Sweet Treats That Won't Make You Gain Weight

The moment we decide to follow a diet, we reduce the amount of sugar intake first. Studies show that this method helps fight against obesity and excess weight pretty well. Nevertheless, you shouldn't completely exclude it from your diet as sweet products enrich us with energy. Here we take a look at what kind of sugar can replace high-calorie cupcakes and other sweet treats that make us gain weight. 

 

1. Sorbet

Sorbet (which is basically an ice cream without milk) is fat-free. It also contains fewer calories. Sorbet also comes in a variety of flavors, including frozen berries and other fruit which contains the same amount of vitamins as fresh ones.

2. Fruit
Fruit is a popular food and one that can be used in place of candies. Studies show that eating fruit doesn't lead to excess weight. However, if you count calories, you're recommended to eat a grapefruit (which contains 30kcal and 7g of carbs per 100g) instead of a banana (which contains 95kcal and 21g of carbs per 100g). To keep the sugar to a minimum try to eat perfectly ripe fruit as overripe ones contain too much glucose. 

3. Berries

Berries come in a variety of forms - from cranberries to raspberries, strawberries and red currant which are all considered to be low-calorie berries. Cherries, pomegranates, blueberries, and apricots, however, do have high sugar levels. In addition, berries are also pretty good for you. Raspberries, for instance, remove excess fluid from the body. Berries also have a good effect on the digestive system and speed up the metabolism. 

4. Jam
Essentially, jam is high in sugar. However, it does have its benefits when taken in its natural form. Jam contains a great amount of pectin, a polysaccharide that normalizes gastrointestinal transit and maintains the bacterial balance in our body. 

5. Pastries

If you're looking to lose weight, people know that they have to stop eating muffins and cakes since they are high in sugar and calories. However, there are certain tricks that you can do to enjoy your favorite sweets. Try to replace high-calorie wheat flour with corn, flax, buckwheat, rye or oat flour. Use stevia instead of sugar and vegetable fats (such as olive oil) instead of butter and margarine.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                                                                                                                                        PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/  

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Nutritional benefits of Capsicum / Bell peppers

Capsicum is known by a variety of names such as Bell Peppers, Paprika, Cayenne, and Chilies. They come in various colours like green, red and yellow. It is an excellent source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, beta-carotene and other carotenoids, such as lutein, beta-cryptoxanthin, and zeaxanthin.

1.Burns more Calories:
Red bell peppers help in activating thermogenesis and increase the metabolic rate. Capsaicin which is responsible for increasing the hotness of other peppers is found in bell peppers in very small amounts. Thus, they have a mild thermogenic action that increases the metabolism without increasing the heart rate and blood pressure unlike hot peppers. Hence, they can support weight loss.

2. Good For Eye-sight-
 Vitamin A which is necessary for healthy vision is present in abundance in capsicum. The role of vitamin A in strengthening the immune system along with its antioxidant properties makes capsicum a must included food in your diet.

3. Good for Heart Health-
Red bell peppers are rich in lycopene, thus making them excellent for a healthy heart whereas green bell peppers are a good source of cholesterol lowering fiber. Increased homocysteine levels can lead to a higher risk of heart disease. Bell peppers contain vitamin B6 and folate which help to lower homocysteine levels. In addition to these, the powerful antioxidants vitamins A and C present in these vegetables help to wipe out free radicals. Potassium contained in bell peppers lowers about 162 milligrams of blood pressure which is also beneficial for heart.

4. Anti-cancer-
 Being rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients, bell pepper provides several anti-cancer benefits. The risk of cancer increases due to chronic excessive inflammation and chronic unwanted oxidative stress. These factors can be offset with regular intake of phytonutrients having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, bell peppers also contain health supportive sulphur compounds. The enzymes in bell pepper help to prevent gastric cancer and esophageal cancer. The carotenoid lycopene is found to be effective in the prevention of prostate, bladder, cervix and pancreas cancer.The compound lycopene present in capsicum has anticarcinogenic properties and is especially helpful in preventing the incidence of prostate cancer. Capsicum is also a rich source of Vitamin C which goes a long way in the prevention of cancer.

5.Aids Immune System-
Vitamin C is vital for maintaining a healthy immune system and for building strong collagen to support skin and joints. It is instrumental in lowering the risk of arthritis and reducing inflammation. Vitamin K aids in the formation of blood clots. It is important for developing strong bones and protection of cells from oxidative damage.Capsicum (especially the red and yellow capsicum) contains ascorbic acid and antioxidants in abundance. As a result, capsicum comes across as a powerful immune boosting food that keeps various microbial infections, including flu and common cold at bay. The wonder food comes as a great relief for asthmatic patients.

6. Rich In Folate-
The red and yellow capsicum is an excellent source of folate. Folate is an important nutrient that contributes towards the development of the fetal brain and is thus highly recommended for pregnant women. The daily intake of dietary folate lowers the risk of birth defects such as spina bifida.

7.Benefits of Capsaicin:   

Capsaicin is found in the white membranes of peppers which is responsible for imparting heat to the seeds as well. It lowers the cholesterol levels and triglycerides. It kills the ulcer causing bacteria in the stomach and boosts immunity.

8. Benefits of Potassium:

Bell peppers are good sources of potassium. This mineral helps in keeping the fluids and minerals balanced in the body. It enhances muscle function and regulates blood pressure.

9.Cures Iron Deficiency:
Red bell peppers provide almost 300 percent of the daily vitamin C requirement. Vitamin C is essential for the proper absorption of iron. Thus, those suffering from iron deficiency should consume red peppers.

 10.Detoxifying Properties:
Bell peppers help in clearing out the congested mucus membranes in the nose and lungs and eliminate toxins through sweating.

11. Gastrointestinal problems-
Bell pepper juice has proven to be effective in curing gastrointestinal disorders such as ulcers, diarrhea and dyspepsia. It also lowers the incidence of several respiratory problems such as emphysema, asthma and infections in the lungs. Drinking bell pepper juice is an effective remedy against sore throats and nose bleeds.

12. Healthy hair and nails-
 Green bell pepper has a high content of natural silicon, which may support healthy hair and nails.

13.Enhances Hair Growth & Health:
Applying bell pepper on hair can be effective in triggering hair growth through the improvement of blood circulation in the scalp. Boil a few dry red bell peppers in water and leave it for 5 to 6 minutes. After cooling it, massage it on your scalp with the help of a cotton pad and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. Then wash off the hair. This should be done twice a week for best results. The spiciness of bell pepper enhances the growth and health of the hair.

14.Strengthens Hair Follicles:
One of the reasons why bell peppers plants and the fruits are good for hair is the fact that they are excellent sources of vitamin C which is essential for hair health. Vitamin C helps in proper absorption of iron, thus ensuring that there is enough iron in red blood cells to carry oxygen to hair follicles. Vitamin C is also used in the formation of collagen. Collagen is required by hair follicles, blood vessel and skin to stay healthy and for their optimal growth. Vitamin C deficiency can cause dry, splitting hair that breaks easily.

15.Fights Oxidative Damage:
Red, green and yellow bell peppers are rich in vitamin C which helps in the production of collagen. Collagen keeps the skin firm and protects the cells from further damage. It increases the ability of the skin to fight against oxidative damage.

16.Heals Shingles & Athlete’s Foot:
Due to their anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, bell peppers can alleviate infections like shingles and athlete’s foot in combination with proper medication.

17.Reverses Signs of Ageing:

Consumption of bell pepper juice helps in reversing the signs of ageing due to its high antioxidant levels. Bell peppers protect the skin from damage-causing free radicals, thus promoting healthy and younger looking skin.

18. Clears Skin Blemishes & Rashes:

A mixture of carrot and green bell pepper juice can be very effective in clearing blemishes and rashes on the skin.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.   

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Foods which will helps gastrointestinal health

Some of us aren't very lucky when we eat certain foods, we find ourselves bloated, at times heartburn and so on. But here are those foods which play a vital role in the gastrointestinal health.

1) Water- it is always good to be well hydrated, as our body is made of more than 60 % water. It is important for digestion. It prevents constipation. Our body uses water in all its cells, organs, and tissues to help regulate its temperature and maintain other bodily functions. Water helps to remove waste matter from our body. In addition, water helps protect the spinal cord, and it acts as a lubricant and cushion for your joints.

 2) Bananas: Bananas help regulate bowel movement as they bind the food waste together. They also help in restoring the electrolyte and potassium balance in the stomach. Rich in pectin , bananas aid digestion and gently chelate toxins and heavy metals from the body. Bananas act as a prebiotic, stimulating the growth of friendly bacteria in the bowel. They also produce digestive enzymes to assist in absorbing nutrients.

3)Oats: Oats are particularly rich in soluble fiber,  providing more fibre than any other grain. In addition to aiding digestion, soluble fiber may also help lower levels of unhealthy low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol. Oats are low in calories and are also a rich source of phosphorus, vitamin E and Zinc. Oats help in proper functioning of the digestive system and extraction of waste.

4) Lentils: Lentils are rich in prebiotics and fiber. Prebiotics promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria and prevent harmful bacteria from causing stomach infections.Lower Cholesterol. Lentils help to reduce blood cholesterol since it contains high levels of soluble fiber, so good for heart health.Aids digestion,as they're rich in fibre along with protein, which not only increases our energy but also helps to stabilize blood sugar.

5) Coconut Oil- For decades, researches have recognized the ease of digesting coconut oil, compared to other fats. They contribute this to the medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) found in coconut oil. Unlike long-chain fatty acids, MCFA molecules are smaller and require less work to be broken down and digested. This means coconut oil puts less strain on the pancreas and digestive system than other fats. Less strain means big benefits for people who suffer from gastrointestinal issues.
Also, coconut oil is considered an anti-inflammatory food. Those anti-inflammatory benefits help heal injury to the digestive tract in patients who suffer from diseases like Crohn’s. Coconut oil’s anti-viral, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. This miracle oil helps kill “bad” microorganisms that can cause chronic inflammation.

6) Ginger: Herbs and spices are very helpful in digestion, among these, ginger is the foremost. Ginger is used to treat a number of stomach infections such as bloating, nausea and diarrhea. Ginger also helps speed up the movement of food from the stomach to intestines.
Helps Relieve IBS Symptoms, which include stomach cramps, gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Adding ginger to your diet can help relieve these symptoms because the spice can actually relax your intestines during flair ups. Not only will this ease symptoms, it will protect against further damage to the intestinal tract. 
Ginger has been proven to protect against heartburn because it prevents the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) from loosening, which means acid cannot regurgitate back into the esophagus. Additionally, ginger can kill harmful bacteria that is linked to acid reflux. 

7) Curd Rice: Curd rice is the most well-known home remedy for an upset stomach, as it is a rich source of probiotics that help restore the balance of healthy gut bacteria and eases digestion. Curd is a good source of probiotics, when mixed with rice, it helps to soothe the intestinal tract. The nutrients present in curd are easily absorbed by your digestive system. Not only that, it also helps in absorbing nutrients from other food items that you have eaten.
Curd has ‘good bacteria’ present in it which strengthens your immune system by fighting against several microorganisms that are present in the body. It is also useful in preventing vaginal yeast infections in women. These properties of curd do not diminish even when it is heated along with curry preparations to add flavour.
 A study even found that curd is helpful in curing H. Pylori infections which is known t cause peptic ulcers.

8) Peppermint: Peppermint used to soothe an upset stomach or to aid digestion. It has a calming and numbing effect, and is often used to treat headaches, skin irritation, nausea, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, flatulence, and anxiety associated with depression. It  helps ease indigestion and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Peppermint can be consumed directly, as a flavoring agent in salads and fruits,  or it can be taken as a supplement.

9)Brown rice: Rich in Selenium It is rich in selenium which reduces the risk for developing common illnesses such as cancer, heart disease and arthritis.
High in Manganese One cup of it provides 80% of our daily manganese requirements. Manganese helps the body synthesize fats. Manganese also benefits our nervous and reproductive systems.
Rich in Naturally-Occurring Oils Naturally occurring oils are beneficial for the body as these healthful fats help normalize cholesterol levels.
Promotes Weight Loss The fiber content of brown rice keeps bowel function at it’s peak since it makes digestion that much easier. It is the perfect addition to the daily diet for those seeking bowel regularity. In addition, it also makes the tummy feel full which translates to smaller meal portions.
High in Fiber It is high in fiber and on top of the list for foods that can help prevent colon cancer. This can be attributed to the high levels of fiber naturally contained in brown rice. These fibers attach to substances that cause cancer as well as to toxins in the body, thus eliminating them and keeping them from attaching to the colon wall.
A Slow-Release Sugar Brown rice helps stabilize blood sugar levels; therefore, it’s an excellent food choice for those suffering from diabetes. Studies show that those who consume one half cup eaten daily reduce their risks of developing diabetes by 60%. On the other hand, those who consume white rice regularly increase their chances of developing diabetes one hundred-fold. 

10)Vegetables:Vegetables give the body fiber. Fiber helps keep blood sugar steady (especially important for diabetics), lowers bad cholesterol, and ensures regular bowel movements by preventing toxic buildup in the digestive tract. This can prevent the development of digestion problems, including constipation.
Vegetables contain important nutrients, also known as phytonutrients, that give you energy, help make hormones, break down food, and can keep your skin, hair and bones healthy and strong.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.   

PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG-                      

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FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                       

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