Friday, July 17, 2009

Are There Any Green Tea Side Effects?

Green tea side effects can easily be prevented, but it is necessary that you take your precautions when drinking this tea. You certainly need to investigate any such side effects that occur, so that you can always drink and enjoy your cup of tea without any harm to your body. You have to keep in mind that its benefits are million times more powerful as compared to its side effects. You need to be aware of certain facts before drinking this tea, in case you don't want to feel sorry for drinking it, you need to drink it safely.

You have to keep in mind that the tea only contains half the amount of caffeine that may be found in a single cup of coffee, so caffeine may not be a concern. Overdose of this tea may have certain side effects like restlessness, irritability, heart palpitations, tremor, upset stomach and many more. Green tea side effects are such that they can always be avoided, if you know how to drink this tea in the right proportion. So before you start dealing with caffeine, you have to keep in mind, that it is something that is compared to an onion. It is just surrounded with a number of layers of myths, and you have to peel it before using it.

One of the most common green tea side effects is that you may face upset stomach. This tea is believed to be a potent stimulator of gastric acid in our stomach. But in case you add a little milk and sugar then you can reduce its effect on your stomach. In case you are pregnant, then you have to be sure that you avoid consuming this tea as caffeine content may be high. In case you drink this tea in large amounts then it may also damage neural tube. So, if you are pregnant and want to enjoy drinking tea then be sure that you consume it moderately.

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Nursing Degree Programs - Valuable Today

Nursing degrees programs nowadays are often underrated as they are sometimes considered second best next to a medical degree. However, this doesn't mean that they are diminishing. In fact, there seems to be a demand for educated nurses to work alongside medical personnel. There are many degree programs to choose from depending on your convenience, location and interests but what is so special about this nursing degree?

Nursing degree programs usually are for people who are determined, disciplined and diligent. It is something that takes years of planning, practice and ambition. Most nurses today have had the desire to be a nurse for many years before and are therefore mentally ready to take on a degree. Many people don't place a lot of importance on these degree programs but getting a nursing degree can be rewarding as well as essential within the medical line. There is always a need for skilled nurses to work alongside doctors in any general or emergency situations that come up.

One good thing about nursing degree programs is that it has been and still is considered a noble profession. It takes a certain gentleness and graciousness to be a nurse and not everybody has these qualities. Of course, that's not counting the patience that is needed when dealing one-on-one with a patient in pain or discomfort. One must know how to handle the situation quickly and firmly without forgetting about the patient's frame of reference or state of well-being.

Nurses are needed in caring for patients after they receive the initial attention from doctors. Many think that nursing is something that comes naturally, but like other degrees, nursing has its place in education. There are certain techniques and procedures that need to be learned and practiced before dealing with the patient first-hand. There are even theories that need to be studied with regards to different approaches in handling difficult patients or patients that are culturally diverse.

At this point, it is important to note that communication is important - and this doesn't exclude nurses. In fact, good communication is a must and nurses have to be able to speak at least more than one language. This is because they meet patients from different backgrounds, cultures and races and must be able to talk to them effectively and so that they can be understood. Those thinking of venturing into nursing degree programs must have a vision for themselves and should strive towards excellence and virtuousness.

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Monday, July 13, 2009

Is Green Tea Good For Me?

Does any other food or drink reported match that of the green tea health benefits? The Chinese have known for at least 4,000 years, about the medicinal rewards, using it to treat everything from headaches to depression. Scientific research in both Asia and the west is providing hard evidence for the attributes long associated with drinking a freshly brewed cup. There is also research indicating that drinking it lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol.

It can even help prevent tooth decay! Its antibacterial abilities can help prevent food poisoning; it also kills the bacteria that cause dental plaque. Deodorants and skin creams are beginning to appear on the market as well.

Green tea health benefits are fuelled by its high content of powerful compounds referred to as catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue.

What differentiates this from the other varieties is the way that it is processed. They all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. As opposed to the Black, or Oolong varieties, its leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. By contrast, the black and oolong leaves are fermented, which results in the EGCG being converted into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various diseases.

Green tea health benefits extend to weight loss in a variety of ways as well. EGCG is responsible for an effect known as thermogenesis - the process of heat production in the body. Surprisingly this effect is separate from the stimulating effects of caffeine. Actually, it also contains an amino acid called theanine which works antagonistically to the already reduced amount of caffeine contained within. The caffeine content is about half compared to that in coffee.

Another factor is the ability of EGCG to aid in the control of blood sugar levels in the body. When you maintain an even level of blood sugar you crave that sweet pick me up less.

The catechins in commercial leaves may not remain stable during long-term storage. This is a god reason to consider supplementing your diet with the extract in tablet or capsule form, rather than brewing the leaves.

The green tea health benefits are so plentiful and varied that we have only touched on some key points here.

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Saturday, July 4, 2009

Roasted Red Pepper Soup

One of my favorite soups is Roasted Red Pepper Soup, it's healthy, easy to make and full of flavor. It's so much cheaper to buy a glut of red peppers from the local market, along with the vegetables. You can use homemade chicken stock or stock cubes, both present a beautiful soup, and by adding the basil right at the end of cooking means you can taste it. Once it's cool, it's ideal for freezing.

Roasted Red Pepper Soup

Makes 5 pints/2.8 litres soup
Prep Time 30 mins
Cooking Time 50 mins approx

Ingredients

6 Red (bell) peppers
3 Pints/1.7 litres water
2 Chicken stock cubes
4 Medium carrots, washed and finely chopped
4 Sticks celery, washed and finely chopped
2 Medium potatoes, peeled and finely chopped
2 Medium red onions, peeled and finely chopped
4 Large garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 Tin 400g Chopped tomatoes
Large handful of fresh basil, roughly chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

Cut the peppers in half and take out the stalks and deseed

Brush with a little olive oil and season with rock salt and freshly ground black pepper

Lay the peppers on a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4 for 20 minutes

Remove peppers from oven and place on a grill rack (skin side up) and put under a preheated grill until skins turn black ( push the peppers down firmly on the grill rack to ensure all the skin is exposed to the heat, this will make it easier to pull off the black skin)

Allow to cool a little, then pull off as much of the black skin as possible. If there is still some skin left, just put the peppers into a plastic bag, seal and leave for 15 minutes to sweat, slice them into quarters, this will make it easier to remove the skin

Chop the peppers finely and set aside

Place the carrots, celery, potatoes, onion and garlic into a heavy saucepan and add the water and stock cubes, ( I just blitz all the vegetables into tiny pieces with a hand held blender)

Bring to the boil and cook for 3-4 minutes, then turn down the heat and simmer for 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender

Now add the tomatoes, chopped peppers and simmer for another 10-15minutes

Remove from the heat and add the basil and season well

Use a hand held blender or food processor and blitz until you have a thick soup

Serve with a spoonful of low fat crème fraiche

"Lesley Jones is just one half of the duo that makes CookingWithTheJoneses such a great place for finding delicious food recipes, and other 'foodie' information. She and her husband Barry, love cooking, and have been into creating amazing food for over 15 years.

If you have any 'foodie' questions, or would like to recommend a new recipe - visit http://www.CookingWithTheJoneses.com and let Lesley and Barry help you."

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Tips For First Time Grill Chefs

Barbecuing, or Barbecuing is a true Yank tradition. Many Yanks are finding themselves with a grill for the 1st time. Good experiences with your grill will surely lead to using your grill more and more.

Planning Ahead

Grilling has been about since early cavemen figured out that food tasted great after being cooked on an open fire. Maybe one of the main memories attached to a family barbecue is what was on the menu that day. With the wide selection of probabilities, you are sure to find at least a few items which will please your crowd.

Another potential issue when grilling is the weather. Watch the weather channel or check online for your weekly forecast. If rain or cold weather is likely on the day you were brooding about having your barbecue, it could be a smart idea to hang around for a better prediction.

Make sure that you prepare ahead for your barbecue. If you need a totally custom barbecue, you may wish to stick with standard sizes. Traditional barbecue sides include potatoes, potato salad, baked beans, and coleslaw.

Maintenance

You'll need some common household items available when it comes time to clean your barbecue grill. Using your brass wire grill brush ( or other brush suitable to your sort of grill ) you should brush off all the surfaces. By customarily brushing your barbecue grill, you will prevent any type of increase. If increase from food is left to long, it can become increasingly tricky to remove. The racks in your grill are particularly vital as this is where the food touches when it is cooking. You will have to use the wire brush to get rid of as much increase as feasible. After you remove as much as possible, start cleaning the racks with dish soap. If the racks are really dirty, you could also wish to use the steel wool pads. Be sure to totally wash off all soap and residue before cooking on these racks again. If these steps aren't taken, you can find it more difficult to wash your grill, and could find that damage will occur.

The majority of issues that arise from barbecue grills comes from absence of cleaning and maintenance. That implies if you notice something doesn't seem quite right with your barbecue grill, chances are it can be fixed with just a simple cleaning.

Eventually, one technique of forestalling issues with your barbecue grill is defending it from the outside. Covers are available for grills in all styles and sizes, so chances are, you may find one that fits your grill. If you have a cover for your barbecue grill, then all you may ever must do is do the regular maintenance noted above.

Come the end of the day, if you follow the above guidelines and find yourself some good barbecue grill recipes, then you will have a successful barbecue.

The author Is an avid internet user and currently runs a number of video based website built with Video Blizzard, a software platform that creates instant video websites. http://heroapps.com

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

How to Make Pudding Successfully and Easily

Christmas would not be the same without a deliciously rich and moist pudding. The traditional Christmas pudding is dark and rich with dried fruit and nuts, but you can also prepare pudding made with sago, which gives it a springy bite.

Puddings are not as difficult to put together as most people imagine. Once all the ingredients are assembled, it takes only a few minutes to mix the pudding. The steaming takes five or six hours, but the only attention required during this time is to occasionally top up the steamer with boiling water.

For a successful pudding, take note of the following:

  • If using liquor to plump up the fruits, make sure the pudding mixture is left to stand overnight.
  • Before steaming, cover the pudding dish with either greaseproof paper or fall and tie it securely to the pudding bowl to prevent water from seeping in.
  • If using a saucepan, place a trivet or wire rack in the pan so that the bowl doesn't touch the heat and crack.
  • Always top up the steamer with boiling water; adding cold water will cause a sudden drop in temperature, resulting in a heavy pudding.
  • The lid of the steamer must fit well to prevent too much steam from escaping and drying out the pudding too quickly.
  • Cooked puddings should be kept in the fridge. To serve, reheat by ,teaming for an hour.
  • You can make your pudding ahead of time to mature, but even if you make it at the last minute, it will still taste great.

Sandy is a food lover who has been into food business for more than 20 years. She share her experience in cooking tips, recipes as well as healthy cooking way.

She maintain her site at: http://www.lowcarbdiabeticdiet.com
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