Nuts and dry fruits are probably the oldest and traditional superfoods which our mothers have diligently offered us for our good health. Packed with proteins, iron, magnesium, healthy fats, vitamin B and fiber, these nutritional powerhouses are a must in our diet, but only in a limited quantity. Yes, taking almonds, dates, cashews, pistachios, and walnuts in excess amount can lead to excessive body heat, giving rise to nasty pimples and rashes. Not more than 2 tablespoons of dry fruits are recommended in a day because of their sugar content, they can easily help to put on weight by adding excess calories.

But, how true is the claim or is it a myth? Let's find out.

Here is a brief overview of how overconsumption of dry fruit is detrimental to health:

Weight gain: Studies conducted by researchers over the years has revealed that it takes over 3500 calories to gain 1 pound of weight. However, consuming just 250 calories from dry fruits can result in over 2 pounds of weight in a single month. A sudden increase in weight can bring in other complications such as obesity, menstrual problems in women, high blood pressure, etc. It is therefore imperative to avoid excess intake of dry fruits. To ensure minimum intake of calories, we could focus on dates, apricot, cranberries, blueberries, etc.
Asthma: Sulphur dioxide is often used to process dry fruits. Studies revealed that this foul-smelling gas isn t very harmful when consumed in limited quantities. But, as per food safety experts, the permissible limit of Sulphur dioxide in humans should not be more than 20 mg per day as it can cause asthma, allergic reaction and skin rashes in an individual.
Gastrointestinal problems: Food items with high fiber content help in regular bowel movement and smooth blood flow. However, consuming too much fiber can lead to bloating, diarrhea, flatulence, cramps and constipation. This is exactly the case with dry fruits as well. They contain fiber and have the capacity to wreak havoc in the intestinal lining on overconsumption. Gradual and steady consumption of dry fruits over a period of time can mitigate this risk. 
Tooth decay: Dry fruits that are available in the market come with a thick coat of sugar so that they do not infuse moisture and stick to each other. This sugar significantly contributes to tooth decay. This is the reason why overconsumption of dry foot should be avoided.
Sugar crash: Most dry fruits have a high glycaemic index which can quickly surge blood sugar levels and spike energy levels. Therefore, patients suffering from high pressure should strictly refrain from dry fruits.
While the cons appear frightening, do not cross the nuts off the grocery list completely. Dry fruits when consumed under control, can be really helpful. So remember that moderation is the key. And in case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to all your questions!

Dry Fruits - 5 Reasons Why You Must Not Eat Too Many!

There are many food items which would become stale after a few hours, but there are certain foods which may last forever without the need to can them or freeze or dehydrate. If an individual is new to the field of food storage, these staples can be an excellent way to begin.

White rice: There are numerous researchers who have found that polished or white rice keeps up their nutrient content and flavour for almost 30 years if it can be stored in oxygen-free containers in temperatures that range below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Brown rice, on the other hand, doesn t last more than six months owing to the availability of natural oils in the bran layer.
Honey: Honey is preferably the only food that would last forever due to the perfect chemistry and the handiwork of the bees. The nectar extracted from the flower gets mixed with the enzymes present in the bees  bodies which alter the composition of the nectar. The nectar is further broken down into simple sugars and is accumulated in the honeycombs. The processing, as well as sealing of the honey, is primarily responsible for the incredible shelf life.
Salt: Since sodium chloride is a mineral which is taken from the natural components of the earth, its shelf-life should come as a natural consequence. It is used for centuries as a means of preserving other food products as it can extract out all the moisture. But this doesn t indicate that the table salt would last forever. Experts say that the addition of the iodine to the table salt reduces the shelf life of the salt which means that if the label says that it is an iodized salt, it will not last over five years.
Soy sauce: When left unopened, a container filled with soya sauce would last for a significantly long period. But it is also dependent on the type of soy sauce and the additives used. Even if the soy sauce has been opened, this salty condiment will last for many years if stored in the refrigerator.
Sugar: Quite similar to many items, the storage process of the sugar determines whether the sugar is going to last for long or not. Granulated and powdered sugar must be kept under an airtight condition to steer clear of moisture. Although retailers are needed to provide the manufacturing dates of the sugar, manufacturers say that the sugar remains edible even if it has hardened and become brown.
Pure maple syrup: Pure maple syrup, as well as commercial sugars such as granular sugars and honey, has an irresistible life owing to its shield against any kinds of microbial growth. Unopened maple syrup shall last forever, and in case there is the formation of mould, boiling it to a certain degree and skimming the surface and ultimately pouring it to a clean and air-tight container would eliminate all the problems.
Clarified butter: This kind of butter is boiled unless the total moisture is extracted which is the reason that it doesn t go bad. As long as the clarified butter or ghee is stored in sealed container under cool temperature, it would last for about 100 years.

7 Foods That Never Expire!

Healthy living is the key to a happy life, there are plenty of ways to lead a healthy life. An effective one is to include kidney beans as a part of your diet because as per Ayurveda, legumes should be part of almost every meal of the day as they are a rich source of protein. Kidney beans as you must be aware is a type of bean that gets its name from its shape, which is like a kidney. These are readily found throughout the year both in dry as well as in canned form.

What health benefits do they offer?
With the help of the kidney beans, you can prepare many delicious dishes which you can enjoy and at the same time enjoy the health benefits as well. Kidney beans offer a lot of health benefits which are being discussed below.

Excellent source of fiber: Kidney beans are an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Most importantly, the fiber present in the kidney beans helps in the lowering the level of cholesterol in the blood. According to Ayurveda, kidney beans are extremely helpful in the prevention of many disorders of the digestive system. It helps in keeping the digestive system absolutely clean and free of problems. In addition to this, the fiber content in kidney beans is extremely good for patients suffering from diabetes since it can keep the blood sugar under control.
Good source of energy: Kidney beans help in the replenishment of iron in the body which is the integral component of hemoglobin in the blood. The iron is the key enzyme for the production of energy and metabolism in the body. Thus, kidney beans are an excellent source of energy. Moreover, kidney beans also promote the slow burning of the complex carbohydrates thereby providing energy to the body while stabilizing the level of sugar in the blood. These beans are also a good source of the trace mineral manganese which acts as the vital cofactor in energy production in the body.
Good for heart and memory: Kidney beans contain significant amount magnesium and folate which helps in the lowering of homocysteine which reduces the risk of heart attack, peripheral vascular disease or stroke. The rich supply of magnesium in the kidney beans provide great benefits to our cardiovascular system. These beans are also rich in vitamin B1 or Thiamine which are extremely good for the brain cells and cognitive function.
Since kidney beans provide numerous such benefits, you can make it a part of your diet. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Kidney Beans (Rajmah) - Are They Good For Your Health?

Do you know not all foods can be consumed on an empty stomach? So, it is imperative that you should be aware of such foods and restructure your breakfast menu accordingly. Here is a list of foods to avoid on an empty stomach. 

Stay away from the following foods when you eat after a considerable gap

Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits contain fruit acids. When these acids enter an empty stomach, they can lead to heartburn. Hence, if eaten after a prolonged period post meal, a person is at risk of gastritis and stomach ulcers.
Soda: Consuming cold soda drinks on an empty stomach may cause damage to the mucosal membrane while reducing blood flow to the stomach. This may lead to a slow digestive process and difficulty in the abdomen.
Spicy foods: Spicy foods are known to cause irritation and damage to the digestive tract, and are especially not recommended for people who suffer from acid reflux issues since very spicy food leads to consequences such as acid reflux in the food pipe.
Cucumber and other green vegetables: Green vegetables and cucumber are rich in amino acids. If consumed on an empty stomach it may very well lead to pain and bitterness in the upper abdomen.
Tomato: Tomato is a fruit containing high levels of tannin. Tannin causes acidity in an empty stomach and leads to consequences and appearance of gastritis if frequently consumed in such a manner.
Fermented milk products: Fermented milk products such as yogurt typically come with loads of health benefits being full of probiotics. But if consumed on an empty stomach it can interfere with the balance of healthy bacteria as the hydrochloric acid produced tends to be destructive.
Sweets: Items such as candy or sweetmeats contain high levels of sugar and cause a sudden and sharp surge of insulin levels in the blood. Over a long period, this has a bad effect on the pancreas.
Products containing yeast: Edible items such as biscuits, puff pastry, vinegar and beverages such as beer and wine contain yeast which can significantly irritate the stomach and cause bloating.
So, be a little conscious and avoid consuming these items on an empty stomach since a little effort goes a long way. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Empty Stomach - 8 Food Types That You Must Avoid!

The most common dietary problem that every vegetarian comes across is protein deficiency. It was a widely acknowledged fact that animal products are the best protein sources. However, it is no longer so, and vegetarians everywhere can now rejoice!

Here are the 13 best sources of protein for vegetarians:

Green peas: Green peas are legumes, which are a very good protein source. They contain 7.9 grams of protein per serving.

Quinoa: Grains usually contain very little protein, but quinoa is unique. It contains 8 grams of protein per serving, and contains all nine important amino acids that your body needs for repair and growth.

Nuts and nut butter: Nuts are a good source of proteins and healthy fats. However, eat them with caution, as they do contain 160 calories per serving. Butter made from nuts like peanut butter and almond butter is also a good source of protein.

Beans: Beans are available in a variety of colours and shapes, but all of them have one thing in common that is the high level of protein.

Chickpeas: Chickpeas are also from the legume family, so they also contain high amounts of protein; 7.3 grams of protein in only half of a serving.

Tofu and tempeh: Tempeh and tofu are both soy products and they have the highest amount of vegetarian proteins, about 15-20 grams per serving.

Edamame or soybean: Edamame or soybean is excellent for snacking. They contain 8.4 grams of protein in just half a cup.

Leafy greens: Vegetables usually do not contain much protein, but eating green vegetables will significantly add to your protein consumption. For example, you can eat one cup of cooked broccoli as that contains 8.1 grams of protein.

Hemp: Blend hemp seeds in smoothies or baked goods to get your daily dose of protein. Hemp contains 10 grams of protein per tablespoon.

Chia seeds: Chia seeds contain 4.7 grams of protein per two tablespoons, making them excellent sources of protein.

Seitan: This is a meat substitute made from wheat gluten and it contains 36 grams of protein per serving (about half a cup).

Non-dairy milk: Milk made from soy (best non-dairy protein source), almond, rice and hemp are good dairy substitutes.

Unsweetened cocoa powder: This will surprise you, but bitter cocoa contains nearly 1 gram of protein per serving (1 tablespoon)! 
All the above-mentioned food items are the best source of proteins for vegetarians. So, enjoy them with no worry.

Know Excellent Sources Of Protein For Vegetarians!

The first commandment of healthy living is to eat plenty of fresh fruits. However, did you know that some fruits are healthier than others? Fruits do not have any added sugars but many fruits are rich in natural sugar. However, here are 11 fruits which have lowest sugar content.

Limes and lemons: Limes and lemons are known as sour fruits. While they are rich in vitamin C, they do not contain a lot of sugar. Freshly squeezed lime juice and hot water is the perfect drink to curb your appetite and raise metabolism.
Raspberries: Raspberries are rich in fiber but have only a little more than a teaspoon of sugar per cup. This makes them the perfect fruit to start the day with.
Strawberries: Strawberries may taste sweet but a cup of fresh strawberries has only about 7 grams of sugar. However, a cup of strawberries has enough vitamin C to take care of your daily requirements.
Blackberries: A cup of these berries also has minimal sugar. Along with fiber, these fruits are also rich in antioxidants. These berries also help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other such conditions.
Kiwi: Did you know that kiwis are technically berries? Each kiwi has less than 6 grams of sugar but is very rich in vitamin C.
Grapefruit: A grapefruit is a perfect breakfast. These citrus fruits are rich in fiber and low in sugar. Half a grapefruit contains only 52 calories and minimal sugar. They are also rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.
Avocado: Avocados are naturally low in their sugar content. One raw avocado has less than a gram of sugar. However, they are full of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium.
Watermelon: Summer would be incomplete without watermelons. Though they taste sweet, watermelons are very low in sugar. A cup of watermelon has less than 10 grams of sugar.
Cantaloupe: Cantaloupes are rich in vitamin A but a cup of this fruit has only about 14 grams of sugar. They are also rich in vitamin B, magnesium and fiber.
Oranges: Eating an orange is the best way to boost our vitamin C levels and keep infections away. One orange typically contains less than 70 calories and 12 grams of sugar.
Peaches: A medium sized peach has less than 13 grams of sugar. This is an example of how taste can be deceptive when it comes to calories.
Given the sugar content in these fruits, it would be a great idea for the diabetics and weight watchers to include them in their diet and have a healthy and hearty meal. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a General Physician.

11 Best Fruits That Are Low In Sugar Content!

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