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Are Organic Foods More Nutritious For You?

Posted Date: 6:16 PM / Comment : 0 , ,

Everyone is going organic these days! And who can blame them? The scare mongering about the food we eat has reached feverish heights and everyone is looking out for their health!


When we speak about organic food, we refer to food or edible items that are grown on land and are free from all kinds of pesticides and insecticides. There are no harmful toxins or herbicides growing inside this and has often been considered healthy by experts and researches. Whether it is a nutritionist or your personal doctor, I am sure all of them have recommended you to consume more of organic food on a regular basis. No wonder this industry is booming and flourishing for several years.
But, is organic food really great for your health? In fact, what exactly do we really mean by the term organic?
Even though there are times when organic food is grown with the help of a couple of ingredients, there are a couple of specific standards they must adhere to. The crops here are grown without any kind of fertilizer that is artificial in nature. There is no biotechnology or irradiation involved. Animals that grow on organic farms are fed on food that is organic in nature. They are taken care of without the usage of any synthetic growth hormones or even antibiotics.

Is Organic Food Good For You?

Organic foods are full of nutrition and offer better health than conventional foods. This is because plants are able to increase their production of phytochemicals, which improve their resistance power towards bugs and weeds. There are several researches, which have mentioned that pesticides found in your food can lead to dangerous diseases and health conditions. However, there are other studies that have also said that conventional food is safe for most growing adults. There could be birth defects among pregnant women even if there is little exposure of pesticides. The contamination caused by pesticides in daily products isn’t that big of a deal or cause of concern. However, there are a couple of scientists who are worried about the antibiotics that are given to animals raised in farms. The overuse of antibiotics has weakened their ability to fight infection.

When Should You Actually Buy Organic Food?

If it fits into your budget, go ahead and buy food that is local and organic in nature. There are a few markets that sell organic foods in affordable prices and available at all times. You can always pick them up at ease. If you cannot afford organic food all the time, don’t worry about it. You can go for foods that often been called “dirty dozen”. This consists of peaches, apples, nectarines, grapes, celery, spinach, strawberries, pears, cherries, sweet bell peppers, potatoes as well as grapes that are imported along with lettuce. These healthy fruits and veggies require more and more pesticides in order to fight against bugs compared to other items of produce such as asparagus and broccoli.
Remember a few things before you decide to purchase organic food. Remember that it will definitely increase your grocery budget. So be ready for that.
The organic food industry is basically depending upon your confirmation, so that they can declare that organic foods are the healthiest among all. For example, they help in lowering the chances of deadly diseases such as cancer. They also depend upon you to increase their profit and sale in the industry.
So, go organic by all means, but remember it is no magic formula for good health! Be realistic.

Is Jaggery Helpful To Treat Diabetics

Posted Date: 6:15 PM / Comment : 0 , ,

If you are a victim of diabetes, then you probably would have already known the fact that you shouldn’t consume anything sweet. But then, there is this rumor running between jaggery and diabetes which puts many in confusion. Can jaggery be eaten during diabetes? As some say, despite being sweet, can jaggery still cure diabetes?



This post answers all those questions. Give it a thorough read! Who knows, it might save your life one day!

What is Diabetes:

Diabetes mellitus, also known as sugar diabetes or rather diabetes in regular terms, is a metabolic disease. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. It is also observed when the cells of the body don’t respond to the insulin hormone. Preventive measures involve ample exercise, a healthy diet, and a good body weight.
But if diagnosed with it, there are a lot more precautions to be taken. This is especially true when it comes to diet. This is where the question of jaggery comes into the picture.

Is Jaggery Good For Diabetics:

Jaggery is sweet, right? And sweet is a strict ‘NO’ when you have diabetes! So, can diabetic patient eat jaggery? Let’s find out!
Let’s look into the composition of jaggery and its characteristics to understand how it impacts diabetics.
Jaggery is cane sugar. It is a concentrated mixture of dates, cane juice, and palm sap. Its color varies from golden to brown, pale to dark. Sucrose makes up to 50 percent of its composition; invert sugars makeup around 20 percent more, and there’s a 20 percent of moisture, etc.
Though jaggery has a lot of health benefits, it is mostly not recommended for diabetics. This is because jaggery contains a high number of calories. Being such a sweetener, it increases blood sugar rapidly. The difference between jaggery and refined sugar is, in fact, just the color. And also, jaggery contains almost the same amount of sugar. As a result, there is the same effect on blood sugar.
An index to measure the amount of glucose released into the body by a specific food substance is known as the glycemic index. More the glucose, more the glycemic index. Jaggery also has a very high glycemic inde
In a recent study, it was observed that participants that consumed sugar and the participants that consumed jaggery had almost similar blood sugar levels. This proved that consuming jaggery has pretty much the same effects as consuming refined sugar.
There is also a small number of people who say that consuming jaggery is a little safer than consuming refined sugar. This is attributed to the amount of chemicals being used in the processing of sugar. There is no scientific evidence to back this up though.
So, is jaggery good for diabetics? We can say that jaggery is not a safe alternative for diabetics. It works almost like refined white sugar. The constituents of both are similar, and they have the same effect on blood sugar. Therefore, please consult your doctor before you make major changes to your diet concerning jaggery. Also, if you are a diabetic, make sure that you follow the pointers here.
  1. Try and include high fiber food products in your diet.
  2. Choose brown rice over white rice.
  3. Corn can be replaced with peas, greens, etc.
  4. Eat grains in as little-processed way as possible.
  5. Eat healthy proteins.
  6. Consume good fats.
  7. Avoid potatoes.
  8. Reduce sugary drinks, soda and more such aerated varieties.
  9. Do not skip breakfast – consume three healthy meals a day.
  10. Maintain the same number of calories for a reasonable period of time.
Diabetes is a serious problem. Do not play doctor and make sure you allow the experts to decide your diet!
How do you take care of your health? Do you prefer artificial sweeteners over natural ones? If you are diabetic, what are your tips to others to handle it in an efficient way? Shoot a comment and let us know!

Is Skimmed Milk Healthier Than Whole Milk

Posted Date: 6:15 PM / Comment : 0 , ,

Are you drinking skimmed milk because you believe it is a healthier option than whole milk? Do you think that the skimmed milk which you get in supermarkets is the best form of milk available? Then you got to think again. Believe it or not, there are some facts about skimmed milk that you should know, and they will change the way you look at milk forever.


Yes, Milk Is Healthy:

It is recommended you consume three cups of dairy in the form of cheese, milk, and yogurt on a daily basis. Milk contains vital nutrients, such as calcium and Vitamin D, which are required for optimal health, growth and development.
However, whole milk contains fat, which nutritionists and doctors believe add to the calories you consume every day and thus, can result in obesity. This is the reason health experts recommend people consume skimmed milk, as it is devoid of fat, but contains the same vital nutrients that your body requires. Hence, you do not experience weight gain and reduce the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
But did you know there is very little scientific data to support the claims of nutritionists and doctors? In fact, based on the available data and evidence, skimmed milk may not be as healthy as you think. If you are a regular consumer of skimmed milk and are still gaining weight, most probably skimmed milk is contributing to your weight gain.

Nutritional Facts About Skimmed Milk:

You will find skimmed milk often labeled as fat-free milk or toned milk. For milk to be calledskimmed milk, it should have less than 0.5 percent of milk fat. Now compare this to whole milk, which contains about 3.5 percent of milk fat.
Here are some nutritional facts about skimmed milk that you should first know before we delve into why this milk may not be as healthy as you think.
  • Sodium – 130 mg
  • Carbohydrate – 13g
  • Sugars – 12g
  • Potassium – 382mg
  • Protein – 9g
  • Cholesterol – Less than 1%
  • Vitamin A – 10%
  • Vitamin C – 4%
  • Calcium – 30%
  • Vitamin D – 25%

Why Skimmed Milk May Be Unhealthy?

Here are some facts that show you how skimmed milk may be actually ruining your health and interfering with your weight loss endeavors.

1. Nutritional Deficiency:

Milk has many nutrients that are fat soluble. So, if the fat is removed from the milk, it also removes vital nutrients, such as vitamins A, D and E. Once the butterfat is removed from the milk, your body needs to take the vitamins from those stored in the body to be able to absorb the calcium and protein present in skimmed milk. Hence, consuming skimmed milk leads to nutritional deficiencies, as your body uses up its stored vitamins, and these vitamins do not get replenished.

2. Contains Dried Milk Concentrate:

Once the fat is removed from the milk, it becomes watery and extremely thin. This makes it unappetizing and unpleasant for consumption. To give it bulk, dairy manufacturers add dried milk concentrate to skimmed milk. This concentrate is first put through high temperatures to get into a powdered form, and this denatures the protein in it. As a result, your body is unable to use the protein. Also, these high temperatures cause the formation of oxidized cholesterol, which has been linked to cardiovascular disease, as it promotes plaque formation in arteries.

3. Sugary Flavorings:

To make skimmed milk more palatable to kids, milk producers add sugary flavorings to it. As a result, kids end up consuming too many calories while hardly getting any nutrients that their growing bodies require.

4. Unsatisfied Feeling:

As skimmed milk does not contain fat, you end up feeling unsatisfied after consuming it. This primarily is because saturated fat in milk stimulates the release of cholecystokinin, which is a hormone and responsible for satiation. If this hormone is not released, you will feel unsatisfied. Due to the unsatisfied feeling you experience, it will cause you to binge on unhealthy foods and snacks. This can be counterproductive, especially if you are overweight and trying hard to lose weight by drinking skimmed milk.

5. Transient Weight Loss:

Studies have shown that when you switch from whole milk to skim milk, you may notice a weight loss. This will thrill you until a few weeks down the line you regain the lost weight plus some more.

6. Increased Body Fat:

The fats present in whole milk slowdown the release of sugar into the bloodstream. As a result, less sugar is converted into fat and stored in your body. However, when the milk is devoid of fat, as is the case with skimmed milk, there is a surge of sugar into your bloodstream and the result is increased body fat.

What Are The Best Prenatal Vitamins Which Can Help You Get Pregnant

Posted Date: 6:14 PM / Comment : 0 , ,

Like every woman, you too would be having a dream of having a child, right? But God forbid, what if that doesn’t happen? What if you are unable to conceive? How painful that would be, wouldn’t it?



So how can you prevent this? If that is the question running in your mind, then you have come to the right place! This post talks about those vitamins and minerals that make your dream of having a child come true!
Studies have found a direct relation between low nutrition and hormonal imbalances, which can lead to infertility. A proper diet and a little extra care can go a long way, when it comes to conceiving. There are certain things that can boost your chances of healthy fertility. Nutrition plays a crucial role both in the treatment of infertility and in early pregnancy.
So, if you are also planning for a little one, first of all, try to make some changes in your lifestyle. Start including fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet and follow a healthy routine. It is a myth that only the dietary intake of women should be improved to increase the chances of getting pregnant. In many cases, including some dietary supplements by men also boost the fertility level of the couple. Nowadays, more and more doctors are prescribing prenatal vitamins to women to help them conceive faster. Some of these are available without medical prescription, making them easily available.

1. Folic Acid:

The first thing to start eating once you have decided to expand your family is folic acid pills. In the USA, it is even recommended that all women of child-bearing age consume folic acid pills for a healthy pregnancy. Consuming these pills cut down the chances of birth defects by 50 to 70 percent. Minimum 400 mcg of folic acid is essential for you as this B-Complex vitamin is responsible for creating red blood cells.
You should take a 400 microgram folic acid tablet every day while you are trying to get pregnant and until you are 12 weeks pregnant or as recommended by your gynecologist. Deficiency of folic acid can lead to numerous complications such as preterm delivery, infant low birth weight and retardation in fetal growth, spontaneous abortion, pregnancy complications, placental abruption, and pre-eclampsia.

2. Vitamin C:

Vitamin C pills can also prove to be a boon for women who are trying to get pregnant. It improves hormone levels and increases fertility in women with luteal phase defect. This vitamin improves sperm quality and protects it from DNA damages in men as well. This vitamin also keeps sperm more motile and increases the chances of conceiving. Clinical studies have shown that chances of conceiving double after regular intake of Vitamin C by women who complain of infertility.

3. Vitamin B6:

Also known as the hormone regulator, Vitamin B6 helps regulate blood sugar levels, Luteal Phase Defect and also corrects low progesterone level. A normal progesterone level is essential for sustaining pregnancy and avoids miscarriage. Consuming Vitamin B6 before pregnancy also reduces the chances of morning sickness once you conceive.

4. Vitamin B12:

Studies have shown that severe deficiency of Vitamin B12 leads to irregular ovulation and even stops it altogether. It is very essential that you are getting enough of this vitamin through your diet as it also boosts endometrium lining in egg fertilization. This decreases the chances of miscarriage. It also improves the inner lining of uterus, making the environment favorable for the fertilized egg.

5. Vitamin D:

Vitamin D is needed essentially by the body to produce sex hormones, which regulate ovulation. In a study conducted on a group of 67 infertile women, it was found that only 7 percent of them had normal Vitamin D levels. This shows a direct link between a woman’s sexual health and vitamin D. It also decreases the risk of delivery complications.

6. Vitamin E:

Vitamin E is recommended especially for the health of sperm and motility. Deficiency of this vitamin is linked to infertility among couples. It also protects sperm and egg from mutations. In women, it improves the quality of cervical mucus, enhancing chances of implantation of the fertilized eggs. Naturally, Vitamin E is available in green vegetables, nuts, almonds, and olive oil. However, to increase fertility, Vitamin E pills can be consumed daily.
Apart from Vitamins, there are some essential minerals as well that should not be ignored while trying to conceive or even after conceiving. Here is the list:

1. Zinc:

According to extensive studies done by the American Pregnancy Association, consuming zinc is beneficial not only for women but also for men. This is because it triggers ovulation and fertility in females while increasing semen production in males. Apart from zinc rich food like oysters, beans and dairy products, couples should also include zinc pills in their routine.

2. Iron:

Studies done by fertility institutes have shown that anemic women have higher chances of anovulation and poor egg health. This can delay pregnancy by 60% in anemic women than those with sufficient iron levels in the blood. It is advisable to eat a healthy diet and include iron supplements in your daily diet to increase your chances of conceiving.

3. Selenium:

Selenium is an antioxidant that protects the eggs and sperms from free radicals, which in turn reduces the chances of miscarriage and certain birth defects. Selenium also triggers the production of healthy sperms, which increases the chances of conceiving to a great extent.
Things To Remember:
While starting a prenatal multivitamin, please make sure that most of all the essential supplements are present in your pill so that you don’t end up eating half a dozen supplements! Here is what you should watch out for in your prenatal pill:
  • 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid
  • 400 IU of vitamin D
  • 70 mg of vitamin C
  • 6 mcg of vitamin B12
  • 10 mg of vitamin E
  • 15 mg of zinc
  • 17 mg of iron.
If you are trying to conceive or are already pregnant, you need prenatal pills. Make sure to include a pill or two in your daily routine for a smoother pregnancy. And this will also make the road to a baby that much easier!

Is Okra Helpful To Treat Diabetes?

Posted Date: 6:14 PM / Comment : 0 , ,

Are you suffering from diabetes? Have you been looking for a natural remedy for diabetes, but could only find those insulin injections? What if you could rid yourself off diabetes by just consuming an ingredient from your kitchen? Unbelievable, isn’t it?


This is where okra comes into play! A diet rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals offer a number of health benefits. Okra contains all these nutrients and can actually control blood sugar levels in the body.
Here is all you need to know about okra and diabetes. Then go ahead give a read!

What Is Okra?

Okra is commonly referred to as lady’s finger and its botanical name is Abelmoschus esculentus. Here are some facts about okra you need to be aware of:
The tender pods of okra are generally used as a vegetable in tropical countries.
It helps control blood sugar level in the body along with offering various health benefits.
Okras are very low in calories and provide just 30 calories per 100 gm with no saturated fats or cholesterol.
Okras are rich in nutrients as they contain vitamin C and K, as well as significant amounts of magnesium.

How To Take Okra For Diabetes?

The best way to use okra for controlling diabetes is with the use of okra water. Following are the steps to prepare okra water:
  1. Take two okra pods and cut off their ends.
  2. Sticky liquid will ooze out once you slit the pod. Do not wash it.
  3. Take a glass full of water and drop these pods into it at night and cover with a dish.
  4. In the morning, take out the pods and drink the water in the glass.
You have to prepare okra water daily and drink daily in the morning to control your raised blood sugar level. It is important to note that okra water helps cure diabetes much better than cooked okras. It is fine to add okra to your curries and soups, but take raw okra soaked in water for faster recovery from raised blood sugar levels.

How Does Okra Cure Diabetes?

Okra possesses some anti-diabetic properties because:
The soluble fiber present in this pod helps slow down the sugar uptake into the blood.
This is done by lowering the rate of sugar absorption from the intestine.
It reduces the glycemic load of glucose in the blood, which otherwise disturbs the body’s function to properly process the sugar leading to diabetes.
The soluble fiber forms a type of gel inside the bowel, which slows down the sugar absorption of food from the intestine. This soluble fiber also helps lower cholesterol by drawing in the bile acids, which contribute to raised cholesterol levels. This allows the body to pass acids out of the system and prevents its re-absorption.

What Makes Okra A Powerful Natural Remedy For Diabetes?

Some of the health benefits of okra that help diabetic people are:

1. Low GI (Glycemic Index) Food:

If you are diabetic, your health practitioner will advise you to eat food with low GI value. Okra is one of the foods that come with a GI index of 20 and as per medical standards, the GI value of okra is considered to be very low.

2. Soluble Fiber:

Soluble fibers are beneficial in treating diabetes as they play an important role in carbohydrate digestion. Okra contains rich amounts of soluble fiber, which helps in slowing down the digestive process and reduces the impact of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels.

3. Prevents Kidney Diseases:

Kidney problems are a threat if you are diagnosed with type-2 diabetes. Almost half of the diseases related to kidneys are caused by diabetes. If you take okra regularly in your diet and okra water as well, it will help prevent kidney diseases.

4. Helps In Digestion:

Due to its soluble fiber content, okra helps accelerate the digestive system, improves blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of heart diseases. It is extremely good for the digestive system.

5. Good Source Of Antioxidants:

If you take foods rich in antioxidants, it helps prevent cancer, heart diseases and premature aging. Okra contains a large number of antioxidants like quercetin, catechin, epicatechin, procyanidin and rutin. So, it not only prevents and treats diabetes but a host of other health issues! No doubt it is called a super food!

6. Minerals And Vitamins:

Okra is a good source of minerals and vitamins. It contains vitamins A, B6, C and K along with minerals like copper, magnesium, folate, calcium, potassium and manganese. These minerals and vitamins help to make the immune system strong and flush out toxins from the body.
Have you ever used okra for diabetes treatment? These health benefits of okra help maintain blood sugar levels and prevent the development of kidney diseases in case you are diabetic.

Scientific Evidence Of Okra Curing Diabetes:

Is okra good for diabetes? There are a few scientific studies that show the benefits of okra in diabetic people:
One such study was published in the journal of Pharmacy and Allied Sciences, 2011.
Researchers in India found that mice, which were fed dried and ground okra seeds and peels, showed reduced blood glucose levels.
The other batch of mice, which were on regular feeding of okra extract for about ten days, showed gradual decrease in blood sugar levels.
American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends a minimum of 3 to 5 servings of non-starchy vegetables everyday and okra fits the bill perfectly. Half a cup of cooked okra is equal to one serving suggested by ADA.
There is a need for more controlled clinical trials to support this anecdotal evidence. Some constituents of okra like polyphenols provide encouragement to such scientific studies. But one thing is for sure – consuming okra will not harm you in any way! So, make some okra water and start beating diabetes.


Does Jaggery Prevent Iron Deficiency?

Posted Date: 6:13 PM / Comment : 0 , , ,

Have you ever wondered what would happen to you if you became iron deficient? One main problem caused by a deficiency of iron is anemia. There are other complications involved too. So what can you do to make sure you don’t become iron deficient?



The answer is jaggery! It is so rich in iron that once you start consuming it, you will never again become iron deficient! Want to know more about jaggery and how you can prevent iron deficiency with it? Then continue reading!
Iron deficiency affects the production of the red blood cells. Jaggery is loaded with iron, and its regular intake can increase the quantity of iron in blood.

Jaggery – A Brief:

Thousands of years ago, when white sugar was not commonly used as a sweetener, jaggery was the only sweetening agent. Jaggery is unrefined sugar. It is sweet, delicious, good for health and inexpensive. This is the purest form of sugar, prepared in iron vessels with fruit juices without adding synthetic chemicals. It is rich in enormous contents of minerals, vitamins, and proteins. It helps purify the blood and regulate liver functioning.
Jaggery is commonly called as ‘gur’ in India and ‘panela’ in the rest of the world. It is the best remedy for Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA). A person is said to be anemic when the hemoglobin level falls below 11.5 g/dl in women and below 13.5 g/dl in men. The common symptoms of severe iron deficiency include breathing difficulty, fatigue and oedema, deficiency of IQ (Intelligent Quotient), etc.

Recipes To Include Jaggery In Food To Curb Iron Deficiency:

Jaggery is important for its iron benefits, and if you don’t like eating it raw, you can try the following methods. These are simple recipes you can make:

1. Jaggery Chapati:

Required Ingredients:
  • Grated jaggery
  • Milk
  • Wheat flour / atta
  • Salt to taste
  • Ghee
How To Prepare:
  1. Take half a cup of milk and add three cups of grated jaggery and mix by boiling on low heat.
  2. Then cool it down and mix with atta, 1/8th spoon baking soda, salt as per taste and a little ghee.
  3. Prepare a smooth dough by adding a little more milk.
  4. Now, roll out into chapatis by smearing little ghee over them.
This is one of the simplest ways to yield the benefits of jaggery.

2. Jaggery Rice:

Required Ingredients:
  • Jaggery
  • Water
  • Soaked rice
  • Cloves
  • Green cardamoms
How To Prepare:
  1. Boil 4 cups of water, add 1 cup of soaked rice, 2 cloves and 4 green cardamoms.
  2. When it starts boiling, simmer the heat till the rice is cooked.
  3. In a colander, drain the rice.
  4. Add little ghee in a heavy based pan, add rice and mix well.
  5. On a slow heat, mix jaggery and cover it.
  6. Cook it for 10 to 15 minutes and keep stirring for a couple of minutes.
It is done. Now you can savor and enjoy the food!

Prevent Iron Deficiency With Jaggery:

Jaggery is a substitute for refined white sugar and is used in many Indian households. It is an excellent source of iron, and hence it helps prevent iron deficiency and improves the hemoglobin levels in the blood:
If you do not eat green vegetables daily, then you can eat jaggery on a daily basis to fulfill the iron requirements of your body.
  • You can add jaggery to substitute for sugar in your tea or coffee.
  • You can add it to your breakfast cereal, sambhar, rasam, and dal.
  • You can replace refined white sugar with jaggery while preparing some Indian sweets such as kheer or payasam.
Jaggery should be consumed with caution if you are diabetic as it contains only five percent less carbohydrates when compared to white sugar. It can increase your sugar levels drastically. So, if you are a diabetic or on a weight loss program, you should not consume it in large quantities.
Hope this article will help you in understanding the role of iron in jaggery. If you know any more recipes including jaggery, do not forget to share them with us in the comments section below. We would be glad to see your responses!

15 Best Sources Of Antioxidants

Posted Date: 6:12 PM / Comment : 0 , ,

Do you often feel lethargic? Have you been thinking that your body lacks something, and that is making you dull and lifeless all day? You might be short of the required amount of antioxidants in your body.


But there is nothing to worry! There are certain foods that are exceptionally rich sources of antioxidants. And the best part is they are so common and easily available that you can include them in your diet right away!
Want to know more about antioxidants and the foods that contain them? Read on!

What Is An Antioxidant?

Antioxidant is a molecule that stops the process of oxidation. Oxidation is a chain reaction in a cell that eventually leads to the damage or death of the cell.
Consuming foods rich in antioxidants helps to terminate the oxidation process, thereby keeping the cells healthy. After all, your body is made up of cells. Any damage to any cell can have a cascading effect on your overall health.
And then following are the top foods that are rich in antioxidants. Make sure to include them in your diet!

1. Lemon:

Lemon belongs to the citrus family. The yellow fruit contains vitamin C, which is a powerful source of antioxidants. Lime too is a rich source of antioxidants.

2. Strawberry:

The bright looking strawberry is a great source of vitamin C. Your body cannot store Vitamin C for later use. Therefore, you must consume vitamin C almost regularly.

3. Nuts:

Nuts are rich sources of vitamin E, which in turn are a great food source to supply antioxidants to your body. Unlike vitamin C, vitamin E can be stored in your body along with fat in the liver. Along with nuts, you can also have almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans, etc. In fact, a study says that people who eat nuts live about two years longer than those who don’t.

4. Broccoli:

Broccoli, the green plant, has a high amount of vitamin C, making it another food source rich in the amount of antioxidants. Along with vitamin C, broccoli also has selenium. Selenium helps to fight the damage to human body cells.
You can eat this vegetable from the cabbage family either by roasting it, sautéing it or steaming it.

5. Egg:

Egg is the most common food choice throughout the world. It contains vitamin E that is necessary to terminate the oxidation process.

6. Fish:

Fish has a high amount of selenium, a chemical that helps to save the cells of the human body from getting ruptured or damaged in any form. Among fish, you can consume various types like shellfish to keep the adequate amount of antioxidants flowing in the body.

7. Brown Rice:

It is true that brown rice is a food item that doesn’t tickle your taste buds. But then, it has numerous nutritional properties. It is low on calories and is also gluten-free. Brown rice also contains polyphenols that are powerful compounds that help stop the oxidation process.

8. Cranberry:

Cranberries are tiny shrubs that are known for their high antioxidant properties. The fruit is usually processed to supply the juice in the market. Cranberries also have flavonoids that increase the antioxidant activity in the body.

9. Beans:

Beans are nothing but plant seeds. They contain cysteine, which is an antioxidant that helps flush out free radicals from the body.

10. Watermelon:

One of the most popular foods, watermelon is also an important source of antioxidants. Watermelon is a rich source of glutathione, which protects the cells from toxins. It is also rich in vitamin C, adding to its properties of being an antioxidant food source.

11. Red Wine:

Red wine that is prepared from dark-colored grapes contains polyphenols. These help combat the oxidation process in the human body.

12. Ripe Bananas:

Often we throw away the overly ripe bananas in the dustbin. Interestingly, the riper a banana is, the higher is the antioxidant property it contains. A ripe banana plays a big role in controlling the oxidation process in the body.

13. Coffee:

Coffee is a rich source of antioxidants. But here is a word of caution – choose the coffee beans carefully, as the normal ones have a high content of pesticides sprayed on them. Be wise and opt for organic coffee.

14. Oats:

Oats are known for being healthy. Along with the property of lowering cholesterol, oats are also a source of antioxidants. Just like in the case of coffee beans, it is advisable to choose oats that are organically produced.

15. Black Tea:

Often it is green tea that is associated with health benefits. But black tea too has antioxidant properties. You can drink black tea over breakfast or have it plain in the morning.

6 Differences Between Cashews And Almonds

Posted Date: 6:12 PM / Comment : 0 , ,

Do you have almonds and cashews in your meals? Have you ever wondered which of the two is healthier, and which you should be having in a larger quantity? Though both come from the nut family, there are certain differences which make one much better and preferable than the other. Want to know how the two are different? Then go ahead and read this post!


Cashew vs. Almond:

The two nuts cashews and almonds, of course, are strikingly different in color, shape, and taste. But the main difference lies in their composition. Here is how:

1. Iron:

Iron in your body plays many roles. It helps to strengthen your immune system and generate energy for your body cells. Iron also stores oxygen which later helps in transportation. The cashew you eat supplies more amount of iron to your body than almond does. In 1 once of cashew is present 1.9 milligrams of this mineral. But the same amount of almond has only 1.1 milligrams of iron. If you eat 1 serving of cashew every day, it meets 24 percent of iron requirement if you are a man. If you are a woman, it meets 11 percent of your iron requirement.

2. Copper:

Copper too plays myriad roles. It helps to keep your nervous system healthy. Copper produces a chemical that helps in the nerve communication. Like iron, copper also produces energy for your body cells, while also keeping the tissues connected. Here too cashew has an upper hand over almond. The cashew you eat is richer in copper than almond is. If you eat 1 ounce of cashew, you get 622 milligrams of copper. It also means that your body gets 69 per cent of your daily copper requirement.

3. Fiber:

This time it is the almond that wins a point. Almonds are rich in fiber than cashews are. 1 ounce of almond contains 3.5 grams of fiber. While the same amount of cashew contains only 0.9 grams of fiber. Fiber is important for your healthy being because it helps to control the blood sugar levels of your body. Fiber also reduces cholesterol and keeps a check on your bowel movements. It helps to avoid constipation. While there are vital health benefits of dietary fiber, it also helps you in losing weight. Also, food that has high fiber content keeps you full unlike those with low fiber content. Therefore, almond acts as a filling food. You can even replace it with your breakfast. Cashew is a nut that you can eat more for its health benefits and taste, but not as a food substitute to keep you full.

4. Calcium:

Almond has a high amount of calcium. 1 ounce of almond gives you 76 milligrams of calcium. Cashew is not so rich in calcium. Calcium is an important element of your daily diet. It helps the bones to become stronger.

5. Zinc:

Almonds vs Cashews – When it comes to having zinc, the cashew wins. Cashews have two times more zinc than almonds have. One serving of cashew every day gives you 1.6 milligrams of zinc. This amount of cashew helps meet 20 percent of the zinc requirement in a woman’s body. If you are a man, it meets 15 percent of the zinc requirement in your body.

6. Vitamin E:

Almonds have more amount of vitamin E than cashews have. 1 ounce of almonds gives you 45 per cent of the required vitamin E. Cashew vs. Almond, whats your choice? We hope this article helps you better choose your nut for the day
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