Baby food is often defined as the food, other than breast milk or infant formula, that is fed to an infant between the ages of 4 months to 2 years. In recent times, the levels of preservatives and artificial ingredients that are present in a number of baby food products have raised quite a few questions and has led to the development of new sources of baby food that are wholesome and organic too.
A newborn baby is a joy to its family, especially the father and mother of the baby. Members of the family and the society try to give the baby the best of everything. Every baby needs breast milk till it reaches a specific age of about 6 months. Most of the medical agencies of the different governments and also the World Health Organization, recommend that every baby should be breastfed till he or she becomes at least 6 months of age. It has also been advised by many medical experts that the mother’s breast milk should not be substituted with artificial or foreign sources of milk. This is because the baby’s digestive and respiratory system are very tender and delicate and are capable of deriving nutrition only from breast milk. The first six months are thus considered to be very critical in a baby’s growth. After 6 months, the body or the infant becomes ready to consume more complex foods. Most of the time canned or processed baby food is offered to the baby. Many of us do not realize that this food is not exactly very healthy. One cannot comment firmly or prove the unhealthiness of this food, however, at the same time, the fact remains that a lot of artificial nutrition in the forms of refined and modified sugars, chemical starches and even preservatives are not meant to be digested by your infant’s digestive system.
Advantages of Organic Baby Food
Organic food, especially the homemade variety is the best option as an alternative to canned and preserved baby food. The best thing about feeding organic food to your baby is that it is easily digestible and does not cause any harm to the baby’s digestive system. Here are a few basic advantages of organic baby food.
Nutritional Value: Canned baby food contains a generous amount of preservatives and chemicals that provide almost zero nutrition to the infant’s body. On the other hand, if an infant consumes organic food, then the nutrient content of the food is considerably concentrated and an additional advantage of fibrous matter and vitamins is also derived.
Elimination of Unwanted Additives and Preservatives: One of the best features of organic baby food is that the unwanted additives are reduced and the digestive system of the baby is not overworked.
Vitamins and Fibers: As it is freshly prepared, the vitamins and fibers that are present in the food and are required by the baby are not lost. In the process of canning and usage of preservatives, the vital nutrients, like, vitamins, proteins and fibers are lost. The organic food that is prepared at home contains generous quantities of these essential food ingredients.
Hygiene: Another very big advantage of organic food that is homemade is that it is hygienic. As it is made at home, the level and standard of hygiene can be maintained. Packed baby food is made with the help of different machines and has specific measures of ingredients, that sometimes would be disliked by your toddler. However when you are preparing the organic food for your toddler, you can always use the chinafooding ingredients he/she likes. The preparation at home also adds to the freshness of the food.
Sources of Organic and Wholesome Baby Food
One of the best sources of wholesome baby food is food prepared at home. Books and the Internet provide a large number of wholesome baby food recipes. Regional manufacturers also are able to sell a variety of such products, like, leafy vegetable extracts or sprout baby food. Baby food diet is also sometimes prescribed by doctors for a very healthy growth. This type of diet is most of the time homemade organic food and proves to be very advantageous.
One of the best features of this baby food is that it is loved, relished and adored by all babies. A point to remember here, that infants do not have sufficiently strong molars. Even if they can bite food, they won’t be able to grind it properly, hence mash or break the food properly before feeding your baby.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
The reason Causes Fireworks to Explode
The gaiety and joy experienced at the sight of the fireworks in the night sky are unparalleled. However, along with the visual treat, the science behind explosion of fireworks is very intriguing and interesting.
Little compares to the visual treat that fireworks provide at any celebration; be it Christmas, New Year’s Eve, birthday celebrations or an event to commemorate a victory. Fireworks are explosive pyrotechnic devices, lowered in impact, and used mainly as aesthetic assets. The displays involve the right coordination of the various components at regular intervals to light up the late evening or night sky, with colors of every hue or shade. They are mainly used for entertainment purposes. The show is nothing but a pyrotechnic and the collaborated effect by numerous firework devices. The science behind fireworks involve a rational understanding of the noise, smoke, light and materials that remain air-borne for a while. The basic design involves the directive to ensure colored flames and sparks to add to religious and cultural celebrations.
Reasons Why Fireworks Explode
Fireworks are classified as ground or aerial. They are accordingly designed to include a propulsion and mortar. There is always a pasteboard tube that houses the combustible material, like pyrotechnic stars. In order to display a consistent show of sparkling shapes and colors, the casements are ignited together. The science that causes fireworks to explode involves basic components, such as:
A tube comprising explosives packed in black powder.
Treated string or a fuse, on top of the tube.
The color or colors of the firework and the noise factor (popping or whistling) largely depends on the kind of explosives filled within the tube. The components are commonly metallic salts and a predetermined placement of the explosives. Once the fuse is lit, the black powder compartment or container is ignited. The result is a release of gas that pushes the stars or tubes or whatever design material is filled, upwards.
The explosives used in fireworks are chemicals. Different chemicals are used to highlight different colors during the display. The commonly used ones are aluminum for silver and white, calcium sulfate for orange and red, copper carbonate for blue and cryolite for a bright yellow. While the addition of sodium salicylate creates the pleasant whistling noise, calcium silicide generates the smoke.
Making of Fireworks
Firecrackers or fireworks have been around for centuries. The main chemical component, the world over, is either black (gun) powder or flash powder. The only difference in sparklers is that an oxidizer is used along with either iron or steel powder, to produce the sparkling stars. Among oxidizers, potassium nitrate is a common additive, while the common fuel components include charcoal and sulfur. The ‘binder’ commonly used is either sugar or starch. All the food ingredients are mixed with water. The result is a slurry mixture that could either be poured into the paper compartment that will ultimately be fitted within the final design or coated on a metal wire, like in the case of sparklers. On drying, the fuel and oxidizer get proportioned with the other chemical chinafooding additives. The metal flakes included for color and noise keep heating till incandescent.
Fireworks add that additional ‘spark’ to any celebration. The working or design of the individual pieces are in no way complex or out-of-bound. They are preplanned and executed within a predetermined order to define the color scheme and noise effect desired. The science behind the explosives is simple and the same as used in rockets, except for the chemical components and impact.
Little compares to the visual treat that fireworks provide at any celebration; be it Christmas, New Year’s Eve, birthday celebrations or an event to commemorate a victory. Fireworks are explosive pyrotechnic devices, lowered in impact, and used mainly as aesthetic assets. The displays involve the right coordination of the various components at regular intervals to light up the late evening or night sky, with colors of every hue or shade. They are mainly used for entertainment purposes. The show is nothing but a pyrotechnic and the collaborated effect by numerous firework devices. The science behind fireworks involve a rational understanding of the noise, smoke, light and materials that remain air-borne for a while. The basic design involves the directive to ensure colored flames and sparks to add to religious and cultural celebrations.
Reasons Why Fireworks Explode
Fireworks are classified as ground or aerial. They are accordingly designed to include a propulsion and mortar. There is always a pasteboard tube that houses the combustible material, like pyrotechnic stars. In order to display a consistent show of sparkling shapes and colors, the casements are ignited together. The science that causes fireworks to explode involves basic components, such as:
A tube comprising explosives packed in black powder.
Treated string or a fuse, on top of the tube.
The color or colors of the firework and the noise factor (popping or whistling) largely depends on the kind of explosives filled within the tube. The components are commonly metallic salts and a predetermined placement of the explosives. Once the fuse is lit, the black powder compartment or container is ignited. The result is a release of gas that pushes the stars or tubes or whatever design material is filled, upwards.
The explosives used in fireworks are chemicals. Different chemicals are used to highlight different colors during the display. The commonly used ones are aluminum for silver and white, calcium sulfate for orange and red, copper carbonate for blue and cryolite for a bright yellow. While the addition of sodium salicylate creates the pleasant whistling noise, calcium silicide generates the smoke.
Making of Fireworks
Firecrackers or fireworks have been around for centuries. The main chemical component, the world over, is either black (gun) powder or flash powder. The only difference in sparklers is that an oxidizer is used along with either iron or steel powder, to produce the sparkling stars. Among oxidizers, potassium nitrate is a common additive, while the common fuel components include charcoal and sulfur. The ‘binder’ commonly used is either sugar or starch. All the food ingredients are mixed with water. The result is a slurry mixture that could either be poured into the paper compartment that will ultimately be fitted within the final design or coated on a metal wire, like in the case of sparklers. On drying, the fuel and oxidizer get proportioned with the other chemical chinafooding additives. The metal flakes included for color and noise keep heating till incandescent.
Fireworks add that additional ‘spark’ to any celebration. The working or design of the individual pieces are in no way complex or out-of-bound. They are preplanned and executed within a predetermined order to define the color scheme and noise effect desired. The science behind the explosives is simple and the same as used in rockets, except for the chemical components and impact.
How to Processed Cheese
Does the word ‘processed’ in ‘processed cheese’ cheese you off? Here is a slice of information on processed cheese and natural cheese.
Cheese – milk’s leap toward immortality. – Clifton Fadimon
Processed cheese, popularly known as American cheese, is a milk product that has blended well with other compelling foods that are lined up in fancy-looking cartons in a supermarket. The delectable dishes that come to one’s mind and the more scrumptious ones that can be invented with the mention of ‘cheese’! And if you aren’t someone who’s feeling particularly gorged right now and is terribly devoted to pleasures of the table, especially foods with cheese sauces and the like, you must be within an ace from dropping off your chair by the sudden blow of a weakened state of hunger. Distracting oneself by making more use of your intellect than the heart of your stomach usually does the trick; so here now, I shall mention its etymology.
The Old English word for ‘cheese’ was cyse that came from the West Germanic kasjus. In the German language it is Kaese. In Middle Dutch – case from the Latin word caseus; in Welsh – caws, perhaps from a Proto-Indo-European base kwat which means ‘to ferment, become sour’. In India, in the ancient language of Prakrit chasi meant ‘buttermilk’; Old Church Slavic – kvasu which meant ‘leaven’, kyselu ‘sour’, kyseti- ‘to turn sour’ and in Sanskrit, kvathati which means ‘boils, seethes’! With so many similar sounding words, one can’t thoroughly ascertain how man got to know of cheese but one can draw upon its extensive trail as to how it may have originated in quite a few countries. And most ancient tales that are slight fable with interspersions of many promising facts sound enthralling. With the story of cheese, it was said that around 5000 BC there were nomadic tribes from Central Asia galloping on their horses. They carried bags made out of goat’s and sheep’s stomach with milk in them. Their stomachs naturally contain a lining of rennet, lactic acid and bacteria. As the horse galloped, the milk in them churned and, over the time, curdled. They probably drank the whey and left the rest in earthen pots where it fermented over time to form cheese.
Processed Cheese vs. Natural Cheese
How to make cheese? Rather, how does one make natural cheese? One can do it even at home and, I suppose, this cheese would be one of the healthiest to eat. Natural cheese can be made from the milk of cows, buffaloes, goats, sheep and camels. Milk, which is one of the most important cheese food ingredients, is heated and brought to a certain temperature that is conducive for the growth of essential bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum) that would ferment it. The bacteria feed on the lactose in the milk turning it to lactic acid. Those that produce only lactic acid are called ‘homofermentive bacteria’, whilst the ones that make not only lactic acid but also other compounds like ethanol/acetic acid and carbon (CO2) as by-products are called ‘heterofermented bacteria’. When the milk sours, it separates itself into curd and whey. Both have several nutrients like minerals, proteins, vitamins and essential amino acids. The color and flavor of the cheese depends upon the quality of the milk from which it is made.
Here’s a quick skim through the different types of cheese – cheddar, feta, asiago, blue cheese, brie, gorgonzola, Swiss cheese are some of the ones popularly known and loved.
More about Processed Cheese
The couple of rushing brand names that pop up into one’s head, the moment one thinks of processed cheese are “Kraft”, The French cheese – “La Vache Qui Rit” (pronounced as ‘vahsh-keeh-ree’), which is more popularly known around the English-speaking world as “The Laughing Cow”. Kraft, the largest company for confectionery foods and beverages in U.S.A., and hence well-known, was founded by James Lewis Kraft who was of German ancestry. It started flourishing with its myriad varieties of processed cheese being sold around 1914. The Laughing Cow, being originally French, has also gained world-wide popularity with the innumerable types of processed cheeses it manufactures.
The Making of Processed Cheese
What is processed cheese? While making processed cheese, natural cheese (Cheddar is the most commonly used) is tempered with. Processing it involves the use of salts, emulsifiers, additives, preservatives and added artificial colors.
Artificial Food Colors and Additives
Artificial food colors and food additives play a major role in the making of processed cheese. There can be some dangerous food additives. And these, to me, are quite the ogres that make processed cheese quite, quite unhealthy when added. The human brain was designed to understand naturally occurring colors in fruits and vegetables and the foods we ate. When cheese is colored too unnaturally and vibrantly, the color tricks your innate senses into thinking that it is healthy. The human body is designed to eat natural foods and not ones that are made from unnatural chemicals. Coloring in foods has been linked to cancer and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). So it is best to see to it that the processed cheese you eat doesn’t look too good to be true, because it probably isn’t. Again, check the label to ascertain the percentage of ingredients.
Salt
Whilst processing cheese, the salt is more pronounced. Salt is a natural preservative, that plays a vital role in increasing the shelf-life of the cheese. It would, most certainly, contain a lot more sodium than those in an organic Cheddar cheese. Sodium multiplied by a 2.5 is the salt content of the cheese. Check the label to make sure the percentage of ingredients. One has, hence, to be careful with the amounts of processed cheese he/she eats as high intake of salt comes with its own soup of problems such as stroke, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, asthma and also, if in dreadful extremes, it has been linked to stomach cancer.
Emulsifiers
Emulsifiers are molecules that are half water-friendly and half oil-friendly; which simply means that when they are used with pasteurized natural cheese, they add to the texture of the cheese, stop the fat from being separated from the cheese whilst being heated and reduce microbial activity, thus increasing it’s shelf-life by tremendous degrees. The emulsifiers used extensively are monoglycerides and diglycerides (E471), and acetic acid esters of monoglycerides and diglycerides of fatty acids (E472a) to give processed cheese a wax coating giving it a palatably aesthetic appeal.
There are various kinds of cheeses. Some cheeses can be eaten when they’re fresh; whilst it is best to let some others age and ripen by keeping them in storage having apt temperatures and levels of humidity, wrapped in cloth or hay, and in wispy cushions of flavoring molds. Every kind of cheese, just like us, has its own personality and gets better when put in different conditions in order to be of the most superior quality. Usually, it’s the unpasteurized cheeses that are of better quality than those that come from pasteurized milk. Though, the necessity to pasteurize it came due to the presence of a disease-causing bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis in milk-products. A lot of cheese connoiseurs disdain the thought of pasteurizing milk for making cheese as all the natural bacteria that give natural cheeses their superior quality are killed in the process of it. They reckon that factories, where cheese is produced, are quite clean for manufacturing good natural cheese.
So, whether it is cheese or any other food product – it would be maintained that what is natural is always healthy and what is healthy is always natural. And cheeses with all their plumes of delicacy have a right to be healthy. Is cheese good for you? What is healthy cheese? Certainly, it is the one with less use of chemicals. Processing cheese by adding too many chinafooding additives and colors has nipped away some of the benefits of eating natural cheese; and you and me, hopefully, shall learn to differentiate what is right for our bodies and what isn’t. It certainly isn’t the most difficult thing!
Cheese – milk’s leap toward immortality. – Clifton Fadimon
Processed cheese, popularly known as American cheese, is a milk product that has blended well with other compelling foods that are lined up in fancy-looking cartons in a supermarket. The delectable dishes that come to one’s mind and the more scrumptious ones that can be invented with the mention of ‘cheese’! And if you aren’t someone who’s feeling particularly gorged right now and is terribly devoted to pleasures of the table, especially foods with cheese sauces and the like, you must be within an ace from dropping off your chair by the sudden blow of a weakened state of hunger. Distracting oneself by making more use of your intellect than the heart of your stomach usually does the trick; so here now, I shall mention its etymology.
The Old English word for ‘cheese’ was cyse that came from the West Germanic kasjus. In the German language it is Kaese. In Middle Dutch – case from the Latin word caseus; in Welsh – caws, perhaps from a Proto-Indo-European base kwat which means ‘to ferment, become sour’. In India, in the ancient language of Prakrit chasi meant ‘buttermilk’; Old Church Slavic – kvasu which meant ‘leaven’, kyselu ‘sour’, kyseti- ‘to turn sour’ and in Sanskrit, kvathati which means ‘boils, seethes’! With so many similar sounding words, one can’t thoroughly ascertain how man got to know of cheese but one can draw upon its extensive trail as to how it may have originated in quite a few countries. And most ancient tales that are slight fable with interspersions of many promising facts sound enthralling. With the story of cheese, it was said that around 5000 BC there were nomadic tribes from Central Asia galloping on their horses. They carried bags made out of goat’s and sheep’s stomach with milk in them. Their stomachs naturally contain a lining of rennet, lactic acid and bacteria. As the horse galloped, the milk in them churned and, over the time, curdled. They probably drank the whey and left the rest in earthen pots where it fermented over time to form cheese.
Processed Cheese vs. Natural Cheese
How to make cheese? Rather, how does one make natural cheese? One can do it even at home and, I suppose, this cheese would be one of the healthiest to eat. Natural cheese can be made from the milk of cows, buffaloes, goats, sheep and camels. Milk, which is one of the most important cheese food ingredients, is heated and brought to a certain temperature that is conducive for the growth of essential bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum) that would ferment it. The bacteria feed on the lactose in the milk turning it to lactic acid. Those that produce only lactic acid are called ‘homofermentive bacteria’, whilst the ones that make not only lactic acid but also other compounds like ethanol/acetic acid and carbon (CO2) as by-products are called ‘heterofermented bacteria’. When the milk sours, it separates itself into curd and whey. Both have several nutrients like minerals, proteins, vitamins and essential amino acids. The color and flavor of the cheese depends upon the quality of the milk from which it is made.
Here’s a quick skim through the different types of cheese – cheddar, feta, asiago, blue cheese, brie, gorgonzola, Swiss cheese are some of the ones popularly known and loved.
More about Processed Cheese
The couple of rushing brand names that pop up into one’s head, the moment one thinks of processed cheese are “Kraft”, The French cheese – “La Vache Qui Rit” (pronounced as ‘vahsh-keeh-ree’), which is more popularly known around the English-speaking world as “The Laughing Cow”. Kraft, the largest company for confectionery foods and beverages in U.S.A., and hence well-known, was founded by James Lewis Kraft who was of German ancestry. It started flourishing with its myriad varieties of processed cheese being sold around 1914. The Laughing Cow, being originally French, has also gained world-wide popularity with the innumerable types of processed cheeses it manufactures.
The Making of Processed Cheese
What is processed cheese? While making processed cheese, natural cheese (Cheddar is the most commonly used) is tempered with. Processing it involves the use of salts, emulsifiers, additives, preservatives and added artificial colors.
Artificial Food Colors and Additives
Artificial food colors and food additives play a major role in the making of processed cheese. There can be some dangerous food additives. And these, to me, are quite the ogres that make processed cheese quite, quite unhealthy when added. The human brain was designed to understand naturally occurring colors in fruits and vegetables and the foods we ate. When cheese is colored too unnaturally and vibrantly, the color tricks your innate senses into thinking that it is healthy. The human body is designed to eat natural foods and not ones that are made from unnatural chemicals. Coloring in foods has been linked to cancer and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). So it is best to see to it that the processed cheese you eat doesn’t look too good to be true, because it probably isn’t. Again, check the label to ascertain the percentage of ingredients.
Salt
Whilst processing cheese, the salt is more pronounced. Salt is a natural preservative, that plays a vital role in increasing the shelf-life of the cheese. It would, most certainly, contain a lot more sodium than those in an organic Cheddar cheese. Sodium multiplied by a 2.5 is the salt content of the cheese. Check the label to make sure the percentage of ingredients. One has, hence, to be careful with the amounts of processed cheese he/she eats as high intake of salt comes with its own soup of problems such as stroke, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, asthma and also, if in dreadful extremes, it has been linked to stomach cancer.
Emulsifiers
Emulsifiers are molecules that are half water-friendly and half oil-friendly; which simply means that when they are used with pasteurized natural cheese, they add to the texture of the cheese, stop the fat from being separated from the cheese whilst being heated and reduce microbial activity, thus increasing it’s shelf-life by tremendous degrees. The emulsifiers used extensively are monoglycerides and diglycerides (E471), and acetic acid esters of monoglycerides and diglycerides of fatty acids (E472a) to give processed cheese a wax coating giving it a palatably aesthetic appeal.
There are various kinds of cheeses. Some cheeses can be eaten when they’re fresh; whilst it is best to let some others age and ripen by keeping them in storage having apt temperatures and levels of humidity, wrapped in cloth or hay, and in wispy cushions of flavoring molds. Every kind of cheese, just like us, has its own personality and gets better when put in different conditions in order to be of the most superior quality. Usually, it’s the unpasteurized cheeses that are of better quality than those that come from pasteurized milk. Though, the necessity to pasteurize it came due to the presence of a disease-causing bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis in milk-products. A lot of cheese connoiseurs disdain the thought of pasteurizing milk for making cheese as all the natural bacteria that give natural cheeses their superior quality are killed in the process of it. They reckon that factories, where cheese is produced, are quite clean for manufacturing good natural cheese.
So, whether it is cheese or any other food product – it would be maintained that what is natural is always healthy and what is healthy is always natural. And cheeses with all their plumes of delicacy have a right to be healthy. Is cheese good for you? What is healthy cheese? Certainly, it is the one with less use of chemicals. Processing cheese by adding too many chinafooding additives and colors has nipped away some of the benefits of eating natural cheese; and you and me, hopefully, shall learn to differentiate what is right for our bodies and what isn’t. It certainly isn’t the most difficult thing!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
What’s The Ingredients Of Body Wash
Are you interested in knowing about body wash ingredients and their effects?
Body hygiene is very important in the personal grooming and health. Many a time, it is a case that a person needs motivation to perform this routine task very important for cleanliness and comfort. And what else can be the best motivation than the body wash products that make a person feel regal and royal, every time he bathes? The rich foam and aroma of body wash that are available in numerous flavors in market today, can be really extravagant. Since the body wash plays a vital role in the daily body hygiene routine of a person, there is a big competition amongst the beauty product manufactures about introducing different body wash products that have various flavors and smells.
Body wash are available in both organic and inorganic forms. This is, of course, decided by the food ingredients and substances that make each body wash distinct from the other. Body wash ingredients differ as per their functions as well. For instance, the ingredients for body acne must definitely be different than the ingredients for body cleansing and a refreshing body wash. Another key factor to decide the ingredients is the skin types. It is generally observed that the ingredients in body wash differ as per different skin types. For instance, the ingredients for oily skin body wash are always different than the dry skin body wash.
Ingredients in Body Wash
There are a few ingredients in body wash that make them distinct than other body hygiene products and make them ‘body wash’. These ‘basic’ ingredients in body wash are normally the same and are hardly replaced for any reason.
Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
Alpha hydroxy acid is mostly used as a main body wash ingredient and is also recommended by many dermatologists and skin care specialists because of its benefits. The AHAs helps the body to get rid of the upper layer of the skin and the dead skin that gives the skin a sort of rough texture. The AHA makes the skin smoother, removes dry parches, dark spots and reduces wrinkles as well. This is the reason why Alpha hydroxy acid is used in almost all the body wash products for a great complexion and production of new skin cells.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a colorless and odorless liquid that has many skin care properties and hence is used in almost all beauty products on the chart. Uses of glycerin for skin care are just infinite. It has soothing, exfoliating and healing properties that actually heighten up its medicinal value. Glycerin is an all rounder that is used for healing many skin allergies like eczema and psoriasis. As a result, glycerin is a key ingredient for body wash.
Natural Ingredients
The list of natural ingredients is endless and really tiresome. There are just thousands of herbs and natural skin care products like plant extracts which include eucalyptus, aloe vera, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, allantoin, honey, almond extract, lemon extracts and hundreds of such herbal ingredients which are used as significant body wash ingredients. Each of these ingredients have their own special effect on the body as well as in the function of the body wash.
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Salicylic acid is also known as Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA). Salicylic acid is obtained from the good old willow tree and is a powerful body wash ingredient. This body wash ingredient is very useful for skin care, getting rid of acne, dead skin, infected ingrown hair, signs of aging and dandruff as well. Salicylic acid has precious exfoliating, moisturizing, antibacterial and penetrating properties to cleanse the deepest pores of the skin.
Other Ingredients
Along with the above mentioned basic ingredients, there are a few ingredients in body wash that are present in each body wash, in more or less quantity. These ingredients include, Acqua purificata (purified water), decyl poliglucose, ammonium laureth sulfate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, cocamidopropyl betaine, glycolic acid, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, triethanolamine, methylparaben, propylparaben, urea, phenoxyethanol, triclosan, polysorbate 20, etc.
I hope I have managed to add some helpful information about body wash ingredients in your knowledge book. Now, stop worrying about the chinafooding ingredients and use the body wash to stay healthy and beautiful!
Body hygiene is very important in the personal grooming and health. Many a time, it is a case that a person needs motivation to perform this routine task very important for cleanliness and comfort. And what else can be the best motivation than the body wash products that make a person feel regal and royal, every time he bathes? The rich foam and aroma of body wash that are available in numerous flavors in market today, can be really extravagant. Since the body wash plays a vital role in the daily body hygiene routine of a person, there is a big competition amongst the beauty product manufactures about introducing different body wash products that have various flavors and smells.
Body wash are available in both organic and inorganic forms. This is, of course, decided by the food ingredients and substances that make each body wash distinct from the other. Body wash ingredients differ as per their functions as well. For instance, the ingredients for body acne must definitely be different than the ingredients for body cleansing and a refreshing body wash. Another key factor to decide the ingredients is the skin types. It is generally observed that the ingredients in body wash differ as per different skin types. For instance, the ingredients for oily skin body wash are always different than the dry skin body wash.
Ingredients in Body Wash
There are a few ingredients in body wash that make them distinct than other body hygiene products and make them ‘body wash’. These ‘basic’ ingredients in body wash are normally the same and are hardly replaced for any reason.
Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
Alpha hydroxy acid is mostly used as a main body wash ingredient and is also recommended by many dermatologists and skin care specialists because of its benefits. The AHAs helps the body to get rid of the upper layer of the skin and the dead skin that gives the skin a sort of rough texture. The AHA makes the skin smoother, removes dry parches, dark spots and reduces wrinkles as well. This is the reason why Alpha hydroxy acid is used in almost all the body wash products for a great complexion and production of new skin cells.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a colorless and odorless liquid that has many skin care properties and hence is used in almost all beauty products on the chart. Uses of glycerin for skin care are just infinite. It has soothing, exfoliating and healing properties that actually heighten up its medicinal value. Glycerin is an all rounder that is used for healing many skin allergies like eczema and psoriasis. As a result, glycerin is a key ingredient for body wash.
Natural Ingredients
The list of natural ingredients is endless and really tiresome. There are just thousands of herbs and natural skin care products like plant extracts which include eucalyptus, aloe vera, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, allantoin, honey, almond extract, lemon extracts and hundreds of such herbal ingredients which are used as significant body wash ingredients. Each of these ingredients have their own special effect on the body as well as in the function of the body wash.
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Salicylic acid is also known as Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA). Salicylic acid is obtained from the good old willow tree and is a powerful body wash ingredient. This body wash ingredient is very useful for skin care, getting rid of acne, dead skin, infected ingrown hair, signs of aging and dandruff as well. Salicylic acid has precious exfoliating, moisturizing, antibacterial and penetrating properties to cleanse the deepest pores of the skin.
Other Ingredients
Along with the above mentioned basic ingredients, there are a few ingredients in body wash that are present in each body wash, in more or less quantity. These ingredients include, Acqua purificata (purified water), decyl poliglucose, ammonium laureth sulfate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, cocamidopropyl betaine, glycolic acid, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, triethanolamine, methylparaben, propylparaben, urea, phenoxyethanol, triclosan, polysorbate 20, etc.
I hope I have managed to add some helpful information about body wash ingredients in your knowledge book. Now, stop worrying about the chinafooding ingredients and use the body wash to stay healthy and beautiful!
Benefits Of Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea benefits the human body in an enchanting way as it is caffeine free.
Peppermint tea, also known as mint tea, is actually a herbal tea that is made of peppermint and is sometimes prepared with additives. Peppermint is one herb from the mint family that is ranked high for its health benefits and distinctive flavor and aroma. This 2 to 3 feet tall tree is native to Asia and Europe and bears blooms from July onward in the form of tiny purple flowers. Peppermint contains menthol, menthyl acetate, menthone and several other therapeutic food ingredients that make it a great component for many herbal tea recipes. This herb is regarded as the world’s oldest medicine that is still used for various health conditions where peppermint tea’s benefits range from soothing a headache to alleviating muscle pain.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is a blend of peppermint and tea or infusion (tisane) of only the peppermint’s leaves. Dried peppermint leaves are normally used for the brewing of the tea. Peppermint tea can be made in both hot as well as cold forms, without worrying about you losing the benefits that peppermint has intact. This tea is consumed with a lot of gusto these days for the various health benefits that it offers. Organic peppermint tea benefits the body in numerous ways that are briefly described below.
Peppermint Tea for the Immune System
Peppermint tea is found to be useful in strengthening the immune system and as a result, it keeps a person away from various diseases and illnesses that occur due to a weak immune system. Drinking tea made of peppermint, green tea, and such other herbal teas can prove vital in prevention of the common cold and flu, controlling mild asthma and symptoms of various illnesses that are resultants of a weak immune system. Peppermint tea contains high amounts of calcium, vitamin B and potassium so that one can experience all its benefits that can be helpful for maintaining proper health.
Peppermint Tea for a Healthy Stomach
Peppermint tea is referred to as a “stomach healer”. Drinking peppermint tea can evade various stomach problems which involve problems related to the digestive health of a person. Peppermint tea helps in healing stomach cramps, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation and gallstone problems. This herbal tea promotes digestion and reduces heartburn. Green peppermint tea is also found to be a useful curative measure for diverticulitis (inflammation of the digestive tract) and flatulence.
Peppermint Tea for Relaxation
The aroma that this herbal tea emanates is said to be a great stress buster. It is said to be a great relaxant that can evade muscle pain and loosen rigidity. Peppermint tea also helps fight chronic pain and menstrual cramps. Many people agree that drinking peppermint tea can prove beneficial in reducing sleep deprivation, handling job stress, and fighting headaches and fatigue that one may feel on a regular basis. Drinking a cup of peppermint tea after every meal can gradually reduce stress, symptoms of tiredness, and provide a good night’s sleep too!
Other Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea
When used as an infusion, peppermint tea is said to be caffeine free. Hence, it doesn’t have the ill effects of caffeine like regular tea and coffee. However, peppermint tea used in combination with several other herbs such as camellia may show traces of caffeine. Peppermint tea benefits in the natural healing of several body ailments. It benefits the human body not only in the form of tea, but also in the form of ice creams, toothpastes, soaps, and shampoos. Following are the other benefits of peppermint tea.
Relieves skin rashes
Relieves migraines
Boosts mental power
Controls herpes simplex
Reduces morning sickness
Suppresses appetite
Controls bad breath
These are the numerous peppermint tea benefits that one can experience on consuming peppermint tea on a regular basis. Not to state that this herb is free from any side effects, because peppermint tea combined with other herbs and prescribed medication does display certain negative effects that you need to be wary of. Many experts suggest avoiding peppermint tea in medical conditions such as gastrointestinal diseases, as it might trigger acid reflux. Though peppermint tea helps fight nausea during pregnancy it may cause uterine relaxation in worst case scenarios, this may be due to its muscle relaxing ability.
Herbal peppermint tea is totally natural and relatively less harmful however, an overdose of peppermint tea can lead to diarrhea, a slowed heart rate, and heart palpitations. To be honest though, peppermint tea’s health benefits chinafooding do not share the same popularity in children and infants as found in adults. This is because mint tea has the effect of causing a child to choke and cough. Moreover, as infants are still developing their immune systems, it may invoke an allergic response in the child. Hence, make sure that you do not abuse its consumption, because along with the peppermint tea’s benefits you may also be inviting a few side effects as well. Take care!
Peppermint tea, also known as mint tea, is actually a herbal tea that is made of peppermint and is sometimes prepared with additives. Peppermint is one herb from the mint family that is ranked high for its health benefits and distinctive flavor and aroma. This 2 to 3 feet tall tree is native to Asia and Europe and bears blooms from July onward in the form of tiny purple flowers. Peppermint contains menthol, menthyl acetate, menthone and several other therapeutic food ingredients that make it a great component for many herbal tea recipes. This herb is regarded as the world’s oldest medicine that is still used for various health conditions where peppermint tea’s benefits range from soothing a headache to alleviating muscle pain.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is a blend of peppermint and tea or infusion (tisane) of only the peppermint’s leaves. Dried peppermint leaves are normally used for the brewing of the tea. Peppermint tea can be made in both hot as well as cold forms, without worrying about you losing the benefits that peppermint has intact. This tea is consumed with a lot of gusto these days for the various health benefits that it offers. Organic peppermint tea benefits the body in numerous ways that are briefly described below.
Peppermint Tea for the Immune System
Peppermint tea is found to be useful in strengthening the immune system and as a result, it keeps a person away from various diseases and illnesses that occur due to a weak immune system. Drinking tea made of peppermint, green tea, and such other herbal teas can prove vital in prevention of the common cold and flu, controlling mild asthma and symptoms of various illnesses that are resultants of a weak immune system. Peppermint tea contains high amounts of calcium, vitamin B and potassium so that one can experience all its benefits that can be helpful for maintaining proper health.
Peppermint Tea for a Healthy Stomach
Peppermint tea is referred to as a “stomach healer”. Drinking peppermint tea can evade various stomach problems which involve problems related to the digestive health of a person. Peppermint tea helps in healing stomach cramps, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation and gallstone problems. This herbal tea promotes digestion and reduces heartburn. Green peppermint tea is also found to be a useful curative measure for diverticulitis (inflammation of the digestive tract) and flatulence.
Peppermint Tea for Relaxation
The aroma that this herbal tea emanates is said to be a great stress buster. It is said to be a great relaxant that can evade muscle pain and loosen rigidity. Peppermint tea also helps fight chronic pain and menstrual cramps. Many people agree that drinking peppermint tea can prove beneficial in reducing sleep deprivation, handling job stress, and fighting headaches and fatigue that one may feel on a regular basis. Drinking a cup of peppermint tea after every meal can gradually reduce stress, symptoms of tiredness, and provide a good night’s sleep too!
Other Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea
When used as an infusion, peppermint tea is said to be caffeine free. Hence, it doesn’t have the ill effects of caffeine like regular tea and coffee. However, peppermint tea used in combination with several other herbs such as camellia may show traces of caffeine. Peppermint tea benefits in the natural healing of several body ailments. It benefits the human body not only in the form of tea, but also in the form of ice creams, toothpastes, soaps, and shampoos. Following are the other benefits of peppermint tea.
Relieves skin rashes
Relieves migraines
Boosts mental power
Controls herpes simplex
Reduces morning sickness
Suppresses appetite
Controls bad breath
These are the numerous peppermint tea benefits that one can experience on consuming peppermint tea on a regular basis. Not to state that this herb is free from any side effects, because peppermint tea combined with other herbs and prescribed medication does display certain negative effects that you need to be wary of. Many experts suggest avoiding peppermint tea in medical conditions such as gastrointestinal diseases, as it might trigger acid reflux. Though peppermint tea helps fight nausea during pregnancy it may cause uterine relaxation in worst case scenarios, this may be due to its muscle relaxing ability.
Herbal peppermint tea is totally natural and relatively less harmful however, an overdose of peppermint tea can lead to diarrhea, a slowed heart rate, and heart palpitations. To be honest though, peppermint tea’s health benefits chinafooding do not share the same popularity in children and infants as found in adults. This is because mint tea has the effect of causing a child to choke and cough. Moreover, as infants are still developing their immune systems, it may invoke an allergic response in the child. Hence, make sure that you do not abuse its consumption, because along with the peppermint tea’s benefits you may also be inviting a few side effects as well. Take care!
Your Own Custom-Made Soap
Making homemade soaps isn’t nearly as difficult as it sounds. Not only can you customize your soap creations to suit your own personal needs, they make terrific personalized gifts.
Ann Bramson is one of the pioneers of handmade soap-making, which increasing numbers of people are learning to do. In her book Soap, Gramson says, “Where the hard pastel-colored bars sold at the drugstore are anonymous and indifferent, homemade soap has character. It charms…it smells good…feels good…is comforting in ways which real manufactured soap can never be.” Bramson is certainly right. If you’ve never tried a bar of handmade soap, visit a gift shop that sells them so you can try one out. If you try it you’ll see just how wonderful homemade soaps can be, and you’ll be glad to know that making your own terrific soaps is not as difficult as you may think.
Soap is the result of a chemical reaction between oils and lye. That’s all it is-no mystery to it at all. You may think of “homemade” soap as being the harsh lye soap people made in big tubs 50 years ago, but it doesn’t have to be. Soaps back then and soaps made today are made from the same basic chemical process, but the food ingredients are different. By carefully choosing a combination of quality oils, then adding your favorite fragrance and stirring in a pleasing colorant, your soap suddenly becomes a charming creation of character that commercially manufactured soaps can’t even begin to compete with. There are four basic methods you can use to make soap at home, and you can choose whichever method appeals to you the most.
The cold process, or “from scratch” method. Using a cold process to make soap is like making a cake from scratch. You control everything that goes into the mix, but you’ll need a more complicated setup and you’ll need to do some research first to learn about the process. You must first heat animal fats or vegetable oils in a large pot until they’re approximately 100 degrees. Slowly add a mixture of lye and water and blend well before adding the fragrance, color, or other additives. Pour it into the molds and it will harden within 24 hours, but it shouldn’t be used until it cures, which will be about four weeks.
The pros of the cold-process are that your soap will be truly made from scratch, and you control all the ingredients and the quantities of each that you use. You can tailor your recipe to make an unlimited number of variations of soap. The downside to the cold process is that you’ll be working with lye, so you need to learn about it and how to handle it safely. You’ll need more ingredients and tools, it takes longer to make, and there is more careful cleanup involved. An obvious downside is that you’ll need to wait several weeks before your soap is ready to use.
The hot process method. Making soap using a hot process is just a more lengthy variation of the cold process. The soap is not only mixed and heated, it is actually cooked. The hot process also uses lye, and takes just as long to harden and cure, so the same pros and cons apply to this method.
The “melt and pour” method.” Making soap with a melt and pour base is similar to using a cake mix. It is a safe, easy, and convenient method of soap-making, and you don’t need a lot of special ingredients to do it. With melt and pour soap making, you buy pre-made blocks of uncolored, unscented soap “base” from a craft store or soap supplier. Then you melt the soap base in a double boiler or even in the microwave. As soon as the soap base is completely melted, you can add fragrance, color, and any other additives you may want to add, such as essential oils. Pour the mixture into molds, and as soon as the soap hardens it is ready to use.
All you need to make melt and pour soap is a clean workspace, a microwave or double boiler, a couple of spoons or whisks, molds for the soap, some melt and pour soap base, and any fragrance, color, or additives you want to use. The benefits of using this method are that it is easy and inexpensive, there is no need to work directly with lye, and your soap is ready to use as soon as it hardens. The downside is that the only ingredients you have control over are the color and fragrance, so it is not quite as “natural” as other methods. Many soap base manufacturers add chemicals to increase lathering, or to allow the soap to melt more easily. Your soap is only as good as the soap base you purchase.
Rebatching. The process of rebatching is a good one to use for soaps that haven’t been used, or soaps that didn’t mold properly. To rebatch soaps, you simply grind them up, add milk or water, melt them, and then re-blend them. You can also add different or stronger colors, and add other fragrances or other elements. Mold and cool them as you would usually.
Soap making may seem difficult, but it isn’t. Whichever method and chinafooding ingredients you use, you can make great soap. Just work patiently, and follow instructions carefully to begin with. Once you’re familiar with the basic steps involved, you can then let your creative inspirations flow freely into the mix and make your own works of soap art.
Ann Bramson is one of the pioneers of handmade soap-making, which increasing numbers of people are learning to do. In her book Soap, Gramson says, “Where the hard pastel-colored bars sold at the drugstore are anonymous and indifferent, homemade soap has character. It charms…it smells good…feels good…is comforting in ways which real manufactured soap can never be.” Bramson is certainly right. If you’ve never tried a bar of handmade soap, visit a gift shop that sells them so you can try one out. If you try it you’ll see just how wonderful homemade soaps can be, and you’ll be glad to know that making your own terrific soaps is not as difficult as you may think.
Soap is the result of a chemical reaction between oils and lye. That’s all it is-no mystery to it at all. You may think of “homemade” soap as being the harsh lye soap people made in big tubs 50 years ago, but it doesn’t have to be. Soaps back then and soaps made today are made from the same basic chemical process, but the food ingredients are different. By carefully choosing a combination of quality oils, then adding your favorite fragrance and stirring in a pleasing colorant, your soap suddenly becomes a charming creation of character that commercially manufactured soaps can’t even begin to compete with. There are four basic methods you can use to make soap at home, and you can choose whichever method appeals to you the most.
The cold process, or “from scratch” method. Using a cold process to make soap is like making a cake from scratch. You control everything that goes into the mix, but you’ll need a more complicated setup and you’ll need to do some research first to learn about the process. You must first heat animal fats or vegetable oils in a large pot until they’re approximately 100 degrees. Slowly add a mixture of lye and water and blend well before adding the fragrance, color, or other additives. Pour it into the molds and it will harden within 24 hours, but it shouldn’t be used until it cures, which will be about four weeks.
The pros of the cold-process are that your soap will be truly made from scratch, and you control all the ingredients and the quantities of each that you use. You can tailor your recipe to make an unlimited number of variations of soap. The downside to the cold process is that you’ll be working with lye, so you need to learn about it and how to handle it safely. You’ll need more ingredients and tools, it takes longer to make, and there is more careful cleanup involved. An obvious downside is that you’ll need to wait several weeks before your soap is ready to use.
The hot process method. Making soap using a hot process is just a more lengthy variation of the cold process. The soap is not only mixed and heated, it is actually cooked. The hot process also uses lye, and takes just as long to harden and cure, so the same pros and cons apply to this method.
The “melt and pour” method.” Making soap with a melt and pour base is similar to using a cake mix. It is a safe, easy, and convenient method of soap-making, and you don’t need a lot of special ingredients to do it. With melt and pour soap making, you buy pre-made blocks of uncolored, unscented soap “base” from a craft store or soap supplier. Then you melt the soap base in a double boiler or even in the microwave. As soon as the soap base is completely melted, you can add fragrance, color, and any other additives you may want to add, such as essential oils. Pour the mixture into molds, and as soon as the soap hardens it is ready to use.
All you need to make melt and pour soap is a clean workspace, a microwave or double boiler, a couple of spoons or whisks, molds for the soap, some melt and pour soap base, and any fragrance, color, or additives you want to use. The benefits of using this method are that it is easy and inexpensive, there is no need to work directly with lye, and your soap is ready to use as soon as it hardens. The downside is that the only ingredients you have control over are the color and fragrance, so it is not quite as “natural” as other methods. Many soap base manufacturers add chemicals to increase lathering, or to allow the soap to melt more easily. Your soap is only as good as the soap base you purchase.
Rebatching. The process of rebatching is a good one to use for soaps that haven’t been used, or soaps that didn’t mold properly. To rebatch soaps, you simply grind them up, add milk or water, melt them, and then re-blend them. You can also add different or stronger colors, and add other fragrances or other elements. Mold and cool them as you would usually.
Soap making may seem difficult, but it isn’t. Whichever method and chinafooding ingredients you use, you can make great soap. Just work patiently, and follow instructions carefully to begin with. Once you’re familiar with the basic steps involved, you can then let your creative inspirations flow freely into the mix and make your own works of soap art.
Amaretto Sour Ingredients
Amaretto sour ingredients can be as simple as the almond liqueur combined with sweet and sour mix, or with different additions and twists.
Amaretto is a sweet almond-flavoured liqueur of Italian origin. To produce this liqueur, a base of apricot or almond pits, or sometimes both are used. The root of the name Amaretto is believed to be that Italian word amaro, which means ‘bitter’, as such is the flavor lent to the liqueur by the bitter almond or the drupe kernel. However, it is taken to mean a ‘little bitter’ as the flavor is balanced out with by sweeteners, and sometimes sweet almonds. There is an interesting, (if not likely) legend regarding the origins of this rich liqueur, involving two art maestros. As a popular liqueur, Amaretto has been used to come up with many a concoction, though it is also served neat (by itself) or on the rocks (with ice). A popular mixed drink can be made using traditional food ingredients or modern variations. Below we will learn how to make an amaretto sour drink and many other Amaretto cocktails.
Amaretto Sour Drink
Recipe 1
Ingredients
2 oz amaretto almond liqueur
1 tbsp simple syrup
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 maraschino cherry
Directions
If you are looking for a recipe that deviates from the traditional amaretto sour ingredients for an extra zing, this is it. Fill two-third of a cocktail shaker with ice cubes and add the mentioned amount of lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake and pour into a chilled sour glass. Serve garnished with the cherry.
Recipe 2
Ingredients
1 or 2 splashes sweet and sour mix
1 oz amaretto almond liqueur
Directions
This recipe uses the ingredients that are conventionally popular. Half fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes and pour the amaretto liqueur into it. Then add 1 or 2 splashes of the sweet and sour mix, and shake. Pour through a strainer into an old-fashioned glass. Serve garnished with a maraschino cherry and a slice of orange.
French Connection
Ingredients
1 part (3.5 cl) Cognac
1 part (3.5 cl) Amaretto liqueur
Directions
Half fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes and pour the amaretto liqueur and cognac into it. Give it a good shake and then pour into an old-fashioned glass. Alternately, you can add some ice cubes to the glass and pour in the ingredients over them. Gently stir and serve.
Almond Essence
Ingredients
1 oz white creme de cacao
1 oz amaretto almond liqueur
2 oz light cream
Directions
Combine ingredients and pour into a cocktail shaker half filled with ice. Give it a good shake and then strain into a sour glass. Serve with a garnish of a few peeled almonds.
Godfather
Ingredients
1 part (3.5 cl) Scotch
1 part (3.5 cl) Amaretto liqueur
Directions
Half fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes and pour the amaretto liqueur and vodka into it. Shake and strain into an old-fashioned glass. Serve along with the option of ice.
Godmother
Ingredients
1 part (3.5 cl) Vodka
1 part (3.5 cl) Amaretto liqueur
Directions
Combine ingredients and pour into a cocktail shaker half filled with ice. Shake and strain into a sour glass. Since this one is better suited for the ladies, you could serve it in a martini glass.
Ice Cream Amaretto
Ingredients
1 cup orange juice
2 oz amaretto almond liqueur
1 cup vanilla ice cream
Directions
Pour the orange juice, amaretto almond liqueur and vanilla ice cream into the blender. Spin it till you achieve a smoothie consistency. Fill a cocktail glass with ice cubes and pour the mixture over them. Stir and serve.
Bittersweet Seduction
Ingredients
2/3 oz peach schnapps
2/3 oz amaretto almond liqueur
4 oz club soda
1 oz dry vermouth
Directions
Drop a few cubes of ice into an old-fashioned glass. Pour in the amaretto liqueur, followed by the peach schnapps and then the vermouth. Stir, then pour in the club soda and then serve once again. Serve.
Another way to enjoy this heady liqueur is by adding a dash of it in their morning coffee. It is also added to desserts such as Tiramisu and even ice cream. It is a chinafooding ingredient in the preparation of many foods, such as meats, chicken, fish and even pancake batter.
Amaretto is a sweet almond-flavoured liqueur of Italian origin. To produce this liqueur, a base of apricot or almond pits, or sometimes both are used. The root of the name Amaretto is believed to be that Italian word amaro, which means ‘bitter’, as such is the flavor lent to the liqueur by the bitter almond or the drupe kernel. However, it is taken to mean a ‘little bitter’ as the flavor is balanced out with by sweeteners, and sometimes sweet almonds. There is an interesting, (if not likely) legend regarding the origins of this rich liqueur, involving two art maestros. As a popular liqueur, Amaretto has been used to come up with many a concoction, though it is also served neat (by itself) or on the rocks (with ice). A popular mixed drink can be made using traditional food ingredients or modern variations. Below we will learn how to make an amaretto sour drink and many other Amaretto cocktails.
Amaretto Sour Drink
Recipe 1
Ingredients
2 oz amaretto almond liqueur
1 tbsp simple syrup
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 maraschino cherry
Directions
If you are looking for a recipe that deviates from the traditional amaretto sour ingredients for an extra zing, this is it. Fill two-third of a cocktail shaker with ice cubes and add the mentioned amount of lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake and pour into a chilled sour glass. Serve garnished with the cherry.
Recipe 2
Ingredients
1 or 2 splashes sweet and sour mix
1 oz amaretto almond liqueur
Directions
This recipe uses the ingredients that are conventionally popular. Half fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes and pour the amaretto liqueur into it. Then add 1 or 2 splashes of the sweet and sour mix, and shake. Pour through a strainer into an old-fashioned glass. Serve garnished with a maraschino cherry and a slice of orange.
French Connection
Ingredients
1 part (3.5 cl) Cognac
1 part (3.5 cl) Amaretto liqueur
Directions
Half fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes and pour the amaretto liqueur and cognac into it. Give it a good shake and then pour into an old-fashioned glass. Alternately, you can add some ice cubes to the glass and pour in the ingredients over them. Gently stir and serve.
Almond Essence
Ingredients
1 oz white creme de cacao
1 oz amaretto almond liqueur
2 oz light cream
Directions
Combine ingredients and pour into a cocktail shaker half filled with ice. Give it a good shake and then strain into a sour glass. Serve with a garnish of a few peeled almonds.
Godfather
Ingredients
1 part (3.5 cl) Scotch
1 part (3.5 cl) Amaretto liqueur
Directions
Half fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes and pour the amaretto liqueur and vodka into it. Shake and strain into an old-fashioned glass. Serve along with the option of ice.
Godmother
Ingredients
1 part (3.5 cl) Vodka
1 part (3.5 cl) Amaretto liqueur
Directions
Combine ingredients and pour into a cocktail shaker half filled with ice. Shake and strain into a sour glass. Since this one is better suited for the ladies, you could serve it in a martini glass.
Ice Cream Amaretto
Ingredients
1 cup orange juice
2 oz amaretto almond liqueur
1 cup vanilla ice cream
Directions
Pour the orange juice, amaretto almond liqueur and vanilla ice cream into the blender. Spin it till you achieve a smoothie consistency. Fill a cocktail glass with ice cubes and pour the mixture over them. Stir and serve.
Bittersweet Seduction
Ingredients
2/3 oz peach schnapps
2/3 oz amaretto almond liqueur
4 oz club soda
1 oz dry vermouth
Directions
Drop a few cubes of ice into an old-fashioned glass. Pour in the amaretto liqueur, followed by the peach schnapps and then the vermouth. Stir, then pour in the club soda and then serve once again. Serve.
Another way to enjoy this heady liqueur is by adding a dash of it in their morning coffee. It is also added to desserts such as Tiramisu and even ice cream. It is a chinafooding ingredient in the preparation of many foods, such as meats, chicken, fish and even pancake batter.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Oatmeal Ingredients
This article dwells on oatmeal ingredients. Oatmeal is one of the healthiest breakfast foods around and is relished for the various health benefits it presents to the body.
Marketed in the form of cut oats, oat groats, rolled or crushed oats, oatmeal is a popular breakfast food. The oatmeal that we consume actually comes from the cereal grass called oats. A lot of behind the scenes work goes on for us to have our bowl of cooked oatmeal on the table. Cereal oats are cleaned, toasted, hulled and cleaned again to form oat groats. Oat groats when steamed and rolled flat form the product that we call oatmeal. The quick cooking oats that we find in the stores are oat groats rolled and steamed twice so as to make thinner, faster cooking oats. Cut oats are rolled groats cut with a knife. Oats are either consumed independently or consumed with milk and honey or even added into thick soups. Today we have ready to eat oatmeal cookies, oatmeal bars, oatmeal bread, cakes, muffins, porridge, etc. stacked up on shelves of supermarkets. Let’s have a look at the different oatmeal food ingredients needed for oatmeal preparation.
Oatmeal Composition
In terms of nutritional value half a cup of rolled oats features 27 g carbohydrates, 5.5 g protein, less than 1 mg sodium, 3 g fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 1 mcg vitamin K, 0.5 g sat fat, 1 g mono fat and 151 calories.
As far as the different ingredients in oatmeal breakfast go, they are as follows:
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup diced apple
1 cup raisins
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup rolled oats
2 cups milk
1 cup brown sugar
Oatmeal Preparation
To prepare yummy oatmeal for breakfast, one needs to put all these oatmeal ingredients into a greased, slow cooker crockpot. Mix and whisk well. Cover the crockpot and leave it at ‘low speed’ overnight. Your tasty, piping hot oatmeal will be ready in the morning.
Ingredients of Instant Oatmeal
If you don’t own a slow cooker crockpot or don’t have an entire night to wait before having oatmeal, then you can opt for the instant oatmeal pack. The supermarket aisles are stocked with all kinds of instant oatmeal which have been processed with additional amounts of sugar, salt, colorings and flavorings. The label on the pack will reveal the list of ingredients used. While choosing an instant oatmeal pack, opt for the one which has 300 g of sodium or less. Avoid packs with added sodium. Look for packs with 0% trans fat and while considering the sugar content, make sure you do not buy a pack that has more than 200 calories per serving.
Instant Oatmeal Preparation
To prepare a mouth-watering instant orange oatmeal, you need ? cup orange juice and a packet instant oatmeal. In a microwave serving bowl, heat the juice for 30 seconds. Empty the contents of the oatmeal into the bowl with warm juice and microwave it for another 30 seconds. To add more flavor, add fresh or frozen diced fruits, dried fruits, chopped nuts, maple syrup, yogurt, jam or any fruit preserves to enhance the flavor.
Oatmeal Muffins
Oatmeal can be used to prepare cookies, muffins and cakes as well. Here is a recipe for oatmeal muffins.
Ingredients
2 cups oatmeal
1 cranberry packet
2/3 cup
melted butter
2 cups brown sugar
4 eggs
1 pint sour cream
2 cups flour
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon baking soda
Preparation
Into a mixing bowl, add oatmeal and sour cream and mix well. Next add brown sugar, eggs and melted butter. After sifting the remaining dry ingredients, add them into the oatmeal. Dollop the mixture into greased muffin tins and bake for 22 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Scores of different oatmeal preparations are available. One can choose to prepare and relish any of the forms. The different oatmeal chinafooding ingredients present in them, conduce to various health benefits of oatmeal. Consumption of oatmeal on a regular basis is believed to lower blood cholesterol, stabilize blood glucose levels, control weight, reduce risks of heart diseases, stabilize blood pressure levels and also lead to healthier metabolism. The phytochemicals present in the oats have cancer fighting properties. Moreover, oats are a wonderful source of nutrients like zinc, copper, magnesium, vitamin E, manganese and selenium.
Marketed in the form of cut oats, oat groats, rolled or crushed oats, oatmeal is a popular breakfast food. The oatmeal that we consume actually comes from the cereal grass called oats. A lot of behind the scenes work goes on for us to have our bowl of cooked oatmeal on the table. Cereal oats are cleaned, toasted, hulled and cleaned again to form oat groats. Oat groats when steamed and rolled flat form the product that we call oatmeal. The quick cooking oats that we find in the stores are oat groats rolled and steamed twice so as to make thinner, faster cooking oats. Cut oats are rolled groats cut with a knife. Oats are either consumed independently or consumed with milk and honey or even added into thick soups. Today we have ready to eat oatmeal cookies, oatmeal bars, oatmeal bread, cakes, muffins, porridge, etc. stacked up on shelves of supermarkets. Let’s have a look at the different oatmeal food ingredients needed for oatmeal preparation.
Oatmeal Composition
In terms of nutritional value half a cup of rolled oats features 27 g carbohydrates, 5.5 g protein, less than 1 mg sodium, 3 g fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 1 mcg vitamin K, 0.5 g sat fat, 1 g mono fat and 151 calories.
As far as the different ingredients in oatmeal breakfast go, they are as follows:
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup diced apple
1 cup raisins
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup rolled oats
2 cups milk
1 cup brown sugar
Oatmeal Preparation
To prepare yummy oatmeal for breakfast, one needs to put all these oatmeal ingredients into a greased, slow cooker crockpot. Mix and whisk well. Cover the crockpot and leave it at ‘low speed’ overnight. Your tasty, piping hot oatmeal will be ready in the morning.
Ingredients of Instant Oatmeal
If you don’t own a slow cooker crockpot or don’t have an entire night to wait before having oatmeal, then you can opt for the instant oatmeal pack. The supermarket aisles are stocked with all kinds of instant oatmeal which have been processed with additional amounts of sugar, salt, colorings and flavorings. The label on the pack will reveal the list of ingredients used. While choosing an instant oatmeal pack, opt for the one which has 300 g of sodium or less. Avoid packs with added sodium. Look for packs with 0% trans fat and while considering the sugar content, make sure you do not buy a pack that has more than 200 calories per serving.
Instant Oatmeal Preparation
To prepare a mouth-watering instant orange oatmeal, you need ? cup orange juice and a packet instant oatmeal. In a microwave serving bowl, heat the juice for 30 seconds. Empty the contents of the oatmeal into the bowl with warm juice and microwave it for another 30 seconds. To add more flavor, add fresh or frozen diced fruits, dried fruits, chopped nuts, maple syrup, yogurt, jam or any fruit preserves to enhance the flavor.
Oatmeal Muffins
Oatmeal can be used to prepare cookies, muffins and cakes as well. Here is a recipe for oatmeal muffins.
Ingredients
2 cups oatmeal
1 cranberry packet
2/3 cup
melted butter
2 cups brown sugar
4 eggs
1 pint sour cream
2 cups flour
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon baking soda
Preparation
Into a mixing bowl, add oatmeal and sour cream and mix well. Next add brown sugar, eggs and melted butter. After sifting the remaining dry ingredients, add them into the oatmeal. Dollop the mixture into greased muffin tins and bake for 22 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Scores of different oatmeal preparations are available. One can choose to prepare and relish any of the forms. The different oatmeal chinafooding ingredients present in them, conduce to various health benefits of oatmeal. Consumption of oatmeal on a regular basis is believed to lower blood cholesterol, stabilize blood glucose levels, control weight, reduce risks of heart diseases, stabilize blood pressure levels and also lead to healthier metabolism. The phytochemicals present in the oats have cancer fighting properties. Moreover, oats are a wonderful source of nutrients like zinc, copper, magnesium, vitamin E, manganese and selenium.
Ingredients and Directions Of Cleanse Lemonade Diet Recipe
Beyonce Knowles lost about 20 pounds with the Master Cleanse lemonade diet for her role in the movie Dreamgirls. To know more about this lemonade recipe, that not only helps in weight loss, but also detoxifies the body.
The diet that has taken Hollywood by storm since 2006 is the Master Cleanse lemonade diet which was developed by Stanley Burroughs in 1941. It is also known as the Lemon Cleanse Diet, Lemonade Detox Diet or the Maple Syrup Diet. Stanley Burroughs developed this diet in 1941 as a diet regime aimed at improving overall health by cleansing one’s body of toxins.
However, off late it has become extremely popular as a means of losing weight. Though it was developed a couple of decades back, its popularity soared after Beyonce’s interview at the Oprah Winfrey show about how she lost about 20 pounds in two weeks using the Master Cleanse Lemonade Diet for her role in the motion picture Dreamgirls. This diet provides enough nutrients to keep one energized and also has all the food ingredients required to detoxify the body.
How to Follow the Master Cleanse Diet
The Master Cleanse lemonade diet should be carried out for 10 to 14 days. Intake of any form of solid food has to be stopped during this period. One should begin his day drinking laxative tea or a salt water flush that ensures that one passes solid waste even while solid food is not being ingested. The salt water flush should be made by mixing salt with 1 qt. of lukewarm water. One should drink 6 to 9 glasses of the Master Cleanse lemonade throughout the day or whenever one feels hungry. Before going to bed, one must drink a cup of herbal laxative tea. Regular exercise while following this diet plan is recommended to facilitate weight loss.
Master Cleanse Lemonade Recipe
Additional Ingredients
Sea salt
Laxative tea
Herbal tea
Lemonade Ingredients
8 oz. of purified water
2 tbsp. fresh lemon or lime juice (approximately 1lemon).
2 tbsp. maple syrup (grade B)
1/10 tsp. cayenne pepper
Directions for Making the Lemonade
Take a 10 oz. glass and fill it with 4 oz. of purified water. Add the fresh lemon juice to it. If one is using a freshly cut lemon, then squeeze just half of this into the glass, taking care that the pulp and the seeds do not get mixed with the juice (use a lemon squeezer). Add maple syrup and cayenne pepper to the lemonade. Stir the mixture thoroughly. Add the remaining 4 oz. of purified water to the glass. Stir well.
Purpose of the Master Cleanse Ingredients
The most important chinafooding ingredients and probably the most overlooked one is pure filtered water. Make sure to use only filtered water, as bottled water or water from a local water treatment facility would either be chemically treated, or would not be processed under tight regulations. The best option is to use water from a good filter installed at home.
The ingredients used in the diet should be organic. Do not use lemon juice from the market as the preservatives used in their packaging removes the nutrients required for this diet. The diet plan is based on the theory that besides being rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium, lemon juice also acts as an astringent. It contracts the tissues that squeeze out the toxins in them. Concentrated lime juice bought from the market is loaded with preservatives and sugar, that nullifies the cleansing effect of the diet.
Not only does the cayenne pepper add taste to the lemonade, it is also a rich source of Vitamin B and C for the body. It breaks down toxic mucous in the colon and improves blood circulation in the body.
The maple syrup should not be of the usual variety taken during breakfast. It should strictly be of the grade B variety.
Ensure that the sea salt is non-iodized or unrefined.
Importance of the Master Cleanse Diet
Years of eating unhealthy foods leads to the formation of a toxic mucous that deposits itself to the walls of the colon. This mucous keeps on increasing in thickness as we continue to eat junk food. Besides reducing the diameter of the colon, it also grabs the wastes as they pass through it. By holding the toxins back in our body and hindering elimination of the waste, the mucous leads to problems like fatigue, anxiety, acne, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive ailments. This diet helps the body get rid of the toxins and relieves an individual of the mentioned ailments.
It is very important to be focused throughout the lemonade diet regime and avoid being tempted to eat solid food. Initially one might feel weakness. However, it will go away in the subsequent days. Although following a proper diet regime is good for the body, it is always advisable to consult one’s physician and check on one’s health before starting with any diet plan. Be sure to introduce food slowly into the system post the diet period recommended, so that the body gradually accepts the reentry of solid food.
The diet that has taken Hollywood by storm since 2006 is the Master Cleanse lemonade diet which was developed by Stanley Burroughs in 1941. It is also known as the Lemon Cleanse Diet, Lemonade Detox Diet or the Maple Syrup Diet. Stanley Burroughs developed this diet in 1941 as a diet regime aimed at improving overall health by cleansing one’s body of toxins.
However, off late it has become extremely popular as a means of losing weight. Though it was developed a couple of decades back, its popularity soared after Beyonce’s interview at the Oprah Winfrey show about how she lost about 20 pounds in two weeks using the Master Cleanse Lemonade Diet for her role in the motion picture Dreamgirls. This diet provides enough nutrients to keep one energized and also has all the food ingredients required to detoxify the body.
How to Follow the Master Cleanse Diet
The Master Cleanse lemonade diet should be carried out for 10 to 14 days. Intake of any form of solid food has to be stopped during this period. One should begin his day drinking laxative tea or a salt water flush that ensures that one passes solid waste even while solid food is not being ingested. The salt water flush should be made by mixing salt with 1 qt. of lukewarm water. One should drink 6 to 9 glasses of the Master Cleanse lemonade throughout the day or whenever one feels hungry. Before going to bed, one must drink a cup of herbal laxative tea. Regular exercise while following this diet plan is recommended to facilitate weight loss.
Master Cleanse Lemonade Recipe
Additional Ingredients
Sea salt
Laxative tea
Herbal tea
Lemonade Ingredients
8 oz. of purified water
2 tbsp. fresh lemon or lime juice (approximately 1lemon).
2 tbsp. maple syrup (grade B)
1/10 tsp. cayenne pepper
Directions for Making the Lemonade
Take a 10 oz. glass and fill it with 4 oz. of purified water. Add the fresh lemon juice to it. If one is using a freshly cut lemon, then squeeze just half of this into the glass, taking care that the pulp and the seeds do not get mixed with the juice (use a lemon squeezer). Add maple syrup and cayenne pepper to the lemonade. Stir the mixture thoroughly. Add the remaining 4 oz. of purified water to the glass. Stir well.
Purpose of the Master Cleanse Ingredients
The most important chinafooding ingredients and probably the most overlooked one is pure filtered water. Make sure to use only filtered water, as bottled water or water from a local water treatment facility would either be chemically treated, or would not be processed under tight regulations. The best option is to use water from a good filter installed at home.
The ingredients used in the diet should be organic. Do not use lemon juice from the market as the preservatives used in their packaging removes the nutrients required for this diet. The diet plan is based on the theory that besides being rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium, lemon juice also acts as an astringent. It contracts the tissues that squeeze out the toxins in them. Concentrated lime juice bought from the market is loaded with preservatives and sugar, that nullifies the cleansing effect of the diet.
Not only does the cayenne pepper add taste to the lemonade, it is also a rich source of Vitamin B and C for the body. It breaks down toxic mucous in the colon and improves blood circulation in the body.
The maple syrup should not be of the usual variety taken during breakfast. It should strictly be of the grade B variety.
Ensure that the sea salt is non-iodized or unrefined.
Importance of the Master Cleanse Diet
Years of eating unhealthy foods leads to the formation of a toxic mucous that deposits itself to the walls of the colon. This mucous keeps on increasing in thickness as we continue to eat junk food. Besides reducing the diameter of the colon, it also grabs the wastes as they pass through it. By holding the toxins back in our body and hindering elimination of the waste, the mucous leads to problems like fatigue, anxiety, acne, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive ailments. This diet helps the body get rid of the toxins and relieves an individual of the mentioned ailments.
It is very important to be focused throughout the lemonade diet regime and avoid being tempted to eat solid food. Initially one might feel weakness. However, it will go away in the subsequent days. Although following a proper diet regime is good for the body, it is always advisable to consult one’s physician and check on one’s health before starting with any diet plan. Be sure to introduce food slowly into the system post the diet period recommended, so that the body gradually accepts the reentry of solid food.
What’s The Ingredients Of Bread?
Give us today our daily bread and forgive us our sins…..
This is a line form Our Lord’s Prayer that we all are familiar with. It is a prayer that has been passed down to us by our forefathers. But when was this prayer written, and by whom? No one can tell us that but what we know for sure is that it is being recited since times immemorial. It is believed that bread is the oldest food that man developed. Probably they just crushed wheat grains with stones, mixed it water and baked it in fire to make the first types of bread. However, over time, bread ingredients increased from just flour, yeast, water and salt to dried fruits, jams and spices. Today the food ingredients list includes a lot more other stuff that are added to modify the flavor, nutrition or texture.
Flour, yeast, salt and water are the main bread ingredients. Depending upon the flavor and other factors, other ingredients may be included as well.
Basic Ingredients in Bread
Here are the four basic ingredients that a baker uses to make bread:
Flour: Flour is the primary ingredient of any bread recipe. It is the bread that we see! Flour contains gluten, a protein that provides for the elasticity and the basic structure of bread. As the mixture (containing all the basic bread ingredients) is heated, the starch in bread sets and adds to the structure. Wheat flour can be made from whole wheat or it can be made only from the endosperm, without the bran and germ. Although this allows the bread to rise higher, keep longer and give it a lighter texture, bread made from flour that does not have the germ or bran has lesser nutrients and fiber. (Fiber is present in the bran). Although wheat flour is the most commonly used flour for making bread, non wheat flour like millet and rye can also be used. However, since the latter types do not have gluten, they must be mixed with large amounts of wheat flour.
Salt: Salt allows the baker a control over the rising of bread. This it does by strengthening gluten in flour. As it slows down the rising process of bread, salt allows the dough to develop flavor.
Water: Water helps to combine all the ingredients together. It also aids in activating yeast that releases carbon dioxide.
Yeast: In presence of water, yeast makes use of the sugar present in the flour and releases carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide being a gas rises within the dough. The gluten present in flour makes the dough elastic. So, as the carbon dioxide bubbles are formed in the dough, instead of making holes and escaping, the gas bubbles make the dough rise. Although yeast is a naturally occurring leavening agent, there are many individuals who follow a yeast free diet. For them, chemical leavening agents like baking soda or baking powder can be used instead of yeast in yeast free bread recipes.
Optional Ingredients in Bread
Besides all the basic ingredients of bread, there are some optional ingredients that are added for flavor or nutrition. Some of the optional ingredients are:
Bread Sweeteners: If included in bread recipe, the major role of sugar is to provide food for yeast. However, this does not necessitate addition of sugar to the dough as flour itself has enough sugar for the yeast to produce carbon dioxide. Hence sugar is primarily used to add a sweet flavor to the bread. It also contributes to browning of the bread. Other bread sweeteners include honey, maple syrup, maple sugar, jams and dried fresh fruits.
Dough Conditioners: Dough conditioners like calcium dioxide, potassium iodate, ascorbic acid, etc. are used by bakers for greater control over the baking process.
Egg: When lots of eggs are used, they add a distinct flavor to bread. Other than that they also act as a leavening agent. Fat in the yolk increases the tenderness and light texture of bread. It also gives a smooth texture to the finished product.
Emulsifiers: Emulsifiers prevent bread from tasting stale and dry. This they do by combining with starch and helping them to spread evenly throughout the dough. This prevents the starch from recrystallizing which makes the bread dry and stale. Common emulsifiers used in baked products are lecithin, glycerol monostearate, diglycerides, etc.
With the great variety of breads available, chinafooding ingredients today include a vast array of products. Keeping the basic ingredients same, the list of ingredients of bread is seeing a lot modifications to suit not only the flavor but also the dietary requirements of specific groups of people.
This is a line form Our Lord’s Prayer that we all are familiar with. It is a prayer that has been passed down to us by our forefathers. But when was this prayer written, and by whom? No one can tell us that but what we know for sure is that it is being recited since times immemorial. It is believed that bread is the oldest food that man developed. Probably they just crushed wheat grains with stones, mixed it water and baked it in fire to make the first types of bread. However, over time, bread ingredients increased from just flour, yeast, water and salt to dried fruits, jams and spices. Today the food ingredients list includes a lot more other stuff that are added to modify the flavor, nutrition or texture.
Flour, yeast, salt and water are the main bread ingredients. Depending upon the flavor and other factors, other ingredients may be included as well.
Basic Ingredients in Bread
Here are the four basic ingredients that a baker uses to make bread:
Flour: Flour is the primary ingredient of any bread recipe. It is the bread that we see! Flour contains gluten, a protein that provides for the elasticity and the basic structure of bread. As the mixture (containing all the basic bread ingredients) is heated, the starch in bread sets and adds to the structure. Wheat flour can be made from whole wheat or it can be made only from the endosperm, without the bran and germ. Although this allows the bread to rise higher, keep longer and give it a lighter texture, bread made from flour that does not have the germ or bran has lesser nutrients and fiber. (Fiber is present in the bran). Although wheat flour is the most commonly used flour for making bread, non wheat flour like millet and rye can also be used. However, since the latter types do not have gluten, they must be mixed with large amounts of wheat flour.
Salt: Salt allows the baker a control over the rising of bread. This it does by strengthening gluten in flour. As it slows down the rising process of bread, salt allows the dough to develop flavor.
Water: Water helps to combine all the ingredients together. It also aids in activating yeast that releases carbon dioxide.
Yeast: In presence of water, yeast makes use of the sugar present in the flour and releases carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide being a gas rises within the dough. The gluten present in flour makes the dough elastic. So, as the carbon dioxide bubbles are formed in the dough, instead of making holes and escaping, the gas bubbles make the dough rise. Although yeast is a naturally occurring leavening agent, there are many individuals who follow a yeast free diet. For them, chemical leavening agents like baking soda or baking powder can be used instead of yeast in yeast free bread recipes.
Optional Ingredients in Bread
Besides all the basic ingredients of bread, there are some optional ingredients that are added for flavor or nutrition. Some of the optional ingredients are:
Bread Sweeteners: If included in bread recipe, the major role of sugar is to provide food for yeast. However, this does not necessitate addition of sugar to the dough as flour itself has enough sugar for the yeast to produce carbon dioxide. Hence sugar is primarily used to add a sweet flavor to the bread. It also contributes to browning of the bread. Other bread sweeteners include honey, maple syrup, maple sugar, jams and dried fresh fruits.
Dough Conditioners: Dough conditioners like calcium dioxide, potassium iodate, ascorbic acid, etc. are used by bakers for greater control over the baking process.
Egg: When lots of eggs are used, they add a distinct flavor to bread. Other than that they also act as a leavening agent. Fat in the yolk increases the tenderness and light texture of bread. It also gives a smooth texture to the finished product.
Emulsifiers: Emulsifiers prevent bread from tasting stale and dry. This they do by combining with starch and helping them to spread evenly throughout the dough. This prevents the starch from recrystallizing which makes the bread dry and stale. Common emulsifiers used in baked products are lecithin, glycerol monostearate, diglycerides, etc.
With the great variety of breads available, chinafooding ingredients today include a vast array of products. Keeping the basic ingredients same, the list of ingredients of bread is seeing a lot modifications to suit not only the flavor but also the dietary requirements of specific groups of people.
What’s Sluggish Liver
The liver is the largest organ in the body which performs different bodily functions, but if gets over burdened by various toxins, it shows symptoms of being a sluggish liver that we normally fail to recognize.
The liver is a vital body organ present below the diaphragm in the thoracic region of the abdomen. It performs a wide range of functions like detoxification, protein synthesis and production of biochemicals essential for digestion. It produces bile, an alkaline compound which helps in digestion through the emulsification of lipids. Liver also performs and controls different high-volume biochemical reactions involving highly equipped tissues for synthesis and breakdown of small and complex molecules. Some other functions performed by the liver are:
1. Generation of fats emulsifying substances
2. Glucose to glycogen conversion
3. Manufacturing of amino acids
4. Removal of toxic substances from the blood
5. Storage of vitamins and minerals
6. Maintaining proper levels of glucose in the blood
Causes for a Sluggish Liver
Causes for a sluggish liver can be due to different types of liver pathologies like:
Excessive accumulation of fat within the liver cells due to alcoholism, obesity, diabetes, drugs (like corticosteroids, tetracycline and aspirin) or elevated serum triglyceride levels can lead to impeding liver function.
Another cause is intrahepatic problems which occur due to over exposure to food additives, solvents (cleaning materials, formaldehyde, toluene, benzene, etc.), heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, and aluminum), and other toxins.
Viral infections of liver like hepatitis, inherited disorders like Gilbert’s syndrome, hyperthyroidism, consumption of anabolic steroids/estrogens/oral contraceptives are some other factors that can restrict the bile flow in the liver and cause impaired liver function.
Lack of physical activities, poor nutritious diet, aging, etc, are some other common causes for a sluggish liver functioning.
Symptoms of a Sluggish Liver
Here are some signs or indications that may help to identify if the liver is sluggish or not functioning properly.
For an average person approximately 80% of the cholesterol is generated by the liver. Therefore, if the liver is not functioning well there will be abnormalities in the level of fats in the blood stream like elevated LDL cholesterol and reduced HDL cholesterol.
A sluggish liver leads to poor digestion which causes elevated triglycerides (lipids containing three individual fatty acids bounded together in a single large molecule). The person may also experience bloating or gassiness and flatulence (a state of excessive gas in the alimentary canal), especially after the meals.
Since the liver plays an important role in eliminating toxins from the body and maintaining the efficiency of the body’s immune system, skin irritation or skin allergies is also considered as the first sign of liver damage. A person can be prone to develop rashes, psoriasis, eczema, boils or acne if the liver is removing the toxins out through the skin.
The liver also helps regulate blood sugar levels, hence signs that the liver is not maintaining blood sugar levels may include, loss of appetite, weakness or dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
The liver filters out mutated hormones, therefore the symptoms in women may include heavy or clotted menstruation, irregular periods, fibroids in breast or uterus, hot flashes, cysts on ovaries, mood swings or any menopausal problems.
Chronic fatigue, headaches, fever, constipation, jaundice, gallbladder disease/gallstones, hair loss, etc., are some other common sluggish liver symptoms. However, the best ways to avoid impairment or sluggishness of the liver is to clean it up with a detox, and eating diet low in fat and high in fiber and water. Avoiding alcohol and processed or foodchem junk foods and incorporating plenty of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet along with lean protein foods like fish, tofu, legumes, etc., will surely minimize the risks of having any kind of liver infection/disorder.
The liver is a vital body organ present below the diaphragm in the thoracic region of the abdomen. It performs a wide range of functions like detoxification, protein synthesis and production of biochemicals essential for digestion. It produces bile, an alkaline compound which helps in digestion through the emulsification of lipids. Liver also performs and controls different high-volume biochemical reactions involving highly equipped tissues for synthesis and breakdown of small and complex molecules. Some other functions performed by the liver are:
1. Generation of fats emulsifying substances
2. Glucose to glycogen conversion
3. Manufacturing of amino acids
4. Removal of toxic substances from the blood
5. Storage of vitamins and minerals
6. Maintaining proper levels of glucose in the blood
Causes for a Sluggish Liver
Causes for a sluggish liver can be due to different types of liver pathologies like:
Excessive accumulation of fat within the liver cells due to alcoholism, obesity, diabetes, drugs (like corticosteroids, tetracycline and aspirin) or elevated serum triglyceride levels can lead to impeding liver function.
Another cause is intrahepatic problems which occur due to over exposure to food additives, solvents (cleaning materials, formaldehyde, toluene, benzene, etc.), heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, and aluminum), and other toxins.
Viral infections of liver like hepatitis, inherited disorders like Gilbert’s syndrome, hyperthyroidism, consumption of anabolic steroids/estrogens/oral contraceptives are some other factors that can restrict the bile flow in the liver and cause impaired liver function.
Lack of physical activities, poor nutritious diet, aging, etc, are some other common causes for a sluggish liver functioning.
Symptoms of a Sluggish Liver
Here are some signs or indications that may help to identify if the liver is sluggish or not functioning properly.
For an average person approximately 80% of the cholesterol is generated by the liver. Therefore, if the liver is not functioning well there will be abnormalities in the level of fats in the blood stream like elevated LDL cholesterol and reduced HDL cholesterol.
A sluggish liver leads to poor digestion which causes elevated triglycerides (lipids containing three individual fatty acids bounded together in a single large molecule). The person may also experience bloating or gassiness and flatulence (a state of excessive gas in the alimentary canal), especially after the meals.
Since the liver plays an important role in eliminating toxins from the body and maintaining the efficiency of the body’s immune system, skin irritation or skin allergies is also considered as the first sign of liver damage. A person can be prone to develop rashes, psoriasis, eczema, boils or acne if the liver is removing the toxins out through the skin.
The liver also helps regulate blood sugar levels, hence signs that the liver is not maintaining blood sugar levels may include, loss of appetite, weakness or dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
The liver filters out mutated hormones, therefore the symptoms in women may include heavy or clotted menstruation, irregular periods, fibroids in breast or uterus, hot flashes, cysts on ovaries, mood swings or any menopausal problems.
Chronic fatigue, headaches, fever, constipation, jaundice, gallbladder disease/gallstones, hair loss, etc., are some other common sluggish liver symptoms. However, the best ways to avoid impairment or sluggishness of the liver is to clean it up with a detox, and eating diet low in fat and high in fiber and water. Avoiding alcohol and processed or foodchem junk foods and incorporating plenty of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet along with lean protein foods like fish, tofu, legumes, etc., will surely minimize the risks of having any kind of liver infection/disorder.
How To Make Soy Candle
There are many soy candle making ideas that can make the task of preparing candles fun and interesting. You can find some creative soy candle making ideas.
Soy candles are very popular these days due to various reasons. Cost of soy candles are lesser than any other candles because soy wax is cheaper than beeswax. As it has a natural aroma of its own, if you wish you may not add any scent to it. Soy candles do not give out any smoke because these candles are made of natural soy wax. Therefore, it is considered as environment friendly and preferred by those who need to avoid smoke for health reasons. There are two different types of soy candles. One that have wicks and the other without wicks. The candle making ideas that we have discussed here can be implemented very easily for practical purposes.
Making Soy Candles
Instructions
The following instructions are related to soy wax candle making. Take a double boiler and melt one pound of soy wax in it at a temperature of 175 degrees. To keep a check on the temperature, you can attach a thermometer to the boiler. Once the wax is melted, add some color to it. While adding color, you should be careful because if you put excess of color you cannot take it out from the wax. A general measurement for this purpose is around 12 drops of dyes in one pound of soy wax. Soy wax has its own natural fragrance. Even then if you want to give a specific fragrance of your choice, you can do so by adding some essential oil. Usually, one and half ounce of essential oil is sufficient for a pound of soy wax. Blend the color and the oil well with the molten wax so that they get distributed evenly all through the wax.
Bring down the temperature of the wax to 150 degrees and then pour it into mold or container till the molten soy wax fills up the container to the top. Now, it’s time to put the wicks in your candle. You can use the same wicks in the candles that are used in paraffin wax candles. Wicks should be placed into the candles when a skin layer is formed at the top of the candle. Hold the upper end of the wick and insert it into the wax by gently pushing it in. Try to keep the wick straight inside the candle. Allow the wax to cool down for about 4-5 hours. During this time, do not even try to move the container from one location to another. When the candle is cooled down and hardened completely, pull it out of the container, holding the tips of the wick. Thus your soy candle is ready but wait 2-3 days before you start lighting them. This is one of the most simple homemade soy candle recipes.
Tips
1. Here are some useful tips that will help you at the time of making soy candles:
2. Never use paints or food additives used in food or crayons for this purpose as they tend to clog the wick and the candle will melt out very fast.
3. The essential oils you are using to add fragrance to the candle should be one which is suitable for soy wax.
4. Some people add UV-inhibitor which prevents the wax from getting melted under sunlight or fluorescent bulb.
5. To keep the wick straight, inside the molten wax, place a pencil across the mouth of the mold which will provide adequate support to the wick.
6. After insertion of the wick, you will find a small hole developed at the center of the candle. In order to close this hole, you can bring a hot flame near the top of the candle which will melt the wax at the top and fill up the hole.
Candle Designs
You can come up with unique soy candle making ideas to make candles that can be used for decorative purposes. If you wish to have flower bases for your candles, you can use dried petals of various flowers, like, rose, jasmine, zinnia and so on. Even dried herbs can be used for the same purpose. Just press these colorful petals into the molten soy wax. It will look beautiful and smell good too. You can also use mold in the shape of various fruits, like, apples, oranges, water melons, etc. and for this you should also add the suitable color of the fruit to get the resembling effect. Similarly, you can make candles in the shape of seashells. Soy candles in the shape of seashells, in your room, will remind you of the sandy beaches. However, try to avoid candles with dipped tappers as the set up time for soy wax is too long.
If candle making is your hobby or you want to start your own business, you can use the candle making ideas given here which can serve both the purposes. That means, these methods can be used for making foodchem candles on a large scale as well. You can use your creative mind to come up with more innovative ideas for making soy candles.
Soy candles are very popular these days due to various reasons. Cost of soy candles are lesser than any other candles because soy wax is cheaper than beeswax. As it has a natural aroma of its own, if you wish you may not add any scent to it. Soy candles do not give out any smoke because these candles are made of natural soy wax. Therefore, it is considered as environment friendly and preferred by those who need to avoid smoke for health reasons. There are two different types of soy candles. One that have wicks and the other without wicks. The candle making ideas that we have discussed here can be implemented very easily for practical purposes.
Making Soy Candles
Instructions
The following instructions are related to soy wax candle making. Take a double boiler and melt one pound of soy wax in it at a temperature of 175 degrees. To keep a check on the temperature, you can attach a thermometer to the boiler. Once the wax is melted, add some color to it. While adding color, you should be careful because if you put excess of color you cannot take it out from the wax. A general measurement for this purpose is around 12 drops of dyes in one pound of soy wax. Soy wax has its own natural fragrance. Even then if you want to give a specific fragrance of your choice, you can do so by adding some essential oil. Usually, one and half ounce of essential oil is sufficient for a pound of soy wax. Blend the color and the oil well with the molten wax so that they get distributed evenly all through the wax.
Bring down the temperature of the wax to 150 degrees and then pour it into mold or container till the molten soy wax fills up the container to the top. Now, it’s time to put the wicks in your candle. You can use the same wicks in the candles that are used in paraffin wax candles. Wicks should be placed into the candles when a skin layer is formed at the top of the candle. Hold the upper end of the wick and insert it into the wax by gently pushing it in. Try to keep the wick straight inside the candle. Allow the wax to cool down for about 4-5 hours. During this time, do not even try to move the container from one location to another. When the candle is cooled down and hardened completely, pull it out of the container, holding the tips of the wick. Thus your soy candle is ready but wait 2-3 days before you start lighting them. This is one of the most simple homemade soy candle recipes.
Tips
1. Here are some useful tips that will help you at the time of making soy candles:
2. Never use paints or food additives used in food or crayons for this purpose as they tend to clog the wick and the candle will melt out very fast.
3. The essential oils you are using to add fragrance to the candle should be one which is suitable for soy wax.
4. Some people add UV-inhibitor which prevents the wax from getting melted under sunlight or fluorescent bulb.
5. To keep the wick straight, inside the molten wax, place a pencil across the mouth of the mold which will provide adequate support to the wick.
6. After insertion of the wick, you will find a small hole developed at the center of the candle. In order to close this hole, you can bring a hot flame near the top of the candle which will melt the wax at the top and fill up the hole.
Candle Designs
You can come up with unique soy candle making ideas to make candles that can be used for decorative purposes. If you wish to have flower bases for your candles, you can use dried petals of various flowers, like, rose, jasmine, zinnia and so on. Even dried herbs can be used for the same purpose. Just press these colorful petals into the molten soy wax. It will look beautiful and smell good too. You can also use mold in the shape of various fruits, like, apples, oranges, water melons, etc. and for this you should also add the suitable color of the fruit to get the resembling effect. Similarly, you can make candles in the shape of seashells. Soy candles in the shape of seashells, in your room, will remind you of the sandy beaches. However, try to avoid candles with dipped tappers as the set up time for soy wax is too long.
If candle making is your hobby or you want to start your own business, you can use the candle making ideas given here which can serve both the purposes. That means, these methods can be used for making foodchem candles on a large scale as well. You can use your creative mind to come up with more innovative ideas for making soy candles.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
How Many Calories in Coffee
Coffee is the first choice of a number of people, as an early morning drink. Many of us cannot fathom facing a grueling day without that first cup of coffee. But ever wondered how many calories your ‘wake-up drink’ has?
A lot of us consume coffee without thinking twice about how many calories it may contain. It is a must-have to be able to keep ourselves going. Many consider it to be the oil that keeps the human machine running. However, it is not coffee itself, but the way you have it that determines the amount of calories in a cup of coffee. Choosing the right kind will not affect your weight, but the wrong one may increase the chances of failure in that diet you are following religiously, to desperately lose weight.
Calories in Coffee
As mentioned earlier, the calorie count in coffee completely depends on how you like it. Now coffee is a bitter drink, and it is natural for us to add some kind of food additives to sweeten it, at least until we develop a taste for bitter coffee. It is however, interesting to note that the calories in black coffee are much lesser than those in coffee with cream and sugar.
The average calories in cup of coffee – plain brewed, black (8 oz portion) is 2-5 calories. Similar is the case with an espresso. These calories come from some protein and mono-unsaturated oils present in coffee beans. It is the addition of milk and sugar, and various other toppings, that add to the calories in coffee. The addition of one teaspoon of sugar, increases the average calories in a cup of coffee by almost 15 calories.
Moreover, as the quantity consumed increases, for example, medium or large servings, so do the calories in that cup of coffee. To give you an idea about how many calories coffee has, given below is a table, that mentions the amount of calories in a cup of coffee.
Beverage Serving (per ounce) Calories
Instant Coffee 8 4
Espresso 1 1
Cafe Latte – Whole Milk 16 260
Cafe Latte – Non-Fat Milk 16 165
Cafe Mocha – Whole Milk – With Whipped Cream 16 400
Cafe Mocha – Non-Fat Milk – With Whipped Cream 16 330
Cafe Mocha – Non-Fat Milk 16 220
Cappuccino – Whole Milk 16 150
Cappuccino – Non-Fat Milk 16 100
Cafe Americano 16 15
Calories in Additives in Coffee
Here’s a list of the calories in the additives that go into making our coffee a special (and calorie-filled) treat.
Additive Calories (per tbsp)
Cream 52
Whole Milk 9
Non-Fat Milk 5
Skimmed Milk 6
Soy Milk 6
Sugar 48
Whipped Cream 52
Chocolate Syrup 50
Coffee Creamer – Liquid, Regular 20
Coffee Creamer – Liquid, Fat Free 10
Coffee Creamer – Powder, Regular 60 (20 – 1tsp)
Coffee Creamer – Powder, Non-Fat 30 (10 – 1 tsp)
Reducing the Calorie Count in Coffee
By cutting down the number of calories consumed in coffee, you need not give up your favorite coffee drink.
a. Try to develop a taste for black coffee. It may take a while, but as you have seen, it is almost a zero-calorie drink. To start off with, purchase a black coffee and add the additives on your own. In this way, you can slowly reduce the amount you put and in turn, reduce the amount of calories consumed.
b. Try to reduce the serving size of the coffee. Go in for a medium instead of a large, or a small instead of a medium. By reducing the serving, you can reduce the total amount of calories you consume through coffee. Moreover, if you reduce the number of servings you have per day, it will make a vast difference in the long run.
c. In coffees that contain syrups, try to reduce the number of pumps that go into making the coffee as sweet as it is. For instance, even 1 pump of syrup is enough, rather than 4 pumps that are usually present in one cup of coffee. Also, a number of sugar-free syrups are available that taste the same, yet are relatively calorie-free.
d. You can also begin to reduce the calorie count in coffee, by having your coffee without the whipped cream you may have always liked. The calorie count in coffee can reduce by almost 80 calories when you decide to avoid whipped cream.
e. Opt for substitutes such as saccharine instead of sugar, and try to avoid having coffee with additives like chocolate in it. Slowly, you can try to get out of the habit of adding sugar or sweeteners at all.
You might not be able to tell the difference immediately after reducing your calorie intake via coffee. Nevertheless, over a period of time, say in a span of one year, you will realize how many calories you may have saved yourself from, by finding other suitable and effective alternatives to your favorite drink foodchem. Even then you will be able to relish it in the same manner.
A lot of us consume coffee without thinking twice about how many calories it may contain. It is a must-have to be able to keep ourselves going. Many consider it to be the oil that keeps the human machine running. However, it is not coffee itself, but the way you have it that determines the amount of calories in a cup of coffee. Choosing the right kind will not affect your weight, but the wrong one may increase the chances of failure in that diet you are following religiously, to desperately lose weight.
Calories in Coffee
As mentioned earlier, the calorie count in coffee completely depends on how you like it. Now coffee is a bitter drink, and it is natural for us to add some kind of food additives to sweeten it, at least until we develop a taste for bitter coffee. It is however, interesting to note that the calories in black coffee are much lesser than those in coffee with cream and sugar.
The average calories in cup of coffee – plain brewed, black (8 oz portion) is 2-5 calories. Similar is the case with an espresso. These calories come from some protein and mono-unsaturated oils present in coffee beans. It is the addition of milk and sugar, and various other toppings, that add to the calories in coffee. The addition of one teaspoon of sugar, increases the average calories in a cup of coffee by almost 15 calories.
Moreover, as the quantity consumed increases, for example, medium or large servings, so do the calories in that cup of coffee. To give you an idea about how many calories coffee has, given below is a table, that mentions the amount of calories in a cup of coffee.
Beverage Serving (per ounce) Calories
Instant Coffee 8 4
Espresso 1 1
Cafe Latte – Whole Milk 16 260
Cafe Latte – Non-Fat Milk 16 165
Cafe Mocha – Whole Milk – With Whipped Cream 16 400
Cafe Mocha – Non-Fat Milk – With Whipped Cream 16 330
Cafe Mocha – Non-Fat Milk 16 220
Cappuccino – Whole Milk 16 150
Cappuccino – Non-Fat Milk 16 100
Cafe Americano 16 15
Calories in Additives in Coffee
Here’s a list of the calories in the additives that go into making our coffee a special (and calorie-filled) treat.
Additive Calories (per tbsp)
Cream 52
Whole Milk 9
Non-Fat Milk 5
Skimmed Milk 6
Soy Milk 6
Sugar 48
Whipped Cream 52
Chocolate Syrup 50
Coffee Creamer – Liquid, Regular 20
Coffee Creamer – Liquid, Fat Free 10
Coffee Creamer – Powder, Regular 60 (20 – 1tsp)
Coffee Creamer – Powder, Non-Fat 30 (10 – 1 tsp)
Reducing the Calorie Count in Coffee
By cutting down the number of calories consumed in coffee, you need not give up your favorite coffee drink.
a. Try to develop a taste for black coffee. It may take a while, but as you have seen, it is almost a zero-calorie drink. To start off with, purchase a black coffee and add the additives on your own. In this way, you can slowly reduce the amount you put and in turn, reduce the amount of calories consumed.
b. Try to reduce the serving size of the coffee. Go in for a medium instead of a large, or a small instead of a medium. By reducing the serving, you can reduce the total amount of calories you consume through coffee. Moreover, if you reduce the number of servings you have per day, it will make a vast difference in the long run.
c. In coffees that contain syrups, try to reduce the number of pumps that go into making the coffee as sweet as it is. For instance, even 1 pump of syrup is enough, rather than 4 pumps that are usually present in one cup of coffee. Also, a number of sugar-free syrups are available that taste the same, yet are relatively calorie-free.
d. You can also begin to reduce the calorie count in coffee, by having your coffee without the whipped cream you may have always liked. The calorie count in coffee can reduce by almost 80 calories when you decide to avoid whipped cream.
e. Opt for substitutes such as saccharine instead of sugar, and try to avoid having coffee with additives like chocolate in it. Slowly, you can try to get out of the habit of adding sugar or sweeteners at all.
You might not be able to tell the difference immediately after reducing your calorie intake via coffee. Nevertheless, over a period of time, say in a span of one year, you will realize how many calories you may have saved yourself from, by finding other suitable and effective alternatives to your favorite drink foodchem. Even then you will be able to relish it in the same manner.
Homemade Soap Additives Ideas
Homemade soap is more skin-friendly than commercial soaps. The advantage of making soaps at home is that one can customize the soaps as per one’s tastes and preferences.
Most commercial soaps lack glycerin, and make the skin dry and itchy. The component glycerin helps retain moisture, and though its level cannot be altered in commercial soaps, one can make soap at home with glycerin. Homemade lye soap recipes comprise a combination of lye and fat, resulting in a chemical process called saponification. During this process, glycerin is released as a by-product. Homemade soap making is not only easy, but it also enables people to make soaps that suits their needs. Making soap at home gives the flexibility and authority to choose ingredients to be added in the soap. Scent is commonly added to soaps to make them more appealing. It is believed that vanilla scent calms a person, and the tangerine one, with its powerful citrus fragrance, is actually quite invigorating. It is highly beneficial to people who find it difficult to get to their feet in the mornings!
Homemade Soap Additives Ideas
To enhance the aroma and quality of the soap, one can add various kinds of soap food additives beyond color and scent. The different homemade soap additives are:
Herbs: Adding herbs to the soap mixture not only gives the soap its uniqueness, but also provide various health benefits. Herbs such as lavender exhibit anti-inflammatory properties which help the skin relax. Moreover, it has a wonderful aroma. Chamomile is another herb which is refreshing and soothing. It also works as a mild astringent and is effective in reducing irritation in skin with eczema. Rosemary also has mild astringent properties which helps relax, and basil is naturally antibacterial. Eucalyptus adds the invigorating aspect to the soap, and for a cooling and stimulating effect, one can add lemongrass.
Milk and Butter: Adding cocoa butter to the soap mixture causes the soap to become creamy, and Shea butter, on the other hand, is added to soaps as an ultra-moisturizer. One can add instant powdered milk to the soap mixture as a natural cleanser. However, since milk softens soap, only a limited amount should be added. Besides powder, one can also add about 1 tbsp of coconut or goat’s milk per pound of soap base. If fresh milk is added, then some amount of Vitamin E should be added to the soap in order to prevent mold. The above mentioned ingredients are to be added in small amounts (? tbsp) until the properties desired are achieved. The maximum amount that should be added is 2 tbsp. Milk ought to be frozen before use, as it should be slushy when added to the mixture. This is because milk has a tendency to overheat.
Spices: For a spicy scent, add ground cloves to the soap mixture. Powdered cinnamon,when added to the soap imparts a spicy, speckled-brown natural hue and a home-baked scent to the soap. Cinnamon is believed to be a stress reliever and stimulant. However, large amounts of cinnamon can result in skin irritation, thus it needs to be used sparingly. In order to give a warm brown color, cocoa powder can be added.
Other Additives: Aloe vera relieves dry as well as burned skin and is a good soap additive. Honey also has relaxing properties and can be added in a limited quantity, as too much honey softens soap. Oatmeal (regular oatmeal) with its soothing and exfoliating properties is another option. Cornmeal, sugar and salts can be used as natural exfoliants. Poppy seeds are gentle exfoliants which add an interesting texture to the soap. If one is looking for a natural colorant, then adding Calendula petals is a good idea. These petals hold their golden color in the soap and add natural beauty to it. Beeswax can be added as it not only acts as a hardening agent, but also imparts a lovely, fragrant aroma. Coffee is a common natural deodorizer. People who have oily skin can add clay (Glacial or Bentonite), as clay has the ability to draw excess oil from the skin. Almond meal helps absorb excess oil from the skin and unclogs pores.
While adding foodchem additives, it is advisable to place them in the mold before pouring soap. This will allow the additives to be on the top of the soap, giving them a unique look. Using the above homemade soap additives ideas, one can make a unique soap that suits one’s personal needs. These homemade soaps make wonderful gifts as well!
Most commercial soaps lack glycerin, and make the skin dry and itchy. The component glycerin helps retain moisture, and though its level cannot be altered in commercial soaps, one can make soap at home with glycerin. Homemade lye soap recipes comprise a combination of lye and fat, resulting in a chemical process called saponification. During this process, glycerin is released as a by-product. Homemade soap making is not only easy, but it also enables people to make soaps that suits their needs. Making soap at home gives the flexibility and authority to choose ingredients to be added in the soap. Scent is commonly added to soaps to make them more appealing. It is believed that vanilla scent calms a person, and the tangerine one, with its powerful citrus fragrance, is actually quite invigorating. It is highly beneficial to people who find it difficult to get to their feet in the mornings!
Homemade Soap Additives Ideas
To enhance the aroma and quality of the soap, one can add various kinds of soap food additives beyond color and scent. The different homemade soap additives are:
Herbs: Adding herbs to the soap mixture not only gives the soap its uniqueness, but also provide various health benefits. Herbs such as lavender exhibit anti-inflammatory properties which help the skin relax. Moreover, it has a wonderful aroma. Chamomile is another herb which is refreshing and soothing. It also works as a mild astringent and is effective in reducing irritation in skin with eczema. Rosemary also has mild astringent properties which helps relax, and basil is naturally antibacterial. Eucalyptus adds the invigorating aspect to the soap, and for a cooling and stimulating effect, one can add lemongrass.
Milk and Butter: Adding cocoa butter to the soap mixture causes the soap to become creamy, and Shea butter, on the other hand, is added to soaps as an ultra-moisturizer. One can add instant powdered milk to the soap mixture as a natural cleanser. However, since milk softens soap, only a limited amount should be added. Besides powder, one can also add about 1 tbsp of coconut or goat’s milk per pound of soap base. If fresh milk is added, then some amount of Vitamin E should be added to the soap in order to prevent mold. The above mentioned ingredients are to be added in small amounts (? tbsp) until the properties desired are achieved. The maximum amount that should be added is 2 tbsp. Milk ought to be frozen before use, as it should be slushy when added to the mixture. This is because milk has a tendency to overheat.
Spices: For a spicy scent, add ground cloves to the soap mixture. Powdered cinnamon,when added to the soap imparts a spicy, speckled-brown natural hue and a home-baked scent to the soap. Cinnamon is believed to be a stress reliever and stimulant. However, large amounts of cinnamon can result in skin irritation, thus it needs to be used sparingly. In order to give a warm brown color, cocoa powder can be added.
Other Additives: Aloe vera relieves dry as well as burned skin and is a good soap additive. Honey also has relaxing properties and can be added in a limited quantity, as too much honey softens soap. Oatmeal (regular oatmeal) with its soothing and exfoliating properties is another option. Cornmeal, sugar and salts can be used as natural exfoliants. Poppy seeds are gentle exfoliants which add an interesting texture to the soap. If one is looking for a natural colorant, then adding Calendula petals is a good idea. These petals hold their golden color in the soap and add natural beauty to it. Beeswax can be added as it not only acts as a hardening agent, but also imparts a lovely, fragrant aroma. Coffee is a common natural deodorizer. People who have oily skin can add clay (Glacial or Bentonite), as clay has the ability to draw excess oil from the skin. Almond meal helps absorb excess oil from the skin and unclogs pores.
While adding foodchem additives, it is advisable to place them in the mold before pouring soap. This will allow the additives to be on the top of the soap, giving them a unique look. Using the above homemade soap additives ideas, one can make a unique soap that suits one’s personal needs. These homemade soaps make wonderful gifts as well!
What’s The Ingredients Of Chewing Gum
The chewing gum ingredients include the gum base along with sweeteners, artificial flavoring and softeners.Do you know the ingredients and their health effects?
Made of artificial latex or chicle, chewing gums with their colorful colors and flavoring are a favorite of people around the world. In fact there are more than 1,000 varieties of gum manufactured and sold in the United States. They are not only available in a variety of flavors like mint, cinnamon and fruit flavors, but are also available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. For example, my favorite gums were the gum balls shaped like small balls and coated with sugar and the bubblegum that you could blow bubbles with (the liking part does not extend to the bubblegum getting plastered on the face after bursting). In addition to this, there are the center filled gums, the cut and wrap gums, stick gums and the spaghetti gums. While the coloring and the flavoring may differ in some way, the basic food ingredients remain the same.
List of Chewing Gum Ingredients
Flavorings and Colorings: The flavor ingredients in chewing gums give them a long-lasting, high intensity and high quality flavor. The most popular flavors for chewing gums come from the mint plant. The most commonly used flavors in chewing gums are peppermint, fruit, spice essences, cinnamon, spearmint and menthol. These chewing gum flavors are synthetically created and perfected in the lab.
Gum Base: It is the gum base in a chewing gum which makes it all chewy. The International Chewing Gum Association defines it as “made of a combination of food-grade polymers, waxes and softeners that give it the texture desired by consumers and enable it to effectively deliver sweetness, flavor and various other benefits, including dental benefits”. This ingredient is therefore used for binding all the ingredients together for a smooth, soft texture. It is believed that the use of synthetic gum base materials can provide longer-lasting flavor, improved texture and reduced tackiness. Previously, the usual gum base used was the latex sap of the sapodilla tree known as the chicle. In addition to this, other natural gum bases used were sorva and jelutong. Beeswax or paraffin wax has also been known to be used as a gum base. In recent years the natural gum base slowly gave way to the synthetic rubber gum base or a mixture of the artificial and natural base.
Preservatives: To maintain the freshness of the chewing gums, certain food preservatives are used to retain the flavors and help it last long.
Softeners: To keep the chewing gum soft and flexible, glycerin and other vegetable oil products were used to retain the moisture.
Sweeteners: Sweeteners such as pure powdered cane sugar, beet juice, sugar and corn syrup are used in the production of sugar-sweetened chewing gums. Several types of high-intensity sweeteners along with some artificial sweeteners are used to deliver a long-lasting, but non-caloric taste to this form of candy. They include:
Sorbitol, Xylitol, Maltilol, Acesulfame K, Aspartame.
Health Effects of Chewing Gum
Increases Stomach Acid: Doctors have discouraged the consumption of chewing gums as the process of chewing gum over a long period of time believed to stimulate the stomach to produce acid to abnormal levels.
Dental health: One of the chewing gum benefits is that it freshens the mouth and throat and also fights tooth decay. Sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol and sorbitol has been shown to reduce cavities and plaque by stimulating the production of saliva which helps starve the microorganisms and the plaque acid in the mouth. In addition to this it is also believed that calcium lactate in the chewing gums can increase recalcification. Certain chewing gums also have the ability to whiten teeth and to prevent stains from forming. However, you need to be aware of a sugary gum which can degrade the enamel quality.
Carcinogens: One of the chewing gum health issues is related to the cancer inducing ingredients present in various types of gums. It is believed that most chewing gums are sweetened with aspartame. The effects of intake of aspartame over a long period of time has been closely linked with cancer, diabetes, neurological disorders and birth defects.
Other chewing gum health problems include chronic constipation, abdominal pain, gas, and mouth ulcers. Also certain flavorings like liquorice may cause high blood pressure.
Irrespective of all these health problems posed by the chewing gum chinafooding ingredients, these candies continue to be a favorite among people the world over. In fact one interesting chewing gum fact is that these candies are probably the oldest ones known to man. For example, the history of chewing gum and bubble gum includes evidence that ancient Greeks chewed on a gum made from a resin found in the bark of the mastic tree to get relief from stress. Similarly, even today people believe that chewing gum increases memory, reduces stress and even aids concentration.
Made of artificial latex or chicle, chewing gums with their colorful colors and flavoring are a favorite of people around the world. In fact there are more than 1,000 varieties of gum manufactured and sold in the United States. They are not only available in a variety of flavors like mint, cinnamon and fruit flavors, but are also available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. For example, my favorite gums were the gum balls shaped like small balls and coated with sugar and the bubblegum that you could blow bubbles with (the liking part does not extend to the bubblegum getting plastered on the face after bursting). In addition to this, there are the center filled gums, the cut and wrap gums, stick gums and the spaghetti gums. While the coloring and the flavoring may differ in some way, the basic food ingredients remain the same.
List of Chewing Gum Ingredients
Flavorings and Colorings: The flavor ingredients in chewing gums give them a long-lasting, high intensity and high quality flavor. The most popular flavors for chewing gums come from the mint plant. The most commonly used flavors in chewing gums are peppermint, fruit, spice essences, cinnamon, spearmint and menthol. These chewing gum flavors are synthetically created and perfected in the lab.
Gum Base: It is the gum base in a chewing gum which makes it all chewy. The International Chewing Gum Association defines it as “made of a combination of food-grade polymers, waxes and softeners that give it the texture desired by consumers and enable it to effectively deliver sweetness, flavor and various other benefits, including dental benefits”. This ingredient is therefore used for binding all the ingredients together for a smooth, soft texture. It is believed that the use of synthetic gum base materials can provide longer-lasting flavor, improved texture and reduced tackiness. Previously, the usual gum base used was the latex sap of the sapodilla tree known as the chicle. In addition to this, other natural gum bases used were sorva and jelutong. Beeswax or paraffin wax has also been known to be used as a gum base. In recent years the natural gum base slowly gave way to the synthetic rubber gum base or a mixture of the artificial and natural base.
Preservatives: To maintain the freshness of the chewing gums, certain food preservatives are used to retain the flavors and help it last long.
Softeners: To keep the chewing gum soft and flexible, glycerin and other vegetable oil products were used to retain the moisture.
Sweeteners: Sweeteners such as pure powdered cane sugar, beet juice, sugar and corn syrup are used in the production of sugar-sweetened chewing gums. Several types of high-intensity sweeteners along with some artificial sweeteners are used to deliver a long-lasting, but non-caloric taste to this form of candy. They include:
Sorbitol, Xylitol, Maltilol, Acesulfame K, Aspartame.
Health Effects of Chewing Gum
Increases Stomach Acid: Doctors have discouraged the consumption of chewing gums as the process of chewing gum over a long period of time believed to stimulate the stomach to produce acid to abnormal levels.
Dental health: One of the chewing gum benefits is that it freshens the mouth and throat and also fights tooth decay. Sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol and sorbitol has been shown to reduce cavities and plaque by stimulating the production of saliva which helps starve the microorganisms and the plaque acid in the mouth. In addition to this it is also believed that calcium lactate in the chewing gums can increase recalcification. Certain chewing gums also have the ability to whiten teeth and to prevent stains from forming. However, you need to be aware of a sugary gum which can degrade the enamel quality.
Carcinogens: One of the chewing gum health issues is related to the cancer inducing ingredients present in various types of gums. It is believed that most chewing gums are sweetened with aspartame. The effects of intake of aspartame over a long period of time has been closely linked with cancer, diabetes, neurological disorders and birth defects.
Other chewing gum health problems include chronic constipation, abdominal pain, gas, and mouth ulcers. Also certain flavorings like liquorice may cause high blood pressure.
Irrespective of all these health problems posed by the chewing gum chinafooding ingredients, these candies continue to be a favorite among people the world over. In fact one interesting chewing gum fact is that these candies are probably the oldest ones known to man. For example, the history of chewing gum and bubble gum includes evidence that ancient Greeks chewed on a gum made from a resin found in the bark of the mastic tree to get relief from stress. Similarly, even today people believe that chewing gum increases memory, reduces stress and even aids concentration.
Ingredients For Nail Polish
Nail polish has become an indispensable part of the fashion etiquette. Have you ever wondered about the ingredients of this cosmetic, which gives color and sheen to your nails. Coloring nails has been a beauty statement since the time of ancient Egyptians, who used henna to color their nails and hair.
But, the fore-runner of the present day nail polish was discovered in China, around 3000 BC. This colored lacquer was made of egg whites, Arabic gum, gelatin and beeswax. Later, they discovered that a mixture of alum, mashed rose, petals of impatiens and orchids can be applied to the nails to achieve a color ranging between pink to red. Even though the Chinese are credited with the discovery of the earlier version of nail polish, there are some researchers, who believe that this discovery belongs to the Japanese or the Italians.
Evolution of Nail Polish
The earlier versions of nail polish were soon replaced by more and more sophisticated ones, which became a part of beauty and fashion trends. It has been observed that the portraits made during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries displayed shiny nails. With the onset of the nineteenth century, scented red oils were used to polish the nails, which were buffed later with a chamois cloth. Even the recipe books of that period included methods to make such nail paints. The practice of ‘polishing’ the nails continued throughout the nineteenth century to the early twentieth century. Women used to massage colored powders and creams into their nails and polish them to give a shiny look.
The discovery of the modern-day nail polish was inspired by the creation of automobile paint during the 1920s. This polish, which was similar to car paint was invented by Michelle Menard during this period. The modern-day nail polish contains nitrocellulose, dissolved in a solvent. But, it should be the nail grade nitrocellulose and not the industrial one, which is cheaper than the former. Nitrocellulose is flammable and explosive, and is also used in the manufacturing of dynamites.
Nail Polish Ingredients
The modern-day nail polish comes in tiny bottles attached with a small brush to apply the lacquer. Once applied, this nail polish hardens to form a smooth and glossy coating on the nails. Usually, this coating can last for several days before chipping off. Though, the formula of preparation of nail polish varies with various manufacturers, the basic nail polish food ingredients are film forming agents, plasticizers, resins, coloring agents and solvents.
The most common nail polish ingredient is nitrocellulose dissolved in a solvent. Nitrocellulose is cellulose nitrate, which is a liquid, mixed with microscopic cotton fibers. These fibers are processed to even smaller particles during the manufacturing process. Nitrocellulose is available in different viscosity levels and are purchased as per the desired viscosity of the final product, which is also used for nail care. This nitrocellulose cannot stick to the nails and requires some adhesive polymers, like tosylamide-formaldehyde resin, for this purpose. Plasticizers, which are chemicals, form links between the polymer chains and ensures that the film is flexible. These resins and plasticizers protect the nail polish from dissolving in water and soap solution. Pigments and some sparkling particles are added to the solution to give the color and glossy appearance. Thickening agents ensure that the sparkling particles are well suspended in the solution. Ultraviolet stabilizers are nail polish ingredients, that prevent the color change of the nail polish, on getting exposed to sunlight.
In short, nail polish is a suspended product, which keeps the particles like coloring pigments and sparkling agents well suspended in a solvent, for a period of around two to three years. After this period, the particles will get settled, which can, to some extent be restored by shaking the bottle. This method will be of no use in case of a very old bottle of nail polish. Even though, the use of nail polish chinafooding ingredients are restricted and controlled by the FDA, it is claimed by environmentalists that, still some of the nail polish companies are using some dangerous chemicals in the manufacturing process. You can also check the nail polish ingredients before buying this cosmetic product. If it contains anything that is banned by the FDA, then it is safer to refrain from buying that product, which is very widely used for nail art.
But, the fore-runner of the present day nail polish was discovered in China, around 3000 BC. This colored lacquer was made of egg whites, Arabic gum, gelatin and beeswax. Later, they discovered that a mixture of alum, mashed rose, petals of impatiens and orchids can be applied to the nails to achieve a color ranging between pink to red. Even though the Chinese are credited with the discovery of the earlier version of nail polish, there are some researchers, who believe that this discovery belongs to the Japanese or the Italians.
Evolution of Nail Polish
The earlier versions of nail polish were soon replaced by more and more sophisticated ones, which became a part of beauty and fashion trends. It has been observed that the portraits made during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries displayed shiny nails. With the onset of the nineteenth century, scented red oils were used to polish the nails, which were buffed later with a chamois cloth. Even the recipe books of that period included methods to make such nail paints. The practice of ‘polishing’ the nails continued throughout the nineteenth century to the early twentieth century. Women used to massage colored powders and creams into their nails and polish them to give a shiny look.
The discovery of the modern-day nail polish was inspired by the creation of automobile paint during the 1920s. This polish, which was similar to car paint was invented by Michelle Menard during this period. The modern-day nail polish contains nitrocellulose, dissolved in a solvent. But, it should be the nail grade nitrocellulose and not the industrial one, which is cheaper than the former. Nitrocellulose is flammable and explosive, and is also used in the manufacturing of dynamites.
Nail Polish Ingredients
The modern-day nail polish comes in tiny bottles attached with a small brush to apply the lacquer. Once applied, this nail polish hardens to form a smooth and glossy coating on the nails. Usually, this coating can last for several days before chipping off. Though, the formula of preparation of nail polish varies with various manufacturers, the basic nail polish food ingredients are film forming agents, plasticizers, resins, coloring agents and solvents.
The most common nail polish ingredient is nitrocellulose dissolved in a solvent. Nitrocellulose is cellulose nitrate, which is a liquid, mixed with microscopic cotton fibers. These fibers are processed to even smaller particles during the manufacturing process. Nitrocellulose is available in different viscosity levels and are purchased as per the desired viscosity of the final product, which is also used for nail care. This nitrocellulose cannot stick to the nails and requires some adhesive polymers, like tosylamide-formaldehyde resin, for this purpose. Plasticizers, which are chemicals, form links between the polymer chains and ensures that the film is flexible. These resins and plasticizers protect the nail polish from dissolving in water and soap solution. Pigments and some sparkling particles are added to the solution to give the color and glossy appearance. Thickening agents ensure that the sparkling particles are well suspended in the solution. Ultraviolet stabilizers are nail polish ingredients, that prevent the color change of the nail polish, on getting exposed to sunlight.
In short, nail polish is a suspended product, which keeps the particles like coloring pigments and sparkling agents well suspended in a solvent, for a period of around two to three years. After this period, the particles will get settled, which can, to some extent be restored by shaking the bottle. This method will be of no use in case of a very old bottle of nail polish. Even though, the use of nail polish chinafooding ingredients are restricted and controlled by the FDA, it is claimed by environmentalists that, still some of the nail polish companies are using some dangerous chemicals in the manufacturing process. You can also check the nail polish ingredients before buying this cosmetic product. If it contains anything that is banned by the FDA, then it is safer to refrain from buying that product, which is very widely used for nail art.
Ingredients Of Handmade Soap
Most of us like to use handmade soap because of the presence of natural ingredients in it. The handmade soap ingredients are different from the processed soap. This handmade soap fact makes it popular. Handmade soap contains less amount of chemicals that can have an adverse effect on the skin. Hence, these soaps are high in natural ingredients which help in keeping the skin healthy and young.
Ingredients to make Soap
The main handmade soap ingredients are lye and water. Other than these main components, different additives are also required. Additives for adding fragrance is required. Also, for making the soap of a particular color, one can make use of coloring dye. Other than that, different oils are also required for making handmade soap. Avocado oil is used as it is rich in vitamin A, D and E and it also serves as a good moisturizer. Another oil which can be used is olive oil as it has hypoallergenic properties and is also a powerful antioxidant. Glycerin also forms an important part of soaps as it helps in making the skin smooth and soft.
Crafting Your very own Soap
The handmade soap making process is very easy. Take a look at how to make soap. In a container, add water and then carefully add lye to it. After adding lye, mix it well with water. The water and lye should be in a ratio of 1:3. After you add lye to the water, lots of heat and fume are emitted. Hence, take care of your safety. You can mix lye in water in an open place so that the fumes will not affect you much and the fumes will pass away easily in the open environment. Next, allow the mixture of lye and water to cool down. Let it cool properly for 3 to 4 hours. In a steel container, pour all the oils and let them mix thoroughly. Place this container on flame and allow all the oils to melt properly if they are in semi solid form. Boiling the oils will also help in mixing them properly. While boiling the temperature of the oils should reach around 130 degrees Fahrenheit. You can make use of a thermometer for measuring the temperature. Next, slowly and gently add the mixture of lye to the mixture of oils. While you are adding the mixture, also make sure to stir it with a spoon and a stick blender. After a few minutes, you will observed a change in the texture of the mixture. The mixture will appear to be opaque and more thick. This is nothing but soap in liquid form. Next for fragrance, you can add the required additive. After adding the additive, again stir the mixture. If you want the soap to be of a specific color, then you can add coloring dye to it. For the color of the soap to be even again stir after adding the coloring dye. After this you can place it in a mold and give the soap the desired shape.
How to Mold Soap
When the mixture is hot, pour it in the plastic molds and then allow it to cool. Allow the mixture to be in the soap molds for at least 24 hours. When the temperature of the soap has reduced to room temperature, you will observe that the mixture has condensed. But, you may observe that in spite of the mixture being condensed, it will be warm to touch. Next, remove the soap from the soap mold. If, you are not able to remove the soap from the soap mold, then place them in the freezer and remove them after a period of two to three hours. On the back side of the mold, use a blow dryer. This will dislodge the soap in a few seconds and the soap will come out. With this you are ready with the natural handmade soap.
Handmade soap ingredients consists of all natural elements which does not have an adverse effect on the skin. Hence, I think one should opt for handmade soaps rather than the processed ones.
Ingredients to make Soap
The main handmade soap ingredients are lye and water. Other than these main components, different additives are also required. Additives for adding fragrance is required. Also, for making the soap of a particular color, one can make use of coloring dye. Other than that, different oils are also required for making handmade soap. Avocado oil is used as it is rich in vitamin A, D and E and it also serves as a good moisturizer. Another oil which can be used is olive oil as it has hypoallergenic properties and is also a powerful antioxidant. Glycerin also forms an important part of soaps as it helps in making the skin smooth and soft.
Crafting Your very own Soap
The handmade soap making process is very easy. Take a look at how to make soap. In a container, add water and then carefully add lye to it. After adding lye, mix it well with water. The water and lye should be in a ratio of 1:3. After you add lye to the water, lots of heat and fume are emitted. Hence, take care of your safety. You can mix lye in water in an open place so that the fumes will not affect you much and the fumes will pass away easily in the open environment. Next, allow the mixture of lye and water to cool down. Let it cool properly for 3 to 4 hours. In a steel container, pour all the oils and let them mix thoroughly. Place this container on flame and allow all the oils to melt properly if they are in semi solid form. Boiling the oils will also help in mixing them properly. While boiling the temperature of the oils should reach around 130 degrees Fahrenheit. You can make use of a thermometer for measuring the temperature. Next, slowly and gently add the mixture of lye to the mixture of oils. While you are adding the mixture, also make sure to stir it with a spoon and a stick blender. After a few minutes, you will observed a change in the texture of the mixture. The mixture will appear to be opaque and more thick. This is nothing but soap in liquid form. Next for fragrance, you can add the required additive. After adding the additive, again stir the mixture. If you want the soap to be of a specific color, then you can add coloring dye to it. For the color of the soap to be even again stir after adding the coloring dye. After this you can place it in a mold and give the soap the desired shape.
How to Mold Soap
When the mixture is hot, pour it in the plastic molds and then allow it to cool. Allow the mixture to be in the soap molds for at least 24 hours. When the temperature of the soap has reduced to room temperature, you will observe that the mixture has condensed. But, you may observe that in spite of the mixture being condensed, it will be warm to touch. Next, remove the soap from the soap mold. If, you are not able to remove the soap from the soap mold, then place them in the freezer and remove them after a period of two to three hours. On the back side of the mold, use a blow dryer. This will dislodge the soap in a few seconds and the soap will come out. With this you are ready with the natural handmade soap.
Handmade soap ingredients consists of all natural elements which does not have an adverse effect on the skin. Hence, I think one should opt for handmade soaps rather than the processed ones.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
What's Hard Water Soap
Hard water contains many minerals that affect the cleaning process and also forms soap scum. A soap is one of the commonest used household material. It is believed that a soap with a good lather is better than a soap with relatively less lather. Natural soaps are nowadays a part of our daily life. The quality of soap not only depends on the chemicals that are used in it, but also on the type of water that is being used with it. Water as such has no classification, however, generally it is divided into two categories, hard water and soft water.
What Is Hard And Soft Water?
Hard water is usually defined as the water that doesn't form lather with a soap. It contains a lot of minerals that makes it unfit and harmful to some extent for various purposes. It contains high amounts of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and also certain amounts of Iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn). It also contains dissolved compounds of sulfates and carbonates. Hardness in water is of two types, temporary hardness and permanent hardness. Temporary hardness can be removed by simple process like boiling, but permanent hardness can't be easily removed. Soft water on the other hand is free of the minerals and contains cations of sodium and some anions. Soft water is considered to form lather with soap, however, since it is devoid of many ions and minerals it usually tastes salty.
Basic Chemistry of Soaps
Water has the unique property of surface tension that you can easily observe by dripping a drop of water on a table or a glass or even on your hands. It is due to the property of surface tension that water droplets are spherical in shape. A drop of water will always try to be in a spherical shape and it won't spread on the table, unless disturbed by an external source. In the process of cleaning, it is necessary that the surface tension is reduced and water molecules are spread throughout the surface that is to be cleaned. Soaps and surfactants are the chemical substances that have certain foodchem ingredients that play important role in cleaning, loosening and dispersing in water. This also helps in holding the soil in suspension until the dust and dirt is rinsed away. Soaps are basically water-soluble, sodium or potassium salts of fatty acids. Generally, soaps are made from fats and oils by treating them with a strong alkali. Saponification is a process that is used to manufacture soaps. Soaps act as an excellent cleanser that emulsifies the fat and insoluble particles.
Effects Of Hard Water: Soap Scum
Soap scum is a natural consequence of the interaction of the calcium and mineral ions in hard water and the soap chemicals. This leads to the formation of an insoluble compound that precipitates to form a scum, that we generally refer to as soap scum. The scum generally occurs due to the chemicals in the water contrary to the belief that the soap chemicals are responsible for its occurrence.
There is a lot of research being carried out by soap manufacturing companies in order to reduce problems of soap scum and poor lather in hard water. Companies are experimenting with natural food additives like coconut oil, so that effective soaps can be developed that can form good lather even with hard water.
What Is Hard And Soft Water?
Hard water is usually defined as the water that doesn't form lather with a soap. It contains a lot of minerals that makes it unfit and harmful to some extent for various purposes. It contains high amounts of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and also certain amounts of Iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn). It also contains dissolved compounds of sulfates and carbonates. Hardness in water is of two types, temporary hardness and permanent hardness. Temporary hardness can be removed by simple process like boiling, but permanent hardness can't be easily removed. Soft water on the other hand is free of the minerals and contains cations of sodium and some anions. Soft water is considered to form lather with soap, however, since it is devoid of many ions and minerals it usually tastes salty.
Basic Chemistry of Soaps
Water has the unique property of surface tension that you can easily observe by dripping a drop of water on a table or a glass or even on your hands. It is due to the property of surface tension that water droplets are spherical in shape. A drop of water will always try to be in a spherical shape and it won't spread on the table, unless disturbed by an external source. In the process of cleaning, it is necessary that the surface tension is reduced and water molecules are spread throughout the surface that is to be cleaned. Soaps and surfactants are the chemical substances that have certain foodchem ingredients that play important role in cleaning, loosening and dispersing in water. This also helps in holding the soil in suspension until the dust and dirt is rinsed away. Soaps are basically water-soluble, sodium or potassium salts of fatty acids. Generally, soaps are made from fats and oils by treating them with a strong alkali. Saponification is a process that is used to manufacture soaps. Soaps act as an excellent cleanser that emulsifies the fat and insoluble particles.
Effects Of Hard Water: Soap Scum
Soap scum is a natural consequence of the interaction of the calcium and mineral ions in hard water and the soap chemicals. This leads to the formation of an insoluble compound that precipitates to form a scum, that we generally refer to as soap scum. The scum generally occurs due to the chemicals in the water contrary to the belief that the soap chemicals are responsible for its occurrence.
There is a lot of research being carried out by soap manufacturing companies in order to reduce problems of soap scum and poor lather in hard water. Companies are experimenting with natural food additives like coconut oil, so that effective soaps can be developed that can form good lather even with hard water.
Recipe Of Henna Hair Dye
A henna hair dye recipe is easy to make and its ingredients are readily available. Being a purely natural product, you can use henna hair dye any time to improve your hair color and texture.
Henna hair dye is a natural product, prepared from the flowering plant Lawsonia Inermis. The leaves of this plant is used for hair coloring and body art. The plant contains an active ingredient called lawsone that gives color to the skin and hair. Basically, the natural henna hair dye colors are light red and burgundy. Nevertheless, food additives can be mixed with henna powder to give different shades of color to the hair.
Since henna hair dye is a herbal formulation, it is almost free from the side effects that can be a result of harmful hair coloring products sold in the market. Most people use henna hair dye for gray hair covering, while some apply it for reducing hair fall, promoting hair growth and adding volume to the hair. Based on your purpose of applying, henna hair dye recipe can be easy to complex.
Henna Hair Dye
Similar to other natural hair dye recipes, henna hair dye is easy to prepare at home. You can make it just by mixing henna powder with water. However, complex henna recipes using acidic ingredients and additives also exists. Acid quickens the release of lawsone dye and is preferable for giving red color to the hair. You can also add coffee, tea leaves and essential oils to mask the henna smell, as well as to smoothen the hair texture. The ingredients and steps for brewing henna are as follows.
Supplies Required
Henna powder (preferably body art quality), Citrus juices (lemon or grapefruit juice), Plastic stain free container, Plastic spoon, Zipper bag or plastic wrap.
Procedure
a. Depending upon your hair length and volume, take about 150-500 grams of henna powder in a plastic container.
b. Add 2-3 teaspoons of citrus juices or vinegar to the henna powder and stir the mixture well.
c. If you're using coffee, tea leaves and essential oils, add them in sufficient amounts in the mixing bowl.
d. Stir the mixture and check its consistency. If it is very thick, gently add water and continue stirring.
e. Stop adding water when the consistency of the dye resembles that of yogurt.
f. Cover the mixture with a plastic wrap or a zipper bag and leave it overnight or for about 6 hours.
You can check whether the henna hair dye is ready or not by dipping a white paper. If the paper is stained orange, then it is done and you can apply it.
In case, you do not want to go through the steps for preparation of henna hair dye, you can opt for pre-mixed colors of henna that are available in the market. There is a high chance that these products contain additional chemicals and metallic salts, hence, make sure you purchase it from a reliable brand.
Henna Dyeing Instructions
The same henna hair dye recipe gives different colors for varied hair types. So, do not proceed with applying henna hair dye, just because you like the hair shade of your friend who has recently applied henna. The best way is to check the color by conducting a strand test. You can use shed hair from the hair brush for this test. Prepare the dye in a small bowl as per your choice and add the shed hair. Soak for about 3-6 hours or as much time as you want to keep the henna mix on your hair. Wash and rinse the hair with cold water and wait for a few days to check the color. If you like the hair shade, only then apply the henna dye.
For applying henna hair dye, shampoo and towel dry your hair. To prevent staining your hands and clothes, you can wear gloves and old shirts. For easy application, you can comb and part the hair into sections. Using a squeeze bottle, start applying henna dye from the nape of the neck and cover the root of the hair till the end. Continue applying upwards till all the hair strands are covered with henna paste. Once you are done with henna application, wrap your head with a clean plastic bag to avoid dripping. Clean the drops of henna from the forehead, ears and neck (if any). Leave the henna hair dye for at least 2 hours and rinse with cold water.
This was in brief about henna dye recipe and instructions for its application. As the color of henna hair dye changes after foodchem oxidation, the actual hair shade is observed after a few days of dyeing. This henna hair dyeing is temporary and the color may retain for about two months. However, repeated henna hair dyeing helps in permanent coloring of the hair strands.
Henna hair dye is a natural product, prepared from the flowering plant Lawsonia Inermis. The leaves of this plant is used for hair coloring and body art. The plant contains an active ingredient called lawsone that gives color to the skin and hair. Basically, the natural henna hair dye colors are light red and burgundy. Nevertheless, food additives can be mixed with henna powder to give different shades of color to the hair.
Since henna hair dye is a herbal formulation, it is almost free from the side effects that can be a result of harmful hair coloring products sold in the market. Most people use henna hair dye for gray hair covering, while some apply it for reducing hair fall, promoting hair growth and adding volume to the hair. Based on your purpose of applying, henna hair dye recipe can be easy to complex.
Henna Hair Dye
Similar to other natural hair dye recipes, henna hair dye is easy to prepare at home. You can make it just by mixing henna powder with water. However, complex henna recipes using acidic ingredients and additives also exists. Acid quickens the release of lawsone dye and is preferable for giving red color to the hair. You can also add coffee, tea leaves and essential oils to mask the henna smell, as well as to smoothen the hair texture. The ingredients and steps for brewing henna are as follows.
Supplies Required
Henna powder (preferably body art quality), Citrus juices (lemon or grapefruit juice), Plastic stain free container, Plastic spoon, Zipper bag or plastic wrap.
Procedure
a. Depending upon your hair length and volume, take about 150-500 grams of henna powder in a plastic container.
b. Add 2-3 teaspoons of citrus juices or vinegar to the henna powder and stir the mixture well.
c. If you're using coffee, tea leaves and essential oils, add them in sufficient amounts in the mixing bowl.
d. Stir the mixture and check its consistency. If it is very thick, gently add water and continue stirring.
e. Stop adding water when the consistency of the dye resembles that of yogurt.
f. Cover the mixture with a plastic wrap or a zipper bag and leave it overnight or for about 6 hours.
You can check whether the henna hair dye is ready or not by dipping a white paper. If the paper is stained orange, then it is done and you can apply it.
In case, you do not want to go through the steps for preparation of henna hair dye, you can opt for pre-mixed colors of henna that are available in the market. There is a high chance that these products contain additional chemicals and metallic salts, hence, make sure you purchase it from a reliable brand.
Henna Dyeing Instructions
The same henna hair dye recipe gives different colors for varied hair types. So, do not proceed with applying henna hair dye, just because you like the hair shade of your friend who has recently applied henna. The best way is to check the color by conducting a strand test. You can use shed hair from the hair brush for this test. Prepare the dye in a small bowl as per your choice and add the shed hair. Soak for about 3-6 hours or as much time as you want to keep the henna mix on your hair. Wash and rinse the hair with cold water and wait for a few days to check the color. If you like the hair shade, only then apply the henna dye.
For applying henna hair dye, shampoo and towel dry your hair. To prevent staining your hands and clothes, you can wear gloves and old shirts. For easy application, you can comb and part the hair into sections. Using a squeeze bottle, start applying henna dye from the nape of the neck and cover the root of the hair till the end. Continue applying upwards till all the hair strands are covered with henna paste. Once you are done with henna application, wrap your head with a clean plastic bag to avoid dripping. Clean the drops of henna from the forehead, ears and neck (if any). Leave the henna hair dye for at least 2 hours and rinse with cold water.
This was in brief about henna dye recipe and instructions for its application. As the color of henna hair dye changes after foodchem oxidation, the actual hair shade is observed after a few days of dyeing. This henna hair dyeing is temporary and the color may retain for about two months. However, repeated henna hair dyeing helps in permanent coloring of the hair strands.
Active Ingredient in Bleach
Hydrogen peroxide is the most famous bleaching agent, however it is not the only one in the business. Sunlight is a natural bleaching agent. Chlorine, was the first man-made agent which was discovered by Karl Wilhelm Scheele in 1774. However, the world had to wait till 1785 when Claude-Louis Bertholle demonstrated its properties. Here we have elaborated on its most active ingredients and its properties. We cannot elaborate on any main active ingredients in bleach as such, as it contains a combination of various chemical compounds that makes it effective on the whole.
Active ingredients in Bleach
A bleach is a chemical substance used to remove colors or stains etc. During the process of whitening, bleaching chemicals attack chromophores containing molecules of colored substances such as stains, natural fibers etc. The double bonding, which are the areas of molecules termed as chromophores, between carbon and oxygen atoms of colored substances, are responsible for the absorption and reflection of the natural light.
Natural light is made of many colors ranging from the spectrum of red to violet. Each color is nothing but light of a certain wavelength. When these bonds are intact they selectively absorb certain wavelengths i.e. colors and reflect the rest of it. It is these reflected light waves that enter our eyes. A cloth appears red, because it has not absorbed that part of natural light which has a wavelength equivalent to what we know as the color red, but rather, it has reflected it. The same thing happens when light is reflected off the stains or natural fibers. The reflected light enters our eyes, thus making us assume that grease stains are dark-colored and blood stains are red in color.
Based on the chemical methods employed in bleaching a substance, the chemicals i.e. agents can be classified as:
Oxidizing Bleaching Agents: Household solutions are either chlorine solutions or oxygen solutions.
Chlorine solutions contain 3-6% solution of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Hypochlorite ion i.e. OCl- is the active ingredient. Sodium hypochlorite oxidizes and breaks double bonds between the carbon and oxygen atoms of colored substances, which results in its losing its ability to absorb natural light and thus, appear colorless. Sodium hypochorite either eliminates the chromophores or breaks and shortens the oxygen-carbon bond so that it starts absorbing invisible light such as ultraviolet light.
Oxygen solutions contains hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or hydrogen peroxide releasing compounds, for example, sodium perborate, sodium percarbonate or sodium persulfate, etc. Hydrogen peroxide is itself an active ingredient but Perhydroxyl anion, OOH- acts as the main active agent in a bleaching solution. Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used in hair bleaching.
Both chlorine and oxygen bleach solutions are used in the laundry business for stain removal and also to bleach cloth. This is done for decolorizing them before they are dyed.
Reducing bleaching agent: Chemicals such as sulfites, bisulfites, dithionites are used as bleaching agents. These chemicals acts as reducing agents in bleaching of pulp and textile.
HOS3- ions are active food ingredients of bisulfites.
SO32- ion is an active ingredient solution containing sulfites.
The dithionite ion, S2O42- is an active ingredient in dithionite agents.
Although, bleaching ingredients are well-known for removing stains and color, they are also used in many applications from bleaching teeth to preserving food. Teeth bleaching products such as toothpastes, gels and strips contain dental bleaches that release hydrogen peroxide, which is responsible for removing the tooth stains. An active agent such as, hydroquinone is used in products in the form of skin lighteners and freckle removers. It is also used in products that are used to treat hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone is an active chinafooding ingredient which prevents the formation of melanin. Dried fruits are preserved using ingredients like sulfur dioxide. Bleaching agents are not only used to remove stains but they are also used as antimicrobials agents too.
Active ingredients in Bleach
A bleach is a chemical substance used to remove colors or stains etc. During the process of whitening, bleaching chemicals attack chromophores containing molecules of colored substances such as stains, natural fibers etc. The double bonding, which are the areas of molecules termed as chromophores, between carbon and oxygen atoms of colored substances, are responsible for the absorption and reflection of the natural light.
Natural light is made of many colors ranging from the spectrum of red to violet. Each color is nothing but light of a certain wavelength. When these bonds are intact they selectively absorb certain wavelengths i.e. colors and reflect the rest of it. It is these reflected light waves that enter our eyes. A cloth appears red, because it has not absorbed that part of natural light which has a wavelength equivalent to what we know as the color red, but rather, it has reflected it. The same thing happens when light is reflected off the stains or natural fibers. The reflected light enters our eyes, thus making us assume that grease stains are dark-colored and blood stains are red in color.
Based on the chemical methods employed in bleaching a substance, the chemicals i.e. agents can be classified as:
Oxidizing Bleaching Agents: Household solutions are either chlorine solutions or oxygen solutions.
Chlorine solutions contain 3-6% solution of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Hypochlorite ion i.e. OCl- is the active ingredient. Sodium hypochlorite oxidizes and breaks double bonds between the carbon and oxygen atoms of colored substances, which results in its losing its ability to absorb natural light and thus, appear colorless. Sodium hypochorite either eliminates the chromophores or breaks and shortens the oxygen-carbon bond so that it starts absorbing invisible light such as ultraviolet light.
Oxygen solutions contains hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or hydrogen peroxide releasing compounds, for example, sodium perborate, sodium percarbonate or sodium persulfate, etc. Hydrogen peroxide is itself an active ingredient but Perhydroxyl anion, OOH- acts as the main active agent in a bleaching solution. Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used in hair bleaching.
Both chlorine and oxygen bleach solutions are used in the laundry business for stain removal and also to bleach cloth. This is done for decolorizing them before they are dyed.
Reducing bleaching agent: Chemicals such as sulfites, bisulfites, dithionites are used as bleaching agents. These chemicals acts as reducing agents in bleaching of pulp and textile.
HOS3- ions are active food ingredients of bisulfites.
SO32- ion is an active ingredient solution containing sulfites.
The dithionite ion, S2O42- is an active ingredient in dithionite agents.
Although, bleaching ingredients are well-known for removing stains and color, they are also used in many applications from bleaching teeth to preserving food. Teeth bleaching products such as toothpastes, gels and strips contain dental bleaches that release hydrogen peroxide, which is responsible for removing the tooth stains. An active agent such as, hydroquinone is used in products in the form of skin lighteners and freckle removers. It is also used in products that are used to treat hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone is an active chinafooding ingredient which prevents the formation of melanin. Dried fruits are preserved using ingredients like sulfur dioxide. Bleaching agents are not only used to remove stains but they are also used as antimicrobials agents too.
Ingredients Of Castile Soap
This wonderful soap originated in Castile, Spain is olive oil. Contrary to the popular belief, castile soap is one of the many different types of soaps and is not the name of a brand. Its main ingredients are olive oil and vegetable fat. Animal fat is not used while making castile soap. This simple soap with its roots in Castile, Spain was once popularly known as 'Queen of Soaps' and was exported in a large amount throughout Europe. This amazing soap was famous because it was made from 100 percent olive oil which made it mild and gentle. It acted as a skin moisturizer. The following paragraphs give details of its ingredients.
Before we start off with the castile soap ingredients, let us take a peek at how this soap was made in the earlier days. Traditionally, castile soap was made from 100 percent olive oil. The other ingredients were barilla and brine. Barilla is a form of sodium bicarbonate which was obtained from the ashes of the burnt plants. Brine is seawater or water with high saline content. Barilla and olive oil were brought to a boil and brine was added to it later. This mixture was allowed to settle down and the soap would then float on the top. This soap was skimmed off the mixture and allowed to cool and harden. Voila! Perfect white odorless soap was now ready which would go on hardening as much as it aged. The other unique thing was that the soap would never lose its white color. Thus, we can see that in the olden days only three ingredients were combined into an awe-inspiring soap. Let us look into the ingredients in detail.
Lye Crystals
Lye crystals are nothing but caustic soda. It is an important ingredient as it leads to saponification, the process which converts the fats, used in soap making, into the soap. Hence, it is an integral ingredient for making castile soap.
Olive Oil
Olive oil was used since Cleopatra days by women in Rome, Egypt and Greece. Olive oil is known for promoting smooth complexion. Skin radiates with a perfect glow with daily use of olive oil. Also, olive oil provides elasticity to the skin and keeps the skin moisturized for a long period of time. These must be the reasons why olive oil was used by the Spaniards when they first made castile soap. These olive oil benefits are known and appreciated today also, hence olive oil has become the best of the ingredients.
Water
There is not much to say when it comes to water as one of the ingredients. Water is needed to dissolve the lye crystals before mixing them in the olive oil for further processes.
Thus, these are the different food ingredients in castile soap. However, coconut oil, jojoba oil and palm oil are the alternative ingredients used by various castile soap manufacturers. Also, castile soap now comes in various fragrances.
The good new is that it is fairly easy to make castile soap at home. The ingredients are easily available in any grocery store. It will be a fun activity to make your own soap at home. The following is a simple handmade soap recipe to make castile soap at home.
Ingredients
Two cups of 100 percent olive oil, Two cups of cold water, 1 cup lye crystals, 10 drops of essential oil of your choice (optional), Procedure.
Dissolve the lye in the water completely. While handing the lye, you will need to be extremely careful because lye can burn your skin if there is a direct contact. Heat the olive oil in a pan till it reaches 75oF. Remove the pan from the heat. Slowly pour the lye and water mixture into the olive oil stirring it continuously till the mixture becomes thick in consistency. If you want to give your soap some fragrance, add 10 drops of the chosen scent. You can use essential oils like lavender oil, orange oil or any other oil that pleases you. Thoroughly mix the essential oil into the above mixture. The next thing to do is to pour this mixture into molds of desired shapes. It is better to pour it in a huge rectangular mold and then cut the soap in desired shape after it hardens. These molds need to be kept warm; hence cover them up with a few blankets or a thick cloth. Remember these molds have to be left undisturbed for at least 48 hours for effective chemical reaction. The soap will now be firm. You can proceed to cut it in desired shapes and sizes. Allow them to age for about two more weeks by covering them in the same blankets. Do not use the soap before letting it age. Uncover them after patient two weeks and use them or wrap them up and distribute them as gifts! Homemade soap-making was never so much fun, right?
Castile soap has many uses. It can be used as a hand soap, a bathing soap and also as a shampoo. It has been observed that the skin and hair becomes very soft with constant use of natural castile soap. Apart from this, liquid castile soap can also be used as a dish-washing detergent and, in a diluted form, can be used for general cleaning.
Regular users swear by the castile soap. They have immense faith in this soap because it is purely natural. This also makes it environment friendly. There is no harm in switching to this wonderful castile soap as the castile soap chinafooding ingredients are used in natural form. Even better, make it at home with the help of homemade soap ingredients! Experience the changes that your skin goes through by using this terrific castile soap.
Before we start off with the castile soap ingredients, let us take a peek at how this soap was made in the earlier days. Traditionally, castile soap was made from 100 percent olive oil. The other ingredients were barilla and brine. Barilla is a form of sodium bicarbonate which was obtained from the ashes of the burnt plants. Brine is seawater or water with high saline content. Barilla and olive oil were brought to a boil and brine was added to it later. This mixture was allowed to settle down and the soap would then float on the top. This soap was skimmed off the mixture and allowed to cool and harden. Voila! Perfect white odorless soap was now ready which would go on hardening as much as it aged. The other unique thing was that the soap would never lose its white color. Thus, we can see that in the olden days only three ingredients were combined into an awe-inspiring soap. Let us look into the ingredients in detail.
Lye Crystals
Lye crystals are nothing but caustic soda. It is an important ingredient as it leads to saponification, the process which converts the fats, used in soap making, into the soap. Hence, it is an integral ingredient for making castile soap.
Olive Oil
Olive oil was used since Cleopatra days by women in Rome, Egypt and Greece. Olive oil is known for promoting smooth complexion. Skin radiates with a perfect glow with daily use of olive oil. Also, olive oil provides elasticity to the skin and keeps the skin moisturized for a long period of time. These must be the reasons why olive oil was used by the Spaniards when they first made castile soap. These olive oil benefits are known and appreciated today also, hence olive oil has become the best of the ingredients.
Water
There is not much to say when it comes to water as one of the ingredients. Water is needed to dissolve the lye crystals before mixing them in the olive oil for further processes.
Thus, these are the different food ingredients in castile soap. However, coconut oil, jojoba oil and palm oil are the alternative ingredients used by various castile soap manufacturers. Also, castile soap now comes in various fragrances.
The good new is that it is fairly easy to make castile soap at home. The ingredients are easily available in any grocery store. It will be a fun activity to make your own soap at home. The following is a simple handmade soap recipe to make castile soap at home.
Ingredients
Two cups of 100 percent olive oil, Two cups of cold water, 1 cup lye crystals, 10 drops of essential oil of your choice (optional), Procedure.
Dissolve the lye in the water completely. While handing the lye, you will need to be extremely careful because lye can burn your skin if there is a direct contact. Heat the olive oil in a pan till it reaches 75oF. Remove the pan from the heat. Slowly pour the lye and water mixture into the olive oil stirring it continuously till the mixture becomes thick in consistency. If you want to give your soap some fragrance, add 10 drops of the chosen scent. You can use essential oils like lavender oil, orange oil or any other oil that pleases you. Thoroughly mix the essential oil into the above mixture. The next thing to do is to pour this mixture into molds of desired shapes. It is better to pour it in a huge rectangular mold and then cut the soap in desired shape after it hardens. These molds need to be kept warm; hence cover them up with a few blankets or a thick cloth. Remember these molds have to be left undisturbed for at least 48 hours for effective chemical reaction. The soap will now be firm. You can proceed to cut it in desired shapes and sizes. Allow them to age for about two more weeks by covering them in the same blankets. Do not use the soap before letting it age. Uncover them after patient two weeks and use them or wrap them up and distribute them as gifts! Homemade soap-making was never so much fun, right?
Castile soap has many uses. It can be used as a hand soap, a bathing soap and also as a shampoo. It has been observed that the skin and hair becomes very soft with constant use of natural castile soap. Apart from this, liquid castile soap can also be used as a dish-washing detergent and, in a diluted form, can be used for general cleaning.
Regular users swear by the castile soap. They have immense faith in this soap because it is purely natural. This also makes it environment friendly. There is no harm in switching to this wonderful castile soap as the castile soap chinafooding ingredients are used in natural form. Even better, make it at home with the help of homemade soap ingredients! Experience the changes that your skin goes through by using this terrific castile soap.
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