Saturday, July 24, 2010

Shark Soup: a double-edged Chinese tradition


In China, shark fin is highly prized in the markets. With it prepares a soup called "Yuchi", whose recipe dates from the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Previously, this dish was unique to the palate of the emperors, but now is considered a delicacy and medicinal properties.

It is so much demand in Japan, Singapore, Korea and China that are caught each year about 79 million sharks, reports China Daily. And it is in the big Asian country where it is consumed and where there is little awareness of conservation.

Although no precise statistics on how many sharks for China, the president of Wild Aid, Steve Trent, said that the cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen are the main consumers.

For this reason, the campaign organized by the Administration of Aquatic Wild Flora and Fauna, Ministry of Agriculture and one hundred environmental organizations across the country, was launched in Beijing and is spread through posters and documentaries of the many aquariums the country.

"People in big cities can afford to pay for shark fins, which are quite expensive," Trent said the newspaper "Metro" and added that due to economic growth in China, more and more consumers can afford this dish, so it is necessary to educate the public.

"The shark fin soup is part of Chinese culture and do not expect to change from night to morning," the ecologist added.

However, animal welfare organizations warn that the shark being a predator at the top of the food chain, accumulating a high content of mercury can cause fetal malformation or sexual dysfunction, among other diseases, like Dolphin consumption in Japan.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Diabetic Recipe: How to Cook Sweet Rice?


This recipe low in calories and suitable for diabetics is also super nutritious and low in fat.

It provides 100 calories per serving around, so it can be served with hearty but light dessert, cold to hot days and warm for winter.

Ingredientes:

• 2 cups water
• 2 cinnamon sticks, cut into bits
• 1 / 2 tsp salt
• Vanilla essence
• 1 piece of fresh ginger grated
• 1 cup of coarse rice
• 2 cups skim milk
• Sweetener suitable for cooking
• 1 / 2 cup raisins
• Ground cinnamon, optional

Preparation:

Boil water with pinch of salt, cinnamon and ginger for 3 minutes, then strain the liquid.

Turn back the heat and add the rice, cooking over medium heat and when almost ready, down to a simmer and cook until all liquid is absorbed.

Add raisins and sweetener, stir well and cook until rice is thick. Place in ramekins and sprinkle with cinnamon, served hot or cold.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Are you allergic to gluten?: Scientists have found a new cure


People who suffer from celiac disease have an immune system overreaction that damages the lining of the intestines, preventing the absorption of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients from food.

In addition, it makes suffering from chronic fatigue and have risk of being infertile, osteoporosis and even cancers of the digestive tract.

PROGRESS OF MEDICINE

The journal Science Translational Medicine published a series of results that could lead to more personalized treatment, compared to current treatment for life restricts foods containing gluten , including cereal , pasta , crackers and beer .

"You can (limit) the toxicity of an allergen to a few components, that allows you to create a highly personalized therapy so no longer need to attack the entire immune system, "said researcher Robert Anderson, Institute of Medical Research Walter and Eliza Hall in Australia.

The researchers analyzed the immune cells in blood samples of 244 persons affected with this disease who ate foods with gluten for three days. The results found are amazing.

"To our surprise, the majority of immune responses to gluten may be because only three of its components. That means the immune system is highly focused on specific fragments of gluten prohibited, "said Anderson.

THE NEW TREATMENT

Since then, the researcher and colleagues have designed an injectable drug with very mild dose of each of the three components. The idea is to expose the immune system but small regular doses of allergens responsible for the body to gradually get used to them.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Meet some of the world's weirdest Snacks


When we think of our favorite treats or snacks, we come to mind things like chips, chocolates, ice cream or popcorn. But in some countries prefer to entertain the jaw with more interesting food, and rare.

That bites CARE

Sharks do not live an ones. Remember the famous movie of Steven Spielberg terrorized more than a generation? So, Icelanders decided to put a spin on victim-offender status and created a fermented shark snack.

Hákarl and is called the delight of much of the population. It comes in cans and can be enjoyed in two forms: chewable or soft red and white.

Fertilized eggs

The egg is a favorite food of many people. There are infinite ways to eat and they like the fertilized Filipinos. How so? This is a duck egg that has a partially formed fetus inside. Eaten raw and seasoned with salt and pepper. If you ever go to the Philippines and want to try it ask for the balut.

AN INSECT IN YOUR TACO

The tacos are the most popular food in Mexico. Usually eaten with meat, guacamole, onions and beans. But Mexicans sometimes choose to add the special ingredient of the house.

What is it? The escamoles , which are nothing more than black ant eggs, which are somewhat difficult to collect because it has to do before they become larvae. The Aztecs say they have a taste similar to corn.

CHEESE OF TERROR

The people of Sardinia have an ancient custom. They use goat milk to produce the casu marzu , cheese known for being riddled with live insect larvae. Served at weddings and family gatherings.

SEA SWEET

If you did not like any of the above, try this popular Japanese sweet crab caramel. These tiny crustaceans are also taken orally and comes in a package with a presentation very similar to that of an anime.

SQUID BALLS

Crunchy on the outside, steaming and chewy on the inside. This promises to overthrow the Chinese snack fried squid. Served on sticks toothpicks, have a golden color.

DEHYDRATED SALMON

Another marine sandwich from the Far East. Aimed at children, is being circulated in Russia in a completely simple package in which only listed as ingredients: fish and salt.

INSECTS TO STEP

If you travel to Beijing or Bangkok, you will enjoy the famous cricket club. Do not you convinced? Then you may want to try sparrow chicks, mice, snakes, or maybe a scorpion soup. The offer is varied. You choose.

GARLIC CHOCOLATES

Developed by a Japanese company to commemorate Valentine's Day, these chocolates are for those willing to brave a kiss of thanks after smelling something that your partner try.

It is made with garlic, black and have a bitter chocolate coating. The price of a box is 5 dollars.

Free Shipping Store

Free Shipping Store
More than 10'000 products to choose

Special Offer for Readers