Have you ever noticed the labels / stickers on fruits and vegetables ? If yes , ever thought of the numbers/codes printed on labels !? What do they really mean ? Wanted to answers for all such questions !? By the end of the article , you can able to distinguish the distinct categories of codes on the labels and what do they actually mean ..!
PLU codes :
The stickers on fruits and vegetables are commonly referred to as the PLU stickers . PLU stands for Price – Look – Up . The PLU codes or Produce codes are generally the numbering system assigned/administered by the International Federation for Produce Standards ( IFPS) . Currently , there are over 1,450 PLU codes assigned by the IFPS .
The system of PLU coding is a globally used system . The coding is done for fresh produce on stickers , labels , tags etc.,
What do the PLU Codes mean ?
Most of the produce codes begin with 3000 or 4000 series . But PLU coding is a specific identification number system in which different codes are assigned to different produce . The produce is generally categorized as conventional , genetically modified and organic ones .
A 4 digit code ( starting with 3 or 4) – usually known as a conventionally grown food .
A 5 digit code ( starting with no. 8 ) – It is considered as a genetically modified food item .
A 5 digit code ( starting with no. 9 ) – It is considered as an organic food .
So , these different codes on fruits and vegetables mean how your food item has been grown .
Coffee is considered as one of the most popular beverages in the world . So , now let us know few interesting facts about coffee..!
Firstly , let us know the discovery of coffee .
Coffee was discovered in the 9th century . Kaldi – A goatherder in Ethiopia first discovered coffee . He noticed that his goats became energetic and excited after eating the beans from coffee plant.
2. Coffee is one among the foremost popular beverages in the world .
3. Kopi luwak – It is the world’s most expensive coffee . It is also as cat poop coffee / civet coffee because , it consists of semi – digested coffee cherries , that are eaten and defecated by the palm civet .
4. Brazil – The country that produces most coffee in the world . Brazil is the highest producer of coffee beans within the world for over 150 years .
5. On an average , daily 2.25 billion cups of coffee is consumed in the world .
6. Finland is one of the most coffee consuming country in the world .
7. Eventhough ,there are different coffee varieties in the world , only 30 types of coffee are considered as the most popular ones .
8. In India , the largest coffee producing state is Karnataka , followed by Kerala , Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh .
9. Araku Coffee is most popular for its aroma , flavor and texture . It is grown in the highlands of Araku Valley , Andhra Pradesh . It has a recognition from all over the world for its taste .
Therefore , these are some of the interesting facts about coffee .
Abdominal fat / visceral fat are the other terms used to refer belly fat . It is known as abdominal fat because , the fat that is stored within the abdominal cavity . Belly fat can also be subcutaneous fat , that is stored underneath the skin .
BELLY FAT
Inorder to get a flatten fat free stomach , many people try different types of work-outs to burn their belly fat . Along with walking , running , jogging , regular exercise and workouts ( such as abdominal crunches , bicycles , lunge twists etc., ) maintaining a good diet is also essential . So , now let us know about the foods that help you out with getting rid of your belly fat . By the end of the article , you can know about what to eat and what not to eat , to burn your belly fat.
Cooking oils are mainly used in the preparation of food . We use oil in numerous kinds of food preparation processes such as in frying ( pan frying , deep frying ) , basting , sauteing , baking , drizzling , roasting etc., So oil is extremely essential for us in cooking . Mostly oils are extracted from both plant (seed , fruit , buds etc., ) and animal sources .
COOKING OILS
There are different varieties of cooking oils available for us in the grocery stores . Sometimes we may get confused in selecting the healthiest oil , because there are those many varieties of cooking oils are available in the stores . May be we all are familiar with different cooking oils such as olive oil , sunflower oil , palm oil etc., but have you ever heard of blended oils ? Blended oils are a combination or a mix of two or more varieties of oils . Eventhough there are different types of cooking oils , majority of the people prefer the cooking oil based on the type of oil utilized in their place , based on their choice etc., are the factors of selecting cooking oil .
As we all know that there are different varieties of cooking oils . So now let us have a glance on their varieties , health benefits etc.,
Sunflower Oil :
Sunflower oil is extracted from the seeds of sunflower .
It is used as a multi – purpose oil .
It consists of omega – 6 fatty acids , Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA’s) & Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA’s) .
Vitamin – E is present .
SUNFLOWER OIL
Olive Oil :
Olive oil is derived from the olive fruit .
It is considered as one of the most healthiest cooking oil .
It consists of both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids .
Vitamins – E & K are present .
EXTRA VIRGIN OIL :- It is a pure and high quality olive oil .
OLIVE OIL
Palm Oil :
Palm oil is obtained from the fruit flesh .
It is one of the most widely used cooking oil
It contains a good amount of both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids .
It consists of Vitamin – E .
There are some varieties of palm oil such as crude palm oil , palm kernel oil etc.,
PALM OIL
Sesame Oil :
Sesame oil and gingelly oil are extracted from the same seeds .
It comprises mostly of unsaturated fatty acids .
It is low in saturated fatty acids .
It consists of Vitamin – B6 & Vitamin – E .
SESAME OIL
Mustard Oil :
Mustard oil is extracted from mustard seeds .
It predominantly consists of unsaturated fatty acids .
It is used as cooking oil , hair oil , body oil etc.,
Vitamin – E is present .
MUSTARD OIL
Canola Oil :
Canola oil is extracted from the rapeseed .
It is low in saturated fatty acid content .
It has both omega – 3 & omega – 6 fatty acids .
It is rich in both Vitamin – E & K .
Canola Oil
Soybean Oil :
Soybean oil is extracted from the seeds of soybean .
Soybean oil is one of the most widely consumed cooking oil .
It is high in unsaturated fatty acids .
It is also rich in Vitamin – E .
SOYBEAN OIL
Coconut Oil :
Coconut oil is extracted from the kernel of the coconut .
It has high saturated fat content .
It has lower unsaturated fatty acid content .
It consists of Vitamin – E
COCONUT OIL
Rice Bran Oil :
ItRice bran oil is extracted from the outer layer of rice grain .
Rice bran is rich in unsaturated fatty acids such as MUFA’s & PUFA’s .
It is rich in oryzanol .
It consists of Vitamin – E .
RICE BRAN OIL
Groundnut Oil / Peanut Oil :
Groundnut oil is extracted from edible seeds of peanut .
It majorly consists of MUFA’s & PUFA’s .
It also consists of saturated fatty acids .
It is rich in Vitamin – E .
PEANUT OIL
Therefore , these all are some of the most commonly used cooking oils . Oils such as avocado oil , safflower oil , corn oil , vegetable oils etc., are also some of the majorly used cooking oils .
You must know one thing about cooking oils i.e., heating an oil even more than its smoke point ( it is the temperature at which oils / fats starts to burn and release smoke ) results in flavor change and release of harmful components . So….! CHOOSE WISE , EAT WELL & STAY HEALTHY
Essential fatty acids …! What are EFA’s ? Why do you need them ? Where can you get them from ? Sources of Omega – 3 fatty acids ? Do you want to know more !?
Essential fatty acids or EFA’s are the fatty acids that are required by our body .These are known as essential fatty acids because human body cant produce Omega – 3’s . They are required for many biological processes . Though your body is unable to synthesize them , you should able to get them from your diet .
Although , there are different types of fatty acids , 2 fatty acids are known to be essential for our body . Omega – 3 & Omega – 6 type of essential fatty acids are very much important .
Omega – 3 Fatty Acids
Omega – 3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are essential for your body . These essential fatty acids must be obtained from your diet .
Omega – 3 fatty acids are very much essential for our body . The 3 types of Omega – 3 fatty acids are Alpha linolenic acid ( ALA ) , Eicosapentaenoic acid ( EPA ) & Docosahexaenoic acid ( DHA ) .
People who consume Omega – 3 fats regularly are less likely to depression and anxiety . Omega – 3’s also help in reducing of the ADHD ( Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Syndrome ) symptoms in children .
Omega – 3 fatty acids may improve your bone health .They can also improve eye health – Very high levels of DHA are present in the retina of our eye . Omega – 3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of heart diseases and strokes .
Sources of Omega – 3 fatty acids :-
Foods that are rich in omega – 3 fatty acids are fishes ( such as Albacore fish , Mackerel , Salmon , Sardines , Shrimps , Herring , Trouts , Tuna etc., ) are some of the types of fishes that are rich in omega – 3 fatty acids .Omega – 3 fatty acids are also available in – flaxseeds , hemp seeds , chia seeds , walnuts , kidney beans etc., and oils such as fish oil , krill oil , soybean oil , canola oil , flaxseed oil are also some of the sources that contain a high amount of omega – 3 fatty acids .
Along with omega – 3 fatty acids , omega -6 fatty acids , omega -9 fatty acids are also essential for our body . There are different types of essential fatty acids that are required by our body . We all known about the importance of getting enough omega – 3 fatty acids in our diet . So , make sure to consume essential fats in your daily diet .
You need to eat a healthy diet for a healthy heart . Here’s what you need to know about eating your diet to get a better healthy heart . You need to eat a proper , good diet for a healthy heart .
The risk of developing coronary heart disease can be reduced with the help of a healthy diet .
Coronary heart disease ( CHD ) is also referred as Coronary Artery Disease ( CAD ) Or Ischemic Heart Disease ( IHD ) .It leads to the damage of the major blood vessels of the heart . Mainly plaque ( cholesterol containing deposits ) is build up in the heart’s arteries that could lead to life threatening conditions . It mainly develops when the coronary arteries become too narrow . And in most of the cases , CAD / CHD / IHD is a result of arteriosclerosis ( clogging / stiffening / hardening of arteries ) & atherosclerosis ( Narrowing of the artery because of build up plaque ) . Atherosclerosis is a specific type of arteriosclerosis . So , a healthy diet can help reduce your risk of developing CHD .
The symptoms ( symptoms may vary from person to person ) of CAD are : Chest pain , shortness of breath , cramping , nausea etc .
Heart – Healthy Diet :
Consumption of healthy fats can reduce cholesterol levels and protect against heart diseases . So maintaining a proper diet is necessary to keep your heart healthy..!
Foods that contain LDL cholesterol should be avoided .
Unhealthy fats and Na content usage should be limited.
Avoid processed foods .
Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables .
Choose whole grains in your diet .
Low fat containing foods are preferred .
Consume skimmed / low fat dairy products .
Prefer plant based foods .
Good fiber source foods .
Dairy consumption
Dairy consumption was associated with a 10% lower risk of cardiac diseases and 12% lower risk of strokes . It is also essential to consume dairy products on a daily basis . Therefore , maintaining a healthy diet can help reduce the risk of developing CHD , diabetes and high blood pressure .
Healthy fats can lower cholesterol and protect against heart attacks and strokes . It is possible to manage the condition and to improve the quality of life by making certain changes to your daily diet that leads to a better outcome .
Have you ever thought of water getting expired ? Does it really expire ? Have you ever noticed an expiry date on water bottles ? If really , water gets expired..! What would be the reason for its expiry ? So , now let us know if really water has an expiry date..!
Bottled water
Even though , bottled water comes with an expiry date. Water never expires ..! So , even if water doesn’t expire , it is important for the bottled water to have an expiry date printed on the bottles . Here’s why..!?
Actually , according to the law passed in 1987 , it is mandatory for the food & water companies to print an expiration date on each and every product .And coming to the expiry date printed on water bottles..! It is advisable to drink the water in plastic bottles on or before 6 months .
Chemical constituents in plastic bottles :
Plastic bottles contain certain chemicals such as Bisphenol A ( BPA ) , Bisphenol S ( BPS ) , dioxins , phthalates , polyvinyl chloride ( PVC ) and many other chemical constituents that result in water contamination . So , it is advisable to use the items / products that are labelled as BPA – free ..! Because , BPA – free water bottles are made up of reusable plastics . And also such bottles assure that the product is safe to consume .
Conclusion :
Here is a note..!
Whenever you are buying a bottled mineral water , make sure that the bottle completely closed and sealed without any leaks .You should take some other precautions before buying bottled water . Such as , check out for suspended particles , reject it immediately , if you find any . It is mandatory for companies to disclose the details like date of manufacture , best before or expiry date etc., These are the certain measures to be followed while buying bottled water .
You can protect yourself and help prevent spreading the virus to others if you follow certain safety measures and precautions .
What you should do if you have symptoms of COVID -19 ?
Its very important to know by yourself , the possible symptoms of COVID – 19 . And we should be cautious with the spread of the virus. People who might have been in contact with a COVID -19 patient are being asked to self – quarantine themselves for 14 days .And in some cases , a person might be infected with the coronavirus . But symptoms may not be observed initially . It can take a certain more amount of time to show up the symptoms .This virus spreads from an infected person to others , either by direct or indirect physical contact .
The general symptoms of the corona virus are common cold , fever , nagging cough , runny nose , headache , body pains , fatigue , sore throat , shortness of breath .
Basic protective measures against coronavirus :
You must stay aware of the latest information on the coronavirus outbreak ..!
Stay home and away from others
Maintain social distancing
Avoid close contact with sick people .
Use disinfectants
Coronavirus : Do’s & Don’ts :
Do’s :
Wash your hands frequently .
Cover your nose and mouth .
Avoid close contact with sick people .
Stay in self isolation
Maintain social distancing .
Take adequate sleep and rest .
Drink plenty of water
Maintain proper diet .
Don’ts :
Avoid touching face with unwashed hands .
Splitting in public places .
Taking medicines without consulting doctor .
Don’t go to public places .
Do not panic .
Avoid travelling unnecessarily .
Coronavirus Tips & Advices for age – old ones :
It affects people of all ages , it tends to cause more severe cases in older adults . Age old people have more trouble recovering from this chronic respiratory disorder . It is more necessary for the older ones to take necessary precautions during this pandemic . Age factor may also cause increased risk . For example , diabetes , chronic lung disease , obesity and heart diseases are more common in older people . As age increases , immune system also gets weakens in elder people . These are some of the factors that make them more vulnerable and difficult to fight against the coronavirus .
Conclusion :
COVID – 19 is caused by coronaviruses ( CoVs) – the largest group of viruses belonging to the Nidovirales order , which includes the family Coronaviridae etc ., These corona virus cases ranges from mild to severe , and spreads more rapidly . It is primarily transmitted between people through droplet transmission and a close physical contact .
Can you eat your food after its expiry date ? Did this question ever raised in your mind ? If yes , you may have asked yourself this question more than once .
Does food expiry date really matters ? Are the foods safe to consume after expiry date ? If yes , how long are the foods safe to consume after expiry date ? Are you curious and wanted to know more about this topic ? So ,lets get started..! By , the end of the article you will get to know answers for all these questions and also the difference between expiry date and expiration date ?
According to Food Safety & Standards Authority of India ( FSSAI ) , it is a mandatory for the food manufacturers to include the date of expiry on the product , but its not always an indication of whether the food has gone bad or not .
Does food expiration dates really matter ?
Is it essential to check the expiry date before buying any product ? Yes , it is very essential to check the products expiry date before buying it . Especially , while buying food products . Because , food causes risk of developing Botulism bacteria . So , we should be careful while buying any food product .
The dates solely indicates freshness , and are used by manufacturers to convey when the product is at its peak , that means the food does not expire in the sense of becoming inedible .
Are foods safe to consume after expiry date ?
Food is still ok to eat after the expiration date – here’s how long…! We cannot tell exactly , how long your food is good for consumption , after the expiry date has passed , plus each food is different . For suppose , Dairy lasts 1 – 2 weeks , eggs last almost 2 weeks & grains last for a year . But we cant assure completely that the food is safe , after the expiry date . Food safety depends on various factors and those should be satisfied before consuming any food product .
Did you ever noticed the difference between “expiry”,”use by” & “best before” ?
Essentially they all indicate the predicted date until when the product is at its peak quality . As per Indian standards , the expiry date has to be mentioned , but its not specified how it should be written . Mostly , Indian manufacturers always use ‘expiry date ‘ instead of ‘ use by ‘ or ‘ best before ‘ . The difference is that when it says ‘expiry date ‘ , it indicates the end of the stated storage period of the product . ‘Best before’ or ‘use by’ mean that the product may not taste or feel the same way after the date has passed .
For ex. You will fin such labelling on the items .
The actual term ‘expiration date’ refers to the last date of a food that should be used or eaten .
‘Best if used by (or before) date – this refers to quality of the product . This date is recommended for better quality of the product .
‘ Use by date ‘ – it is generally referred as the last date recommended for the use of the product .
Why do you need to know the expiry date of a product ?
The expiration date is the date upto which the food maintains its microbial stability and the nutrient content as mentioned on the label . That means it indicates that it is important to use that food before the expiry date to get most of the nutritional values from it .
Do you know the health benefits of Hibiscus tea ? Is it the best beverage ? Is it consumed hot or cold ? Are there any side effect of drinking hibiscus tea ? Can a individual consume it everyday ? Does it stain your teeth ? Wanted to know answers for all these questions ? So , lets get started…! By the end of the article you can able to know the health benefits offered by consuming it..
What is Hibiscus Tea ?
Hibiscus tea is a herbal tea made as an infusion . Technically , hibiscus infusion isn’t made from the flower of the plant . It is actually made from the calyx , steeping parts & dried petals of the hibiscus flowers in boiling water . It is a natural , risk free and tasty way to prevent health issues .Although there are hundreds of types of hibiscus flowers , only one kind ( Hibiscus sabdariffa ) is commonly used for infusions .
Hibiscus Tea : Health benefits
There are several health benefits offered by hibiscus tea . They are : Rich in anti oxidants ( essential for health & well being ) , they fights and prevents low grade chronic inflammations . Assists in removing free radicals ( destructive molecules can damage cells and DNA ) , helps protect against chronic diseases – heart diseases , diabetes and cancers etc ., It also assists to reverse inflammatory process on body .
Consumption of hibiscus tea can lowers blood pressure . Treats liver diseases . It also consists of diuretic properties . It is very effective in lowering high blood pressure in type – 2 . Helps to lower bad LDL levels and increases good HDL levels . Protects against heart diseases . Hibiscus tea is most effective on human gastric carcinoma cells ( stomach cancers ) . There are some other health benefits offered by hibiscus tea . They are as follows :
Consists of polyphenols .
Rich in Vitamin – C content .
It is versatile , flavoursome and healthy ..
May reduce depression and pressure .
Lowers triglycerides and overall cholesterol levels .
Causes cell death in 8 different kinds of cancer cells .
Helps in weight loss .
Lowers hyper tension .
Low absorption of starch and glucose .
There are several such health benefits offered by the consumption of hibiscus tea .
Side effects :
Side effects of consuming hibiscus tea are uncommon but might include temporary stomach upset or pain , constipation , nausea , headache etc.,
Is it the best beverage ?
Hibiscus tea not only looks and tastes amazing – it is really good for you . It is a fragrant beverage with a tart flavour similar to that of cranberries juice . It can be consumed both hot and cold . It is also considered as the best beverage .
Is it safe to drink hibiscus tea everyday ?
Moderate consumption of hibiscus tea is generally considered safe . But that moderate level shouldn’t exceed the limits . The impressive manganese content of hibiscus tea may exceed recommended levels at high intakes , though , so we probably shouldn’t drink more than a quart a day . Consumption of hibiscus tea lowers blood pressure in people at risk of high blood pressure and those with mildly high blood pressure .
Does hibiscus tea stain teeth ?
Hibiscus tea is known to stain teeth if consumed regularly and in high quantities . Many herbal teas contain tannins , which naturally stain your teeth and gums . Hibiscus tea may also cause staining and discoloration if regularly consumed over time . So to avoid staining of your teeth , you don’t have to stop drinking tea to avoid brown stains on teeth . Adding milk to your tea could prevent staining of teeth .
Conclusion :
Hibiscus is known worldwide as a gentle , effective and preventative medicine . Of all the herbs used in blended infusions , hibiscus tea is one of the most popular , versatile , flavoursome and healthy herbal tea .
Know : Food Tech..! 