Anti Oxidants perform a vital function of our body. Although these anti oxidants are present in your body cells, you may still need them from the artificial resources. Additional antioxidants could be either complimented with your regular diet or may become a part of your diet. A good number of natural products possess anti oxidants that could be consumed in plenty for better health.
For example, caretonoid is an anti oxidant that is found in carrot, apricot and all major citrus fruits including oranges. Beta-carotene is one popular natural antioxidant and is present in various natural food products.
There are two or three major vitamin groups such as vitamin A, C and E that contain anti oxidants in plenty. They are also found abundantly in various natural products such as green vegetables and fruits. Cocoa power also offers you anti oxidant and unprocessed chocolate too possess great anti oxidant property. These could be consumed to keep you free of dangerous radicals of cells.
Even whole grains could offer you certain antioxidants. Various types of bean could be incorporated in your regular diet to receive anti oxidants naturally. Nuts too possess certain anti oxidants.
Green tea is another natural product that is known for its anti oxidant properties.
These natural anti oxidants must not be taken in unregulated amount. Instead of taking additional natural supplements for antioxidants you should be contended with anti oxidants that you consume along with your natural diet.
Papaya and strawberries also happen to be rich in antioxidants. These fruits could be taken on a regular basis. Vegetables like cabbage and cauliflower too possess anti oxidant properties. In fact all these products are rich in vitamin C that is a major antioxidant.
Certain food products including vegetables and fruits possess flavonoids that is another popular natural anti oxidant. Polyphenol anti oxidant is present in green tea. Anti oxidants present in tomatoes are called lycopene.
All natural products containing Vitamin A and E should be used when you need antioxidants in plenty as these two vitamins are effective antioxidants. You can consume these products even while being ignorant of their anti oxidant properties.
by Ashish Jain
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Nuts and Seeds - Nature's Powerhouses
Considered some of nature's "booster foods", nuts and seeds come power packed with essential fats, proteins and minerals to help keep the body warm and supple throughout the cold, dry winter months. Just like a squirrel gathering his loot before the snows hit, bringing nuts and seeds back into our diets now helps prepare our bodies for the season ahead.
Nuts and seeds of all kinds have within them the power and energy to turn them into living plants. That's a lot of energy inside such a small area. Because they have such a concentrated amount of nutrients in such a tiny space, only a small amount needs to be consumed for a large amount of nutrition. An appropriate serving is the size of the inside circle of your palm, about two tablespoons.
To bring them to their full potential, soaking raw nuts and seeds in water several hours before eating will activate the enzymes within them and bring their nutritional capabilities to life. Without the proper environmental conditions, such as water, the enzymes naturally lay dormant within the seeds, waiting for the most efficient time to trigger the seeds to come forth and sprout into full living plants. When these enzymes are activated by water, the seeds are literally bursting with energy and life force, and are much easier to digest. (For soaking procedures, see below.)
Unfortunately, many of the nuts and seeds we find on the shelf are not living up to their full nutritional capacity. The good essential fats and enzymes within them need to be kept at cooler temperatures to stay alive without becoming dull or damaged. Most commercial nuts and seeds (even raw ones at the natural foods markets) have been stored and transported in temperatures above ideal, or have spent too long in transit time from the farm to the consumer's table. Truly raw nuts, seeds and nut butters should always be kept in the refrigerator to ensure that the fats, vitamins and enzymes are functioning at full value.
This doesn't mean that we have to turn our noses away from the nuts and seeds we find at the store, or even from nuts that have been toasted or cooked. Many nutrients cannot be heated out of foods - protein, minerals vitamin E and fiber, for example, stay in tact when cooked and are found in ample quantities inside nuts and seeds of all kinds. Just be mindful to get them into the refrigerator as soon as possible and try to incorporate a larger ratio of raw versus toasted nuts into your seasonal diet.
The popularity of raw foods has brought many natural foods markets to add raw, vacuum-packed nuts and seeds to their inventories. Vacuum packing ensures that they are not exposed to air, which can eventually damage some of the vital nutrients within them. These specially packaged nuts are generally more expensive, as the companies who produce them have taken the extra care to keep these raw nuts really raw. Special equipment and cooler packaging procedures ensure that the nuts are still alive by the time they reach your table. They can be found on the shelf at some natural foods markets and can also be ordered directly online. Raw Guru has a handful of raw vacuum-packed nuts and seeds, as well as many other raw products: rawguru.com/store
Nuts and seeds are the perfect food for the holidays. They contain the good, essential fats that actually help lower cholesterol �nd triglyceride levels, and have high-quality proteins, minerals and fiber. They have a high concentration of B vitamins to stabilize the nervous system during the stressful holiday season and vitamin E to keep immunity at its peak. Along with a variety of animal and vegetable proteins, whole grains and root vegetables, nuts and seeds of all kinds provide us with the steady grounded energy needed to keep us strong and thriving through the long cold months of winter.
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Soaking Nuts and Seeds
It usually takes about 8-12 hours of soaking to activate the enzymes to aid digestibility. The easiest way to soak them is to put the nuts in a bowl and cover them completely with room-temperature water at the end of the evening. In the morning when you get up, rinse them off and pat them dry and they're ready. They can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. If you have a dehydrator, the activated nuts can be dehydrated to give them a crunchier texture without the high heat. Dehydrated soaked nuts can be stored in an airtight container on the shelf for several days to several weeks, depending upon their moisture content.
Nuts and seeds of all kinds have within them the power and energy to turn them into living plants. That's a lot of energy inside such a small area. Because they have such a concentrated amount of nutrients in such a tiny space, only a small amount needs to be consumed for a large amount of nutrition. An appropriate serving is the size of the inside circle of your palm, about two tablespoons.
To bring them to their full potential, soaking raw nuts and seeds in water several hours before eating will activate the enzymes within them and bring their nutritional capabilities to life. Without the proper environmental conditions, such as water, the enzymes naturally lay dormant within the seeds, waiting for the most efficient time to trigger the seeds to come forth and sprout into full living plants. When these enzymes are activated by water, the seeds are literally bursting with energy and life force, and are much easier to digest. (For soaking procedures, see below.)
Unfortunately, many of the nuts and seeds we find on the shelf are not living up to their full nutritional capacity. The good essential fats and enzymes within them need to be kept at cooler temperatures to stay alive without becoming dull or damaged. Most commercial nuts and seeds (even raw ones at the natural foods markets) have been stored and transported in temperatures above ideal, or have spent too long in transit time from the farm to the consumer's table. Truly raw nuts, seeds and nut butters should always be kept in the refrigerator to ensure that the fats, vitamins and enzymes are functioning at full value.
This doesn't mean that we have to turn our noses away from the nuts and seeds we find at the store, or even from nuts that have been toasted or cooked. Many nutrients cannot be heated out of foods - protein, minerals vitamin E and fiber, for example, stay in tact when cooked and are found in ample quantities inside nuts and seeds of all kinds. Just be mindful to get them into the refrigerator as soon as possible and try to incorporate a larger ratio of raw versus toasted nuts into your seasonal diet.
The popularity of raw foods has brought many natural foods markets to add raw, vacuum-packed nuts and seeds to their inventories. Vacuum packing ensures that they are not exposed to air, which can eventually damage some of the vital nutrients within them. These specially packaged nuts are generally more expensive, as the companies who produce them have taken the extra care to keep these raw nuts really raw. Special equipment and cooler packaging procedures ensure that the nuts are still alive by the time they reach your table. They can be found on the shelf at some natural foods markets and can also be ordered directly online. Raw Guru has a handful of raw vacuum-packed nuts and seeds, as well as many other raw products: rawguru.com/store
Nuts and seeds are the perfect food for the holidays. They contain the good, essential fats that actually help lower cholesterol �nd triglyceride levels, and have high-quality proteins, minerals and fiber. They have a high concentration of B vitamins to stabilize the nervous system during the stressful holiday season and vitamin E to keep immunity at its peak. Along with a variety of animal and vegetable proteins, whole grains and root vegetables, nuts and seeds of all kinds provide us with the steady grounded energy needed to keep us strong and thriving through the long cold months of winter.
Sign up for Alison's Natural Cooking eLetter - Culinary inspiration, healthy recipes and more! Once a month FREE!
Soaking Nuts and Seeds
It usually takes about 8-12 hours of soaking to activate the enzymes to aid digestibility. The easiest way to soak them is to put the nuts in a bowl and cover them completely with room-temperature water at the end of the evening. In the morning when you get up, rinse them off and pat them dry and they're ready. They can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. If you have a dehydrator, the activated nuts can be dehydrated to give them a crunchier texture without the high heat. Dehydrated soaked nuts can be stored in an airtight container on the shelf for several days to several weeks, depending upon their moisture content.
by Alison Anton
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Why Nutrition Is So Vital For Diabetics!
For a diabetic, nutrition plays a crucial role. It prevents the complications related with diabetes and helps to treat the disease. Your body demands the right amount of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to produce energy for its functions. It's important that you know what and how much to consume, in order to keep your blood sugar levels in control.
Protein
Protein is required for fuel energy. However, most of the people consume more protein than needed. Lean meats, fish, chicken, and lean beef products are the best sources of protein. Remember; the way of cooking them is important too. Avoid the high fat methods of cooking. Switch to grilling or broiling your food. It tastes delicious and is low in fats. If you are suffering from kidney problems, it's vital to keep a check on your protein intake.
Fats
All fats are not bad. Your body does need fat to protect your inner organs. Fat contains concentrated energy. It regulates your body temperature, and helps in healing inflammation and pain. Fats also help in the absorption of fat-soluble Vitamins like A, D, and E.
It is the excess fat that is harmful. Avoid transfats completely and reduce the intake of saturated fats so that it is below seven percent of your total intake of calories everyday. Start reading the food labels. There are many foods that contain zero transfats. Include fish products such as salmon or sardines in your diet. Also, start using vegetable oils to get sufficient essential fats for your body.
Carbohydrates
This is another important component of our diet. Like fats, carbohydrates are also good and bad types. The steadiness of your blood sugar levels depend on the type of carbohydrate you are taking. It is easy to count your carbs. Every packet of food that you pick up from the store has carbohydrates in each serving. You should go for complex carbohydrates and avoid the simple ones.
Most of the simple carbohydrates are found in sugar related foods. It includes most of the sweets. Simple carbohydrates are broken down right away to convert them into fuel. However, complex carbohydrates, which are good for your body, take longer to be processed. The most popular sugar substitute used by the diabetics is Splenda. You can utilize it to bake with. As long as you are sure that your blood sugar levels are in control, it is okay to consume a little sugar.
Calorie Counting
If you are keeping a track on your calories as a technique to reduce weight or control your blood sugar levels, then you make sure that you are taking plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables so that your body gets sufficient vitamins and minerals. Include beans, peas, green leafy vegetables, fruit juices, nuts, and other healthy foods in your diet.
One of the best ways to treat diabetes is to eat a healthy diet. So, kick off the junk and processed food, and welcome fresh and nutritious food in your plate!
by Jeremy Parker
Protein
Protein is required for fuel energy. However, most of the people consume more protein than needed. Lean meats, fish, chicken, and lean beef products are the best sources of protein. Remember; the way of cooking them is important too. Avoid the high fat methods of cooking. Switch to grilling or broiling your food. It tastes delicious and is low in fats. If you are suffering from kidney problems, it's vital to keep a check on your protein intake.
Fats
All fats are not bad. Your body does need fat to protect your inner organs. Fat contains concentrated energy. It regulates your body temperature, and helps in healing inflammation and pain. Fats also help in the absorption of fat-soluble Vitamins like A, D, and E.
It is the excess fat that is harmful. Avoid transfats completely and reduce the intake of saturated fats so that it is below seven percent of your total intake of calories everyday. Start reading the food labels. There are many foods that contain zero transfats. Include fish products such as salmon or sardines in your diet. Also, start using vegetable oils to get sufficient essential fats for your body.
Carbohydrates
This is another important component of our diet. Like fats, carbohydrates are also good and bad types. The steadiness of your blood sugar levels depend on the type of carbohydrate you are taking. It is easy to count your carbs. Every packet of food that you pick up from the store has carbohydrates in each serving. You should go for complex carbohydrates and avoid the simple ones.
Most of the simple carbohydrates are found in sugar related foods. It includes most of the sweets. Simple carbohydrates are broken down right away to convert them into fuel. However, complex carbohydrates, which are good for your body, take longer to be processed. The most popular sugar substitute used by the diabetics is Splenda. You can utilize it to bake with. As long as you are sure that your blood sugar levels are in control, it is okay to consume a little sugar.
Calorie Counting
If you are keeping a track on your calories as a technique to reduce weight or control your blood sugar levels, then you make sure that you are taking plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables so that your body gets sufficient vitamins and minerals. Include beans, peas, green leafy vegetables, fruit juices, nuts, and other healthy foods in your diet.
One of the best ways to treat diabetes is to eat a healthy diet. So, kick off the junk and processed food, and welcome fresh and nutritious food in your plate!
by Jeremy Parker
GO ORGANIC TO BE HEALTHY AND HIP!
GO ORGANIC TO BE HEALTHY AND HIP! SIX THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ORGANIC FOOD
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 18, 2006: In the wake of the e-coli scare on the East Coast, many people are feeling the need to make more sound decisions about the kinds of foods they eat - in or out. Wildgreen Café, an Upper East Side health haven that offers vegetarian and organic menus, has compiled some information that may educate consumers in their neighborhood to the facts - and fictions - of organic foods, and help them make healthier choices at restaurants and grocery stores.
"The rising popularity and related expense of organically-grown foods, perceived as the 'Holy Grail' for health nuts, is creating a great deal of speculation about their actual health benefits," said Michael Hur, owner of the Wildgreen Cafe. "Recent media exposure has touted that nutritional labels sometimes clash with the reality of the growth process of these foods." Here are six things you should know about organic food.
1. Most children today grow up with pesticide build-up in their bodies. These chemicals are a serious threat to their physical, emotional and mental development. Pesticides can also contribute to birth defects and multigenerational health problems, such as allergies, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity and cancer. 2. Organic food is the best way of reducing exposure to toxins. Toxins that are used in conventional agricultural practices include pesticides and heavy metals, which can damage nerve function and block hemoglobin production. Organically grown foods have minimal toxins and increased levels of important nutrients.
3. 'Natural' isn't organic! Check the "certified organic" label. 'Natural' is an unregulated term that can be applied by anyone, and is therefore potentially misleading. While the commonly seen food labels, 'all natural', 'free-range' or 'hormone-free' signify that the food has been raised or grown humanely, only the 'USDA Organic' label indicates that a food is certified organic.
4. Hollywood goes organic. Many celebrities eat organic foods and support environmental causes. Usher and Lenny Kravitz can often be seen ordering organic drinks in Hollywood. Kelly Preston and John Travolta are big fans of organic foods, and also dedicate their time to promoting environmental causes.
5. Organic food tastes great. Well-balanced soils grow strong healthy plants that taste great. Organic oranges and vine-ripened tomatoes make for sweet and flavorful treats.
6. You can get gourmet organic food in your very own neighborhood. You may think that organic food requires special cooking methods, or may be hard to come by when dining out. You can get gourmet organic food just around corner at the Wildgreen Café on 88th Street and 3rd Avenue. The Wildgreen Café features an organic hot and cold bar, coffee/tea, snacks, cereals and Vegetarian/Vegan Specialties.
About the Wildgreen Café The Wildgreen Cafe has been serving healthy, vegetarian cuisine to the Upper East Side for 8 years. It's knowledgeable, friendly staff keeps its many regular customers visiting the restaurant, calling in organic and vegetarian food to go, and even catering their special events year after year. The Cafe is open 7 days a week all year round, from 6am-11pm weekdays an� 7am-10pm on weekends.
by Blanche McGurr
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 18, 2006: In the wake of the e-coli scare on the East Coast, many people are feeling the need to make more sound decisions about the kinds of foods they eat - in or out. Wildgreen Café, an Upper East Side health haven that offers vegetarian and organic menus, has compiled some information that may educate consumers in their neighborhood to the facts - and fictions - of organic foods, and help them make healthier choices at restaurants and grocery stores.
"The rising popularity and related expense of organically-grown foods, perceived as the 'Holy Grail' for health nuts, is creating a great deal of speculation about their actual health benefits," said Michael Hur, owner of the Wildgreen Cafe. "Recent media exposure has touted that nutritional labels sometimes clash with the reality of the growth process of these foods." Here are six things you should know about organic food.
1. Most children today grow up with pesticide build-up in their bodies. These chemicals are a serious threat to their physical, emotional and mental development. Pesticides can also contribute to birth defects and multigenerational health problems, such as allergies, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity and cancer. 2. Organic food is the best way of reducing exposure to toxins. Toxins that are used in conventional agricultural practices include pesticides and heavy metals, which can damage nerve function and block hemoglobin production. Organically grown foods have minimal toxins and increased levels of important nutrients.
3. 'Natural' isn't organic! Check the "certified organic" label. 'Natural' is an unregulated term that can be applied by anyone, and is therefore potentially misleading. While the commonly seen food labels, 'all natural', 'free-range' or 'hormone-free' signify that the food has been raised or grown humanely, only the 'USDA Organic' label indicates that a food is certified organic.
4. Hollywood goes organic. Many celebrities eat organic foods and support environmental causes. Usher and Lenny Kravitz can often be seen ordering organic drinks in Hollywood. Kelly Preston and John Travolta are big fans of organic foods, and also dedicate their time to promoting environmental causes.
5. Organic food tastes great. Well-balanced soils grow strong healthy plants that taste great. Organic oranges and vine-ripened tomatoes make for sweet and flavorful treats.
6. You can get gourmet organic food in your very own neighborhood. You may think that organic food requires special cooking methods, or may be hard to come by when dining out. You can get gourmet organic food just around corner at the Wildgreen Café on 88th Street and 3rd Avenue. The Wildgreen Café features an organic hot and cold bar, coffee/tea, snacks, cereals and Vegetarian/Vegan Specialties.
About the Wildgreen Café The Wildgreen Cafe has been serving healthy, vegetarian cuisine to the Upper East Side for 8 years. It's knowledgeable, friendly staff keeps its many regular customers visiting the restaurant, calling in organic and vegetarian food to go, and even catering their special events year after year. The Cafe is open 7 days a week all year round, from 6am-11pm weekdays an� 7am-10pm on weekends.
by Blanche McGurr
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Cooking Trend
by Kamal Bhakuni
The trend of cooking and food has changed lot in recent past. In late past people liked the food for taste but these days people are health consious they want to eat that is healthy.There fore the cooking trend also changed in same way.
We all like Chicken , each has a different way of cooking it.
In this whole world foods and recipies are made differently in every kitchen. The taste of recipes from different cooks and chef. Taste used to be primary thing for recipies in past but these days peoples are health conscious , they n�ed hygienic and healthy food in their meal. Most of people like to take their breakfast, lunch and dinner according to diet chart to maintain calories and fats in control.
Cooking is an art and somebody said, "All are not cooks who carry long knives." For making good recipes you don't need only vegetable, oil, salt, meat or other cooking stuffs only but also you need talent and good knowledge of recepies world.
Other wise you can get comment like "Yo mamma is such a bad cook that even the cockroaches throw up!"
Cooking is at once child's play and adult joy. And cooking done with care is an act of love.
home made recipes are more prefered than restaurent recipes.
About 85% of women are responsible for cooking the family dinner, and 84% wish they didn't have to.
Just a joke.
Eat Healthy Think Better.
About the Author
Kamal Bhakuni from India (recipes diet recipies)
The trend of cooking and food has changed lot in recent past. In late past people liked the food for taste but these days people are health consious they want to eat that is healthy.There fore the cooking trend also changed in same way.
We all like Chicken , each has a different way of cooking it.
In this whole world foods and recipies are made differently in every kitchen. The taste of recipes from different cooks and chef. Taste used to be primary thing for recipies in past but these days peoples are health conscious , they n�ed hygienic and healthy food in their meal. Most of people like to take their breakfast, lunch and dinner according to diet chart to maintain calories and fats in control.
Cooking is an art and somebody said, "All are not cooks who carry long knives." For making good recipes you don't need only vegetable, oil, salt, meat or other cooking stuffs only but also you need talent and good knowledge of recepies world.
Other wise you can get comment like "Yo mamma is such a bad cook that even the cockroaches throw up!"
Cooking is at once child's play and adult joy. And cooking done with care is an act of love.
home made recipes are more prefered than restaurent recipes.
About 85% of women are responsible for cooking the family dinner, and 84% wish they didn't have to.
Just a joke.
Eat Healthy Think Better.
About the Author
Kamal Bhakuni from India (recipes diet recipies)
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