Delicious Food 23

Consuming Raisin Regularly Prevent Hypertension

2012-04-27T05:08:00.001-07:00

Consuming a handful of raisins three times a day on a regular basis is believed to help preventing and reducing hypertension. Thereby, the main risk of heart disease can be suppressed.

The conclusion was obtained from the studies presented in United States major cardiology conference.

This clinical trials conducted at random, to be believed as the first official measurement of the raisins benefits on blood pressure, involving 46 people with a condition known as pre-hypertension. Their blood pressure ranged from 120/80 mmHg to 139/89 mmHg, or higher than normal blood pressure.

Compared with people who are snacking on cakes or biscuits, raisins group showed decrease in their blood pressure, seven percent over the 12 week study.

The researchers are not so sure why raisins showed this promising result. But they suspect it's related to high levels of potassium in the shrinking dry grapes .

"Raisins are filled with potassium, which is good in lowering blood pressure," said lead researcher Harold Bays, Medical Director, Louisville Metabolic and Atherosclerosis Research Center.

"Raisins are also a good source of fiber and anti-oxidant that may change biochemistry of blood vessels, changing them not too stiff. In turn, it can reduce blood pressure," says Bays was quoted as saying by AFP.

A handful of raisins, a total of 60 grains, contains one gram of fiber and 212 milligrams of potassium. Raisin is often recommended as part of a low-fat diet and rich in fiber, in order to reduce blood pressure.

Delicious Foods without Fat

2012-03-05T20:27:00.003-08:00

Delicious food usually donate a lot of fat to our body. But there are also tips for making a tasty dish but still healthy.

Usually the topping of ice cream is milk or chocolate. But you can actually replace it with a variety of fruit such as strawberries, pineapple, or your another favorite fruits.

When grilling, usually butter or cooking oil will become a choice for smearing on meat or fish. For a healthier option, you can replace it with applesauce, mashed bananas, or pureed pears.

Salad is a healthy diet because it contains lots of vegetables rich in vitamins. But it's often found the use of unhealthy sauces. For that, you can replace it with lemon juice or fresh orange juice.

Soup is one of the favorite food when the rainy/winter season arrives. However, the thick cream commonly found in soup contribute also fat. Well, to replace that fatty soup, you can make vegetable soup. Don't forget to add the potato to get the creamy texture in your soup.

Recipe: Cheese Chicken Steak

2012-03-05T04:36:00.002-08:00

This classic European chicken steak will always have its own fans. Bread crumbs layer on the outside is crunchy & crispy. But the inside are soft tasty chicken breast with melted cheese and a delicious fragrance of smoked beef. Hmmm .. yummy!

Ingredients:
2 pieces of chicken breast without skin and bones
2 pieces of smoked beef
2 pieces of mozzarella cheese
2 eggs, beaten
50 g of flour
50 g of bread crumbs
Salt and pepper

Complement:
100 g of French Fries

Directions:

Butterfly the chicken breasts. (You can watch this "how to" youtube video from Taste of Home Magazine)
Wrap those chicken breasts in plastic and then use meat mallet to flatten them.
Insert 2 pieces of smoke beef and a piece of cheese in the middle of chicken breast.
Dredge the chicken breast in flour, then dip in beaten egg and coat with bread crumbs until blended.
Fry in hot oil over medium heat until golden brown.
Remove from the heat and drain. Serve with French fries.

note: this recipe is for 2 people.

Recipe: Fruit Pudding

2012-03-01T08:47:00.001-08:00

For the sake of easiness, the ingredients will be divided to ingredients A and ingredients B.

Ingredients A:
1 pack of red jello
1 can of canned lychee, drained it but do not dispose its juice
200 ml of water
150 gr of sugar
1 teaspoon of Vanilla powder

Ingredients B:
2 packs of white jello
600 ml of whole milk
150 gr of sugar
2 tablespoons of strawberry jam
100 gr of green apple
100 g of papaya
1 piece of banana
1 tablespoon of lime juice

Directions:

Prepare ring pan - volume 2 liters , then wet the pan with water.
Ingredients A: Mix red jello, lychee juice, water, sugar, and vanilla powder, then stir it until boiling and remove from heat.
Arrange lychee on ring pan and then slowly pour Ingridients A on it and let stand until it's hardened.
Ingredients B: mash apple, papaya and banana, add lemon juice and stir well. Mix white jello with whole milk and strawberry jam, stir it until boiling, add the mashed fruit and then stir well, after that pour Ingredients B into the ring pan, let it cool and store in refrigerator.
Fruit pudding is ready to served in cold

Recipe: Nasi Goreng Seafood

2012-03-01T04:21:00.004-08:00

"Considered Indonesia’s national dish, this take on Asian fried rice is often made with sweet, thick soy sauce called kecap (pronounced ketchup) and garnished with acar, pickled cucumber and carrots." www.cnngo.com

Alright, this time we're gonna share you the 2nd of World's Most Delicious Food. Nasi Goreng Seafood (literally Seafood Fried Rice)

Ingredients:
500 grams of white rice
200 grams shrimp, peeled, tail set aside
100 grams snapper fillets, cut into pieces
60 grams of squid, cut into pieces
100 grams of pineapple, cut into pieces
50 grams of peas

Seasonings:
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 spring onions, chopped
2 cm ginger, chopped
1 teaspoon soy sauce (kethcup)
1 teaspoon pepper powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon flavoring, if desired
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Cooking oil

Directions:

Heat cooking oil and sesame oil, and then saute garlic, onions, ginger until fragrant.
Add the shrimp, snapper, squid. Stir.
Add white rice, soy sauce, pepper powder, salt. Mix well and cook until the flavors to infuse.
Add pineapple, peas. Cook briefly, stirring until blended and well cooked.
Seafood fried rice ready to serve.

Pomegranate for Heart, Bone, Fresh Mouth and Strong Teeth

2012-02-14T18:08:00.000-08:00

Currently, pomegranate is quite popular. We can eat it directly or made juice of pomegranate. Because of its high vitamins and antioxidants, this sour but fresh fruit is able to counteract diseases.

Pomegranate (Punica Granatum) has round shape almost as big as oranges. It's tree can reach up to 5-8 m high. People of South China and Southeast Asia often plant it in the yard as an ornamental plant. Besides it tastes good, pomegranate also has tremendous benefits for health.

Pomegranates are rich in polyphenols antioxidant (annins and anthocyanins), vitamin C, vitamin B5, potassium and fiber. Recent research suggests that, drinking pomegranate juice every day may lower cholesterol levels, and increasing blood flow to the heart. Pomegranate juice is also effective for maintaining stable cardiac performance and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Here are some great benefits of pomegranates for health:

Heart
Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants that are good for lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Pomegranate also maintain the arteries, in order not to be blocked by "plaque", which can lead to stroke risk.

Erectile Dysfunction
Drinking pomegranate juice for three months on a regular basis can prevent erectile dysfunction of men.

Tooth
Pomegranate fruit has antibacterial subtances which are good for "cleaning" the mouth cavity, preventing plaque on teeth and bad breath. Just gargling with pomegranate juice regularly, and we will have fresh breath and strong teeth.

Bone
Pomegranate has good subtances for reducing bone inflammation and preventing bone loss. therefore regularly eating pomegranates is good for preventing osteoporosis.

Cancer
Researchers believe that eating fresh pomegranate or pomegranate juice will prevent and treat lung, prostate, skin and breast cancer.

Alzheimer's
Antioxidants in pomegranates can prevent Alzheimer's disease. For the pregnant woman, eating pomegranates or pomegranate juice can protect the fetal brain from damage.

And try to eat fresh pomegranates. If you have to buy pomegranate juice, make sure it's made of 100% of pomegranate, in order to get maximum benefit of this fruit.

Tips to Make Delicious Broth

2012-02-09T07:19:00.000-08:00

If you thought making the broth is easy before; boiling bones or meat into the water, then finish. Apparently, it's not as simple as that! Many people doing the wrong way when boiling bones or meat, so that the broth doesn't have a good quality. So if you don't want that to happen, try to follow these cooking tips.

To make delicious broth can never be instant, time spent for cooking broth is 1-2 hours.
If the broth looks dirty (because of some residual blood, fat, etc.), discard the broth, wash the meat/bone immediately. Then re-boil meat/bones in fresh water over medium heat. Once boiling, immediately turn off the heat, discard the water. Prepare a hot water again, put the meat / bone in the hot water and cook over low heat to make a good broth.
Never use high heat to make broth, because the marrow and blood will be separated from the rest of the bone (if the broth is made from cow/chicken bone). As a result, the broth will become muddy and fishy, and the tasty bone juice will be trapped inside and couldn't be released. Use the slow cooking technique.
If there is floating foam on the boiling broth, skim and discard the foam.
Never put raw bones into the boiling broth.
Do not mix the broth with un-boiling water, the flavor may get change, and the broth will become easily stale.

additional tips:

The broth shouldn't smell fishy. To eliminate the fishy smell, you can add other ingredients such as green onions, celery, or carrot skin while boiling the broth.
The broth shouldn't greasy.
The broth color should be clear.

Spices that You Should Have in Winter

2012-02-08T05:08:00.000-08:00

In each different seasons, of course the foods we eat will be different too. If the summer comes, the choice will fall on the kind of fresh food and drink, then when winter comes, the candidates must be warm and spicy meal. Let's see what spices are typically used as a food ingredients in winter.

Ginger
Spice with the Latin name Zingiber Officnale, is the type of rhizomes that widely used as ingridient, whether for cooking, or a mixture for warm drinks. The spicy flavor of ginger comes from a compound called zingeron.

Cinnamon
Cinnamomum Verum, is one of the oldest spices that has been used by humans as a food ingredient. Cinnamon belongs to the type of spice-scented, has a slightly sweet flavor as well as spicy. Cinnamon contains various chemicals sompounds, such as essential oils eugenol, safrole, sinamaldehyde, tannin, calcium oxalate, resins, and tanner.

Cardamom
If you ever eat a bowl of curry, you'll find a sensation of unique taste from Amomum Cardamomum, the Latin name of cardamom. Essential oil in cardamom oil is quite high, resulting in burst of the fragrance smell.

Clove
Known by the Latin name of Syzygium Aromaticum or Eugenia Aromaticum. This native spice of Indonesia has a distinctive aroma which is produced by the main compound of clove called eugenol. Eugenol acts as antiseptic and anesthetic.

Turmeric
Considered to be natural antibiotic, makes Curcuma Domestic become a traditional medicine that's quite popular. A number of studies stated that turmeric has anti-inflammatory phenylbutazone, which can relieve pain. Turmeric also is a herb which also gives natural color for cooking.

I Choose Egg for Breakfast

2012-02-07T07:54:00.000-08:00

Egg is the sort of food that's quite popular around the world. We often use eggs to make many varieties of foods. And therefore, many studies have been conducted to uncover the benefits of eggs for health. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition stated that people who ate eggs for breakfast will feel full longer and eventually will choose the type of food with the least amount of calories at lunch.

Not just for breakfast menu, another study stated that eating eggs after heavy physical exercise or sport will assist in boosting tissue repair and muscle growth. To achieve this effect, don't miss the egg yolk. Some people often get rid of it, because it's being considered to have excess fat. Nevertheless, the study mentioned that the yolk provides half the protein in eggs. It means, if you miss the yolk, you will lose six grams of protein.

Tips: How to Store Fish at Home

2012-02-07T03:06:00.000-08:00

Fish is rich in nutrients. Its nutrients even exceeds the other sources of protein, so it is important to understand the right way how to store fish. The correct way will minimize the lost of nutrients during storage. Here are some tips that might help you keep your fish better at home:

After you bought the fish and get home, clean the fish and store it in refrigerator (if you don't want to process it immediately).
In the cleaning process, use cold water. It's better to use water that has been filled with ice cubes to help remove dirt and bacteria in fish.
Dry the fish with a clean cloth or paper towels in order to remove any residual water left in the fish. Water can be a good media for bacterial growth.
Put the fish in an airtight plastic bag, but before, coat the fish with paper so the moisture from cold air of refrigerator, doesn't seep into the fish.
To maintain oil levels in fish, particularly in salmon, store the fish up to three months. The longer it is stored, more of fish oil will come out, so that when it's ready to be served as a meal, the fish will be more juicy.

Dark Vader Burger

2012-02-06T04:57:00.000-08:00

Perhaps the story of black burger is an old news, but I could not resist the urge to write that black burger on this blog, it's just so exciting!

Quick, once again made a sensation! After a few years ago, Quick launched a foei gras burger, one month ago they introduced the black hamburger. And this black burger immediately attracted the attention of French.

The launching of this unique burger was actually a part of the promotion of Star Wars Episode I 3D in France. Therefore, this black hamburger earned the nickname of 'Dark Vador Burger'.

As the name suggests, its uniqueness lies in its solid black bun with beef, cheese, and vegetables. In addition, there are also several other types of burgers with the name of a character in the Star Wars movie, like the Jedi Burger.

Both burgers are offered in two different versions. These burgers were marketed across the network of Quick with time-limited, lasting only for one month.

Previously, Quick also has made several promotions that attract public attention, not only in France but also worldwide. They are foie gras burger for Christmas and the only halal burgers for French Muslims.

Quick is a franchise of Belgium which first opened its branches in France about 30 years ago. Until now Quick has over 362 outlets scattered throughout France.

Tips to Make Pretty and Crispy French Fries

2012-02-05T05:37:00.000-08:00

French fries is deliciously served by sprinkled with salt and pepper, dipped in chili sauce, mayonnaise, or aioli sauce. To get pretty (not too tan) and crispy french fries, please consider these tips.

Want to make your own french fries? It's not too difficult. The usual problem we meet is the brown color of french fries, while what we want is french fries with an attractive white color.

Choosing Potatoes
Potato type greatly influence the texture, flavor and color of french fries. If you buy potatoes that have been packaged, and ready to be fried, you should select a high-starch and low in sugar, as this will reduce the possibility of discoloration. Avoid packing potato that contain wax, because wax makes french fries not so crunchy.

If you buy fresh potatoes, it's better to choose potatoes that are not bruised with smooth skin. Don't buy potato with greenish skin, this green color is the result of sun exposure, and the green spots on the skin of potatoes contain solanine or toxins.

Boiling
Boiling potatoes briefly in water, drain and then soak in ice water before frying to reduce discoloration. This process will remove wax and dissolve the sugar found in potatoes. Sugar makes french fries become too tan.
In addition, the hot water will reduce the polyphenol oxidase enzyme, a natural enzyme in the potato which is the major cause of the color changes to gray. By boiling the potatoes can disrupt the activity of the enzyme and prevent the discoloration to gray and also to avoid oil spurt when frying.

Soak in ice water
To get good color, in addition of boiling process, we can also soak potatoes in cold/ice water for 1 hour. Fry potatoes in hot cooking oil and drain the potatoes and let the rest of the oil drain by itself. It will give good color and crispy french fries.

Are You on Diet? Try to Eat Slower.

2012-02-04T18:01:00.000-08:00

Do you often eat in hurry? If you're trying to lose some weight, avoid this habit. Eating in a calm and relaxed will effect on body weight. Just enjoy every taste, texture and aroma of food slowly!

Due to the short lunch/dinner time and tight activities, often make people tend to eat and chew their food in hurry. If you are currently trying to lose weight, avoid this bad habit.

The study conducted by University of Rhode Island found that those who want to have a slimmer body are advised to chew food longer. Chewing longer will significantly reduce the amount of calories into the body.

The study involved two groups, women and men as participants. Men tend to have a habit of eating more quickly than women. The result, men tend to be heavier. By chewing longer, make the brain sends satiety signal to the stomach, so the body does not want to eat more.

Chewing for longer time also lowers ghrelin, hunger hormones circulating in the digestive system. This hormone was found lower on responders that chewing food slowly. This is an effective and simple solution to overcome the problem of obesity.

Kathleen Melanson, a professor of nutrition at the University of Rhode Island noted that people who eat fast are able to consumed 100 grams of food per minute, medium speed for 70 grams of food per minute, while the slow eaters consumed 60 grams per minute.

This is the first discovery confirmed that people who eat a high pace tend to have excess body weight, than those who were slower. That way, this shows a link between eating pace and weight.

Eating too fast is very influential on obesity. Therefore, ehen eating fast, body will not aware of satiety. Conversely, when you eat more slowly, the body can taste food, smell, and feel the texture, which makes people pay more attention to what they eat and how much food is in, so the stomach tend to be full longer.

Other researchers also agree with the opinion of Melanson that gender is related in speed of eating. Because, during the lunch time, It was found that men consumed 80 calories per minute and women consumed only 52 calories per minute.

Melanson adds that, those who eat quickly have a relationship with greater energy requirements. That is why many of men eat quickly, because a man needs a higher energy than the women.

Even so, the relationship between speed of eating with obesity remains to be studied properly. Melanson adds that, those who ate slowly produces fewer calories, compared with those who ate fast.

Salmonella Outbreak in England, Be Careful to Eat Watermelon

2012-02-04T07:24:00.000-08:00

One person died and 34 others are still lying sick from salmonella bacteria in the UK on imported watermelon. The number of victims continues to grow even to this day.

This outbreaks caused by Salmonella Newport is expressed by UK Health Protection Agency (HPA). Together with Food Standards Agency (FSA) are both investigating the source of the outbreak that occurred throughout the UK and has even reached Germany.

The presence of Salmonella Newport was first identified by scientists from the HPA. Through several tests conducted from a number of suspected food samples. And finally Salmonella Newport was found in these samples of watermelon .

As quoted from dailymail.co.uk, HPA teams said: "Salmonella Newport infection cause pain similar to other form of salmonella infection and symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and fever."

The victims, ranged in age from 6 months to 85 years, have fallen ill since December. Seventy percent of them were women. And recently, the number of cases occurre three times higher than the previous two months. Even it has been reported that a patient had died, although the death was also triggered by other health complications he had.

Dr Bob adak, head of the gastrointestinal diseases department at the HPA, said that although it is too early to mention what caused the infection. But early indications suggest that a number of people became unwell after eating watermelon. A similar information is obtained in several cases that occurred in Scotland and Germany.

Current outbreak of watermelon-Salmonella Newport case occurred in England (26 people), Wales (3 people), Northern Ireland (1 person), Scotland (5 people), the Republic of Ireland (5 persons), and Germany (15 people). Salmonella Newport Outbreak also have occurred in UK in the previous 2004. Although that time, the suspect was salad.

Until now, cases are still under investigation and the HPA to remind the public to wash fruits and vegetables throughly before eating them.

Why You Should Not Spoil Your Children with Foods.

2012-02-02T18:41:00.000-08:00

Weekend is usually the time for parents to 'atone' on their children. Ice cream, chocolate, fried chicken or burgers, You will easily give all of them as a 'gift' to your kids. Be careful, this habit could actually damage the health of your beloved children!

Recent research conducted by British Heart Foundation, shows children today can no longer be wooed with a bag of potato chips or chocolate. Because these foods are now their daily foods and easily obtained.

"Food is one of parents' ways to show affection to their children," said Judy More, dietitian and nutritionist who specialises in child nutrition.

"Low-income families are still capable to spoil their children with cheap chocolate or chips. But, middle class family is doing the same" said Judy.

Excessive consumption of sugar, salt and fat will cause obesity to children. Overweight children, as compared to children with a healthy weight, are more likely to develop many health problems such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which are associated with heart disease in adults. Type 2 diabetes, previously considered an adult disease, has increased dramatically in overweight children and adolescents. Children at a healthy weight are free of these weight-related diseases and less at risk of developing these diseases in adulthood. Obesity may also interfere with children's physical activity, and their concentration while in the class.

What children eat today is much different than the kids in the 1950's. In the past, children consumed lots of fiber from whole grain bread and milk for calcium. They also ate less sugar of soft drinks and candy.

Children 60 years ago also consumed lots of vegetables and fruits as a source of fiber and minerals, red meat as a source of iron that are essential for their growth.

Ironically, modern children are now crammed with too many sugary foods and a variety of salty chips. Parents should really care what their children eat.

In matters of activities, children in the past were more active, so there was good balance between food intake and energy spent. And because of that, obesity was less common.

Foods Industry should also participate in this matter, reducing salt in a variety of chips and no longer selling chocolate in large size. Parents in the UK also require government intervention such as the prohibition of appealing snacks and chocolate on the shelves within easy reach of children.

The British Heart Foundation even asking food manufacturers to label 'Junk Food' on the food they produce and stop tucking a variety of games and prizes on food packaging and their website.

Well, Do you have the heart to seize your child's favorite chocolate or potato chips? Start with small changes. For example, invite your children to make their own food, which are more healthy, delicious and inexpensive. Are you ready?

Top 10 High-Calorie Foods in America!

2012-02-02T05:15:00.000-08:00

Ever feel guilty after eating junk food? In the United States, 2 of 3 adults are overweight or obese. One of the reasons, is the penchant of people to consume junk foods. Here are top 10 high-calorie foods in United State of America.

Junk food contains trans fat 2-fold of calories than carbohydrates and proteins. High number of calories in the body makes a person get fat, even obese. This can lead to the emergence of heart disease and cancer.

According to the Dietary Guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, adult's calorie requirement per day is 2.000 kcal. This 2.000 kcal is not for one meal, but for all foods and beverages that are consumed during all day.

A nutritionist from the University of Texas, Lona Sandon, mentions that people can enjoy delicious high-calorie foods only once or twice a year. The rest, would be a problem for waist circumference and health.

And even worse, many restaurants in the United States are now competing to break the record for presenting a super fatty foods. You will be amazed to see the number of calories in one serving of these foods which almost meet the needs of calories in a day or even 3 days.

1. Personal PANormous Meat Lover's Pizza, Pizza Hut (1.470 kcal)
A serving of pizza consists of ham, sausage, pepperoni, bacon, beef burgers, and cheese and abundant sauce. This specially for meat lovers pizza is claimed to be 80% larger than a personal pan pizza ever.

2. Chicken Pasta Carbonara Breadbowl, Domino's Pizza (1.480 kcal)
Breadbowl is freshly baked bread, with pasta covered in and cream. The amount of trans fat and carbohydrate in it are far surpasses the protein, fiber, and fresh ingredients in it.

3. Shack Stack at Shake Shack (1500 kcal)
This burger consists of a pile of bread, two beef burgers, two singles cheese, fried Portobello mushroom filled with cheese. This giant burger is the most popular menu at Shake Shack.

4. Tuna Melt, Quizno (1.535 kcal)
This sandwich consists of tuna salad, cheese, fresh vegetables, and mayonnaise. However, it turns out the fat in it reaches 110 grams.

5. Big Box Meal, KFC (1.680 kcal)
A serving of this menu can be enjoyed by a whole family. In this big bowl, there are drumsticks, chicken strips, popcorn chickens, two additional menus (side dishes), biscuits, and optional potato wedges or baked beans.

6. Double Meatball Marinara with Cheese, Subway (1.720 kcal)
the meatball was mixed with cheese and tomato sauce makes this meal high in calories, fat, and sodium.

7. Fried Banana Split (2,000 kcal)
These desserts are balls of banana, honey, and peanut butter, then coated with flour and then fried. Then, these balls dusted with powdered sugar, given the caramel topping and chocolate syrup, nuts, whipped cream, banana-flavored ice cream, and cherries. Can you imagine the calories in each spoon?

8. Burrito, Jack n Grills (3.764 kcal)
Here, women are challenged to eat up a burrito containing eggs, ham, peppers, potatoes, cheese, and onions. Those who managed to eat a whole 3.5 kg meal without going to toilet, are rewarded with a free meal ticket for entire life.

9. Mega Mel Burger, Mel's Country Cafe (4.556 kcal)
Per serving of this giant burger are made from ¾ pounds ground beef, ½ kg of bacon, and 1 / 8 pounds American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and bread.

10. Fifth Third Burger, Fifth Third (4,800 kcal)
Here is the giant food that has unusual high calories. Burger consists of an 8-inch bread, five pieces of hams, five pieces of singles cheese, one cup of chili sauce, corn chips, and abundant salsa sauce. It's so big, that makes this burger appeared on Unwrapped, Food Network channel.

Practical Steps Preventing Food Poisoning

2012-02-01T23:21:00.000-08:00

Be careful with the food we eat. Has it been processed correctly and hygienically? Food poisoning can bring a variety of problems, ranging from annoying symptoms to result in death.

Food poisoning is an illness caused by consumption of contaminated food by pathogenic bacteria, viruses, or parasites. It could also be caused by chemical or natural toxins such as poisonous mushrooms.

Symptoms of food poisoning are nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, fatigue, dehydration, and abdominal pain. Some serious cases require the victim to be hospitalized. In fact, some are dead after eating certain foods.

According to the new estimate, about 48 million people get sick and more than 3,000 die each year from food poisoning in the United States.

There are several steps can be taken to prevent food poisoning. The main thing is to maintain cleanliness of both hands, kitchen utensils, and work area. Don't forget to wash your hands after going toilet, or before and after handling food. Keep your kitchen from insects, pests, and other animals.

Separate raw food from cooked food, especially meat. Use different equipments (eg knives and cutting boards) for cooked food or non-meat. Wrap separately in order to avoid contact between raw foods with ready-to-eat foods.

We recommend that all meat, both red meat, chicken, as well as seafood, must be well done cooked. Especially poultry. Boil chicken and duck until the water is actually clear, not pink. Cook with a minimum temperature of 70 C, because at this temperature microbial pathogens will die.

Use water that is guaranteed both cleanliness and safety. Choose fresh foods with good quality. Be sure to processed foods correctly and hygienically. For vegetables and fruits, wash under flowwing water. Also, do not consume expired foods.

Balancing Foods for Fast Food

2012-01-29T05:50:00.000-08:00

You don't have to avoid fast food, which is likely rich in fat, salt, sugar, and often doesn't provide a balanced diet. You have to be smart for choosing foods to complement both nutritional deficiency or excess of your favorite fast food. But first, it would be better if you know how to get around between eating fast food and balancing foods to complement the nutrients.

Sandwich
Advantages: Depending on the type of bread and filling, as well as the amount of its filling. If you eat a sandwich of wholemeal bread with tuna and lettuce, as well as a complete apple with its skin, then it already offers a balanced diet, with a little extra fiber.

Disadvantages: All depends on its filling. Sandwiches made of bread with butter and mayonnaise shrimp as filling contain 2 times calories and 3 times more fat than sandwiche filled with tuna salad.

Balancing foods: Beef stew with potatoes and steamed carrots. These foods are rich in protein and beta-carotene. Beside that, beef is also rich in vitamin B, iron, potassium, and zinc.

Pizza
Advantages: Depending on the toppings. Pizza rich in carbohydrates and fibers. Cheese and tomato as topping will add protein, vitamin E, calcium and phosphorus.

Disadvantages: Often rich in fats but low in protein. Sometimes contain high sodium. Topping of blue cheese, salami, pepperoni or ham, will level up fat and salt to 2-fold.

Balancing foods: Chicken, vegetables and carrots. These foods are rich in protein, beta-carotene, fiber and vitamin C.

Kebab
Advantages: The good source of protein and zinc. When eaten with lots of salad it will provide good balance of folate, vitamin C and beta-carotene.

Disadvantages: Too much fat from meat, low fiber, vitamins A, D, E and folate.

Balancing foods: Brown rice mixed with fish and green vegetables salad. This food is low in fat and provide a moderate amount of protein, good fiber, vitamins B and C.

Beef burgers, chips, and milkshake

Advantages: High in protein, carbohydrates and calcium. Contains vitamin A, phosphorus, vitamin B12 and riboflamin.

Disadvantages: High in fat-particularly saturated fat, high cholesterol, sodium and possibly also high dyes and flavorings, low in fiber and vitamin C.

Balancing foods: Pasta of wholemeal with fresh steamed green vegetables. Pasta provides fiber, while vegetables contain vitamin C and beta-carotene. Do not forget the broccoli, this food is a rich source of iron.

Fried Chicken and french fries
Advantages: Great resource of vitamins B6 and B12, high in protein and carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, iron, thiamin, and potassium.

Disadvantages: High in fat but low in fiber, vitamins A, C, D, folate and beta-carotene. Depending on the portions, these foods contain between 1/3-1/2 of the total daily fat recommendation.

Balancing foods: Salad made of lettuce, tomato, red onion, feta cheese, olive oil and lemon juice. This food is low in calories but contain vitamin C, E, folate and beta-carotene.

Recipe: BBQ Ribs with Fruits Sauce

2012-01-28T01:15:00.000-08:00

This BBQ ribs uses fresh fruits as a sauce. It's tasty, slightly sweet. Because the seasonings soak into the meat. It will more delicious when eaten warm. Tender and juicy. Let's start our barbecue!

Ingredients:
1 kg beef ribs
1.5 liters of water
2 teaspoons salt
2 bay leaves

Seasonings:
200 ml of orange juice
250 g pears, grated
100 ml olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
5 cloves garlic, grated
8 cloves red onion, grated
4 tablespoons BBQ sauce
1 teaspoon black peppercorns, crushed coarse
1 teaspoon salt

Complement:
potato
setup vegetables

Directions:

Cut the beef ribs about 14 cm long.
Boil water, salt and bay leaves.
Boil beef ribs over low heat until its meats are tender.
When broth has reduce to ¼ parts. Add the seasoning.
Cook over low heat until chops are tender.
Bring ribs to temperature room.
Heat outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Grill ribs, mopping them with sauce and turning until slightly charred and glazed, 10 to 12 minutes.
Serve with remaining sauce and topping.

Note: For 6 people

4 Foods Help to Cure Hiccups

2012-01-26T18:37:00.000-08:00

Although hiccups is not dangerous, it often makes people uncomfortable. But there are some certain foods such as sugar can stop hiccups.

Hiccups is medically known as singultus, the diaphragm condition that convulses out of the ordinary. Hiccups tend to occur when carbon dioxide levels in blood dropped too low.

In addition, toxic gases, smoke, spicy foods and drinks are also sometimes be a trigger of hiccups. Likewise, while eating hot foods alongside with cold foods/drinks.

Hiccups are also a way of telling your body that you eat or drink too much. The scientists also assess hiccup is a reflex that prevents you from choking on food or beverages.

Hiccups are also caused by irritation of the phrenic nerve, the diaphragm motor nerve that helps controlling breathing.

Stress or anger also sometimes trigger hiccups. Hiccups also tells you that there is a foreign object in your ear . Prolonged hiccups can cause someone faint by heart rhythm problems. In addition, a third of chemotherapy patients also complained of continuous hiccups.

Here are some foods that can help stop hiccups:

1. Sugar
Swallowing a teaspoon of dry granulated sugar, can help curing hiccups. By swallowing a sticky powdered granules sugar changes the breathing rhythm, so it will stop the hiccups. Hiccups can also be stopped because of the perceived sweet sensation of nerve endings in the mouth.

2. Peanut butter
One tablespoon of peanut butter can also cure hiccups. Same reason with swallowing sugar, peanut butter is so sticky that could change the rhythm of breath.

3. Lemon
Chewing a slice of fresh lemon can disrupt the pattern of the vagus nerve impulses, which can stop hiccups. Besides chewing, eating or sucking on a slice of pickled lemon, will give the same effect as chewing a slice of fresh lemon.

4. Water
Simply drink a glass of water can help stop the hiccups. Swallowing water can disrupt the hiccup cycle and calm the nerves. Gargling water can also cure hiccups.

Garlic, The Legendary "Physician"

2012-01-26T04:38:00.000-08:00

When we watch an old movie, we often see how a vampire fear just because the victim put garlic on her neck. And garlic is considered as the savior of mankind from vampires. We often see such dramas, don't we? But, is it true that garlic can be beneficial to mankind? Since 4000 years ago, it has been believed that garlic could be a "physician" who can cure various diseases. Egyptian society is the first race who discovered the efficacy of garlic.

In Egypt, an ancient records was found on a piece of papyrus, which to be expected was written in 1500 BC, It mentioned 22 savors of garlic, which were believed by Egyptian at that time. Moreover, the garlic fossil was discovered in King Tutankhamen tomb. At that time, garlic was used to increase the stamina of Egyptian. The Kings of Egypt also believed in this and consuming garlic in their entire life.

The efficacy of garlic spreads and being recognized by the whole world. Russian also believed that garlic is a substitute for antibiotics, the so-called Russian Penicillin. The Greeks and Romans believed garlic as a cure for leprosy and asthma. In the world war between 1914 - 1918, French troops took garlic as a wound healer.

Research continues until this day. Society recognizes that garlic is a nutritious plant that's often used in alternative medicine. Subsequent research found that garlic contains more than 100 biologically-chemicals useful for the body. Here are the properties of garlic that has been recognized by scientists.

Consuming 600 mg of garlic daily will lower blood cholesterol levels drastically.
Garlic has antibacterial characteristic and effective for treating viral warts and other skin problems.
Garlic is also an aphrodisiac that can enhance the blood circulation.
Garlic is beneficial for diabetics, because it can regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin release.
Antibacterial and anesthetic characteristics in garlic help to cure toothache.

Delicious Way to Minimize The Risk of Heart Attack

2012-01-25T23:33:00.000-08:00

Soon, we will have a delicious way to reduce the risk of heart attack. Scientists from Italy and Spain said they are developing a type of pasta made from barley flour that is good for the heart.

Barley, cereal type that contain gluten proteins, and currently widely used as a source of flavor in beer and whiskey industries. It's also contain carbohydrates and high protein, as well as folic acid, iron and calcium. Barley is also rich of fiber, antioxidants and vitamin E.

According to Vito Verardo, PhD from the University of Bologna in Italy, and Ana Maria Gomez-Caravaca, PhD from the University of Granada, Spain, soon, there will be barley pasta available in the market, labeled "reduce heart disease and the best source of fiber".

In creating this new pasta, scientists first find out whether they can make spaghetti and other pasta types as "functional foods" using barley feedstock to add fiber and antioxidants. Afterwards the scientists developing new barley flour containing various nutrients essential for health.

As expected, the researchers say spaghetti which is made from barley flour, contains more fiber and antioxidants than conventional spaghetti made from semolina, a type of wheat flour.

They also mention the extra gluten in barley flour will enhance the flavor and quality of the pasta dishes. The researchers are optimistic they will meet the qualifications of food and drug regulatory agency (FDA) to mention the health claims in its packaging.

For several years scientists have known that barley is one of super food, because the nutrients contained in it is improving heart and digestive health.

Gelato, Italiano Low Fat Ice Cream

2012-01-25T19:58:00.000-08:00

Do you like ice cream? Yes you do!!! :-) Most people love it. Ice cream is very fitting to be enjoyed during hot weather. But on the other hand, there are people who avoid ice cream because of the high fat contains in it. In fact, under certain conditions, eg: exhausting activity, eating ice cream can restore your energy by its sugar content.

But if you're still afraid of getting fat, you can try Italian ice cream, called Gelato.

There is a misunderstanding that word gelato's derived from the 'gelatin', and considers gelatin is one of its-making ingredient. However, the fact is not like that. Gelato is Italian which literally means "frozen".

Gelato is different from ice cream in terms of fat and air binding in it. Regular ice cream contains fat more than 10%. Because it contains milk, egg yolks, and cream, so the melted ice cream would look like whipped cream.

Meanwhile, Gelato is made from milk without cream (low fat), water, sugar, and fresh fruits. Overall, the fat content approximately 2% - 8%.

The difference between gelato and ice cream also lies on air content. If ice cream contains air more than 50%, air in gelato is only about 15%. It makes gelato feels denser, softer, and more stable against temperature. Gelato can be stored in temperatures of minus 10-15 degrees Celsius, while the ice cream should be stored in a lower temperature, around minus 18-20 degrees Celsius.
If the ice cream can be stored in a freezer for months, not the case with the gelato. Gelato, at most can only be stored for several days. Therefore, gelato is always home made and fresh.

Gelato has a diverse variety of flavors and is usually served with fresh fruit, chocolate, nuts, small cakes, or biscuits.

Mmm.... Delizioso!

Seven Foods Help Your Body Slim

2012-01-25T08:39:00.000-08:00

Slim and healthy body can be obtained without a strict diet. In addition to regular exercise, consuming these foods can improve the body's metabolism. This super but simple foods are easily obtainable and healthy.

Wheat
Whole grains have a lot of fiber that can make our stomach full throughout the day. Carbohydrate in wheat can also increase our metabolism and burn fat and maintain the digestive tract.

Black beans
Black beans are rich of protein, fiber, essential nutrients and contain no fat. Its jet black color shows that this type of beans are rich in flavonoids, which are good to destroy fat in the abdomen. Proteins contained in black beans are equal to red meat's.

Avocado
Avocado contains oleic acid, a compound of monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) that's good for the body. Besides that, fiber and protein in avocado can also maintain our stomach remains full throughout the day and avoid overeating.

Salmon
Protein in salmon provide satiety longer without adding fat in the body. A study in 2001 stated, diet with MUFAs such as salmon can lose 9 kg of body weight than those with low-fat diet.

Pears
Pears contain pectin fiber that able to lower blood sugar levels. Snacking pears will reduce cravings. Women who ate three pears regularly have less calories and less weight gain.

Broccoli
Consuming cooked or raw broccoli helps prevent cancer. Fiber in broccoli are also good to maintain ideal body weight and bone strength.

Almond
Many people think consuming peanuts makes us fat. However, the research found that people who ate peanuts experienced more weight loss compare to the others who don't.

Hot Spicy Tom Yam, Yummy!!!

2012-01-21T20:49:00.000-08:00

Tom yam, the famous Thai cuisine presents a tempting spicy sour soup with complete topping, ranging from seafood such as shrimp, squid, mushroom and some vegetables which are definitely healthy and delicious for lunch. The words tom yam are derived from two Thai words: "Tom" refers to boiling process (soup, in this case). "Yam" refers to a kind of Thai spicy and sour salad. Thus, "tom yam" is Thai hot and sour soup.

Tom yam is blended with various fresh selected spices and seasonings. Such as the Thai chili sauce, cayenne pepper, lemon grass, kaffir lime leaves, lime juice and fish sauce. No wonder the soup taste spicy and sour. One of tom yam characteristic is the fragrant coriander leaves and whole red cayenne pepper that put into soup right before it's served.

If you can't wait to enjoy the sensation of delicious tom yam, just stop by to one of nearby restaurants for lunch this time.