Milk in Nepal and India: the difference!

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 I have observed that whenever milk ferments when I am in India, the paneer or cottage cheese does not come out easily. Even if I boil it and add lime juice to it, the cheese formed is quite little and more powdery than cheesy.  But when the same happens in Nepal, the cheese formation is immediate, dense and cheesy. I do not have to do more efforts to get cottage cheese out of the milk in Nepal. What is the reason? I checked internet and found some factors that can affect the quality and amount of cheese  1. Freedom from pathogenic bacteria - Good cheese forms of milk is free from pathogenic bacteria. Differences between Nepali vs Indian panipuri  2. Different milk quality with different amounts of fats and proteins  3. Ultra-pasteurization can destroy vital enzymes and bacteria that are required for cheese formation  4. If temperature of milk is less when it ferments, cheese formation will be less.  5. If milk is rancid, it means it's fats are also br...
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Seaweeds-the new superfood! Know its health benefits and in which forms to consume it!

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Seaweed snacks are new things on the supermarket shelves but are gaining popularity. Oceans occupy 70% of Earth’s area and hidden treasures lie within it. One of them is the seaweed. So what exactly are seaweeds and seaweed snacks? Are they healthy for humans? Where else are they used?

Seaweed-the new superfood

There is an increasing craze for seaweeds and seaweed snacks. They are part of the ingredients of foods, snacks, drinks and also skincare products. There are a lot of claims attached to this edible form of algae. The seaweed takes its nutrients from the seabed and is said to be loaded with them. They are a rich source of essential amino acids and hence are good for vegans because it is a plant.

Seaweed is found in abundance in the sea beds and do not require fertilizers for their growth. Hence they form a good carbon-negative source. Hence their growth is eco-friendly and can help to save the planet.

Seaweed-a form of algae [Source: Wikipedia]

The great aspects of seaweed

Seaweeds are commonly eaten in Korea, China, and Japan and are rich in fiber. Hence they are good for bowel motion and also to improve satiety. They ease the digestive process and reduce bloating and gas formation in the stomach and intestines. Nutritionist Chelsea Gloeckner states:

“Seaweed contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, making seaweed a great prebiotic source to support gut health,”

Rachel Fine, another dietitian adds:

“These fibers include particular sugars called sulfated polysaccharides, which have been shown to increase the growth of ‘good’ gut bacteria and also increase the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which provide support and nourishment to the GI tract cell lining.”

Seaweeds and their benefits [Source: Healthline]



Seaweed also has a lot of minerals and vitamins. These aid body immunity. Rachel opines:

“Seaweed is a source of a potent antioxidants, including alginate and fucoxanthin,”

“There is promising research showing potential anti-inflammatory benefits that may relate to reducing the risk of diabetes and obesity.”

The weed from the sea also is immune-boosting. It has iodine and the amino acid tyrosine that is good for the thyroid. Dr. Elroy Vojdani enlightens:

“Seaweed has polyphenols that can support anti-cancer processes in the body.”

Its high fiber content is also good for the heart and arteries and can prevent a diabetic state. These also cut down on blood fats. Celebrity chef Serena Poon states:

“Seaweed fuels our bodies with the ability to help regulate and detox our blood and lymphatic system.”

Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA, and DHA are also present in the seaweeds and these assist in brain health and cognition. Hence memory and performance are improved. It is good also for children and their brain growth and development. It is anti-ageing and good for the skin. Its calcium, zinc, iron, sodium, potassium and magnesium is anti-inflammatory and saves the skin from actinic and free radical damage and dehydration. Nutritionist Sally Pansing Kravich says:

“The rich vitamin C in seaweed provides the added beauty benefit of supporting collagen production, and the natural niacin is great for hyperpigmentation and blemishes.”

“Chlorella is a cleansing seaweed that is helpful for removing toxins, heavy metals and radiation.”

The minerals iron and calcium help bone growth and omega-3 FA is beneficial for the joints. It has substances good for the eye:

Similar to carrots (and avocados!), seaweed can help your vision. “Although seaweed is low in fat, it typically contains small amounts of essential omega-3 fatty acids. This is a type of fat that many of us don't get enough of and [is] good for eye health.”

Says Ysabel Montemayor, who is a lead dietitian for Fresh n’ Lean. Also there is astaxanthin in seaweed that helps vision.

How to get the benefits of seaweeds?

One can add strips of seaweed to soups and salads. It can be taken in the form of snacky salty crackers. They are more nutrient-dense with fewer carbohydrates. One can toast it with oil of avocado or olive origin. Do not eat simultaneously with foods that have high sugars and sweeteners and chemicals in them.

Seaweed and its snack form [Source: iHerb]
Also, read USA and its death toll due to covid-19

The seaweed (algae) is also available in the form of oil. One can use this to stir-fry vegetables and get the benefits. It can be used to spice our foods with seaweed seasoning. Also, it is available in the form of kelp noodles. These are gluten-free and fiber-rich food low in carbohydrates. It can be applied topically or taken internally to cure acne and is anti-ageing.

Seaweed can be used as body wraps for its benefits and removal of body toxins. Agar is also seaweed that is similar to gelatine but is from a plant source. It is a vegan replacement for bone broth.

Seaweed Spirulina has all the essential amino-acids and can be added to drinks for that extra goodness.

 

 

 

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