuce and add. Toss well. Add the olive oil, toss again. Serve immediately.

     

    1. Consume less sugar. Replace fizzy drinks with diet ones, water or unsweetened fruit juice. Limit sweet meats such as Rosogolla, Barfi, Ladoo, Gulab ajmun, Khir Malai to special occasions. Cut back on sugar in your tea and coffee. Switch to artificial sweeteners such as Splenda or Sweetex.

    sweetex

     

    1. Eat food low in salt such as plain popcorn, unsalted nuts or fresh fruits instead of savory biscuits, salted crisps, etc. Use unsalted butter instead of salted butter. Dried fish is very high in salt; soak it thrice and throw away the water before cooking. There is no need to add extra salt in cooking. Instead of salt, try experimenting with paprika, pepper, spices and fresh herbs.

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    1. Have more high- fibre food. Choose brown basmati rice over white rice, dal with whole lentils over dal with pureed lentils. As recommended earlier, eat your vegetables and fruits regularly.

     

    A vegetable dish for you to try –

     

    Mushrooms with fresh Coriander

     

    Ingredients – 600g button mushrooms (trimmed), 1 tbsp olive oil, 5 green cardamom pods, 1 black cardamom pod, 5 cloves, 2.5cm stick cinnamon, 1 bay leaf, pinch of ground mace, 175g boiled onion paste, 4 tsp minced ginger, 4 tsp minced garlic, 4 green chillies (chopped), 1 tsp red chilli powder, ½ tsp ground coriander, 375g natural low-fat yogurt (whisked), ½ tsp salt, 3 tbsp cashew nut paste, 25g fresh coriander leaves (chopped), 3.5cm piece root ginger (cut into thin strips)

    Method – Blanch the mushrooms in hot water for 2 minutes. Drain and set aside. Heat the oil in a non stick pan. Add the cardamom pods, clove, cinnamon, bay leaf and mace, and sauté over a medium heat until fragrant. Add the onion paste and sauté for 2 – 3 minutes. Stir in the minced ginger and continue to sauté until the oil surfaces. Add the chillies and sauté for 30 seconds more, before adding the chilli powder and ground coriander. Stir for another 30 seconds. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the yogurt and salt. Mix well, then return the pan to the heat. Add 150ml of water and let it come to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the fat rises to the surface. Stir in the cashew nut paste and simmer for 2 – 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and ¾ of the chopped coriander and simmer for 2 – 3 minutes. Transfer the mushrooms to a serving dish and garnish with the remaining coriander and the ginger strips.

     

    Follow these steps attentively and you will soon discover a healthier better YOU.

     

    Recipe courtesy – sanjeevkapoor.com

    Picture courtesy – vegiebelly.com, weldricks.co.uk, spicesherbscentre.com