What Is Solar Food Dehydration?

[ad_1]

Raisins are undoubtedly the most common examples of dehydrated food sold and consumed around the world. Other common popular dried fruits are figs, dates, prunes, apricots, bananas, papaya, mango and the crispy, savory banana chips. Even though these foods change appearance in their texture and in some cases color after dehydrating, they remain very flavorful and retain their nutritional value. The most significant change is in size and weight resulting from the removal of water from the food through the application of dry heat in the dehydration process.

In addition to the food weighing less and taking up less space, it has a much longer storage life without the need for special packaging, canning or refrigeration. For these reasons the cost of the dehydration process is offset by the savings derived from not needing to refrigerate or package the food. Thus dehydrated food is ideal for camping, hiking and backpacking; it is light, compact and lasts for extended periods of time without a cooler.

It is a fact that through dehydration food can lose as much as 90 percent of its body weight in water. With this in mind ask yourself, what is the difference in cost between fresh fruit and dehydrated? The cost is definitely not 90 percent more for dried fruit. Not only do dehydrated fruits and vegetables retain most of their vitamins and minerals, they can be reconstituted with water without losing their appeal or flavor.

In exchange for less weight, volume and bulk, your meal takes a little longer to prepare from the dried state; however, on the economical side, you only cook what you need and save the rest for another meal — something you cannot do with fresh, frozen or canned foods.

Keep in mind that dehydrated foods have a different taste or flavor just like fresh foods, organic foods, cooked foods, and canned foods all have different flavors. That does not make it bad, just different, and these differences change and vary from food to food and with the varying methods of reconstitution. Take an apricot for an example. A dehydrated or dried apricot has a more intense or concentrated flavor than a fresh apricot does, as do dried bananas and other tropical fruits. These subtleties are no different than having the same food prepared by different chefs, with each using different or varying amounts of spices or cooking techniques.

Dehydrated food is the perfect food for survival and preparedness. Since many dried foods, such as rice, beans, pasta, grain and multi-grain cereals, vegetables, meats etc., need to be cooked, another important survival item is a camp stove or cooking grill. However, both of these require fuel and fuel needs to be stored and fuel is exhaustible.

One fuel that does not run out is solar energy. During a natural or manmade disaster there is a common response by most people to do whatever it takes at the moment to survive, especially if they have made no attempt to prepare for the unexpected event. The results are a combination of panic and hoarding, resulting in a run on grocery stores for food and water and on hardware and department stores for survival supplies, kerosene, propane, flashlights, batteries etc. In no time, the inventory is spent and the panic becomes pandemonium.

Do not allow yourself to be in this situation; prepare ahead of time by storing a sufficient supply of food and water now. Keep in mind that one of the first things to become unavailable during a disaster is utilities, resulting in the spoiling of your refrigerated and frozen food. In most cases, this food makes up the bulk of many American families’ food supply, leaving a few canned goods, baking supplies and junk food in the pantry.

Dehydrated foods do not need refrigeration and last for months. Rice beans and pasta will last even longer, with only one drawback: much of this food needs to be cooked, and with no utilities how will you do that?

Solar ovens reach cooking and baking temperatures of 300-375 degrees F. in a matter of minutes after being lined up with the sun. A solar sun oven will cook or bake anything a conventional oven will and in the same amount of time, the only difference being that it uses inexhaustible solar energy. Most food dehydrators or dryers operate on electricity, so consequently the dehydrated food produced costs extra to produce and during a disaster becomes another worthless appliance.

The solar sun oven will not only cook your food for free, with the aid of a solar oven dehydrator kit It will now efficiently dehydrate food that would otherwise spoil without refrigeration, saving it for future consumption.

Prepare today, store food, water and emergency supplies for tomorrow, for you know not what tomorrow may bring. Food dehydration makes good healthy, tasty common sense.

[ad_2]

Source by Douglas Hoover

Gastric Bypass Friendly Eating: Cantaloupe and Melons

[ad_1]

Many gastric bypass patients report melon to be one of the easiest of fruits to enjoy after surgery. Melons are generally low in natural sugar, ripe on flavor and easily digestible. They are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Potassium, Vitamin B6, folate and dietary fiber.

How to Select and Store

The key to purchasing a quality melon is to find one that is ripe. If you tap the melon with the palm of your hand and hear a hollow sound, the melon has passed is ripe. Choose a melon that seems heavy for its size, and one that does not have bruises or overly soft spots.

Melons & Food Borne Illness

Because of heightened sensitivity to foods and food borne illness gastric bypass patients must exercise extreme food safety precautions. Follow these simple guidelines to help keep your fruit fresh as well as safe.

When you buy cut melons, be sure they have been buried in ice or displayed in a refrigerated case, not just displayed on top of ice. Uncut melon does not need to be refrigerated.

Before cutting, the outer surface of the melon should be washed with drinking water to remove surface dirt.

Hands and all equipment and utensils (cutting boards, knives, etc.) need to be washed thoroughly with hot soapy water, and rinsed.

Cut melons must be refrigerated at 41º F or below.

Cut melons may be served without refrigeration for a maximum of 4 hours (such as at a brunch, picnic, or buffet). At the end of that time, any leftover melon must be thrown away.

A Few Quick Serving Ideas:

Add some sparkling water to fresh squeezed cantaloupe juice for a delightfully refreshing drink in the warm months of the year.

In a blender or food processor, purée cantaloupe and peeled soft peaches to make delicious cold soup. Add lemon juice and sweetener (sparingly) to taste.

Top cantaloupe slices with yogurt, and chopped mint.

Slice melons in half horizontally, scoop out seeds and use each half as a basket in which to serve fruit salad.

[ad_2]

Source by Kaye Bailey

Safeguard Your Fridge and Your Finances by Knowing When to Call in a Refrigerator Repair Specialist

[ad_1]

You can certainly get by for a week or two without some of the appliances in your house. Though inconvenient, you could always wash dishes by hand or head to the nearest laundromat to get your clothes clean. Your refrigerator, however, is a different story. When this essential kitchen appliance stops working the way it should, you can’t afford to waste time waiting to have it repaired. Even one day’s delay could cost you hundreds of dollars in lost fresh and frozen foods. The question is, do you make the necessary refrigerator repairs on your own or spend additional dollars on a professional service provider?

Of course, much of the answer to this question depends on what type of refrigerator you own, what the particular problem is, and whether or not you’re acquainted with a refrigerator’s components and how they function. After all, a number of refrigerator repair problems involving improper temperature and frost buildup can be quickly solved by simply replacing a worn door gasket, aligning and tightening door hinges, or replacing the door switch. Not always so simple to repair are issues with the internal components of your refrigerator. If you’re not familiar with the intricacies of these more complex concerns, it could be time to contact your local refrigerator repair service.

The limit switch, for example, is one such part on frost-free refrigerators and freezers that you should rely on a refrigeration repair professional to replace. Charged with keeping the defrost heating element from surpassing a specific temperature setting, the limit switch could be the culprit if your refrigerator has excessive frost in the freezer compartment. Understanding how to rule out problems with the evaporator fan, defrost timer, and defrost heater is key here as malfunctions with these components can create the same high levels of frost buildup.

Another situation where you may want to count on a professional for exacting refrigerators repair is when you encounter a short circuit in your unit’s wiring. This can occur when testing the operation of the thermostat control mounted inside your refrigerator. If the refrigerator’s compressor continues to run after the thermostat wire has been removed from its terminal, you probably have a short circuit that requires the expertise of a qualified technician. Attempting to handle this type of problem or other electrical issues such as discharging a capacitor without taking the necessary precautions could be hazardous and result in a severe shock.

Additional refrigerator repair parts that are best left to a professional include:

* The evaporator fan

* Certain types of drain ports

* Coolant leaks

* Sealed compressors and motors

* And more

If your refrigerator or freezer won’t cool properly, an impaired evaporator fan could be the cause. First, try to unblock or straighten out the fan blades. If that fails to correct the situation, and your refrigerator’s door switch is working well, then it’s time to call in a refrigerator appliance repair specialist.

The drain ports on some refrigerator models require a great deal of dissecting to clear away clogs of ice and debris. If your refrigerator’s drain ports are located by the evaporator coils near the defrost heater, you can consult your refrigerator repair manual for guidance but it’s probably best to seek the help of a qualified service provider to help take apart the necessary components and resolve your drainage problem.

With some refrigerator repairs, such as coolant leaks and compressor problems, you don’t really have a choice about whether or not to call a professional service provider. Trying to troubleshoot these issues yourself is never a good idea. Refrigerant leaks you’ll recognize by their nasty odor. As for refrigerator and freezer compressor and motor issues, these components are closed off in tightly contained units. Attempting to open them yourself could very well result in even further damage to your already ailing refrigerator.

So don’t add to the considerable expense of a lot of spoiled food by attempting to handle every refrigerator/freezer repair problem by yourself. Sometimes it really is in the best interest of your fridge and your finances to call in a qualified service professional. In the end, you could avoid potential electrical hazards, prevent your food from going bad, and even lengthen the life of your home’s hardest working appliance.

[ad_2]

Source by Penny Q Jones

Why Should I Cover My Air Conditioner During The Off Season?

[ad_1]

Air conditioning manufacturers make rugged, high quality products that are

designed to withstand the elements i.e. snow, wind, rain, sun, and extreme heat/

cold. However, an air conditioner’s filters, coils and fins require regular maintenance

for the unit to operate effectively and efficiently throughout its years of service.

Unlike the evaporator coil, the condenser coil is exposed to unfiltered outdoor air.

Air borne dirt will become lodged in the condenser when the outdoor environment

is dusty, or if there is foliage near by. Depending on where you live dirt can build up

very quickly. Just about everything that contacts the coil surface can have an

insulating effect. Dirt, dust, seeds, bugs, foliage, grease, corrosion, pollution, and

even bacteria and other microorganisms can act as an insulating barrier. Anything

that touches the coil reduces the heat transfer of unwanted heat from the

refrigerant to the outside air.

Air conditioning manufacturers design equipment to achieve the highest SEER level

of efficiency using the least amount of refrigerant. The systems are perfectly

balanced and anything that affects the heat transfer creates an imbalance which

drastically affects performance. A dirty coil reduces heat transfer which causes

temperature and pressure of the refrigerant entering the compressor to increases

above normal levels. The compressor will than work harder and draw more amps to

keep up. The cooling capacity of the system will be greatly reduced and the

mechanical components will be significantly stressed. A dirty coil means a higher

operating cost, more wear and tear on the compressor and fans, and inadequate

cooling.

Coils that have little maintenance performed often become clogged with seeds and

dirt over time. If the condenser airflow is restricted on a hot day the compressor

head and cylinders will become extremely “hot”. The oil will than begin to break

down and lose its ability to lubricate causing accelerated wear and allowing

contaminants to enter the system. This can cause rings, pistons and cylinders to

wear resulting in lower compression, leaking valves, and metal debris in the oil.

Once this occurs compressor failure will soon follow. Air conditioners are a closed

loop system and changing the oil is not a normal or easy procedure. The oil used in

air conditioning systems is extremely resilient but will prematurely break down if

the system is not looked after. Imagine trying to drive your car for 10 years without

ever changing the oil. When a hermetic compressor fails the only way to fix the

system is to replace the compressor. This involves opening the system, having the

refrigerant and oil removed, and filter dryers installed to clean up the system of

moisture and acid that will be introduced from opening the system and left from the

failure. This is a very costly procedure and many systems at this point are not worth

fixing.

* The benefits of keeping the coil clean are:

* Equipment operates at a lower temperature and removes more heat.

* You have lower operating amperage, resulting in lower energy costs

* Compressor is operating at maximum efficiency and will operate less

* Equipment will last longer and be more reliable

This is why it is recommended that you keep the coil clean with an air conditioning

cover during the off season.

[ad_2]

Source by Brian M Jones

Table Top Fridge – The Manufacturers and an Overview of the Models

[ad_1]

A Table Top Fridge is one of the smaller fridges on the market today. It is a great item to own for a variety reasons. There are a number of manufacturers that make Table Top Fridges. Some of them and the models they produce are:

Coolzone

A British company that produces appliances for the home including cooking, refrigeration and dish washing. Tested to the highest standards, its brand of Table Top Fridges are not only practical but very stylish. The great thing about Coolzone is they have a number of table top fridges with a variety of finish and size. Models include Coolzone CZ51028, Coolzone CZ51029 and Coolzone CZ51062. Coolzone CZ51029 and Coolzone CZ51062 are very similar with a coat while Coolzone CZ51028 has a very good looking black exterior. With a range of models, provides the consumer with great flexibility and choice as to what they can purchase.

Daewoo Electronics

Daewoo Electronics produce innovative electronic goods for consumers. It is a manufacturer of goods such as washing machines, microwaves and refrigerators. Dawoo produce the model RF260RW. A nice looking sturdy fridge and as one would expect from a top manufacturer, performs beyond expected standards. The great thing about Dawoo Electronics is that as a well known brand people will make purchase with confidence.

Frigidaire

Frigidaire is owned by the electronics company Electrolux. Striving in the production of easy to use appliances, Frigidaire manufacture the model MTRR49TTA. Easy to use and set up, it is a fridge that can fit in an apartment with the minimum of space.

Fridgemaster

Involved in making fridges for many years, offers a number of fridges including Table Top Fridges. Using the most advanced technology, Fridgemaster produce fridges to meet the budgets of most people. The model MTRR49TTA from Fridgemaster has a simple yet sophisticated design. Fridgemaster products are not only great value for money but highly efficient.

LEC

Long established British company that specialises in fridge making. A company that strives in new concepts, produces fridge and fridge freezers of varied shapes and sizes. LEC fridges will perform to the highest standards. Offers the model LC5008 NP, it is sure to meet needs especially with size concerns. This LEC fridge is compact and functional, will cater for your every refrigeration needs.

Tosumi

The likelihood is that Tosumi is a brand most people are unfamiliar with. It is a small organisation compared to the giants such as Daewoo, Zanussi or Samsung. Makes quite a varied spectrum of consumer electronics including the Table Top Fridge model 51030. Its an item that looks bulkier then other fridges in the category but has similar features to some top Table Top Fridges. Examples of similarity include reversible door and dairy compartment.

[ad_2]

Source by Bal Sella

Unique Early American Furniture-The Pie Safe

[ad_1]

The pie safe of the early 1800s was a wooden kitchen cupboard with several narrow shelves enclosed by fitted doors. Doors were crafted from various materials, including punched tin, grill work, screens, or fabric. Although the pie safe was made to protect the sweet treats from rodents and insects the construction did allow for air circulation. Air circulation was actually an incidental positive feature, since it helped reduce mold developing on the stored foods. With lack of modern refrigeration and food preservatives cooks had no other way to insure freshness and safety of their pies.

Construction

The standard American pie safe stood on the floor supported by 4 legs. However, in the Pennsylvania Dutch region, during the 18th century, hanging models were popular. Some pie safes from this region have been found to have extensions of wood with holes, thereby allowing the flexibility of the piece resting on the floor or being hung. Typically, the doors from the Pennsylvania Dutch region were crafted from tinware that displayed unique and interesting patterns. By 1830, tin smiths were producing quality doors, while cabinet makers had perfected the craft of making more durable cupboards. The center of production for these cupboards was Connecticut.

Regional Differences

It is possible to identify the region of the country where a pie safe was crafted by the type of wood used in construction.

Cabinet makers from the Carolinas and Virginia typically used yellow pine.

In the Pennsylvania and New England region soft pine was the preferred wood. In Texas, pie safes were crafted from Spanish cedar. Those made from cherry and curly maple are rare in all regions.

Determining Value

With many antiques the following list provides the factors that help determine the value and cost of a piece. However, value is often in the eye of the beholder and cost follows value. None-the-less, here are the primary determinants of value.

  • Age
  • Region of country where crafted
  • Construction- For example, chestnut wood is rarer than pine, oak was rare, poplar was common
  • Construction and Intricacy of Doors- detailed patterned tin punch will cost more than solid doors
  • Unique finishes- painted or unpainted, preferred colors are red, green, goldenrod
  • Provenance-can the piece be attributed to a particular cabinet maker or tinsmith, or personage of historical significance owning the piece at one time

Prices Realized

Records of shopkeepers in the 1830s show pie safes were advertised between $8.00 and $12.00.

2013 an American, 19th century, chestnut wood with eight pinwheel tins and old red paint sold for $2300.00 at auction.

2013 an American, first half 19th century crafted of pine with poplar secondary, punched tin doors and sides and lower drawer with wooden pull realized $645.00 at auction.

Progress

By the latter part of the 19th century pie safes were being produced in factories. No longer were they unique creations of individual cabinet makers. As the century moved forward, oak became the popular wood to produce ice boxes in which a block of ice was used to store foods. This marked the beginning of early refrigeration and the end of storing foods in a pie safe.

[ad_2]

Source by Beverly A.

Evaporative Water Cooler – This Water Cooled Condensing Unit Is No Swamp Cooler

[ad_1]

This unique cooling technology from Freus, shouldn’t be confused with a swamp cooler. Although water is used to assist with the cooling, it is sprayed over condensing coils rather than pads.

The water cooled condensing unit is a residential application of the 250 ton split system chillers already used by commercial buildings. Think of this technology as a mini-chiller for residential use.

Evaporative water cooler units for split system air conditioners have a number of advantages over air-cooled units. Water removes heat from the condenser coils far more efficiently than air. This reduces the temperature of the compressed R-22 refrigerant, which in turn reduces the work load of the scroll compressor. Not only will the compressor last much longer, there is only a minimal loss of cooling efficiency when the outdoor temperature exceeds 100 degrees.

Typical air cooled units can lose as much as 25% of their efficiency at the same temperature.

How much can you save with a water cooled condensing unit?

Charles Mullin, a casino worker who lives in North Las Vegas is also single. So every utility bill comes from his lone paycheck. That’s why he switched the air conditioning system on his 1,500-square-foot home to a water cooled condensing unit.

“Before I installed it, I had my thermostat set at 75 to 78 degrees to try to keep my electric bills down,” he said. “I tested the new system at 65 degrees – felt like a meat locker. My bill went down to $86. That’s about a 45-percent savings and the house was set cooler.”

Mullin told all his friends about the units and the savings he’s seen. He figured the Freus system will pay for itself in about two years.

Richard Waite, president of Hal Mechanical, installer of Mr. Mullin’s water cooled AC, said they are specifically made for the desert climate.

“The only extra that’s needed to swap out an old air conditioning unit for a new water-cooled one is to run a water line to it. The unit has an automated system, similar to a toilet tank, keeping the water at the correct capacity. The system also flushes itself to avoid calcium buildup.”

Due to the almost constant capacity, the condenser size does not need to vary due to climate zones, like air-cooled units. The Freus is installed in much the same manner as an air-cooled condenser and has the unique ability to service multiple air handlers. This provides the space saving convenience of housing two or three compressors (up to 10 total tons) in a single cabinet.

Jim Kilby of Green Valley, a casino management professor, replaced his 10-year-old air conditioning units, one 5-ton and one 3-ton, with two water-cooled ones of roughly the same capacity. He figures his electric bills dropped by a third.

“The hotels have been using this technology for years,” Kilby said. “When you think about it, water does a better job of cooling the air than air. It just makes sense.”

Whether you call them evaporative water coolers or water cooled condensing units, this mini version of the 250 ton chiller is sure to revolutionize desert cooling.

[ad_2]

Source by Sam Streubel

Pollution & Professional Exposures For HVAC Contractors

[ad_1]

While HVAC Contractors are traditional contracting risks, they have become the focus of growing pollution related claims over the last several years. HVAC system installation, maintenance, and repair can create pollution conditions such as poor indoor air quality and mold. Daily jobsite operations could disturb in-place asbestos, lead, or other contaminants. Materials and equipment brought to the jobsite may spill or leak while in transit or in use during contracting activities.

HVAC Contractors also have professional liability exposures which may not be obvious to the insured since contracting is the main focus. E&O claims could arise from: (1) jobsite modifications in which malfunctions may create a direct professional responsibility for the contractor, (2) supervision of subcontractors, and (3) actual design work performed, specifically when the contractor has a perceived responsibility to comment on design aspects that he knows to be poorly developed.

The exposures described above are usually excluded from General Liability policies, so it is important for HVAC contractors to have comprehensive coverage that will protect them from potential claims and thus help secure the future of their businesses. Beacon Hill’s programs division, PartnerOne Environmental, has a number of products that can effectively address the coverage needs of this class of business:

Contractors Pollution Liability

Contractors Pollution Liability insurance (CPL) is coverage designed to protect from third party claims for damages caused by “Pollution Conditions” arising from the insured’s covered operations. This coverage is applicable to all types of tank contractors and is important because these pollution claims may not be covered via the General Liability form.

How does Contractors Pollution Liability coverage work?

· Generally designed to address the coverage gap created by the CGL pollution exclusions.

· Policies usually written to provide coverage for operations performed “by or on behalf” of the insured.

· Coverage is provided for the insured’s operations away from their own premises.

· Base policies can be written on either a Claims Made or an Occurrence basis.

· Mold coverage is usually offered as an endorsement to the CPL insurance policy or coverage part.

· Mold is usually on a Claims Made form.

· Mold coverage may have a sub limit of liability, as well as its own deductible.

Contractors Pollution Liability/E&O

The Contractors Pollution Liability/E&O policy provides coverage to general contractors, construction managers, and various trade contractors who could potentially have both Pollution and Professional claims; Contractors Pollution Liability/E&O provides coverage for Professional exposures for contractors. This coverage is important because these professional exposures are generally excluded from General Liability and monoline Contractors Pollution Liability policies.

Job site modifications made

HVAC contractors are often presented with installations that do not work exactly as planned. In these situations, contractors will often tweak the plan at the site to make the system work. Pollution conditions arising from these changes create a direct professional responsibility for the contractor.

Actual design work performed

Many firms provide true design services as part of their corporate profile. This can range from doing all of the design work for the project, doing some design work relative to an aspect of the HVAC system, or simply having a perceived responsibility to comment on design aspects they know to be poorly thought out. The last element is the most difficult to control and manage for HVAC firms.

Supervision of subs

Proper selection and supervision of subcontractors is a professional exposure most contractors share that is generally excluded from CGL and basic CPL policies. Many HVAC contractors do not use subs at all, so this will not be an issue for them. For those that do however, the exposure can be significant

[ad_2]

Source by Bill Pritchard

Tubular Heat Exchangers – Non Destructive Testing on Heat Exchangers and Its Role Within Industry

[ad_1]

Heat exchangers are prevalent in many industries, helping to rapidly transport heat away from one medium to another. They are used in a broad range of scopes from space heating, refrigeration, air conditioning, chemical plants, power plants, petrochemical, and petroleum amongst many others. Heat exchangers are often used in industry to siphon otherwise waste heat from one part of a process to another, rather than introducing a new external heat source. This practice increases efficiency, and saves many industries large amounts of money, as well as helping to protect the environment.

Because industries involving the use of heat exchangers almost by definition involve high temperatures, pressures and large quantities of potentially harmful fluids, it’s important to keep the equipment involved serviced to a high standard. Not only because of the safety implications but also to maintain the finely calibrated processes in effect, and maintain cost efficiency. Contamination of fluids, or temperature drops could cause PH changes in fluids, or inefficiencies in processes that cause lost efficiency and ultimately loss in revenue. As well as contamination and minor flaws, major flaws can cause failures leading to unscheduled shutdowns and massive amounts of lost revenue.

So what’s the answer? Non Destructive Testing or NDT as it’s more commonly known is the answer. Its role is to analyse materials and parts using techniques which don’t damage the materials involved. Using techniques such as ultrasound, radio and magnetism, parts can be inspected without the need to be taken apart, or damaged.

In the case of heat exchangers, NDT provides many different methods for their inspection. Different techniques are used for different applications depending on needs, such as time, cost and thoroughness. Some of the main technologies involved include; Remote Field Electromagnetic Technique (RFET), IRIS (Internal Rotary Inspection System), Eddy Current Testing (ECT), MagWave and Remote Visual Inspection (RVI).

RFET is one of the main inspection methods, and is used to test carbon steel tubes. A probe is inserted in one end and pushed up through the tube, the probe is then pulled back slowly, and a steady rate, which outputs data to be analysed. Typical flaws and defects found include general erosion/corrosion, pitting and baffle cutting (support plate fretting).

RFET is capable of testing 300-500 tubes/shift and tolerates low fill factors. It can detect ID (Internal Diameter) and OD (Outer Diameter) flaws, and supports a wide variety of probe sizes, all the way down to.250″ (6.35mm), although custom probes can be produced for almost any situation. Bends can be inspected and access can be gained through either boiler drum.

NDT is recommended as part of a WSE (Written Scheme of Examination) as required by HSE in the UK. For NDT’s comparatively small cost it’s frequent use can help prevent accidents, deaths and unexpected downtime and in turn large loss of revenue, making it essential for the a savvy and efficient plant.

[ad_2]

Source by Zul S Sadiq

Healthy Snack – Almonds With Raisins

[ad_1]

Here’s a really easy way to make a travel snack that you can literally take anywhere with you. Best yet, it needs no refrigeration so you don’t need to worry about keeping it stored in a refrigerator or a lunch bag with a frozen ice pack like you would need to do with yogurt or cottage cheese snacks.

Instead, you can simply place this delightful mix into a sandwich bag, seal, roll it up and toss it in your jacket pocket if need be. Since you are able to portion an appropriate amount of almonds and raisins, you will not have to worry about the calorie amount that you are eating. Right around 150 calories is all you will ingest when you pack a small handful of almonds and raisins.

To save money, you can purchase bulk almonds (raw unsalted) along with a large box of raisins. Then when you are ready to create your small snack bags to go, simply grab small handfuls from each and off you go.

If you aren’t a fan of raisins but still want to enjoy the health benefits of almonds, you can mix the almonds with a diced up low-fat mozzarella string cheese which will offer about the same number of calories as the raisins. Try them both out to see what you think.

Exploring The Health Benefits of Almonds

Research has shown that the elements found in these nuts could help with lowering cholesterol, regulating circulation, and even help with strengthening the arterial lining within the heart. Having a healthy cardiovascular system starts with a healthy heart therefore one of the best benefits you get from the vitamin E and flavonoids from the skin of these nuts.

In fact, many health benefits of almonds are in relationship to the brain, nervous system, and circulation of blood through the cranium. Studies have shown that people stabilize their mood and even get better brain function when consuming this treat on a regular basis. In recent research, Alzheimer’s disease was staved off due in large part to the riboflavin and L-carnitine found in the nutrients of almonds.

For those that are looking to lose weight and stabilize metabolic rate, look no further than this option. Much like many weight loss supplements, almonds can help with appetite suppression and keep energy levels up through the oxygenation of fat cells. That means you’ll be burning more fat, even if you’re not exercising strenuously.

If you aren’t already enjoying them, take time to bring them into your overall diet. They can be eaten by themselves, mixed with raisins, or even eaten with a mozzarella string cheese.

Each of these snacks are only around 150 calories so when followed with a bottle of water you have a great nutritious snack along with all the health benefits of almonds listed above. Throw in a bit of exercise, this option could very well help you maintain a good, long life, free of many illnesses of the cardiovascular system.

[ad_2]

Source by Gregory L Gomez