Showing posts with label garlic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label garlic. Show all posts

Friday, 2 June 2017

8 Anti Aging Foods That Will Make You Look Younger & Feel Healthier


Anti aging is a topic that has received an immense amount of attention and research over the past few years and rightly so-who doesn't want to look younger, feel younger and live longer. Although aging is inevitable, that doesn't mean that the signs of aging cannot be kept at bay. I've been asked by countless colleagues and clients, "What is the key to reversing the aging process?" The answer is quite simple and it includes 3 elements--your lifestyle, your diet and your exercise routine are the key factors in anti aging. Your diet is very important in helping you look younger and feel healthier. A properly maintained diet can give you resonating skin complexion and also reduce wrinkles; provide sustained endurance, combat many diseases such as cancer and much more.

Research studies have been focusing a great deal, in recent years, on determining which kinds of foods have the most extensive anti aging attributes. They have concluded that the overall antioxidant levels found in foods and their latent potential to absorb free radicals, which are responsible for cell damage and premature aging, are key when making healthy food choices. Along with the antioxidant capacity of foods in your diet you must also eat better. What is meant by eating better? Well, cutting down your salt consumption, limiting your pure sugar intake and cutting down but not eliminating carbohydrates. The following is a list of 8 foods that promote anti aging and will keep you looking and feeling younger.

Berries: Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and grapes all contain high antioxidant levels which help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can lead to the development of cancer and cause premature wrinkling of the skin. Berries purposely at the top of the list.
Whole Grain: Whole grains are a good source of vitamin B, E, magnesium, iron and fiber. They are also a valuable source of antioxidants that are not found in fruits and vegetables. Some common types of whole grains are brown rice, whole wheat pastas and breads and oatmeal. Whole grains should be a part of everyone's daily diet.
Fish: Omega 3 fatty acids, found in oily fish such as salmon, have been known to aid the immune system and lower the risk of heart disease. Researchers also speculate that omega 3 fatty acid may help inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Water: Drink plenty of water every day - most doctors recommend 7 to 10 glasses a day. Water flushes out toxins, keeping your body and skin clean. Also your skin will look clearer and plumper if it is not dry.
Chlorella: Chlorella is a small green algae which is loaded with, proteins, carbohydrates, all of the B vitamins, vitamins C and E, amino and enzymes. Chlorella can also aid the body in breaking down persistent hydrocarbon and metallic toxins such as mercury, cadmium and lead while strengthening the immune system.
Garlic: Garlic is said to have a number of benefits whether cooked or in raw form. Studies have found that it aids in prevention of acne, assists in managing high cholesterol levels and also protects the body against heart disease and cancer.
Ginger: Known mostly for its digestive benefits, ginger helps in the digestion of fatty foods and the breakdown of protein. Ginger also reduces pain associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Soy: Soy is known to stabilize blood sugars, decrease menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women and prevent osteoporosis.
Adjusting your diet to include the above foods along with light exercising and avoiding harmful routines such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption will do wonders for your body and health. Consuming the right nutrients that promote anti aging is the ultimate solution. For myself, I enhance my diet with herbal supplements to boost my body's ability to combat the signs of aging. There are thousands supplements to choose from and I've tried many. I personally use a product called ResJuve because of its antioxidant content and its anti aging properties delivered through a substance known as resveratrol. 

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Monday, 29 May 2017

Every Day Healthy Fit Grilling



With Memorial Day here, it's grilling season and as I looked at this week's menu my first thought was that I have to get the grill fired up but do it in a healthy way - and think beyond the fatty ribeyes I ate regularly for so many years.

Many us when we think of grilling we think of the huge slabs of meat and often the guy cooking them with a beer in hand and maybe a beer belly to match that slab of meat - typically not the healthy, fit image we are all striving for. But grilling in recent years has transformed dramatically from the days of a simple burger or steak on the grill. With the introduction of simple gourmet techniques like marinades or the introduction of unusual ingredients and spices, grilling today provides awesome quality food and cooked properly can be very fit. So let's look at some ways to keep your grilling days super-fit and soul-satisfying.

First, if you want to stay fit don't forget what are probably the healthiest thing we can eat - vegetables. Fresh vegetables can be cooked easily on the grill without fat and kept crisp to maintain phytonutrients. Whether it's peppers, tomatoes or onions on a kabob or just some simple vegetables grilled to accompany the meat or fish you will also be grilling, the more color the better. A classic American summertime food like sweet corn which is normally covered with butter can be made every bit as flavorful but far healthier when corn meets the grill. When I cook grilled sweet corn I just rub a bit of olive oil and sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper over it, grilling it until is has a few blackened kernels for taste you won't get from a pot of boiling water. No fatty butter there, only good fat from olive oil but still with all the flavor you want.

Second, let's look at our protein sources. Choose less fatty meats or fish and marinade them for flavor since they don't contain much fat which typically provides flavor. For beef: flank steak, sirloin, or beef tenderloin are good choices. Chicken breasts are perhaps the healthiest choice, and certain cuts of pork can be very healthy too.

Third, get creative with rubs, marinades, and sauces. Use rubs or marinades and the results can be outstanding. Marinades mean you can cook with out any added fat. You can also make meal preparation time super-quick by spending a few minutes in the morning marinating the meat and then in minutes prepare the dinner after a long day of work. I also have a special device for marinating that a chef at a Ritz Carlton at Half Moon Bay told me about after I had some amazing short ribs for dinner one night - but that's a topic for another day's blog. And for serving, maybe even include a sauce such as a vitamin-rich Argentina-inspired garlic chimichurri sauce or chipotle sauce which I often add depending on my mood. Even a simple hamburger can be made incredibly delicious and more healthful with the right approach (see my video on the grilled sirloin burger with chipotle sauce and guacamole which I will be cooking this evening and posting here later as an example),

Fourth, use your grill in innovative ways for other things. I use my gas grill for my homemade bruschetta. True authentic bruschetta (the real garlic bread) was always cooked on a greal grill, not an oven. In fact, the word bruschetta comes from an Italian/Latin word "bruscare" meaning to grill or cook over a fire. And talk about fit and delicious: grilled bread topped with a mixture of olive oil, fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic, (or other ingredients like a fava garlic bean spread - get creative!) - rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients, and other vitamins. Need a super-low calorie meal some night? On occasion, I've had just bruschetta with wine and maybe a few bites of prosciutto or a simple bean soup for protein. Great summertime simple super-light meal.

Some final tips?

Watch the sodium and watch prepared marinades as most are full of way too much salt and fructose. You can make a marinade in minutes that is far healthier based on whole foods rather than dehydrated garlic, salt, and chemicals.

Watch your portions. Even a healthy meal will put fat on your body if you eat too much. Avoid that second serving.

Stick with low fat toppings. Most of the time watch out for cheese and mayo and instead choose a healthy fat source such as avocado or a topping with no fat.

And finally, just to be clear, I do sometimes cook something fattier and less healthy on the grill, whether it's a big ribeye or a beef brisket or Boston butt smoked, or even a simple burger. But rather than the weekly steak I used to eat, now I eat it rarely and choose healthier alternatives most days. But it never hurts to mix it up a little - after all we eat not only to keep our bodies fit but also our souls engergized. A little variety never hurts and it will keep your food and your life more interesting!

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Wednesday, 10 May 2017

How the Spice Cumin Helps You Live a Healthier Life


Besides adding culinary sophistication to our cooking, integrating herbs and spices into the diet offers significant health benefits. Seasonings are known to have helpful and/or healing effects on many conditions, including nausea, infections, inflammatory problems, autoimmune disorders, high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and digestive disorders.

Every spice and herb used in my recipes has one or more of these benefits. For example, turmeric helps reduce symptoms of arthritis and tendonitis, while cayenne has anti-coagulating properties and aids in circulation. Garlic helps heal colds and sore throats, while coriander can relieve joint inflammation. In a nutshell, herbs and spices are generously used in my recipes for flavor as well as for their healing and medicinal properties.

Cumin is one of my favorite spices. It is the dried seed of the herb Cuminum cyminum, a member of the parsley family. Its seeds were excavated at Tell ed-Der, a Syrian archeological site, around the second millennium BC, as well as at several ancient Egyptian sites. It's obviously been around for thousands of years.

Cumin stimulates the appetite and is invaluable as a digestive aid. In Ayurvedic circles it is considered a cleansing spice, as it helps eliminate digestive toxins. It also eases pain caused by indigestion, flatulence, or heaviness of the stomach, and reduces superficial inflammation by flushing toxins out of the body. Ayurvedic practitioners also believe cumin is an aphrodisiac.

Cumin is also known for increasing milk production in lactating mothers. Cumin is a skin-friendly herb and has a cooling effect on the body and reduces itching.

Used as a gargling solution, cumin freshens the mouth and eliminates foul odors. Prepared as a tea with a small piece of ginger it will relieve symptoms of the common cold.

It is delicious when added to a freshly chopped salad of tomatoes, cucumber, and a dab of olive oil.

If you would like to start using Cumin in your diet, I recommend the following delicious recipe that my uncle Hubert used to make when I used to live in India.

Cumin Chicken (Serves 4)

Ingredients 
1 large red onion 
2 cloves garlic 
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, chopped 
2 tablespoons water 
4 large pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts 
1 teaspoon ground cumin 
1/2 tsp turmeric 
4 bay leaves 
Salt and pepper to taste 
2 tablespoons canola oil 
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar 
1 each green and red bell pepper, chopped

Directions

1. In blender, puree onions, garlic, ginger and 2 tablespoons water. 
2. Except for bell peppers, mix ingredients in bowl with the paste from blender. Let sit 30 minutes. 
3. In a skillet, bring ingredients to a boil, then lower to simmer and cook, covered, until chicken is done. 
4. Add bell peppers and let sit 5 minutes to allow curry to absorb them. Serve over steamed rice.

To Your Longevity and Abundant Living!



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Friday, 14 October 2016

How Does Garlic Benefit You?

The reality about garlic is everywhere. What's intriguing is that it's been around from a long time as well. Of course, there are myths also related with garlic, about how it can ward off vampires. In today's world, if it can help ward off the many illnesses that we seem to be getting, it's nothing short of a magic herb.
 Garlic has been used since the ages for good health. But scientists are discovering new and exciting uses of this herb and the goodness it can provide. Here's a look at some of the methods in which garlic can benefit you.
* Managing cancer - Yes, garlic can really help in treating cancer. Studies have shown that some components in garlic such as diallyl disulfide can eliminate the cancer cells and help you in developing a strong immune system. Garlic is furthermore known to minimize papillary lung tumors. Eating a clove of raw garlic is furthermore known to reduce the occurrence of cancers in the first place.
* High blood pressure - Remarkable, but true. Conventional Asian medicine acknowledges garlic as a powerful hypertension controller and this fact is being corroborated by scientists throughout the world today. Garlic can help in checking your blood pressure so that the high levels can come down to normal levels. For garlic to help you in controlling your hypertension, you can simply take one clove each day or drink its fresh juice, crush a clove in warm milk.

Garlic is known to even treat ear infections, especially in small children who are very susceptible to them. Garlic acts as nature's own antibiotic without the harmful effects as it has strong anti bacterial and anti microbial qualities. Juice from the cloves of raw garlic diluted with water can be placed in the ear directly. Do note that this can cause plenty of pain as the garlic starts acting on the microbes that have caused the infection. The pain however lasts for just a little while and together with it the infection also goes away.
Garlic as antibiotic - Garlic is nature's very own antibiotic and the best part about it is that it doesn't get rid of healthy bacteria as well. More and more people are switching to garlic as an effective antibiotic.
Raising antioxidant levels - Garlic helps in pushing up the entire antioxidant levels of the body and this thus has its own chain of actions resulting in decreased serum glucose levels as well as reduced blood pressure.
Garlic gets rid of the toxins from the body so it's a great way to get your body cleaned up.
Garlic contains allicin, a strong compound that acts as an antibiotic and helps heal skin infections as well. It is interesting to know that allicin does not occur on its own but is formed when garlic is chopped or crushed.
In the past garlic was known not only as a vampire repellent but also because it helped in healing bruises and wounds. It was also a well-known treatment for indigestion and flatulence.
Garlic isn't simply healthy for your body, but it's also fantastic for your skin. Frequent consumption of garlic tones the skin, making it soft while also making your nails stronger. One more wonderful benefit is that it regulates dandruff related problems too.
There are certainly some side effects that you need to think about before you liberally start eating garlic to get all those benefits. Anything in moderation works well but if you overdo it, which is, eat a lot more garlic than you should, the following are the most likely side effects that you might probably experience.






* Body odor - If you eat a lot of garlic, you will observe that you have started smelling just like garlic. This is because the garlic is secreted through your pores and this lasts until all garlic is eliminated from your body. The body odor can be embarrassing and can cause a lot of stress.
* Garlic breath - Eating too much raw garlic can cause plenty of bad breath and this could hamper your self-confidence. The only way to counter it would be to eat raw garlic along with your food and to ideally eat it before you go to sleep.
* Digestion issues - Too much of a good thing can only be bad. So also with garlic and scientific studies have shown that if you consume too much garlic, it can burn the lining of your stomach and cause you a lot of pain.
* Allergies - For some people who suffer from garlic allergy, there could be rashes, fever or vomiting. It could also kick in adversely with some anti-coagulants as well. * The sulfur in garlic could result in botulism, which can cause acute stomach upset or even death.

If you've decided to make garlic an important part of your healthy lifestyle, make sure that you get organic garlic which has all the goodness inherent in garlic. In your regular shops, you may run into chemically treated garlic which is of no use. If the garlic bulb has sprouted, it means that the garlic has aged and has lost all its important compounds.
The most effective way to ensure that garlic retains all its beneficial substances is to smash it finely and add it to food. Many people also choose to have garlic juice whereas others hate its smell and taste. For such people, there are plenty of garlic based supplements which work precisely fine and could be like your daily dose of vitamins.
Physically speaking, a bulb of garlic might resemble an onion bulb but metaphorically also, there's a huge similarity. Just as you peel the different layers of an onion, with garlic, everyday new and more potent uses are being discovered.

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