Presently, many electrolyte sports drinks are available in the market. Amongst all the marketing and publicity, it can become perplexing to know which sports drinks are the best and what you should be searching for when selecting the right sports drink, and when and why you should employ one. Athletes and non-athletes both type of individuals have the same basic nutrient requirements. For adequate calorie and energy replenishment, they require minerals, vitamins and over 40 other nutrients. The only difference for sports and exercise nutrition is in the quantities and the timing of the nutrient and food intake for balanced eating.

Why use sports drinks?

Sports drinks help in rapid replacement of fluid and electrolytes that lost during sports, exercise training or hard physical labor. Also, they help with muscle recovery and soreness, preventing dehydration, and supplying stamina and raised endurance during strenuous exercise. After ingestion during exercise, these sports drink provides a source of carbohydrate fuel to supplement the body’s limited stores and also water and electrolytes to replace losses that incurred through sweating.

Types of sports drinks:

Sports drinks are mainly of three types:

• Isotonic sports drinks: They contain similar concentrations of salt and sugar as in the human body.
• Hypertonic sports drinks: They contain a higher concentration of salt and sugar than the human body.
• Hypotonic sports drinks: They contain a lower concentration of salt and sugar than the human body.

Among all sport drink most sports drinks are fairly isotonic, having 4 to 5 heaped teaspoons of sugar per five ounce (13 and 19 grams per 250ml) serving. They never have a pH similarity with carbonated soft drinks.

Sports drinks nutrition:

Mostly, sports drinks are water, essential for any active individual whether a competitive athlete or fitness hobbyist. However, the additional ingredients (typically sodium, potassium and sugar, and, in so-called recovery drinks, protein) requirement in the drinks, varies depending on how hot the weather is outside and how long and how intense a workout is.

Typically, sports drinks supply about 15 to 18 grams of sugar in every 8-ounce serving. However, for the average workout, people who are eating three square meals a day don’t require extra calories those provided by carbs. Sodium and potassium minerals help to keep a body hydrated however during a moderate workout, most people don’t become depleted either of mineral.

Most people who work out for fitness (as opposed to professional competition) lose 500 to 1,000 mgs of sodium per hour. For example, a32-ounce bottle of Gatorade G2 supplies 440 milligrams of sodium. Generally, sports drinks which are specifically marketed for recovery (such as Gatorade’s G3) contain protein additionally to carbohydrates and electrolytes. After a workout, a combination of protein and carbs is a key for rebuilding muscle. Sometimes, sports drinks also contain an overlooked ingredient, flavoring. Several studies have suggested that children who play sports don’t be inclined to drink as much water as their bodies require unless that water is flavored.

During playing of sports, sweating occurs which tends to cause loss of fluids and electrolytes (minerals such as chloride, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, sodium and potassium), resulting in dehydration of body. Dehydration can also cause circulatory collapse and heat stroke if not treated. At this time, sports drinks benefits can be very well understood. Loss of fluid in the body can cause impaired performance and declined capacity for performing muscular work. Definitely, these sports drinks help to improve the performance level of an athlete by acting as energy booster.

Functions of electrolytes in the body:

For the functioning of many vital processes in the body, magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium, chloride and phosphate are the important electrolytes. They regulate the fluid balance between body compartments and also help to maintain an acid-alkaline balance necessary for normal cellular activities, and bring electrical currents which make easy the control of hormone and neurotransmitter secretion required for nerve and muscle function. Also, they are necessary as cofactors for enzymes which manipulate a number of functions in the body including digestion.

Magnesium is an important mineral required for oxygen delivery to working muscles during training. Exercise is related with increased magnesium excretion from the body through sweating and magnesium depletion may decrease physical performance and reduce exercise capacity. For correct functioning of nervous and muscle tissue and the flow of fluid in and out of cells, sodium and potassium are important electrolytes. Calcium plays an important role in blood clotting, neurotransmitter release, maintenance of muscle tone and excitability of nervous and muscle tissue along with contributing to hardness of bones and teeth.

Facts about sport drink:

Sports drinks are very different products rather than imagination of many people. Sports drinks can offer endless energy during exercise, sports, or just a typical day, many of these sports drinks are simply a blend of simple carbohydrate in the form of glucose, and complex carbohydrate in the form of maltodextrin. This resulted in an increased sugar level into bloodstream. And to respond to this, body is enforced to generate insulin and raise the acidity of blood pH levels. The excess of glucose is stored in fat cells, and the spike in blood sugar and insulin inhibit the discharge of fats. Simply, sports drinks decrease weight loss.

Most sports drinks contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and acesulfame K, and they have been associated with nausea, migraines, muscle weakness, fatigue, memory loss, and more. Also, acesulfame K has been shown to stimulate insulin response and thus decreasing the blood sugar level. So, don’t reach for high street sports drinks when you require an energy boost as they are more harmful than beneficial.

As an alternative:

To satiate thirst before, during and after a workout, drinking water is one of the best ways. It is recommended by experts to drink an additional two to three cups of water within two hours of finishing your workout. Then, you should keep drinking water regularly; as though you don’t feel thirsty it’s still quite probable to be dehydrated. Nowadays, natural sports drinks are also available in market that supports the body through physical activity and supply more energy.

Purple carrot is indigenous to North Africa and this exotic relative of the conventional carrot is a very interesting variety because of its high anthocyanin content which is responsible for the dark color of the root. The red pigments in plants, anthocyanins belong to the secondary plant products, the flavonoids or polyphenols. Flavonoids do have powerful antioxidant properties and epidemiologic research has signified that there is a possible relationship between the intake of flavonoids and resistance to cardiovascular disease. The tap-root of this vegetable is a rich source of many different nutrients and the chemical known as beta-carotene makes it an important food source in fighting several health problems. Particularly, purple carrots have more added benefits than orange carrot.

In the West, generations of people have grown up believing that carrots are always orange but as long ago as 2000 BC temple drawings from Egypt demonstrate a plant believed to be a purple carrot. Also, it identified in the garden of the Egyptian King Merodach-Baladan in the eighth century BC. After potato, carrot is a second most popular vegetable. Hopefully, the purple color of carrot will influence children to consume more vegetables while parents can rest guaranteed that there is nothing synthetic about the carrots. The nutrients present in raw carrots are destroyed one time they are cooked and so raw carrots health benefits are much higher than cooked ones.

Nutritional data of purple carrot:

• Carbohydrates
• Sugars
• Dietary fiber
• Fat
• Protein
• Vitamins
  • Vitamin A
  • Thiamine (Vit. B1)
  • Riboflavin (Vit. B2)
  • Niacin (Vit. B3)
  • Vitamin B6
  • Folate (Vit. B9)
  • Vitamin C
• Minerals
  • Calcium
  • Iron
  • Magnesium
  • Potassium
  • Sodium
  • Phosphorus

With above nutrients, it also contains anthrocyanins, pigments that are extremely effective antioxidants that destroy very harmful free radicals in the body and so much damage in bodies is prevented. These pigments also slow dangerous blood clots within the body and so safe guarding the heart further.

Health benefits of Purple Carrots:

Purple carrots have so many health benefits due to its nutritional facts. Cancer prevention and prevention of heart attacks are among the important health benefits of purple carrots.

Protection from Heart Diseases:

To prevent heart problems, the importance of carrot has been highlighted by doctors and research teams. Purple carrots are rich source of vitamin A which helps to boost the immune system. Also, it helps to prevent fat from clogging up arteries. People who have high risk of heart disease should be eating a serving of carrots every day. You will get extra benefits from carrots if you cooked them before eating.

Prevention of Cancer:

Carrots are good source of beta-carotenes and anticarinogens which have proven to decrease cancer risks. In purple carrots, the beta-carotenes are in fact double as compared to what you will find with other carrot varieties. They will even decrease the severity of an already found cancer or fight it by boosting the natural defense system of the body against cancers and blocking things like free radicals and other agents that might cause cancer. It is much simpler to prevent a cancer than to battle and the idea behind the intake of plenty of anticarcinogens is for prevention purposes. In fact, the carrot seed oil have anti-carcinogentic properties in curing cancers such as throat, mouth, stomach, liver, kidneys, lung and prostate.

The anti-cancer benefits of carrots are increased at least up to 25% if you boil the carrots without slicing them. Steaming or boiling carrots will also help to preserve the antioxidants in them and boost the beta-carotene levels. Free radicals are very dangerous for the body as they battle our DNA and cause cancer, heart disease, and an eye disorder called macular degeneration. Some studies have shown that the intake of carrot decreases colon cancer risk by 24%. Women who eat carrots are less prone to the development of breast cancer.

Prevention of Diabetes:

By inversely affecting insulin resistance, they help to reduce blood sugar levels. The carotenoids present in carrot are useful for the regulation of sugar levels in the blood.

Prevention of Strokes:

If carrots are included in the daily diet, the chances of a person suffering from strokes are reduced by 68%. Studies have shown that people who have high levels of beta carotenoids in the body have a greater chance of surviving strokes.

Reduces Macular Degeneration:

The beta-carotene content of carrots reduces the risk of macular degeneration by 40%. This disease affects the macula and is mostly found in elder or aging people.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect:

Along with antioxidants, the phytochemicals found in purple carrots have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and antimicrobial property and hence making them work to cleanse your system from the inside out. It provides anti-inflammatory effect by reducing allergic reactions and inflammation.

In weight loss:

Purple carrots have come a long way because they were originally acidic and bitter. Purple carrots are fat free, low in calories, high in fiber, loaded with vitamins and can fill you up. In fact, FDA has approved for growers to market carrots as having no fat, being low in saturated fat, high in Vitamin A, cholesterol free, low in sodium, and a great daily source of fiber. Thus, it helps in weight loss without any side effects. Consumption of one whole raw carrot provides enough Vitamin A for an entire day.

Other Health Benefits of Purple Carrots:

• They are great for outer beauty as they feed the body’s skin, hair and nails and contain a form of calcium that is more easily absorbed by our bodies.
• Also, they help in lowering high blood pressure as well as the level of cholesterol.
• The regular intake of carrots improves the quality of breast milk.
• In ancient times, the purple carrot was used as medicine to treat everything from dog bites to syphilis. The roots have been used to treat intestinal parasites, constipation, indigestion, and tonsil issues.
• Men supposed the carrot to be an aphrodisiac and used it to make women more pliable and men more passionate. Thus, it helps to overcome problems such as sexual dysfunction, and lower sexual drive.
• It also helps to overcome problems such as night blindness, long term cough, etc.
• Additionally, it also helps in strengthening the kidney.

It may be a little bit harder to find purple carrots than their orange cousins but their antioxidant power is value shopping around for. In the produce section of grocery store, you can look for rainbow packages of carrots. The United States has now caught on to how wonderful purple carrots are for them and so they may become easier to situate in stores. Daily drinking a glass of purple carrot juice in the morning may help to keep some fairly deadly conditions away.

The first ice cream soda recipe came in to existence accidently at the Philadelphia Exposition in October of 1874. After that, Robert M. Green invented the familiar ice cream soda. “Cream soda” was called as very well liked by soda fountain regulars, it became related with the first ice cream soda recipes. Plain soda water, flavored syrup, a small amount of cream or milk, and ice cream are the required ingredients for ice cream soda recipe.

Ice Cream Soda Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Whipped cream
• Maraschino cherry
• Half & Half
• Club soda or seltzer water (cold)
• 2 shots or pumps chocolate syrup or fruit-flavored syrup
• 2 scoops of vanilla or chocolate ice cream

Preparation:

• Add small amount of soda water and syrup in a tall glass 20 to 22 oz and stir well.
• Then, add 1 shot of half & half and mix lightly.
• Add 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream, (or chocolate if making a Chocolate Ice Cream Soda). Fill the glass with soda water leaving 1/2 inch from top.
• Finally, top it with a cherry, whipped cream and a long straw.

Strawberry Ice Cream Soda with Cream Soda:

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup cold cream soda
• Whipped cream
• Strawberry halves for garnish, if desired
• 1/4 cup frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed
• 3/4 cup strawberry ice cream (3 small scoops)

Preparation:

• Squash strawberries until well blended with the syrup.
• Mix together strawberry syrup, 1 small scoop (about 1/4 cup) of ice cream, and about 2 tablespoons of cream soda in the bottom of a tall glass (14 to 16 ounces).
• Then, add remaining 2 scoops of ice cream.
• Finally, fill glass with enough soda and top with whipped cream and a strawberry half if desired.

Orange Ice Cream Soda:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chilled cream soda
• 4 cups orange juice
• 4 scoops vanilla ice cream

Preparation:

• First divide 1 cup of orange juice into each of 4 glasses.
• Then, garnish with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Finally, fill it with 1/4 cup cream soda.

Variations in Ice Cream Sodas:

Bodacious Black and White Ice Cream Soda:

Add some Kahlua and some butterscotch schnapps.

• French vanilla ice cream
• Seltzer
• Chocolate syrup

Strawberry Soda Ice Cream Soda:

• Seltzer
• Vanilla or strawberry ice cream
• 1/4 cup strawberry syrup
• A splash of milk

Black and White Ice Cream Soda:

Add some instant coffee and make it a mocha ice cream soda.

• Vanilla ice cream
• Chocolate syrup
• Seltzer

Canary Island Special Ice Cream Soda:

• Chocolate ice cream
• Seltzer
• Vanilla syrup

Black Cow:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Root beer soda

Brown Cow:

• 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
• Vanilla ice cream
• Coca cola soda

Ice Cream recipes: How to Make Ice Cream Soda video from Youtube:

How to Make an Ice Cream Soda video from Youtube:

An apple crumble is a dish of British origin. It contains stewed fruit topped with a flaky mixture of fat, flour, and sugar. It is baked in an oven until the topping is crisp. It is often served with custard, cream or ice cream as a hearty, warm dessert after a meal. The dish was also popular due to its simplicity, as it allowed women more time to do other tasks. Blueberries can substitute for the apples, as the flavors will work well with blueberries also. Crisps can be made with any firm, sweet fruit, peaches, pears, apricots. But here are some interesting recipes of apple crisps.

Apple Crumble with Oatmeal Topping Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 apples
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 4 tablespoons splenda brown sugar blend
• 1/4 cup splenda
• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 1 tablespoon whole wheat flour

Method of preparation:

• First of all core and slice apples finely.
• After that sprinkle cinnamon, splenda, flour, brown sugar splenda and 2 tablespoons of applesauce over apples and mix.
• Then take a separate bowl.
• Mix together oats, cinnamon, applesauce and brown sugar splenda.
• Cover apple slices with oat mixture.
• Bake it for about 40 minutes at 350 degrees.
• Finally serve with vanilla frozen yogurt or light whipped cream.

Vegan Oatmeal and Apple Crumble:

Ingredients:

• 4 medium apples, peeled and chopped
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 3 tbsp lemon zest
• 3 – 4 tbsp water
• 1 1/2 cups oatmeal
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup melted margarine
• 1/4 tsp baking soda

Method of preparation:

• First of all pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Lightly grease a baking pan.
• After that in a large skillet, cook the apples with 3 tablespoons of sugar, the maple syrup and water over medium heat for a few minutes until the water is gone.
• Sprinkle it with lemon zest and set aside.
• Then mix 1/3 cup of sugar, baking soda, oatmeal and salt in a bowl.
• Add the melted margarine and stir to mix.
• Spread half of the oatmeal mixture to form a layer in the bottom of the baking pan.
• Add the cooked apples and the rest of the oatmeal mixture on top.
• Bake for 35 minutes.

Low-Fat Healthy Apple Crumble:

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, peeled, cored and sliced
• 1 cup bran flakes
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 3 tbsp apple juice
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp sweetener
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup raisins
• a handful of walnuts or pistachios, coarsely chopped

Method of preparation:

• First of all mix oats and milk in a mixing bowl.
• Then cover and let stand about 30 minutes.
• Add bran flakes and raisins, let stand 10 more minutes.
• Preheat oven to 190°C.
• After that, add sweetener, cinnamon, walnuts or pistachios.
• Arrange the sliced apples into a lightly greased baking pan.
• Pour the apple juice over the apples and cover with the prepared mixture.
• Bake about 15 – 20 minutes.

Health benefits of oatmeal:

• Oats are a good source of nutrients such as vitamin E, zinc, selenium, copper, iron, manganese and magnesium.
• It contains a soluble fiber known as betaglucan that helps to reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood stream.
• That fiber in oatmeal also helps with weight loss.
• Oatmeal helps to lower the risks of cancer.
• Oatmeal has plenty of vitamin B, which is important for the brain and nervous system to function properly.
• Regular consumption of oats helps keep bones strong and reduces the risk of osteoporosis as it is rich in calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.
• Oatmeal bath helps heal dry & flaky skin, eczema and other skin conditions. Skin rashes and insect bites are also healed with mashed oats. Oatmeal scrubs exfoliate your skin and are very beneficial to oily skin.
• A mixture of oats, milk and honey reduces stress in the morning and boosts concentration.

Health benefits of other ingredients:

• Apples being rich in fiber help in digestion. Regular consumption of it prevents constipation and stomach disorders.
• Apples are useful in treating anemia as it is rich in iron.
• Apples are known to remove weakness and add vigour and vitality of weak people.
• Apples help in cleaning teeth and gum. It reduces the incidence of cavities in teeth.
• Apple lowers the level of cholesterol and hence it is beneficial for the heart.
• Apples are believed to make the eyes strong and improve eye-sight. It also helps in treating night blindness.
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol.
• Cinnamon is beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.
• Cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.
• Cinnamon has an anti-clotting effect on the blood.
• Cinnamon powder mixed with one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month.
• When added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.
• Smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory.
• Cinnamon fights the E. coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices.
• Cinnamon is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium.

Sesame chicken is magnificent to eat, as it is sweet and salty, luscious but hard and crunchy yet loving. Usually this dish is made of thigh pieces of chicken that are deep fried and served with thick sauce along with rice and broccoli or such vegetable stems. Sesame seeds have been a tack in Chinese food. There is a strong faith in the nutritional value of these seeds among Chinese. Sesame seeds are said to be a great source of calcium, proteins and essential minerals. This dish is not perfect for weight watchers they need to calculate its nutritional value.

Nutrition Facts of Sesame chicken:

• Total Fat 9.0g
  • Saturated Fat 1.5g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat 3.5g
  • Monounsaturated Fat 3.0g
• Cholesterol 20mg
• Minerals
  • Sodium 650mg
  • Calcium 4%
  • Iron 6%
• Carbohydrates 49.0g
  • Dietary Fiber 2.0g
• Sugars 15.0g
• Protein 15.0g
• Vitamins
  • Vitamin A 40%
  • Vitamin C 4%

Total calories:

• Calories: 340
• Calories from fats:152

Calories of Sesame chicken:

One serving of sesame chicken has more than 450 calories. Assuming a daily diet of 2000 calories, sesame chicken provides 21 percent of the total calorie requirements for one day. Delicious sesame chicken is unhealthy for the weight watchers and those who are much worried about the health and fitness. They must try some other low calorie food items that have calories lower than the sesame chicken. The given sesame chicken nutrition values are for each piece of Chinese sesame chicken of 5 oz.

Calorie-Cutting Tips

Shake Salt:
Always use low-sodium soy sauce, two tablespoons of the regular kind contains almost a day worth of sodium.

Oil Change:
We swapped sesame oil for canola, which has less saturated fat and more heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Chop to It:
Wap your fork for chopsticks. You will eat more slowly, because it is harder to shovel in food.

The Perfect Cut:
Carrots and jicama offer fresh flavor and crisp texture. Use a mandoline to cut them into perfect matchsticks.

Health benefits:

• Sesame seed is a good source of Vitamin E therefore it can help to strengthen the heart and the nervous system.
• Sesame seeds are high in copper, manganese, iron and magnesium. These minerals provide multiple health benefits.
• Sesame seeds stimulate blood circulation and aid digestion.
• Half cup of sesame seeds contains 3 times more calcium than half cup of whole milk.
• Sesame seeds also contain fibers which help in cholesterol-lowering.

Seaweed salad is a traditional Asian dish and generally it is made up of wakame seaweed, united with rice vinegar, garlic, scallions, apple, cilantro, soy sauce, ginger, sesame seeds, sesame oil and sugar. Seaweed assists you to shed fat, while ginger helps to your digestive system and garlic provides benefits to your immune system. Before taking a look at the seaweed salad recipes, let us take a look at the health benefits of seaweed salads.

Health benefits of Seaweed salad:

Reduces Fat:

Seaweed is the main ingredient of seaweed salad, which has been proven to help you lose weight. According to a study published in the journal “Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communication” in 2005, seaweed works by decreasing fat accumulation. The study found that wakame seaweed, like all brown seaweeds, contains a compound called fucoxanthin. Fucoxanthin was the active compound in seaweed that reduced animals’ weights by up to 10 percent according to the study’s authors.

Aids in Digestion:

Ginger is the seaweed salad staple. It has been used in traditional Asian medicines to help with digestion and stomach issues. Ginger is used in holisitc remedies and has gained popularity in the mainstream largely because of its health benefits. Also, ginger is used to relieve mild upset stomach, and is given to patients who are nauseated or vomiting due to pregnancy or chemotherapy.

Reduces Chronic Disease Risk:

Another beneficial ingredient that present in seaweed salad is apple. Apples are rich source of healthy chemicals called phytochemicals. Phytochemicals in apples have many health benefits. They may decrease the risks of developing chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. The phytochemicals in apples have been found to act as strong antioxidants by eliminating dangerous free radicals from your body. They also act as cancer cell inhibitors by stopping the growth of cancer cells.

Boosts Immune System:

Garlic has long been used in traditional medicines to cure and prevent illness. Primarily, it helps with illnesses by regulating your immune system. It boosts your immune system by helping your body to remove dangerous free radicals and heavy-metal intoxication.

Other health benefits:

• Seaweeds can certainly help slow down the process of aging.
• Seaweed salads are believed as appetizers or healthy snacks.
• Kelp, wakame, arame, nori, lava and dulse are commonly used seaweeds to make Japanese salads and seaweeds are also added to soups, stews and other dishes.
• The main ingredient of a seaweed salad is usually wakame, which has plenty of calcium, iron, niacin, and thiamine.

Seaweed Salad Calories:

A typical serving size, 2 ounces, of seaweed salad has about 70 calories, 50 milligrams of calcium, 10 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fat, 1 gram of protein. Eaten in restraint, seaweed salad can be enjoyed without breaking the calorie bank. Here is a list of different seaweed salads and the respective seaweed salad calorie count.

• Japanese seaweed salad calories, (Hissho Sushi), 56 gm: 70 calories
• Calories in seaweed salad, wakame, 201.8 gm: 216 calories
• Calories in kale with seaweed sesame salad, 57 gm: 49 calories
• Calories in seaweed salad, Whole Foods, 1 serving, 1/4th pound: 35 calories
• Calories in seaweed salad, (Ukrop’s Hissho Sushi), 113 gm: 141 calories

Seaweed Salad Recipes:

Seaweed Salad Recipe 1:

Ingredients:

• Dried arame seaweed – 1/2 cup (soak seaweed in warm water to cover for 15 minutes – rinse, drain and chop)
• Fresh mushrooms – 1 cup diced
• Fresh ginger – 1 tsp grated
• red cabbage – 1 cup shredded
• Tamari or low sodium soy sauce – 2 tbsp
• Toasted sesame oil – 1 tbsp
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• carrots – 1 cup shredded

Method of preparation:

• Mix all the salad recipe ingredients (reserving the sesame seeds for garnish) in a large bowl and toss well to coat.
• Let the seaweed salad to marinate for at least an hour. So, the seaweed and the vegetables absorb the ginger, tamari and oil. This will provide the salad a nice deep flavor.

Seaweed Salad Recipe 2:

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 3/8 oz dried dried wakame
• 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon finely grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (without seasoning)

Method of preparation:

• Soak dried wakame in warm water for about 5-8 minutes. Then drain them and put in a bowl of water. Rapidly remove and thrust into cold water
• Combine vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, soy sauce, and ginger in a bowl until sugar is dissolved.
• Then mix wakame and dressing.
• Shake over with toasted sesame seeds and scallions.
• Before serving, chill in fridge.

Seaweed Salad Recipe 3:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 to taste red pepper flakes
• 1 ( 3/4 ounce) dried wakame seaweed (whole or cut)
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (not seasoned)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
• 1 teaspoon finely grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

Method of preparation:

• Soak seaweed in warm water for about 5 minutes with covering. Drain and wash then squeeze out excess of water from it.
• If wakame is uncut, then cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips.
• In a bowl, stir together vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, pepper flakes, ginger, and garlic until sugar is dissolved.
• Finally, add seaweed, scallions, carrots, and cilantro, tossing to combine well.
• At last, sprinkle the salad with sesame seeds.

Camel milk is slightly saltier than traditional milk and is well suited for the production of cheese. Many people around the world depend on camel milk though it is said to be an ‘acquired taste’. It contains antibodies which may help to fight against serious diseases like cancer, HIV/Aids, Alzheimer’s and hepatitis B. The individuals who are diabetic or lactose bigoted have completely no allergy to camel milk, so it is a great thing for those people. It provides an alternative for those allergic to cow milk. Camel milk does not need to be cooked until boiling like a cow or goat’s milk. Camel’s milk, which is rich in taste, must be taken slowly to allow the stomach to digest. It could be the ’super food’ of the future in the West, and generate much-needed income for developing countries.

Nutrition value of camel milk

• Lactose
• Lanolin
• Protein
• Calcium
• Carbohydrate
• Sugars, natural & added
• Fiber
• Ash
• Lactic acid
• Sp. Gravity
• Fat
• Cholesterol

Vitamins

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B2
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin C

Minerals

• Sodium
• Potassium
• Iron
• Phosphorus
• Magnesium

Nutritional fact of camel milk:

• Camel milk is low in lactose compared with cows’ milk. However, levels of potassium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, sodium and zinc are higher than in cows’ milk.
• Cholesterol in camel milk is lower than cow or goat milk.
• Camel milk is 3 times higher in vitamin C than cow’s milk and 10 times higher in iron.
• It is also high in unsaturated fatty acids and B vitamins but less in vitamin A and B2.
• The fat content in camel’s milk is similar to that of cow’s milk.
• Camel milk is rich potassium, iron and minerals such as sodium and magnesium.

Health benefits of camel milk:

‘Insulin’ of the future:
Camel milk has high concentration of insulin that has positive effect on the immunity. It does not thicken easily in an acidic environment. The anti-diabetic action of camel milk has been attributed to the camel’s choice grazing on natural vegetation in the desert, including salty herbs and plants, some medicinal plants like the neem. Some diabetics in Somalia and Kenya, who recognize the value of Camel milk are using Camel milk therapy to control their Diabetes.

Camel Milk based beauty products:
Camel milk is a natural source of Alpha-Hydroxy acids which are known to chubby the skin and smoothes fine lines. Camel Milk soap provides a most deluxe bath experience. Products from Camel milk are already hitting the shelves of shops such as soaps and yoghurts.

Other benefits:

• Camel milk is supposed a precautionary in ulcers.
• Regular intake of camel milk helps to control blood sugar levels.
• Camel milk helps in reducing coronary heart disease.
• Camel milk also benefits in infection, tuberculosis, gastro-enteritis, etcetera and cancer. Immunoglobulin is the substance in the camel milk that contributes to immunity against infection.
• Camel milk is also supposed to be a new Viagra.
• Camel´s milk cures severe food allergies and rehabilitates the immune system in children.
• Camel´s milk has a number of antibodies that are compatible with human ones and very small molecules that can easily enter the bloodstream by the intestines.

Catfish has no connective tissue; therefore it tender easily. Catfish may be baked, broiled, steamed, poached, or prepared in a number of other creative ways. Some catfish have an earthy flavor. To draw out this taste, soak skinned or filleted catfish in salted water in the refrigerator overnight. The key to cooking catfish is to preserve the delicate flavor of this fish. Catfish has a short cooking time and if cooked too long, it will dry out, shrink and lose its flavor. Catfish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.

Probably the most distinctive trait of catfish, with its absence of fishy odor or taste, is its versatility. It can be used in any recipe calling for a white flesh fish and is often used as a substitute for chicken. The following catfish recipes will help you to add variety to your meals.

Herbed Grilled Catfish

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 8 catfish fillets

Method of preparation:

• First of all combine all the 7 ingredients mentioned above and sprinkle evenly on both sides of the fish. After that, place it in a grill basket coated with cooking spray.
• Grill fillets over medium-high heat about 4 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily.
• At last garnish it with fresh oregano and thyme sprigs if desired.
• Serve immediately.

Sweet and Spicy Grilled Catfish Recipe

Ingredients:

• Ketchup 1/3cup
• Salt 1ts
• Brown Sugar 1tbsp
• Minced Garlic 2cloves
• Finely Chopped Fresh Basil 2tsp
• Red Wine Vinegar 4tbsp
• Horseradish 3tbsp
• Black Pepper 1/4tsp
• Catfish fillets (2-3)

Method of preparation:

• Take a shallow dish, place catfish in the dish.
• After that, take a bowl, mix together the sauce ingredients and then pour it over the catfish fillets.
• Then cover the bowl and keep it to marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 to 45 minutes.
• Now take out the fillets from the dish and then discard the marinade.
• Preheat the grill for the medium high heat.
• Now place the fillets on the grill and cook them for 10 to 12 minutes, turning the fillets once while cooking.
• When the fish gets cooked or easily flakes with fork then remove the fillets from the heat.
• And serve them.

Baked Blackened Catfish

Ingredients:

• 6-8 catfish fillets, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon crushed dried thyme leaves
• 2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup Italian salad dressing
• olive oil

Method of preparation:

• First of all preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Grease your baking dish lightly with olive oil.
• After that, rinse catfish fillets under running cold and then thoroughly pat dry with paper towels.
• Make your seasoning mixture by mixing lemon pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, black pepper, crushed dried thyme leaves, onion powder, salt and garlic powder in a small bowl.
• Then brush the melted butter lightly over one side of catfish fillets and sprinkle with blackened seasoning mix.
• Replicate the process for other side.
• Be sure too completely coat each fillet.
• Then heat iron cast skillet over medium-high heat very hot.
• Pour leftover butter into your skillet.
• Carefully place the catfish fillets into the skillet and cook for 2 minutes on both sides until slightly blackened.
• Remove it from skillet and arrange in lightly greased baking dish.
• Coat the top of each fillet with the Italian salad dressing.
• Bake for about 30 minutes until the fish easily flakes with a fork.
• Serve finished fillets over a bed of white steamed rice with your favorite salad and a baked potato.

Video of My Brother’s Crawfish Part 1: How to prepare Blackened Catfish from YouTube.

It is a German national dish consisting of hot pork sausage cut into slices and seasoned with curry sauce and generous amounts of curry powder, or a ready-made ketchup-based sauce seasoned with curry and other spices. It is usually served with French fries or bread rolls. Sometimes currywurst is sold in food booth with a machine that will slice and spice with sausage. It is also sold as a supermarket-shelf product to prepare at home.

Curry Sauce for Currywurst

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 2 Tablespoons finely minced onion
• 1 Tablespoon margarine or oil
• 1/2 to 1 tablespoon sweet Hungarian paprika
• 2-4 Tablespoons good quality curry powder
• 2 cups good quality ketchup

Method of preparation:

• First of all, sauté the onion in the oil until it is transparent.
• After that, add paprika and curry powder to onions and quickly sauté it just to bring out the flavor.
• Then add the ketchup and water.
• Boil uncovered until the sauce is thick.
• Taste and adjust seasonings if desired.
• Serve over Bratwurst with an extra sprinkling of curry powder.

German Sausage with Curry Catchup – Currywurst

Ingredients:

• 1/2 c. chopped onion
• 2 tsp. oil
• 1/2 cup chopped apple
• Water to thin tomato paste
• 1 clove garlic finely chopped
• 1 six-ounce can tomato paste
• 1/4 tsp. ground allspice
• 2 T. honey
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1 bay leaf
• 3-5 tsp. curry powder
• 1-2 tsp. freshly grated ginger
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Method of preparation:

• First of all, sauté the onion and apple in oil until onion is transparent.
• After that, add the garlic and cook stirring, for about 1 minute.
• Pour 1/2 cup water and deglaze the pan.
• Add honey, tomato paste and all the spices.
• Boil it for 1/2 hour or longer, adding water to reach desired consistency.
• Remove bay leaf and blend with an immersion blender for smooth sauce, or leave chunky if desired.
• Serve warm over your choice of sausage which has been grilled and sliced into one inch bites or scored on a diagonal and grilled and then sliced.

Currywurst

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon canola oil
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
• 1 shallot, peeled and minced
• 1 teaspoon sweet or hot paprika
• 2 tablespoon curry powder
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1/4 cup water
• 4 whole wheat hot dog buns
• 4 turkey sausages

Method of preparation:

• Heat the oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
• Then add the shallot and garlic and cook 1 to 2 minutes, until they begin to soften.
• Add the curry and the paprika, cook 1 minute more until fragrant.
• Add the tomatoes, ketchup and water.
• Bring to a slow simmer and cook 8 to 10 minutes until the tomatoes have softened and the sauce is thick.
• Cook the sausage according to package directions and toast the buns.
• Place one sausage i each bun and top with 1/4 of the sauce.
• Serve immediately.

Almond milk is a healthy and nutritious alternative to cow’s milk which has proven to be extremely beneficial for those who lactose intolerant. It is an extract of protein rich almonds and loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is a great for those who have lactose intolerance and those who are on a strictly vegan diet. Also, it has a pleasant almost neutral taste which makes it perfect for milkshakes. Commercially, almond milk is available in a variety of flavors like chocolate, vanilla and plain.

Nutrition Facts of Almond Milk:

• Almond milk is good source of magnesium. It can help to break down the food into energy. It can also help in the functioning of the parathyroid glands, which produce hormones that are known to be good for bone health.
• Also, almond milk is loaded with manganese, selenium and Vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects the cell membranes. Selenium is good for our immune system; it helps in reproduction, and in the metabolism of thyroid. It also prevents cell damage as well as tissue damage.
• It is packed with unsaturated fat, which means that it can reduce the risk of heart disease.
• As almonds are rich in protein, they help the body with growth and repair. It is also a great way to boost your daily carbohydrate intake. An ounce of this nut can provide the body with about 12% of its protein needs.
• Almond skins are a good source of flavonoids, which are good for cardiovascular health. They can protect your heart from various heart diseases.
• Manganese can activate the enzymes in the body. Manganese and phosphorous can keep teeth and bones healthy.
• Almonds are rich source of potassium which can help to improve heart function and to maintain normal blood pressure.
• Almonds milk does not contain cholesterol and saturated fats. It has high levels of vitamin E and unsaturated fats.
• Almond milk has zero fiber.
• 8 oz (237ml) of almond milk contains 70 calories, 2gm protein, 10gm carbohydrates and 2.5 gm fat: 2.5g

Almond Milk Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Raw almonds, 1½ cups
• Filtered water, 4 cups

Preparation:

For minimum six to eight hours, soak almonds in water. Then, drain the water and blend the almond with 4 cups of water until it reaches milk like consistency. After that, strain the mixture to remove almond skin and granules. You can store almond milk in an air-tight jar in the refrigerator for four to five days. If you want it to be sweeter, then you can blend it with a few soaked dates as well.

Benefits of Almond Milk:

Lactose Free:

One of the major health benefits of almond milk is that it is lactose free. Lactose is a type of sugar which is present in cow’s milk. When lactose intolerant patient drinks milk, it causes abdominal discomfort, bloating and diarrhea. If you suffer any of such symptoms after consuming milk products, almond milk can give you the chance to enjoy the taste of milk symptom free. Almond milk is an extract of almonds, a nut. As these nuts are plant derived and lactose free, they can be easily substituted everywhere where one might use cow’s milk which makes this one of the most important almond milk benefits.

Nutritionally Rich:

Almonds are rich source of protein, and full of vitamin E, magnesium, selenium, manganese, zinc, potassium, fiber, iron, phosphorus and calcium. Most commercial almond milk preparations are fortified with additional calcium. Almond skins are also a rich source of heart healthy flavonoids which help to protect the heart. Studies have shown that almond milk helps to lower LDL cholesterol and protect the heart against heart disease and cholesterol. Additionally, they are good source of vitamin E, ensure powerful antioxidants in the body. High levels of Antioxidants inhibit the growth of free radicals that are responsible for cancer. Low in calories and no cholesterol and saturated fats makes this nut milk beverage very healthy and good for those people who are trying to lose weight.

Homemade and Pure:

You can easily extract the milk at home without much effort. Also, you can store it without using preservatives and additives. It would be right to say that consuming almond milk means to consume health, 100 percent.

Antibiotic and growth hormone free:

People are increasingly worried about the injections of antibiotics and growth hormone that are given to cows to boost milk production. Studies have already been proved that these antibiotics and growth hormones lead to allergic reactions and toxic side effects, some as bad as certain types of cancers. In addition, antibiotic usage in milk cows contributes to the problem of antibiotic resistance which has become a worldwide problem. Growth hormone in the milk supply is considered to increase levels of IGF-1 in humans which can promote the growth of certain cancers. Almond milk is completely free of these harmful additives.

Low in Calories:

Almond milk is low in calories and carbohydrates. So, it is very advantageous for those trying to lose weight. According to Discovery Health, one serving of unsweetened almond milk has 40 calories and one glass of sweetened almond milk has 70 calories.

Side Effects of Almond Milk:

Almond milk has endless praises but few side effects are also there, including high amounts of sugar and the status as a goitrogenic food.

Thyroid:

Almond nuts are goitrogenic food, means they contain chemicals that can harm thyroid gland. Almonds can cause the thyroid to expand when consumed on a large level, and so cause goiters to form because one of the prevalent chemicals found in goitrogens blocks the intake of iodine. Though goitrogenic foods are harmful in large consumption but at the same time they are healthy and beneficial to the human immune system. Almond milk contains levels of goitrogenic toxins produced from almonds and so people who are at risk of low thyroid function should avoid consuming this. Daily drinking of moderate amount of almond milk will have no negative side effects to the thyroid for people who have healthy thyroid function.

For Babies:

It is trend in people to replace cow’s milk with soy milk in baby’s bottle. However, the replacement with almond milk is equally dangerous as it is not an adequate source of nutrition for a baby. The baby will suffer from malnutrition and likely develop health complications for life if either breast milk or formula is replaced with almond milk.

Sweetness:

Almond milk has higher percentage of sugar as compared to cow’s milk which is one of the most obvious disadvantages of it. Naturally, almond milk does not contain sugar but most manufacturers add sugar to it during processing to improve the taste. Most commercial almond milks contain about 20 grams of sugar per serving. Luckily, now unsweetened brands of almond milk are on the market which contain as little as 1 gram of carbohydrate per serving.

How to make almond milk video from Youtube: