Month: July 2013

Superfood: Walnuts

Walnuts

About Walnuts

Walnuts are the fruit of the Juglans regia tree. The term “juglans regia” is derived from the Latin word ‘Jovis Glans’, which means ‘nuts for the Gods’. In many parts of the world, walnuts were considered to be the food of the Gods, and so, the term regia or regal is used for defining these nuts.

History of Walnuts

Walnuts were first cultivated in Persia. These nuts were initially cultivated in Asia and southeastern Europe. History suggests that Greeks used walnut oil in fourth century BC to create beautiful paintings. A group of Franciscan priests brought walnuts to America in 1770.

There are different views as to how these nuts loaded with Omega 3 fatty acids got their name. Some believe that the name “walnut” is derived from the German word “wallnuss orvelsche nuss”, while other believe that the name has been derived from the Anglo Saxon word “wealh” meaning alien and “huntu”, which means nuts.

Health Benefits of Walnuts

  •     Walnuts are rich sources of Vitamin B and E, calcium, manganese, potassium, and protein. This super food is considered to be food for the brain and improves brain function significantly.
  •     These nuts contain alpha linoleic Omega 3 fatty acids, which curb food cravings and aid weight loss.
  •     FDA recommends eating a handful of walnuts everyday to lower LDL levels and to improve overall lipid profile.
  •     Walnuts are effective in preventing depression and anxiety and regulating blood sugar levels in people suffering from diabetes.
  •     Walnuts are very powerful antioxidants and possess anti-inflammatory properties.

Top 6 Types of Vegetarians

Vegetables1. Pescatarian (also spelled pescetarian)

The word “pescatarian” is occasionally used to describe those who abstain from eating all meat and animal flesh with the exception of fish. Although the word is not commonly used, more and more people are adopting this kind of diet, usually for health reasons or as a stepping stone to a fully vegetarian diet.

2. Flexitarian/Semi-vegetarian

You don’t have to be vegetarian to love vegetarian food! “Flexitarian” is a term recently coined to describe those who eat a mostly vegetarian diet, but occasionally eat meat.

3. Vegetarian (Lacto-ovo- vegetarian)

When most people think of vegetarians, they think of lacto-ovo-vegetarians. People who do not eat beef, pork, poultry, fish, shellfish or animal flesh of any kind, but do eat eggs and dairy products are lacto-ovo vegetarians (“lacto” comes from the Latin for milk, and “ovo” for egg).

Lacto-vegetarian is used to describe a vegetarian who does not eat eggs, but does eat dairy products.

Ovo-vegetarian refers to people who do not eat meat or dairy products but do eat eggs.

4. Vegan

Vegans do not eat meat of any kind and also do not eat eggs, dairy products, or processed foods containing these or other animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin. Many vegans also refrain from eating foods that are made using animal products that may not contain animal products in the finished process, such as sugar and some wines. There is some debate as to whether certain foods, such as honey, fit into a vegan diet.

5. Raw vegan/Raw food diet

A raw vegan diet consists of unprocessed vegan foods that have not been heated above 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius). “Raw foodists” believe that foods cooked above this temperature have lost a significant amount of their nutritional value and are harmful to the body.

6. Macrobiotic

The macrobiotic diet, revered by some for its healthy and healing qualities, includes unprocessed vegan foods, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and allows the occasional consumption of fish. Sugar and refined oils are avoided. Perhaps the most unique qualifier of the macrobiotic diet is its emphasis on the consumption of Asian vegetables, such as daikon, and sea vegetables, such as seaweed.

various-fruits-and-vegetables-arranged-by-color

Many people think that its hard to be a vegetarian or vegan, but  there are so many foods to choose from.

Superfood: Kale

KaleKale is being called “the new beef”, “the queen of greens” and “a nutritional powerhouse.” Here are ten great benefits of adding more kale to your diet:

1. Kale is low in calorie, high in fiber and has zero fat. 

2. Kale is high in iron.

3. Kale is high in Vitamin K.

4. Kale is filled with powerful antioxidants.

5. Kale is a great anti-inflammatory food.

6. Kale is great for cardiovascular support.

7. Kale is high in Vitamin A.

 8. Kale is high in Vitamin C.

9. Kale is high in calcium.

10. Kale is a great detox food.

Superfood: Green Tea

About Green Tea

Green tea is the secret ingredient behind the svelte frame, smooth skin, and shiny hair of Chinese natives.  It is prepared by brewing the slightly oxidized leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. Green tea is one of the best antioxidants on earth and contains high levels of Epigallocatechin 3 Gallate, which is responsible for the numerous health benefits the users of green tea experience.

History of Green Tea

Chinese emperor Shen Nung holds the credit for the discovery of green tea. In 2737 BC, the emperor was boiling a pot of hot water when some tea leaves fell into the kettle and gave the water a distinct flavor. The emperor felt better after drinking this liquid and after experiencing its medical benefits, made this beverage famous across China.  Buddha himself is thought to have brought green tea from China to Japan and then to India. Today, people in the west are fast replacing their favorite cup of black brew with healthy green tea.

Health Benefits of Green Tea

  • Drinking green tea regularly detoxifies the body, regulates the metabolic processes, and assists faster weight loss.
  • Green tea contains fluorides, and a regular cup of tea prevents degeneration of teeth, enamel deposits, and improves overall oral hygiene.
  • Catchins present in this beverage not only stop the growth of cancer cells, but also kills them.
  • Green tea helps in increasing HDL cholesterol levels, assists in the free flow of blood, prevents the thickening of arteries, and improves heart health.

Gelatin

 

Gelatin is a yellowish, odorless, and nearly tasteless substance that is made by prolonged boiling of skin, cartilage, and bones from animals. It’s made primarily from the stuff meat industries have left over — we’re talking about pork skins, horns, and cattle bones.294px-Materials_Used_in_Gelatin_Production.svg

Superfood: Quinoa

About Quinoa

Quinoa is an edible seed and resembles a grain even though it is not categorized as such. The leaves of the plant are used for preparing many vegetarian side dishes. Like rice, you need to boil quinoa to cook it. To increase the nutritional value of quinoa, you can even eat it in the form of sprouts.

History of Quinoa                                                                                       

Even though quinoa made its debut in the US just recently, this seed has been cultivated and consumed in the Andean mountain areas of Bolivia, Peru, and Chile for the past 5000 years. Quinoa is a staple food in the diet of Native Indians, who refer to this food as the “mother seed”. After being impressed with the goodness of this food grain, two Americans began cultivating this crop in Colorado during the 1980s. Today, many Americans are taking advantage of this nutritious food.

 

Health Benefits of Quinoa

  • Quinoa contains 12-15% more proteins than either rice or wheat and is packed with all the 8 essential amino acids.
  • Quinoa is gluten free. Therefore, it is an ideal carbohydrate for individuals suffering from Celiac disease.
  • Quinoa contains high levels of proteins, Vitamin E, B1, iron, and phosphorus.
  • Quinoa has a low glycemic index, making it ideal for weight watchers and diabetics.
  • Quinoa is also a good source of calcium, folate, zinc, and other essential minerals needed for good skin, hair, and a healthy heart.

Superfood: Honey

Honeycomb sliceAbout Honey

Honey is a natural and organic sugar alternative that has a long shelf life. Honey was one of the most precious commodities during ancient times. This natural sweetener was once used as a currency.  German property owners often paid their peasants in the form of beeswax and honey. The word honey is derived from the Old English term “hunig”, which means sweet.

History of Honey

The origin of honey can be traced back to 2100 BC, where it has finds numerous mentions in the sacred texts of Egypt, India, Babylon, and Sumeria. According to a Greek legend, Cupid used to strike unsuspecting lovers with arrows dipped in honey. Mead, an alcoholic drink used in various religious rituals and known as the “nectar of the Lords”, contains honey. In ancient times, honey was used for making not just beverages and food, but also for medicinal purposes and to create furniture varnishes, polishes, and even cement.

Health Benefits of Honey

  • Honey is an energy booster. A teaspoon of honey with lemon water on an empty stomach kicks up the metabolic rate and boosts weight loss. Replacing sugar in drinks with honey makes a person feel vibrant throughout the day.
  • Honey possesses anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties that can improve your digestive processes and boost immunity.
  • Honey is useful for treating hangovers and sore throats.
  • A glass of warm milk with honey at night helps fight insomnia.
  • When taken with apple cider vinegar, honey helps fight migraines, stomach disorders, and constipation.
  • Honey applied to the skin yields a supple, softer, and glowing complexion.