Monday, January 6, 2014

Sushi Etiquette


Sushi Etiquette
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lamar_M_Mejia]Lamar M Mejia 

Sushi could be thought of as the Japanese version of the Western sandwich--portable, easy-to-eat, available in many varieties and part of the daily menu. It has propelled Japanese cuisine on to the world stage. All over the world, sushi restaurants have opened up and many people have tried the cuisine and found it to their liking. However, eating sushi demands a certain form of etiquette that most people do not know or tend to overlook. 

First and foremost it is important to know that use of both chopsticks as well as fingers while eating is acceptable. Sushi was originally called a finger food because it was meant to be a quick, on-the-go snack that could be eaten quickly. Hence, it is completely acceptable to pick your sushi with your hands instead of using chopsticks. However, avoid asking for forks and knives in a sushi restaurant as this can be construed as insulting and ignorant.

If you need to dunk your sushi into soy sauce, then do so lightly. Only the fish part needs to be dunked in to the sauce, not the rice part. Dunking the rice into the sauce will cause it to fall apart. Do not use excessive soy sauce as this may imply that the original flavours were not strong enough and hence other ingredients needed to be added. If you ask for wasabi as well as soy sauce, avoid mixing it together to form a soup as they are different flavours that are not meant to be blended together.

The sushi needs to be eaten in one bite, at the most it can be eaten in two bites. However, do not place the unfinished bits of your sushi back into the plate. If you eat your sushi in two bites, hold the unfinished bit in your hand or in the chopsticks. Placing it back in the plate is considered rude. Chew your sushi with your mouth closed.

Never stick your chopsticks in your rice bowl. This is akin to a funeral rite and hence is considered offensive in a restaurant environment. Similarly, never pass food from one chopstick to another. This is also similar to a funeral rite where family members pass the bones of the deceased from chopstick to chopstick. It is however alright to move food from one chopstick to another plate.

It's easy to forget that 65 years ago Japan was a war-torn nation. Food was so scarce that many people had to resort to eating grasshoppers along with whatever else they could find. It is therefore, considered insolent to waste even a single grain of rice. Hence it is imperative that you clean your plate and make sure every last grain has been eaten.

Lastly, never pay your bill to the chef. In the sushi culture, people who handle the food are not supposed to handle anything else, even money. Hence get another restaurant employee to assist you with the payments. 

Now that the basic etiquette in sushi eating is clear, you can enjoy this delicious Japanese cuisine without attracting any reproving looks.

While having sushi at any of the [http://www.nomzilla.com]Japanese restaurants in Nashville TN or elsewhere, these are some etiquettes that you can follow and enjoy the tasty cuisine. Click on this [http://www.nomzilla.com]link to find out more!

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Sushi-Etiquette&id=7407430] Sushi Etiquette

Juicing - How to Make Sure Your Children Are Getting Their Vitamins


Juicing - How to Make Sure Your Children Are Getting Their Vitamins
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Carole_M_Cooney]Carole M Cooney 

Hippocrates was the first "famous" medical practitioner of all time, if not the greatest of them all. One of his main beliefs was 'you are what you eat'. There is sufficient scientific evidence out there to prove that poor nutrition plays a leading role in attracting and going on to develop diseases, and the current trend is for Doctors and Health Organisations around the world preach to us constantly about things such as our "five a day", the importance of eating a large variety of fruit and vegetables etc. 

How many of us despair of ever getting something decent into our childrens' mouths? As parents, we know only to well how difficult it is to get a finicky child to eat or drink what they are supposed to eat or drink! Juicing is a fantastic way of combating the faddiness of your much loved and cherished little nemesis! The bright colour of fresh juice combined with the natural sweetness and delicious flavour help overcome any reservations you child might have. They especially enjoy an opportunity to become heavily involved in messing up your kitchen, given the chance! Juicing can be messy - something which all children enjoy! So someday when there is nothing much to do, why not get the blender out and make a smoothie with some fresh fruit and other healthy ingredients such as yoghurt added to the mix? 

Raw, freshly prepared vegetable and fruit juices are abundant in natural organic nutrients that are easily absorbed and delivered in exactly the form that the body requires for its many processes. Delivering this top quality nutrition in liquid form means you get a super-dose of organic plant nutrients in a single glass. This liquid sunshine provides building blocks of the metabolic processes that go on at a cellular level throughout the body, rebuilding and regenerating healthy tissue. You can "drink" a far larger quantity of fruit and veg than you could possibly eat, when it is juiced, ensuring your body gets plenty of the nutrition it needs to function with vibrant health. 

Raw, vegetable and fruit juices contain many many natural organic nutrients, and when they are juiced they are absorbed much more easily into the body and delivered to the relevant areas of the body in double quick time to enable the body to carry out its many processes with maximum efficiency. One glass of juice equals the equivalent of a super concentrated dose of organic plant nutrients. Fresh juices are the necessary elements for building metabolic processes, rebuilding and regeneration of healthy tissue. 

Juicing is also highly recommended for people who are ill or convalescing, as it supplies the body with nutrition on tap which is a powerful combatant against disease. In many cases convalescents find it difficult to swallow and find the idea of eating nauseating, therefore Juicing is the perfect solution. Juicing is used in nutritional therapies all the time, and even conventional medicine agree that it has proven to provide a level of success. If you start juicing on a regular basis, your body will very soon show you the benefits.

Because you can consume far more fruit and vegetables in liquid form than you can in solid form this will ensure your body will be in tip top sparkling, vibrant, radiant health. Worth giving it a go, don't you think?

Losing weight or getting healthier need not be a tedious, unwelcome chore. There is no need to miss meals or exercise until you drop. Try juicing and discover a better body-friendly way to drop those pounds and build perfect body health easily. Visit http://www.hitthenailontheheaddiet.com for a free copy of 'Get Your Daily Fix of Liquid Sunshine' to discover even more about the benefits of losing weight with juicing. It works - Carole lost ten pounds in ten days. Visit her blog to learn more about how she did it: http://www.hitthenailontheheaddiet.com/caroles-blog

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Juicing---How-to-Make-Sure-Your-Children-Are-Getting-Their-Vitamins&id=7415508] Juicing - How to Make Sure Your Children Are Getting Their Vitamins

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Is Tilapia a Healthy Food Choice?



Is Tilapia a Healthy Food Choice?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=John_Hawkin]John Hawkin 

Tilapia are robust, fast growing, warm-water fish that happen to be a favorite option for aquaculture. Tilapia are members of the Cichlid family which are indigenous to freshwater in Africa and the Middle East. Tilapia production is thriving world-wide, having increased from 1.6 metric tons in 1999 to 3.5 metric tons in 2008. China, Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand are now the top five worldwide growers of tilapia.

A decade ago, tilapia were practically unknown in the United States, but they're becoming more popular. Traditionally marketed to Asian and African ethnic populations, tilapia are now getting widely accessible to the general population in seafood markets and supermarkets.

Tilapia is sold live, fresh, and frozen and in different product forms (whole, gutted, and fillets). Most tilapia eaten in the U.S. is frozen product that is from China and Taiwan. Central and South America are the leading source of imported fresh tilapia. Tilapia farming in the United States furnishes less than 10% of tilapia consumed domestically. In 2010 Americans ate 475 million pounds of tilapia, which positions it as the leading consumed farmed seafood in the U.S.

Because of their mild flavored, white-fleshed fillets, tilapia makes a perfect component for many dishes. Tilapia are a good way to obtain protein and a 3.5 oz. serving contains 28 grams of proteins. Tilapia is low in saturated fat, calories, carbohydrates and sodium. Tilapia also has beneficial quantities of other essential nutrients, including selenium, vitamin B12, niacin, phosphorous, and potassium.

Mercury is a hazardous substance which may normally be concentrated in fish predators near the top of the food chain. Tilapia are omnivorous and can eat a large number of foods, including plants, animals, and algae. Thanks to their eating traits, quick rate of growth, and short life expectancy, tilapia incorporate little or no mercury.

There is some concern about the cholesterol levels in tilapia. A 3.5 oz. serving of tilapia contains 57 mg of cholesterol, which is 19% of the daily recommended amount. Cholesterol is a natural steroid that's very important to retaining body health and wellbeing. Even so, excessive levels of cholesterol, particularly "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), can bring about heart disease.

Many cold-water fish, such as salmon, trout, herring, and mackerel, contain significant levels of omega-3 fatty acids. High levels of omega-3s contribute to beneficial heart up keep and can reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.

A study made available by the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in 2008, discovered that farm-raised tilapia have low levels of valuable omega-3s (less than half a gram per 3.5 oz. of fish, similar to flounder and swordfish), but remarkably high levels of omega-6s. The experts revealed that this blend of fatty acids could cause a harmful inflammation response in people with coronary disease, arthritis, asthma and various allergic and auto-immune conditions.

In reply to this review, an open correspondence from 16 science and health specialists from all over the world verified that tilapia can indeed be regarded as part of a proper diet. They emphasized that tilapia are comparatively low in total and saturated fats and high in protein and vital trace nutrients. Tilapia provide significantly more omega-3s compared to other meat choices like hamburger, steak, chicken, pork or turkey.

The American Heart Association suggests having fish (especially fatty fish) at least two times (two servings) a week. It is easy to meet this need either by consuming tilapia more often or in conjunction with other sorts of fatty fish, for example salmon and tuna. Given its nutritional advantages, tilapia is a superb meal option for those focused on healthful eating.

To learn more about growing tilapia for home consumption or for commercial enterprises, see [http://www.tilapia-farming.com]tilapia-farming.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Is-Tilapia-a-Healthy-Food-Choice?&id=7444577] Is Tilapia a Healthy Food Choice?

Pomegranate Health Benefits



Pomegranate Health Benefits - What's All the Fuss About?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Constantinos_K_Costa]Constantinos K Costa 

Countless studies have shown the benefits of fruit for a person's health. From all the fruits available in the market today, one fruit tops the popularity list. Know as the "ruby-red super food" and the "miracle fruit", the pomegranate has earned its popularity because it is thought to possibly help support the body's natural defenses against Alzheimer's disease, various cancers, heart diseases, and arthritis.

The pomegranate's health legacy has not happened by chance. It has been scientifically proven many times over, including by the University of California, that pomegranate ranks the highest of the top 10 antioxidant packed drinks. In their study, pomegranate shows double the amount of antioxidant properties of even red wine and green tea. Antioxidants work to fight off free radicals that can lead to unstable molecules, causing damage to the DNA and cell membranes and in time lead to cancer.

More Health Benefits

• In some countries pomegranate is believed to help in achieving and maintaining a clear skin with a youthful glow, by keeping the blood platelets together.

• It may help reduce the risk of having heart attacks and strokes. Because of the very high levels of antioxidants, pomegranate keeps bad cholesterol from forming, which in turn helps keep the arteries clear of clots. 

The National Academy of Science found that pomegranate juice can prevent heart attacks and strokes by decreasing the genetic tendency towards the hardening of the arteries. Studies also showed that those who drank the juice every day for at least three months had an increase in blood flow to the heart which prevents various heart disorders.

• The increase in blood flow to the heart due to the iron contained in pomegranate may also help prevent anemia symptoms that include exhaustion, weakness, dizziness and hear loss.

• Studies have shown that pregnant women receive a great benefit from frequently taking pomegranate juice. The reason this group of women gain from drinking pomegranate juice is because of the fact that the juice contains high levels of folic acid which is exceptionally significant for the proper development of the baby while it is still in the womb of the mother. So if you are a pregnant woman reading this article then you should consider taking pomegranate juice for a healthy pregnancy.

How To Clean A Pomegranate

1. Cut off the crown (you'll see it) and throw it away..
2. Score and slice the rind (skin) all around, but don't cut the rind all the way through.
3. Soak the pomegranate face down in cold water for about five minutes.
4. While the pomegranate is still in the bowl of water, break apart the scored rinds, and remove the seeds from the flesh (the seeds will sink to the bottom of your bowl).
5. Remove the rind and membrane from the bowl with a sieve or spoon.
6. Drain the seeds with a sieve and pat dry with a paper towel.

Precaution

The seeds in pomegranates may cause irritation for people with diverticulitis. Like tomato, strawberry and raspberry seeds, pips in pomegranate seeds can get into the diverticulitis of the bowel and cause pain. 

Like any foods you wish to include in your daily diet, it is advised you consult your family physician

If today is the day that you want to change your lifestyle, then do it today, because the more you put it off until "Next Week", the less likely you are to ever start. Just take a quick look at this site today to get some free tips at http://www.whatyoucanachieve.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Pomegranate-Health-Benefits---Whats-All-the-Fuss-About?&id=7494830] Pomegranate Health Benefits - What's All the Fuss About?

12 Foods That Define New Orleans



12 Food That Define New Orleans
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Stephanie_Hua]Stephanie Hua 

New Orleans is known for great food and good music. Food are cooked in rich ingredients like butter, cream and duck fat in abundance. Seafood is available in variety like oysters, shrimps, crawfish, etc. So you need to have ample time and good appetite to enjoy that when in New Orleans.

I am outlining 12 best foods that I enjoyed in New Orleans.

Crispy Frog Legs:

Hmm... lick lick lick... The crunchiest frog legs ever had, approximately of the size of chicken leg piece. Served along with spinach, red onion pickles and apple vinegar. The frog meat is resembles something something between chicken and fish.

Crabmeat Croquetas:

These are little deep fried, creamy and delicious balls, seasoned with b�chamel spice. Served with sauce mounted with cream cheese and parmesan, with lumps of blue crab claw meat added in.

Fried Oyster Eggs Benedict:

Perfectly poached eggs on toasted English muffin, kicked up a notch with the addition of big, fat, cornmeal-crusted, fried oysters scattered on top.

Famous Ferdi Oyster Po' Boy:

Made with baked ham, roast beef, debris, and gravy. It is chock full of juicy, plump, golden-fried oysters.

Abita Beer Battered Oyster Tacos:

Featuring fat oysters, beer-battered in local Abita brew, the tacos are loaded up with an Asian slaw of cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and onion dressed in olive oil and rice wine vinegar, Cotija cheese, sesame guacamole, tomato-ginger salsa, and a drizzle of Sriracha-spiked aioli. Despite the fried element, the fresh crunch of the slaw and bright flavors gave this dish a light feel to it.

Seared Chicken Rillette

it may be gussied up with a shallot-mustard seed relish and a flourish of crisped chicken skin on top, but at its soul, it's simply put, a fine dish of Southern comfort, replete with a pool of rich bacon broth.

Shrimp Sardou

A generous portion of spicy fried shrimp served over sliced artichoke bottoms and creamed spinach. A blanket of Hollandaise sauce completes the dish.

Salted Caramel Banana King Cake

The regal King Cake starts with the traditional Danish dough, which is filled with salted caramel, fresh bananas, roasted pecans, mascarpone cheese, and caramel latte.

Pancetta Mac-n-Cheese

It's a king cake with Mac and Cheese with crunchy bits of breadcrumb toppings.

Collard Greens & Grit Fries

The greens are cooked in a rich duck stock, with bit of garlic, a lot of butter, and a bright splash of pepper vinegar accompanied with the grit fries that are perfectly crispy and creamy.

Thin Fried Catfish

The catfish is extremely thinly sliced, exactly like wafer chips. There is no trace of extra fat that makes the cornmeal-crusted fish impossibly light and crispy, so thin they curl up into ribbons of gold. It is served with hush puppies, French fries, and coleslaw.

Barbequed Shrimp:

The perfect dish that makes NOLA's Sea Cuisine complete. Unlike other BBQ recipes, this is BBQ without any BBQ, where they are actually saut�ed within their own shells in peppery sauce full of Creole spices, garlic, lemon juice, etc. The recipe can be read completely here at:   rel=nofollow http://www.mrbsbistro.com/recipes_shrimp.php

The dish is served with ol' hunk of Crispy Soft and Airy French bread for dipping.

I'm Steph, a DIe Hard Food Lover and [http://lickmyspoon.com/]Food Blogger. I write about my culinary adventures, share my love of great food, and get to know the people behind it all. I write recipes, make pictures, review restaurants, cover fun events, and love to travel. I'm a fan of high fives and weekly meal plans. Read Me at [http://lickmyspoon.com/]Lick My Spoon

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?12-Food-That-Define-New-Orleans&id=7489781] 12 Food That Define New Orleans

Pineapple Starter Recipes For Pineapple Fans



Pineapple Starter Recipes for Pineapple Fans
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Victoria_Raw]Victoria Raw 

Pineapples are an excellent fruit to include in the family's diet, and you will all benefit from having this delicious food daily. This tropical fruit has a sweet taste with a slightly acidic flavour, making it ideal for both desserts and savory dishes. Many Asian influenced dishes will include pineapple, and they are excellent as a starter.

Knowing when to pick and serve

Pineapples do not continue to ripen once picked, which means that they need to be cultivated at peak ripeness. Therefore, for people outside of the growing countries, pineapples can be expensive to purchase as they must be carefully handled. Top quality pineapples will have a rich colour with no greening. They will be soft to touch, but not too soft as this indicates that they are too ripe and cannot be used.

Rich in vitamins and nutrients

Pineapples are rich in vitamin C and have a dietary enzyme which is excellent to tenderize meat. This makes the fruit ideal to eat with different meats, either grilled or baked. However, you may find that this enzyme causes a tingling sensation in your mouth which can be painful.

Pineapples are also placed in the negative calorie section, which is perfect for people on low calorie diets. The high fibre within the pineapples is fantastic and can help your digestive system. There are also levels of vitamin A, iron and calcium present, which are perfect to include in your diet.

Low fat sweet-and-sour chicken cups

You will need:

� 1 Gem lettuce, with leaves separated

� 2 chicken breasts cut into strips

� 1 sliced green pepper

� 2 cloves garlic sliced

� 1 tbsp toasted cashews

� 1 tbsp sesame seeds

� 1 inch piece fresh root ginger

� 100g fresh pineapple in chunks

For the sauce:

� 1 tbsp soft light brown sugar

� 2 fl oz dry sherry

� 2 fl oz ketchup

� 2 fl oz rice vinegar

� 2 fl oz soy sauce

� 5 fl oz chicken stock

� 1 chopped red chili pepper

� 1 tbsp cornflour

� 2 fl oz vegetable oil

Directions to make:

� Mix everything for the sauce, except for the corn flour together in a bowl

� Heat the oil in a wok and stir fry the chicken for 4 minutes

� Add the other ingredients and fry for 1-2 minutes

� Add the sauce to the chicken and cook for 5 minutes

� Stir in the corn flour and wait until the sauce has thickened

� Arrange the lettuce leaves on a plate and spoon the mixture onto the leaves

� Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve

Canapes and other appetizers do not have to be difficult to make and you can find the best [http://www.squidoo.com/pineapple-starter-recipes]pineapple starter recipes here, to suit every occasion and palate.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Pineapple-Starter-Recipes-for-Pineapple-Fans&id=7497867] Pineapple Starter Recipes for Pineapple Fans

The Benefits Of Slipping In A Few Spices In Your Meals.



The Benefits Of Slipping In A Few Spices In Your Meals
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Diana_L_Spencer]Diana L Spencer 

You may know that a good spice make the meal taste better by giving it a nice scent and savor. What you may not know is that the same spices can aid in your weight loss if chosen well. A good combination of spices in your meal will not only turn those meals around but also help you cut down some weight.

The magic behind this activity is that they increase the metabolism of your body as digestion happens really fast. At the same time, this speed helps burn more fat in the body and this would result in weight loss the healthy way. Your body functioning would also be improved because the components in these spices motivate your nervous system.

An improved nervous system would certainly aid you to cut more of the weight you long to shed. One thing that you need to put in mind as you begin your spice and weight loss therapy; consume them cooked and not raw because some of them are just too hot. Below are a number of them that are recommended for weight loss and make your meals tasty.

Cinnamon is known to many and probably a favorite and besides its tasty values; it is a medicine. It adds and great aroma to your meals besides making them taste better not forgetting that it fastens your metabolism. As you consume this spice, you burn more carbohydrates from your system leading to loss of weight.

The anti-viral and antibacterial nature of turmeric prevents the body from absorbing fat. This component will ensure that you have less or no bacterial infections besides spicing up your curry. Another way to use this substance for weight loss is mixing it with hot or cold tea and honey before taking it.

Another substance that helps boost metabolism and aids in weight loss is ginger. Very natural and has a very sweet aroma that would be transferred into your meals and make hem tasty. As your meal enjoy this addition; your body would be relaxed because the spice has a way of calming the nerves.

Black pepper will not only improve your nervous system but also improve how your body generally functions. To get a better effect, use black pepper that is fresh and ground as it blends quickly with your food and, speeds up metabolism which will lead to loss of weight as more calories are burned. Make these healthy spices part of your diet and experience a change in your body system.

The many benefits of adding   healthy spices to your diet. Learn more and find out which spices are the healthiest by visiting us at http://www.rejuvenatelifespices.com today.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Benefits-Of-Slipping-In-A-Few-Spices-In-Your-Meals&id=7497034] The Benefits Of Slipping In A Few Spices In Your Meals