Monday, 30 December 2019

Debunking the Food Myths




For years, we have been falsely informed by our family, ancestral beliefs and some health care practitioners about some of the most common food myths. But the reality is that behind most food and nutrition myths, there's an important truth that we are unaware of.We are blind over these false concepts because myths and misinformation are much more seductive than the truth.

Often the difference between truth and myth can be somewhat unclear, so it's important to distinguish between them. We need to separate the science from the silliness.

So, here's some major truth bombs coming your way...







Eating fat makes you fat 


We often switch to a low-fat diet to lose weight and get into a thin body. Whether you gain or lose weight, it depends on your calorie intake. When you increase your healthy fat intake and lower your intake of refined white carbohydrates, you'll stay satisfied longer. Stabilize your blood sugar and teach your body to burn off extra body fat, rather than rely on carbs, sugar, and glucose for energy.



Using the 5-second rule ensures your food is still safe to eat 

Almost everyone has dropped food on the floor and still wanted to eat it. To satisfy your craving, you intend to pick the dropped food within 5 seconds. The so-called rule says that it is okay to eat it if you pick it up in 5 seconds. According to Science, it only takes a very small fraction of one second for bacteria to contaminate your food. No food is safe to eat if it is picked up from the floor. If you still want to try your luck, keep your floors super clean and hope for the best!




A juice cleanse is a lasting way to lose weight

A juice cleanse is a type of diet that involves only the consumption of fruit/vegetable juices to lose weight and detoxify your body. Many believe that it helps you get back on track. But juice cleanses lack many essential nutrients that a body needs. When you drink just juice, you're missing the balance of nutrients that your body needs daily. Cleanses are also typically low in calories, a lot less than you would need to get through your day. If you wish for a slim body, eat a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, protein, and healthy fat.




Carbs aren't good for your body

We often skip carbohydrate-rich foods to avoid obesity or unwanted weight gain. But a healthy diet says that your body needs carbohydrates to function. Without the carbs, your body would dip into its stores of protein to get the glycogen, possibly leaving your body short of protein it needs to help your muscles recover and grow. 






Brown Sugar is better than White Sugar 

The only difference between these two is the taste. When it comes to health, sugar is sugar. No matter its form, it is going to elevate your blood sugar levels, and that could increase your risk of obesity and diabetes. 




An apple a day keeps the doctor away

Though Apple is healthy, filling snack and offers plenty of health benefits, no evidence says that eating one a day keeps you from visiting the doctor on the regular. There might be chances that the medicines prescribed will be low in number and dosage.




You will sleep better after a nightcap

The concept of nightcap says having a small drink of alcohol to get a goodnight's sleep. It might help you fall asleep faster, but you won't wake up refreshed and well-rested. Drinking alcohol before bed may disrupt your sleep and increase wakefulness, even in healthy adults. 
  



Avoid eggs because of their cholesterol content

Many adults avoid eating eggs with a thought that it might increase the cholesterol level. But an egg is one of the most important sources of protein.it is an inexpensive source of many nutrients, including zinc and iron, antioxidants, Vitamin D and the brain-boosting chemical. 


Those with diabetes have to give up sweets 


Many times we have seen people resisting sweet dishes to keep their sugar level in control and avoid diabetes. Even diabetic patients control their cravings fearing any harsh consequences. But is it so bad to have sweets once in a while? An occasional treat is fine. The key to maintaining healthy blood glucose levels is balancing meals and snacks to provide a mixture of carbs, fats, and proteins. So, don't ignore your fondness for sweets. Just grab and munch into some!




Everyone needs to drink 8 glasses of water per day

This statement has been a piece of constant advice in our ears since childhood. Consuming enough fluids every day is important to overall health, however, daily fluid intake is not defined only by the amount of water you drink. It also includes the water consumed in other beverages. It includes water-rich fruits and vegetables too.




These are some of the myths that have been and still believed, fully followed by most of the population of our country. Lack of awareness and complete knowledge leads to unhealthy food intake and a restless body. A human body should be provided with enough nutrients and care for long life.

Eat healthily, stay healthy!!

Tuesday, 24 December 2019

Indulge in the Sweetness of Christmas


Christmas is finally here and it has brought with it the joys of holiday season. The arrival of this festival in this chilling weather announces that winter is not forever, that life continues and an invitation to stay in good spirit. It is a day of peace and joy.


Christmas, means "Mass of Christ", one of the most pious days for Christians, is the religious and the cultural celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. History says that Mother Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ, the son of God, in a manger on this auspicious day. Therefore, this special day is celebrated with great joy and happiness all over the world. Christmas trees decorated with different lighting patterns and dangling stars that twinkles in chilly night, fully decorated cribs that take us to the delightful period of past, table full of Christmas treats.... the day looks as magical as it is beautiful. A perfect moment to illuminate darkness with seasonal cheer.
Though this festival is equally celebrated by people of all age groups, kids are much more excited. And why not?? Their favorite Christmas character will come to surprise them with a jolly "ho-ho-ho". This one-of-a-kind Christmas character is none other than Santa Claus - the Father Christmas. It is based on patron saint of children Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, a port town in Mediterranean Sea, was often seen wearing bishop's robe with red clad, riding on a donkey, handing out gifts to children. 

The Dutch name for Saint Nicholas was Sinterklass, which was pronounced Santa Claus in America. According to Americans, Santa is a jolly old elf who flies around in a miniature sleigh with eight tiny reindeer. Later, a weekly magazine depicted Santa in a red fur-trimmed suit and a wide leather belt. However, the figure of Santa that we know today was introduced in advertisement of Coca-Cola company - a plump human with a jovial face and big beard.

Reindeer - Santa's willing beast of burden - are mostly found in Lapland, Finland. Hence, it was declared that Santa lives in Lapland's Korvatunturi Mountain, a big hill on Finnish-Russian border. Santa's official post office is in the town of Napagiri, near Korvatunturi Mountain. This mountain is out of bounds of people. 



Kids...you don't have to be sad. 
Santa's still gonna come your way. 
Just wait for your little surprise!!






Christmas is being celebrated since years and there have been many changes in this annual tradition. One of the most important culture of this day that has never changed, is the traditional Christmas cake. It is a part of this grand tradition, a tradition that began as a simple meat porridge cooked over a fire, with just a bit of sweetness to make the day special. Christmas is incomplete without this treat on the table. 
Looking further into the history of Christmas cakes, it was either a delicious fruit pudding or fruit cake. However, the recipe has made some radical changes over the years. Christmas cake takes on many forms with recipes which have been passed down for generations with their own little twist.

Making a Christmas cake looks complicated, but it is very easy. This is a speedy, easy Christmas Cake that requires no overnight fruit soaking. It’s a fruit cake that’s incredibly easy to make, with a rich  texture that’s full flavored and so moist it can be eaten plain. Let's bake a cake and find out.

Ingredients required:
1 cup Cake flour(Maida)
1 cup Sugar/Powdered sugar
3 Eggs
1 teaspoon Baking powder
1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
Vanilla Essence
1/2 cup Candied fruit cubes(Tutti Fruity)
1/2 cup Sunflower oil

Steps to make it:
  • Take 3 eggs into a bowl and beat it nicely.
  • Add Sugar/powdered sugar, Sunflower oil and Vanilla Essence into the eggs and mix it. Beat it after each addition that the ingredients get mixed-up together.
  • Take 1 cup Cake flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in another bowl and mix them together.
  • Add this mixture into the egg batter prepared before. Stir well to avoid any lumps.
  • Take the cake tin in which you're going to bake the cake and varnish oil all around in the inner part.
  • Pour whole mix into the oil-varnished tin. Microwave for 30-45 mins as required.
  • Once it is baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool. The cake is ready to be served.

Go wild and enjoy this sweet magic of Christmas...

If you don't have the time or patience to make a homemade Christmas cake, Christmas cakes sold in high-quality stores are good options. You can find many different varieties and flavors.
Whether you enjoy Christmas Cake or not, Christmas doesn’t tend to feel the same without this traditional treat.When you bite into your fruitcake this Christmas, savor its history as you enjoy its sweet, rich taste. 





Wishing you a Merry Christmas with a little piece of Cake!😋