Posts Tagged ‘Food’

Getting the Most Healthy Form Of Chocolate In Your Diet

Friday, March 12th, 2010

Almost daily in the news we see reports of chocolate’s health benefits. It’s a potent antioxidant, and is chock-full of chemicals and nutrients that have been attributed to making us happy. Yet many of us remain skeptical; eating lots of chocolate doesn’t seem to make us feel better, and in fact can lower energy levels for awhile. So what gives? If chocolate is such a miracle food, shouldn’t we be able to eat it all the time, without guilt and feel great? Well, yes, we can, but the way chocolate is prepared is crucial to unlocking its true potential as a health food. If you’d like to learn how to have a healthy dose of chocolate daily, read on…

Raw, unroasted chocolate IS A MUST to really reap the health benefits. Little of this fact is given weight in the mass-media’s portrayal of chocolate’s health benefits, but its the crucial point for anyone interested in bettering their health naturally. There’s a big difference in the chemical composition of un-roasted, naturally-dried chocolate when compared to 99% of the chocolate products available today. Nearly every single chocolate bar or drink, even at the large-chain heath food markets, is made from chocolate that’s been roasted at high temperatures. ‘Organic’ does not mean raw; chocolate powder is not raw unless it says its raw. High-end organic hot chocolate drinks are still roasted, and likely processed with alkali to make them dissolve more easily. Why the roasting and processing? Because we’ve become accustom to chocolate looking and tasting like it has since our childhoods. Working with raw chocolate (called Cacao – note this is different than Cocoa!), like so many things that are really good for you, is best prepared at home using carefully selected ingredients. It’s easy to do, and we’ll include some recipes at the end. But first back to the question of why raw is better.

For lots of folks, and, there’s the question of caffeine. Many are sensitive to caffeine’s effect on their nervous system. And many people find chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, has enough caffeine to make them uncomfortable or keep them awake. Yet research has shown a significant difference in the stimulating effects of chocolate depending on whether it’s been roasted. A drink of roasted chocolate powder caused excitation of the nervous system whereas the raw chocolate powder drink did not. Scientists find that many molecules change shape when heat is applied, and roasting is a pretty hot, lengthy process. Alteration of chemical structure through heat is common, and very likely to occur in the case of chocolate. The roasting process involves heating the beans between two hundred fifty and three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for thirty minutes to two hours. Anecdotal reports of individuals moving from coffee or yerba mate as their morning drink to a cup of hot chocolate report gentle stimulating effects without anxiety, as their other drinks had produced. Even very sensitive people who do not do well with any form of caffeine report positive results with raw chocolate; nothing at all like the effects produced by coffee or caffeinated teas.

The really big news about chocolate has been it’s antioxidant profile. Chocolate contains significant amounts of polyphenols — the same important antioxidants found in green tea, red wine and green apples — but in greater amounts. Dark chocolate contains an impressive 5% of these compounds, yet raw chocolate is made up of an incredible 10% concentration of these possibly life-extending molecules. Both roasting and processing with alkali (to make Dutch cocoa) reduce antioxidant concentration. Further, the increased absorbability of powdered raw cacao (perhaps the most versatile form of raw chocolate) over cacao nibs give them an edge in ORAC value, a measure of Oxidative Radical Absorbance Capacity.

Finally, the question of mood-enhancing neurochemicals and precursors. Chocolate contains significant quantities of the essential amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan intake has recently been collated with neurogenesis, the development of new brain cells, and both long and short term memory. The presence of tryptophan is critical for the production of serotonin, a primary neurotransmitter associated with mood (Prozac works on the principal of enhancing the action of serotonin). Once in the body tryptophan reacts with B-vitamins in the presence of magnesium (all present in raw chocolate) to produce serotonin. Enhanced serotonin function assists in diminishing anxiety and stress – ccording to Dr. Gabriel Cousens, serotonin is literally our “stress-defense shield.” Tryptophan is heat sensitive and is often deficient in many cooked-food diets, even when animal protein intake is high. In addition to tryptophan (but not heat sensitive) chocolate also contains PEA, the ‘love hormone’ and Anandamide the ‘bliss chemical’.

Need more be said? Ready for some recipes? The simplest means of eating raw chocolate is snacking on cacao nibs. These are small pieces of cacao beans that mix well with natural granolas or dried fruit. To really get the most benefits, and for the most delicious raw chocolate creations, find yourself a source of raw organic cacao powder. The powder can be added to any drink, or easily made into bars, drops or other shaped candies. The hands-down most common preparation of cacao powder is the hot chocolate drink: Put one heaping tablespoon raw cacao powder, one teaspoon raw agave nectar, and one teaspoon high quality coconut oil in a blender (note that coconut oil quality varies greatly – a good coconut oil should taste pleasant by itself and have no chemical or rancid flavor which would otherwise be noticed in your chocolate drink). Add eight to twelve ounces of hot (but not boiling water) and blend at low speed for about ten seconds. That’s it; Chocolate magic that’s easily adjusted to your tastes — experimenting in whatever way comes to mind is highly encouraged.

There are many, many recipes available online and in books about raw chocolate. Some favorite additions to the drink are Maca (Peruvian Ginseng), essential oils like Vanilla, Peppermint or Orange (just one drop is often enough) or a little powdered cinnamon. Raw chocolate bars for your family are very easy to make, really just by omitting the water and adjusting the oil and sweetener ratios to make a thick chocolate paste. Add some chopped nuts if you like, press into a casserole dish and put it in the refrigerator long enough to make it firm. Experiment; it’s chocolate! You’re supposed to have fun. And with raw chocolate, it might be the most fun you can have eating while positively and naturally benefiting your health.

More information on the use of aromatic botanics and aromatherapy carrier oils is available at the Ananda Apothecary.


  • Share/Bookmark

Effective Weight Loss Tips

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

Losing weight has always been a challenge to many people particularly women. There are many things you can perform to loose some weight. One thing is for sure, losing weight too quickly is unsafe. So do not compromise your safety, do not go after overnight solutions, consider instead the following natural solutions:

1. Confirm your daily caloric intake and find out how many calories you can burn within a day. This is a simple math of course. There must be a balance between what you take and what your body need. Do not over eat in short.

To track down your caloric intake, do an itemized calorie count. Write down the number of calories in each thing you eat. You can search on the internet for the calorie count of food that does not have amount of calories listed on their containers. You can consult a dietician or a doctor on the other hand to find the number of calories your body requires every day.

2. Read your list very well and settle which foods you want to take out. Do not be afraid or stressed out, you don’t have to take out some high calorie containing food which happens to be your favorite food, just thin out your consumption.

But again it is best to remove the unhealthy foods you are eating and choose the healthier ones. It is good to select lean meats such as chicken and fish. Select vegetable salad over dishes such as macaroni and cheese, French fries, or potato salad. For your breakfast, go for yogurt, oatmeal or fruit smoothies.

3. Produce a weekly program for your meals. This is a good means of ensuring that you get a balanced diet. You can look up in the internet to get good ideas. The essential things you need to take note on your list is to include more vegetables, more fruits, more high fiber foods, and of course drinking plenty of water.

4. Workout daily. Whether you like it or not doing exercise is always part of any “Weight Loss Saga”. Spending 30 minutes of your time everyday is already a good start towards dropping some pounds.

5. The last but not the least on my list of tips is to be consistent on your weight loss activities. It will be a little tough at first, when you get used to it, it will soon be fun especially when you start seeing the results.

Achieve the body you want with the best Weight Loss procedures from our list of professional Slimming Centres.

-

More On The Topic Of Health and Weight Loss

Learn more about Weight Loss Surgery and Weight loss Diet tips and information from daily updates in order to learn How To Lose Weight Quickly!

Thanks

Love Weight Loss

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

  • Share/Bookmark

Acai Berries Provide Necessary Nutrition Our Bodies Require To Lose Fat

Saturday, February 27th, 2010

The foods that are found in nature bestow the critically important nutrients that our bodies crave. Plant-based and whole foods give our bodies the outstanding nourishment that our bodies require to support the functions of living.

For many years it has been recommended that we eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables every day. There are even some nutritionists that have boosted that number up to 10. One advantage that can be found with fruits and vegetables is that they present a considerable total of nutrition and fiber yet they are still very low calorie.

Including a array of healthy fruits and vegetables to your on a daily basis diet also provides an selection of vital antioxidants and phytonutrients. Phytonutrients (the word “phyto” is Greek for plant) are nutrition found in plant matter that are non-vitamin, non-mineral, and non-caloric elements of plants that give substantial benefits for your healthiness.

Astonishingly enough, many people who are overweight are malnourished. Their diets consist of nutrient-poor foods and their bodies are craving good for you nutrition. Many cravings are essentially our body’s way of trying to get the essentially important nutrients that it requires.

When you incorporate nutrient-dense foods in your every day pattern of eating, you provide your body with the excellent sustenance that it requires and you can overcome any dietary deficits. It is also remarkable to note that you may also be able to engage your own body’s natural mechanisms for burning fat and calories. With the correct nutrition, nature will instinctively take over to bring you back to a healthful state of balance and the surplus fat can come off.

Not only that but your immune system will be stronger to ward off disease and the troubles of aging. A lot of the most wholesome foods help your brain, your cardiovascular and circulatory systems and your immune system.

Green vegetables like spinach and broccoli, orange vegetables like sweet potatoes and pumpkin, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds and all types of berries are just a few of the foods that give the notable nutrients that your body craves. The acai berry that is found only in Brazil provides some of the uppermost antioxidant capacities of any food found in the world.

The acai berry also provides a good quantity of roughage along with essential fatty acids and 19 amino acids. Adding the exceptional nutrition of many superfoods including the acai berry can help your body return to its inherent and good for your health weight.

Acai berries provide critical nutrition our bodies need to lose weight. For more information about acai berry detox stop by my blog at http://acaiwow.com


  • Share/Bookmark

Healthy Recipes For Any Lifestyle

Monday, February 15th, 2010

In today’s world, obesity and weight problems have become epidemic in many countries. Due to the augmentation of work and stress, and the lack of free time, people have started to rely more and more on “junk food”. Everybody has their own excuse to avoid cooking good foods at home. But the truth is that healthy recipes are at everybody’s hand. There are many different foods that are good for your body that you might not even know of!

You are getting up. You need to get to work, to feed the kids; basically you are in a rush, as ever. You want to eat healthy but you need something quick and easy. You like the whole “breakfast sandwich” idea, even though you know it is not the best thing to feed your body first thing in the morning… Well here is a fast alternative that will provide you with the nutrients your body and soul needs!

So for your next breakfast, try this: 30g of whole grain cereals and 175g of yogurt mixed together, with 125ml of orange juice on the side. You don’t like orange juice? Not a problem! You can substitute for your choice of vegetable of fruit juice, as long as it is 100% pure. You can also add as many fresh fruits as you want to your breakfast. For even more delicious nutritious, add in some scrambled eggs. Now that is a quick and nutritious morning!

These meals might not seem like enough to you at first, but as you go through the day, you will feel full and energized, because your body will actually be getting the vitamins and nutrients it needs. If you also are in a hurry for lunch, no worries! There is a solution to everything.

How about this for a quick brown bag lunch: spread on whole wheat bread a mix of tuna, light mayonnaise and your shredded cheese of choice, for a delectable homemade tuna sandwich. After a complete healthy meal like this one, you will feel ready to take on the rest of your day.

Now I understand that dinner can be a bit puzzling. You probably aren’t alone, and you have the kids to feed or a husband to feed as well. Well why not make this an opportunity to teach them some new habits! A child’s growing body needs to be fed well. So this might be your chance to teach your family how to feed themselves better.

Here is a super quick and simple dinner idea for a quick beef stir fry: 1 lb of chicken breasts in strips, 2 cups of your favorite veggies, 1/4 cup of light Italian dressing and 1 teaspoon of light soy sauce. Fry the beef along with the dressing in a hot skillet. Add the vegetables and the soy sauce and fry for an extra 5 minutes. That’s it, you’re done!

Try to keep an open mind and stay creative when trying some new healthy recipes. Nothing is impossible, and you will slowly but surely get more and more confident in your new found cooking skills. Eventually, mixing ingredients together will come naturally. Until then, feel free to surf the net, or get a new cookbook to inspire you!

Healthy food can be hard to find these days. Eggs are very healthy and nutritious for breakfasts, and are extremely easy to prepare, especially with these online healthy recipes.


  • Share/Bookmark

Focus Factor Supplements – Four Reasons To Begin Taking Them

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

If you have been struggling with focusing throughout your day, you may be missing some urgent nutrient elements. Taking a supplement that helps support memory function can be exactly what you need to put you back on track. Focus Factor contains all of the nutriments that are most crucial for perfect brain health. From the 1st time you take this supplement, you will feel sharper, targeted and more on top of your game than previously. Here are four reasons why you should start a routine with Focus Factor.

1. Approximately 5.3 million americans have Alzheimer’s disease. It’s the 7th leading cause of death and there is currently no cure. While Focus Factor does not claim to heal this disease, it increases the levels of neurotransmitter acetylcholine which aid in learning and memory functions of the brain. The natural substance that is used to aid in this positive memory function is DMAE. DMAE is found in small amounts in the brain and is understood to have heavy brain enhancement effects. It is present in fish and works to prevent memory loss in older adults and decreases the amount of age spots that show up on the brain.

2. Folks use energy drinks to get them through the day. What may be considered a lack of energy may translate into a lack of focus. Energy drinks can be terribly damaging to somebody that is afflicted with agitation. The high quantity of sugar will most probably bring on a nervous feeling that is doubled for an individual who is anxious. Botanical extracts,eg Bacopa, Huperzine and Vinpocetine are employed in the supplement Focus Factor and don’t have any of these negative side-effects. The extracts are even known to provide positive benefits for someone with epilepsy or hysteria. It’ll support concentration and memory function without any negative side-effects.

3. DHA is an important omega-3 greasy acid found in fish and fish oil. It is important for brain and eye development. Focus Factor uses DHA to supplement those who aren’t taking in enough of this fatty acid in their regular diet. So, not only will it help with perfect memory function, but it helps to support a healthy nervous system, putting you in more positive mental state. It is important to supplement the body with DHA, especially as we get older. This is because it is tougher for the body to synthesize DHA over time .

4. Focus Factor doubles as a multi-vitamin. Adults cannot always be in charge of what they eat or how many times they eat in the day. Busy schedules can sometimes prevent us from getting our recommended daily nutritional wishes. With this supplement, you will be on track to mental focus and healthy living.

Give Focus Factor a try today and see how it can gain advantage your body. Free trials are available. ‘These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product isn’t planned to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

-

More On The Topic Of Health and Fitness

Find How To Lose Weight Quickly with Green Tea Weight Loss or Weight Loss Surgery for the Obese and desperate.

Weight Loss Pills – See how weight loss pills works for but see your doctor first

And don’t forget to check out the Best Skin Care Products Tip and get some Exposed Acne Treatment remedy tips

Thanks

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

  • Share/Bookmark

Basic Info on Negative Calorie Food

Sunday, February 7th, 2010

Have you ever wondered what is negative calorie food? The Negative Calorie Food is a food that creates negative calorie effects, which helps to lose weight. Remembering these simple guidelines and putting them into practice can lead to weight loss without the aid of any special diet plans, books, or medications. The weight loss can be achieved by consuming low-calorie diets and completely expending the consumed calories. The word ‘Diet’ literally means the usual food and drink that a person consumes during the course of a day.

Quite possibly the worst place to turn for help is your e-mail’s inbox which is probably filled each morning with numerous SPAM messages touting pills that guarantee a fast weight loss. You don’t have to be perfect to lose weight and be healthy. one jumbo banana nut muffin – 580 calories Your doctor will also counsel you about the lifestyle changes you’ll need to make to be successful over the long term. It is, however, always necessary.

Thus its critics see various drawbacks in the method. Each offers a unique profile of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Eating crazy food combinations or eliminating food groups is not the way to keep weight off. It is always a good idea to discuss any weight loss plan with your doctor, and to get his or her recommendations and advice before starting. It is rich in Vitamins C and K, and has all the anti-cancer benefits of other cruciferous vegetables.

He notes that a higher protein breakfast can boost metabolic rate as much as 30 percent for as long as 12 hours. Look at the exercising aspect of your program as fun and recreation and not as a form of grueling and sweaty work. For these folks, the low-carb diet lifestyle isn’t one they’re likely to give up soon. The ‘Low-fat hi-carb diet’ is the diet in fat AND high in complex carbohydrates. Drastic Changes In Eating Patterns — The quick-weight-loss requires drastic changes in eating patterns; one can’t stay on them for long.

When you don’t have time for a formal workout, try to squeeze in at least three 10-minute chunks of physical activity. Super browns: This category is all about beans and lentils. Later in the eBook you will be given an easy way to keep track of your consumption. On December 30, 2003, the US Food and Drug Administration announced a ban (effective from 12 April 2004) on the uncontrolled sale of supplement products containing Ephedra, citing “an unreasonable risk of illness or injury” from the use of the drug.

You should the basics about negative calorie food so that you can also use this to the max and see for yourself what it can do for you. Love Weight Loss tips, how about you?

More On The Topic Of Health and Fitness


Try Herbal Weight Loss and Learn How To Lose Weight Quickly! And don’t forget to check out the Best Skin Care Products Tip and get some Exposed Acne Treatment remedy tips

Look For Acne Solutions as well as Acne Cures and Treatment For Acne Scars Marks too!

Thanks

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

  • Share/Bookmark
March 2010
M T W T F S S
« Feb    
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031