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Archive for May, 2015

All about Mangoes

May 29th, 2015

Mango is the most loved fruit all around the world. In several countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Philippines, Mango is the national fruit. Available in many forms and sizes, this fruit is not just simple sweet but has many benefits too.  Keep reading to know some facts, health benefits and nutritional values of Mangoes.

 

First we will start off with some facts about this yellow fruit.

1. A basket of mangoes is considered a gesture of friendship.
2. Mangoes were first grown in India over 5,000 years ago.
3. Mangoes are eaten the most all around the world than any other fruit.
4. The flowers of a mango tree are small and white with five petals. The fruit takes between three and six months to ripen.

Well, these were just few facts about the fruit, but here are some health benefits of eating mangoes and how nutritional they are.

1. Nutrition:

Mango is rich in pre-biotic dietary vitamins, fibre and minerals.

2. Fights cancer:

Antioxidants like quercetin, astragalin, isoquercitrin, fisetin, methyl gallat and gallic acid present in a mango can protect the body against cancers.

3. Glowing skin:

Mango is a good skin cleanser. The fruit if consumed everyday can help the skin stay fresh and glowing. You can also wash your face with it to remove dirt from pores. Keep thin slices on your face for 10 minutes and wash it off.

4. Cholesterol:

This fruit keeps cholesterol in level. The vitamin C, pectin and fibre help control cholesterol.

5. Balances body weight:

Mango has a lot of vitamins and nutrients that help the body feel full. Also, the fibrous fruit increases the digestive function of the body by burning calories. And hence, it results in weight loss.

6. Eyes care:

Did you know that mango is rich in vitamin A too? A mango a day equals 25% intake of your daily need of this vitamin. And so this fruit helps in improving eye sight. It fights dry eyes and also prevents night blindness.

7. Heat stroke

If you suffer from migraine or you cannot bare the crazy sun rays, then just have a mango. It will instantly cool you down and prevent the heat stroke.

8. High in iron:

Often women suffer from bone density problems due to less iron in their body. But don’t worry, Mango is your solution. This fruit is rich in iron; hence it is a great natural solution for people suffering from anemia. Menopausal and pregnant women can indulge in mangoes as this will increase their iron levels and calcium too.

9. Strengthens the immune system:

The deadly combination  of vitamins and nutrients in this fruit of vitamin C, vitamin A and other 25 different kinds of nutrients will keep your immune system healthy.

10. Good body scrub:

Make a paste of mashed mangoes with honey and milk. Use as a body scrub and you will feel that your skin is becoming tender and smooth.

So, while sending fruit gift baskets to your friends, remember to include mangoes in it.

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Things you didn’t know about Papaya

May 28th, 2015

This fruit is one of the healthiest fruits ever. We must have never noticed that many creams and lotions also contain papaya; this is because it is good for the skin. Well, this fruit might not be a favourite but it is really good for health. If you can’t think of any, then here is a list of reasons why you should start eating papayas today.

  • Since papaya is a good source of Vitamin A and Papain, it helps in removing dead cells from the skin.
  • This fruit can solve hypertension. This is the most popular health benefit of papaya. The potassium in the fruit helps increase mental strength and also controls blood pressure.
  • If you never want to wear glasses, then papaya is your solution. If the fruit is consumed 3 to 4 times a day, an even small amount is fine, and then it can keep your eyesight normal and sharp.
  • If you are a victim of ear infections, cold and flu, eat papaya and thank us later!
  • It also heals external wounds. If the pulp is applied directly on any burns, cuts or other wounds, the cut will restore fast.
  • The rich nutrients in papaya can help control heart problems. It also helps in preventing any kind of oxidation of cholesterol.
  • They are famous for curing constipation. If you consume papaya 2 times a day, then you will never face bowl movements issues. The healthy fibre reacts really fast in the body.

 

  • If you eat a fresh papaya, it contains a large amount of calcium. Due to keeping papayas too much in the fridge, the calcium rate goes little down. But not completely, so you can consume papaya to make bones strong.
  • It also solves many respiratory disorders. If you are suffering from cough or breathlessness, then have papayas. The latex content in the fruit will help improve your respiratory system.
  • This wonder fruit can also cure many chronic ulcers. You just have to follow a simple step that is, take a little papaya juice and mix it up with a small amount of butter and apply on the affected area. Once it dries off, remove it and do this until the ulcer goes away.
  • Though the fruit is sweet yet it is good for diabetics.
  • Papaya can save you from cancer. The fibre in the fruit acts like a wall and protects from harmful cells which form into cancer.
  • If applied on the face and body, papaya can cure pigmentation and also give glowing skin. Just take the peel of the fruit and keep smudging on the affected areas. Let it dry and wash it off.

Well, these were enough reasons why you should eat and force others to consume papaya. While sendingfruit baskets in UK, do not forget to add this phenomenon fruit in the hamper. It is useful

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Explore the various flavours of chocolates

May 28th, 2015

One of the popular delicacies in demand is chocolates. Ranging from young toddlers to matured adults, there is hardly anyone who can resist the mesmerizing aroma and flavour of this enticing sweet piece. Chocolates with rich cocoa along with nuts, fruits and caramels make way for a combination which makes it simply irresistible. But have you ever wondered about the basic flavours of chocolate? Well here we delve into the basic categories of chocolate flavours, which will help you to choose a perfect one suiting your taste buds:

  • Bittersweet chocolate– Let’s start with the basic flavour of chocolate. Bittersweet chocolates come from cacao with a percentage content of seventy percent. Mostly, this covers the dark chocolate category too. However, dark chocolate is quite bitter in nature which can be known from its strong aroma. A little amount of sweetness is added to it; however, when one consumes this flavour a bitter sensation is left after swallowing it. However, it has its own set of health benefits. Dark chocolate is good for health as it reduces the risk of heart strokes, diabetes and prolongs the life period of a person. It makes an ideal gift for parents and one can easily send Fathers day’s chocolates by post.
  • Semisweet Chocolates- This category includes chocolates which have a cacao content of about 50 to 60 percent. There are neither too bitter not too sweet in taste. The after taste of semisweet chocolates is also quite pleasant. They can be complimented with nuts, fruits, caramel or floral for added flavonoids. Semi-sweets can be had by people of all age.
  • Milk Chocolate– With the basic component of milk, milk chocolates have a flavour of their own.  Containing very less quantity of cacao and a larger content of sugar, milk chocolates are a popular favourite. Some of the flavours of milk chocolate which are noteworthy in taste are milk, cream, cocoa, honey and malt. Milk chocolates are ideal for those who love to have a balanced proportion of cocoa and milk.

 

  • White Chocolate– Usually composed of vanilla essence along with milk, white chocolate forms a different genre of its own. Containing a mere 20% of cocoa butter, this flavour gels in well with honey, caramel, fruits and nuts. This chocolate form is ideal for those who would like to have a different form of chocolate without the traditional flavour since; it contains 0% of cocoa liquor. White chocolate can be gifted along with traditional chocolate flavours to form a perfect assortment.

Flavoured chocolate forms one of the best items for gifting purpose. One can gift a particular flavour or an assortment to fulfil the basket. Gifting ideas can include bunching up the bars and presenting them on occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, father’s day, mother’s day and other special events. Chocolates can easily make one’s day and elevate the mood. So try tasting a bar when going through low days. Mix and match various flavours with nuts, honey and caramel and enjoy a delicacy par excellence.

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3 Nutritional benefits of Chocolates

May 28th, 2015

A craving which is hard to resist is the sweetness of chocolates. Splurging a yummy feeling it, tingles the taste buds in a surprisingly good way. An apt gifting item chocolate is a popular favourite. Everyone digs in reasons to have this delicacy, and we give you three solid ones to go for it.

  1. Health Benefits of chocolate
  • Chocolates decreases heart stroke rate big time- According to a research, it has been found that consuming 45 grams of chocolates per week which accounts to nearly two bars helps in 20% reduction of heart strokes. Well, this gives a good reason for having these munching pieces.
  • Chocolates may help in prevention of cancer-A chemical compound called pentamer is present in chocolates which aids in preventing the spread of cancer by suppressing the proteins that help in development and spreading of cancer.
  • Diabetes may be reduced by consumption of chocolates as it increases insulin sensitivity which in turn helps to lower the risk of diabetes.
  • A recent study reveals that chocolates may be beneficial in reducing coughs. Apparently, it contains a chemical called the theobromine which acts directly on the vagus nerve. This particular nerve triggers the brain cells to cough and hence reduces the coughing cult.
  • Blood flow to the brain, specifically the middle cerebral arteries increases by daily consumption of chocolates. So regular chocolates means enhanced blood flow in the brains.
  • Harvard researchers have found that having pure dark chocolate adds two years to life and hence increases longevity considerably. Jeanne Louise Calment, who ate two and a half pounds of chocolate per week lived for 122 years, the longest recorded till date.
  1. Skin benefits

Chocolates have tremendous skin benefits. A study reports that chocolates help in reducing skin breakouts like acne. All the more dark chocolate has a component called the flavonoids that help to protect the skin from harmful UV radiations. So gifting chocolates in UK can prove to be very helpful to the skin.

  1. Endowing a feel good factor

Guess many have been in a situation where they are feeling low and a bar of chocolate helps to boost up the feeling instantly. Well yes, chocolates are known for their feel good factor as it contains a chemical compound called the anandmide. This is actually a neurotransmitter in the brain cells which trigger good feelings and subdue the negative ones including depression. In fact, anandmide is also found to have relation with greater brain functioning and boost up of energy. So next time feel like going low, treat you to a chocolate bar.

Chocolates are beneficial to the body if taken in moderation. All the more, dark chocolates are further beneficial in respect to simple plain cocoa bars or milk bars. Consuming about 6-7 grams of chocolates is considered ideal; however the intake should not be increased beyond that. Too much of anything can be harmful. But consuming chocolates in moderation can be fun along with fully satiating the sweet cravings. So, the next time you are having a bite, have it with a nutritional angle.

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Chocolate – A Piece of Pure Bliss

May 28th, 2015

History of Chocolates

The chocolate is a confectionery, mainly derived from the cocoa, cocoa butter, and fine sugar. The history of chocolates dates back to the pre-Christian time during the Mayan civilization, where chocolate was used in different rituals. Later, in the 18th century, Christopher Columbus along with his crew happened to seize a large canoe of cacao beans and traded them later. Earlier in Spain, it was often used as a frothy drink usually after dinner time. Over the centuries, the concept of savouring the chocolate has definitely evolved to a great extent. Now, chocolate is the greatest comfort food with definitely certain health benefits.

Chocolates- The Best Expression of Love

There has been something special about chocolate since the very beginning. Chocolate has been associated with all types of special occasion and a lot of warmth and love. Whether it is a birthday or a marriage anniversary, Valentine’s Day or mother’s day – chocolate has always remained the best way to express love for any occasion. Chocolate is generally, more popular with woman and children. It has been associated with every other emotion as well. It has become the unspoken word of love and affection for all generations and occasions. For children, it is the ultimate joy and satisfaction. Even in cases of depression, mental agony and loneliness, chocolate has always, faithfully remained the only friend and support for the bereaved soul.

Types of Chocolates

There are different types of chocolates all over the world to cater to the different tastes of the huge fan following for this confectionery. The unsweetened chocolate, also known as the “Bitter Chocolate” is generally used to form the base of cakes, cookies and brownies. The “Dark Chocolates” are usually high in the portion of cocoa and very less of milk chocolate and sugar. The “Semi-Sweet Chocolates” are usually used in different recipes for cooking purposes. The “Bitter Sweet Chocolates” are high in cocoa butter, vanilla and lecithin. It has more liquor and less sugar than the semi-sweet chocolate. Chocolates that are rich in cocoa butter are popularly known as the “Couverture”. These chocolates contain a high percentage of cocoa and some of the very popular brands are Valrhona, Felchlin, Lindt and Sprungli, Cacoa Barry, Guittard and Scharffen Berger. The “White Chocolate” is also very popular which is mainly made with fine sugar, milk solids and no cocoa solids at all.

The “Milk Chocolate” is the most popular and desired amongst all. The main ingredients that go into creating this pure bliss are mainly the cocoa powder, milk powder, milk solids, condensed milk and cocoa solids. The perfect texture and smoothness just melts in the mouth to give the best feel ever of a fine chocolate. The Hershey’s chocolates manufactured in North America and the Swiss Chocolates made in Switzerland are the El Dorado of the chocolate lovers globally. There are various flavours of milk chocolates as well as chocolates with roasted nuts and raisins

Reaching Out For the Chocolates                   

Chocolates are abundantly available all over the world. It is easily reachable through numerous local stores and shops. Life becomes all the more euphoric if you can send the chocolates by post, instead of venturing out to the shops. With recent technology and globalization, online availability has increased the demand of the chocolate industry and simultaneously has continued the flow of supply to make lives happy with every bite, everywhere.

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