Onions: Natural Weight-Loss Foods

Whether cooked or raw, onions add enormous flavor to a variety of healthy dishes, so they are a crucial ingredient to have around the house to make figure-friendly meals in your own kitchen every night.

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The onion is a member of the allium family, which, as your nose will tell you, also includes garlic, shallots, leeks, and chives. Egyptians worshiped the onion's many layers as a symbol of eternity. Today, the onion can be one of the most useful and flavorful ingredients in creating low-calorie, healthful dishes.

Health Benefits

Dry onions are a surprising source of fiber and a rich source of healthy sulfur compounds, similar to those found in garlic. Research on onions has lagged behind garlic research, but onions appear to have similar cardiovascular benefits, such as reducing blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, at least in the short term.

Onions also contain phytochemicals called flavonoids, which help vitamin C in its function, improving the integrity of blood vessels and decreasing inflammation. All this spells help for your cardiovascular system. One particular flavonoid, quercetin, may inhibit tumor growth and help keep colon cancer at bay.

In addition, a newly identified compound appears to rival the prescription drug Fosamax in inhibiting bone loss in menopausal women.

Onions also contain vitamin C and chromium. Chromium is a mineral that helps cells respond to insulin, ultimately assisting with blood glucose control. Green onions, because of their bright green tops, provide a wealth of vitamin A.

Selection and Storage

Dry onions are any common onion (yellow, white, or red) that does not require refrigeration. This distinguishes them from green onions, which will perish quickly when stored at room temperature.

Dry onions come in various shapes and colors, none of which is a reliable indicator of taste or strength. The white, or yellow globe, onion keeps its pungent flavor when cooked. All-purpose white or yellow onions are milder. Sweet onions, such as Bermuda, Spanish, and Italian, are the mildest.

Choose firm dry onions with shiny, tissue-thin skins. "Necks" should be tight and dry. If they look too dry or discolored or have soft, wet spots, don't buy them; they aren't fresh.

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Dry onions keep three to four weeks if stored in a dry, dark, cool location. Don't store them next to potatoes, which give off a gas that'll cause onions to decay. Light turns onions bitter. A cut onion should be wrapped in plastic, refrigerated, and used within a day or two.

Green onions, also called "spring" onions because that's the time of the year when they are harvested, have small white bulbs and are topped by thin green stalks. Though they are often sold as scallions, true scallions are just straight green stalks with no bulb. Look for green onions with crisp, not wilted, tops. For pungent taste, choose fatter bulbs; for a sweeter taste, smaller bulbs are your best bet. Green onions must be refrigerated. They keep best in an open plastic bag in your refrigerator's crisper drawer.

Preparation and Serving Tips

To keep tears from flowing, try slicing onions under running water. Or chill onions for an hour before cutting. To get the onion smell off your hands, rub your fingers with lemon juice or vinegar.

Onions are the perfect seasoning for almost any cooked dish. Their flavor mellows when they are cooked because smelly sulfur compounds are converted to sugar when heated. Onions saute wonderfully, even without butter. Use a nonstick skillet and perhaps a teaspoon of olive oil. Keep heat low or they'll scorch and turn bitter.

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Sweet onions are ideal raw, as rings in salads or as slices atop sandwiches. They add bite to a three-bean salad or a plate of homegrown tomatoes. Wash green onions, trimming roots and dry leaves. Chop up bulb, stalk, and all. They work well in stir-fry dishes, adding an understated bite. Green onions can also be served raw with low-fat dip as part of a crudite platter.

Whether it's a shallot, a scallion, or a regular yellow onion, be sure to have this food on hand to jazz up any healthy salad, stir-fry, or vegetarian casserole. This way, you'll never be bored with healthy eating for weight loss.

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21 Weight Loss Foods in Every Indian Kitchen

Weight loss diets or weight loss foods do not require a ‘special ingredient’, they constitute foods that you see every day in your Indian kitchens. These weight loss foods can be eaten directly or consumed in combination meals that you eat daily. Some health enthusiasts avoid typical Indian dishes that are are creamy and submerged in ghee or butter, but you can opt for healthy cooking methods using these same India-centric ingredients found in every Indian kitchen. These are weight loss foods common to Indian grocery markets and kitchens that can actually help you lose weight and gain health, using proper cooking methods.

#1 Moong dal

It is every Indian’s favourite which ever class he/she comes from. This dal is full of Vitamin A, B, C and E and many minerals, such as calcium, iron and potassium. It is often advised by dieticians to replace fatty foods with Moon dal as it is a weight loss food that is rich in proteins and fibre, so one feels fuller after having a bowl of dal for a long time and curbs your cravings. Along with weight loss, moon dal it also benefits the metabolism, immune system and protects against fatal diseases.

Enjoy this weight loss food with chapattis or you can also have them as sprouts with a tbsp of chilli powder, chat masala, a tbsp of lemon juice and salt to taste

 

 

#2 Walnuts

As quoted by sciencedaily.com , according to U.S researcher, Joe Vinson of the University of Scranton, "Walnuts rank above peanuts, almonds, pecans, pistachios and other nuts. A handful of walnuts contains almost twice as much antioxidants as an equivalent amount of any other commonly consumed nut" This weight loss food tastes delicious and low in cholesterol. While consuming this weight loss food one needs to remember that these are high calorie food that needs to be eaten in moderation.

Just when you are sitting for you meal add this weight loss foods to your salads, they will add crunch and taste to your boring veggie!

#3 Spinach

This green veggie is rich in fiber, water, antioxidants, vitamins K and A, and minerals like magnesium, potassium, and iron.  All this just in 10 calories per cup of this amazing weight loss food! One bowl of spinach will make you feel fuller and stab your food craving in your stomach itself. Spinach also helps in curing constipation, being a good source of fibre. It cleanses the digestive tract.

Nutritive Value per 100gms of edible portion                                                       
•    Calories ( kcal): 26                            
•    Proteins (gms): 2
•    Carbohydrates(gms): 2.9
•    Fat( gms): 0.7
•    Iron( mg): 1.14

If you aren’t a big fan of this weight loss food, try our innovative spinach recipes to fall in love with spinach.

#4 Bitter gourd

No don’t make that face, if you cook in the right way this bitter veggie can taste yummy too. This weight loss food is effective to reduce the total calorie you intake while having a meal so that you are eating fewer calories than you burn.

Bitter gourd is believed to contain hypoglycaemic or insulin like properties designated as plant – insulin which helps in lowering blood sugar levelsthios weight loss food is also  beneficial in treating blood disorders like boils, itching, psoriasis and other fungal disorders

Use bitter gourd in low-calorie, filling recipes, such as vegetable soups or stews. Another option is to eat it as a side dish with lean protein, such as chicken breast, fish or a soy-based vegetarian burger.

When cooking bitter gourd, chop them and keep them in salted water for 5 mins, this will reduce the bitterness in the veggie. Then go ahead and use thme in stew and soups. You can also keep this weight loss food as a side dish with other lean protein Indian dishes.

 

#5 Beetroot

According to Livestrong, Andrew Jones and other researchers at the University of Exeter's School of Sport and Health Sciences, discovered that drinking beet juice gives your body a stamina boost allowing you to exercise longer and burn more calories.

Beets are a blood-building herb that detoxifies blood and renews it with minerals and natural sugars. They are high in potassium, folic acid, and fiber, yet low in calories. This weight loss food also aids in eliminating toxins from your body.

Their edible leaves offer protein, calcium, fiber, beta carotene, vitamins A and C, and some B vitamins. We always restrict them to salads, but did you know there are more ways to adding this beautiful vegetable to your palate.

Beetroot Juice
2 medium sized beetroots
2 oranges
5 slice of fresh pineapple
Lemon Juice
Mint – 1 small sprig

Method
Peel the beetroot, and the oranges. Peel and core the pineapple.Cut all the above into chunks, then add the lemon juice, and place in the blender.Blend for 45 seconds or until smooth. Strain and serve, garnished with mint.

#6 Almonds

A study from the University of Toronto found that people who ate almonds with white bread didn't experience the same blood sugar surges as those who ate just the slice. And the higher blood sugar levels rise, the lower they fall; that dip leads to hunger, causing people to overeat. Plus, blood sugar changes cause the body to make insulin, which can increase abdominal fats.

This weight loss food is rich with important nutrients like monosaturated fats, vitamin E, folic acid, protein and dietary fibre. Almonds works best as a quick healthy snack when you are travelling or at your office desk, or the moment when you want to hog to something unhealthy.  This weight loss food also keeps your blood sugar steady.

Click here for a healthy Almond Recipe

#7 Apples

According to self.com, a study from Penn State University at University Park revealed that people who chomped an apple before a pasta meal ate fewer calories overall than those who had a different snack.

Apple is one of the best weight loss foods, having this great fruit a day not only keeps the doctor away but also makes you skinnier. With 4 gms of fiber in a medium apple, they can make you feel fuller for a longer time as the fiber take time to break down. Apples are a sweet and crunchy snack full of all sorts of nutritional goodness, and they taste good on their own and in salads, desserts, and savory dishes, too.

Read more: Apple Recipes

 

 

#8 Black Beans

Beans stay in your digestive system longer and add to the feeling of fullness and a satisfied feeling, aiding weight loss. They contain soluble and insoluble fiber, protein, and a type of fat-burning carb called resistant starch. Black beans are really one of the greatest weight loss foods.

According to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, bean eaters weigh less and have slimmer middles.They are a ‘heart healthy’ addition to any diet as they contain an abundance of soluble fiber, which can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Read more: Black Beans Recipes

#9 Cauliflower

However beautiful this veggie looks it is as strong enough to fight toxic compounds in your body. This weight loss food is rich is indoles, glucosinolates and thiocyanates that bumps off all the toxic waste in your body. Cauliflower is low in calories while still offering filling fiber. This veggie is also super versatile and can make a great replacement for heavier foods.

Read more: Cauliflower Recipes

#10 Cinnamon

Everything is nice about this weight loss food. Just 1/2 teaspoon each day can help control your blood sugar and prevent the post meal insulin spike that can trigger your body to store fat rather than burn it. This nutty flavor spice is also know for its diabetes fighting properties, cinnamon can work wonders for your sweet tooth while keeping you at a safe distance from fatty sugars and desserts. Cinnamon promotes effective blood circulation, which helps your body get fitter faster.

Add ground cinnamon as a replacement for sugar in cake dough or in your tea and coffee to get the most out of this wonderful spice every day.

 

 

#11 Turmeric

A clear favourite in Indian kitchens, turmeric wins the day when we talk about spices that aid digestion and weight loss.  Curcumin, a phenol found in turmeric helps keep fatty tissue at a minimum. Adding turmeric to your daily diet will help weight loss in the long run.

This weight loss food when used in the optimum dose is highly effective in soothing gastric inflammation and ulceration, which could be the key to developing new drugs against such stomach disorders, say Indian scientists.

#12 Raddish

Like other types of vegetables, cooked raddish contains approximately 3 grams of fiber per half cup to help you stay full and satisfied. Raddish are considered as starchy vegetables, so it is recommended to be eaten in place of rice, bread or other starchy foods. They work best as weight loss foods.

Enjoy a crunchy raddish in your salad with chopped cucumber and tomatoes.

#13 Garlic

Overweight people who sprinkled their food with the zero-calorie spice lost an average of 30 pounds in six months, compared to only a 2-pound loss in the control group. This much loved Indian ingredient is used widely in almost all recipes and gravies.

Allicin in garlic is considered effective for fighting high cholesterol, high insulin and unhealthy blood sugar levels. Additionally, garlic is a great appetite controller – perfect for healthy weight loss.

This weight loss food also help prevent various cancers, fight cardiovascular diseases and diabetes and respiratory problems. Garlic also helps fight various infections

#14 Lentils

Lentils is the fastest and easy to prepare food for mothers, while being the most popular ingredient in Indian kitchens. These daals can reduce your chances of a heart attack, stabilise sugar count and help in weight loss.

Lentils are a bona fide belly flattener. They're high in protein and soluble fiber, two nutrients that stabilize blood sugar levels. Eating them helps prevent insulin spikes that cause your body to create excess fat, especially in the abdominal area.

This weight loss food is perfect for diabetes patients and at the same time improve your iron level and source for vitamin B. It is not only a comfort food but also a good protein source vegetarians.

 

#15 Bananas

According to HMU expert Arnav Sarkar, Bananas are part of a healthy diet, and should also be part of a fat loss diet, however no food by itself helps one to lose weight. To lose weight one has to create a caloric deficit i.e to burn more calories than what they consume in a day.

For most cases a caloric deficit of 10-15% works best and ones that create a greater caloric deficit generally causes more muscle loss rather than fat loss.

For starters bananas offer healthy carbs which give energy to be more active and feel great. It is also high in the mineral potassium which helps to lower blood pressure. The fiber content of bananas helps to control hunger much better for those who are trying to lose fat. And it has also been found to help students study better thanks to its supply of the vitamin B6.

Some more benefits of bananas - It has been found to help reduce depression due to its content of Tryptophan, the iron content in it helps those with anemia and it also helps to reduce constipation due to its fiber content.

Breakfast is the best time to have this fruit. You can chop bananas in a bowl, add milk and a few strawberries.

#16 Tomatoes

This beautiful looking veggie works best in every Indian recipe and also as a weight loss food, every time you munch on a tomato, your body releases a hormone called cholecystokinin, which tightens the valve between your stomach and your intestine. As a result, CCK boosts feelings of fullness—making you less apt to overeat.

This weight loss food boosts your energy, stabilizes your blood sugar levels, controls your appetite, detoxifies your body and reduces cholesterol. Tomatoes are also low in calories, a plus for any dieter.

When using tomatoes in your dishes, avoid mixing thme with bread, pasta, potatoes or rice, as this combination can cause acidity.

#17 Olive oil

Olive oil has healthy fat that increases satiety, taming your appetite. But that's hardly its only slimming feature.

Olive oil contains antioxidant - polyphenols. They help the body in detoxify unbalanced molecules, otherwise called - free radicals. This weight loss oil is an excellent remedy for rheumatoid arthritis. Various published studies speak of these rheumatoid arthritis fighting properties. 

Research shows it has anti-inflammatory properties, and chronic inflammation in the body is linked to metabolic syndrome. Drizzle your salad with olive oil and you'll increase the antioxidant power of your veggies, a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition notes. But make sure you use it raw, do not cook olive oil. Cooking it changes it's chemical structure.

 

#18 Cabbage

This weight loss food is  found on every continent, so you have no excuses to shy away from this green leafy ball. Cabbage is the ideal veggie for constipation, skin and eye disorders, aging, stomach ulcers and Alzheimer’s to name a few. Detox with patta ghobi; it is a good blood purifier as well.

It’s very low in calories and high in fiber. Add to that, cabbage is way low on the GL scale too. This weight loss veggie doesn’t just help you lose weight.  is also a surprisingly excellent source of vitamin C, which some experts believe may reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

#19 Eggs

Eggs are a good source of vitamins, proteins and minerals. Eggs are not only a great source of nutrition, but also very useful to help lose weight. When combining eggs with other dishes you will limit the consumption of complex carbohydrates in the body.

Egg itself is sufficient in helping in weight loss.

#20 Coffee

The caffeine in coffee can raise your resting metabolic rate by about 15 percent, and the effect can last up to four hours—that adds up to 30 to 50 calories burned per day. Plus, people who sip 3 to 4 cups of regular or decaf coffee per day are 30 percent less prone to type 2 diabetes.

 

 

#21 Pears

Pears deliver a dose of fiber (about 5.5 grams per medium-sized fruit), which helps keep you satisfied long after you eat them. But that's not where their fat-fighting power ends.

A Brazilian research team found that a group of women who included pears in their diet each day lost more weight than the group who included oat cookies—even though the pears and the oat cookies had the same number of calories.

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http://healthmeup.com/photogallery-weight-loss/20-weight-loss-foods-in-every-indian-kitchen/19100/3

Top 20 winter foods for weight loss

Oatmeal

Nothing beats a hot bowl of oatmeal in the winter. Not only is oatmeal tasty and convenient, it’s also full of nutrients and phytochemicals. It also keeps you full and provides lasting energy. According to one study, people who eat oats for breakfast consume one third fewer calories at lunch.

Guava

Guava is a tropical fruit that tastes similar to pears and strawberries. It contains five times more vitamin C than an orange and is rich in fiber - especially if you eat the seeds. Guava also contain lutein, potassium, soluble dietary fiber, calcium and iron. The best part? It only has 60 calories in one serving, making it the perfect slimming snack.

Pomelo

This citrus fruit looks like a large grapefruit with thick bark. Sweeter than grapefruit, its yellow flesh is loaded with antioxidants that help prevent the spread of cancer cells. It is also rich in folic acid and potassium.

Sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of vitamin B, protein and folate. They also help protect the immune system. They’re loaded with vitamin E, an antioxidant that prevents cell damage, supports healthy skin and hair and can even prevent cancer

Honey

Honey is the most natural sweetener you can find. But be careful not to overdo it - at equal volume, it contains more calories than sugar. It’s a good source of antioxidants and its antimicrobial properties make it an ally during the winter.

Macadamia nuts

Macadamia nuts are a melt-in-your mouth treat, known for their health benefits. They are full of monounsaturated fatty acids (good fats) and may help reduce cholesterol. They are also rich in vitamin E and antioxidants and contain omega-3 and omega-6 in a ratio of about 1 to 1, which is great.

Prickly pears

Also called pear cactus, this fruit, has a vibrant ruby red and golden pulp that is soft and sweet (like a cross between watermelon and lemon). Each fruit is richer in magnesium than an orange, an apple and a pear combined. A study published in 2009 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, which included more than 64,000 women, found that when magnesium intake increases, the risk of type 2 diabetes falls.

Coconut milk

Research suggests that the fatty acids present in coconut milk can help speed up your metabolism and even promote weight loss. Read labels - some brands are very high in calories. In addition, its dietary fibre will keep you feeling full.

Watercress

Dark green leaves and peppery watercress are among the most nutritious greens. Watercress is a cruciferous vegetable rich in antioxidants that help prevent cancer and other diseases. It is a good source of beta-carotene and vitamin C,  as well as calcium and potassium. One cup contains five calories.

Chia seeds

Chia seeds pack a huge nutritional punch. It contains large quantities of iron, folate, calcium, magnesium and omega-3. Its soluble fiber increases the duration of satiety. Add them to a smoothie for a healthy start to your day.

Dark chocolate

Losing weight can be impossible if your diet is too restrictive. Rich and decadent dark chocolate in small amounts can satisfy your craving for sweets without consuming too many calories. In addition, you will benefit from its antioxidants.

Starfruit

Not only does this fruit have a sweet yellow apple flavor, it’s also loaded with potassium. It is also an excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts immune function and fights infections, and beta-carotene. Bonus: It only has 29 calories.

Red wine

Drinking a glass of red wine is a great way to relax in the late evening while enjoying its antioxidants that slow premature aging and reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. This treat contains few calories: 80 to 90 calories per serving of 120 ml.

Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt contains more protein (and calcium) than regular yogurt. You feel satiated longer. Try replacing the sour cream and mayonnaise based dips with Greek yogurt.

Shiitake mushrooms

Appetizing and nutritious mushrooms are very low in calories (10 in half a cup), almost devoid of fat and a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, selenium, riboflavin, thiamine, folic acid, vitamin B6 and zinc. According to laboratory studies, they also help immune cells to destroy viruses.

Tangelo

This cross between tangerine and grapefruit is like an orange, but it is more acidic than tangerine and sweeter than grapefruit. Although it contains less vitamin C than orange, it is richer in vitamin A than any other citrus fruit. A medium tangelo contains 35 calories and 130 mg of potassium. Consume it before your workout for an energy boost!

Maple syrup

Replace artificial sweeteners with pure maple syrup. A tablespoon of maple syrup provides 50 calories and contains more minerals and vitamins than sugar and corn syrup.

Oysters

Oysters are among the best sources of high quality protein which contain little fat. An oyster has only 8 calories. In addition, it is an excellent source of minerals such as calcium, fluoride, iodine, iron, zinc and others. It is also a good source of B-complex vitamins.

Liver

The liver is a relatively inexpensive source of protein. It is an excellent source of vitamin A and B12, folic acid, niacin and minerals, especially iron. With only 200 calories, it overrides most cuts of meat, but the problem is its high cholesterol: 400 mg per 115 g of liver braised. That said, if you stick to a diet low in fat and cholesterol, eating liver from time to time can not hurt if you're healthy

Kefir

Kefir (a beverage made from fermented milk, similar to yogurt) is particularly rich in vitamins B1 and B2, calcium, folic acid, magnesium and vitamin A. What makes kefir unique is its fermentation process, which greatly facilitates digestion. This allows the body to focus on the absorption and assimilation of nutrients and proteins necessary for the growth and regeneration of muscles and bones. In addition, kefir contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid that relaxes the nervous system, making it an ideal food for athletes post-workout.

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http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-eats/diet/top-20-winter-foods-for-weight-loss#oqczHLE4hlElTLJs.97