Lifestyle
'Shilpakala Padak' 2021 & 2022 announced honouring 20 cultural luminaries, institutions
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) announced the names of the 20 recipients for its prestigious Shilpakala Padak on Monday, in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to their respective artistic and cultural mediums.
A total of 20 artists and organisations were unanimously selected (10 out of 12 fields) for the Shilpkala Padak in the years 2021 and 2022 by the evaluation committee formed to review the applications, according to the BSA Shilpkala Padak policy for the final nomination of the deserving artists.
According to the official press statement of BSA, the recipients for the class of 2021 are: - Md Nuruzzaman (instrumental), Sharmin Hossain (dance), Sadi Mohammad (vocal), Biren Shome (fine arts), Professor Abdus Selim (dramatics), Mohammad Nohir Uddin (folklore), Dr Matin Rahman (film), Kazi Madina (recitation), MA Majid (jatra artist), and Jatiya Rabindra Sangeet Sammelan Parishad (creative cultural unit).
The recipients for the class of 2022 are: Foad Nasser (instrumentalist), Saju Ahmed (dance), Elen Mallik (vocal), Professor Alok Rai (fine arts), Khairul Alam Sabuj (dramatics), Sunil Karmakar (folklore), Rafiqul Islam (photography), Mir Barkate Rahman (recitation), Aruna Biswas (jatra artist), and Dr Safiuddin Ahmed (creative cultural researcher).
Subject to the kind permission of the President and formally fixing the date, the Shilpakala Padak awarding ceremony will be organised soon, BSA stated.
Each award recipient will get a gold medal, a cheque for Tk 1 lakh, and a certificate.
The award has been conferred on deserving creative personalities for their continuous contributions in several fields of arts, culture, entertainment, and literature since 2013; however, the award could not be conferred on the recipients in 2019 and the ceremony could not take place in 2020 due to the global pandemic of Covid-19.
8 Best Motorbikes Coming to Bangladesh in 2024
The end of 2023 marked a joyous occasion for the motorbikers in Bangladesh, as the cc limit bumped up to 350. So, it is expected that the new year will bring an emergence of high-configuration and powerful motorcycles in the local market. Brands have already started to utilize the opportunity with Bajaj Pulsar N250 hitting the streets in late November last year. Let’s take a look at the most anticipated bikes to enter Bangladesh market in 2024.
8 Most Hyped Motorcycles in Bangladesh Market in 2024
Karizma XMR
There was a time when the Karizma ZMR took the Indian market by storm with its refined sports looks and raw power. Hero Motocorp is all set to introduce the new Karizma XMR 210 cc based on the same DNA.
The XMR shares the same aggressive look as the ZMR with a rugged sports build. The bike can generate a max power of 25.5 PS at 9250 RPM and a max torque of 20.4 NM at 7250 RPM. The engine on the XMR is a 4 stroke, 4 valve, single cylinder liquid cooled DOHC one with FI fuel transmission. There’s dual-channel ABS for improved rider protection on the petal disc tires.
Read more: 15 Best Motorbikes Under 2 lac taka for daily use, office commute
The ex-showroom price of the XMR comes in at 1,79,900 INR.
KTM RC 200
KTM is another well-known bike brand in Bangladesh. With the upgraded cc limit, KTM is expected to launch the RC 200 in the Bangladeshi market. The sports bike has a single cylinder liquid cooled 4 stroke, 4 valve engine with fuel injection tech. The 199.5 cc bike can generate 25PS at 10K RPM and 19.2 NM torque at 8K RPM. KTM has also included dual-channel ABS on the RC 200.
The fuel capacity of the RC 200 is also improved to 13.7 L with an average mileage of 35 kmpl. The ex-showroom price in India comes in at 2,18,000 INR.
Bajaj Pulsar RS 200
After the successful launch of the N250 last year, Bajaj is expected to launch the more aggressive-looking Pulsar RS 200 sometime later in 2024. This compact sports bike moves away from the traditional Pulsar naked sports look with increased contours and curves.
Read more: Motorbike Riding in Winter: How to beat the cold weather?
The bike is powered by a Triple Spark DTS-i 4V FI engine with 24.2 PS at 9750 RPM and 18.7 NM torque at 8000 RPM. The 199.5 cc bike comes with dual-channel ABS as a standard safety feature.
The fuel tank capacity of the RS 200 is around 13 L with an average mileage of 35 kmpl. The ex-showroom price of the bike in India is around 1,71,780 INR.
Suzuki Gixxer SF 250
The much beloved Suzuki Gixxer SF is about to see its 250 cc debut in Bangladesh. Currently, the SF 155 variant is highly popular in Bangladesh. In addition to the sports variant, the standard naked sports Gixxer 250 is also slated to be available later this year.
The Gixxer SF 250 has a 4-cycle, single-cylinder, oil-cooled SOHC engine. It can generate 26.5 PS at 9300 RPM and a 22.2 NM torque at 7300 RPM. The fuel tank capacity of the Gixxer SF 250 comes in at around 12 L with an average of 35 kmpl mileage. The ex-showroom price in India is around 1,94,640 INR for the standard edition.
Read more: Top 10 ABS Motorbikes in Bangladesh
How to Improve Focus by Training the ‘Attention Muscle’
Did it ever happen to you that after listening to any hour-long lecture in a workshop or classroom you can’t remember anything? Though you were physically present at that place, your mind was not there. What’s missing here was focus.
Focus – a little word with a huge impact! It's like the superhero of thinking, connecting to decisions, problem-solving, learning, memory, and how we see the world. If the focus game isn't strong, it can put a damper on thinking skills. Mastering the art of focusing is a game-changer. Focus can be used like a spotlight to direct the flow of energy. Harnessing the power of focus is key to success in life.
What is Focus?
Focus is like a superpower that helps you to fully concentrate into one specific task and ignore the noise and happenings around.
Some folks call it "flow," a term made cool by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi in his book “Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience.” It's that feeling of being in the zone, where your mind is so absorbed that you forget about everything else – time, space, and anything other than the task at hand. For instance, with focus, you can enjoy a novel amid the huge chaos of a railway station.
Read more: How to Utilise the Power of Visualisation to Achieve Goals
Focus lets someone immerse themselves completely in one thing, without allowing mental distractions. It's like a mental power boost, concentrating all brain energy on one awesome task. Focus is the secret sauce to becoming the superhero of concentration!
You can think of focus as a muscle for your mind. Like any other muscle, you can train it. So, if you want to boost your focus game, treat it like a workout – flex that mental muscle regularly.
What is Attention Muscle?
The attention muscle is like the brain's personal trainer for focus. It's all about the ability to direct and keep your awareness on a task, even when distractions come knocking. If you don't intentionally work it out, this attention muscle doesn't get stronger – and that's when the mind becomes a bit of a scatterbrain.
An under-exercised attention muscle leads to a twitchy, agitated mind that can't catch a break, constantly hopping from one distraction to another. It's like trying to herd cats.
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Most people don't realize how feeble their attention muscle is until they actually need to buckle down and focus. Without proper training and development, sustained focus becomes a bit like trying to juggle too many balls at once – nearly impossible! So, if you want to avoid mental acrobatics, it's time to hit the mental gym and give that attention muscle a good workout.
10 Tasty Immunity Boosting Winter Soup Recipes for Children
The chilly weather of winter brings cold waves which can harm children. During the cold months, keeping children safe from flu, colds and other kinds of winter sickness becomes a struggle for their parents. One effective way to enhance a kid’s immune system is by treating it with nutritious homemade soups. Here are some tasty soup recipes that cater to your child's health needs.
10 Delicious Soups to Strengthen Kids' Immunity This Winter
Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar
Enjoy the nutritional benefits of Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Soup, a blend of fresh broccoli, butter, cheddar, and milk. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, broccoli enhances immunity. The soup provides essential nutrients, including calcium, supporting bone health. To make this comforting bowl, gently sauté fresh broccoli florets in butter, adding a creamy mix of cheddar and milk until velvety smooth.
This velvety creation is both satisfying and nourishing, offering a wholesome strategy to fortify your child against winter ailments. Incorporating broccoli's goodness, it contributes vitamins A and C. Relish a warm bowl of this nutrient-packed soup, making it a delicious yet health-conscious choice.
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Hearty Chicken and Vegetable
Nourish your child with the wholesome goodness of the Chicken and Vegetable Soup. Packed with essential nutrients, this recipe combines protein-rich chicken with an array of nutritious vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions in a hearty broth. To prepare, gently simmer the chicken with the vibrant vegetable mix until it reaches perfection.
The dish is rich in vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin K, and vitamin C. These vitamins contribute to a strengthened immune system. Additionally, the soup provides essential minerals like iron, supporting the body's metabolic processes and maintaining energy levels. This nutrient-dense soup is not only comforting on winter evenings but also serves as a robust defence against seasonal illnesses.
Spinach and Chicken Soup
Enjoy the nourishment of Spinach and Chicken Soup, a delicious mixture designed to enhance both taste and health. Combine spinach with chicken for a nutrient-rich infusion. Simmer these ingredients, allowing the flavours to merge into a comforting soup. Serve with lemon.
Read more: Superfoods: Worth the Hype?
Beyond its delicious taste, this soup is a rich source of iron from spinach, essential for maintaining healthy blood. Chicken contributes essential proteins necessary for the growth and immune function of children. Together, they create a fortifying concoction that delights the taste buds of youngsters and strengthens cold resistance too.
Nourishing Coconut Carrot Lentil
Savour the health benefits of Nourishing Coconut Carrot Lentil Soup, combining protein-packed lentils, carrots, and velvety coconut milk for a wholesome infusion. Simmer the ingredients to meld flavours seamlessly. Together, they create a nourishing symphony that boosts your child's immunity, ensuring good health in winter.
This creation acts as a strong defence against winter ailments, with essential proteins, vitamins B and C, and coconut milk adding a creamy texture rich in healthy fats. This nutrient-dense delicious soup provides nutrients, making it a health-conscious choice for your child.
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Tomato and Basil Delight
Savour the health benefits of Tomato and Basil Delight Soup, a nutritious fusion designed to boost immunity. Simply combine tomatoes with aromatic basil, simmering until the flavours mix seamlessly.
This soup is a powerhouse of nutrients, providing essential vitamins such as vitamin C from tomatoes. Basil contributes additional vitamins, including vitamin K, essential for bone health. Together, they create a nourishing concoction that supports your child's immune system with every serving.
Monitoring lesser-known numbers in a blood screening can help heart health
When you get the results from a routine blood screening, some familiar terms and numbers may jump out: cholesterol levels that point to a risk for heart disease, for example, and A1C, a blood sugar measurement used to diagnose diabetes.
But are there other numbers that merit a closer look?
"There are lesser-known numbers to look at regarding heart-related risk," said Dr. Elliot Davidson, medical director of the Center for Family Medicine at Cleveland Clinic Akron General in Ohio. "They can be helpful for anybody on the fence about taking medication."
Standard bloodwork typically includes tests for liver and kidney function "that are important considerations for the heart," said Dr. Parag Joshi, a preventive cardiologist and an associate professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. "That kind of stuff is important to know."
First, the basics: Health care professionals encourage people to monitor five numbers to track their heart health. They are blood pressure; blood sugar, or glucose; cholesterol; body mass index or waist measurement; and sleep duration.
Read: Daily Strategies for Neuroplasticity: Enhancing Focus and Alleviating Anxiety
Davidson and Joshi said there are more results on your blood test to consider as well.
Non-HDL cholesterol
The total cholesterol number is calculated by adding HDL ("good" cholesterol), LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and 20% of the triglyceride number. Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body. They store excess energy from your diet. High LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, along with low HDL, contribute to fatty buildup in arteries.
If you take the total cholesterol number and subtract the HDL, you get the non-HDL cholesterol. "Sometimes that picks up some risk that the LDL or the triglycerides and the total (numbers) don't totally capture, and that we might be missing if we just focus on the usual results," Joshi said.
Non-HDL cholesterol is measured in deciliters of blood. An optimal range for non-HDL in adults would be less than 130 mg/dL, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Davidson said doctors can use cholesterol and blood pressure results, as well as other health factors, to calculate the risk for having a heart attack, stroke or other disease caused by the buildup of plaque in arteries.
People can work with health care professionals to calculate their risk. Tools are available from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, which recently released a new risk calculator that incorporates kidney function and other newly added factors. The AHA tool can predict risk for heart attack, stroke and heart failure over the next 10 years and 30 years in people ages 30 to 79.
"Even if you have a low 10-year risk, you might have a pretty significant lifetime risk," Davidson said.
Lipoprotein(a)
Another measurement to know is lipoprotein(a), a larger type of "bad" cholesterol that can build up in arteries and increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. It's mostly genetic, Joshi said, rather than caused by lifestyle factors, and no treatments have yet been proven to lower lipoprotein(a) levels.
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About 1 in 5 people worldwide has high lipoprotein(a) levels, according to the American Heart Association.
"For people with a strong family history of heart disease or early strokes or early blockages, it sometimes shows up as the only risk factor we can identify," Joshi said. "It is something I often check in preventive cardiology, and people are becoming more aware of it."
There is no consensus on risk thresholds for lipoprotein(a) levels, but AHA and ACC guidelines consider a high measurement to be 50 mg/dL or higher.
Hemoglobin
When patients report they are fatigued, that's a reason to focus on their hemoglobin, or red blood cell count, Davidson said.
"If it's lower than it should be, you have to look for a reason," he said. "A common cause would be gastrointestinal blood loss. You've got to make sure you're not losing blood somewhere."
A low count, a condition called anemia, also may be caused by iron and vitamin deficiencies.
Normal ranges for hemoglobin can vary slightly, but in general they are 13.5 g/dL to 18 g/dL for men, 12 g/dL to 15 g/dL for women, and 11 g/dL to 16 g/dL for children.
Creatinine
Blood tests for kidney and liver function also can indicate cardiovascular risk, Joshi said.
The level of creatinine, a waste product formed by digestion of protein, is a marker of kidney function. "It's supposed to be cleared out in the blood by the kidneys," Joshi said. "If the creatinine in the blood goes up, the kidneys aren't doing a good job."
Protein in urine is another risk indicator, he said, "because the kidneys are supposed to retain all your proteins. So, if you're losing protein through your urine, there's something wrong with the kidney. We're learning a lot about how kidney problems increase the risk of heart problems, and vice versa."
Davidson noted that high creatinine levels are "not only an independent marker for heart disease, but you have to be very careful about certain medications like ibuprofen and other things that would aggravate your kidney function."
Creatinine levels above 1.2 for women and 1.4 for men may be cause for concern, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Read: Which Vitamins are Essential for Women?
Liver enzymes
Tests for liver enzymes known as ALT and AST can indicate impaired liver function or unhealthy fat deposits in the liver, Joshi said. There are several reasons for elevated ALT or AST, he said. "But one of those reasons is this deposition of fat in the liver, and that is a marker of increased risk of heart disease in the future."
The enzymes are measured in units per liter. For ALT, a standard range is 29-33 for men and 19-25 for women. AST levels should be less than 35.
The bottom line, according to Davidson: "Have a primary care doctor that you trust, keep in close contact, and discuss your bloodwork."
‘Praktoni Sammilan’: Chhayanaut announces gala rendezvous in March
Bangladesh’s leading cultural institute Chhayanaut announced on Friday that it is going to host a grand reunion of its alumni, past and current teachers, cultural workers and organizers from home and abroad, titled ‘Praktoni Sammilan’ on March 2 this year (Falgun 18 in the Bengali calendar year 1430).
The second-ever gala rendezvous in the institution’s six-decade-long history, the event is aimed at reuniting those who have studied, taught or been associated with the institution for at least two years in Chhayanaut Sangeet Bidyayatan's long-term music courses.
On Friday, the announcement of this rendezvous came at a press conference at the institution’s Ramesh Chandra Dutta Memorial Auditorium at its Sangskriti Bhaban, home to its over 150 teachers and 5,000 students, in the capital’s Dhanmondi.
Chhayanaut Executive President Dr Sarwar Ali, General Secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa, and ‘Praktoni Sammilan’ Convenor Rokaiya Hasina Neely briefed the media about the event.
“In 1963, Chhayanaut established its Sangeet Bidyayatan intending to practise the musical culture of Bengal and inculcate the Bengali ethnicity in the learners - and since then, the institution has been immersed in teaching the taste of mainstream Bengali music including Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet, Folk Sangeet and various genres of classical dance and pure music. With this gala rendezvous, we are aiming to commemorate and celebrate the unity of this majestic institution with all of our learners, teachers and associates,” Dr Sarwar Ali said at the event.
‘Praktoni Sammilan’ Convenor Rokaiya Hasina Neely said that the day-long celebration will feature commemorative sessions, dialogues, cultural events and more. The decoration of the event will be Jamdani-themed, and there is a plan to publish a memoir book and photo exhibition on the early-mid-current phase of the Sangeet Bidyayatan featuring students across generations.
“However, most likely, having a calm conversation, dancing in harmony, playing instruments to set the mood, and singing in unison with the companions would be the most enjoyable activities for everyone. We are anticipating such a majestic rendezvous with utmost cooperation and participation of our alumnus and associates,” Neely added.
Registration for the event is currently underway for interested alumni and associates at Sankskriti Bhaban and also through the institution’s official Facebook page and website. The registration will remain open until the end of January, and further details regarding the event will be shared shortly, according to Chhayanaut General Secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa.
Chhayanaut was founded in 1961 to establish the cultural rights of the oppressed Bengali netizens in then-East Pakistan under the Pakistani regime. Poet Sufia Kamal was the founding President of the institution.
Aside from its cultural curriculum, the institution is famed worldwide for organizing the traditional, grandiose cultural festival of Pahela Baishakh at the capital’s Ramna Park every year. One of Bangladesh's most iconic and popular events, the traditional Pahela Baishakh festivity of Chhayanaut has gained the reputation as one of the world's greatest regular cultural festivities.
Open-top buses introduced on Marine Drive Road in Cox’s Bazar
Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) has introduced three open-top double-decker buses on Marine Drive Road in Cox’s Bazar to enhance the experience for tourists.
The first journey commenced from Cox's Bazar city's Laboni intersection with one of BRTC's double-decker open-top buses at 9:00 am on Wednesday.
Passengers seated on the upper deck enjoyed a breathtaking view as the bus traversed the Marine Drive Road, providing a captivating blend of mountains and sea.
The 80-kilometre-long Cox's Bazar-Teknaf Marine Drive Road, known for its scenic beauty with the azure sea on one side and picturesque hills on the other, has become an enchanting destination for tourists.
The upper deck seats are priced at Tk 700 per person, while the lower deck seats are available at Tk 600 per person. Along the journey, the buses will make stops at six tourist spots for 20 to 45 minutes.
With an additional cost of Tk 200, travellers will have the opportunity to relish lunch at Patuwar Tek during the approximately nine-hour trip.
10 Tasty Drinks to Boost Kids' Immunity This Winter
As winter rolls in, it brings cold waves and fog. In chilly weather, kids may catch cold and fall ill more frequently. However, there are some secret weapons to combat these seasonal maladies: immunity-boosting winter drinks! Discovering tasty and healthy options to fortify children's immunity can make winter an enjoyable journey. Let's explore palatable winter drinks that not only tantalise the taste buds of children but also serve as shields against sickness during the cold months.
10 Delicious Immunity-Booster Winter Drinks for Children
Turmeric Milk
Turmeric milk is known for its medicinal properties. This drink blends the beneficial properties of turmeric and warm milk. To prepare, heat a cup of milk first. Then add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder, a pinch of black pepper, and a dash of honey to the milk. Simmer the mixture for a few minutes, then strain before consumption.
This golden elixir boasts curcumin which is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Consuming turmeric milk helps bolster the immune system, aiding in the prevention of winter ailments like colds and flu. Its natural healing properties provide relief from sore throats, coughs, and other seasonal maladies.
Read more: 10 Types of Natural Honey: A Guide to Varieties, Benefits, and Uses
Vegetable Soup
Vegetable soup, a wholesome blend, incorporates an array of vegetables like carrots, spinach, tomatoes, and onions. Simmer these veggies in a broth, then season with some herbs and spices. This nutritious soup is filled with a plethora of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, fortifying kids' natural immune systems and aiding in preventing colds and flu.
The warmth, nourishment, and hydration provided by this soup make it an appealing and immunity-boosting choice to keep kids healthy while relishing an appetizing meal.
Orange Carrot Juice
A vibrant and refreshing drink, orange carrot juice is a burst of immunity-boosting nutrients. Combine equal parts of carrot and orange juices for a rich blend of vitamin C and beta-carotene. These ingredients can fortify the immune system, essential in shielding kids from winter ailments.
Read more: Superfoods: Worth the Hype?
The juice's high vitamin content bolsters immunity, warding off cold and flu during colder months. The antioxidants in this juice act as a defence mechanism, aiding in preventing illnesses, while its delicious taste makes it kid-friendly.
Pumpkin Seed Milk
Pumpkin seed milk is another delightful way to keep winter ailments at bay for the little ones. This remedy involves blending soaked pumpkin seeds with water and straining the mixture. Rich in zinc, antioxidants, and omega-3s, it safeguards kids against winter sickness.
This nutritious vegan delight acts as a shield against seasonal ailments by fortifying the body's defence mechanisms. Its high zinc content aids in immune response, while antioxidants combat free radicals. Providing a wealth of nutrients, including magnesium and vitamin E, pumpkin seed milk contributes to overall health, offering an extra layer of winter protection.
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Fruit Smoothies
Organic fruits are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and essential nutrients. Preparing smoothies involves blending a variety of fruits such as berries, bananas, and oranges, with a splash of yoghurt or milk. Each sip is a celebration of the body's strength.
The fruit medley provides a powerhouse of vitamins C and E, crucial for fortifying their defences and warding off colds. Its richness in antioxidants aids in fighting off infections, ensuring a tasty and convenient way for kids to stay healthier during colder months.
10 Types of Natural Honey: A Guide to Varieties, Benefits, and Uses
Honey, a revered golden elixir, has been celebrated for centuries across the globe, not just for its delightful sweetness but also for its remarkable nutritional and medicinal properties. This natural sweetener, crafted by bees from the nectar of various flowers, presents an array of types, each with its unique tapestry of flavors, origins, nutritional profiles, and health benefits.
Exploring Origins, Health Benefits, and Culinary Uses of Organic Honey
Himalayan Honey: A Mountain Treasure
Hailing from the majestic Himalayan region, which includes Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Tibet, Himalayan honey is derived from a diverse mix of wildflowers like rhododendron and wild cherry. This honey is not only a powerhouse of antioxidants but also enhances immune function, aids digestion, reduces inflammation, and combats fatigue. A local beekeeper says, "Himalayan honey's health-boosting properties are unparalleled."
Manuka Honey: New Zealand’s Healing Nectar
Originating predominantly from New Zealand, with some sources in Australia, Manuka honey is a product of the Manuka bush. Known for its high methylglyoxal content, it exhibits strong antibacterial qualities. It's widely used for healing wounds, bolstering the immune system, and fighting illness. Its antioxidant-rich profile makes it a staple for maintaining robust health.
Read more: Beekeepers in good spirit as Sundarbans sees honey boom
Clover Honey: Sweet and Beneficial
Clover honey, celebrated for its delectably sweet taste and rich antioxidant content, supports heart health and combats inflammation. Predominantly produced in clover-rich regions of Europe, New Zealand, and North America, it's gentle on the digestive system, making it an excellent addition to a health-conscious diet.
Superfoods: Worth the Hype?
In recent years, the term "superfood" has garnered significant attention in health and wellness. These foods are often touted as nutritional powerhouses. They are praised for their exceptional health benefits.
The buzz around superfoods stems from their purported ability to provide a high concentration of nutrients, antioxidants, and other health-promoting compounds. Now, the questions arise, what exactly qualifies as a superfood, and is the hype surrounding the superfoods justified?
Are Superfoods Worth the Hype?
Superfoods are nutrient-rich foods often hailed for their exceptional health benefits. They typically contain high levels of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients that contribute to overall well-being. Superfoods include blueberries, spinach, salmon, chia seeds, and kale.
The term “superfoods” was coined in the 1990s. But it became widely familiar in 2007 after being mentioned in an article in Time Magazine. While the term "superfood" might spark intrigue, it is essential to approach the concept with a critical eye.
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Scientific evidence supporting the extraordinary health claims of superfoods varies. While some foods offer remarkable nutritional values, others might not live up to the exaggerated claims. Assessing the actual worth of superfoods involves understanding their nutritional content, benefits, and limitations.
Tips for Incorporating Superfoods into Your Diet
Seeds as Garnish
Seeds like chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and hemp seeds have gained attention as superfoods due to their rich nutrient profiles. They are packed with proteins, healthy fats, fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
These tiny seeds work excellently as garnishes. Their subtle taste makes them perfect for enhancing the nutritional value of dishes and snacks without overpowering the flavours.
Dark Chocolate Desserts
Contrary to popular belief, dark chocolate is a nutrient-rich superfood. It is abundant in antioxidants and various essential nutrients. It is a versatile ingredient for desserts and can serve as a flavour enhancer.
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For instance, you may have strawberries or banana slices dipped in dark chocolate for an antioxidant-rich dessert. It offers a delicious pre-workout snack or an evening dessert.
Nuts as Snacks
Nuts are another nutrient-dense superfood group. It delivers proteins and omega-3 fatty acids and is ideal for plant-based diets. They make for a satisfying and healthier snack option between meals and keep hunger at bay. Nuts serve as a convenient way to boost nutrition and resist unhealthy snacking both at work or home .
Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower is a superfood due to its nutrient content like protein, vitamins, and minerals. But it is often overlooked. Cauliflower can replace potatoes and is excellent as an alternative to regular or brown rice. To prepare cauliflower rice first, boil the florets, then cool them. Now process them in a mixer. Your cauliflower rice is ready to be savoured.
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Yoghourt Desserts
Yoghourt is a versatile and nutrient-packed superfood that serves as a savoury side or a base for desserts. Yoghourt can be paired with granola, dark chocolate, or naturally sweet berries. It creates effortless and nutritious dessert cups.
Berries Candy
Berries such as strawberries and blueberries make a healthy substitute for candies. You need to transform them into candy-like treats by squeezing lemon over the berries and refrigerating them for a few hours. This trick works with citrus fruits like oranges too.
Green Iced Tea
For a refreshing and nutritious drink, you may try iced green tea. It is packed with nutrients and is known to boost metabolism. Green tea infused with ice, lemon, and honey offers a superfood-packed beverage.
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Garlic Olive Oil
Both garlic and olive oil qualify as superfoods. They are rich in nutrients and known for their healing properties. Creating garlic-infused olive oil serves as a healthier alternative to butter for toast toppings. You need to simply combine olive oil with peeled garlic cloves and bake to prepare this delicious garlic olive oil.