What’s Junk Food

Junk food is food having a little vitamins and minerals, which makes it insalubrious. Get a list why you need to make better choices to modify your eating habits.
Junk food is known as a slang word for fast food. Any food that contains very less vitamins and minerals is called a ‘junk food’, which ultimately makes it an unhealthy food. Basically, any food item containing higher levels of sugar, salt and or fats ; is considered as junk food. It contains very little numbers of enzymes, vitamins and minerals, which are necessary for a healthy body. Kinda, the food is abominated with calories, that cause many health related issues. All these products make this food an unhealthy food option, which also can give you several womb to tomb diseases like corpulency, diabetes and heart diseases.
Fast food or junk food is mostly popular between the kids and teens, who do n’t realize their inevitable side effects. People find it really hard to stop their kids from consuming fast foods. Also there are some who are not awake to the junk food and their potential side effects. Before getting on with the list of junk food, let me introduce you with several norms used to recognize this rather food. Let’s understand better some junk food facts.
Junk Food Facts
Kids are all the prey of the junk food industry. The food is made attractive utilization of various unhealthy food additives, artificial colorings and artificial flavorings. These additives enhance the color, flavor, taste and texture of the food. Before eating such foods, make certain you are well mindful of the nutritional facts of any fast food that you consume. It is easy to know these facts from the food label. Any food item containing more 35 % calories from fat as well as sugar, more 10 % calories from saturated fats, more 200mg salt per serving and more than 200 calories per serving ; is a JUNK FOOD! These numbers play a vital role in making people obese and one should stay away from the junk food.
As I said earlier, foods containing higher amounts of sugar, salt and fats must strictly be examined before eating. Foods which are made using sugar (in any of its forms), flour and white breads are ranked higher in the junk food list. Most of the fast food items are made using fats from the hydrogenated oils and excessive amounts of salt. As a result, these foods play a major role to maximise the levels of bad cholesterol and empty calories in the body. This does n’t mean that ‘all’ fats are bad. There are several healthy fats which are important for a healthy human body, for example, omega-3 fatty acids! Hence, it is very important why you ought to distinguish between unhealthy and healthy junk food.
American Junk Food
There is a huge ado about the American fast food joints, which have remarkably spread their branches approximately the globe. As a result, it becomes obvious to produce a special list of the American junk food. Well, here’s a list of junk food, which are high in trans fats and calories, which make them unhealthy if consumed regularly.
Arby’s Turnover
Arby’s Cinnamon Twist
A&W Burger
A&W Cheeseburger
Boston Cake
Burger King Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit
Dairy
Domino’s Garlic Dipping Sauce
Jack in the Box
KFC
McDonald’s
White Castle.
Does this mean that the foods which are not in the list of junk food are healthy and safe for us? Well, no.. As a part of a proper diet, one must always be to keep from these things and purposefully make some healthy choices. What are these healthy choices? Well, at first, make of the misconception that there’s no such thing as a ‘healthy fast food’! There are a few ‘junk’ food items, which are healthy and tasty!
Sizable Junk Food
Items in the following list of junk food agree with the CA SB 19 Act 2001 which is about the Pupil Nutrition, Health, and Achievement.–Junk Food List
There are some healthy junk food, but one can not and should not depend entirely upon them. For a healthier mind and body, you must always depend upon a balanced diet. A balanced diet including a low fat diet, with reduced levels of unhealthy fats and moderate numbers of salt, is a better choice for those mentioned in the list above.
To fill up all the required nutrition, you must consume a good many iron rich foods and calcium rich foods. Having a high fiber diet is also very important. Along with it, have most of the many fruits and raw vegetables, for they are set with all the essential vitamins and minerals. Try and drink as often water as possible, rather than the unhealthy carbonated drinks. Remember, the more you be up to the natural foods, the healthier that you are.
Making healthy fast food choices is the way to get of staying fit and off the ill effects of the fast food. Have a happy eating!
RELATED ARTICLE: What’s Junk Food

Something About Organic Almond Butter

Organic rice butter conflates each one of the taste of almond butter with the various organic health benefits. There are benefits of normal almond butter, but buying 100 % organic almond butter is also. Many already the level of the benefits of organic farming and organic foods. In organic products there are no preservatives or other chemical additives added. It is constructed of using organically grown almonds, which are grown minus the use of any chemical pesticides. Also, in organic farming the livestock is not given any antibiotics, and are bred with good care. So, bringing together two tasty and organically grown foods, which are almond and butter, organic almond butter is made with no foodchem substance additives.
Introduction & Calories
Studies show that eating almonds regularly can lower the peril of diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and other chronic disorders. It is rich in B vitamin and proteins. It also consists omega fats and minerals like iron, zinc, Mg and potassium. Compared to eggs, it contains? more proteins, and provides more calcium than other nuts. It provides a good quantity antioxidants. Antioxidants greatly help in boiling down the damage done by free radicals elsewhere in the body. Thus, antioxidants help in fighting aging and cancer.
On most kinds of packaged organic almond butter, you will find the nutrition facts and the calorie information. The degree of calories in a tablespoon which is approximately around 14 grams, is 90 k cal. Here, are some of the nutrients which are present therein organic food, and the benefits of the same.xEOL.xBL.Com pared to peanut butter, almond butter is considered a healthier option. Peanut butter is also a good source of protein, but it contains hydrogenated oils and sugar. Then again almond butter is free of these food additives. So, whenever comparing almond butter vs. peanut butter, almond butter always come alive as the healthier option, and a delicious one too.
Purchasing the best Cartesian product
Making almond butter at home is also possible, and may be easier job compared to making peanut butter. All you first need are some organically grown almonds, some butter, and a food processor. Even so, when buying the jars from the aisle of organic foodstuffs in a supermarket, it is necessary that you check the labels properly. Firstly, always go for a well known brand. If the products of that brands are available online, then it is possible. Check if the makers, purchased 100 % organically certified raw materials. The USDA (American Department of Agriculture) has set a special certification for all organically grown foodstuffs, the label says ‘USDA organic’ and it is in green and white color. Make sure you check that the organic products you are buying are certified, accomplish the true organic products.
To get a good consistency of this butter and preserve the almonds in their raw form, the almond butter is freshly ground a few times. This also helps to maintain a frigidity. Due to this procedure the taste of a typical butter and supplements are better retained. Also, this action helps to maintain the inherent enzymes. Then finally the it is refrigerated now, to showcase its gustatory perception.
Like organic almond butter, how can i go for without chemicals and naturally grown other foodstuff which are certified. You may possibly also use organically grown vegetables for cooking, and enjoy the functionalities of these healthy, pesticide-free fully grown foods.

Fact Of High Fructose Corn Syrup

Corn syrup is an artificial sweetener that is employed in many foodstuff and beverages. Do you are sure of what is high fructose corn syrup and the dangers of the same on you’s health, in the eventuality of indiscriminate consumption?
Option sweeteners and food additives are used to add flavor to foodstuff and beverages. Earlier common table sugar, which happens to be often referred to as sucrose, and honey, were used as sweeteners in a range of foodstuff. However, in the 1970s, a group of Japanese scientists arrive at a way for you to convert cornstarch into high fructose corn syrup (HCFS) which will be used as a sweetening agent. Cornstarch is chemically treated to taste similar like table sugar. The composition of this sweetener, which is often referred to as corn sugar, is 45 percent glucose and 55 percent fructose, which carry it as sweet as sugar or even sweeter. This is substantially transferred to the US and every product may have a calculated percent of this food additive.
Brief Overview on High Fructose Corn Syrup
As mentioned earlier, corn syrup is a different sweetener transferred to the food industry. Since it is comparatively inexpensive than sugar, many manufacturers use this modified cornstarch in processed foods and beverages. Carbonated beverage industries are high users of this sweetener. Other products that incorporate corn syrup as an active ingredient are breakfast cereals, cookies, commercially baked goods, cake mixes and sauces etc.. Another advantage of using corn syrup is that increases the shelf life of the foodstuff and then makes the food look more appetizing. In spite of knowing about the dangers of using corn syrup, many food manufacturers are using it in their products, since it is readily available and is cheaper than table sugar and honey.
High Fructose Corn Syrup Side Effects
Though corn syrup is a key ingredient in various unhealthy food and beverage industries, there are many health risks associated with the over use of this food additive. Given below are some of the dangers of this artificial sweetener.
Consuming large numbers of foods containing corn syrup can end in obesity. This is because the calorie content in these foods is relatively high and they tend to accumulate elsewhere in the body and increase the body mass.
Toxic heavy metals like mercury and chromium tend to get stored in the body, which can cause deterioration of the organs. Other complications of over intake of products containing corn syrup are type 2 diabetes, poor nutrition and inflammation of the nerves, especially nervus opticus.
Another health risk is that it makes the person more prone to ulcers and also can lead to nerve damage. This is mainly caused to its over consumption of carbonated drinks, that contain a harmful chemical methylglyoxal (carboxyl compounds).
Insulin production in the pancreas is hampered, bringing about the person feeling ‘em pty stomach’ all the time. This triggers the person to overeat for the absence of insulin which gives a feeling of fullness, and it is typically responsible obesity.
The body tends to react in a different manner for the presence of sweetened corn syrup. This compound gets accumulated in the liver, which releases enzymes to store more fat in the body. This can lead to an increase in the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides which can increase the chances of getting high blood pressure and coronary heart diseases.
A high fructose corn syrup name change is being suggested by the manufacturers of this sweetener. The new name for corn syrup is believed to be ‘corn sugar’. In order to avoid any health risks, it is critical to avoid foods that have been treated with additives and artificial sweeteners, and stick to natural foodstuff.
Foodchem company full name is Fooding Group Limited. It is a intercontinental provider of food additives and ingredients specializing in serving the demand for raw materials needed for finished foodstuff. Our clients trust foodchem to supply quality ingredients each one of the time. Combined with strict manufacturing processes, top notch R&D and a disciplined trading platform, FoodIng Group is constantly on the build upon our experience while keep your eyes peeled of the future.

How Reasonable Diet For ADHD

ADHD is a neurobehavioral disorder commonly found in tots. Its difficulties are colligated with inattention and hyperactivity. ADHD diet is one of the effective treatment options to deal with this disorderliness.
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a chronic disorder, which is qualified by hyperactivity, impulsive doings and inattention. Its victims are typically kids, from aspects of the world, who may stay on suffer well into their adulthood from it. Such kids have insecurity, poor carrying into action in school and troubled personal relation. Several factors contribute in evolving this disorder including altered brain function and anatomy, heredity, maternal smoking, substance abuse and contact with toxins during pregnancy and childhood contact with environmental toxins.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD is also named hyperactivity or attention-deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Symptoms of ADHD fall in two categories that include inattention and hyperactivity-impulsive behavior. In most tots, the ailments of ADHD appear before the age of 7. The signs of inattention include failure to pay close attention to details and making careless misapprehensions, avoiding the tasks that need sustained mental efforts that include homework, frequent loss of everyday items that include pencils, books or tools. Signs and problems related hyperactivity-impulsiveness are frequent squirms or fidgets, often running or climbing overly, restlessness and excessive talking. Signs of ADHD may be different in boys and girls. Generally, boys are hyperactive, while girls are usually inattentive. ADHD starts in youth and it may persist in maturity. Adults with ADHD have situations like poor concentration, hyperactivity, mood swings, an inability to complete tasks, deal with stress, impulsivity and temper outburst.
Treatment for ADHD
Treatment for ADHD involves a combination of therapy and medicaments. Tots with ADHD often take advantage of behavior therapy based on a psychologist, psychiatrist or caseworker. Counseling therapies include psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, family therapy, social skills training, parenting skills training and support groups. Commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD in tots and adults are methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Notwithstanding, before taking any rather medications, you should consult the doctor. In addition to these conventional treatment options, ADHD diet is also one of the effective treatment options.
ADHD and Diet
Dietary factors contribute lots in treating ADHD. ADHD diet with vitamins and essential nutrients is recommended for kids with ADHD. Omega 3 is a type polyunsaturated fat. It is an essential fatty acid found in vegetables like walnuts, hemp and flax and certain kinda fish like salmon, sardine and tuna. ADHD diet requires to be rich in Omega 3 fatty acids as it plays a major role in proper brain functioning. ADHD diet should also contain high amount of proteins and low carbohydrate foods. High protein diet including cheese, nuts, beans, meat and eggs can improve mental concentration. Tots with ADHD should eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, as they are rich sources of essential vitamins and minerals.
What to exclude from ADHD Diet?
Dietary factors like caffeine and sugar and other common allergens like milk, wheat and eggs are responsible to increase hyperactivity. Caffeine is a stimulant and it is not recommended for a child with ADHD to consume caffeine-containing drinks. Foods with additives and chemicals that include synthetic coloring, artificial flavoring, artificial preservatives, salicylates, artificial sweeteners and other food additives like benzoate of soda, sulfites are recommended to exclude from childrens diet. Foods rich in sugar like fruit juice and chocolates should also be excluded.
Dietary Tips for Kids with ADHD
Here are some helpful dietary tips, which are quite useful in treating the kids with ADHD :
a. Organic foods : Organic foods, which are free from food additives, pesticides and toxins, are beneficial for kids with ADHD. These factors can negatively affect concentration and increase hyperactivity.
b. Gluten sensitivity : Tots with ADHD may become sensitive to gluten. Childs gluten sensitivity is detected through a blood test. If the child is raw to gluten, then you may exclude gluten-containing foods that include wheat and barley associated with the diet.
c. Avoid high-mercury fish : Almost all seafood consist of traces of mercury, which affect childs ability to think and concentrate. Thus, it is recommended that kids with ADHD should avoid high mercury fish which include swordfish, shark, tilefish and mackerel.
d. Add multi-vitamins : Multi-vitamins are important for kids with ADHD. Intracellular vitamin analysis you can try to discover an idea about which vitamins and minerals requires to be added to the diet.
ADHD is a severe behavioural problem in kids. Adding some essential vitamin supplements and natural supplements to the diet is thus, an effective route to treat ADHS. Aside from, such supplements in the intake of food are also good for the healthy growth.
READ MORE: What to Avoid in Processed Foods & How Reasonable Diet For ADHD，

Processed Foods to be Avoid

Food additives are subjects matter might be added to food or animal feed during processing or storage. They include antioxidants, preservatives, coloring and flavoring agents, and anti-infective agents. Most food additives have little or no vitamins and minerals.–from THO | Food Additives.
You might have heard from many people that there are many unhealthful processed or packaged foods. Processed foods are low in nourishment and will be even stale. Do you know different types of packaged foods along with ill effects of eating them?.
Processed foods, alias packaged foods, are foods that undergo various processes like canning, sterile processing, refrigeration and freezing that provide them with a longer shelf life. Each and every technique of processing foods is pasteurization, blanching, dehydrating and sun drying. Cooking food is also a technique to process food and make it free from microorganisms. There are some processed foods that are beneficial, like pasteurized milk, which contains no bacteria and is homogenized to keep the fats from separating. Frozen vegetables are also good for intake as the essential minerals and vitamins are preserved in the operation of freezing. Vegetable and fruit juice (orange juice is fortified with calcium) are fortified to make them even more nutritious. Though these foods are healthy, there are some that have to be avoided as they may contain chemicals that may be harmful to the human gastrointestinal system. It is usually best to avoid processed meats, as eating these meats may increase your odds of contracting various kind of cancers like stomach, kidney and intestines cancer.
Which Processed Foods to be Avoided
Packaged foods contain lot of synthetic chemicals that can trigger unwanted reactions chemistry and may also give you unhealthiness. Here are some of the foods that is just avoided like they are literally rich in sodium and other chemicals ;.
Packaged high-calorie treats, like chips and cheese snacks.
Sugary breakfast cereals.
Canned food with lots of sodium.
Frozen fish sticks and frozen dinners.
Pastas and white bread that are made with refined white flour.
Processed meat and fish like sardines, tuna and salmon, etc. xEOL. Packaged cakes and cookies.xEOL.High-fat foods, like cans of ravioli.
Boxed meal mixes, set with sodium and fat.
How to Avoid Processed Foods
Not all processed foods are good for health, as they are high in calories, sugar, trans fat and bad fats. They in addition have a high salt content as salt is added to these foodstuffs in order to prevent the food additives from spoiling by draining out the moisture and increasing the shelf life. Given below are some ways that can be implemented should you wish to avoid these foods in what you eat ;.
The first basic ‘rule’ is to start up every one of the cans of processed foods in your cabinet and refrigerator.
Select many fruits like fresh whole fruits and veggies to replace the canned vegetables and fruits. As the fresh veggies and fruits do not have a longer shelf life, it would motivate you to finish them off before they go south and enquire a fresh stock.
Eat your meals at home and get your lunch packed from home. In this way you can eat fresh and healthy food choices and may possibly also save money which you spend on fast food.
You can use homemade versions or substitutions of the store bought sauces. You can also make your favorite condiments and sauces with fresh ingredients or you can also try new recipes by getting a replacement for these condiments.
Buy fresh meat choice to getting processed meat like bacon, hotdogs, red meat and bacon because they are chemically treated for them to make a longer shelf life.
Though processed foods are convenient, popular, an easy task to cook and delicious, there are many hazards related them. So it is better if you know what are the pre-cooked foods to avoid and substitute them for natural ones. Eat natural and well cooked food to lead a healthy and disease free life.

The Matter Of Food Additives

Without food ingredients and additives, the food we eat would look and taste very different from today – and many of the products we take for granted wouldn’t exist. Food additives can be found in a range of foods – including organic products – and some are naturally occurring. our bodies naturally create 20 different E number compounds, regardless of whether or not they’re in the food we eat.
What are the role of food additives?
There are good reasons for using food additives. They can be used to:
First,improve the keeping stability or quality of foods. For example, sorbitol – humectant (420) – may be added to mixed dried fruit to maintain softness and the moisture level of the fruit.
Then second, Preserve food when this is the most practical way of extending its storage life. For example, sulphur dioxide – preservative (220) – is added to some meat products such as sausage meat to limit microbial growth.
And the third, Improve the taste or appearance of a processed food. For example, beeswax – glazing agent (901) may be used to coat apples to improve their appearance.
Main Functions For Food Additives :
I.  Restraint the acidity and alkalinity and provide leavening
Specific additives help change the acid base balance of foods to obtain a desired taste, color, or flavor. Leavening agents that release acids when they are heated react with bicarbonate of soda to help biscuits, cakes, and other baked goods rise.
II. Maintain product consistency
Substances called emulsifiers provide a consistent texture and prevent products from separating. Stabilizers and thickeners provide an even texture. Anticaking agents allow substances to flow freely.
III. Improve or preserve the nutrient value
Many foods and drinks are fortified and enriched to increase the nutritional status of the Us population. For instance, vitamins and minerals are added to many foods including flour, cereal, margarine, and milk. This helps to consist of for vitamins or minerals that may be low or completely short of a person’s diet. All products that contain added nutrients must be labeled.
IV. Provide color and enhance flavor
Certain colors improve the appearance of foods. There are many spices and natural and synthetic flavors that bring out the best in the flavor of food.
V. Maintain the wholesomeness of foods
Contamination from bacteria can allow foodborne illnesses to occur. Preservatives reduce the spoilage that air, fungi, bacteria, or yeast can cause. Certain preservatives help preserve the flavor in baked goods by preventing the fats and oils from going bad. They also keep fresh fruits from turning brown when exposed to the air.
Suggestions For Us
All food additives in the UK and Europe are at the mercy of law, and can only be used following stringent tests and approval by some other committee of scientists and medical experts.
However, some scientists have linked additives generally use, particularly tartrazine or E102 to : Hyperactivity in children, Allergies, Asthma, Migraines, Cancer.
For instance, several studies, such as one in The Lancet in 2007, have now been published which show additives as well as colourings or benzoate of soda can adversely affect the behavior of children aged between three and nine years old.
But the topic remains under lively debate. The British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) believes more research is needed before any firm link is established between additives and allergy. But it does n’t rule out the possibility.
According to the CSPI many additives should be avoided for health grounds, but not all UK experts agree with this.
If youre worried that a particular additive may be causing your symptoms then it may be worth trying an elimination diet, where you remove that substance completely from your diet and see if the symptoms get better. If symptoms then return when you start eating foods containing the additive again, it may be contributing to your problems and may be best avoided.
If problems persist, or youre worried about symptoms your child is having (elimination diets should only be done under supervision in children), ask you GP if you can seek the advice of a dietician you may have to wait some time as services are very limited.
WANT TO READ MORE:How Many Food Additives Do You Know

Protein Shakes Effects

Are you privy to the diverse side effects of healthy protein shakes?
Protein is the prime meaning that we expect to survive also to stay fit. Protein modulates legion body offices like tissue positive feedback and muscle increment. When body falls short of the everyday protein wants, these offices get negatively affected. In such cases, protein supplements are advised by doctor of the church and fitness specialisers. Protein shakes are squandered by many people a full day and it is the most crucial dietary supplement of many persons athletes, musclemen and hot shot famouses person. Anaerobic exercise or weightloss, protein shakes are always urged by the above cited people. Uncalled for to assert, protein shakes are made using healthy protein powder and they are often considered as the best protein supplement. However, before making a wont of eating protein shakes, one needs to be conscious of the protein shakes side effects besides.
Possible Side Effects of Protein Shakes
Are protein shakes good or bad? Well, considering the role of protein in healthy living, one can not underrate benefits of the best protein shake. However, consuming protein shakes that are made of the best protein powder is a good way to stay away from all the possible side effects of protein shakes. There are a few conditions though, that you need to follow. First of all, the amount of protein shakes that you consume and the quality of the protein shake brands make a huge impact on determining the severity of the side effects. What are the side effects of protein pulverisation shakes? Let’s investigate.
Dehydration
Protein intake directly affects the hydration strategy of the body. This fact was brought forward in a recent study performed at the University of Connecticut by the Department of Nutritional Sciences. The study also showed that increased levels of protein also increase nitrogen levels elsewhere in the body that affect normal kidney functioning. To avoid dehydration, which is a harmful side effect of protein shakes, a person must monitor his daily water intake and consume at least 8 to 10 portions of water, even if he is not feeling athirst.
Osteoporosis
Recent researches, that performed at the University of California at San Francisco proved that people who consume protein shakes with acidic foods be a little more prone to various kinda fractures. Since protein shakes increase acidity variety of the blood, which is why why body starts using bone calcium, in order to hold the normal blood level. This whole process results in vitamins osteoporosis and various types of arthritis. Hence, a person who daily devours these shakes, must follow a balanced diet, which is the way to evade any side effects.
Ketonemia
Eating overmuch protein and consuming too much protein shakes leads to several side effects like ketosis. Ketosis is a starvation situation that causes fat breakdown, which is nothing but conversion of fats into ketones. Ketones use glucose to get activated and cause tremendous amount of damage to liver function. In few cases, this damage is found to be life threatening, since it leads to liver failure. However, people who advocate the efficiency of the low carb diets claim that ketosis is an important process that causes significant weight loss.
Kidney Stones
High protein levels directly affect the normal kidney functions and cause calcium propionate buildup in kidneys. This fact, leads to several nephropathy like nephrolith. Kidney stones further cause severe abdominal pain, night sweats, night fever, blood in urine, etc.. All these disorders are side effects of protein shakes that are caused due to dehydration, which is to be caused due to higher protein levels in body. Again, a method is to avoid over consumption of protein shakes and drinking most of the water a day.
Protein Shakes Allergy
This is one of the commonest side effects of protein shakes, which is observed amongst those who are suffering from lactase deficiency. Such people can suffer from numerous lactase deficiency symptoms like indigestion, severe bloating and stomach cramps. In such cases, you can test eating whey healthy protein supplements. These postscript contain less than 1 % lactose.
The real culprit of the side effects can be the artificial flavorings and food additives might be present in products. To avoid all the protein powder side effects, the one and only thing to do is limit the amount of protein shakes consumption to 40 g per meal. The meal you’ll consume with the shakes must strictly be a balanced diet, with healthy levels of fibers and other nutrients. Finally, all that I would say is, protein shakes are the finest, if they are consumed in moderation, as anything excessive is often produce ill impressions, sooner or later!.

Potassium Sorbate Dangers

There are preservatives in almost all the foodstuffs you put your fingers on in the store. One of them is potassium sorbate. Preservatives are always under speculation on how potentially grave they are. So, this article will tell you about potassium sorbate dangers… xEOL.
I wonder how lots of the things we eat in a day have food additives and preservatives. Needless to say, they would be present in almost 8 out of 10 items that we eat. Food preservatives are basically natural or synthetic chemicals substance that are added to foodstuff, to prevent its decomposition by undesirable chemical process and microbial interference. Potassium sorbate is one such food preservative. It is derived as a potassium salt of sorbic acid. While the molecular weight of this chemical is 150.22 g molecule, its scientific name is potassium (E, E) – hexa-2 ,4 – dienoate. In increase to food, it is used in various applications involving winemaking and personal care products. Here is some more selective information related to potassium sorbate for your perusal.
Potassium Sorbate Preservative
Potassium sorbate is would once curtail the product of candica and mold in numerous foodstuff. Cheese, yogurt, dried meats, apple cider are some of them. Another range of products which normally have potassium sorbate are herbal dietary supplements. Addition of potassium sorbate to foodstuff multiplies its shelf life. It can be fully digested, and is a polyunsaturated fat which is to be odorless, colorless, and tasteless. As a preservative, it can also replace sulfur dioxide, which has an aftertaste with the aid of sulfur dioxide.
Potassium sorbate is also used for off-dry (wines) to prevent yeast from re-fermenting post its bottling process. It inhibits the fermenting process, and thus, curbs the output of yeast. However, things considered, there are a few potassium sorbate side effects.
Potassium Sorbate Dangers
Dangers of food additives and preservatives notwithstanding, potassium sorbate, perhaps, falls into the category of food preservatives which are not seriously harmful for health. Basically, potassium sorbate is non-toxic and is regarded as safe. However, its synthetic device characteristic is not considered too favorable by some experts. Prolonged use of the preservative was able to lead to allergy, nausea, diarrhea and nutrient loss in food. Toxicity of potassium sorbate is akin to it of salt. In case of personal care products, sorbate or sorbic acids, can cause skin and eye irritation, so these people need to use carefully. All these facts point out that the side effects of potassium sorbate are minimal. But, if you want to avoid the usage of potassium sorbate, peculiarly in wines, and want to supplement it with something, there are invariably choices. Let’s see how its usage may be avoided or kept minimum.
Keeping off Potassium Sorbate Side Dangers
To avoid these side effects, sterile filtering can be done. But, a homemade wine is seldom possible minus the use of potassium sorbate. So, in that case, you can, foremost, use yeast which has low permissiveness to alcohol. Then, scuding the wine rigorously and using a fine filter for filtering the wine is the required steps. Another thing to think of is that guaranteeing that there is absolutely no yeast activity in the added sweet reserve, and store your wine in a cool and dry area. However, if even after all this you observe a spritz, have a wine agree and finish it off! That could be a mythic way to foreclose potassium sorbate dangers! Apart from wine, let’s say if you have to buy juice, buy fresh, organic juice as far as possible. Limiting canned goods from your diet is also a respectable way to avoid any side effects and overall high potassium levels in strawberry.
Eating sturdy and lifelike food as far as possible and in the first place, having minimum foodstuff which demand long shelf life, is at long last the best option. Thence, take care, eat the right way, and detain good for you!.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Substitutes For Cooking

There are substitutes for spices, there are substitutes for sauces. There are substitutes for bakery and dairy products. Gosh, there are alternatives for so many things in cooking.
Nothing can be substituted for; some say. But that doesn’t seem to be true in case of cooking and eating. “If not this, then that”, is the general human tendency there. We try to find substitutes for everything in life, although somewhere at the back of our minds, we know that’s not really possible. Substituting everything in life is impossible and so be it!
But, when it comes to food, there are substitutes for almost every food ingredient. But there is one thing that cannot be substituted for, it’s the taste. Why do similar recipes made by different people have different tastes? It is because the taste of a recipe does not depend only on its ingredients and method of preparation. It also depends on who cooks it. It’s not just the ingredients that go into a recipe and give it the taste. And if ‘only’ they did, mother’s recipes wouldn’t taste different! When mom prepares food, perhaps her love sneaks into the recipe and adds to the ingredients! And that is why nothing can substitute for the flavor of something that’s mom-made. There can be substitutes for ingredients but there’s no substitute for the taste.
Why recipe substitutions? We need them when certain ingredients are unavailable at home or in the market. When we forget to buy the stuff we need, that is when we need to get hold of something that is handy. Using margarine as a substitute for butter and vice versa is a common example of the use of substitutes in cooking. Vegetable oil and vegetable shortening can substitute each other; grape juice can substitute wine. It’s common sense to use foods of similar flavor as alternatives for one another. Obviously, you won’t like the substitutes to bring about a radical change to how your recipe tastes. Or you will find yourself finding a substitute for what you have cooked!
Cooking is an art, for some, a hobby, a stress buster. I am sure you wouldn’t want to alter the taste of what you are planning to prepare, just because you are using substitutes. The use of substitutes in cooking is an adjustment with the availability of foodstuffs. It’s definitely not a compromise with the taste. So, choose the substitutes right and go for them only if you don’t have the originals at hand. Mostly, when you are short of time to buy the ingredients or when you don’t have them in the required quantities, you need to opt for their substitutes. Here is a list of the different substitutes in cooking. It will help you find the right alternatives in cooking and still retain the near-original flavor of the dish. With this list handy, you won’t have to cook up stories of the unavailability of ingredients. You will be able to cook; if not with the actual ingredients, but definitely with their readily available substitutes!
Here we give you tables for ingredients falling under different categories. Each table gives you a list of recipe ingredients along with their substitutes. In some cases, the substitute is the one most commonly used; in some cases, it’s one of the many that are used. There can be many alternatives for a given ingredient. For other alternatives apart from the ones given in the table, you can refer to the ‘also see’ column and start planning what to cook next and how; with the actual ingredients or their substitutes? Whichever way you choose, be happy while you cook; it will reflect in the recipe. That’s another thing that can’t be substituted for.
Substitutes in Baking
Given here is a substitutes list for ingredients that often get into the oven or the microwave and come out baked and delicious. Take for example cakes and bread recipes, that most of us love to eat. Can you imagine anything substituting for bread flour? Do you think there can be an egg substitute in cake? Well, if you don’t, you are wrong. There are alternatives for so many things in baking. Read on to find out.
Food Item Substitute(s) Also See
a. Egg Tofu Egg Substitute in Baking
b. Sugar maple syrup, honey, molasses Sugar Substitutes for Baking
c. Cocoa carob powder Cocoa Powder Substitute
d. Kirsch Cherry syrup Kirsch Substitute in Baking
e. Oil in Baking apple sauce, butter Oil Substitute in Baking
f. Baking Powder baking soda with cream of tartar, buttermilk or lime juice Baking Powder Substitute
g. Baking Soda baking powder Baking Soda Substitute
h. Cream of Tartar baking powder Cream of Tartar Substitute
i. Shortening butter, margarine or oil Shortening Substitute
j. Cake Flour all-purpose flour with cornstarch or pastry flour Cake Flour Substitute
k. Bread Flour all-purpose flour Bread Flour Substitute
l. Self Rising Flour all-purpose flour, baking powder and salt Self Rising Flour Substitute
Substitutes for Milk and Milk Products
Condense it, it’s tastier; evaporate it, it can still be used; powder it, it’s still not useless; extract all its fat or make it sour; process it in the way you like; its usability won’t diminish at all. Well, I am talking about milk! Milk in all its forms and their substitutes…that’s what the following table gives you. Take a look.
Food Item Substitute(s) Also See
a. Milk plant milk, grain milk Milk Substitute
b. Evaporated Milk dry milk and water, soy milk or fresh milk Evaporated Milk Substitute
c. Condensed Milk mixture of dry milk, boiling water and butter, with sweetener added Condensed Milk Substitute
d. Powdered Milk regular milk or coconut milk Powdered Milk Substitute
e. Heavy Cream a mixture of milk and unsalted butter Heavy Cream Substitute
f. Sour Cream butter added to sour milk of buttermilk Sour Cream Substitute
g. Butter margarine or olive oil Butter Substitute
h. Buttermilk yogurt or cream of tartar added to plain milk Buttermilk Substitute
Substituting for Sauces
Sauce, derived from the Latin word salsus, which means salted, is an important element of every cuisine. Be it a French food recipe or a pasta from the Italian cuisine; be it Chinese, Peruvian, Korean or British, sauces are a part of every kind of cooking. They are a must-haves for the saucy flavor they render to recipes. But what if the sauce is not available with you every time you need it? The simple solution is to opt for its substitute. Here is the table of substitutes for some of these commonly used sauces.
Food Item Substitute(s) Also See
Oyster Sauce soy sauce or fish sauce Oyster Sauce Substitute
Soy Sauce concoction of garlic vinegar, onion powder, ground ginger and blackstrap Soy Sauce Substitute
Tomato Sauce tomato paste or tomato juice Tomato Sauce Substitute
Hoisin Sauce a paste of prunes and sherry, soy sauce and garlic added Hoisin Sauce Substitute
Worcestershire Sauce steak sauce or soy sauce Worcestershire Sauce Substitute
Substitutes for Food Additives: Spices, Herbs, Sweeteners
The table that follows enlists the substitutes of ingredients that spice up food – the herbs and spices and of ingredients that sweeten food recipes – yes, the sweeteners; all of which are categorized as food additives as they make a value addition to the taste of food.
Food Item Substitute(s) Also See
a. Anise Seed star anise seeds or fennel seeds Anise Seed Substitute
b. Bay Leaf thyme or ground basil Bay Leaf Substitute
c. Cardamom mixture of nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves or brown cardamom(lesser expensive substitute) Cardamom Substitute
d. Fennel celery Fennel Substitute
e. Celery Seed celery salt or dill seed Celery Seed Substitute
f. Celery Salt ground celery seeds Celery Salt Substitute
g. Cumin caraway or anise seeds Cumin Seeds Substitute
h. Coriander Seeds a mixture of caraway, cumin and fennel seeds Coriander Seeds Substitute
i. Galangal ginger root Galangal Substitute
j. Nutmeg cinnamon or mace Nutmeg Substitute
k. Paprika cayenne pepper, red pepper or chili powder Paprika Substitute
l. Vegetable Oil applesauce, coconut oil Vegetable Oil Substitute
m. Cooking Oil applesauce Cooking Oil Substitute
n. Sesame Oil peanut oil or toasted sesame seeds; light sesame oil for the dark one Sesame Oil Substitute
o. Canola Oil vegetable oil, olive oil Canola Oil Substitute
p. Safflower Oil canola oil, soybean oil Safflower Oil Substitute
q. Grape seed Oil safflower oil, sunflower oil Grape seed Oil Substitute
r. Xanthan Gum guar gum Xanthan Gum Substitute
s. White Wine Vinegar white vinegar or cider vinegar White Wine Vinegar Substitute
t. Powdered Sugar blended mixture of granulated sugar and cornstarch or blended plain sugar Powdered Sugar Substitute
u. Brown Sugar mixture of granulated sugar and molasses Brown Sugar Substitute
v. Corn Syrup honey or molasses Corn Syrup Substitute
w. Molasses corn syrup, brown sugar Molasses Substitute
x. Agave Nectar sugar syrup, honey, maple syrup Agave Nectar Substitute
y. Vanilla Extract maple syrup, almond extract, Fiori di sicilia extract or vanilla essence Vanilla Extract Substitute
z. Vanilla Bean vanilla extract Vanilla Bean Substitute
Other Foods and their Substitutes
There’s always this ‘others’ category in everything. Something that does not belong to any particular foodchem category is conveniently made a part of ‘others’. The table below enlists substitutes for all those food items that could not be made to belong to any of the aforementioned categories. But they are important in their own right.
Food Item Substitute(s) Also See
a. Dry White Wine dry white vermouth, apple cider vinegar(non-alcoholic) -
b. Coconut Milk combination of hot water or milk and coconut cream Coconut Milk Substitute
c. Cornstarch rice flour, arrowroot, potato flour or all-purpose flour(double the qnty) Cornstarch Substitute
d. Tapioca Flour arrowroot powder Tapioca Flour Substitute
e. Cocoa Powder baking soda added to unsweetened chocolate Cocoa Powder Substitute
f. Cream Cheese French Neufchatel, ricotta cheese or fat-free yogurt Cream Cheese Substitute
Remember, substitutes in cooking serve the right purpose only when you know what not to substitute for.

Difference Between Synthetic Oil and Regular Oil

Synthetic oil vs. regular oil is a complicated debate and several different opinions and facts that have been discussed by engineers. Today, a significant amount of confusion still exists regarding the issue, what is better, synthetic or mineral. Fact is, this debate does not have any concrete conclusions.
If you walk into the nearest mechanic’s garage, you will notice that there are several different types of lubricants that are used by mechanics and engineers to minimize friction that is caused, while running automobiles. There are several kinds of lubricants that are used to aid the functioning of components that range from the suspension systems of your automobile to the pistons in the engine. In short, almost all the moving components in your vehicle require lubrication to keep it in good shape.
Motor Oil: Synthetic and Mineral
Motor oil, essentially lubricates the parts which are located inside the engine blocks. This oil acts as a lubricant to minimize the moving parts, a coolant (to some extent) and a protective cover of the metallic moving parts. In short motor oil goes into the engine block to aid its functioning and also reduce the friction.
Any motor oil, may it be synthetic or mineral (regular), consists of two key components:
a. Base Stock: The base stock is principally the oils which consist of the major volume of the motor oil. Base stocks can be of 3 types:
Competently conventional/regular base stocks are derived from crude oil and have natural mineral oil in them. This usually accounts for the existence of uneven and odd sized molecules.
There are some stocks which are a combination of synthetic and regular stocks.
Synthetic base stocks are the ones which are composed artificially, by using a number of chemicals which are synthesized.
b. Additives:  Food Additives are the different chemicals within the motor oils, which help oil and the engine to function properly. Additives usually include:
Anti-wear agents
Anti-foam agents
Anti-rust and corrosion agents
Oxidation Inhibitors
Extreme Pressure Additives
Viscosity Index Improver
Friction Modifiers
Pour Point Depressants
There are, of course, certain differences in the compositions of different manufacturers. The following is a table showing the different types of oil and their ‘Lubricant Viscosity Grades’, by the Society of Automobile Engineers.
Fully Synthetic Oils Semi-synthetic/Mixed/Semi-regular Fully Regular/Mineral Oils
0W-30
0W-40
5W-40
 5W-30
10W-40
15W-40
 10W-40
15W-40

(*note: The number before the ‘W’ states the viscosity at low/cold temperatures and the number after the W states the viscosity at high/hot temperatures, the numbers are largely comparative)
Which One is Better?
Both, synthetic oil as well as regular oil are basically used in the piston block of the car’s engine. The piston block is cylindrical in shape and holds the pistons within it. The piston of your car keeps on moving up and down to keep the automobile running. The synthetic or the conventional motor oil forms a layer of molecules over the inner surfaces of piston blocks, thus smoothing out the motion of the pistons. There are two basic advantages of using these oils as lubricants in the engine. The first advantage is that the pistons get lubricated and there is ease of motion. The second advantage is that the heat that is formed within the engine also gets substantially reduced, thereby increasing the life of the engine and the quality of firing. Another genuine advantage of using lubricating oil in the engine is that it drastically boosts the fuel economy of the automobile.
You must be wondering when choosing between synthetic oil vs. regular conventional oil for motor which would prove to be beneficial. Before we actually look at the comparison, let us have a look at some of the proprieties and important characteristics of synthetic motor oil and conventional motor oil.
There are many characteristics and merits, as well as demerits of both the oils.
1. Synthetic Oil
Synthetic oil, on the other hand, is man-made and is manufactured by the chemical industry using different processes. Unlike the nonuniform structure of the molecules in the conventional motor oil, the molecules of the synthetic oil are uniform to the extent of being almost identical to one another. This type of molecular structure is often considered as a very good merit or characteristic of any lubricant.
As mentioned above, the debate on synthetic motor oil vs. regular oil does not have any kind of concrete conclusion. However, it is worth comparing the many merits and demerits of both the types of oils.
2. Regular Oil
The boom in the automobile industry that occurred just before the World War I, saw many changes in the auto parts, lubricants and fuels that were used in the automobiles. In these initial stages of development, regular oil was used as a lubricant for the piston and piston blocks. The constant changes and improvisations in the conventional or regular oil has shown many proven advantages in using it as a lubricant.
Conventional lubrication oil which is also known as mineral oil, is a product of the process of fractional distillation, which is used to break down petroleum into various products. In case of conventional oil, the molecular structuring is rather uneven and yet possess a quality of high lubrication. The advantage of conventional motor oil is that it is cheaper than synthetic oil and is available almost universally.
3. When to Use What
As we know, conventional motor oil that is derived from crude oil has an uneven molecular structure. This makes it suitable for new engines. The internal surfaces of the new engine, though shaped and forged very beautifully are not hundred percent accurate. Due to this, the inner surface of the piston block and the surface of the piston itself becomes extremely accurate, as the excess and inaccurate points (which are technically known faults) on the surfaces get shredded off as a result of the friction and heat. The uneven molecules aid this evening out of the auto components. There are, however, two drawbacks of this type of oil. The first drawback is that the regular oil gets oxidized at a very high temperature, which results into creation of pollutants. In same way, at very low temperatures, formation of sludge occurs which renders the oil, useless.
The synthetic oil, on the other hand, does not have any type of drawback, when it comes to extreme temperatures and air pollution. This type of oil is gives very good results, when it is used for car engines that are a few years old. The synthetic oil is extremely instrumental, when it comes to preservation of the engine components and ensures excellent running of the engine. The only drawback is that the synthetic oil, in present day market, is rather costly. To know more about this debate, read more on: synthetic oil vs. mineral oil.
Some Essential Tips
If you are planning to change the type of motor oil you choose, you can take a look at the following tips:
1. If your car is pretty old and you have been using it for quite a long time, then it is recommended that you do not suddenly shift from regular to synthetic as there is a possibility, that the synthetic oil which is very, very fine in nature may leak through the well used components of the engine block.
2. Your car ,manual would mention the brand and grade of the oil which suits the engine best. Hence it is best to use the said oil and its grade.
3. Climate and temperature where you live affects the viscosity of oil. If you live in a place where you experience extreme climates and temperatures, then get in touch with the company or the car’s dealer as he will recommend you the appropriate grade.
4. Often engineers recommend the use of regular/mineral oil when an automobile is newly purchased, till the engines are properly run in, following which the user can switch to synthetic oil. Now it is very important, that one clarifies two points, one for how much time should the mineral oil be used, and two, should the change be sudden or should one go to semi-synthetic oil first and then switch to completely synthetic oil.
5. If possible, it is also advisable that one uses the brand which is recommended by the automobile manufacturer.
As a conclusion it can be said that, to reduce the car engine problems, mineral oil should be used in the initial periods of the life of the engine, and for the later on years, it would be good to use the synthetic oil foodchem. Well, I hope this short debate on synthetic oil vs. regular oil provides some useful information!

Difference between Cumin Seeds and Ground Cumin

Cumin Seeds Vs Ground Cumin
Here we will discuss the difference between cumin seeds and ground cumin.
As we all know, cumin is a very important spice that is an essential ingredient in South East Asian cooking, particularly Indian cuisine. A spicy curry or a bowl of Mexican chili will never taste as mouth-watering without this aromatic spice. Cumin is a spice that is essential for flavoring spicy curries. Cumin is the dried seed of a flowering plant that flowers annually and belongs to the parsley family. It is highly aromatic and has a slightly bitter taste with a nutty flavor. Cumin seeds come in three colors, black, amber and white with black being the most widely used. Cumin seeds are food additives, also used for imparting a distinct and complex flavor to certain high-end gourmet cheeses. Some recipes call for ground cumin which is prepared from cumin seeds.
Difference between Cumin Seeds and Ground Cumin
The cumin seeds have a striped pattern and are boat shaped that tapers at both ends. They are pungent and slightly bitter with a rather sharp taste. As it is quite a powerful spice, it should be used sparingly in dishes as too much of cumin can overpower the entire dish. It should be stored in air tight containers and placed in a cool dry place like your pantry away from sunlight. Cumin seeds can be stored in this way for up to six weeks in this way and they can be used whole for tempering lentil dishes or for flavoring soups and stews. The best way to use whole cumin seeds is to dry roast the seeds in a pan to bring out its unique taste and aroma. Dry roasting the cumin seeds will help in releasing the oils in the seeds and thus it will intensify the flavor. If you are going to use cumin seeds for tempering, then you need to first dry roast the cumin seeds. Then take a small pan and heat some vegetable oil. Once the oil has just started smoking, remove pan from heat and fry the cumin seeds with other whole spices like mustard and fenugreek. Pour this oil along with the spices into your soups and stews to give a whole new flavor dimension to it.
Ground cumin and seeds ingredient can be brought in most stores but it is best to ground some of your own from cumin seeds. Ground cumin has a very intense nutty flavor and a small amount goes a long way. Ground cumin should also be stored in air tight bottles away from heat and sunlight. Ground cumin does not store as well as cumin seeds and you can keep them up to 6 to 8 weeks. After this the ground cumin begins to lose its flavor and aroma and thus becomes quit useless as a spice.
Converting Cumin Seeds to Ground Cumin
One of the advantages of ground cumin is that it can be used for flavoring soups and curries and a bit of ground cumin is enough for a dish. It is a good idea to grind your own cumin powder from cumin seeds and here is the procedure. For making ground cumin you need to heat a skillet on high heat. Now roast the cumin seeds in the skillet at a low heat by stirring it continuously with a wooden spoon. When the cumin seeds changes color to a darker hue and you get a mild aroma transfer the seeds to a bowl. Take care not to over roast the cumin seeds or it will turn bitter. When the roasted cumin seeds have cooled down grind them in a mortar and pestle until you get a very fine powdery texture.
Some cumin seeds health benefits are its ability to improve digestion and prevent flatulence. In addition to this cumin seeds can help to cure stomach ache and heart burn and its oil foochem acts as a sedative for curing insomnia. Thus there are many benefits of consuming cumin seeds besides its culinary uses. Whether you use whole cumin seeds or ground cumin, this spice has the ability to enhance the flavor of your dish.

How To Uses Chromatography

There are many chromatography applications in today’s industrial and chemical plants, and chromatography uses are not only manifold, but also essential in some cases.
Chromatography is a laboratory process that occurs in several steps and is used to separate mixtures of various chemicals into their individual components. The governing principle of chromatography is that different chemicals in a mixture have different degrees of dissolving in a liquid or sticking to a solid surface. In other words, chromatography can identify a chemical and separate it from a dense mixture of other chemicals and show it on a surface.
In the chromatography processes, a stream of liquid, that is called mobile phase, is made to flow through a tube known as column, and it is packed with porous solid material, called the stationary phase. The sample of the mixture that is to be analyzed is sent through the mobile phase and as the mixture proceeds in the tube, the compounds are separated. Chromatography is preferred over many other techniques as it doesn’t cause any molecular changes in the composition of the chemicals involved.
Various chemicals in a mixture have different sticking ability on a surface. By varying this process in many ways, the chromatography technique can be used to separate any amount of quantities ranging from micrograms (in laboratories) to tons (in chemical plants). There are various chromatography procedures that have become popular since the invention of chromatography by Russian botanist, Mikhail Semyonovich Tsvet, in 1901.
Uses of Chromatography
Chromatography has evolved to be one of the most widely used chemical techniques to separate particles and contaminates in chemical plants. For example, in the chemical industries, pesticides and insecticides like DDT in the groundwater and PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) are removed by the process of chromatography. As a major testing tool, chromatography is used by government agencies to separate toxic materials from the drinking water and also to monitor air quality.
In the field of organic chemistry and pharmacy, chiral compounds are very close to each other in terms of atomic or molecular weight, element composition, and the physical properties. However, they exist in two different forms, called the enantiomers and optical isomers. Both these compounds though may appear to be same, have very different chemical properties. So, in pharmacy, chromatography becomes crucial to analyze the exact chiral compound so that correct medicines can be manufactured. For instance, a compound called thalidomide has two optical isomers and one of the isomers can cause birth defect if a pregnant women consumes it in early stages of pregnancy. So, it is important to carefully separate the isomers.
One of the significant chromatography uses is made in pharmaceutical companies, who specialize in making medicines. Chromatography is used by pharmaceutical companies to prepare large amounts of pure materials that are further required in making medicines. Also, it is used to check the presence of any contamination in the manufactured compounds.
Other important chromatography uses are in the food industry where proper food maintenance is necessary to ensure quality. Chromatography is used as a technique to separate the food additives, vitamins, preservatives, proteins and amino acids. Some other chromatography uses are in the detection of drugs or medications in the urine and the separation of traces of chemicals in the case of fire in houses or buildings. It is also very popular in forensic science for investigative purposes.
Chromatography technology has gained immense industrial popularity in the past few decades as it can separate chemicals foodchem that just differ even in their atomic orientations in space. These were some of the chromatography uses that are used in various technological pursuits in chemical industries.

Kit Of Fuel Injector Cleaning

Fuel injectors supply fuel to the combustion chamber of the engine. They are considered as a replacement for carburetors. These days most of the cars come with fuel injectors rather than carburetors. The advantage of fuel injectors is that, the rate at which fuel is supplied to the combustion chamber can be controlled with the help of a computer program. Fuel injectors are very much vulnerable to clogging and getting dirty. This may lead to several car problems such as degraded engine performance, poor idling, increased emission, etc. Fuel injector cleaning is often recommended in such cases to improve the car performance. Often, cleaning fuel injector with a cleaning kit is the preferred way of most car owners.
Fuel Injector Cleaning Process
The process for fuel injector cleaning with the help of a pressurized solvent is simple, though it requires a little technical knowledge. The first and the foremost thing after buying a fuel injector cleaning kit is locating the fuel injectors of your car. User’s manual of your car may help you locating the injectors. Next, you need to remove the fuel lines connecting the injector and fuel pump. This can also be done by placing a U tube which helps the fuel to return directly to the fuel tank. Now, connect the solvent to the fuel port on the fuel rail. Since the solvent delivers a high amount of pressure in the fuel tank, it is recommended that you remove the fuel cap from the tank. Open the valve on the kit until the fuel pressure reading reaches the mark for your vehicle. Turn the ignition on and run the engine until the fuel cleaning solvent is completely exhausted. Remove the cleaning kit and reconnect the fuel lines.
Fuel Injector Cleaning Kit
Fuel injector problems can be easily minimized if you regularly use an additive for cleaning them. This additive is mixed with fuel. There are many gas stations where you get impure quality of fuel. Over the time, the impurities get clogged in the injectors, thereby affecting the engine performance. Additives can greatly prolong the clogging of fuel injectors. However, they do nothing to clean the existing clogged fuel injectors. If you haven’t ever used additives, chances are your injectors might have already become clogged with impurities. In such case ‘on car’ and ‘off car’ cleaning is your only option. Off car cleaning is performed by a mechanic and is usually the last resort. However, before that you can try cleaning fuel injectors on your own with the help of a cleaning kit. These kits are widely available at any auto parts store at a cost of around $100. The kit comprises a pressurized fuel injector cleaner solvent and the assembly for connecting it to the fuel port on the fuel rail.
Fuel Injector Cleaning Frequency
There is a lot of confusion regarding the number of times you should take up the cleaning job. In case you have been using the additive on a regular basis, your fuel injectors should be reasonably clean. This situation does not warrant the need for cleaning the injectors with a cleaning kit. One must not exceed the use of cleaning kit more than three times in the lifetime of a car. The reason is, the cleaning solvent erodes the injectors, thereby making them inefficient after more than three cleaning sessions. A fuel injector replacement would be an ideal solution in such a case.
If you find heavy build up on your injectors foodchem, it is best to take them to a mechanic for off car cleaning than inflicting damage upon them with the use of a fuel injector cleaning kit. Cost for professional cleaning is about $40, which is not an expensive option.

The Foods Which Trigger Migraines

A lot of people suffer from the agonizing pain of migraines these days. Migraine sufferers would do anything to get relief from this throbbing headache. Which kinds of foods that trigger migraines that should be avoided to prevent migraine attacks?
Migraine is a severe headache which is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The sufferer becomes extremely sensitive to light and sound, which makes him look for a quiet and dark place to lie down. Migraine pain can be unilateral or bilateral and it can last for several hours. Before it strikes, a person may experience visual disturbances, feeling of intense energy, thirst, craving for sweets, irritability or depression. Sometimes the attack may come without a prodrome. There can be various causes of migraine attacks, but avoiding the foods that induce migraine can be an easier way to keep the pain away.
Migraine is more common in women. Studies have shown that women are three times more prone to migraine than men. The frequency and severity of headaches though varies from person to person. Although there is no permanent cure, one can reduce the attacks and the severity of the pain, by making certain changes in the lifestyle. But for this, one should be aware of the different causes of migraine. There are many things which can trigger migraines. One should be able to identify the triggers of migraine, and try to avoid them to minimize the severe attacks. Diet often plays an important role in case of migraine. There are a lot of food items that trigger migraines.
Foods to Avoid for Migraines
Amines
Foods containing tyramine are known to be the most common migraine triggers. Tyramine is an amine present in many protein-based foods. It is formed as a result of breakdown of proteins. Fermented foods or those which are stored for a long time have a higher tyramine content. Tyramine is known to elevate blood pressure resulting in migraines. Other amines which can trigger migraines include phenylalanine, phenylethylamine, octopamine, serotonin, dopamine and histamine. One should also stay away from tobacco as it contains nicotine which also intensifies the migraine attacks. For many people though dietary amines are quickly broken down and hence don’t pose a threat. Foods high in amines that lead to migraines are: Cheese, Tofu, Yogurt, Canned or processed meat, Avocados, Raisins and nuts, Beans, Onions, Canned soups, Dried figs, Peanut butter, Fruits like bananas, papayas, pineapples, plums, Spinach, Tomatoes, Yeast and yeast extracts.

Certain beverages contain artificial sweeteners and preservatives which trigger migraine attacks. Coffee, chocolate, tea, and all fizzy drinks can pose a threat to migraine sufferers. Alcoholic drinks like whisky, wine, beer and champagne can also trigger migraine attacks.
Food Preservatives
Food preservatives or additives are closely associated with migraine headaches. A lot of processed foods contain certain food additives in varying amounts. The ones known to trigger migraines are monosodium glutamate salt (MSG), nitrates, nitrites, sulphites and aspartame. Certain food dyes and artificial sweeteners can also worsen the migraine attack at times.
Food containing additives:
MSG is mostly used in Chinese foods and also in a lot of processed food items, Bacon, Pickles, Sausages, Pepperoni, Ham, Hotdogs, Drinks and Beverages.
Foods high in tyramine and the other amines that trigger migraines should be avoided as they exacerbate migraine attacks. One should consume fresh foods, as the tyramine content is higher in aged or stored foods.
Milk Products
Milk contains a protein known as ‘casein’ which creates histamines. Histamines produce mucus. If the histamine level increases, a lot of mucus is produced which puts pressure on the brain membranes, thus triggering migraines. Dairy products to be avoided in order to minimize the intensity of migraines are:
Cheese, Milk, Sour cream, Yogurt.
One needs to find out the foods he is sensitive to and try to avoid them. A dairy can be maintained to keep a track of the attacks foodchem. This helps to identify the probable food items that trigger the migraine headache. Identify the foods that trigger migraines in your case and stay away from them.