Category Archive: Healthy Snacks

February 13th, 2020
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Health Benefits of Overnight Soaked Cooked Rice / Fermented Rice

What do you do with your unfinished takeout rice? Or if you have just a few tablespoons of unfinished rice from dinner and do not feel like keeping it in the fridge? Most people would just bin the unfinished rice. But wait, don’t throw the unfinished rice just yet!  You can squeeze out a lot more nutrients and health benefits from the unfinished rice by soaking it overnight and it’s scientifically proven.

Source : berrychik.com

For centuries, it has been a practice to consume overnight soaked rice in many South Indian families. Having known the health benefits of the soaked rice, the practice of consuming this dish for breakfast continued for generations.  However, due to globalization and increased wealth, this healthy breakfast has been replaced with modernized / processed breakfast foods like cereals, pancakes, bread, cakes, deli meat, just to name a few.

Soaked rice / fermented rice is rich in B6, B12 vitamins and is a source of beneficial gut-friendly bacteria which helps in digestion and boosts immunity. In a study, the given samples of normal cooked rice and overnight soaked cooked rice are tested for carbohydrate, crude protein, fat/oil and fibre content. The rice which was overnight soaked cooked rice was found to have more nutrient content than unsoaked cooked rice. There is an increase in energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, fibre content and minerals.



Soaked overnight cooked rice used to be a pauper’s food, unfit to be offered to guests, and reserved to be given off to the house maid. At a time when refrigerators were uncommon, soaked rice was an inevitable item. Every night, some water would be poured over leftover rice and would be kept aside till the next day. This would get slightly fermented overnight and nutritionally rich with gut-friendly bacteria. In this modern day and age, this practice is almost nonexistent as every house is equipped with a refrigerator.

Adding 3 cups of water, fenugreek seeds and salt to the cooked rice

Source: vidhyashomecooking.com

Fermented rice provides immense health benefits such as:

1.  provides energy
2.  provides beneficial guts-friendly bacteria in abundance
3.  helps with allergies and skin related problems
4.  may prevent stomach ulcers and other digestive issues
5.  provides rich source of vitamin B12 for vegans
6.  prevents constipation
7.  may help alleviate blood pressure

Fermented rice can be eaten plain or added with yoghurt, buttermilk, raw onions, chopped cilantro and spring onions, tomatoes or just about any condiments as you would for rice congee. I like to pair my fermented rice with fried shallots, pepper and a dash of organic soy sauce.



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Healthy Snacks, Interesting Information
May 22nd, 2019
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Why We Should Eat Yoghurt Everyday

Fermented dairy products have long been considered to benefit digestive health and yogurt has even been associated with lower risk of obesity and cardiometabolic risk in both children and adults.

Yogurt can be a fantastic addition to a healthy and well-balanced diet, as long as you choose the right kind, and don’t suffer from an allergy, intolerance or condition that might be worsened by consuming dairy.

Yogurt is rich in nutrients, calcium and protein and may boost your health when consumed regularly.  It may help reduce the risk of some diseases, while also benefiting digestive health and weight control.

1.  Yogurt is the perfect immune system booster. The lactic acid in yogurt have important effects in preventing cancer, infections, gastrointestinal diseases and asthma.

2.  The lactic acid bacteria in yogurt kills the malicious bacteria in our bowel, preventing diarrhea and helps to create a healthy inner bowel environment.

3.  As yogurt is a rich source of conjugated linoleic acid, it is a protective food against colon and breast cancers. Furthermore, conjugated linoleic acid which is one of the most important compounds for boosting the immune system is more useful when it is taken from yogurt instead of pills.

Homemade Plain Yogurt

 

4.  Some types of probiotics found in yogurt, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus, have been shown to lessen the uncomfortable symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is a common disorder that affects the colon (1, 2, 3, 4.)

5.  Probiotics have been shown to reduce inflammation, which is linked to several health conditions ranging from viral infections to gut disorders (5, 6, 7, 8).

6.  Research shows that consuming at least three servings of dairy foods, such as yogurt, on a daily basis may help preserve bone mass and strength (9)

7.  Some studies have suggested that four weeks of regularly eating probiotic yoghurt is good for the brain, while another large study credited the healthy bacteria in yoghurt for lowering risk of heart attack and stroke among people who ate just two servings a week.

 

 

plain yogurt

 

To ensure your yogurt contains effective probiotics, look for one that contains live, active cultures, which should be listed on the label.

Caveat:
While yoghurt is beneficial to our health, stick to sugar-free ones with no added food additives and artificial flavorings.  Avoid any yogurt that claims to taste like a dessert, especially one that says it is fat-free but tastes like ice-cream or strawberry pudding.  The reason these yogurts taste ‘good’ is that they have been packed full of sugars, and/or sweeteners and artificial flavorings.

Be wary of yogurts purporting to be flavoured with ‘real fruit. This often comes from concentrated fruit sources which still represent a significant amount of sugar. Watch out for the other names for sugar such as dextrose, maltose, and barley malt, to name a few.

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Healthy Food, Healthy Snacks, Nutritional Information On Food
January 17th, 2019
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JoyMix Concentrated Beetroot Juice Powder

The beautiful and bright colour of beetroots can make anyone fall in love with it, yet it is often ignored, perhaps because of its distinctive earthy taste.  Beetroot has been gaining amazing popularity as the new superfood around the world. It’s low in fat, full of powerful antioxidants, rich in Vitamin C, and helps in the absorption of iron.  Both the leaves and the roots can be eaten. While the pink root is sweet, the dark green leaves are bitter but very rich in calcium, iron and Vitamin A.

Beetroots are best enjoyed raw and uncooked as cooking may destroy most of its nutrients. You can add them in salads or easier to just juice them up.

I love eating beetroot, in all forms, whether it’s beetroot juice, salad, roast or soup.  I started to eat beetroot frequently when I was severely anemic before my fibroid removal surgery 1.5 years ago.  Beet root is rich in iron.

Preparing beetroot can be a major turnoff and hassle for some as the uneven and rough skin is a tad hard to peel off even with a fruit peeler. And the red juice splatters can be pretty messy. Busy people who are always on the go and rush may not have the time to prepare beet root for juicing, salad or soup. And this includes yours truly.  The solution to this is beet root  powder.  With beet root powder, you can include this superfood into your diet at anytime, hassle-free.

I found a good brand of concentrated beet root juice powder  from https://www.joypremix.com/ and I am so in love with it!  With such convenience, I can now drink beetroot juice whenever I feel like it and it takes just a minute to prep a refreshing beetroot beverage.

The best part is JoyMix’s red beetroot powder is odor-less, unlike red beet juice that has an earthy smell. It is easy to drink, making it ideal for children and even some adults who find the smell of beetroot distasteful.

Even Cass who does not like the taste of raw beetroot loves JoyMix beetroot powder.  She says it tastes like Ribena! I think so too.  This, you got to try it to verify it!

We like our beetroot powder mixed with Korean fruit vinegar.  I add one heap teaspoon of JoyMix beetroot juice powder and 2 tablespoons of Korean fruit vinegar into 200 ml of water and top up with lots of ice cubes to make a super refreshing and delightful drink to chillax when I feel hot after cooking in the evening.  Alycia loves to guzzle down this refreshing drink to quench thirst after working out in the gym or when she’s back from kickboxing / Muay Thai class.

I love the au naturel maroon color of the beetroot powder from JoyMix!

Excellent Mixability – The red beetroot powder from JoyMix has a very fine texture and excellent flowability to prevent caking and lump formation. It will easily dissolve in water and other liquids alike and won’t curdle. You can even mix it in flours for baking cakes and pastries.

I will surely restock my beetroot powder from JoyMix when the existing stock runs low.

JoyMix’s health food products are ISO22OOO/ HACCP certified. Muslim consumers can safely consume their products as they are HALAL CERTIFIED.

Here are some of the health benefits of beetroot:

Conditions Liver – Beetroot contains betaine that conditions liver and stimulates the production of enzymes. It detoxifies the body and makes you feel fresh and rejuvenated.

Lowers cholesterol – A 2011 study on rats found that beetroot extract lowered total cholesterol and triglycerides and increased HDL (good) cholesterol. It also reduced oxidative stress on the liver.

Lowers blood glucose – Though high in sugar, beetroot actually helps in regulating your blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that it does not lead to high glucose concentration in the blood. This simply means that the natural sugars in beetroot are released very slowly in the body and thus, prevents sudden spikes. In the form of the juice, it may actually help diabetics.

Rich in Folate – Joymix’s red beetroot powder is rich in folate that is necessary for production and differentiation of cells as well as maintenance of DNA structure. The high folate content makes it a great option for young children, teenagers, and pregnant women alike.

Reduces Blood Pressure – Betaine in beetroots reduces blood pressure by lowering homocysteine levels in the body. Joymix red beetroot powder contains high amounts of betaine that reduces the chances of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes.

Great For Older Adults – Various studies have found beetroot to prevent and halt the progress of dementia in older adults. Regularly consuming beetroot juice can assist in keeping dementia at bay.

Sharpens Minds of Students – The high nutrient content of beetroot and its effect on blood flow enhances the cognitive functioning of the brain making it beneficial for students and teenagers.

Ideal For Keto and Vegetarian Diets – People who are following a keto or a vegetarian diet will find it easy to incorporate red beetroot powder to their diets as it has low calories.

Boosts Sports Performance – Beetroots have betaine which improves cardiovascular health and blood flow. It increases the rate at which oxygen reaches cells and boosts the performance of athletes and sportspersons.

May Prevent Cancer – The antioxidant betaine which is present in rich amounts in Joymix’s red beetroot powder has been found to protect the body against different types of cancer. It protects DNA structure in cells against damage, which is a primary cause of cancer.

Improves Digestive Health – Beetroot improves digestive health by stimulating the production of enzymes and HCL in the stomach. It also aids in the absorption of specific vitamins, minerals, and proteins.

Excellent for Weight Management – Joymix red beetroot powder is excellent for individuals who are focused on weight management as it contains low calories while being nutritionally dense.

Sharing is caring 🙂  Read below to get a discount on your beetroot powder!

JoyMix is now having a promotion on their health products from organic soy powder to collagen, Bentong ginger powder, macha latte powder, chia seeds, diabetic foods and of course beetroot powder.  Just key in discount code: JOYLOVE during checkout to enjoy a 10% discount on their products!

The promotion is valid from 1 January 2019 ~ 31 March 2019, so hurry and get your beetroot powder or any health products before this offer expires!

For more information on JoyMix health food products, kindly visit:
www.joypremix.com
www.facebook.com/joypremix
www.instagram.com/joymix9

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Healthy Food, Healthy Snacks, MFMSCL
July 26th, 2017
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Marmite Health Benefits

My brothers and I grew up eating Marmite and Bovril. We ate it with our porridge.  On days when my late maternal granny didn’t cook any soup, we would have instant soup of Marmite or Bovril.

When our daughters were toddlers, I used to substitute dark soy sauce with Marmite.  It’s been a while since I last bought our last jar of Marmite.  The other day, I came across a recipe for Marmite pork and I was itching to try this recipe.  So off I went to get a jar of Marmite and dished up Marmite pork, which was outrageously yummy! Instead of deep frying the Marmite marinated pork strips, I pan-fried them.

My Marmite Pork with Lemon Zest, SO delish!

I like having a bowl of light Marmite soup for my mid-morning breakfast, with 1 teaspoon to about 300 ml of hot water. Whenever I crave for something savory and don’t have quick access to it, I’ll make myself a cup of Marmite soup to satiate my craving.

Did you know that science has proven that Marmite is actually rather good for you.

Originally containing only four ingredients (yeast extract, salt, spices and celery), vitamins and minerals were later added to the recipe to boost Marmite’s health potential, and scientists have been championing its benefits ever since.

In fact, the black stuff was considered so essential for a healthy diet that it was included in soldiers’ ration packs during World War One and has subsequently been used to treat conditions ranging from malaria to malnutrition.

Why Marmite Is Good For You: 

1. It can help you sleep better

According to a recent study, magnesium – a mineral that’s abundant in Marmite – can help us all get better shut eye. Scientists believe it calms the body’s nerves, hence relaxing muscles and improving our slumber.

2. It can help prevent dementia

A scientific study suggested that the cult British foodstuff could help boost brain power and stave off dementia. Researchers from York University said the high concentration of Vitamin B12 in the yeast extract increases levels of chemicals in the brain which are thought to protect against neurological disorders. Participants in the study ate a teaspoon of Marmite per day and were found to have increased levels of a neurotransmitter known as GABA, said to calm the brain and soothe the effects of anxiety.

The effects were noted for eight weeks after the study was completed, suggesting that the health benefits of the inimitable brown spread could have a long term impact on the body.

3. It’s as nutritious as vitamin supplements
Marmite is packed with B vitamins that are essential for good health – containing so much per serving that you can probably do away with taking expensive B supplements. A single serving contains 17pc of your recommended daily allowance of Vitamin B1 (thiamin), 18pc of B2, and 36pc of B3. These vitamins are essential for eye and skin health, as well as protecting your nervous system and helping you to break down the energy from food. B vitamins are all water soluble so are not stored by the body, thus requiring a daily dose.

4. It can keep your heart healthy
Marmite’s high content of Vitamin B1 could be highly beneficial for preventing cardiovascular disease, particularly among diabetics. A study at the University of Bristol found that supplementing diabetic and non diabetic mice with a chemical similar to Vitamin B1 called benfotiamine  improved their recovery after a heart attack and lowered their risk of cardiovascular conditions. Further studies are required to see if the same theory can be applied to humans, but it seems a good enough reason to up your Marmite intake, all the same.

5. It keeps vegans alive

Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining a healthy nervous system and blood, but cannot be found in plants. This is a problem for vegans, who do not eat any animal products, which naturally contain the vitamin.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause numerous health problems, but Marmite may provide a solution.

Fun Facts :

In Sri Lanka, Marmite is apparently used as a potent hangover cure. Simply dissolve it in boiling water and lime juice, add a fried, sliced onion and watch your hangover quickly disappear
After trying it on the UK on tour in 2011, Britney Spears admitted she’s a fan of the yeast based spread. According to insiders, she tried to make a stew with Marmite and also asked for Marmite Twiglets on her rider.

Spears isn’t the only superstar fan of the spread. The Rolling Stones, Dido, and Eddie Redmayne are all reportedly fans.

Britney Spears

 

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Healthy Food, Healthy Snacks
September 22nd, 2015
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Cakes Made Healthy

My chef wannabe daughter #2 dished up this dessert for her granny, my mum, on her 69th birthday several days ago…

 

It’s a small slice of the birthday cake (green tea cake with sweetened adzuki beans), with a huge chunk of cream scraped off coz she knows that granny can’t take dairy products, topped with healthy accompaniments like toasted pecans, almonds, pistachios, fresh cherries and freshly plucked mint leaves from our pot.

How thoughtful and sweet of that 10-year old girl eh? 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

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Healthy Snacks
August 18th, 2015
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Health Freak Mommy’s Breakfast

Here’s just one of my typical breakfast ideas on a weekday…

Organic oat bran with chia seeds and baked almonds with chilled chocolate milk.

Weekday breakfast is very simple, healthy and easy on my innards before I put in slightly unhealthy stuff over the weekend with something like this for a breakfast on Saturdays…

See that ham, bacon and sausage? And white bread! That’s crap! But I still indulge in deli meat once in a while.

 

 

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Healthy Snacks
August 3rd, 2015
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East Meets West Refreshing Salad

My low-carb + high fiber lunch today after 20 laps in the pool this morning 🙂

East Meets West salad, composing of  Royale butterhead,  pink and white pomelo,  satay sauce as dressing and 3 forkfuls of my favorite Mee Siam (Thai-style stir-fried vermicelli).

Satay sauce (sauce made from peanuts, spices and chillies) is from the hubby’s kitchen, prepared by his Indonesian cook.

So satisfying, refreshing and wholesome, love it! 🙂

 

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Healthy Snacks, Homecooked Food
June 24th, 2015
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HFM’s Healthy Breakfast – 24 June 2015

Goooood morning world!

If you’re tucking into some not so healthy breakfast right now, like a couple of greasy sausages, spam meat, ham or bacon (I know how good they taste), go easy on processed meat and artery-clogging food.  A little of something unhealthy everyday can accumulate into something really nasty inside you over time.

For a start, challenge yourself to eat something healthier today. C’mon you all can do it – for yourself and your loved ones 🙂

Let me show you my breakfast for today…

A slice of flour-free sprouted 7-grain bread with dad’s homemade pandan kaya, half a bowl of gluten-free macadamia cranberry muesli (brand – Brookfarm from Australia) and a tiny wedge of Patchi chocolate (thanks to hubs for the treat!).  This is my mid-morning brekkie.  I had an orange and a kiwi fruit at 6am this  morning and also a glass of apple cider vinegar with mangosteen juice and psyllium husk first thing in the morning.  Oh yes, I also downed a 200ML packet of Izumio hydrogen water for the much needed energy and to zap away the free radicals 🙂

Are you motivated yet to try having a healthy breakfast for a good headstart?  Your tastebuds can be trained and tamed, just like mine. In no time, you’ll feel the difference, trust me! 😉

 

 

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Healthy Food, Healthy Snacks, Izumio Hydrogen Water and Super Lutein
May 31st, 2015
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Healthy Breakfast – 30 May 2015

These are some light snacks for Cass yesterday while waiting for me to bring her out for breakfast of bitter gourd + minced pork vermicelli, which is our absolute favorite on a Saturday morning…

Izumio hydrogen water (to zap away free radicals), toasted almonds and toasted organic pumpkin seeds…

 

And of course our smoothie of the day of orange + green apple + mangosteen juice + fresh coconut water and a teaspoon of organic beetroot powder.

Healthy stuff eh?  This is my little investment for my family and myself for good health and hopefully a life free from major ailments. 🙂

 

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Healthy Food, Healthy Snacks, Izumio Hydrogen Water and Super Lutein
March 1st, 2015
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Dragon Fruit Smoothie Ice Lolly

It’s the most dreaded time of the year again. The time when it is sweltering hot and water rationing looms again.  Yours truly, the ‘puteri lilin’ gets nauseous each time she comes back from the outdoors, after getting grilled by the murderous heat.  This afternoon I made a mistake and brought the girls to the open-air coffee shop to eat piping hot bitter gourd pork noodles. Gawd, I could feel the hot soup burning my innards, causing steam to emit from my nostrils! And I was soaking in my own sweat under the canopy outside the coffee shop. I was rushing the girls to finish off their bowls of hot noodles before we made a quick dash into the nearby supermarket to enjoy the air cond to cool down before getting into our sauna car!

Here’s a little simple, refreshing and healthy cool treat I made for the girls with my Blendtec smoothie maker to chill  them down…

 

Ice lolly made from dragon fruit + organic Juliet apple + orange smoothie…

The girls love it and have been indulging in them everyday.

 

Tomorrow, I shall get a pineapple to make pineapple + orange smoothie ice lolly.  It is so much fun creating healthy ice lollies for the girls. They are free from sugar, preservative and food additives. Only goodness in every lick and good to the last drop! 🙂

 

 

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Healthy Snacks, Smoothies
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