Wednesday 30 May 2012

Benefits Of Red Wine - What Makes Organic Red Wine Good For Your Health?

Perhaps you've read an article or two about the benefits of red wine, but you are not quite sure if it is really healthy? Look no further: in this article I will present you with trustworthy information about the health benefits of wine, and especially the benefits of organic red wine.
Many doctors and scientists nowadays do agree that red wine is healthy for your body, if drank in moderation. By moderation they usually mean one small glass per day, by the way. However scientists are not quite sure what exactly in the wine provides these health benefits.
One possible good-doer in wine could be flavonoids, which are strong antioxidants. Flavonoids are known to help your body by providing protection against LDL (or "bad") cholesterol oxidation. Flavonoids are found in other foods too, such as dark chocolate and certain types of alcohol, but are highly concentrated in red wine.
Another substance which could explain why red wine is good for you is called resveratrol, which is a non-flavonoid that also works as an antioxidant. Resveratrol is beneficial to your health because it destroys free radicals, which are responsible for cell deterioration (thus causing health problems and speeding up the aging process, perhaps even changing your DNA!) Resveratrol may also help to reduce your LDL cholesterol levels and prevent fatty buildup in your arteries, making it very beneficial to your heart.
Perhaps surprisingly, the alcohol found in wine may also have health benefits. But in fact is has been proven that moderate amounts of alcohol may help to raise levels of HDL, (the "good") cholesterol, and may also help to prevent blood clots from forming in blood vessels, therefore preventing stroke and heart attack as well as other circulatory problems. Further scientific research is currently being done to validate the link between alcohol and health.
You can reap all these benefits from any old red wine, but you'll get the most out of an organic red wine. You see, even though all red wines have the same benefits, conventionally grown wines can have contra productive substances in them, such as residues of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, which can be harmful to your health. As these substances are used in growing conventional wines, it cannot be excluded that some of them can make their way into the finished wine, too.
By drinking organic red wine, you don't have to worry about any negative health effects, as organic wine has been grown without chemicals or toxic pesticides. Now that's a pleasure!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7054510

17 Conditions That Require First Aid

There may come many situations your life when you would need to perform first aid on people during emergencies. In order to be ready and equipped for such situations, you might also want to do a certification course and become a first aider. But before going further, you need to know the conditions when first aid is required. There are various cases where the person is not aware that he or she could have provided first aid and saved a victim. Therefore, the below conditions might help you prepare yourself for situations that require first aid.
• Sickness that occurs due to height or vertigo - Heights can cause breathlessness. It can sometimes also lead to swollen brain and lungs.
• Some insect bites can result in victims going into a state of shock. Some insect bites cause inflammation in the entire body that it requires certain first aid before contacting a doctor or even going to the hospital.
• As a civilian, you might sometimes experience war like situation and that time; first aid can save a soldier. You need to know how to remove a bullet or apply bandage to a deep wound caused due to bombing.
• A fracture needs to be safely handled till the arrival of medical help. If its an arm or a leg, you can give it support or tie it tightly to reduce pain.
• Burns also require first aid. You can either cover them with blanket to reduce the effects of burns and prevent from further damage.
• Heart attacks can be looked into with the help of CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Most of the people who experience heart attacks die before the arrival of medical help. Such deaths can be avoided if appropriate first aid is given.
• Getting chocked or experiencing difficulties in breathing requires immediate help.
• Woman giving birth to a child also requires first aid. There were days when deliveries used to take place at home. But now that it is done in hospitals, however, some measures are better to be taken at home to avoid mishaps.
• Swimming or diving difficulties. Safety equipment such life boats and life belts come handy.
• Indigestion or gastric troubles also require immediate attention. Some first aid medicines or tablets should be kept readily available.
• Unconsciousness due to heat stroke or low sugar levels or shock
• Dislocation of joints
• Hypertension
• Seizures or fits
• Muscle sprain
• Headache, toothache, stomach ache
• Bleeding from the nose or ears.
Such conditions require first aid before the medical help arrives. Most people don't know these conditions can be helped with adequate first aid support. Even if you know, you won't be qualified to perform first aid on the victims. Therefore, it is not just important to know about such conditions but also require the qualification and the courage to apply your knowledge at the time of need. Courage accompanies qualification. You cannot be courageous when not qualified to perform first aid on victims. It is too risky. Therefore, it is suggested that everyone takes a course of first aid training and becomes qualified to help victims during emergency.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7089745

A Simple Fast and Good Barbecue Sauce

On more than one occasion I have gone to the refrigerator to grab a bottle of barbecue sauce only to realize that I had none. This is one of the side effects of grilling out four or five times a week and if that's as bad as it gets then life is pretty good. When this does happen I whip up a quick batch of my homemade barbecue sauce from simple kitchen ingredients and am back at the grill in less than five minutes.
I am not going to tell you that my barbecue sauce is the best in the world. My personal favorite sauce at the moment is Sweet Baby Ray and quite honestly I buy that sauce because I think it is better than mine. However, if you are looking for something that is good, fast and easy then this sauce recipe is absolutely for you.
I start with half a cup of ketchup and add two tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, two tablespoons of cider vinegar and two tablespoons of honey. I stir the mixture with a fork and heat it in the microwave on high for one minute. The mix gets stirred again and heated for another thirty seconds. At this point the sauce is pretty tasty and good to use on some grilled chicken or country style ribs. This basic sauce can be prepared from scratch in less than five minutes.
If you want to fine tune this recipe to better suit your taste then that is also very easy. If you are not a fan of Worcestershire sauce then that is easily substituted with another salty brown liquid such as Kitchen Bouquet or low sodium soy sauce. If you do not like vinegar then the juice of one large lemon would be a great substitute.
When I want the sauce to be thicker I will replace the liquid honey with three tablespoons of brown sugar. If I want the sauce to have some heat then two teaspoons of ground black pepper is a nice touch. If you want some heat with a little complex flavor then a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce or a tablespoon of chili powder would be perfect.
If you are cooking on a gas grill then you may want to consider adding a teaspoon of liquid smoke to your sauce. This will add a depth of flavor similar to what you would get by cooking over charcoal. If you do decide to add a some liquid smoke do not use more than a teaspoon as a little goes a long way.
Regardless of which variation you choose this sauce is easily prepared in just a few minutes and can be a lifesaver when your bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce is empty.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6975403

Cooking Seafood Outdoors - Try Something Different

Cooking Seafood in the great outdoors is one of the great pleasures in life. Whether it be in the icy depths of the winter, or taking in the summer heat. The range of events to hold one for are many and varied. Such as a family celebration, a day out at the beach, whilst pursuing a hobby such as fishing or a sports meeting, but try something different.
Cooking a seafood BBQ at home as relatively easy, since you have all your cooking equipment at hand. So for the next occasion why not plan to spend some time out of your normal domain, and visit the great outdoors, and make the day more of a challenge.
Planning for the cooking seafood away from the home
You will need to take some basics. The temperature probe is an obvious starting point. Whilst you will be very familiar with cooking times in your own kitchen, the cooking time for the fish in a different environment will differ. The temperature probe is a vital piece of equipment used in producing food dishes,and can have many uses. From checking temperatures of fridges, the food of your young child and even your own temperature. However do remember to clean the probe with a sanitizing wipe or spray de-sanitizer after each use. The temperature probes are now being widely used in most of the more progressive and responsible top restaurants. Although on the Internet one can still see on video some of the chefs pushing and prodding fillets of fish, sticking-in metal skewers and the best of all by checking the colour. Ignore them all, just use your probe to check that the densest point is at a minimum of 62 degrees Celsius.
The next items to make your venture a success, consist of the fire extinguisher and of course the source of heat. Whether it be your portable BBQ or some or your hatchet to make kindling for the open fire. Kitchen equipment such as a chopping board, kitchen knives, a chiller box, hand wash and sanitizing materials and waste disposal are also vital.
Finally do not forget the fish and the cold liquid refreshments. Make certain that the fish is kept chilled. Your needs for crockery, cutlery, seating, sauces and spices can be delegated to your helpers to your helpers.
Cooking seafood in the wilds, what should you choose?
There are hundreds of thousands of options. The three below offer the variety of a cold nibble as a starter, then two very different hot courses. One with an Oriental style and the other a traditional whole fish.
Smoked Salmon sticks - either use bread sticks, sticks of celery, baby carrots or asparagus. Lightly coat the top of the stick with cream cheese, mayonnaise or yoghurt. Wrap around smoked Salmon, and tie with a strip of Chives
Fish Parcels - for each parcel you will need three strips of kitchen foil around 20 cm in diameter. Place the circles of foil on top of each other and add around 125 g of mixed seafood. The packages will need spicing and around 50 ml liquid added. One of the variations could be strips of chilli, ginger and lemon grass, and the liquid coconut cream, Thai fish sauce and soy sauce. Have fun an invent your own. Seal the parcels by folding the sides and turning round at the top. Place on the BBQ or in the embers of your open fire, they should take around eight minutes. You can check the temperature by inserting the probe from the top of the parcel, take care not to puncture the foil.
Grilled Whole Fish - would eating outdoors be the same without a whole grilled fish? If you or your guests don't like the thought of the bones then use a large fish such as a Sea Bass or Salmon. Score down the sides of the fish to help an even spread of heat. If available stuff the fish with fennel, and flame with you choice of spirit prior to serving. The boneless chunks of dish will be easy to remove.
Have your usual accompaniments available, such as salad and bread. Try some potato and vegetable kebabs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7086150

Monday 28 May 2012

Healthy and Delicious: Vegetable Minestrone

Vegetables are in no doubt the healthiest food in the planet. We all need a hefty serving of the food group everyday to keep out bodies healthy, well-functioning and to ward off diseases. Unfortunately, no matter the good benefits of vegetables, many of us have discriminating tastes that vegetables cannot surpass especially kids. They are the population who runs for their lives whenever their parents make them eat one.
So how do you make vegetables more pleasing to eat? Try making it into minestrone. Vegetable minestrone is an Italian dish that means the big soup in English loaded with tons of vegetable servings. It is a thick Italian soup heavily laden with healthy vegetables and often served with rice or pasta. It can be made like a full-pledge vegetarian with ingredients containing vegetables alone or for the carnivores you can add meat or meat-based broth for the soup.
There is not one set recipe of Vegetable minestrone as it is usually made form vegetables that are in season. But here is one recipe that you can make for the non-professional cook and people who are in doubt of being experimental that is tried and tested by many that will surely have you especially your kids enjoy eating vegetables.
Ingredients;
  • 1 bunch of rinsed Swiss chard
  • 4 tomatoes, medium-sized
  • 2 cans of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 4 minced cloves of garlic
  • 2 medium-sized sliced and peeled carrots cut into ¼ inch cubes
  • 2 medium-sized zucchini, quartered with lengthwise cut ¼ inch cubes
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup white wine, dry
  • 2 cups of green cabbage, shredded
  • 1 can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cups of chicken broth, preferable reduced sodium
What you need to do;
  • In a large pot, pour water and bring to a boil. While waiting for water to boil finely cut the stems of the Swiss chard, the leaves into strips and set aside for later use.

  • Boil tomatoes for thirty seconds into the pot of boiling water. Lift from the pot using a slotted spoon and rinse with cold water. Remove the skin and cut into quarters then remove seeds. Set aside as well.

  • Pour ½ of the cannellini beans with ½ cup of water into a blender and puree. Set aside also.

  • In a large pan over medium heat, pour olive oil and sauté garlic for about 2 minutes. Add carrots, zucchini, chard stems, and sprinkle with salt. Cook until stems are tender for about 5 minutes. Add dry white wine and cabbage and cook for another 2 minutes.

  • Add chard leaves, cannellini beans, tomatoes, bean puree, chickpeas, parmesan and broth. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes. To serve top with more parmesan cheese.
Vegetables can be very delicious with this quick and easy Vegetable Minestrone Recipe. Your kids will surely love starting to eat more vegetables with this dish.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6540790

Make Soup a Regular Part of Your Daily Diet

As a child, when I was unwell or laid up in bed with the cold virus, my mother would insist that I had a bowl of warm thick nutritious soup. It is a great comfort food and maybe it was a placebo effect but I always seem to feel better after a bowl of warm soup. I particularly like having soups on cold bleak winter days. The great thing about soup is that you can make it with whatever food you have in your kitchen and that includes left overs. To make soups with good flavour make sure you have excellent soup stock.
If you are keen to make great soups, you will find thousands of recipes on the Internet or on the bookshelves. There is no great need to have special equipment to make great soups. A chopping board, a sharp knife and a pan is all you need sometimes. A blender will be a useful equipment to get the consistency of your choice.
Soup is international and the taste and ingredients vary. In the Far East lentils are used and although they have different names, it is basically a soup. With globalisation, we are now fortunate to enjoy all these fabulous soups and when making homemade soups, we can now continue to add new items from overseas.
Health experts tell us, we should have five portions of fruits and vegetables a day. Soup is an excellent way to reach your daily target. Fruits with high carbohydrate and fructose level are not the best choice for many. Vegetables, beans, nuts and lentils are recommended by all health professionals and they are the natural choice for soups. Most children are not keen to eat vegetables especially broccoli and other brain foods. In soups, you can add portions of these healthy food items and liquidise the end product and children will have no idea they are enjoying foods they consider yucky.
In the stores today are various soup makers. Some are very expensive but the price has dropped since Cuisinart, a company renown for reliability, joined the market. Now all you need to do is chop up your food items, add your stock to your soup maker and leave it in the soup maker and once completed, you can use the blender option to give your soup the consistency you want. The soup makers available in the shops will blend, cook and maker soup, and the entire process takes about one hour. If time is at a premium, then a soup maker is an excellent choice. It is also a wonderful small equipment in your kitchen if you have small children.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6721631

How to Make Tomato and Red Pepper Soup

Soup is a food that is made by combining ingredients such as meat and vegetables with stock, juice, water or another liquid. A basic tomato soup is simply tomatoes cooked together with celery, onions and carrots for flavoring. Other seasonings may be added, including salt, pepper, sugar, garlic and green pepper, and milk may be used to create cream of tomato soup.
Whether prepared from a can or homemade, tomato soup is a source of vitamin C, vitamin A and iron.
Canned tomato soup is low in calories but high in salt. One cup has 85 calories and 695mg of sodium. This represents 28 percent of the recommended daily value for salt, based on a 2,000-calorie-a-day diet. You'll receive 17g of carbohydrates, which includes 6g of sugars and no dietary fiber.
With only 2g of total fat, tomato soup provides 2 percent of the daily value for total fat. It contains no cholesterol, 0.36mg of saturated fat and 1.4mg of the healthier unsaturated fats.Here is a basic home made tomato and red pepper soup that is simple and less costly to prepare
INGREDIENTS
1 chicken stock
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil- to garnish
Extra virgin olive oil-to garnish
600g ripe tomatoes- quartered
400g tin chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion- chopped
2 large red peppers, seeds removed and roughly chopped
2 cloves garlic- chopped
METHOD
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan.
2. Saute the onion, peppers and garlic for about 5 minutes.
3. Add the fresh tomatoes and cook for another 3 minutes.
4 Add the tinned tomatoes, the stock and a cup of water. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Remove from the heat and allow to cool a little.
6. Puree the soup in batches in a food processor or with a hand-held blender.
7. Strain through a coarse sieve and add a little extra stock.
8. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve hot, and garnished with the basil and a of drizzle extra
olive oil
Serves 4
NB;
1. Roasting the vegetables gives the soup a delicious flavor.
2. Halve the onions, tomatoes and peppers, place them on a lined baking tray, drizzle with a little olive oil and roast at 200ºC in oven for 60 minutes, turning the onions and peppers once before using them in the preparation of soup.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6686226

Sunday 27 May 2012

Best Recipe for Making Chocolate Fudge Brownies

If you love chocolate fudge brownies, you should know how to make them. Below is an easy recipe for making brownies. You'll have a lot of fun trying this recipe out. Preparation time for these brownies is fifteen minutes. Cooking time is estimated to be 55 minutes. From this recipe, you are likely to make about eighteen brownies. In order to be able to make good fudge brownies, you need to know what ingredients you need. The ingredients that are needed for the brownies include the following;
- Butter (200 grams)
- Three eggs
- Two egg yolks
- Packed dark cooking chocolate, which needs to be coarsely chopped (200 grams)
- Casting sugar (270 grams)
- Plain flour (115 grams)
- Cocoa powder (35 grams)
After you have finished preparing all your ingredients, you can go ahead and start making your brownies. The first step is to pre-heat your oven to about 160 degree centigrade. You should then slab a pan with your prepared melted butter and also try to line it with non-sticking baking powder. This will make certain that the brownies do not stick to the sides of the pan, thus, making them easy to remove.
You should melt the butter and chocolate in a large bowl. The melting should not be done over direct heat, but it should be over a saucepan half filled with water. You should then whisk the egg yolk and the eggs in another bowl, until they are well mixed. The chocolate mixture should be allowed to cool a little, before you finally add the egg mixture.
Mix the flour and sugar in another bowl, add cocoa powder and then add the mixture to the chocolate bowl. Stir until they are well combined. Do not over stir, as this could make your brownies hard. When you are done, pour the mixture in the pan you prepared.
The brownies should be baked in oven for about fifty minutes, or until the crumbs start to adhere to the skewer inserted in the center. You should try not to over bake the brownies, or they will be too dried. After the brownies are baked, set them aside for a minimum of six hours, so as to allow them to cool. This will also help the brownies to set. It will be even better if you leave the brownies to set overnight. When they have cooled, you can go ahead and cut them into good-sized pieces. You are now ready to serve them to your family members.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7066215

How Chocolates Can Spice Up Your Relationship

It is often stated that chocolates and romantic relationships go hand in hand. A chocolate bar can be used to spice up a relationship. One of the best ways to use chocolates to embellish a love relationship is to play a game of chocolate hunt. It is essential that this is done when kids are not around. You also do not need to tell your partner what you are doing; let it be a surprise. You will need to buy a large box of chocolates. Use the small bars of chocolates for doing things that could create a trail for your partner to follow. You can leave a few clues that will lead to the large chocolate box.
Another way to use chocolates to spice up your relationship is by having them on the menu in different forms. You can arrange to have chocolate involved in most of edibles, from breakfast to dinner. This will be something different and exciting. Also, your partner will certainly feel excited about the chocolate items you will be serving in all meals. There are a lot of foods that can be made with chocolate. It is essential that you do some good research about the items you want to add to your menu. Foods that you can make with chocolate can be served as the main course, desserts and appetizers.
You can also try body painting with chocolate, which will be very surprising and exciting for your beloved. Most people do this with regular chocolates, but it is better to do it with chocolates that are especially made for body painting. This is one of the oldest and best ways of spicing up a relationship with chocolates, because it will allow your partner to enjoy the moment and the two of you will be able to spend a great time laughing.
For men, it will be a great idea to make an appointment for their partner at a spa that specializes in chocolate treatments. Make sure that you timely book your appointment at the spa. It will be very exciting for them because all women know that chocolate is really good for the skin. It has high amount of cocoa butter that is a natural skin conditioner and softener. It is also known as an antioxidant that refers to the fact that it prevents drastic damage to skin and defends its natural bounce. A chocolate treatment will definitely make your partner feel great about the relationship you both have.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7072662

Frugal and Easy Thanksgiving Recipes

Here it is - that time of year when everyone's thoughts turn to food! I'm thankful that at our house, we have plenty of food, but sometimes I am not so grateful that I am the one who usually gets to cook it!
So I am always on the lookout for simple, tasty recipes that are also easy on the budget. Here are a few of my family's favorites:
Corn-Rice Casserole
  • 1 1/2 cups minute rice (uncooked)
  • 2 cans cream-style corn
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 medium green pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine
  • 8 oz. jar Cheez Whiz
Melt butter in large saucepan and add onion and green pepper. Cook until tender. Add other ingredients and cook on low for about 5 minutes, stirring often.
Pour into greased 2-quart baking dish and bake at 350 degrees until bubbly.
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Sweet Potato Casserole
  • 2 16-oz. cans sweet potatoes
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
Topping:
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup flour
Drain sweet potatoes and mash. Add other ingredients and mix well. Pour into ungreased 9" square baking pan. Mix all topping ingredients till crumbly. Spread on yams then bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.
Tip: You can make this the day before. Just refrigerate till you are ready to bake.
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This one is perfect for supper the night before Thanksgiving.
Harvest Time Soup
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 cup cubed potatoes
  • 1/2 cup chopped carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 3/4 lb. process cheese spread, cubed
  • 1 cup ham, cubed
Bring water, potatoes, carrots and celery to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer till vegetables are tender.
Add cheese and ham; cook, stirring till cheese is melted.
This makes about 4 servings, but it could easily be cut in half or doubled.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/18147

Poultry Recipes That Are Perfect For Diabetics, Too!

Diabetics can eat right along with everyone else with a few tweaks here and there in a recipe. There is no need for diabetics to eat boring, bland food. These poultry recipes are perfect for diabetics and so good the others who do not have diabetes will never notice the difference.
EASY TURKEY SAUSAGE GUMBO
1/3 cup flour
1 can (14-oz) reduced-sodium chicken broth
3/4 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-in cubes
1/2 large red bell pepper
1/2 large green bell pepper
1 large onion, chopped coarsely
1 celery stalk, sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 cup water
3 cups plain cooked brown rice*
1 pkg (10-oz) frozen cut okra
1/2 lb smoked turkey sausage cut into slices
1 large ripe tomato, chopped
In a heavy-duty Dutch oven (4 to 6-quart size), cook and stir the flour over medium heat approximately 6 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring constantly! Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly. Slowly whisk the broth into the flour. Cook, stirring, over medium heat until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Add the chicken, bell peppers, onion, celery, garlic, seasoning, and water.
Bring to mixture to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, 10 to 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Stir often during cooking.
Stir in the rice, okra, sausage, and tomato; return just to boiling; reduce the heat and simmer, covered for 3 to 4 minutes.
Ladle into serving bowls.
Yield: About 8 servings of 1 cup each
*If you prefer, you can use a pouch of cooked brown rice (14.8-oz size).
This gumbo has a ratio of 26 g carbs and 18 g protein per serving.
TURKEY GYROS
1 (8-oz) turkey tenderloin
1 1/2 tsp Greek seasoning
1 cucumber
2/3 cup plain non-fat yogurt
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tsp dried dill weed
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp olive oil
4 pita breads
1 1/2 cups romaine lettuce, shredded
1 thinly sliced tomato
2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese
Cut the tenderloin across the grain into 1/4-inch slices. Sprinkle slices on both sides with the Greek seasoning and let stand for 5 minutes.
Cut 2/3 of the cucumber into thin slices. Finely chop the remaining 1/3. Combine in a small bowl with the yogurt, onion, dill, and lemon juice.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey slices and cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side until cooked through.
Wrap 2 pita breads in a paper towel and microwave on high speed for 30 seconds, just until warmed. Repeat with the remaining two breads.
Divide the lettuce, tomato, cucumber slices, turkey, cheese, and yogurt sauce evenly among the 4 breads. Fold edges over and secure with toothpicks but remind everyone to remove toothpicks before eating. Never leave toothpicks in food while eating.
Enjoy!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7050482

Friday 25 May 2012

The Low-Calorie Cabbage Diet Soup

If you know tonight's a party night, cut back during the day: choose a low-calorie yet filling lunch like cabbage diet soup or salad. Eat stuff that has less calorie content. These usually have more fiber and water, so we feel full quicker.
Cabbage, cooked and sliced, can be scrumptiously crisp, with a light pleasing taste. Brassicas such as cabbage has hydrogen sulphide, which becomes active during cooking at about the time cabbage starts to become soft. Hydrogen sulphide eventually vanishes, but between those times, cabbage gets its feature rank flavour and smell.
Either heat cabbage quickly, or heat it slow and long, ideally with other foods so that seasons can mix. Cabbage diet soup may contain fiber, protein, Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, Vitamin K, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Potassium, zinc and most important, vitamin C.
Cabbage has an extensive and diverse story. But, due to the fact that there are a lot of variations of cabbages under the plant genus "brassica", it is hard to be certain if the kind the Romans and Greeks had is the alike this time's sphere cabbage or more similar to Chinese cabbage or kale. The sphere cabbages we see now were a valuable vegetable by the Dark Ages, and during the Middle Ages they were plenty, as we can observe in the paintings of that era.
These usually display baskets at market or tables in the kitchen overflowing with food, and cabbages in different types were often prominent. Old recipes propose cooking cabbages with onions, leeks and herbs. During the time when everyone except the super-rich cooked everything in just one pot, cabbages were assumed to be heated slow and long.
Cabbages for cabbage diet soup should look fresh and had no blemishes. When selecting, do not pick any with stale leaves or are puffy. Spring greens and savoys can be stored in a cool place for several days; more compact cabbages will keep for much longer.
Preparing cabbages for cooking cabbage diet soup is easy. Trim the surface leaves, if needed, and then chop into quarters. Cut off the stalk then shred or slice.
An example recipe for cabbage diet soup is Cabbage Soup with Sausage. Spicy or smoky sausages add substance to this soup, which makes a hearty and warming supper, served with crusty bread and green salad.
You can keep up your weight with a low-calorie or well-balanced diet like cabbage diet soup; just choose one and stay with it. Planning is needed. Dieters who sustain their weight have a tendency to eat the same foods most of the time, but they alter the side dishes.
A cabbage diet soup will taste different if mixed with other greens and seasonings. You're still having soup for dinner. A usual cabbage diet soup that we can vary allows dieters to be consistent without being boring.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6901122

How to Make Classic French Onion Soup

Classic French onion soup is a perfect of example of how a small number of simple ingredients can be turned into something amazing. Despite its reputation as a being a difficult recipe with lots of intricate steps, it's actually a lot easier than most people think. Once you learn the basics you'll be able to make this time-honored dish without even following a recipe.
Start with 3 or 4 large onions, preferably of the sweet variety. Other types will do, but the sweet ones are my favorites to work with. Slice them thinly, and toss them into a soup pot with some melted butter and olive oil. Why both oil and butter? The butter adds flavor, and the olive oil stops the butter from burning. Next, add a bit of salt, some sprigs of fresh thyme, two or three crushed garlic cloves, and a splash of water, and turn up the heat.
Starting with high heat and a little extra water will help drive the moisture out of the onions. This is the first step to getting them to that beautiful golden brown color that you are aiming for. Until the water is mostly gone you won't be able to get to the temperature you need to start the camelization process, because evaporation cools them down too much. However, once the onions are reduced in size and there isn't much liquid around them, you will need to turn down the heat to prevent them from burning. This is really the only tricky part to making French onion soup, and it is better to err on the side of caution and keep the heat low. That way the only bad thing that happens is that it takes longer to cook the onions.
After the onions reach the desired color (darker is sweeter), you will need to deglaze them. This just means adding a liquid to the pot and then scraping off the cooked bits from the bottom of the pot. White wine is the best for this recipe, and what I do is toss a quarter cup of it in and use a wooden spoon to get the dark bits off the bottom. After the wine has been absorbed or evaporated, I repeat the process three times. This infuses a lot of flavor into the onions.
After the deglazing, add the remaining ingredients. First, stir in a tablespoon or so of Dijon mustard, then add in another half cup of white wine. Last, add 2 quarts of beef stock, or if you want a lighter taste add one quart each of beef and chicken stock. Bring the soup up to a simmer and leave it there for about 15 minutes.
If you want to stop at this point, you will have a wonderful soup just the way it is. But if you want to go all-out you can add the baked cheese topping without too much trouble. First, slice some nice French bread (we may as well stay on theme, right?), and some Gruyere cheese. You can use Swiss cheese instead if you like, but Gruyere is the classic choice. When the soup is done simmering, ladle it into oven-proof onion soup bowls that are sitting on a baking sheet. Add a slice of bread to each bowl and top with some cheese. Put everything under the broiler for a minute or so until the cheese is melted and is just starting to get brown on the edges. Be careful! Burning yourself on one of the bowls would be bad enough, but pouring piping hot soup down your front is altogether unpleasant.
Serve the soup with some extra slices of bread. Make sure to put the bowl and the bread on a plate to prevent burns to either fingers or place mats.
Here are the ingredients listed again for convenience:
3 or 4 large onions;
2 or 3 cloves of garlic;
butter and olive oil;
salt;
a bit of water (maybe a quarter cup);
sprigs of fresh thyme;
cup and a half of white wine;
2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard;
2 quarts of beef stock, or 1 quart each of beef and chicken stock;
French bread and Gruyere cheese (optional)
Enjoy!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6974649

Wednesday 23 May 2012

Losing Weight by Eating Chocolates

For most people, chocolates and weight loss are two things that can never be related. In fact, they link chocolates to the weight gain process. However, recent studies have indicated that chocolates can actually help you lose weight. In addition, it needs to be noted that the only way to effectively lose weight with chocolates is by consuming the right chocolates. In other words, the chocolates that you consume should be the ones that are healthy and high quality. A chocolate with correct quantity of cocoa in it will help you lose weight, while the one that is of poor quality will make you gain.
It has been confirmed that he right chocolate that helps weight loss is the unprocessed type. If you consume unprocessed chocolate, you are likely to reduce weight. In addition, it has also been established that dark cocoa is instrumental for weight loss. Therefore, unprocessed cocoa and dark cocoa are the best chocolate remedies for reducing body weight. They will not only assist you in your weight loss procedure, but will also significantly improve your health. They have been known to improve breathing, decrease your appetite, increase energy and fight depression. Some of the reasons as to why dark chocolate or unprocessed chocolate helps weight loss are explained below:
  • Unprocessed cocoa is proven to help in weight loss, because the fibers in cocoa help in stopping the absorption of fat and also give you the feeling that you are no longer hungry. In this way, little fat is absorbed and the amount of food you intake will also be reduced.

  • Researches have established that many people eat more when they are depressed or bored. Dark chocolates have neurotransmitters, which help reduce the risk of depression and suppress appetite. When you are not depressed, you will not eat much and will not gain a lot of weight. In addition, with a suppressed appetite, you are bound to lose weight.

  • Cocoa has also been found to contain various minerals and vitamins, which help to boost energy levels. With its consumption, you will be more active and will, therefore, be able to lose weight through exercises and other activities.

  • Cocoa helps you lose weight, because it is an antibacterial agent. It removes bacteria from our stomach that causes obesity. With this, the risk of becoming obese will be reduced.
Overall, various studies have shown that cocoa in dark chocolate helps in weight loss and also helps increase energy. However, it ought to be noted that not all chocolates are healthy. So, make sure that you do a good research before choosing a chocolate for weight loss.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7076057

How To Avoid A Heart Attack

The coronary artery is the main blood vessel that supplies the heart muscles with blood, nutrients and oxygen which it needs to function. When fat droplets contained in the blood deposits on the walls of the coronary artery over an extended period of time this can cause the artery to narrow or constrict. If constriction results the individual can experience pain or an unbearable feeling of pressure in the chest. Relief from this discomfort can be obtained by resting from physical activity or taking nitroglycerin or other Doctor prescribed medication. However, if the obstruction becomes complete in one of the coronary arteries a heart attack or myocardial infarction can result.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is highly recommended after suffering a heart attack. The antioxidants present reduce neurosis or cellular death in the heart muscles. In the medical field it is widely believed that Arteriosclerosis, or the condition that causes heart attacks can be reversed. Research shows that after twelve months of a healthy diet along with the appropriate lifestyle there is usually a ten percent reduction of stenosis or narrowing of the coronary artries. Such a diet includes the following foods: five portions of fresh fruits per day; a fresh vegetable salad dressed with olive or seed oil; two or three portions of legumes per week; whole grain bread or pasta, instead of white bread or refined pasta; reduced salt and sugar consumption. Water and fluid intake is also very vital to physical health. Enough to keep the urine pale and at least two liters a day which is adequate to flush out body toxins.
Health and Medical Experts have concluded through research that a diet based on fruits, oil bearing nuts, vegetables, legumes and whole grain simply prepared and eaten regularly gives the best results for heart attack prevention. In addition to proper dieting it is important to exercise at least three times a week for forty minutes on each occasion to maintain a healthy heart and it is highly recommends that the use of coffee and tobacco smoking be avoided at all times.
Many statistical studies have shown that drinking between one half to one small glass of red wine a day is very good for the heart because it lowers the risk of death from coronary constriction that can cause a heart attack. Consumption of white wine however, does not produce the same results. Such an effect in any case only seems to affect men who are at least fifty years of age. Research also shows that when more than the amount of red wine recommended is consumed, the mortality rate due to cardio-vascular diseases increased along with symptoms, conditions and other health disorders.
As someone gets older the body gets less efficient at absorbing nutrients and the immune system gets less effective. For example Zinc: for good digestion; vitamins A, C and E: to counteract damage by free radicals and important supplements such as Ginkgo Biloba which helps to maintain physical and mental functioning.
Omega 3 oils can be very useful in the prevention of a heart attack and other heart conditions. Some sources of the oil include: oily fish such as herrings, mackerel and salmon; flaxseed/linseed; hemp; sunflower seeds; pumpkin seeds and walnuts. Omega 3 fats are used to produce cell membranes, sex hormones and hormone like chemicals known as series 3 prostaglandins. They perform various functions in the human body including thinning the blood and breaking down blood clots. They are known to reduce harmful fats in the blood which contributes to the risk of heart attacks.
Garlic is also very important in the prevention of heart conditions. It is an antioxidant and antiseptic and helps to fight infection. Garlic keeps body circulation healthy by reducing the level of blood fats and lowering blood pressure thereby helping to protect someone against heart diseases and stroke. Nutritionist recommends that one clove of garlic or its equivalent should be consumed daily.
High blood pressure is also a major threat to a strong and healthy heart. With high blood pressure the force which the blood presses against the arteries as it circulates around the body is greater than normal. Thus causing the blood vessels to become narrower with thicker walls and put strain on the heart. The lifestyle changes that can reduce blood pressure include no smoking, choosing low fat diets, losing excess weight, reducing alcohol consumption and regular exercise.
The following vitamins are very useful:B3 which lowers raised blood pressure; vitamin C:reduces blood pressure; vitamin D: assists in calcium absorption which helps reduce blood pressure and vitamin E which helps to thin the blood. Minerals too are very important. Calcium: stabilizes blood pressure. Magnesium: dilates blood vessels reducing blood pressure. Potassium: helps to flush excess sodium from the body and Selenium: increases the effect of vitamin E.
In addition to the above mentioned foods the following can be added to the list: oily fish such as sardines and mackerel, oats, onions, low fat dairy products, ginger and celery. Other vital nutrients: omega 6 oils: evening primrose oil lowers blood pressure. Co-enzyme Q10 strengthens the heart and. Bioflavonoid increase the action of vitamin C.
Please be well advised that refined and salty foods contribute to raised blood pressure and danger to the heart and body.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7056994

Tuesday 22 May 2012

Best Herbal and Home Remedies for Migraines

Migraine is a type of headache that is accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light. In severe cases migraine sufferers may need to lie down, draw the curtains and put on soothing music until the throbbing pain and discomfort stops.
For women, migraines may be caused by the onset of the monthly period - commonly known as the Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS). In this case, it is not alarming because the cause is attributed to hormonal imbalance. Despite medical advances scientists have yet to uncover the underlying causes for migraines. However, it is always safe to consult your family doctor in cases of frequent and severe migraines as this could be a symptom of a more troubling sickness.
There are various prescription drugs available in the market today which helps migraine sufferers. These drugs are recommended to be taken at the onset of migraine. However, there may be undesirable side effects like insomnia or its opposite, which is sedation. These drugs may also cause sexual dysfunction.
Here are some natural herbal and home remedies that migraine sufferers can use to relieve the pain without fear of the unwanted side effects of prescription drugs:
Feverfew.This is the best documented herb for preventing migraine and is said to work for about 70% of sufferers. This herb contains a phytochemical called pathenolide which alleviate migraines. This herb reduces nausea or vomiting during migraines. Recommended daily dosage is 125 mg of dried leaf preparation with.2% parthenolide.
Butterbur. This is a shrub-like plant which produces extract that is used to treat migraine, asthma, stomach cramps, coughs and allergies. The plant is native to Europe and Asia, and is also grown in parts of North America. It belongs to the ragweed family so those allergic to ragweed are cautioned against using it.
California poppy. This herb contains a muscle relaxant and pain relieving properties which help in migraines. No reported side effects are associated with this herb.
Peppermint and Lavender oils. Mix these oils and rub into the temples to relieve migraines. Alternatively, Eucalyptus oil may also be used.
Skullcap.This herb has sedative properties that help reduce stress, anxiety and muscular tension.
Garlic and onion. These are not only delicious cooking ingredients, but are also great home remedies. They reduce clotting and assist in thinning the blood. Clotting often leads to migraines. Another good anti-clotting herb is Gingko Balboa. Recommended daily use of Gingko Balboa is 240 mg daily.
Willow. This is extracted from the bark of the willow tree which contains, Salicin, a chemical similar to the active ingredients in aspirin. It has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Those allergic to aspirin should not take this herb.
Cayenne. Like the other peppers, Cayenne has Capsaicin which increases the threshold for pain. It is often given as a nasal spray.
Kava-Kava. This herb has a mellowing effect that's helpful in stress-related migraines. Valerian is another herb recommended when the migraine is caused by stress.
Rosemary. Like peppermint and lavender oils, Rosemary is used externally. Rub on temples and forehead to relieve migraine.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6854142

Monday 21 May 2012

Busy Cooks Can Still Prepare Tasty Healthy Meals With These Recipes

We all seem to be busy these days but take heart. Even busy cooks can find time to feed their families tasty, healthy meals with the quick and easy recipes in this article! Choose from Shrimp & Spinach Fettuccine which needs nothing more that a good garlic bread and simple dessert to make a meal, or a Peachy Orange Chicken with Rice that needs only some steamed broccoli or asparagus for a meal. Either meal is a healthy choice that will only take a few minutes of your time. Much better for your family than stopping by a fast food place for a bag of greasy food just because you are short on time!
SPINACH & SHRIMP FETTUCCINE
1 lb pkg fettuccine, uncooked
1 pkg (6-oz) fresh baby spinach
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb uncooked medium shrimp, peeled & deveined
2 medium plum tomatoes, seeded & chopped
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Cook the fettuccine according to the package directions.
While fettuccine cooks, heat the oil in a large skillet. Saute the spinach and garlic for 2 minutes or until the spinach starts to wilt. Add the shrimp, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and the salt. Saute about three minutes until the shrimp turns pink. Drain the fettuccine and add to the skillet; toss to coat.
Before serving, sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.
Yield: 8 servings
PEACHY ORANGE CHICKEN WITH RICE
4 (1 lb total) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 tbsp canola oil
1 tbsp butter
1 can (15-oz) sliced peaches with juice
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
1 envelope (1/2 of a box) dry onion soup mix
4 servings hot cooked brown rice for serving

In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the oil. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides. Remove the chicken and keep warm.
To the same skillet add the peaches with the juice, sugar, orange juice, and dry soup mix to the skillet. Stir well to blend. Bring to a boil and cook for a couple of minutes.
Reduce the heat and return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, uncovered, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
Serve the chicken and sauce over the rice.
Yield: 4 servings
Enjoy!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7057196

Indian Takeaway - The Healthier Way

When you think of an Indian takeaway, it is likely that you will conjure up the image of a greasy curry being eaten in a hurry. This will then be followed by the obligatory pangs of guilt and cries of 'why did I eat SO much?' However - this doesn't always have to be the case!
Indian cuisine is there to be enjoyed and as with any cuisine, there will be healthy options and unhealthy options. Finding the right balance is important no matter which type of food you are eating. If you are one of the more health conscious among us, you may be keen to hear our recommendations for healthier Indian cuisine options.
Our top tips to enjoy Indian takeaway, the healthier way, include:
Avoiding Fried Dishes
Deep fried dishes, such as Indian starters like bhajis, pakoras and samosas will be high in calories due to the frying cooking method which they are subjected to. When health is in mind, deep fried dishes are best avoided! If you want to be extra good, skip starters altogether and head straight for the main!
Swapping Creamy Curries For Tomato Based Alternatives
Creamy curries such as Korma and Masala are laden with calories due to the use of ingredients such as cream, coconut milk and nuts. Swap cream based options for tomato based curries or go a step further and opt for fibre rich lentil curries such as Dansak.
Chapattis vs Nan Bread
When it comes to choosing between chapattis and nan bread, chapattis lead the way from a calorie saving perspective. Of course, when you are trying to minimise your calorie intake, accompanying breads are best avoided altogether. However if you need to satisfy your need for Indian bread, opt for wheat based chapattis.
Banishing Oil & Opting For Tandoori Dishes
Dry tandoori dishes, such as famed chicken Tikka and Shashlick, are cooked in the tandoor without oil. These dishes can offer a considerable calorie saving in comparison with sauce based curries.
Turning Up The Spice
Be brave and go for something a little spicier than normal. If a dish gets you hot under the collar, chances are that you will eat more slowly and start to feel full sooner. This comes with the added bonus of potentially eating less and saving any additional calorie intake.
Choosing Leaner Meats
Chicken and seafood based dishes are lower in calories than beef or lamb options. Simply opting for a different meat can help reduce your calorie and saturated fat intake. Going a step further and selecting a vegetarian option is likely to offer further calorie reductions for your meal.
Choosing Your Rice Wisely
Boiled rice, whilst perhaps not as exciting as colourful pilau or egg fried menu items, is a far healthier choice. Boiled rice will help you to avoid any additional oil intake.
Avoiding Chutneys
When it comes to chutneys and dips, raita is a healthier yoghurt based option in comparison to sweet, sugary chutneys such as mango chutney.
Staying Off The Booze
For many, having a curry goes hand in hand with a glass of nice cold beer or lager. Whilst this may complement your meal, it leads to additional calorie intake and bloating. Instead, drink something non-carbonated, such as a juice or even water.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7021556

Saturday 19 May 2012

Mixed Herb Rice With Fish

Ingredients
Basmati rice - 3 cups
2 lbs Fish cleaned and fillet
2 bunches of green onion
2 bunches of dill
2 bunches of parsley
One bunch of cilantro (optional)
4 cloves of garlic
Salt and pepper
Methods:
Wash and chop all the herbs. You can use a food processor to chop all of the herbs including the garlic. I personally process the stems in with the leaves but that's your choice. Mix all the herbs and garlic together and put it aside.
Add salt and pepper to the fish and set it aside.
Place your rice in a large bowl. Wash rice a few times until the water looks clear. This is a very important step to remove the starch from the rice. Bring salted water to a boil, place the rice in the boiling water and cook for about 5 to 10 minutes (this is according to the type of the rice you use). Make sure you stir the rice twice with a wooden spoon to loosen any grains that may have stuck to the bottom. Taste your rice. The grains should be soft on the outside but still firm in the center. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop additional cooking. Toss rice gently in colander.
Return the saucepan to the heat and add couple of tbsp olive oil with 2 tbsp of water till you hear sizzling sound. Pile up the rice and herbs on top in the shape of a pyramid. This shape leaves room for the rice to expand and enlarge. You want to lightly "fluff" the herbs into the rice to incorporate as you go along.
Poke one or two holes in the rice pyramid with the handle of a wooden spatula. This is done for steaming purposes. Add 2-3 tbsp of olive oil on top. Place the fish fillet on top of the rice. Cover and cook on high for 4-5 minutes unit rice is steaming, then reduce the heat to medium low and place a clean dish towel or 2 layers of paper towels over the pot and cover firmly with the lid to prevent steam from escaping. Cook for 30-40 minutes.
Carefully remove the fish and put it in a plate. Using one spatula full of rice at a time, place the rice on a serving platter without disturbing the crust. Finally, you remove the crusty bottom which is called tahdig and place it in a separate smaller plate.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7050303

Pork And Jalapeno Frittata

A frittata is an open faced omelet with other ingredients added to it. The recipe for my Pork and Jalapeno frittata can be used as an example, as most anything can be used in a frittata. It's an excellent way to use up leftovers.
  • 6 oz. raw pork, cut into cubes
  • 1 small onion, chopped fine
  • 1/2 ripe red pepper, cut into thin strips
  • 1 small jalapeno pepper cut into rings
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • salt and pepper
  • 3 eggs
I used raw pork in this frittata, so I used a little bit different method to cook it.
Put a few tablespoons of olive oil in a medium sized skillet (10-11 inches in diameter). Let oil heat thoroughly. Add pork, onions, red peppers, garlic and jalapeno, salt and pepper and fry until pork is done. Beat up the eggs in a bowl, slowly pour them over the mixture. Shake the pan to make sure the eggs spread evenly. Reduce the heat to medium and put on a lid to help the center of the frittata set, or you can put the pan in the oven (350 degrees) for a few minutes. When the center is set and the frittata is golden brown on the bottom, turn it out onto a plate and enjoy!
A frittata can be made out of most anything you've got left over too. If the meat you're using is already cooked, you can add everything to the eggs before putting into the skillet, or add the eggs separately. Experiment with different ingredients and cooking methods. There's really no right or wrong way to do it, as long as the eggs get cooked and it tastes good!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7061675

A Great Tasty Chicken Meatball With Cumin

I'm going to share with you a recipe for delicious meatballs. These small round and delicious balls are the perfect choice if you look to implement meat with plenty of veggies and legumes, just add some garlic and spices (like cumin) and you got yourself a perfect meal. Kids just love it, it's easy to make, and it's versatile and has a high nutritional value!
You can make the meat from minced beef, turkey or poultry, or a combination of them -a great way to combine different tastes and add nutritional value- depends on your choice and taste.
This recipe is well served with puree, rice or spaghetti.
Ingredients (for 2-4 people):
For the meatballs:
0.5 -1 kg of minced meat
2 tsp of minced cumin
10 parsley stems
20 garlic cloves
1 spoon of salt
2 eggs
2 spoons of olive oil
For the sauce:
6 medium and soft tomatoes
10 garlic cloves - squashed
1 spoons of tomato paste
4 spoons of veggie oil
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp sugar
1 tsp of cumin
1/4 tsp of cinnamon
2 1/2 cups of water
Instructions:
Prepare the Meatballs
1) Dice the garlic and parsley and mix with the rest of the meatballs ingredients.
2) Make balls with around 1-2" (3-4 cm) in diameter size.
3) Keep the meatballs in the fridge until the sauce is ready.
Prepare the sauce
1) Chop the tomatoes into small cubes.
2) Warm the oil in a wide flat pan. Add the tomatoes, garlic, salt, sugar and the black pepper. Cook for about 5 min. add the cumin and cinnamon. Dilute the tomato paste with the water and add to the pan. Get the sauce to boil.
Time to add the meatballs
1) Add the meatballs to the pan and arrange them. Cover the pan and cook on medium fire for about 1 h 15 min. If needed add half glass of water.
2) The meatballs are ready! I suggest you to serve them with rice puree or spaghetti. Enjoy!
Some tips
1) You can cook the meatballs on open fire or grill if you prefer. It would be much quicker and tasty, but they will lack the taste and juice of the tomato sauce.
2) You can serve the sauce along with 2-3 spoons of ketchup and some oregano. Kids just love it!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7054558

How to Cook Salmon - Tips and Tricks

Salmon is a versatile fish in that there are many different ways to cook the fillets. It's a healthy protein filled with Omega 3 Fatty Acids which have numerous health benefits, ranging from improved brain function to heart health. Salmon has lovely natural flavors so you can choose to cook and serve it unseasoned or you can add a range of seasoning to add even more flavor. The most popular methods of cooking salmon include baking, pan-frying or poaching. Read on for some handy tips on how to cook salmon.
To bake your salmon, place the fillets it on a tray that has been sprayed with olive oil spray or wrap the salmon in foil with various seasonings for example experiment with different herbs and spices or a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of soy sauce. Cook the fish in a pre-heated oven for around 15-20 minutes or until cooked to your liking (note - cooking times may vary depending on the size of your fillets). Serve the unseasoned salmon with some mayonnaise and wedge of lemon. For seasoned fillets, there is no need to serve with additional condiments. Serve the salmon with a mixed side salad for a healthy and wholesome dinner.
Salmon is delicious pan-fried or cooked on the BBQ. As with the baking method, you can pan-fry or BBQ salmon without seasoning or you can season it with salt & pepper or a herb crust. When pan-fried, the outside of the fish can become crunchy, especially if you keep the skin on. Do spray the fish with olive oil spray or brush it with olive oil before cooking it over a medium-high heat until it is cooked to your liking (usually around 4-5 minutes on each side.) Serve the salmon with your favorite combination of salad or vegetables.
The healthiest way to cook salmon is to poach it. To do this, fill a medium-sized saucepan with around 5 cm of water and bring it to the boil. Gently place the salmon in the water, then reduce the heat so that the water becomes a gentle, rolling simmer where small bubbles appear around the fish. Cook the salmon this way for around 8 minutes, or until the salmon becomes opaque. You can flavor the liquid to give the salmon additional flavor. Try poaching the salmon in some chicken or vegetable stock, or in milk with a bay leaf and a few peppercorns. Poached salmon is terrific flaked or chopped and used in salads, sandwiches and rolls or as an addition to quiche or stirred through pasta.
Regardless of how you choose to cook your salmon or the seasonings you add (or don't), once you know how to cook salmon, you can incorporate this delightful fish into your family diet.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7010039

Lose Weight With Fish Oil Supplements

Good for the heart and brain, that's what most studies claim about Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are "healthy fats" containing essential nutrients. Indeed, they can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent heart attacks, cut back cholesterol and enhance thinking skills among others. Aside from these benefits, Omega-3 fatty acids have also been believed to speed up weight loss.
With so many people looking for ways on how to lose weight, hearing the news attracted more Omega-3 fatty acids fans than ever. Everybody started to become curious where they can get their daily dose of Omega-3 fatty acids and how these fatty acids can help them get rid of their extra bulges.
Omega-3 fatty acids can be found on walnuts, soybean, spinach and Brussels sprouts among others but the ultimate source of these essential fats are oily fish such as herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines and tuna. But one does not have to eat vegetables or fish daily just to enjoy Omega-3 fatty acids' benefits-primarily its weight loss benefits-because they can instead take in fish oil supplements. According to a research, taking 6 grams of certain fish oil supplements brand daily, along with exercise, made a significant decrease on body fat.
In general, fish oil consumption is considered safe when taken in considerable dosage, even by women who are pregnant or lactating; although side effects such as bad breath, heartburn, nausea and nosebleed have been reported. The recommended daily intake of fish oil is 3 grams or less. Excessive intake of it can result to serious side effects. It may interfere with immune system's activity and induce blood clotting. Furthermore, it can also interact with medications such as antihypertensive drugs and anticoagulant drugs. It is important to consult a doctor before taking any medication, particularly fish oil supplement.
True enough, fish oil, taken by eating fish or popping a capsule, can actually help reduce weight but a further study about this claim is still necessary in order to back its accuracy. In the meantime, those who are taking the supplement just to lose weight may continue to do so but they should be cautious and must not entirely depend on it, since fish oil supplements alone is not the ultimate answer to the million-dollar "how to lose weight" question, but even so, they contain more important health benefits other weight-loss pills won't be able to offer and these reasons health benefits are more than enough to give fish oil supplements a go.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7005868

Friday 18 May 2012

Tired of Feeling Exhausted and Achy? It May Be Time to Change Your Eating Habits

Have you felt achy, depressed or just completely exhausted? Well your diet may be the culprit. There is much controversy over gluten free eating currently, while many don't believe that eating gluten free will make a difference. Whole grains are important to your health and gluten free eating may be for you. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye and are often snuck into unassuming processed foods.
The side effects of gluten are vast, if you have an intolerance to it. Gluten may cause bloating, cramping, joint pain, weight loss or weight gain, depression, eczema, headaches, exhaustion and even infertility. The best way to find out if you have a gluten intolerance is to see your doctor and get an allergy test. You can also decide to experiment on your own by removing gluten from your diet for up to a week. Write down if you have any changes in your symptoms and take note of how you feel on a gluten free diet. After 7 days, add in a food that contains gluten, such as whole wheat bread or barley. Track your symptoms as you add gluten back in. If you feel any of the symptoms you had previously, there is a good chance you are intolerant to gluten.
The best way to enjoy a gluten free diet is to eat a diet filled with vegetables, fruits, lean meats, nuts, legumes and grains that are naturally gluten free such as quinoa and brown rice. Simply switching to GF bread and processed GF products, is not the healthiest option and why many people say a GF diet is not healthy and doesn't help you lose weight. Stick to whole foods, minimally processed and close to nature.
We need to focus on eating whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, grains & nuts. These foods all contain carbs, which have sugar, but they are whole foods, which are processed differently in the body. Eating less processed foods and focusing on GF grains can help you lose weight. Experiment with different GF breakfast, lunch and dinners by adding in oats, smoothies, quinoa dishes and other GF grains.
We choose to use GF grains and make GF snacks like the Instant Boost Chocolate Balls at Pure Bliss Eats because we know a diet that focuses on minimally processed snacks is one that will make you feel your best.
Some tips on how you can reduce or eliminate gluten in your diet
Crowd out the white, processed simple carbs with whole grain, complex carbs. Instead of choosing white rice, make short or long grain brown rice. Don't like the taste? First try doing 50% brown rice. Try new grains like quinoa and millet.
Google or search blogs for fun recipes using grains like quinoa casserole or millet.
Replace your sugary cereal with a delicious oatmeal recipe.
Choose fruit with some nut butter over a 100 calorie pack.
If you're trying to lose weight, I hope I've convinced you, you actually NEED good carbs/whole grains! Add in a serving of a whole grain and bring them back into your life!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7010967

Frozen Greek Yogurt - A Dessert You Never Feel Guilty About

Frozen Greek yogurt has enjoyed huge sales in the past few years with many top frozen food markets and other food retailers selling their own version of this delicious, cool treat. This type of yogurt differs from traditional yogurt in that it is strained, where even the nonfat versions have and incredible amount of creamy texture. Greek yogurt also differs from the traditional types in that it contains more protein. Fans of this delicious treat are lured in by its creamy tangy taste. You can purchase this yogurt from one of three prominent brands and enjoy the same creaminess you find in traditional ice cream.
You should note that not all frozen Greek yogurts are that much better for you than ice cream, so be careful to check the labels for nutritional information. Some Greek yogurts are considerably higher in fat and calories than their competitors are. Your best choice is to choose the ones that are a more natural choice, low in calories, has live and active cultures, high in protein, and fat free. You can enjoy delicious flavors such as key lime, vanilla, Espresso, blueberry, mango, and peach. You can also find out if the company offers Greek frozen yogurt bars that are also fat free, has 5g or protein per serving, and 75 calories each.
You will never feel guilty eating this decadent, healthy treat, but you also never have to skimp on taste. You can have a "dessert only" fellowship with family and friends and share this very cool treat with them so they too can begin on the frozen Greek yogurt craze. You can also make this dessert a permanent staple in your home, and feel good knowing that you are offering your family a delicious treat that is also good for them. The great thing is that you will never have to force your children to eat frozen Greek yogurt, because once they try it, they will be hooked.
Check out your favorite food retailer to see if they offer the best choices in frozen Greek yogurts so you can get some of your very own. If you or a family member do not like a particular flavor, do not worry, there are enough choices to satisfy everyone's tastes. You can check the website of a prominent yogurt retailer and get some delicious recipes using Greek frozen yogurts such as breakfast parfait, shakes, and more.
Frozen Greek yogurt is a great way to cool down. Find out more about this treat by visiting  http://ciaobellagelato.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7047701

How to Roast a Chicken to Perfection

Roasting a chicken at home is a great way to prepare tasty, healthy meat for the whole family in a very inexpensive way. If you want to roast your chicken to mouthwatering perfection, please follow these easy tips. First, it is wise when you are shopping to pick a bird that is called a 'roaster.' These are usually birds that are older, and they have more muscle, as well as lots of fat and flavor. The fat is good for roasting because it makes it more flavorful and moist. This will be added to the meat as it cooks in your oven. It will melt off at the end of your cooking process but the meat will be infused with the fat and it will be really tasty.
Your chicken is roasted by cooking it in your oven, uncovered. The chicken will need to be cleaned and properly seasoned, and then stuffed if that is something that you want. Next, you will put it on your rack in a roasting pan (a shallow one is best). You do not have to have a rack, but we find that the chicken will cook better because the bird is not 'stewing in its juices.' Heat will be able to reach every part of the bird and it will make the whole chicken very golden brown. The juices in the bird also will evaporate faster and you will get a better caramelized layer. This is very important for getting a very good base that is full of flavor (very key for making good gravy or sauce).
You will want to cook your chicken at a high heat and for a shorter time period. You want to make the skin nice and crisp and seal your juice into the bird. This will give you meat that is the most tender and juicy. You do not need to baste your bird all through the process. However, if the bird is less than three pounds, you may want to do some basting; the small birds do not have enough fat in them to keep the meat moist on their own. How long you cook your chicken is going to depend on how large it is and on the particular recipe you are using.
Also remember that how long you cook your roaster will depend on if you stuffed it, and if there are vegetables and potatoes included with your chicken. You want to be careful that you cook it enough so that it is done and safe to it, but not over cooked. You can check to see if it is done by checking the skin. It should be deeply golden brown, and the legs should be able to be moved around still. Also, prick the thigh or the breast. You should see juice that is clear. You should not see any juice with any red in it. If you tilt the bird up, you should see juice run out that is clear, and not at all pink. Of course, you also can check to see if your bird is done by using a meat thermometer. You should stick your thermometer into the deepest and thickest part of the thigh of the bird. It should show a temperature of about 180 degrees.
We strongly advise that you let the chicken rest on the counter for about 10 minutes before you start to carve it. This will let the juices of the bird to settle evenly all through the meat. You should have a very moist and juicy roaster bird if you follow these tips carefully. Enjoy!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7065844

The Goodness Of Bean Flour In Healthy Living

Beans are a complex carbohydrate and an important source of many important nutrients like foliate, protein, potassium and calcium. They can also give us the daily requirements of fibre and provide us with the energy to go about our lives. There are many ways in which we can use beans in our daily meals. All types of beans can be used in cooking. They can be simply cooked or they can be converted into bean flour.
The best flour is obtained from white beans and they can be ground finely. It can be used in all kinds of recipes. Out of the total amount of flour used in a particular recipe, up to 25% bean flour can be substituted. Thus, while enjoying our cakes and pastries, we also get the additional health benefits. We can also make soups creamier by adding beans flour instead of a diary product. You will therefore get a nutritious and creamy soup without the calories.
Beans generally cause flatulence. We can avoid this by preparing them in the right way. The toxins which cause gas formation are eliminated, when they are cooked properly.
The following is a method of preparing beans to avoid flatulence.
1. The beans should be soaked in water for 6-7 hours, this will soften the outer layer and enable the toxins to dissolve. It will also allow them to cook faster.
2. Throw off the excess water and add fresh water and onions.
3. Boil this combination for some time and then drain the water along with the onion.
4. You may then add the ingredients of your choice and boil till they are soft.
This procedure will ensure that you are able to enjoy gas free beans and at the same time, be able to obtain its health benefits
Beans are a great source of vital nutrients for our body and is a significant addition to our meals. It helps in limiting fat and enhancing nutrition. We can enrich the goodness in the food that we eat, by adding them. There are flours available that come as a combination. Bean flour can prove to be an alternative to people who are allergic to grains. Manufacturers have now developed bean flour and pasta that are gluten-free. Including bean flour in our daily meals, is an ideal way to increase the consumption of plant-based protein and fibre. This will enable us to lead a more healthier life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7064599

Thursday 17 May 2012

The Health Benefits of Juicing

I started juicing raw vegetables and apples in 1996. It is very easy to do. All you need is a good juicer.
Much of the foods people eat, such as french fries, fried chicken, microwave popcorn, doughnuts, margarine, cookies and pastries contain an artery-clogging fat called Trans fat. This fat can lead to type two diabetes, high cholesterol and other health problems. If you desire to live a long, healthy, vibrant life, you have to take care of your body by giving it the proper nutrition. That is why I am such a strong advicate for Juicing.
 Health Benefits
The benefits of consuming these freshly made, health drinks are many. They aid in keeping organs such as heart, liver, and kidneys strong and healthy. They also help prevent colon cancer and keep your digestive system in tiptop shape. This is because they are a great supplier of protein, vitamins and minerals.
 These drinks also boost the immune system and promote good-looking healthy skin.
Another health benefit to consuming these drinks is they help you lose weight and lower cholesterol naturally.
 Nutritional Health Begins On The Inside
I am a firm believer that if you work on being healthy on the inside it will show-up on the outside.
Sometimes when I run into old friends they tell me that I look very healthy.  I believe the juices that I drink has a lot to do with this.
 I know a woman who smoked for many years. When she finally quit smoking I noticed in a short period of time, the skin on her face look healthier. There was almost a glow to it.
Can you visualize what would happen if more and more people would work on being healthy from the inside out? I can!
 Raw Vegetable juice Verses Cooked Vegetables
You might be saying to yourself I eat a lot of cooked vegetables with my meal why then should I consider juicing? Well allow me give you two reasons:
1.When you cook vegetables at temperatures above 114 degrees, heat destroys the enzymes. (Enzymes are naturally occurring chemical substances in the human body that help a chemical reaction take place). In other words enzymes are important because they aid in the digestion and absorption of food in your body.
Fruit and vegetable juice that are sold in a shop or supermarket must go through a pasteurizing process before they can be sold to you the customer. The reason for this pasteurizing process is to give these drinks shelf life. However during this process heat reaches about 120 degrees thus destroying the enzymes.
In contrast enzymes in raw vegetable or fruit drinks are live. So they are able to do the job they are intended to do.
2.When you juice, you separate the liquid from the fiber. Thus food value is available to the body in much larger amounts than if the piece of fruit or vegetable were eaten whole.
If you ate one raw carrot, your body would only be able to absorb about 1% of the available vitamin A (beta carotene). That is because most of the nutrients in a carrot are locked in its fiber. However if you separate the liquid from the fiber, your body would be able to assimilate 90% of the nutrients. Pretty amazing!
To me juicing is by far the best way to give your body the nutrients it needs for youthfulness and disease-free living.

Wednesday 16 May 2012

How to Make Cheese Panini Recipes

One of the most wonderful things about panini is how versatile they can be. Far from being a sandwich that can only be created several ways, just about any sort of ingredient can be used in. This is most evident when selecting cheese panini recipes – so many sorts of cheese can be used in them.
As a matter of fact, panini is so versatile that practically any sort of cheese can be used in one! That said, however, some kinds make a better match than others. For the benefit of those who need to know, here are some of the more popular cheeses for use in these terrific sandwiches.
First up is provolone. This is a smooth-skinned, semi-hard cheese that is made with whole cow’s milk. It’s produced mainly in the Po River area of Italy. The flavor of provolone can vary greatly; you can choose between piquant or sharp-flavored varieties to sweet-flavored, much milder sorts, and there are many kinds that fall in between those two extremes.
Next is Swiss cheese, which can refer to either Emmental or Emmentaler cheese (a yellow cheese which is medium-hard and which comes with those characteristic large holes), or several kinds of cheese that are all very similar to Emmental cheese. Emmental cheese can be mild to piquant in flavor, albeit not all that sharp, whereas the Swiss cheeses are bittersweet and nutty. An interesting rule of thumb is that the larger the holes are, in general, the more pronounced the flavor of the cheese.
Up next we have Havarti cheese. This is a smooth, yellow- or cream-colored cheese that, unlike Emmental or Swiss cheese, has very small holes. Its flavor is buttery and the sweetness can vary from brand to brand, or with age as well. It can be slightly acidic, too. Interestingly, if you leave it out in a room-temperature area, it can soften rather fast, so take note of this if you’d like to use it in your panini.
And then there’s Asiago cheese, which can be a good substitute for the somewhat better-known romano and parmesan cheeses. Fresh Asiago cheese is on the whole smooth, but as it ages it becomes more apt to crumble; aged Asiago cheese can taste very similar to Parmesan, and you might be surprised to find some crunchy bits in it thanks to the buildup of a certain amino acid called tyrosine (nothing wrong with this crunch though).
Those are some of the most popular varieties of cheese that you can use in your cheese panini recipes. I’ll leave you with a rule of thumb regarding selecting cheese – use those sorts of cheeses that melt well and which can serve as a ‘glue’ to hold the rest of the sandwich together. Enjo

Nutritionally Smart: Seven Simple Ways to Eat Healthier (with Strawberry Orange Sorbet recipe)

The key to better health is learning the difference between healthy and unhealthy nutrients. The choices we make greatly affect our health. Making a few simple healthy and nutritious changes in our dietary choices can have a profound and positive impact on our health, well-being, energy levels and life span. For instance . . .
Healthy proteins provide the amino acids our bodies require to build and repair lean body mass (like muscles, skin, hair and nails), and are low in saturated fat, cholesterol and chemicals. Good sources include wild salmon, beans, legumes, soy products (tofu, tempeh, TVP), seeds (sunflower, pumpkin), nuts (walnuts, almonds, peanuts) and nut-butters (peanut, almond, cashew, etc.).
Unhealthy proteins are loaded with saturated fat, cholesterol, hormones, or antibiotics (like beef, lamb, beacon and sausage). While they give your body the needed amino acids, they also clog arteries and compromise your immune system.
Healthy fats are unsaturated fats (mono and poly), omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Good sources of these fats include extra virgin olive oil, canola oil, ground flax seeds and walnuts. They help your body absorb fat-soluble antioxidant micronutrients like vitamins A, E, D, and K, and lycopene.
Unhealthy fats are saturated fats and trans fatty acids (trans fats), like butter and margarine. These fats contribute to heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, hypertension and obesity.
Healthy carbohydrates are high in fiber and are considered complex carbohydrates. Good sources include rolled oats, brown rice, whole wheat, broccoli, squash, green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, beans and whole fruit. These help lower cholesterol, aide digestion, regulate blood sugar and insulin levels, and reduce caloric intake.
Unhealthy carbohydrates are high in sugar and are called simple carbohydrates, like candy, white bread, sodas, ice cream, cake and cookies. These spike blood sugar and insulin levels, and increase caloric intake (they are considered empty calories).
Eating nutrient-dense foods that are high in antioxidants, photochemical and fiber help the body function optimally, promote overall well-being and improve digestion. These nutrients also help fight and prevent heart disease, cancer and diabetes, strengthens the immune system, slows the aging process, increases energy and improves cognitive performance.
Additionally, as we age our appetite lessens, making it even more critical to choose foods wisely. When every bit counts, picking foods with the highest nutritional profile is more important than ever.
An easy way to make your nutritional choices is to look for foods that are bright in color, for they usually contain more beneficial vitamins, minerals and photochemical. For example, red and pink grapefruit have the heart-healthy cancer-fighting antioxidant photochemical called lycopene while white grapefruit does not. Here are seven more simple ways to start eating healthier.
1. Switch from iceberg lettuce to romaine lettuce. Romaine lettuce has more vitamins and minerals like vitamins A and C, thiamine, riboflavin, calcium and potassium. It also has more fiber than iceberg lettuce.
2. Eat brown rice instead of white rice. Brown rice naturally has more fiber and riboflavin, and less sugars than white rice. It is digested slower and is more filling.
3. Switch from white bread to whole-wheat or whole-grain bread. Whole-wheat and whole-grain breads have more fiber, iron and potassium. Slice per slice, they are more filling and satisfying than white bread.
4. Drink iced teas (black, green and herbal) instead of sodas. Black, green and herbal teas provide antioxidants and photochemical that enhances your health. Unlike sodas, you can control the sugar content when brewing your own iced teas.
5. Choose whole-grain or whole-wheat cereals with bran instead of sugar-coated cereals. Whole-grain cereals and whole-wheat cereals with bran naturally have more protein, fiber, calcium, iron, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin than sugar frosted cereals. Besides having less sugar, they are metabolized slower and are more filling. So you have more energy during the day and you will not get hungry right away.
6. Switch from cows milk to fortified soymilk. Soymilk contains no cholesterol or hormones, and is extremely low in saturated fat. It also provides is flavones and other beneficial photochemical that promote good health. Fortified soymilks also contain easy to absorb calcium, vitamins D and B6, and some even add extra antioxidants (like vitamins A, C, and E), folate and omega-3.
7. For dessert, have frozen fruit sorbet instead of ice cream. Frozen fruit sorbet is fat and cholesterol free and has more fiber. It is also loaded with antioxidant vitamins A and C, and contains beneficial photochemical.
To get you started, try Monique N. Gilbert's deliciously nutritious homemade sorbet recipe. It is cholesterol-free, and high in antioxidants and fiber.
Strawberry Orange Sorbet
1-1/2 cups frozen strawberries  1/3 cup orange juice  1/3 cup fortified soymilk  2 tablespoons canned pumpkin  1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
Blend in a food processor or blender for 1-2 minutes, until smooth and creamy. Place in the freezer until ready to serve.  Makes about 2 servings .

Sunday 13 May 2012

Digestion – Simple Tips To Increase Energy & Avoid Illness

Are you so busy that you rush your food and snatch meals when you can?
Are you rushing your eating so much that it simply is not enjoyable?
Well if you do you will have poor digestion and this can be the cause of low energy levels and more seriously can cause a number of illnesses including:
Abdominal pain, inflammation, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, yeast infections and allergies can then occur.
So if you want to avoid illness and get more energy take a look at your digestion and improve it with these simple tips.
1. Chew Your Food
Try and take smaller bites when you eat and chew slowly.
Thoroughly chew your food which allows amylase, the digestive enzyme present in saliva, to breakdown and digest the food properly.
2. Get More Fiber
Fiber is essential for healthy digestion and to cleanse the gut by keeping food moving through it; however most people simply don't get enough of it.
Aim for 25 - 30 grams per day (the average for most adults is just 8grams) fiber rich foods include strawberries, apples, brown rice, chick peas, potatoes (with skins) figs, dates and prunes.
As a bonus eating fibre is a great way to lose weight as it fills you up and curbs hunger pangs.
3. Beans and legumes
If you don't have time to cook dried beans, buy canned, but make sure you rinse them before cooking.
Lentils and split peas are less gas-forming than other legumes and are a great choice.
Ground flaxseeds are a gentle laxative. They are very useful for chronic constipation, damage to the intestine wall from laxative use, irritable bowels, and to soothe inflammation.
Sprinkle ground flaxseeds on any of your meals to make sure you get enough.
3. Good Gut Bacteria
There are over 400 different kinds of bacteria and yeasts in your digestive system. Of these, the bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum are considered good.
"probiotic" bacteria because the help to maintain overall intestinal health.
Although good bacteria can be found in some yogurt, there is a wide variation in quality, so play it safe and look for good quality organic yogurt
Supplements containing acidophilus and bifidobacteria can be found in most health food stores.
They are especially helpful for the following conditions:
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Diarrhea
• Bloating, flatulence and gas
• Vaginal yeast infections
4. Supplement to Restore Digestive Health
Enteric-Coated Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil can reduce abdominal pain and bloating and you can take it naturally or simply buying it as a supplement.
Digestive Enzymes
Enzyme supplements are believed to support the body's own digestive enzymes to aid digestion and help with other problems stemming from poor digestion.
Vitmain B12
Stomach acid naturally declines with age.
Too little acid can cause low vitamin B12 and folic acid levels you may want to consider a B12 supplement to help restore balance. .
5. Drink plenty of water
We can’t live without water!
We need it to live and you need to get plenty of it.
Drink 2 – 3 liters a day for hydration and to flush out impurities from the body.
Take care of ypur digestive system and
It will take care of you!
If you want to avoid illness, have more energy and have better looking skin, follow the above tips.
There simple and easy to do, so look after your digestion today.