Friday, 30 January 2015

Foods You Should Eat Every Day

Eating healthy is an important part of life. Many of us strive to eat as healthy as possible every day, but are you really consuming the best nutrients for your body? There are countless “superfoods” on the market. These foods boast so many health benefits that they’re referred to as superfoods because of their many super powers.

With the help of several nutrition experts and the right kinds of foods, you can stave off heart disease, stay slim and boost your immune system. So what follows is a list of the healthiest foods you should be eating now.

Broccoli

Consider broccoli your number one cancer fighter, thants to its sulfur compounds, such as sulforaphane, which you can smell as broccoli cooks. These compounds signal our genes to boost production of enzymes that detoxify potentially cancer-causing compounds. Eat more broccoli and you could slash your risk of everything from breast and lung cancer to stomach and colon cancer.

Berries

All berries are great sources of fiber—a nutrient that most Americans don’t get enough of and one that is important for a healthy digestive system. Fiber may help to promote weight loss. Raspberries boast the most at 8 grams per cup—and also contain ellagic acid, a compound with anti-cancer properties. The same amount of blueberries has half the fiber (4 grams), but is packed with anthocyanins, antioxidants that may help keep memory sharp as you age. A cup of strawberries contains 3 grams of fiber, but more than a full day’s recommended dose of skin-firming vitamin C.

Oats

Oats’ cholesterol- and blood pressure-lowering powers come from beta-glucan, a type of soluble fibre. One cup (250 mL) a day of cooked oat bran, 1 ½ cups (375 mL) of cooked oatmeal or thee packets of instant oatmeal provide enough beta-glucan to lower blood cholesterol by about five percent and heart attack risk by about 10 percent.

Beans

Beans are a good plant-based source of iron (up to 13 mg per 3/4 cup), a mineral that transports oxygen from your lungs to the cells in your body. Because your body can’t absorb the form of iron in plant-based foods as well as it can the form found in beef and poultry, pair beans with a vitamin C-rich food, such as sweet potatoes or lemon juice, to boost your iron absorption.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a great source of bone-building calcium, but its real strength lies in live beneficial bacteria, know as probiotics, that keep down the growth of harmful bacteria in your gut. Eating more yogurt could help with inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, urinary tract infections and vaginal yeast infections.

Monday, 12 January 2015

The Health Benefits of Buttermilk

Buttermilk is fermented milk, usually made by adding lactic acid bacteria to regular milk. The good bacteria in the buttermilk boost the digestion, providing low calorie nutrition to the body. Buttermilk is sought after by health conscious individuals as it contains less fat than milk; the fat has been taken off to prepare butter, though it is rich in lactic acid.

In a pinch, you can use a small amount of vinegar or lemon juice mixed with milk and left sitting for about 10 minutes to thicken in place of buttermilk. Using buttermilk along with baking soda in recipes provides an effective leavening agent without having to add yeast, giving you light and fluffy baked goods. Buttermilk may also provide some health benefits.

Aids in digestion

Ginger, pepper and jeera all make excellent digestive agents. Known for their carmative properties individually together in a tall glass of chaas, they make the best natural digestive out there. So, If you feel a bout of indigestion coming on try sipping on some chaas for instant relief.

Weight Maintenance

Many people are learning the weight loss benefits of buttermilk as compared to regular whole milk. It is also a great snack to ward off hunger between meals or as a meal replacement altogether. People who drink buttermilk regularly tend to get full quicker and weigh less.

A great tool against dehydration

It has salt, water, curd, and spices – all mixed into it make a delicious drink. Packed with electrolytes and lots of water, chaas is the best thing you can give your body to fight dehydration. With the summer sun beating down on us, invest in a glass of chaas every now and then for some much needed relief from the punish weather.

Healthy Skin

Another benefit to drinking buttermilk is the benefits to the skin. Regularly drinking buttermilk keeps the digestive system healthy, which show up in clearer, healthier skin. Some people even use buttermilk baths to improve skin health and appearance. It moisturizes the skin, adding a natural glow and elasticity; not to mention that a buttermilk bath is extremely relaxing and soothing.

Reduces blood pressure

Buttermilk is rich in unique bioactive protein that has cholesterol-lowering, antiviral, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. In this study, scientists found that drinking buttermilk significantly lowered blood pressure, if had on a daily basis.

Thursday, 1 May 2014

The Healing Benefits of Rose Oil

Rose essential oil is a type of essential oil commonly used in aromatherapy. Sourced in the Rosa damascena plant, it contains the flower's aromatic compounds. Because those compounds are believed to possess healing properties, rose essential oil is used for several health-related purposes.

Rose oil is used to improve your body's circulation and boost the immune system. In aromatherapy, it's used as a natural sedative and to help reduce depression. It's also used in massage therapy, as it can certainly help soothe muscles and smooth skin, while it's sweet scent helps with relaxation. If rose oil interests you because of aromatherapy or as a treatment, there are several ways you can make good use from it.

Benefits against depression

The sweet aroma of rose essential oil is great for elevating moods and relieving the sensation of depression. People who use the oil, experience a boost in self confidence and self esteem, feel more hopeful and therefore are more cheerful. The oil is another good anxiety reliever. It generates positive thoughts and infuses joy. For people who're undergoing rehabilitation treatments for depression and anxiety, rose essential oil lends highly positive effects.

Benefits for that immune system


The immune system of the body is largely benefited because of the antiviral properties of rose essential oil. As mentioned above, cells become more resistant against bacteria. Also, white blood cells are stimulated. The oil is extremely effective in influenza virus as well.

Benefits for that skin

Rose essential oil has the astringent properties that help in curbing secretion of excessive sebum in the oil producing sebaceous glands in the skin. As a result, people with oily skin experience relief from having a greasy face. Diluted oil can be dabbed right into a piece of cotton and rubbed around the face.

Benefits against stress

The smell of rose essential oil is a stress reliever. Few drops of the oil in bath water can lend immediate invigorating and soothing effects following a stressful day. Rose essential oil also relieves headaches.

Benefits against pains and aches

Taking cold compress with a cloth drizzled with water containing few drops of rose essential oils is extremely beneficial for obtaining relief from pains and aches. Cramps are also relieved with this treatment.

Benefits against viral and bacterial attacks

Rose essential oils have strong anti-viral properties that will help in fighting viral infections. Since essential oils are often absorbed by the body, the effects are immediate. Research has also discovered that when essential oil is absorbed through the cells in the body, they acquire a special resistance against penetration of virus. There's some kind of a shield that prevents infection of the cells through the virus. Rose essential oil is also a very effective bactericide. It protects the body against bacterial attacks as well.

Aphrodisiacal benefits

The benefits of rose essential oil being an aphrodisiac are age old knowledge. The oil stimulates senses and hormones accountable for sexual feelings, which in turn results within an increased sex drive.

Wednesday, 9 April 2014

Healthy Foods to Reduce Belly Fat

Knowing how you can read food labels is especially important if you have health conditions, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, and want to follow a special diet. It also makes it easier to check similar foods to see which is a healthier choice. The greater practice you get reading food labels, the better you are able to become in using them as a tool to plan your healthy balanced diet.

While good food isn't only way to rid weight through the midsection, it's incredibly effective at obtaining the wheels moving in the right direction. Here are a few foods that may really help you not just get rid of a little unwanted fat, but make your body healthier, too!

Almonds

This tiny food isn't just rich in skin-boosting vitamin E and protein, but their richness in fibre content helps you to definitely stay full for a longer duration. While they are slightly high in calories however that will not contribute to belly fat, so keep swapping a number of almonds as snacks to curb your hunger.

Oats

The best way to start your journey to sexy stomach is as simple as having oats for your breakfast. Oats are filling and therefore help you to lose weight. Besides, it is also lower in calorie and provides energy to your body slowly. It is a very good source to supply energy to your body all throughout the day, which will keep you feeling fuller for extended and can even lower your cholesterol.

Celery

Rich in potassium and sodium, celery contains the minerals most important for regulating fluid balance. Celery keeps us hydrated although it stimulates urine production, which helps rid the body of excess fluid. Chew on a few stalks of fresh celery in the first sign of intestinal issues.

Beans

Consuming means on a regular basis helps to get rid of the body fat, develop body muscles and improves digestion. Beans also assistance to feel full for a longer duration, thus avoiding over indulgence. Add beans to your diet, if you would like your middle to be sexy and firm.

Cucumber

Cucumber is definitely a refreshing and low-calorie food. They contain approximately 96 percent water content, that makes it a cooling food. One full cucumber contains just 45 calories, which makes it sexy stomach food.

Parsley

The popular herb that adorns plates in restaurants around the globe, is a diuretic and has one important detoxifying compound called apoil. This will make it a fantastic tool for cleaning the kidneys and is often used in the treatment of kidney stones. Parsley also helps to purify your blood. Use parsley, and fresh herbs generously in almost any dish you cook.

Green leafy vegetable

Wish to get a flat tummy instantly? Then fill for plate with green leafy vegetables. All types of green leafy vegetables are incredibly low in calories, full of fibre and provide several vital vitamins and minerals that help to help ease water retention without causing the bloating and tummy discomfort.

Watermelon

The name says everything - this giant fruit contains 82 percent water, which helps to keep you full for a longer duration as well as removes excess sodium present in the body. This super sweet fruit, can also be rich in vitamin C and contains barely 100 calories in a single cup. So start eating this delicious fruit as a snack, in order to have a body like your favourite celeb.

Avocado

This really is a truly magic fruit, due to their richness in a variety of vital nutrients. Avocado is rich in fibre, which helps to keep hunger away and the presence of monounsaturated fatty acids helps to burn belly fat easily.

Thursday, 3 April 2014

Nutritious Foods for Weight Loss

If you're looking for a way to jumpstart your weight loss program, create a diet full of nutritious foods that help you lose weight. These foods can curb your appetite and accelerate your metabolism, and bring you one step nearer to your weight loss goals.

Legumes

Legumes, including chickpeas, kidney beans and black beans are low-GI foods that really help regulate blood sugar and appetite. Black beans are particularly rich in fibre and nutrients, plus they're almost fat-free. Legumes can help weight loss as they fill you up on fewer kilojoules and points values than many meat causes of protein.

Oats

Not only packed with fibre, oats are filled with protein, good fats and vitamins and minerals. They've been known to help relieve the harmful effects of "bad" cholesterol and reduce blood pressure. Buy natural rolled oats (leave the sugar-loaded sachets in stock) and cook them within the microwave with skim milk, topped with banana and a drizzle of honey for a super nutritious weight loss breakfast.

Cucumbers

Although cucumbers just offer modest nutritional benefits (a bit of vitamin C, A, and some fibre), this delicately flavoured member of the gourd family goes a long distance in bulking up a salad, and causing you to feel nice and full for few calories. Or if you are in the mood for a crunchy snack, slice them track of the skin on, instead of grabbing potato chips or crackers.

Oranges

Including know for their vitamin C, oranges also contain many phytochemicals considered to lower the risk of breast cancer, heart disease, and inflammatory conditions in women. Oranges also contain potassium, good for water balance between cells and assisting with high blood pressure.

Raw nuts

Each nut contains its very own unique profile of phytochemicals, types of fatty acids, and levels of fibre. Most nuts contain monounsaturated fat, which might help lower "bad" cholesterol. Remember to watch your portions as it is easy to eat too many.

Spinach

Popeye wasn't right concerning the iron content of spinach, as the type of iron in spinach is not as absorbable as animal sources. However, he was getting a great daily dose of B vitamin folate. Spinach is one of nature's best causes of folate, which helps prevent birth defects and could lower the risk of heart disease, dementia and even colon cancer.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are very well known for their high amounts of lycopene, which is considered a potential agent for protection against some types of cancer. But this tasty fruit also packs other anti-oxidants, too, including betacarotene, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Tomatoes are really one of nature's superfoods!

Yoghurt

Our digestive system needs a healthy amount of "good" bacteria within the digestive tract. One way we can assist good bacteria is as simple as boosting probiotic intake. Look for low-fat yoghurt with active cultures such as acidophilus, but keep an eye around the sugar content. Yoghurt is also rich in protein, which makes it a filling snack.

Thursday, 30 January 2014

The Best Foods to Eat for Energy

Healthy Foods
Healthy Foods
If you have to drag yourself with the day, it’s easy to think popping a supplement or chugging an energy drink might help recharge your battery. Not so fast. All-day energy doesn’t originate from a pill or a concoction inside a can. It comes from real food, that is packed with nature’s secret stash of natural revitalizers such as complex carbs, protein, and fiber. All foods and most drinks contain calories which we are able to use as an energy source. The nutrients that provide us with energy are carbohydrates, fats, protein and alcohol.

Many of these food choices are healthy and will provide energy because according to the study they contain an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, while being low in calories. Try these energy boosters on the run, inside a recipe, for a snack, or in a meal.

Red Beans

Small and dark red beans are low in fat, high in protein and fiber that will leave you feeling full and energized. A good source of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and thiamin red beans also contain phytonutrients.

Bananas

Since they're composed mostly of sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose) and fiber, bananas really are a foolproof energy food. Top them with peanut or almond butter for any well-rounded snack, or slice one into your morning cereal for an extra boost that will keep you going until lunchtime.

Salmon

Salmon is low in saturated fats and cholesterol and is a good source of protein. Most importantly though salmon is definitely an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are a type of fat which makes your blood less likely to form clots and could also protect against irregular heartbeats, decrease triglyceride levels, decrease the growth of artery-clogging plaques, lower blood pressure and prevent stroke.

Beans

Lean protein, iron, B-vitamins and amino acids make beans a clear go-to for energy, but another big benefit originates from their fiber content. Fiber slows digestion, giving your body a longer-term source of energy.

Brown Rice

Rich in manganese, the mineral that helps produce energy from protein and carbs, it can help you maintain high energy all day. A versatile ingredient, brown rice can be served like a side dish with your favorite lean proteins (together with nutrient-packed veggies!) for a powerhouse your meal.

Sweet Potato

With only 54 calories in one small sweet potato, this delicious food is fat-free and low in calories. Additionally, the deep orange-yellow color of sweet potatoes means that they're high in the antioxidant beta carotene. Energy food sources of beta carotene, that are converted to vitamin A in your body, might help slow the aging process and prevent some cancers. Sweet potatoes are also good sources of fiber, vitamins B-6, C and E, folate and potassium.

Yogurt

Having a rainbow of flavors to choose from, yogurt is really a healthy breakfast or snack option when you’re on a tight schedule. Rich in magnesium, which is crucial for that release of energy, yogurt also adds a dose of calcium to your diet. Enjoy it post-workout to help replenish your glycogen sources.

Almonds

Almonds, like many nuts, are one of the best plant sources of protein. Protein will help regulate your blood sugar and keep your energy level stable through the day. Almonds are also good for your heart simply because they contain monounsaturated fat which may help lower blood cholesterol levels. Along with protein, almonds contain fiber, riboflavin, magnesium, iron and calcium.

Apples

Fiber will help satisfy your appetite and provide you with a quick energy supply by making you are feeling full. Apples contain pectin, a soluble fiber that may lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Antioxidants, like vitamin C, will help protect your body's cells from damage and fresh apples are an excellent source of vitamin C. Vitamin C also helps make up the connective tissue collagen, keeps your capillaries and blood vessels healthy, and helps with the absorption of iron.

Carrots

Carrots are high in fiber, so that they are a great crunchy way to take the edge off hunger, while providing some good nutrition. They contain high amounts of Vitamin A, in the form of Beta-Carotene, which is good for that eye sight. Since they are a veggie which mixes well with most other foods, they are great to snack on through the day.

Blueberries

Blueberries have been shown to improve short-term memory and promote healthy aging. Blueberries will also be a low-calorie source of fiber and vitamin C. Just 1 cup of fresh blueberries has 84 calories, 3.6 grams of fiber and 14 mg of vitamin C.
Foods that Give You Energy
Foods that Give You Energy

Broccoli

Broccoli is another great source of the antioxidants vitamins A and C to safeguard your cells from damage. It's also a good source of calcium, potassium, folate and fiber. Many of these will leave you with energy and a powerful immune system.

Lemon Water

It may sounds simple, but sipping water with lemon (cold or hot) may provide energy. One of the biggest forms of fatigue is dehydration, so be sure to sip up! Lemon gives an additional boost of vitamins and enzymes. Be sure to start your day having a cup of hot water with lemon.

Thursday, 9 January 2014

Nutrition Benefits of Baked Beans

Baked beans have been a family favorite for a large number of years. They come in many flavors and match barbecued foods such as hot dogs or burgers. Created using wholesome beans and a thick sauce, they offer a hearty side dish. Although people eat all of them over the United States, the nutrition they provide is something no one talks about. Here's a breakdown on a barbecue's favorite friend and why they and then any bean packs a nutritious punch.

The nutritional benefits of baked beans and the tomato sauce they're cooked in relate to iron, folate, protein, fibre and lycopene. Here's how baked beans can also add nutrition to your life:

Fiber Benefits

Beans are a great source of fiber. Fiber keeps your intestines working properly by preventing constipation. A good number of people stay away from beans because of the gas they experience. Gas occurs following the bacteria in the bowels digest fiber. It's a byproduct of the digested fiber and relieves itself once you eliminate your bowels. If gas becomes a big problem when eating foods containing fiber, reduce the amount and this usually solves the gas problem.

Folate

All women of child bearing age should consume adequate folate. Folate or folic Acid is linked to many health benefits. Folate deficiency can result in anaemia and the most publicly promoted advantage of folate is that it helps reduce the incidence of neural tube defects in infants if consumed prior to conception but for the first three months of pregnancy. 

Vitamin and Mineral Content

Baked and other types of beans contain folic acid, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and vitamin B6. Folic acid is excellent for pregnant or child-bearing women. Iron helps promote healthy blood cell production. Vitamin B6 helps with metabolic process and potassium regulates fluids within the body. Manganese is important for your bones, a thyroid problem, sexual health and the metabolism of food. Magnesium is necessary for bone for mation and cell function. Additionally, it keeps the heart functioning properly and lowers cholesterol.

Different Varieties

Baked beans are available in a small number of delicious flavors. They've more than the plain variety with a bit of pork in the can. You can now enjoy them in honey, barbecue, and maple brown sugar flavors. This encourages children to eat them as well with the addition of more taste and texture.

Diet

If you are on a high fiber or protein diet, beans are the healthiest way to incorporate these nutrients. They're better for that body and provide more vitamins and minerals than red meats. When you are having a barbecue or just looking for a side dish, remember the baked beans.

High in Protein

The building blocks of muscles begin with protein. This important nutrient is required to promote healthy muscle tissue that not only helps you get strong, but increases energy. If you have more energy, you can exercise longer. Protein also promotes strong hair and nails. Beans are often considered the poor man's meat, however the amount of protein in them provides a insightful health benefits.