Food
11 Summer Iftar Drink Recipes to Fight Dehydration
Fasting during the scorching summer days requires addressing dehydration needs. As the body loses liquids, one needs to consume healthy drinks at Iftar to avoid dehydration. Refreshing, and healthy drinks can help to stay hydrated, vitalize the organs, restore strength, and prepare the body for the next day's fasting. Let’s take a look at the 11 best Iftar drinks.
Nutritious Iftar Drinks to Stay Hydrated in Summer
Dates Honey Milkshake Recipe
Ingredients
10 dates, 200 ml milk (boiled and warm), 2 - 3 tsp honey.
Instructions
First, wash the dates and remove extra water with a kitchen towel. Then deseeded the dates and chop finely. Take 100 ml boiled, warm milk and soak the chopped date for 30 minutes. Now take a food processor and blend soaked dates and honey as long as it becomes smooth. Next, pour the rest of the 100 ml milk and blend again for 1/2 minute. Serve in a glass and enjoy a healthy and yummy dates honey milkshake.
Read More: The Ultimate Dining Experience: Dhaka Cloud Kitchen & Catering Services operating in Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara and Bashundhara
Bel Sharbat Recipe
Bel Sherbet is not only a refreshing drink but a nostalgia also for most of us. Bels are a great source of vitamin C, minerals, and dietary fibers and people use them for ages to cure earaches, diabetes, respiratory problems, and liver and kidney conditions.
Ingredients
1 wood apple, 500 ml water, 1 handful mint leaves, 1 tablespoon sugar, 4 ice cubes, 1 teaspoon cumin powder
Instructions
First, wash the wooden apple in the running water and then cut it. Take a spoon and remove the pulp from the wooden apple and put it in a bowl. Soak the bel pulp in water for 2 hours and refrigerate.
After 2 hours take out from the refrigerator and mash the bel well and strain. Next, add the other ingredients and mix well until the sugar dissolves. Pour in glass and garnish with a pinch of jeera powder and chopped mint leaves and enjoy.
Read More: Homemade Ice Cream Recipes Using Seasonal Fruits for This Summer
Watermelon Juice Recipe
Ingredients
1 watermelon, 1 lime juice (optional)
Instructions
First, cut the watermelon and scoop chunks of sweet watermelon using a spoon. Then blend the watermelon so that it is totally ground. If you wish to get the extra flavor, add the juice of one small lemon and blend for an extra few seconds. You can also strain the mixture if the watermelon is notably seeded. Pour in a glass and enjoy. You can preserve watermelon juice in the refrigerator for 4 days. Stir before drinking.
Read More: Natural Sweeteners: 7 Healthy Alternatives of Refined Sugar
The Ultimate Dining Experience: Dhaka Cloud Kitchen & Catering Services operating in Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara and Bashundhara
The cloud kitchen scene has had a boom in the last few years partly due to the health restrictions and safe distancing needs that arose during the pandemic. People got more used to the concept of ordering in and having a great meal from the comfort of their homes or offices.
Read More: Bangladesh Cloud Kitchen Business Heralds Improved Food Delivery Services
This paradigm shift in dining choice has made way for several cloud kitchens based in different areas of Dhaka. The newest addition is the Dhaka Cloud Kitchen & Catering Services. The cloud kitchen is currently operating in the “tri-state” area (Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara) along with Bashundhara.
On March 2, Dhaka Cloud Kitchen pulled off a successful delivery of 150 customised packages and exceptional catering services to Dhaka WASA.
Iconic Italian dish Pasta Carbonara an American invention?
The same day (March 23, 2023) that Italy submitted pasta carbonara for inclusion on Unesco’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Financial Times published an article in which Italian culinary expert Alberto Grandi claimed that carbonara was developed by Americans residing in Italy shortly after WWII.
The claim sparked outrage throughout Italy. “A surrealist attack!” – said the agriculture organisation Coldiretti, as heated social media discussion ensued nationwide, according to a BBC article.
So who really created the original carbonara?
Italian food author Eleonora Cozzella says, “It was a combination of Italian genius and American resources.” Cozzella spent six years covering National Carbonara Day on April 6, and eventually wrote The Perfect Carbonara, which earned a Gourmand World Cookbook Award in 2020, says the BBC.
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She interviewed the descendants of innkeepers who fed American soldiers in the neighborhood of Trastevere, just over the Tiber river in Rome, in the late 1940s. US soldiers apparently asked for “spaghetti breakfast” that should have eggs and bacon. Even during the desperate times, Italians could acquire military rations in the black market, including bacon from Americans and egg powder from the British.
In 1952, the first recipe for pasta carbonara was published in the United States. Author Patricia Bronté mentioned the Italian restaurant Armando’s, run by chefs Pietro Lencioni and Armando Lorenzini, among her favorite spots in her book “Vittles and Vice: An Incredible Guide to What’s Cooking on Chicago’s Near North Side”. She included recipe of the restaurant’s famous dish, carbonara.
“No one has a trademark on the recipe,” Alessandro Pipero, chef of the Michelin-starred restaurant Pipero in Rome and one of the “carbonara kings” told BBC. “Honestly, I don’t care who invented it,” he said.
The first Italian recipe for carbonara was published in August 1954 in La Cucina Italiana magazine. “And it is a strange one,” Cozzella said in the BBC report. “It has parsley and even gruyere as cheese!”
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“This debate is ridiculous and dangerous,” said Michele Fino, a law professor at Pollenzo's University of Gastronomic Sciences, calling it “old news”. According to Fino, the discussion is harmful because a toxic type of nationalism may be lurking between the pecorino and a piece of guanciale, or maybe deep inside the tubular rigatoni. “It is a sort of banal nationalism that runs through food,” he told BBC. “People consider it unimportant, but it creates a certain climate – we shouldn’t ignore it.”
Delicious Jackfruit Recipes to Try Out Today
Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that is available in Asia, Africa, and South America. Unripe jackfruit is now considered a popular substitute for meat. The flesh of the unripe jackfruit can be eaten raw or cooked into various dishes. Let’s take a look at 6 tasty jackfruit recipes to try out at home.
Health Benefits of Jackfruit
Jackfruit is nutrient-rich. It is packed with carbohydrates, protein, a small amount of fat, vitamins C, A, B6, and B2, riboflavin, magnesium, and other micronutrients. Jackfruit is rich in phytochemicals as well -- compounds found only in plants and these compounds are beneficial to health. Moreover, plenty of fiber is available in jackfruit.
Jackfruit has carotenoids which are high in vitamin A and work like other antioxidants. Carotenoids may protect cells from damage and prevent diseases including cancer, heart disease, etc. It may also prevent eye problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration. It also helps to minimize constipation and ulcers.
Read More: Tasty Homemade Shashlik Recipes with Meat and Fish
Besides, the protein in jackfruit helps to control the blood sugar of people with type-2 diabetes. And, the potassium content of jackfruit helps in lowering blood pressure.
6 Versatile Jackfruit Recipes
Jackfruit Coconut Muffin Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup jackfruit (chopped), 1 cup flour, ¼ cup sugar (granulated), 2 tablespoons brown sugar, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ⅛ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ cup butter, ¼ cup sour cream, ¼ cup milk, 1 egg, ¼ cup coconut (desiccated), 2 tablespoon coconut for garnishing.
Instructions
First, prepare the oven to 375F and line the muffin tin with 6 liners. Meanwhile, take a bowl and sieve flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Next, add granulated sugar, brown sugar, and coconut. Mix everything nicely.
Take another bowl and whisk egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Add butter (melted) while the mixer is running and mix well. Then add the dry ingredients and mix at low speed as long as it is combined well. Mix jackfruit pieces using a rubber spatula. Pour the mixture into a muffin mold each with ⅔ full batter. Top with the rest of the Jackfruit and coconut and bake for about 15 minutes or as long as a toothpick comes out clean. Serve warm.
Read More: Homemade Ice Cream Recipes Using Seasonal Fruits for This Summer
Jackfruit Juice Recipe
Ingredients
1/2 jackfruit, 1/2 lemon juice, 2 cups of water, 2 ripe bananas, 2 tbsp sugar (extra)
Instructions
First, cut the jackfruit into small pieces. Peel off the bananas and cut them into cube pieces. Now, take a blender or a juicer. Put everything except lemon juice in the blender and blend. Pour the juice into a glass and add lemon juice before serving.
Jackfruit Jam Recipe
Ingredients
20 to 22 jackfruit pieces, 1 cup jaggery, 1/2 cup ghee
Instructions
First, boil water in a pot and then add the jackfruit pieces. Let them boil for a few minutes or as long as they become tender. Remove the pot from the stove and strain the jackfruit pieces. When they are cool, mash them well.
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Now take a pan and heat ghee. Pour the mashed jackfruits and jaggery into the pan and mix well. Stir continuously. When they become sticky and start to leave the sides of the pan, remove them from heat and transfer them to a dish. After cooking, preserve jackfruit jam in a clean, sterilized jar.
Tasty Homemade Shashlik Recipes with Meat and Fish
The word ‘Shashlik’ or Shashlick came from the Russian word ‘shashlyk’ of Turkik origin. In Turkic languages, the term shish refers to skewer, and shishlik means "skewerable". Shashlik is a kind of food that refers to skewered meat. It is also popular as shish Kebab or Shashlik kebab. Besides Iran, Caucasus, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia, Shashlik is famous in Russian countries. Traditionally Shashlik is made with lamb meat. However, this food can also be prepared with other kinds of meats and fish. Let’s take a look at 5 easy-made shashlik recipes to try at home.
5 Yummy Shashlik Recipes to Try at Home
Chicken Shashlik Recipe
Ingredients
2 chicken breast ( 400g) (cut into 1-inch cubes), 1 green bell pepper (cut into 1-inch cubes), 1 red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch cubes), 1 onion (cut into 1-inch cubes), 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tbsp red chili powder, ½ tbsp spicy red chili powder, ½ tbsp tandoori chicken masala or garam masala, salt (as required), 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp tomato sauce, 1 tbsp oil, 5 skewers.
Instructions
First, take a bowl and mix chicken with ginger paste, chili powder, tandoori chicken masala, salt, lemon juice, soy sauce, tomato sauce, and oil. Then add onion and bell peppers and mix them together. Cover the bowl and put it in the refrigerator to marinate for an hour.
Read More: Homemade Ice Cream Recipes Using Seasonal Fruits for This Summer
Making Chicken Shashlik:
First, fasten the onion, bell peppers, and chicken on the skewers. Now, heat the oil in a pan. Then place the chicken, and bell peppers skewers over the pan and rotate the skewers to cook well. Make sure you brush oil on it. Put a lid over the pan and cook for 10 to 15 minutes or as long as the chicken, onions, and bell peppers become tender and juicy. Remove from the pan and serve with rice or paratha.
Homemade Ice Cream Recipes Using Seasonal Fruits for This Summer
Ice cream is one of the coolest and yummiest frozen desserts liked by people of diverse age groups. Especially, during the hot summer days, ice cream cools the mind and body. From kids to adults, different people like different flavours of ice-creams. Season fruits can make ice-creams versatile, tastier, and healthier. Let’s find out the 7 best homemade ice cream recipes that you can prepare using seasonal fruits.
7 Best Homemade Ice Cream Recipes with Seasonal Fruits
Mango Ice Cream Recipe
You can make the best mango ice cream from flavorful smooth-fleshed mangoes.
Ingredients1 ripe mango (large), (1 1/2 pounds mangoes to prepare 2 2/3 cups mango cubes, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 5 tablespoons sugar, or more
ProcedureFirst, wash and peel off the mango and cut it into cube pieces. Then blend the mango to get mango puree. Transfer the mango puree to a bowl and add the cream and the sugar. You can add more sugar to adjust the taste.
Now pour the mixture into an ice cream machine and churn-freeze it as long as it becomes set. In the meantime, put a stainless steel bowl in the freezer. Put the ice cream quickly into the chilled bowl, cover it tightly, and keep it in the freezer no sooner had it becomes ready to enjoy.
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Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients12 ounces fresh strawberries, ¾ cup sugar, 2 cups heavy whipping cream, 1 cup milk, one teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tiny pinch salt
ProcedureFirst, blend strawberries and sugar for 10 minutes to make a good puree. Then add cream, milk, vanilla extract, and salt to the strawberry mixture and blend again as long as the puree becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
Now take the strawberry mixture into the container of an ice cream maker and freeze following the instructions of the manufacturer. When ice cream is ready, put it in a sealable container, cover it with plastic wrap, seal the container, and freeze for 2 hours or the whole night.
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Chocolate Banana Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients4 bananas, ¼ cup cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons peanut butter, ¼ cup cow’s milk.
ProcedureFirst, peel off the bananas and cut them into small pieces. Now take a food processor and blend bananas, cocoa powder, and peanut butter to get a smooth puree. Now take puree to a container of an ice cream maker and freeze following the instructions of the manufacturer.
When ice cream is ready, put it in a sealable container, cover it with plastic wrap, seal the container, and freeze for 2 hours or the whole night. Then enjoy healthy and tasty chocolate banana ice cream.
Read More: 10 Healthy Iftar Drinks for Breaking Ramadan Fasting
Healthy Sehri Meal Recipes for Ramadan Fasting
The holy month of Ramadan is here and the Muslims have started month-long fasting. It is essential to take healthy foods and drinks at sehri, or sahur, as it is the meal that stores energy for long hours and helps continue the fast. Therefore, it is recommended to consume the right foods at Sehri to get the required nutrients for the body. Let’s take a look at 7 nutrient-rich sehri meal recipes for a healthy start to one’s Ramadan fasting.
7 Nutritous Seheri Meal Recipes for Ramadan Fasting
Fruit Cube Salad Recipe
Fruit cube salad is only eye-catching to look at but it is delicious, healthy and a creative recipe also.
Ingredients ½ kg watermelon, 2 large bananas, 1 pineapple, 1 large apple, ¼ cup marshmallow
For garnishing
mint leaves, crushed nuts, sesame seeds, and cinnamon
InstructionsFirst, wash the fruits, peel them off, and cut them into cubes. Make sure you use a sharp knife for the fruits. Marshmallows will add a soft texture (sweetness) to the finished cube. The cubes will be around 2.5cm each. This step is a little bit tricky but cutting well-shaped cubes is what makes the whole cube work well.
Make one row consisting of three alternating cubes so that no adjacent cubes are the same fruit and the base will have four sides of three cubes on each side. To complete the cube, make two more layers (same). Top with a mint leaf, crushed nuts, sesame seeds, and cinnamon. Enjoy the amazing fruit cube salad.
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Chicken Kebab Recipe
Ingredients 300 gms chicken mince, 50 gms onion, 50 gms tomatoes, 30 gms coriander leaves, 50 gms green capsicum, 20 gms green chilli, 5 gms salt, 20 ml oil, 20 gms cashew, 20 gms almonds, 10 gms mint, 5 gms red chilli powder, five gms masala powder, 5 gms ginger garlic paste, 3 gms cumin powder, 10 ml lemon juice, 10 ml fresh cream, 5 ml kewra water
InstructionsFirst, take a blender and put mince chicken, onion, salt, red chilli powder, garam masala, ginger garlic paste, cumin powder, lemon juice, coriander leaves, mint leaves, green chilies, fresh cream, kewra water, cashew, and almonds and blend nicely.
Put the mince mix on wooden skewers. Now chopped onion, capsicum, and coriander leaves on a plate. Enclose these chopped vegetables around the kebabs and bake them in the oven at 180 degrees for eight to ten minutes. Your Chicken Kebab is ready.
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Oats Kheer Recipe
Kheer is the most admired dessert and oats are one of the most chosen and popular ones to prepare healthy kheer.
Ingredients1 cup oats, half litre milk, sugar (optional), 6 dates, 7 almonds, 3 cardamoms, one banana, 7 raisins, 1 cup mixed fruits (optional)
InstructionsFirst, cook oats for about 5 minutes. Next, take a pan and put milk, sugar, cardamom, dates, almonds and raisins and let the mixture boil for about 5 to 6 minutes. Now mix oats and cook them boil as long as it becomes thick. Add mixed fruits when the kheer is ready to enjoy.
Read More: Healthy Sehri Ideas: What to eat and avoid for Sehri during Ramadan
Cozy Rainy Day Recipes To Warm You Up
Rains make our minds thoughtful. On a rainy day, the common wish comes to mind is to eat some special foods. Cozy but yummy foods can warm you up from the inside out in such gloomy weathers. Check out these 7 Rainy day recipes to enjoy the weather.
Top 7 Rainy Day Special Recipes
Khichuri Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup basmati rice, 1 cup moong dal, 3 tablespoons Ghee/2.5 tablespoon oil, 1-inch cinnamon, 2 green cardamoms, 3 cloves, 1 tej patta, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1-inch grated ginger, ½ teaspoon turmeric powder, ½ teaspoon red chili powder, 2 tomatoes, (chopped), 1 green chili (chopped), 2 potatoes, ½ cup cauliflower and ½ cup green peas, ½ carrots, salt (as required), 5 cups water
Instructions
First, wash the rice and soak it for 20 to 30 minutes and then drain. Meanwhile, roast the dal till they turn light golden. Then wash the dal and drain. Now take a pan and heat ghee/ oil and fry the whole spices. Add the grated ginger and fry for 5 to 6 seconds. Mix turmeric, and red chili powder and cook for 2 to 3 seconds. Add vegetables and cook for a minute.
Now add the moong dal ( roasted, cleaned) and for 2 minutes. Next, add the soaked rice and mix well. Add the water and salt and coon on a pressure cook for 4 to 5 whistles on medium heat. When the pressure settles down on its own, open the lid and the khichuri warm with baingan bhaja or fried egg.
Read More: Rainy Day Homemade Snacks Ideas, Recipes to Enjoy with Family
Masala Tea Recipes
Ingredients
2 cups water, 4 teaspoons sugar, 2 teaspoons black tea leaves, ¼ cup milk/ as per taste, 1-inch cinnamon, 2 to 3 green cardamoms, 2 cloves, 1-inch ginger
Instructions
First, crush-coarsely the cinnamon, green cardamoms, and cloves. Now heat water in a pot and add the crushed spices when the water boils. Boil for 2 to 3 minutes and then add the sugar. Next mix 2 teaspoons of tea leaves. Boil for 1 minute. However, if you prefer a strong tea (intense), then boil it for some extra minutes. Add milk and boil for two minutes. Now your tea is ready. Serve with snacks or cookies.
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Coriander Chutney Review
Ingredients
1 cup chopped coriander leaves, 2 teaspoons chopped green chilies, 1 chopped ginger, ½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 2 to 3 pinches salt, ¼ teaspoon chaat masala, 1 to 2 tablespoons water.
Instructions
First, take a blender and add the chopped coriander leaves, chopped ginger, and green chilies. You can add or subtract green chilies according to your and your family's taste. Add lemon juice, roasted cumin powder, black salt, and chaat masala. Add water and blend as long as the mixture is smooth. Add more salt or lemon juice if you feel required.
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Singara Recipe Review
Ingredients:
For the singhara dough
1 cup Flour, 2 tablespoons Oil, ½ teaspoon Kalonji seeds, ½ teaspoon salt, 50 ml water (room temperature)
For the Bhaja masala
¼ teaspoon cumin seeds, ¼ teaspoon fennel seeds, ½ teaspoon coriander seeds, 1 clove, 1 small cardamom, ¼ inch cinnamon stick
Other ingredients
2 potatoes, ¼ cup peas, 1-2 green chilies, ½ tablespoon ginger,1 teaspoon panch phoran, 2 dry red chilies, 2 tablespoons peanuts, ¼ cup water, 1 teaspoon sugar, ½ teas salt, 2 tablespoons oil, Oil (to deep fry the Singara).
Read More: Khichuri Recipes: 7 varieties of yummy nutritious Khichdi to try at home
Instructions:
First, prepare the dough with the given ingredients and cover the dough nicely with a wet cloth and keep it at rest for 1 hour.
For the bhaja masala
Now take a pan and fry allspice until a nice smell comes up. Put them on a plate to make them cool. Then grind the spices and keep them aside.
For the potato filling
Heat oil in a pan and then add peanuts and fry for 1-2 minutes and remove to a plate. Now add red chilies, panch phoran, and then grated ginger, and green chilies and cook them for 1-2 minutes. Add potatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes. Mix turmeric powder, and salt and mix well. Now water and mix nicely and cook as long as the potatoes become tender. Add peas, sugar, fried peanuts, and finally the bhaja masala and mix it properly. Remove it from the stove when it is done.
For shaping the singhara
Divide the dough into 4 equal parts and make flat dough balls with them. Roll the ball into a 1.5-2.0 mm thick oval-shaped chapati. Cut the chapati horizontally. Now fill each chapati with the cooked filling and seal the sides. Deep fry each singhara for 10 minutes or till golden brown. Serve warm with sauce.
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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.
Natural Sweeteners: 7 Healthy Alternatives of Refined Sugar
Nowadays numerous people are suffering from health issues like cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, etc. Refined sugar consumption is related to these conditions directly or indirectly. Therefore, many health-conscious people are exploring healthier options to sweeten their food and drinks. Let’s find out some healthy natural sweeteners as an alternative to refined sugar.
7 Healthy Alternatives of Refined Sugar
Natural sweeteners have gained popularity due to their health benefits and low glycemic index. These sweeteners are derived from plant-based sources and offer a range of tastes, from fruity to earthy, making them versatile in cooking and baking. Here come seven healthy alternatives to refined sugar that you can incorporate into your diet.
Misri
It is also known as rock sugar or sugar candy. Misri is a popular sweetener in many parts of the world. It's made by crystallizing sugar cane juice, resulting in small, rock-like pieces that are used to sweeten teas, desserts, and other dishes.
Unlike refined sugar, misri contains small amounts of minerals like iron and calcium, and it has a lower glycemic index, which means it doesn't cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
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However, misri is still a form of sugar and should be used in moderation, but its unique flavor and health benefits make it a great alternative to refined sugar.
Honey
Honey is a thick, golden liquid produced by honeybees that contains vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The types of plant compounds depend on the bee and flower type.
Honey polyphenols can help modulate inflammation, and it has a slightly lower glycemic index than table sugar, making it a healthier option. However, research on these benefits is limited. Despite being high in sugar and calories, honey should be consumed in moderation.
Coconut Sugar
It is a natural sweetener derived from the sap of coconut palm trees. It contains several vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium.
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Moreover, it has a lower glycemic index compared to table sugar, meaning it causes a slower and steadier rise in blood sugar levels. This makes it a great option for people with diabetes or those looking to manage their blood sugar levels.
Coconut sugar also has a delicious caramel-like flavor and can be used in baking or cooking as a 1:1 substitute for regular sugar.