10 Foods That Help Lower Blood Pressure
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, has been a serious health concern for quite some time. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 75 million Americans currently have high blood pressure.
Known as the silent killer for a reason, hypertension develops over time and most people are not aware they have it. Sadly, people may often not realize until they are diagnosed with heart or kidney disease, which stems from high blood pressure.
There is always a reason to get your blood pressure checked regularly with your doctor. Outside of that, if you do have concerns, you can always make lifestyle changes that help to lower blood pressure naturally.
The increased pressure pushing your blood through arteries can cause serious damage over time. Artery walls can become weakened, and blood vessels can be permanently damaged with continued exposure to high blood pressure.
With no observable symptoms, hypertension creeps up, and when left untreated, leads to serious cardiovascular complications, including heart attack and stroke. What may seem minor at first, can spiral out of control into problems that can ultimately lead to death.
Studies have found that a major contributor to high blood pressure is our diet, specifically sodium and sugar intake. Knowing this allows you to change your diet, so you can keep blood pressure low and remain heart healthy.
Foods That Help Lower Blood Pressure
Unfortunately, the typical American diet consists of a large amount of processed and sugary foods, which are damaging to your body in many ways. The best course of action is to curb these foods and replace them with healthier options.
Several foods are available that can help you regulate your blood pressure while providing healthy and essential nutrients. If you worry about hypertension because it runs in your family or you have other risk factors, then consider switching up your meal plans to get control over your blood pressure before it kills you.
The foods below can help you to lower blood pressure and prevent serious damage to your arteries and blood vessels. Foods that are low in sodium and high in calcium, magnesium, or potassium can help to cut your risk of stroke or heart attack in half.
Switch out some of your usual snacks and meals to include these items to promote a healthier cardiovascular system and enhance your overall health for the long run.
White Beans: One cup of white beans delivers 13 percent of the calcium, 30 percent of the magnesium, and 24 percent of the potassium you need every day. Providing the three power nutrients and remaining low in sodium, white beans are an ideal heart healthy food to add to any dish.
Be sure to rinse well if you used canned versions, to remove any sodium used during canning.
Fat-Free Plain Yogurt: With one cup of yogurt, you get 49 percent of the calcium, 12 percent of the magnesium, and 18 percent of the potassium you need for the day. Perfect for breakfast with some added fruit or used to make sauces and dressings, plain yogurt is a great choice.
Make sure you always buy the low-sugar varieties that are free of flavorings.
Kiwi: One single kiwi a day provides small amounts of the three power nutrients but makes a much healthier snack than chips or candy. They also contain more vitamin C than oranges, so, combined with having no sodium, these furry fruits are good for your entire body.
Kale: Cooked or raw, one cup will provide 9 percent of the calcium and potassium and 6 percent of the magnesium you need daily. Kale is also low in calories and is widely hailed as a superfood because of the large dose of antioxidants it contains, which help to protect your cells from oxidative damage.
They are a great base for any salad and also possess a plant-based fat known as alpha-linolenic acid, which reduces inflammation. Since inflammation also contributes to cardiovascular problems, kale provides double protection.
Pork Tenderloin: Pork gives you magnesium and a decent dose of potassium. As an alternative to other red meats that can contribute to hypertension, this leaner cut of protein is good for regulating blood pressure levels.
It is best to grill or broil the tenderloins, rather than fry them, to ensure you can take advantage of the nutrients without consuming unwanted fats.
Bananas: Known for high potassium content, bananas should be eaten daily for those worried about hypertension. No need to get rid of them if the peel turns brown.
You can mash them up and a make a heart healthy smoothie. Bananas also help to lower stress hormone production, and too many of those can elevate blood pressure, so it is best to keep them to a minimum.
Broccoli: One cup of cooked broccoli gives you small amounts of calcium and magnesium and 14 percent of your daily potassium. Not only can broccoli help to strengthen blood vessels and artery walls, it also possesses cancer-fighting phytonutrients, making it a super-healthy addition to any meal.
Quinoa: With an impressive amount of magnesium to support blood coagulation and flow, quinoa is a healthy side dish that is also high in protein. It is easier and quicker to cook than rice and also contains phytonutrients that help to stave off cancer cell growth.
Avocado: Although fairly high in potassium, avocados are better known for the heart healthy monounsaturated fats they contain. Avocados are perfect to use in salads because they help to fill you up without unnecessary carbohydrates and fats.
They also contain carotenoids, which are useful in preventing cancer and protecting cells throughout your body.
Sweet Potato: As a dessert, side dish, or added to a smoothie, sweet potatoes deliver all of the power nutrients that promote heart health and can help to regulate blood pressure levels. The best part about sweet potatoes is that they can be included in every meal of the day, ensuring you support your heart all day long.
The bottom line is that your blood pressure is so much more than just a set of numbers: It is a solid indicator for the state of your health. High blood pressure can be the sign of a more serious disease or health issue, so you should always pay attention to those numbers.
There are certain factors that increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, including smoking, family history, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and diabetes. Whether these factors apply to you or not, it is a good idea to get your blood pressure checked regularly.
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Choosing the Best Ceramic Cookware: A Quick Comprehensive Guide
What differentiates ceramic cookware from its peers? Essentially, the coating on the inside is baked or bonded, and it consists of a carcinogen-free ceramic glaze that has been deemed safer to use than other older formulas. Still, just like with any other product, they aren’t a “one size fits all” type of deal.
If you read more ceramic cookware reviews, you will see that each make and model comes with its own specifications. Some are more fragile and prone to breakage or damage, while other newer ones even allow the use of metal utensils in the process. Similarly, while some pots and pans of this variety are dishwasher safe, others aren’t.
Furthermore, it’s important not to forget that this technology is relatively new. Therefore, there isn’t a universal way to clean and look after them. Each manufacturer has their own specifications in this department, which is why you need to consult the instructions that come with the cookware closely before employing them.
Safety Specifications
Nowadays, it’s no longer a secret that using classic pots and pans in the kitchen might be worse for our health than we think. In fact, past studies have shown that the perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA for short, used in traditional nonstick cookware is linked with the development of testicular, pancreatic and liver cancer.
Nevertheless, many of the reviews have been deemed inconclusive by the medical community. Further research needs to be conducted in order to establish a connection once and for all between PFOA and fast-growing cancers. In the meantime, it’s better to avoid any potential problems. And one of the most effective alternatives for this is ceramic cookware.
The only safety and health concerns surrounding the ceramic glazing is that it contains lead and cadmium, two highly toxic and dangerous substances. Nevertheless, these have been phased out over the years, which means that this type of cookware is now one hundred percent friendly and perfect to use in any kitchen.
What to Look For
As previously discussed, depending on the manufacturer, the specifications of a ceramic set of pots, griddles and pans for various purposes will differ. Ideally, you should go for a sturdier model that is both dishwasher and metal safe. This means that it doesn’t have to be washed manually, and you won’t have to fumble looking for a wooden spoon when you just want a quick meal.
Nevertheless, if you want the nonstick coating on the inside to stand the test of time, avoiding these comforts is recommended, even though the label on the packaging says you can. On top of that, make sure that you know exactly what the company policy on using cooking sprays and oils on their products is.
While some varieties allow for a light coating to aid in the meal preparing process, others strictly forbid it. You won’t know until you check the detailed guidelines provided. After that’s out of the way, you can focus on other important features.
If you want to have a pleasant and hassle-free cooking experience, pots and pans with silicone handles will be your best friend. This type of construction doesn’t conduct heat, which means that you can grab onto a cool surface when it’s time to take the food off the stove or out of the oven and serve it to your friends and family.
Another aspect to keep in mind would be that you have a choice between buying the pieces individually or getting a set instead. While the latter might be a lot more convenient from a financial standpoint, you will rarely if ever find a set that contains all the pieces that you want and need. This means that some things will be purchased separately as well.
And speaking of cookware sets, the number of items described includes lids and tops as well. This means that, out of a total of let’s say 12 pieces, at least will be covers. There’s no particular issue with that, but it’s something worth remembering so that you don’t expect to get more containers than you actually will.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to healthier cooking styles, ceramic pots, pans and griddles surely make a difference. The glaze used to coat their insides doesn’t contain carcinogens such as perfluorooctanoic acid, which means that no unwanted substances leach in your food during frying, baking or boiling.
And with lead and cadmium having been phased out from the composition of ceramic, this type of cookware is now safer than ever. So, why not enjoy its benefits and get yourself a few pieces, or even an entire set if you’re feeling adventurous?
Rice Bhakri Recipe: Even your Kids Can Do It
Indians have some of the unique and tasty foods in the world. Exotic with a touch of modernity and a lot of chilies!
For many years I have always wanted to prepare an Indian recipe for my family but I didn’t know where to start.
Luckily, an Indian family moved in and I thought it would be a good idea to befriend them.
Not like the friendship will be solely pegged on them helping me prepare Indian recipes but I am looking to visit India soon and who knows we might as well take the vacation together!
These flat breads originate from Goan region in India goes well with chicken curry, mutton rassa, or even veggies.
Here is a simple rice bhakri recipe which you can try at home with your kids
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Flour
- 4 cups of water
- Rice flour
- Cooking Oil
- 1 Tablespoon salt
Important note: Mix the flour and water in the ratio of 1:1
Preparation Method
- Boil 4 cups of water and add soil.
- Mix thoroughly until the salt dissolves
- Reduce the heat and add the rice flour
- Mix thoroughly
- Remove from the flame, cover and allow it to rest for 40 minutes
- After the 40 minutes, transfer to a kneading bowl
- Add oil and start kneading by making small balls
- Light up your fire again place the griddle as you start flattening the balls between your palms
- Using a rolling pin, continue flattening the balls and dust with a little flour to avoid them from sticking
- Place the rolled bhakri on the no hot griddle
- Sprinkle some water on the upper side of the bhakri
- Cook the underside for 1 min and then flip using kitchen tongs.
- Apply pressure on the upper side using a cloth ensuring that the bhakri puffs evenly
- Remove from the griddle and place on a plate.
- Your Bhakri is ready and you can eat it with the previously mentioned foods or even gravy.
Go ahead and try it at home with your kids.
About the Author:
Jane Grates – Writing from Copenhagen, Denmark, Jane is an entrepreneur, and a full-time housewife. She spends most of her time on doing kitchen stuff reviews and owns several health and home sites such as Jane Kitchen Miracles, That Sweet Gift, The Fit Bay, My Kids Needs That & Nicer Shoes.
Love Bites – The Best Dine And Date Events In Dubai
Being so busy with work, family and other life responsibilities can take its toll on relationships. This is why relationship gurus strongly advise couples to deliberately set aside time for dates.
Why?
“The most important message a date night or special occasion or catch up — whatever form it takes — conveys to the couple is that they are creating a unique and special space for one another,” says Matt Garrett of Relationships Australia.
It’s important to not take each other for granted. When you have found someone who fits perfectly with you, remind yourself that other people aren’t so lucky. Therefore, you need to nurture what you have in every way possible.
Setting aside time and sharing experiences wherein you both can be the person each other fell in love with is one effective way of taking care of the relationship.
Dates are the perfect events for that.
Dine and Date Ideas
Planning dates can feel like a burden if you’re juggling a bunch of responsibilities. Luckily, in Dubai, there are places that make going on dates a breeze because they have everything covered – there’s great food and drinks, fun or romantic activities, and other types of entertainment. All you and your significant other need to do is show up.
So, are you ready to spend quality fun time with your partner? Here are some of the best date events to take advantage of in the City of Gold.
● Prohibition Brunch
This is not your typical brunch because it’s held much later than usual – between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Here, you and your partner can sample some of the finest dishes in a chic and modern setting.
Both of you can just kick back, relax and exchange stories about the recent events in your life. If it’s been a while since you two shared a meal, this Prohibition Brunch is a splendid way to restore your commitment to making time with each other.
You’ll fall in love with the amazing selection of food while also rekindling the romance of your relationship.
● Cellar ‘n Cheddar
If you want another chilled date event, set aside a Tuesday evening for sampling an unlimited supply of cheeses and the best wines. This is a great way to learn something new together.
A nice little side advantage of coming to this regular event is that it can serve as inspiration for future stay-home dates. If you want a quick and no-fuss date with just a simple cheese platter, a bottle of good wine, and a movie, you’ll definitely learn the best-tasting cheese and wine pairings to use if you come to this event.
● Great Gatsby After Party
Head to the Dubai International Financial Center and find a shindig every Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy gourmet food and great music. And if you’re not feeling in any way inhibited, get on the dance floor and bust some moves to the beats of the DJ.
You’re sure to have loads of fun for a couple of hours. All the carefree dancing and laughter will surely spark joy in your relationship.
If you have more time to spare on Fridays, come much earlier for the Great Gatsby Friday Brunch. Dress up for the event, sample elegant, classic recipes, and perhaps meet new people who are like you – having a grand old time with their partners.
● Jazz Thursdays with Rita and The Rogues
Dine to the jazz tunes of Dubai’s favorite jazz act.
Treating yourself to jazz music over dinner has many health benefits. If you and your partner had a stressful day, there’s nothing like jazz music to relax and heal your body and soul.
Studies show that jazz music has the ability to lower heart and respiratory rates. It can even improve the verbal memory, focus, and moods of people who have suffered a stroke.
There are many more events in the city that can make dating easy for you and your partner; the four mentioned above are just the regular events. As the seasons change, various establishments throughout Dubai come up with their own special activities.
Keep an eye out for them because they are worth considering for dates that won’t be a hassle to plan, but will surely be a memorable experience for you and your special partner.
Dine and Date Regularly
The importance of going on dates points back to the reality that “relationships take work to work out.” Making the effort is a must. It doesn’t matter if it’s just a simple gesture or a grand one; the key is to do something, to make the gesture.
Dates are actually among the simplest efforts that partners can make to help each other truly feel that they matter. These events only take a few hours, but this special time will certainly have a huge impact on the quality of your relationship.
AUTHOR BIO
Kunal Lahori is a passionate leader, boasting a long track record of successful management across a variety of business industries in the UAE. He founded Bazxar in the DIFC, the most exciting bar in the city that looks, feels and tastes like nowhere else in Dubai. He is also notably the founder of the award-winning El Sur, a contemporary Spanish restaurant located in the Westin Dubai. In addition, he is the founder & CEO of Pret To Go, a brand of organic and healthy cafes located across the UAE in 8 business clusters in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Airport.
What to Expect From the Best Meat Slicers? We Have Them All Listed
The best meat slicers are kitchen gadgets that we definitely can't live without. They make it easy slicing meat but do so much more than that. Review Radar believes there are questions that should be answered when you decide to purchase a meat slicer. Such as, is the meat slicer worth the investment? How much space will this gadget take away from my counter space?
To decide whether the best meat slicers are worth the trouble let us consider some of the things that you should you expect when you use meat slicers.
What to Expect From the Best Meat Slicers? We Have Them All Listed
1. Saves Costs
One of the major things you should expect when you purchase the best meat slicers is the reduction in the amount of money spent buying pre-sliced food. With the meat slicer in your kitchen arsenal, there is no way you won't end up saving up more money over the year that would have been spent on pre-sliced meats. You also don't have to purchase pre-packed steaks as well. You can get a leg of lamb and use a bone knife to bone it, chill in the freezer and then slice it into steaks.
2. Saves Time
The best meat slicers will save you a lot of time in getting your meals ready. This is true for those with smaller families as well as larger families as well. What you need to do to get your meat sliced is to assemble the slicer and put the meat in along with the ingredients. Once you turn it on, the whole process begins and you will have your own meat as soon as possible.
3. Fewer Contaminants
Meats that are placed on the counter waiting to be frozen can pick up contaminants and bacteria but when you slice your own meat, you know how fresh the meat and you are also sure it contains no contaminant nor has it started decomposing.
4. Multi-functional
With the best meat slicer, you will be able to do a whole lot of things you never thought were possible. You will be able to shave food like ham into thin slices that will give you potato crisps. If you also have compromised hand movements or a disease that might make it hard to cut through raw meat, a meat slicer will do the trick for you.
5. Great Texture
When you grind your own meat, you get to chop it off to your own liking by making it dense or substantial. This is quite different from what you would get if you bought already grounded meat which comes with a mealy texture. Depending on your taste or for the type of food that you need them for, you can decide to go for a finer grind for meals like meatloaf or twist it a little to make it lighter for meals like sausages. There is also the option of flavor. If you desire a stellar sausage or burger meal, you should go for meat slicers.
6. Safety and Convenience
There is a certain level of safety that you feel when you slice your own meat as the whole process is known to you as well as the mechanism used in making it. This is way safer than purchasing that often comes with preservatives and other artificial chemicals. It is also convenient to use and will take few minutes of your time.
7. Better Meals
The truth is fresh grounded meat is better. Unless you have the time and resources to visit the butchers directly, you will never get freshly grounded meat at the stores. The meat lying idle there pose a health risk as it would have lost some quality over time as well as have its flavor diminished over time from exposure to the elements.
Another interesting thing to expect with the best meat slicers is that you have total control over the meal and you know what was used in the sliced meat that would be consumed by your family.
With all these benefits, it's hard not to purchase a meat slicer for use in your home. The best meat slicers sure make a difference in the meals that you make. Do you have a meat slicer at home? Let us know what the experience has been in the comment section.
Author Bio:
Emmanuel is a health and fitness enthusiast who is tired of seeing people complain about gaining weight and thinking they have no way to deal with it. As a result he now serves as a small time activist and blogs about health and fitness topics to empower people to change their lives.
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Does Hard Water Affect Home Cooking?
Hard water impacts your cooking – it's a fact. And the hard water problem is vast. England's water is considered very hard, with some areas having 200 ppm. Statistics from the United States show that 85% of homes have hard water. And hard water will change the way that your food tastes.
Delicious food requires attention, the right mix of ingredients and the right water. Your food is impacted by the minerals that lead to hard water, including magnesium and calcium. The type of food you cook will be the main variable in how drastically hard water impacts your food.
10 Must Have Kitchen Tools for The Master Baker
You don’t need to be a master baker to take advantage of these kitchen tools, in fact, they’re a necessity for bakers of every level. Some things are just essential to life.
1. Oven Thermometer
You might be wondering why you need this when your oven does it for you, but unless you have a brand-new oven, then there’s a good chance it’s completely inaccurate. As every baker knows, the temperature is a big deal. So, save yourself a whole lot of time and trouble and pick up an oven thermometer.
2. Hand Mixer
Stand mixers are all well and good, but sometimes you need a good old fashion hand mixer to get down to business. It’s the ideal tool for someone just starting out or who just bakes for the fun of it. It’s an affordable tool that will serve you well, whether you’re making the ultimate scones or whipping up meringue.
3. Scales
If you cook and bake then you’ll know how free with measurements you can be in cooking. It isn’t the same situation when it comes to baking – recipes are everything. The most precise way to measure your ingredients is by using a scale. It will make your baking a breeze.
4. Silicone Mats
Forget running out of parchment paper; silicone mats are everything you didn’t know you needed. Expect evenly baked cookies and never struggle to scrape your treats off the tray again. Even better if you choose a dishwasher friendly mat, toss it in with everything else and move on. You’ll find yourself using them for things other than baking, too.
5. Hand Sifter
Have you ever spotted the need to sift your dry ingredients on a recipe and shrugged it off like it’s an unnecessary hassle? There is a legitimate need to sift dry ingredients; it aerates them to prevent lumps and bumps. It’s an inexpensive but critical kitchen tool for anyone who loves to bake.
6. Rimmed Baking Trays
They’re the ideal option for sheet cakes, bread, cookies, and even roasting vegetables. They’re particularly handy when you’re dealing with mixes that are fairly liquid as the rim ensures no leakage in your oven (and it won’t waste your mix).
7. Pastry Blender
You might think you don’t need a pastry blender, but it’s incredibly handy for a variety of tasks including biscuits, pie dough, and scones. It’s great when you need to break cold butter up to create a sumptuous flaky dough. The biggest issue most tools have is they tend to warm your butter, but it’s vital to keep it cold when you’re making pastry!
8. Cooling Racks
Sure, you can struggle by without one – if you want soggy baked goods. Cooling racks are vital because it ensures your treats cool evenly, as opposed to allowing the bottom to continue baking in a hot oven pan. You only need a few to make sure your baked goods get the best possible treatment before you enjoy them with a cuppa.
9. The Accoutrement
There are certain things that no baker can do without, and that includes a rolling pin, mixing bowls, whisks, spatulas, measuring spoons, and measuring cups. Thus, the accouterment. You can pick up a rolling pin at little cost, and it’s an absolute must if you are into cookie and scone making. You might try to get around it and use other tools to do the job, but it’s time to give in and invest in a decent rolling pin. Whether you prefer plastic, metal, or glass – mixing bowls are indispensable. Stop trying to use salad bowls to do the job when you can buy the real deal.
Of course, whisks and spatulas are a vital part of the baking process. You should have a variety of sizes and styles as you’ll need them for mixing, stirring, spreading frosting, and scraping bowls. If you’ve ever been baking and found yourself frustrated with your tools there’s a good chance it’s been about a spatula or whisk. It’s something so small, but so important. Go for quality; there’s nothing worse than a snapped tool mid-whisk.
Yes, we suggested that you go for kitchen scales, but you still need measuring spoons and measuring cups for certain ingredients. Make sure you have a variety of sizes, and your best bet is to opt for a set of each to cover the variety of sizes. You never know when you’ll need to measure an eighth of a cup for some obscure new recipe you found online. It’s a good idea to cover every eventuality, as there is nothing worse than being mid-recipe and realizing your kitchen tools are seriously lacking.
10. Cookie Scoops
Yes, you can finally create cookies that are perfectly shaped, but you can do more than that with them! Get them in various sizes and use them for muffins, pancakes, cupcakes, and even ice cream and mashed potatoes. There are small ones which are ideal for small cookies and truffles.
You can find the above-mentioned kitchen tools online and utilize incredible discount vouchers from Laura Ashley kitchen accessories to cut down your cost. So make sure you update your kitchen with all the necessary equipment for a perfect baking experience.
How to Care, Clean, and Love Your Stoneware
Stoneware is a type of clay that is fired at extremely high temperatures (over 2000̊F). This clay, because it’s fired so hot, can withstand day-to-day uses in your kitchen. Stoneware is versatile to use as everyday dishware and cookware.
Stoneware can be used in the oven, microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher; however, dishwashing will ruin the stoneware cookware. Stoneware is considerably heavy and is usually bare on the bottom.
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