Although it sounds like both devices do the same thing, there are many differences. In this article, we go over how the two work, who each one is for, and which you should get.

blenders vs juicers- What are they?

You might not have even come across this debate unless you’ve been doing some research into health and dieting. This is because most people just buy one and go along with it. And that’s okay.

But we’ll help you make an educated decision. The most important consideration? Your goals. Because your health and where you want to take it holds significant sway over which device you should pull out that credit card for.

For starters, though, let’s look at the way blenders and juicers do what they do. Then, let’s look at the qualities of the juice each makes.

Blenders

Blenders are the all-purpose heroes of any kitchen. Whatever you put in, a blender will — you guessed it — blend.

There aren’t really many types of blenders based on how they work. But if you want a dichotomy, there are two types of blenders, based on size.

Single serving blenders are smaller, easier to use, and more power-efficient. You add all the ingredients to a flask which doubles as the lid of the blender. And once you’re done blending, you have a single serving of juice ready to go.

The other type is the jug blender. These would be more suitable if you want to maker larger batches of juice. They’re bigger, bulkier, and louder than a single serving blender. But other than that, blenders aren’t that different from each other.

All blenders work by spinning some sharp blades very fast. The speed at which the blades work can be anywhere from 20,000 to 30,00 revolutions per minute. This is great for two scenarios:

• If you want to blend hard ingredients
• If you want to get the juicing process done fast

It’s also worth remembering that blenders leave fiber and other large nutrients in.

Juicers

In the other corner, we have juicers. They aren’t as commonplace as juicers, but they still have their place in many modern kitchens.

Depending on how they work, there are two types of juicers out there.

1. Centrifugal juicers, and
2. Masticating juicers

Centrifugal juicers have a spinning metal blade that presses your ingredients against a strainer. This juice drains off into another container. What’s great about this system is that you don’t have to worry about any pulp. All of that’s left behind on the other side of the strainer.

Moving on to masticating juicers. If you hear the words “cold press juicer” being thrown around, it’s this type being talked about. These are dedicated juicing machines. Yes, they’re slower, larger, and more expensive. But the juice you get from masticating juicer has pretty much any other kind of beat. This is because they’re incredibly efficient at keeping the nutrients in the juice.

Juicers work by extracting the juicy goodness from fruits and vegetables. But that’s where the similarities end. While blenders leave fiber and pulp in, juicers strain these big bits out.

But for now, keep in mind that the juice you get from juicers is generally rich in vital nutrients. It’s also thinner and more concentrated.

Because of the way juicers work, you’ll need a lot more ingredients to get the same amount of juice you’d get from a blender.

blenders vs juicers— which is better?

As with everything, both sides of the coin have their own merits. In one corner, we have the all-around blender. In the other, we have the nutrient-saving juicer. Who’ll win the kitchen-shelf showdown?

Let’s go through the rounds and look at what makes each device shine.

Pros of a blender.

• Works great with soft ingredients. And most fruits and vegetables count as soft ingredients.
• Gets the job done quickly.
• They’re cheaper. Much, much cheaper. You can get away with spending about $100.
• No pulp to throw away. Cleanup is much easier.
• Because said pulp is in the juice, you’ll get tons of fiber.
• This fiber makes the juice “last longer” in your system, and you get the energy and nutrition for longer.

Pros of a juicer.

• Soft ingredients, hard ingredients, juicers don’t care. Works great with any fruit or vegetable.
• The pulp gets left out. Your juice would be easier to digest.
• The juice is also more nutritious.

Blenders vs juicer: What should you go for?

So which is better — a blender or juicer?

The answer comes down to you, the reader.

Because here’s the thing. These two devices work differently and produce different types of juices. And because of this difference, it’s up to you and your preference to decide which option to go for.

But worry not, we’ve made the decision a little bit easier to make.

You should get a blender if you…

• Want to make smoothies
• Need fiber in your diet
• Need something less expensive
• Like to feel fuller for longer

You should go for a juicer if…

• You want to make fresh juices
• Your digestive system doesn’t agree with fiber or pulp
• You need tons of nutrients in your juice
• You’d like a quick energy boost

The power, as they say, is in your hands. Now you have an understanding of which option to go for. Let’s look at some good brands you should probably keep your eye on.

blenders vs juicers: Top options to consider.

These companies are great at making culinary devices be that blender or juicer or anything else.

Brands that make brilliant blenders

• Vitamix
• NutriBullet
• Oster
• Hamilton Beach
• Breville

Brands that make jaw-dropping juicers

• Black and Decker
• Omega
• Kuvings
• Hamilton Beach
• Breville

Final thoughts on blenders vs juicers..

Blending and juicing are both great ways to turn fruits and other ingredients into a ready-to-go food item. But neither is necessarily better or worse.

Like we said in the article, the best option for you boils down to none other but you. Understand what your body needs, and then pick the option that works for you. Whether you pick a blender or juicer, you’ll thank us in the long run.

This will be a perfect sophisticated ice cream dessert for a dinner party with your loved ones!! More importantly, the steps are easy-peasy.

Unlike other walnuts, black walnuts are wild plants. They grow near the eastern coast of North America and Over thousands of years, these nuts were popular food sources for people. The literature says these walnuts were indeed an inspirational food ingredient for ancient tribes. They ate them in fresh forms or in culinary dishes, baked foods, soups, and even in beverages.

Then why shouldn’t we use them in our recipes too!! Now Lets see how we can make black-walnut ice cream at your home.

How to make black walnut ice cream at home

You can use this recipe in preparing ice cream with any other nuts.

Total time requirement -30 minutes ( without the chilling time and churning time)

1. Preparation time – 20 minutes
2. Cook time – 15 minutes

Preparation of black walnut ice cream- Method 01

Ingredients

• 2 cups of light cream
• 2 cups of milk
• 2/3 cups of sugar( you can make slight changes to the amount of sugar based on your preference)
• 2/3 cups of chopped black walnuts
• 1/3 tsp of vanilla extract / 1/2 scraped vanilla bean
• 4 egg yolks

Preparation Instructions

1. First heat the milk, sugar, walnut pieces, and the cream in a bowl until it steams (the temperature around 170 degrees).
2. Then after turning off the heat you can add the vanilla extract or scraped vanilla bean to the bowl, stir properly and cover it. Allow cooling for about 1 hour.
3. Keep the mixture in a refrigerator overnight or at least for 4 hours
4. After chilling it’s important to strain the mixture to get rid of walnut pieces. Keep those pieces in the refrigerator for later use.
5. Now heat the mixture to 155-160°F. when the cream reaches the required temperature, you can beat the eggs and add a little amount of hot cream. Mix them properly in a vigorous manner.
6. After that, you should put the egg and cream mixture into the main mixture and stir well. Gently cook this for five minutes while stirring often
7. Once again strain the mixture and allow it to cool to room temperature. Then pour into the churner and churn it until a soft consistency is observed.
8. Finally, add the ice cream mix to a large nice bowl with the previously reserved walnut pieces and freeze.
9. enjoy your black walnut ice cream!

Preparation of black walnut ice cream- Method 02

If you walnut extracts , The preparation steps are quite easier than above.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of light cream
• 1 cup of half and half cream
• A small number of black walnuts ( based on your preference)
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• nearly 1/2 tsp of walnut extract

Preparation Instructions

1. Add cream, sugar, and walnut extract to a large bowl and mix well
2. Then Pour the mixture into a churner and churn until you get a soft consistency
3. Add the walnuts to the mixture and mix well
4. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and freeze until the correct consistency is achieved
5. Enjoy!!

Nutrition facts

• Calories – 321 Kcal
• Protein – 6 g
• Carbohydrates – 18 g
• Fat – 26 g
• Cholesterol – 148 mg
• Fiber – 1 g
• Potassium – 152 mg
• Calcium – 100 mg
• Iron – 1 mg
• Vitamin C – 1 mg

funny black walnut recipe ideas

• Delicious Black walnut cookies
• Black walnut pie
• Yummy Black walnut snowball cookies
• Black walnut cake
• Christmas Black walnut cake
• Black walnut muffins

Final thoughts

If a food fulfills your basic requirements, easy to make, and tastes great, why not you should try it!!

Enjoy black walnut ice cream with your loved ones. It’s easy peasy and fantastic. Try the same recipes with other nuts too. Do not forget to add your comments!!

Image credits: Iñigo De la Maza via Unsplash.

This gooey variety of cheese does more than make your pizzas delicious! In this article, we’ll go over 6 amazing health benefits of mozzarella cheese, and also its nutrition and calorie information.

What is mozzarella cheese?

Mozzarella is probably one of the most famous types of cheese in the world. If you’ve ever ordered a pizza or been to an Italian restaurant, you’re already familiar.

Hailing from the beautiful southern regions of Italy, Mozzarella is a type of semi-soft cheese made from Italian buffalo’s milk. Cheesemakers use the method known as “pasta filata” to make this delicious cheese. This means the cheese is produced by pulling and kneading in hot water.

Mozzarella cheese has a relatively high moisture content. Because of this, it’s usually served the very next day after it’s made. You can extend its life by keeping in brine or simply refrigerating it. The kinds you find in supermarkets are vacuum-sealed and last much longer.

We’re pretty sure you know what mozzarella tastes like. (It’s not what we’d call an exotic cheese.) But for reference, this soft-ish cheese tastes… quite bland, to be honest. It’s a delicate taste, somewhat sour, and if it’s fresh you can taste some milkiness. But as the days pass, the sourness goes up.

If you’re ready to learn about the nutrition, calories, and health benefits of mozzarella cheese, scroll on over to the next section.

But if you’ve ever wondered why mozzarella is called mozzarella, read on. “Mozza” means “to cut” in certain Southern Italian dialects. This is believed to be derived from the method of working the cheese. Cheesemakers would cut off bits of a huge lump of cheese and serve diners and guests. The “ella” bit is a diminutive, or a suffix added to make the original thing smaller.

In short, mozzarella literally means “small cuts (of cheese)”!

Nutrition and calories of Mozzarella cheese

You might get to see mozzarella in your local supermarket as a little ball or lump of cheese. But each of those gooey bundles carries a surprising dollop of nutrients.

Here are some of the most important nutrients and calories found in mozzarella cheese (1).

• Serving size: 100g
• Energy: 299 calories
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbs: 2.4g
• Cholesterol: 79 mg
• Sodium: 486 mg
• Calcium: 505 mg
• Iron: 0.4 mg
• Potassium: 76 mg
• Phosphorous: 76 mg
• Vitamin D: 0.4μg

Mozzarella cheese does more for you than make your pizzas delicious. Now that we’ve looked at the nutrients and calories in mozzarella, let’s see how everyone’s favorite soft cheese benefits your health.

6 amazing health benefits of mozzarella cheese

Image credits: Alexander Maasch via Unsplash.

Because mozzarella cheese is a somewhat decadent food, most people tend to avoid it altogether. A common question among diet-savvy people is whether mozzarella is healthy.

Good news—it is! Mozzarella cheese can support your health in a plethora of ways. Here are six of the many health benefits of mozzarella cheese.

1. Helps regulate blood pressure.

Mozzarella cheese is high in potassium, which is vital to maintaining good blood pressure.

Most of our modern diets are very high in sodium. This leads to what’s commonly known as high blood pressure (2). Unchecked HBP may in turn lead to heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and a host of other cardiovascular diseases.

Another reason why many people suffer from high blood pressure is the lack of potassium in modern diets. An appropriate level of potassium in the body helps to lower blood pressure (3).

Multiple studies suggest that there’s a link between low potassium intake and increased blood pressure and a higher risk of stroke (3, 4, 5). The converse is also true. A healthy amount of potassium in the diets of people with high blood pressure shows a significant lowering of their systolic blood pressure.

2. Helps regulate cholesterol

Mozzarella cheese contains vitamin B3, also known as Niacin. This water-soluble vitamin (meaning your body doesn’t store it) has the ability to regulate cholesterol in the body. In short, Niacin reduces “bad” cholesterol and increases “good” cholesterol. For a longer explanation, read on.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that builds up in your arteries. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not entirely bad for you. Only a certain type is (6). So-called “bad cholesterol” is scientifically known as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and contributes to blocked arteries. “Good cholesterol” (known as high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) on the other hand, pick up deposited cholesterol and carries it to your liver.

Niacin is great for cholesterol regulation because it does two things. First, the vitamin reduces levels of LDL cholesterol. This reduction can range from 5% up to 20% (7, 8)!

On the flip side, Niacin also increases HDL cholesterol. Research shows that this increase ranges from 15% to an impressive 35%! (7)

Before you go looking for Niacin supplements, remember that this wonder-vitamin isn’t the primary treatment for high cholesterol. Scientists recommend it as a cholesterol-lowering treatment for people who can’t other, more effective types of medication.

3. Keeps your body’s cells healthy

What’s something your body has in common with mozzarella cheese? Both contain loads of phosphorous!

This is the second most common mineral in the human body (the first being calcium). Phosphorous does many great things in your body, one of the most important being keeping your cells and tissue healthy.

A few of the ways phosphorous keeps your cells healthy are (9):

• Grow, maintain, and repair cells
• Making energy for your cells to use
• Produce RNA and DNA, the blueprints of your cells
• Balance and use various vitamins and minerals
• And more.

For such an important mineral, it’s important to know when your body might not have the right amounts. Some health conditions such as diabetes may lower the potassium levels in your body. On the other hand, you might have excess potassium, too. You might experience this if you have kidney disease, not in enough calcium in your body, or simply eat too much potassium.

So if potassium deficiency is something you’re trying to keep up with, mozzarella cheese might be a delicious way of supplementing your diet.

4. Keeps you feeling energetic

Mozzarella cheese contains another B vitamin known as riboflavin (vitamin B2). This vitamin is just as multitalented as the last one. But one of the most important functions of riboflavin is maintaining the body’s energy supply (10).

Riboflavin helps to break down the macro elements in your food. These are carbohydrates, proteins, and fat.

It also helps convert carbohydrates into the fuel that your body uses to generate energy: adenosine triphosphate, known commonly as ATP. This compound is how your body stores energy for use in the muscular system.

Aside from helping power your body, riboflavin also performs many other roles in keeping you healthy:

• Maintaining digestive health
• Keeping your liver healthy
• Keeping the eyes, nerves, muscles, and skin healthy
• Absorbing and activating iron, folic acid, and vitamins B1, B3, and B6
• Hormone production by the adrenal glands

5. Helps your wounds heal faster

If you’ve ever had a rough-and-tumble childhood, you probably have scars to show for it. And the fact that these wounds (and every other one) healed is because of a mineral that’s abundantly present in mozzarella cheese: zinc.

Zinc is what’s known as a “micronutrient”. These are nutrients your body needs in small amounts. But that doesn’t mean micronutrients aren’t important. Take zinc for example.

Zinc plays a major role in regulating every phase of the wound healing process. This process ranges from membrane repair, oxidative stress, coagulation, inflammation, and immune defense, tissue re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, to fibrosis/scar formation (11).

Fortunately for dairy lovers, most products falling into the dairy category usually provide good amounts of zinc. Milk and cheese in particular are excellent sources of this mineral because they contain high amounts of bioavailable zinc (12). This means that most of the zinc present in these foods can be absorbed by your body.

6. Helps keep your nails, skin, and hair healthy

Another vitamin present in mozzarella cheese is biotin, also known as vitamin H. The H stands for “hair”. This apt name is because biotin is one of the main vitamins responsible for keeping your hair healthy. It helps keep your skin and nails healthy as well.

Multiple studies have shown that taking supplements including biotin lead to increased hair growth and reduced shedding. In these studies (13, 14), women were given either a pill containing a blend of biotin and other ingredients or a placebo. They were asked to take these pills twice a day.

The women who took the non-placebo pills that contain biotin were shown to have had the results we just mentioned. Digital images of their scalps showed greatly increased hair growth in the areas previously affected by hair loss.

It’s important to get enough biotin from your diet because it can’t be synthesized in mammalian cells (15). So if you’re looking to keep your lustrous locks healthy, why not eat some mozzarella now and then?

Fun mozzarella cheese ideas

Image credits: Waldemar Brandt via Unsplash.

If you weren’t already a fan of mozzarella, you probably are one now. But this wonderful Fromage isn’t just healthy, it’s delicious too!

Here are some fun ways you can add mozzarella cheese to your recipes:

• Cheesy garlic bread (recipe)
• Mozzarella-stuffed arancini balls (recipe)
• Hidden veggie pizza (recipe)
• Egg muffin three-ways (recipe)
• One pan lasagna (recipe)
• Cheeseburger pizza pockets (recipe)
• Slow cooker lasagna (recipe)

All these lovely recipes are courtesy of Australia’s Best Recipes. Check them out for more awesome Aussie recipes!

Some considerations

There are few foods that taste good and do good. As you can see from this article, mozzarella cheese is definitely one of these “wonder foods”. But, as with anything, there are some concerns.

Mozzarella cheese is high in saturated fat (1). This type of fat is one of the three main categories, the others being unsaturated fat and trans fat.

Eating food containing saturated fat may increase some risk factors for heart disease (16) and the level of LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol as well, another factor of heart disease (17).

While you should always consult your doctor before making changes to your diet, we recommend moderation with everything you eat. That includes mozzarella cheese.

Final thoughts

As you can see, there are some surprising health benefits of mozzarella cheese. Few food items, let alone dairy products, cover such a vast spectrum of positive effects.

So if you’re looking for a delicious and healthy addition to your diet, we recommend mozzarella cheese.

In this article, we’ll cover what this rice is, its nutrition, health benefits, and even some fun recipes.

What is purple rice?

You wouldn’t think this rice should be called “purple” when you buy it! Before cooking, it’s actually a deep inky-black color. Unsurprisingly, this is why this grain also goes by “black rice”.

This nutrition-dense grain comes from Japan. It’s said to be difficult to grow (which was why only the rich could afford it). Because of its long history, it goes by many names, including forbidden rice, emperor’s rice, and black rice.

Getting technical for a moment, there a few varieties of rice that are purple in the species Oryza sativa. There are two kinds: long-grained, and sticky. Both are gluten-free (1).

What does this colorful grain taste like? The same as brown rice. Which is to say, mild and slightly nutty. And just like brown rice, our iridescent purple grain has excellent amounts of fiber and other nutrients (2).

What sets this kind of rice apart from its none colorful cousins is its astronomical levels of anthocyanin. This pigment, present in the bran hull of the grain (the outermost layer) is an antioxidant. Purple rice has one of the highest concentrations of anthocyanins in food (3).

No wonder emperors were clamoring to get some of this goodness on their plates.

Nutrition and calories

Long story short, this violet grain is good for you. It has a wholesome nutrition profile, has many health benefits, and is delicious to boot.

Nutrition varies by brand, but here’s what this grain is made up of (4):

• Serving: 100g
• Energy: 354 kcal
• Protein: 8.33g
• Total lipid fat: 1.04g
• Carbohydrate, by difference: 77.08g
• Fiber, total dietary: 2.1g
• Sodium: 10 mg

Like all rice, this kind is also a bit heavy-handed with carbs. But it’s the other nutrients present that make it a food worth adding to your diet.

Now, let’s talk about some of its health benefits.

Health benefits

Purple rice is a versatile grain, both on your plate and in your body. Helping with diabetes, digestion, eye, and heart health, this vibrant grain is a jack-of-all-trades.

Here’s are some health benefits you can get by adding it to your diet.

Well-rounded nutrition profile

As you can see from the previous section, add this grain to your diet and you’ll have a lot of your nutrition bases covered. If you’re having trouble sticking to a balanced diet, “forbidden rice” might hold some healthy secrets.

A “balanced diet” is one which gives your body all the nutrients it needs to work correctly. Remember the Food Pyramid? It made waves in the health community in the 90sthat and claimed to provide you with a balanced diet. Sadly, it’s considered somewhat outdated now (5).

The USDA now recommends the following for a balanced diet (6):

• Fresh fruit
• Fresh vegetables
• Whole grains
• Legumes
• Nuts
• Lean proteins

(The exact amount you should eat depends on your body and activity levels.)

Every element of that balanced diet should support each other and provide good nutrition. Our titular rice does just that. Because it has carbs, protein, even fat, it goes a long way in giving you a balanced diet.

Boosts digestive health

Any grain with the outer layer intact is called whole grain. In other words, the outer layer of the grain, or the bran hull, hasn’t been removed. And the presence of the hull makes purple rice high in fiber.

Fiber, also called roughage, is the material in plant foods that your digestive system can’t completely break down. Although it might seem bad .at you can’t digest fiber, the opposite is true.

Having lots of fiber in your diet is essential for your digestive health. You’ll have a lower risk of constipation and fecal incontinence (7, 8). High levels of fiber in your diet may even reduce hemorrhoids.

In short, “fiber is the fuel that keeps your colon going,” says experts (9).

But too much of a good thing is still bad. The same applies to fiber. Exceeding your recommended daily amount may lead to bloating, gas, and (ironically) constipation.

Good for your heart

The vibrant purple hue of the grain comes from a pigment called anthocyanin. Blueberries, eggplants, and many other red, blue and purple fruits get their distinguishing color from this pigment.

But what’s important is that anthocyanin is a powerful antioxidant (10).

Antioxidants are compounds that protect the cells in your body. One of the many harmful things that can happen to your cells is oxidation. This is a chemical process that produces free radicals and chain reactions that may damage the cells in your body.

Back to anthocyanin. The purple pigment has been suggested to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease cardiovascular-related death by up to 9% and 8% respectively (11). So in addition to purple rice, it’s better to add many more anthocyanin supplements to your diet for a healthy heart.

There is a range of other benefits as well, such as improved cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and blood pressure. All of these again contribute to heart health.

Improves eye health

This pigmented grain also contains two substances known as lutein and zeaxanthin (12). Both are present in high amounts.

The two potent antioxidants are found in many vegetables, and also in your eyes. Your eye lens, retina, and macula have particularly high concentrations. This is why doctors believe lutein and zeaxanthin play a major role in keeping your eyes healthy (13).

The way the two works is that they both protect your eyes from harmful high-energy light. For example, ultraviolet light has been associated with cataract formation and retinal degeneration (14). And that’s just one kind of high-energy light that’s bad for your eyes.

Another combined benefit of lutein and zeaxanthin is that they may stave off age-related eye diseases. Studies show that eating a diet rich in these two nutrients may make you half as likely to get cataracts. It may also slow down macular degeneration (15, 16).

However, remember that these studies combine lutein and zeaxanthin with other nutrients. Vitamins C and E are two examples. Eating food with a good blend of all these nutrients is likely what’s better for your eyes.

Helps fight diabetes

We’ve talked about anthocyanin a lot in this article. And we’ll talk a lot more—this astonishing antioxidant even helps with diabetes!

Anthocyanin is a flavonoid. These are a diverse group of plant chemicals (a.k.a. phytonutrients) that you can find in just about every fruit and vegetable. Flavonoids and their chemical cousins are known as carotenoids are what makes the world’s fruits and veggies so colorful.
Dietary anthocyanins can affect insulin resistance in your body and provide you with health benefits for diabetic conditions. There are multiple functions of these pigments that are connecting with the inhibition of carbohydrate digestion in the digestive tract, improving insulin secretion for enhancing sensitivity and protection of pancreatic cells.

The great thing about flavonoids is that they influence blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce sugar digestion in the small intestine. All these lead to lower blood sugar levels (17).

Controls cholesterol

Some animal studies have shown that a purple rice diet reduces the levels of bad cholesterol. Not just that, it increases the levels of good cholesterol as well (18).

Here’s what that means. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that builds up in your arteries. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not entirely bad for you. Only a certain type is (19). So-called “bad cholesterol” is scientifically known as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and contributes to blocked arteries. “Good cholesterol” (known as high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) on the other hand, pick up deposited cholesterol and carries it to your liver.

Diet isn’t even the major factor for the cholesterol in your body. Only 25% comes from the food you eat. The other 75% is produced in your liver. But that doesn’t mean that the quarter dependent on your diet isn’t important. So it’s crucial that you maintain healthy levels of good cholesterol in your body by eating colorful fruits and veggies.

Purple rice Vs other varieties of rice

There more than 40,000 known varieties of rice in the world. Let’s look at how this particular variety stacks up against its competition.

First, let’s talk calories. Purple rice is generally high in energy, with a 1/3 cup containing about 200 calories. To put that into perspective, a similar portion of brown rice will only contain about 80 calories. If you’re one to count calories, this high number might require you to cook and serve yourself smaller portions.

Next, the nutrition. The “purple” part of this rice comes from the still-present outer layer. And like brown rice, the presence of the bran hull makes the purple varieties whole grains. White rice, which has the bran and germ removed, is less nutritious since most of the fiber and nutrients are in the outer layer. So from a nutritional standpoint, pigmented rice is preferable to white rice.

All kinds of rice are packed full of carbs. But if your tummy’s still craving some grainy goodness, you can go for higher fiber varieties of rice. The high amount of fiber impacts the absorption of carbohydrates into the body. A diabetic person eating a high-fiber grain is less likely to have a blood sugar spike than one eating white rice. This is because of the slowed rate of absorption.

But what really sets purple rice at the head of the pack are its anthocyanin levels. Neither brown rice nor white have it. That’s not to say these other kinds aren’t healthy—brown rice still has a respectable amount of antioxidants. But they don’t come close to what’s in our special black-purple rice.

How to prepare purple rice

So far, we’ve uncovered the forbidden knowledge of forbidden rice. But what’s the point in knowing all about a type of food if you don’t get to eat it?

Let’s now look at how to prepare the perfect serving.

It’s important to remember that all varieties of rice might contain arsenic. Unless you buy pre-washed rice, wash yours three to four times in cool water. Even if you buy pre-washed rice, it’s best to give it a rinse. You don’t have to keep washing until the water’s clear.

One cup of rice needs 2 1/2 cups of water. You can also boil it in a variety of liquids to get a different taste. Try chicken stock, vegetable broth, or coconut water if you’re feeling adventurous.

About 20 minutes on the heat and five minutes off it should do the trick. Remember to stir often while the heat is on and wait till the water is absorbed when the heat is off.

This cooking time and amount of water leave the rice a little crunchy. This is normal. But if you like yours softer, just add another quarter cup of water and cook for 10 more minutes.

Still not convinced about the wonders of purple rice? Here’s the clincher. You can substitute purple rice in any recipe calling for any variety of rice!

With that in mind, here are some fun ideas to get you cooking.

5 delicious purple rice recipe ideas

Need a few ideas to get started? Here are 5 recipes from around the web that should impress your dinner guests:

1. Soy ginger shrimp with forbidden rice
2. Japgokbap (Korean multigrain rice dish)
3. Black purple fried rice
4. Laotian coconut sticky rice dessert
5. Purple sticky rice with coconut milk

Final thoughts

Purple rice used to be served to emperors. No surprise, since it packs a nutritional heft fit for a king!

The versatile (and yummy) grain should cover a surprising number of health bases. Your heart, eyes, liver, and more will thank you for switching to this purple grain.

It’s not just healthy, though. It’s delicious. Why not try it in your next meal? Let us know how it goes in the comments down below!

What is a chocolate allergy?

Before we define what a chocolate allergy is, it’s worth knowing what allergies are in general.

An allergy is caused by your immune system reacting to a substance in the environment or your food, which doesn’t cause such a reaction in most people. It’s basically your immune system being too cautious.

Food allergies are triggered when your immune system detects a certain food type being consumed and releases chemicals like histamine into your bloodstream.

Common symptoms for food allergies are (but not limited to):

• Swelling
• Hives
• Nausea
• Fatigue

These symptoms may take a while to show up after eating a trigger food. It’s always advisable to seek medical help if these symptoms worsen.

Moving on to chocolate allergy, it’s when your immune system produces a reaction to chocolate.

It’s worth noting that chocolate is never one single ingredient. Very few people are allergic to cacao (which is the main ingredient in chocolate). But chocolate contains other ingredients like milk, wheat, and nuts, which can cause allergic reactions on their own.

Chocolate allergy vs chocolate sensitivity.

Just because you experience discomfort or symptoms after eating chocolate doesn’t necessarily mean you’re allergic to chocolate. It’s much more likely that you’re experiencing chocolate sensitivity.

So what’s the difference between an allergy and a sensitivity?

An allergy is triggered by the body’s immune system. A sensitivity is triggered by the body’s digestive system. Food sensitivity is also referred to as intolerance.

If you’re only sensitive to chocolate, there’s some good news. You can still eat chocolate! As long as you keep the portion small, you should be able to enjoy some cacao.

Symptoms of chocolate allergy

If you’re allergic to chocolate, your symptoms may look like this:

• Hives
• Shortness of breath
• Stomach cramps
• Swelling of your lips, tongue, or throat
• Vomiting
• Wheezing

Due to the biology behind allergies, these symptoms are all caused by the nervous system secreting chemicals into the bloodstream.

The degree of these symptoms may range from mild to severe. But it’s important to remember that all these symptoms betray a larger underlying reaction known as anaphylaxis. Ever heard of anaphylactic shock? That’s what this is related to.

Anaphylaxis, if left untreated, can escalate to life-threatening levels. You should always seek medical help if you experience these symptoms.

You don’t necessarily have to eat chocolate to experience these allergic reactions. They can even be set off by skin contact. So if you feel any of the symptoms of chocolate allergy coming on, but you know you didn’t eat chocolate, take care—you might have unknowingly rubbed against a bar of chocolate.

Symptoms of chocolate sensitivity

Chocolate sensitivity, on the other hand, tends to produce somewhat milder reactions. Some of them are:

• Acne
• Bloating or gas
• Constipation
• Headaches or migraines
• Skin rash
• Upset stomach

As you can see, most of these symptoms are related to the digestive system (e.g. bloating, constipation, upset stomach). This is because sensitivity or intolerance is triggered by the digestive system and not the immune system.

Causes of a chocolate allergy

Remember how we said that the reactions related to a chocolate allergy are tied to a condition known as anaphylaxis? That immunological condition is directly related to high levels of immunoglobin E (IgE) antibodies.

This antibody is not bad. In a normal human body, immunoglobin E is produced by the human immune system to respond to a perceived threat.

Typically, IgE levels in the blood tend to be low. But a high level may lead the body to overreact to allergens. IgE levels are naturally high when the body is fighting off an infection. It’s a prolonged or normally high level of IgE that is of concern.

And it is a high immunoglobin level that may lead to an anaphylactic reaction to chocolate.

Now, let’s look at some specific trigger foods of a chocolate allergy.

Chocolates are a melty mélange of ingredients. So while your chocolate allergy may be triggered by the cocoa itself, there’s a good chance that it’s another ingredient that’s affecting your immune response.

Some ingredients in chocolate which can cause an allergic reaction are:

• Cocoa
• Milk
• Caffeine
• Soy (soy proteins)
• Nuts

Any of these may be the reason you can’t eat chocolate. So, let’s explore the possibilities and try to narrow down which ingredient of chocolate you’re reacting to.

Symptoms of a cocoa allergy

If you’re allergic to cacao, your immune system reacts to it the moment it enters your body. These reactions can include symptoms like:

• Hives
• Trouble breathing
• Swollen tongue, lips, or throat
• A wheezing cough
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach cramps

Again, these are symptoms of anaphylaxis and you should seek immediate medical assistance.

Symptoms of a milk allergy

Milk allergies are unique in that some of the symptoms appear immediately upon consumption, while others are delayed. These delayed symptoms may take hours or even days to appear, making it difficult to identify the cause of the reaction.

Some symptoms of a milk allergy include:

• Abdominal cramps
• Coughing
• Hives
• Loose stools (may contain blood or mucus)
• Mucus secretion in the nose or lungs
• Skin rashes
• Upset stomach

These symptoms, too, can lead to anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock. Immediate medical attention is advised.

Symptoms of a soy allergy

Chocolate manufacturers add an emulsifier to their products to bind the ingredients together. One of the most widely used such emulsifiers is soy lecithin.

This is a soy-derived ingredient. And a soy-protein allergy can cause complex symptoms, such as:

• Cold-like reactions (runny nose, watery eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing)
• Digestive problems (abdominal pain, stomach cramps, gas, bloating)
• Asthma
• Skin reactions (itching, hives, eczema)

Other probable allergens

Apart from these main allergens, you may experience a reaction to some other trace ingredients in the chocolate.

For example, if wheat or nut products are from the same factory as your chocolate, you may experience an allergic reaction.

How to avoid chocolate allergy symptoms?

For people without allergies, certain daily activities are simple and straightforward. Buying groceries, eating out at a restaurant, visiting friends for dinner, none of these require special dietary considerations.

But for people with allergies, it’s an entirely different story. They need tobe better educated regarding what food items they can and cannot eat, and they also need to be vigilant whether those ingredients are included in the food they eat. This means constantly reading the ingredients list on food wrappers and asking the waitress whether this food has that ingredient.

Steps you could use to prevent Chocolate allergy reaction

• Ask fellow diners to not eat chocolate or chocolate-based foods near you.
• Ask that your food be prepared away from where chocolate-based foods are prepared.
• Avoid cocoa-containing candies and drinks such as milkshakes and hot cocoa.
• Ask whether your baked goods, coffees, alcoholic beverages, and even medications have chocolate flavoring added.  

With just a bit of vigilance, you can easily get used to keeping chocolate out of your diet. Just read food labels and ask around.

Food substitutes

Just because you’re allergic to chocolate doesn’t mean you can’t experience that sweet taste!

One of the most common substitutes for chocolate is a legume called “carob”. It looks almost identical to chocolate and tastes just like it too.

The carob is a legume, which puts it in the same league as peanuts, chickpeas, and lima beans. It’s a tree that’s native to the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions of the world. The tree’s pods are roasted and dried to make a perfect copy-cat alternative to chocolate.

You can replace chocolate in almost any recipe with carob. As a bonus, carob is high in fiber and calcium, and is low in caffeine, fat, and migraine-triggering compounds!

So if you’re worried a chocolate allergy will put a halt to your sweet-toothing, carob is your sweet savior.

Seeking medical help

Whatever you do, do NOT try to self-diagnose your chocolate allergy by eating chocolate!

If you think you might be allergic or sensitive to chocolate, the best course of action is to see an allergist. They’re trained professionals who can safely and accurately diagnose and treat allergies.

To test whether you have a chocolate allergy, an allergist might perform skin prick tests and blood tests. Another option is an elimination diet. You can eliminate the trigger food (in this case, chocolate) from your diet and see if you continue to experience symptoms.

If your chocolate allergy is severe, consider carrying an epinephrine auto-injector at all times. Epinephrine is a hormone that quickly improves breathing, stimulates the heart, stabilizes blood pressure, reverses hives, and reduces inflammation.

Final thoughts

Whether you’re allergic to chocolate or merely sensitive, you must take precautions to avoid symptoms. Remember that it may not even be the cocoa in chocolate products that’s causing a reaction, but some other ingredient.

Being allergic to a beloved sweet treat can seem like a curse. But with proper planning and vigilance, you can live a chocolate-free life without skimping out on food you love.

Hailing from Iran, the almond is related to such trees as peaches, cherries and apricots. Powdered Almond Milk is full of proteins, and regular consumption of almonds may lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduce heart disease risk. A true healthy snack, despite their high caloric value.

Almond has also long been a leading milk substitute. Almond milk is currently the most widely consumed alternative to milk in the US, with the rest of the world following suit. 

One of the greatest ups of almond milk is the fact that it comes in a powdered form. Due to its convenience, almond milk powder has already become the go-to choice for athletes, vegans, hikers, and many others who need a tasty and wholesome stand-in for dairy milk.

In this article you’ll get to know why almond milk is good for you, and how you can make and use powdered almond milk at home.

How almond milk benefits you

Almond milk is as popular as it is because it simply ticks a lot of boxes for a lot of people. Here’s five reasons why you might want to give almond milk a go:

1. It’s nutritious.

There are two kinds of almond milk products: enriched and natural. The enriched varieties are brimming with Vitamin D, calcium, and protein. Even the natural kinds still pack a respectable vitamin and mineral count (Vitamin E abounds). [Source.] Recent studies promise stronger bones and even reduced heart disease! But remember: almond milk is not a substitute for breast milk or infant formula (it lacks some necessary nutrients).

2. It’s low on calories.

Almond nuts are in fact high in calories, but almond milk products are always watered down. This means that you aren’t getting nearly as many calories, even compared to dairy milk. A cup of almond milk contains about 39 calories. For comparison, that’s half the amount of calories in a cup of skim milk. You can drink almond milk guilt free.

3. It’s dairy free.

Quite a few people lack the ability to completely digest lactose. But lactose intolerants rejoice: almond milk won’t leave you bloated and gassy. Even vegans can join in. Because this healthy beverage is completely plant based, it contains absolutely no dairy whatsoever.

4. It’s delicious.

People who love almond milk often cite its nutty flavour and creamy texture. If it weren’t for the great taste, you’d barely be able to tell it apart from its dairy rival. 

5. It’s convenient to use.

Spilling milk from the carton all over a countertop is a common experience. Cumbersome cartons and hefty jugs have long been a gripe of the dairy-loving community. With almond substitutes, this isn’t an issue — thanks to powdered almond milk, you can serve yourself as much or as little as you like without any hassle. We’ll talk about how in just a second.

If we’ve tickled your curiosity as well as your taste buds, you’d almost be ready to dive headfirst into the almond milk diet. Almost, because almond milk isn’t exactly as a light on the pocket as it is on calories. If this problem has ever crossed your mind, there’s a cost-effective solution: powdered almond milk you can make in your very own kitchen.

How to make powdered almond milk at home.

Here’s the final selling point of almond milk. You can make powdered almond milk yourself, in the comfort of your kitchen!

Why powdered almond milk? Simple: convenience. You can carry a little pack of the powder around with you for a healthy pick-me-up whenever, wherever. All it takes is a little bit of water. 

Here’s how to make some DIY almond milk powder. (Hint: you’ll need a dehydrator.)

1. Soak your almond nuts for 12-24 hours, then deshell them.
   • You’ll know they’re done when they’re plump and squishy. You can get rid of  the water afterwards.

2. Blend the almonds with some water. 
   • We’re going for the powdered version, so it doesn’t have to be the perfect consistency or taste. 

3. Strain the solids.
   • Use a nut milk bag for best results. A sieve or cheesecloth works too.

4. Line your dehydrator tray with non-stick paper or dehydrator sheet. 
   • If the tray doesn’t have sides, make a “bowl” with the sheet and paper clips. 

5. Pour just a bit of milk into the tray. 
   • You should barely cover the tray’s bottom. 

6. Run the dehydrator at 60°C for 16 to 18 hours. 
   • Your almond milk should have completely dried out.

7. Break up the remaining brittle. 
   • You’ll be left with a fine almond milk powder.

And there you go — powdered almond milk, made home style. A filling, nutritious thirst quencher for all your on-the-go needs.

How to use almond milk.

Almond milk has quite a few culinary uses, all of them delicious. Here’s how you can add a nutty touch to your recipes:

• Use it in your morning bowl of cereal
• Add it to tea, coffee and smoothies
• Use it to replace dairy milk in just about any baked recipe
• Use it is a sweet addition to sauces, soups and salad dressings

The possibilities are as endless as they are yummy. Be sure to experiment around with your favourite dishes!

As you’ve probably come to understand, almond milk and its powdered version are milk substitute royalty. It’s good for you while tasting great. You can even make powdered almond milk at home. 

Give it a shot, chances are, you won’t look back. And be sure to let us know your experiences with it, too.