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The BRATTY (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Tea, Toast, and Yogurt) diet
The BRATTY (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Tea, Toast, and Yogurt) diet is generally recommended as part of the prescribed treatment for patients suffering from gastrointestinal ailments. Common conditions such as gastroenteritis, dyspepsia, and diarrhea as well as more serious conditions such as Graft versus Host Disease can be effectively managed and treated with this diet. This diet helps to treat the root cause of diarrhea as well as the accompanying symptoms such as abdominal cramps, dehydration, fatigue, and lethargy. It is important to include all the foods in this diet for a speedy recovery.
Bananas
- Bananas are rich in soluble fibers which help to absorb excess intestinal fluids. A type of soluble fiber in bananas called inulin also helps to promote the growth of healthy gastrointestinal bacteria.
- Dehydration is one of the main concerns of diarrhea as it can cause a person to slip into a coma and can even be fatal. Bananas are rich in potassium, manganese, and magnesium which help to replace the lost electrolytes and prevent dehydration.
- Bananas also contain significant amounts of Vitamins A, B, C as well as calcium and selenium.
Rice
- Rice helps to soothe and regulate the digestive system and helps to regularize intestinal contractions. This reduces and even prevents painful spasms and stomach cramps which is a common symptom of gastrointestinal disorders.
- Rice is rich in soluble fiber which is not digested by the body but instead forms a thick gel. This gel acts as a bulking agent by absorbing excess liquids present in the intestines.
- Rice contains complex carbohydrates and is especially recommended for toddlers and children suffering from diarrhea. Brown rice would be a better option as it has superior nutritional values as compared to white rice.
Applesauce
- Apples are rich in pectin which helps to firm stools. However they also contain sorbitol which can aggravate diarrhea. Homemade applesauce retains the benefits of pectin but the sorbitol is destroyed during the cooking process. This makes applesauce ideal for patients suffering from diarrhea.
- Applesauce also contains significant amounts of Potassium, Manganese, and Vitamin C which prevent dehydration.
- Apple peels have a very high nutritional value but they are also high in insoluble fibers which can irritate the stomach lining and aggravate diarrhea. Make sure that you only use peeled apples when making applesauce.
Toast
- Toast is easy to digest and helps to neutralize strong stomach acids. This makes it ideal for people suffering from diarrhea.
- Toast is easy to digest while bread is not. This is because the heat converts the starch present in the bread into a light carbohydrate which is broken down easily and digested.
- Have toast made out of whole wheat bread as it is healthier than white bread. Whole wheat bread also contains several types of soluble fibers which help to treat diarrhea.
Tea
- Tea is very beneficial in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders as it helps to increase the number of healthy intestinal bacteria. This decreases the amount of harmful bacteria in the digestive system and speeds-up the recovery process.
- Tea also helps to increase the body’s immunity levels against various intestinal disorders.
- Green tea, Oolong tea and black tea are the healthiest options, and of these green tea is generally considered to be the best.
Yogurt
- Yogurt contains healthy bacteria which help to prevent and treat diarrhea.
- Yogurt has been rated as one of the world’s healthiest foods. It is a good source of vitamins and proteins and helps to strengthen the body and repair any damage to the intestines.
- Flavored yogurt contains several sugars that can aggravate diarrhea. A mixture of a few spoons of honey along with unflavored yogurt would appeal to both kids and adults alike.
You can also include small amounts of steamed chicken, coconut juice, broth, soup, and boiled potatoes in the patient’s diet. A person suffering from diarrhea often feels fatigued and weary and so they often suffer a loss of appetite. Experiment with various combinations and make sure that they only have small servings throughout the day. While plain toast may not be very appetizing, the aroma from a slice of fresh toast with honey will definitely help to work up an appetite. In the same way, finely diced bananas with a few spoons of applesauce would be more appealing than having the bananas and applesauce as individual dishes. You can blend a few slices of steamed skinless chicken and add this to a bowl of freshly steamed rice with a small amount of mashed potatoes on the side. Keep in mind that spicy foods and foods with a high fat content should be completely avoided.
Rheumatoid arthritis diet
Foods to Avoid
Studies show that certain fats can cause inflammation in the body.
Saturated fat is one of these, so avoiding foods that are high in saturated fat, more specifically, animal foods, can help you avoid unnecessary flare ups. Not only are the fats in bacon, steak, cream, and butter saturated, but these foods also contain chemicals called prostaglandins that cause inflammation, swelling, pain, and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis. Some studies have also concluded that meat also has another substance called arachidonic acid, which is a fatty acid that gets converted into prostaglandins. Some people with rheumatoid arthritis find it beneficial to avoid meat.
Omega-6 fatty acids are another fat that might cause inflammation in the body. It is present in vegetable oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, sesame oil, and wheat germ oil. The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the diets of most people is too much omega-6 to omega-3; this is said to be the contributing factor to this inflammation, so eating more omega-3 fatty acids will reduce this risk for inflammation.
Food allergies. If you are sensitive to certain foods, such as foods that cause an allergic reaction, it is important to eliminate these from the diet because it puts strain on the immune system every time you eat these foods. This could include wheat products, milk products, and synthetic preservatives/additives; of course, this will vary per individual.
Eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes, and chili peppers. The theory here doesn’t have sound scientific proof, but some people have found that these foods aggravate the pain of rheumatoid arthritis. The thing they all have in common is that they are nightshade plants.
Other foods. The following foods can be harmful for rheumatoid arthritis, so reducing them or eliminating them from the diet can be beneficial. They include fried foods, processed foods, tea, coffee, dairy products, berries and other citrus fruits, excessive salt, and alcohol.
Foods to Eat
Omega-3 fatty acid foods are beneficial because this fat is said to balance out the effects of omega-6 fatty acid. They have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Omega-3’s are present in cold-water fish (like salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, and trout), nuts, tofu, soybean products, flaxseed and flax oil, avocado and avocado oil, walnuts, almonds, and canola oil.
Fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes. Some studies show that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes can be beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis. All of these categories of food are high in phytonutrients, which are chemicals in plants that have disease-fighting properties and antioxidants; antioxidants are good for the immune system and fight damaging free-radicals that can damage healthy tissue. They are present in vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and selenium.
Bioflavonoids are also substances present in plant foods that have anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor characteristics.
Weight Loss
Dropping extra weight can be good for the bones and joints because it alleviates some of the strain put on them, particularly on the hips, knees, heart, and more areas. Being overweight or obese puts unnecessary strain on these areas and can cause more inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Low sodium diet
Sodium and Health
In certain amounts, sodium is needed by the body because it serves many functions. If there is too much it will hurt the body, but if there is too little, these functions won’t be performed. Fortunately, the body is capable, to a certain extent, of maintaining proper levels of sodium, but there are factors that can have an adverse effect on that control, such as excess sweating or eating too much sodium in the diet. The recommended amount of sodium to get in through the diet is 2,300 mg for healthy individuals and 1,500 mg if you already have high blood pressure.
* Electrolyte. Sodium has an important role as an electrolyte, regulating the balance of fluid inside and outside of the body’s cells. If there isn’t enough sodium to regulate this, either too much fluid will be inside the cells causing them to swell, or too much fluid will be outside the cells causing them to shrivel.
* Nutrients. Sodium is partially responsible for passing nutrients into and out of cells.
* Sweating. When you get heated from exertion or from being outside, the body sweats in an effort to cool down. This is because of a function of sodium. If you don’t have enough sodium to sweat, you will become overheated.
* Blood pressure. This is probably where you’ve heard the importance of sodium being discussed. Sodium plays a major part in regulating blood pressure. Put simply, too much sodium in the diet causes too much fluid to be left behind in the blood vessels, causing the heart to have to work harder to pump the blood to all the tissues in the body. The volume of blood is increasing, but the size of the vessels is staying the same.
Diet: Low Sodium
It is actually easier than you think to incorporate low sodium foods into the diet. Here are some quick tips. Don’t eat processed, packaged, or prepared foods because they tend to be really high in sodium. Salt acts as a preservative on these foods. If you can’t completely eliminate them, eat them sparingly. Don’t add extra salt to foods. Try adding herbs and spices for flavor because they are sodium-free and taste just as good, if not better.
Use condiments sparingly. Many condiments are also high in sodium. Try using a minimal amount or another salt-free seasoning so you get all the flavor. Also, you can always make your own ketchup or BBQ sauce with very little salt.
Look at food labels. Food labels give you all the information you need to know; you just have to learn how to read them. Look for foods that are labeled “sodium-free”, “salt-free”, “very low sodium”, “low sodium”, “reduced sodium”, “light sodium”, or “no salt added.” Although each of these means a slightly different thing, they all have no additional salt or very low salt. However, there is one exception; reduced sodium means that there is only 25% less sodium than the original. This can be misleading because we don’t automatically know what the original amount was. Choose foods that are low or very low in sodium, or no salt added.
Eat more fresh foods and produce. You can never go wrong with fresh foods, fruits, and vegetables. They are naturally low in sodium. When eating lunchmeat, always choose fresh because prepackaged lunchmeats have a lot more sodium than is necessary.
IBS diet
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
IBS is a problem affecting the intestines; the intestines squeeze too hard or not hard enough, causing the food to move too quickly or too slowly through it. There are different names for the condition: functional bowel syndrome, irritable colon, spastic bowel, or spastic colon. Don’t get this condition confused with inflammatory diseases because they are not the same.
Symptoms
Symptoms include bloating and gas, mucus in the stool, diarrhea, constipation, feeling a strong urge to have a bowel movement, feeling like you need to have a bowel movement after you’ve already had one, abdominal pain, and cramping. The symptoms may be more magnified, depending on the time of day or if you’re under a lot of stress.
Diagnosis
Speaking with a doctor is the only way to be officially diagnosed with IBS. The doctor will be able to make this judgment if your symptoms have formed a pattern over time. To be sure, the doctor will rule out other problems by performing a few tests, such as a colonoscopy or blood test.
Prognosis
This isn’t something that people die from. It may go away, and it may recur from time to time. Eating a diet that doesn’t put too much stress on the bowels is the base way to control it.
Things to know
Foods cannot cause irritable bowel syndrome; however, once you have it, there are some foods that may make it worse. Foods that do worsen the symptoms are things such as high fat foods, caffeine-containing foods and beverages, alcohol, and chocolate. Fat and caffeine both force the intestines to contract, causing cramping. For some people, gas may be a problem, so avoiding foods that cause gas—cabbage, beans, broccoli, some fruits, etc.—may be a good idea.
Foods for an IBS Diet
Saying that one diet will work for all people with IBS is a lie because everyone’s body is different; there is no “one size fits all.” Identifying your triggers over time is the best way to know what foods you should and shouldn’t eat. However, there is a generalized group of foods to avoid and those to eat; there are also some tips to keep in mind. Here are lists of all three.
Foods to avoid
These are also called trigger foods because they trigger the symptoms associated with IBS in the way they move through and affect the intestines. Red meat, dairy products, egg yolks, fried foods, high sugar foods, coconut milk, and the artificial sweeteners sorbitol and xylitol (used in sugarless gum and sugarless candies) should all be avoided. Eating a high fat diet will make the symptoms worse, but you don’t want to have a diet completely devoid of fat.
Foods to eat
This list is a lot more fun because it says what you can eat. It’s not quite as amazing to hear the foods you can’t eat, but hearing the foods you can eat…that’s a whole different story!
Fiber is probably the most beneficial thing you can eat to reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome because it improves how the intestines work. There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber helps with both constipation and diarrhea; it dissolves in water, forming a gel-like material. Foods high in soluble fiber are rice cereals, oatmeal, pasta, tortillas, carrots, yams, potatoes, apples, beans, and citrus fruits. Insoluble fiber helps with constipation because it helps move material through the digestive system and adds bulk to the stool. Foods high in insoluble fiber are whole grains, wheat bran, seeds, nuts, and many vegetables.
Substitution. Since there are foods you can’t eat, and some of them are important, it is good to practice with substitution. Try substituting two egg whites for one whole egg, eat low fat vegetarian products instead of red meat, try fruit purees in place of oil when baking, use veggie broth in place of oil in sauces, and bake with cocoa powder (fat free) instead of using solid chocolate (high fat). Use plenty of herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of any dish.
Eating tips
In order to reduce constipation, eat plenty of fiber, drink plenty of water, and get plenty of exercise. It also helps to keep a log of the foods you eat daily; this makes it easier to track the foods that have triggered the symptoms of IBS. Lastly, eat in a place that has a quiet and relaxed atmosphere.
ADHD diet
Children diagnosed with ADHD may be poor performers at school, and may suffer from low self-esteem and problematic relationship with peers. Treatment of ADHD does not completely cure the disorder, but can alleviate the occurrence of symptoms. The process of treatment usually involves a combination of prescribed medications and psychological counseling.
Although it has not been scientifically proven that a particular diet can help ADHD, some assume that certain food, such as sugar, cause an adverse effect on the condition. Too much sugar presumably makes ADHD symptoms worse, as many children with ADHD are hypersensitive to sugar or other foodstuff with high sugar content. Food additives and preservatives, such as artificial coloring, are also believed to make ADHD worse.
ADHD diet is a specific type of diet meant to lessen the symptoms of the disorder. The diet is, of course, supplementary and must be combined with medications and counseling sessions. The diet may include foods that are known to help ADHD patients, and restrict the ones that may cause reactions. There can be three possible diets recommended for ADHD. These are – Overall nutrition diet for ADHD – This diet basically includes everyday food items, and comprises of food that is good for the brain. This diet includes high protein foods such as cheese, eggs, nuts and meat. Protein-enriched foods help to improve condition and give the ADHD medications more time to work on the brain. It is recommended to eat more of complex carbohydrates such as fruits and vegetables, and less of simple carbohydrate such as candy, honey, corn syrup, sugar etc. It is also a good practice to start eating fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon or tuna. Nuts like walnuts and Brazil nuts, and oils such as olive or canola, are also good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Supplementation diet for ADHD – Vitamin and minerals are essential for the proper functioning of the brain and the body. And therefore, taking nutritional supplements along with regular food ensures a balanced diet, and may help symptoms of ADHD. Protein or colloidal mineral supplements are recommended, but should be taken only after consulting the physician, as many ADHD patients may not be tolerant to mineral supplements.
Elimination diet for ADHD – An elimination diet puts restriction on foods that are responsible to worsen the symptoms of ADHD. Common stimulants of worsening the condition include sugars and food preservatives. Artificial food colorings, especially the reds and yellows, are also best to be avoided. Food additives such as MSG, or monosodium glutamate, are also known to worsen ADHD syndrome.
Certain provision outside these diets, such as caffeine, supposedly helps children with ADHD when given in small amounts. Care should be taken though, as caffeine may also be harmful to children.
Because the degree of symptoms and the level of the ADHD condition vary from person to person, it is always better to custom design an ADHD diet based on the tolerance and effectiveness with certain kinds of food. However, no matter what type of diet is being followed, it should be consistent with the medications that are being prescribed and, therefore, it is necessary to consult with the physician before beginning on a particular ADHD diet.
HCG diet recipes
How Does the Diet Work?
HCG, or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, is a hormone naturally produced in large amounts by the placenta during pregnancy. The hormone essentially controls the woman’s metabolic functions during this time. It allows for the fetus to receive the nutrients it needs even if the mother is restricting or not eating enough. The baby can live off the mother’s fat stores, and so the idea developed to turn this hormone into a diet. If injected with the hormone, a person’s fat stores will basically be depleted. An injection is given every day, except for the last three, for the duration of the diet, which only lasts for about a month. When the injected hormones take effect, the dieter can more easily be satisfied with 500 calories per day because fat stores are released to provide the energy needed. The foods consumed, to maximize hunger with so little quantities, should be high in protein and low in carbohydrates, fats, and void of junk foods.
HCG Recipes
The problem with going on this diet is that your normal, everyday cookbooks temporarily become useless. However, there are recipes that can be adapted, and some that have been produced specifically for this diet. All of the following recipes are suitable because they are low in calories and fat.
Fruit Salad
Try this sweet mixture of fresh fruits for breakfast!
* 1 cup sliced bananas
* 1 cup sliced strawberries
* 1 cup cubed, fresh pineapple
* 1 cup blueberries
Mix all together and enjoy!
Lettuce wraps
The fiber in the lettuce and vegetables, and the protein in the meat give a lasting feeling of fullness.
* 1 pounds lean ground beef or ground turkey. Mix with
* Fajita seasoning, low fat & sugar free
* Vegetable mixture (bell peppers and onion)
Brown the ground beef or turkey. Sauté vegetables in a medium-sized pan coated in cooking spray. Wrap both the meat and vegetables in lettuce leaves.
Shish Kabobs
This is not a cut and dry recipe; there are many variations with which to experiment!
* Chunks of lean chicken or shrimp
* Onion, tomato chunks or cherry tomatoes
* Vegetables of choice
Put all on skewers. Season with herbs and lemon juice prior to grilling. Grill until cooked thoroughly.
Lively Citrus Basil Chicken
This dish is easy to throw together and is a perfect dinner for the rest of the family who isn’t even on the diet!
* 3 ½ oz 99% fat free chicken trimmed of visible fat
* 3 ½ oz chopped tomatoes
* 1 orange, peeled & cut into small pieces
* Juice from ½ lemon
* Basil (fresh or dried), as desired
* Salt and pepper, as needed
Place a medium-sized skillet onto stove top; coat with cooking spray. Add chicken and lightly coat with salt and pepper; drizzle with lemon juice and extra water, if needed. Cook 3-4 minutes. Add chopped tomatoes, chopped orange, and basil. Simmer on low, for desired amount of marinating time, turning halfway through. Serve chicken on lettuce leaves.
Foil Baked Fish
A simple and satisfying twist on fish.
* 3 ½ oz fish
* Juice of ½ of a lemon
* Salt, pepper, and dill to taste
Put fish in foil (large enough to wrap around and seal). Drizzle with lemon juice and zest some of the rind around the fish. Season with salt, pepper, and dill. Bake in oven at 350 degrees Centigrade until cooked through.
Italian Herbed Fish and Broccoli
This meal is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals.
* 3 ½ oz white fish
* 3 ½ oz broccoli, chopped
* 1 tomato, peeled & cut into small pieces
* Basil, thyme, oregano (fresh or dried), as desired
* Salt and pepper, as desired
* 2 tablespoons water
Put all spices, salt and pepper into the bottom of a medium-sized skillet. Add fish and drizzle with the lemon. Add broccoli and tomato with a few tablespoons of water over low-medium heat until fish is cooked through. Pour juices over fish and serve with lemon wedges.
Sweet ‘n Sour Lemonade
Perfect for anytime of day!
* 1 quart water
* 1 lemon (juice only)
* 2 packets calorie free natural sweetener
* Ice cubes
* Lemon slices, for garnish
Place water in a pitcher. Add the lemon juice and sweetener; stir. Add desired amount of ice. Garnish with sliced lemons.
Warm Apple Dessert
Craving some apple pie? This is a perfect substitute!
* 1 medium apple, cut into wedges
* Cinnamon, as desired
* 1 packet no calorie sweetener
Dust apples with cinnamon and sweetener and combine in a microwaveable bowl. Heat the microwave for 2 minutes, or until apples are warm and to desired tenderness.
Get to Know Healthy Kitchen Practices
Certain foods, especially if they are not properly cooked, cause indigestion. Some people react unfavourable to certain foods like beans, cabbage, onions, cucumber, radishes and seafood. Fried foods as well as rich and spicy foods often cause abdominal discomfort and gas, and aggravate the existing condition.
What are some other important considerations?
• Excessive smoking and intake of alcohol can also cause stomach upsets.
• Constipation may interfere with the normal flow of ingested matter through the gastro-intestinal tract, resulting in gas and abdominal pain.
• Drinking too much water with meals, insomnia, emotions such as jealousy, fear and anger and lack of exercise are among the other causes of indigestion.
Chocolate Layer Cake
Beat half a cupful of butter to a cream, and gradually beat into it one cupful of sugar. When this is light, beat in half a cupful of milk, a little at a time, and one teaspoonful of vanilla. Beat the whites of six eggs to a stiff froth. Mix half a teaspoonful of baking powder with two scant cupfuls of sifted flour. Stir the flour and whites of eggs alternately into the mixture. Have three deep tin plates well buttered, and spread two-thirds of the batter in two of them.
Into the remaining batter stir one ounce of Walter Baker & Co.'s Premium No. 1 Chocolate, melted, and spread this batter in the third plate. Bake the cakes in a moderate oven for about twenty minutes. Put a layer of white cake on a large plate, and spread with white icing. Put the dark cake on this, and also spread with white icing. On this put the third cake. Spread with chocolate icing.
TO MAKE THE ICING. Put into a granite-ware saucepan two gills of sugar and one of water, and boil gently until bubbles begin to come from the bottom—say, about five minutes. Take from the fire instantly. Do not stir or shake the sugar while it is cooking. Pour the hot syrup in a thin stream into the whites of two eggs that have been beaten to a stiff froth, beating the mixture all the time. Continue to beat until the icing is thick. Flavor with one teaspoonful of vanilla. Use two-thirds of this as a white icing, and to the remaining third add one ounce of melted chocolate. To melt the chocolate, shave it fine and put in a cup, which is then to be placed in a pan of boiling water.
Into the remaining batter stir one ounce of Walter Baker & Co.'s Premium No. 1 Chocolate, melted, and spread this batter in the third plate. Bake the cakes in a moderate oven for about twenty minutes. Put a layer of white cake on a large plate, and spread with white icing. Put the dark cake on this, and also spread with white icing. On this put the third cake. Spread with chocolate icing.
TO MAKE THE ICING. Put into a granite-ware saucepan two gills of sugar and one of water, and boil gently until bubbles begin to come from the bottom—say, about five minutes. Take from the fire instantly. Do not stir or shake the sugar while it is cooking. Pour the hot syrup in a thin stream into the whites of two eggs that have been beaten to a stiff froth, beating the mixture all the time. Continue to beat until the icing is thick. Flavor with one teaspoonful of vanilla. Use two-thirds of this as a white icing, and to the remaining third add one ounce of melted chocolate. To melt the chocolate, shave it fine and put in a cup, which is then to be placed in a pan of boiling water.
Breakfast Cocca
For six cupfuls of cocoa use two tablespoonfuls of the powder, two tablespoonfuls of sugar, half a pint of boiling water, and a pint and a half of milk. Put the milk on the stove in the double-boiler. Put the cocoa and sugar in a saucepan, and gradually pour the hot water upon them, stirring all the time. Place the saucepan on the fire and stir until the contents boil. Let this mixture boil for five minutes; then add the boiling milk and serve.
A gill of cream is a great addition to this cocoa. Scalded milk may be used in place of boiled milk, if preferred. For flavoring, a few grains of salt and half a teaspoonful of vanilla extract may be added.
Chocolate , Vienna Style
Cut the chocolate in fine bits. Put the milk on the stove in the double-boiler, and when it has been heated to the boiling point, put the chocolate, sugar and water in a small iron or granite-ware pan, and stir over a hot fire until smooth and glossy. Stir this mixture into the hot milk, and beat well with a whisk. Serve at once, putting a tablespoonful of whipped cream in each cup and then filling up with the chocolate.
The plain chocolate may be used instead of the vanilla, but in that case use a teaspoonful of vanilla extract and three generous tablespoonfuls of sugar instead of one.
Plain Chocolate
Mix the cornstarch with one gill of the milk. Put the remainder of the milk on to heat in the double-boiler. When the milk comes to the boiling point, stir in the cornstarch and cook for ten minutes. Have the chocolate cut in fine bits, and put it in a small iron or granite-ware pan; add the sugar and water, and place the pan over a hot fire. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Add this to the hot milk, and beat the mixture with a whisk until it is frothy. Or, the chocolate may be poured back and forth from the boiler to a pitcher, holding high the vessel from which you pour. This will give a thick froth. Serve at once.
If you prefer not to have the chocolate thick, omit the cornstarch. If condensed milk is used, substitute water for the milk named above and add three tablespoonfuls of condensed milk when the chocolate is added.
Gano Coffee - Can Coffee Be Good For You?
Although now, we all know that too much coffee is bad for our health, most of us cannot help but indulge into this addicting act. Since nutritionists cannot do anything about the world's addiction to coffee, most of them continuously search for alternatives to give people better options. And one of these breakthrough alternatives is Gano coffee.
Made from Ganoderma extract, Gano coffee is considered to be nutritious and healthy beverage. Recognized as the first known "healthy coffee," in the world, Gano coffee is produced by growing and processing organically without the use of chemicals, pesticides, hormones or artificial fertilizers. Gano coffee gives you an energy boost - not from caffeine, but from the ancient healthy ingredient called "Ganoderma Lucidum," that has been recognized for it's amazing properties.
Being a coffee that that has a lower caffeine amount compared to commercially processed decaf coffees, Gano coffee is now one of the most popular coffee crazes to catch up on the modern coffee drinking world. Contrary to the common conception, Gano coffee is not a "substitute coffee" but an "alternative coffee" that gives you the richer flavor than fully-caffeinated coffee. Gano coffee also allows you to continue savoring the full-bodied flavor you are getting in a premium instant coffee while providing you more energy than your usual caffeinated drink.
Proven as a delicious and nutritious drink, Gano coffee gives you more vigor while reducing you stress and fatigue. Among the so many benefits of drinking gano coffee include the detoxification and rejuvenation of your body while strengthening your immune system. Aside from helping you boost your energy level, Gano coffee also contributes to the improvement of your sleeping patterns while increasing the oxygen to your brain, and helps balance your weight. Since Gano coffee contains less net caffeine than most of your other favorite caffeinated beverages, you can actually enjoy the benefits and delicious taste of a "healthy coffee" that is good for your wellbeing. And with every cup of gano coffee you drink, you are making it as a healthy habit.
With every cup of gano coffee you drink, you are getting a "caffeine jumpstart" that will last for hours without the caffeine. Aside from making gano coffee as a good habit, here are some hints on how you can keep your coffee habit as healthy as possible especially if you are an avid coffee lover.
Although you are a person that has higher "caffeine urgency" than the others, you must still listen to what your body says. When it says it can no longer take an extra cup, learn not to let your urgency control over you. If you still don't resort to drinking healthy coffee like gano coffee, always be aware of the caffeine content of your coffee since it varies widely depending on brewing and roasting methods. And though most research says that drinking 1-3 cups of coffee a day does not seem to have any negative effects in most healthy people, always make sure that you know the level of caffeine intake especially if you are undergoing any medications.
Hummus
Serves 4
1 ¼ cups/225g/8oz dried chick peas, soaked overnight
1 bouquet garni
1 small onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
juice of 2 lemons
4 tbsp/60ml/2oz tahini paste
3 tbsp/45ml olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tomato, sliced
sprig of parsley
METHOD
1-Drain the chick peas and place in a large saucepan with plenty of water, the bouquet garni and
onion. Bring to the boil then simmer gently for 1¾ -2 hours, or until tender.
2-Drain, reserving a little of the cooking liquid. Discard the onion and bouquet garni.
3-Place the garlic, lemon juice, tahini, olive oil and seasoning in a food processor or blender.
Add the cooked chick peas and process to a smooth paste.
4-Add a little of the reserved cooking liquid if the paste is too thick, and stir rapidly. Arrange the
hummus in a dish, edge with halved tomato slices and garnish with parsley. Serve with warmed
pitta bread.
Oriental Chicken Wings
1 sm. clove garlic
1 scallion
1/4 c. soy sauce
2 tbsp. honey
2 tsp. rice-wine vinegar
1/2 tsp.g rated ginger
1/2 tsp. oriental sesame oil
Pinch of cayenne
1 tsp. sesame seeds
1 tbsp. chopped fresh coriander or parsley
Remove wing tips and cut wings in half at the joint. Mince garlic and scallion. Combine soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, oil and cayenne in a microwave safe dish. Add wings and turn to coat. Marinate at least 30 minutes, turning twice. Put larger wings at the edge of the dish. Cover with plastic and vent. Microwave on high for 5 minutes.
Rotate plate and cook 5 minutes longer. Transfer wings to a serving plate. Return marinade to oven and cook, partially covered on high for 2 minutes. Pour marinade over wings and turn to coat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, scallion and coriander. 12 pieces.
Try the Tradition of Turkish Coffee and Taste the Difference
Turkish coffee is derived from the famous Arabica coffee bean, often the addition of the aromatic Cardamom spice is added to the coffee while it is being ground. Another method boils seeds with the coffee and lets them float to the top when served.
Traditionally Turkish Coffee has six levels of sweetness from ranging from very sweet to black. Sugar is not added to the coffee after it has been served. As the coffee begins to heat, it begins to foam. A rule of the traditional Turkish coffee ceremony states that if the foam is absent from the coffee, the host loses face. Turkish coffee is served hot from a special pot called a cezve.
You wont need a cezve pot to make this Turkish coffee recipe In order to make your own brew of "Milk of Thinkers", heat water in a pan, add coffee and sugar to taste. Bring to boil. Pour half of the coffee into demitasse cups and return the remaining coffee to the heat and bring back to boil. Spoon off the foam and gently place into each cup without stirring. You'll need 1 1/2 cups of cold water, 4 teaspoons of strong dark roast coffee and about 4 teaspoons of sugar.
You can try adding cardamom if you like the taste. After some experimenting, you'll have an almost authentic Turkish coffee.
Why is one little Carrot important?
Some children refuse to eat vegetables and many won’t touch a carrot unless it can be used as a sword during playtime. Sometimes it can feel like it’s just not worth the bother to try and feed them vegetables at every meal. But according to the World Health Organization, eating vegetables like carrots can help prevent blindness caused by vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency partially or totally blinds nearly 350,000 children from more than 75 countries every year. Roughly 60 percent of these children die within months of going blind. However, vitamin A deficiency is preventable. One cooked carrot has approximately 150% of the Recommended Daily Amount of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A. Vitamin A helps to prevent night blindness, dry skin, poor bone growth, weak tooth enamel, diarrhea and slow growth. The greatest health benefits come from eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. The American Institute for Cancer Research has estimated that a diet high in a variety of fruits and vegetables may prevent 20 to 33 percent of lung cancers. The carotenoids found in greens, broccoli and spinach may help protect against other cancers. Eating 6 – 8 servings of fruits and vegetables supplies a whole range of nutrients, which provide the kind of protection originally attributed to betacarotene alone. Unfortunately, most children are not interested in cancer and disease prevention so we, as parents, may have to resort to sneaking nutrition in the foods kids love. The next few pages list some of the health benefits of fruits and vegetables, and secret ways to sneak nutrition in many favorite foods. Broiled Tilapia Parmesan
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/8 teaspoon celery salt
• 2 pounds tilapia fillets
Directions• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/8 teaspoon celery salt
• 2 pounds tilapia fillets
1. Preheat your oven's broiler. Grease a broiling pan or line pan with aluminum foil.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, butter, mayonnaise and lemon juice. Season with dried basil, pepper, onion powder and celery salt. Mix well and set aside.
3. Arrange fillets in a single layer on the prepared pan. Broil a few inches from the heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the fillets over and broil for a couple more minutes. Remove the fillets from the oven and cover them with the Parmesan cheese mixture on the top side. Broil for 2 more minutes or until the topping is browned and fish flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to over cook the fish.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, butter, mayonnaise and lemon juice. Season with dried basil, pepper, onion powder and celery salt. Mix well and set aside.
3. Arrange fillets in a single layer on the prepared pan. Broil a few inches from the heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the fillets over and broil for a couple more minutes. Remove the fillets from the oven and cover them with the Parmesan cheese mixture on the top side. Broil for 2 more minutes or until the topping is browned and fish flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to over cook the fish.
