Spice Rubs and Marinades

Spice Rubs and Marinades

What are rubs, brines and marinades and how are they used?

Answer: Spice rubs, marinades and brines are some of my favourite cooking practices using everyday. It’s the opportunity where any cook can be creative in manipulating the texture,

tenderness and most importantly, flavour of meat. They can also help transform tougher cuts of meat into a melt-in-your-mouth meal, plus they are easy to make.

So, let’s start with brines and marinades. Basic brine is a saltwater solution, usually 3% salt to water weight (the brine should taste like sea water).

Its sole purpose is to help retain moisture in a product. It also helps evenly distribute your other seasonings, so that your meat has a consistent flavour throughout. You can add flavours to your brine like maple syrup, honey, crushed garlic or herbs as well. For example, I make a brine for pork chops using salt, half water-half apple juice, some crushed garlic and chopped rosemary. I let the chops sit in the brine for no longer than 12 hours with amazing results. Brines are best applied when using poultry, pork and fish (only brine fish for a maximum of 30 minutes).

A marinade is similar in the sense that most marinades contain salt, but also boast an acidic component, which helps break down meat proteins, making for tender meats. These acidic bases can be a mixture of lemon and oil, red wine and herbs, or tomato juice.

In some cases, the use of bacteria found in yogurt and buttermilk, like in tandoori chicken, is used to tenderize as well, giving a unique flavour to your product. Marinating a breast of chicken in buttermilk with herbs and a little bit of cider vinegar, a day before grilling -delicious.

Spice rubs are completely different. Most commonly used for BBQ, a rub is all about intense flavour. Use a good rub for cuts like pork shoulder, back ribs and brisket. These cuts tenderize due to the collagen in meat breaking down over long cooking periods, so this allows

the meat to absorb those wonderful spice combinations. As for what goes into a good rub, there are thousands of great spice combinations. If you are not interested in making your own, the Silk Road Spice Merchant in Inglewood has some great pre-made spice rubs.

Don’t hesitate to look up recipes for brines, marinades and rubs, becoming

confident in how these techniques are used will raise the bar in your protein cookery.

All Fitness __ Spice Rubs and Marinades

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The best seven Herbs Used To Increase Breast Size Naturally: Fenugreek, Red Clover, Saw Palmetto, Fennel Seed, Wild Yam Root,Peuraria Mirifica, Dong Quai Root

Before modern medicine, there was herbalism. Though it is no longer as popular as pharmaceuticals and such, many people especially women still turn to the various herbs to seek relief from various ailments. Women with small breasts may view having small breasts as an ailment and may wish to change this aspect about their bodies. It is good to know that many women for many centuries have turned to herbs to get a little boost in the chest area. If you are looking for tips on how to increase breast size naturally, you should consider using the following 7 herbs.

Breast Augmentation Surgery
There is a reason that breast augmentation surgery was the number one cosmetic surgical procedure requested in 2012, and has been since 2006. Big breasts are seen as more appealing and coveted by many women. However, not every woman with small breasts covets large breasts. For many of them, small breasts perfectly suit their frame and they look great with their small breasts. Other women with large breasts covet smaller breasts which is why the breast reduction surgery was also one of the top ten most requested cosmetic surgical procedures in 2012.
But it still stands that far more women go under the knife in order to get larger breasts than those who want smaller breasts. If you are one of the smaller breasted women who wants larger breasts and are wondering how to get bigger breasts naturally without surgery in order to avoid the expense and risks of surgery, your answer may be turning to herbs that have been used for many centuries by women who looked for various ways on how to increase breast size naturally and discovered herbs.
Breast Development
Breast development starting at puberty until you reach 18 or 19 years of age, results from the action of certain hormones in the female body but mainly the sex hormone estrogen and the hormone prolactin to a lesser extent. When there is an imbalance in these hormones, it may lead to smaller breasts. At some point during the later teens, the breast growing functions of these hormones ceases. If your final result is small breasts, you may be frustrated which may cause you to look for information on how to increase breast size naturally or surgically.
Herbs to the Rescue
Many herbs contain compounds called phytoestrogens which are plant (or phyto) estrogens that are chemically similar to the properties of the estrogen made by the body but in a slightly weaker form. These herbs have been used for many centuries to not only increase breast size but to also regulate estrogen and other hormone levels in the body to prevent various female problems.
An imbalance in hormone levels especially an estrogen dominant environment can lead to many gynecological issues such as fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, etc. Taking many of these phytoestrogens can help to control and prevent many of these gynecological issues as well as help to prevent high cholesterol levels, osteoporosis, and may even reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Using Herbs
Although there are few risks involved with taking herbal preparations, you should still exercise caution. Consuming excessive amounts of herbs can lead to problems. Only take the recommended amount even when you think taking a larger dose may give you better and faster results.
You may also consider talking to your doctor first especially if you are pregnant, nursing or are dealing with a health condition.
Everyone is different and what may work for one may cause problems for you so you need to monitor your reaction when you start using herbs. You also need to be patient as herbs may take a few months before you will be able to notice any change.
Okay, What 7 Herbs Can Naturally Increase Breast Size?
If you are looking for information on how to get bigger breasts naturally using herbs, there are many herbs besides the seven listed below that you can use but the top herbs include;
1. Fenugreek
This is by far the most popular herb for naturally increasing breast size. The seeds as well as the sprouts contain a great deal of phytoestrogens. Fenugreek has been used by Arab women for many centuries to naturally increase the size of their breasts as well as to increase nursing mothers' milk production.
2. Red Clover
This not only contains phytoestrogens but also contains vitamin C, magnesium, niacin, potassium, calcium and many other vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to the body.
3. Saw Palmetto
Commonly used by Native Americans for many centuries, this is not only effective against male prostate problems and hair loss but also contains phytoestrogens that can aid in breast growth.
4. Fennel Seed
This is another herb with an abundance of phytoestrogens while also being an excellent diuretic and can also help with many digestive problems.
5. Wild Yam Root
This herb works wonders on osteoporosis and since it also contains phytoestrogens, it can help with natural breast growth.
6. Peuraria Mirifica
This herb is native to Thailand and Myanmar (formerly Burma) and contains a lot of different varieties of phytoestrogens. While it is being researched for use in hormone replacement therapy, a "side effect" of the herb that has been noted is its ability to increase breast size by up to 80 percent in university studies. It is also great for hair and skin and can also lift and firm breasts.
7. Dong Quai Root
This is a common herb in traditional Chinese medicine that is commonly recommended for various female issues because of the phytoestrogens it contains which makes this a great herb to consider if you are looking for tips on how to increase breast size naturally using herbs.

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Plant Sterols

 Functional foods—those providing health benefits beyond basic vitamins and minerals—are increasingly popular as consumers look for ways to improve their heart health, reduce their risk of developing cancer or diabetes, and enjoy continued good health while aging. Phytosterols, a component of plant cell membranes, have become one of the hottest trends in functional foods in the last decades.

Half of respondents to a recent survey conducted by the International Food Information Council identified phytosterols as important in promoting heart health, yet only 40% consume phytosterols on a regular basis.

Phytosterols are chemically very similar to the cholesterol produced by the body and interfere

with the intestinal absorption of cholesterol so that it doesn’t end up in the plaque that can line blood vessel walls. This plaque makes the blood vessels less flexible and more prone to blood clots, which in turn can lead to heart attack or stroke (Plant Sterols).

Phytosterols are found naturally in small amounts in fruits, vegetabls, nuts, seeds, cereal grains, legumes, and vegetable oils but generally in amounts too low to provide significant heart-health benefits. As early as the 1950s, scientists discovered that adding phytosterols to the diet of chickens or rabbits lowered the animals’ cholesterol levels and reduced the amount of plaque buildup in their blood vessels. In 1999, several food manufacturers began marketing margarine with added phytosterols as a means of decreasing cholesterol intake and lowering cholesterol levels in the body.

Phytosterols are now added to some brands of milk, yogurt, snack bars, and juices. According to Georgia Kostas, MPH, RD, LD, author of The Cooper Clinic Solution to the Diet Revolution, using foods fortified with phytosterols is simple, makes sense,

and works to improve heart health.

The FDA approved a health claim for phytosterols in 2000, noting that “foods containing at least 0.4 grams per serving of plant sterols, eaten twice a day with meals for a daily total intake of at least 0.8 grams, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.”

In 2001, the National Cholesterol Education Program encouraged people to consume 2 grams

of phytosterols per day as part of an overall hearthealthy diet—an amount shown by researchers to lower total cholesterol by 4% to 11% and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol by 7% to 15%.

Replacing foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol with phytosterol-fortified foods provides

a double benefit: The phytosterols decrease the absorption of cholesterol, and the foods have no saturated fat.

Because foods fortified with phytosterols reduce cholesterol absorption and cause it to be excreted, there’s concern that they may also reduce the absorption of carotenoids and nutrients with chemical construction similar to phytosterols, such as fat-soluble vitamins. Experts recommend counteracting this potential negative effect by consuming a minimum of five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, including one daily serving of a carotenoid-rich food (eg, sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, kale, collard greens) to ensure optimal nutrient absorption.

(Plant Sterols) Lynn Grieger,

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Health Benefits of Spices and Herbs

Herbs and spices have more disease-fighting antioxidants than most fruits and vegetables. Here's how to rack up the benefits (Health Benefits of Spices and Herbs).

Cinnamon Health Boost: Can lower blood sugar, triglycerides, LDL, and total cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes. Aim for one-fourth to one-half teaspoon of cinnamon twice a day.
Get Cooking: Dip berries or bananas in low-fat sour cream, then in a mix of 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 cup brown sugar.
Turmeric Health Boost: Contains curcumin, which can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Try to have 500 to 800 milligrams a day, says Bharat Aggarwal, PhD, a professor of cancer medicine at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Get Cooking: For an Indian flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon turmeric to water when cooking 1 cup rice.
Rosemary Health Boost: Stops gene mutations that could lead to cancer and may help prevent damage to the blood vessels that raise heart attack risk.
Get Cooking: For a delicious chicken rub, combine 2 teaspoons rosemary leaves with 2 teaspoons seasoning salt and 1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves.
Garlic Health Boost: Destroys cancer cells and may disrupt the metabolism of tumor cells, says Karen Collins, RD, feed advisor to the American Institute for Cancer Research. "Studies suggest that one or two cloves weekly provide cancer-protective benefits (Health Benefits of Spices and Herbs) ."
Get Cooking: "Let garlic sit for 10 to 15 minutes after chopping and before cooking so the active form of the protective phytochemicals develops," says Collins. Saute fresh garlic over low heat and mix with pasta, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese.
Paprika Health Boost: Contains capsaicin, whose anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects may lower the risk of cancer (also found in cayenne and red chili peppers). There's no specific recommended dose, but moderation is probably the best way to go.
Get Cooking: Combine 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika, 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme and 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper to liven up popcorn.
Ginger Health Boost: Can decrease motion sickness and nausea; may also relieve pain and swelling associated with arthritis. Doses used in clinical trials range from 500 to 2,000 mg of powdered ginger. (A quarter-size piece of fresh root contains about 1,000 mg.) More than 6,000 mg can cause abdomen irritation. Ginger can also hinder blood clotting, so if you're about to have surgery or are taking blood thinners or aspirin, be sure to talk to your doctor first.
Get Cooking: For motion sickness, try having one or two pieces of crystallized, or candied, ginger. Make sure ginger is listed as an ingredient; some candied products or ginger ales contain a small amount or a synthetic form. You can also add 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger to vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes, as well as fresh fruit (especially peaches).
Oregano Health Boost: A USDA study found that, gram for gram, oregano has the highest antioxidant activity of 27 fresh culinary herbs (Health Benefits of Spices and Herbs).

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