Showing posts with label FOOD. Show all posts

Thursday, 6 November 2014

Food 5 Amazing Brunch Recipes That Are Too Good To Be True

5 Amazing Brunch Recipes That Are Too Good To Be True

Brunch is one of the best things to happen to humanity, especially because it combines two great meals - breakfast and lunch. Here are 5 amazing brunch recipes that are too good to be true.

Baked Egg Boats
Ingredients:
· 4 semi sourdough baguettes
· 5 eggs
· 1/3 cup heavy cream
· 4 ounces pancetta or bacon, finely chopped and fried until crisp
· 3 ounces gruyere cheese, grated
· 2 green onions, thinly sliced
· salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
· Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
· Cut the top of each baguette into a deep 'V' until about a 1/2 inch to the bottom and partially unstuff the baguettes. Keep them aside.
· Add the cream and the eggs to a bowl and beat slightly.
· Add the remaining ingredients and season lightly with pepper and salt.
· Pour the mixture into each baguette boat and place them onto a baking sheet.
· Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the baguettes turn golden brown and the egg mixture has set in the center.
· Season with salt and pepper and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before you cut and serve them.

Pancake Breakfast Tacos
Ingredients
· 5 eggs, beaten
· 2 tablespoons butter
· 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
· 1 cup grated cheese
· 6 slices of bacon, fried and diced
· 4 pancakes made from regular pancake mix
· Maple syrup
· 1 container ready-made salsa

Directions:
· Make each pancake about 5 inches wide and keep them aside.
· Heat the butter and eggs in a pot over medium heat and stir constantly to prevent them from burning.
· When the eggs have scrambled, divide the eggs over the pancakes evenly.
· Add some chopped bacon over them and then grated cheese.
· Garnish with the cilantro, drizzle some maple syrup and add a spoonful of the salsa.

Blueberry And Brie Grilled Cheese Waffles
Ingredients:
· 1 1/2 cups blueberries
· Zest of 1 lemon
· 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
· 1 tablespoon sugar
· 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
· 8 waffles
· 4 ounces brie cheese, sliced

Directions:
· Mix the lemon zest, blueberries, sugar, lemon juice and sugar in a pan, bring to a boil, lower and then simmer for 5 minutes.
· In a medium-high heat pan, heat butter.
· Top the waffles with slices of brie, and a generous scoop of the blueberry compote to make 4 sandwiches.
· Add the sandwiches to the pan and grill until the cheese has melted and the waffles are golden brown in color.

Roasted Vegetable Frittata
Ingredients:
· 1⁄2 red onion, diced
· 1⁄2 green bell pepper, chopped
· 1⁄2 red bell pepper, chopped
· 1 cup sweet corn kernels
· 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped
· 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
· 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
· 1⁄2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
· 8 ounces mushrooms, chopped
For the Frittata:
· 8 large eggs
· 2 garlic cloves, minced
· 2 tablespoons heavy cream
· 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
· 1⁄2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions:
· Preheat the oven to 450oF.
· In a bowl, add the peppers, onions, broccoli and corn, toss them with the olive oil, pepper and salt.
· In another bowl, add the mushrooms and toss with the remaining olive oil.
· Place the vegetables into the oven and roast them for 20 to 25 minutes.
· To make the frittata, add the eggs, cream, garlic, pepper and salt to a large bowl and whisk.
· Pour the egg mixture over the roasted vegetables and bake the frittata until the top is golden and the eggs are set. This should take about 20 to 25 minutes.
· Allow the frittata cool in the skillet for 10 minutes before you slice it and serve it.

Avocado And Egg Corn Cakes
Ingredients:
· 1 cup whole wheat flour
· 1 cup finely ground cornmeal
· 1 teaspoon baking soda
· 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
· 1⁄2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
· 11⁄2 cups corn kernels
· 1 shallot, diced
· 2 garlic cloves, minced
· 2 large eggs
· 1 cup low-fat milk
· 2 tablespoons olive or canola oil
· 4 large eggs, for serving
· 1 avocado, pitted, peeled, and sliced
· 3 small tomatoes, quartered

Directions:
· Whisk the baking soda, flour, salt, pepper and cornmeal in a large bowl.
· Add the shallots, corn, and garlic to the dry ingredients and mix well.
· Whisk the milk and eggs in a small bowl and add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix well.
· Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the oil.
· Scoop the corn cake batter into the skillet and cook until the cakes start to bubble and set. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
· Flip gently and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.
· Remove the corn cakes with a spatula and place onto a baking sheet or plate. Repeat with the remaining batter.
· Cook the eggs the way you like it - over easy, sunny side up, scrambled, or poached.
· Assemble the corn cakes by adding the tomatoes and avocado slices over the top.
· Top each corn cake with the egg and serve.

De Villiers, who has been shortlisted by Cricket South Africa for the 2013 South African Cricketer of the Year award, is a man of numerous sporting talents.
Here's a list of sports AB has excelled in soon after her joined Afrikaanse Hoer Seunskool, a premier sporting institute in South Africa, at the age of 13.
> He was shortlisted for South Africa's junior national hockey team.
> He made it to the shortlist of South Africa's junior national football team.
> He was captain of South Africa's junior national rugby team.
> He holds six South African school swimming records.
> He holds the record in the 100m dash in South Africa's junior athletics.
> He was a member of South Africa's junior Davis Cup tennis team.
> He was South Africa's U-19 national badminton champion.
> Has a golf handicap of scratch or zero, which means he is a player whose average score for a round of golf is par or better.
> He is a recipient of the prestigious national medal from the Late Nelson Mandela for a science project.
- See more at: http://www.mid-day.com/articles/ab-de-villiers-is-a-hockey-football-rugby-tennis-and-badminton-champ/15286163#sthash.EbdLaBjH.dpuf

This could come as a revelation to many, who simply know AB de Villiers as South Africa's star batsman and of course now Royal Challengers Bangalore's big-hitter in IPL-7.
- See more at: http://www.mid-day.com/articles/ab-de-villiers-is-a-hockey-football-rugby-tennis-and-badminton-champ/15286163#sthash.EbdLaBjH.dpuf

AB de Villiers is a hockey, football, rugby, tennis and badminton champ! - See more at: http://www.mid-day.com/articles/ab-de-villiers-is-a-hockey-football-rugby-tennis-and-badminton-champ/15286163#sthash.EbdLaBjH.dpuf

Wednesday, 5 November 2014

Food 10 Wonder Foods That Can Naturally Lower Your Blood Pressure

10 Wonder Foods That Can Naturally Lower Your Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can be a big problem, especially if it is ignored. One of the best ways to lower blood pressure is to incorporate certain foods into your diet, along with lifestyle changes and increased exercise. Some of the best wonder foods that can naturally lower your blood pressure are:
Peas
These little emerald beauties are packed with vegetable protein which helps lower blood pressure. Peas also contain folic acid as well as other vitamins which offer overall cardiovascular support to the human body.
Celery
Celery makes your veins and heart function more appropriately. This helps to keep your blood pressure in check. It is believed that your blood pressure levels can be maintained by keeping your blood sugar levels balanced. Celery is a superfood that has tons of positive health benefits, including weight loss.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal may not be the tastiest thing on the menu, but it is definitely one of the healthiest. If you are averse to taking too much medication, increasing your oatmeal intake is a great option. Just one bowl of oatmeal in breakfast can considerably lower your blood pressure. Use an all-natural version of oatmeal and not the artificial flavored type, as it has tons of sugars, which end up raising your glucose levels. Keep it natural and add fresh fruit to your breakfast bowl for added flavor.
Papaya
Oranges have been heralded for their vitamin C content, but papaya surprisingly has more vitamin C per gram than an orange. In addition to this, papayas are also loaded with minerals and vitamins like potassium and amino acids, making it one of the healthiest fruits, and a great start to lower your blood pressure. Due to its potassium content, it also has several heart-healthy benefits.
Yogurt
Yogurt contains calcium, magnesium and potassium, which makes it a great choice to keep your high blood pressure in check. Be sure to choose a variety that has a low fat content. Consuming yogurt by itself may not manifest in many beneficial ways, but it can if you pair it with other healthy foods and lifestyle changes.
Kiwis
These fuzzy green fruits are a delightful combination of tangy and sweet, and have been known to keep blood pressure from soaring. Include at least 3 kiwis into your diet, every day. If you find it too tedious to eat as is, you could put them in a fruit salad or consume them with other foods that are rich in anti-oxidants.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are the secret superfood that no one really paid attention to, until recently. Apart from their other health benefits, tomatoes are also known to keep blood pressure in check due to its lycopene content. Tomatoes are also known to help with the prevention of diabetes and to curb premature ageing of the skin. When you eat them, try not to overcook them or process them too much.
Green Beans
Green beans are known to have a direct impact on your blood pressure and create favorable conditions to achieve healthy levels. This is due to their vitamin C, potassium and fiber content. Add some sauteed green beans, dusted with pepper and salt to your dinner menu every day and watch its health benefits manifest itself.
Guava
Guavas are a wonder fruit that is known for its high potassium levels, which are known to be especially beneficial for lowering blood pressure levels and aiding weight loss. They also contain fiber that has a direct positive impact on your digestive system.
Blueberries
Blueberries are known for their antioxidant properties and keep your blood pressure levels low by knocking out free radicals in your system. Add a bowl of fresh blueberries to your breakfast menu every morning, or add some to your oatmeal for a power-packed start to the day. Try not to add any sugar, as that would negate their blood pressure lowering benefits and dilute the overall effect they have on the body.

Tuesday, 4 November 2014

7 Carbs You Should Include In Your Diet

Carbs have come to be maligned for little reason over the last few years. They are wrongly accused of being the primary factors behind weight gain, and thus get shunned by many people.

However, carbs are of various kinds. While a section of them, especially the processed varieties, are indeed bad for one's health and weight management, there are many other kinds that are not just beneficial but important for the smooth functioning of the body - mostly these are natural, unprocessed carbs.

Good carbs provide the body with the much-needed fiber and energy along with a host of vital nutrients. Avoiding these will make you keep craving food all day, while also experiencing low energy levels and digestive problems.

Mentioned here are seven good varieties of carbohydrates that should be taken on a regular basis:

Whole-wheat or Barley Breads
All whole grains, on an average, provide three times more fiber as compared to their white,-processed counterparts. However, this in no way means that they are any less delicious - only of a little coarser texture, as would be expected. It's just that we've attuned our palates more to the white breads through regular consumption.

So, by all means indulge in your choicest breads - just make sure they are made of whole-grains. While whole wheat breads are slowly and steadily catching up, there are other lesser eaten, but just as healthy and delicious grains like barley too. Barley also contains soluble fiber, which is beneficial for keeping blood cholesterol levels in check.

Quinoa Preparations
Quinoa is also a uniquely flavored whole grain that contains a healthy quantity of fiber (2 grams in half-a-cup) as well as a good amount of protein (about 4 grams). This also makes quinoa a filling carb whose proteins content keeps hunger in control for longer periods. It contains all of the nine essential amino acids that are not generated in the body and therefore, required to come from food.

A tip for cooking quinola is to rinse it thoroughly to wash away all traces of saponin, its natural protective coating, which tastes bitter.

Unprocessed Brown Rice
This is the whole version of rice. A bit more chewy and thick, brown rice packs in more natural nutrients than the usually eaten white rice. While some brands talk about enriching white rice with added vitamins and minerals that are lost during processing, it still does not make it as healthy as whole unprocessed rice. Vitamin fortification cannot substitute the goodness of the natural fiber present in brown rice.

Fiber-rich Oatmeal & Air-popped Popcorns
Much like barley, certain soluble fibers present in oats have been associated with lower cholesterol, an overall improved heart profile and better weight management. The only thing to be kept in mind is to have your oats with as little trimmings as possible. Avoid the sweetened and glazed varieties to reap in health benefits without piling on kilos.

Another fiber-rich option, which may possibly better satisfy your snack craving, is popcorn - a whole grain munching choice that's healthy to the boot. Just about three cups of popcorn will not just give you more than your recommended daily portions of whole grains but will also provide you with beneficial fiber and energy.

However, take care to stick to the air-popped preparation to avoid taking in unhealthy fat and sodium. An air-popped popcorn cup will give you about 6 grams of carbs, which will include 1 gram of fiber along with about 31 calories of energy.

All Kinds Of Beans
All varieties of beans - kidney, garbanzo, black and pinto - are a special sort of carb that pack in a rich dose of beneficial proteins, healthy fiber content and a small quantity of natural sugars. An ounce of beans will have about 7 grams of carbohydrates, out of which nearly one third is soluble fiber. Considering this good mix of proteins, fiber and energy-giving carbs present in beans, it's little wonder that studies have found bean-eaters to weigh less than their bean-avoiding counterparts despite consume more food.

Potatoes With Their Skin On
All varieties of potatoes with their skin on make for a good source of fiber-rich carbohydrates. However, even among these, sweet potatoes are the ones that are especially loaded with colorful carotenoids (also found in squash) that are associated with a reduced risk of certain kinds of cancer and eye diseases. Sweet potatoes are also loaded with Vitamin C, protein and potassium, which further up their overall nutritional value.

Fruits like Bananas and Berries
Berries make for a very healthy carb that also deliver beneficial soluble fiber along with a wide range of vitamins and antioxidants. Blueberries definitely top the rank in this great food category - a single cup of blueberries (had only once a week) will prevent the onset of cognitive disorders that occur with advancing years, while setting you back only by 84 calories!

Also on the list of beneficial fruity carbs are the enviable bananas. Known to be as efficient as the best of energy bars and sports drinks, bananas are often recommended before any activity that requires power and exertion. The natural sugars present in the fruit provide the body with an instant spurt of energy. A medium-size banana contains about 3 grams of fiber and a good amount of the vital vitamin B6, which is essential for more than a hundred different bodily functions.

Sunday, 2 November 2014

Facts That You Should Know About Ebola Virus

10 Facts That You Should Know About Ebola Virus

The Ebola virus was first reported from the African country, Sudan. This virus infection has become one of the most dreaded diseases in the world of late. The destructive potential of this virus is high with almost 80% of the victims reported dead. The virus has the potential to infect millions of people across the world if proper screening measures are not adopted by the countries of the globe.

Know About Ebola

Ebola virus diseases were earlier known as Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever and are caused by the virus belonging to Filoviridae family. This is a disease known to spread from animals to humans. The RNA virus infects the wild animals such as gorillas, monkeys, chimpanzees and fruit bats and can also spread to humans. According to World Health Organization, this disease is transmitted through direct contact with the body fluids such as blood, secretions and organs of an infected animal or person. Migratory populations are most likely to get the infection and they may transmit the Ebola virus.

Early Symptoms

The early symptoms may appear one week after the virus infects your body. The symptoms include headache, fever, rashes, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, body ache, cough, etc. It is difficult to identify the disease in the early stages as the early symptoms are similar to the symptoms of other diseases. The diagnosis is usually made on the basis of tests for antibodies against viral DNA and Ebola.

Later Symptoms

Within a few days of the patient expressing the early symptoms, the later symptoms appear. Later symptoms include: impaired liver and kidney functions, redness of the eye due to internal and external bleeding, bloody vomit and bloody diarrhea, etc. The patient may experience cardiovascular collapse and finally death.

Who Is At Risk?

The persons with high risk of Ebola infection are family members of the infected persons and the health workers who is in close contact with infected individuals and mourners of the deceased person who have direct contact with the body. People who are handling the meat of the infected animals are also at the risk of exposure to the virus.

The Countries Affected By the Virus

The present Ebola virus outbreak is the largest outbreak reported and is mainly limited to West Africa. The African countries like Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Libya has reported more than 1600 cases of Ebola till August 2014. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises to avoid all “nonessential” travel to these West African countries.
The following are some of the most important facts that you should know about the deadly Ebola virus.

1. Ebola Has Higher Fatality Rate

According to the data of World Health Organization, the humans affected by Ebola virus had to succumb to this deadly virus. There are a total of 1,711 cases that have been reported in the present Ebola virus outbreak, out of which 932 people have died because of this virus. All these deaths have been confirmed in Africa. There are chances that foreign nationals who have visited Africa in the recent months could also be a carrier of this deadly virus.
There are reports that even health workers who are treating patients suffering from Ebola to be infected by the virus due to skin contact. Dr. Sheik Umar Khan the head of Ebola virus treatment in Sierra Leone and Dr. Samuel Brisbane, the head of Ebola treatment in Liberia have died recently treating patients suffering from Ebola disease. So, the Ebola virus is a fatal and deadly virus.

2. No Vaccine Yet To Prevent Ebola

The vaccines to prevent the Ebola infections have yet to be tested on humans. The main reason behind this is that there would no person who is willing to get injected with the Ebola vaccines to find out whether he or she does not catch the infection. The vaccines that have been developed so far have found to be very effective in preventing Ebola infections in animals. The research on apes have not been done in a progressive manner, owing to greater restrictions in injecting the vaccine on the apes because of the dwindling ape population and the chances of the apes getting extinct soon.

3. No Cure For Ebola

At present, there is no cure for the Ebola disease. The best treatment that can be given to a person affected by Ebola is intensive supported care by health workers. This can be provided to patients in hospitals under strict and stringent infection control procedures. A health worker is advised to be completed covered from head to toe when dealing with Ebola patients or else they can easily get affected by the Ebola virus just by a skin contact.

4. Medications For Ebola Are Still Under Development

There is no U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved treatments in place for Ebola disease. There is a drug known as ZMapp that was developed in 2014 that is currently being used to treat a couple of American health workers who were infected by the Ebola virus during their stay in Liberia. The drug is an antibody based medication that is produced from plants. There is no experimental theory to prove its effectiveness on Ebola as well as whether the drug is safe for humans or not.

5. Visitors And Tourists To Infected Countries Are At Low Risk

If you need to visit the Ebola virus affected countries like Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria or Guinea, then the risk that you too will be affected by the Ebola virus is extremely low. The risk of you catching the deadly Ebola infection is extremely low, even if you happen to visit the local areas where the first cases of Ebola were reported. But, it is better to be cautious and try to avoid visiting these cities and do so if it is really necessary.

6. Fatality Rate Is Very High

If you happen to catch an Ebola virus, then it can multiply violently such that there are about 100 million viral particles in a drop of blood. It is not similar to the other deadly virus HIV that remains dormant in a person’s body without causing any symptoms or the disease. The virus has the tendency to pack and infected cell with blocks of viral particles within no time. The virus also has a tendency to kill the host and to find a new one even in the dormant stage. The fatality rate for the Ebola disease is 60%. A person infected with the Ebola disease can die within a week’s time.

7. Ebola Attacks All Parts Of The Body

Ebola virus just needs a host cell to multiply into million of copies and it does not need a particular type of cell to multiply. It does the multiplication job on any body cell that it enters. The virus is found to infect almost all the parts of the body except the bones and the skeletal muscles. The most important target areas of the Ebola virus are the connective tissues of the human body that is responsible for holding the internal organs in its place.

8. Upsets The Immune System

The VP35 viral proteins present in the outer surface of the Ebola virus causes severe disruptions in the immune systems of infected humans. The viral proteins cause interferences in the function of the important components of the immune system and will also limit the movement of the while blood cells. The virus will also make use of the molecules that is released by the immune system to destroy the vascular system and to increase the blood clot formation.

9. Weaken The Vascular System

The new virions that are formed in the host cell will move outside of the cell to affect the other neighboring cells. The host cell will instantly detach from its neighboring cell and will immediately lose its contact with the membrane on which it was resting. The host cells will get destabilized by the new viral particles and this would lead to massive blood loss that would result in fatal death.

10. Avoiding Infection

The following are the ways that you and people associated with treating Ebola patients can stay away from Ebola infection.

The health workers must follow the infection control guidance recommended by WHO strictly when they travel to Ebola affected areas as well as treat Ebola patients.
It is important for travelers to be cautious and extra careful when visiting countries that have been infected by Ebola.
You must not come into contact with patients who have been affected by Ebola disease.
If you have stayed in areas where there have been reports of Ebola, then you must be well versed with the symptoms that are associated with this disease. If you feel any such symptoms, then you should not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.
It is advisable for you to seek immediate medical attention if you come into close contact with a person from West Africa with symptoms of cough, fever and vomiting.

Top 10 Vegetables That Help You Grow Taller

Growing tall is a dream for many and now all are blessed to grow tall. If you are tall, then you become a symbol of attraction. Men who are tall, dark and handsome are loved by all and women are considered to be beautiful if they are tall and slender. But, your height depends on your genetics to a certain extent. If you have short parents, it is more than unlikely that you grow to be a tall man or a woman of six and a half feet. But, this does not mean that you will not be able to grow taller than the average height. Generally the height of a person is said to stop growing once he or she says goodbye to teenage years. If you have crossed the teenage years and are still looking to grow up by a few inches, then you will be happy to know that there is a way out.
It is important for you to follow a balanced diet if you have any ambitions of adding a few more inches to your height. Vegetables play a major role in helping you to take a balanced diet and they also help in proper functioning of the body apart from providing good health. They help in maintaining the proper secretions of hormones of the body. Are you aware that you will be able to increase your height by a few inches if you are able to include the right amount of vegetables in your diet? The following are some of the vegetables that will help you to gain a few inches in height naturally.

1. Turnips

Turnips are found to be rich in growth hormones and intake of turnips on a regular basis will help in boosting your height. They are normally grown in the temperate regions of the world and are found all over the world. Turnips are rich in vitamins, minerals, fibers, proteins, cholesterol and fat.
Turnip to grow taller

You will be able to grow a few inches in height if you add turnips in your daily veggie diet.
You can either take it in cooked state with other vegetables or add them in some vegetable gravies.
You also can extract juice out of the turnip and drink them everyday to see visible height gain y a few inches after a few weeks.

2. Bok Choy

The Chinese cabbage or Bok Choy is another vegetable that you can think of including in your daily veggie diet to help in boosting your height.
• It is a vegetable that is loaded with minerals, vitamins, dietary fibers and carbohydrates.
• Regular consumption of Bok Choy will help in stimulating the growth hormones of your body and this will in turn help in boosting your height.

3. Beans

Bean is a vegetable that is rich in fiber, folate, proteins, vitamins and carbohydrates. It is considered to be a very nutritional vegetable.
• Including boiled beans in your daily vegetable salad or adding it in the vegetarian recipes that you eat will help in stimulating your growth hormones.
• Regular consumption of beans will help in boosting your height as it is loaded with proteins.

4. Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a herbaceous perennial plant that is used in preparing a lot of main dishes and is also taken in as desserts. It is considered to be a fruit in the United States. Rhubarb is an excellent plant that will help your body to fight diabetes. Rhubarb grows from thick and short rhizomes.
• Eating this plant in its raw state or even in cooked state at least three to four times a week will help in stimulating the secretion of your growth hormones in your body.
• Regular consumption will help in increasing your height.

5. Lady’s Finger

Lady’s finger or okra or gumbo is another all important vegetable that will help in increasing your height. It is a flowering plant and is rich in vitamins, fibers, water, carbohydrates and minerals. It is a very nutritional vegetable and forms a part of many Indian dishes. This vegetable is very sticky in nature which performs the function of a laxative.
• The nutrients in the lady’s finger will help in stimulating the growth hormones in the body and will help in boosting its functionality.
• This will in turn help in your body to grow vertically.

6. Spinach

Spinach is a green leafy vegetable that will help in increasing the functionality of the body. It is commonly seen and used in many parts of South Asia. It is a rich source of vitamins, iron, fibers and calcium.
•   Adding spinach in your daily diet will help in proper functioning of the body. It will help in improving the growth of your body vertically by working on the idle growth hormones inside your body.
•   You can blend the clean and washed spinach leaves with little bit of water in your mixer and make it into a fine paste.
•   You can add some seasoning and a few vegetables to this spinach paste and prepare gravies.

7. Broccoli

Broccoli is another important vegetable that is loaded with healthy vitamins and fibers and is also very good in maintaining the proper functioning of the body. Broccoli belongs to the cabbage family.

Broccoli is rich in Vitamin C and iron and also has anti- cancer properties as well as is rich in fibers.
It will help in maintaining a healthy diet and also helps in proper functioning of the body.
It will help in stimulating the idle growth hormones in your body and thereby help in increasing the height.

8. Brussels Sprouts

Another important vegetable that will help in increasing the height of a person is Brussels sprouts. It belongs to the cabbage family and contains anti-cancer properties. It is a vegetable that is rich in minerals, vitamins, protein, fibers, iron and so on. It has rich sources of anti-cancer properties.
• It would be ideal for you to consume Brussels sprouts in raw state or in semi-cooked state at least three to four times a week so that it stimulates the growth hormones in your body which will also help in increasing body height.

9. Peas

Pea is another important vegetable that is loaded with minerals and vitamins and is very good for the body. It has high nutritional value and it is really good to consume peas everyday. Make sure that you go only for the fresh peas and do not go for the dried peas.
•   Peas are rich in vitamins, fibers, proteins, minerals and lutein.
•   It will help in stimulating the growth hormones in your body and thereby help in increasing your height.
•   It is advisable that you add peas to your daily diet to enjoy all the nutritional benefits and also help in boosting your height.

10. Collard Green

Collard greens are nutritional plants that are commonly found in Brazil, United States and Portugal. These plants are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K and have soluble fibers. It is one of the best when it comes to anti cancer properties.

• Consuming Collard green on a regular basis will help in activating the dead growth hormones in your body and this will help in boosting your height.

Are you worried that you are not as tall as your colleagues or friends? Do you find it really embarrassing to be in the company of tall friends just because you are a few inches shorter than them? If you have a desire to gain weight naturally and without spending a lot of money, then you need to try out some of the above mentioned vegetables. It is important for you to have a proper diet plan that includes all the above mentioned vegetables and also work out with a trained instructor in a gym so that you will be able to gain a few inches in height.

Super Foods For Healthy Heart

15 Super Foods For Healthy Heart

Many people fall prey to cardiovascular diseases. It is usually a direct outcome of the way one spends their lives and the kind of diet that one follows. Sedentary lifestyles coupled with rich and unhealthy diet leads to heart problems. It has been seen that seventy percent of the heart diseases are preventable if one makes the right choice in food. Not only will your heart stay healthy by eating the right food, the risk for atherosclerosis or the hardening and narrowing of the arteries is reduced appreciably which usually leads to strokes and heart attacks. A diet which is healthy for the heart is usually rich in lean protein, fruits, vegetables, grains and low in unhealthy fats, cholesterol and sodium.

Top 15 Super Foods For A Healthy Heart

1. Oatmeal

Oatmeal possesses many beneficial properties that make it a heart healthy choice for breakfast.
Benefits
• It is known to be rich in omega-3 fatty acids
• It contains useful minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium as well as soluble fiber
Preparation
• Buy a packet of instant oats
• Cook a cup of oats in milk as per the consistency you like
• Add sugar or honey as desired
Such a meal for breakfast keeps one feeling full for a longer period of time than other items. When fruits are added to it the nutrition value of the meal increases.

2. Black Beans

Black beans offer many useful nutrition which makes it good for the heart. One or more servings of black beans is recommended by the health experts especially for those at risk of developing heart disease or those having already suffered from heart ailments.
Benefits
• Black bean is rich in B complex vitamins
• Other minerals that it contains are magnesium, calcium and niacin
• Black beans are rich in soluble fiber and omega-3 fatty acids
• They provide high protein without the bad cholesterol as found in animal meat
One can consume black beans prepared as part of a gravy dish item or even in the boiled form as a side dish. It can be added to soups or salads as well.

3. Red Wine

Did you know that red wine is good for the heart? While you might be told to abstain from drinks beyond a certain level, one alcoholic beverage that offers beneficial properties is red wine.
Benefits
• It increases the levels of good or HDL cholesterol levels in the system
• There are antioxidants such as catechins and resveratrol which help to keep the artery walls in good shape
• Cancer prevention properties are found in red wine
It is advisable that a glass of red wine can be drunk each day but not more. Again, if one is on certain medications like aspirin and others, it is advisable that red wine is abstained from.

4. Salmon

Among the fishes that one can consume, salmon is said to be great for the heart.
Benefits
• There is a large amount of omega-3s like DHA and EPA in the fish which makes it heart healthy
• The omega-3 fatty acids lower the risk of disorders stemming from heart rhythm
• These beneficial fatty acids help to reduce the blood pressure and keeps away clotting risks
• Blood triglycerides are reduced and inflammation is controlled
A serving of salmon or two per week can help to reduce the risk of dying from heart attack by about one third. The fish can be enjoyed in grilled or baked form along with pasta, rice, salads or soups.

5. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin oil of the olives is made from the first press of olives. It offers many benefits for the heart.
Benefits
• It consists of antioxidants like polyphenols
• There are mono unsaturated fats as well in the oil which makes it rich in good fats that are safe for the heart
• It has been seen that regular consumption of the extra virgin olive oil will help to lower cholesterol as well as protect the blood vessels
The oil can be used as a medium for cooking, in salads as well as with bread.

6. Dark Chocolate

If you have a sweet tooth that is constrained due to food restrictions you could still indulge in dark chocolate regularly.
Benefits
• Dark chocolate containing seventy percent cocoa makes it good for the heart
• The flavonoid present in cocoa helps to reduce blood pressure
• Blood flow to the heart is improved
• The damage caused by free radicals is reduced
It is thus okay to indulge in dark chocolate and have a small piece every day.

7. Chia Seeds

Such seeds offer many nutritional benefits as well as minimal calories.
Benefits
• Chia seeds help reduce bad cholesterol levels
• Plaque buildup is reduced as well
• Blood pressure and triglycerides are reduced
Preparation
• Chia seeds can be eaten by spoonfuls
• They can be added in smoothies
• They can also be added to soups, yoghurt and salads
In such ways one can increase this beneficial food item in their daily diet.

8. Blueberries

Blueberries have many beneficial properties that help one to maintain a healthy heart.
Benefits
• Blueberries contain lutein and beta-carotene as well as ellagic acid, anthocyanin
• Other necessary vitamins and minerals are potassium, magnesium, calcium, vitamin C and fiber
• All such nutrients are good for the heart health
Preparation
• One can add fresh blueberries in their cereal, yogurt or pancakes
• It can be added in smoothies and other desserts
Other berries like raspberries, cranberries and strawberries have similar nutrients that are good for the heart as well.

9. Oranges

Among the fruits, oranges are known to be good for the heart.
Benefits
• This fruit contains beta-cryptoxanthin, carotenoids, flavonoids, fiber, folate and potassium
• The above nutrients as well as vitamin C make the fruit especially good for the heart
• Blood pressure is controlled as well as the functionality of the blood vessels
One can eat it like a fruit or drink the juice as well. One can increase its nutritional value by using cinnamon or lime juice along with it.

10. Walnut

This nut has healthy fats and other nutrients which are good for the heart.
Benefits
• Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, folate, fiber, magnesium, vitamin E and poly unsaturated fats which help to promote a healthy heart
• One will be able to reduce the risk of cholesterol and inflammation of the arteries
Walnuts added to cakes, muffins, cookies, pastas and salads are different ways that one can enjoy this nut and its benefits.

11. Whole Grains

Whole grain is the entire kernel whereas refined grains are milled. When the germ and the bran are removed that also leads to certain beneficial nutrients being removed.
Benefits
• Whole grains like brown rice are rich in vitamin B, E and fiber
• Whole grains tend to be rich in iron
The fiber rich whole grains help to reduce cholesterol levels and the risk of heart troubles.

12. Alcohol

Drinking in moderation can be good for the heart.
Benefits
• Alcohol makes the blood less likely to clot
• Good cholesterol levels are boosted
• Reduces the inflammation of the arteries
However, one should exercise moderation when drinking. Only two pegs for men are healthy while for women only one. Red wine is the most beneficial among all other alcoholic beverages.

13. Tofu

If you are avoiding animal meat you could try to use tofu. This could be added to your meal to provide the following benefits.
Benefits
• Tofu is rich in minerals like calcium, potassium and magnesium
• Niacin and folate are other valuable nutrients included in it
One can enjoy the flavor by slicing it thin and marinating or grilling it. Made out of soy, it is a great way to increase the protein levels in the food.

14. Flaxseed

These seeds can be added to different meals for added nutritional benefits.
Benefits
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Fiber rich
These seeds can be added to cereals, cookies, salads and muffins.

15. Peppers

Peppers of the different varieties such as bell peppers of the red, yellow and green variety are good for the heart.
Benefits
• Peppers are rich in beta-carotine
• It contains vitamins and minerals like B-complex, potassium and folate
Peppers can be added to every meal in the boiled, sautéed or cooked form as well as in salads in the raw form to enjoy their nutritional benefits.
Do you think that heart diseases herald the end of indulgences in food? With the knowledge of the super foods for the heart listed above, you can make healthy menus and recipes which will spice up your life as well as keep your heart health in check. It is also imperative to couple such diets with an active lifestyle. Going for walks everyday and doing household chores will keep you fit and active.

Miracle Drink – Apple, Beetroot & Carrot Juice

Juice prepared from apple, beetroot and carrot has gained the name of being miracle drink due to the innumerable advantages which can be benefited from both brain and body. The name this drink has acquired is all due to the several advantages, this was discovered by Chinese Herbalists who have found this to be helpful in treatment of lung cancer and several other diseases.
The magical benefits this drink gives has helped this drink in becoming popular throughout the nation for which there is a need only to get apples, carrots and beetroots all of which have to be put in a juicer to extract juice from them but will not have to be stored instead should be consumed immediately after it is prepared.
There is no need to follow some strict quantities to prepare this juice instead it can be prepared as per the taste which might even require addition of either more carrots or apples, for those who want best out of this juice should mix equal quantities of these ingredients to which lime juice can be added making it better option than sugar.
This juice is so nutritious only due to the presence of two vegetables and one fruit which is full of several lifesaving antioxidants, apple is full of Vitamins like A, B1, B2, B6, C, E and K along with nutrients like Folate, Zinc, Magnesium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Calcium, Sodium and Iron. While carrots are known to have vitamins like A, B1, B2, B3, C, E and K along with Niacin and Pantothenic Acid supported by minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and Selenium. Maximum advantage can be gained from carrots in their juice form rather than the vegetable eaten directly.
Beetroot is a vegetable which is known to help the heart in prevention of any cardiovascular diseases which are full of nutrients like Vitamin A, C, B-complex, iron, copper, magnesium and potassium along with several anti-aging agents.
Combination of these three is enough to provide the body with all the necessary nutrients to keep the body going throughout the day apart from which they also are known to provide long lasting benefits to the body health. Some of the advantages which can be gained from this juice include:

This drink few years ago was suggested to those who have been suffering from lung cancer for which it is necessary to drink this for 3 months continuously after which it has been found that they have completely healed from this life taking disease. This drink is not just limited to lung cancer but also is known to treat all types of cancer by restricting the growth of cells which can lead to cancer.
This juice is known to be perfect choice for development of various organ’s health like kidney, liver and pancreas saving them from various problems which also helps in strengthening of heart and lungs.
It is already known that this miracle drink consists of beetroot which is known to look after the health of heart along with presence of carrot which is known to help in promotion of heart health with compounds like alpha and beta carotenes and lutein. When all the goodness from these both vegetables is mixed with apple aids in keeping the cholesterol levels down and having a control on the blood pressure also acting like a shield in front of heart from diseases.
There are many who state that this miracle drink will also help in keeping the skin without any spots, pimples and also extending the time during which the skin keeps on ageing. Younger and fresh skin that is dream of many can be easily acquired by one glass of this miracle drink daily.
This juice is also said to improve the entire digestive system in the body that protects stomach health saving it from ulcers, controlling the bowel movements and relieving chronic constipation.
This is the best drink which will help in providing brain with all the necessary nutrients which in turn increases the memory and helps in proper functioning of brain.
This works great even for the eyes and is suggestible exclusively for those who are forced to work on computer for several hours which might result in drying up of eyes, irritation and tiredness.
This juice also works great in enhancing the immunity system at the same time safeguarding the body from different types of allergies, this works even in curing any sort of throat infections.
This miracle drink is also known to detoxify the liver and blood purification thereby helping in increment of red blood cells production.
Women suffering with too much pain during menstrual cycle can also go with this drink since it is known to relieve from any such pains and cramps apart from this it is said to relieve pain from any sort of activities which might also include physical activities.
This is also said to work wonders for those who are looking to lose some weight at the same time giving necessary energy without putting on additional calories.

In order to get maximum benefit from this miracle drink it is suggested to take it on empty stomach that too early in the morning and one hour after its consumption people can go ahead with their regular breakfast. But this does not have to be restricted only once but can even be take twice every day in the evening before 5 pm which may change from one person to another.

This drink can be taken for one month continuously or even 3 months for this drink to work effectively making it part of diet to get benefit for longer duration.

photography by Mahesh.