Benefits of ingredients used in a slow cooker recipe

Slow cooking tends to bring out the flavor in most meat cuts and even vegetables. Often the subtle benefits of slow cooking go unnoticed and people only see it as a cheap and easy alternative to traditional methods, like baking and frying. Slow cooker recipes do not require a lot of supervision, wherein all the ingredients simmer over low heat to be ready in four or five hours. This also reduces the risk of burning or overcooking the ingredients. But there are more benefits of slow cooking, which can be divided across the various ingredient that go in the recipe. Be it your pot roast or chicken stew, the traditional recipes can be easily modified for slow cooking.

Health benefits of slow cooking pot roast: One of the main advantages of cooking over a low flame is that the ingredients used in the recipe, retain their nutritional value which might be otherwise lost in traditional roast, oven or grill recipe. Slow cooked beef or meat not only retains the flavor, but also manages to absorb all the nutrients from the other ingredients and vegetables that complement the recipe in the broth. Vital minerals, vitamins, nutrients, amino acids which are all beneficial for maintain the overall body heath are preserved this way. Tough cuts of meat used in the recipe are also low in fats, which help cut down the overall fat and calorie content. These tough meats can be prepared only in a slow cooker to yield the best possible results.

Health benefits of slow cooking chicken: Slow cooking chicken over time prevents cancer causing toxins to develop which are a high chance in other traditional methods. Grilling and other methods produces glycation from burnt meats, which is the toxic reaction. Slow cooking does not allow the toxins to develop since the meat is cooked over a low flame and chances of overcooking or burning the meat, is the least of your concerns. Slow cooked recipes are beneficial for overall heart health as the main amino acid taurine, which is responsible for cardio vascular health is preserved this way.

The other advantages include minimum use of processed ingredients and foods which can be beneficial for the overall health. Processed foods contained considerable amounts of sodium, fat, calories which will only add to the overall carbohydrate and calorie count in the recipe. Using all natural ingredients or organic ingredients, which can be easily substituted in a slow cooked recipe for readily available ingredients and canned foods ensures a healthy recipe.

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  • 6 popular phones that are compatible with Safelink

    Safelink is a government initiative that provides free cell phone and services to the low-income group. A lot of customers have benefitted from Safelink wireless services. Under Safelink wireless services, the qualifying customer gets a free cell phone that has unlimited texting and limited phone calls with no extra charge.

    Safelink phones are government-aided cell phones, and hence, they are not that fancy. Some of them do not have the latest features. All these phones work on the TracFone network, so the phones are prepaid ones. The customer can purchase additional minutes online at tracfone.com.

    As TracFone is the wireless carrier for Safelink phones, here are some the smartphones that Safelink wireless service works well on:

    • Tracfone Alcatel One Touch Sonic: This phone gives triple minutes. Alcatel One Touch is an Android-based 4.6” smartphone.
    • Motorola Moto E: This Android prepaid phone is quite a steal. Motorola Moto E comes with triple minutes and a Dual Core Snapdragon processor. This prepaid phone comes with a 400-minute card.
    • LG TracFone 306 G: This a no-contract phone with a little smaller 3.2” screen. Moreover, LG TracFone has a standby battery life of 11 days and a 2.0MP camera. But, all in all, a great, sturdy, and lightweight phone.
    • LG Sunset L33L: This phone has Android 5.0 Lollipop OS that makes for easy functionality.
    • Alcatel One Touch Icon: This cell phone has a built-in FM radio. The Alcatel One Touch Icon comes with triple minutes and has a decent 5” screen. This Safelink phone is better than its previous model.
    • Tracfone Galaxy Stardust: This one’s a popular Android phone with 3G enabled speed and decent pricing. It makes it to the list of Safelink compatible phones.

    Safelink phones can be applied for online through safelinkwireless.com. Though Safelink phones are specifically designed for low-income groups, the limit is one cell phone per household. Once you enter your zip code, you can see if this government-enabled program is available in your area. Follow the steps, give documents required for verification, and you are good to go.

  • Your Guide to Buying the Right Mattress

    Mattresses are important elements of comfort in our day-to-day lives. Hence, in addition to buying the best quality furniture, we should buy the best-rated mattresses. Mattresses of good quality provide maximum comfort and are known for their durability. With the multitude of options that are available today, buying the right kind of mattress may seem to be quite a difficult task. You can buy mattresses online as well if you know the measurements of your bed well. While buying mattresses, there are certain factors, which you need to keep in mind. This article gives you an insight into tips you should consider while buying a mattress.

    Different types of mattress

    While buying a mattress, you should make an adequate comparison between the different types of mattresses that are available. This way, you can make an informed decision. There are various kinds of best-rated mattresses in the market, suited to the varying comfort needs of the consumers.

    Foam

    Mattresses that contain foam are known to be suitable for people who suffer from joint and back pain. Although most manufacturers use the element polyurethane to make the layers of foam, some brands also make use of latex. There are good quality mattresses that use both as well.

    Innerspring

    Most mattresses today are innerspring. This is the traditional kind of mattress which is made of steel coils in different styles. Innerspring mattresses help you to shift positions comfortably and easily. These mattresses are known for their affordability and comfort.

    Adjustable air

    This kind of mattress can be inflated to the firmness that you desire. You can make use of the electric pump that you need to attach to your bed. These adjustable air mattresses are suitable for people whose comfort needs may vary according to their health conditions.

    Buy from trusted brands

    A mattress is not something that you need to buy at frequent intervals. Hence, it is important that you choose from the best-rated mattresses. You can check out the variety available on the official websites of the brands. Check out the specifications carefully before buying and purchase according to your health and comfort needs. Compare the best-rated mattresses of different brands before you make the final decision. Know the measurements of your bed, the thickness and the bounce that you desire, and your health condition before purchasing a mattress.

    Prioritize on quality

    Since a mattress is a long-term investment, you should always prioritize the quality of the product. Do not get swayed by attractive advertisements and cheap prices. These mattresses may not last too long or may shrink in size too soon. However, while keeping quality in mind, you must ensure that you buy a mattress which gives you good value for money and is worth its price. Assess the materials carefully before buying, and buy the one which is a combination of quality and value for money.

    Check if there are return policies

    It is always wiser to buy mattresses which have return policies, especially if you are buying online. When the mattress arrives, it might not suit your comfort needs. You can then return it within the given time and purchase something better. Since mattresses are long-term investments, opting for one which comes with a return policy is always a better decision.

    Sales, offers, deals, and discounts

    You can check out the wide range of offers, deals, and discounts on the best-rated mattresses online. Keep track of the latest deals and discounts on the mattress brands’ official websites as well as on home and lifestyle blogs. Make a comparison of the different prices and product qualities and make an informed choice. While buying at a discounted price, ensure that the quality of the product is not compromised with. Check the features carefully before buying online. Buy from trusted brands and stores. Order online and have the mattress of your choice delivered to your doorstep.

  • Essential trace nutrients required in the body

    Micronutrients are mineral salts that are required for the normal functioning of human body. The metal ions are the functional portions. Sodium, potassium, and calcium are the most profuse among them. They are required in higher quantities in mgs/dl of blood. Other mineral ions are needed in traces and called trace nutrients.

    Sodium: It is a systemic electrolyte and plays an important part in regulating ATP Adenosine triphosphate is the energy store of a cell and its metabolism gives the cells all the energy it needs. There are different reactions in the metabolism of ATP and chosen depending on the situation. Hyponatremia, low sodium, causes the cells to malfunction and extremely low levels can be fatal. Hypernatremia, high sodium can cause hypertension, malfunction of cells and in extreme cases cause death.

    Potassium: A systemic electrolyte, co-coordinator of ATP. with sodium, critical role in RNA synthesis. Both deficiency hypokalemia and excess hyperkalemia profoundly affect nerve cells and heart.

    Calcium: Important for proper functioning and health of muscle, digestive system and heart. Deficiency, hypocalcemia, leads to muscle cramps, including abdominal spasms and deep tendon reflex. Hypercalcemia creates constipation, muscle weakness, urinary calculi, impaired renal function, inefficient iron absorption and anemia and subdued electric conduction of electricity in the heart.

    Magnesium: It helps in processing ATP. and is essential for bone formation. Hypomagnesemia leads to nerve irritability and muscular spasms of hand, feet, larynx and twitching of muscles. Hypomagnesemia causes nausea, vomiting and breathing difficulty and low blood pressure. It very rarely happens in renal problems.

    Chloride: Very necessary for hydrochloric acid synthesis in the stomach. Required for the proper functioning of the cellular pump. Hypochloremia can be dangerous for health. Hyperchloremia, on the other hand, has no symptom and is usually caused by excessive fluid loss.

    The other ions, called trace nutrients, are essential for good health in extremely low concentrations.

    Zinc: Required by several enzymes. Deficiency creates short stature, anemia enlarged liver, spleen immune deficiency etc. Excess inhibits copper and iron absorption.

    Iron: Essential requirement for proteins, especially, hemoglobin, and enzymes. Deficiency causes anemia. Excess causes deposits in organs especially heart.

    Manganese: Needed for the proper working of enzymes. Deficiency causes fainting, hearing loss, and rarely diabetes. Excess interferes with iron and copper absorption.

    Iodine: Essential for proper functioning of the thyroid.

    Selenium: Essential for the functioning of antioxidant enzymes.

    Molybdenum: Critical for the operation of enzymes.