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Showing posts with label Eating Healthy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eating Healthy. Show all posts

July 31, 2015

Tomato Onion Soup

Preparing Time: 20 Minutes
Cooking Time : 20 Minutes
Cuisine: Indian ( Inspired and Fusion )
Tomato soup with the addition of buttery , caramelized onions  and spicy red chilies gives this soup a distinct fragrance and flavor .
Soup is a starter that brims up your tummy , & aids in healthy digestion with  apt intake of meal . I have never gone out of league to prepare something more unique and exotic at the same time , until one day I have watched a show in which French Onion soup is  aired , which has a unique taste and preparation . Almost in all soups veggies are added directly to broth or stew but for french onions soup is rather different as Onions are caramelized , so , I kind of incorporated that simple technique into this  tangy and spicy soup which is full of flavor and texture .
Unlike other soups which take a lot more time to get flavor and texture this simple soup is easy and gets rich texture due to the addition of onions .
Serve this to your guests before supper and bag all the acclaim.

July 13, 2015

Have You Ever Listened What your Hands Say ??????

///////*****This is an article which I have learned  through internet , and I have briefed  the symptoms in my own words which are originally explained by a Clinical Professor of Dermatology David E. Bank, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia in New York City.

You might have been seeing your hands every single day , but when is the last time you really paid attention to watch what they are really ought to say ????
You might have been moisturizing them all the time but have you take your time to look keenly to point out any unusual because our body is an amazing mechanical machine which shows up signs if something is wrong or ill inside .
Shaking or scaly or itchy or dry  hands or brittle nails digital  a  red signal to stop and watch out your health !!!!!

July 06, 2015

Hyderabadi Style Vegetable Dum Biryani in Oven

Preparing Time: 40 Minutes
Cooking Time: 60 Minutes

Cuisine : Hyderabadi (South Indian )

Biryani is cooked in different styles in different cuisines ,but the aroma & taste of Hyderbadi Dum biryani stands out among the other styles , because of the exotic spices and herbs  used explicitly in it's prep. The preparation even uses less oil when compared to traditional  pulao  and the dum or slow cooking really helps the rice to acquire real and optimal taste of the veggies or meat and the spices used in the gravy or curry mixture . The fragrance of the mint leaves and the hot spiciness of the green chilies along with black pepper gives this dish a unique and exotic aroma . The fried onions added  during the layering gives more melting texture to the rice grains .
Serve with onion or mixed veg or mirchi ka salan which maximizes the taste even more .
You need not be a pro to prepare a restaurant style recipe if you can figure out the apt ingredients  for your recipe . In order to get the perfect Biryani whether it is dum or normal use at least year aged long grained basmati rice , which yields  the best texture and taste . Even though the preparing time and cooking time of the biryani is more than an hour the taste and the simpleness in  preparing  pays all the worth .





Try vegetable dum biryani along with salan (onion)  & Mirchi Ka salan recipes 




Mutton Dum Biryani 


May 01, 2015

Munchurian Frankie ( Chapathi/ Roti wrap up )

Preparing time : 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 Minutes

Cuisine: North Indian (Bengali )

A delicious snack or brunch  or lunch made with in minutes with left over manchurian or aloo curry or aloo patties  . Kids just love this pack of fun with different textures and flavors of stuffing, with crispy onion pieces along with crunchy sev or melting cheese that invite in each bite .

When I have first tasted the frankie or kati roll it felt so delicious from it's first bite to last . Kati roll or frankie is a wrap up invented in Bengali cuisine in which vegetable kebab or barbecued meat is rolled inside a parata. Over time there are many inventions in different cuisines and the stuff changed its shape and taste depending upon regional preferences . I have tasted both Manchurian Frankie and aloo or Potato Frankie which has unique difference in tastes and textures but I wasn't sure to eat more often as road side vendors offer a delicious meal but the pollution ,the oil and most importantly the unhygienic ambiance really encouraged me to prepare one at home , and to my surprise it's just as simple as it looks ........  
I have replaced the parata with a chapati or roti in health conscience as wheat flour is rich in iron ,fibre and gluten free . You can add your kids favorite sauces or toppings to make it more fun and I am sure they will never ask to buy a frankie after tasting one at home which is freshly prepared , healthy and tasty.



April 22, 2015

Moong Dal (Yellow Split pea ) Kichidi

Preparing Time: 10 Minutes
Cooking Time : 20 Minutes

Cuisine : North / South  Indian  

This is one simple healthy dish (as all kinds of veggies are added in prep along with lentils ) that everyone must try , as the similar recipe of Pulao contains a lot more calories which takes more time to prepare .
Kichidi is a kind of Pilaf where the rice is cooked in the broth of lentils and vegetables ( may or may not include garlic and onion ) . Here the type of kichidi I am sharing is one of a kind where I have used no onion or garlic or spices except to pepper balls . 
Lentils  used may be  like pigeon pea  or chick pea or beans or  split / whole moong dal  depending upon regions . People even add garma masala or whole garam masala depending upon regions , but the main ingredient which all regions add is ghee or clarified butter . Different traditional cooking cultures even add meat instead of vegetables or along with vegetables .
Today I am sharing a traditional recipe with neither meat nor spices . 
The balancing taste of moong dal , the fragrance of basmati rice , the taste of  veggies   and mainly the melting taste of ghee gives this dish a unique flavor and makes it a must haves in your menu . This can be served hot with curd or pickles or gravies like baigan ka bharta, aaloo ka bharta, tomato chutney,onion or cucumber  raita .



March 04, 2015

Beets Dry Curry /Fry

Beets /beet root is a sweet root which can be used in soups, curry, or can be consumed boiled , or in salads depending upon preference. I have shared  one good recipe with beets long time back  which is a combinations of reds and greens .
Green beet Cutlet 
 

  • Beets are high in many vitamins and minerals. Potassium, magnesium, fiber, phosphorus, iron; vitamins A, B & C; beta-carotene, beta-cyanine; folic acid. ...
  • Beets cleanse the body. ...
  • Beets help your mental health. ...
  • Beets are used as a stomach acid tester. ...
  • Beets are a high source of energy. 
  • Improves Blood without any impurities and many more ....
 It is one super food that has to be in your plate regularly .
As this root vegetable has a strong sweet  taste inherited in it, I am much afraid to experiment. Finally  I have tried this recipe , which gave a distinctive  and a new taste to sweet beets.
As the final product is much spicy and combined flavors of all spice powders are note worthy, the sweetness of the beets is remarkably very low.
Now this dish has become one must haves in our menu .
This goes very well as a side to rice, sambaar, rasam, or roti .Or you may enjoy it as an appetizer too.




February 19, 2015

Used Coffee Ground for Beauty

Love coffee!!!!!!
As I dump a lot of used coffee ground ,I considered of reusing it one day , then did a lot of research understood coffee not only stimulates your blood circulation when taken freshly brewed ,but also a boon to maintain plump and fresh looking beautiful skin when used as a scrub or as a mask  at no cost . Use these simple  and easy tricks to make your body look fab from hair to toe .




January 10, 2015

Canned Soups


  • Irrespective of age, all like soups , so prepare them at home to earn good health, they are the best  healthy  tummy fillers (irrespective of meals)  . But they are healthy when they are made fresh .  
  • Soups which we buy outside (Canned)  contain a lot of preservatives , sodium  ,MSG  which is the main reason for obesity  and other health problems. A considerable ratio of obese people are said to be taking canned soups ........... according to food researchers .
  • The vegetables or meat used is even not good as for giving the soup a longer shelf life the veggies should be grown in hybrid manner or an artificial preservative or storing method has to be implemented   (which are toxic )
  • Check all the ingredients carefully before buying any canned soup or food  ( Researchers say that MSG 's and many other preservatives are disguised in the name of other substances so check them for your and your family health)
Healthy Tips 
  • If you are a soup lover always store some stock or broth  (home made)  in your fridge for not more than 2 days  ,which reduces the time for soup preparation. 
  • Don't use extra creams or butter for topping or any fried bread  which may enhance taste but literally unhealthy .

Note:


  • Stock is  is technically what is made when you simmer vegetables, meat scraps, bones, and aromatics in order to extract their flavor. Raw stock isn't meant to be eaten on its own, but rather it gets used as a base to make other things like soups, braises, or risotto.
  • There's no salt (traditionally) or many other seasonings to boost the flavor in stock .
  • Broth, on the other hand, is something you can eat on its own! A technical definition for broth would be "seasoned stock." Now that the salt and other seasonings are added in, broth is tasty and satisfying.

January 08, 2015

Chill Beating Foods in WInter

Chilling winters decrease your body metabolism making you lazy and some what chilly from inside i.e it decreases the body temperature when it is vital to maintain  .This is because in cold weathers your body tends to store the energy rather than spending it , hence the metabolic rate decreases.
This heat can be generated by either exercise or by some physical activity , or by infusion of some veggies in your diet .
So, try including  this heat producing foods which increase your metabolic rate and keep you warm this winter.

February 19, 2014

4 Miraculous Spices Those Make 'U' Healthy

Indian Dishes are not complete without spices , they not only add flavor but also good fragrance to the dish .Besides their taste there are some good benefits that make you healthy when you add them to your food .


December 11, 2013

Irregular Periods ?????? Here Are Some Home Remedies

Have got irregular periods? This may hinder your family planning and even make you more sensitive with oscillating moods . When this delay persists over time and become a routine for 4 to 5 days that may not be issue but if this becomes more irregular and the delay period increases that must be considered as a major issue.
In many cases  irregularities can treated with simple tips ,  following a healthy life style and by some home remedies , if it isn't, consulting and seeking an advise from doctor is recommended .

March 20, 2013

Is Eating Raw Food Always Healthy ?????

 Have you ever questioned this yourself  does cooking vegetables vaporizes all the nutrients ??????????

There is a little scary point that some vegetables give up nutrients when they are cooked while some increase their nutrient contents.

So take a look about some interesting vegetables which are good when taken after cooking than taking them raw all alone and viceversa .

Asparagus :


 

January 17, 2013

Almonds

   Almonds are rich in vitamin E, calcium, magnesium,potassium,riboflavin and niacin.  Consuming these nuts with health conscience may help to reduce some health issues .


   
Health Benefits:                                                                                                                                  
  • Eat it empty stomach to ensure absorption of their nutrients.
  • You can also soak them in water overnight and eat in the morning. 
  • Almonds are main source of protein and fiber.
  • Almonds are  low in sugar with healthy unsaturated fats.
  • Almond contains folic acid.  Folic acid helps to reduce the incidence of birth defects in newborn babies
  • Almond is a source of many nutrients which help in development of the brain 
  • 1.5 ounces a day of most nuts, like almonds, may reduce the risk of heart disease.
  • Rich in magnesium, which  prevents heart attacks and hypertension.
  • The fiber, protein and fat reduces overweight problems.One handful daily will makes our tummy full which reduces overeating. 
  • Presence of manganese, copper and Riboflavin helps in energy production.
  • Almond oil also has many benefits for skin and hair.

Possible Side-Effects:
Eating required amount is healthy but consuming more is really dangerous.
  • These nuts are high in calories and fat -- 163 calories and 14 g of fat per ounce.
  • It contains  oxalate . Consuming almonds in large amount can cause problem because of oxalate.
  • If you have any of these problems like kidney disorder or gall bladder stones then you should be more cautious.
  • The amount of fiber in almonds is large, consuming in more amounts can have bowel problem. 
  • Consuming almonds continuously can give allergic reaction and intolerance to almonds. 


January 09, 2013

Stroke & How to Prevent It !!!

Strokes are common these days  irrespective to the age group , this is some thing everyone should be aware of ,before it rings one's  door bell; taking good care and in taking healthy diet really helps , this may be unknown to many and may be known to some  but STOP and check for yourself about the state of your health  and take care .


What is a Stroke?
A stroke is a cerebrovascular  accident also known as "Brain Attack" where part of a brain rundowns of Oxygen. This needs an urgent medical assistance as this is caused due to a damaged artery  which supplies oxygen to the brain , this damage may be due to many reasons . 
One have to keep in mind that brain cells die within minutes without oxygen , the more brain goes without oxygen the worst and permanent  the impact would be as the death of the brain cells would let the accumulation of toxic substances or chemicals  , so a medical assistance must be provided with in minutes .

Potential damage from a stroke includes paralysis, impaired speech, memory loss, coma, or death. Prompt treatment improves the chances for survival and decreases the risk of brain damage.

Worldwide, there are 15 million strokes a year. Of those, a third die and another third are permanently disabled. But a high gratitude should be given to Science , or the Medical Technologies for saving a few from Strokes.
Types of Strokes
A stroke is categorized by the nature of the blockage and where it originates. Two main categories of strokes are ischemic and hemorrhagic. 
Ischemic Strokes
Clots form in arteries and block blood flow in a process called ischemia, and there are two types of ischemic strokes. When a clot originates in the brain and blocks blood flow, it is called a thrombotic stroke. A clot can also form in another part of the body, such as the arm or heart, and then travel through blood vessels and get lodged in the brain. This is called an embolic stroke. The two most common ischemic strokes—which account for about 75 percent of all strokes—are as follows:
  • Cerebral Thrombosis: Thrombosis is the medical term for a blood clot. This type of stroke occurs when a blood clot forms inside the brain, blocking the flow of blood through a vessel. It is often preceded by a smaller kind of stroke known as transient ischemic attack (TIA)—also called a "mini stroke."
  • Cerebral Embolism: This category of stroke occurs when a blood clot breaks free from another part of the body, most often the heart, and travels through the vessel into the brain where it clogs an artery and disrupts the flow of blood.
Other categories of ischemic strokes include strokes caused by blood clots formed in the heart (often caused by irregular heartbeat, heart attack, or abnormalities of the heart valves), those caused by blood clotting disorders, and those caused by traumatic injury to the blood vessels in the neck. Overall, clots are responsible for about 90 percent of all strokes.
Hemorrhagic Strokes
A stroke can also occur when a blood vessel breaks or bursts, known as a hemorrhage. The two most common types of hemorrhagic strokes are as follows:
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Hemorrhage occurs when a blood vessel breaks inside the brain. This is most likely to occur in an area of aneurysm, or weakening, in the wall of the vessel.
  • Intracerebral Hemorrhage: This type of hemorrhaging involves small vessels deep within the brain tissue. 
How Can You Prevent :

Preventing in sense it does not  evolve in a single day and keep you fit , be conscience with what you eat and that would be a giant leap towards protecting your heart .

 Preventing a stroke is all about taking care of your heart and your blood. This means keeping your good cholesterol high, and your bad cholesterol low with diet , exercise, and avoiding some specific bad habits. Here are some ways to lower your risks for stroke:

Check out  Bad V/s Good Cholesterol  for better awareness  
Diet
As cholesterol can directly impact your likelihood of having a stroke, keeping your cholesterol in check can help you fight off stroke and other cardiovascular problems. A diet rich in fiber, whole grains, fresh fruits, and lots of vegetables can help reduce your risk. Avoiding foods that are processed, high in cholesterol, high in saturated fat, and loaded with sodium can also help you avoid a stroke, among other health problems.
Exercise
Thirty minutes of exercise a day can do wonders for your body. Raising your heart rate while exercising helps the body clear toxins and can help strengthen your heart, blood vessels, and brain. Consult your doctor before starting any exercise regimen to ensure you don’t do more harm that good.
Mind Your Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is a major factor in your risk of of having a stroke. Working with your doctor early can help keep your blood pressure at the appropriate levels. Avoiding sodium and getting some regular exercise can help significantly. Also, try to eat a diet that is high in fruit, vegetables, and potassium; these have all been shown to significantly decrease blood pressure.
Don’t Smoke
Among the many health problems caused by smoking, an increased risk of stroke is certainly one of the most serious. The poisons in cigarette smoke constrict, and contribute to hardening of the blood vessels, which increases the likelihood that clots will form and stroke will occur.
Limit Alcohol
Alcohol is a double-edged sword for stroke as it can both increase and decrease risk of stroke. The key is moderation: Small amounts of alcohol can increase your good cholesterol levels, which, in turn, lowers the bad cholesterol that increases risk of blood clotting and stroke. Excessive amounts of alcohol, however, can damage your heart and blood vessels.
Control Chronic Conditions
If you suffer from high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, or diabetes, then the more you actively manage your condition, the better chance you have of avoiding a stroke. 



Foods which can Cause & Eliminate Pains (Inflammation)

Human body is a mechanical robot in which the  performance  mainly depends upon what food you   intake daily  , this becomes  crucial for  many conditions, such as diabetes or blood pressure or some cancer or chronic pains , it would be great if the right food could also help ease  pain of your body. Unfortunately, the link between food and pain is not as clear. 
However, inflammation is a key cause of pain in many conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). And there is some evidence to suggest that certain foods might help ease inflammation. Medication is proven to help RA symptoms, but some people do feel that food affects how they feel and function. 
Here are some foods that could be potentially harmful or helpful when it comes to pain; use trial and error to see if they work you.
Foods that Reduce Inflammation:
Olive Oil:
Olive oil works well as it  contains  omega-3 's  as in fish protein , this will potentially reduces painful joint inflammation. It's also a staple of the famed Mediterranean diet, which helps not only  to  reduce  rheumatoid arthritis , but also to enhance physical function and vitality. A compound called oleocanthal, which gives olive oil its taste, may have the same effect in the body as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). 
Turmeric :
Turmeric is  one of the best anti septic . This spice, used widely in India and other parts of Asia to add taste and also a creamy yellow color to foods, may also have some anti-inflammatory properties, although those effects are likely to be "very, very mild,". The magic ingredient may be curcumin, the active compound in turmeric.

Milk:
Some research suggests dairy products are good for rheumatoid arthritis while others seem to indicate that they’re bad. 
People who are allergic to the protein casein found in milk will develop joint swelling if they drink milk. This is true even if they don’t have rheumatoid arthritis. 
On the other hand, a study of almost 30,000 women in Iowa found that those who consumed high levels of vitamin D via various milk products had a lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin D may have anti-inflammatory effects in the body.
Onions:
Onions one of the super foods with ultimate taste , contain tons of phyto chemicals that may reduce inflammation. One study identified quercetin, a compound found in this vegetable, as a possible mediator for this effect. Onions have also shown some anti-cancer effects. And let's not forget they add taste, with virtually no calories.
Garlic:
A clove of garlic may be able to fight off arthritis . Like onions, this flavorful little bulb may have properties (phyto chemicals ) that may keep your joints from aching.
Salmons:
Salmon is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and these same compounds may also help reduce pain-promoting inflammation. That makes it a win-win for people with rheumatoid arthritis, who have greater risk of heart trouble than people without RA.
Studies have suggested that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may protect against developing rheumatoid arthritis and could mitigate the severity of the disease.  Tuna, mackerel and sardines are also excellent sources of omega-3.
Berries:
These berries contain phytochemicals known as anthocyanins, which may offer a benefit. Anthocyanins stop inflammatory compounds in their tracks, .
In one study, animals treated with red-raspberry extract were less likely to develop arthritis and less likely to have severe arthritis if they did develop the condition. There was also a protective effect on cartilage. Anthocyanins are responsible for the vibrant blue, red and purple colors seen in a variety of berries.
Rich Green Veggies:
A vegetable-rich diet in general may be very helpful. One study found that people who regularly ate cooked vegetables had a 61% decreased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis compared to those who didn't. 
Other research has found that vegetarian diets may help with swollen joints and joint pain. Vegetables in general have been associated with a protective effect on the development of rheumatoid arthritis.
Cherries:
There's some evidence that tart cherries can affect the sensation of pain. And studies have shown decreases in blood levels of a number of different inflammatory markers associated with consuming this tree fruit. Cherries have a reputation for relieving gout, another form of arthritis that involves repeat episodes of pain. 
In fact, in  a study conducted researchers it was proved   that people who ate cherries over a period of two days had a 35% lower risk of gout attacks than those who didn't.
Eggplant:
Eggplant is  the same category as tomatoes and potatoes. Evidence is mixed on the benefit—or harm—of these items. 
There are people who claim nightshades are helpful and others who claim they're aggravating or not helpful. There's no evidence that support claims one way or the other. And cutting out nightshades may cut you off from other helpful compounds, such as capsaicin in red peppers, which can dampen inflammation.
Yogurt:
Some types of yogurt contain probiotics—or beneficial microorganisms—and some researchers now believe there may be a connection between rheumatoid arthritis  micreo organisms 
There's a theory that a healthy gut may control some of the inflammation . . . if you have good bacteria fighting for you. 

Foods which Increase Inflammation :
Gluten Rich Foods:
People with celiac disease, which is a severe gluten intolerance, can develop arthritis, so some people with rheumatoid arthritis steer clear of this ingredient. 
Gluten is found in wheat, rye, and barley, and many grain products including breads, pasta, and cereal. Some medicines, vitamins, and lip balms may contain gluten too. 
Sugar Rich Drinks:
Sugar Rich Drinks  tend to be low in nutrients and relatively high in calories, and may be a contributor to the obesity epidemic. 
In general, being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis by 24%, according to a recent study . Carrying around extra weight also puts unnecessary stress on already beleaguered joints. 
So it might be best to avoid them as part of your healthy-eating plan.
Tips:
  • Keep in mind, though, that olive oil has as many calories as other types of fat so don't overdo it.
  • Keep in mind that eating a completely gluten-free diet can be a challenge (and expensive), so no need to do so if gluten doesn't seem to be a problem. 
  • Like other dairy products, yogurt may be fortified with beneficial vitamin D (check the label), but best to avoid it if you have an allergy.
  • There's really no clear evidence that sugary drinks are good or bad for chronic pain.
  • Choose gluten free diet which includes legumes, nuts, quinoa, and rice instead.  
  • Not only these  foods listed her even alcohol is proven to be one main cause for inflammation in some people so be sure of what you consume 
  • Make a note of  all the foods that cause inflammation  if you are allergic to some foods so that it helps you to balance your food options 



December 17, 2012

Prawns..!!

Eating healthy with conscience is important but vague knowledge is something  which we have to pay a lot , this suites well in the case of prawns as  some people avoid  them in daily diet. 
     Including prawns  would help to balance the nutritional deficiencies in body, but there is a misconception which states consuming prawns may increase the bad cholesterol levels. As very well known that anything consumed more than required quantities  will really harm body irrespective of its healthy benefits , but there is a  certain quantity which our body needs for energy and healthy building .

                                                                                 

Prawn nutritional facts:
  • Calories: Prawns are relatively low in calories.1 gram shrimp=1 calorie (1 ounce of shrimp, or 28 grams, therefore contains only 28 calories).  
  • Macro-nutrients: Prawn are made almost entirely of protein and water, but they do contain some fat and cholesterol  too.
  • Vitamins & Minerals: Prawn are supercharged with vitamin B12 and selenium. In addition, they provide a fair amount of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B6, iron,magnesium, sodium (salt), zinc and copper. Surprisingly, they also contain some vitamin C. 
  • Glycemic Index (GI) Rating / Glycemic Load: It contains no carbohydrates, their Glycemic Index rating is 0.
Health benefits:
  • Prawns are  very rich in protein. Serving of prawns supplies you with 20.3 g of protein.
  • Prawns are high in cholesterol but  less when compared to egg.They are fortunately low in calories and saturated fats and high in fish oils. This asset allows them to promote good cholesterol formation that could lower your overall levels of bad cholesterol. 
  • Consuming more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day is not good.one serving of prawns contains 148 mg will give sodium which is sufficient for your body. 
  • The iodine in shrimp is good for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland which controls the basal metabolic rate, or the rate at which the body consumes energy at rest. Iodine deficiency can result in sluggish thyroid activity which in turn can lead to weight gain or hinder weight loss.  
  • Prawn contain astaxanthin, a carotenoid that gives them their pink color and that can act as a potent antioxidant and protect the skin from premature aging. 
  • The zinc in prawn  plays an important role in the production of new cells (including hair cells and skin cells). 
  • It also helps maintain the oil-secreting glands on the scalp that keep hair shiny.It is even good source of copper which can help prevent hair loss, contribute to hair thickness, and intensify hair color.
  • Since prawns are full of selenium, cancer cell formation gets inhibited while cell repair gets encouraged whenever they are consumed.Hence fights against cancer,  Alzheimer's disease and  promotes good cardiovascular health  
How to select:
  • Opt to purchase a  fresh supply. 
  • Frozen prawn offer the longest shelf life, as they are able to be kept for several weeks, whereas fresh shrimp will only keep for a day or two.So fresh prawn should be on the same day as they are purchased. 
  • Fresh prawn should have firm bodies that are still attached to their shells. They should be free of black spots on their shell since this indicates that the flesh has begun to break down. 
  • The shells should not appear yellow  as this may be indicative that sodium bi sulfate or another chemical has been used to bleach the shells. 
  • Smell is a good indicator of freshness, good quality shrimp have a slightly saltwater smell.So before getting from the store check the smell. 
  • When storing any type of seafood, including shrimp, it is important to keep it cold since seafood is very sensitive to temperature. 
  • Do not thaw the prawn at room temperature or in a microwave  this can lead to a loss of moisture and nutrients, and can increase risk of contamination.  
  • The dark "vein" that runs lengthwise down the back of the shrimp is not actually a vein at all, but the shrimp's digestive tract. Their is no harm in eating the digestive system.If you feel allergic,can remove it from the prawn.


         The overall nutrient richness of prawn gives it the ability to help balance out our nutrient intake .

November 12, 2012

Belly Fat !! Drive It Away With These Foods

Belly fat,  the most uncomfortable and annoying fat that seems like never shedding off because it would be the last target (unfortunately to our body  but for us the first ) when we are aiming for weight loss .
One vital mistake many people do is that they starve themselves thinking that would melt down their belly fat at first place but the  fact is it gains/adds more belly fat which is more adverse
Eat healthy foods with conscience beside doing some physical which helps to cut down the belly fat easily than doing the physical all alone

Citrus Fruits


  • As we know very well that Citrus Fruits are god for immune system and best sources of vitamin c .
  • This vitamin c which is not only an antioxidant but acts to control the stress hormone, which triggers the weight gain and fat  deposition, in your body esp in your abdominal region .
  • So when you are feeling a bit stressed think about  your health and eat a Citrus Fruit.

Carrots:

  • Carrots are the sources of a bag of nutrients ,vitamins good fiber,antioxidants.
  • As it have a very less calories it is very beneficiary for weight loss 
  • .t is low in Sodium and fat free.So include carrots to your daily meal and see the change in your belly 



  • They're the ideal snack if you like to nibble.



Cinnamon


  • Cinnamon which has the excellent fragrance which helps you to drive away the depression have even the properties to increase the metabolism rate  regulating the level of blood sugar in your body which in turn helps for the fut burn.

  




Fish



  • As fish are very good sources of protein and less in calories and cholesterol they are very good at shedding  belly fat.
  • Fatty fishes like  salmon, mackerel, and sardines contains omega-3 fatty acids which will not only aid in weight loss but will also lower your risk of dementia as well as boost your heart health.
  •  Omega-3 fatty acids  improves your glucose insulin response. This speeds up your metabolism and makes you stay fuller for long.
  •  For optimum results, include fatty fish like sardines and salmon two to three times a week in your diet.





Hot Peppers



  • Hot peppers contain a compound that speeds up the body's metabolism.
  •  Your body has to expend more calories for digesting hot peppers due to the presence of  compound (capsaicin).Hence they are good for cutting belly 





Sweet potatoes

  • Sweet potatoes can help you lose weight is due to their high amount of dietary fiber , a relatively low calorie content and  high amount of water







Asparagus


  • Asparagus is low in sodium and it contains a compound known as asparagine. 
  • Because of this, asparagus works as a diuretic which reduces water retention and bloating. 
  • It also helps in detoxification of the body thereby reducing puffiness.







Water melons


  • As for its name water melons contains a high percentage of water of about 93 % and very less in calories .
  • Due to its rich flavor it can be a substitute to sweets .Because of the air and water content in the fruit you will fell very full 



Pulses


  • Pulses are the best sources of protein for vegans and good source of fiber that helps you to increase the metabolism rate and stays full for longer time.
  • Even though some pulses like Lentils are high in calories large number of them are low in calories and  does not contain any saturated fats 



Nuts:


  • Dry fruits or nuts  contain mono-saturated fats which are good for digestion and general health of the body, and do not lead to accumulation of fat.
  •  Nuts like almonds, as these are rich in fiber and protein, and can keep you away from other snacks loaded with calories.
  • Almonds contain vegetable protein which makes you feel full for longer periods of time. They contain both vitamin E and monounsaturated fat (MUFA) which are helpful in cutting down bad cholesterol.



Berries


  • Berries are one of the favorite and healthiest  snacks   that you can consume to reduce excess fat.
  • All Berries are high in fiber that slows the absorption of sugar and helps you to stay full. They are also rich in vitamins which helps in preventing food cravings.





Apples



  • As we have learnt in my earlier post about healthy foods for weight loss Apples  are the best foods for   burning body fat
  •  It also promotes the absorption of water from the food by the body cells. This in turn, helps in the release of fat deposits from the body







Ginger Root


  • Ginger with its distinct aroma and flavor helps to boost your metabolism rate and there by aiding to your weight loss and good for  blood circulation in your body
  •  The best way to incorporate ginger in your diet is to add it to soups and stews.




Break Fast
Oat Meal


  • Take care to select the right food for breakfast. Nothing can beat oatmeal when it comes to a wholesome breakfast, as it digests very slowly, thus making your metabolism take a full run, and makes you feel full for a longer time.



Cottage Cheese:


  • Cottage cheese has whey protein, which releases hormones that tell your brain when you've had enough to eat.



Egg whites:


  • Egg whites are good white portion of an egg instead of the whole egg ,with yellow portion , helps reduce calories, fat and cholesterol




Beans



  •  Rich in protein and fiber, low carbohydrate content, and delicious.Include these in at least one meal option daily, substitute these with meats, and see yourself losing that belly fat for good.




Spinach:



  •  Spinach is a high yielding choice for those wishing to lose belly fat, it alleviates hunger, and reduces further calorie intake.



Peanut Butter:



  •  Peanut butter is low in fat content, and are more filling.as peanuts are good with this filling.   However, keep in mind don't consume too much , as it  has substantial fat content



Soy Foods:


  • Taking soy supplements may reduce belly fat . Soy protein is a low-fat source of high-quality protein (compared to many other protein sources) that can help you build lean muscle mass   protein  and is low-carb . it also helps you feel full 

 Green Tea :


  • Green tea which comes with a pack of health benefits   also shown to speed up metabolism in preliminary studies, is sometimes touted as a natural remedy for abdominal obesity.





Potassium Rich Foods



  • Potassium is a mineral that is required by your body to regulate its water balance. In addition to this, it boosts metabolism. 
  • Since a fast metabolism is necessary for fast consumption of fat deposits in your body, you should increase the intake of potassium. 
  • Have food rich in potassium on a regular basis. Some examples of potassium rich foods are bananas, milk, oranges.




Hummus




  • Hummus is high in healthy fat and supplies protein as well. Many dieters are fatphobes, but "a little fat can help you feel satisfied, so you end up eating less overall






TIPS:



  • However, make sure that you snack on plain roasted almonds instead of salted or honey roasted variety as they contain excess salt
  • Citrus fruits when consumed more may lead to bloating
  • Peanut butter contain a high amount of fat beware of it
  • Avoid deep  frying fish or any vegetables in butter or oil which will converse the results
  • Cheese contains a lots of fiber which may lead to irritating bowels
  • Don't consume green tea with an empty stomach it may lead to bloating