nutrition
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.
Read More; Sweet Potato Health Benefits: The Organic Affordable Super Food
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.
Jackfruit: Export Opportunities for Bangladesh's Economy
There is a reason why jackfruit is Bangladesh's national fruit. It grows in abundance across the country, particularly in the highland areas. Madhupur and Bhawal are among the top areas where jackfruit production is high. Once considered a backyard fruit, jackfruit now has the potential to become an export item - offering new economic opportunities and providing a sustainable food source for the population. In this article, we will explore how jackfruit can become a game-changer.
Why Jackfruit?
According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, about 1.5 million metric tons of jackfruit are produced in Bangladesh every year. Researchers observed that in the last few years, about 45% of this total production, i.e., about 5 lakh tons of jackfruit were wasted.
During jackfruit season, fruits like mango and litchi are available in the market, and it is difficult to process jackfruit for eating as compared to these fruits. Most people in Bangladesh think that jackfruit can only be eaten when it is ripe. There is a lack of interest in consuming unripe jackfruit. So a large part of the jackfruit produced in Bangladesh is wasted every year.
Read More: Delicious Jackfruit Recipes to Try Out Today
Keeping these issues in mind, researchers are trying to make food products with jackfruit that are easy to preserve for several months. Thus, they are aiming to reduce wastage and open up new economic prospects for the country.
Products Made Using Jackfruit
In recent times, various types of delicious foods are being prepared from jackfruit in Bangladesh, which includes jackfruit jam, pickles, chutney, chips, cutlets, ice cream, curd, ready-to-cook jackfruit, fresh cut (vegetable meat), jackfruit powder, and various other packaged products. Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute has developed these products for the first time in Bangladesh. Customers can find these products in several supermarkets and retail markets across the country.
Between 2019 and 2022, the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute partnered with NewVision Solutions Limited to carry out a three-year research program, titled "Jackfruit Postharvest Loss Reduction and Marketing Strategy". The objective of this program was to prevent the wastage of jackfruit and explore its various uses.
Read More: 7 Nutritious, Delicious Jackfruit Recipes for Curries, Snacks, Salads
As part of the project, the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute provided training to around 700-800 individuals on the production and marketing of jackfruit. These individuals are now engaged in producing a variety of jackfruit products. Additionally, the institute is also offering free training to anyone who is interested in learning more about producing jackfruit products.
Initially, the researchers focused their efforts on studying four products, namely jackfruit chips, pickles, fresh cuts, and dried products, as part of the project. However, they have now come to realize that jackfruit can be utilized as a resource for over 30 different products.
According to researchers, the market demand for fresh-cut or unripe jackfruit is higher than that for other jackfruit products. This benefits farmers, as a single jackfruit that would usually sell for Tk 60-70 can be sold for Tk 200-250 as fresh-cut jackfruit.
Read More: Corona, Amphan: Popular jackfruit haat in Jashore takes a hit
Currently, a range of food items, such as unripe jackfruit vegetable rolls, cutlets, and shingara, are being prepared in the market. Meanwhile, ripe jackfruit juice is being used to make ice cream, cakes, and fruit roll-ups. In addition to that, these products made using jackfruit are already creating employment in the country. On the other hand, there is a demand for these products in the international market as well.
7 Healthy, Delicious Egg Recipes for Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and many good reasons are behind this. One of the important things is that breakfast breaks the overnight fasting period and refills your supply of glucose to boost your energy levels and alertness. Breakfast also provides other essential nutrients required for good health. Eggs for breakfast are uniquely delicious and protein-packed and making them a powerhouse for starting off your morning. Here are the 7 yummy and healthy egg recipes for breakfast.
Health benefits and nutrition of eggs
Eggs are packed with protein. You will also get heart-healthy unsaturated fats and important nutrients from eggs. From one big size boiled egg, you may get about 77 calories including vitamins A, B5, B12, D, E, K, and B6, folate, phosphorus, selenium, calcium, and zinc.
Eggs provide you with good cholesterol. Eggs have choline that helps maintain your eyesight. The proteins and amino acids available in eggs are not bad for the heart. Most importantly, eggs are the filling meal.
Read More: Raise Low Blood Pressure: What to Eat, Drink, Avoid
7 Easy Egg Recipes for Breakfast
Mughlai Paratha Recipe
Ingredients
3 Cups wheat flour, 1 cup flour, 2 tbsp ghee, 2 cups water (for the dough), dry flour (for rolling), ghee (for frying), 4 Eggs, salt (as required), 1/2 cup onions (finely chopped), 4 green chilies (chopped), 4 tbsp coriander leaves (chopped)
Instructions
First, mix the wheat flour, refined flour, and two tablespoons of ghee together. Prepare a soft, sticky dough and cover it and let it rest for 2-3 hours. Then divide the dough into 4 parts and rest again for about 15 minutes. Heat oil in the pan and meanwhile roll one part of the dough to give it a round shape.
Place the roti on the pan, put the beaten eggs in the center, and then add 2 tsp of onion, salt, green chilies, and 1 tbsp of coriander leaves. Minimize the heat and fold the roti four ways and give a squire shape. Add ghee around it and fry as long as it becomes crispy. Follow the same process and prepare the rest of them. Garnish and serve warm with sauce or chutney.
Read More: Spirulina: Health benefits, doses, uses, and side effects
Egg Benedict Recipe
Ingredients
2 slices loaf, 2 eggs, 2 teaspoons olive oil, 1 tomato, sliced, 50-gram spinach, little amount of nutmeg powder, 100-gram seasonal fruits ( diced), 2 tbsp sauce
Instructions
First, toast the slices of the loaf and let them warm. Boil water in a pot and break the egg to plunder.
Have a small pot of water boiling and break the egg to plunder. Heal olive oil in a pan and cook all the veggies for around 2 minutes. Now place the veggies mixture and nutmeg, and poached egg on top. Season with sauce over and serve hot.
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Scotch Eggs Recipe
Ingredients
2 cups loaf ( roughly torn), 6 large eggs, 1 lb. ground beef, 3 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp. finely grated lemon zest, salt, and pepper (as required), 1/2 cup flour, oil, for frying, salad, for serving
Instructions
First, prepare the oven to 425°F and bake the torn loaves on a baking sheet for about 6 minutes or as long as they become dry. Now take a food processor and blend well the dry-torned loaves to form small crumbs. Remove from the food processor and put it in a bowl.
In the meantime, boil water in a pot and gently add 4 eggs. Cook for 6 minutes, set aside, and then peel.
In a bowl, mix beef, garlic, lemon zest, 1 raw egg and 1/2 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Take one-fourth of the beef mixture, create a disk, and put 1 soft-boiled egg in the center. Wrap beef around the egg nicely. Repeat the process to prepare the rest.
Take another bowl and mix flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt. In a second bowl, beat an egg with 1 tsp water. Take breadcrumbs to a third bowl. Heat oil in a pot. Overlay wrapped eggs in flour, then egg mixture, and finally breadcrumbs. Now fry as long as it becomes golden brown. Serve warm with salad.
Read More: Top Traditional Bangladeshi Foods You Must Try
Egg Quesadilla Recipe
Ingredients
2 tablespoons finely diced red bell pepper, 2 eggs, ¼ cup black beans, 2 tablespoons butter, divided, ⅛ teaspoon salt, ground black pepper, ⅓ cup cheddar cheese, 2 6” tortillas
Beetroot: Nutrition, Health Benefits, Doses, Side Effects
Beetroot’s scientific name is Beta vulgaris. It is a root vegetable. It has numerous health benefits because of the huge amounts of phytochemical and nutritional components available in them. So, it is called functional food. Let’s check here the health benefits, uses, and side effects of beetroot.
Vitamins and Nutrients of Beetroot
Beetroot is a colorful vegetable that has carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fiber, and various types of vitamins and minerals also.
Per 100 grams of beetroot, you will get Calcium 8%, Vitamin C 4%, Iron 5%, Vitamin B6 5%, energy 43 kcal, Carbohydrates 9.56g, Proteins 1.61 g, Fibre 2.8 g, total fat 0.17g, Calcium 16g, Iron 0.8g, Magnesium 23 mg, Sodium 40mg, Potassium 325 mg, Phosphorous 40mg, Vitamin C 4.9mg, Thiamin 0.031mg, Riboflavin 0.4 mg, Folate 109 ¼ g, Vitamin B-6: 0.067 mg.
Read More: Superfood Moringa Powder: Know Its Health Benefits, Side Effects.
Top 10 Health Benefits of Beetroot
We have already got the nutritional value of beetroot, let's check out now the top health benefits of Beetroot.
Lower blood pressure
Beetroot naturally occurs in nitrates which are diverted into nitric oxide in the human body. This nitric oxide can relax and expand blood vessels and so helps to improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure. In fact, beetroot is an excellent source of blood pressure by lowering blood pressure within a couple of hours.
Grows stamina
The nitrates in beet get converted into nitric oxide in the human body which helps to reduce the potential amount of oxygen. This oxygen can be expended for low-intensity exercises and also increases tolerance to high-intensity exercises. Research has shown that people who eat beet juice just before taking exercise are able to exercise for a longer period of time.
Good for heart patients
Prominent amounts of triglycerides in your body cause consequential problems to the heart. Beetroot helps reduce triglycerides and cholesterol by increasing the amount of HDL cholesterol, namely good cholesterol. Besides, beetroot decreases the level of homocysteine as it contains the nutrient betaine. So, you can prevent the risk of heart attacks and strokes by taking beet regularly.
Reduce birth defects
Beets are packed with Vitamin B folates and so it helps to form a baby’s spinal column. So you can add beetroot to your diet if you are pregnant as folate deficiency can lead to a number of complications including defects in the neural tubes and ultimately defects in the brain, spine, or spinal cord. However, you need to consult with your doctor when you are pregnant.
Prevent cancer
The pigment betacyanins which are available in beetroot can prevent the growth of cancer cells. Beetroots are great to prevent colon, lung, and skin cancer. Meats are preserved using nitrates and the consumption of these meats may result in the formation of nitrosamine compounds in the body which ultimately leads to cancer. In this case, beetroot juice may reduce the cell mutations caused by these compounds.
Read more: Sweet Potato Health Benefits: The Organic Affordable Super Food
Beetroot juice for dementia
With age, the blood flow to certain areas of the brain decreases which can lead to loss of cognition and eventual dementia. Studies have shown that drinking beetroot juice can improve the supply of oxygen to your brain and slows the progression of dementia as beetroots have high nitrate concentration.
'Digital agriculture can give Bangladesh's food, nutrition security a boost'
Digital agriculture can help Bangladesh boost its productivity to secure food and nutrition security amid increasing challenges of climate change and a growing population.
Experts said this at an event organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with Aspire to Innovate (a2i) in Dhaka Thursday.
Digital innovations in agriculture, from mobile phones and internet connectivity for smallholder farmers, to drones, and more advanced technology, have the potential to drive agricultural transformation in the country, they added.
Robert D Simpson, FAO representative in Bangladesh, said: "Digital transformation of agriculture is already here and it is here to stay. Bangladesh is just starting on the road to adopting digital technologies."
"Digitalisation of agriculture will boost the country's productivity, helping it meet the increasing demand for food as the population grows, and fulfil ambitions for increased food exports."
At the same time as rapid population growth, the availability of natural resources such as fresh water and productive arable land is becoming increasingly constrained. Urbanisation is also having important implications for patterns of food production and consumption.
Digital innovations and technologies are part of the solution, the experts said.
Drones, for example, can cut production costs and maximise the efficient use of resources. Real-time AI-enabled digital solutions for data-driven decision-making can help policymakers and stakeholders, including farmers, reduce risk and challenges.
Read: ‘Bangladesh’s agriculture sector needs Tk 15,000cr investment in next 5 yrs’
Digitalisation has also opened up opportunities for agri-tech startups to develop innovative business models targeting smallholder farmers on account of cutting-edge digital technologies that reduce transaction and discovery costs.
Technology means that value chains can become traceable and coordinated at the most detailed level whilst different fields, crops, and animals can be accurately managed to their optimal prescriptions.
Digital agriculture will create systems that are highly productive, anticipatory and adaptable to changes such as those caused by climate change. This, in turn, could lead to greater food security, profitability and sustainability, the experts said.
Agriculture Secretary Md Sayedul Islam chaired the inaugural session of the event, where Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir, project director of a2i, ICT Division, and Shaikh Mohammad Bokhtiar, executive chairman of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), were the special guests.
Md Abdus Salam, member director (current charge) of Planning and Evaluation Division of BARC, chaired the technical session. NM Zeaul Alam, senior secretary at ICT Division, was present as the chief guest.
Top brain foods for studying and exams
The days and nights of exam preparation are stressful. Students can hardly manage time for food preparation. During lengthy exams students feel hungry and tired if they are not fed well. When trying to remember and comprehend diverse concepts and theories, keeping the body in top condition is essential. Healthy diet is the most crucial factor to make the mind, brain and other organs of your body ready for challenging tasks. Diverse research initiatives have shown that certain food items are linked to better cognitive health. Here are some healthy foods to add to your diet while studying for an exam.
15 brain foods that help focus on study
Bananas - memory booster
Nutrients:
1 serving of a medium-ripe banana contains:110 calories, 0 grams of fat, 1 gram of protein, 28 grams of carbohydrates, 15 grams of sugar (naturally present), 3 grams of fiber, and the potassium content is 450 mg.Health Benefits of Bananas
-Improve blood sugar levels.-Support digestive health.-May aid in weight loss.-Support heart health.-High in antioxidants.-This can make you feel more full.-Improve insulin sensitivity if not ripe.
Required amount per day:
Two to three bananas each day is considered an adequate amount for healthy individuals. Make sure you eat this fruit with an energizing diet that contains all the nutrients your body requires.It also has three-quarters of the daily intake of Vitamin B6, an essential nutrient linked to cognition, memory, and long-term mental well-being.
Read Health Benefits of Nigella Seeds (Kalijira)
Beans are thought to fuel
Nutrients:
Folate, protein, fiber, iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium, cholesterol, or trans-fats. It is a rich source of Antioxidants.Health Benefits of beans:
-Protein is crucial nutrition in maintaining and repairing the body. -Improve heart health-A lower risk of getting cancer.-Preventing the development of the fatty liver.-Control of appetite.
Besides, beans are a fantastic food source for slow-release amino acids and glucose, ensuring you are productive and focused without the sugar crash.Required amount per day:
You can consume around 1/2 cup of beans daily to meet the dietary guidelines for beans.
Read Green Coffee: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Recipes
Brown Rice - the focus food
Nutrients:
Calories: 216, Carbs: 44 grams, Fiber: 3.5 grams, Fat: 1.8 grams, Protein: 5 grams, Thiamin (B1): 12% of the RDI, Niacin (B3): 15% of the RDI, Pyridoxine (B6): 14% of the RDI.
Health Benefits:
Not to mention, exams create tension and pressure. A lot of the nutrients in brown rice can help maintain your heart health. Brown rice also has large amounts of Magne, making you less prone to heart stroke and heart disease.
Moreover, its higher fiber content and more nuttiness which can keep you feeling fuller (and focused) for a longer time.
Required amount per day:
Healthy adults need around 3 to 6 ounces of whole grains per day.
Read Natural Collagen-Rich Foods for Healthy Joints, Skin, Hair
Oats: a great source of energy
Nutrients:
51 grams of carbohydrates, 13 grams of protein, five grams of fat, and 8 grams of fiber per cup. A single serving of oats contains 300 calories. Health Benefits:
-Lowers blood sugar levels-Offers antioxidants-Helps to promote healthy bacteria within your gut-It aids you to feel full and satisfied, helping you manage your weight.-Reduces itching and irritation on the skin.-Reduces the risk of developing colon cancer.It's very low GI can keep you energetic. Eating this food before an exam or long hours of study, you can avoid the risks of irritability or crash in energy. You can combine oats with other healthy foods like bananas or blueberries to give you a feeling of epicness.Required amount per day:
A single serving of oatmeal has 40-50 grams. If you're on an oatmeal diet, you should consume about five daily portions.
Read How to fight sugar cravings with healthy foods, drinksTomatoes: boost your immunity
Nutrients:
Vitamin C, Potassium, K1, and Folate (vitamin B9).
Health Benefits:
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant beneficial for the brain and preventing disease.Required amount per day:
There isn't much research into the best amount of tomatoes you can consume daily. Scientists suggest that a portion of tomatoes is one ordinary tomato or six cherries.
Read Superfood Moringa Powder: Know Its Health Benefits, Side EffectsDark chocolate: an excellent snack for studyingNutrients:
A single ounce serving of chocolate dark, ranging from 70% and the 85% cacao solids, includes:Calories: 170, Protein: 2 grams, Fat: 12 grams, Carbohydrates: 13 grams, Fiber: 3 grams, Sugar: 7 grams.
Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
-Very healthy.-An antioxidant-rich source.-It could increase blood flow and lower blood pressure.-It increases HDL and shields LDL from the oxidation process.-Could reduce the risk of heart disease.-It could improve the brain's function.Research suggests that cocoa and dark chocolate products could be able to have positive impacts on brain functioning.
Required amount per day:
To prevent the risk of weight gain, Dr. Amidor suggests eating not more than 1 inch (oz) of chocolate dark each day.
Read Soybean Oil Substitutes: Some Healthier Options for Cooking, Baking
Berries: Cleansing agents
Nutrients:
Vitamin C, fiber iron, B vitamins, and iron.
Health Benefits:
- It is filled with antioxidants.-Improve the response of insulin and blood sugar levels.-Fiber-rich and high in content.-Help fight inflammation.-It may aid in lowering cholesterol levels.-Beneficial to your skin.-Fight cancer.-Keep your arteries healthy.Besides, berries are the best to boost memory and brain power. Berries are rich in flavonoid chemicals called anthocyanins. They help to regulate the flow of blood to the brain.Required amount per day:
2 cups of fruits daily for general health, around nine servings daily.
Read Magical Benefits of Himalayan Pink SaltEggs: a mood lifter
Nutrients:
A single egg contains 75 calories, 7 grams of high-quality protein, five grams of fat,1.6 pounds of saturated fat, iron, vitamins, carotenoids, and minerals. Eggs are full of anti-inflammatory nutrients such as lutein and zeaxanthin.Health Benefits of Eggs
Eggs are what they're made to be in terms of brain health. They're a great source of vitamin B1, choline, vitamin B12, and selenium -all of which are essential for memory, brain health, and performance. Required amount per day:
For healthful adults, eating 1 or 2 eggs every day is okay, depending on the amount of other cholesterol you have in your diet. If you have already been diagnosed with high cholesterol or any other risk factor for developing heart diseases, limiting your consumption to no more than 4-5 eggs a week might be best.
Read Egg Diet For Weight Loss: Does It Work?Fish
Nutrients:
omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins like D, B2 (riboflavin), calcium and Phosphorus, zinc, iron, and magnesium. It also contains iodine and potassium. It is recommended that the American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice each week as part of an overall healthy diet.
Health Benefits:
Omega-3 fats are crucial to providing long-term benefits to the brain. Consuming a diet high in omega-3s is associated with better cognitive performance and slowing down mental health decline.
Required amount per day:
Minimum 2 ounces of fish each day.
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Nuts: Nature's vitamin
Nutrients:
Calories: 173, Protein: 5 grams, Fat 16 grams, which includes 9 grams monounsaturated fat, Carbs 6 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Vitamin E: 12% of the RDI, Magnesium: 16% of the RDI, Phosphorus: 13% of the RDI, Copper: 23% of the RDI, Manganese: 26% of the RDI, Selenium: 56% of the RDI.
Health Benefits:
-Nuts are antioxidant powerhouses.- Aid Weight Loss.- Lower Cholesterol and Triglycerides.Take a handful of nuts to snack on or make a healthy mix for your trail to help support your brain's health by boosting blood flow and brain waves.
Required amount per day:
One serving equals around 30 grams or 1/3 of 1 cup (or one handful). It's about 30 almonds.
Read Health Benefits of Different Types of Nuts
Leafy greens: energy and clarity
Nutrients:
Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin E and vitamin C, beta-carotene folate Vitamin B1, B2, B2, and B6, iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium and calcium, Phosphorus, sodium.
Health Benefits:
Leafy greens are beneficial to the health of your heart in several ways. They are rich in potassium, which helps lower high blood pressure; fiber, which helps to keep cholesterol in control; and folate, which helps protect against heart diseases and stroke.
Required amount per day:
Two to three cups of vegetables daily for adults.
Read 7 Healthy Warm Drinks to Stay Warm This Winter
Broccoli
Nutrients:
Fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, potassium, and vitamin K. It has more protein than many other vegetables.
Health Benefits:
Broccoli protects your brain with antioxidants. According to a study from 2013, Vitamin K could be beneficial to memory and brain function during aging.
Required amount per day:
One serving of broccoli is approximately the width of your fist. You need to eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables per day to have a good result.
Read Top 10 Nutritious Winter Vegetables in Bangladesh
Beet
Nutrition:
Calories, Fat, Sodium, Carbohydrates, Fiber, Sugars, Protein, Potassium.
Health Benefits of Beets:
The best drink to concentrate on exam preparation and studying. The lack of blood circulation to your brain can have negative consequences when doing your research, and beets could aid in preventing that. Studies from 2011 indicate that beets can increase circulation to the brain, specifically, the frontal lobe. It is involved in memory and decision-making.
Required amount per day:
The ideal concentration is between 6.4 to 12.8 mg/kg of beets. To put it into simple terms, one cup (136 grams) of beets is enough every day.
Read Khichuri Recipes: 7 varieties of yummy nutritious Khichdi to try at home
Coffee: an adrenaline rush
Nutrients:
Riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), Magnesium, Potassium, phenolic compounds, or antioxidants.
Health Benefits:
-You can live longer.-There is a lower chance of developing heart failure.-There is a little chance to develop Parkinson's disease.-Your liver will be grateful.-Your DNA will become more powerful.
Required amount per day:
Studies show that moderate doses (from 75 to 250 milligrams) of caffeine may improve alertness and concentration, even if you're tired.
Read 7 Yummy Coffee Recipes to Try at Home without Coffee Maker
Green tea: boost productivity
Nutrients:
The nutrients contained in 8 fluid ounces, which is roughly the equivalent of one cup of green tea, comprise:Calories, Protein, Fat, Carbohydrates, Fiber, Sugar.
Health Benefits:
Green tea contains two elements that can help improve the brain's performance. Along with caffeine, green tea also contains L-theanine. The amino acid has been proven to assist in stress management and improve brain performance.
Required amount per day:
Drinking between three and five cups of tea with green every day seems to be the ideal way for the most significant health benefits.
Read Matcha Green Tea Health Benefits
Bottom Line
A healthy lifestyle can improve your academic performance and aid you to attain your goals in exams. A healthy, and balanced diet is mandatory for maintaining your brain and body health. If you do not eat well you can hardly make good preparations for exams and do good performances in the exam hall. So far, we have discussed 15 healthy and nutritious foods to eat during exam preparation as well as on the exam days. You can also add these foods to your regular diet.
10 Delicious Chicken Snacks Recipes to Try at Home for Children, Adults
Almost every non-vegetarian likes chicken snacks which are light on the stomach and devoid of unhealthy fats. Chicken meat has various health benefits. It is the biggest source of protein and helps in controlling blood pressure. Besides, it helps in preventing cataracts and skin disorders. It also lowers the risk of cholesterol and heart disorders. You can prepare mouthwatering chicken snacks at home for kids and adult family members. Here are some of the most popular homemade delectable chicken snacks recipes for children and adults.
10 Easy-made Yummy, Healthy Chicken Snacks Recipes
All of these chicken snacks offer very robust tastes and nutrition. However, you can customise these recipes a bit depending on personal taste.
Chicken Tikka
Ingredients
1-kilogram chicken boneless, 1/2 tablespoon garlic paste, 1 teaspoon chaat masala, 1/2 capsicum, 3 tablespoon mustard oil, 2 pinches turmeric, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, salt, 1 cup hung curd, 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder, 1/2 tablespoon ginger paste, 2 1/2 tablespoon gram flour, 1 1/2 onion, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 2 pinches black pepper, 1 teaspoon garam masala powder.
Directions
First, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator. Next, cut black pepper, capsicum, and onions into cubes and mix with marinated chicken. Line them in a baking tray with foil and bake in the preheated oven at 250 degrees Celsius until they are tender. Serve warm with green chutney!
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Crispy Chicken
Ingredients
250 grams chicken, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp garlic, and ginger paste, salt to taste, ½ tbsp black pepper, 1 cup flour, 1 tbsp chili powder, 3 eggs, and oil to fry
Directions
First, wash the chicken and marinate it with lemon juice, garlic and ginger paste, salt, and pepper. In the meantime, make a paste of flour, garlic salt, chili powder, salt , and black pepper. Crack open 3 eggs in another bowl and season it with a dash of salt. Next, dip the marinated chicken in the egg wash and coat it nicely with flour, deep fry the chicken. Serve hot!
Read Natural Collagen-Rich Foods for Healthy Joints, Skin, Hair
Creamy broccoli chicken
Ingredients
5oo grams of chicken, 1 broccoli, one cup cream, 1 cup cheddar cheese, salt to taste, one teaspoon black pepper, 1 tbsp chili flakes, and one tabs garlic salt. 1 tbsp ginger
Directions
First, wash and chop the broccoli into pieces. Then, wash the chicken, drain, and keep aside. Fry some butter, chopped garlic, ginger, and chopped onions, for a minute, then add the broccoli and chicken. Add some water. Next add cream and cheddar cheese and other spices like salt, pepper, chili flakes, and garlic salt. Cook until it becomes soft and serve hot with roti or paratha.
Read Superfood Moringa Powder: Know Its Health Benefits, Side Effects
Chicken and Maggi pakora
Ingredients
250 grams of chicken, 3 packets of Maggi instant noodles, 1 tbsp chopped onions, ½ tbsp chopped ginger, 5-6 green chilies, 1 tbsp coriander leaves, ½ tbsp cornflour, grated mozzarella cheese, 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
Directions
First, cook Maggi with some water and their spice packets. Then, mix chopped onions, ginger, green chilies, coriander leaves, and cooked Maggie, chicken, and grated mozzarella cheese, cornflour well. Next, season with the spices. Finally, make the mixture of some balls and fry them. Serve them with sauce!
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Crispy honey chicken fries
Ingredients
250 grams chicken breasts, 2 tbsp honey, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon chili powder,1 tbsp ginger and garlic paste, 1 tbsp lime juice, salt to taste, oil to fry
Directions
First, clean the chicken and make simple strips of the chicken. Then, mix all ingredients and marinate. Heat oil and transfer the marinated chicken to the pan, fry these strips nicely. Garnish with onions and serve hot!
Read Yummy Homemade Jalebi Recipes Using Healthy Ingredients
Tandoori chicken in a microwave
Ingredients
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon coriander, One teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon turmeric, One teaspoon cayenne, 1 tablespoon garam masala, One tablespoon sweet paprika, 1 cup plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 4 garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons ginger, 1 teaspoon salt, 4 whole chicken leg quarters
Directions
First, wash and cut the chicken pieces. Take curd, chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, tandoori masala, salt, pepper, chaat masala, and chicken pieces in a bowl and mix well. Marinate the chicken for an hour and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes and your tandoori chicken is ready to serve.
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Oatmeal-Crusted Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
1 cup of regular oats, ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 pound of chicken breast tenders
Directions
First, process oats for 20 seconds, and then add cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper and combine well. Next, take each chicken breast tender between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap and place it on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 450° for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
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Baked Chicken Seekh Recipe
Ingredients
500 g Chicken Mince, 2 Onions, 2.5 cm piece ginger, minced, 1–2 Green chilies, ½ bunch Coriander, chopped, 1 tsp Chaat masala, ½ tsp Red chili powder, ½ tbsp Garam masala, 1 tsp Cumin powder, to taste Salt, ½ tsp pepper powder
Directions
First, mix the chicken mince, onion, ginger, chilli, coriander, chaat masala, chilli powder, garam masala, cumin, and salt and pepper very well. Then, use your hands and give the mixture into small kebab shapes. Next, arrange the kebabs on a baking tray lined with baking paper in the preheated oven and bake to 250°C for 10 minutes. When done, garnish the kebabs with extra coriander and chaat masala and serve.
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Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients
1/2 cup boiled, chopped chicken, salt as required, 2 slices of brown bread, 1/4 red bell pepper, 2 teaspoon butter, 4 leaves lettuce romaine, 3 teaspoon mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon chaat masala, 1/4 green capsicum
Directions
First, mix finely chopped bell peppers, cheat masala, salt and mayonnaise. Now, apply butter on both the slices and then spread the washed lettuce in it. Next, add filling to it and cover them together to make a sandwich. Add more butter to the top slice on the upper part and place it in the griller for grilling the sandwich. Grill for 2-4 minutes. Once done, serve hot.
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Chicken Spring Rolls
Ingredients
2 teaspoon corn flour, 400 gm minced chicken, 2 tablespoons chilli garlic paste, 2 cups water, 16 spring roll sheets
For Marination
2 tablespoon soy sauce, 4 tablespoons chilli garlic sauce, 1/2 teaspoon spice black pepper, 2 tablespoons corn flour
For Filling
8 cloves garlic, 200 gm fresh noodles, 2 cups cabbage red, 2 teaspoons ginger, 1 cup green onion, 1 cup carrot
Directions
First, marinate the chicken for 15 mins. Then, fry the marinated chicken until brown. Next, prepare the filling with the given ingredients. Meanwhile, prepare a cornflour+water mix. Take the spring roll sheets and fill them with the prepared filling. Seal the rolls with cornflour+water mix and fry.
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IFAD: Integration of nutrition in all dev interventions sought
Nutrition interventions play a crucial role to empower women, ensure dietary diversity, build a climate-resilient food system, and boost the overall economy, said experts at a seminar in the city.
Jointly organized by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health on Thursday, the seminar aimed to provide a platform to share lessons on nutrition-sensitive agriculture and food systems, identify good practices and potential areas of collaboration with different government agencies, development partners, and private sectors.
Bringing together experiences from IFAD and BRAC University speakers shared learnings on using gastronomy as a development tool and empowering women to achieve sustainable nutrition impacts that contribute to overall food systems, said a media release on Friday.
Read: Bangladesh a star of growth, says IFAD urging continued focus on rural areas
“When we consider a food system to be healthy, we tend to investigate and invest in maximizing profit and quantifiable indicators. Instead, we have to start considering an integrated system where you include diversity, health, and social factors. The same applies to nutrition interventions which can be used as a tool to transform agriculture and our food systems,” said Arnoud Hameleers, IFAD Country Director for Bangladesh.
Drawing further on how IFAD’s investment and work in nutrition across nations, Joyce Njoro, IFAD Technical Specialist, Nutrition and Social Inclusion said, “Nutrition and food security are at the heart of IFAD’s work through its nutrition-sensitive projects, which address underlying causes of malnutrition related to inadequate household food security, maternal and childcare, and environmental health.”
“IFAD works in food – horticultural, crops, livestock, fish, wild foods, bio-fortified crops – production along with food processing, preserving, storing, and marketing, supporting nutrition education at the community level, mainstreaming gender equality and empowerment, and policy engagement,” added Njoro while underscoring the importance multi-sectoral coordination to implement nutrition-sensitive projects.
Read: It's a priority for IFAD to invest in Bangladesh, says its regional director
Underscoring the importance of the human and social factors, Barnali Chakraborty, Associate Scientist, BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health said, “Development intervention alone cannot change the nutrition status in the country. It is crucial to improve individual capabilities to bring impact at the community and national level by integrating health, agriculture, women empowerment, and other social factors in the development interventions. Communities’ capabilities need to be enhanced to achieve children’s nutrition."
Participants representing different government agencies, national implementors, and development partners utilized this seminar as a platform to explore new ways of strengthening the impact of nutrition-sensitive development interventions and leverage nutrition as a development tool to transform rural Bangladesh.
Covid-19 pandemic swells number of hungry by more than 50 mn in Asia-Pacific: FAO-UNICEF Report
The state of food security and nutrition in Asia and the Pacific has worsened, as more than 375 million people in the Asia-Pacific region faced hunger in 2020, an increase of 54 million over the previous year, according to a joint report just published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Wednesday in Bangkok.
While hunger has increased, so too has inadequate access to nutritious foods, the report said.
According to the 2021 Asia and the Pacific Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition, in this region alone, more than one billion people did not have access to adequate food in 2020 – an increase of almost 150 million people in just one year.
The high cost of a healthy diet, and persistently high levels of poverty and income inequality, continue to hold healthy diets out of reach for 1.8 billion people in the Asia and Pacific region.
Read: Children in the Pandemic: Consortium predicts 168,000 to die hungry during crisis
In recent years, progress has stalled in reducing the number of undernourished, and the prevalence of certain nutritional indicators, such as stunting in children under five years of age, was already much too high, as reported last year.
Since then, the situation has worsened. While it is not yet possible to fully quantify the damage done to food security and nutrition by COVID-19, the pandemic has had a serious impact on the region. Even countries that initially reported a limited number of COVID-19 cases experienced the negative effects of the containment measures, combined with people’s health concerns, that led to a major contraction of economic activity in this region and worldwide. Disruption in food supply chains only added to the problems.
The situation could have been worse without the response of governments and the impressive social protection measures they put in place during the crisis. In building back better food environments, future agri-food systems will have to provide better production, better nutrition, a better environment and better lives.
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To do that, FAO and UNICEF state the focus must revolve around meeting the needs of small-scale, family farmers and indigenous people in the region. Food systems must also prioritize the dietary needs of vulnerable groups, including young children and women.
Commitments have been made to ensure recovery and there are opportunities to begin the hard work of advancing food security and nutrition through transforming agri-food systems such as the United Nations Food Systems Summit, the Nutrition for Growth Summit and the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26). Implementing these commitments will be needed to meet the second Sustainable Development Goal, SDG2, to eradicate food insecurity and malnutrition.
Covid-19: Hasina places 5 proposals to deal with impacts on public health, nutrition
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday stressed the need for taking urgent steps collectively to address the Covid-19 challenges and its impacts on public health and nutrition. “The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has created a significant setback in our nutrition initiatives. Urgent actions and united efforts are needed to address the challenges of Covid-19,” she said. The Prime Minister said this while addressing the Nutrition for Growth Summit (N4G), Japan virtually.
Read: Bangladesh-India ties: Hasina says now focus should be on trade, connectivity Prime Minister of Japan Kishoda Fumio also spoke at the Summit. Its theme is Food, Health and Prosperity for All. Sheikh Hasina placed five proposals before the world for ensuring healthy and nutritious diets for this growing population. The international community needs to work together to address the challenges of Covid-19, including its impact on nutrition programs, the PM said in her first proposal. In her second proposal, Hasina called for enhancing collaboration to advance research for growing high-yielding nutritious food. The PM, in her third proposal, said for building food banks at regional and global levels to stay safe and secure during disasters. In her fourth proposal, Hasina stressed the importance of exchange of best practices and expertise for increasing nutrient contents in food Finally, she asked the developed nations to disburse the committed climate adaptation fund to adapt to the climate-led extreme events that hamper food production in the developing world. Hasina said ensuring nutrition for all citizens is a daunting task. But, she said, investment in nutrition security generates high socio-economic returns leading the way to sustainable growth and development. Talking about Bangladesh, the Prime Minister said the country has made immense achievements and substantial progress in the economy, food security, health and nutrition during the last one decade. “We’ve taken a slew of initiatives to enhance the nutritional status of disadvantaged people,” she said. In this regard, Hasina mentioned that allowances have been introduced for vulnerable groups under social safety-net programmes. Insolvent pregnant and lactating mothers were given cash allowances.
Read: Focus on quality products to boost exports: Hasina She also said midday meals were introduced for school students. “We’re diversifying production of grains, vegetables, fish, meat, eggs, and fruits with the goal of increased food security and improved nutrition. Our actions have started giving dividends.” Hasina said the poverty rate in Bangladesh came down to 20.5 percent from 31.5 percent during the past one decade. The country is on track for achieving its child nutrition status as malnutrition rates have also declined, she added. The PM said stunting of children decreased from 43 percent in 2007 to 31 percent in 2017 which is now below WHO critical threshold. Overweight among under-5 children is 2.4 percent whereas regional rate is 5 percent and global 6 percent, she added. The Pm went on saying, “We aim to strengthen our commitments made at earlier nutrition Summits to achieve the SDGs and improve nutrition outcomes in line with our Five-Year Plan.” The Prime Minister pledged to address the double burden of malnutrition through 12 commitments which are aligning with SDGs. “These will be achieved through a multi-sectoral approach, leveraging both domestic and development finances,” she added. The N4G Summit is being held in Tokyo under the auspices of the Japanese government. The Summit is bringing together stakeholders across sectors to generate financial and political commitments to nutrition, focusing on the critical roles of food, health and social protection systems in delivering good nutrition for all. The Summit comes at a critical time, midway through the United Nations (UN) Decade of Action on Nutrition, with only five years left to achieve the World Health Assembly (WHA) targets on maternal, infant and young child nutrition, and 10 years to reach the SDGs.