Popcorn - A Great Family Tradition December 07, 2011 16:38
By reading this article, you'll come away with a few golden nuggets of information that'll guarantee you the reputation of "smartest" guy or gal in the room. That is, if someone asks the right question... and, based on the popularity of this search query, you surely don't want to gamble on those odds, do you? That delicious buttered, gourmet flavored, or plain unseasoned treat you habitually snack on while at the movies, while enjoying a good game or playing cards with the family started with some serious research and development by scientists, then relied on a smart farmer. A smart farmer who knew which of the six kinds of corn to raise in order for it to turn into the fluffy, delicious, and nutritious snack you'll consume, on average, at the rate of 54 quarts each year. He (or she) also needed to know all about how to plant, care for, and harvest this plant. The scientific name for the type of corn that pops is Zea Mays Everta. There are three main components of the kernels of this kind of corn that are important to know: One is the "endosperm". It's made up of granules of starch, both hard and soft. It's a carbohydrate that provides energy The "germ, or "embryo" is the living part of the corn kernel - it uses this energy from the carbohydrate The "pericarp" is the outer hull of the kernel, and is made up of cellulose. It's usually white or yellow, though it can also be red, black, or other colors The science behind growing corn that pops into perfect specimens involves breeding for genetic traits, inbreeding that eventually leads to the breeder being able to identify, segregate, and save the seed of the most desirable plant, then inbreed again to continue the process to end up with the most perfect specimen. It takes eight years of this breeding process to end up with a selection that is stable and no longer segregating. Then, two of those inbred selections are crossed to produce a hybrid. It is that hybrid kernel that is planted and harvested by the farmer. It's then shipped to the supermarket or specialty popcorn shop, where it's made available to you, the customer. Most popcorn is raised by farmers in the "corn belt" of the United States; Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, and Ohio. These farmers need to know how far apart to plant the popcorn, how much moisture to provide it, and how to tell when it's ready to harvest. The percentage of moisture in the kernels of corn has everything to do with how well it will pop. Ideally that percentage is usually 16-20% at the time of harvesting, though there are considerable cleaning, sorting and polishing processes performed after harvesting that leads to the reduction of moisture content to about 14%, considered ideal for best popping. Popcorn pops when the internal temperature of the kernel reaches 400 to 460 degrees Fahrenheit. The popping takes place because the moisture bound within the endosperm turns to steam. Since the pericart (or hull) is hard, pressure builds up within the kernel. The starch inside becomes soft like gelatin and moisture vaporizes until the pressure in the kernel reaches 135 pounds per square inch! This pressure increases until the pericart (hull) ruptures and the gelatinized starch granules puff out. Literally, the kernel turns inside out, and what you see on the outside, the white part of the popped kernel, is the endosperm.
Read MoreGet Pearl White Teeth November 30, 2011 16:55
A smile is said to be the most easiest and impressive way of breaking ice between two individuals. It not only makes one attractive but also renders beauty to even the most ordinary of faces. Though smile becomes a problem if your teeth are discolored or pale in shade. So what can be done to have shiny white teeth? Mentioned under are few natural tips to get pearl white teeth. Check them out: Brushing The foremost thing to remember is the golden rule of oral care - BRUSH your teeth EVERYDAY. Also, make sure you wash your mouth after every meal. Using a teeth whitening toothpaste can also help. Avoid Stains Teeth stains can be very difficult to remove without a chemically strong whiting product hence, it is better to avoid stains by restricting the intake of tea and coffee. Also go easy on alcohol and smoking to ensure white teeth. You might also be interested in : Brushing Technique Strawberries It is a wonderful fruity remedy to enhance teeth whiteness. Just eat strawberries or mash them into a paste and brush with it to clean the teeth surface. Strawberries are rich in particular acids and seeds that are instrumental in damaging the mouth germs. Make sure you brush gently without much pressure. Baking Soda Baking soda contains mild abrasive particles that helps in teeth whitening. All you need to do is use a bit of it with your toothpaste each time you brush. You might also be interested in : Flossing Crunchy Vegetables Eating crunchy vegetables like carrots, broccoli, cucumber and celery etc. can actually act as a toothbrush while eating as they are abrasive in nature. The to-and fro motion of these vegetables inside the mouth while chewing, help in cleaning the teeth surface naturally. Salt Salt is a natural antiseptic and teeth whitener. In case you have nothing of the above mentioned, just add a little salt to your toothpaste every time you brush. Else wise, try brushing with a pinch of salt mixed with a drop of mustard oil for naturally healthy and white denture.
Read Moresweet beverages could pose risk of heart disease and diabetes coupled with obesity for women November 23, 2011 12:35
Drinking two or more sugared beverages daily could not only bloat a woman's waistline but also elevate the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Researchers compared middle-aged and older women who drank two or more sugared beverages such as carbonated sodas or flavoured water with added sugar daily, to women who drank less. Women in the first group were nearly four times as likely to develop high triglycerides, and were plausible to increase their waist sizes and develop impaired fasting glucose levels. 'Women who drank more than two sugar-sweetened drinks a day had increasing waist sizes, but weren't necessarily gaining weight,' said Christina Shay, who led the study at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Centre. 'These women also developed high triglycerides, and women with normal blood glucose levels more frequently went from having a low risk to a high risk of developing diabetes over time,' added Shay, an Oklahoma statement said. The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) included food frequency surveys in 4,166 African-American, Caucasian, Chinese-Americans and Hispanic adults from 45 to 84 years old. According to the study, the participants did not have cardiovascular disease in the beginning. These findings were presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions this year.
Read MoreDiet For Healthy Kidneys November 16, 2011 17:58
The kidneys are vital organs in the body, as they perform the important function of filtering the blood and getting rid of any toxins or impurities that may be present in the bloodstream, through the urine. It also removes any excess water that is there in the body. Unfortunately, there are several factors that could cause the condition of the kidneys to deteriorate rapidly; some of the main causes of poor kidney health include diabetes, high blood pressure, deficiency of water, low blood volume, the use of certain drugs and so on. In case a person suffers from kidney problems, severe symptoms, such as fatigue, itchiness, spots on the skin, loss of appetite, vomiting and nausea may be evident. At the same time, the amount of urine passed each day may also reduce and the color could be different (darker) or traces of blood and pus could be present. Foods Good For Kidneys:Eggplant, Turnips, Green beans, Asparagus, Strawberries, Cauliflower, Apples, Cottage cheese, Radishes, Iceberg lettuce, Cherries, Cranberries, Cabbage, Zucchini Bell peppers (red, yellow and green) A healthy diet for kidney stones or any other kidney problems is incomplete without the consumption of a high amount of water. Health experts advise people to drink around 14 glasses of water a day. Moreover, there are many fruits and vegetables that are high in water, such as watermelon, cucumbers and zucchini; therefore, their consumption should be increased too. In fact, a healthy diet for kidneys is also good for those people who are already suffering from kidney problems, but want to prevent further deterioration of the organs. However, it is important for people to realize that eating healthy foods for kidney disease only reduces the risks of a decline in kidney functioning. This means that eating healthy foods for kidney health is not always enough; it is also very important for people to maintain a healthy body weight, get an adequate amount of rest and exercise each day, keep their blood pressure in check and avoid habits like smoking. The healthy diet for kidney disease mentioned above is fairly safe for most patients, but it is best to consult a doctor, before following it. In fact, there are several online resources that have tips on a healthy diet for kidney problems, but these tips should only be tried after checking with a doctor, who is aware of the patient’s medical history. In case the healthy kidney foods trigger off any side effects, it is necessary to stop using them immediately and visit a health care provider.
Read MoreHealthy Fettuccine Alfredo October 25, 2011 17:22
Healthy eating is not about strict nutrition philosophies, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, and keeping yourself as healthy as possible– all of which can be achieved by learning some nutrition basics and using them in a way that works for you.Healthy eating begins with learning how to “eat smart”—it’s not just what you eat, but how you eat. Your food choices can reduce your risk of illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, as well as defend against depression. Additionally, learning the habits of healthy eating can boost your energy, sharpen your memory and stabilize your mood. You can expand your range of healthy food choices and learn how to plan ahead to create and maintain a satisfying, healthy diet.
Read MoreWhite Spaghetti for health October 25, 2011 17:20
Healthy eating is not about strict nutrition philosophies, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, and keeping yourself as healthy as possible– all of which can be achieved by learning some nutrition basics and using them in a way that works for you.Healthy eating begins with learning how to “eat smart”—it’s not just what you eat, but how you eat. Your food choices can reduce your risk of illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, as well as defend against depression. Additionally, learning the habits of healthy eating can boost your energy, sharpen your memory and stabilize your mood. You can expand your range of healthy food choices and learn how to plan ahead to create and maintain a satisfying, healthy diet.
Read MorePrevention of premature Death October 25, 2011 17:20
Healthy eating is not about strict nutrition philosophies, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, and keeping yourself as healthy as possible– all of which can be achieved by learning some nutrition basics and using them in a way that works for you.Healthy eating begins with learning how to “eat smart”—it’s not just what you eat, but how you eat. Your food choices can reduce your risk of illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, as well as defend against depression. Additionally, learning the habits of healthy eating can boost your energy, sharpen your memory and stabilize your mood. You can expand your range of healthy food choices and learn how to plan ahead to create and maintain a satisfying, healthy diet.
Read MoreFruit and vegetables October 25, 2011 17:20
Healthy eating is not about strict nutrition philosophies, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, and keeping yourself as healthy as possible– all of which can be achieved by learning some nutrition basics and using them in a way that works for you.Healthy eating begins with learning how to “eat smart”—it’s not just what you eat, but how you eat. Your food choices can reduce your risk of illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, as well as defend against depression. Additionally, learning the habits of healthy eating can boost your energy, sharpen your memory and stabilize your mood. You can expand your range of healthy food choices and learn how to plan ahead to create and maintain a satisfying, healthy diet.
Read MoreHealthy eating October 25, 2011 17:18
Healthy eating is not about strict nutrition philosophies, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, and keeping yourself as healthy as possible– all of which can be achieved by learning some nutrition basics and using them in a way that works for you.Healthy eating begins with learning how to “eat smart”—it’s not just what you eat, but how you eat. Your food choices can reduce your risk of illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, as well as defend against depression. Additionally, learning the habits of healthy eating can boost your energy, sharpen your memory and stabilize your mood. You can expand your range of healthy food choices and learn how to plan ahead to create and maintain a satisfying, healthy diet.
Read MoreLet this Rainy Season Glow your Skin! October 25, 2011 17:14
In recent news coverage, the entire Media has highlighted the rigorous working schedule of our Prime Minister. The 70+ year’s old Man works for 18 Hours a day. This could be publicity Stunt or just…
Read MoreHow to look good and charmy October 25, 2011 17:14
In recent news coverage, the entire Media has highlighted the rigorous working schedule of our Prime Minister. The 70+ year’s old Man works for 18 Hours a day. This could be publicity Stunt or just…
Read MoreNatural Cosmetics for Your Skin October 25, 2011 17:10
In recent news coverage, the entire Media has highlighted the rigorous working schedule of our Prime Minister. The 70+ year’s old Man works for 18 Hours a day. This could be publicity Stunt or just…
Read MoreWhat Is Type 2 Diabetes? April 25, 2011 19:38
Diabetes, a potentially life-threatening condition that renders the body unable to control blood sugar levels that also increases risk for heart disease and stroke, is an epidemic in America. According to national data, 11.3 percent…
Read MoreMen of Texas, bariatric surgery led to life without diabetes March 04, 2011 20:22
And he said his family's food choices weren't always the healthiest either. "My eating habits were terrible," he said. "We'd have lots of flour tortillas, beans and rice." Over the years, Garcia's weight ballooned -…
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