Archive for the ‘Healthy Eating’ Category
Healthy Eating – Linseed (Flax)
Linseed (or Flax as it is often known) is of the family Linaceae with the Botanical name of Linum usitatissimum. Archaeological digs have discovered flax fibres believed to be from around the year around 34,000 BC. Historically Flax was cultivated around Ethiopia and Ancient Egypt.
Flax grows to between one and one and a half metres. Averaging around 1.2 metres in height. The seed capsules, born of light blue flowers contain the apple seed like seeds of the Linseed. Each seed is approximately 7 mm long.
Flax also refers to the fibre of the plant, which can be spun into fabric.
Nutritionally, Linseed is most recognised for its rich source of omega3. It contains significantly more omega3 than fish oil. Linseed is high Carbohydrates, Sugars, Dietary fibre, Protein, Thiamine (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Niacin (Vitamin B3), Pantothenic acid (B5), Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc and Potassium.
Linseed is used throughout the world as a nutritious food additive. It is used as a food additive and is used as a source of oil for both health and industry. As a supplement Linseed may assist with reducing blood pressure and lowering harmful cholesterol. There are studies that have shown linseed’s positive effects on the prevention and treatment of cancer.
Linseed has the potential to decrease the risk of heart disease by decreasing the probability of clots in the arteries. Blood clots lead to potential stroke, pulmonary and vascular disease.
Regular intake of Linseed through direct consumption or through its oil or supplementation can result in increased vitality and increased energy. Linseed can help you feeling calm during stressful periods. Omega3 fatty acids can prevent excess toxic chemicals that are produced by the body under stressful situations.
When taken internally or topically through skin care products, Linseed has shown to provide dramatic change in the texture and quality of the skin. Linseed can assist in repairing skin conditions associated with a lack of omega 3 fatty acids in the diet.
Omega3 fatty acids such as found in linseed have shown to be helpful in relieving the symptoms associated with Arthritis. I personally take Omega3 supplementation daily for Arthritis and I can feel notable difference. It took a couple of weeks before they worked but I didn’t connect my use of them an the reduction in pain until I missed about a weeks worth of doses and the pain returned dramatically.
Linseed oil can aid water retention by assisting the kidneys to flush toxic products from the system.
Linseed can be found in whole grain breads, perhaps the most popular way of consuming the whole seed. Omega3 Dietary supplements can contain Linseed as well as many nutritional ad health supplements and Vitamins.
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Health Benefits of Eggs
Have you ever wondered what are the health benefits of eggs? Some people eat them every day without even thinking about all the good things have eggs to offer. Most people just know about the protein and the cholesterol that eggs contain and don’t know about the many other ingredients and qualities of eggs. Well, this article will reveal the many health benefits of eggs and why you should include them in your diet.
It’s no secret that eggs are one of the best sources of protein there is. The thing which makes this even better is the high ratio of protein/fat that eggs offer. With about 6 grams of protein (concentrated in the egg white) and just 5 grams of fat, you don’t need to gain fat due to eating eggs in order to enjoy the high protein in eggs.
But eggs have much more to offer than just protein. It’s quite amazing when you know how good they can be for you. Here are some of the extra benefits of eggs:
1. Eggs help to boost brain health and function – One of the ingredients of egg is Choline, a substance that is a component in some molecules in our brain. Since out body does not produce an adequate amount of choline on its own, we need to eat more of it to have enough. Eggs are an excellent.
2. Eggs are a rich source of many vitamins that our body requires to continue functioning properly. These vitamins include A. B2, B5, B12, D, E, all of which you need to maintain your health.
3. Eggs are a source of antioxidants which help to protect your cells against the effects of free radicals. Antioxidants help to delay the aging process and help ward off diseases of many sorts.
4. Eggs are a source of cartenoid, a substance that it beneficial to our eyes and helps to protect them against degenerative diseases.
5. Due to their massive dose of protein, eggs can actually help you to lose weight. The protein helps to curb your appetite and keep you feeling full for a long time. The protein also help to develop your muscle tissue that can in turn boost your metabolism to burn more calories.
As you can see, eating eggs can be very beneficial. Naturally, you shouldn’t overeat them. Just make sure to have one every once in a while to enjoy the benefits they offer.
Healthy Eating – Red Lentils
Red Lentils belong to the plant family Fabaceae. Red lentils are classified as Lens culinaris.
The Lentil is Popular around Europe and a regularly consumed food throughout the Middle East and India. The Lentil is often used as a substitute for meat. There are several varieties of lentils.
The red lentil has a history dating back to South West Asia and Syria. Evidence suggests the Lentil was cultivated and used as far back as 6,000BC.
In Ancient Greece, Lentils were used in soups and as an ingredient in bread. The use of lentils is mentioned in the book of Genesis (Chapter 25).
Lentils are considered an easily grown plant. They are an annual growing at around the same rate as peas. They are known to grow in a variety of conditions ranging from an infertile soil to deeply rich and free draining soils with lots of natural organic matter. Although they do prefer warmer conditions, they have been known to survive well in colder climates.
Commercially, Lentils are produced in large volume in countries where growers can access cheap labour, though there are Fair Trade varieties also available.
Red Lentils are a source of Protein and Carbohydrates. They are High in Calcium Iron and Phosphorous. Their high Protein content makes them an ideal substitute to meat for Vegans and Vegetarians.
Red Lentils are high in Vitamin A, B Group Vitamins, Vitamin C and E as well as Vitamin K. They are also rich in Minerals including, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium and zinc.
Red Lentils can be purchased from most supermarkets, they are usually in the same section as soup mixes or grains. Most stores will also have them available in Cans, which are ideal for use when pre-soaking is not an option.
Red Lentils can be used a several ways. They are a versatile addition to many dishes.
Lentils make an ideal thickener in soups and stews not only as a thickener but for their high nutrient content. Soups and stews are an ideal way maintaining nutrient content of vegetables as the dish is consumed liquid and all. When boiling or steaming food the nutrients are usually lost in the water when it is poured off.
Lentils can be cooked and used in warm salads or allowed to cool and blended with summer salads.
Red Lentils can be used as a base for vegetable cakes or fritters or used as a part replacement for bread crumbs in chicken stuffing.
Lentils are ideal in baby food for their nutrition and mild texture when moving to more solid foods. They can also be mashed to a fine potato like paste for younger babies.