Sweet corn kernels are normally yellowish or whitish in color. Have you seen sweet corn kernels that are purple? I just did recently, from my regular organic veggie seller and out of curiousity, I bought a bag of these sweet corns with purple kernels to try. To my surprise, these sweet corns tasted different from the regular yellowish – whitish ones. The texture is very chewy and a tad ‘rubbery’, the kernels detach very easily from the cob and they have a very aromatic sweet corn taste. Very sweet too. No wonder these purple sweet corns are selling like hot cakes! I am so going to buy some more soon as my girls loved them.
Food For Thought:
Health Benefits of Sweet Corns:
Cancer Prevention
Sweet corn contains a chemical known as beta cryptoxanthin. Beta cryptoxanthin is chemically similar to the well known chemical beta carotene. The human body converts beta cryptoxanthin to vitamin A when consumed in foods. According to a study performed by Jian-Min Yuan published in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention, there is an inverse relationship between consumption of beta cryptoxanthin and lung cancer development. This means the greater amount of beta cryptoxanthin that is consumed, the lower the prevalence of lung cancer development.
Memory Enhancement
Sweet corn contains high levels of thiamine, or vitamin B1. According to WHFoods.org, thiamine is an essential nutrient required for brain cell and cognitive function. Consumption of thiamine is necessary for the body to produce acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that is essential for the maintenance of memory capabilities. One of the primary factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease is low levels of acetylcholine.
Vision Protection
According to AusFoodNews.com.au, sweet corn contains the antioxidant zeaxanthin. Zeaxanthin is the yellow pigment that naturally occurs in sweet corn. Consumption of zeaxanthin can have a protective effect against age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration. In addition, sweet corn also contains folate and beta carotene, which also may protect against macular degeneration.
But beware of sweet corns too! They are very high in sugar content. So if you are diabetic or are on a diet, stay off from sweet corns.
Sherilyn and Baby have weird taste buds. I say weird as they love eating several pungent food that most kids will never even want to try. Of all the vegetables, they love ‘yim sai’ (Chinese parsley). They love sprinkling heaps of chopped Chinese parsley and spring onions onto their porridge. And I’m very glad that they love Chinese parsley as it is chokeful of nutrients and health benefits.
Sherilyn’s bowl of chicken porridge, heavily topped with chopped Chinese parsley and spring onions…
… enjoying her bowl of good stuff!
Monkey see monkey do… Baby also followed suit and threw in a handful of Chinese parsley into her bowl of porridge…
Food For Thought:
Article extracted from http://herbs.ygoy.com/2010/01/29/what-is-cilantro-health-benefits-of-cilantro/
Cilantro is also called as “Chinese parsley”, is the name of the coriander plant, but both plant and seeds are traditionally called as coriander. Many people who use cilantro are not aware of the other herb and refers the entire plant as cilantro. Cilantro is another herb and is some times mistaken for coriander leaves. Coriander plant belongs to the Apiaceae family.
Health benefits of Cilantro:
Cilantro and coriander leaves have several health benefits and everyday researchers are finding more benefits.
# This is an anti inflammatory and alleviates the arthritis symptoms.
# Prevents nausea.
# Lowers blood sugar levels.
# Protects from Salmonella bacteria. It is very effective than the antibiotic drug, gentamicin in killing Salmonella.
# Protects against infections of urinary tract (good for Cassandra!).
# Relieves from intestinal gas.
# Good source of iron.
# Aids indigestion and helps in settling stomach and prevent flatulence.
# Rich in flavonoids and phytonutrients.
# Excellent source for dietary fiber.
# It works as a natural chellation treatment. It also gives a great support to dental problems.
# Good source of magnesium.
# Lowers bad cholesterol levels and increases good cholesterol levels.
# It fights against the free radicals and inflammation.
# It also has antimicrobial properties.
# It is also a natural cleansing agent.
# It is used to remove toxic agents and other heavy metals from the body.
After finding out that Chinese Parsley is such a powerful plant, I think I’m going to include lots of it into our porridge and dishes from now onwards, just like my mil who is a big fan of it!
Alycia my eldest daughter finds it hard to finish whatever food I put in her lunch box everyday. Nine out of ten times, she would bring her lunch box home, with the food barely touched or only a few bites eaten. Most days, she would only eat her food when she’s at the lift of our condo, after the driver drops her off. When I prepared some Edamame beans for her last week, she brought home an empty lunch box! Now I know what to put in her lunch box. Another food that she will surely polish off and bring home an empty lunch is chicken nuggets.
Edamame beans for Alycia’s mid-morning recess in school.
Edamame contain high doses of omega fatty acids, dietary fiber, proteins and carbohydrates, as well as several minerals and vitamins such as manganese, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) and vitamin K.
Edamame beans ares an excellent source of low-calorie protein. A half-cup of these young beans has eleven grams of protein and is one of the few vegetarian protein sources that have all nine of the essential amino acids the body can’t make. The fat in edamame is the heart-healthy kind, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats that help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Plus, they’re a caloric bargain at only 125 calories.
The isoflavones found in edamame and other soy products can help to lower the risk of heart disease according to some studies and may also lower blood cholesterol levels.
Soy fibers and proteins give the sensation of fullness and help in controlling hunger.
Edamame beans are also a good source of calcium which is important for strong teeth and bones.
So if you are lost for lunch box ideas for your school-going kid, go grab a bag of frozen Edamame beans from the supermarket.
No matter how busy I may be with my work, I always make it a point to boil a pot of good soup for my kids. The Chinese believe the soups boiled for several hours are very beneficial for health. The Western also believe that chicken soups can cure colds.
One of the soups that my kids and I love is radish soup. There will surely be radish soup at least once a week served. I love to eat radish eaten in all forms – whether raw (as in minced raw radish as condiment served in Japanese restaurants), stewed with chicken or pork ribs, boiled with meat as soup or made into savoury radish cakes. Baby loves eating radishes too. Baby’s surgeon told us that radish is very beneficial for health. It detoxifies our bodies and the juice of radish can cure urinary tract infections and kidney disorders.
Here’s an article on the health benefits of radish extracted from http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-radish.html :
# Jaundice: Radish is very good for the liver and the stomach and it is a very good detoxifier too, that is, it purifies blood. It is miraculously useful in jaundice as it helps removing bilirubin and also checks its production. It also checks destruction of red blood cells during jaundice by increasing supply of fresh oxygen in the blood. The black radish is more preferred in jaundice. The leaves of radish are also very useful in treatment of jaundice.
# Piles: Radish is very rich in roughage, i.e. indigestible carbohydrates. This facilitates digestion, retains water, cures constipation (one of the main causes for piles) and thus gives relief in piles. Being a very good detoxifier, it helps heal up piles fast. Its juice also soothes the digestive and excretory system and this also relieves piles.
# Urinary Disorders: Radishes are diurectic in nature, i.e. increase production of urine. Juice of radish also cures inflammation and burning feeling during urinating. It also cleans the kidneys and inhibits infections in kidneys and urinary system. Thus it helps a great deal in curing urinary disorders.
# Weight Loss: Radishes are very filling, i.e. fills your stomach and satisfies your hunger easily without giving you many calories, as they are low in digestible carbohydrates, high in roughage and contain a lot of water. It is a very good dietary option for those determined to lose weight.
# Cancer: Being a very good detoxifier and rich in vitamin-C, folic and anthocyanins, radish helps cure many types of cancer, particularly those of colon, kidney, intestines, stomach and oral cancer.
# Leucoderma: The detoxifying and anti carcinogenic properties of radish make it useful in treatment of Leucoderma. The radish seeds are used in this case. They should be powdered and soaked in vinegar or ginger juice or cows urine and then applied on the white patches. Eating radish also aids treatment of Leucoderma.
# Skin Disorders: Vitamin-C, phosphorus, zinc and some members of vitamin-B complex, which are present in radish, are good for skin. The water in it helps maintaining moisture of the skin. Smashed raw radish is a very good cleanser and serves as a very efficient face pack. Due to its disinfectant properties, radish also helps cure skin disorders, such as drying up, rashes, cracks etc. and also refreshes it.
# Kidney Disorders: Being diurectic, cleanser and disinfectant, it helps cure many kidney disorders. Its diurectic properties help wash away the toxins accumulated in the kidneys. Cleansing properties clean kidneys up and lessens accumulation of toxins in the blood, thereby decreasing their concentration in the kidneys. Its disinfectant properties protect the kidneys from any infections too. Thus it is good for overall health of the kidneys.
# Insect Bites: It has anti pruritic properties and can be used as an effective treatment for insect bites, stings of bees, hornets, wasps etc. Its juice also reduces pain and swelling and soothes the affected area.
# Fever: It brings down the body temperature and relieves inflammation due to fever. Drink radish juice mixed with black salt. Being a good disinfectant, it also fights infections which cause fever, thereby helping cure it.
# Respiratory Disorders, Bronchitis and Asthma: Radish is an anti congestive, i.e. it relieves congestion of respiratory system including nose, throat, wind-pipe and lungs, due to cold, infection, allergies and other causes. It is a good disinfectant and also rich in vitamins, which protect respiratory system from infections.
# Liver & Gallbladder: Radish is especially beneficial for liver and gallbladder functions. It regulates production and flow of bile and bilirubin, acids, enzymes and removes excess bilirubin from the blood, being a good detoxifier. It also contains enzymes like myrosinase, diastase, amylase and esterase. It protects liver and gallbladder from infections and ulcers and soothes them.
# Other Benefits: Apart from above benefits, radish is a good appetizer, mouth and breathe freshener, laxative, regulates metabolism, improves blood circulation, is a good treatment for headache, acidity, constipation, nausea, obesity, sore throat, whooping cough, gastric problems, gallbladder stones, dyspepsia etc.
So if you are doing grocery shopping or marketing today, do get some radishes. Juice them, throw them into your stews or simply boil a pot of radish soup with meat. They’re good stuff!
One of my favorite vegetables is cabbage. I like it eaten raw in salad, coleslaw, stir-fried with dried shrimps, boiled with soup and stir-fried with noodles. Many years ago when I had my first Mastitis (blocked milk duct) when Alycia was a newborn baby, I used frozen cabbage to apply on my boops to relieve the pain. I don’t know if it really worked or just coincidental, but the blocked milk duct was unblocked after the frozen cabbage application. After 1 long day, the milk shot out like water shooting out from a burst water pipe! Did you know that cabbage is a very nutritious veggie?
The health benefits of cabbage include treatment of constipation, stomach ulcers, headache, excess weight, skin disorders, eczema, jaundice, scurvy, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, eye disorders, heart diseases, ageing, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Did you know that the cheap, humble looking and so widely used cabbage could work miracles? Cabbage is a leafy vegetable of Brassica family, round or oval in shape, consisting of soft light green or whitish inner leaves covered with harder and dark green outer leaves. It is widely used throughout the world, eaten cooked or raw as salad and is a very popular vegetable.
Deficiency Symptoms:
Deficiency of Vitamin C: Scurvy, which is recognized by spongy and bleeding gums, cracked lip corners etc., very weak immune system, frequent infections and cold, ageing, depression etc.
Remedy: Cabbage is abundant is Vitamin C. You will be surprised to know that it is richer in vitamin C than the famous oranges. Vitamin C, being one of the best anti oxidant, reduces free radicals in your body which are the basic causes of ageing. It also helps repairing the wear and tears in the body. Thus it is very helpful in treating ulcers, certain cancers, depressions, for strengthening immune system and fighting against cough and cold, healing of wounds and damaged tissues, proper functioning of nervous system and thereby help curing Alzheimer’s disease etc.
Deficiency of Roughage: This is a very serious deficiency but most neglected. Lack of roughage in the food results in constipation, the root cause to innumerable other ailments and health hazards such as stomach ulcers, headache, intestinal cancer, indigestion and resultant loss of appetite, skin diseases, eczema, ageing and hundreds related problems.
Remedies: Cabbage is very rich in fiber. This helps retain water and forms the bulk of the food and the bowels. Thus it is a good cure for constipation and related problems.
Deficiency of Sulphur: Sulphur is a very useful nutrient as it fights infections. Its deficiency results in microbial infections and late healing of wounds.
Remedy: Again, cabbage is rich is sulphur. So, it helps fight infections in wounds and ulcers.
Detoxification by cabbage: Cabbage is a good detoxifier too, i.e. it purifies blood and removes toxins (primarily free radicals and uric acid which is major cause for rheumatism, gout, arthritis, renal calculi, skin diseases, eczema, hardening and de-colorization of skin etc.). This detoxifying effect of cabbage is due to the presence of vitamin C and sulphur.
Other benefits of Cabbage: Cabbage, being rich in iodine, helps in proper functioning of the brain and the nervous system, apart from keeping the endocrinal glands in proper condition. Thus, it is good for brain and treatment of neurotic disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. The various other nutrients present in cabbage such as vitamin-E which keeps the skin, eye and hair healthy, calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc., are very useful for overall health. The cabbage can also be used for treatment of varicose veins, leg ulcers, peptic and duodenal ulcers etc.
So, now you know that the inevitable part of your Chinese dish could do you miracles. Add more and more cabbage in your daily diet, be it your soup or be it your salad, this is going to help you live a healthy and longer life.
Baby is one one toddler who loves eating pungent tasting veggie and fruits. She loves munching on raw celery, raw capsicum, raw cucumber, cooked leek and leek flowers, onions, mushrooms and even durians.
Here she is munching on a celery stick. She’s not the only one who loves raw celery, even Alycia and Sherilyn love munching on them.
If you intend to feed young kids with raw celery, it’s best to buy organic ones.
Celery are rich in vitamin C, they lower cholesterol, prevent cancer, reduce high blood pressure, and promote health.
Celery contains amino acids, boron, calcium, chlorine, essential fatty acids, folate, inositol, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, selenium, sulfur , zinc, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin K. Celery is also a salad ingredient, which contains fiber.
The health benefits of celery (extracted from organicfacts.net) include the following:
Reduced blood pressure: Celery contains a chemical that can lower levels of stress hormones in your blood. This allows blood vessels to expand, giving your blood more room, thereby reducing pressure.
Reduced cholesterol: Eating celery daily may reduce artery-clogging cholesterol
Good antiseptic: Celery seeds help in uric acid elimination. So, celery is good for people with bladder disorders, kidney problems, cystitis etc. Celery seeds also assist in avoiding urinary tract infection in women.
Healthy joints: Celery is good for people suffering from arthritis, rheumatism and gout. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and pain around the joints. Celery sticks contain a diuretic substance, which help to remove uric acid crystals that build around joints.
Prevents cancer: Celery contains phthalides and polyacetylenes. These anti cancer components detoxify carcinogens. Celery also contains coumarins that enhance the activity of certain white blood cells.
Improved immune system: Celery is rich in vitamin C; therefore it booststhe immune system.
Relief from cold: Because of the presence of vitamin C, taking celery gives you relief from cold.
Reduces severity of asthma: Vitamin C prevents free radical damage and thus reduces the severity of inflammatory conditions like asthma.
Cardiovascular health: Presence of vitamin C in the roots of celery promotes cardiovascular health. Roots
Diuretic activity: Celery is rich in both sodium and potassium. These minerals help in regulating fluid balance.
Relief from migraine: Presence of coumarins gives relief from migraines.
Treats rheumatism: Celery extracts, which contain85% 3nB, are effective for treating arthritis and muscular pains.
Good for diabetic patients: Celery leaves are also eaten for treating diabetic conditions.
Relief from ophthalmologic disease: Dripping celery tea drops on eyelids is good for ophthalmologic affectations.
Because of the high calcium content, celery calms the nerves. So, eating celery helps people to be calm.
Celery acts as an antioxidant too. All parts of celery including seed, root and leaves, can be used.
Drinking celery juice before meal will help you to reduce your weight.
Celery has many other nutritional benefits: Eating celery regularly helps to avoid diseases of kidney, pancreas, liver and gallbladder; neuritis, constipation, asthma, high blood pressure, catarrh, pyorrhea and dropsy, brain over work, acidosis, anemia, obesity and tuberculosis. It also helps in the improvement of teeth.
I am a WFHM with 3 beautiful girls - Alycia, Sherilyn and Cassandra. I quit the job that I love to stay home with my 3 angels as that's what I've always wanted to do. I am a health freak, fitness freak and a clean freak too. I love to eat and live the clean and healthy way; I want my kids and hubby to do the same too.
I always believe that your health is your wealth and if you have good health, that's the best gift you can ever ask for from God.
I have been writing product reviews, food reviews / restaurant reviews and product advertorials since 2007. Please email Shireen at shireenyong@gmail.com to inquire if you are interested to place an advertorial or review in this blog.
