Why Saffron is the Most Expensive Spice & What does it Taste?

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Why Saffron is the Most Expensive Spice & What does it Taste?

December 05, 2019

Crocus sativus flower from which Saffron is obtained

photo credit: Mahdi Dastmard @mahdigp @unsplash 

Why Saffron is the Most Expensive Spice & What does it Taste? - Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan - healthblog

A gram of saffron can cost roughly more than $6 but why is it so ridiculously high-priced? What many people don't know is the painstaking process involved in the making of this spice.

Saffron can only be harvested for one to three weeks each year since the violet flower Crocus sativus from which saffron is obtained blooms only during autumn. Not only that, the flowers have to be carefully handpicked and each of it's three stigma meticulous plucked and extracted by hand as well.

Each Crocus sativus flower contains only 3 redish stigma or stamen which are the saffron itself. Considering that each of these have to plucked out by hands, it is indeed a hard labor. A cultivator has to go through about 150 flowers to come by with a single gram of saffron. Meanwhile, an ounce of saffron will require roughly 75,000 flowers.

Did you know that this Crocus flower is sterile so they can not propagate by pollination and instead depends on human intervention to reproduce? So, it's bulb-like corms have to be unearthed manually, divided, and replanted in order to perpetuate their species.

Turning to it's taste. Powdered saffron looks quite like paprika but it definitely isn't on the spicy spectrum. In fact, this spice has a sweet hay-like and distinct taste with a signature fragrant aroma.

Although saffron has a unique taste, it's quite hard to define it in words. In addition, people have varying perception of it's taste. Despite this, it is undeniable that the infusion of this spice takes foods and drinks into a whole new level.

Many will argue that there is no replacement spice for the extraordinary taste of saffron. In fact, the absence of saffron can break the palatability of certain traditional dishes like Spanish paella.

The best quality saffrons are red in color, without a yellowish tint. Intact saffron stigma is preferred than powdered form as this ensure there is no filler like tumeric and paprika that have been added.

Saffron is widely used, especially in the Middle East Asia and India to color and season dishes, beverages, desserts, and is treasured for it's medicinal property.

Saffron is an irreplaceable spice with thousands of years of culinary traditions across the globe, but requires extensive labor to cultivate.

Ketogenic diet for Drug-resistant Epilepsy

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Ketogenic diet for Drug-resistant Epilepsy

November 05, 2019

Ketogenic diet for Drug-resistant Epilepsy | healthbiztips

Keto diet, an Alternative Option for Drug-resistant Seizure

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | health blog

Ketogenic diet has become an alternative treatment for epileptic people when conventional antiseizure medicine fail to prevent an episode, but how can such a dietary regimen alleviate a serious medical condition?

The utilization of ketogenic diet for drug-resistant epilepsy is predominantly utilized in children, although it is not recommended for adults.

The Epilepsy Foundation claimed that:

• Over half of children who go on the diet have at least a 50% reduction in the number of their seizures.
• Some children, usually 10-15%, even become seizure-free.

According to this agency, keto diet proves helpful in medical conditions such as:

• infantile spasms
• Rett syndrome
• tuberous sclerosis complex
• Dravet syndrome
• Doose syndrome
• GLUT-1 deficiency

Studies by Rogawski and colleagues sheds some light into this topic:

Although the exact mechanism of ketogenic diet's success in averting seizure episode is hard to point out, it is known that keto diet's fundamental principle of mimicking the state of starvation induced by fasting is a key factor. However, do note that this diet does not withhold food intake, Instead, it drastically cuts down the portion of carbohydrate a person eats and replaces this main energy source with fat.

Without enough glucose to break down from the scanty carbohydrate, the body switches to fat as it's fuel. Fat is broken down and the liver produces ketone to serve as energy source. At this state, the person is said to be under the state of ketosis in which these ketone bodies floods the bloodstream.

The presence of ketone bodies have several metabolic effects that greatly benefit epileptic people:

• increase in the production of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter
• decrease in the production of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter
• Increase production of adenosine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter
• Increase in the mitochondrial biogenesis in the hippocampus
• Increase in reduced gutathione (GSH)

Since each patient has varying medical case and history, it is worth knowing that keto diet is not effective for all people so make it a point to consult your health care provider before starting it.


Resources:

Rogawski, M. A., Löscher, W., & Rho, J. M. (2016). Mechanisms of Action of Antiseizure Drugs and the Ketogenic Diet. Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine, 6(5), a022780. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a022780

Epilepsy Foundation. Ketogenic Diet. https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/dietary-therapies/ketogenic-diet

Why ditch red meat in exchange for fish?

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Why ditch red meat in exchange for fish?

October 13, 2019

Why ditch red meat in exchange for fish | Healthbiztips | photo credit: Wesual Click @wesual @unsplash

Why ditch red meat in exchange for fish | Healthbiztips | health blog

Healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

Since there is an increasing body of evidence that red meat in the diet contributes significantly to premature aging and chronic diseases such as arthritis, asthma, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and heart disease, seeking an alternative protein source in the form of fish is seen as as healthy option.

Here lies the question why fish is widely recognized as a superior food choice?

Perks of a fish dish

To begin with, fatty fish such as tuna and salmon have high amounts of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid which exerts an anti-inflammatory effect that, in contrary to red meat, prevents the onset of health problems mentioned earlier.

Another good reason is fishes mostly have substantially lower content of saturated fats and cholesterol compare to red meat which makes it a suitable meal to prevent the onset of cardiovascular problems such as atherosclerosis.

Among the best sources of omega 3 fatty acids are:

• albacore
• cod
• halibut
• herring
• lake trout
• mackerel
• salmon
• sardines
• snapper
• tuna

How much fish should you eat? Based on the recommendation set by the American Heart Association, a serving of 2 fatty fish each week is sufficient. That's roughly 3.5 ounce cooked, or about three quarters of a cup flaked fish.

However, it is worth contemplating that the nutritional and caloric value of all fish is not equal. Take for example milkfish and tilapia, both of which have elevated amount of saturated fats.


Issues and concern

On the other hand, the safety of consuming aquatic animals has become a global concern for the past decades due to sea pollution, particularly that of plastic, mercury, and the carcinogen PCBs.

You wouldn't want plastic as your meal, however our sea nowadays is notoriously infested by small bits of plastic or microplastics which in turn is devoured by fishes. Now, if you closely into the foodchain then you'll know where that microplastic can find it's way, namely your gut and organs.

Plastic particles have been found even in the deepest part of the ocean which reflects just how bad marine life has been infested.

Another serious affliction is that caused by the mercury, a chemical pollutant that is detrimental to the formation of a fetus, neurological development, and functioning of organs. Thus, U.S. FDA warns regarding fishes that have high levels of mercury which pregnant women and children should avoid, namely:

• king mackerel
• shark
• swordfish
• tilefish

Instead, seafoods with low levels of mercury are:

• catfish
• salmon
• tuna

The changing times have greatly affected  the quality of fish we consume. Sounds scary?

Let's look back into the red meat. The administration of hormone to cow with the intent of increasing their body build and milk production is still widely debated, although regulating bodies claim that the levels injected into these animals are within acceptable range.

Is it healthier to drink your tea cold or hot?

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Is it healthier to drink your tea cold or hot?

June 22, 2019

Is it healthier to drink your tea cold or hot? | Healthbiztips
photo credit: Monika Grabkowska @moniqa @unsplash

Hot tea vs. cold tea: which is the healthier choice | Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | health blog

If your want to squeeze out the most health benefits from your cup of tea, should you drink it hot or cold?


Brewing tea leaves or tea bag using hot water for an optimal period of time, which is about 3-5 minutes is crucial to harness it's antioxidant contents like flavanoids. Tea's antioxidant content is vulnerable to oxygen, so if you let it sit in open air to cool down, then a portion of it's antioxidant content gets destroyed.

Commercially available cold bottled tea generally contains less antioxidants because of the processing these teas have undergone. If you're preparing a home made ice tea, then your're making a healthier beverage because it generally undergo less processing which enables the beverage to retain more antioxidants compared to those commercially sold ones.

In general, tea delivers your more antioxidant and health benefits when you consume it freshly made hot. Just make it a point that you still let it cool down a bit to such a point that it doesn't burn your tongue.

If you decide to make your own version of home made ice tea, then it's definitely a healthier choice compared to those bottled teas in the market since you'll get more antioxidants with zero preservatives.

If you're gonna be making a cold tea drink, then you still have to steep it. Steeping your tea for several hours in room temperature is necessary in order to harness it's antioxidant content. If you compare those hours with the average of 5 minute time it takes to steep a hot tea drink, then, you'll realize it'll take more patience.


Tea is one of the healthiest beverage known to humanity. It's packed full of antioxidants that has several health benefits to the body

Do you prefer to drink your tea hot or cold? We have our individual preference but at times, the choice between a hot or a cold tea drink depends on the weather. If it's a chilly morning, then downing a steaming cup of tea serves the body well. On the other hand, enjoying cold tea drink during the summer can help you avoid heat stroke. Just make it a point to never drink a cold drink straight up in cases when you're body temperature is high like when you've jogged or been under the sun for too long, because it can be fatal due to cold shock response.

10 Facts about Collagen

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10 Facts about Collagen

June 12, 2019

10 Facts about Collagen | Healthbiztips

10 Facts about Collagen | Healthbiztips

Collagen is a protein which is commonly associated with the youthful and wrinkle-free appearance of the skin because it provides strength and flexibility. This protein is abundantly found in the skin. In fact, collagen makes up about 75% of your skin.

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | health blog

1. Collagen isn't just found in your skin. In fact, it provides structural support to most of your cells and tissues like your cornea, hair, nail, teeth, bone, blood vessels, lungs, muscle, tendon, cartilage, connective tissues, and internal organs.


2. The word "collagen" is derived from the Greek word "kólla" which means glue.


3. Collagen is the most abundant protein in humans as it makes up about 25% to 35% of total proteins found in the human body and it's main function is to provide structural support.


4. There are about 25 kinds of collagen found in the human body? Approximately 12 kinds of collagen is exclusively found in the skin.


5. As we age, our ability to produce collagen diminishes which leads to wrinkling and sagging.


6. There's a chance a person can be allergic to cosmetically applied collagen.


7. You may be familiar with the food gelatin, but did you know that it's actually made up of broken down collagen. Yummy?


8. The 5 common type of collagen are:

• Type I : found in skin, cornea, dentin of teeth, blood vessels, tendon, and bones
• Type II: found in cartilage
• Type III: found in reticular fiber in the bone marrow and lymphoid tissues
• Type IV: found in the basement membrane of tissues
• Type V: found in the hair and placenta

9. 90% of the collagen found in the human body is type I collagen.


10. By 2018, there have been 40 subtypes of collagen identified.

20 Facts about Vitamin C

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20 Facts about Vitamin C

June 12, 2019

20 Facts about Vitamin C | Healthbiztips
photo credit: Brooke Lark @brookelark @unsplash

20 Facts about Vitamin C | Healthbiztips

You may recognize Vitamin C as the vitamin you take to boost your immune system, especially during times when you want to avoid getting infected with a disease such as common cold.

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan | health blog

Let's dive into the facts about Vitamin C.


1. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that's popular in preventing and reversing premature aging, boosting the immune system, and repairing cell damages.


2. Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin which means your body is not capable of storing it.


3. Humans eliminate vitamin C through urination. Therefore, they have to replenish this vitamin through their diet.


4. The dietary reference intake for Vitamin C for adult is 75 mg for female and 90 mg for male.


5. The recommended dietary allowance for Vitamin C is:

• 0-6 months:  40 mg
• 7-12 months:  50 mg
• 1-3 yrs:  15 mg
• 4-8 yrs:  25 mg
• 9-13 yrs male:  45 mg
• 9-13 yrs female:  45 mg
• 14-18 yrs male: 75 mg
• 14-18 yrs female: 65 mg
• 19-70 yrs male:  90 mg
• 19-70 yrs female: 75 mg
• 14-18 yrs pregnant:  80 mg
• 19-50 yrs pregnant:  85 mg
• 14-18 yrs breastfeeding mother: 115 mg
• 19-30 yrs breastfeeding mother: 120 mg

6. The upper limit of daily vitamin C intake is 2000 mg. Too much intake of Vitamin C can cause nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, fatigue, insomnia, drowsiness, and flushed skin.


7. Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid.


8. Vitamin C has an anti-inflammatory property.


9. Vitamin C is unstable. It degrades easily when expose to sunlight and extremes of temperature.


10. Taking Vitamin C can decrease the duration of certain diseases.


11. Vitamin C is essential to the normal functioning of a human body that without it, you will develop a disease called "scurvy" which is characterized by swelling of the gums, falling off of teeth, bleeding, muscle pain, and anemia. Scurvy can lead to death if left untreated.


12. Vitamin C is easy to find. You can easily obtain vitamin C from fruits, vegetables, and enriched processed foods.


13. If you want to increase your gut's non heme iron absorption from plant sources, consume iron-rich foods together with Vitamin C.


14. You need Vitamin C in order for your body to make collagen. Collagen is the most abundant protein found in the human body that makes up the structural support of skin, muscle, tendons, cartilage, blood vessels, and internal organs.


15. Humans can't produce vitamin C so they have to get this essential vitamin from the foods and beverages that they consume.


16. Among the best sources of Vitamin C includes citrus fruits, strawberries, grapefruits, guava, kiwifruits, broccoli, peppers, spinach, cauliflower, tomatoes, papaya, and pineapples.


17. Vitamin C has been revealed in several research to prevent the development of cancer.


18. Your body needs Vitamin C in order to manufacture carnitine, a compound that facilitates the transport of fat into the cells.


19. Without Vitamin C, your body will not be able to produce the neurotransmitter norepenephrine.


20. Research has shown that even high intake of Vitamin C does not increase a person's risk of developing kidney stones.

Is vaping a healthy substitute to smoking tobacco

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Is vaping a healthy substitute to smoking tobacco

May 19, 2019

Is vaping a healthy substitute to smoking tobacco | Healthbiztips

Once you get addicted to smoking tobacco, it is extremely hard to quit. If so, would trading in tobacco smoke to e-cigarette (aka. vaping) be a safer substitute?

Vape contains less amount of carcinogen and chemicals than tobacco. However, vape contains nicotine which is the addictive component of of both e-cigarettes and tobacco smoke.

Is vaping a healthy substitute to smoking tobacco | Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

The American Heart Association says that vaping or juuling is not a healthy substitute to smoking. Instead, AHA recommends a smoker to take steps to quit this dangerous addiction.

According to the American Heart Association "The increase in e-cigarette use, particularly among young people, is a dangerous trend with real health risks. For many reasons, e-cigarettes should not be promoted as a safe alternative to smoking."

What is an e-cigarette?

An e-cigarette is a battery-operated trendy device that's refillable. It has a refillable liquid cartridge that comes in different color and flavor ( like mint, cherry, coffee, and tobacco flavor) which makes it appealing. The vape user inhales vapor from the heated liquid cartridge.

E-cigarette takes several forms such as vape pen, vape mods, and Juuls. Vape mods are larger and gives off more vapor than vape pens. Juuls looks like a USV flash drive that's small enough to fit in a pocket, in which a user inhales vaporized oil from the device itself.

E-cigarette has it's appeal especially to the younger tech-savvy generation which makes it even more dangerous. Some may not even be aware that it contains nicotine which makes it addictive.

Research has shown that teenagers and young adults who engage in vaping are more likely to smoke tobacco later in life.


Should I switch to vaping?

I'm afraid vaping is not a healthy substitute to smoking tobacco. It does have health risk and disadvantages. Even the Americal Heart Association don't recommend that you try it in the first place.


In conclusion, vaping or using e-cigarette does have lower health risk when compared to tobacco smoking, but it in itself is not a healthy habit since it can ultimately lead to addiction. While at a considerably lesser amount, vaping still pumps your body with potential carcinogens.

It is a far more healthier alternative to ultimately quit smoking, which most people may find nearly impossible, so they are looking for a healthy and safe alternative to take it's place.


Any reaction or feedback you'd like to share, please comment below.

Is coco sugar better than white and brown sugar?

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Is coco sugar better than white and brown sugar?

May 09, 2019

Is coco sugar a healthy alternative? | Healthbiztips

Coco sugar is more expensive than brown and white sugar. Are you wondering what makes it so special? Does it really live up to it's price tag or is it's acclaimed health benefits or is it just a marketing strategy.

Is coco sugar better than white and brown sugar? | Healthbiztips
photo credit: Annie Spratt @anniespratt @unsplash

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

Coco sugar (also known as palm sugar) reputedly contains higher amounts of nutrients compared to typical sugar. In fact, since brown sugar and white sugar contains empty calories, they are no match when compared to coco sugar's nutritional value.

Coco sugar is made from the sap of the coconut paml as opposed to white and brown sugar which comes from sugar cane.

However, the nutritional value a person gets from just a single serving of coco sugar is not enough to be significant. You have to consume a large quantity of coco sugar to obtain a significant amount of nutrients, but since coco sugar contains almost the same amount of calories with typical sugar, it is not desirable.

White sugar and brown sugar have no nutritional value.

Another awesome thing about coco sugar is it has low glycemic index which makes it appealing for people afflicted with diabetes because it's consumption won't spike blood sugar as fast as conventional sugar will.

Coco sugar contains fiber.
When you use coco sugar as a sweetener, you're also taking in inulin, a type of soluble fiber.

Inulin has many health benefits. It supports good digestion, promotes the growth of good gut bacteria, relieves constipation, and helps manage diabetes.

I was very disappointing to know that 1 tsp coco sugar contains just a trace amount of inulin which makes it insignificant. According to research, an intake of 30 gram inulin is necessary to gain considerable health benefits.


Why switch to coco sugar?

We've bought coco sugar and gave it a taste test. When it comes to satiety, coco sugar has a great advantage over brown and white sugar. I dare say because my milk tea tastes better with coco sugar.

Coco sugar looks decent enough if you're after that smooth and none overpowering sweetness, but at a considerably higher price.

Is coco sugar a healthy and guilt-free alternative to white and brown sugar?

You may be hoping for a "yes" but you see, it doesn't work that way.

It is a fact that coco sugar has substantial nutrient and fiber content. But, you see, coconut sugar still contains calories.

1 teaspoon of coconut sugar pumps your system with 15 calories. 1 teaspoon white sugar gives you 16 calories. On the other hand, 1 teaspoon brown sugar delivers approximately 17 calories.

If you're looking for a healthier sweetener and coco sugar is within your budget, then it's okay to buy it. However, do remember that it's still a sugar.

I'd like to point out that the nutrient and inulin content of coco sugar also varies by manufacturer.