The Health Benefits of Consuming Whole Grains
Grains are a basic food in households around the world and can be broken down into two categories: whole grains and refined grains. Unlike the refined grain, the whole grain kernel or the seed has all three parts intact: the bran, germ, and endosperm. Each one of these parts offer health promoting benefits. The bran, […]
Introduction to Smoothies
For many of us it may be difficult to consume the recommended daily amounts of fruits in vegetables; however a tall glass of smoothie for breakfast or a snack can help us meet our daily requirements. While many people drink smoothies as a meal substitute to help with weight loss, a real benefit of smoothies […]
Turning Your Smoothie into Supper
The popularity of making home-made smoothies and juices is at an all time high in North America and Europe. Vitamix® is now a household name, once forgotten vegetables such as kale and beets have taken over as the peas and carrots of the 21st century, and we all have that friend who has made it their mission to […]
Take Control of Your Portion
“If it is fat-free or sugar-free, is it OK to eat as much as you want?” Obesity is on the rise and fats and sugar are always blamed, however fats and sugars are not the only culprit for weight gain. They are related to weight gain; gram for gram, fats provide more than twice the […]
Introduction to Accompaniments
This section showcases a number of unique and exotic condiments, such as Spicy Strawberry Chutney and Date and Brown Sugar Chutney. Many of us add flavor to our food by pairing it up with condiments including pickles (achaar) and chutneys. For example, a simple meal of daal chawal (lentils and rice) can be taken to […]
Introduction to Beverages
Even with an unlimited number of beverage choices, such as sodas, teas, coffees, juices, shakes and smoothies, there is nothing quite as refreshing as a tall glass of water. Water is cost-free and has no calories or added ingredients. Water makes up about 60 percent of our body weight and every organ in our body […]
Introduction to Desserts
For some of us with a sweet tooth, a meal is incomplete if it does not end with a dessert. However, the problem is that many desserts are not just high in sugar but also high in fat. For example, gulab jammun is made by deep-frying balls of flour and powdered whole milk, which are […]
Sugars In Disguise
Let’s face it! “Sweetness” is loved by all, whether in kindness or food! As infants, the first preference for taste-development is “sweet.” Sweetened drinks and desserts are fine for most of us in moderation; however, they are among the top foods that provide “empty” calories, meaning they provide none or very little nutritional value. Additionally, […]
Message from Dr. Nizar N. Ramzan – Chairman, AKHB for USA 2005-2012
With the rising incidence of obesity in western countries, specifically in the United States, more and more cases of diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancers are diagnosed. This suggests a correlation between excessive weight gain and life-threatening illnesses. These diseases also have a direct impact on the quality of life, longevity and the economic status of the […]
Omega 3’s – The Heart of the Matter
Did you know that the risk of heart disease is three to four times higher in South Asian immigrants than it is in the general American population? Along with some of the underlying hereditary factors, we tend to have a diet high in unhealthy fats, lack of physical activity resulting in overweight/obesity, and high blood […]