5 Foods You Didn’t Think Would Give You Gas (But Actually Do)

Even though you may think your day is going well, you can easily make it worse by eating the wrong foods that interfere with the good bacteria in your gut, which can cause indigestion and force you to make a run for the bathroom.

Here are a few foods you might want to skip out on if you want your belly and your life to run as smoothly as possible:

1. Broccoli
Complex sugars called raffinose are usually found in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and vinegar, which only break down when they enter the small intestine and can cause bloating and gas.

However, there’s no reason why you should give up on broccoli. If you want to munch on them for dinner, try not to overcook them to preserve their health benefits.

2. Artificial sweeteners
Even though sweeteners are sugar-free, that doesn’t mean they come with their own downsides. Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and saccharin can alter your gut bacteria, resulting in more weight gain.

Sugar-free foods such as candies and gum can also make you feel bloated, or act as a laxative when you eat too much, as well as trick your stomach into producing more acids than it needs to.

If you want to sate your sweet tooth, there are still plenty of alternatives to sugar and artificial sweeteners, such as honey or coconut sugar.

3. Corn
Corn isn’t the easiest food that your system can process. If you don’t chew corn well enough, there’s a good chance that it will simply pass through undigested and cause an upset stomach when you’re not careful.

However, you can simply get around this by thoroughly chewing corn whether it’s canned or on the cob.

4. Fried foods
Fast food may not exactly be the definition of a healthy meal, but you’ll be surprised how quickly fried foods can go through your system undigested and make you feel more bloated.

Additionally, fried foods can either stay too long or too short in your system, and neither are good options for you.

The good news is there are plenty of alternatives for fast food in Singapore, and since you can easily get healthier foods for cheap, you have even more reasons to switch to a more tummy-friendly diet.

5. Citrus fruits
It might be tempting to add citrus fruits to your diet when you want to live a healthier lifestyle, but acidic fruits might only upset your stomach and further imitate the lining, which can lead to acid reflux and burping.
If you experience these symptoms, you might want to cut out the citrus fruits and opt for fruits such as bananas, which are great at easing heartburn.

5 High-Carb Foods that Can Help You Lose Weight

You might be too quick to blame carbohydrates for weight gain thanks to various fad diets, but when you lack your body’s primary source of energy, cutting them won’t necessarily help you shrink your waistline.

The good news is that you don’t need to cut all your carbohydrates to slim down – in fact, here are a few that can help you on your path to the figure you wanted:

1. Sweet potato
Curb your sweet tooth and carb cravings with sweet potato! Not only do they have a really small amount of fat, but you can also cook them in different ways, such as frying, roasting, or air-frying.

Sweet potatoes also contain adiponectin, which helps your body regulate your blood sugar, and only has very little carbs and sodium compared to white potatoes.

2. Whole grain bread/pasta
You can still be serious about losing weight without ditching bread, but instead of plain white bread, you can make the switch to whole grain bread because of its higher fiber content.

Whole grain pasta is also another option that lets you get your increased daily fiber intake easily, and you can even top it with olive oil and vegetables.

3. Oatmeal
Oatmeal may be a great snack for a rainy afternoon, but there’s a little more to it than that. Not only does oatmeal help you lower your overall blood pressure, but it also lowers your risk of heart disease and colon cancer.
When you do buy oatmeal, be sure to steer clear of the instant brands that have added sugar. Add almond butter or coconut sugar instead for flavor.

4. Brown/black rice
There are many alternatives to white rice to stock up on, and will arguably be the most essential grain in your diet.

For instance, brown rice may be a little higher in calories, but it also comes with the extra protein and fiber, as well as selenium. Black rice is just as good with its high levels of anthocyanin, which is a great antioxidant that lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even cancer.

5. Black beans
Legumes might be used mostly in vegetable dishes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add black beans in your diet by themselves.

Not only are black beans rich in soluble fiber and help you maintain healthy bones, but many studies have also shown that they can help you cut down your weight and lower your risk of heart disease as well as improve your digestion.

The best part about getting these high-carb foods is not only the fact that they are cheap and budget-friendly, but they are also versatile food ingredients you should definitely have in your kitchen.

7 Treats for Everyone in Singapore with a Sweet Tooth

Most people would agree when we say that there’s nothing a sweet treat can’t cure. It lifts up moods, it’s a good reward after a long day, and it bonds relationships. In short, it’s what life basically is: sweet in just the right amount.

Singapore also has its local sweet indulgences and here’s a list that’s sure to leave you mouth-wateringly searching for your own source of sugar rush.

1. Peanut Paste
Made from what its name suggests, this is a popular dessert in Singapore. Known to have originated from Hong Kong, this treat has other varieties such as walnut paste, almond paste and sesame paste. With its smooth texture, it will give you the sweet boost for a long day.

2. Sago Gula Melaka
Palm sugar or typically known as Gula Melaka in Singapore is paired with sago and coconut milk in this treat. With its rich caramel flavor, it has that right mix of chewiness provided by the sago and the right amount of silkiness courtesy of the coconut milk.

3. Sugee Cake
A dense cake made from samonlina flour, a generous amount of butter, egg yolk and crushed almonds, this treat definitely satiates the craving for textures of the pastry kind. It’s basically a pound cake usually served at Christmas feasts shared by families.

4. Tau Huay
Served either hot or cold, this treat known as soya beancurd is made from boiled soy bean milk and a coagulant. It is cooled to a certain extent to achieve its pudding form, ready for serving.

5. Tau Suan
Basically made from split mung beans, this treat proves to be an efficient comfort food. Served hot, this treat has fried You Tiao or dough fritters complementing it with texture. This treat is prepared by boiling split mung beans with pandan, condensed with potato flour.

6. Pulut Hitam
Prepared by simmering black glutinous rice mixed with coconut milk and Gula Melaka or palm sugar, this treat is sure to have captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Known for its nutty flavor, it will sure give you that crazy kick of energy after a great meal.

7. Orh Nee
The main star of this treat is yam paste, which is first fried then blended. A smooth consistency lets you know you’ve blended it just right. Typically, ginkgo nuts and pumpkin accompany this treat to enhance its flavor and texture.

It goes without saying that almost every great meal needs a dessert to punctuate it with. No matter how tasty the main course is, the dessert always has the final say. So for those looking for the sugar rush they crave for, Singapore has local delicacies ready to tickle your taste buds giddy.

The Hidden Dangers Behind Juicing

Juicing may be one of the known trends to lose weight lately, but that might not be the only thing your green juices can do. In fact, some health experts stated that juicing can do some serious damage to you, both physically and mentally. So before you start reaching out for another glass of your liquefied kale, you might want to first consider these juicing dangers.

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1.       Elevates Blood Sugar Levels. Since the fruit sugar became more concentrated in juice, it only means that drinking it will only cause a drastic increase in the body’s glucose level, or also known as hyperglycaemia. However, it doesn’t just end with that. Over a short span of time, it will also cause an inevitable drop in your blood sugar, more commonly known as hypoglycaemia. If this dramatic shift continues over some time, then there’s a possibility that an insulin or glucose instability might occur, leading to more drastic shifts in your blood sugar level.

2.       Causes Tooth Decay. Fruit juices are known to be have an extremely high natural sugar content, which if drank often, can cause as much tooth decay as candies and sodas. These juices are also believed to be highly acidic, making your teeth more susceptible to decay and erosion. To decrease your chances of experiencing these damages, experts recommend using straw when drinking to minimize direct contact between the juice and your teeth’s enamel. Also, make sure that you wait for about 30 minutes before brushing your teeth to allow your teeth to return to its normal pH level.

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3.       Alters Your Stomach’s pH Balance. Although juices work great as a supplementary drink for your diet, you shouldn’t use it to replace your meals as it will only result to ulcer, leaky gut, gallstones, IBS and diverticulitis. Not only that, skipping on your starches and fibres also causes you to throw away half of the nutrients that your body needs, resulting to nutritional deficiencies and even weight gain.

4.       Stresses Out Your Body. If you’re using juicing as a cleansing method and not as a supplement to your diet, then you’ll surely experience short-term starvation, which might elevate your cortisol and cause a significant stress response in your body. If you’re already suffering from excessive stress, then this is the furthest thing from healthy for you.

5.       Leads to an Eating Disorder. Other than the physical dangers, juicing can also cause some serious mental harm. A good example would be ignoring your body’s natural cues of satiety, hunger and fullness, resulting to formation of patterns of disordered eating and the deregulation of your appetitive system. This is why juicing isn’t recommended, especially if you are prone to experiencing disordered eating patterns.

Juicing can be a great way to lose, but only when it’s done the right way. So before you start taking on various ways to lose weight and stay fit, ensure that you’re doing it right and that it has lesser side effects than its health benefits.

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Facts and Myths About the Durian

Durian is a famous fruit here in Southeast Asia. It is fondly called  “King of Fruits” because of its delectable taste and of course, its thorny exterior which resembles to that of a crown. Many Singaporeans consider this fruit but there are others who are afraid of what it can bring. It is important that you know some facts and myths about durian so you can enjoy it without doubting it.

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So, here are some things about durian that you should be aware of:

  • Facts: Not all people know this but durian can in fact cause weight gain. A durian can have at least eight hundred calories depending on the size. One seed can contain about fifty to sixty eight calories. Durian is more than a delectable taste; it also contains nutrients (like potassium, iron, vitamin C and B and fibre) that your body needs.

Durian is not for people with diabetes because it has high sugar content. It is a known fact that durian has high carbohydrate content, it can fill your low energy levels. Its potassium can help in reducing fatigue and relieving anxiety.

  • Myths: Perhaps you heard about durian and its high cholesterol intake. Believe it or not this is not true. Durians have no cholesterol, in fact, it can help you lower your bad cholesterol. Remember that cholesterol is only found in foods that have saturated fats (like read meats, dairy products and seafood). Durian only has monounsaturated fats.

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Others believe that durians and beers are lethal combination. Again, this is not true. There is no scientific evidence that support this. The combination will likely cause indigestion and bloating but not death. Finally, people believe that durians are aphrodisiac. While it is true that when you eat it, your body temperature rises, it is not to boost your libido.

Knowing this, you can still enjoy durian. The key here is to eat it moderately. If you haven’t tried durian, well it is time get a taste of it. Experts would recommend at least two to three seeds; this is enough. There are many durians available here in Singapore.

Durian is a marvel because there are many things that you can do with it. It can serve as an additional flavour for your coffee. It can also be a bread filling or cake flavouring. Really, there are a lot of possibilities. Durian is not that expensive, do not worry. It is great if shared with the family or friends. Happy eating!

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