Latest news with #healthyEating
Wall Street Journal
4 hours ago
- Health
- Wall Street Journal
Why Some Ultra-Processed Foods Go Down So Easily, So Fast
New research is helping to answer an important question about ultra-processed foods: Which ones may be healthier? One reason many ultra–processed foods often lead us to eat big meals and heavy snacks is because of their texture, which makes them go down easily and quickly, according to a new study presented this week at a conference of the American Society for Nutrition in Orlando, Fla.
BBC News
15 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
Bradford healthy diet courses focus on South Asian communities
"Our South Asian diet is a high-carb diet and actually high sugar as well," says Shanaz Begum."People struggle to eat healthily and to know what healthy eating is."That chapati, how much sugar has it got? You wouldn't think it's got that much sugar in it, but it actually has."Ms Begum is a former NHS employee who gives up some of her free time to volunteer at sessions on healthy eating and weight management in helps to run a free 12-week course, funded by Bradford Council, focusing on South Asian organisers say those communities face particular challenges when it comes to their health, diet and lifestyle. At today's session, those attending sit and chat enthusiastically as they discuss the merits - or otherwise - of various cooking learn about the nutritional values of a range of foods, from South Asian staples to traditional breakfast cereals, as well as sharing recipes and cooking session ends with 10 minutes of Maheshwari, project lead, says: "South Asians tend to gather their fat around the visceral organs, around the waist, so their BMI [Body Mass Index] is slightly different."The festivals, eating patterns, cooking styles and traditional foods are different, so it is very important to focus on that population." BMI is used by the NHS to assess whether people are a healthy weight and is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in white people, a BMI of 25 or higher is classed as overweight, but for people from black or Asian backgrounds, this figure is means people of the same height and weight can be classed as "healthy" if they are white, but they can be considered "overweight" if they are black or to the NHS, this is because "people from an Asian, Black African, African-Caribbean or Middle Eastern ethnic background have a higher chance of developing health problems at a lower BMI".Dietician Nusrat Kausar, based in Bradford, says her home city provides its own challenges when it comes to staying healthy."In Bradford, there are a lot of takeaways," she says, with a rueful smile."We have a lot of food shops, streets and streets of desserts, fried food."So, a lot of the environment doesn't make it easy to eat healthily." Bimla Devi, who has recently started attending the sessions in Bradford along with her daughter and a friend, says there were good reasons for getting involved."In the past, I was pre-diabetic," she explains."I've gained weight again and had to go to the doctors. That's how I found out about this."Ms Devi says she thought the free sessions in Bradford were "new and different" compared to other weight-loss programmes."So, I thought I'd give it a go and, hopefully, it'll help my health and help my daughter and my friend as well." Meanwhile, fellow participant Gurdev Kaur says the course will "definitely" make her and her family healthier."It makes you more aware," she says."You look at the labels, you talk about exercise, you talk about well-being and you just learn from each other so much. "As a Sikh, your life journey is to learn things every day."Ms Begum says the courses taking place in Bradford are all about "sharing"."People are sharing their journeys, their recipes, what changes they're making and people are adapting it to their lifestyles as well. That is really powerful."This kind of group, it motivates people. I've seen the difference, I've learned from others, which has been brilliant, actually." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
News24
a day ago
- Health
- News24
Refined sugar free, no bake chocolate and peanut butter cheesecake
This is a creamy, no-bake dessert made with a blend of raw chocolate, banana, and peanut butter, featuring a refined sugar-free and indulgent yet wholesome cheesecake-style filling. Want to make this later? Tap on the bookmark ribbon at the top of your screen and come back to it when you need to shop for ingredients or start cooking. Ingredients Crust 3/4cup - oats — rolled 2/3cup - desiccated coconut 1/2cup - dates — Medjool, pitted 1/4cup - macadamia nuts 2Tbs - water Filling 1 1/2cup - bananas — chopped 1/2 - avocado — large 2Tbs - sugar free peanut butter — extra 2Tbs - coconut oil — melted 1Tbs - cocoa powder Method For the crust, place everything in a food processor and blend until smooth. Grease an 18cm loose-bottom cake tin with some cooking spray. Press the mixture into the tin to form an even layer. For the filling, place everything in a food processor and blend until smooth. Spread this over the crust and smooth it out. Add a tablespoon or two of peanut butter on top of the cheesecake and ripple it in using the tip of a small knife. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving in slices. Tip: You can garnish the cheesecake with salted peanuts, macadamias or edible flowers, if you prefer.
CNET
a day ago
- Health
- CNET
12 Foods I Sadly Overlooked Until I Learned How Healthy They Are
It's easy to believe that being healthy means buying superfoods, all organic produce, expensive supplements and pricey powders. After all, these are all over social media. But that's not true. In fact, you probably have a lot of healthy, nutrient-dense foods sitting in your refrigerator and pantry right now. As long as you eat a balanced diet filled with a variety of foods like fruits, veggies, grains and proteins, you're probably getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs. That's why I want to get rid of the idea that "healthy" means you have to buy expensive items. Instead, here are some everyday foods that are healthier than you might think. 12 foods that pack surprising health benefits Add these foods to your list the next time you go grocery shopping. Bread You probably didn't expect to see this one on the list. Bread is a staple in most households and can be packed with essential nutrients like folate, iron and fiber. While white bread can spike your blood sugar levels and doesn't offer much nutritional value aside from carbohydrates (unless it's enriched white bread, which is fortified with vitamins and minerals like thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2) and niacin (B3) to replace the nutrients lost during its processing), its whole grain counterpart has additional fiber and nutrients and can help manage blood pressure while lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. Consuming whole grains instead of refined grains is also linked to lower cholesterol and insulin levels. Oats Oats are one of my favorite foods on this list. They're versatile, relatively easy to use and inexpensive. When we look at their nutritional offering, oats pack a punch. According to the US Department of Agriculture, oats are loaded with complex carbohydrates, fiber and essential vitamins and minerals like B1, B3, B5, B6, folate and iron. Oats are also a whole grain and a meta-analysis found that the highest whole-grain intakes were significantly associated with a 21% reduced risk of heart disease compared to those with the lowest intake. Another meta-analysis, including studies that followed people with type 2 diabetes, found that oat intake significantly reduced blood sugar spikes after eating a meal. Go for steel-cut or rolled oats to reap the most benefits, as instant oatmeal is more processed and has a slightly higher glycemic index. Sweet potatoes This creamy, vibrant orange (although some may vary in color like beige or purple) root vegetable is also versatile -- it can be fried, roasted, boiled, sauteed, mashed, baked or air-fried. Sweet potatoes contain tons of fiber, vitamin C, potassium and beta-carotene (a natural orange pigment found in plants that the body converts into vitamin A). One large sweet potato contains 400% of the daily recommended intake for vitamin A. According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamin A helps you maintain optimal vision and supports a healthy immune system. Pasta You're probably excited to see another fan favorite on this list. Pasta is made from wheat, which is a grain -- one of the basic food groups in a balanced diet. Some types of pasta are stripped of their nutrients during the refining process. However, most are fortified with folate, iron and vitamin B. If you're looking for a refined-free option, try whole grain pasta -- which has been proven to satiate you for longer -- or pasta made of vegetables. Chickpea pasta has become popular recently and is rich in fiber and protein, making it an excellent choice for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet. fermate/Getty Images Eggs Eggs are a great source of protein, iron, selenium, phosphorus and vitamins B2, B5 and B12. They also keep you full longer, which can be good for maintaining a balanced eating schedule. Eggs have gained a bad reputation because of their high cholesterol content. A large egg contains about 186mg of cholesterol, which is a little more than half of the recommended daily intake (300mg) if you're not at risk for heart disease. If you're at risk for heart disease, one large egg almost hits the limit for recommended daily consumption (200mg). Despite the amount of cholesterol found in eggs, some studies have found that it doesn't seem to raise your body's cholesterol levels like trans fats and saturated fats do. Yogurt Yogurt is another one of those foods that's accessible, affordable and convenient. It's a great source of calcium, protein and probiotics. Yogurt often starts as milk, which is then pasteurized and fermented with live bacteria. Yogurt can promote various health benefits like aiding digestion, managing irritable bowel disease and preventing osteoporosis. When shopping for yogurt, it's best to choose plain or Greek yogurt with simple ingredients and no added sugars to get the most benefits, according to Harvard Medical School. Garlic I'm a big fan of garlic. I add it to most of the savory dishes I make at home. Besides making your food extra tasty, garlic has many health benefits. It has been linked to reduced inflammation and cholesterol levels. As reported by Providence Health and Services, garlic has also been associated with improved heart health by protecting against cell damage and lowering blood pressure. If you have digestive issues, garlic may also help you aid digestion. However, it's important to listen to your body because eating too much garlic can also cause bloating. Consuming garlic may also help lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of catching a cold or the flu. Green tea Fan of tea? Great! Because you're likely getting a good amount of antioxidants from it, which can help protect against free radicals (pesky atoms that can cause cell damage). Green tea is a nutrient-rich beverage low in calories and a rich source of polyphenols, which can protect against oxidative damage and reduce inflammation. Green tea also has been linked to many health benefits, like reducing cholesterol levels and supporting heart health. As if that wasn't enough, the National Cancer Institute reports that drinking green tea is also associated with reducing the risk of certain types of Berries are one of the most nutrient-dense foods to have in your home. They are rich in vitamins C and K, prebiotics, potassium, fiber and antioxidants. Berries also contain disease-fighting nutrients that may help reduce the risk of age-related conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Consuming berries is also linked to improved heart health, reduced inflammation and can boost your immunity. Bananas Bananas should be on your radar if you're looking for a highly nutritious fruit with many health benefits. They are a great source of fiber, vitamins B6 and C, and minerals such as magnesium and potassium. Healthline reports that bananas also make a great pre-workout snack because they fill you with energy and keep you feeling fuller longer. Nuts Nuts boast plentiful nutritional benefits. They have tons of healthy fats, which can help regulate cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation related to heart disease. Nuts also contain essential minerals like magnesium, copper, iron, selenium and zinc, all of which play crucial roles in proper cell growth and development. Eating a handful of nuts daily can help boost energy and improve digestion. Because nuts are so calorie-dense, a serving size is quite small -- only an ounce, or about a handful. Nuts are your best friends if you're looking for a nutritious snack. Onions Onions are not only versatile and delicious, they also offer many health benefits. They're packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help boost your overall health, like improving heart health, boosting immune function, regulating blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation and preventing certain cancers. Onions also have prebiotic fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and can even help you sleep better.
Vogue
3 days ago
- Health
- Vogue
Tahini Is a High Protein Food You Can Eat Every Day—With Almost Everything
When cooking at home, it's easy to get into a rut. Same-old salad. Same-old salmon. Same-old pasta dish. Sometimes, however, all it takes is a new ingredient to change everything. One favorite? Tahini. Not only is it delicious, but it's also high in protein, minerals, healthy fats, and antioxidants. And if that isn't enough to convince you, consider this: Beyoncé apparently uses tahini as an ingredient in one of her go-to salad dressings. What is tahini? Tahini, also known as tahina, is a paste made from hulled, ground sesame seeds. It has a soft, creamy consistency and is made by mixing roasted and ground white sesame seeds with olive oil, avocado oil, or sesame oil. You probably know tahini as one of the main ingredients in hummus, but it's also present in other classic Middle Eastern dishes such as halva with almonds and pistachios and baba ganoush. Many dishes from North Africa and parts of Asia also feature tahini. What does tahini taste like? The flavor of tahini is mildly nutty and just a tiny bit bitter. Its neutrality, richness, and depth of flavor make it suitable for dishes that range from savory to sweet. It has a smooth, creamy texture similar to thin almond butter or peanut butter. One tablespoon of tahini has: Calories: 89 Protein: 3 g Carbohydrates: 3 g Fat: 8 g Fiber: 2 g Copper: 27% of the Daily Value (DV) Selenium: 9% of the DV Phosphorus: 9% of the DV Iron: 7% of the DV Zinc: 6% of the DV Calcium: 5% of the DV What are the health benefits of tahini? Tahini is high in protein, antioxidants, healthy fats, and contains essential minerals such as calcium, selenium, iron, and zinc. Below, a breakdown of some of the benefits of tahini. Contraindications Tahini is safe for most people to consume, but should be avoided by those who are allergic to sesame. As it is rich in omega 6, it is important that it is always balanced by adequate amounts of omega 3, to avoid the onset of inflammation—so be sure to eat it as part of a balanced diet. How to use tahini Tahini is versatile, flavorful, and easy to use. It adds a dose of extra protein, minerals, and flavor to nearly anything and makes a tasty, plant-based substitute for dairy, butter, or cream. As mentioned, Beyoncé uses it in a dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, grated ginger, chopped parsley, Tabasco, and shoyu or soy sauce. You can use tahini as you would any other nut butter—spread it onto toasted bread, drizzle over avocado toast, spread it onto whole-grain crackers, or use it on a spread in sandwiches. For a quick sweet and savory snack, spread tahini over spelt crackers with a drizzle of honey, sliced banana, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
