Publisher's Note

Publisher’s Note
by CK May is the month of flowers not just in the Philippines but also here in Calgary. A lot of my neighbors have done their spring cleaning and unfortunately I cannot cope up with them. I remember that during this time of the year my husband, Hank gets busier day by day. He takes care [...]
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Kuya Bong’s Kusina

Health Benefits of Carrots

When I was young, I always hear my mother tell me, eat carrots so your eyesight will be perfect. I did not quite understand it that time but later on as I grow older, I realized that carrots are really good for the eyes. But that’s not all that it’s good for. Let us read more to find out why we should eat carrots and why we should include in in most of our meals, whether it’s cooked or not, carrots should be a part of our diet. Carrots are essential in various recipes not just because of the color that it adds to the dish but also because of the positive health effects that it could bring. If you have been skipping on this vegetable, you might want to change your mind immediately. That is, if you do not want to miss out on all the health benefits of carrots. Rest assured, whether you prefer to enjoy this vegetable raw or cooked, you would still be able to enjoy the health improvements that it could bring. It has to be noted though that if you truly want to maximize the amount of nutrients that you can get from it, it is best to eat it in its raw state. That is because, heat that is brought about by cooking may destroy some of the vitamins and minerals that it has.

Promotes Excellent Eye Health

Do not be misled that eating tons of carrots will reverse any eye problem that you already have. While this is not true, the important thing is that carrots help out in preventing further damage to your sight. This vegetable has high amount of beta-carotene. Once this has been processed by the liver, it then becomes Vitamin A. The main reason why Vitamin A is known for eye health is because it lessens the destruction of cells and prevents various eye ailments like macular degeneration, cataracts and even simpler problems like dryness of eyes.

Promotes a Healthier Heart

One of the most important health benefits of carrots is that it prevents stroke and other cardiovascular problems. This vegetable contains a component called falcarinol which also comes with other phytonutrients. When these are combined, there will be less tendency for inflammation. Aside from that, the red blood cells would not become clumped and end up blocking the blood vessels.

Aids in Detoxification

Carrots have high amount of fiber. That is why, when this is eaten regularly, the fiber works like an automatic means of getting rid of toxins. Carrot also triggers the liver to secrete bile and this is essential in detoxification. People who regularly eat this vegetable would no longer need to exert a lot of effort just to cleanse their system.

Prevents Cancer

Aside from helping out the heart in doing its job well, the falcarinol also plays an integral role when it comes to cancer prevention. This is also referred to as a “pesticide”, but there is no need to fear because of all pesticides, this one is the most beneficial for your health. Aside from ensuring that carrot roots would not be conducive for fungus, this also prevents cancer cells from developing. It is effective in fighting breast, colon and lung cancer.

Nourishes the skin

The real secret in looking young is to enjoy eating carrots. One of the more popular health benefits of carrots is that it nourishes the skin and keeps it blemish-free. All thanks to the high amount of beta-carotene that it has. Aside from rejuvenating the skin, this also prevents fine lines and wrinkles from showing.

This last holiday season, I wanted to bake a carrot cake but never get around it. Nevertheless, I would like to share with our readers one of the best carrot cake recipe. Make sure that you give it try next time you have the chance to give your guests a one of a kind carrot cake made from scratch. Carrot Cake is a type of cake that uses grated carrots as the primary ingredient. Like all cakes, this carrot cake recipe requires a batter which is made up of flour, sugar, eggs, baking soda, and baking powder. This is a good moist cake to feast-on since the hefty amount of carrots softens when baked thus providing additional moisture and flavor. This carrot cake recipe makes use of additional ingredients that are not common in ordinary carrot cakes. The walnuts in particular gives this cake a richer flavor that goes well with the cream cheese frosting.

Carrot Cake Recipe

Ingredients
Cake
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
4 pcs raw eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup fresh milk
1 tbsp vanilla extract
3 cups grated carrots
1 cup chopped walnuts

Cream Cheese Frosting
8 ounces cream cheese
6 tbsp butter, melted
3 cups confectioners sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Cooking Procedure:
1. Bake the cake
1.1 Combine flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl than whisk until everything is properly distributed
1.2 Beat the eggs using an electric mixer in a separate mixing bowl.
1.3 Add the granulated and light brown sugar then continue mixing until fully blended.
1.4 Add the vegetable oil, fresh milk, and vanilla extract then continue mixing until texture becomes smooth.
1.5 Put-in the flour-baking soda-cinnamon-baking powder-salt mixture then continue mixing using low speed.
1.6 Fold-in the carrots and walnuts
1.7 Pour the batter on a cake pan with shaped wax paper
1.8 Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the batter for 35 to 50 minutes (you know that the cake is done when toothpick inserted comes out clean)
1.9 Remove from the oven and allow to cool down.
2. Make the frosting
2.1 Beat the cream cheese using an electric mixer
2.2 Add-in the butter and vanilla extract then continue mixing until the mixture is well blended
2.3 Add the confectioners sugar then mix until texture becomes smooth
2.4 Set aside
3. Apply the frosting over the cake
3.1 Place the first cake on a flat surface and apply frosting on the top part spreading it evenly
3.2 Place the second cake on top of the first cake and align properly
3.3 Apply the remaining frosting on top and on the sides of the cake
3.4 Garnish with chopped wallnuts on top and on the sides
3.5 Refrigerate for at least an hour then serve. Share and enjoy!
Number of servings (yield): 8

SOURCE: www.panlasangpinoy.com

Kuya Bong’s Kusina

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