VitalClay - Multi - Cooker

With the use of computerized clay-heating technology, this fully programmable 6-cup multi-cooker works great for making 30-minute meals, pasta dishes, steam and whole-grain rice, hearty stew, and more. The appliance provides an all-natural clay cooking pot made of mineral-rich Zisha clay, which enhances the flavor and texture of food and preserves essential nutrients. Due to its slightly porous nature and low thermal conductivity, the clay pot absorbs heat while maintaining a steady temperature--perfect for making rice or slow cooking. The cooking pot also offers a naturally nonstick, unglazed design, which means no nonstick chemicals coming in contact with food. Choose from four pre-programmed settings--regular rice, brown rice, stew, or soup. The cooker quickly brings food to a boil--up to four times faster than conventional slow cookers--then reduces the heat to a simmer for the desired time. Other highlights include a cupped heating pad to promote uniform cooking, automatic keep warm for up to 12 hours, a large LCD and 24-hour clock display, and an easy-to-clean design. The cooker measures approximately 10-3/5 by 9-4/5 by 14-2/5 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty. Read more.

Great Basic Rice Cooker

I suggest to use Rice Cooker Steamer for cooking rice because it is easy-to-use and convenient. In Thailand, evey house have a Rice Cooker Steamer in the kitchen. I think this model is suitable for 3-4 persons. Automatic Cooking Feature cooks rice at the touch of a switch and helps reduce overcooking. Non-Stick Coated Pan makes clean up easy. Glass Lid allows you to monitor the cooking. For up to 6.6 cups of cooked rice at the touch of a switch, this easy-to-use, fully automatic rice cooker/steamer takes the guesswork out of making great rice. The appliance features a tempered glass lid that allows for monitoring food while it's cooking, and it shuts itself off automatically when the cooking is done. Stay-cool handles on either side and one on the lid provides safe, convenient handling. In addition, the steamer's non-stick coated pan helps prevent cooked rice from sticking and makes clean up a snap. A measuring cup and English/Spanish operating instructions are included. The compact rice cooker/steamer measures 10 by 8 by 8 inches and is designed for household use only.

I have had a National rice cooker for nearly 30 years, having replaced the cord and the top handle. I've cooked literally thousands of batches of rice with my National cooker and only recently did I finally consider replacing it. It used to be very simple to clean, although it did not have a nonstick surface, but eventually it just became too much work to scrub it out. What I was looking for was another rice cooker just like it: a basic unit with absolutely no bells or whistles and no pretense of being an all-purpose appliance that could steam vegetables or keep food warm. Just cook the rice, please. The little Panasonic rice cooker is exactly like my old National, only better. The see-through top is entertaining; the old unit had an aluminum cover. The nonstick pot is great, and cleans up in seconds. It even came with a nifty little plastic rice paddle that is easier to clean than my bamboo version. The cooker does exactly what I want: perfectly prepares a one- or two-person batch of rice while I'm busy cooking the rest of the meal. Add rice, rinse, add water, put pot in cooker, put on lid and push the button. Ten or 15 minutes after the button pops up, the rice is steamed and ready to go. I love it. --Jeff Frane 'jefffrane'

Read more.

Thai Brown Rice Benja Krayatip

Thai Brown rice is a perfect mix of 6 Thai Brown Glutinous Rice, Thai Hom Mali Rice, Thai Brown Hom Mali Rice, Kam Doi Muzer Rice, Red Hom Mali Rice, Hom Kularp Rice. When cooked, the rice stays soft and aromatic for a long time. It contains natural essential vitamins and nourishment. Its high fiber content helps detoxify digestive system and alleviate constipation problems. High selenium content promotes antioxidant and growth of brain cells. Recommended for: diabetic people, weight control people, aged people.

How to cook: Cooking Benja Krayatip rice is very easy and convenient, no need to wash or soak.

Normal electric rice cooker: 150g Rice (1 cup), 250 g. Water (1 1/3 cup)

Slowcooker: 150 g. Rice (1 cup), 240 g. Water (1 1/4)

Leaving to stand for 10 minutes after cooking.

Thai Rice...This' Way Of Life

Reputedly the soul of Thai cooking, Thai rice is life for Thais and is the centre of the meal. The fact that rice is always the centerpieces is evident in Thai culture. The phrase ‘kin khao’ can translates as ‘eat rice’, which literally means ‘to eat food’. Moreover, all the other foods on the table are reguarded as accompaniments since they are usually being referred to as ‘kab khao’, which means ‘things eaten with rice’.

Khao Hom Ma Li, internationally referred to as ‘Jusmine Rice’, is one of Thailand’s best kept agricultural secrets. This fragrant or scented rice has a fine aroma and delicate flavour. As uncooked grains, they are translucent long grains which resemble India’s Basmatic rice. When cooked, the Jusmine rice will turn fluffy and white, ready to be served on the table. Khao Hom Ma Li is also known locally as Khao Chao, and is commonly consumed by those living in the Central and Southern regions.

Preparing and Cooking

Ingredients (yield: 4-5 servings)
- 3 cups of rice grain
- 4 cups of water
- 3 pandanus leaves

To maximize the fragrant flavour of Jusmine rice, the absorption or covered pan method recommended cooking methods.
- Put the jasmine rice in a large bowl and pour in sufficient cold water to cover it. Gently swirl the grains between your fingers. The water may become slightly cloudy.
- Leave the rice to settle. Then drain the water away by slowly tipping the bowl. Repeat this rinsing step at least three times until the water turns clear. This will help remove excess starch and any dust that may have during storage. Drain thoroughly.
- Cooking steamed rice. Pour water into a pot and place over high heat. When boiling, pour in the rinsed rice and cover the lid Stir occasionally.
- To add more aromatic flavour to the rice place 3 chopped pandanus leaves in the pot when the water is nearly dry.
Reduce the heat down to the lowest setting and leave to steam for 15 minutes. Then leave to cook for some 5 minutes.

Organic Marin : Recipes From Land To Table

"Now more than ever, we need to make decisions about cooking and eating that support the kind of agriculture that takes care of the land we hold in trust for future generations. This beautiful book, full of recipes for delicious, seasonal meals, is a tribute to the Marin County farmers, artisans, and cooks who uphold that stewardship and provid for our future." --Alice Waters, Chez Panisse Restaurant

"Organic Marin gives you a taste of what has become one of America's most vibrant local food scenes; indeed, this beautiful book is the next best thing to eating there." --Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore's Dilemma and In Defense of Food

"Every society is a direct reflection of the status of its soil . . . Everything comes from soil. We are nothing without it." --Helge Hellberg, executive director of Marin Organic

Organic Marin is more than a regional cookbook. It also represents an organic movement reverberating around the globe, demanding a more thoughtful, less wasteful approach to life.
The connection between field and farmer, land and table, and food and family translates to the passionate belief that food fosters community. And nowhere is this connection more apparent than in Marin County, California, the birthplace and standard-bearer of American organic farming.
In Organic Marin, 16 of America's most esteemed organic farms share their stories and philosophies alongside 50 mouthwatering organic recipes organized by season and contributed by 25 of the San Francisco Bay Area's most popular organic restaurants.
With recipes for Heirloom Tomato Flat Bread, Seared Ahi Tuna with Asian Slaw, Chicken Fra Diavolo with Fennel and Dandelion Salad, Double Chocolate Bread Pudding, and much more, anyone can create the delicious dishes featured in this beautiful and inspiring organic cookbook. Read more.

Better Basics For The Home

These days, more and more people are saying no to "better living through chemistry" and yes to a lifestyle that is less toxic and more environmentally friendly. This trend toward a more natural lifestyle has become something of a crusade for Annie Berthold-Bond, author of Better Basics for the Home. After developing hypersensitivity to even very low concentrations of chemicals, Berthold-Bond was forced to rid her life of as many toxins as possible. "It wasn't until I had to be away from chemicals that I began to realize how many we lived with. The extent of the contamination is startling--from hair spray and floor wax to dandelion killers and plastic shower curtains and other products that line our hardware stores and supermarket shelves."

This book represents the culmination of her search for a more sustainable lifestyle. Taking her cue from an earlier time, Berthold-Bond, former editor in chief of Green Alternatives for Health and Environment, offers more than 800 simple and practical alternatives to common household toxins, covering everything from skin care to gardening. And the good news is that adopting her suggestions and formulas isn't hard at all. "Mixing up face creams or wood stain isn't much different than cleaning the windows with vinegar, soap, and water instead of using Brand Name X, or making a cake with flour, eggs and milk instead of buying a mix," see asserts. "With a few simple staples we can clean our houses, wash our hair, rid the dog's bed of fleas, and do many other things as well." If you have your doubts, here is her formula for metal polish:

3 teaspoons salt, 1 tablespoon flour, and enough white distilled vinegar to make a paste. Scoop the paste onto a clean sponge, and polish the metal clean. Rinse with hot water and buff dry.

Sure, these days it's literally impossible to lead a life that is completely toxin-free. But you can significantly reduce your exposure, and picking up a copy Better Basics for the Home is a great way to get started. Read more.

Organic, Inc. : Natural Foods And How They Grew

Who would have thought that a natural food supermarket could have been a financial refuge from the dot-com bust? But it had. Sales of organic food had shot up about 20 percent per year since 1990, reaching $11 billion by 2003 . . . Whole Foods managed to sidestep that fray by focusing on, well, people like me. Organic food has become a juggernaut in an otherwise sluggish food industry, growing at 20 percent a year as products like organic ketchup and corn chips vie for shelf space with conventional comestibles. But what is organic food? Is it really better for you? Where did it come from, and why are so many of us buying it? Business writer Samuel Fromartz set out to get the story behind this surprising success after he noticed that his own food choices were changing with the times. In Organic, Inc., Fromartz traces organic food back to its anti-industrial origins more than a century ago. Then he follows it forward again, casting a spotlight on the innovators who created an alternative way of producing food that took root and grew beyond their wildest expectations. In the process he captures how the industry came to risk betraying the very ideals that drove its success in a classically complex case of free-market triumph. Read more.

To Buy Or Not To Buy Organic

Food journalist and former professional chef Cindy Burke writes in the introduction to this book: "Organic food can be so expensive and difficult to find that I always wondered if I was spending my money wisely. I decided to become informed, really informed, about the options — organic, conventional, local, sustainable — so that I could choose the healthiest, safest food available." To Buy or Not to Buy Organic is the result of Burke's investigations. It tells you how to choose the healthiest, safest, most earth-friendly food, as you make your way through the supermarket, your local farmer's market, or your natural foods store. Highlights include: Making sense of the choices presented by organic, local, sustainable, minimally treated, grass-fed and cage-free foods Reducing your exposure to pesticides Save money by knowing the foods you want to eat only if they're organic and the foods that are pesticide-free even when they are nonorganic Protecting your child's health from pesticides An at-a-glance shopper's guide to more than 100 foods. See more.

DIET DILEMMAS

Have you ever confused of the difference between detox, macrobiotics and low carb?

Raw Foodism
Devotees of raw food diets try to eat uncooked food – or cooked using low heat. In spite of it seeming restrictive the diet actually allows for a wide variety of foods, such as meat, dairy, fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, all of which should be 100 percent organic.

Detox Diet
Detox diets are restrictive in that they omit anything that’s considered ‘toxic’. Followers normally eat little but raw fruit and vegetables. Detox diets are considered extreme by doctors as they are low in essential nutritients and don’t allow for a wide range of foods to be eaten. They shouldn’t be followed as a long-term healthy eating plan.

Vegetarianism
There are several degrees of vegetarianism; the most popular, a lacto-ovo diet is one that excludes meat, but allows for by-products such as dairy and eggs to be eaten. Vegans are more restrictive with their diet as they refuse to eat or wear anything from an animal.

Macrobiotics
Popularised by celebrities like Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow, a macrobiotic diet is similar to veganism, in that it advocates eating whole grains, pulses, fresh fruit and vegetables but excludes meat, dairy products and highly processed or refined foods. Macrobiotics also ensure they never over eat by chewing food slowly and thoroughly before being swallowed.

Low Carb Diet
A low carb diet permits the eating of proteins and healthy fats, but limits carbohydrate consumption. Processed foods such as white rice, bread and pasta should be swapped for the high fibre wholegrain varieties.

ARE ORGANIC FOODS HEALTHIER?

Author : Zach Thompson

There are many contaminants that assault us on a daily basis. These toxins are in the air we breathe, the water we drink and the foods we eat, to name just a few. Eating organic food greatly reduces the toxins we consume in our food. Organic food is becoming more popular as people are becoming more health conscious. There are now certain regulations for growing organic foods commercially and many foods, especially eggs, bear an organic certification label. What is organic food? Organic food is food that is grown naturally without the aid of commercial fertilizers and chemicals like insecticides, herbicides, and anti-fungal substances. Organic growers use only organic fertilizers and remedies for growing plants. These foods are natural and unrefined. Feeding the animals food that has no chemicals added to it in turn produces organic animal products such as meat, poultry and eggs. For example, chickens and poultry are allowed to roam free as opposed to being kept cooped up in cages, and fruits and vegetables are not chemically ripened. Advantages of organic food: There are several advantages for us in eating organic foods:

• There are considerably less toxins in the food as it is grown without the aid of chemicals
• It is often better tasting
• Better for you-there are more nutrients in organic foods and Omega 3 is often found in organic eggs. How Organic food will improve your health: A natural diet consisting of unrefined foods, more fiber less chemicals and toxins will improve your overall health in several ways:
• More fiber from fiber rich foods and those that are unrefined will help your digestive system and allow your whole body to function better.
• Some organic eggs are produced from chickens that are fed on vegetarian feed. This will cut down trans fat and animal fat in the eggs. Omega 3 is found in organic eggs, this substance can be good for the heart.
• There is more iron in the yolk of an organic egg. As seen by the pale color of the commercial egg yolk as opposed to the dark yellow/orange of the organic egg.
• Due to the absence of refinement in organic food it is more satisfying and will help you with any weight loss program by encouraging you to eat less.
• Organic fruits and vegetables have more nutrition than commercially grown ones so you will be feeding your body with better food and improve your overall health.

Organic foods are the wave of the future as more people become more educated about their health and the foods that are good for them. At present, prices are a little higher for organic products but it is worth it when you consider the benefits. By switching to organic food you will improve your health and wellbeing and you will also be able to boost your immune system and help your body fight off diseases and toxins.

About the Author
Zach Thompson is a PolySaccharide Sales Consultant. His clients range from pro athletes and actresses, to cancer patients and children with Learning Disabilities. To learn if glyconutrients can help you, visit Fucoidan PolySaccharide.

EDEN ORGANIC CARIBBEAN BLACK BEANS

Keep it Low
Review by D.Vastardis

Eden Organics black beans are superior, with great taste and texture. The hulls have been completely removed so they are easy to digest, and do not produce much gas or irritation. Most importantly, they are low in salt. I have borderline high blood pressure, so this is magnificent for me. Moreover, they are completely natural, with no additives. Keeping healthy is so important, and the easiest way to do it is to eat properly. This means, of course, natural foods. I am so thankful for Eden's beans (the plain black ones are my favorite). See more.

NILE SPICE RED BEAN AND RICE SOUP

We make great-tasting, all-natural soup cups that fit your lifestyle. We know that you don't always have time to make a healthy lunch or snack for yourself. Nile Spice soups are a healthy alternative to vending machine lunches or fast food, and they're quick and delicious! Just add hot water and they're ready in five minutes. The cups are portable and easy to store. Keep a selection in your desk or cupboard; with more than 14 varieties you're bound find the perfect flavor to fit your mood. To find out more about our soup cups, take a look at our products section.

About the Brand

Nile Spice, a product of the Hain Celestial Group, Inc., makes great-tasting, all-natural soup cups that fit your lifestyle. "We know that you don't always have time to make a healthy lunch or snack for yourself. Nile Spice soups are a healthy alternative to vending machine lunches or fast food, and they're quick and delicious! Just add hot water and they're ready in five minutes. The cups are portable and easy to store."

INSTANT FAT FREE BLACK REFRIED BEANS

Honestly, these beans don't look so hot in the pan. Kind of look like a thick fudge sauce. However, everyone who has tried them absolutely loves them. They aren't even in the same league with canned black beans and have a smoky, sort of sweetness to them. I also like the fact that you just add them to boiling water and voila!! you have something special. (Review by Michelle)

See more.

INSTANT SOUTHERN STYLE REFRIED BEANS

From the time that I was a child, beans in different forms have been part of almost every meal. With more and more hectic schedules and less time to focus on cooking, it has been difficult to prepare beans - especially refried beans - as often as I would like. Enter Santa Fe Bean Co.'s product: Instant Southwestern Style Refried Beans! - These instant refried beans come in a convenient, sealed package. You can put them in the pantry or carry them easily when you travel. There is no danger of spills or messes because the packaging is excellent and the product is dry. Preparing the beans is quick and easy. No fancy cookware or additional products are needed. Within minutes you will have tasty, healthy refried beans that can compliment your meals. The flavor of the prepared product is genuine and scrumptious. Whenever you crave refried beans but are in a hurry, look to this product! I recommend Santa Fe Bean Co.'s Instat Southwestern Style Refried (Review by E. Gonzalez) See more.

INSTANT FAT FREE VEGETARIAN REFRIED BEANS

These are, without a doubt, the best refrieds I've ever prepared and/or eaten ... and I'm a long time lover of refried beans. They are a snap to prepare. Although the directions say to cover and simmer for five minutes, I've found it best to turn the heat to low and stir uncovered for about three minutes or so, then remove the pan from the burner and let them sit covered for a couple more minutes. A quick comparison to a can of top brand 'fat free' refried beans shows that the Santa Fe Fat Free Vegetarian beans have less than half the sodium! And, because of the handy packaging, you can reduce the salt further by shaking the pouch first. This knocks some of the salt to the bottom. Then scoop the contents of the bag into the boiling water, leaving the salty residue at the bottom of the pouch - don't need it. Plus, there are so many additional things you can do with refried (Review by Ellay "light") See more.

BOB'S RED MILL LARGE LIMA BEANS

Premium quality. Friend of the heart. Bob's Red Mill Large Lima Beans have a rich, buttery flavor and smooth texture. They're perfect for soups, salad, or as a side dish. Lima Beans are a very good source of protein, dietary fiber and iron. Diets rich in whole grains and other plant foods low in total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers. All natural. See more.

BOB'S READ MILL ORGANIC GRAIN QUINOA

The supergrain ancient food for today. 100% whole grain. Excellent source. Whole Grain Quinoa is the most nutritious of all grain. It's high in fiber, a good source of Iron, and has all eight essential amino acids. So, it's no wonder that it was a primary staple of the ancient Incas of South America. Quinoa has a delicate nutty flavor and is very easy to prepare, Widely versatile, it's great by itself or in any recipe that calls for whole grain. Our Quinoa has been thoroughly rinsed and air dried to remove the naturally occurring bitter saponins, so it can be used without rinsing. USDA organic. Certified 100% organic by QAI. All natural. Bob's Red Mill products labeled gluten free are batch tested in our quality control laboratory. We use an Elisa Gluten Assay test to determine if a product is gluten free. Quinoa is perfect for entrees, Elisa and salads calling for whole grains. It is light and delicious while being quick and easy to prepare. An ever-increasing number of people with food allergies find that organic Quinoa permits a more normal diet.

See more.

BOB'S RED MILL CHANA DAL BEANS

With their sweet and nutty flavor, these versatile beans are the most popular in India. They are made by splitting a small husked relative of the chickpea. Chana Dal Beans are very nutritious, easy to digest, and have an exceptionally low rating on the glycemic index. All natural. Friend of the heart. Diets rich in whole grain foods and other plant foods low in total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers.

Vegan Natural Choice (Review by Vegancompassion "anattanupassana")
Vegan. Natural. Excellent quality. Chana dal is one of my favorites from when I lived in India & Nepal. Dal is the primary protein source for vegetarians in South Asia and can also be a great part of any vegan diet. Here is "Greg's Flavorful Chana Dal" recipe: Pour safflower oil in bottom of crock pot or deep fryer (.25"/.5 cm) and heat; after hot add minced fresh ginger, minced fresh garlic, minced fresh onion, and minced fresh habenero or chilis (optional) to taste and cook/stir for 1-3 minutes; add 3 parts water for however much chana dal you intend to cook and boil; then add chana dal; cook and occasionally stir for about 1.5 hrs or until creamy consistency. If preparing small portion, then do first steps in small frypan and transfer to cooking pot so oil is not too much. This review is out there for those for whom this makes a difference. See all of my reviews for more great choices. Check out "Vegan Grocery Favorites" and "Vegan Grocery Top Ten" in Listmania. Your "helpful" votes count and will be greatly appreciated to benefit the search of others. See more.

BOB'S RED MILL ANASAZI BEANS

Incredibly Tasty. The Anasazi were cliff-dwelling natives that inhabited the Southwest over 1500 years ago;. Once of the few crops they cultivated and thrived on were these beautiful, nutritious beans. They require no presoaking and cook in about 2/3 the time of most other beans. They have a sweet full flavor and a rich mealy texture perfect for any dish calling for beans. Anasazi Beans are not only delicious, but also a wonderful source of dietary fiber, protein and iron. Friend of the heart. Diets rich in whole grain foods and other plant foods low in total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers. You can see our quality. All natural.

About the Brand

Bob Moore's secret to life may just be "work hard and keep it simple." Living this philosophy, Bob literally puts his nose to the grindstone every day. Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods is an Oregon-based company that utilizes simple, old-world technology to mill hundreds of all-natural whole grain products.

Bob's Red Mill is dedicated to the manufacturing of natural foods in the natural way. In their own words: "With all the sophisticated knowledge of recent times, no machinery has yet been developed that grinds grains into flour quite as well as our flint-hard quartz millstones quarried in France and used by discriminating millers since early Roman times."
"Our well-dressed (sharpened) sets of millstones turn the highest quality wheat into a finer, better baking bread flour than all the hammer mills, steel roller mills, steel buhr mills, or pulverizers ever built! These slow turning millstones grind the bran, endosperm, and germ (containing its nutritious wheat germ oil) into flour in a cool natural way, creating a more assimilable food."

Bob's Red Mill stone grinds all common and most uncommon grains into flours and meals on its over 100-year-old mills. They mix them into an astounding array of unique cereals, pancake and waffle mixes, machine and hand-made bread mixes, quick bread mixes, gluten-free mixes, and specialty grain products. See more.

HOW TO MAKE HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES

Author: ProChef360Blog

People are struggling with maintaining healthy food choices. It is not surprising because they are constantly bombarded with conflicting information about what’s healthy and what’s not and they are also given numerous choices when it comes to food products. With all these choices and information, it is not inevitable that people will end up confused. You probably share the same confusion. Who can blame you?

If you would visit a local grocery store, you would find numerous aisles of different foods. If you would go to a restaurant, you would find pages after pages of menus. With so man food choices, you probably are finding it hard to stick to your “healthy foods only” diet. To make sure that you would go home with a bag full of healthy food choices, here are some tips that you should definitely take note of.

Shop Only When You’re Not Hungry

Go to the grocery store only when your stomach is full. This does not need much explanation. Doing your grocery when your stomach is empty would definitely tempt you to buy anything that catches your fancy. You’d be practically throwing your “healthy food choices” list out of the window. It is best to do your grocery shopping after you have eaten your breakfast in the morning or your dinner in the evening.

Choose Canned or Bottled Products Carefully

First of all, if you are going to buy meat, vegetables and fruits, do not buy those that are packed with oil. If you need to buy these food products, make sure that you buy those that are packed in water. Chances are the water will likely reduce the calories in meat products. Do not buy products that are labeled “hydrogenated”. These products practically scream, “Fats!” You need to have a discerning and careful eye when it comes to sneaky wordings in packages. This is one way to make sure that you only end up with healthy food choices.

You should also avoid products with high fructose or glucose content. Many products like juices and soft drinks are loaded with high fructose content. When you see these words “high fructose” in a grocery product, you should definitely stay away from it. These words basically mean that you would be drinking something with 100% pure sugar in it.

Many manufacturers add high fructose to their products in order to save money. Unfortunately, this causes obesity and diabetes. Examples of this are pancake corn syrups. This is why it is very important that you first check product labels before you buy anything. To be able to make healthy food choices, you need to make sure that you are making informed choices.

Buy Organic Meat and Poultry

When purchasing meat products like beef, pork and poultry, you should definitely consider opting for organic products. These are free from growth hormones, steroids and other chemicals. When buying poultry, you should look for free range chickens because they often tastes delicious than caged chickens. You should also get skinless chicken because bad cholesterols and calories in chickens are concentrated on their skin.

When buying organic foods, it is better to buy them locally. Not only will you help your community’s economy, you will also save energy. This is the additional bonus you get from making healthy food choices.

Make Wise Grocery Product Choices

First of all, you should make sure that you opt for low sodium prepackaged foods. If you are too busy and you have to resort to buying frozen dinners and canned foods, make sure that you get packages with the lowest sodium count. Making these simple healthy food choices will ensure that you will avoid various illnesses like hypertension or cardiac problems.

If you are one of those people who would like to avoid dairy products, you can opt for food alternatives like broccoli. This vegetable is packed with calcium, so you would still be getting the nutrient despite the absence of milk or cheese in your diet.

When buying breads and cereals, you should opt for whole grain foods. Also, make sure that you always read the labels and get products that are low in fat or zero in fat. You can still give in to your sweet cravings without necessarily placing yourself at risk of developing diabetes.

Eating healthy involves making healthy food choices. You need to make sure that every food that gets into your grocery basket is healthy for you and your family.

About the Author:

Pro Chef 360 - Created and maintained by the culinary minded

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/food-and-beverage-articles/how-to-make-healthy-food-choices-716118.html

BEAN POWER

Beans, peas and pulses are part of the legume family, which are plants that produce edible seeds. Often underrated, they are infact an important part of any diet as they are exceptionally high in protein and fibre, but low in saturated fat. What's more, they're an inexpensive and flexible to cook with. Here we focus on five kinds of beans, each a different colour, which in Chinese belief relate to different elements of the body

Soybeans

Called the king of beans because of their exceptionally high nutritional

levels, soybeans are a good alternative to dairy as they help strengthen

bones and nervous system. Soybeans represent the earth element, which is

related to the spleen.

Green Beans

Represent wood, which is connected to their liver. Green beans help

reduce excessive heat and toxins and decrease blood presure. They're

also good for the eyes, throat and skin.

Red Kidney Beans

Symbolise fire and are good for the heart. A popular addition to western

savoury dishes, in Thailand, red kidney beans are usually served for

dessert.

White Kidney Beans

Contain phaseolamin, which helps decrease carbohydrate absorption and

increases fat burning. White beans are related to the element of metal and

are good for the lungs.

Black Beans

Represent water and are good for the kidneys. Black beans have high fibre

content and are rich in folate, magnesium, and vitamin B6. They're an

integral part of Latin America cuisine.

NEW ZEALAND FLORAL MANUKA HONEY

The Maori people used manuka flower as a medicinal plant, from treating fevers and colds to using it as a sedative. The early European settlers called it the "tea tree". This is a strong flavoured honey but with a fresh clean bite. Airborne manuka honey continually rates at an NPA (Non Peroxide Activity [antibacterial activity beyond the natural antibacterial activity of honey]) of between 8 - 12, making it a great, natural warrior against a broad range of ailments.

MANUKA HONEY FROM NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand Manuka Honey has medicinal qualities not found in other honeys and seems to have the ability to naturally destroy staphaureus and streptococcus. Staph, and strep bacteria are typically involved in the common sore throat, cold, canker sore and fever blister. Manuka Honey is also applied to minor cuts, pimples and scratches. Manuka honey also tastes great on toast, mixed with butter, peanut butter or to sweeten tea. Pure Organic Honey direct from New Zealand. Made from the Manuka flower to produce a honey rich in natural taste and healing qualities that are only created from the Manuka.

Delicious Healing Honey (Review by Rebecca Johnson)

Manuka Honey has a depth of flavor unlike orange blossom or traditional clover honey varieties. This honey is less translucent and more grainy than smooth and leaves you wondering about the exact way to describe the flavor. The pollen comes from the Manuka Tree, which is in the same plant family (Myrtaceae) as the Tea Tree in Australia. The sap, seed pods, leaves, bark, flowers and gum of manuka have been used in preparations to treat a variety of complaints. The color is more amber and the taste has hints of a faraway forest, smoky fires and eucalyptus trees. The depth of color in the honey reveals the mineral content which means if it is darker, it is richer in minerals. The antibacterial elements make this more healing than other honeys and it can be used internally or externally on the skin, in the bath or in beauty masks for its ant-inflammatory properties. If you want the full medical benefits, also look for UMF (unique manuka factor) Active Manuka honey will naturally destroy streptococcus. It is also effective helicobacter pylori, the bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers. It can also be used for the treatment of heartburn and acid reflux. Laboratory research has proved this to be effective in killing strains of bacteria and fungi and it can be used on cuts, wounds, burns and skin infections to promote healthy skin regeneration with minimal scarring. Look for Comvita 18+ Wound Care. It also seems to help prevent tooth decay, unlike sugar so that makes it perfect to add to your rooibos tea or green tea. Making a soothing tea with this honey can help a sore throat, cough, sinus infection and cold or flu symptoms. Also look for East Cape Manuka Oil (contains high levels of high levels of Flavesone, Isoleptospermone and Leptospermone) that can be used externally for its antimicrobial activity.

100% RAW HONEY BY CHAMPLAIN VALLEY APIARIES

Whether you have a large family or you are a serious honey lover, this is the one for you! Use it in cooking as a subsitute for sugar. Peanut Butter & Honey Sandwiches are the way to go for a Huge Energy Boost!

The Best (Review by Lindsay H. Scott)

I have enjoyed their crystallized honey for many, many years and have never found better. We always buy the 5 # jar. Give it a try, I'm sure you will also love its flavor. Enjoy!

WHITE GOLD HONEY

Untreated. Unheated. This delicate raw clover honey self-solidifies soon after extraction due to its extremely low water content. Enjoy the world's best tasting honey often. Product of Canada.

Best Honey (Review by R. Mortensen)

This honey is great tasting, which is not too unusual; what sets it apart is the consistency. It's thicker and not as runny as most honeys, so it's easier to serve without making a big mess. With most honeys you leave a trail between the jar and the destination, but the White Gold honey comes out clean, without dripping everywhere.