Preserving Food Grains

Are you tired of keeping your food grains free from insects? Food storage and preservation is the biggest challenge a housewife faces. Cereals and cereal products are one of the most important food items consumed worldwide. The biggest threat to food grains and dry foods is infestations which may be in the form of live insects or insect eggs. Bacteria are surface contaminants of food grains and the main spoilage organisms in grains are moulds.

It is very important to store and preserve food grains so that they are free from micro-organisms that can impact health. Sun drying is one of the oldest methods used from time immemorial for preserving food grains. Drying removes moisture from the food stuff and prevents spoilage of food. This method has been also used for preserving certain vegetables, fruits, meats, dried fish, shrimps, tamarind, papads etc.

Besides sun drying, here are other simple ways of storing and preserving food grains so that they remain fresh and do not lose healthy nutrients present in them.




Wheat:
Believe it or not, a simple match stick can become a savior of your wheat stock. Simply buy a pack of match sticks. Wind cotton thread around the match sticks. Cluster these together and put them in the wheat container. One such pack of 50 match sticks is enough for 20 kg wheat. Change this every three months to keep moths away from wheat.
Dried neem leaves added to wheat stock also keeps the worms away from wheat grains.

Rice:
We experience rice becoming infected with worms very fast. Here are two tips to keep worms at bay.
10 small pieces of camphor tied in a piece of cloth will be good enough to keep worms away from rice.
Boric powder mixed with rice will also keep it fresh and free from insects and worms. For long-term storage, put rice in containers that are clean and completely dry. Any trace of moisture or contamination can cause bacterial growth and spoilage of rice. Spread boric powder at the base. Mix boric powder with rice and store in the container. Sprinkle a little boric powder on the top layer of rice. Seal the container and make sure it is airtight. You may use candle wax to seal.

Tip: Store the containers in cool dry place away from sunlight.

Jowar (Sorghum):
Dried neem leaves can by handy in preserving jowar. Store the grain in air tight containers. Spread dried neem leaves at the base of the clean and dry container. Mix dried neem leaves in the grain and put jowar on the dried leaves base.
Before closing the lid of the container spread a few dried leaves at the top.
Red chillies can also be used for storing this grain. You will require 200 grams of dried red chillies for storing 20 kg Jowar.
Boric powder mixed with the grains can also be used to store the grains.

Pulses:
The method of drying pulses in the sun has been used for ages. Sundried pulses stay fresh and worm free. After drying in the sun cool the pulses before storing them in airtight containers.
If drying in the sun is not possible, you can put them in an open vessel or a heavy-bottom karahi and roast them on a slow fire. Stir continuously to avoid burning. The purpose is to remove moisture from the pulses. Cool the pulses before storing. Roasted daal will taste better when cooked.
Boric powder mixed with pulses can help them stay fresh and keep worms at bay. But remember to clean them well before cooking to remove any traces of boric powder.
Microwave the pulses for three four minutes, cool and store them.

Remember: Pulses that you are likely to use for sprouting should not be roasted in the microwave.

Beans:
Simply add a few dried chilli peppers to the dried beans and store in an airtight container. Red chillies will not flavour the dried beans but will definitely keep the pests away.
Add boric powder to the dried beans and mix well. This will keep the beans insect-free. Wash well before use.

Bajra:
Purchase bajra is small quantities as chances of getting spoilt are very high. Store in an airtight, clean and dry container and keep away from sunlight.
Add a few cloves to the stored grains to keep worms away.
Store with dried neem leaves to protect from insects.

Peanuts:
Mint leaves can be used for preserving peanuts.
If you are staying in a highly humid area, store them in the freezer. They will remain fresh for months.

Chick peas (Chhole):
It is often seen that chick peas get infested with worms very fast especially in the rainy season. The best way to store them is to keep them in an airtight container in the freezer. Mix boric powder before putting in the containers.
Before using wash well to remove boric powder.

Semolina (Suji):
Roasting semolina on a slow fire in a non-stick pan is the best way to protect semolina from insects. Cool it and store in an airtight container.
If you want to keep it fresh for months, put the container in the freezer.

Dalia (Broken wheat):
Simply roast it on slow fire in a heavy-bottomed vessel or in the microwave to prevent insect infestation. Cool and store in an airtight container

Best Foods for a Healthy Heart

Wherever you turn, you hear about problems of heart and cholesterol! What actually happens to your heart and why are so panicked about heart disease? Is there any natural way to keep your heart healthy and safe from the danger zone? Yes, you can, if you follow certain food tips to check your cholesterol and keep your heart normal in its functioning.



Try Soluble Fiber!

Soluble Fiber is very important in controlling the LDL cholesterol in your body. Oatmeal is the first food to occupy your dietary chart. It contains a lot of soluble fiber called Beta- glucan, which reduces the bad cholesterol in the body and regulates the heart's functioning. Along with this, you can try barley and beans, which are equally good in absorbing the bad cholesterol. You feel light and fit in the body to work fast and energetically. There is no room for saturated fat and your heart also feels healthy. Nuts such as walnuts and almonds are rich in fibrous contents and make way for a heart healthy diet for you.
A Hearty meal with Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are abundantly rich in antioxidants and carve a healthy dietary life for you to make you feel safe and secure. You can give a big nod to fruits like apple, orange, blueberries, papayaand vegetables like carrots, asparagus, sweet potato, spinach and broccoli in your breakfast and lunch. You can feel the way they absorb the bad cholesterol and boost the good cholesterol levels. The heart doesn't struggle to pump the blood as there is no room for saturated fat diet and you make a life pattern smooth and hassle free. No emergencies and no fluctuations in your blood pressure levels.
Switch over to smart fats

Meat and eggs are high in saturated fat and make you plump and unfit for health, if you do not go in for a lot of exercise. Simpler fats can be the alternative as you find in fish and fish oil, which are packed with Omega 3 fatty acids. Say no to sweets, fried things and snacks which are full of trans fats. Include more of unsaturated fat items in your diet. Olive oil does wonders for your heart with its abundant monounsaturated fat. You can have it as the right substitute for vegetable oil and butter on your table and enjoy your meal at its best with the finest flavor the food renders. Let your meal be good and tasty as well. Take a lot of plant food like flax seeds and soy beans, which contain much of Omega 3 fatty acids. You may also take a glass of green tea to detoxicate your body in the morning and allow it to function normally without complication in the long run.
Prepare different heart healthy meals

You need not feel bad that your taste buds are prohibited and you lose half of the charm of your life. You can try different meal patterns, which are less in saturated fats and high in fibrous content. Why don't you try pumpkin ravioli, instead of the one with mutton? Instead of French fries, you can make sweet potato wedges. Brussels sprouts and hazelnuts can be there to decorate a little piece of meat and push your way for a sumptuous dish. Lots of salads with oranges, red onions and mint give a rich flavor and stomach filling effect.




In general, less of sugar, salt, fats and more of fiber, unsaturated fat and omega 3 fatty acid items pave way for a healthy heart meal and take your life from risk to safe domain in terms of health concerns. Avoid risk, feel brisk and work with energy with the help of smart fats

5 Food Combinations You Should Avoid!

There are many food combinations that are perfectly healthy for us, and even enhance the natural qualities of each other. On the other hand,it's no less important what foods are not advised to mix, as they cancel each other's health benefits,and at times cause digestion and other problems.

1. Coffee and Eggs

This lethal combination is part of many resaurants and families breakfast, and yet the polyphoneles in the coffee actually reduce the absorption of iron from the eggs and decreases the amount of calcium in our bones.
Tip: If you can't get through the day without caffeine, try to switch from coffee to chai tea, which supplies caffeine but also contains spices that improve the flow of blood and mental 

2. Milk and ANY other food

Milk requires a huge amount of effort to be digested - by itself. Any other food you'll consume with it may cause you digestive problems, especially as we grow older.
Tip: If you've got a hankering for a glass of milk, drink it with a spoon of honet, since taking them together creates antibacterial qualities that are very healthy for the body.

3. Meat and potatos

This one may surprise you. It sure as heck suprised us. However, although they make for a full and satisfying meal, the starch from the potatos is digested in the smaller intestine while the protein from the meat is digested in the stomach, so when we eat them together we may suffer from digestive problems and lower metabolism.

4. Fruits and any other food

Fruits are an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants, but they also contain large amounts of acids that make them to ferment in the stomach and slow the digestion of other foods.
Tip: Only beans don't ferment in the stomach. Eat other fruit on an empty stomach to avoid digestive problems and gas eruptions.

5. Greens and Dairy Products

Is this true? After all, creamed spinach, for example, is an excellent side dish. Unfortuantely, research shows that the chemicals in green vegetables (without starch, like spinach, brokoly, cabbage etc) may prevent the abosption of calcium from the dairy products. Instead, try to combine them with lean foods rich in protein, such as fish or chicken.

10 Must Have Foods to Beat the Summer Heat

It's hot out there and as the mercury soars across the country, counteracting the hot, sticky summertime heat can be a big task. Most of us try to stay indoors to beat the heat. Indulging in a variety of nutritious foods is another great way to stay comfortable. Being a natural coolant, these foods lend you a hand to beat the summer's heat. Try these delicious and cool options to keep your body cool.

1. Tender Coconut: The first thing that comes to our mind when we think about summer is tender coconut. This delicious water is a great coolant and is a rich source of potassium. It should be a staple diet for everyone in the summer to keep the body cool and hydrated.

2. Mangoes: Mangoes are available abundantly in summer. Indians make complete use of the fruit. In addition to savoring delicious mango pulps and juices, traditionally there are many preparations using raw green mango as well. Raw mango is rich in vitamin C and iron. Aam ka panna is a great summer cooler and help greatly in beating the heat. It prevents you from heat stroke and helps to get rid of stomach problems in the summer.

3. Watermelon: Watermelon is an ultimate summer fruit and contains 90% water. It is not only delicious but also is rich in anti-oxidants, iron, beta carotene and a good source of potassium. Besides a thirst and heat reducer, Watermelon is filling and has fewer calories and hydrates the body. This crunchy, juicy summer fruit is a must to stay cool and healthy in the hot summer. In addition, they are good for cardiovascular diseases, colon cancer and diabetes.

4. Curd: Curd is an excellent coolant. Making curd a part of a meal is necessary in the summer. Buttermilk is a great beverage in the summer and boost digestion. In place of soda and aerated drinks, drinking a glass of buttermilk will help to stay fresh and hydrated throughout the day. For those who do not like plain curd or buttermilk, masala chass with full of spices is the way to go.

5. Lemon: Lemon is packed with vitamin c and serves as a natural antiseptic for all small cuts. Fresh lime water, the good old nimboo pani is not only the easiest to make but also keeps the body intoxicated and cool.

6. Onions: In spite of its tear inducing properties, onions are excellent coolant and adding a raw onion in your meal on hot summer days protect you from sunstroke. It is better to have few mints handy for later use.

7. Mint: Mint is known for its cooling effect and is widely used in India, Middle East and Europe. Besides offering a soothing flavor to the food, adding mint leaves to buttermilk, lemon water and salads provide cooling effect as well. It can be used in many ways. You can have it as a chutney or simply add mint to your drinking water. Moreover, it has therapeutic property and is used in making ointments for burns and other beauty products.

8. Cucumber: This crunchy vegetable is packed with water and lots of fiber and is a popular summer food. In addition to its cooling effects, it has antioxidant properties that help to fight against cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Add cucumber in salads, make delicious dishes by combining it with curd and stay as cool as a cucumber

9. Gulkand: It is also known as rose jam and has amazing cooling properties. It is made from the extract of rose petals and is handy to make rose sherbet.

10. Spicy foods: Though it may seem contradictory, spices are cooling aids. They induce sweat and thereby reduce body temperature. Add cardamom in tea to relieve heat and chunk in some turmeric while cooking.

During the summer, our body loses water through perspiration. So, it is imperative to keep the body hydrated. Ensure to drink several liters of water, fresh juices, stews and broths that keep you cool along with pumping essential nutrients.