Food Keeps you Fit

 Magnesium: An Essential Mineral for a Healthy Body Magnesium might not always make headlines, but it plays a vital role in keeping your body functioning smoothly. From supporting heart health to helping with muscle movement and energy production, this mineral is a quiet powerhouse. Health Benefits of Magnesium: Magnesium is involved in more than 300 enzymatic processes in the body. Here are some of its major benefits: Supports Muscle and Nerve Health:  It helps control muscle contractions and nerve signals, reducing cramps and spasms. Promotes Strong Bones:  Works with calcium and vitamin D to support bone strength and structure. Protects Heart Health:  Helps regulate blood pressure and maintain a healthy heartbeat. Boosts Energy:  Plays a key role in converting food into usable energy. Reduces Inflammation:  May help lower chronic inflammation, which contributes to many diseases. Improves Sleep and Mood: Encourages better sleep and may reduce stress and a...

The Nutritional Value of Walnuts Walnuts, often referred to as "brain food," have been enjoyed for centuries for their rich flavor and impressive nutritional profile. These heart-shaped nuts are not only a delicious addition to various dishes but also offer a wide range of health benefits. In this blog, we'll explore the nutritional value of walnuts, their numerous advantages for your well-being, and creative ways to incorporate them into your diet. Nutritional Composition 1. Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids:  Walnuts are a unique source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid. These healthy fats support brain health, reduce inflammation, and promote cardiovascular well-being. 2. Protein Powerhouse: Walnuts contain approximately 15% protein, making them a valuable plant-based protein source for vegetarians and vegans. 3. Fiber-Rich:  A 1-ounce (28g) serving of walnuts provides about 2 grams of dietary fiber. Fiber aids digestion, helps maintain a healthy...

The Essential Guide to Vitamin B2 Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is one of the essential B vitamins that play a crucial role in maintaining good health. It's water-soluble, which means your body doesn't store it, so you need a regular intake of this vitamin through your diet or supplements. In this blog, we'll explore the uses, food sources, and potential deficiencies of vitamin B2. Vitamin B2 Uses: 1. Energy Production:  One of the primary roles of vitamin B2 is to help your body convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from food into energy. This is essential for overall vitality and stamina. 2. Cell Growth and Repair:  Riboflavin plays a key role in supporting the growth and repair of tissues, including skin, eyes, and nerve cells. It's particularly important during periods of rapid growth, such as childhood and pregnancy. 3. Antioxidant Defense:  Vitamin B2 is a component of two coenzymes, flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). Th...

 Vitamin B1 Vitamins are essential for our overall well-being, and one such vital nutrient is Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine. While it may not receive as much attention as some other vitamins, its role in our body is indispensable. In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of Vitamin B1, the symptoms of deficiency, and discover a variety of food sources to ensure an adequate intake of this essential nutrient. The Benefits of Vitamin B1: 1. Energy Metabolism: Vitamin B1 is a key player in energy production. It helps convert carbohydrates into glucose, which is the primary fuel for our body. By supporting the metabolism of macronutrients, thiamine ensures that we have sufficient energy for our daily activities. 2. Nervous System Health: Thiamine plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy nervous system. It supports the transmission of nerve impulses, helping to ensure proper brain function. Adequate levels of Vitamin B1 contribute to enhanced cognitive abilities, improved memory,...

  Nutritional Facts of Olives  Olives are small fruits that grow on olive trees . They belong to a group of fruit called drupes, or stone fruits, and are related to mangoes, cherries, peaches, almonds, and pistachios. Olives, with their rich and distinct flavor, have been a staple in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. These small fruits are not only delicious but also pack a nutritional punch. From healthy fats to antioxidant properties, olives offer a range of health benefits that make them a valuable addition to any diet.  Nutritional Values of Olives Olives are a nutrient-dense food, offering an array of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial compounds. While the exact nutritional profile may vary depending on the type and preparation of olives, here are some key components typically found in a serving of olives (about 100 grams): Nutrient                              Amount ----------------------...

  Vitamin A An essential nutrient that plays a vital role in our well-being is vitamin A. This fat-soluble vitamin is essential for maintaining good vision, supporting a healthy immune system, and promoting the growth and development of various organs in our bodies. However, inadequate intake of vitamin A can lead to a deficiency, which can have severe consequences for our health.  Vitamin A is a micronutrient that exists in two primary forms: retinoids and carotenoids. Retinoids, such as retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid, are found in animal products, while carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, are found in plant-based foods. Once consumed, these forms of vitamin A are converted into an active form called retinol, which is then utilized by the body. Consequences of Vitamin A Deficiency: Vitamin A deficiency is a significant public health issue worldwide, particularly in developing countries where access to a diverse diet is limited. The consequences of vitamin A deficiency ca...

Greek Lemon-Drop Soup  (Avgolemono)  Greek lemon drop soup is not an ordinary chicken rice soup. There is just something special, and extra luxurious, about Greek lemon drop soup. It's a decidedly rich, comforting chicken soup with a silky broth that's heavily scented with lemon. Delicious! Servings: 6 Total Time: 30min. Ingredients: 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth.  3/4 cup long-grain rice. 3 chicken breast halves, skinless, cooked and shredded. 2 eggs. 1/3 cup lemon juice .  Lemon slices, for garnish Directions: 1. In a large saucepan, bring chicken broth and rice to a boil. Reduce heat,cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Add chicken and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.  2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and lemon juice. Slowly add in 1 cup of hot soup broth, whisking continuously. Add warm egg mixture to soup pot and mix to combine.  3. Serve with a slice of lemon. Nutritional Information  (per serving) Calories: 315 Sodium: 180...

 Almonds  Almonds are among the world’s most popular tree nuts. Almonds are nutrient powerhouses. They are highly nutritious and rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Almonds can be consumed whole, chopped, sliced, or ground into almond flour or almond butter. They can even be made into almond milk. Almonds boast an impressive nutrient profile. 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of almonds contains Fiber: 3.5 grams Protein: 6 grams Fat: 14 grams (9 of which are monounsaturated) Vitamin E: 37% of the RDI Manganese: 32% of the RDI Magnesium: 20% of the RDI (RDI is Recommended Dietary Intake) They also contain a decent amount of copper,vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and phosphorus. This is all from a small handful, which supplies only 161 calories and 2.5 grams of digestible carbohydrates. It is important to note that your body does not absorb 10–15% of their calories because some of the fat is inaccessible to digestive enzymes . Almonds are also high in Phytic acid, a subst...

 False Ideas about Foods and Nutrition A false or  Wrong ideas about effect of food on health may be spread deliberately by those, who wish to promote their products. Food fallacies exist because of ignorance of basic scientific information about the subject. Food quacks exploit this ignorance to sell their products. In each region, people have a number of beliefs. These are passed on unquestioned from one generation to the next. It may be wise to consider those in the light of scientific knowledge. Some may have a sound basis, others not. Some Misconceptions about Carbohydrate in the Diet Potatoes are fattening. No particular food is fattening or otherwise. All energy intake in excess of the body's need is stored as fat. Potatoes provide about a kilocalorie per gram, about the same as cooked rice. It is the oil, used in seasoning or frying that contributes to the extra calories of the potato recipes.  Honey is said to contribute significant amounts of minerals and vitami...

 APPLE The apple is a pome, a round fruit that consists of firm, juicy flesh covered by a thin, tough, edible skin and surrounding a cartilaginous, seeded core. The skin color of apples can range from dark green to yellow to bright red, or some combination of these colors. Apples that are just ripe are crisp and juicy, whereas those that are overripe attain an aromatic flavor and a slightly mealy texture. Family Rosaceae Scientific name Malus pumila Malus veris, Pyrus malu Common name apple. Good source of pectin, a soluble fiber that helps reduce blood cholesterol A good source of vitamin C VARIETIES Thousands of varieties of apples are grown worldwide. As a result, apples are avail able in a seemingly endless array of colors. crispness, texture, size, sweetness, and aroma. Some of the more popular varieties in the U.S. marketplace are the Red and Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, Gala, and Rome Beauty ORIGIN & BOTANICAL FACTS The apple is native to Asia and easter Europe....

 Energy Sources Carbohydrates Dietary carbohydrates (e.g., starches, sugars) provide the body's primary and preferred source of fuel for energy. They also maintain the body's backup store of quick energy as glycogen . Human energy is measured in heat units called kilocalories, which is abbreviated as kcalories or kcal . Each gram of carbohydrate consumed yields 4 kcal of body energy. In a well balanced diet, carbohydrates from all sources should provide approximately 45% to 65% of the total kilocalories. Fats Dietary fats from both animal and plant sources provide the body's secondary or storage form of energy. This form is more concentrated, yielding 9 kcal for each gram consumed. In a well balanced diet, fats should provide no more than 20% to 35% of the total kilocalories. Approximately two thirds of this amount should be from plant sources, which provide monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, and no more than 10% of kcals should come from saturated fat. Proteins Idea...

 Gaining, or Losing, 1 Pound  Gaining  or losing weight is not an easy job. You have to be serious about your requirements either losing or gaining. Its all  depsends upon your will power  and seriousness about gaining or losing.  There is no one day formula to gain or lose weight. If someone try .It takes time. LosIng weight is a slower process than gaining . One pound of body fat equals about 3,500 calories, so losing 1 pound requires a 3,500-calorie deficit. The opposite is true for weight gain. The following describes how an average person might gain or lose weight.  To gain 1 pound: If you added 250 calories from an extra sandwich, salad, or a bag of chips to your normal eating plan daily—without changing your activity level—how long might it take to gain 1 pound? 3,500 calories = 1 pound of body fat 3,500 calories ÷ 250 calories per day =  14 days, or 2 weeks  To lose 1 pound:  If you burned 100 extra calories by walking about 30 m...

  Body Mass Index  Although the terms overweight and obesity are used interchangeably and are used to classify the same thing, which indicates different things. The main factors contributing to weight gain are water weight, muscle tissue mass, bone tissue mass, and fat tissue mass. Being overweight means being overweight than people of a certain height and this can be the result of weight of water, weight of muscle, or weight of fat. Obesity refers specifically to having more body fat. Generally, people who are overweight have more body fat than they need and therefore being overweight is a sign of obesity. Does not measure fat. There is no difference in the BMI weight range for adults  The "ideal" healthy body weight for a particular person depends on many things, such as frame size, sex, muscle volume, bone density, age and height.  To standardize "ideal" body weight and relate it to health, scientists have devised mathematical formulas to better explain healthy w...

Importance of Nutrients The nutrients we get from the food we eat will affect the size and shape of our body. The use of nutrients to build tissues and supply energy at various stages of life will be different The human body consists of different types of nutrients. For example, a person who weighs 50 kg consists of 31 kilograms of water, 9 kg of protein, 7. kg of fat and 3 kg of minerals. Therefore, besides water, the most important building nutrient is protein. Fat is also important to build cells and energy stores. Some minerals are important, for example calcium, which is necessary to build bones and teeth, and iron which helps to build hemoglobin in the blood. The  body use nutrient to  build the body, produce fluids and repair tissues; for example, proteins such as meat, eggs, fish, milk.It produce energy so that the body can keep alive and warm and so it can move and grow; for example, carbohydrates such as "teff, bread, sugar and pasta. It protect the body from disease...