Lifestyle Tips
Traveling With Us In Your Luggage
Whether you’re a health junkie or not, you may often find it challenging to access healthy food options while traveling. In airports, there are fewer healthy food options, but an abundance of junk foods.1You may also not enjoy hotel menus and buffets. Moreover, most hotel foods have a high level of sugar, salt, additives and preservatives that you may not be in control over. The prices of the foods are also usually double or triple the typical cost of foods.2
How can you avoid this? It’s simple. By traveling with freeze dried food products in your luggage. They are healthy and portable alternatives that can help you to stick to your meal plans even if you’re miles away from home. Freeze dried fruits and vegetables have undergone a process where all their water content is removed while in a frozen state and low pressure to dry them completely. They may not be as juicy as fresh counterparts, but they are still packed with their nutritional benefits.2
They are a quick and convenient way to get nutrients on the go.1 Because of the freeze drying, they often have a crunchy texture that makes them perfect for a snack.2
Why you should consider carrying freeze dried products in your luggage
They are convenient
They are lightweight and easy to pack and carry in your backpack or suitcase. Their size is as a result of freeze drying which makes them slightly smaller than their standard form. Therefore, while traveling, you can pack various pouches, unlike the fresh food products. Freeze dried fruits and vegetables are a perfect snack on the go, because you can easily eat them directly from the pack. They provide a quick energy boost during hiking or bushwalking.
Most restaurants along the way may have fewer food options to choose from. Carrying your meals gives you the choice to eat what you enjoy. Furthermore, perhaps you’re a vegan, and instead of shopping around for a vegan meal, you can quickly make your meal if you’ve carried freeze dried peas and corn.
Easy and quick to prepare
You can use freeze dried products to make a quick meal in the comfort of your hotel room. You just need to rehydrate the freeze dried peas or sweet potatoes. You’ll need to add water, let them soak and heat. Some can be eaten directly from the pack, such as freeze dried fruits.3
Make sure to carry a variety of fruits and vegetables.
They have a longer shelf life
Traveling for a while and you’re not sure if you’ll adjust to the new menus? You can carry freeze dried peas, corn, fruits, and vegetables. They are a healthy way to carry nutritious foods when traveling, because they don’t require refrigeration. They last longer without going bad.3
Unfortunately, some hotels may not have refrigeration facilities. Storing fresh produce may be hectic and can make food go bad and lead to food poisoning. It is perfect for traveling for more than a day, because you’ll access all the nutrients without being afraid that your fresh juice will go bad.
They are perfect for emergency
You can carry freeze dried foods when going on long road trips. They can serve as an emergency when you need them, like when your car breaks down, and you can’t access food stores. It’s no wonder freeze dried food products are mainly sent to affected areas during emergencies, like floods or hurricanes and storms.2
They are low in calories
They are also low in calories.2 You don’t need to be afraid of overindulging your sweet tooth during transit.
They are nutritious
Unlike processed foods, freeze dried foods have their nutrient level intact, because nutrients are not lost during freeze drying. The only difference with fresh foods is that they have no water.1 Also, the foods are preserved at their peak of maturity and nutrient content. Therefore, their flavor, texture and nutritional value are maintained during the process.4 Researchers have confirmed that although freeze dried fruits and vegetables have slightly lower levels of some nutrients than fresh produce, they are rich in fiber and antioxidants and the nutrient loss is negligible.4 You get not only the convenience but also the health benefits.1
Some of the crucial nutrients abundant in freeze dried fruit and vegetables include fiber, vitamin C, potassium, antioxidants and beta-carotene.
Some options that you can take along with you
- Dehydrated chickpeas or beans
- Freeze dried Banana chips, peach slices
- Sweet potatoes, corn or potato dices
- Vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, carrots and celery
- Fruits, like apple, mango, grapes and berries
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References
- http://www.livestrong.com/article/418163-benefits-of-freeze-dried-fruits-vegetables/
- http://www.livestrong.com/article/409794-how-healthy-is-freeze-dried-fruit/
- https://harvestright.com/blog/freeze-dried-food-for-healthy-traveling/
- http://www.mercerfoods.com/2016/03/08/health-benefits-of-freeze-dried/
7 Benefits of Taking Vitamins on a Daily Basis
Between the Flintstones chewables we ate as kids and the flashy cereal and juice boxes, vitamins have always been a huge part of our lives. Experts(1) suggest that anything from a common cold to more severe diseases, like osteoporosis, are no match for a vitamin fortified body.Have you ever wondered how vitamins influence your body's immunity? Read on to find out the seven benefits of taking vitamins daily.
Why it Matters
Science(2) says there are 13 vitamins the human body needs to function properly: vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and the B vitamins. Even though we should get enough of them from a balanced diet, those who deal with special dietary needs (gluten or lactose intolerance, vegetarians, or vegans) simply need the help of vitamin supplements to reach the daily recommended intake. For example, vegetarians and vegans not only need but have to supplements with vitamin B12(3) since this nutrient is mostly found in meat and other animal products which are not part of their diet. In such cases, resorting to vitamin supplements is a lifesaver.
The Multivitamin Approach
We know why vitamins are important, but let's find out which vitamins are actually worth our attention. We couldn’t help noticing, in recent years, the growing popularity of multivitamins(4). Because they contain multiple vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial ingredients in each dose, these all-in-one supplements are the perfect alternative for those of us who need them.
7 Benefits of Taking Vitamins/Multivitamins Daily
Are you curious as to what vitamins/multivitamins have in store for you and your health? Let the countdown begin!
1. Prevents Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage
Free radicals are usually the ones responsible for exercise-induced muscle damage. Experts decided to examine if the antioxidants properties of vitamins could prevent harm from occurring. Based on the study's(5) findings, taking vitamins reduces the muscle damaging effects of regular heavy exercise.
2. Maintains Muscle Mass Despite Aging
Exercise induced muscle damage aside, the antioxidant profile of multivitamins may delay the progression of age related macular degeneration (AMD). (6) AMD is the leading cause of age related blindness and visual impairment in individuals over 65 years old. Taking vitamins on a daily basis may pay off down the line.
3. Wards Off Diabetes
Vitamins A, C, and E are usually found depleted in individuals who have diabetes(7). Taking multivitamins, including these three vitamins (A,C, and E), helps gain control over the metabolic responses in people with diabetes, along with a clean eating diet and lifestyle changes.
4. Prevents Cancer
According to one recent study(8), multivitamins can significantly affect cancer development. In fact, some individuals, due to the lethargic antioxidant response in their body, are more likely to grow cancerous tumors,. By providing what the body needs, these supplements may reduce the oxidative cell damage and, thus, cancer.
5. Boosts Energy Levels
B-complex vitamins(9) have one thing in common: they convert the food we eat into substantial amounts of energy. It comes as no surprise that taking vitamins on a regular basis is linked to increased energy levels throughout the day.
6. Improves Cognitive Health and Memory
Vitamin supplementation has been rumored to improve cognitive health and, particularly, short term memory. But what does science have to say about this? One recent study(10) concludes that taking vitamins may enhance cognitive performance in elderly individuals. This scientific finding is a massive breakthrough, considering the beneficial effects it may have on patients with neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's, and their prevention.
7. Promotes Weight Loss
Two-thirds of Americans(11) are considered overweight or obese these days. This mainly occurs because our diets lack basic nutrients, and we lead, on average, sedentary lifestyles. Science(12) has come up with a natural and healthy way to deal with this issue. It all boils down to receiving the proper amounts of nutrients, including vitamins. For example, people who are well stocked on vitamin C tend to burn 30% more fat during moderate physical activity than those who lack the nutrient.
Final Thoughts
While more research is being done on the long term effects of taking vitamins, when you make multivitamins a part of your daily life, you'll benefit in many ways. Like with every supplement, multivitamins and supplements should be consumed wisely, not excessively. Before you start popping those vitamins, it's best to consult an expert who can guide you safely throughout the process.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2906676/
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/whats-your-plate/vitamins-minerals
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23178706
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/MVMS-Consumer/#h5
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8776010
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1462955/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25388747
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17764205
- https://medlineplus.gov/bvitamins.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20191258
- https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/Pages/overweight-obesity-statistics.aspx
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15930480
A Beginner's Guide to Vitamins
Have you ever wondered why these microscopic nutrients are so important and how they can benefit your body? Since some of the foods we eat every date include vitamins, it helps to get to know them better and find out why they keeps us living and thriving.
Vitamins: The Need-to-Know
Vitamins, or organic substances, play a vital role in metabolism, cell function, and growth. If your body runs out of these substances, it could develop multiple medical conditions, some of which can be critical. Presently, 13 vitamins(1) are listed as essential, and they're divided into two groups based on the bonds they form.
Water Soluble Vitamins
Fat Soluble Vitamins
A Quick Guide to Essential Vitamins
Vitamin A
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin D (Calciferol)
Vitamin K (Menadione)
Final Thoughts
A balanced diet not only can prevent multiple diseases, but it can spare you the worries of the adverse effects due to over-consumption. Try to add as many vitamin-rich foods into your diet as possible, and always remember the golden rule: moderation is key!
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References:
- http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/listing_of_vitamins
- https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms?cdrid=560347
- https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms?cdrid=560348
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21777796
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK222318/
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Thiamin-HealthProfessional/
- https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh27-2/134-142.htm
- http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/vitamin-b3-niacin
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminK-HealthProfessional/