Food and Health

  Point to note:  The antioxidant content is the highest in the seeds and the skin. Try and get your hands on the different colored grapes (blue and red) to add some drama to your dish. Cooking with GrapesThe juicy flesh and the sweet and tarty flavour make this fruit an ideal ingredient to cook with. You could also use them to make sweet and spicy chutneys, compotes and sauces; shake up some refreshing mocktails; or even use them to make sorbets. Here are some grapes recipes to get you started: Grape Chicken A simple but delicious recipe of chicken cooked with pureed grapes and served with a sauce of chicken stock and grape juice. Team them with pearl barley, lettuce, chopped cucumber, capsicum – choices are aplenty! Coming to baking, you can use them to make berry tarts and clafoutis, top them on pavlovas or pannacottas, roast them along with chicken, or make tea cakes. Eventually, other countries also started growing it and using it in the wine making process. Grapes are ea...

  Even visually it reflects the posture of a cobra that has its hood raised, and hence it is also known as 'Cobra Pose'. Start your practise with Sukshma Vyayam or subtle exercises. Gently squeeze and firm your buttocks even as you keep pushing your navel center downwards. Step  Be strong with your shoulder blades as you engage them to open up your chest forward. Spread your palms on the floor under your shoulders and bring the elbows close to the sides of your body. Step  Press the tops of the feet and thighs firmly into the floor. Step  As you inhale, press your palms into the floor and begin to straighten the arms to lift the chest off the floor. In Sanskrit, the word Bhujangasana comes a combination of two words- 'bhujanga' which translates to 'cobra' or and 'asana' meaning 'posture'. Practise this asana individually or through the Surya Namaskar to make your spinal region strong and very agile. Release back to the floor with an exhalation. C...

Cross your ankles beneath your body and extend your legs into Staff Pose (Dandasana). Common Mistakes Don't go into this pose quickly. How to Do Hero Pose (Virasana) in Yoga Targets: Quadriceps, ankles Level: Beginner Hero Pose (Virasana) is a seated pose that is a great stretch for the quadriceps. This pose is actually easier and more comfortable for most people than sitting cross-legged, especially if you place a block under your butt. The spinal alignment in Hero Pose is a good counter to slouching posture and allows for better breathing. One of the things that yoga students often struggle with is getting comfortable sitting cross-legged. Virasana is conducive to keeping your shoulders over your hips, which helps align the spine so that your back doesn't ache while you are sitting. Once you are comfortable with the pose, you can make it more challenging. Need a Modification? Put padding under your seat if necessary. If you plan to sit still for more than a few minutes, as yo...

In this article, we list yoga poses for beginners that ensure the strengthening of our shoulders. Yoga poses to strengthen your shoulders: Urdhva Mukha Svanasana Lay flat on the ground facing the floor Slowly place your arms forward and try to lift your upper body Your legs are supposed to be laying next to each other, however, your arms need to be farther apart (in comparison to your shoulders) At this point, the body parts touching the ground would be your legs and palms of your hands In this position, you need to be facing the sky looking upwards Hold this position for a few seconds and release, repeat 5-10 times minimum Adho Mukha Svanasana Lay flat on the ground facing the floor Slowly lift your torso and form a mountain-like structure with your body Your palms need to be farther apart and reaching outwards (in comparison to your shoulders) On the other hand, your feet need to be placed next to each other At this point, the only body parts touching the ground should be your palms ...

According to a small 2016 study, male college athletes who participated in a 10-week, biweekly yoga group increased their flexibility and balance more than the group that didn’t practice yoga. The researchers concluded that adding a yoga program to traditional training methods helped enhance the athletes’ fitness and sports performance. Reverse the position of your feet and repeat for the same length of time on the other side. Straighten both of your legs. Keep your gaze over your front middle finger. Actively press your front knee out. Reach your other arm up to the sky, with your shoulders stacked. Unless you’re very flexible, there will likely be some space between your heels and the floor — that’s perfectly OK. Your palms should be shoulder-width apart and your heels hip-width apart. Notice if it’s extending beyond your ankle or dropping in toward the midline. Lift your arms up to shoulder height and extend them out. How to do this pose: Begin on your hands and knees. Keep your han...

It is found in orange, yellow and dark green plant foods, such as pineapple, mangoes, papaya, apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, pumpkin, and carrots. Some smaller studies have suggested bromelain can also contribute to reducing asthma symptoms. Cancer As an excellent source of vitamin C, a strong antioxidant, pineapples can help combat the formation of free radicals. Because free radicals can damage the reproductive system, foods with high antioxidant activity like pineapples are recommended for those trying to conceive. The antioxidants in pineapple, such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, and the vitamins and minerals copper, zinc, and folate have properties that affect both male and female fertility. Healing and Inflammation Some studies have shown that bromelain, primarily in the stem, can reduce swelling, bruising, healing time, and pain associated with injury and surgical intervention. Heart health The fiber, potassium, and vitamin C content in pineapple all promote heart health. In o...

One cup (132 grams) of raw chayote contains just 25 calories, yet delivers over 30% of the daily value (DV) for folate, a B vitamin involved in DNA synthesis and cellular function. Dandelion greens All parts of the dandelion plant (Taraxacum officinale)are edible, including the leaves, which are known as dandelion greens. Though not as popular as other leafy greens, they’re loaded with an array of vitamins, minerals, and potent plant compounds, including vitamin K, iron, and polyphenol antioxidants. Many test-tube and animal studies suggest that dandelion greens may lower blood sugar and cholesterol and help prevent cellular damage. What’s more, they can be enjoyed raw or cooked and make a great substitute for other greens like spinach or lettuce. Jicama Jicama is the edible root of the Pachyrhizus erosus vine. When cooked, it’s tender and tastes slightly nutty. A good source of many nutrients, Jerusalem artichokes are especially high in iron, which is essential for red blood cell prod...

Researchers recommended a person eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day to get the benefits. A 2019 study involving immigrants in Canada found that a higher intake of fruit and vegetables lowered the participants’ odds of experiencing anxiety and mood disorders. To avoid adding sugar, try pairing tart apples with sweet ones in cooking or adding spices to counter the sharpness. The consumption of fruits and vegetables can reduce eating rate and provide fewer calories while being satisfying. A 2022 study also found that whole Fuji apples have the potential to lower the cellular lipid level in 3T3-L1 cells, meaning they may have anti-obesity effects. Nutrition It also shows how much an adult needs of each nutrient, according to the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. They also provide an array of antioxidants. Apples are a good source of antioxidants. One 2016 meta-analysis concluded that consuming apples may help lower the risk of: lung cancer breast cancer colo...

Popular as the most satisfying fruit with a sweet taste, apples can prevent you from dangerous diseases including the heart. The presence of manganese helps in providing a better metabolic rate. Good for bones Prevents Cancer Aids Digestion Grapes Treated as one of the oldest fruit, they have been proven to ward off heart diseases. Having one fruit a day can bring good changes to your lifestyle. Pineapple is a rich source of vitamin C that helps in maintaining a super healthy immune system and the content of calcium zinc in pineapple works wonders in fighting diseases. 5 Essential Fruits to Eat for Good Health Fruits are the best food for health as they are a good source of protein, vitamins with good tastes. This blog discusses 7 healthiest fruits that are super tasty and good for health. Avocado Avocado is considered the most nutritious fruit available in the world. Apart from these, avocado is a good source of fibers and proteins. Also, researchers advise kiwi as the best fruit to h...

It also reduces lung inflammation and symptoms associated with asthma. Protects the Heart Consumption of fresh onion prevents the formation of blood clots and blockage in the arteries. It further helps in the management of diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure and high cholesterol and triglyceride levels that are risk factors for heart disease. Thus, daily consumption of onion can confer protection against gastric ulcers. Boosts Immunity Onion plays a contributory role in enhancing overall immune function. Let's throw some light at the advantages of eating onions. Lowers High Blood Glucose Levels Onions contain active compounds that help in lowering high blood glucose levels. These health benefits of onions are attributed to the presence of two active compounds - cysteine and allyl propyl disulfide (APDS). Health Benefits of Onions Onions have a wide range of beneficial effects on the body, especially when eaten raw. APDS, a healthy compound present in onion binds the toxic substa...

So if you want to protect your dental health and need professional help to keep your teeth healthy. Though broccoli likely does not lose as much, the nutrient loss is problematic. By contrast, steamed vegetables like broccoli maintain their nutrient levels and provide a higher dose of teeth- and gum-saving vitamin and minerals like beta-carotene and vitamin C. For example, studies have found that boiled zucchini loses about 50 percent of its nutrients. Whether you like it raw or steamed, you have plenty of options from which to choose. You can receive benefits from broccoli whether you eat it raw or prefer to steam it before you eat. Just a few of the most critical include: Vitamin C — This decreases the risk of periodontal disease and increases tissue strength. Kaempferol — This nutrient is a flavonoid that helps to protect your teeth from periodontal diseases. Sulforaphane — This vitamin may reduce your risk of certain types of oral cancers. Beta-carotene — This helps improve vit...

Bananas are high in vitamin B6. A diet high in potassium can lower blood pressure in people with elevated levels and benefits heart health . Vitamin B6. Several antioxidant flavonoids are found in bananas, most notably catechins. It’s always best to monitor blood sugar levels carefully after consuming high amounts of of sugar and carbs. On a different note, some studies indicate that this fruit is a risk factor for constipation, while others claim that bananas may have the opposite effect . When consumed in moderation, bananas do not have any serious adverse effects. . Their color usually ranges from green to yellow, but some varieties are red. This article tells you everything you need to know about bananas. Nutrition facts The nutrition facts for 1 medium-sized banana (100 grams) are : Calories: 89 Water: 75% Protein: 1.1 grams Carbs: 22.8 grams Sugar: 12.2 grams Fiber: 2.6 grams Fat: 0.3 grams Carbs Bananas are a rich source of carbs, which occur mainly as starch in unripe bananas a...

But what about the dark horse of the three? Is white chocolate a healthy option? Today we’re going to take a look at white chocolate — what is it exactly? Why are people so polarized about it? And can we eat it daily for a healthy snack? White Chocolate — What is it really? If you have any kind of interest in the world of chocolate, you may have come across the argument between people who claim white chocolate is chocolate and those who say that it most certainly is not. The chocolate itself can be traced back many thousands of years to Central America. Calcium is of course needed for the health of bones. The Future of White Chocolate There are some chocolatiers who are investing a lot of time and energy into modernizing and revolutionizing white chocolate. It’s never reached the heights of its milk and dark counterparts but does have a steady fan club of defenders. Why Do Some People Claim That White Chocolate Isn’t Actually Chocolate? It comes down to ingredients. (It does feel a bit...