How to Avoid Food Poisioning

Food poisoning may occur in any season due to the intake of infected foods and drinks. But it commonly appears during the rainy season. The chief reasons of food poisoning are bacteria and unhygienic conditions.

Salmonella bacteria, a common cause of food poisoning

Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by National Institutes of Health

The problem occurs due to a desire to have spicy, tasty and colorful foods.

Symptoms

The first symptom of food poisoning is the stomache pain. Medicines and medical treatment is needed if the problem aggravates.

The stomach pain, loose motions, acidity, red eyes and fever are the symptoms of food poisoning.

The diseases spreading bacterias are generally found in meat, seafood and dairy products. The list includes lettuce, fruits and vegetables too.

But there are some easy home remedies which help provide relief if taken in time.

Properly Clean the Hands

It is the best and the easiest way to avoid food poisoning and stop the the harmful bacteria from getting into the body.

Make a habit to clean the hands while entering the house or before and after the meals.

Wash the hands before cooking anything.

Wash the hands with warm water and soap.

The non vegetarians should wash the hands after touching the raw meat or raw egg.

Raw Eatables

Keep the raw eatables aside. The raw food soon becomes spoiked when it comes in contact with cooked food and cause health problems.

The food which is to be eaten in raw form should not be kept in touch eith the cooked food.

Eating Out

Make sure that a hotel or a restaurant or a place where you are eating is clean and hygienic. Watch that the people or the workers working there are in clean dress or not. Try to find out that the staff at the place may not be trying to hide something. The information about health code could be found online.

Safety Measures

The following measures help in food poisoning.

Ginger

Ginger is being used since ancient times to cure several diseases. It provides necessary nutrients for the digestive system and gives instant relief in vomiting and nausea.  

Rub a piece of garlic on stone in water and let it boil for some time. Add a little honey or sugar to it for taste.

In another way drink the juice of ginger with honey to get relief in pain and swelling.

Apple Vinegar

It contains acid and its alkaline factor balances the pH factor in the digestive system. It also helps to get rid of the problem of food poisoning and is good for digestion. It use has been found to give instant relief in the problems of gas and acidity.  

Add two teaspoons of apple vinegar in warm water and take it before the meals. 

Add Beans to regular Diet

The beans are green legumes available in fresh dry or packed forms. They are rich in soluble fiber, proteins and nutrients but have fewer fats. They are free from saturated fats and are best source of several nutritious elements especially the vitamins and minerals.

Any nutrient diet containing beans is best for heart and overall health on one hand and weight loss on the other.

Fresh Beans
Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Thamizhpparithi Maari

For Heart and Health

The rich contents of nutrients in beans strengthen the heart. The soluble fiber present in beans balances the levels of blood sugar and reduces the blood cholesterol.

                                             

Balance the Body Weight

Go for green vegan diet containing beans if the measures to reduce weight bring no results. The intake of the products containing beans help in weight loss. The beans could be used in any form. They contain rich amounts of proteins.

The weight of obese people or those with a habit of overeating and taking high protein, high fiber and fewer calories containing food, is less than those taking regulated amount of calories, high carbohydrates and less fats in regular diet.  

Nutrient Diet

Like other green vegetables and fruits, the beans are also full of nutrients needed for the normal functioning of the body.  They contain fewer calories. The copper in beans interacts with iron to form red blood corpuscles. The copper regulated the blood flow, boosts immune system and strengthens the bones.  The presence of phosphorus and magnesium in beans further strengthen the bones. The potassium and magnesium regulate the pressure of blood.

Rich Iron Contents

A cup of cooked beans gives 32% of the amount or iron needed per day for men and 14% for women. The right amount of iron is badly needed by the body to synthesise red blood cells and its cellular energy source called ATP iron.     

Calcium Contents

Beans contain rich amounts of calcium. The calcium is necessary for the development and management of the bones and teeth. It is also helps in proper functioning of the heart.

Immune System

The vitamin C in beans removes the deficiencies of immune system. The vitamin C is an effective antioxidant which reduces the cancer causing free radicals in the body.

The Benefits of Vegetable Juice in Skin Care

Fresh Vegetables

Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by TSgt Samuel Morse

The trend of vegetable juie is increasing and those who do not relish them in cooked form could take the vegetable juice.

A glass of vegetable juice contains plenty of proteins and provides sufficient energy which gives enough nourishment to the body. There is enough fiber in the vegetables which is very beneficial for the body and digestion.

The intake of vegetable juice thrice a week is very good for health. Every vegetable has its own taste and benefit.

The vegetable and fruit juices are different. The fruit juice is extracted through juicer, while the vegetables are ground in mixer and then the juice taken out.

The juice of several vegetables like broccoli, spinach, bitter gourd, cucumber, and green coriander leaves could be extracted. It keeps us healthy and gives extra glow to the skin.

Bitter Gourd

The juice of bitter juice is good for diabetes and reduces the accumulated fats from the body. Add little lemon to the juice if it seems to be bitterer.

Spinach

The juice of spinach is good for those on dieting. It contains enough vitamins and proteins which make it beneficial for the overall health of skin, hair and vision.

Kiwi

The kiwi juice is full of several vitamins and minerals and is very good for the health. \

Broccoli

It contains iron, protein, calcium, carbohydrate, chromium, vitamin A and vitamin C. It provides glowing skin and helps the body to fight against cancer.

Bottle Gourd

The juice of bottle gourd helps in alleviating obesity, high blood pressure, cholesterol,heart diseases etc, It should not be taken if it is bitter.

Coriander Leaves

 The juice of green coriander leaves helps in the metabolism and removes the toxic substances from the body. It also helps in anemia.

Mango

The sour juice of mangoes in summer rehydrates the body and helps the body to cope with the scorching heat of the sun.

Cucumber

The daily intake of cucumvber juice helps in obesity and provides skin glow. It is easily digestable and removes the toxins from the body.

Cabbage

The cabbage juice contains calcium, iron and omega 3 fatty acids. Its juice is very beneficial for skin and body.

Avocado

It contains the elements beneficial for the helath of the skin. The daily intake of avocado juice will provide the glowing skin.  

The Anti Ageing Wheat Grass

  

                                                                         Wheat Grass

                                                Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Malyadri

The wheatgrass is one of the most nutritious superfoods as it has rich amounts of minerals, vitamins, amino acids and other nutrients needed by the body.

The wheat sprouts or the wheat grass is a baby wheat plant and has wonderful health benefits. There is no disease in which it is not beneficial. Like all superfoods, wheat grass has a long list of health claims and it is the best anti aging food.

It contains several nutrients. The main constituent in it is chlorophyll. It helps in purification of the blood, anemia, high blood pressure, cold, asthma, sinus, digestion, stomach ulcers, swelling in intestines, tooth problems, weak gums, eczema, pyorrhoea, kidney problems, ear ailments, thyroid etc.

 

                                                                        Wheat Grass Juice

                                              Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Malyadri

Haemoglobin is the main constituent of blood and it is mainly composed of heamen which is chemically similar to chlorophyll. Both have the same structure and number of atoms of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen. The only difference is that magnesium is situated in the atomic centre of chlorophyll, while in haeman it is iron. So chlorophyll and hemoglobin are almost similar and that is why the green sprouts of wheat are called green blood.   

It improves digestion, strengthens the lever functions by removing the toxins from the body.

It gives energy to the body and gives protection against cancer and diabetes.

Availability

The wheatgrass could be grown at home in a kitchen garden and it takes about two weeks from planting to harvesting. It is harvested at a time when it has the highest nutritional value.

The wheatgrass could be taken either directly in juice form or mixed in with a smoothie or shake or juices. It could be made into a powder too.

The wheatgrass juice and dried wheatgrass powder or pills are available in the market.

Beetroot and its Benefits

Yellow, white and pink/white striped beetroot (visible when sliced)
Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Beet man

The friendship with beetroot is very beneficial for the health. It could be taken as vegetable or or in juice form. Its juice is the best among the vegetables. It could also be taken as a salad.

The juice helps in the formation of blood in the body and is very good in anemia. It contains sufficient amounts of iron and helps in activating and restructuring the red blood cells. It helps in the assimilation of acarbonic calcium.

It increases the immune system of the body and the carbohydrates present in it provide energy to the body.

The juice of beetroot is the best in jaundice, hepatitis, nausea, vomiting,

It helps in piles, fever and kala azar.

It contains sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sulphur, chlorine, iodine, iron and several vitamins.

It contains enough carbohydrates and moderate amounts of proteins and fiber.

Biol and filter the white beetroot and apply the extract on abscess, pimples and burns to get relief from them. It cleans the skin. By helping in the formation of haemoglobin in the body it provides redness and facial glow.

Put some vinegar in the extract of beetroot and apply on hair or dip the piece of ginger in the extract and massage the hair at night and rinse in the morning to get relief in dandruff.

The daily intake of two cups of the mixed juice of beetroot helps in regulating the blood pressure.

It is better to take the beetroot in moderate amounts as the excess intake of it is dangerous.

The health benefits of Dates

Dates on Palm

Wikimedia Commons by Irshadpp

The body needs to adapt itself with changing seasons by following little changes in the eating habits for fitness and overall health. Certain foods give special benefits in winter. That is why dates is called the dry fruit of winter. The regular intake of it saves the body from several ailments. It gives maximum benefits, when taken with milk.

It is the rich source of several vitamins, minerals and fluorine. It contains carbohydrates, proteins, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium and phosphorus in rich amounts.

The fluorine in dates helps to delay the tooth decay, while the calcium in it helps to strengthen the teeth and bones.

It is very beneficial for those who wish to increase the weight of the body.

It has dietary fiber which is both soluble and insoluble, which keeps the digestive system healthy. It is rich in amino acids.

It is highly nutritious and instant energy giver as it contains natural sugar like fructose, glucose and sucrose.

It is very beneficial in gastric cancer as it has no side effect.

It helps to increase the eyesight and its regular use helps to get rid of night blindness.

The regular intake of dates helps to control the blood sugar levels.

The intake of it with honey is very beneficial for the weak children and this remedy helps in diarrhea too.

The children wetting the bed at nigh should be given the dates with milk before going to bed. It is beneficial for those who repeatedly go to urine.

It keeps the heart and mind healthy. The rich amount of potassium and moderate quantities of calcium in it helps the proper functioning of the nervous system.

The use of dates for few days by eating 3-4 fruits washed in warm water helps to get rid of the problem of low blood pressure.

The presence of iron in dates helps in anemia and stimulates the the formation of blood.

It is beneficial for the proper functioning of lever.

It completely cleans the digestive system. Keep it soaked in water overnight and drink the contents in the morning to improve the digestive system.  

It has little fats and no cholesterol. It controls the levels of cholesterol.

Burn the kernel of dates and apply the powder on wounds for speedy healing. 

The Health Benefits of Boiled Vegetables

The Boiled Vegetables

Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Biswarup Ganguly 

The eating of the boiled vegetables has several health benefits, though they may not be relished for taste. But you will appreciate them if you know about their nutritious values.

The fried and baked food is not healthy. Whereas the boiled and light cooked food is not good for health. The boiling is better than frying and baking.

To increase the immune system of the body, just boil the water and add the vegetables in it with little salt.

The boiled food is safe and clean for eating as it becomes free from bacteria and the vitamins which get destroyed by overcooking are found to remain intact in it.

The boiled food is very beneficial as the nutrients remain as such in them.

It saves the body from the risks of several diseases and we can also get rid of many ailments by eating the boiled food.

The boiled vegetables boost the immune system of the body.

It helps in reducing and regulating the body weight as there is not fat in it.

The boiled vegetables could be easily eaten and digested and are preferable in case of mouth and gum problems.

The boiled food has different taste and the boiled vegetables acquaint with new flavor, as the tomatoes give new taste when taken in boiled form.

The preparation of the food saves the time and fuel and it is the healthy way to supply rich nutrient diet to the body. 

Dalia Helps in Weight Loss

A nice fresh colourful Algerian salad using bulgur wheat, cucumber, spring onions, peppers and cheese

Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Jerry Pank

Dalia, a cereal food made from the groats of several different species of wheat especially the drum wheat is also known as Bulgur or Burghul or bulghur. 

It is the most common food in India, Europe and Middle East. It is known as Dalia in North India and is popular all over this wheat-consuming region. 

In US it is produced from white wheat in four distinct grinds or sizes viz. fine, medium, coarse and extra coarse. 

It is made from parboiled and dried wheat which is ground afterwards, and has a very small amount of the bran partially removed from it. 

It is a whole grain as per USDA and Whole Grains Council. 

This high fiber food is sometimes confused with cracked wheat. The latter is is crushed wheat grain and is not parboiled.

The whole grain, bulgur and cracked wheat are available in natural food stores and could be easily prepared at home. The highest quality of Dalia has uniform particle sizes and forms a consistent cooking.

It is a common ingredient in dishes and has a light, nutty flavor. It contains plenty of nutritious contents which keep us healthy. The high fiber diet of Dalia is good for overall health. It has a lower glycemic index and higher levels of most minerals and vitamins.

Benefits of Dalia

1. It contains both soluble and insoluble fibers. These higher levels of fiber reduce the cholesterol and increase the blood sugar levels. It controls the cholesterol levels, helps in proper functioning of heart and regulates the metabolism of the body.

2. It reduces extra weight of the body. The people who wish to reduce the weight should regularly take Dalia and add it to their daily diet chart. 

3. The intake of Dalia gives the feeling of fullness and satisfies hunger. A person does not feel hungry for a long time after taking Dalia. The people having the habit of always eating something should take Dalis in breakfast.

4. It provides sufficient energy to the body.It gives extra boost to the body. The daily intake of a cup of Dalia provides energy for the whole day. This high energy keeps the metabolism of the body in proper shape. That is why the intake of dallia is preferred in the mornings. 

5. Dalia contains enough antioxidants which flush out the toxins from the body and revitalize the body. The antioxidants help in proper metabolism too.

6. It reduces the presence of unnecessary elements from the body and helps in proper functioning of all bodily activities both internal and external.

Uses in Recipes

It is used in pilafs, puddings, soups, bakery products, stuffing, salads and breads. In breads, it adds a whole grain component. 

It is often mistaken for rice as both are prepared in a similar manner but the high nutritional value of Dalia makes it a good substitute for rice. But as compared to the unenriched white rice, it has more fiber and protein.

In India it is used as a cereal with milk and sugar while in US, it is often used as a side dish like rice or pasta. 

It is a popular Latin American carnival food and is often prepared with flower pollen and tapioca syrup and fried in patties.

In Turkey it is prepared as pilaf in chicken stock, with or without sauteed noodles or is cooked with tomatoes, onions, red pepper or ginger. The Turkish people use it in two forms, the fine-ground and a coarser one. The fine ground form is used for making kisir which is a bulgur salad similar to tabbouleh and is prepared with tomato paste or fresh tomatoes with cucumbers, parsley, olive oil and other salad ingredients as per taste.

The pomegranate molasses which is more sour than sweet is commonly used in favor of lemon juice to add tartness to Dalia dishes. A variety of dishes are prepared with it including the ezogelin soup as it forms the base of a tarhana soup too which is made with yogurt in which hellim or halloumi is added. 

How to wash the Fruits and Vegetables before Use

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Elina Mark

We have to make sure that whether the fresh vegetables and fruits taken by us daily are healthy or not. Several germs, pesticides and insecticides remain attached with the fruits and vegetables purchased from the market. These unfriendly and disease casing living and non- living things enter our kitchens and cause several health problems. So it is better to get rid of these unwanted things.

Some traces of insecticides and pesticides remain stuck with the fruits and vegetables available in the market. These harmful chemicals are not visible to the eyes, yet they are very harmful to health.

So it is advisable to properly clean the fruits and vegetables before use. The following measures will help to clean them and get rid of harmful things attached to them.

Clean with White Vinegar

The white vinegar is the best to get rid of bacteria and chemicals sticking on the sruits and vegetables. Soak the fruits and vegetables in vinegar for 5-10 minutes and then thoroughly wash with clean water. The ratio of vinegar to fruit is 1:3.

Wash the fruits and vegetables with tap or drinking water. Soak them in water for half an hour if they are to be eaten with peels like cabbage etc. and then wash with clean water.   

Always peel the fruits and vegetables like apple, mango, kiwi, pumpkin etc. before cutting them. 

Most of the remains of the contents of insecticides get removed by steam or cooking. Therefore put the green leafy vegetables in boiling water for a minute and then wash with running water.

Wash the vegetables like cabbage, spinach,cauliflower, broccoli in warm water containing 2% salt.

The carrot, brinjal etc could be washed in tamarind water to leech out the harmful chemicals from them.

Always clean the hands before and after washing the fruits and vegetables.

As far as possible, use the locally grown vegetables.

Always buy seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Prepare the Cleaning Solution

Prepare the solution of any one of the following and sprinkle on fruits and vegetables. Let it remain for 5-10 minutes and then wash with clean water.

1. Take a large spoon of lemon juice and add two large spoons of baking soda in it.  Instead of baking soda, two large spoons of vinegar could also be added.

2. Add a cup of white vinegar and a large spoon of baking soda with 8-10 drops of lemon oil in a cup of water. Prepare the mixture and clean the vegetables and fruits by sprinkling the contents on it. Wash with clean water to remove the taste of vinegar.

Scrub the vegetables and fruits like broccoli, cabbage, leafy greens, watermelon, potato, and berries in the mixture before washing in running water.

In this way you can save yourself and your family from the harmful effects associated with unclean vegetables.

Beetroot for health and Beauty

Beetroot
Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by User:Siebrand 

Make beetroot a close friend to keep yourself healthy. It could be taken either in the vegetable or juice form. Beetroot could also be taken in the form of salad.

It contains sodium, potassium, calcium, sulfur, chlorine, iodine, iron and vitamins. It contains enough carbohydrates and gives energy to the body, but few proteins and fats.

Its juice is the best among all vegetables and it increases the blood in the body. Beetroot helps in anemia as its juice activates the formation of blood. Due to the plenty of iron in it, the beetroot activates and restructures the red blood cells. It increases the immune system of the body. The juice helps in jaundice, hepatitis and nausea. The juice is the best medium to assimilate the acarbonic calcium in the body.

The regular intake of beetroot alleviates constipation and helps in piles.

Boil the white beetroot and filter the extract. This infusion is the best remedy in abscess, skin inflammation, pimples, measles and fever. It is the best skin cleanser. It increases the hemoglobin beneficial for skin. As a result it increases the facial glow and redness.
Beetroot helps in dandruff too. Mix the infusion with a little vinegar and apply on hair or soak few pieces of ginger in it and rub on hair before going to bed and wash the hair in the morning.
The intake two cups of beetroot juice per day helps to control the high blood pressure.
However the excess use of beetroot could be harmful.

What is vitamin E

Boxes of fresh vegeables
Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Kate Holt/AusAID

The body needs vitamins in one form or the other as several diseases may occur due to the deficiencies of vitamins. The vitamin E is very important for the overall health. It keeps away several diseases and imparts extra glow to the skin. 

It is very beneficial to keep the body healthy. 

The vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, wheat, green leafy vegetables, gram, barley, date, rice water, cream, butter, sprouts and fruits. 

The properties of Vitamin E

The intake of fruits and vegetables containing vitamin E or taking the capsules of it increase the presence of antioxidants in the body. But the natural foods are advisable instead of tablets or capsules.

Formation of Red Blood cells

It helps in the formation of red blood corpuscles in the body. The deficiency of vitamin E leading to anemia may occur in new born babies, if the pregnant woman does not take enough amount of vitamin E.

Skin Glow

It is very helpful to make the skin strong, supple and shiny. The intake of vitamin E can even reduce the occurrence of wrinkles. 

Helps in Functioning of Thyroid and Pituitary Gland   

The deficiency of vitamin E affects the working activity of the thyroid gland and pituitary gland the most. It causes the sluggish working of these glands and the body feels tired and heavy.

Formation of Cell Membranes

The skin membrane or the layer covering the blood cells to keep them intact, becomes weak with the deficiency of vitamin E.  It would stop the formation of blood cells too. The vitamin E helps in the formation of cell membranes. The deficiency of vitamin E weakens this outer layer and will reduce the formation of blood cells. 

Mental Problems

The sufficient amount of vitamin E in the body saves from stress and mental tensions. Its deficiency causes several mental problems.