diet
Cerebral Haemorrhage: Signs, Reasons, Treatment, and Prevention
Cerebral haemorrhage is often referred to as intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) or hemorrhagic stroke. It is a critical medical condition characterised by bleeding within the brain tissue. This condition requires immediate medical attention. This article delves into some basic knowledge about ICH to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
What is Cerebral Haemorrhage?
Cerebral haemorrhage or ICH, is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and bleeds into the surrounding brain tissue. This bleeding disrupts the blood supply to the brain and damages brain cells.
According to research, cerebral haemorrhage is the second most common cause of stroke. Research also shows that ICH is the deadliest type of stroke, with a mortality rate of around 40%-50% within the first month.
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Types of Cerebral Haemorrhage
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Intraparenchymal Haemorrhage
Intraparenchymal haemorrhage (IPH) is a type of bleeding that occurs within the brain tissue. According to Wikipedia, IPH is the most common type and accounts for around 8-13% of all strokes and can arise from various underlying conditions. IPH may lead to death or significant disability This is why it is an urgent medical situation requiring immediate attention.
Intraventricular Haemorrhage
Intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) is caused by bleeding in the ventricles, which are fluid-filled cavities in the brain. These produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid, a protective cushion for the brain and spinal cord. It can arise from physical trauma or as a result of a hemorrhagic stroke.
According to Wikipedia, around 30% of IVH cases are primary, while 70% are secondary. It has been observed that IVH occurs in approximately 35% of moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries. Consequently, IVH typically accompanies extensive associated damage, leading to unfavourable outcomes in most cases.
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What Causes Cerebral Haemorrhage
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Head Trauma
Head injuries from accidents or falls can damage blood vessels in the brain. It may lead to brain haemorrhage in individuals under the age of 50.
High Blood Pressure
Untreated hypertension can weaken blood vessel walls. It increases the likelihood of a brain haemorrhage.
Aneurysm
Abnormal bulges in blood vessel walls are known as aneurysms, which occur when blood vessel walls weaken and swell. It potentially leads to a burst and subsequent brain bleeding and can result in a stroke.
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Blood Vessel Abnormalities
Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) cause weakness in blood vessels in and around the brain, often only detected when symptoms arise.
Amyloid Angiopathy
This blood irregularity is typically seen in older adults with high blood pressure. It can lead to small unnoticed bleeds that may eventually result in a larger brain haemorrhage.
Blood Disorders
Conditions like haemophilia and sickle cell anaemia contribute to lower blood platelet levels and clotting. These increase the risk of brain bleeds.
Blood Thinner
While essential for some conditions, blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding, including cerebral haemorrhage.
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Liver Disease
People with liver conditions have an elevated risk of bleeding issues, including brain haemorrhage.
Brain Tumours
Individuals with a history of brain tumours are at a heightened risk of developing cerebral haemorrhage.
Symptoms and Signs of ICH
Key symptoms of cerebral haemorrhage may include:
- Sudden and severe headache- Nausea and vomiting- Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech- Vision problems- Loss of consciousness- Seizures- Dizziness- Loss of coordination- Difficulty balancing- Abnormal sense of taste- Difficulty swallowing- Difficulty writing or reading- Loss of fine motor skills.
Read more: Which Vitamins are Essential for Women?
How to Diagnose and Treat ICH
To diagnose a brain bleed, a healthcare provider conducts an immediate physical and neurological examination, alongside reviewing the patient's medical history and symptoms. Following this, they may order imaging tests such as a CT scan, MRI, or MRA to assess the location, extent, and potential cause of the bleeding.
Additional tests, including an electroencephalogram, chest X-ray, urinalysis, complete blood count (CBC), eye exam, lumbar puncture (spinal tap), or angiography, may also be utilised to detect underlying causes.
The treatment for a brain bleed varies depending on the severity and location of the bleed. Healthcare providers strive to halt the bleeding and tackle the root cause. Treatment options may encompass surgery and medication.
Prompt medical intervention can minimise brain damage, enhancing the prospects of recovery. Additionally, patients may receive supplemental oxygen through a ventilator, nutrients and fluids intravenously or via a feeding tube, and close monitoring in an intensive care unit to ensure stable vital signs.
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7 months ago
How Does Fat Leave the Body When We Lose Weight?
Losing weight is a common goal for many, but have you ever wondered where the fat goes when you shed those kgs? This article will unveil the secrets of fat-burning and discover effective weight-loss strategies. Join the journey to a healthier you, where every lost kg tells a tale of determination and transformation.
What is Body Fat?
Body fat, often unappreciated, serves a crucial role as a reservoir of stored energy, particularly during extended periods without food access. Body fat refers to the adipose tissue present in the human body, serving as a crucial energy reserve and playing various physiological roles.
Comprising triglycerides, body fat is stored in adipocytes, or fat cells, distributed throughout the body. While essential for insulation, organ protection, and hormone regulation, an excess of body fat can lead to health issues.
Read more: 10 Delicious Quinoa Recipes for Weight Loss
The growth of fat cells in size and number is determined soon after birth and during adolescence. It remains relatively stable in adulthood unless disrupted by long-term excess calorie consumption. Weight loss can shrink fat cells but not their number.
Body fat is typically categorised into two types: essential fat and storage fat. Essential fat is vital for normal physiological functioning, found in organs, nerves, and cell membranes. Storage fat, on the other hand, accumulates beneath the skin (subcutaneous fat) and around organs (visceral fat), providing a reserve for energy needs.
Measuring body fat percentage is crucial for assessing overall health and fitness. Various methods, such as skinfold calipers, bioelectrical impedance, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), help estimate body fat content. Healthy body fat percentages differ based on age, sex, and fitness levels, with excessive body fat linked to increased risk of conditions like obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.
Read more: How to Lose Weight without a Strict Diet or Heavy Exercise
Maintaining a balance between essential and storage fat is essential for overall well-being. It apexes the importance of a healthy lifestyle encompassing proper nutrition, regular exercise, and holistic health management.
9 months ago
Superfoods: Worth the Hype?
In recent years, the term "superfood" has garnered significant attention in health and wellness. These foods are often touted as nutritional powerhouses. They are praised for their exceptional health benefits.
The buzz around superfoods stems from their purported ability to provide a high concentration of nutrients, antioxidants, and other health-promoting compounds. Now, the questions arise, what exactly qualifies as a superfood, and is the hype surrounding the superfoods justified?
Are Superfoods Worth the Hype?
Superfoods are nutrient-rich foods often hailed for their exceptional health benefits. They typically contain high levels of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients that contribute to overall well-being. Superfoods include blueberries, spinach, salmon, chia seeds, and kale.
The term “superfoods” was coined in the 1990s. But it became widely familiar in 2007 after being mentioned in an article in Time Magazine. While the term "superfood" might spark intrigue, it is essential to approach the concept with a critical eye.
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Scientific evidence supporting the extraordinary health claims of superfoods varies. While some foods offer remarkable nutritional values, others might not live up to the exaggerated claims. Assessing the actual worth of superfoods involves understanding their nutritional content, benefits, and limitations.
Tips for Incorporating Superfoods into Your Diet
Seeds as Garnish
Seeds like chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and hemp seeds have gained attention as superfoods due to their rich nutrient profiles. They are packed with proteins, healthy fats, fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
These tiny seeds work excellently as garnishes. Their subtle taste makes them perfect for enhancing the nutritional value of dishes and snacks without overpowering the flavours.
Dark Chocolate Desserts
Contrary to popular belief, dark chocolate is a nutrient-rich superfood. It is abundant in antioxidants and various essential nutrients. It is a versatile ingredient for desserts and can serve as a flavour enhancer.
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For instance, you may have strawberries or banana slices dipped in dark chocolate for an antioxidant-rich dessert. It offers a delicious pre-workout snack or an evening dessert.
Nuts as Snacks
Nuts are another nutrient-dense superfood group. It delivers proteins and omega-3 fatty acids and is ideal for plant-based diets. They make for a satisfying and healthier snack option between meals and keep hunger at bay. Nuts serve as a convenient way to boost nutrition and resist unhealthy snacking both at work or home .
Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower is a superfood due to its nutrient content like protein, vitamins, and minerals. But it is often overlooked. Cauliflower can replace potatoes and is excellent as an alternative to regular or brown rice. To prepare cauliflower rice first, boil the florets, then cool them. Now process them in a mixer. Your cauliflower rice is ready to be savoured.
Read more: 5 Tasty Savoury Winter Pitha Recipes for Bangladeshi Kitchen
Yoghourt Desserts
Yoghourt is a versatile and nutrient-packed superfood that serves as a savoury side or a base for desserts. Yoghourt can be paired with granola, dark chocolate, or naturally sweet berries. It creates effortless and nutritious dessert cups.
Berries Candy
Berries such as strawberries and blueberries make a healthy substitute for candies. You need to transform them into candy-like treats by squeezing lemon over the berries and refrigerating them for a few hours. This trick works with citrus fruits like oranges too.
Green Iced Tea
For a refreshing and nutritious drink, you may try iced green tea. It is packed with nutrients and is known to boost metabolism. Green tea infused with ice, lemon, and honey offers a superfood-packed beverage.
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Garlic Olive Oil
Both garlic and olive oil qualify as superfoods. They are rich in nutrients and known for their healing properties. Creating garlic-infused olive oil serves as a healthier alternative to butter for toast toppings. You need to simply combine olive oil with peeled garlic cloves and bake to prepare this delicious garlic olive oil.
10 months ago
Which Vitamins are Essential for Women?
Vitamins are integral for women's health. They actively maintain overall well-being, regulate vital bodily functions, and avert diverse health complications.
These nutrients play pivotal roles, supporting immunity, nurturing organs, and ensuring optimal functionality. Together they promote women's health and vitality.
6 Essential Vitamins for Women
Vitamin A
Vitamin A plays a critical role in women’s health. It actively supports vision, fortifies the immune system, and nurtures reproductive health. It is also essential for maintaining healthy skin. This vitamin is abundantly found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach.
Actively incorporating these nutrient-rich foods into the diet ensures an adequate supply of Vitamin A. It actively fosters robust immunity, aids in cell regeneration for healthy skin, and contributes significantly to preserving optimal vision. Thus it helps ensure women’s overall well-being.
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Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 stands as an indispensable element for women. It contributes to energy production, neurological functions, and red blood cell formation. Meats, fish, dairy products, and fortified cereals serve as rich sources and ensure a substantial intake of Vitamin B12.
This vitamin is vital for sustaining nerve health, supporting cognitive functions, and aiding the production of red blood cells crucial for oxygen transport. Its active presence in the diet is pivotal for women for fostering vitality, ensuring neurological well-being, and maintaining the body's essential functions.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C serves as a pivotal nutrient for women. It helps with collagen formation, bolsters immunity, and promotes skin health. It is abundantly found in citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being and enhancing immune responses.
Read more: Vitamin C: Where to Found and How Much to Consume
It also supports collagen synthesis, fortifies skin integrity, aids in wound healing, and safeguards against infections.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D stands as one of the most necessary nutrients for women. It is great for bone health, immunity function, and mood regulation. Exposure to sunlight and the consumption of fortified foods such as fatty fish, eggs, and fortified dairy products ensure adequate Vitamin D levels.
This vital nutrient plays a pivotal role in maintaining strong bones, supporting the immune system's resilience, and regulating mood patterns. It can help to prevent Vitamin D deficiency diseases like osteoporosis. Actively incorporating these sources into the diet and sunlight exposure actively facilitates optimal Vitamin D levels.
Read more: Different forms of Vitamin D: Benefits, sources of Vitamin D1 vs D2 vs D3
Vitamin E
Vitamin E serves as a potent antioxidant. It shields women's cells from damage. This vitamin is abundantly found in nuts, seeds, spinach, and avocados. Vitamin E stands as an essential nutrient for women's health.
Its role as an antioxidant actively safeguards cells from harmful free radicals, supports skin vitality, and counteracts oxidative stress. Including these nutrient-rich foods into the diet ensures an ample supply of Vitamin E. It also protects women's overall health, preserving cellular integrity, and fortifying against the detrimental effects of oxidative damage.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K stands as a significant nutrient for women. It assists in blood clotting, bone metabolism, and heart health. Foods such as spinach, broccoli are rich in Vitamin K. It plays a significant role in supporting bone health and blood clotting mechanisms.
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By actively incorporating these Vitamin K-rich foods into the diet, women can ensure their safety from different Vitamin K deficiency issues. It also participates in blood coagulation, aids in wound healing, and supports optimal bone density. Its role in regulating calcium aids in bone metabolism, while also contributing to heart health. All together it plays a vital role in women's overall health.
Closing Lines
Maintaining a balanced intake of vital vitamins and minerals is crucial for women's health and well-being. Actively incorporating a diverse range of nutrient-rich foods aids in sustaining optimal health across life stages. This practice actively supports bodily functions, fostering resilience and promoting wellness in women.
Read more: Zinc: Health Benefits, Food Sources and Daily Requirements
11 months ago
Delicious Oatmeal Recipes for Weight Loss
Though Oatmeal is a breakfast staple often associated with simplicity and routine, it does not have to be bland and uninspiring. Are you finding the taste of regular oatmeal a bit mundane? Wondering how you can make it more palatable and enticing?
Fear not! There are countless ways to jazz up your oatmeal and turn it into a delicious and nutritious breakfast that can make your weight loss journey more enjoyable.
Benefits of Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a whole-grain cereal food packed with nutrients. It has many health benefits, including:
- High in fibre aids in digestion promotes a feeling of fullness and helps to lose weight.- Lowers cholesterol levels and contributes to a healthy heart.- Regulates blood sugar levels, especially beneficial for diabetics.- Packed with essential vitamins and minerals.- Aids in weight management and promotes a healthier lifestyle.
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10 Best Oatmeal Recipes for Losing Weight
Oat Milk
Ingredients
½ cup whole rolled oats, 3 cups water, 2 teaspoons honey, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and ⅛ teaspoon sea salt.
Instructions
First, in a blender, mix oats, water, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt for 30 seconds. Then, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl for a smoother texture.
You may add honey for sweetening and enjoy it instantly. Or you can drink it after being chilled.
Read more: How to Lose Weight without a Strict Diet or Heavy Exercise
Oatmeal Bowl
Ingredients
5 tablespoons rolled oats, ⅓ - ½ cup hot water, 2 tablespoons walnuts (chopped), 1 cup blueberries, and 2 tablespoons honey.
1 year ago
Best Foods to Increase Platelets in Dengue Fever
Dengue fever, an illness transmitted by mosquitoes, is a viral infection that impacts a vast number of individuals every year across the globe. It is characterized by symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, rash, and in some cases, a decrease in platelet count. Platelets, being vital components of the blood, play a crucial role in the process of coagulation, ensuring the prevention of excessive hemorrhaging. Dengue can lead to a decrease in platelet count. While medical intervention is crucial in severe cases, certain foods can support platelet production and aid in recovery.
Platelet Counts in Dengue
In dengue fever, the virus affects the production and function of platelets, which can lead to a condition known as thrombocytopenia. In a healthy body, the standard quantity of platelets in circulation within a microliter of blood falls within the range of 150,000 to 450,000 platelets. However, during dengue fever, the platelet count can drop significantly, putting individuals at risk of bleeding.
Platelet counts below 150,000 are considered low. And when the platelet count falls below 100,000 platelets per microliter of blood, it is considered a risk zone, and immediate medical attention is required. It is essential to monitor platelet levels regularly during dengue fever to ensure appropriate medical intervention if necessary.
Read more: Dengue Prevention: 10 Home Remedies to Repel Mosquitoes
Best Foods to Increase Platelets in Dengue Fever
Eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet is vital for supporting the immune system and aiding in the recovery from dengue fever. Here are some of the best foods that can help increase platelet counts during dengue fever.
Papaya
Papaya is rich in vitamin C, which plays a crucial role in boosting platelet production. It also contains enzymes like papain that help improve digestion. Consuming ripe papaya or drinking fresh papaya juice can be beneficial. In Bangladesh, papaya is readily available and can be included in the diet easily. Try to have 1-2 servings of papaya daily.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate is a powerhouse of antioxidants and essential nutrients. It can help stimulate the production of platelets and improve overall blood circulation. Including fresh pomegranate juice or adding pomegranate seeds to salads or yogurt can be a healthy choice. Attempt for 1-2 servings of pomegranate daily.
Read more: Exploring Dengue Diagnosis: The Essential Tests for Detecting the Virus
Leafy green vegetables
Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and fenugreek leaves are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They help in increasing platelet counts and boosting overall immunity. These vegetables are commonly found in Bangladesh and can be incorporated into meals or consumed as salads. It would be better to have 2-3 servings of vegetables per day.
Beetroot
Beetroot is rich in iron and folic acid, which are essential for maintaining healthy blood and increasing platelet production. It also contains antioxidants that help in detoxification. Including beetroot in salads or consuming freshly extracted beetroot juice can be beneficial. You may consume 1-2 servings of beetroot daily.
1 year ago
How to Lose Weight without a Strict Diet or Heavy Exercise
Losing weight is a common goal for many individuals. Though the traditional methods of dieting and exercise help with losing weight, these may not be suitable for everyone. Fortunately, there are alternative approaches that can help one shed those extra kilos without following strict dietary restrictions or intense workout routines. It's important to recognise that weight loss is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. Let’s explore some effective strategies to lose weight without relying solely on diet or exercise.
11 Tips to Slim Down without Harsh Diet or Intense Exercise
Understanding Caloric Deficit
Regardless of the weight loss approach, achieving a caloric deficit is essential for losing weight. Caloric balance refers to the relationship between the calories one consumes and the calories one burns. To reduce weight without diet or exercise, one needs to focus on creating a calorie deficit through mindful eating and making healthier choices.
Incorporating Healthy Eating Habits
An individual can stay fit without following a strict diet plan. The secret is adopting healthy eating habits, which is also crucial for weight loss. To maintain a healthy diet, one should consume nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Including a variety of colours on the regular food menu can ensure a good balance of vitamins and minerals. To prevent weight-gain, one should avoid or minimise the intake of processed foods, sugary beverages, and snacks high in saturated fats.
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Mindful Eating
It is a key to weight loss. Embrace mindful eating to cultivate a positive connection with food. By slowing down, savouring each bite, and being attuned to the body's hunger and fullness signals, one can prevent overeating and establish a healthier relationship with what one eats.
For mindful eating, one needs to avoid distractions like smartphones or television; because technology and devices can lead to mindless eating.
Always Keep Healthy Snack
During work or after exercise one can feel hungry. Sometimes it can be challenging to have access to nutritious snacks and meals. Many tend to navigate to food apps and order fast foods, which may lead to gaining extra pounds besides harming health.
Depending on personal preference, one should carry some healthy snacks, such as nuts, beans, or a protein bar. These snacks can help to avoid the consumption of higher-calorie fast foods or restaurant meals.
Read more: Dietitians Warning: Who Should Avoid Red Meat?
Do Some Physical Activities
Even if one does not have time for exercising with fitness equipment, incorporating physical activities in everyday lifestyle can help shed weight.
One can engage in activities one enjoys, such as walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, or playing a sport. Furthermore, one should try to stay active throughout the day, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or going for a short walk after meals.
1 year ago
7 Healthy Spinach Recipes To Try This Summer
Spinach is a nutritious diet that is packed with calories, protein, iron, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, and magnesium. It also contains fat, carbohydrates, fiber, sugar, calcium, vitamin A, iron, sodium, vitamin C, folate, and vitamin K. Spinach supports immune function and the digestive system. Furthermore, it has anticancer properties. Let’s take a look at some delicious Spinach recipes to beat the heat and improve immunity this summer.
7 Exclusive Spinach Recipes
Spinach & Potato Curry
Ingredients1/4 cup oil, 1 onion (chopped), 2 potatoes, 1 chili (green), 2.5 tsp salt, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, 0.5 tsp turmeric, 1 tbsp garlic, 0.5 tbsp ginger (minced), 1 tomato, and 250g spinach.
InstructionsFirst, heat the oil in a pan and then fry the onions as long as they are brown in color. Now add the potatoes, green chili, ginger, garlic, and spices. Cook for 3 minutes. Then add 1/2 cup of water and chopped tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes. Next, add spinach and cook for another 5 minutes or until there isn't any water (murky-colored) left. Enjoy with roti or plain rice.
Read More: Top 10 Healthy Seeds to Eat
Creamed Spinach
Ingredients300 grams Spinach, 5 garlic cloves, 1/2 inch ginger sliced, 2 green chilies (chopped), 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, 1/4 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp garam masala, 2 tsp besan, 200 grams paneer (cut into cubes), 1 tbsp yogurt, 2 tsp heavy cream, 5 tsp oil, 1 tbsp ghee, and 1/2 tsp salt.
InstructionsFirst, cook the spinach with 10-12 cups of boiled water for 2 minutes and then put it in a strainer. Wash it with normal water, and let it drain.
Now to prepare the sauce, heat 2 tsp oil in a pan. Then add green chilies, garlic cloves (2 slices), ginger, and saute for about ½ minutes. Next, blend the spinach with toasted chilies, garlic, and ginger with ¼ cup of water to make a smooth paste. Keep the paste aside.
Then, add 3 tsp oil to the pan and cook the paneer cubes for 3-5 minutes on medium heat and set them aside.
Take a bowl and mix together some yogurt, besan, and salt, and set aside.
Add ghee to a pan and fry (cook) the cumin seeds. Add chopped garlic cloves, and turmeric powder and cook for about 30-40 seconds. Add the spinach paste and yogurt mixture and cook for about 5-7 minutes. You can add 3 tbsp water if required. Add garam masala, the fried paneer, and cook for another 2 minutes. Finally, add heavy cream and enjoy.
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Spinach and Cheese Pasta
Ingredients250 g dry pasta, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp butter, 1–2 cloves fresh garlic, 1 onion (minced), 3 cups spinach (chopped), 4 oz goat cheese (crumbled), 3 oz cheese (parmesan), salt and black pepper (as required).
InstructionsFirst, cook the pasta following the package directions. After 2 minutes add the spinach and stir continuously. Season with salt and pepper but don’t overcook. Drain and reserve ¼ cup of starchy pasta water.
Then heat the olive oil and butter, add the garlic and onion, and cook for about 2-3 minutes. Add the drained pasta, followed by spinach, goat, and parmesan cheese, and combine well. Add the reserved pasta water as much as needed to get a creamier sauce. Adjust salt and pepper and enjoy.
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1 year ago
Top 10 Healthy Seeds to Eat
Nutrition plays significant roles for a human’s overall health and mental well-being. Adding seeds to one’s regular diet have numerous health benefits. Let’s discuss different types of seeds and their respective health benefits.
What Are Seeds?
All flowering plants reproduce through seeds. In simple words, a seed is the tiny, round or oval, hard component of a plant that works as the starting point of a new plant. More scientifically, a seed is a small embryonic ‘plant’, surrounded by a protective layer called the seed coat with certain reserved nutrients. In an appropriate environment, each seed has the potential to develop into a new plant.
How Seeds are Different from Nuts, Grains, and Beans
While many confuse seeds, nuts, grains, and beans; they are all different types of plant-based foods with unique characteristics. Though they share some similarities in terms of their nutritional content, they have differences.
Seeds are the reproductive parts of plants with high protein like chia seeds, sesame seeds. They are rich with healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals.
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Nuts are the fruits of certain trees like almonds, peanuts. They are generally high with healthy fats, protein, fiber and various vitamins and minerals.
Grains are actually the seeds of grasses such as wheat, rice. They are a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, minerals and some essential vitamins.
Beans are the edible seeds of legume plants, such as lentils, kidney beans. Beans are nutritious with protein, fiber, various vitamins and minerals.
Each of these foods has unique properties that make them valuable additions to a healthy and varied diet.
Read More: Best and Worst Foods for Brain, Memory, Focus
How to Eat Seeds
Seeds are known as nutritional powerhouse. They are not just delicious and easy to consume but also convenient for people of all ages. Thus, just having proper digestion is not sufficient. It is vital to ensure that these nutrients are absorbed effectively by the body.
The next question that arises is the appropriate way to consume seeds. Eating them raw is the only way to derive nutrition from the seeds. It expands to soaked, ground or mashed particularly when added with other foods.
It is suggested to soak seeds overnight before consumption. Although soaking provides numerous benefits, the most significant is the removal of phytic acid found on them. Overnight soaking is the most effective method for this.
When selecting seeds, raw and unsalted varieties are recommended. Seeds, coated or roasted, or with added sugar coatings must be avoided.
read more: Natural Sweeteners: 7 Healthy Alternatives of Refined Sugar
10 Healthiest Seeds
Seeds may be small in size, but when it comes to nutrition it is packed with vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. This tiny powerhouse can provide the energy needed for the day ahead. In fact, seeds can be nutritious yet satisfying and a delicious filling snack. Here are the 10 healthiest seeds with benefits to boost overall health.
1 year ago
Best and Worst Foods for Brain, Memory, Focus
The brain is the control center of the body which makes humans think, and feel. It keeps the heart beating, lungs breathing and allows the body organs to move, and sense. Although there is no magic pill to prevent cognitive decline, nutritionists emphasize that the most important strategy one can follow to boost the brain, memory, and focus is to take a healthy diet plan including a lot of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Let’s find out the beneficial and harmful foods and drinks for the brain health.
What Is Brain Food?
Brain foods are those that are packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals and provide the brain with energy. These foods also help in protecting brain cells, which helps ward off the development of brain diseases. A nutritious diet can create a considerable number of essential hormones and neurotransmitters which can influence cognitive abilities.
Top 10 Foods for Brain, Memory, & Focus
Fatty fish
Fatty fish is at the top of the list of brain foods that are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. About 60% of the brain is made of fat, and half of that fat consists of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s help to build brain and nerve cells, and these fats are essential for learning and memory. Plus omega-3 fatty acids may slow age-related mental decline and help ward off Alzheimer’s disease.
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Oily fish like tuna, salmon, trout, sardines, mackerel, etc contain omega-3 fatty acids. Among the local fishes, Hilsa fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids including EPA and DHA.
Coffee
Coffee’s two main components namely caffeine and antioxidants can help support brain health. Caffeine has a number of positive effects on the brain. It can increase alertness by keeping the brain alert by blocking adenosine (a chemical messenger that makes One feel sleepy).
Moreover, this beverage can improve mood by boosting some of the “feel-good” neurotransmitters like dopamine and sharpened concentration.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a deep-yellow spice that is a main ingredient in curry powder. It has huge health benefits for the brain as it has curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) helps to cross the blood-brain barrier, which means it can directly enter the brain and benefit the cells there.
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It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that can benefit memory, eases depression, and helps new brain cells grow.
Broccoli
Broccoli is rich in amazing plant compounds, including antioxidants, and vitamin K. It has a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for forming sphingolipids (a type of fat) that are massively packed into brain cells and vitamin K intake to improve memory and cognitive status.
Pumpkin seeds
One will get powerful antioxidants from pumpkin seeds that protect the body and brain from free-radical damage. One will also get magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper from these seeds.
Zinc is an important element for nerve signaling and zinc deficiency can cause many neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and Parkinson’s disease.
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Magnesium is also essential for learning and memory and low magnesium levels can cause many neurological diseases such as migraine, depression, and epilepsy. Copper helps control nerve signals and iron deficiency is often characterized by brain fog and impaired brain function.
1 year ago