CHOCOLATES
Are You A Chocoholic???
Alright, so you have just eaten your favorite bar of chocolate and are now suffering guilt pangs. Sounds familiar? Maybe you should read on and see if you feel better. Research has contributed to findings that suggest that chocolates may not be the guilty pleasure they are thought to be. Chocolates are derived from cocoa bean, the fruit of the cacao tree. It is true that chocolates are high in saturated fat (which is present in cocoa butter) and calories. However, there are findings that indicate that chocolates may have positive cardiovascular benefits. For years people have been encouraged to eat more vegetables and fruits, owing to the presence of antioxidants in them.
It is now believed that chocolates contain substances called "flavonoids", which are present in cocoa.These are antioxidants, as also found in red wine, fruits , tea etc , which help the blood vessels relax and prevent blood clots. Sounds good ? Wait before you reach out for more because it is too early to conclude that eating chocolates may ward off heart disease. Chocolates have also been lauded as a 'comfort food', contributing towards helping a person maintain a positive outlook. Consuming chocolate triggers off 'endorphins' in the body that psychologically make you feel good. Further, it is believed that cocoa powder, and to a lesser degree, dark chocolate and milk chocolate also contain antioxidants. It is therefore a good idea to head for dark chocolate, as it contains more antioxidants than milk chocolate, and also has less fat and sugar. Heart Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate: " BUT excess of intake injurious as welll... so keep that in mind!!!!
" SO KEEP A BALANCED WAY OF EATING AND KEEP UR HEART HAPPY"
Dark chocolate is good for your heart. A small bar of it everyday can help keep your heart and cardiovascular system running well. Two heart health benefits of dark chocolate are: Lower Blood Pressure: Studies have shown that consuming a small bar of dark chocolate everyday can reduce blood pressure in individuals with high blood pressure. Lower Cholesterol: Dark chocolate has also been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) by up to 10 percent.
Benefits of Dark Chocolate:
Chocolate also holds benefits apart from protecting your heart: it tastes good it stimulates endorphin production, which gives a feeling of pleasure it contains serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant it contains theobromine, caffeine and other substances which are stimulants Doesn't Chocolate Have a lot of Fat?: Here is some more good news -- some of the fats in chocolate do not impact your cholesterol. The fats in chocolate are 1/3 oleic acid, 1/3 stearic acid and 1/3 palmitic acid: Oleic Acid is a healthy monounsaturated fat that is also found in olive oil. Stearic Acid is a saturated fat but one which research is shows has a neutral effect on cholesterol. Palmitic Acid is also a saturated fat, one which raises cholesterol and heart disease risk. That means only 1/3 of the fat in dark chocolate is bad for you.
Chocolate Tip 1 - Balance the Calories: This information doesn't mean that you should eat a pound of chocolate a day. Chocolate is still a high-calorie, high-fat food. Most of the studies done used no more than 100 grams, or about 3.5 ounces, of dark chocolate a day to get the benefits. One bar of dark chocolate has around 400 calories. If you eat half a bar of chocolate a day, you must balance those 200 calories by eating less of something else. Cut out other sweets or snacks and replace them with chocolate to keep your total calories the same. Chocolate Tip 2 - Taste the Chocolate: Chocolate is a complex food with over 300 compounds and chemicals in each bite. To really enjoy and appreciate chocolate, take the time to taste it. Professional chocolate tasters have developed a system for tasting chocolate that include assessing the appearance, smell, feel and taste of each piece.
Chocolate Tip 3 - Go for Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate has far more antioxidants than milk or white chocolate. These other two chocolates cannot make any health claims. Dark chocolate has 65 percent or higher cocoa content.
Chocolate Tip 4 - Skip the Nougat: You should look for pure dark chocolate or dark chocolate with nuts, orange peel or other flavorings. Avoid anything with caramel, nougat or other fillings. These fillings are just adding sugar and fat which erase many of the benefits you get from eating the chocolate.
Chocolate Tip 5 - Avoid Milk: It may taste good but some research shows that washing your chocolate down with a glass of milk could prevent the antioxidants being absorbed or used by your body.
KESAR(saffron)
Kumkum or saffron has been hailed as a natural remedy for hyperpigmentation. But more than its beauty enhancing properties, saffron also called kesar is a harmless painkiller and analgesic. It gives quick relief from headache, abdominal discomfort and pain caused due to injuries. Kesar finds its use in Ayurveda, Unani and homeopathy, besides in traditional Indian cuisine. Though Kesar has a number of health benefits, it should be consumed in limited quantities. The daily intake in no case should exceed 5 grams, caution practitioners of natural medicine. Ayurveda and Unani doctors prescribe kesar tea as a general health tonic and for gynaecological problems. It is also used for increasing the power of vision, for treatment of fevers and hypertension. While buying kesar one should check its purity.
Kesar is used both internally and externally. Its external uses include dermatological applications for problems like blemishes, wounds, cuts and abrasions. Internally kesar is used for colouring food items, and as kesar milk and saffron tea. saffron or kesar or zafran is known as 'the Golden spice' and adds a unique flavor and aroma to food. From biryanis, kheer, lassi and traditional Indian desserts kesarhas been an integral part of the Indian cuisine. It is also believed to promote a glowing complexion and is used extensively in the cosmetic industry, especially face packs, lotions and fairness creams.
During pregnancy, you may find elders advising you to drink a glass of saffron milk every day to ensure a fair baby. This is a myth and there is there is no scientific evidence to support this belief. The complexion of your baby purely depends on genetics and not the kind of food you consume during pregnancy. If you or your husband, or anyone of your immediate family members is fair, then your baby may inherit a fair complexion. However, there is no harm in drinking saffron milk. You can start taking it at any time during pregnancy. Milk is an excellent source of proteins and calcium, and saffron is therapeutic in nature. It's an antispasmodic, so when taken during pregnancy, it may help relieve renal colic and stomach ache. Also it is believed to improve digestion and increase the appetite of a pregnant woman. Saffron is also known to controlblood pressure and mood swings during pregnancy.
However, as saffron induces body heat, experts recommend that you add just 1-2 strands in a glass of milk during pregnancy. It may be a uterine stimulant in high doses though it is safe in normal culinary use. As with any herb or spice remember moderation is the key. What is important you eat well and follow a balanced diet. If you have any questions or worries, talk to your doctor about it.part from its culinary use, saffron has numerous health benefits: It is used for the improvement of digestion and appetite. It is used for treating cough. It is found to be extremely beneficial for providing relief from gas and acidity related problems. Helps in curing Insomnia (a pinch of saffron taken with warm milk in the nite helps curing insomnia). It is used to cure spitting up of blood. It is a very popular answer to many skin problems, like dry skin, enhancing and lightening the skin tone etc. It is used for the treatment of kidney, bladder and liver disorders.
It helps in improving circulation to the organs of digestion. It helps in treating various disorders like asthma, atherosclerosis, painful menstrual periods and even depression. Saffron is considered as a blood purifier and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in relieving inflammation of arthritis also with providing relief from joint pains. Massaging the gums with saffron helps in reducing soreness and inflammation of the mouth and the tongue. It is recommend to use of saffron during pregnancy as the herb possess the property of raising the body temperature. Provides relief from low back pain. It is an antioxidant and has anti-cancerous properties. A number of people also believe that it is a potent aphrodisiac - that probably explains the kesar milk that is a part of the wedding night ritual. Saffron is also said to have anti-tumor properties. Saffron being a blood purifier helps in increasing the oxygen content of the blood thereby aiding in the overall health and well being of a person.
Kesar is just a lovely herb used for pimples, glowing skin, it just performs miracles in your face.It is also recommended for lung iseases and inigestion. It is not only used in skin but also in cooking in biriyani,sweets etc.It gives a lovely colour and aroma to the dish.
1.Saffron paste was used as a skin toner. It energizes dermal blood vessels, which helps in healthy, soft and glowing skin growth.
2.There are many saffron based creams to apply on skin .you just wash your skin and apply it on your skin ,you can even apply your aily make up on it.it just glows.you can use those daily morning and evening .
3.Effective for pimples and a Skin cleanser For fair complexion: Blend a few strands of saffron in a cup of raw milk and let it soak overnight. Apply on to your skin the next morning and leave it for at least an hour.
4.Its decotion is a very good eye cooling cleanser and washer. When pregnant women drinks the milk child gets a glowing skin.
my opinion:- "my personal experiment... yup it works but not just in one day.. giv some time be patient" Drinking it with milk also gives you a glowing skin and has given also sure......:D
"HOPE THIS REALLY MADE U HAPPY..... SO KEEP EATING BE HAPPY...... BUT MAINTAIN A BALANCED DIET.....EXCESS OF ANYTHING IS INJURIOUS FOR HEALTH"
Are You A Chocoholic???
Alright, so you have just eaten your favorite bar of chocolate and are now suffering guilt pangs. Sounds familiar? Maybe you should read on and see if you feel better. Research has contributed to findings that suggest that chocolates may not be the guilty pleasure they are thought to be. Chocolates are derived from cocoa bean, the fruit of the cacao tree. It is true that chocolates are high in saturated fat (which is present in cocoa butter) and calories. However, there are findings that indicate that chocolates may have positive cardiovascular benefits. For years people have been encouraged to eat more vegetables and fruits, owing to the presence of antioxidants in them.
It is now believed that chocolates contain substances called "flavonoids", which are present in cocoa.These are antioxidants, as also found in red wine, fruits , tea etc , which help the blood vessels relax and prevent blood clots. Sounds good ? Wait before you reach out for more because it is too early to conclude that eating chocolates may ward off heart disease. Chocolates have also been lauded as a 'comfort food', contributing towards helping a person maintain a positive outlook. Consuming chocolate triggers off 'endorphins' in the body that psychologically make you feel good. Further, it is believed that cocoa powder, and to a lesser degree, dark chocolate and milk chocolate also contain antioxidants. It is therefore a good idea to head for dark chocolate, as it contains more antioxidants than milk chocolate, and also has less fat and sugar. Heart Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate: " BUT excess of intake injurious as welll... so keep that in mind!!!!
" SO KEEP A BALANCED WAY OF EATING AND KEEP UR HEART HAPPY"
Dark chocolate is good for your heart. A small bar of it everyday can help keep your heart and cardiovascular system running well. Two heart health benefits of dark chocolate are: Lower Blood Pressure: Studies have shown that consuming a small bar of dark chocolate everyday can reduce blood pressure in individuals with high blood pressure. Lower Cholesterol: Dark chocolate has also been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) by up to 10 percent.
Benefits of Dark Chocolate:
Chocolate also holds benefits apart from protecting your heart: it tastes good it stimulates endorphin production, which gives a feeling of pleasure it contains serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant it contains theobromine, caffeine and other substances which are stimulants Doesn't Chocolate Have a lot of Fat?: Here is some more good news -- some of the fats in chocolate do not impact your cholesterol. The fats in chocolate are 1/3 oleic acid, 1/3 stearic acid and 1/3 palmitic acid: Oleic Acid is a healthy monounsaturated fat that is also found in olive oil. Stearic Acid is a saturated fat but one which research is shows has a neutral effect on cholesterol. Palmitic Acid is also a saturated fat, one which raises cholesterol and heart disease risk. That means only 1/3 of the fat in dark chocolate is bad for you.
Chocolate Tip 1 - Balance the Calories: This information doesn't mean that you should eat a pound of chocolate a day. Chocolate is still a high-calorie, high-fat food. Most of the studies done used no more than 100 grams, or about 3.5 ounces, of dark chocolate a day to get the benefits. One bar of dark chocolate has around 400 calories. If you eat half a bar of chocolate a day, you must balance those 200 calories by eating less of something else. Cut out other sweets or snacks and replace them with chocolate to keep your total calories the same. Chocolate Tip 2 - Taste the Chocolate: Chocolate is a complex food with over 300 compounds and chemicals in each bite. To really enjoy and appreciate chocolate, take the time to taste it. Professional chocolate tasters have developed a system for tasting chocolate that include assessing the appearance, smell, feel and taste of each piece.
Chocolate Tip 3 - Go for Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate has far more antioxidants than milk or white chocolate. These other two chocolates cannot make any health claims. Dark chocolate has 65 percent or higher cocoa content.
Chocolate Tip 4 - Skip the Nougat: You should look for pure dark chocolate or dark chocolate with nuts, orange peel or other flavorings. Avoid anything with caramel, nougat or other fillings. These fillings are just adding sugar and fat which erase many of the benefits you get from eating the chocolate.
Chocolate Tip 5 - Avoid Milk: It may taste good but some research shows that washing your chocolate down with a glass of milk could prevent the antioxidants being absorbed or used by your body.
KESAR(saffron)
Kumkum or saffron has been hailed as a natural remedy for hyperpigmentation. But more than its beauty enhancing properties, saffron also called kesar is a harmless painkiller and analgesic. It gives quick relief from headache, abdominal discomfort and pain caused due to injuries. Kesar finds its use in Ayurveda, Unani and homeopathy, besides in traditional Indian cuisine. Though Kesar has a number of health benefits, it should be consumed in limited quantities. The daily intake in no case should exceed 5 grams, caution practitioners of natural medicine. Ayurveda and Unani doctors prescribe kesar tea as a general health tonic and for gynaecological problems. It is also used for increasing the power of vision, for treatment of fevers and hypertension. While buying kesar one should check its purity.
Kesar is used both internally and externally. Its external uses include dermatological applications for problems like blemishes, wounds, cuts and abrasions. Internally kesar is used for colouring food items, and as kesar milk and saffron tea. saffron or kesar or zafran is known as 'the Golden spice' and adds a unique flavor and aroma to food. From biryanis, kheer, lassi and traditional Indian desserts kesarhas been an integral part of the Indian cuisine. It is also believed to promote a glowing complexion and is used extensively in the cosmetic industry, especially face packs, lotions and fairness creams.
During pregnancy, you may find elders advising you to drink a glass of saffron milk every day to ensure a fair baby. This is a myth and there is there is no scientific evidence to support this belief. The complexion of your baby purely depends on genetics and not the kind of food you consume during pregnancy. If you or your husband, or anyone of your immediate family members is fair, then your baby may inherit a fair complexion. However, there is no harm in drinking saffron milk. You can start taking it at any time during pregnancy. Milk is an excellent source of proteins and calcium, and saffron is therapeutic in nature. It's an antispasmodic, so when taken during pregnancy, it may help relieve renal colic and stomach ache. Also it is believed to improve digestion and increase the appetite of a pregnant woman. Saffron is also known to controlblood pressure and mood swings during pregnancy.
However, as saffron induces body heat, experts recommend that you add just 1-2 strands in a glass of milk during pregnancy. It may be a uterine stimulant in high doses though it is safe in normal culinary use. As with any herb or spice remember moderation is the key. What is important you eat well and follow a balanced diet. If you have any questions or worries, talk to your doctor about it.part from its culinary use, saffron has numerous health benefits: It is used for the improvement of digestion and appetite. It is used for treating cough. It is found to be extremely beneficial for providing relief from gas and acidity related problems. Helps in curing Insomnia (a pinch of saffron taken with warm milk in the nite helps curing insomnia). It is used to cure spitting up of blood. It is a very popular answer to many skin problems, like dry skin, enhancing and lightening the skin tone etc. It is used for the treatment of kidney, bladder and liver disorders.
It helps in improving circulation to the organs of digestion. It helps in treating various disorders like asthma, atherosclerosis, painful menstrual periods and even depression. Saffron is considered as a blood purifier and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in relieving inflammation of arthritis also with providing relief from joint pains. Massaging the gums with saffron helps in reducing soreness and inflammation of the mouth and the tongue. It is recommend to use of saffron during pregnancy as the herb possess the property of raising the body temperature. Provides relief from low back pain. It is an antioxidant and has anti-cancerous properties. A number of people also believe that it is a potent aphrodisiac - that probably explains the kesar milk that is a part of the wedding night ritual. Saffron is also said to have anti-tumor properties. Saffron being a blood purifier helps in increasing the oxygen content of the blood thereby aiding in the overall health and well being of a person.
Kesar is just a lovely herb used for pimples, glowing skin, it just performs miracles in your face.It is also recommended for lung iseases and inigestion. It is not only used in skin but also in cooking in biriyani,sweets etc.It gives a lovely colour and aroma to the dish.
1.Saffron paste was used as a skin toner. It energizes dermal blood vessels, which helps in healthy, soft and glowing skin growth.
2.There are many saffron based creams to apply on skin .you just wash your skin and apply it on your skin ,you can even apply your aily make up on it.it just glows.you can use those daily morning and evening .
3.Effective for pimples and a Skin cleanser For fair complexion: Blend a few strands of saffron in a cup of raw milk and let it soak overnight. Apply on to your skin the next morning and leave it for at least an hour.
4.Its decotion is a very good eye cooling cleanser and washer. When pregnant women drinks the milk child gets a glowing skin.
my opinion:- "my personal experiment... yup it works but not just in one day.. giv some time be patient" Drinking it with milk also gives you a glowing skin and has given also sure......:D
"HOPE THIS REALLY MADE U HAPPY..... SO KEEP EATING BE HAPPY...... BUT MAINTAIN A BALANCED DIET.....EXCESS OF ANYTHING IS INJURIOUS FOR HEALTH"
Chocolates and saffron are both renowned for their distinct flavors and have been enjoyed for centuries. Apart from their delectable taste, they also offer several health benefits. Here are some of the benefits associated with chocolates and saffron:Benefits of Saffron Milk
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