Rambutan and lychee are very similar looking fruits that can be found in anything from desserts to martinis. As members of the Sapindaceae family, lychee and rambutan are considered cousin fruits.

They are two of the most common Asian tropical fruits, highly popular among travelers around the world. However, due to several reasons, people often get confused identifying which is which.

So here, we’ve written this Rambutan vs Lychee comparison to make it easier for you to decide between the two based on the origin, appearance, flavor.

Are you excited to learn about the differences? Then scroll down further to know more!

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Fun Fact!

According to legend, during Chinese dynasties, royal families would ask their servants to include lychees in their meal almost every other day! They believed lychees contain the benefits to enhance beauty. For this reason, in China; lychee is considered a royal fruit.

Whereas rambutans could be found everywhere, and due to their availability, it was considered a casual fruit.

Lychee

Let’s start with the more popular fruit, lychee.

Origin:

Most Asian markets and some supermarket stores carry fresh lychees.

The lychee tree (Litchi chinensis), which is native to southern China, produces lychee fruit. In Thailand, lychees, which are native to a tree with the same name, are also popular fruit.

Despite its origins in China, the tree is widely farmed in Southeast Asia. From the Indian subcontinent to the Hawaiian Islands, numerous diverse varieties are cultivated all over the world.

Appearance:

Small, pink-red lychee fruits have a tough leathery skin that you can’t consume. When you remove the red outer shell of lychee fruit, you’ll find soft and translucent flesh.

It is somewhat sour with a floral aroma of fruit that surrounds a single big seed inside. Clusters of three to 50 lychees can be found in each bunch.

Flavor:

Lychees have a sweet and fragrant flavor. To some people, it almost tastes like a grape with a trace of rose, while others think it tastes like a watermelon. In terms of pairing with other tropical flavors, the lychee’s sweetness and tartness make it ideal.

Despite the fruit’s modest sweetness, the luscious, succulent texture makes it a delight to eat in the summer. In addition, the fruit’s peel and the seed should not be consumed.

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Rambutan

Now onto the second star of the show, Rambutans!

Origin:

As the name suggests, it’s native to Southeast Asia and abundantly grown in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, where the rambutan tree thrives.

Appearance:

Large clusters of rambutan fruits, each roughly the size of a golf ball, can be found in the wild. It’s red and hairy because of the fleshy flexible ‘spines’ covering the skin. Rambutan is oval or circular in shape.

Because of its distinctive prickly hairs sprouting from its outer skin, the rambutan is recognizable. With their enormous grape-like arils and fragrant flavor, rambutan fruits are easy to identify once they’re peeled as well.

However, it does have a somewhat lychee-like appearance after peeling, which is one reason to compare both fruits.

Flavor:

With a tinge of tartness, the flavor of rambutan is primarily sweet. That’s why it is generally described as sweet and creamy.

Like dragon fruit, rambutan has a creamy texture and a strong scent. Whereas lychee is not as sweet or creamy. Rambutan also feels to be a little drier.

See? You have already found some similarities and differences.

Read on to know more!

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Rambutan vs Lychee: the Similarities

• Both rambutan and lychee have creamy white flesh with glossy brown seeds in the core which makes it difficult to differentiate between the two.
• They are all part of the same family of plants: the Sapindaceae.
• Trees produce lychee and rambutan. Both trees’ leaves never lose their color.

• The type of lychee or rambutan, as well as the soil in which it is grown, determines its color.
• You can enjoy rambutan and lychee in many similar ways: as a snack, as an addition to your salad, in your morning smoothie.
• Antioxidants, including polyphenols, as well as vitamins C and potassium, are abundant in both fruits, which mature from green to red pink.
• They don’t require any preparation and can even be consumed directly.
• Both prefer an environment with plenty of sunshine and no risk of frost. They can survive in either a tropical or subtropical climate.
• Various juices, jams, syrups, and cocktails are all made with fruits, which are noted for their flavor.
• The fruit should be kept on the tree until it is fully matured before picking it. Once the fruit has been plucked from the tree, it will no longer ripen.

Rambutan vs Lychee: the Differences

• While both fruits have bumpy pinkish-red skin, rambutan’s hairs are flexible and electric orange and green in color, whilst lychees are not.
• Compared to rambutans, lychees are smaller. The seeds of this plant are similarly very tiny.
• Rambutan and lychee have distinct scents and levels of sweetness to the discerning soapberry fan.
• The lychee’s exterior skin is tougher than the rambutan’s. It’s because of this quirk that the lychee’s outer sheath is so easily brittle.
• A lychee tree can get rather large, though not as large as a rambutan tree.
• Both fruits differ in the amount some nutritional calories. Rambutan has 123 calories per serving, while lychee has only 66 calories per serving.

Grab Some for Yourself Now!

Now you have got the results of rambutan Vs lychee debate. You should be able to differentiate between them from now on. Recall that they are really different from one another when it comes to their skin. But there are also many similarities.

And the most important one is that both of them are fantastic selections, delicious and healthy.

Since everyone’s tastes differ, it is highly recommended to conduct a taste test. It’s possible that you’ll prefer one over the other. Both fruits have similar nutritional profiles, so it may be a matter of convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do rambutans taste like lychee?

Yes, they do have a similar taste. 

Is rambutan healthy to eat?

Yes, certainly. It’s full of vitamin C and plays a vital role in combating free radicals.

Is it OK to eat rambutan every day?

It’s recommended as its fiber and vitamin C are really good for your health.

Imagine this: it is lunchtime after a long morning shift, and you suddenly have a craving for a delicious sub sandwich. And that footlong from Subway is all you can think of right now.

The best part is you can find a Subway right around the corner. No need to walk too far. For their convenient locations, delicious sandwiches, (and so many ads!) Subway has become very popular among people.

With this much popularity, you may be wondering, is Subway healthy for us? Let us try to find the answer and see how we can eat healthy from Subway.

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What Is in the Subway Sandwich?

Subway is mainly famous for its signature item, the footlong. This sandwich is made from twelve-inch-long bread. Customers may customize their sandwiches by selecting their choice of bread, meats, vegetables, cheeses, and sauces. For bread, Subway offers you 16 different options to choose from.

The meat options for a Subway sandwich are turkey breast, chicken breast, ham, roast beef, tuna, turkey salami, bacon, meatballs, beefsteak, pepperoni, turkey bologna, shaved steak, etc.

The veggie options available are lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, green peppers, pickles, black olives, cucumbers, banana peppers, jalapeño peppers, etc.

Is Subway Healthy – What Happens When You Eat Their Sandwich?

Based on your choices, Subway can be good or bad. We’ll discuss the drawbacks  and benefits:

Drawbacks of Subway:

Let’s get to know the negative points first.

A Rise in Blood Sugar Spike:

A footlong sub cooked with 9-grain wheat bread contains 76-104 grams of carbohydrates. This many carbohydrates may induce a spike in blood sugar. Including enough protein and healthy fats in your sandwich can help lessen the meal’s glycemic load and thus regulate blood sugar.

Gain Weight:

Choosing high-fat and high-calorie subs may result in weight gain. A footlong sandwich like the Chicken and Bacon Ranch sub has over 1,000 calories and 51 grams of fat. With a side of chips and a standard drink, you might consume all your daily calorie requirements in one session.

This is very harmful to your health, and you do not want to eat only one meal a day.

Increasing the Risk of High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, and Stroke:

Subway always claims that their subs are healthy. But that’s not true for all the subs in their menu. Some of the sandwiches contain a high level of sodium in them. When you consume a high-sodium diet frequently, you might raise your chance of developing conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or stroke.

The sodium intake of those who already have these problems should be monitored with more care. When it comes to Subway, the Tuna or Veggie Delight subs are a good choice because they are lower in salt.

Feeling Bloated or Nauseated:

What happens when you eat more than your body can take in one sitting? You will start to feel sick. That is what happens when you eat a sizeable footlong sub in one sitting, which your body is not used to.

You will feel bloated, nauseous and may even feel heartburn. Considering the sodium amount, it can even make your fingers and toes bloat as well.

Benefits of Subway

Let’s get acquainted with the benefits now.

Lose Weight:

You may lose weight by choosing low-calorie sandwiches like a foot-long vegetarian with low-calorie sauces. When you choose a Veggie Delite sub sandwich of 9-grain wheat bread or brown bread, only vegetables, and no cheese or sauce, this meal will be under 400 calories.

Replacing your lunch with a Footlong Veggie Delite sub saves you roughly 600 calories. If you choose a 6-inch sub instead of the 12-inch one, it will cut your calorie and fat consumption in half.

Healthy Bowel Movements:

According to recommended amounts, most individuals should consume roughly 28 grams of fiber per day for a healthy bowel movement. A footlong served with brown bread, and all the veggies can contain 10 grams of fiber which is almost 40% of the fiber you need for the whole day.

A Perfect Healthy Combo for the Body:

Subway’s sandwich can be the best combo for your body if you choose the ingredients wisely. When you add more vegetables to your meal, you are making it more fiber and antioxidant rich.

The whole-grain buns are fully rich in fiber, and they can fulfill 20% of the daily required fiber for women and 13% for males. If you choose turkey breast as your protein option, it has its own benefits too.

Turkey breasts are good for the heart as they are low in fat and have high protein. With the low-calorie selections, more vegetables, and avoiding fatty sauces and cheese, Subway is an excellent choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Subway healthier than McDonald’s?

Subway foods have less sugar and more vegetabes than MacDonalds, and thus have a slight edge in terms of the health factor.

Is Subway chicken processed?

Yes, they are processed as they have additives.

Does Subway use fake chicken?

No, they use 100% real chicken.

Conclusion

You may again ask yourself the question should I go to Subway again? The answer is definitely yes! But keep in mind that you must take care of your body and follow a nutritious and balanced diet. So, order according to that. If your friends ask, Is Subway Healthy? Please do not wait and send them this article to find out.

Before we dive into the article, ask yourself: what are my comfort foods?

There is a big chance chicken and rice will come right up in your mind. A warm serving of chicken and rice with just the perfect seasonings can fill your stomach and mind.

Before you run off to prepare this dish for your next meal, you should be asking yourself: Are chicken and rice healthy?

In the following article, I will break down one of the most wholesome comfort foods to see if it fits your new clean lifestyle!

What Does Chicken and Rice Contain?

Chicken and rice are pretty convenient meals. Generally, chicken and rice (brown or white, up to personal choice) are cooked together in a pot. This one-pot dish is a warm, wholesome meal cooked with various seasonings and other veggies up to unique flavors.

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Is Chicken and Rice Healthy – What Nutrition Can It Provide?

It’s healthy and has lots of nutrition. Let us dive a bit deeper into this.

Excellent Supplier of Proteins:

Our body needs a minimum amount of different nutrition every day. This dish provides a lot of healthy lean protein. It builds our muscles (since protein makes up a muscle) and strengthens it.

Chicken and rice provide our body with adequate proteins that your body needs.

Great Food for Your Weight Loss Journey:

Chicken and rice are prevalent dishes in a weight loss diet plan. This dish is a fat-burning diet. You will see it mentioned in many diet plans over the internet, all for good reasons. 

Also, chicken is lean meat that contains very few amounts of fat. Chicken also contains necessary minerals and vitamins. That is why chicken is added to almost every diet plan you will see.

We get fiber from the rice (it will be better to use brown rice for weight loss since the quantity of fiber in brown rice is more). The carbs provide loads of energy. If you are adding some veggies into your chicken and rice, then the amount of nutrition from those veggies is only adding to this beautiful meal.

This dish will leave our tummies very full for a long time. So, it reduces our hunger, and we won’t want to snack on something anytime soon after.

Keeps Your Immune System Healthy:

The proteins, fiber, carbs, minerals, vitamins, etc., that chicken and rice contain all necessary macronutrients for our body. They also contain essential micronutrients.

Having chicken and rice will add these nutrients to our bodies and boost our immune system. It will help our body function properly and keep us energetic, away from diseases.

It is an Awesome Dish that Can Relieve Stress:

Aside from being nice and warm comfort food, chicken and rice have elements that can reduce your stress levels. Chicken contains Vitamin B5 and tryptophan. Both of these help to reduce stress. So, this dish is a kind of stress reliever.

Rice is Healthy: 

Rice is a very rich source of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy in our bodies. Brown rice is a lot healthier than white rice because it contains extra fibers and other nutrients, excellent for our body.

Of course, the rice should be taken in specific amounts as it also contains the most calories. But you should not skip out on rice entirely from your meal plan in a day.

Good for Our Bones:

Lean meat can provide just the proper nutrients to make our bones stronger. It supports bone density and provides steady growth. Chicken and rice can help us get these nutrients.

How Often Should You Have Chicken and Rice?

Every day you may eat chicken and rice. You can eat chicken and rice once a day as long as you want. It has just the perfect calories and necessary ingredients to keep your body strong and full.

But you will also miss out on different variations of foods, so it is probably better to keep your daily diet diverse. If you are on a weight loss journey or want to build some muscles, you can have this dish every day.

Bonus: How to Make Chicken and Rice at Home, with All the Customizations for Yourself?

See, my favorite part about homemade dishes is that you can bring changes to the recipes as per your own needs. The calories and ingredients of every recipe are different, and some might not match what you can afford.

You can also add a little twist to cater the flavor to your taste buds or make it a bit fancy. So, you can always alter the recipes according to your own needs.

Chicken and rice are made by cooking the rice and chicken together. Almost all recipes follow these steps:

Step 1: Add Your Two Ingredients to the Pot

You can throw both the ingredients in a pot, but it is better to let the chicken boil for a bit first. Add a clove of garlic and some other spices if you want; it will do magic to the broth’s flavor.

Don’t forget to remove the skin, or the texture will not look good later. Debone, the chicken after it is cooked enough that the meat is falling off the bone.

Step 2: Cook them According to the Instructions.

Then, if you have not added rice already, add it. You have to cook the rice in the chicken broth. Careful about the measurements!

You can tear apart the chicken and add them back to your rice with other spices.

Step 3: Add Your Veggies!

If you want something more, you could add veggies like finely chopped-up carrots, cabbages, etc. Whatever you have at home!

It will have a creamy texture, hot and tasty, ready to eat at the end!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you survive on chicken and rice?

You’ll face some health issues such as constipation. So, it’s better if you add some vegetables with it.

Why do bodybuilders eat chicken and rice?

Bodybuilders prefer chicken and rice because it provides them with necessary carbs and proteins to build the muscles.

How much rice should I eat a day to lose weight?

No more than half a bowl a day.

Final Words

The obvious takeaway from this article is chicken and rice are very healthy! It can remind you of a warm home, but it also keeps your body functioning correctly throughout the day. If you are a busy person, you can make a big pot of chicken and rice and store it in portions for a few days.

No need to feel guilty wondering if chicken and rice are healthy!

Happy eating!

Health-conscious individuals frequently ponder the following questions: Is guacamole keto? Yes, absolutely. Guacamole is low in carbohydrates and high in monounsaturated fats. Because of this, it’s a great keto snack when paired with low-carb chips or raw vegetables. 

Avocados, the most popular fruit on the keto diet, are the main ingredient in guacamole. Guacamole is, therefore, a Keto-friendly food item! 

We often have problems figuring out its health benefits, nutrition facts, delicious recipes, preservation process, and answers to other important FAQs. Hopefully, in this article, you will find all the best possible solutions to all these crucial points by the time we are done.

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Guacamole’s Health Benefits

For a good reason, guacamole has become increasingly popular lately. It is now a mainstay of American cuisine. Because of the increased popularity of healthy lifestyle, more and more people choose food like guacamole instead of alternatives like mayonnaise.

Guacamole has several health benefits, and some of them should be mentioned-

Full of Fiber: 

Many people don’t get enough fiber in their diets, which can cause their stools to be heavier and softer. 1/4 of an adult’s daily fiber requirement is found in half an avocado.

High in Beneficial Fats: 

A dream come true for those who follow a low-carb, low-fat diet. It has been linked to reducing inflammation and fighting cancer because it is rich in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid.

Helps Maintain a Healthy Skin Condition: 

Vitamin C is found in Avocados, lime juice, and tomatoes, which are the main ingredients in guacamole. It is required for immune and skin health. As a result, consumption of Vitamin C makes the skin appear younger and healthier as collagen production increases.

Improves Nutrient Absorption: 

Nutritional absorption is as essential as nutrient intake. The body can’t digest some nutrients without fat. 

This is important because fat-soluble vitamins E, K, A, and D must be consumed with healthy fat sources. As guacamole is loaded with nutrients, your body will be able to absorb them and run smoothly.

High Potassium Content: 

Guacamole is one of the most nutritious low-carb fruits on the planet, giving 500 mg of potassium per serving! 

While following a low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diet, it’s important to watch your potassium intake. If you want to avoid the keto flu, you need to keep your potassium levels in check by eating a variety of foods that are high in it.

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Keto Guacamole Recipe: Easy & Tasty

Keto Guacamole (no sugar added) is a rich source of fiber and potassium. Get ready to whip up a delicious and simple keto guacamole recipe.

Ingredients:

• Avocado (1 piece)
• Lime Juice (2 teaspoons)
• Salt (2 pinches)
• Peeper (2 pinches)
• Cumin (¼ teaspoon)
• Garlic (1 clove)
• Chili Powder (⅛ teaspoon)
• Smoked Paprika (⅛ teaspoon)
• Cilantro (1 teaspoon)
• Scallions (2 tablespoons)
• Sour Cream (1 tablespoon)

Instructions:

1. Remove the seeds from the avocados by spitting them out. Add lime juice to a bowl and scoop out the avocado flesh into it.
2. With a fork, mash the avocado until it is almost entirely smooth.
3. Mix in the remaining ingredients until well-combined.
4. Enjoy keto guacamole with Flaxseed Crackers or keto pepperoni.

Nutrition:

Keto guacamole is nutrient-dense. We don’t have to think twice about incorporating it into our diet. This keto guacamole recipe is broken down as follows:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do we keep guacamole from turning brown?

The first step is to store the guacamole airtight. Spray lemon juice or water on top. This creates a barrier between the air and the guacamole, preventing oxidation. When you add lemon juice, which is full of Vitamin C and is a powerful antioxidant, it helps fight browning.

Then cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three days. Take out any extra water or lemon juice before eating, and enjoy!

How many avocados for guacamole?

How much guacamole you want to eat is a matter of personal preference. When adjusting the ingredients listed above, you only need to keep their proportions the same. More avocados can be used if you need them.

Can I omit the tomato?

Definitely! There is a lot of debate about whether or not tomatoes should be included in guacamole. Guacamole is delectable in either case.

What are the other keto foods I can pair with guacamole?

Keto Tortilla Chips: Make some low-carb tortilla chips if you want some tortilla chips. Shape triangles out of the tortillas and fry them until golden brown in avocado oil.

Eggs: The combination of scrambled or fried eggs with guacamole is a great way to start the day.

Veggies: To scoop up your guacamole, use celery, cauliflower, or sliced cucumbers.

Conclusion

Due to an increased interest in healthy living and keto diets, more and more people are choosing to eat nutrient-dense foods instead of processed carbohydrates as a snack. 

And guac seems to be a popular choice. So, is guacamole keto? Yes, definitely! It is a superfood rich in potassium, vitamin C, and healthy fats that belong in everyone’s pantry, regardless of diet.

There is no doubt that guacamole is a great way to add some taste to your ketogenic journey. That means it’s time to kick-start a healthy lifestyle with guacamole.

Do you often find yourself munching on garlic breadsticks? Trust us; this delicious snack is a go-to pick for many people. So, you are not the only one! However, when you have too much garlic bread, whether garlic bread is healthy or not might go through the back of your mind.

Well, not compromising on food while staying healthy is the new-gen eating notion. So, you cannot blame yourself for having that thought. And let us face it, breadsticks smeared with generous garlic butter and perfect oven toast crisp are unavoidable. But are the garlic toasts healthy? Let’s find out!

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What Does Healthy Food Actually Mean?

While determining healthy foods, most of us would rely on the calorie count. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. The number of calories alone cannot determine whether a food is healthy. 

Take oven-bake potato chips, for example. They contain significantly low calories compared to regular chips. And they are still considered to be junk food! So, instead, you need to consider the number of carbs, trans-fat, sugar, and other nutritional factors.

That said, a healthy diet will usually contain food that meets all of the nutritional criteria while offering your body the required amount of energy.

So, while you determine whether a food is healthy or not, you need to compare it with a proper diet. The food will be healthy for you if it does not make you exceed the daily number of sugar, fat, carbs, and other factors. 

Additionally, you need to consider if it offers you the right amount of energy and nutritional goodness.

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Nutritional Values of Garlic Toasts

Now, let us focus on garlic bread. So, what does the average nutritional value of garlic toasts look like? For this, we will take a standard store-bought version. And here is the list for one serving (24 grams):

• Fat: 4.1 grams
• Sodium: 123 milligrams
• Carbs: 9.8 grams
• Sugar: 0.6 grams
• Protein: 1.6 grams
• Calories: 82

Let us now compare these values with dietary reference intake. So, an adult should get 20 to 35 percent of total calories from fat. And if you consider the average 2000 calories diet, it should be somewhere between 44 grams and 77 grams. 

Compare that to the amount of fat that garlic bread offers, and you will see that you have at least 39.9 grams of headroom. It is just one serving, after all. 

Furthermore, consider the sodium count. Dietary Guidelines for America state that adults limit their sodium intake to less than 2300 milligrams. Well, that checks out for garlic bread too.

According to Mayo Clinic, a healthy diet should offer 45 to 65 percent of total calories from carbs. That is about 225 to 325 grams of carbohydrates for a 2000 calorie diet. Again, per serving has to offer only 9.8 grams of carbs. So, you still have a lot of headroom.

The case is the same for protein, calorie intake, and sugar. Even with two servings of garlic bread, you will still have a lot of headroom in terms of those nutritional factors.

Is Garlic Bread Healthy?

Garlic toasts are that one serving does not tell you the whole story. It will seem a lot less than the recommended daily nutritional values. But you should note that most garlic loaves will have hidden sugar and a high amount of fat. Also, don’t deny; you can not be satisfied with one serving sometimes.

Let us not forget that those garlic toasts will have a higher calorie count than usual. Nonetheless, loads of store-bought versions will contain much more trans-fat and added sugar than the one we talked about earlier. So, if you strictly rely on garlic bread for a meal, you should reconsider.

In short, to determine whether garlic bread is healthy or not, you need to consider your food habits. Go for it if these toasts fit perfectly on your daily food intake limit! But if they do not, limit yourself to one serving per day. That includes calories, sugar, carbs, and sodium limits, by the way.

Healthy Garlic Toast Recipe

Did you know that you can lower the calorie and sugar count when switching to whole wheat garlic bread? But getting a proper whole wheat version in the store can be daunting. Well, the good news is making healthier garlic bread is pretty straightforward. Just follow these steps:

Step 1: Mix the Right Ingredients

So, you will need brown flour, salt, jaggery powder, yeast, Italian seasoning, olive oil, water, and most importantly, garlic. After getting the ingredients, get yourself a bowl and add some warm water to it. 

Drop some jaggery and instant yeast into the water and leave it for about 7 minutes. While waiting, chop some garlic. Then, combine the chopped garlic with brown flour, salt, and Italian seasoning into the bowl. Mix well.

Step 2: Knead the Mixture

Add more yeast to the bowl and knead until the dough is smooth. Mix in some olive oil and knead the dough a little more. 

Form a ball, grease it with olive oil, and leave the dough inside the bowl. Cover the top and let it sit for about 2 hours. 

Step 3: Bake the Dough

Once poofed, you need to knock out the air from the dough. Then, grease a clean surface with olive oil and divide the dough into equal halves. Roll them into two balls, grease them again with oil, and leave them for another 15 minutes.

Transfer them into a baking tray and season them with olive oil and seasoning. Put the balls into a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 10 to 15 minutes. 

Pop open the oven, and you should end up with healthy garlic toasts packed with health and nutritional benefits!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you eat too much garlic bread?

Excessive consumption isn’t recommended as it can cause side effects such as digestive issues, bad breath, and other health problems. 

Is garlic bread good for gym?

I wouldn’t suggest eating garlic bread before going to the gym as it can cause digestive problems. 

Can garlic bread give you headaches?

If you are garlic-intolerant, then it can give you headaches.

Final Words

To answer whether garlic bread is healthy, you cannot just consider the calorie count. There is more to it! But the short version is that if you are leading a healthy lifestyle, one serving per day will not be an issue.

If you have a habit of cramming snacks down, there is a fair bit of possibility that you have heard about—or even tried Cheez-Its at least once. And if you have, you already know the crunchy sound of the crackers paired with the cheesy flavor of each bite. 

And to top it off, the overwhelming saltiness is a signature, and it stays on your tongue for as long as it stays in your mind. But just like most other processed food, there remains a question needed to be answered: Is Cheez-Its healthy? Today we will answer this question.

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Is Cheez-Its Healthy?

The shorter answer would be a no. Cheez-Its are not the best snacks for you if you are concerned about health factors. And it is not unlike most other snacks you will find yourself looking at while walking through the aisles of the big super shops. 

But what makes Cheez-Its specifically so unhealthy?

Lacking in Nutritional Values:

To consider any food healthy, you have to consider the nutritional facts. And if you do that with Cheez-Its, it is clear that it is not the most wholesome ingestible you can get for your money.

Cheez-Its contain an insignificant amount of essential minerals, like Potassium, just 30 milligrams. It also packs a minimal quantity of dietary fibers, just 0.5 grams. The crackers also accommodate a minuscule protein of just 3 grams per serving. 

But only lack of good minerals does not contribute to it being this unhealthy. It also is filled with harmful amounts of sodium and fat. There are 8 grams of total fat in one serving—of which 1.5 grams are saturated. 

Further, there is a copious amount of sodium in these crackers, making up to 10% of the daily sodium requirement from just one serving. 

Now, these numbers might seem to be small and insignificant. But you cannot ignore the sheer addictiveness of the crackers. For most people, it is practically impossible to practice self-restraint when it comes to these. 

And if you are one of them, you will end up mindlessly devouring one after another pack of these crackers—the cumulative effect of which is pretty harmful.

While nutritional facts on the packaging body say 0 cholesterol, there is a catch. The excessive amount of saturated fat will increase bad cholesterol in your blood vessels, which will inevitably lead to a heart attack or even a stroke in the long run.

And the excessive quantity of sodium can too lead to heart issues, stroke, or even stomach cancer. Sodium can also contribute to fluid retention in your body, causing kidney problems and uncontrolled blood pressure.

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Number of Calories in these:

Each serving of Cheez-Its contains approximately 150 calories. And it is to be kept in mind that each serving is only 30 grams. Even though a serving of 27 crackers sounds like a big number, as the weight of a serving suggests, they are pretty small. You can fit around 10 of these in your palm with ease.

If the math is done, each small cracker contains 5.56 calories. Considering the size of the crackers, that is a significant number. And as mentioned earlier, they are incredibly addictive, leading to most people munching on them without keeping any count. So, it is pretty easy to over-eat these if you are not wary.

It will take you around 40 minutes of moderate pace walking to burn off just 150 calories to put things into perspective. And if you have consumed more than the suggested serving, it may take you more!

The total calories taken in a single session might be way over 150. In that case, it becomes nearly impossible to spend all the calories consumed, leading to weight and fat gain.

Harmful Preservatives:

If you have been wandering around the snacks aisle in super shops, you might have noticed that the shelf life of Cheez-Its is pretty long. And the reason behind it is the preservative that is used in them.

The preservative goes by the name of tert-butylhydroquinone; TBHQ in short. It is a synthetic food antioxidant made from butane. TBHQ is used to prevent foods from being oxidized and getting inedible. It elongates the lifespan of the food, but it does come with a cost.

As per the tests done on lab animals, it can cause enlargement of the liver, paralysis, and disruption of the nervous system. In some cases, it can even cause an imbalance in eyesight. 

Even though these tests were done on animals, they say a lot about what they can do to the human body—if consumed over the limit.

So, at this point, it’s safe to say that Cheez-Its is not very secure—but it is also to be remembered that it is not different from any other processed snack out there today. Most of the snacks contain little to no healthy ingredients and tend to be filled with harmful preservatives.

But after all, these are not meant to be consumed regularly or in a large quantity. Even though they are taken beyond the limit, they should not be. And neither are they supposed to be. 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Cheez-It make you fat?

Chees-It can make you fat due to the high calorie count. 

Are Cheez-Its better than chips?

Compared to chips, they have smaller amount of saturated fat. However, they’ve similar  amount of sodium and other additives which are unhealthy.

Why are Cheez-Its addictive?

It can be addictive as its diary proteins often work as mild opiates.

Final Words

Cheez-Its is nothing but comfort food. And if you enjoy them, it is your responsibility to do so in moderation. Nothing can be wrong within reasonable limits—and Cheez-Its is no exception. 

To find a tasty, processed snack that is healthy is like catching lightning in a bottle, and Cheez-Its is not that. So, to answer the question: Is Cheez-Its Healthy? The answer is a no in every world. But through moderation and being responsible, we can lower the harm it can do to us—while still enjoying this tasty snack now and then.

Whether fried or rolled in sushi, rice is a carb you must have had many times in your life. The soft, shiny, and white grains of goodness is something we all recognize instantly. But many of us are not familiar with brown rice and its properties.

You may have seen people raving about it on social media, but is brown rice healthy? While carbs are still the lesser of the beneficial food groups for your health, the attributes of brown rice are somewhat unusual in this case. 

Fitness gurus like to include this in their diet, but let’s find out how beneficial this type of grain is for your health. 

The Rice Supremacy: Brown or White?

To find out the nutritional benefits of brown rice, let’s compare it with its lighter-shaded and more prominent counterpart.   

Movement by Fiber:

In general, rice is rich in nutrients that aid in developing your cells. Even though its primary building blocks are carbohydrates, rice has significantly high fiber.

The grain in brown rice is whole, meaning the bran, endosperm, and germ have not been removed. On the other hand, white rice is refined and does not have these components, and it keeps all the grain parts intact, resulting in a higher amount of fiber.

In a serving size of 100 grams of cooked rice, brown rice has 1.6 grams of dietary fiber, whereas the white equivalent has 0.4 grams. It may seem like a tiny amount, but the difference is enormous!

Fiber is a great contributor to smooth bowel movement. It absorbs water better and makes the stool bulky, making it easier to pass through as waste. This greatly helps relieve constipation and keep a clean-running digestive system overall. 

All the Good Nutrients:

Despite being a food item rich in carbohydrates, rice contains many nutrients that are useful for bodily functions. Brown rice and the white type both contain different nutrients in varying amounts.

Compared to white rice, brown rice has higher percentages of niacin, vitamin B6, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. All of these vitamins and minerals are incredibly beneficial for the body.

Niacin aids in lowering cholesterol levels in the blood and enhances the function of the brain. Phosphorus and magnesium are significant contributors to strong bones, teeth, muscle, and heart function. So, with brown rice, you are getting these essential nutrients in a tremendous amount all at once. 

The Heart is Happy:

Studies have shown that brown rice has a lower glycemic index than its white equivalent. Glycemic index or GI is measured from 0 to 100 of how fast a carbohydrate can increase blood sugar levels when it breaks down. Brown rice has a GI of around 50-55, whereas white rice has 70-89.

This shows that brown rice works its way into your bloodstream slower, making you stay fuller for a longer time. A lower glycemic index also means that it results in decreased cholesterol levels. In the end, your heart will thank you for choosing brown rice.  

Sometimes Loss is Good:

If you’re looking to lose weight with reduced effort, what you’re about to read is good news. Brown rice has qualities that allow it to reduce cholesterol significantly. There is a smaller chance of excess fat buildup under the skin and around the internal organs with low cholesterol levels.

Given the smaller glycemic index of brown rice, it keeps your stomach full and leaves you feeling less hungry throughout the day. This way, you won’t be reaching for snacks as often as you usually.

Many researchers have proven that consumption of brown rice is directly linked to loss of belly fat and a slimmer waistline. Contrarily, white rice doesn’t quash your hunger as quickly and can leave you feeling bloated. You can guess which the better option is in this case.

Is Brown Rice Healthy All the Time?

It’s surprising how a grain so concentrated in carbs can still sound like food sent from heaven. Sounds too good to be true. Unfortunately, when not controlled, it is.  

A Cupful of Calories:

Even though most dieticians and nutritionists recommend brown rice, it contains many calories. One cup of cooked brown rice has 219 calories, whereas white rice has around 200. The difference is slight, but when you’re counting calories in your diet, it makes a huge deal. 

So, if you’ve already had your fill of brown rice for one meal, you better make sure that’s your last one for the rest of the day. It is still a carb, and too much of it is terrible for your health. 

Literal Grains of Poison:

Yes, you should be alarmed – because brown rice has arsenic, a toxic element! Due to its unrefined nature, brown rice has 80% more arsenic compared to white rice. If you eat this grain type regularly, it is no doubt potentially dangerous for your health. 

All types of rice have some traces of arsenic. But it has been found that brown rice holds the highest amount of it. So, you should be careful about how much of this you eat in a day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much is brown rice okay to eat in a day?

It is safe to eat around 3-6 ounces of brown rice daily. You can try and divide this measurement among different meals.

Will washing the brown rice get rid of the arsenic?

Only a tiny amount of arsenic will go away if you wash the brown rice well enough. But since the grain is intact, most of its initial elements will remain unless it is refined.

Does brown rice have any side effects?

Brown rice, in general, is good for your health. But some people find it hard to digest the whole grain, so you might sometimes feel gassy or bloated.

Is fried rice okay to eat if made with brown rice?

Fried rice has a lot of calories itself, regardless of the type of grain you use. There will only be a slight shortage of calories compared to fried white rice.

Final Words

You discovered many good things about brown rice and its rich nutrients and fiber content. But then you also found out rather scary news about it having plenty of calories and even toxic constituents. This now leaves you wondering, is brown rice healthy? 

All the good things you have found out are still there, and no one will ever say that brown rice is as bad as junk food. In the end, it depends on the quantity you choose to consume daily. A standard service size once a day is excellent, but more than that would be highly questionable. 

With the recent rise in veganism, there has been a demand for meat substitutes. One of these substitutes is plant-based meats from makers such as Beyond Meat. While due to making use of plant-based meats, you would think the answer to the question, is Beyond Meat healthy, would be a resounding yes. However, there’s a bit more to it.

So, in this article, we’ll look at what plant-based meats are and what they contain. We’ll also be looking at how healthy this particular type of meat is.

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What is Beyond Meat?

Beyond Meat is a plant-based meat producer that initially started in Los Angeles. They now serve around 80 countries with various animal meat substitutes for vegans worldwide. Their products include sausages, meatballs, and burgers with their aim to emulate the texture and taste of chicken or beef products while providing health benefits.

Some fast-food chains have even ended up adopting Beyond Meat’s products into their menu. So now you might wonder how they make these? Let’s look at the details now.

What Ingredients Does Beyond Meat Use?

As we’ve said before, Beyond Meat uses various plant ingredients to substitute for meat. The most important part of their ingredients is ensuring the same protein and mineral content level as other meat-based products. Their ingredients include:

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Peas and Beans:

Probably the best source of protein; Beyond meat incorporates peas and fava beans to ensure the protein content of their sausages and burger patties are comparable to their meaty counterparts. This is a core ingredient in many of the Beyond Meat burger patties.

Some of their products also use brown rice for additional protein content. Brown rice is a whole grain and relatively healthy. It is a decent source of fiber.

Canola Or Coconut Oil:

To ensure that the meat is healthier, it is cooked in either canola or coconut oil. Canola oil is one of the most nourishing oils as it contains minimal saturated fats and healthy cholesterol. Coconut oil, in contrast, is less healthy than Canola oil but is often used to add a better taste to the food. 

Refine coconut oil is often used with a lower melting temperature and contains less harmful fats. However, when cooking it, it is easy to burn it and lose the good fats, so keep that in mind.

Cocoa Butter:

A significant source of calories comes from this one ingredient since it has high-calorie content. Cocoa butter is also another source of fat in Beyond Meat products. It is less healthy than canola and coconut oil and is usually used in tiny amounts to add a bit of flavor.

Potato Starch:

Potato starch gives the burger patties a better texture and the appropriate thickness. It is also a source of carbohydrates and gives you a decent amount of energy to burn throughout the day. Without potato starch, burger patties and sausages won’t have the same feeling as their meat counterparts when you bite into them.

Apple and Pomegranate Extract:

Some of Beyond Meat’s products have added a tinge of apple extract. It helps with flavoring and acts as an anti-oxidant, so you’ll remain safe from cancer. Alternatively, pomegranate can also be used since it does a similar job to apple extract, only differing in slight taste.

Methylcellulose:

It is an essential ingredient, not for its health benefits but because it holds everything together. This chemical compound ensures your sausage or burger patty does not crumble or break down. It also helps in conjunction with potato starch to give the right texture to your food.

However, there is a point of contention with this particular ingredient. Methylcellulose acts as a laxative, and while it can help people with existing bowel problems, it can be detrimental for other people. It can lead to flatulence problems and feeling bloated after eating.

One thing to note about Beyond Meat is that they do not use any artificial coloring or flavors. To give the meat a distinct color, they use beet juice to give the dark reddish tint. 

Beet juice also helps lower your blood pressure and helps strengthen your muscles. It is a helpful addition for people struggling with heart issues or hypertension. 

How Healthy is Beyond Meat?

Since we’ve covered some of the essential ingredients of Beyond Meat products, we’ll now look at how healthy they are in terms of protein, mineral, fat content, etc. Then we’ll come to a verdict.

Protein:

You won’t notice much change in your protein intake if you switch to Beyond Meat food. As mentioned before, the presence of peas, brown rice, and beans does mean that Beyond Meat products have a high degree of protein content. They are generally the exact animal meat counterparts, only slightly behind beef.

Fat:

Since they are usually cooked in Canola oil, the saturated fat levels of their plant-based meat are relatively low. Due to possessing less harmful fats, people consuming Beyond Meat food tend to have a lower risk of heart attacks and high blood pressure. 

As a result, they are much safer to consume than their regular animal meat versions, which often have saturated fat at higher levels.

Sodium:

Plant-based meat has lower sodium content than animal meat ones. While sodium is essential for the human body, higher sodium content in beef patties and sausages can have adverse and harmful effects. 

Mineral Content:

While it may seem that plant-based meat might lack minerals, they do not. The mineral content tends to be the same as the animal meat counterparts. They have a decent amount of calcium, iron, and potassium chloride. A proper serving can often contribute to a decent amount of your daily recommended intake of minerals.

Carbohydrates:

Beyond Meat burger patties tend to contain about 7g of carbohydrates which is a decent amount. This is generally equal to if not slightly higher than beef patties.

Verdict: Should You Eat Beyond Meat?

Overall, we can see that Beyond meat products have similar protein, mineral, and carbohydrate content to animal-based products of similar nature. The main differing factor to consider is that you’re gaining the same amount of protein, mineral, and carbohydrate but less sodium and minimal harmful fats. 

The lack of artificial flavoring and color of any kind is a huge plus. This does make it seem like Beyond Meat is very much a healthier option, especially for people who suffer from hypertension. In addition, beet juice and apple extract help your muscles regulate blood pressure and work as anti-oxidants.

If you don’t mind or don’t face issues from it, there are very few problems you’ll face when switching to Beyond Meat. However, one thing to note is the presence of Methylcellulose. When you consume it, it can create discomfort for you, so keep that in mind. So overall, Beyond Meat is a healthy option.

Any More Questions?

Can you eat Beyond Meat every day?

Ultimately, it’s processed food and shouldn’t be consumed regularly. 

Can you lose weight eating Beyond Meat?

Not only Beyond Meat, but any processed food is unlikely to help you much in losing weight. 

Does Beyond Meat have carrageenan?

Yes, it does. 

Conclusion

Is Beyond Meat healthy? Although it may take some getting used to the different tastes of plant-based meat, it is generally the healthier option. We hope this article has provided a satisfactory answer to the question.

If you follow the craze of food trends these days, you’ll see bacon at the top. Be it pizza or burger or even a flavored packet of crisps, bacon seems to be everywhere. As much as it has its reputation for its rich and classy taste, Is bacon healthy?

Let’s dig into some pros and cons to see whether bacon is as bad as the nutritionists suggest or are bacon healthy.

What Is Bacon Made of?

Let’s start with what bacon is made of. Usually, we know it’s made of pork slices, but what else does it include? Bacon is not made of any part of the pork meat. Chefs or professionals usually take the pork belly meat, which has less fat in it, and cut it into very thin slices. 

Then the meat is soaked in brine with dry salt, and it is left to dry for weeks or months. They even smoke it for better flavor.

Sometimes nitrates are added to the bacon slices to speed up the drying or curing process and stabilize the meat color. After the curing or drying process is done, the bacon is ready to serve or get cooked. Bacon tastes salty and rich in flavor. Its smoky texture adds up to the flavor. People love bacon for its smoky and rich flavor.

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What Are the Nutrients of Bacon?

Although nutritionists often tell us to avoid bacon due to a large number of unsaturated fats, it is packed with a lot of nutrients. Let us talk about the other healthy nutrients present in bacon. 

Firstly, let’s talk about protein. Bacon is a source of a huge amount of protein. For three regular slices of bacon, you get to have 12g of protein. The protein that comes from bacon provides energy to all of your cells and strengthens your muscles. 

As a whole, the protein which comes from bacon would help you build your body.

Then comes another must-have nutrient that bacon provides us – B-vitamins. B vitamins help your body resist any kind of heart and kidney disease. Many B vitamins help to break the fats inside your body. It also helps in the digestion process of your body.

Positive Aspects of Bacon

Here are the positive impacts of bacon on your body –

Healthy Fats:

Bacon contains unsaturated fats and oleic acid as well. These two nutrients are known to cure heart diseases. Although it contains saturated fats, which are bad for your health, unsaturated fats are beneficial for health if you eat bacon in a balanced way and not too much. 

Usually, weight loss diets contain a bit of bacon to balance the amount of fat and protein along with other nutrients. 

Another beneficial fatty acid inside bacon is Omega 3. Omega 3 is usually known as fish oils, but it is also found in a large amount inside bacon. This fatty acid also helps in reducing the risks of heart-related diseases like heart attack, stroke, etc.

Low Carb:

Bacon has comparatively low carbs than other processed meats. Bacon contains almost no carbs in it or a small amount of it. You would take in approximately 1.4g carbs in 100 grams of bacon. So, it is well suited for weight loss and low carb diets but in a small amount of course.

High Metabolism:

The combination of a high amount of protein and low carb inside bacon gives a good boost to the metabolism inside your body. The protein inside your body burns calories because of a lot of thermic effects and other factors, which create a high metabolism inside your body. 

That is why bacon is a great source of increasing the metabolism inside your body.

Is Bacon Healthy and Should It Be Included in Healthy Diets?

Although bacon has some good nutrients, it is still a lump of red meat and processed food. These kinds of foods are best to not include in your diet. But you can also include it for a little change in the protein intake in your diet.

You can eat bacon and still try to lose weight. But the amount you intake must be very little. Bacon might cause an increase in your weight if you keep eating it, and it would be difficult for you to regain your fitness that easily.

What Are the Downsides of Bacon?

Now that we are done defending the useful sides of bacon being a healthy food let us discuss some of its negative sides as well. Red meats and processed meats are always suggested to be taken in a small amount to avoid any type of casualties related to our health. 

So, let’s find out what type of health risk factors are associated with people’s most wanted and craved food, bacon.

Causes Different Diseases:

Bacon is prone to many diseases, which can also be deadly. Firstly let us talk about skin diseases. There are kinds of nitrates found in bacon that causes carcinogen in the human body. 

These carcinogens produce deadly skin diseases like colon cancer. It is also responsible for many heart diseases and also diabetes. The high level of unsaturated fats inside the bacon leads to bad cholesterol inside your body, which is very harmful to your health.

Allergic Reaction:

Anything containing protein can trigger allergic reactions to your body, pork being one of the most common ones as an example.

Bacon contains sodium and nitrates, and many people are allergic to these minerals. The allergy caused by bacon is usually called ‘Pork Allergy.’ A runny nose, itching around your eyes, headache, hives, etc., are the symptoms of this allergy. 

Sodium and nitrates are mostly used while curing pork meat to bacon. That is why many doctors would ask you not to take in processed foods like bacon to avoid allergies of such kinds.

Speeds Up Weight Gain:

Bacon contains a lot of calories. 100 grams of bacon would contain approximately 540 calories in it. That is why bacon lets your body absorb all the fats to increase the rate of weight gain. 

Usually, an adult body needs 1600-2000 calories each day to function. If you intake more than this amount of calories each day, the excess fat would accumulate and increase your weight. The excess weight in your body would make you suffer from obesity and overweight problems.

Being obese or overweight doesn’t stop your worries right there. These two come with severe diseases. Health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, etc., life-threatening diseases might attack you if you are obese or overweight. 

That’s the reason doctors and nutritionists always warn you to avoid eating more calories than your body needs. 

Threat to Reproductive Health:

Many of you might not know about this but intaking a large amount of bacon leads to male infertility. Any processed food, including bacon, might lead to a low sperm count. This was found in a research conducted by The American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and they found that intake of red meat and processed meat would lead you to poor quality sperm. 

This causes a lot of problems while conceiving a child.

Studies also found that men who eat bacon regularly have 30% lesser sperm counts than any normal or regular man’s sperm count. 

Intake of processed meats is lowered when men face problems with fertility as prevention is always better than cure; it’s best for you to avoid the situation by being a bit cautious about eating any kind of processed meat, especially bacon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it OK to eat bacon every day?

No, it isn’t. You’re gonna gain weight rapidly, and it would have an adverse effect on your health. 

Are bacon and eggs healthy?

Though each one has its own nutritional benefits, both of them together can pose a problem for digestion. 

Is uncured bacon healthy?

It’s certainly better than cured bacon, but it still contains a high amount of saturated fat and sodium.

Final Words

So, is bacon healthy? The answer to this would be both yes and no. 

Yes, when you take in a balanced amount of it regularly, and no when you just keep eating it in a large amount without thinking about its bad effects on your health. 

As we listed a few of bacon’s good sides, we can’t say bacon is inherently a bad food to consume. All we can do is be cautious about the amount we take in.

Have a baconlicious day!