Published on: 18 October 2017
Last Updated on: 20 July 2024
Some say that meal replacements like ViSalus protein shakes can do more damage than benefit to a user because of a rather disputable content. Indeed, all your endeavors to shed overweight can be crossed by unacceptably big sugar content. If you are unaware, sugar is the major enemy in any weight management campaign. Regardless of your goals, sugar is the first ingredient to be excluded out of the diet. Nevertheless, a complete abandonment of this element may lead to the loss of flavor of a supplement. Those who do not practice DIY sports drinks will be frustrated to lose an opportunity to enjoy the delicious flavor of the product. At the same time, it does not mean that a decent supplement depends on sugar and tastes disgusting if it lacks. The following selection refutes the above-mentioned assumption and proves that a sugar-free product can be rather effective.
100% All Natural Whey
This supplement produced by MRM is free of sugar. Moreover, you won’t find any unnatural component inside the package. Its name completely corresponds to its content. The purpose of the shake is to serve as an auxiliary source of protein for female and male users regardless of age. Even growing children can opt for the merchandise without any risk to damage the health. The volume of the core ingredient is more than enough. Each serving supplies 18g of a powerful formula consisting of whey concentrate and isolate.
Despite the absolute absence of sugar, users are not deprived of gustatory delight. The shake is available in two flavor options – French Vanilla and Dutch Chocolate. On this account, users obtain a combination of effectiveness and great taste. The supplement can be used either before or after your muscular activity. However, pre-workout consumption is recommended to achieve the highest performance.
Isopure
Unlike the previous solution, this protein shake by Nature’s Best is absolutely unflavored. No hints of vanilla or chocolate are provided. Nevertheless, such naked protein source has own benefit. First of all, the powder is rarely used as a regular drink. Even if you mix it with the milk, the result will be frustrating. The taste is horrible. However, any combination of the product with other flavored beverages and victuals or its use as a component in DIY drinks elicit the huge potential of the supplement.
Such words as sugar, carbohydrates, lactose, and fat are unknown to this merchandise. On this account, the list of components is rather short. As for the core nutrient, users can enjoy of 26g of whey protein isolate in each scoop.
Shake by NOW
The final item in our top 3 is a kind of golden mean between the two mentioned products. It is not as natural as Isopure but free of gluten and numerous allergens like an egg, wheat, shellfish, etc. At the same time, the shake is available in three flavors, as well as in the tasteless form. Similar to previous brands, you won’t find sugar here. As for the efficiency, the shake can give a head start to its competitors since a high concentration of BCAA’s is the ace of trumps of this merchandise. The source of the core component is also decent because it is the whey protein isolate in the volume of 25g per serving. In short, this is a good solution for your weight management tasks.
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Is Indian food healthy? – Of course, they are. There are plenty of Indian dishes that are rich in nutrients, spices, and whole foods.
Although there are innumerable gastronomic options, there are many healthier options. In fact, some food recipes are based on Ayurveda, which is Ancient India’s system of medicine.
In this article, you will learn about the nutritional benefits of Indian food and the balanced dietary profile of Indian food. Also, you will learn about the health benefits of Indian food and healthy Indian cooking techniques.
Moreover, you will also learn about common myths about Indian food. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article.
Is Indian Food Healthy?
Indian cuisine has a variety of food options consisting of both healthy and unhealthy options. Here, this article aims to consider only healthy Indian food.
Generally, in Indian food, you will find a blend of diverse flavors and healthy food traditions. In fact, apart from satisfying your taste buds, Indian food will improve your health.
One of the most notable aspects of Indian food is that you will find a rich array of ingredients. Traditionally, the Indian diet uses a variety of whole grains, fruits, legumes, and vegetables.
Interestingly, each of them contributes significantly to health benefits. Whole grains like whole wheat, brown rice, and millet play a significant part in Indian meals.
Apart from that, Indian food items are rich in antioxidants. This is because they have many spices that are full of antioxidants. For example, antioxidants in cloves and ginger contain anti-inflammatory properties. Apart from that, cardamom also contains antioxidants.
Basically, antioxidants are molecules that prevent oxidation damage in your body cells. Moreover, it also reduces when damage is done. Hence, Indians mostly follow a diet that is high in antioxidants. As a result, there are fewer risks of diseases like heart disease and cancer.
Balanced Dietary Profile Of Indian Food
Here is a balanced dietary profile of Indian food that you need to know about:
Food ItemsBalanced Dietary ProfileFruits and VegetablesGenerally, an everyday Indian diet includes 400 grams of vegetables and 100 grams of fruits.Cereals and PulsesEach day, a balanced diet consists of 250 grams of cereals.DiaryA balanced Indian diet consists of 200-250 ml of milk and milk products daily.ProteinIndian food contains 85 grams of protein in the form of eggs, animal protein, and pulses daily.Nuts and Seeds35 grams of nuts and seeds daily also fall under a balanced diet.
To ensure a balanced diet, you must cook your food well and make sure that the food is soft and less salty and spicy. Although Indian food has a lot of spices, the healthy options contain multiple healthy spices in the right amount.
Moreover, when consuming meat, milk, poultry, or any animal protein, make sure they are moderate in number. Furthermore, when you have a balanced diet, you must drink plenty of water and take fewer beverages.
Health Benefits Of Common Indian Ingredients
The following are the health benefits of common Indian food ingredients:
1. Spices
Since ancient times, India is known as the land of spices. Even today, India is the biggest exporter of spices in the world. Moreover, Indian food contains a variety of spices.
Here are some spices and their benefits:
Turmeric: It contains curcumin. This item has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cumin Seeds: They help in the digestion process and boost the immune system of your body.
Coriander Seeds: These help you to regulate your blood sugar levels.
Cardamom: It helps you to lower blood pressure levels.
Cinnamon: This spice can reduce heart risks.
2. Vegetables, Pulses, And Lentils
Indian foods contain vegetables in food items. These vegetables provide vitamins inside your body. Also, vegetables lower cholesterol and improve vision. Moreover, many pulses contain vitamins A, B, C, and E. Apart from that, they also contain minerals like iron, potassium, and zinc.
On the other hand, lentils and vegetables also promote heart health. This is because they have less saturated fat and high fiber.
3. Whole Grains And High Fiber Foods
Healthy Indian food items contain whole grains like wheat flour and brown rice. These items provide fiber, carbohydrates, and protein.
On the other hand, chickpeas, and other fruits and vegetables help you in the digestion process. Thereby, you can maintain a healthy weight and ensure there are no risks of chronic diseases.
Indian Cooking Techniques And Their Impact On Health
Generally, Indian cooking techniques preserve nutrients in the food items (vegetables, seafood, and meat). On the other hand, there are tempering methods and slow-cooking techniques, with the help of which you can ensure you get all the nutrients in your body.
Here are some of the major Indian healthy cooking techniques that you must know about:
1. Steaming
This is one of the healthiest cooking methods, where you ensure all nutrients in the food stay. Here, you cook the food with minimum water and little to no oil. In this case, you preserve all the vitamins and minerals in vegetables, fish, and meat.
2. Tadka
In this technique, you have to heat spices quickly in a little oil. Then, you have to add them to the main dish. Thereby, you add flavor without increasing the fat content in the food.
3. Dum Cooking
Dum is a slow-cooking method. Basically, you have to seal food in a pot-shaped cooker and add a small amount of liquid. Hence, you can allow flavors to develop inside the food. As a result, there is no need for excessive oil in the food.
4. Grilling
As you might already know, grilling is a simple way to cook vegetables and meat. Meanwhile, with this process, you can retain all the nutrients in the food. Also, you can add a nice-looking character to the food.
5. Pressure Cooking
In this way, you can cook food quickly with a low amount of water. As a result, you preserve most of the nutrients in the food item. Apart from that, this process also helps you to reduce your cooking time.
Why Is Indian Food One of the Healthiest Cuisines in the World?
Indian food is one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. This is because of good reasons. One of the major reasons is that it relies heavily on lentils, whole grains, vegetables, and diverse spices with low health benefits and saturated fats.
As a result, these food items are rich in nutrients and are dense with fibers when prepared with traditional techniques.
The following are some of the major reasons why Indian food items are healthy:
Stable ingredients in Indian food are high in fiber.
Due to India being a large and diverse country, a wide variety of vegetables are available. As a result, all the essential vitamins and minerals are available through food.
Moreover, a variety of spices available in India come with potential health benefits.
Traditional Indian food items use less amount of oil in cooking. Also, they focus mostly on healthy fats like ghee (moderate amount, of course).
Lentils are common in Indian cuisine and offer a complete profile of amino acids.
Many Indian foods feature fermented items like yogurt, which improve your gut health.
The Vegetarian Advantage of Indian Cuisine
India has an extensive variety of dishes full of flavors and delicacies. However, most consist primarily of lentils, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
This provides a nutritious, high-fiber, and well-rounded diet for vegetarians. Apart from that, these food items are full of diverse vitamins and many protein sources.
There is a vast array of vegetarian dishes in Indian cuisine. Moreover, due to the high range of species, it enhances the taste and offers potential benefits.
Common Myths About Indian Food Being Unhealthy
Here are some myths about Indian food that you will find common (however, they are just myths):
“Indian food is unhealthy and fatty”: This is a common misconception in the West because most Indian restaurants in Western Countries add a lot of oil and ghee to food items. However, this is not the case in Indian households.
“Indian foods are spicy”: When people think of spices, they align it with the word hot. Actually, India produces a lot of healthy spices. By adding those spices to food, you can make your food healthy.
“Indian desserts are too sweet”: Again, this is a myth as desserts differ with changing regions. Some regions in India create homemade desserts which are actually healthy.
Try Indian Food Now
Is Indian food healthy? – Now you know the answer to this question. You can see that there are multiple myths about Indian food, and they multiply with misinformation on social media.
India is the land of Yoga and Ayurveda. Hence, multiple healthy food options are available if you cook with the right ingredients.
Do you have more information about healthy Indian foods? Please share your opinions in the comments section below.
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Having a bright glowing and flawless skin is one short way to bring you confidence when communicating with others. But let’s face it; it is a very difficult task since our skin is exposed to many pollutants, dirt, sunlight and countless other harmful factors. One common skin problem to be named is blackheads which are annoying and potentially stressful to deal with.
Many people resort to cleaning strips to pull out those annoying blackheads, but they also bear the risk of irritated or dried skin, not to mention the fact that these products are pricey and painful to remove.
In this article, we provide some natural ways you can try to get rid of blackheads. One common feature of these formulas is that they all use all-around, simple, natural and safe ingredients.
1. Egg White Mask
Egg white, also called glair gained its popularity as number one blackheads remover thanks to its ability to wipe off dirt, dead skin cells. Plus, egg white can visibly tighten your pores and whiten your skin tone.
How to use:
Prepare an egg white, add 1 teaspoon of honey for better moisture.
Apply one thin layer of egg white to your face, place a strip of tissue paper to your face.
Allow it to dry completely then gently peel the mask. The peeling will pull out the blackheads.
If you want a thicker mask, apply the second and third layer using the same method. The key point is to let it dry properly.
2. Turmeric and Mint
The benefit of turmeric to blackheads removal can be attributed to its powerful antibiotics, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It can easily absorb excess oil, eliminate dead skin cells and brighten the tone; while mint can soothe the skin with its cooling effect.
How to use:
Make a mixture of 2 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 3 teaspoons of mint juice to create a paste.
Apply the mixture and keep it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing your face with water.
Perform twice a week for best result.
3. DIY Peel off Mask with Clay
As it turns out, those expensive peeling masks they sell out there are not hard to make. You can totally make yourself a peeling mask to get rid of blackheads with some charcoal powder and glue. This mask can sweep away all the dirt and impurities that block your pores and dry out excessive oil.
How to make:
Mix one tablespoon of activated charcoal powder with enough glue to make a thick yet spreadable paste.
Open the pores by dabbing with a warm cloth in your face about 1 to 2 minutes.
Apply the paste on blackhead affected areas. Let it dry completely and slowly peel off the mask.
4. Baking Soda
This versatile ingredient never fails to surprise us. The antiseptic quality not only makes it an excellent exfoliant that can sweep away all the dead skin cells and impurities that cause blackheads. It is also a great tool to neutralize the pH of the skin.
How to use:
Make a paste from baking soda and some water.
Apply the mixture on your face and let it dry for about 15 minutes before rinsing with water.
Perform this formula once or twice a week, you will find those ugly blackheads disappear in no time.
5. Lemon and salt
Lemon deserves a spot in this list because it can remove the deepest blackheads. The acid citric in lemon makes it a good exfoliant and brighten the skin tone by burning the topmost layer of skin cells; while salt which antibacterial properties help fight against germs and bacteria worsening the situation.
How to use:
Mix ½ teaspoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of sea salt and 1 teaspoon of honey.
Use this mixture to massage your face, and then wash with cool water.
It is safe to perform this action twice a week. The change you see is incredible. However, don’t forget to apply sunblock every day.
Read also:
Top 7 Superfoods For Healthy Skin And Hair
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Top 4 Natural Combination for You to Eliminate Blackheads (Infographics)
Have you ever eaten a protein-based coconut bar and tasted just how satisfying they are? Offering flavors that take your mind to the sun-drenched beaches of the Caribbean, coconut products like these get your mouth watering when you know you’re about to take one out of your day bag and eat it. It’s one of life’s little pleasures.
As a low-carb, high-fiber snack, it’s great for bedding down your hunger, but did you know that the humble coconut offers a bunch of health benefits? Well, they do, and by reading on, you’ll understand just what a wise move including them in your diet really is.
The fruit of the palm tree is cultivated around the planet, being used in many different types of cooking and health-food products. As we’ll see in a moment. However, the range of body support this natural food source provides is surprisingly extensive.
Ways The Coconut Bar Helps The Body
So, aside from the delicious taste, what exactly do coconut products like these do for your health? We’re glad you asked, and here are five ways that they assist…
1 - Bacteria-Fighting Power
One of the first great things about your average coconut bar is that it’s able to prevent the growth of particular strains of bacteria. Studies have shown that coconut is particularly helpful as oil, at the same time stemming the growth of bacteria like Streptococcus.
Since coconuts are naturally antiviral and antibacterial, they can actually help you safeguard your immune system. A hefty immune system is critical for helping you prevent diseases as well as illnesses.
2 - Packed With Nutrition
Coconut is different from many other types of fruit in that they contain mostly fat and not carbs. They are also known to contain a range of vital minerals, as well as B vitamins. Also on offer is manganese - something that’s great for supporting your bones.
Copper and iron also exist in coconut, boosting the health of your blood vessels. A coconut bar is packed with satiating fiber as well as digestion-friendly ingredients. It never fails to provide minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium, copper, and manganese.
3 - Blood Sugar Stabilizing
Being low in terms of carbohydrates means that coconut does not cause those blood sugar spikes you get after a typical candy bar. As such, they help to keep your blood sugar levels nice and stable, and the fruit is even thought to be beneficial in preventing insulin resistance - a problem that causes misery for many.
A study found that HDL cholesterol levels improve significantly on consuming coconut oil for 8 straight weeks. It also enhances triglyceride levels and ultimately reduces blood sugar.
4 - Free Radical-Busting
Free radicals are elements in our environment that cause cell damage. We’re talking about things like pollution and stress, and again, coconut comes to the rescue with its innate antioxidant compounds that hold them at bay. Battling them in this way helps to keep you looking younger and feeling great.
Coconut, in any form, has hydrating properties. Electrolytes in it help to hydrate and regulate the fluid balance in our body. Moreover, they also help regulate muscle contraction and blood pressure.
How To Choose The Right Coconut Protein Bar?
Protein bars are not just snacks, they are the prime energy sources for fitness freaks. While choosing the right one might be daunting, the process should never go unnoticed. Thus, the last thing you would want is to select the wrong coconut protein bar for yourself. Here are some tips to opt for the right protein bar enriched with the goodness of coconut.
Check The Protein
A coconut bar offering 10 grams of protein, at least, in every serving might just be the right one for you. Proteins help the body to build muscles extensively and also recover after rigorous exercise. Further, it enables the stomach to remain full in the middle of meals and fulfills cravings.
The Carbohydrate Factor
A coconut bar offering carbohydrates of less than 10 grams is excellent for your health. If that amount exceeds, chances are you will have an increased fat amount in the body. This further results in more carb cravings which are not good for your fitness.
Sugar
A coconut protein bar offering more than 6-8 grams of sugar on each serving is fine. Manufacturing companies usually add sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners to enhance the taste. But these added sugars take a toll on your health. In a coconut protein bar, avoid sugar alcohols such as mannitol, erythritol, and sorbitol, to name a few.
Cut Down Fats
Search for coconut protein bars that have increased healthy fats and reduced saturated fats. If your bar has trans fats, it is best to avoid it. Healthy fats present in protein bars consist of nuts, coconut oil, seeds, and nut butter. Always search for a coconut bar that has no trans fat, as it can affect your health significantly.
Calories
Last but not least, you will have to consider the calorie factor of your coconut protein bar. For men, a protein bar must consist of calories between 170 to 250 per serving. On the other hand, a coconut bar should have 140 to 200 calories in each serving. Considering this might help you reap significant health benefits.
A Regular Coconut Bar Is A Great Way To Stay Healthy!
So, as we can see, the coconut is a bit of a hero when it comes to human health. Busting free radicals, stabilizing your blood sugar, fighting bacteria, and supplying you with essential minerals and vitamins, it’s one of the best types of snacks you can put in your body.
One thing is for sure, you don’t get this kind of body support from a candy bar, so why not consider switching to something that’s no less tasty but so much better for you in the long run? Like the sound of something sweet without the guilt? It would seem coconut protein bars might just be the answer!
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