The Wonder Drink- Golden Milk

http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/golden-milk.html?t=mam

The main ingredient in this recipe is turmeric. Turmeric contains curcumin, the polyphenol identified as its primary active component and which exhibits 600 potential health benefits of turmeric, which include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

Additional benefits:

• Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antiseptic,analgesic,.
• Boosts immunity.
• Anti-carcinogenic.
• Helps maintain cholesterol levels.
• Promotes digestive health.
• Liver detoxifier.
• Regulates metabolism and weight management.
• High blood pressure.
• Memory and brain function.
• Various skin conditions.
• Neurological disorders.
• Lowers Triglycerides

Adding black pepper to turmeric or turmeric-spiced food enhances curcumin’s bioavailability by 1,000 times, due to black pepper’s hot property called piperine. Yup by mixing turmeric and black pepper together, you increase your body’s absorption of the turmeric by 2000%!

Golden Milk

Step 1: Turmeric Paste:

• 1/4 cup of turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper
• 1/2 cup of filtered water

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in a small a small sauce pan and mix well. Turn the heat to medium high and stir constantly until the mixture is a thick paste. This does not take long so don’t walk away from the pan.

Let this mixture cool and then keep it in a small jar in the fridge.

Step 2: Golden Milk

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of almond milk (hemp or coconut are also good options)
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• 1/4 teaspoon or more of turmeric paste
• Honey

Directions:

Combine all the ingredients, except honey in a saucepan. Turn the heat to medium. While heating make sure to stir constantly and do not allow the mixture to boil. Add honey to taste.

This is a great video on golden milk variations:

• 1/4 cup of turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper
• 1/2 cup of filtered water

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in a small a small sauce pan and mix well. Turn the heat to medium high and stir constantly until the mixture is a thick paste. This does not take long so don’t walk away from the pan.

Let this mixture cool and then keep it in a small jar in the fridge.

Step 2: Golden Milk

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of almond milk (hemp or coconut are also good options)
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• 1/4 teaspoon or more of turmeric paste
• Honey

Directions:

Combine all the ingredients, except honey in a saucepan. Turn the heat to medium. While heating make sure to stir constantly and do not allow the mixture to boil. Add honey to taste.

This is a great video on golden milk variations:

• 1/4 cup of turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper
• 1/2 cup of filtered water

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in a small a small sauce pan and mix well. Turn the heat to medium high and stir constantly until the mixture is a thick paste. This does not take long so don’t walk away from the pan.

Let this mixture cool and then keep it in a small jar in the fridge.

Step 2: Golden Milk

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of almond milk (hemp or coconut are also good options)
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• 1/4 teaspoon or more of turmeric paste
• Honey

Directions:

Combine all the ingredients, except honey in a saucepan. Turn the heat to medium. While heating make sure to stir constantly and do not allow the mixture to boil. Add honey to taste.

This is a great video on golden milk variations:

<iframe width="1280" height="1024" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/jYCQb2YNGt4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Fighting Fatigue with Food

http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/energy-boosting-foods.html

Experts say that 10% of us at any one time are suffering from persistent tiredness or fatigue. As a consequence of our busy and stressful modern lifestyles, most of us will at some time experience tiredness. On most occasions, fatigue can be relieved after a good night’s sleep. However, this is not the case for everybody. Some people find that tiredness becomes a chronic problem which undermines their day-to-day functioning – i.e. it significantly affects their quality of life.

The good news is that most of us just need a good night’s sleep along with a boost in our daily intake of the following foods that fight fatigue:

1. Bananas

According to Natural Health Advisory.com “The nutrients found in bananas include B vitamins, vitamin C, fiber, and both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. But, bananas best fight fatigue due to the amount of electrolytes they contain: potassium, magnesium, sodium, calcium and phosphorus. Your body needs the right balance of electrolytes to function properly. Why? The body is about 70 percent water, and small fluctuations in that percentage can be felt quickly. As water levels decline, so do the levels of electrolytes needed to keep the body functioning, such as sodium and potassium. This is when the body becomes dehydrated. As dehydration progresses, the body has a harder time diffusing internal heat, and tension is created in muscles, joints and organs. That tension often first manifests itself as fatigue. In fact, dehydration is one of the most under-recognized leading causes of fatigue. As dehydration progresses, other symptoms develop: muscle cramps, dizziness, headaches, thirst, dry skin, confusion, decreased urination and increased heart rate. So, one of the primary ways to prevent fatigue in the body is to stay properly hydrated and consume an adequate amount of electrolytes, which can be achieved by eating bananas and drinking plenty of water.

2. Spinach

Spinach is a very nutrient-dense food. Most importantly, spinach is loaded with iron and B vitamins which are key ingredients for feeling more energized! And, it too contains a good supply of chlorophyll. To get out of an afternoon slump, try eating a spinach salad for lunch or add it to your favorite smoothie.

3. Wild Fish

Fish is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, the healthy fat that helps you fight fatigue (and chronic illness). The fish highest in omega-3 content include:

• Salmon
• Caviar
• Sardines
• Herring
• Tuna

While all of these seafood varieties contain omega-3′s, it is important to know where the fish came from. That is, before you chow down on a seafood platter, learn whether the fish is wild or farm-raised. Farm-raised fish contain less omega-3′s than wild fish. Also, farm-raised fish are often injected with hormones or dyes. So, if you’re looking for the best energy boosting foods, go with wild fish. To learn more about energy boosting foods, drinks and supplements, view our resources on the topic. Now is your turn. Tell us which food you turn to for long lasting energy throughout the day. Go now to the Comments section below to reveal the top energy-producing food that works for you” (1)!

4. Beans

Beans fight fatigue because they are high in fiber content which works together to help balance blood sugar to prevent dips in energy. Beans can be incorporated into any meal and are great for promoting digestive health, as well as preventing constipation.

5. Go Nuts Over Nuts

Just a handful of these fiber and protein powerhouses can keep your engine humming all afternoon. Almonds are rich in magnesium, which help turn sugar into energy. Studies show eating an ounce of nuts daily as part of a weight loss diet helped satisfy appetites without packing on pounds, so don’t worry about the calories – just keep your serving size to about a handful. Get an extra wallop of energy by adding raisins to the mix. The best combination of foods that fight fatigue.

6. Orange

There’s nothing like the smell of a freshly peeled orange to wake you up. Citrus and other vitamin-C packed produce, like pineapple, boost production of norepinephrine, a stimulating chemical in the brain. Its sugar content makes fruit a natural energy source. Maintain your stamina by adding a bit of protein.

7. Green Tea

Not only is green tea loaded with antioxidants and a terrific addition to any weight-loss program, it also contains natural caffeine that fights fatigue, as it mimics the same feelings you get from coffee. Looking to quit or decrease your morning java? Turn to some delicious green tea to avoid coffee withdrawals and keep energy up.

In addition, green tea contains 2 nutrients that offer a wide range of positive health benefits: polyphenols and L-theanine. L-theanine is an antioxidant found naturally only in tea and a rare mushroom. Consuming L-theanine is instantly calming. Stress, lack of energy and focus are issues all of us deal with in our busy day-to-day lives. This is why you should be sipping on green tea (either hot or iced) throughout the day.

L-Theanine has been fairly well-researched and is believed to:

• Boost energy levels
• Decrease stress and anxiety (provides relaxation without drowsiness)
• Increase alertness and improve memory and concentration
• Protect brain cells
• Increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine
• Lower glutamate activity (which can be high in fibromyalgia)
• Boost T cell production (which can be low in chronic fatigue syndrome)
• Help regulate the sleep-wake cycle

8. Protein

Eating the right amount of protein helps to balance blood sugar, which in turn avoids energy fluctuations. Optimal sources of protein are those that are lower in saturated fat, such as chicken, fish, turkey and eggs. On average, men need approximately 5 to 7 ounces of protein per meal while women need approximately 4 to 6 ounces of protein per meal.

9. Fermented Foods with live probiotics

Imbalance in microorganisms in the digestive tract are said to partially be to blame for the fatigue associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; probiotics are the good bacteria that aids digestive health and restores balance to your digestive tract.

10. Water

Dehydration is one of the most common fatigue-causing culprits, because most of us don’t realize when we need to replenish our fluids. If you wait until thirsty, you’re already partially parched so drink up! Try adding lemon juice to your water to get you that extra boost of energy.

Source:

(1) http://www.naturalhealthadvisory.com/
daily/fatigue-lack-of-energy/
energy-boosting-foods-to-keep-you-alert/

(2) http://healthbent.wordpress.com/
2011/01/22/8-fatigue-fighting-foods/

Foods That can help you rid your body of STRESS

http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/10-foods-that-help-bust-stress.html

10 foods to help fight stress.

1) Whole grains

Diekman said whole grains, such as oatmeal, whole-grain breakfast cereal and breads offer a range of stress-busting benefits.

“They help you feel full longer, require chewing, which releases anxiety, and maintain blood sugar levels,” said Diekman. “Starting the day with oatmeal is one way to fuel the body, warm the core and provide nutrients that keep the body strong.”

Whole grains also boast serotonin, which is known for its calming effect.

2) Hot tea

Studies show tea’s plant compounds help us relax. But so does its warmth, Diekman said.

“When we drink something cold, it causes the body to raise its core temperature; the opposite happens when we drink something really hot. But warm drinks appear to be calming to the body,” Diekman said.

3) Nuts

Nuts, especially walnuts, almonds and pistachios, contain healthful fats, which can help the body fight stress-induced inflammation. Unfortunately, the unhealthy fats found in comfort foods such as french fries and bacon don’t have the same benefits.

“A high-fat meal can put you to sleep,” Diekman said.

4) Vitamin C-rich foods

Foods loaded with Vitamin C help fight inflammation and keep the immune system strong.

“Research shows foods with flavonoids help our bodies fight stress. What the research does not show, though, is that they prevent stress,” Diekman said. “So it’s important for people to realize this isn’t about finding a capsule that has their flavonoids. It’s about getting these whole foods that keep the immune system functioning on a normal keel. So grab some oranges, blueberries, strawberries or even some spinach.”

5) Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate, the healthiest variety of chocolate, both increases serotonin and reduces cortisol, the inflammation-inducing hormone triggered by stress.

“Just remember to choose portions wisely,” Diekman said.

6) Oily fish

Oily fish can block and, in some cases, counteract stress biomarkers, Diekman said.

“Oily fish like tuna, salmon and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help fight inflammation, a common result of stress, and they have a good variety of vitamins that keep the body strong,” said Diekman. “And oily fish also seems to enhance the brain’s functioning power.”

7) Warm milk

Like a cup of hot tea, warm milk is soothing. Milk also boasts tryptophan, a key ingredient in making serotonin.

“The milk sugars, like all carbohydrates, act on serotonin in the brain,” Diekman said. “Enjoy the milk with a graham cracker or another complex carbohydrate to get more glucose.”

8) Vegetables

Diekman said stress-eaters should stock a fridge full of crunchy veggies. Just the act of chewing vegetables like carrots and celery may relieve tension.

“Raw vegetables generate lots of crunch, which is an aid to alleviating anxiety and prevents jaw clenching,” Diekman said.

9) Water

Think you can only get dehydrated in the summer? Think again.

“You may not be sweating in the winter, but you are still losing fluids from the surface of the skin. That’s why your skin gets so dry,” said Diekman. “Hydration is essential to fighting stress since fluids keep fuel circulating in the body and the right balance of the electrolytes helps muscles and nerves perform their best.”

10) Avocados

Super-food avocados are loaded with potassium, which can lower blood pressure.

“They can help keep the balance in muscle activity and fluid balance,” Diekman said. “In general, plant foods are just packed with compounds beyond the vitamins and minerals that play a huge role in the overall health of the body.”

Boost Your Immune System

The 5-minute Recipe To Boost Your Immune System

This super simple recipe contains all the ingredients you need to give your immune system a quick boost! And a single dose is all you need to recover from the onset of a cold.  It contains garlic, cayenne pepper, lemon and honey. You probably expected more but this is all you need to ward of viruses and boost your immune system.

So why does it work?  As we all know, garlic is a hundred times stronger than antibiotics in combating bacterial diseases, colds and flus.  This is likely due to its immune boosting effects as well as  garlic’s potent antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties.   Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin which can open up your sinuses, fight inflammation, cardiovascular support, helps with ulcers, boosts immune system and metabolism.  “Cayenne pepper’s bright red color signals its high content of beta-carotene or pro-vitamin A.   Just two teaspoons of cayenne pepper provide 47% of the daily value for vitamin A. Often called the anti-infection vitamin, vitamin A is essential for healthy epithelial tissues including the mucous membranes that line the nasal passages, lungs, intestinal tract and urinary tract and serve as the body’s first line of defense against invading pathogens.” source.    The honey and lemon also have the reputation, in terms of healing. Together they form a veritable elixir that will set you free from your cold or flu.

The preparation time of the recipe is minimal – less than 5 minutes.

You will need

• 1 lemon,
• 1-2 clove of garlic,
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper,
• 1 tablespoon honey

How to make it?

• Cut the lemon in half.
• Remove the juice of one half of the lemon. Keep its remaining shell.
• Mince  the garlic and leave it rest for 10 minutes. Then add the lemon juice, along with the cayenne pepper.
• Add the honey and mix them thoroughly.
• scrape out the fiber from the lemon shells and add to mix.

Dose

1 tablespoon per day to boost your immune system.  If you have a cold or flu take it a minimum of 3 times per day, although we have heard that one dose is all you need.

Items You Should Never Order at a fast food chain

 Items You Should Never Order at a fast food chain
http://higherperspective.com/2014/03/never-order-fast-food.html
http://higherperspective.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/food2.jpg

The Hundred foot journey, English Hollywood Food based Movie Review, Johnson Thomas, Rating: * * * 1/2

The Hundred foot journey, English Hollywood Food based Movie Review, Johnson Thomas, Rating: *  *  * 1/2 

<a href="http://www.mrqe.com/"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/"><a href="http://www.wikipedia.org/"><a href="http://www.aasra.info/"><a href="http://www..com/"><a href="http://www.thepioneer.com efilmcritic.com/"><a href="http://www.talkingpix.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.newyorktimes.com/"><a href="http://www.timesofindia /"><a href="http://www.tirbuneindia.com/"><a href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/"><a href="http://www.dnaindia.com/"></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a><a href="http://www.internationaltribune.com/"><a href="http://www.efilmcritic.com/"></a></a>

<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/"></a>                         

             

#Movies(BestReleases)ofTheWeek/8thAug2014/JohnsonThomas

#TheHundredFootJourney(English) Rating: * * * ½ This cultural gastronomedy is passionate about it’s main ingredient- the culinary talents of it’s subjects but not as enamored by the people inhabiting it’s frame. Deliciously enticing though the visuals may be, it does leave you hungry at the end of it- wishing that it could have been a more ‘meaningful’ journey instead of merely ‘Food’ heavy!  #HelenMirren #LasseHallstrom #OmPuri #ManishDayal #CharlotteLeBon #WaltDisneyStudiosMotionPictures #DreamWorksPictures #RelianceEntertainment #ParticipantMedia  #ImageNation #AmblinEntertainment #HarpoFilms #StevenSpielberg #OprahWinfrey #JulietBlake. #AllianceFrancaise

English Film Review

Johnson Thomas 

A delicacy worth savoring!

Film:The Hundred Foot Journey

Cast: Helen Mirren, Manish Dayal,Om Puri,Charlotte Le Bon,Juhi Chawla

Director: Lasse Hallstrom

Rating: * * * ½

This culture clashing gastronomic comedy based on the best selling novel by Richard C Morais has been produced by Hollywood’s biggest names, Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey and Juliet Blake and directed by celebrated director Lasse Hallstrom (Chocolat, The Cider House Rules, The Shipping News), starring Oscar winner Helen Mirren and internationally renowned Om Puri. So the stakes are high and the expectations even more so.

One thing you can say about Director Lasse Hallstrom’s efforts in cinema is that his art is always strong on sensory appeal. That’s true of this film too. Food plays a major role here as it is the main catalyst for the culture clash that takes place between two restaurant owners, one- Madame Mallory(Mirren) who runs the one Michelin star awarded  elegant, expensive and inimitably French ‘Le Saul Pleureur(The Weeping Willow)’   and the other, being set-up by the riot hit refugees from India, the Kadam family led by the widowed father(Om Puri) and his children, one of whom is a talented Cook, Hassan(Manish Dayal). The initial skirmishes between the two leads to sabotage and eventually the two arrive at an understanding. By then the Kadam family’s cook turns cordon bleu and jumps at the offer to work in Paris leaving behind a love interest, a sous chef, Margeurite(Charlotte Le Bon) and a disappointed father.

The laughs are scored consistently what with all the underhand attacks being made on each other.  She’s the Mistress of Gallic understatement, stubborn, hoity-toity and biting in her repartee while he is easy going, jovial and optimistic. Their diametrically opposite personalities make for interesting clashes.  The writing is fluent but not fleshed out enough, though. It’s not very clear how the Kadam family fares financially after their star chef’s desertion and neither do we get to know the real financial implications of setting up a restaurant in a remote region(Shot on 35mm in luminous, mostly  in the Midi-Pyrenees) several hundred kilometers away from Paris. Everything comes a little too easy here. Kadam sets his eyes on the broken down place by accident but is  quick to fancy it as a suitable place to set up his dream restaurant. He also has no problem coughing up the dough for it. His kids , of course, think otherwise.

Helen Mirren and Om Puri set the ball rolling with their sparks and Manish Dayal and Charlotte le Bon bring on the romance. A mellow score by A.R. Rahman,  the bucolic unadulterated beauty of the village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, irresistible world of culinary sophistication, Bastille Day fireworks, gorgeous nighttime views of Paris, production design by David Gropman also add teeth to the engagement.

But what entices the most is the manner in which the food is displayed and served – the tempting visual buffet cinematographed so sensuously by Linus (American Hustle)Sandgren. Therein lies the film’s mainstay. While the drama between the two cultures and their style of cooking is interesting enough, it doesn’t get you as excited as the food with all it’s east-west variants, deliberately designed to envelope you in it’s sensory appeal. The tension in the film surrounds the two main leads and their accomplished theatrics but the rest is just a little too soft and tasty yes, but not really all exciting!

 

Johnsont307@gmail.com

Director Lassee Hallström brings audiences as close to the amazing food featured on screen as he can without letting you taste it yourself...

      

Food mentioned in the film- Indian and French cuisine served at Maison Mumbai and Le Saul Pleureur

    

 mouthwatering béchamel sauce , tandoori goat, fluffy omelette, mushrooms, steaming red curry ,  perfectly plated pigeon with truffles. Foie Grass, Beef bourguignon, delicious vindaloos,Biryani,chicken tandoori