HAVE CHOCOLATES FOR A HEALTHY LIFE.

Dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients that can positively affect your health.Made from the seed of the cocoa tree, it is one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet.Studies show that dark chocolate,can improve health and lower the risk of heart disease.

Dark Chocolate is Very Nutritious

If you buy quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, then it is actually quite nutritious.It contains a decent amount of soluble fiber and is loaded with minerals.Quality dark chocolate is rich in Fiber, Iron, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese and a few other minerals.

 Dark Chocolate is a Powerful Source of Antioxidants

Have you ever heard of a measure calledORAC?

ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. It is a measure of the antioxidant activity of foods.Dark chocolate is loaded with organic compounds that are biologically active and function as antioxidants. These include polyphenols, flavanols, catechins, among others.Cocoa and dark chocolate have a wide variety of powerful antioxidants, way more than most other foods.

Dark Chocolate May Improve Blood Flow and Lower Blood Pressure

The flavanols in dark chocolate can stimulate the endothelium, the lining of arteries, to produce Nitric Oxide (NO), which is a gas.

One of the functions of NO is to send signals to the arteries to relax, which lowers resistance to blood flow and therefore reduces blood pressure.There are many controlled trials showing that cocoa and dark chocolate can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure, but the effects are usually mild. The bioactive compounds in cocoa can improve blood flow in the arteries and cause a small but statistically significant decrease in blood pressure.

Dark Chocolate May Lower The Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

The compounds in dark chocolate appear to be highly protective against the oxidation of LDL.In the long term, this should cause much less cholesterol to lodge in the arteries and we should see a lower risk of heart disease over the long term.Observational studies show a drastic reduction in heart disease risk for the people who consume the most chocolate.

Dark Chocolate May Protect Your Skin Against The Sun

The bioactive compounds in dark chocolate may also be great for your skin.

The flavonols can protect against sun-induced damage, improve blood flow to the skin and increase skin density and hydration.f you’re planning on a beach vacation, consider loading up on dark chocolate in the prior weeks and months.Studies show that the flavanols from cocoa can improve blood flow to the skin and protect it against sun-induced damage.

Dark Chocolate May Improve Brain Function

The good news isn’t over yet. Dark chocolate may also improve the function of the brain.One study of healthy volunteers showed that 5 days of consuming high-flavanol cocoa improved blood flow to the brain.Cocoa may also significantly improve cognitive function in elderly people with mental impairment. It also improves verbal fluency and several risk factors for disease.Cocoa also contains stimulant substances like caffeine and theobromine, which may be a key reason cocoa can improve brain function in the short term 

Happy reading @Jfc food consulting llp.

Do you know how to shake hand? (Read the article @ JFC) For sure there will be a change in you after the reading.

It’s not tricky or hard to do, yet some manage to screw it up. Let’s go over some things you must not do when shaking hands:

.

Keep an eye contact:Make sure you’re making eye contact with the person with whom you are shaking hands and avoid distractions. It is observed that men shaking hands with a corporate manager while the eyes tracked a beautiful woman walking by. Don’t do that— please

Shaking hands with wet hands:About 2.8% of the population suffers from hyperhidrosis—excessive sweating. Before you shake hands make sure you dry them first. There’s nothing wrong with having a handkerchief in your hand as you wait, or wiping them on the back of the leg just before you shake hands.

Be too dominant: Sometime in the 1980’s someone wrote that to establish dominance in a relationship your hand had to be the one on top when shaking hands. The clinical term for this is: crap. Twisting the other person’s hand so that yours is superior or playing hand jujitsu to let the other person know you’re in charge is just rubbish.  Don’t do it and if someone does it to you just say, “Let’s do it properly this time without the theatrics this time.” The only thing this kind of handshake achieves is leaving you with a negative impression.

Do the “probing” handshake: People receive the probing handshake all the time. The probing handshake is where the other person probes you with their index finger pressed against the inside of your wrist. It leaves the most negative of feelings and it’s the most dreaded handshake. Some have even disclosed that they were “revolted” by it. So, gentlemen (it’s usually done by men) if you erroneously learned this on your own or it’s a part of some sort of secret society ritual, knock it off.

Shake like a politician: Lastly, never ever, unless it’s for your grandmother or grandfather, give a politician’s handshake. That’s where you use two hands to cover or cup the other person’s hands. No one likes it—it’s too personal and you have to earn the right to do it. Politicians do it thinking you will like them more—you won’t. If you feel you need to touch more, shake the hand normally and with the other touch the forearm.

So, shaking hands is a simple act that you can get wrong. You’re being assessed when you touch another hand, and you never know if that handshake you’re executing will be long remembered (good or bad).

Happy Reading @ JFC Food Consulting llp

Haves and Have not’s in Rainy season ( FOOD) .. Interesting story!! check out..

Should Have :

• Eat fruits as they help you restore energy. Apples, mangoes, pomegranates, and pears are best suggestible. Better opt for foods which are drying in nature like corn, gram flour, chick pea etc.
• Foods such as brown rice, oats, and barley are the best foods one could have in this monsoon.
• Body’s immunity can be increased by adding a dash of garlic to the soups, sir fries and curries you intake.
• Opt for yogurt, curd and almonds in your diet instead of milk. Drink only boiled and purified water to protect yourself from harmful germs and drinking plenty of water keeps your body hydrated.
• Consuming bitter vegetables like bitter gourd, and bitter herbs like neem, turmeric powder and methi seeds help in preventing infections.

• Astringent, mildly bitter and pungent foods must be best served this season.
• Drink lots of herbal teas, especially those with antibacterial properties. These include ginger, pepper, honey, mint and basil leaves.

• Have fresh radish juice to fight cold and cough. To reduce mucous formations add pipli and rock salt to warm water. This reduces the natural monsoon ailments.
• People who suffer with arthritis should drink warm water with tulsi and dalchini (cardamom) on an empty stomach in the morning. Doing this improves bowel syndromes and also decreases pains in joints.

Shouldn’t Have:

• Avoid too much of fish and meat this season and heavy curries and non- vegetarians should go for light meat preparations like stew and soups.
• Vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, cluster beans, ladies finger, kidney beans, pigeon pea, and sprouted grains must be avoided.
• Avoid eating raw vegetables as they contain active bacteria and virus that cause bacterial and viral infections.

• Avoid watermelon and muskmelons and also goosing on too many mangoes may cause pimples.
• Avoid eating fried items, pre- cut fruits and juices from road side vendors and stick to high quality and hygiene.
• Avoid heavy salty food as they are responsible for high blood pressure and water retention.
• Eating watery foods like lassi, watermelon, rice, muskmelon creates swelling in the body.

• Always wash vegetables well and keep them clean especially if they are taken raw.

Happy Reading @ JFC Food Consulting LLP

Why south Indian’s prefer to have food in Banana Leaf?

It is one of the most eco-friendly, disposable food serving systems. It degrades quickly and unlike a metallic/porcelain utensil, it requires very little cleaning with water or soap. Plastic plates worsen the environment and in a small way, if each one of us starts using biodegradable natural materials, we will have a much cleaner and safer environment.

It is healthy. The antioxidants (polyphenols) in banana leaf are reported to help fight cancer. Another research says the leaf contains polyphenol oxidise that helps fight Parkinson’s disease.  Banana leaves are also used in some ayurvedic medicinal preparations. Eating hot, freshly cooked foods on the banana leaf is one good way to get all the antioxidants easily.

It is waterproof. South Indian foods involve a lot of liquids and many other bio materials don’t fit in easily.

Banana leaf is full of antioxidants and eating hot, freshly cooked foods on the banana leaf is one good way to get all the antioxidants easily and improves the taste of some foods like Rasam (Indian soup). People strongly believes that eating in banana leaf enhances the taste of the dish.

Since the leaf can hold a large volume of food, it requires less rounds of serving and thus it is easy when you are serving parties of 1000s of people (not unusual in Indian weddings).

Finally, love to follow the ways of our ancestors (especially when they are right). It is nice to have a bit of history and culture when you are dealing with something as fundamental as food.

Happy Reading @ JFC Food Consulting LLP

Superfoods that naturally cleanse your liver

We live in a world where disease is everywhere, and becoming more prevalent by the day. This should come as no surprise, as the environment we choose to surround ourselves with is extremely toxic. The food we eat, the water we drink, the very air we breathe – all have become potentially hazardous to our health.Another example is pesticides, used en mass on our food, which have been linked to a number of health ailments. Scientists have been concerned about our toxic environment for a long time.

One could spend all day listing the toxins in our everyday lives, but the point remains, you do have a choice. Instead of surrounding yourself in a toxic environment, unthinking, you can work towards consciously surrounding yourself in as natural, clean, and chemically free an environment as possible. The importance of detoxification is huge today, and there are a number of ways to cleanse your body and its organs of the drastic amount of chemicals they accumulate and retain over the years.

The Liver Is Very Important
This is about detoxing the body’s largest gland, the liver. Without a liver, a person cannot survive. It has a number of functions including, but not limited to:

1.Detoxifying the blood to rid it of harmful substances (like toxins, drugs, alcohol, and more)
2.Stores vitamins and iron
3.Converts stored sugar to usable sugar when the body’s sugar levels fall below normal
4.Produces bile, a substance needed to digest fats
5.Breaks down haemoglobin as well as insulin and other hormones
6.Destroys old red blood cells
The liver performs so many vital functions, and as a result it is very prone to disease.

Detox Your Liver With These Super Foods
1. Beets and Carrots:

Carrots are rich in Glutathione, a protein that helps detoxify the liver. Both are extremely high in plant-flavonoids and beta-carotene. Eating beets and carrots can help stimulate and improve overall liver function. (Source) (Related CE Article: The Mother of All Antioxidants)

2. Tomatoes:

They have abundant amounts of Glutathione (see article above) which again, are a great detoxifier for the liver. As a side effect, Lycopene in tomatoes will protect against breast, skin, and lung cancer. (Source)

3. Grapefruit:

Another source of the liver cleansing glutathione. It’s also high in vitamin C and antioxidants, which boost the production of liver detoxification enzymes and increase the natural cleansing process of the liver.

4. Spinach:

Raw spinach is also a major source of glutathione, triggering the toxin cleansing enzymes of the liver.

5. Citrus Fruits:

Lemons and limes contain very high amounts of vitamin C, which helps stimulate the liver and aids the synthesizing of toxic materials into substances that can be absorbed by water.

6. Cabbage:

The isothiocyanates (ITCs) made from cabbage’s glucosinolates provides liver detoxifying enzymes that help flush out toxins. (Source) (Source)

7. Turmeric:

Turmeric is the liver’s favorite spice and helps boost liver detox. It does this by assisting enzymes that actively flush out dietary carcinogens. (Source)

8. Walnuts:

Walnuts are a good source of glutathione, omega-3 fatty acids, and the amino acid arginine, which supports normal liver cleansing actions, especially when detoxifying ammonia.

9. Avocados:

A nutrient-dense superfood, avocado helps the body produce glutathione.

10. Apples:

They are high in pectin and other chemicals essential to cleansing and releasing toxins from the digestive tract. Apples make it easier for the liver to handle the toxic load during the cleansing process.

11. Brussels sprouts:

Brussels sprouts are high in sulfur and glucosinolate, which forces the liver to release enzymes that block damage from environmental or dietary toxins.

12. Garlic:

Garlic is loaded with sulphur, which activates liver enzymes that help your body flush out toxins. Garlic also holds high amounts of allicin and selenium, two natural compounds that also aid in liver cleansing.

Happy reading @Jfc food consulting llp.

Foods you might be pronouncing wrong.

We’ve all been there, and when the cuisine is not native to your country, it’s only normal for your brain to hate words like Hors d’oeuvres, Gnocchi and Worcestershire. Here’s a handy guide for pronouncing these delicious words right! Take a print out, say it out loud, rinse and repeat! Admit it – you’d be just fine not saying ‘quesadilla’ out loud for the rest of your life.

Quesadilla

Pronunciation: Kay-sa-dee-ah

Straight from Mexico, a quesadilla is a flour or corn tortilla filled with all things yum! Stuffed with cheese, veggies and some other ingredients, it’s folded and served in a half-moon shape.

Macaron

Pronunciation: Mack-eh-rohn

Macaroon

Pronunciation: Mack-ah-ROON

Macaron/Macaroon: These aren’t the same things! Macarons are made from egg whites and almond powder. Macaroons are made from shredded coconut.

Hors d’oeuvres

Pronunciation: Or-derv

A rather fancy name for appetizers, Hors d’oeuvre are small dishes served before the main course, typically meant to be eaten by hand.

Bruschetta

Pronunciation: Broo-sket-tah, not broo-shedda

All the way from Italy, Bruschetta is grilled bread, rubbed with garlic and sprinkled with olive oil. Toppings can be varied – from tomatoes to cured meat.

Gnocchi

Pronunciation: Nyawk-kee

Small dumplings made from flour, potatoes, semolina or a combination of these ingredients, boiled and served with sauce.

Worcestershire sauce

Pronunciation: Woos-tuhr-sheer

A spicy, intense sauce containing vinegar and soy sauce, it’s sprinkled in Caesar salad, beef stew, hamburgers and anything else you’re willing to try it with! It’s also used to flavour cocktails like Bloody Mary and Caesar.

Espresso Coffee

Pronunciation: E-spres-oh, not ex-presso

A slightly thicker form of coffee, it’s made by the pressurized brewing process and contains more caffeine than other drinks.
Crème Fraîche

Pronunciation: Krem- FRESH

Thick cream with a mildly tart flavour, Crème fraîche is usually poured on fresh fruits or used as a garnish with soups.

Quinoa

Pronunciation: Keen-wah, not kwin-no-a

Quinoa is high in protein, is gluten and cholesterol-free and takes less time to cook than other whole grains.

Happy reading @Jfc food consulting llp

What food to consume in what season?

India is a land of various cultures as well as seasons hence different types of foods, vegetables and fruits can be found at different times. Despite this large platter, one should know when and what to eat for effective result. Eating seasonal food is the best way to remain healthy as there is a variation in the nutrient content of veggies or fruits when they are harvested off-season.

Food items of Spring Season
Spring is the season of life, prosperity and richness. Eating easily digestible food during this season is a better way of staying healthy and fit. Food, which contains grains like barley, rye, millet, buckwheat and wheat, can be consumed. Some of the food items of spring season with benefits are as follows:

Radish:Radish is enriched with fibre, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, copper, calcium, and manganese. It prevents viral infections, eliminates toxins, protects against cancer, relieves indigestion, and keeps hydrated.

Peas: Peas have sweet taste and starchy texture and they contain a unique assortment of health-protective phyto-nutrients. Peas are nutritious and low in fat. They also come with anti-inflammatory benefits.

Spring onions: Spring onions are good source of vitamin C, chromium and dietary fibre. They help lower glucose levels in the blood stream, protect against cancer, especially ovarian cancer and help destroy worms and other parasites in the stomach.

Spinach: Spinach is a good source of vitamin C. It eases constipation and protects the mucus lining of the stomach, so that one can stay free of ulcers. It also flushes out toxins from the colon.

Food items of Summer Season
The summer season or the “greeshma” ritu is extremely hot so restoring the fluids that are lost in sweat is very important. Concentrating on water and cool beverages like buttermilk can help to keep the body cool. It is essential to keep the humidity level proper. Mango rose, rose petal jams are also ideal drinks for the season. Black tulsi seeds, if added to any cool drink will be delicious as well as refreshing. Some of the food items of summer season with benefits are as follows:

Mango: Mango which is regarded as the ‘king of fruits’ is loaded with various health benefits. It lowers cholesterol, acts as a skin cleanser, keeps eyes healthy, prevents diabetes, improves digestion, prevents heat stroke, and boosts immune system. Also protects against colon, breast, leukaemia and prostate cancers.

Watermelon: Watermelon contains a large amount of water. It is very nutritious and can boost energy.

Lychee: This fruit is a good source of vitamin C and vitamin B. Lychee is also a good source of potassium, an electrolyte that helps to maintain fluid balance, contract muscles and control blood pressure.

Bitter Gourd: It lowers blood glucose levels, lowers dietary carbohydrate digestion, reverses insulin resistance, and prevents diabetic complications. It can also protect the body from other non-communicable diseases

Ladies finger or Bhindi: It comprises of no calories and is enriched with dietary fibre which is important for digestive system. Bhindi also helps to fight against diabetes.

Papaya: Papaya is low in calories and high in nutritional values. It helps in preventing constipation and aids in digestion, lowers blood cholesterol levels and also helps in controlling premature ageing.

Food Items of Monsoon Season

Monsoon means rainy season hence the weather is wet, soggy and humid. The humidity weakens the digestion so special care has to be taken during monsoon season. Grains like barley and wheat and flesh of animals of “janagal desha” should be consumed in sufficient quantities. Lukewarm water should be consumed. Milk, ghee and plain butter can also be taken. Fishes from lakes, which are oily, can be consumed. An important constituent of the diet during the rainy season should be honey. Some of the food items of monsoon season with benefits are as follows:

Peach: Peach is rich in phyto-chemicals. It keeps the skin healthy and reduces hair loss. It can also help to remove worms from the intestines.

Plum: Plum is very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. It is also a good source of dietary fibre, vitamin A, vitamin C and K.

Food Items of Autumn Season
Autumn or ‘sharad ritu’ is the season when one should take plenty of sunlight to avoid mood swings that come during the winter season. In this season, the diet should consist of sweet, slight bitter and light foods. Grains like barley, ragi and wheat can be consumed. Oily food can also be consumed like animals with oily flesh. Lukewarm beverages can be taken throughout the day. In the evening one can consume tea made with cumin seeds. Before going to bed it is better to consume hot milk with few threads of saffron. Some of the food items of autumn season with benefits are:

Beetroot: Beetroot is loaded with various benefits. It beats osteoporosis, keeps diabetes under check, treats anaemia, helps relieve fatigue, beats constipation and keeps the stomach healthy and boosts brain power.

Brinjal/Eggplant: Brinjal is rich source of fibre and low soluble carbohydrates. It helps create iron in the human body, facilitates weight loss, and helps in digestion.

Cabbage: Cabbage is a good source of vitamin C. It is helpful in treating ulcers, certain cancers, and depression. Cabbage can speed up the healing process for wounds and damaged tissues, regulate the proper functioning of the nervous system, and reduce the effects and presence of Alzheimer’s disease.

Cauliflower: Consumption of cauliflower helps in maintaining the heart and the cardiovascular system. It also helps in lowering cholesterol levels.

Tomato: Tomato is rich source of antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin A. It provides protection against high cholesterol, strokes, and heart disease. It also helps in building strong bones and fights against several cancers, including prostate, cervical, stomach, rectal, prostate and ovarian cancer.

Food items of Winter Season
Along with a pleasant weather, winter welcomes various vegetables and fruits with varied health benefits. But winter is a time of downtime as a result human’s metabolism slows down. It is important to conserve energy and build strength by consuming the right seasonal food items. Some of them are as follows:

Apples: Biting and chewing an apple stimulates the production of saliva in mouth, reducing tooth decay by lowering the levels of bacteria. Also keeps Alzheimer’s away, curbs all sorts of cancers, decreases risk of diabetes, reduces cholesterol, prevents gallstones, neutralizes irritable bowel syndrome, controls weight, detoxifies liver, and prevents cataracts.

Oranges: Orange is enriched with Vitamin C and is low in calories. Orange is capable of fighting against germs.

Carrots: This root vegetable has good level of carotene. Carrot is also a good source of vitamins B, C, D, E and K, as well as calcium pectate.

Fenugreek Leaves: Fenugreek leaves are enriched with vitamins, minerals, fibre and phytonutrients. It can lower cholesterol and help to keep diabetes under check.

Happy Reading @ Jfc food consulting

INDIAN MAGICAL MILLETS.

Millets are a group of highly variable small-seeded grasses, widely grown around the world as cereal crops/ grains. Millet is tiny in size and round in shape and can be white, gray, yellow or red like you can see in pictures. Millets are very high in their nutrition content. Each millets are three to five times nutritionally superior to rice and wheat in terms of proteins, minerals and vitamins. Millets are rich in B vitamins, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, also gluten-free and has low-GI (Glycemic index) thus millets are suitable for people allergies/intolerance of wheat. Also for diabetic, weight loss millets are excellent.

 Types of millets and their names in different languages:

Pearl millet:Pearl millet is the most widely grown type of millet and India is largest producer of pearl millet. Pearl millet is a rich source of phosphorus, which plays an important part in the structure of body cells. Consumption of pearl millets helps in minimizing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Being a good source of magnesium, millets act as a cofactor in a number of enzymatic reactions.

Finger millet:Also known as African finger millet, red millet, ragi and very popular millet specially in Southern India. It is rich in calcium and protein and also have good amount of iron and other minerals. Ragi tops in antioxidant activity among common Indian foods, Ragi also has some good number of Essential Amino Acids (EAA) which are essential for human body.

Foxtail millet:Foxtail millets are high in Iron content and these millets are totally pest-free. Foxtail not only not need any fumigants, but act as anti pest agents to store delicate pulses such as green gram. They also control blood sugar and cholesterol levels & increase HDL cholesterol.

Kodo millet: Kodo millets contain high amounts of polyphenols, an antioxidant compound, they also has high on fibre, low on fat. Kodo millet inhibited glycation and cross-linking of collagen. Kodo millets are good for diabetes.

Little millet:

Little Millets seeds are smaller than other millets, like foxtail millet, little millet also high in Iron content, high in fibre like Kodo and has high antioxidant activity. It helps in diabetes and diseases related stomach.

Banyard millet:

Barnyard millets are high in fibre content, phosporous and calcium. Bardyard has low glycemic index and thus helps in type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease with regular intake of this millet.

Sorghum millet: Sorghum is another one of the ancient cereal grain, and grown mostly for their fodder value. Sorghum has high nutritional value, with high levels of unsaturated fats, protein, fiber, and minerals like phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and iron. It’s also high in calories and macronutrients, jowar has more antioxidants than blueberries and pomegranates. Sorghum helps to improve metabolism.

Happy Reading @ Jfc food consulting llp

BREAD CUTLET WITH STUFFED POTATO’S

A snack that can be made in a jiffy if you have leftover boiled potatoes. these bread rolls are a favorite at home and loved by kids. can  usually pair them with the evening Tea  as a snack.

1. boil the potatoes, peel and mash them. add all the spices, herbs and salt and mix well. make small to medium rolls of potato filling depending on the size of the bread.

2. take a slice of bread and dip it in a plate filled with water.

3. just let the bread absorb the water. it should get damp but not overly. otherwise the bread slice breaks. the idea is to make the bread moist enough so that it becomes pretty flexible which would make the rolling and shaping easier… on similar lines like a pastry dough (though pastry dough is very easy than a soaked drained bread).  press the bread between your palms so that the excess water is drained.

4. place the prepared potato stuffing roll on on bread slice.

5. roll the bread and join the edges. there should not be any exposed potato filling as when frying they will leak out in the oil. if there are any exposed edges, then just cover with a piece of soaked and drained bread and press it to get an even cover. forming the bread roll is not so easy part for beginners and with practice you will learn.

6. make all bread rolls this way.

7. heat oil for deep frying or shallow frying in a kadai or pan. when the oil becomes medium hot, then add bread rolls. fry the bread rolls till they become crisp and golden in color. the oil has to be moderately hot. if the oil is not hot enough, the moist bread will absorb a lot of oil. if the oil is very hot, the bread will brown quickly and unevenly with uncooked insides.

8. drain the bread rolls on kitchen  paper tissues to remove excess oil.

It can be served better with tomato ketchup, coconut chutney or any home made pickle…

Happy reading @ JFC food consulting

GO ORGANIC. Grow your vegetables. Stay healthy.

GO ORGANIC. Grow your vegetables. Stay healthy..