28 February 2019

Seasonal fruits and veg for your nutrition this month | February

Eating a wide variety of seasonal fruit and vegetables will promote good health and will give your body the right nutrients it needs at this time of the year.

Fruit and vegetables contain no saturated fats, salt or added sugars and are a good source of fibre. Eating enough fruit and vegetables will also help you to maintain a healthy weight, lower your cholesterol and blood pressure and benefit your dental health. It can also help protect you against chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke and may reduce your risk of some types of cancers.

Here is a list of seasonal fruits and veg for February that you can include in your spring lunch and dinner menu, detox drinks, smoothies or eat just raw.

Seasonal fruits

Kiwi, oranges, lemons, tangerines, clementines, grapefruits, apples, pears, and dried fruits.




Seasonal vegetables

Beetroot, broccoli, artichoke, cardoon, chicory, carrot, cauliflower, white cabbage, Savoy cabbage, Brussels sprouts, sauerkraut, beet tops, fennel, endive, lettuce, leek, red radicchio, turnip, scorzonera, scorzobianca, spinach, Jerusalem artichoke, valerianella, pumpkin, radishes, kale, sweet potato, potato.



25 February 2019

Seeds Are Nutrition Powerhouses

Plants have a perfectly designed approach for ensuring the survival of their species. Every flower or fruit produced by the plant is packed with seeds. Some seeds are microscopic, like the seed of the orchid, so small that it looks like dust. Others are gigantic such as the seed of a palm tree native to the Seychelles that can grow up to twelve inches long and weigh as much as forty pounds.

Despite their size differences, all of these seeds have something in common; they are packed with nutrition. Nature has no idea what type of soil or nutrients will be available externally. To give each seed the best fighting chance when conditions are favorable for germination, the plant packs it with a variety of essential nutrients that can sustain the young sprout until its roots are capable of extracting nutrients from the soil.
A wide variety of these seeds is edible and they add nutrition, flavors and new textures into our regular diets. They can also be great replacements for products that are sources of allergies, as in some nuts, and those that are far less nutritious, as in wheat crackers. Add a few seeds to your diet every day or as a snack and you'll gain valuable vitamins, minerals, proteins and essential fatty acids to your diet. Choose raw natural seeds to get the biggest bang for your buck. Roasting breaks down many essential nutrients and may even produce substances that are toxic to your system. This also applies to seeds that are coated with sugar, no matter how tempting those chocolate-coated sunflower seeds may be.

Many of these seeds can be thrown into a salad to add texture and nutrition, others can be used to make a seed butter, similar to almond butter and they can be eaten as a nutrient-packed snack between meals. You can also find a recipe for a multi-seed cracker that is simple to make and a highly nutritious replacement for wheat crackers. Add seeds to yoghurt smoothies and hot oatmeal breakfasts for a power-packed start to the day. All of these seeds are also excellent sources of fiber, which is often lacking in modern diets. Adding a variety of seeds to your regular diet can boost your brain health and your immune system and help to protect you from diseases including diabetes and heart disease.
A few commonly available seeds are worth noting. First among these is the diminutive chia seed. The chia seed is no longer the brunt of jokes from its Chia Pet fame. This little seed is loaded with protein, antioxidants, iron, calcium, vitamin C and omega-3 oil. Next comes hemp seed, which may be the richest source of essentially fatty acids available of any known food substance, including fish. The fatty acids in hemp seeds are provided in a form that is readily available to the body and similar to the form found in the body itself. It also includes all nine of the essential amino acids required by our bodies for optimal health.
Chia Seeds
Flax seeds are often used in weight loss diet plans to improve digestion by adding fiber and suppressing the appetite. The fatty acids in flax are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Pumpkins seeds are gaining in popularity because they produce alkaline rather than acidic material in your body. Pumpkin seeds also supply a lot of protein and vitamin B complex nutrients. Pumpkin seeds are rich in tryptophan, an essential amino acid that helps to keep your mood balanced.
Flax Seeds
Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that supports healthy cells. Sunflower seeds also provide magnesium and they are believed to help lower cholesterol. Finally, sesame seeds are mineral powerhouses, loaded with manganese, copper, calcium, zinc, iron and phosphorous. They also provide vitamin B1 and are believed to have positive effects on lowering cholesterol.
Sunflower Seeds
The list of edible seeds is quite long and the flavors and textures are just as varied. Search for them in your local supermarket and have fun adding them to your favorite dishes and replacing some of your snacks with these highly nutritious choices. Take some with you when you travel and nutritious food options seem to be hard to find.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

21 February 2019

The Health Benefits Of Wheat Grass

When you hear of people drinking juice made from wheat grass, what is your first reaction? If you are like many people you probably turned up your nose and thought 'how disgusting!' However, this healthy juice is growing in popularity and not just among healthy food enthusiasts. So what are the healthy benefits of drinking this juice?

There are many health benefits of this juice that if people only knew, they would likely visit the nearest supermarket and buy wheat grass products immediately. It is a fact that wheat grass is one of the most potently healthy substances available. People who are using this juice have seen an increase in their energy levels. Aside from that, they also notice that they have clearer skin than before. All other illnesses such as coughs and colds also seem to instantly vanish. There are even other people who have testified to the disappearance of their gray hairs.
The many health benefits of wheat grass should be taken advantage of by drinking at least 30mls a day. This 30mls of wheat grass juice is the equivalent to eating 1kg of green, leafy vegetables. This juice is a very good alternative and substitute whenever you are too tired and busy from your work schedules. It is believed that wheat grass also contains over 90 minerals. Aside from that, high concentrations of alkaline minerals such as calcium, potassium, sodium, and magnesium are also present in the wheat grass products. These minerals are some of the reasons why drinking this juice is good in keeping the body's immune system strong and healthy.

Other health benefits of this juice include the benefits taken from the presence of essential enzymes needed in order for the body to function more efficiently. Some of these enzymes are as follows: protease - which is needed in the digestion of protein, amylase - which is the one responsible for the facilitation of digestion, cytochrome oxidase - a powerful oxidant needed to fight off harmful radicals in the body. In addition there is transhydrogenese - the enzyme responsible for the strengthening of heart muscle, superoxide dismutase - known for its ability to lessen the effect of radiation and slow down the process of cellular aging, and lipase - which is a fat-splitting enzyme.
In addition to all of these, it is believed that wheat grass essentially has more vitamin C than oranges, which shows that it is a very good alternative to eating several fruits. And perhaps one of the best health benefits of this juice is the fact that it helps build healthy blood. This is very essential because blood carries oxygen from the heart to different parts of the body. By increasing the oxygen transported by the blood, you will feel an increase in your endurance during exercises.
As you can see, wheat grass is one of the superfoods that can help boost your health and give you the energy you need. Plus, it really doesn't taste too bad!


Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Sprouting For Health

If someone told you that you could produce a food that required no soil or sunshine, can be grown all year round, takes just three or four days to grow, and pound for pound, is one of the most nutritious foods available, would you believe them? On the face of it a reasonable answer would be "no". But there does exist such a food, and it is on the shelf of most supermarkets and you can grow it yourself with little trouble. Of course, I am referring to sprouts.

Seeds from which sprouts grow are potential plants just waiting for the right circumstances in which they can burst forth and realise that potential. When the seed begins to sprout, there is a veritable explosion of nutrients inside the seed. Sprouting of seeds causes a dramatic increase in the amount of vitamins, minerals and protein available, and this increase corresponds to a decrease in the level of carbohydrates and calories. For example, just half a cup of most sprouts will provide as much vitamin C as six glasses of orange juice. Apart from being extremely nutritious, sprouts are very easy to digest because of the fact that the sprouting process converts the starches to simple sugars.

There are significant advantages to sprouts apart from the nutritional ones. They are so easy to grow in a very small space that anyone can do it in the most restricted of areas. They are cheap to grow and provide a harvest within three or four days, so you can have a continual supply on the go all year round. You can supply yourself with wonderful nutrition without the demands of a vegetable or fruit garden. There is no soil to tend, no compost to make and no bugs to repel.

Seeds from most common vegetables can be sprouted and will provide a nutritional bonanza, but tomato and potato seeds are poisonous and should never be eaten. Be very careful though, to only sprout seeds that are packaged for the purpose of consumption, as opposed to planting, because seeds for planting are often treated with toxic chemicals.
Sprouts vary in flavour and a mixture of sprouts can create delicious combinations. The more peppery flavours of mustard and radish sprouts combine well with the more subdued flavours of alfalfa, clover and rye. Lentils, peas and beans are ideal for sprouting, and provide their own distinctive tastes with their nutritional advantages. Seeds from the cabbage family, such as cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and broccoli are great to sprout, and in fact one ounce of broccoli sprouts will supply as much anti-oxidant as three pounds of the fully grown vegetable.

To grow sprouts, take a quarter of a cupful of seeds and rinse them thoroughly, drain well, and then place them in a bowl and cover with water and leave overnight to soak. In the morning drain the water and place the seeds in a mesh-covered jar which needs to be placed at an angle to allow for drainage. Rinse the seeds morning and night in clear water, drain and put back into the jar. Exceptions to this rule are soybeans and chickpeas, which need to be rinsed between four and six times per day. Sprouting generally is better in a relatively dark space, but the cereal and grain seeds could do with a few hours of light after initially sprouting to allow for the production of chlorophyll.

If you start a new rotation every day or two, you will have a continual supply of sprouts which will provide you and your family with a wonderful culinary and nutritional advantage with minimal work required.


Article Source: EzineArticles.com

15 February 2019

The Nutritional Benefits Of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil with its antiviral and antibacterial properties is said to be the healthiest oil on earth and if you look at the people living in the Philippines it is not difficult to see why this oil is considered to be a miracle oil.
Coconut oil is made from the meat or kernel of the coconut fruit and makes for a great frying and cooking oil because of its high smoke point. The medium-chain fatty acids found in this oil have also been proven to have a wide range of health benefits.

The nutritional benefits of coconut oil include:


* It will help your body fight and resist illnesses.
* The inclusion of coconut oil in your diet can actually help you get rid of tapeworms and lice.
* It can kill viruses that case measles, hepatitis C and herpes.
* It also kills yeast and fungi that can cause athlete's foot, thrush, Candida and diaper rash if applied topically.
* It will boost your energy levels and is a quick source of energy.
* It improves the absorption of amino acids and fat-soluble vitamins, digestion and insulin secretion. 

* Will relieve the symptoms of diabetes and will minimize the health risks associated with this illness.
* People suffering from cystic fibrosis and malabsorption syndrome will also benefit from consuming this oil.
* Consuming this oil will improve the absorption of magnesium and calcium which are vital for the development of strong teeth and bones and will prevent osteoporosis.
* Relieves the symptoms of pancreatitis, stomach ulcers, Crohn's and gallbladder disease.
* Protects the body against colon, breast and other cancers.
* It will not cause an increase in platelet stickiness or increase blood cholesterol levels.
* It can relieve the pain associated with hemorrhoids. 

* The fact that it does not increase the blood cholesterol levels means that it will minimize your risk for heart disease and strokes.
* Unlike other oils, coconut oil will not deplete your body's antioxidant reserves.
* It will also help to relieve the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.
* Coconut oil kills the bacteria that cause cavities, meningitis, pneumonia, gonorrhea and many other diseases.
* It will prevent premature ageing due to the fact that it protects the body against free radicals.
* It increases the metabolism and is lower in calories than other oils which in turn will help you to lose weight.
* It can prevent liver and kidney disease and protects against bladder infections.
* The use of this oil in hair care products and help prevent and cure dandruff.

There are many more nutritional benefits in using coconut oil and by only consuming 4 teaspoons of coconut oil daily you can get all of the above benefits and more. Because coconut oil has a longer shelf life than other oils, you can buy it in bulk and start using it in your daily cooking to replace the other oils you have been using.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Do Not Neglect Bloating Stomach

The medical term for stomach bloating is 'abdominal distension'. Stomach bloating is usually caused by irregular functioning of the digestive system. Due to the malfunctioning of the digestive system gases are emitted out at a rapid rate and these gases get caught in your tummy causing your stomach to bloat. Stomach bloating is often found in women and in some cases they even gain considerable weight due to bloating. First of all, what makes our stomach bloat?

As a remedy for stomach bloating tummy and abdomen exercises have been suggested by many. But the truth is that, reason for the bloating of your stomach lies within your body. Hence, stomach bloating should be cured from within. A bloating stomach is not only a matter of discomfort to the individual but is also a social embarrassment. Who would want to walk around with a bloating stomach? Unhealthy colon, parasitic invasion of your digestive system, intestinal gases, fatty foods, flatulent foods- any of these factors can be contributing towards the bloating of your stomach. Foods that might lead to stomach bloating are dairy products, artificial gums and sugars, fatty foods, beans, peas, lettuce and cabbage. A high fiber diet also might lead to stomach bloating.
If you don't prefer medications made out of chemicals then you can use herbal medicines to get rid of stomach bloating. Several alternative treatments have specific medicines for treating stomach bloating, belching and flatulence. If your stomach is bloating because of harmful bacteria or parasites in your intestine then you should go for a colon cleansing program. You can even try colonic hydro cleansing therapy which fast, easy and reliable for getting your intestine cleaned. Several healing programs that are aimed to cure stomach bloating involve probiotics, supplementary vitamins, special enzymes that will assist the digestive system in reducing the intestinal gas. They deal with acid reflux as well. Avoid eating foods that might produce gas in your body. Change your dietary habits and start eating a balanced diet. Do not talk while eating. Eat slowly and chew your food properly. Do not drink too much of water or carbonated drinks while eating.#
Photo: Juicing-for-health.com
Fatty foods, junk food containing high amount of cholesterol should be avoided by all means. In case, you have lactose intolerance avoid taking dairy products. Artificial sweeteners, gums and chocolates also should be taken in limited amounts only. Once you start experiencing stomach bloating, observe the kind of foods you are taking and find out which vegetable or fruit or food is not going with your body. Avoid taking that particular food item in future. Stomach bloating, flatulence, abdomen cramps, belching all these denote bad food habits and improper functioning of your digestive system. The next time your stomach starts bloating, don't blame it on your tummy alone. Check your lifestyle also.
Consumption alcohol, smoking etc also indirectly influence the working of your digestive system. Do not use any medication without consulting a doctor. In case you are using homemade herbal remedies for treating your bloating stomach and if you happen to face any discomfort stop using those herbs immediately and rush to a doctor. Put an end to stomach bloating today for a healthier & happier life.


Article Source: EzineArticles.com

13 February 2019

Five Herbal Tea Plants For Your Garden

On a cold day, there is nothing better than curling up with a blanket and a cup of tea. You may prefer the more traditional black teas. But if you are looking for interesting flavors that can also have medicinal benefits, you should try herbal teas. There are many herbs to choose from when you decide to brew a herbal tea, some produce a robust, spicy flavor, others taste fruity, still other varieties are soothing. If you can grow a mixed variety of plants in your herbal tea garden you should be able to find the type of tea that best suits your taste buds. Below is a suggestion of five plants for your herbal tea garden.
Herbal Plant # 1
Mint is a great herb and its tea is both aromatic and soothing. It is typically made from spearmint or peppermint, just two varieties of the extensive mint family however, there are many new hybrids of mint that can be grown in an herbal tea garden including citrus and chocolate mint plants. If you are using mint in your tea, pluck a small handful of leaves -enough for three teaspoons- from your plant. It is best to pluck in the late morning as there is the largest concentration of oils in the leaves at that time. Gently crush the leaves between your fingers before letting them steep in boiling water.

Mint is the first choice in any herbal tea garden because it's very easy to grow it either in the outdoors or in an indoor pot. It prefers a cool, moist environment and does well in semi-shaded conditions. The only time you might have to worry about the health of your indoor mint plant is if you keep the heat turned up high in the winter. At that point, simply move your plant to a drafty windowsill or doorway. Mint is actually so successful in an herbal tea garden that it is considered a rampant grower, this means that your mint can crowd out all your other plants, so it is best to keep it confined to pots.
Herbal Plant # 2
Chamomile is also an all-time favorite of an herbal tea garden. It is an annual, so if you want its tea all year round, you should cultivate it indoors in pots since growing chamomile indoor is easy because it tolerates just about any light level. 

The dainty yellow and white flowers adorn any herbal tea garden corner and are used to make chamomile tea although it is also possible to use the fine feathery leaves, but they are slightly bitter. Chamomile tea is very soothing and will help you to relax and drift off to sleep and is also a good tea to take for a sore throat.
Herbal Plant # 3
Jasmine tea has a fruity and exotic flavor, its climbing flower does best in a tropical herbal tea garden and will never survive a northern winter, therefore if you wants to keep a jasmine tea plant, you should figure out a permanent indoor arrangement. 

Jasmine grows well in a plain pot, but being a creeping plant it needs something to climb on. One of the best solutions is to place a small trellis or some sticks at the back of the jasmine pot and train the creepers to rise on that, otherwise you could place your jasmine on the bottom of a metal shelf and let the plant entwine itself in the metal.
Herbal Plant # 4
Lavender makes a wonderful decoration for your herbal tea garden in addition to brewing a lovely tea. Lavender is immediately recognizable by its purple blooms and its summertime fragrance. Dried or fresh lavender will freshen up your room or garden and repels moths and other insects. 

Lavender tea is made from the buds of the lavender plant. It has been found that drinking lavender tea is a homeopathic way to relieve tension headaches. As you harvest the lavender from your herbal tea garden keep in mind that you need to let enough buds flower so that the plant will continue to propagate.
Herbal Plant # 5
Violets are another beautiful presence in a herbal tea garden. The flowers make an excellent tea which is also healthy and a good source of vitamins A and C. You can let some fresh violets float at the top of the cup for presentation purposes, but the best flavor comes from the dried plant. Violets like the shade and are great for bringing color into your house.

These five plants from your herbal tea garden are all great options for housing a variety of healthy and tasty teas and drinks right in your backyard.


Article Source: EzineArticles.com

7 February 2019

Amazing Facts About Matcha Powder You Need To Know

Uniquely produced in Japan, Matcha powder has been drunk as tea or used as an ingredient in a variety of recipes, for along time now.
Production of the Japanese Matcha Tea
The local farmers in Japan cultivate the tea using traditional methods starting with the growing to the grinding. It is known to be cultivated on the banks of Yahagi River, with a misty fog and a micro-climate conducive for it to grow. A few weeks before the harvest during the spring season, the tree plants are covered by use of bamboo mats. This reduces the sunlight that gets to the plants and at the same time increases the content of chlorophyll in the leaves thus offering the matcha green tea its distinctive green color.

Once it has been harvested, the tea is steamed before being air dried. The next step involves the sorting for grade before they are stems and veins are removed. In this stage, the leaves are known as tencha, and once it is ground, it is called matcha.
The stone mill grinds the tea grade version and this is finer as compared to the industrial version.
Contents in Matcha Powder
Matcha green tea comes with a number of ingredients including:
  • Amino Acids - It is known to content L-theanine amino acid which is useful in relaxing the mind. It is also what gives the tea its distinctive taste.
  • Caffeine - Just like other green teas, Japanese matcha tea comes with caffeine which offers the drinkers a mild steady energy.
  • Antioxidants - It is believed that the amount of oxidants in this powder is higher than in other foods.

The Benefits Accrued from Using the Matcha
This type of tea comes with a wide variety of benefits to the users some of them include the following:
  • Delayed aging - With the antioxidants in the powder, the users will be able to enjoy a number of benefits. One of them is delayed aging as the antioxidants fight against the free radicals occurring in the body and this protects the body from the adverse effects of elements such as external toxins.

  • Protection against chronic diseases - The antioxidants found in this product is also helpful in protecting the body against diseases such as cancer. One of the main antioxidants is catechins which are known for its cancer-fighting properties. It is also known to reduce the risk of heart diseases, thanks to catechins. The beverage also has the ability to inhibit a number of enzymes responsible for arthritic inflammation. It also comes with a number of compounds known to protect the users against ulcers that are caused by NSAIDS.

  • Cleansing the body - The chlorophyll in the leaves has a number of roles. One of the main is getting rid of the heavy metals as well as the chemical toxins in the body. This is facilitated by the fact that the powder is completely ingested when it is consumed.

  • Enhances the mood - This product comes with an amino acid known as L-theanine which is responsible for relaxing the mind. Over the years, the monks have been taking matcha to help in their meditation. When combined with caffeine, it L-theanine provides the drinkers a calm alertness sustainable over time.

  • Weight loss - It is noted that the powder comes with the ability to increase the energy expenditure as well as fat oxidation in many people. The consumption of this beverage will increase the thermogenesis and this will work in helping the users reduce weight. The other advantage is that the use of this powder does not come with any side effects as compared to the weight loss products available in the market today.

Preparation of Japanese Matcha
Before preparing this beverage, the users need to determine the version they want as it is available in the thin style and the thick style. The basic steps to take include:
  • Heating water
  • Rinsing the tea bowl with heated water before drying it up with a cloth
  • Rinsing the bamboo whisk
  • Once the tools have been prepared, the users need to sift or scoop-sift the powder directly to into the bowl.
  • They should then add water after it has boiled between 165 degrees F and 180 degrees F.
  • Using the bamboo whisk, they should whisk quickly back and forth for sometime and the Matcha is ready to drink.
When preparing the thin style version, they need to get 2 bamboo sticks of the powder to 3 Ounces of water and for the thick style; they should between 2 and 4 tea scoops to 1.5 ounces of water.

The Japanese matcha tea has been a favorite for many people who are now looking for the matcha powder that will fit their needs.  The best things about  consuming the matcha green tea is the fact that it is easy to prepare and offers the  drinkers a wide variety of benefits  starting with improved health to enhanced moods.


Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Nutritional Facts About Probiotics

Do you know why you should be using probiotics? Probiotics has been around for a long time and there are still some people that are not upda...