Food & Drinks

Hazelnuts are derived from the nut of the hazel tree. The Hazel tree belongs to a genus of deciduous trees and large shrubs native to the Northern Hemisphere. The hazelnuts are eaten in different ways. It’s eaten raw, roasted or grounded into a paste. It’s no surprise that hazelnuts are one of the most popular nuts in the world. The …

Vitamin D is comprised of a group of fat-soluble secosteroids. Secosteroids facilitates the proper absorption of certain minerals. These minerals include zinc, calcium, iron, and magnesium. Vitamin D is derived from sunlight and the food we eat. The body eliminates water-soluble vitamins through urination. But fat-soluble vitamins remain stored in the fat cells. The body has to metabolize these vitamins …

Major organs are affected when the estrogen levels drop during perimenopause or menopause. Before menopause, men are more susceptible to weight gain. They have higher LDL cholesterol. Men also are likely to suffer from insulin resistance. But once a woman becomes menopausal, the risks to all three becomes higher than men. Even if you watch what you eat and exercise …

Selenium is an essential mineral. Every part of our body contains trace amounts of the stuff. When mixed with proteins, selenium turns to selenoprotein. Selenoprotein acts as antioxidant. It creates a protective layer to prevent oxidative stress in major organs. Oxidative stress causes healthy cells to mutate. It also causes damage to the organs. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, keeping the …

Fructose malabsorption – also known as dietary fructose intolerance – is a digestive disorder in which the body cannot absorb fructose. This occurs when the small intestine is unable to process fructans properly. As fructose builds up, it results in symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Fructose is essentially fruit sugar. It a simple ketonic monosaccharide. Once digested, fructose is …

As adults, we get so busy at work that the last thing we want to worry about is what to pack for lunch. If you’re spending thousands of dollars on food per month, there are ways to eat healthily and spend less on food. Packing your lunch is one way to do this. You get total control over your portions. …

Acid reflux, heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a symptom of mucosal damage. This occurs when stomach acids go up from the stomach and into the esophagus. Acid reflux is caused by the sudden relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. The lower esophageal sphincter serves as barrier between the stomach and the esophagus. This organ prevents stomach acids from …

Calamansi is the fruit of the Calamondin tree, which belongs to the citrofortunella family. Also known as Philippine Lime, calamansi is characterized for its green fruits that turn yellow when ripened. The fruit is used in cooking, as condiments, or marmalades. It’s also used to flavor drinks. Calamansi is extremely sour but turns sweetish when ripe. Apart from being a …

Ganoderma lucidium—also known as reishi or lingzhi in the east and bracket mushroom in the west—is a brown, fleshy mushroom that grows on both coniferous and hardwood species. Named as Red Mushroom in China, ganoderma is prized for its medicinal properties in traditional Asian medicine. This mushroom is said to boost the immune system, prevent heart diseases, and even cut …

Rosemary is a popular herb used in home remedies and in cooking. This perennial evergreen is prized for its woodsy fragrance and subtle flavors. Rosemary is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, partly because this is where the herb originated from. The leaves are popular as ingredients in stuffing and flavorings in roast meats. The fragrance does more than add flavor …