Gluten Free Maple Pumpkin Custards with Crystallized Ginger

A Thanksgiving meal wouldn’t be complete without pumpkin, but after a huge meal, a traditional pumpkin pie can sometimes be a bit heavy. Pumpkin is combined with maple syrup in these elegant custards, featuring the best part of a pumpkin pie and saving calories for a luscious finish of real whipped cream. If you can find it, use Grade B dark amber syrup to get the best maple flavor.

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups 1% milk
4 large eggs
3/4 cup maple syrup,
3/4 cup canned unseasoned pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons whipped cream
1/4 cup chopped crystallized ginger

PREPARATION

1. Preheat oven to 325 °F. Put a kettle of water on to heat for the water bath. Line a roasting pan with a folded kitchen towel.
2. Heat milk over low heat in a small saucepan until barely steaming but not boiling.
3. Whisk eggs and syrup in a large bowl until smooth. Gently whisk in the warm milk (a little bit at a time so the eggs don’t cook). Add pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt; whisk until blended.
4. Divide the mixture among six 6-ounce (3/4-cup) custard cups. Skim foam from the surface. Place custard cups in the prepared roasting pan. Pour enough boiling water into the pan to come halfway up the sides of the custard cups. Place the pan in the oven and bake, uncovered, until custards are just set but still quiver in the center when shaken, 45 to 50 minutes. Transfer custards to a wire rack and let cool for 45 minutes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until chilled.
5. To serve, top each custard with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of crystallized ginger.
6. Enjoy!

TIPS:

• Make Ahead Tip: Prepare through Step 4. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
• Ingredient Note: If you can find it, use Grade B dark amber syrup to get the best maple flavor.

Nutritional Information:

Per serving: 210 calories; 4 g fat(2 g sat); 1 g fiber; 37 g carbohydrates; 7 g protein; 23 mcg folate; 128 mg cholesterol; 30 g sugars; 26 g added sugars; 5158 IU vitamin A; 1 mg vitamin C; 156 mg calcium; 1 mg iron; 179 mg sodium; 290 mg potassium

Carbohydrate Servings: 2 1/2

Exchanges: 1/2 low-fat milk, 2 other carbohydrate, 1/2 medium fat

Source: Eating Well Magazine

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What Are Nootropics?

When addressing the question ‘what are nootropics?’ it is best to simplify the answer otherwise it can get quite complicated. Nootropics is an umbrella term for a class of chemicals, some naturally-occurring, some man-made, that provide cognitive benefits to the human brain.

To get truly technical, in order to be a nootropic, a compound needs to fulfill 5 requirements set by Dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea, the man who coined the term “nootropic.” The compound needs to …

1. Enhance memory and ability to discover.
2. Help the brain function under disruptive conditions, such as hypoxia (low oxygen) and electroconvulsive shock.
3. Protect the brain from chemical and physical attacks, such as anti-cholinergic drugs and barbiturates.
4. Increase the effectiveness of neuronal firing control mechanisms in cortical and sub-cortical areas of the brain.
5. Have very little to no side effects and be essentially non-toxic.

Although this may be the official definition of what a nootropic is, usually when you hear the term nootropic used, most people are really talking about a  “cognitive enhancer” – something that gives your thinking ability a boost in some way (enhanced memory, faster speed-of-processing, increased concentration, or a mix of these, etc.). “Smart drugs” is another interchangeable term. With this looser definition of nootropics, relatively innocuous everyday substances like caffeine and Omega-3’s as well as substances like Adderall are also sometimes included under the broad header ‘nootropics’.

When And Where Did Nootropics Come From?

While cognitive enhancement with numerous compounds has actually been recorded in Chinese and ayurvedic medication for centuries, the term nootropic was coined in 1972 by Dr Corneliu Giurgea.

Dr Giurega was a Romanian researcher responsible for the synthesis of piracetam, a man-made nootropic first synthesized in 1964 that stays possibly the most popular nootropic to this day. He obtained the term from the Greek words nous (mind) and trepein (to turn, to flex).

Although it was Dr Giurega who first introduced the term nootropic and who initially came up with the definition, there is a second way to categorize nootropics which was introduced by Dr Skondia.

His criteria was based on a nootropics metabolic technique more than Dr Giurega’s. Particularly:

1. The compound possesses no direct vasoactivity (vasodilation or vasoconstriction).
2. The compound should not alter fundamental EEG rhythm.
3. The substance needs to cross the blood brain barrier.
4. The substance needs to have metabolic activity in the human brain.
5. The compound must have little-no negative effects.
6. The compound should go through scientific trials which expose metabolic cerebral improvement.

Most likely the most significant distinction in between the scientists definitions is that Dr Giurega thought the compound ought to enhance learning and memory while Dr Skondia thought a compound needs to boost brain metabolism through glucose or oxygen update. The racetams (piracetam, pramiracetam, oxiracetam, aniracetam) would fit both Skondia’s and Giurega’s definitions as “real nootropics” but many commonly used “cognitive enhancers” wouldn’t. Hence technically we can say that nootropics are cognitive enhancers, while all cognitive enhancers aren’t strictly nootropics. Having said all this, as mentioned earlier, the term nootropic is used quite broadly these days and many people would include some cognitive enhancers as nootropic substances.

Some popular nootropics would include:

Racetams – Piracetam, Aniracetam ,Oxiracetam, Pramiracetam, Noopept. Racetam’s are a group of nootropics that first started with Piracetam’s discovery. Subsequent racetam derivatives are more potent on a gram for gram basis and carry subtle differences in effect.

Choline Supplements – GPC and CDP Choline are both bioavailable forms of Choline that nourish the brain and provide it with the raw materials for Acetylcholine and cell membrane synthesis.

Herbs – Vinpocetine, Ginkgo, Bacopa, Huperzine-A – Herbs which have been traditionally used for hundreds of years to strengthen the mind, reduce stress and support cognitive function.

Modified Vitamins and Nutrients – Both Sulbutiamine and Pyritinol are man made semi-synthetic forms of vitamins B1 and B6 respectively. Sulbutiamine plays a role in dopamine modulation in the brain, while Pyritinol raises Acetylcholine levels. Creatine, a common sports supplement also has cognitive enhancing qualities.

 

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What Is White Tea? Is It Good For Your Health?

So, What Exactly Is White Tea?

White tea is tea that has been lightly oxidized which, at its most basic, means it has undergone a chemical reaction with oxygen. This tea, primarily from the Fujian Province in China, comes from the buds of the Camellia sinensis plant – the same plant that produces green, oolong and black tea as well. The level of oxidation is what gives the different teas.  Today, white tea is also produced in Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Kenya, Northern Thailand and also Eastern Nepal.

 

Video: What Is White Tea

History Of White Tea

It is believed that white tea is the earliest form of tea produced in China – this is due to the fact that it requires very little processing. Written records dating back to 1105 AD mention white tea during the Song dynasty and the earliest types being silver needle, white peony followed by Gongmei and Shoumei later on. These varieties of tea bush produce a different and distinctive white tea taste.

White Tea Benefits

There are many health benefits of white tea which makes it one of the best teas you can drink.  Due to the very light oxidation process, white tea has the highest antioxidant levels of all the tea varieties.

So, What Is White Tea Good For?

White tea is used for weight loss, cancer prevention and for all sorts of health benefits. Here is a brief list of what white tea can be used for below:

• Weight Loss
• Lowering Blood Pressure
• Lowering Cholesterol
• Heart Health
• Glowing Skin
• Healthy Teeth & Gums
• Cold & Flu Treatment and other sorts of viruses and bacterial infections

Click the link to learn more about white tea benefits

How To Make White Tea

Brewing white tea is simple but for best results and to retain as much of the healthy goodness as possible, follow these steps to achieve a fine cup of tea:

 

1. Choose your tea: When you buy white tea, you will notice that it comes in many forms and the quality differs. You can get organic white tea, loose leaf white tea, white teabags and even white tea powder. You can also choose white tea with additional flavors such as pomegranate, jasmine and peach. If you are new to white tea, it is a good idea to try a sampler which allows you to try a variety of teas before choosing your favorite.
2. Make sure your white tea is fresh: Unlike other teas, white tea doesn’t keep for years and really should be used up within six months of purchase. Store your tea in a cool dark, dry place which will prevent it from oxidizing further.
3. Choose your water: Select good quality water to brew your tea in. Hard water can effect the brew and even ruin the delicate taste of the white tea. If you live in a hard water area, use filtered water.
4. Heat water to boiling and let it cool: After you have boiled your water, let it cool down for 5 to 8 minutes. Ideally you want the water to be around 158˚F to 167˚F or 70˚C to 75˚C – the perfect white tea temperature. Too high a temperature will produce a bitter brew – a longer steeping time at a cooler temperature is best.
5. Select your method for brewing: Choose whether to use a tea infuser, a tea ball or a tea pot. If you are using loose tea leaves then approximately 2 teaspoons per cup works well. Put your tea leaves or tea bag(s) into the infuser, ball or pot.
6. Steep: Add the boiled (then cooled) water to the mix and allow the tea to infuse for 7 – 10 minutes. White tea leaves can handle being infused for longer than other tea varieties. You may want to experiment with the steeping time to produce a flavor that’s right for you.
7. Pour: Serve your white tea as it comes. It is best unadulterated although some people do add sugar and milk – but this is really not recommended as it does overwhelm the subtle and delicate flavor of the tea.

How Does White Tea Taste?

White tea has a mild sweet, delicate taste and does not have the grassy flavor that some green teas do.  It has a velvety smoothness to it and is a subtle, delicate tea which can be easily over powered with the addition of milk and sugar. It is sometimes blended with fruit such as peach or pear which adds another dimension to the tea.

Does White Tea Contain Caffeine?

All tea naturally contains caffeine but there are several factors which contribute to the levels of caffeine found in each one.  The first contributing factor is the quality of the tea leaves. The best quality white tea is fresher, which also means it has higher levels of caffeine in it. Secondly the temperature of your brew. If the white tea leaves are steeped in water at a lower temperature, then the resulting brew will have a higher caffeine content than one produced at a higher temperature. Thirdly the steep time. The longer you leave your tea to steep the more caffeine in your cup – although this is only true of the first steep. Although white tea does contain caffeine, it must be said that the amount of caffeine is less than that of green or black tea and far less than coffee. Even still, the caffeine in white tea can be removed to leave a decaf white tea.

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8 Ways Your Life Would Be Better With A Pink Himalayan Salt Lamp

Pink Himalayan salt lamps have become extremely popular for their health benefits. If you’ve never used one before you have to try it, especially if you have respiratory problems or low energy.

Check out our top 8 reason you need to get a pink Himalayan salt lamp in your home today!

1. Neutralizing electromagnetic radiation

There is a theory that the much-debated sick structure syndrome is because of a build-up of favorable ions from electronic devices.

We are embedded in a huge sea of electromagnetic (EM) radiation emitted by our electronics (cell phone, computer, television, tablet, home appliances, etc).

No one knows for sure exactly what the long term results of EM exposure will be. Exactly what is understood is that consistent EM radiation direct exposure can cause chronic fatigue, increases tension levels, and reduces the body’s immune reaction, among others.

Negative ions will definitely counteract favorable ions; however, to combat electromagnetic radiation completely, you would have to cover yourself in lead sheeting, not simply light a light beside the TELEVISION.

To what extent Himalayan salt lamps release negative ions into the air remains to be seen. It’s unsure if they are effective enough to reduce the effects of electromagnetic radiation, likewise called ‘electro-smog’ at all.

Reducing the effects of may be a gross overstatement. Helping reduce seems better.

However if you’re searching for a nice light anyway, why not keep one next to your computer system or TELEVISION if it can possibly decrease harmful adverse effects of our gadget-focused lifestyle?

2. Increase Energy Levels

One of the boldest claims. Due to the fact that positive ions sap your body of energy, HPS lamps can make you more energetic. Frequently the link in between being out in nature (where negative ions are abundant) and sensation revitalized is credited to these lights too.

2 caveats; is the amount of unfavorable ions discharged enough and are the energizing impacts of remaining in nature solely triggered by negative ions or exist other elements such as stunning scenery, fresh air etc. in play?

3. Reduce Asthma And Allergy Symptoms

That special Himalayan pink salt inhalers exist, and the fact that they seem to have significant advantageous results on asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory disorders rules in favor of the exotic salt.

HPS lamps are stated to filter microscopic mold, mildew, dust, and animal dander particles from indoor air. Individuals swear that adding a couple of lamps to their room assisted in minimizing allergy symptoms significantly. Even asthma sufferers declare the advantages of using HPS lamps.

4. Helps You To Sleep More Soundly

Another popular claim is that the lamps assist in getting you a better night’s sleep. The theory is that over-exposure to positive ions in the air cause a decrease of blood and oxygen supply to the brain leading to irregular sleep patterns.

5. Improvement In Mood

Studies show that negative ions can definitely benefit individuals experiencing seasonal depression (SAD), and might help other forms of anxiety too.

It needs to be mentioned that during the scientific trial ‘high density negative ion exposure’ was used. Interestingly, the ‘low density’ group likewise experienced a 17% improvement.

Claims that the lamps increase serotonin production are plausible but unverified; the only way to determine serotonin activity in the brain of a living human is by an agonizing and harmful spinal tap, so scientific research studies seldom look at that neurotransmitter directly.

6. Increase Performance And Reduce Stress

In a research study on individuals completing a 40-minute job on the computer, direct exposure to negative ions in the air reduced stress and anxiety and improved performance.

7. Improve Breathing

Research studies show that negative ions increase cilial activity while positive ions have an unfavorable result. Cilia are the tiny hairs lining the windpipe (trachea).

In other words, the more negative ions in the air means your lungs are kept cleaner from foreign particles. So in theory, a HPS light helps you filter the air you inhale and keep your lungs clean.

8. Air Purification

Natural living afficionados boast that the core benefit of these lights is “their extraordinary power to eliminate pollen, dust, cigarette smoke, and other impurities from the air”.

As well as though fans admit “it’s just a big portion of salt with a light bulb inside” they declare that their efficacy comes from hygroscopy, attracting and soaking up water particles with contaminants inside, from the surrounding environment, trapping them into the salt crystal.

It is definitely true that the salt lamps are hygroscopic: they do suck water vapor from the air. Salt in the air has long been viewed as a health booster, and sea air has been shown to help clear the air passages.

In the 19th century, Polish salt miners (operating in the same mines which now produce “Himalayan” salt) were understood to have less lung illness than the basic population.

There is sufficient clinical evidence of the health advantages of breathing salty air. Nevertheless, rock salt isn’t particularly efficient at spreading out salt particles through the air.

There are ‘salt day spas’ around Europe, which people go to for aid with their breathing problems, however these are rooms lined with blocks of salt like mosaic tiling. It appears not likely that a 10-inch lamp would affect the air of the whole space.

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Guilt Free Healthy Hash Brown Recipe

Get a dose of veggies with these healthy hash browns made with cauliflower. A great alternative for a delicious breakfast. You know you want to try them! So easy to make and serves 6.

INGREDIENTS

1 large head cauliflower
2 eggs
½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
⅓ cup chives, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt, divided
½ teaspoon black pepper
Dipping sauce of your choice

PREPARATION

1. Preheat oven to 400°F/200°C.

2. Using a coarse grater, grate the cauliflower until the entire head has crumbled down into small bit.

3. Transfer the cauliflower bits to a bowl and sprinkle over a ½ teaspoon of the salt. Mix the cauliflower to incorporate the salt and let sit for 20 minutes to draw out moisture.

4. Transfer the soaking cauliflower to another bowl lined with a large towel. Wrap the towel closed and squeeze so that all of the excess liquid is strained.

5. Transfer the cauliflower back into the first bowl used and mix with the cheese, chives, garlic, olive oil, basil, black pepper, and remaining ½ teaspoon of salt.

6. Turnover a large roasting tray and line with parchment paper – this helps prevent burning on the bottom of the hash browns. Divide the cauliflower mixture into 6 even portions, place on the tray, and shape into hash browns.

7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown.

8. Let the hash browns cool for about 15 minutes until they have set.

9. Serve with desired dipping sauce.

10. Enjoy!

This is how you make them:

Cauliflower Hash Browns
FULL RECIPE: http://bzfd.it/2elU6G7

Posted by Goodful on Monday, October 17, 2016

Source: Goodful / Buzzfeed

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15 Cancer Causing Foods We Eat Everyday!

When your moms and dads were young, no one was worried about foods that trigger cancer. The research was very young then, but at the same time there was far less processed foods available on the market. Individuals ate healthier and more pure foods, since that was what was readily available to them.

Today, it looks like medical professionals connect everything to causing cancer – it’s tough to determine exactly what to really stay away from. While you think you might be doing the ideal thing for your health by drinking diet sodas or low-calorie popcorn, you’re really eating a few of the worst cancer-causing foods out there!

Below are 15 of the greatest carcinogen perpetrators that you most likely eat every day. While you might be believing “Everything causes cancer, so why bother changing my diet,” these 15 everyday food products have been scientifically shown to significantly increase the danger of cancers.

Don’t forget to SHARE these 15 BAD foods that you need to aim to cut from your diet at all costs!

1. Soft Drinks

Sodas, soda pop, soft drinks, fizzy drinks … no matter what you call it, it’s still destructive to your health! Soda is packed loaded with calories, sugar and artificial active ingredients, and has ZERO dietary benefit. Although they may taste great, one can of soda contains about ten packages of sugar and most popular sodas (even the diet ones) are nearly as corrosive to dental enamel as battery acid. Think the occasional soda will not hurt? Research studies have actually revealed that only drinking 2 sodas each week almost doubles the threat of pancreatic cancer. There are plenty of options out there, so next time you’re craving something sweet, think about what you’re taking into your body. Your health is an important investment, always remember that!

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Noopept Dosage

What Is The Right Noopept Dosage?

Noopept is a synthesised member of the Racetam supplement family that is structurally much like both Piracetam and endogenous dipeptides (amino acid constituents) within the brain.

Although the results of taking this supplement appear to be similar to Piracetam, it is reported to be 1000 times more powerful.

This is mainly due to its much higher level of bio-activity. Because of this, Noopept users should be far more cautious in their dosing practices.

Making sure that you stick to the ideal Noopept dose will help to eradicate any potentially bad response.

Keep reading this guide to discover how Noopept impacts the body and exactly what the very best way to take this supplement is, including the suggested Noopept dosage. You can also check out our full Noopept review here.

Most people who take Noopept supplements, stick to a dose which falls between 10 mg and 40 mg (usually split into 3 doses over the day). I ti s important that you figure out the very best dose for your body by starting out with a smaller amount in the beginning and only increasing if you feel comfortable doing so.

Some individuals will feel powerful impacts even with a 10 mg Noopept dose while others will require a larger quantity in order to notice any changes. Due to the fact that Noopept boosts awareness and blood flow to the brain, it is advised that you do not take this substance late in the evening if you desire a full nights sleep.

Some people who supplement with Noopept suggest cycling their Noopept dosage schedule to enhance its effectiveness, however this has actually not been proven necessary or effective. In fact, due to the fact that the effects of this Nootropic is cumulative in its effects, taking it in consistent doses over a long period of time may offer you much better results.

The Noopept dosages suggested in this article are recommended when utilizing this supplement by itself, but lots of people will try a Noopept stack to combine this brain enhancer with other Nootropics.

It is common to stack Noopept with Alpha GPC, Citicoline, Piracetam, Pramiracetam, Adrafinil and a large range of other Nootropics. Read more about these supplements in order to decide upon the very best Noopept stack for you.

If you do use Noopept with other Nootropics, you might wish to take a smaller dosage to prevent over-stimulation. While some individuals have used Noopept in mega dosages, this is a potentially hazardous practice and, to be safe, you should not exceed the recommended dosage.

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How Does Noopept Work? The Basics

Today, you can purchase Noopept across the USA just like you’d purchase any nutritional supplement. If you’re wondering where to buy Noopept online, click the link to see our recommendation. In this article we seek to answer the often asked question ‘How does Noopept work?’ Keep reading to find out.

We first came across Noopept when trying to find supplements much like Piracetam. Noopept is among the most popular nootropic supplement nowadays and is rapidly growing in recognition.

So, How Does Noopept Work?

Noopept’s is primarily a memory enhancer and also protects against cognitive decline. It is also recognized as an anti-anxiety and mood enhancement drug. Beyond this there are lots of other positive effects of Noopept such as increased focus, energy and concentration. These benefits become even better in the longer term and may even have some stimulatory advantages.

Noopept is the most sought-after peptide-derived nootropic and is closely related to the Racetam family.

If you’re looking to give yourself that edge in your work or studies, Noopept can help you to stay alert and focused while giving you that boost in a safe and protected way. At the moment, Noopept is unregulated as a supplement, and it’s legal for anybody to buy, which makes it a popular choice.

Noopept is a potent nootropic, and only a very small dose is required to benefit from its effects. Some people feel the effects of Noopept at a low dosage (5-10mg daily), while others might need to take bigger doses (30mg) to experience the exact same benefits. Taking the correct dosage of any nootropic is crucial but for something as potent as Noopept, it’s particularly essential.

Noopept is a powerful nootropic by itself, however you will also see it stacked with several other nootropic supplements in a broad range of Noopept stack dosages.

If you want to find out where to get Noopept, click here, or read our Noopept review to find out more about this smart pill.

How Can Noopept Help You?

Noopept interacts with certain neurotransmitters within the brain which are known to enhance brain power in regards to learning and memory. It’s neuro-protective properties additionally help to safeguard the brain from future damage too. Though there are several known mechanisms which help Noopept work to boost brain function, some aspects of the workings of Noopept is still unknown.

When neurotransmitters become more efficient, it improves the brain’s capability to absorb new information and transfer that info to our normal storage system. Even when Noopept usage is stopped, its capacity to offer neuro protective effects on the brain continue. Noopept stimulates receptors within the brain linked to a number of different neurotransmitters that improve cognitive ability simultaneously.

Noopet Dosage

Getting the proper dosage is very important, even though there are very few reported side effects of Noopept. Don’t exceed 60 mg every day, because you might overstimulate Glutamate receptors. Like every Nootropic, you should respect the dosage instructions.

Some men and women start with around 5 mg every day and take that 3 times a day. To achieve optimum results, many recommend splitting dosages three times per day. You can increase the dose to the maximum recommended dosage after a few days, depending on how  you are feeling.

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