Quinoa: Red or White, which one is healthier?

The super-versatile gluten-free, Quinoa ( pronounced KEEN-wah, not kwin-OH-ah), is available in different colors, but the most commercialized types are white and red. Although they are the same grain, there are slight nutritional differences between red and white quinoa. We cook and eat quinoa like many other grains, but, botanically speaking, the part we eat is actually the seed.

                                                                      Alain Jocard/AFT/Getty

                                White Quinoa

White quinoa, actually a bit more tan than white, is the most widely-available in stores. Compared to wheat or rice, quinoa is a better source of protein, has all the essencial amino acids, as well as a number of vitamins and minerals. Of all the quinoa colors, white quinoa has the most delicate taste and the lightest texture and it cooks up a bit fluffier than other types of quinoa.

                                       Red Quinoa
It takes on a brownish color when cooked, is more often used in meals like cold salads since it holds its shape better during cooking, has a richer taste, slightly chewier texture, and somewhat nuttier flavor compared to white quinoa. The main differences in between white and red quinoa is the red quinoa is slightly lower in total fat, a little higher in sodium, fiber, sugar, and protein, vitamin E, riboflavin, and folate. Their amino acid profiles are pretty similar, both are complete proteins.

                                         Calories

There is slight difference in calories between the red and white quinoa. Uncooked red quinoa contains 170 calories for a 1/4-cup serving, while the same serving of white quinoa contains 172 calories.

                                     Carbs and Fiber

If you're trying to increase your intake of fiber, red quinoa makes a better choice. A 1/4-cup serving of red quinoa contains 32 grams of carbs and 5 grams of fiber, while the same serving of white quinoa contains 31 grams of carbs and 3 grams of fiber.

Hair Remover Shaving System for Women

Summer is just around the corner, which means that it’s time to enjoy beaches, pools, wearing bikinis and shorts.

So I've decided to share my favorite shaving system: Braun Silk- épil Epilator .

Silk- épil Epilator is a gentle solution to long-lasting hair removal and great alternative to waxing. It's a "tweezer" epilator, the little metal plates are squeezed together to tweeze out the hairs one at a time as the head spins, and also removes smaller hairs too.

The first time I used , it hurt a little. Then I got used to it and feel pretty normal.

It has two speeds for individual needs, also a light which easily guide your way through the epilation process and lightens up even the finest hairs for no miss removal and it's cordless. Running time is long enough for a full epilation and charges fast.

 

Also comes with a exfoliating brush providing a nice touch, works really well to clean and maintain the skin.

It's a very good epilator. I am more than pleased with the results and worth every penny, my hair is growing less frequently and is no longer coarse. I love it!

How to make healthy Yellow Rice with Brown Rice

Brown rice is a nutritious whole grain packed with fiber, which is important for a heart-healthy diet, and nutrients like selenium,vitamins,antioxidants and protein. Brown rice is the "good carbs" that help balance your diet and can fill you up. 

Cooking brown rice is easy and basic, but it takes a little more time and water than regular white rice. Actually, brown rice is the same white rice without removing all the good stuff in the whitening process.

                      How to make perfect Yellow Rice with Brown Rice
Ingredients: 

• 2 cups Brown rice
• 5 cups water
• 2 tablespoon Coconut Oil or Olive Oil
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 garlic cloves
• Salt

How to cook:
First rinse brown rice in a fine strainer under cold water until runs clear, leave it aside. 

1. Heat 2 tbsp of oil (coconut or olive oil) in a large saucepan over medium to low, and sauté the garlic just till it begins to color (careful not to overcook the garlic or it will be bitter). Add the brown rice, and fry the rice before adding the water, sprinkle the turmeric over the rice and mix well, for one to two minutes, this helps build flavor. Add water, it's important to use the right ratio: 2 1/2 cups of water for every cup of brown rice, and salt, bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover pot and simmer until liquid is completely absorbed and rice is just tender, about 40 -50 minutes. No peeking until then; valuable steam escapes! Once the rice is done cooking , let it stand aside off the heat for at least 5 minutes with lid on, then uncover and fluff rice with a fork.

1. 
   
2. Tips: 

• Cooking brown rice in a large saucepan surface allows for heat to be evenly dispersed, leading to a more consistent texture.

• Use a pan with a tight-fitting lid, prevents steam from escaping when cooking.

• For softer rice, soak the grains in cold water for 45 minutes to an hour before cooking. This allows the water to penetrate the outer bran layers.
• Never lift the lid while the rice is cooking or you'll lose the steam necessary for tenderizing the rice.

Turmeric - The amazing natural healing spice

Turmeric is an old Indian spice made from grinding the powerful medicinal ground root of Curcuma Longa, typically found in India and Indonesia, and belongs to the ginger family. 

The name “turmeric” is derived from the Persian word for "saffron", the neon yellow-orange. Widely used in cooking and gives Indian curry its flavor, also used to color butter, cheese and yellow mustard. In cooking, turmeric spices provides various health benefits.

Curcumin is the main active ingredient in Turmeric. Scientific studies have proven that the spice has anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful antioxidant. "Antioxidants scavenge molecules in the body known as free radicals, which damage cell membranes tamper with DNA and even cause cell death. Antioxidants can fight free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause. In addition curcumin lowers the levels of two enzymes in the body that cause inflammation.It also stops platelets from clumping together to form blood clots" (1) 

According to scientific studies, the benefits of Turmeric are numerous. These include, but are not limited to the following conditions:  

• Antiinflammatory 
• Antiviral
• Antibacterial 
• Antifungal
• Anticarcinogenic
• Lowers Colesterol
• Blood Purifier
• Alzheimer´s Disease
• Psoriasis
• Diabetes
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Rheumatoid Arthritis & Osteoarthritis
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Heals Stomach Ulcer
• Heart Disease
• Liver toxicity & disease
• Multiple Sclerosis

You can take turmeric in different ways: 

• Powdered 
• Root form
• Tablets form

How to Take it 

Dose recommended for adults:

• Cut root: 1.5 - 3 g per day
• Powdered root: 1-3 g per day
• Standardized Extract (curcumim): 400 -600 mg, 3 times per day

What can we do to increase the bioavailability of turmeric in the body?
Unfortunately, curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. Here few suggestions: 

• Mixing with Black Pepper - the natural substance piperine in the black pepper enhances the absorption of curcumin, so when you are cooking with turmeric don't forget to add some black peppers to the food. 

• Mixing with Fats - turmeric is fat-soluble , which means it dissolves or breaks down in fat, and very low solubility in water. You need to consume some food that contain healthy fats for turmeric and curcumin absorption. Once Turmeric is absorbed into fats it can easily make through your digestive tract and into your bloodstream.

PRECAUTIONS: 

Turmeric is a natural blood thinner, so avoid taking it if you are on prescribed blood thinners. Turmeric might also upset your stomach if you are sensitive or if you are taking medication for ulcer or heartburn.
Use turmeric with caution if you are pregnant.

REFERENCES:
1. “Curcumin May Help Lower Your Inflammation.” Mercola.com. Mercola.com, 9 Feb. 2015. Web. 09 Mar. 2015.
2. “Curcumin May Help Lower Inflammation in Metabolic Syndrome.” Reuters. Thomson Reuters, 28 Jan. 2015. Web. 09 Mar. 2015.
3. www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400915/Curcumin-or-Turmeric.html
4. www.healthy-holistic-living.com/turmeric-absorption.html
5. www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/turmeric-smoothie-recipes-to-boost-bioavailability/

(1) http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/turmeric

Shea Butter - The Superfood for Your Skin

Shea Butter 

is one of my favorite body moisturizer. It's considered one of the best moisturizing with exceptional healing properties and anti-aging agents for your skin. 

Easily absorbable into the skin and provides extra moisture without leaving a greasy residue, strengthens the skin by stimulating the production of collagen, rich in vitamins and nutrients, and acts as an amazing natural sunscreen by providing protection against the ultraviolet radiation of sun.

What is Shea Butter?

Shea butter is a solid fatty oil extracted from the nut of the Shea Tree (Butyrospermum Parkii), which grows in the savannah of Western Africa. The components of Shea Butter are derived mainly from oleic acid and stearic acid.

  Skin and Hair Uses of Shea Butter

• Moisturizer for dry skin
• Stretch mark prevention
• Moisturized for dry hair
• Sun protecting
• Sun burns
• Skin regenerating 

Body Healer Uses of Shea Butter

 It's know for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, it has shown improvement of skin conditions like.

• Eczema 
• Psoriasis 
• Rash 
• Hives 
• Insect Bites  
• Skin cracks
• Anti-itch

Meatless Monday Protein-Packed Salad

 "MEATLESS MONDAY is an international campaign that encourages people to not eat meat on Mondays to improve their health and the health of the planet."  
You can get all the nutrition you need by eating delicious veggie salad. 

Meatless Protein-Packed Salad
Ingredients: 
- 1 can (15oz)  Organic Black Beans, rinsed and drained 
- 1 can (15oz)  Organic  Chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup Organic Edamame beans
- 2 cups Kale
- 1/2 Orion
- 1/4 cup Almonds
- 2 tbsp Extra Virgem Olive Oil - Cherry tomatoes

How to Prepare: 
Heat 2 tbsp of Olive Oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped Onions, Black Beans, Chickpeas and Edamame, Season with turmeric, ground black peppers and sea salt to taste; sautéd for about 3 minutes. Add kale and almonds, and sautéed all ingredients for 2 more minutes. Toss fresh cherry tomatoes. Serve immediately.  

Easter Juice

Cheer up your Easter Brunch with this wonderful juice:

Ingredientes:

- 2 medium Carrots
- 1 large Grapefruit
- 1 cup Pineapple
- 1 small Golden Beet
- 1in Ginger
- 1/2 lemon

Juice all ingredients in a juicer, ideally cold press. I don't add water when I make juices with my cold press masticating juicer.

If the Pineapple is sweet there is no need to add sugar at all. If it needs to be sweeter I'd recommend stevia or raw honey.

10 minutes Healthy Meal

I love shrimp! It's low in saturated fat, packed with protein, and a good source of iron, zinc, vitamin B12 and selenium, and there are so many healthy ways to cook up shrimp for lunch, dinner, or as a healthy snack. So today I made for lunch a fast and easy salad with some of my favorite ingredients: Shrimp, chickpeas and kale. 

Easy to prepare: In a large skillet over medium high heat sauté shrimp with olive oil ( see recipe on the previous post "Perfect Sautéed Shrimp and Mistakes to Avoid" ) , and add shred carrots, chickpeas and kale. Season with turmeric, ginger, freshly ground black pepper and sea salt to taste; cook for about 4 minutes. Serve it immediately.