Root Vegetable Wonders
April 1, 2010
Root vegetables are often ignored and not given its due importance. We concentrate a lot on our greens and proteins. No one actually goes to look for root vegetables when we head to the supermarket. I guess mainly because no celebrity diets or nutritionist has ever written a book on “How To Lose Weight With Roots” or “Look Youthful And Sexy with Roots Diet.” Maybe I should write one on this- something like Hoot For The Root. (Remember, this title is copyright protected so don’t you dare steal my idea.)
The advantage of eating root vegetable is that they are economical, versatile and is more filling that your average green salad without dressing. One tip to know how to buy root vegetable-always chose them when they are smaller in size and deep in color. The richer the color of root vegetables the more nutritious it is. All roots are excellent source of fiber and nutrients.
Here is a list of root vegetables that should be added in everyone’s diet irrespective of age and gender.
Beets: The lovely colored beet not only adds color to the food but is a mine of nutrients and iron. One half cup of beet contains only thirty-five calories. Beet can be incorporated in the diet in the form of mixed salad, a slice in a sandwich or can even be used in mixed vegetable soup.
Carrots: They are excellent for the eyes because of beta carotene. Its juice helps in weight loss and it is a great crunchy delight to overcome hunger pangs. Read our special article on Vegetable Juices.
Parsnips: They are closely associated with carrots. They are good source of vitamin C, folate and potassium. It can be enjoyed in mixed salads and soups.
Radishes: Radishes are a great source of vitamin C and phytochemicals. Read more growing organic vegetables.
Turnips: These are available in many varieties across continents. They make excellent soups and help in making good broths.
Rutabagas: They look similar to turnips and often referred to as yellow turnips. They are vitamin C enriched and delicious when cooked and seasoned properly.
Jicama: These taste excellent when added in the wok along with other vegetables and stir fried. They are sweet, crunchy and crisp so it’s a delight to the palate in a salad.
Colocasia: This is rich in iron and potassium. It should be eaten as much as possible because of its healing properties. They make great puree for stews and soups.
Tapioca or Cassava: This does have a little more calories but indulging in them gives us a good supply of vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. They act as good thickening agents in soups and stews. They are easy to digest and filling.
Everything we eat should be ingested in moderation. Creating a balance of different food groups not only gives us variety in our diet but enhances our taste buds and provides us with the necessary nourishment. Naturally grown fruits and vegetables should be given priority over instant foods and frozen dinners.
©Nayna, 2007-2010. All Rights Reserved.
Nuts Nutrition
February 20, 2010
In this age of fitness and weight loss management, most people stop eating essential foods which are meant for the well being of the growth and development of the body.
Alas, if only people knew the importance of certain foods that may contain few more calories than steamed vegetables. But most prefer the high end calories of cheese burgers, fries and a large glass of soda. Sometimes just the sight of nuts turns dieters away. Nuts are the richest source of vitamins and have been available in nature for the enhancement of mankind.
Fistful of assorted nuts on a daily bases can eradicate the need of taking a vitamin pill. Anything eaten naturally is more beneficial that processed protein or fiber. A sneak peek to the world of nuts is as follows.
1) Almonds: They are the best natural form of antioxidants. It is best to eat it with its skin. It is rich in protein, vitamin B and E. It contains mono saturated fats which actually work to reduce cholesterol. It helps to keep skin radiant and healthy.
2) Brazil Nut: This too has similar benefits like the almond. But its specialty is that it contains a lot more percentage of selenium which helps to keep off a wide variety of cancer including breast and prostate cancer.
3) Cashew: This is the most common and well loved nut. People usually like to eat their cashew in the form of salted, roasted or sweetened. This should be avoided. Cashew should be enjoyed plain for its high nutritional benefits. It has immense percentage of iron and magnesium which helps to combat osteoporosis. Besides, it helps to reduce blood pressure, severity of asthma and works on the overall immune system.
4) Chestnut: These come in various varieties. There are the American chestnut, the European chestnut, Chinese and the Japanese chestnut. They are a rich source of protein, carbohydrates, calcium and potassium.
5) Hazelnut: These nuts are more memorable when they are dipped in chocolate. I am sure you agree with me. But these should be enjoyed as they are without any sugar coating or frostings. It contains a lot of Vitamin E that is why its extracts are used in body creams and lotions to soften skin. It is a rich source of all forms of vitamin B mainly B1, B2, B6 along with iron, zinc, calcium and potassium. It helps to maintain strong and healthy bones and teeth.
6) Pistachio: This nut is only remembered as ice cream toppings but truly this nut is not given sufficient credit for its enriching properties. It contains fiber, protein, iron and magnesium. They too like hazelnuts are vital source of vitamin E.
7) Peanut: Peanuts are most popular nuts and known to everyone worldwide. These nuts are truly magical because they work wonders in filling up a growling stomach. This nut energizes the body rapidly and prevents muscle fatigue. They are highly rich in proteins and vitamin B.
8) Walnut: This nut is known as brain food. Indeed, they resemble the brain in appearance and work wonders to control cholesterol. Arthritis, psoriasis, eczema and asthma patients get relief to some extent with the consumption of walnuts as it has anti-inflammatory properties.
9) Coconut: The largest of all nuts is the coconut. Every part of this nut is widely used and has been discussed in detail in our previous post – Coconut Water Benefits Every Lifestyle. Coconuts are a rich source of calcium and iron.
Everything in moderation is good for living. Similarly eating nuts in limited and monitored quantities is extremely beneficial to the body.
©Nayna, 2007-2010. All Rights Reserved.
Smelly Feet
January 26, 2010
Are you afraid to take off your footwear in the presence of other people? Are troubled that your foot odor will repel your girlfriend away?
Stinky feet are always embarrassing. A lot of people mask this odor by spraying deodorants but this is only temporary. There are many causes for smelly feet. But here are some simple home remedies that can be tried out.
1) Wash your feet regularly in warm water and dry it thoroughly, especially between the toes.
2) Change your socks regularly. Sweaty socks after a workout can emit bad odor.
3) Use foot powder especially designed to combat smelly feet.
4) Use a foot scrubber as often as possible to get rid of dry and dead skin cells.
5) Apply a light, moisturizing foot cream before bedtime. This will heal any cuts, cracks and calluses that could be emitting the stinky odor.
6) Air your shoes. Most of the time, after a run or workout at the gym, we pack the shoes back into the shoe closet or cabinet. The bacteria present in the sweat remain in the membranes of the shoe and develop huge colonies of bacteria. These bacteria then work on your feet when you wear the shoes again. The best way to tackle this is to air the shoes.
Leave the shoes in bright sunlight for a day to kill the germs. Also, wash your shoes every month to keep it free from grim and infections. Most sports shoes have washing instructions written on them. If you are too pressed for time, then just soak the shoes in warm sudsy water for couple of hours then wash it under running water and leave it out to dry in the sun.
7) Foot psoriasis can cause terrible foot odor. If such is the case then you should consult a skin specialist or dermatologist at the earliest. These tend to spread so immediate action should be taken. Using ointments over the counter for foot psoriasis is not advisable. It is most essential to get a consultation from a specialist.
8) Many people soak their feet in tannin water to curb smelly feet. Tannin is present in tea. It is said that tannin deactivates the sweat glands of the feet. Brew about two tea bags in around two cups of water for fifteen minutes. Add some amount of plain water to make the temperature ambient and comfortable so that you can soak your feet in it. Allow your feet to relax in this water for around thirty minutes.
Smelly feet can cause discomfort and embarrassment in relationships. Foot care is essential and feet should be well-maintained at all times. Pedicure could be done at home or at salons minimum once a month. Maintaining healthy feet is as important as taking care of your diet or hair care. If nothing helps to curb foot odor then head straight to the doctor’s office.
©Nayna, 2007-2010. All Rights Reserved.
