The Lowdown on Juicing: A Singaporean's Wellness Magic Potion
Singaporean-Style Juicing Recipes:
Kopi-C Kickstart:
Laksa Leafy Elixir:
Teh Tarik Temptation:
Beyond Supplements: Kopi-Tarik-Style Nourishment
Juicing is like a kopi-tarik for your health – it pulls in all the good stuff naturally. No need for ais kosong or supplements when you're sipping on a rainbow of fresh fruits and veggies. Mother Nature knows best, and she's right there in your juice cup, ready to nourish you from within.
So, fellow Singaporeans, let's raise our juice glasses and toast to a year of focus, health, and flourishing vitality. Let's make juicing a daily ritual, experiment with our local flavors, and watch as the Juicing Revolution transforms our wellness journey. Here's to a juicier and healthier you, lah! Huat Ah!
]]>So, you've added a nifty Hurom Juicer to your kitchen, an ally in the quest for health and freshness in Singapore. While it's a star at crafting nutrient-packed juices, it's time to unveil its hidden talents in the Lion City. Join us as we dive into a world of possibilities, exploring five creative ways to harness the power of your Hurom Juicer and infuse a little Singaporean flair into your daily life.
Why opt for store-bought nut milk laden with additives when you can whip up your own fresh and preservative-free nut milk, Singapore style, with Hurom? Grab your favorite nuts - perhaps some locally grown cashews or almonds - blend them with pure water, and send this luscious mixture through your Hurom Juicer. The result? A creamy homemade nut milk with authentic local flavor, perfect for that aromatic kopi or kaya toast in Singapore.
Singapore's tropical heat demands icy treats, and your Hurom Juicer is here to help you create healthy sorbets with a local twist. Juice vibrant tropical fruits - think luscious mangoes, succulent strawberries, and zesty oranges - then freeze the juice into ice cubes. Run these fruity cubes through your Hurom, and you'll have vibrant and refreshing sorbets, free from artificial sugars or flavors. It's an indulgence that echoes the flavors of our sunny island with Hurom.
Bid adieu to store-bought fruit leathers packed with additives. Your Hurom Juicer can transform fresh local fruits into delicious, homemade fruit leathers. Juice local seasonal fruits, pour the juice onto a parchment paper-lined tray, and let Singapore's gentle sun and humidity work their magic. You'll have local fruit leathers ready for snacking or lunchboxes, with flavors that truly reflect our island's bounty.
Singapore loves its hearty soups, and your Hurom Juicer is ready to assist. Create a rich and nutritious vegetable soup by juicing locally-sourced vegetables like sweet potatoes, watercress, and okra with Hurom. Warm the juice, add your choice of local seasonings and spices, and you'll have a homemade, nourishing soup that's perfect for rainy days or whenever you crave a comforting local taste with Hurom.
Elevate your salads with homemade dressings created with your Hurom Juicer. Freshly squeezed local lemons and limes, combined with aromatic herbs like laksa leaves or pandan, will give your salads a local twist with Hurom. With your Hurom, you can ensure your dressings are not only delicious but also free from artificial flavors, preservatives, and unhealthy fats. It's the Singaporean way of enjoying your greens with Hurom.
Transforming Your Singaporean Lifestyle with Hurom
With these creative uses for your Hurom Juicer in Singapore, you're not just juicing; you're embracing a new and health-conscious Singaporean lifestyle. You're taking control of the ingredients you consume, savoring the flavors of our local produce, and crafting dishes that truly reflect our vibrant food culture in Singapore. Your Hurom Juicer isn't just a kitchen gadget; it's your gateway to a Singaporean way of living, full of flavor, freshness, and local pride.
Make the most of your Hurom Juicer in Singapore, explore its full potential, and savor the difference it can bring to your Singaporean life. It's not just about juicing; it's about creating, experimenting, and embracing a healthier, local, and more vibrant you with Hurom and racing a healthier, local, and more vibrant you.
]]>While we enjoy eating our favourite fast-foods and Char Kway Teow, let’s also take some time to dive into a world of wellness with our latest 2023 Hurom Slow Juicer H400 Easy Series – your ticket to a happier, healthier you. If you're tired of those run-of-the-mill juicers and want something that's not just a kitchen gadget, but a life-changer, then buckle up – we've got something special for you.
First: Cold Press Magic and Slow Juicing
So, you might be wondering, what's the fuss about cold press juicing? Well, hold onto your hats because this isn't your regular juice-extraction rodeo. Cold press juicing, also known as slow juicing, is like a gentle hug for your fruits and veggies – it treats them with the respect they deserve. No heat, no fuss, just pure goodness squeezed out drop by drop. And guess what? Every sip is packed with vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that are practically doing the cha-cha to boost your well-being.
Second: Tips, Tricks, and Juicy Hacks
Here are some Hurom Slow Juicer hacks to make your juicing journey even more epic:
Blend and Store: Got a busy day ahead? No worries. The included juice storage cap of the Hurom H400 Series is your superhero sidekick. Juice up and pop on the cap to keep your creation fresh and fabulous until you're ready to savor it.
Sip by Sip, Savor the Benefits
Now, imagine this: you kick-start your day with a zingy orange-carrot delight that revs up your energy. At noon, a refreshing green mix gives you the midday boost you need. And come evening, a juicy medley of berries and greens wraps up your day on a high note. That's not just juicing – that's a lifestyle upgrade, my friends.
Lastly: Benefits of Hurom H400 Easy Series: Your New Wellness Partner
Hold up, we're not done yet! Let's talk about the star of the show – the Hurom Slow Juicer H400 Easy Series. This bad boy isn't just about churning out great juice; it's a sleek, modern piece of kitchen art that's gonna elevate your counter's coolness factor.
And here's the kicker – it's not just about juice. It's about inspiring a habit. A habit of wellness, of giving your body the goodness it craves. It's about ditching the packaged stuff and embracing the natural, the fresh, and the oh-so-delicious.
Cheers to a Fresher You!
So, here's the scoop: the Hurom Slow Juicer H400 Series is your partner in crime for a healthier, tastier life. Say goodbye to boring, sugary drinks and say hello to a world of flavors that'll make your taste buds dance.
Ready to hop on the wellness train? Buckle up, because we're taking you on a journey of flavor, health, and pure juicing joy. Cheers to you, to us, and to a fresher you!
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Are you interested in maximizing your nutrition and wellness through the power of slow juicing? Hurom Slow juicers are an excellent way to extract maximum nutrients from fruits and vegetables, providing you with delicious and nutrient-rich juices. If you're looking to incorporate slow juicing into your daily life but not sure where to start, this article is for you. We will explore specific and practical ways to make slow juicing a seamless part of your daily routine.
First step: Is to plan ahead!
Incorporating slow juicing into your daily routine requires a little bit of planning. Create a weekly or monthly meal plan that includes slow juice recipes (You can also click HERE to visit our past Juicing Recipes), and make a shopping list accordingly. This will ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients on hand, making it easier to incorporate slow juicing into your routine without any last-minute runs to the grocery store.
Step 2: Prep in Advance!
Save time in your daily routine by prepping your ingredients in advance. Wash, peel, and chop your fruits and vegetables ahead of time, and store them in airtight containers or bags in the refrigerator. This will make it quick and easy to assemble your slow juicer and extract fresh juice whenever you're ready for a glass.
Step 3: Mix and Match Ingredients!
Experiment with different fruit and vegetable combinations to create delicious and nutrient-rich slow juices. You can mix and match ingredients based on your preferences and nutritional needs. Try to incorporate a variety of colors, flavors, and textures to ensure a well-rounded nutritional profile. You can also add herbs, spices, and superfood powders to boost the health benefits of your slow juices.
Step 4: Time it Right!
Choose the best time of day for slow juicing based on your routine and energy levels. Some people prefer to start their day with a fresh juice to boost their energy and hydration levels in the morning. Others may find it more convenient to incorporate slow juicing into their afternoon or evening routine as a snack or part of their meal prep. Choose a time that works best for you and make it a consistent part of your daily routine.
Step 5: Hydration on the Go!
Stay hydrated throughout the day by incorporating slow juicing into your hydration routine. Fill a reusable water bottle with fresh juice and take it with you wherever you go. It can be a refreshing and healthy beverage option to enjoy on the go, whether you're at work, running errands, or exercising. Make sure to choose a leak-proof bottle and keep it chilled to maintain the freshness of the juice.
Step 6: Mindful Juicing!
Slow juicing can be a mindful and meditative practice on its own. Take the time to be present and fully engage in the juicing process. Pay attention to the colors, smells, and flavors of the fruits and vegetables as you prepare and juice them. Take deep breaths and be mindful of the sensations in your body as you drink the fresh juice. This can help you relax, reduce stress, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for your food and your health.
Lastly: Share the Joy!
Share the benefits of slow juicing with others by incorporating it into your socializing and entertaining routine. Offer fresh juice as a refreshing and healthy beverage option at gatherings, parties, or events. You can also create custom juice blends based on your guests' preferences and offer a fun and interactive juicing station where everyone can create their own unique juice combinations. Sharing the joy of slow juicing with others can be a great way to inspire and motivate yourself to make it a regular part of your daily life.
Conclusion:
Incorporating slow juicing into your daily routine is easy with a little bit. If you are unsure what juicer to get, you can also click HERE to read our buying guide on which juicer best fits you!
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Well.. that's definitely a good conscious effort to make towards eating healthier but in fact, a healthy diet is also a balanced diet which consists of these 7 essential factors:
Carbs
-Gives us energy
Protein
-Aids in tissue growth and its maintenance
Fat
-Provides energy, manages energy storage & hormone production
Fibre
-Regulates blood sugar levels, bowel function and bowel health.
Vitamins & Minerals
-Metabolism regulation, aiding cell growth & other biochemical functions
Water
-Maintaining hydration
A balanced diet gives your body the nutrients it needs to function correctly. To get the nutrition you need, most of your daily calories should come from: fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts & lean proteins.
Why follow a balanced diet?
Starving the body of the nutrients it needs to function properly can lead to a full suite of health issues like increasing the risks of chronic diseases such as heart disease. With a healthy & balanced diet, we reap the many health benefits such as weight loss, reduced risk to cancer and diabetes, stronger heart health, stronger bones, as well as improved mood and memory!
How does a balanced diet looks like on my plate?
Quoting the ear-worm chant by Health Promotion Board: "Quarter, quarter, half!"
A quarter of the plate should consist of wholegrains.
Another quarter of the plate with meat and other proteins.
Remaining half the plate with fruit and vegetables.
While this is a good guide to follow, each individual’s plate may look different from the other due to our various lifestyles and needs. Just as the saying goes “Big things often have small beginnings.”, similarly, the journey towards cultivating a healthier diet can start with small changes to our eating habits & consciously choosing healthier meal alternatives. For a start, you don’t have to forgo your favorite roast meat or fried chicken, you can simply opt to choose a leaner cut of the protein. If you are often in a rush & have no time to cut fruits or if you are not a fan of veggies, why not throw them into a slow juicer and drink them as a juice! YES! You did not misread it – Hurom’s slow juicers can slow juice whole fruits and vegetables so you don’t even have to cut them up before throwing them in!
Conclusion
At the end of the day, everything in moderation is key to a healthy & balanced diet. Eating healthily doesn't have to be boring & bland, adding variety to your meals & giving yourself a treat to your favourite food in moderation will bring longevity to your motivation in maintaining a healthy, balanced diet for life! Cheers to a balanced diet & a healthier you!
Do it with a Friend
Nothing beats accountability. If you know that your friend is waiting for you to do something in order for her or him to do it too, then there’s a good chance you’ll actually follow through. Plus, having a friend with you makes an activity more fun, and will help keep you on track throughout it.
Make it measurable and actionable
Losing 5kg by June is not an actionable item and at best can only give you a vague feeling of success. Going for a 15 minute walk after work is measurable and actionable because you know exactly what needs to be done. Habit forming resolutions are also very powerful in the long run.
Set Smaller Goals
It’s always tempting to set lofty and ambitious goals. After all, how are you going to improve yourself if nothing changes? However, big goals can sometimes be overwhelming. Instead of committing to running a marathon by June, opt for running 3km every Wednesday and Fridays first.
Smaller goals are easier to manage and more likely to be successful than larger ones. They also help build momentum toward bigger resolutions as you realize that small steps lead to big outcomes.
Reward Yourself
It is recommended that you reward yourself for every small goal you accomplish. This will help motivate you to continue with your resolution(s). If not, then why start in the first place? Make sure your rewards are also attainable and reasonable. A night out in town, a new pair of shoes, or even a rest day should do just fine!
Don’t Overthink It
While it’s good to have a well thought out plan, overthinking is enough to throw everything out the window. It is true that it takes a lot of effort and willpower to form a new routine (hence the steps mentioned above). However, there will be times where you just need to turn your brain off and just do it!
You will find 101 excuses to not do your tasks and to wait for the perfect conditions. The fact of the matter is that conditions will never be perfect and it’s okay to start over again. As the saying goes, “The best time to start is yesterday; the next best time is now”.
Take a few moments whenever you are free and look back at all you've accomplished from 2021. Think about how far you've come. Now take a moment to start thinking about all the things you would want to accomplish this year! Be sure to keep these easy steps in mind while you do it because they will help you to successfully accomplish it.
To help you with your new year, we are having a sale of up to 30% OFF storewide!
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Need some ideas for juice recipes? Check out our Hurom recipes here! Follow and tag us on Instagram @huromsingapore!
The holiday season is that time of the year when people gather together to celebrate and enjoy the company of family and friends, but it’s also the time of the year when you find yourself being pressured into eating more than your fill because there are so many wonderful treats around.
If you want to stick to your diet, or just make room in your stomach for all those delicious Christmas treats, you can make some delicious healthy juices for the holidays instead! This article will show you how to make some guilt-free yummy juices for the whole holiday season.
Apple Cinnamon Tea
Craving for some apple pie but you want to save up on the calories? This is a quick and easy way to fill that craving while also being the perfect morning pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
Steps:
(If you want to sweeten the drink, we recommend adding honey or maple syrup)
Gingerbread Milk (Lactose Free)
Fancy a cup of lactose free gingerbread goodness? This is a great drink to cosy up to at night and is sure to warm up everyone’s hearts.
Ingredients:
Steps:
(1 cup of almonds yields 1 cup of almond milk. Adjust the recipe according to how much milk you would like!)
Ginger is a powerful digestive aid. Have this after heavy meals and you won’t have to worry about feeling bloated.
Strawberry Watermelon Lime Mint
If you are looking for something refreshing, look no further, you’ve found the perfect recipe! We can’t run away from the fact that we live in a tropical climate, so this one is for those merry sunny afternoons.
Ingredients:
Steps:
To give your juice that extra panache, use yellow watermelon. This will wow both your tastebuds and eyes!
Non-alcoholic Mulled Wine
Nothing says Christmas like some toasty mulled wine. However, alcohol isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and you may want to also share these festive flavours with your kids. This recipe is taken from The Mindful Mocktail and the only difference is that we will be swapping out store bought juices with the healthier and organic alternative. The ingredients are good to serve for 4 people.
Ingredients:
Steps:
Pomegranates and cranberries are rich in antioxidants. On top of that, skipping store bought options means that you are saving up from excessive amounts of sugar!
ABC Cheesecake Juice
The ABC juice is a classic recipe amongst most juicing aficionados. This recipe is basically the ABC juice with a fun little Christmas twist at the end.
Ingredients:
Steps:
Okay, we will admit that this recipe has some amount of sugar and fats but we can’t resist such a tasty treat. If you want a healthier version with less fats, you can replace half of the cream cheese with greek yogurt. Top it off with a dusting of cocoa/nutmeg for that magic touch.
So there you have it! Feel free to experiment and play around with your own special holiday concoction. If you are unsure of where to start, try this article here on how to give any juice that magic holiday touch.
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Need some ideas for juice recipes? Check out our Hurom recipes here! Follow and tag us on Instagram @huromsingapore!
It’s officially the holiday season, and that means it’s time to start prepping your favorite dishes! You will be surprised at how easy it is to make your favourite juice recipe more festive (and tasty!). Here are 5 ways to make your healthy juices taste 10 times better.
Mint Leaf
Looking for a healthier substitute for those mint candy cane cravings? Adding some mint leaves (about 10-15 leaves per serving) while you juice are sure to add a tasty brightness that is sure to wake up all those holiday flavours! Not only that, mint leaves contain rosmarinic acid and menthol which both relieve gas and indigestion.
Perfect for: Sweet to mild fruit juices and after a heavy meal
Ginger
Who doesn’t love some gingerbread? Throw in an inch or two of fresh ginger while juicing your favourite juice and top it off with some speculoos biscuit crumbs. Voila! You’ve gotten yourself a rich and hearty desert drink.
One of nature’s most powerful anti-inflammatory herbs, ginger is a great addition to any juice. Not only does it add a great spicy flavor, but also acts as an excellent digestive aid when juiced.
Perfect for: Sweet to mild fruit and vegetable juices
Cinnamon
Nothing says Christmas quite as much as cinnamon. If you have a sweet tooth, one of our favorite secrets for extra deliciousness is to add cinnamon. You can either mix in some cinnamon powder into your juice or give it a light dusting. Either way, your juice has just turned into a $10 premium beverage.
Cinnamon also has natural anti-inflammatory properties and tastes amazing when paired with apples and carrots!
Perfect for: Sweet or earthy fruits and vegetables
Nutmeg
Another Christmas classic. Not only are nutmegs delicious, but they also taste similar to cinnamon albeit more subtle and easier to pair with savoury notes. Nutmeg is a delicious spice that has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as helps you relax and unwind. In fact, nutmeg contains an alkaloid called myristicin that actually induces sleep. So what’s more relaxing than a warm cup of almond milk (that you can make with our juicers), sprinkled with a little nutmeg?
Perfect for: Plant milks and richer mild juices
Figs
It’s always fun to garnish our juices. This holiday season is a perfect opportunity to try out figs! The natural sweetness from figs means that they complement sharper flavour profiles from berries and lemons.
Not only are figs delicious, but they’re also an excellent source of fiber. This means that you can eat more figs without feeling guilty about exceeding your daily fiber intake.
Perfect for: Citrus and berry based juices
So here are some of our favourite “hacks” to try at home during festive seasons. You can try out a mixture of these to even create your own special recipe! We hope you find these tips as delicious as they are easy. Have a wonderful time preparing these juices! Happy Holidays everyone!
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Need some ideas for juice recipes? Check out our Hurom recipes here! Follow and tag us on Instagram @huromsingapore!
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, it can be confusing to know which foods you should and shouldn’t eat to help control your condition. Eating healthy foods can help keep your blood sugar levels balanced and prevent complications like blindness, heart disease, and kidney failure in the future. Here are 10 of the healthiest foods to eat if you have diabetes.
Spinach
Spinach is loaded with fiber and vitamin C, and is also a terrific source of magnesium, which helps your body use glucose. Spinach is also rich in carotenoids—pigments that give plants their color and may help prevent chronic disease by protecting cells from oxidative damage. Research shows that people who ate spinach four or more times per week were 46 percent less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration than those who consumed it less than once per week.
Pineapple
Pineapple is low in calories and carbs, but it has high levels of fiber, B vitamins, and vitamin C. This makes pineapple an excellent fruit for people with diabetes. One study also found that bromelain may slow digestion of carbohydrates, which can help prevent spikes in blood sugar after meals.
Figs
Figs are one of nature’s best sources of soluble fiber, which lowers blood sugar. They also have a mild sweetness that offsets their high-fiber content. Studies have shown that people who consume more figs tend to be healthier than those who don’t. Add dried figs to your cereal, salads or oatmeal for an even bigger nutritional punch.
Wheat Germ
Wheat germ is a rich source of fiber and a variety of vitamins, including vitamin E. The high levels of fiber in wheat germ slow down absorption, so it takes longer for your body to break down nutrients from foods. This can reduce spikes in blood sugar after meals, which can be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. Wheat germ also contains phytochemicals that may help lower cholesterol and boost heart health.
Whole Grains
All carbohydrates are not created equal, so select whole grains whenever possible. For instance, oatmeal is better for your blood sugar than cream of wheat, and brown rice is healthier than white rice. Also check food labels for fiber content; anything with bran in its name (bread, cereal, pasta) will help regulate your glucose levels. If you need extra help controlling blood sugar levels without medication, look for products that list barley extract on their labels.
Apples
Apples are a very good source of fiber. Eating a diet high in fiber is beneficial for people with diabetes because it helps them feel full and therefore they tend to consume fewer calories. It also stabilizes blood sugar levels. Research has shown that eating three apples a day can help reduce cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure, which makes apples one of the best foods for diabetics. Additionally, they contain polyphenols, which help keep blood vessels healthy and reduce inflammation, helping prevent heart disease.
Beans
Beans contain soluble fiber, which helps lower blood sugar. Other good sources of fiber include whole grains, fresh fruit, and vegetables. To keep your blood sugar in check while losing weight, be sure to get 20-35 grams of fiber per day. A high-fiber diet also keeps you feeling full longer so you’re less likely to overeat. To reach your goal, enjoy at least three servings of whole grains each day and three servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
Carrots
Carrots are full of beta-carotene, which is good for eye health. They’re also packed with vitamin C, fiber and potassium. Carrots can be eaten raw or cooked. They’re sweet when freshly picked, but they get sweeter after being stored in a dry spot for a week or so—taste one to see how it’s doing. Choose carrots that are uniform in size and not overly soft or cracked.
Peanuts
These snacks are high in fiber and protein, which both promote weight loss. Plus, they’re digested slowly by your body, giving your stomach time to send signals of fullness. Another perk? Peanuts are rich in arginine—an amino acid that helps regulate blood pressure levels. Just keep an eye on portion size; one serving contains 190 calories and 16 grams of fat.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is an incredible food for diabetics because it can help lower cholesterol levels. Its soluble fiber content will slow digestion and keep blood sugar stable. Start your day with oatmeal for a healthy breakfast that’s chock-full of disease-fighting antioxidants. As an added bonus, oatmeal may help reduce inflammation in your body, which can lead to lower blood pressure and lessened risk of developing coronary artery disease.
Always seek professional medical and dietary help if you have any concerns.
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Some skin care products contain harmful chemicals or are simply too harsh for your skin. What’s more, they can be quite costly! Taking care of the largest organ in your body goes skin deep; afterall, what’s the point of getting the best creams and moisturisers when you keep filling your body with unhealthy food?
Why not kill two birds by gaining a healthier diet while also promoting healthier skin? We’ve listed down a few delicious food items that are great for your body, inside and out!
Avocado
If it isn’t the famous avocado. This mexican fruit is filled with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (these are good fats!). The fat content can help in combating cholesterol levels. It also helps in keeping your skiing flexible and moisturised, leaving you with supple and springy skin.
On top of that, avocados are rich in vitamin E which acts as an antioxidant which helps your skin from oxidation stress and combats the effects of free radicals. Of course, we can’t help but mention that avocados are just simply delicious with their rich creamy texture. Yum!
Red/Yellow Capsicum (Bell Peppers)
These flavour enhancing delights never fail to make any dish better. Red/yellow capsicums are full of beta carotene (which gives it its colour) which your body then converts to vitamin A.
This vitamin can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles while also minimising the destruction of existing collagen and elastin.
For those prone to acne, vitamin A also promotes regular oil production!
Capsicums are also well known for their high vitamin C content which is necessary in creating collagen and keeping the skin firm and strong.
Broccoli
These miniature sized trees are a treat and another reason to always eat your greens. Broccoli also contains vitamins A and C, the benefits of which we already mentioned above. It also contains a carotenoid that works similar to beta carotene: lutein.
More pertinent is the fact that broccoli are packed with sulforaphane. This compound has very impressive health benefits and may even have anti-cancer effects (including skin cancer). Sulforaphane reduces UV damage on the skin which is great since the Singapore sun can be quite unrelenting!
Also, sulforaphane has been shown to promote hair growth; another reason to munch on these florets.
Red Grapes
Got any grapes? Red grapes differ from green grapes in that their skin contains resveratrol. Like many vitamins and antioxidants in this list, resveratrol is a compound that helps neutralize free radicals.
Resveratrol can often be found in skincare products and the benefits are still the same when eaten. This compound has been shown to calm the skin from inflammation and redness while also reducing pigmentation from UV light.
Since it comes from red grapes, it can also be found in red wine. That being said, it is an alcoholic beverage so do consume responsibly (there will always be negative side effects of consuming anything in excess).
Dark Chocolate
Now before you wolf down the nearest bar of chocolate, the health benefits of cocoa are maximised only if it is dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content and minimal added sugar.
Cocoa is a very potent antioxidant and can do wonders for your skin. A study has shown that eating 20 grams of dark chocolate a day could drastically improve your skin's resilience towards UV radiation before burning.
You could also experience thicker and more hydrated skin after regularly consuming good quality cocoa after 2 months. A well hydrated skin means skin that isn’t rough and scaly.
Everyone wants to look healthy and feel good. However, we can’t just glow up after eating a bunch of grapes. It’s always important to have and maintain a healthy diet. Try to avoid any crash diets and remember to always have at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables a day.
Always seek professional medical and dietary help if you have any concerns.
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The World Health Organisation (WHO) refers to health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity”. Oftentimes, we don’t factor in the mental wellness aspect of health. After all, when was the last time you snacked on some fruits in the name of good mental health?
With all that’s going on with the world and the daily stresses of life, here are some foods for healthier thoughts.
Berries
Berries: nature’s Skittles. These bite sized juicy fruits are more than meets the eye. On top of being incredibly delicious, berries are extremely rich in antioxidants (polyphenols) which help reduce free radical damage to the body. Not only that, polyphenols have been found to improve cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, and attention span.
If you want the greatest bang-for-your-buck berry, you should look no further than the blueberry: they are considered as one of the most nutrient dense berries. They have also been found to have mood-boosting effects.
Whole Grains
The unsung hero of most diets, wholegrains are not just a healthier alternative to refined grains. Whole grains help produce serotonin, a hormone that helps stabilize mood and a sense of well-being. On top of that, serotonin has a calming effect and helps to maintain a steady sleep cycle.
This is great for those who experience anxiety and restless nights. Oatmeal, barley, and quinoa are excellent wholegrains to start munching on.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fishes are well known to be a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids. The standard health claims are that it reduces the risk of cancer and lowers blood pressure. From a mental health point of view, Omega-3 has anti-inflammation properties which have been linked to combating depression (on top of the presence of Vitamin D which also reduces depression rates).
Salmon is the king of fatty fish. However, not all of us have the luxury of having salmon every dinner. In this case, any fatty fish would do (such as tuna, mackerel, and herring). They are, after all, a healthier choice of meat (just make sure you are not having it deep fried everytime!).
Tomatoes
Tomatoes have the highest amount of lycopene than any other fruit. Lycopene is one of the most powerful carotenoid antioxidants out there. The health benefits for tomatoes alone deserves its own article! In terms of cognitive benefits, they have been claimed to: delay early onset Alzheimer’s Disease, improve memory, attention, and concentration.
On top of that, tomatoes also contain folic acid which is critical to the development and maintenance of the central nervous system.
Avocado
Monounsaturated fats, tryptophan, Vitamins B6, C, E, and K, folate, magnesium, potassium, lutein, and 20 other minerals are just some reasons to enjoy that avocado toast. More than just a fad and enjoyable in many formats, avocados are filled to the brim with health benefits.
Vitamin K, folate, and lutein, are responsible for some claims to improving cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, and general brain function. Tryptophan is an α-amino acid which is the precursor to serotonin which, as mentioned before, is amazing for your mental health. Since the human body does synthesize tryptophan, it can only be obtained from our diet. So go ahead and enjoy that guacamole!
Spinach
Your mom had a point to force you to eat your leafy greens. Rich in folic acid, spinach and most leafy greens are great in combating depression. Furthermore, the Mediterranean diet is rich with leafy greens. There are scientific claims stating that people who follow that diet have led healthier and happier lives.
Yogurt
A healthy gut is a healthy body, and a healthy body is a healthy mind. Active cultures and probiotics help reduce inflammation while also helping out in digestion, reducing stress, and anxiety.
One of the many active cultures living in yogurt, lactobacillus, is even speculated to reverse the effects of depression. Whatever the results may be, it certainly is a much healthier alternative to sugar loaded ice cream!
With all that being said, it is important to seek professional help if you are facing issues regarding your health. As with any food item, it is also important to consume responsibly (don’t just eat only tomatoes for the rest of your life!) and to keep your diet varied. Exercise also plays a pivotal role in ensuring good overall health and studies have shown strong correlation between mental health and an active lifestyle; afterall, it’s not just about input but also your physical output.
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]]>For some of us, we give ourselves a pat on the back after eating one fruit or adding some vegetables from that cai png stall. While it is always commendable to have health in mind, is what you’re putting on your plate enough?
According to Active Health, only 11% of Singaporean adults eat enough fruits and vegetables while more than half of adults overeat. You may not feel it now, but having a poor diet will have negative health repercussions in the long run. So what can we do?
How Much Is Enough?
Firstly, we need to know how much we are consuming and how much we should be consuming. It is recommended that the average adult to consume 2 servings of vegetables per day. The reality is that the average Singaporean only eats about 1.78 servings.
Sounds simple right? Just eat more vegetables!
However, where you are getting your greens and how you are preparing it matters too. Before we get to that, let’s talk about serving sizes.
Exactly How Much Is One Serving Size?
The short answer is that it varies from product to product. Some food brands use smaller serving sizes to make their nutritional values look healthier.
Complicating things is the fact that fruits and vegetables don’t usually come with labels and recommended serving size.
When in doubt, just follow this simple rule:
¼ of your plate is filled with vegetables (25cm wide plate)
Better yet, if you have a weighing scale, follow this guide (each point is a serving):
Other Ways To Tell If You Are Not Getting What You Need
If you are not a numbers person, some other ways you can tell that you are not getting enough nutrients into your body is by how you feel. High blood pressure, chronic fatigue, and proneness to falling sick are just some symptoms of your body not getting what it needs.
Of course, there are always other factors at play that may affect the way you feel. Things such as mental health, stress, and environment play an important role in your health.
Always seek professional medical help whenever and wherever you can.
But I Already Eat My Greens!
Congratulations! How is it cooked though?
Preparation is key. Unless you are eating your vegetables steamed or blanched, there is a chance that you are not getting the full nutritional value (and no, that lettuce in your burger does not cut it). What’s more, adding too much oil in your stir-fry will only make things worse in the long run.
Do keep an eye out the next time you are at that cai png stall and TRY to avoid greasy, oily, stir-fried veggies. That being said, some greens are still better than no greens.
Is there anything else that I can do?
If you are trying to live a more nutritional life, you might as well make it fun! There are hundreds of salad recipes out there and even more colourful vegetables and fruits to try out.
If you have a very busy schedule, you can try out juicing! Cold pressed juices are quick to make and fun to experiment with (we have tons of recipes here, here, and here). Additionally, vitamins and minerals from cold pressed juices are a lot easier to absorb.
Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Juicing to learn more!
Conclusion
Whether you are a national athlete or a professional television channel surfer, our bodies need the right fuel at the right amount. The next step would be to actually get active as, after-all, output is as important as input when it comes to health.
In the meantime, know yourself and your body more before you embark on any new fitness regimen or lifestyle choice.
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Strawberry lemonade tastes amazing, but have you tried sparkling strawberry lemonade? If you have not, you are missing out. The taste is absolutely divine and one cup will not be enough to quench your thirst.
Use this recipe if you want a subtly sweet yet super refreshing sparkling strawberry lemonade. You can add sugar syrup to taste if you would like the drink to be sweeter. The recipe yields 2 servings, so multiply the ingredients according to the number of servings you would like to make.
Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Alternatively, you can add ¼ cup of sugar and 1 cup of sparkling water to 3-4 medium sized juiced strawberries.
If you tried out the recipe, share with us the process and the end product by tagging @huromsingapore on Instagram or Facebook!
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Need some ideas for juice recipes? Check out our Hurom recipes here: https://huromsingapore.com/pages/juice-recipes-health]]>With its tantalising red flesh and a juicy, sweet, often sour bite, strawberries are many people’s beloved fruit. Have it as a cake, juice it up or dip in in chocolate, strawberries will always taste good. However, aside from its taste, do you know anything else about strawberries? Read on to find out more about strawberries!
Special Strawberries
Some may know of Japanese white jewel strawberries, a white coloured, sweeter, softer, and bigger version of their red-fleshed counterparts. However, have you heard of pineberry? It is also a white coloured strawberry but has a hint of pineapple taste! You can do a quick search on Google to purchase white jewel strawberries, but you may need to do some digging to buy pineberries.
P.S. Singapore also has our own locally grown strawberry, named white crystal, developed and now produced by the local startup Singrow.
Best Season For Strawberries
Although available and delicious all year round, strawberries prime season is from March to June. To try a hand in picking and purchasing strawberries–and other fresh produce—you can check out this list of local farms in Singapore. It will be a nice break, away from the concrete jungle!
Health Benefits
Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, B9, potassium and manganese. Vitamin C is an antioxidant beneficial for skin and immune health, while vitamin B9 is essential for cell growth. Potassium helps to regulate blood pressure, nerve signals, muscle contractions and fluid balance. Manganese, meanwhile, plays a role in many of our body processes.
Storage Life
Whole strawberries last between 5 to 7 days when stored in the refrigerator. Strawberries that are mushy, shrivelled, mouldy, or are leaking juice indicate that the strawberries are going bad. If you have too many strawberries and it has been a few days since you bought them, you can make strawberry jam and extend your strawberries shelf life by 1 to 2 weeks.
Otherwise, you can try out the juice recipes below if you have strawberries at home!
Berry Lemon
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Berry Pear Banana Tomato
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Berry Pineapple Pear
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Berry Lime
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Need some ideas for juice recipes? Check out our Hurom recipes here: https://huromsingapore.com/pages/juice-recipes-health
]]>Another week, another agar recipe! Last week's recipe was the oat milk and chocolate agar. This week we have prepared a layered watermelon and pineapple agar-agar recipe for you (we added fruit bits for that extra bite). It makes for a healthy and naturally sweet dessert, perfect for an afternoon snack.
We felt a bit adventurous for this week’s recipe, so we decided to use the orange peel as the mould. The result was pretty and delicious agar. If you do not have or do not fancy using orange peels, you can use a jelly mould or any bowl you find lying around in your cupboards instead.
Watermelon Pineapple Agar-Agar
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Instructions:
Fruit Bits (Optional)
Watermelon Layer
Pineapple Layer
If you tried out the recipe, share with us the process and the end product by tagging @huromsingapore on Instagram or Facebook!
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Need some ideas for juice recipes? Check out our Hurom recipes here: https://huromsingapore.com/pages/juice-recipes-health
]]>Green outside, red when cut and containing little black and white bits. This fruit is a local favourite and can be made into drinks, appetisers, desserts, or even steaks! With the heat always being a constant in Singapore, this hydrating fruit which contains 92% water, is bound to refresh your day. Read on to know more about, drumroll please, juicy watermelons!
Watermelon History
Watermelon is known to have originated from South Africa but was first cultivated in Egypt more than 5000 years ago. Unlike the juicy and sweet watermelons that we are familiar with, watermelon used to taste bitter. Only after years of selective breeding in various countries that the watermelon we know of were produced.
Health Benefits
Watermelon is the perfect fruit to keep you hydrated and lose weight due to its high water content, low calories, and high vitamin and nutrient content. Watermelon contains vitamins C, A, B1, B5, B6, potassium and magnesium. By containing vitamin A and C, watermelon is able to supplement healthy skin and hair growth. Vitamin A, C, B6, potassium and magnesium are also good for the heart.
Zero-waste
Although not usually consumed, watermelon rinds can actually be eaten. There are various ways in which you can devour the rinds. The classic way will be to pickle the rinds, which will result in a refreshing and crunchy snack, a salad topping or a side dish for meals. You can also stir-fry the rinds and have them be tonight’s dinner highlight. For the sweet-toothed, you can make watermelon rind jams! It will be perfect as a pastry accompaniment or to give your yoghurt that extra oomph.
How To Choose The Best Watermelon
When talks of watermelon arise, a frequently asked question is how to choose the tastiest and sweetest watermelon. Fret not; we will list down several details you can take note of to make sure you are bringing the best watermelon home.
1. Weight
If the watermelons look about the same size, lift them up and choose the one that is the heaviest. A heavier watermelon is juicier as it should contain more water.
2. Field Spot
The field spot is located at the bottom of the watermelon. If the watermelon has a large yellow spot, it is an indication that the watermelon spent more time ripening on the vine and should thus taste sweeter.
Avoid choosing a watermelon with a white field spot as that watermelon will be tasteless
3. Bumps, Dents And Cuts
Avoid choosing a watermelon that has bumps, dents or cuts. Having bumps, dents or cuts may indicate that the watermelon was not watered consistently or may contain insects and fungus.
4. Sound
When tapping the watermelon, make sure than the sound is deep. A deep sound will indicate that the watermelon is ripe.
5. Dried Tail
A dried tail indicates that the watermelon is ripe. A green tail will indicate that the watermelon was picked when it was yet ripe, making that watermelon unripe.
Use the tips above to get a sweet watermelon and try out the juice recipes below!
Watermelon Smoothie
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Watermelon Strawberry
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Watermelon Cucumber
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Need some ideas for juice recipes? Check out our Hurom recipes here: https://huromsingapore.com/pages/juice-recipes-health]]>Plant milk is delicious on its own, when mixed with coffee or when you have it with cereal. (Plant milk is delicious with coffee, cereal or even on its own.) Different from (Unlike) dairy milk which is creamy, plant milk steers to tasting nutty. For those who have yet to try out plant milk, you can get some from the nearest supermarket or try making it at home. If you have plant milk at home right now, try out these recipes below!
1. Tofu
Tofu is made by coagulating soy milk, scooping up the curds and then pressing the curds into blocks to become tofu. Although tofu is easily available at any supermarket, you can try making your own tofu at home and get creative with it. It will be fun and is a good bonding activity (it also tastes very delicious)!
To make tofu from scratch, have some soy milk ready. We have a recipe to make soy milk at home in our previous article.
Ingredients:
1 block of tofu
Instructions:
2. Oat Milk and Chocolate Agar Agar
A sweet dessert perfect for mid-day or late-night snacks! You can make this agar treat in a jiffy. As this dessert is made using agar-agar, it is a vegan-friendly recipe! We have a recipe for homemade oat milk if you want to give it a try.
You can switch the cocoa powder with matcha powder or honey if you want to try something new.
Ingredients:
Oat Layer
Chocolate Layer
Instructions:
If you tried out the recipe, share with us the process and the end product by tagging @huromsingapore on Instagram or Facebook!
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Need some ideas for juice recipes? Check out our Hurom recipes here: https://huromsingapore.com/pages/juice-recipes-health
]]>Plant milk is an excellent substitute for regular dairy milk. Not only is it good for the environment, but also provides an alternative for people who have dietary restrictions or do not like the taste of dairy. Although there are many types of plant milk, we will be talking about almonds, oats, and soy in this article! Read on till the end to find out how to make these three plant milk at home.
Health Benefits
Almond Milk
Almond milk is nutritious yet low in calories. If you drink it unsweetened and in its original flavour, it is low in sugar level. It is also high in vitamin E and D. Store-bought almond milk is also a good source of calcium. Do note that store bought almond milk has higher calcium as they are artificially enriched by manufacturers.
Oat Milk
Oat milk contains zero cholesterol; consuming the milk regularly may lower the cholesterol level (LDL) in the blood. Oat milk has a high level of carbohydrates due to being rich in fibre, making it perfect in giving you the energy to last throughout the day. It is also high in vitamins (B1) and minerals, such as manganese, iron, and magnesium amongst others.
Soy milk
Amongst plant milk, soy milk has the closest nutritional profile to cow’s milk. Compared to almond and oat milk, soy milk has the highest amount of protein. The protein can help in supporting healthy muscles and organs. Soy milk is lactose and cholesterol free and easily digestible. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which has been linked to reducing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Environmental Benefits
Although there are questions raised on the eco-friendliness of plant milk (such as the productions of almonds taking up a large amount of water), the production of plant milk is still more environmentally friendly as compared to cow’s milk. Plant milk production requires less water and land and produces lesser greenhouse gas emissions.
Precautions
Although plant milk has many benefits, children below the age of 1 should not be consuming plant milk as a replacement for breastmilk or formula. Plant milk nutrients are unsuitable for children below the age of 1. Children over the age of 1, however, can drink plant-based milk, such as fortified soy milk. However, do consult your child’s paediatrician to confirm that your child is alright consuming the plant milk.
Another precaution is to take note to drink unsweetened and non-flavoured plant milk. Sweetened and flavoured plant milk has a high sugar content, which is unhealthy, especially if you are looking to drink plant milk in the long run. You may consider healthier options such as honey or agave.
Psst: It is more economical and environmentally friendly to make your plant milk, so go ahead and try out the plant milk recipes below! To go a mile further in being eco-friendly, purchase your groceries at zero-waste shops.
Almond Milk
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1 cup of almonds yields 1 cup of almond milk. Adjust the recipe according to how much milk you would like!
Oat Milk
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1 cup of oats yields 1 cup of almond milk. Adjust the recipe according to how much milk you would like!
Soy milk
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1 cup of soy yields 1 cup of soy milk. Adjust the recipe according to how much milk you would like!
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Need some ideas for juice recipes? Check out our Hurom recipes here: https://huromsingapore.com/pages/juice-recipes-health
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Mangoes: a fruit so delicious that you can have it more ways than one. Aside from cold-pressed juices, Hurom slow juicers can make other types of food and drinks too. The possibility to get creative with a Hurom slow juicer is endless! Below are three easy to follow mango recipes for you to try out.
1. Mango Popsicles
Mango popsicles are excellent refreshing snacks to beat that Singapore heat. It is a healthier yet equally delicious option when compared to store-bought cold treats. Although the recipe we have below is super simple, you can get creative by adding toppings such as sliced fruits or nata de coco into the popsicle mixture!
*Disclaimer: Do note that the number of mangoes needed depends on the size of your popsicle mould.
Ingredients:
4 servings
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If popsicles aren't your thing, perhaps a smooth creamy sorbet can help with alleviating the hotness of Singapore's weather. There is no need for additional sugar or flavouring in this recipe if you use ripe mangoes. To make sorbet or ice cream using Hurom slow juicers, you will need to have a Hurom juicer that is compatible with the ice cream strainer.
Ingredients:
2 servings
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3. Mango Mocktail
A thirst-quenching drink that can be enjoyed by people of all ages! Mango mocktail is an easy drink to make and perfect for any occasion. Turn this recipe into a mango cocktail by adding alcohol to your preference.
This recipe is adapted from Chew Out Loud's Mango Cooler Cocktail recipe.
Ingredients:
4 servings
Instructions:
If you tried out the recipe, share with us the process and the end product by tagging @huromsingapore on Instagram or Facebook!
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Need some ideas for juice recipes? Check out our Hurom recipes here: https://huromsingapore.com/pages/juice-recipes-health
]]>Let’s be honest, how many of us can resist mango dishes or drinks when offered to us. Even after a big meal, will you pass up the chance when your friend jio-s you to eat Mango Sago for dessert? It would honestly be a hard pass to let that mango.
Mango Season
Technically, you can find mangoes all year round in Singapore as we largely depend on imports. However, as they are seasonal fruits, the best time to eat mangoes in Singapore is during the peak season, from April to September. The fruit is the cheapest and of the best quality during this period!
The Best Mango
There are hundreds of mango varieties worldwide, but only several are available in Singapore. While all mangoes taste good and have their charm, India’s Alphonso variety is deemed the “king of mangoes” due to its rich and creamy texture and juicy taste. To get Alphonso mangoes, you can head down to Little India or purchase online through Lazada.
Choosing the right mango is also essential. To have ripe and sweet mangoes, give them a light squeeze all around. It should feel slightly soft and not too mushy. If it's too hard, then it is not ripe yet.
Health Benefits
Mangoes can reduce inflammation, improve bowel movements and relieve constipation due to containing polyphenols. Mangoes are also rich in vitamin A and C, which help boost the immune system, strengthen bones, and maintain healthy skin and hair. Still, do take note to eat mangoes in moderation as the fruit contains a high sugar content.
How To Cut Mangoes
As a stone fruit, mangoes have a large pit in the middle. Fruit beginners may find mangoes challenging to cut, but it will get easier once you have read the directions below!
The hedgehog:
An alternative method will be to peel off the skin using a peeler or a knife first, before doing step 1 to 3. You can then cut the mango halves into cubes after.
Do you feel like having mangoes now? If yes, then give the juice recipes below a try too! Also, look forward to our next article, as we will get creative with slow-juiced mangoes!
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Need some ideas for juice recipes? Check out our Hurom recipes here: https://huromsingapore.com/pages/juice-recipes-health
]]>Blanch it, stir-fry it, juice it or eat it raw. Spinach is a versatile vegetable that is delicious, cooked or not. As young impressionable children, many of us were motivated to eat spinach thanks to Popeye. We wanted to be strong, have the ability to shoot spinach out of cans just by squeezing it, and maybe get them big forearms. However, are spinaches all they are made out to be? Read on to find out more!
Why Is Popeye Obsessed With Spinach
Popeye’s obsession with spinach began with chemist Erich von Wolf’s experiment in 1870. Von Wolf was examining the amount of iron in different green vegetables, spinach being one of them. However, Von Wolf overlooked a decimal point when transcribing his findings on spinach. The actual iron content of 3.5 milligrams in 100gram servings of spinach became 35 milligrams.
The mistake caused spinach’s status as a vegetable to rise up and eventually, Popeye’s studio executives chose spinach as Popeye’s source of strength.
Health Benefits
Spinach contains lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that may help in preventing deteriorating eyesight. Spinach also contains vitamin C, E and A that helps to prevent acne and give you that healthy rosy glow on your skin. Spinach is also recommended for people with high blood pressure as spinach's high potassium content can get rid of the excess sodium in the body.
Frozen, Fresh, Canned
In our beautiful sunny Singapore, frozen and fresh spinach are easily available at any supermarket. Canned spinach, on the other hand, is hard to find in stores. It is a shame that canned spinach is not available locally as it last longer and cost cheaper than fresh spinach.
Pro tip: You can easily purchase canned spinach online.
How to Keep Spinach Fresh
To keep your spinach fresh for longer, you will need a container, 2-3 pieces of dry kitchen paper towel and do 4 easy steps.
Lay down the 2-3 pieces of dry kitchen paper towel on the container.
Stack the spinach leaves on top of the paper towel.
Remove any wilted leaves.
Close the container and store it in the refrigerator.
Pro tip: Make sure that the spinach leaves are as dry as possible before you put them into the container. Change the kitchen paper towel as well if it is wet.
Instead of sautéing the spinach for dinner, how about giving the juice recipes below a try?
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Need some ideas for juice recipes? Check out our Hurom recipes here: https://huromsingapore.com/pages/juice-recipes-health]]>In this special 24 carrot facts edition, we cannot miss out the chance to reference Bruno Mars for this article. We hope you stay golden as you munch on these bite sized facts. Let us know if there's anything we missed out; we carrot lot of what our readers think!
1. Carrot History I
The first carrots cultivated were purple—the orange carrots we are familiar with were only developed in the 17th century through a genetic mutation.
2. Carrot History II
Carrots were initially grown for medicinal use and not for food consumption.
3. Orange Carrots
Carrots are orange due to containing a large amount of beta carotene, a red-orange pigment found in plants, vegetables and fruits. The more orange the carrot, the more beta carotene the carrot contains.
4. Baby Carrots Are Not Really Baby Carrots
Baby carrots are actually either immature or unpleasant looking big carrots that farmers cut down to smaller sizes.
5. Baby Carrots Have Sizes
Baby carrots have five different sizes. With the tiniest one called “carroteenies”.
6. Carrots Are Good For The Eyes
Carrots are famous for being good for the eyes. It prevents cataracts and aids the eyes in adjusting to the darkness from a bright space. Carrots, however, do not help people in seeing in the dark.
This myth originated from a World War 2 propaganda campaign where the British wanted to hide their newly developed radar technology that allows the British Air Force to precisely shoot enemy planes during nighttime. Britain advertised carrots as the reason for the pilots’ improvement in shooting enemy planes instead.
7. Carrots Are Good For Weight-Loss
Carrots are a great weight-loss food as it is low in calories, high in nutrients and rich in fibre. This makes it a great snack and ingredient to use during a weight loss diet.
8. Carrots Are Good For The Heart
Research has shown that carrots could protect the body against high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and lower cholesterol levels. The study also stated a lower risk of heart attacks in women due to carrots consumption.
9. Carrots Are Good For Boosting Your Immune System
The vitamin C in carrots are helpful in building antibodies and boosting your immunity to defend your immune system.
10. Carrots Are Good In Keeping Your Mind Sharp
Carrots contain a high amount of luteolin, which reduces age-related inflammation in the brain and improves memory.
11. Carrots Popularity
Carrots are popular vegetables. It is the second most popular vegetable in the world, with potatoes coming in first.
12. How Many Carrots Do We Eat In A Lifetime
An average person will eat approximately 10,866 carrots in their lifetime! How many do you think you have consumed till now?
13. Eating Carrots Will Turn You Orange
Eating too many carrots will not turn you orange, but it will turn you yellow. This condition is called carotenemia and will cause a yellow pigmentation on a person’s skin, most noticeably the palms and soles.
14. Carrots Are Better Cooked
Raw carrots make a good snack, but it is best to cook the carrots as more beta carotene, converted into vitamin A, are released into your body.
15. Carrots Are Safe For Dogs To Eat
Vegetables such as onions and mushrooms are not safe for dogs’ consumption. Instead, share some carrots and celeries with your beloved pet!
16. Carrots Are Not Good For Bunnies
Bugs Bunny often eat carrots, but real bunnies should be fed carrots only occasionally as it is unhealthy and may give the bunny tooth decay.
17. Carrot Cake vs Carrot Cake
Unlike the western version of carrot cake that contains carrot, the local carrot cake—or Chai Tow Kway—does not contain a single bit of carrot. Carrot cake received its name as it contains radish, otherwise known as the white carrot.
18. Longest Carrot Ever Measured
Based on Guinness World Record, the longest carrot recorded to date is 6.245m long! Joe Atherton accomplished this feat in 2016 in the United Kingdom National Giant Vegetables Championship.
19. Heaviest Carrot Ever Weighted
Based on Guinness World Record, the heaviest carrot ever weighted to date is 10.17kg! Christopher Qualley attained this achievement in 2017.
20. Forking Carrots
Once in a while, we will chance upon a carrot picture with arms and legs on the internet. Such carrots are deformed and a result of being grown in soil with stones and soil insects.
21. Carrots Taste Sweet
Carrots are naturally sweet. There are approximately 4.7grams of sugar in a 100grams serving of carrots. Cook the carrots to taste their full sweetness.
22. Carrot Is Mostly Water
Carrots are 87% water. It is good to eat carrots as vegetables with high water content will hydrate you!
23. Carrots As A Piece Of Fine Art
In September 2020, there was a dumping of 29 tonnes of unwanted fresh carrots on a London street as a Masters of Fine Arts programme artwork installation.
24. A Gaggle Of Geese, A Swarm Of Bees
Carrots’ collective noun is “bunch”! If you are at the market, it is correct to say, “I want a bunch of carrots”.
Try out the juice recipes below if you have some delicious crunchy carrots on hand!
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Need some ideas for juice recipes? Check out our Hurom recipes here: https://huromsingapore.com/pages/juice-recipes-health
]]>Yellow, tropical and refreshing. Pineapple, or what 42 other languages call ananas, is a deliciously sweet fruit that is native to South America. Some famed dishes with pineapples that we may be familiar with is pineapple fried rice, pineapple tart or cakes and although controversial, Hawaiian Pizza. Pineapple is also frequently used in cocktails! Piña Colada, Pineapple Margarita, Blue Hawaiian. Where do I get a glass?
Pineapple History
In the mid 17th to early 18th century, pineapples were greatly coveted and seen as a luxury item in England and American colonies. Only the wealthy were able to purchase the fruit as there was a low supply due to pineapples requiring a tropical climate to grow. King Charles II even commissioned a painting of his gardener handing him a pineapple. Indeed, pineapples were the foie gras of yesterday.
Health Benefits
Pineapple is loaded with nutrients and contains numerous vitamins, such as vitamin C, vitamin B (B1, B2, B6, B9), vitamin K as well as fibre and minerals such as manganese. For centuries, countries in Central and South America have used pineapples as a way to treat inflammation and digestion. Several studies have also shown that pineapples may reduce the risk of cancer, ease symptoms of arthritis and boost immunity.
Other Functions
Usually consumed as it is, pineapples can also be used as a marinade. Due to bromelain, an enzyme that digests protein, meats can be tenderised when marinated with pineapple. This is why there is a prickly feeling on your tongue if you eat too many pineapples in one sitting; we've all been there!
How to Pick the Best Pineapples
For first-time pineapple buyers or those who have a hard time picking a pineapple at the local supermarket, here are some tips on choosing pineapples:
Once you have got your hands on some juicy pineapples, go ahead and give the recipes below a try!
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Need some ideas for juice recipes? Check out our Hurom recipes here: https://huromsingapore.com/pages/juice-recipes-health
Pitaya, strawberry pear, and ziix is ccapxl are some of its many names around the world. Here, we know them as dragon fruits. Such a beautiful fruit with a fierce name; this glammed-up-looking-artichoke is dressed to impress as it packs a punch in nutritional value while giving you some delicious tasting experiences.
Eaten on its own, as a salad topping, or juiced, there is more than meets the eye to this striking fruit. Here are some equally striking facts about the dragon fruit:
True Identity
We often see them in supermarkets but never in the wild or farmed. It is definitely surprising that these fruits are from the cacti family. Other popularly consumed cactus fruit are the prickly pear fruit and the apple cactus. Although it is commonly seen all over Asia (with Vietnam being the leading exporter of dragon fruit), they actually originated from the Americas and were brought over by French missionaries over a 100 years ago.
Super Fruit
This super fruit is loaded with nutritional goodness. Vitamins B (B1, B2, and B3) and C can be found in the dragon fruit while the mineral content comprises of magnesium, sodium, iron, calcium, and phosphorus. Additionally, it contains phytonutrient carotene and powerful antioxidants such as anthocyanin (especially when juiced with some skin or when eating the red fleshed variety). All of this basically translates to improved bone health and density, enhanced skin, and better prevention towards high blood pressure amongst a whole list of health benefits.
Nocturnal Lover
You might have heard of the sunflower but have you heard of the moonflower? The moonflower, otherwise known as the Queen of the Night, blooms only at night and withers under harsh sunlight (and you thought your hangovers are bad!). This also means that the dragon fruit plant only pollinates at night with the aid by moths and bats. Do note that this blooming and withering happens over ONE night!
Ancient Lore
According to Southeast Asian legend, the dragon fruit was born out of the last breath of dragons (hence the flame like appearance). The fruit was offered by warriors as a sign of great victory while also presenting itself as an extremely prize possession. This link has a rather sad but heartwarming retelling of the legend as to how the fruit was born.
Don’t you worry, you won’t have to slay any dragons to get the best out of this fruit; a simple visit to your favourite local mart would suffice.
Once you get your hands over these wonderful fruits, why not have a try at some of these recipes*?:
*if you want the dragon fruit seeds, use the smoothie strainer!
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Need some ideas for juice recipes? Check out our Hurom recipes here: https://huromsingapore.com/pages/juice-recipes-health
]]>They are round, nutritious, and succulence renowned. Melons can be found in almost every corner of the world. To date, there are over 38 known types. This article will cover a local favourite (and we are not talking about watermelons or bitter gourds; that’s right, the latter is a type of melon!).
In case the title hasn’t clued you in, we are talking about cantaloupes (or rockmelons for our Aussie and Kiwi friends). Occasionally found in salads and frequently at fruit stalls in your favourite hawker centre, cantaloupes are the perfect fruit for those craving something sweet, healthy, and deliciously juicy. However, could eating too much actually kill you? What do cantaloupes and bananas have in common? Where do these fruits even come from?
Here are some cantaloupe facts with answers to these questions and more (with added recipes below)!:
Pope’s Cantaloupe
It is rumoured that the cantaloupe derives its name from from an Italian town called Cantalupo di Sabina. It is alleged that cantaloupes originated from there (more on this later). The word “cantalupo” actually translates to “singing wolf”. The town’s namesake derives from the presence of wolves in the area. More interestingly, the old papacy of Rome had an estate there and it was rumoured that Pope John II’s heart attack was induced from eating too much cantaloupes!
Actual Origins
While it got its name from the Italian town, its actual origins are still unknown. As one of the oldest cultivated fruits, cantaloupes have found themselves in recipe books and drawings from Ancient Egypt, Rome, and the Levant. Thank goodness taste in food doesn’t change as much as taste in fashion or else we won’t have these amazing fruits cultivated the way they are today.
Nutritional Facts
Cantaloupes are nearly 90% water! Despite that, they are packed with nutrients and are very low in calories (for every 100 gram of cantaloupe, you get about 34 calories). Loaded with vitamins C, A, B (B1, B3, and B6), and K, potassium, copper, and magnesium, this is certainly a ball of goodness. Some health benefits include: prevention of heart attacks, improved eyesight, weight loss, better skin health, healthier lungs, and boosted immune system amongst others. It is a wonder that cantaloupes aren’t a superfruit. At the very least, they are super tasty.
The King of Melons
What’s the most you have paid for fruits? If it is more that 20,000 USD, you can find yourself the proud of owner of the Yubari King Melon. As the name implies, this is certainly the King of Melons. Hailing from Japan, the Yubari King enjoys this status due to Japan’s luxury fruits market (on top of scarce farming land and Japan’s gift giving culture). It is renowned for its uniquely sweet flavour and perfectly round and smooth rind.
Before we get to the recipes, here’s another sweet fact (too short to make the list but interesting nonetheless): bananas and melons are technically related as they are both berries from a botanical perspective.
Unlike bananas, it is advised to give melons a good wash over the rinds before cutting into them as the surface may harbour different types of bacteria.
Here are some juicing recipes for you to try out:
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Need some ideas for juice recipes? Check out our Hurom recipes here: https://huromsingapore.com/pages/juice-recipes-health
]]>In the United Kingdom, when things go “pear-shaped”, it often describes a situation that has gone awry. It has been speculated that this term originated from Royal Air Force fighter pilots in preparation for the Second World War. However, the exact shape of pears is as diverse as its 3,000 known varieties.
In fact, the humble pear goes way back in history as one of the oldest cultivated fruits! Cook, dry, juice, or can them, these versatile fruits do pack a punch. Here are some other interesting facts about pears that you might not know (with some free recipes at the end)!
Asian Origins
Many ancient European civilisations have enjoyed their fair share of the pear. However, the most popular theory posits that the fruit’s genus can trace itself back to present-day Western China. Interestingly, Chinese people believe that sharing a pear may disturb relationship between friends or lovers. The phrase “to share a pear (分梨)” is phonetically similar to the phrase “to separate (分离)”.
Easy On The Body
Do you have plenty of food allergies or sensitivities? The pear might be the right fruit for you. Pears, along with apples and grapes, are amongst the least allergenic fruits. What’s more, they are extremely gentle on the digestive system due to their low acidic levels. Ancient Greeks even used the fruits as a natural remedy against nausea.
Good Things Come in Pears
It is a well known fact that fruits are good for you. In this case, the pear packs a decent amount of vitamins B2, B3, B6, K, and C, while also carrying the following minerals: calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and copper. For the health conscious reader, you can already see sone antioxidant nutrients present in this fruit.
Since the fruit’s genus belongs to the rose family, you can treat your next healthy bite as a gesture of love to your body. If you want to spice it up, we have added a few juicing recipes containing pears.
Here are some juicing recipes for you to try out:
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Need some ideas for juice recipes? Check out our Hurom recipes here: https://huromsingapore.com/pages/juice-recipes-health
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Exchanging oranges is a gesture of wishing prosperity upon others during Chinese New Year. As such, here are some golden nuggets of facts we would like to share with you. There are also some juicing recipes at the end of this article (especially for those who are building up quite an orange collection this Chinese New Year).
1. Origins To The Name
In the English language, the colour "orange" was named after the fruit. The Sanskrit word for "orange tree" is नारङ्ग (nāraṅga). The name made it's way through Persian (نارنگ nārang), Arabic (نارنج nāranj), and eventually Old French (pomme d'orange). Now that's a well travelled fruit! Imagine if we followed the same naming conventions for every colour; what a riot that would be.
2. Oranges, Tangerines, Clementines, and Mandarins
There are over 600 different types of oranges alone (this probably deserves a whole article on it's own)! However, do you know your oranges from mandarins and clementines from tangerines? Most of us probably make do by just calling them all oranges. Here's a simple breakdown of where they all fit:
The orange (round, thick skin, tart) sits at the top while mandarins (flatter shape, sweet, loose skin) derive from oranges. Under mandarins, we have tangerines (slightly tougher skin than mandarins and more tart), clementines (smallest type of mandarins and are very sweet), and satsumas (easiest to peel, juicy, sweet, and seedless).
3. Health Benefits
It goes without saying that any orange related list is incomplete without any mention of vitamin C. One orange contains almost 80% of the daily suggested goal for vitamin C. While scurvy is not as common as it used to be, vitamin C also has additional benefits for the rest of us land dwellers in that it helps produce serotonin which in turn regulates mood, sleep, and other cognitive functions.
Here are some juicing recipes for you to try out:
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Need some ideas for juice recipes? Check out our Hurom recipes here: https://huromsingapore.com/pages/juice-recipes-health
Tomatoes are one of the most widely used ingredients in western cooking due to it’s versatile and tangy flavour. Not only does it give the dishes their flavour, when juiced, it has several health and beauty benefits to offer. Nutrient rich yet low in calories and fat, this is the perfect juice to add to your healthy diet.
In this article, we will share with you the health benefits of consuming tomato juice and delicious recipes for you to try!
What are the benefits of drinking Tomato Juice?
1. Good For Digestion
Packed with fibre, tomato juice functions as a mild laxative that can help prevent constipation. Regularly consuming tomato juice keeps the liver healthy, helps stimulate bowel movement which prevents constipation and boost digestion.
2. Detoxification
Tomato is commonly found in detox juice recipes due to the presence of chlorine and sulphur. In order for the body to detox well, our livers and kidneys need to remain in a healthy state. Chlorine helps the 2 organs function properly and sulphur protects them from any kind of infection. As tomato is abundant in both, it is the best option for a good body detox!
3. Rich In Vitamin A and C
Rich in Vitamin A and C, drinking tomato juice will help in strengthening the immune system. Vitamin A is essential for preserving your eyesight. They are good for improving vision and protecting your eyes from any vision-related problems. Vitamin C helps form and maintain bones, skin, and blood vessels.
Tomato Juice Recipes:
If you are now convinced of the health benefits and want to incorporate tomatoes into your juicing recipes, here are some of the must try!
a) Tomato Juice
Ingredients:
Tomatoes
Instructions:
Remove the stalk of tomato.
Close the lever, insert the tomatoes into the slow juicer, and operate it.
When extraction is almost finished, open up the lever halfway to release the compressed pulp.
Bottle the juice up and enjoy.
Ingredients:
Broccoli
Cabbage
Tomato
Carrot
Banana
Apple
Instructions:
Cut broccoli, cabbages, tomatoes and carrots into cube-sized pieces.
Pour water until ingredients are covered, boil all ingredients well & cool them down.
Close the lever, start inserting the ingredients into your slow juicers & extract
Lastly, insert bananas and apples after you've inserted the boiled ingredients, & extract them.
c) The Skinny
Ingredients:
Cherry tomatoes 250g
Kiwis 100g
Pears 60g
Instructions:
Remove the stalk ends of cherry tomatoes.
Slice kiwis into 4 parts with the skin.
Slice pears in half and divide into 6 parts without peeling.
Put cherry tomatoes, kiwis and pears into your slow juicer and juice.
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Need some ideas for juice recipes? Check out our Hurom recipes here: https://huromsingapore.com/pages/juice-recipes-health
]]>Cucumbers are commonly-found as an ingredient in salad or as a dressing. However, this fruit offers more than just it’s crunchy and crispy texture (Yes, you saw that right! Cucumbers are a fruit, and not a vegetable.). Cucumbers contain high nutritional benefits, including their hydrating properties and rich nutrients. Despite all the benefits that it holds, it is also a low-calorie, delicious alternative for your juices.
In this article, we will share with you the health benefits of consuming cucumber juice and recipes to maximise them.
What are the benefits of drinking Cucumber Juice?
1. Hydrates Your Body
As a water-rich fruit consisting of 95% water, cucumber is one of nature’s most hydrating fruit, making it a perfect ingredient for juicing. According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, it is determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men and 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) for women. With that being said, we need a high fluid intake in order to stay hydrated and flush out toxins, making cucumbers the ideal fruit!
2. Healthy Skin
Cucumbers are often used as part of facials or beauty treatments as it provides an excellent source of silica. However, another way cucumbers promote healthy skin and beauty from within is through consuming it. With high vitamin and mineral content, it will rejuvenate and improve your skin. In addition, they are also high in pantothenic acid or vitamin B-5, which has been used to treat acne.
3. Good For Weight Loss
A cup of cucumber only makes up for 16 calories. This means that cucumbers are a great option when you are losing weight! It will make you feel full for a longer period of time due to it’s high fibre and water content. If you are looking to add some additional flavour to your drink, just throw in a cucumber for a low-calorie option!
Cucumber Juice Recipes:
If you are now convinced of the health benefits and want to incorporate cucumbers into your juicing recipes, here are some of the must try!
Ingredients:
1 Cucumber
1 Lemon
Mint Leaves
Instructions:
Peel and remove all of the skin from the cucumbers.
Cut the ingredients into smaller pieces of 3-4cm
Blend the ingredients for at least two minutes.
b) Apple Cucumber Spinach Juice
Ingredients:
290g Apple
30g Spinach
70g Cucumber
Instructions:
Cut off the ends of the cucumber, remove prickles, and slice into appropriate sizes.
Wash spinach leaves thoroughly
Remove the seeds from the apple, and slice.
Put the lever on your slow juicer to “close.” Insert ingredients to extract.
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Need some ideas for juice recipes? Check out our Hurom recipes here: https://huromsingapore.com/pages/juice-recipes-health
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