FoodsNG

6 Food Ingredients That Will Never Get Spoilt

Post author By Ahmed Ogundimu
Post date 22 November, 2015
No Comments on 6 Food Ingredients That Will Never Get Spoilt

I am one of those people that always say “Never Say Never”. So, let me do a little adjustment to the title of that post right here. Let’s just call it a list of foods that almost never get spoilt. Many of them will last forever if you leave for that long. The list contains some obvious ones to some that you will find unbelievable.

6 Food Ingredients That Almost Never Get Spoilt

Okay now, let us get to business and share some of these with you. Of course, the list is not exhaustive, so you can share anyone you know with us using the comment box below.

1. White Rice

We cook white rice as it is and eat with several sauces and stews. We also cook food such as Jollof Rice, Fried Rice and many more, using white rice as the major ingredient. It might interest you to know that this white rice might never ever get spoilt.

If you keep white rice in an in a sealed container kept in a cool, dry place, it will not get spoilt. This is unlike brown rice that can go rancid because of the fat content.

2. Vinegar

When the idea of Vinegar came to my mind, I did some search about it and I saw an article that wrote about Vinegar. Somewhere on the page, the author wrote — Vinegar Expiry Date: Never.

Well, this is true because it has been reported that white distilled vinegar won’t taste any different on the first day of production or 7-10 years from now. Other kinds of Vinegar last a long long time too but often lose some of their taste after a few years.

3. Wine & Alcohol

Yeah, that sounds a bit more like repetition because wine contains alcohol. I did this just to separate them because the foods people add the wine and pure alcohol to are different. There are several soups people add wine to just to improve the taste.

Most strong alcohol like vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, tequila will remain drinkable forever, even after they have been opened. I found a bottle of Vodka that has been in my apartment for over 5 years when packing out of the apartment. Those that tasted it said it tasted just like new.

4. Pure Vanilla Extract

This is a very common baking ingredient. Pure vanilla is a baking ingredient that does not get spoilt. The secret to the longevity of pure Vanilla extract is that it contains a considerable amount of alcohol. And did I mention why alcohol is used as preservatives for foods? No!

Alcohol makes any environment inhabitable for most spoilage microorganisms and many microorganisms in general. Often, it kills them. It’s the reason the nurse wipes the area they want to inject before injecting you — to get rid of microbes around.

5. Honey

Yes, the same honey that you are thinking about. So honey doesn’t get spoilt? Experts say even thousands-of-years-old honey found in ancient Egyptian ruins is still edible.

If honey is left somewhere untouched, after a while, it dries out and crystallizes. When you need to eat this honey or use it as an ingredient in a food, all you have to do is reheat to restore its viscous liquid consistency.

Finally, let us share this note of caution. This post is just for your information and does not recommend that you consume a product after years of keeping it. You might think you have a similar pure product but the manufacturers might have added some other ingredients.

For example, your honey might be fake or adulterated. See how to detect fake and adulterated honey here.

So, the best thing to do is to check the expire date printed on the label by the manufacturer. They probably already added something and also considered that you might not store those food ingredients properly. These factors and more con contribute to food spoilage.

ALSO SEE: Differences Between Expiry Date and Best Before Date

General

Trans Fats, Foods High In Them And Their Dangers

Post author By Ahmed Ogundimu
Post date 22 November, 2015
No Comments on Trans Fats, Foods High In Them And Their Dangers

Trans fatty acids (TFA) commonly called trans fats, are fats present in small amounts in a considerable wide range of foods. There are a lot of concerns on the adverse effect they have on the health of human begins. It is however, quite not straightforward to know which foods contain trans fats.

There are artificial and natural trans fats. This means that some trans fats occur naturally in foods but in small amounts. Naturally-occurring trans fats are found in small amounts in dairy products such as example cheese and cream but often in amounts that are not significantly harmful to the body.

Artificial trans fats are produced when vegetable oils are hydrogenated. This is the process that produces margarine and increased awareness on the dangers of TFAs has prompted manufacturers of margarine to improve processing methods to reduce level of trans fats.

Dangers of Trans Fats And How To Know Which Food Has It

Trans fats raise the blood cholesterol levels, especially the levels of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol. They also reduce the level of the good cholesterol in the blood. These adverse effects of trans fats in the blood can increase the risk of coronary heart disease.

If you fry food a lot or buy fried foods, you are exposed to trans fats. Trans fats are usually produced when ordinary vegetable oils are heated to fry foods at very high temperatures. Using the oil over and over again increases the level of trans fats and that is why we advised using frying oil many times in this post.

Also, margarines that contain hydrogenated vegetable oil as an ingredient will normally contain some trans fats. So, if you want to know if hydrogenated fats are present in a particular food, here is what you need to do to check.

Take a look at the ingredient list on the food label and check if hydrogenated fats or hydrogenated vegetable oils are present. Since there are no regulatory requirement that manufacturers must declare the presence of trans fats in their foods, it will not be present on the food package or label.

Here are some foods you should watch out for trans fats in them – animal fat, microwave popcorn, crackers, biscuits, creamy frozen drinks, deep-fried foods, shortenings and margarines.

Food & Body

List of Some High-Antioxidant Healthy Foods

Post author By Ahmed Ogundimu
Post date 19 November, 2015
1 Comment on List of Some High-Antioxidant Healthy Foods

If you care about your health and watch what you eat, you definitely must have heard about Antioxidant-rich foods before. If you have never hear about this, you will know what Antioxidant foods are by the time you are done reading this article.

What Is Antioxidant?

Antioxidants help our body by protecting against the damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Free radicals enter our body every day as by-products of normal metabolic processes in our body, through pollutants from the environment and when the body breaks down some drugs in our body.

The damages cause by these free radicals are believed to lead to the development of such conditions as blood vessel disease (atherosclerosis), cancer, and some other conditions.

Now that you know what antioxidant is, how our body gets free radicals every day and the dangers of free radicals, doesn’t it make sense for you to want to know about “antioxidant foods” and add them to your diet?

List of Foods High In Antioxidant

A research carried out by USDA scientists analyzed the antioxidant levels in more than 100 different foods. The foods under consideration were tested for antioxidant concentration and their antioxidant capacity per serving size. They foods were then ranked in the order of antioxidant capacity per serving size as follows.

Rank	Food item	Serving size	Total antioxidant capacity per serving size
1	Small Red Bean (dried)	Half cup	13,727
2	Wild blueberry	1 cup	13,427
3	Red kidney bean (dried)	Half cup	13,259
4	Pinto bean	Half cup	11,864
5	Blueberry (cultivated)	1 cup	9,019
6	Cranberry	1 cup (whole)	8,983
7	Artichoke (cooked)	1 cup (hearts)	7,904
8	Blackberry	1 cup	7,701
9	Prune	Half cup	7,291
10	Raspberry	1 cup	6,058
11	Strawberry	1 cup	5,938
12	Red Delicious apple	1 whole	5,900
13	Granny Smith apple	1 whole	5,381
14	Pecan	1 ounce	5,095
15	Sweet cherry	1 cup	4,873
16	Black plum	1 whole	4,844
17	Russet potato (cooked)	1 whole	4,649
18	Black bean (dried)	Half cup	4,181
19	Plum	1 whole	4,118
20	Gala apple	1 whole	3,903

Table Source: WebMD

The result of the research also correlates with the work of Researchers at the University of Oslo, which tested 1,113 common foods for their antioxidant concentrations. They basically have about the same foods in their top 20. In their own result, One cup of blackberries contained the most antioxidants of all the berries tested.

This table does not necessarily mean that you will get the most antioxidants from dried Small Red Bean and the least from Gala Apple. No. This is because, the amount of the antioxidants useful to your body depends on how the food’s antioxidants are absorbed by the body.

Conclusively, this table will be very useful for anyone who wants to increase their antioxidant intake. Adding any or some of these high-antioxidant foods on the list to your diet will help you achieve that.

Tags Antioxidants

Food & Body

Lemon Water And How It Is Used To Lose Weight

Post author By Ahmed Ogundimu
Post date 18 November, 2015
2 Comments on Lemon Water And How It Is Used To Lose Weight

Most of the emails I get on a daily basis are usually about how weight loss can be achieved quickly. Excessive weight gain is fast becoming a serious medical condition that our health professionals should pay attention to as many clients I get to meet are more than 100kg in weight while at the edge of been obese.

I am not writing to say that you should consume lemon water excessively as a means to lose weight. It is to help you compliment some deficiencies during your weight loss therapy. For some of the clients I have had in the past, the use of lemon water had helped in initiating proper fat loss. However, lemon water alone is not advisable for weight loss.

How To Use Lemon Water To Lose Weight

There was a research that showed that the vitamin C content in lemon may be particularly beneficial for weight loss. A study published in the “Journal of the American College of Nutrition” in June 2005 found that people who do not consume enough vitamin C may have more trouble losing body fat than those who get sufficient amounts of vitamin C. There are some potential risks to drinking lemon water.

ALSO SEE: HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT AND GET FIT IN 4 WEEKS NATURALLY

During weight loss therapy, it is usually very difficult to delete certain foods or meals from the diet of any client without intentionally including a substitute. In a situation where a client is used to consuming high-calorie beverages, one such ways to help is to introduce lemon water to such a person. The client can still enjoy some liquid portions that are not plain water but yet had reduced his or her calorie intake because lemon is low calorie

Some individuals have subjected themselves to few days of lemon juice or lemon water diet therapy. For a few people, it works very effectively helping them loose 7kg in about 10 days while others lose about 2kg. The reality is that the best way to lose body fat is a combined effort of nutrition and activities. It is very certain that you would gain back the weight lost during only lemon juice intake. It is only a matter of time.

It is professionally advised not to drink lemon juice directly. You should dilute the juice in water before drinking. The reason for this is that lemon juice is highly acidic and continued and excessive exposure to acidic foods and beverages can erode your tooth enamel.

ALSO SEE: HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT AND GET FIT IN 4 WEEKS NATURALLY

Food & Body

Do Eggs Truly Help Men Perform Better In S£x?

Post author By Ahmed Ogundimu
Post date 18 November, 2015
No Comments on Do Eggs Truly Help Men Perform Better In S£x?

A few days ago, I was listening to the evening news in one of the major TV stations here in Nigeria and deep into the news, the reporter who visited an egg production poultry farm was advising listeners, particularly men to eat eggs for better s£x performance among other nutritional benefits. Shortly after I heard this, I wondered if this was just another myth or a fact? Could there be a scientific connection between the eggs you consume and how well you perform in bed? In this write-up, foodsng.com shall establish or debunk the claim.

I have always jokingly communicated to some of my female friends who are married, that men love good foods and s£x. One of the effective ways to improve the s£x performance of their husband, if they must, is to change the constituent of his diet. That is quite an unusual advice but you never can tell. Putting that in mind, is egg one of such food items that could unleash a better s£x? Maybe, maybe not.

The argument on this topic by Farm Owners

One factor that has caused many men to perform poorly during s£x is stress which is usually from the mind. Having said that, marketers of vitamin supplementation have claimed that vitamin B is a major micronutrient that will help reduce mental stress.

The argument that many farm owners have also put to the table is that egg is rich in B vitamins and as such can help reduce stress which sometimes causes poor s£x performance. In fact, the proponents of this claim say, with a plateful of eggs whether scramble or boiled eggs on the morning of your deal date, the available B vitamins will keep you calm and prevent premature £jacuIation due to anxiety. Can this be true?

Eggs Helping Men Perform Better In S£x? Myth or Truth?

Truly, Egg is a wonder food that everyone should include in their diets at recommended intake levels regardless of their age provided it does not trigger any reaction in their body. I have also argued that in as much as the B vitamins are key to ensure a healthy heart, blood production, improved energy to mention a few, it could be a fallacy to categorically claim that consumption of eggs due to the richness in B vitamins will lead to better s£x performance.

In my days of digging the web to find research work (relating to egg and s£x performance) done by any credible institution, I could not find an established fact on it. However, certainly, healthy nutrition which is usually based on a combination of many food items from different food groups including egg protein will definitely aid or improve your chances of performing better in bed provided all other external factors which could inhibit a man’s performance during s£x is not in play.

If you have heard such information that eggs could help you perform better in bed, it is not necessarily true and based on the information you should not unnecessarily indulge in egg consumption before s£x as this could make you become prone to disease conditions that are associated with excessive egg consumption. A combination of a healthy diet can help, however, speaking to a general practitioner on your peculiar poor performance during s£x might also be helpful.

ALSO SEE: 5 Common Foods and Fruits To Supercharge Your Sex Drive

Tags Eggs

Food & Nutrition

You Think Skimmed Milk Is Healthier Than Whole Milk? Read This

Post author By Ahmed Ogundimu
Post date 13 November, 2015
No Comments on You Think Skimmed Milk Is Healthier Than Whole Milk? Read This

The publicity given to skim milk is really mind blowing as the product is gradually becoming viral. Some years ago, this purportedly healthy product was quite uncommon in this part of the world until the sudden marketing strategies that has brought it on our food shelves.

The question is; What is skim milk? According to wikipedia, skim milk is made when all the cream (also called milk fat) is removed from whole milk. Sometimes, only half the cream is removed, resulting in semi-skimmed milk instead. In other words skimmed milk is defatted whole milk.

Is Skim Milk Healthier Than Whole Milk?

In this period when there is so much noise about deleting fat from the diets of many people, a milk product with no fat or a reduced amount of fat became quite attractive to a lot of people seeking a healthy lifestyle. In fact, many hospitals and clinics have been marketing outfits for this product.

Technically, skim milk should be a healthy product based on the definition given above but – have you ever questioned how the fats are removed and what other ingredients are added to make the product more stable? Have you also questioned what happens to the availability of fat-soluble vitamins in the whole milk?

In my little understanding of food science and technology, I do know that in processing, once a constituent is removed, usually another one must be added to help the product. In the case of skim milk production, once the fat is removed, the product becomes tasteless and the manufacturer adds some amount of sugar to make it a bit sweeter which makes the sugar level in skim milk more than that in whole milk.

Vitamins You Are Missing On With Skim Milk

Another reason I have been careful about including skim milk in the diets of my patients is that it deprives them of fat-soluble vitamins which had been lost due to the removal of fats from the whole milk. These essential vitamins are vitamin A, D, E, and K. You should note that calcium absorption is enhanced by the availability of Vitamin D, but the Vitamin D is in the fat of the whole milk, so the removal of the cream makes the process of absorption of fats impossible.

According to Dr. Frank Lipman’s blog; he stated in one of his articles that because skim milk is a highly processed, “altered” food, it can leave you feeling unsatisfied and experiencing cravings for something more. Our bodies thrive on whole foods, the way they are found in nature. Eating a diet full of high-quality protein and healthy fats from whole foods can prevent the ups and downs and cravings that come from eating fat-free foods that are “missing something.

I do understand that the calorie value in skim milk is much lower than that in whole milk due to the loss of fat and this make it more attractive. However, in my own opinion, if you are supposed to reduce your calorie intake because of health reasons, it is better to choose whole milk with full nutrients while adhering to portion control than consume skim milk.

The fuss about a “NO FAT DIET” is a scam…….please, wake up. Fats should always be included in our diet but at a calculated amount.

Tags Milk, Skimmed Milk, Whole Milk

Food & Body

Why Women Are Attracted To Men Who Eat Garlic?

Post author By Ahmed Ogundimu
Post date 13 November, 2015
No Comments on Why Women Are Attracted To Men Who Eat Garlic?

A new research result reported by the BBC has revealed that women are attracted to men who eat garlic. Yes, it is that same garlic that makes your mouth smell when you eat it. So, how does garlic, that some people don’t like to eat because of the way it smells attract women?

How Garlic Attract Women To Men

According to the research, women have evolved to prefer garlic eaters, because garlic has antibiotic, antiviral and anti-fungal properties, and this comes through in a man’s perspiration, suggesting that the man is healthy.

Natasha Edwards, the Managing director of the Garlic Farm told BBC Radio 5 live: “People often ask us, if you eat loads of garlic will people want to sit next to you? Will I have terrible breath? There is some evidence to say that the more garlic you eat, the better your body can deal with it.”

Recall that we also mentioned Garlic as one of the foods that help fight off cold and flu and foods that people in 40+ age group should eat more. So, even if you don’t want to eat it for those reasons. You have been given yet another reason to eat garlic.

So guys, what are you waiting for? Stop by at that fresh vegetable shop near you and buy some garlic. This might just help you get that girl or bring that girl to you.

Food & Nutrition

See Why Snails Are A Healthy Meat Protein Option

Post author By Ahmed Ogundimu
Post date 8 November, 2015
No Comments on See Why Snails Are A Healthy Meat Protein Option

Yes, it is true that the United States of America placed a ban on the popular Black African snails but one thing that true for sure is that these snails are loaded with numerous nutritional benefits that have been helpful in the lives of many particularly in Africa for many decades. So, on this, we do not need the Americans to tell us what is good or what is not.

Our way of preparing these snails eliminates or reduces most of the highlighted reasons as mentioned by the United States. Let us see why you should include some servings of snails into your diet.

Reasons You’d Want To Eat Snail More Often Now

Potassium And Sodium Levels:

Snails contain both essential minerals with about 382 milligrams of potassium and only 70 milligrams of sodium per 100-gram serving making it a perfect combination. Usually many cases of high blood pressure involve high sodium intake over potassium level but this meat presents a good balance.

On a daily basis, healthy adults should get an average of 4700 milligrams of potassium and not more than 2300 milligrams of sodium.

Iron Content:

Iron deficiency related conditions and illnesses have gradually led to an increased rate of deaths in children. Depending on your location, snail meat could be a cheap, tasty and nutritious food source that can help reduce anaemia caused by a lack of iron in the diet.

According to a nutrition researcher; Ukpong Udofia at the University of Uyo, who analyzed the nutritional value of the meat of the giant West African land snail Archachatina marginata as it is botanically Called said lack of iron in the diets of many women and children exacerbated by diseases such as malaria which contributes to a fifth of maternal deaths, according to the WHO.

Weight Loss:

When your beautiful wife places before you a plate of cooked leafy vegetables garnished with some snails, I bet you will be quick to say a big thank you to her even before having a bite. This could be served as a dinner even without solid.

This serving is one that can be helpful in weight loss therapy. In fact, a 100gram serving of snails meat only contains about 90kcal of energy indicating that a meal containing snails; although filling will add only a few calories which will be eventually helpful in weight control.

Asides the above mentioned nutritional benefits, Snails meat contains protein, fat (mainly polyunsaturated fatty acid), calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, vitamins A, B6, B12, K, and folate. It also contains the amino acids arginine and lysine at higher levels than in the whole egg. It also contains healthy essential fatty acids such as linoleic and linolenic acids. The high-protein, low-fat content of snail meat makes it a healthy alternative food.

I hope you will not be scared of consuming snails based on the report of the Americans. Big African snails are healthy and you would love it. Go have a bite.

Food & Nutrition

Does An Apple A Day Keep The Doctors Away?

Post author By Akinrodola Owanikin
Post date 8 November, 2015
No Comments on Does An Apple A Day Keep The Doctors Away?

Apple is one fruit that seem to have no season. You find it everywhere at any time of the year. Having said that, one common statement about apple that has made it stand out is ” Eat an apple a day and keep the doctors away”. In fact several variations of this statement had been used prior to this popular one. In 1866 issue of the publication “Notes and Queries.” The publication printed the proverb like this: “Eat an apple on going to bed, and you’ll keep the doctor from earning his bread.” Does it sound believable and interesting? Yes it does. Decades later, the adage has taken different forms and spreading across border with the speed of light.

That I am a lover of apples is an understatement. Since undergraduate days, I had somewhat developed a rare interest when I notice the good and healthy benefits the crunchy fruit can provide to my body. During this period in question especially when preparing for examination, apple help me in restoring lost nutrients. When I am done eating one or two, I feel energized right away.

As a practicing nutritionist, I have mostly included apples in the diets of my clients no matter their medical conditions. In a weight loss diet, the juicy fruit plays an important role as it provides only a few calorie while filling the patient since it contains about 75% water and high fibre. This soluble fibre is also effective in relieving conditions of severe constipation as commonly seen in people in recent times. In actual fact, with the quantity of potassium present in it, patients of high blood pressure are definitely on a good diet plan. The nutritional benefit and potency in helping many medical conditions span across a lot of health concern ravaging our dear planet.

With the aforementioned, would it be right to say; “an apple daily keeps the doctors away” . Hmmmmmm, that seems like an over-statement. Yes, the fruit can make you reduce the pills of a chemist but avoiding a session with a doctor can only be achieve through God’s intervention. A research carried out among some volunteers who eat an apple daily indicates that there is no proof to the claim since all the participants visited the hospital for one health concern or the other. It is also imperative to let you know that the various health hazards that stare our faces in the advent of industrialization can not be salvage by only eating apples. The solution to a healthy life involve multiple approach therapy.

Apples are loaded with Vitamin C and many phytochemicals that fight free radicals. The ability of the fruit to improve your immunity is superb but believing it will keep you from going to the hospital has no medical proof.

Eat an apple a day and you will be thankful you did.

ALSO SEE: Revealed! The Variety Of Apple With Most Health Benefits

Food & Body

Foods That Will Help Heal Your Injuries/Wounds Fast

Post author By Ahmed Ogundimu
Post date 4 November, 2015
No Comments on Foods That Will Help Heal Your Injuries/Wounds Fast

It is always very devastating after sustaining an injury/wound due to accidents. Many get upset because they have turned tentatively or permanently immobile while others are bothered about how the injuries have disfigured their beautiful skins. Asides the feeling of pain due to the injuries, the length and difficulty of the healing process can also add to your sufferings.

Yes, the very first point of contact during injury treatment are the medical doctors, nurses and physiotherapist. While these professionals are key in helping injured persons, the need to speak to a nutritionist to help you plan an adequate menu that will help you heal fast can not be overemphasized. See the foods that can help you achieve this healing from inside out.

4 Foods/Food Groups That Heal Injuries Fast

1. Tumeric:

This food item has been known to be used for many decades in the treatment of wounds. The volume of antioxidants found in turmeric lowers inflammation and speeds up the healing process during injuries. In the traditional treatment of open wounds, people of older generations form a paste out of turmeric to be used in covering the open wounds and it has proven to be effective.

However, it is much better to include turmeric into your daily meals so that your wound could heal from inside out and it could raise your immunity against infections.

2. Liver And Leafy Vegetable:

The importance of iron in the treatment of wounds is very critical and that is why foods like liver and leafy vegetables that can supply an ample amount of iron are key. A deficiency of iron, which is commonly called anemia may retard the process of wound healing.

You should not forget the loss of blood during injuries which somewhat reduces the iron level in your body. So, it is better to eat foods high in iron to quicken the healing process.

3. Milk, Yoghurt And Meat:

Protein is regarded as a macronutrient that helps in building worn out tissues. Protein from animal sources has been found to speed up the healing process because they are regarded as a complete protein as they contain all the essential amino acids needed for this process. These proteins can be combined with a healthy amount of carbs for a healthier meal.

4. Honey:

It is a super antimicrobial agent that can be used in wound care. One major problem that had reduced the use of honey in this part of the world is because original honey is rare to find. Burns are one of the most difficult problems to treat because this type of wound provides the perfect breeding and feeding ground for many organisms.

As such, burn wounds can easily become infected, and the infection often spreads rapidly into the bloodstream, which can kill the victim. This was reported by Dr. Williams, a medical researcher. He further stated that using honey to cover the face of the wounds will quicken the healing process.

Note: Asides from poor nutrition, wound healing can be a complicate process and it is usually influenced by several factors such as infection, age, sex hormones, stress, diabetes, medications, obesity, alcohol intake, and smoking.

Tags Honey, Leafy Vegetables, Meat, Milk, Turmeric, Yoghurt

Knowledgebase

Differences Between Red Meat & White Meat With Examples

Post author By Akinrodola Owanikin
Post date 1 November, 2015
No Comments on Differences Between Red Meat & White Meat With Examples

People have started digging for the meat that falls under the category called red meat and which ones are white meat. The queries increased recently when the WHO revealed that processed meat has been found to cause cancer and there is a possibility that red meats cause it too.

So, many people want to know what red meat is, so that they can avoid it and what white meat is so that they can eat more of that and reduce the risk of cancer. This post is going to list the meat of animals that fall under white and red.

What Is Red Meat, What Is White Meat?

There are actually two definitions that may be used — the common definition and the nutritional definition, if I may call it that way.

The common definition refers to red meat as meat that is red when raw and not pale in color when cook. White meat is pale before and after cooking.

As fas as nutritional science are concerned, red meat is any meat that has more myoglobin than white meat, white meat being defined as non-dark meat from chicken (excluding leg or thigh) or fish. So, choosing white or red meat depends on the definition you choose.

According to the USDA, all meats obtained from mammals (regardless of cut or age) are red meats because they contain more myoglobin than white meat chicken or fish. Another difference is that white meat is a leaner source of protein (lower fat) but contains lesser heme Iron, Zinc and Vitamins A, D, E and K (fat-soluble vitamins).

In one article, in which we talked about the red juice that drips out of meat when you buy them fresh. We mentioned in that article that the red fluid is myoglobin and explained the relationship it has with blood.

Examples of White Meat and Red Meat

This largely depends on the definition you decide to follow, which ultimately depends on the purpose of searching for examples of red and white meat. Some types of meat can be classified under one definition and red, under another.

If you are digging for health reasons, I think it is best to just follow the USDA approach. Meats obtained from mammals with the red color prior to cooking are considered red meat because they contain more myoglobin.

To use examples that we are familiar with, white meat is generally classified as poultry (chicken and turkey), while red meat typically refers to beef, pork, and lamb.

Are you in doubt? What class particular meat falls under? Ask in the comment.

Tags Red Meat, White Meat

Food Processing

What Is Processed Meat?

“What is processed meat” has been a question on the lips of many after the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that it has confirmed the link between processed meat and cancer development. Many people who were confused, perhaps scared started asking questions to know if they have been eating too much processed meat unknowingly.

So, What Is Processed Meat?

To answer this questions simply, there is not strict definition for processed meat. It is often used to refer to meats that have been preserved by smoking, curing, salting or adding chemicals such as sodium nitrite.

Processed meat include such meat as corned beef, salami, bologna, pastrami, hot dogs, ham and bacon. This, by any way does not exhaust the list because, in some countries there may be several hundred different processed meat products. They all have their own product names and taste characteristics.

For example, we have Suya in Nigeria – one which we have warned people of its dangers in a post.

In the report published by WHO, it was indicated that red meat can also increase the risk of cancer, but to a lesser extent. It was also emphasized by one of their top ranking officers that scientists who issued the report were split on their decision to make an explicit link between red meat with cancer.

ALSO SEE: The Differences Between Red Meat & White Meat (Examples Included)

Food Safety

WHO: Processed Meat Now Confirmed To Cause Cancer

Post author By Oladipupo Abioye
Post date 1 November, 2015
No Comments on WHO: Processed Meat Now Confirmed To Cause Cancer

On that day, I glued fastidiously to the television in my office as I have promised myself to follow the ministerial nominee screening by the Senate from beginning till the end, it was just as if the Deputy Senate president knew what was going on in my mind. He asked the University Don about the approach he would adopt to curb the spread of cancer among Nigerians.

He further insinuated that the publicity for HIV had overshadowed cancer; however cancer is gradually taking the lead position in the number of deaths recorded annually. Coincidentally, as I plan writing on how canned meat could lead to cancer, the World Health Organisation, WHO recently affirmed that consumption of processed meats is associated with cancer.

In actual fact, WHO via its cancer research unit stated that processed meats are now classified as carcinogenic to humans based on the numerous studies that had linked the food type to specifically colon and colorectal cancer.

Many readers would question; what exactly is a processed meat? The health umpire defined processed meat as any type of meat that is salted, cured or smoked to enhance its flavor or preserve it. Processed meat generally contains pork or beef, but may also contain poultry. Without doubt all the canned meat products on the shelves of supermarkets fall into this category.

This claim by WHO did not go well with everyone. A leading group of antagonists of WHO’s pronouncement; North American Meat Institute and The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association who believe that the data had been doctored to ensure a specific outcome. It was also emphasized by one of their top ranking officers that scientists who issued the report were split on their decision to make an explicit link between red meat with cancer.

According to estimates cited by the WHO, about 34,000 cancer deaths per year worldwide can be attributed to diets that are high in processed meat. While the value is only a small fraction of the 8.2 million deaths caused by cancer in 2012, it is imperative not to discard the necessity of adhering to this claim.

As a practicing nutritionist, I would advise you to stay clear of processed canned meat, reduce your read meat intake, consume protein from fish source and ensure you eat a well balanced diet without unnecessary addiction to a particular food. The rate at which people are diagnosed with cancer is unimaginable. Excessive consumption of this type of diet will definitely put you at high risk of cancer.

ALSO READ: What Is Processed Meat? and Red Meat vs White Meat?

Tags Processed Meat, Red Meat

Food & Nutrition

Adverse Effects Of Consuming Excessive Vitamins

Post author By Oladipupo Abioye
Post date 31 October, 2015
No Comments on Adverse Effects Of Consuming Excessive Vitamins

The need to consume foods rich in vitamins and minerals cannot be overemphasized. In fact, most of the ill health conditions that we face in this period is usually due to reduced or low consumption levels of a specific vitamin/mineral or a group of them. A typical example is night blindness, a disease condition which is caused by lack of vitamin A.

Having said that, it is clear to me that many people are unaware of the health implications of consuming excess vitamins on daily basis. The excess vitamin you take has no advantage whatsoever to your overall health.

There are basically two main groups of vitamins; water soluble and fat soluble vitamin. They are named based on how these vitamins are stored and dissolved in the body. In the case of vitamin A which is a water soluble vitamin, there had been indications of it causing birth defect in pregnant women when consumed in excess amount on daily basis.

No doubt that the vitamin is needed for night vision, immune system function and healthy growth but one has to be mindful of the danger associated with excess consumption. The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin A for adults males older than 19 is 900 mcg and for adult females is 700 mcg for females. A condition of Vitamin A toxicity is known as hypervitaminosis and may occur after taking excessive amounts of vitamin A for a long time.

For most of all these vitamins, water or fat soluble, the symptoms of excessive consumption include fatigue, reduced appetite, nausea, dizziness, headache and dry skin. In very rare and severe cases, hypervitaminosis may cause the damage of internal organs like liver.

My recommendation to you is that if you must raise your vitamin level via supplementation, there is need for you to speak to a medical doctor. You should note that some of our daily meals already contains certain vitamins and some of the processed foods are vitamin fortified. Supplementation has to be properly administered in such a way that it will not to give room for excess intake.

Tags Vitamins

Smoothies

Things To Consider Before Taking Fruits Smoothie As Breakfast

Post author By Oladipupo Abioye
Post date 26 October, 2015
No Comments on Things To Consider Before Taking Fruits Smoothie As Breakfast

Just before you Take fruit smoothie as Breakfast, Read this: Fruit smoothies are definitely a good and nutritious option for improved growth and immunity for all ages. In fact, most nutritionists would not hesitate to include certain smoothies into the diets of their patients especially breakfast meals as these smoothies can be easily made and consumed. Having said that, although smoothies are good but consuming smoothie as breakfast can cause some serious stomach upset in certain individuals and it is important that you consider this before funneling some fruit smoothies into your system.

A colleague of mine, in her quest to flatten her tummy started consuming fruit smoothie as breakfast. In her first day, it all went fine but after some days, she started noticing and feeling serious tummy discomfort. Unknown to her, she continued until she finally discovered that it could be as a result of the fruit smoothie she had started consuming as breakfast. In many young women, fructose mal-absorption is a common occurrence.

When you are thinking of consuming fruit smoothie as breakfast, you should also consider the acid content of some of the fruit combination involved in the smoothie. Consuming such meal as breakfast, on a empty stomach could be a good step in the wrong direction particularly for ulcer patients. It is much more ideal to combine fruit smoothie with other food groups as breakfast rather that consume them as the main meal especially if you are prone to stomach discomfort. One fruit smoothie that I have found to be friendly with the stomach is that made from mature bananas. Smoothies containing papaya as a major constituent has been discovered to cause upset in certain people particularly if consumed as breakfast on an empty tummy

Another reason you might want to reconsider the fruit choices for your breakfast is that some fruits are harder to digest than others and may cause gas and bloating. Examples include cabbage, apples, blackberries, mango and papaya.

Smoothies are a good way to get healthy doses of fibre however it is critical to consider your body chemistry and tolerance before choosing to consume any smoothie particularly during breakfast.

Food & Body

Top Three (3) Fruits To Avoid While Pregnant

Post author By Oladipupo Abioye
Post date 26 October, 2015
No Comments on Top Three (3) Fruits To Avoid While Pregnant

Are you pregnant? This is a period to eat a lot of health fruits but there are a few fruits that you should avoid to keep you and your unborn child in good shape. Eat time you want to eat something, you must consider what consequence or effect will it be for your developing child.

Many women had had miscarriages without knowing it could be due to the fruits that they consume during the early state of pregnancy. In this short post, I will be sharing with you some of the fruits to avoid during pregnancy as they affect the overall makeup of your baby.

PAPAYA: Pregnant women should avoid eating papaya has it can lead to miscarriage or early labor. Unripe and semi-ripe papayas are rich in latex which leads touterine contractions. The blog further reported that it is believed that ripe papayas are good to eat during pregnancy as they are rich in vitamin C and nutrients which cures pregnancy problems like heartburn and constipation. Papaya mixed with honey and milk is an excellent tonic for pregnant woman during lactation. To be on the safer side, avoid having papayas.
PINEAPPLE: if you have a pregnancy complication, such as gestational diabetes, your health care provider may advise you to reduce the amount and type of fruit you can eat in order to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level. One of such fruit is pineapple as it could spike your blood sugar level beyond normal.
GRAPES: Grapes are good to consume any day, any time because of their high concentration of antioxidants. However, for pregnant women, there have been findings that showed that grapes causes build up of internal heat that disturbs the development of the growing baby.

Before you decide to adhere to any form of information, you are advised to speak with your health care provider. Do not miss any of your schedule with the Doctor and stick to the advise given to you for the wellbeing of your unborn child.

Tags Grapes, Pawpaw, Pineapple