Published on: 21 August 2018
Last Updated on: 25 July 2024
It is an accepted fact that dark chocolates are healthy and nutritious. The availability of many brands and equal claims may sometimes make it very difficult for you to choose the right chocolate. Traditional farming practices and superior processing units make a huge difference to the quality of chocolates manufactured. As a result of the huge demand, many large manufacturers have relied on mass farming which has taken away the unique taste of dark chocolate. Here is how you can go about choosing the right chocolate to enjoy not just the taste, but also eat without health complications.
Difference Between Dark Chocolate And Chocolate
Chocolate is manufactured by mixing sugar and fat with cocoa; this is different from milk chocolate which has a lot of milk content in it, in the form of milk solids. Chocolate that is having more than 70% of cocoa content is regarded as dark chocolate. One of the biggest health advantages of eating dark chocolate chips is its powerful antioxidant qualities. There are studies which prove dark chocolate to have greater antioxidant qualities than some of the more famous sources of antioxidants, including blueberries.
Exceptional Health Benefits
The health benefits of chocolates need no introduction. In addition to the antioxidant quality, dark chocolate offers and answer brain functions in addition to reducing the risk of heart disease in individuals. This potent mix of awful antioxidants and natural ingredients makes chocolates a rich source of healthy intake. The best chocolates are often the ones that do not have too many ingredients to complicate the chocolate. For instance, the addition of two-minute preservatives to prolong the life of the chocolate on how to improve some quality of taste is likely to take away the health benefits.
Higher Cocoa Content
Dark chocolate that has higher cocoa content has direct, indirect benefits. For instance, the higher the concentration of cocoa the more is the power of antioxidants in the chocolate.
And higher cocoa concentration will also bring down the level of sugar in the chocolate which will result in a healthier product. When you opt for dark chocolate with higher cocoa content, it would always be a good idea to choose chocolates that do not have artificial flavors.
Organic Traditional Farming Practices
Specialist chocolate makers rely on cocoa and cacao that are formed through traditional farming practices that are organic. This ensures that the flavors untouched and undisturbed by chemicals or other factors. For instance, plants that grow in the shade have better flavor and taste then cocoa and cacao plants that grow in the sun. Forms that harvest very high volumes of cocoa and cacao typically rely on huge farms that are exposed to the sun.
When you choose any dark chocolate product to ensure that you avoid products that are listed as having ingredients trans fat as an ingredient. This is generally used by manufacturers to give the chocolates more shelf life. However, this takes away the health benefits.
Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.
It always feels good to see a hummingbird in your garden. To see more of them in your garden, you can keep hummingbird nectar/food in a jar in your garden.
In fact, with a simple hummingbird food recipe, you can make their lives easier. All you need is a few simple ingredients.
In this article, you will learn how to make hummingbird food with simple ingredients. Apart from that, this article also discusses hummingbird nutrition and the steps you can take to set up your bird feeder.
Finally, you will learn how to attract more hummingbirds to your garden. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article.
Understanding Hummingbird Nutrition
There are a variety of food options a hummingbird needs to meet its nutrition. Although they are one of the smallest birds in the world, they burn a lot of their calories by fluttering their tiny wings. Generally, a hummingbird flutters its wings 90 beats per second to maintain its momentum.
Hence, you can see that hummingbirds need to eat a lot. In fact, to satisfy their daily calorie requirements, these birds even consume half of their body weight. Basically, they feed on bugs and nectar every 10-15 minutes. Also, they visit 1000-2000 flowers per day.
The following are the things that hummingbirds feed on:
1. Nectar: This is the primary food source of hummingbirds. Basically, it consists of 20% sugar and 80% water. Generally, hummingbirds get their nectar from cardinal flowers, bee balm, salvia, and petunias.
2. Insects: For their protein needs, hummingbirds feed on insects. This is also a source of fat and salt for hummingbirds. In fact, nectar does not provide those nutrients. Basically, hummingbirds hunt insects by finding them from flowers, leaves, or tree bark. Sometimes, they also attack insects midair or pluck them from sticky saps.
3. Spiders: Generally, hummingbirds also feed on spiders for protein. However, they are generally small spiders.
4. Tree Sap: When the amount of nectar is low, hummingbirds drink tree sap from tree bark. Generally, woodpeckers drill wells on tree barks to get tree saps.
Hummingbird Food Recipe
Basically, by offering hummingbird nectar, you can help them with their post-workout meal.
Hence, follow the below hummingbird food recipe to make nectar:
Ingredients
The following are the ingredients you need to make hummingbird nectar:
Filtered Water: 4 Cups
Regular White Sugar: 1 Cup (If possible, use organic sugar for the recipe)
Procedure
Here are the steps you must follow to make hummingbird nectar:
1. Get four cups of water in a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
2. Once the water reaches the boiling point, take the water off the heat. Add sugar to the boiling water.
3. Stir the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves in the water.
4. The nectar is ready. Now, you must let the nectar cool completely.
5. Get a hummingbird feeder and place the mixture inside the feeder. Make sure to hang the hummingbird feeder outside (in your garden) to attract hummingbirds.
Essential Factors To Consider
The following are some of the major factors you must consider before you start making nectar with the hummingbird food recipe:
Make sure to change the nectar every four days with a new nectar. This will ensure that the nectar is fresh. Also, remember not to use food coloring in the nectar. Let it be as natural as you can.
Regularly check the bird feeder every time you change the nectar inside it. Look whether there is a gray mold inside the feeder base or not. Also, check whether any ant has crawled inside the feeder to consume sugar water.
If you check any dirt or ants inside the hummingbird feeder, throw the bird food away. Basically, it is not good for the birds to drink dirty nectar. In fact, there is a high chance that the birds will not feed on the nectar anyway.
To clean the feeder, rinse it with warm water. Then, put some bleach into the water inside. This will allow you to clean the feeder with a brush easily.
Once you clean the feeder, rinse it thoroughly with fresh water. Moreover, allow the water to dry.
After that, please fill up the feeder with food and place it outside.
Enhancing The Hummingbird Experience
Enhancing the hummingbird experience, you can attract more hummingbirds to your garden/balcony/porch.
The following are some of the steps you must follow if you want to enhance the hummingbird experience:
1. Change The Food Regularly
Make sure to change the food every 3-4 days. This is because nectar spoils quite fast, especially when the weather is hot. In fact, if the weather is above 30 degrees Celsius, make sure to change the nectar regularly. Also, make sure to keep the feeder in the shade. This will prevent the sugar from fermenting.
2. Use The Right Amount Of Ingredient
You can make hummingbird nectar with just water and sugar. However, you must ensure the water-to-sugar ratio is 4:1. Then, boil the water and add the sugar. After that, mix them until the mixture is perfect. After that, you must let the mixture cool before you add it to the feeder.
3. Avoid Honey
Generally, honey can ferment fast and becomes a great place for mold to grow quickly. Moreover, they can be sticky and get on the feathers of hummingbirds. Hence, it is better to avoid honey.
4. Add Another Feeder
Although hummingbirds are small and cute, they can be incredibly aggressive and territorial when confronting other hummingbirds. Hence, to avoid conflict among hummingbirds, it is better to add a second feeder if you want to ensure every hummingbird gets the opportunity to have the nectar.
5. Clean The Feeders
Make sure to clean the feeders every week. Moreover, if you have hot weather around, clean the feeders twice every week. While you clean, ensure the vinegar-to-water ratio is 1:4. Also, rinse the feeders well before you refill. Furthermore, while rinsing, do not use dish soap. This is because they can leave harmful residue on the feeders.
Setting Up Your Hummingbird Feeder
The following are the steps you must take to set up your hummingbird feeder:
Make the nectar by checking the hummingbird food recipe in the previous section.
Hang the feeder in your garden at the start of spring. Generally, hummingbirds migrate through your area in the spring. Also, leave the feeder up after the hummingbirds migrate in the fall.
Hang the feeder in a place where it is visible for hummingbirds to see. Also, make sure to place the feeder in an area where you can have a good look.
Clean the nectar every 3-4 days and clean the feeder thoroughly each time you change the nectar. This way, you can prevent dust and mold from getting into the feeder.
Sugar water is safe and helpful for hummingbirds. Basically, it is quite similar to the natural nectar that hummingbirds find in flowers.
If you want to make your own feeder, use an old spice container, bottle, mason jar, or wine bottle.
Attracting More Hummingbirds
Here are some of the major ways you can attract hummingbirds to your garden:
1. Offer Hummingbird Food/Nectar: If you make sugar water and keep it in a feeder in your garden, you can attract many hummingbirds in your area. To make this item, you can see the hummingbird food recipe above.
2. Keep Water: Generally, hummingbirds also like to bathe. Hence, you can keep some water in a pot/jar to allow hummingbirds to access water for bathing and drinking.
3. Perch Area: You can leave small branches and sticks on your trees and plants. This will allow hummingbirds to perch on.
4. Plant Flowers: There is no alternative to pure nectar that flowers have. Hence, this attracts hummingbirds a lot. For instance, you can use hummingbird sage, honeysuckle, bee balm, and more. Also, you can add other types of flowers to your garden.
5. Keep Other Animals Out: If you have a pet cat/dog in your home, keep them inside. This is because they can bother hummingbirds or even end up killing them.
6. Avoid Pesticides: Pesticides are repellants for hummingbirds as well as insects. Hence, make sure not to use them or use them minimally.
Make Your Hummingbird Food Now
Now, you can make hummingbird nectar with the help of the hummingbird food recipe in the article. However, make sure to change the food every 3-4 days. Also, ensure to clean the jar every time you change the food. This way, you can ensure clean food for hummingbirds.
Do you have more suggestions on how to make hummingbird food? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below.
Additional Resources:
Is Indian Food Healthy? – Major Nutritional Benefits of Indian Cuisine
15 Healthy Mexican Food Items With Immense Health Benefits
The Importance Of Proper Cutting When Preparing Meals
Following a ketogenic diet means cutting down the Carbohydrates content in your food and increasing the fat content. This is to ensure that the body consumes fat in order to get the energy required for its functioning. A ketogenic diet is known to have a number of benefits ranging from weight loss to sugar level control. A lot of people rely on keto diets to decrease their body weight and get in shape because of their highly effective results. Also, following the low-Carb diet helps in regulating the sugar level in the body, thus proving to be a boon for persons suffering from diabetes. The sugar level in the body can be checked easily with the help of smack at ketone strips.
Food intake on a ketogenic diet needs to be done very carefully and only after analysis the proper effects of what you're eating. There are certain foods which have high nutritious value but need to be avoided on a low-Carb diet because of their high Carbohydrates content. To make things simpler for you, here is a list of the items that you can eat while being on a keto diet:
1. Seafood:
Apart from being a good source of vitamins, minerals, and other fatty acids, seafood is one of the major food recommendations for those who are on a keto diet. This is because there are several types of seafood which are low in carbs and even those which are free of carbs. You can rely on clams, mussels, octopus, oysters, and squid as their carb content is very low.
2. Eggs:
Eggs are of the most suitable foods to eat on a ketogenic diet. This is because of the fact that egg contains less than 1 gram of Carbohydrates, thus can be considered as a low-Carb food. Another benefit with eggs is that they keep a check on the appetite so that you don't end up feeling hungry every now and then.
3. Cheese:
Cheese is a food which is known for its taste and high nutritional There are a lot of varieties of cheese available in the market and almost all of them are rich in fat and low in Carbohydrates. You can safely rely on cheese while being on a keto diet.
4. Low-Carb vegetables:
The non-starchy vegetables are considered to be keto-friendly as they are low in Carbohydrates along with having an ample amount of nutrients. You can choose to eat cauliflower, kale, and broccoli if you're on a low-carb diet. These vegetables will keep a check on the carb intake along with supplying the required minerals and vitamins to the body.
5. Avocados:
Avocados help greatly in controlling blood sugar level and keeping a check on cholesterol level. Being rich in nutrients and minerals, avocados are known to contain a low value of Carbohydrates. So, they're safe to consume on a keto diet.
6. Meat and poultry:
Meat and poultry are a great source of Vitamin B, Omega-3 fat, and antioxidants. Being rich in protein, they're helpful in preserving muscle mass while you're on a low-carb diet.
7. Olive oil:
Olive oil is considered to be a companion for your heart because it is known to contain oleic acid which lowers the risk of heart-related diseases. Being high in fat, olive oil is free from Carbohydrates and a very good option to consider on a keto diet.
8. Berries:
Unlike most fruits, berries are known to contain a minimal amount of Carbohydrates. Eating blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries can be keto-friendly.
Conclusion:
Amidst tough competition, you can rely on these foods to cater to your energy needs without having to compromise with your ketogenic diet. If you want to get more info, visit Seriously Smoked.
Read more:
Top 7 Superfoods For Healthy Skin And Hair
Meals That Matter: The Best Foods And The Ways They Make You Fit
Mexican food is famous for its spices and flavors.
However, many people are confused about whether they can include Mexican food in a healthy lifestyle or not. Actually, there are plenty of misconceptions about Mexican cuisine.
In fact, healthy Mexican food options are many, and you can easily include certain dishes into your balanced diet.
In this article, you will learn about various healthy Mexican food options to include in your balanced diet. Apart from that, you will also get to know the health benefits of each item.
Moreover, this article will also explain why people commonly misunderstand Mexican food as unhealthy. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article.
A General Overview of Healthy Mexican Cuisine
The Mexican cuisine is famous for its rich flavors, diverse ingredients, and cultural significance. Hence, there are multiple healthy food options available as well.
Actually, a lot of Mexican food has a lot to teach us about nutrition. In fact, apart from the staple food items, there are quite a lot of additional factors to consider.
For example, there are some special healthy Mexican ingredients, including pumpkin, chia seeds, cactus, etc., which are quite popular among health-conscious people.
Apart from that, you will find a lot of vegetables in Mexican food. These include tomatoes, avocados, bell peppers, chili peppers, etc.
Hence, there is never a shortage of vitamins, minerals, and fibers. Additionally, many traditional Mexican food items include lean protein sources, like chicken, beans, and fish. Basically, you can use them as excellent options to maintain a healthy diet.
Why Is Mexican Food Often Misunderstood As Unhealthy?
Generally, the misconceptions about Mexican foods are due to the way many restaurants and food stalls prepare them in the US. For instance, you will frequently find high amounts of cream, cheese, and fried items on top of ingredients.
The following are some of the major reasons why many people misunderstand Mexican food as unhealthy:
Many Mexican restaurants in the US offer dishes that have large portions of sour cream, cheese, and deep-fried items. Hence, this increases your calorie count after consumption.
In many cases, Mexican dishes do not use lard. In fact, there are many healthier cooking options.
Restaurants generally serve large portion sizes of Mexican dishes. So, obviously, they contribute to overeating. Therefore, if you want to eat healthy at a Mexican restaurant, you might face difficulties.
When it comes to healthier food options, there are many dishes you can consider – legumes, grilled meats, vegetables, whole grains, etc. Basically, when you want to have Mexican food, you must make healthy choices.
For example, you must choose lean protein, grilled items, and control cheese and cream portions. This way, you can enjoy Mexican food even when you are maintaining a balanced diet.
15 Healthy Mexican Food Items And Their Health Benefits
The following are some of the best and healthy Mexican food items for you if you are on a balanced diet:
1. Beans
This is a staple source of fiber, protein, and iron for Mexicans. Apart from that, it also helps you to stay full.
Additionally, if you consume it on a regular basis, it will help you lower your cholesterol levels. Moreover, beans also help you to boost your heart health and help to maintain blood sugar levels.
2. Guacamole
The major health benefit of guacamole comes from avocados. Basically, avocadoes are monounsaturated fat and hence help to lower bad cholesterol. Also, since avocados have high fiber, it helps you to maintain your digestive tract.
Additionally, there is also no risk of colon cancer. Moreover, avocados also ensure eye health and skin health and prevent inflammation.
3. Salsa
Salsa is a good addition to your diet. With it, you can add more flavor to your food without adding excess sugar, salt, or additional fat.
Apart from that, it also contains various vitamins and minerals. In addition to that, salsa is also high in fiber and antioxidants. As a result, it will help you to remove harmful toxins from your body.
4. Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken is a lean and high-quality protein option. Hence, it can help you to build and repair your muscle tissues.
Apart from that, it will help you to maintain a healthy immune system and facilitate muscle growth. In addition to that, lean chicken also improves your bone health and helps you fight infection in your body.
5. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quesadillas
Basically, sweet potatoes are full of nutritional qualities. For instance, it is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Apart from that, they also add a little sweetness to the quesadillas.
As a result, it complements the earthy flavor of black beans. On the other hand, black beans come with a good amount of protein.
6. Vegetarian Enchiladas
When you make enchiladas with whole grain tortillas, vegetables, beans, and lean protein, you can control the calories. Basically, enchiladas offer you a balance of fiber, protein, and other essential nutrients.
Moreover, you can also boost your protein and vitamin intake if you want. However, one tortilla of vegetarian enchiladas contains 580 calories (approx.).
7. Brown Rice
Brown rice is primarily a whole grain which will help you reduce the risk of stroke or any other heart diseases. This is because of the presence of magnesium.
Moreover, it also helps in controlling blood sugar since brown rice has a lower glycemic index than white rice. Furthermore, vitamins and minerals also ensure a healthy immune system.
8. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are filled with vitamins and minerals. Also, when you grill vegetables, it reduces the amount of fat in vegetables. As a result, it becomes easier to digest. Moreover, with grilling, you can bring out the natural sweetness of vegetables.
9. Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
If you want a low-calorie, grain-free carb, the cilantro lime cauliflower rice is a better option. Moreover, the recipe is vegan and gluten-free.
This can be a great alternative to traditional white rice. Apart from that, due to the presence of vitamins and minerals, it is a healthy Mexican food option.
10. Corn on the Cob
Due to its high fiber content, corn helps in maintaining bowel health and helps in preventing constipation.
Apart from that, corn also contains antioxidants, folate, potassium, and plant sterols. This will help you to lower cholesterol levels. Apart from that, it will also help you to support heart health.
11. Zucchini
Zucchini has high fiber and water content. This helps in the digestion process and reduces the risk of constipation. Additionally, since zucchini is low in carbs, it also helps you to regulate blood sugar levels.
12. Fresh Tomatoes
Generally, tomatoes contain potassium, which helps to regular blood pressure in the body. Moreover, since they release antioxidants, they can also help prevent cancer.
Additionally, if you consume a tomato-rich diet, you can ensure better digestion. Furthermore, you will have an improved immune system.
13. Shrimp Ceviche
Shrimp ceviche is healthy because it is high in protein content. Apart from that, it also comes with a good number of vitamins and minerals.
As a result, it not only helps to build muscles but also ensures bone health, immunity, and nerve function. Moreover, if you are following a low-calorie diet to lose weight, shrimp ceviche is a healthy Mexican food option.
14. Pozole
It is a stew that is rich in protein. Here, for each cup you consume, you get 18 grams of protein. Additionally, it also contains fiber.
However, you can add more fiber to it by adding vegetables like avocado or cabbage. This will help you to digest your food better.
15. Chicken And Vegetable Tacos
Since chicken is a lean source of protein, it provides amino acids for muscle building. Moreover, it is also a good source of vitamin B. On the other hand, vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Hence, with a combination of chicken and vegetables, you can have a healthy diet.
Try Your Favorite Healthy Mexican Food Now
Hence, you can see that there are plenty of healthy Mexican food options. However, this is not common in the US because most Mexican restaurants in this country serve Mexican food items with a lot of oil, spices, and cream.
Hence, it looks unhealthy to common people. Therefore, if you want to have a healthy Mexican diet, you have a lot of choices.
Do you have more suggestions on healthy Mexican food items? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below.
Read Also:
Eat Your Heart Out A List Of Restaurants That Are Open On Christmas
7 Benefits Of Eating Protein Rich Snacks
Tips to Lose Weight Naturally
