Food

 

CBD gummies have been portrayed as miracle cures, medicinal products, and more, but in a world of misinformation, it can be difficult to get to the truth of the matter. The fact is, CBD hasn’t been studied enough in-depth (due to its legal status for the last fifty years) to truly etch anything in stone. However, preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence from users suggest CBD has many health benefits, not the least of which is reducing anxiety and even inflammation during a post-workout routine. Here’s what to expect when trying CBD gummies for 30 days.

What Is CBD Anyway?

Before we move on, let’s clear the air about what CBD actually is. CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the hundreds of cannabinoids found in the the Cannabis plant. Yes, that’s the same plant associated with marijuana, but let’s make an important distinction: marijuana is not the same thing. Many people assume that since the psychoactive cannabinoid THC comes from the same plant, CBD and THC must be the same thing, or at least offer that same “high” effect that THC does.

This isn’t the case, and in fact, CBD seems to have the opposite effect; counteracting the THC in the body. CBD is derived legally from plants containing 0.3% or less THC. Anything higher than that is considered a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act.

CBD products can be “full-spectrum” which means they contain THC and CBD, or “broad-spectrum”, which means they contain only CBD and no THC (or very little). For the purposes of this article, we’ll be covering only broad-spectrum products that are THC-free.

CBD Gummies

Gummies are a popular way to introduce CBD to the bloodstream, and being digested, the gummies actually take longer to release the full extent of CBD content to the bloodstream and are said to last longer as well. CBD gummies are both a tasty and affordable way to get your CBD for the day, and with so many CBD varieties available today, there are plenty of options for new and experienced users alike. Companies like Verma Farms produce high-quality CBD gummies using only the best ingredients.

Lower Pain Levels

According to a study conducted in 1988, CBD is actually the most effective of the cannabinoids at reducing pain levels and inflammation, making it a popular option for those suffering from such ailments as arthritis or chronic pain. When you take CBD gummies regularly, you may notice a reduction in your pain levels and discomfort, and you can always increase your dosage if you feel you need a larger amount of CBD per serving.

Reduced Anxiety

One of CBD’s most reported benefits is its ability to reduce anxiety and even help manage depression in those afflicted by the mental health condition. This is a huge step in mental health science, as many anti-depressant and anxiety drugs have harmful side-effects.

Some have even been known to make depression worse, causing suicidal thoughts or even actions. As we learn more about CBD’s uses, we can only hope that it’s as effective at these things as preliminary evidence shows. If so, we’ll likely experience a shift in the way we address and treat such conditions.

Calm and Relaxation

CBD gummies release CBD slowly into the bloodstream through digestion, so you’ll be able to prolong the effects of the CBD oil. Many prefer this method over taking CBD under the tongue for this reason alone, though a longer release time means you’ll have to wait an hour or more to feel the effects.

Even so, users have reported a sense of calm and relaxation when taking CBD gummies, and this continues to be one of the most alluring benefits. In our busy lives, we’re always looking for something healthy (in most cases) to take the edge off, and CBD gummies seem to be that solution.

No Psychoactive Effects

Unless you’re using full-spectrum CBD products, you can expect no psychoactive effects from CBD gummies. Unlike THC gummies, CBD doesn’t have any kind of psychoactive effect on the mind, and you won’t feel a “high” in either body or mind. CBD is a popular alternative for those looking to experience the many benefits the cannabis plant has to offer without the effects of THC. Since the compounds are separate from each other and regulated in completely different ways, you can expect your broad-spectrum CBD gummies to contain only CBD.

Are They Right For You?

While research may not have caught up with CBD products quite yet, the results so far on the research and anecdotal side of things are both positive. Users experience lower anxiety, pain, reduced depression symptoms, and much more when taking CBD gummies. The only way to decide if CBD gummies are right for you is to try them out for 30 days and get used to their effects. You might find that a potent CBD gummy can change your entire day, and make you more productive and worry-free.

 

Have you caught onto the coconut milk trend? This delicately flavoured liquid is used in soups and sauces, desserts and curries. Coconut milk has long been popular in South American and Asian cuisine, but it has recently gained in popularity in the UK.

Here are a few quick facts about coconut milk, and advice on how to use this versatile ingredient in your cooking.

What is Coconut Milk?

Coconut milk is a liquid that is extracted from the coconut. You take the flesh of the nut and grate it, then soak it in hot water. You shouldn’t confuse coconut milk with coconut oil, water, or cream. After the soaking process, you collect the cream from the surface for use as coconut cream. Then you sieve the leftover liquid to separate the flesh from the coconut milk. Of course, it is easier to buy coconut milk in a can. Coconut milk in a can collects all the benefits of the milk into a convenient package.

But what are the benefits of coconut milk?

Coconut Milk Can Help You Lose Weight

Coconut milk contains healthy fats called short and medium-chain triglycerides. These beneficial fats make you feel fuller and cause you to consume less at each meal. Drinking coconut milk or using it in cooking also helps you to stop snacking between meals.

Coconut Milk Is Rich In Antioxidants

Antioxidants like vitamin C and E in coconut milk prevent free radicals from forming. Free radicals damage the cells and can promote tumour growth. Coconut milk contains high levels of antioxidants, making it a beneficial ingredient in healthy cooking.

Coconut Milk Helps With Electrolyte Balance

Electrolytes are crucial for good health. Coconut milk contains electrolytes like potassium, which is vital for maintaining normal heart rhythm. Magnesium, another electrolyte, is necessary for the immune system and it helps to maintain nerve function and muscle tone. Besides, phosphorus in coconut milk helps your bones and your teeth.

Coconut Milk Prevents Heart Disease

Do you want to maintain a stronger heart, free from disease? Drinking or cooking with coconut milk helps to reduce the LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) in your body. This, in turn, helps to promote the health of your heart.

Coconut Milk Improves Your Immune System

Help strengthen your immune system with coconut milk. The liquid assists with fighting infections and in strengthening the immune system against the damage done by antibiotics. Coconut milk also raises the levels of iron in the blood, which prevents the onset of anaemia.

Where to Buy Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is now a recognised staple in cooking, both in the home and in restaurants. You find it in major supermarkets as well as in bulk from restaurant suppliers. Coconut milk UK suppliers provide traceable coconut milk from high-quality sources to use in restaurant dishes. You can buy coconut milk online for delivery. The milk also comes from Asian and Oriental supermarkets.

 

GrubHub’s website published a blog post back in 2015 discussing how some of the biggest restaurant chains were attempting to introduce a measure of personalization. The thinking was that personalization could help restaurants better position themselves for growth. Did it work? And if so, can personalization continue to help restaurant growth in 2020?

Unfortunately, there are not any hard numbers that quantify whether or not personalization has helped over the last five years. But the idea is at least worth looking at anyway. Ultimately, growth in any industry relies heavily on meeting customer demand. After all, if customers are demanding personalization, any restaurant refusing to provide it would be jeopardizing its own future.

Examples of Personalization

GrubHub cited numerous examples of personalization in their 2015 piece. Among them was a McDonald’s program known as ‘Create Your Taste’. The program allowed customers at select restaurants to build their own burgers from an extensive list of ingredients. McDonald’s saw it as a door into the artisan market. It failed miserably.

Create Your Taste lasted little more than a year. If folded in late 2016 after the company realized that the amount of effort needed to keep the program running was not worth the revenues it generated. People just weren’t interested in creating their own burgers. They wanted the old standbys.

Other examples cited by GrubHub were customizable music at KFC locations in South Africa, Applebee’s Two for $20 menu, and a customizable pizza offer launched by a New York City pizza chain. All three programs eventually went the way of Create Your Taste. They did not generate enough buzz to turn into long-term trends.

Some Models Built on Personalization

It would seem from the examples cited thus far that personalization is a non-starter. But wait just a minute. There are some restaurant models that are built on personalization and always have been. Take submarine sandwiches, for example. You can go into just about any sub shop and build your sandwich any way you want. It is a model that has worked for decades.

Buffet dining is also built on personalization. Some of the best buffets in this country are outstanding simply because of the sheer variety of choices on offer. The common thread here seems to be the basic premise of all or nothing.

People Want to Experience

The people behind Salt Lake City’s Taqueria27 Mexican restaurant chain say that the biggest thing that determines success in the restaurant business is experience. In other words, with the exception of diners who subsist mainly on fast food, people who go out to eat want to experience something that makes them feel good. Yes, they want good food. But they also want a comfortable atmosphere, an environment that allows them to relax, and so forth.

The thing about personalization is that it can either enhance or detract from the customer experience. In the three cases cited by GrubHub, personalization was isolated to a single thing. In McDonald’s case, the entire menu was not personalized. Only burgers part of the Create Your Taste program were.

For personalization to have any kind of long-term effect, it has to apply throughout a given restaurant model. It has to be all or nothing. When restaurants attempt just a little bit of personalization here or there, they get a short-term bump from it. But the bump never lasts. Any gains realized are eventually lost when the novelty of personalization wears off.

Can personalization fuel restaurant growth in 2020? Yes, if restaurants embrace it fully and completely. If they try to piecemeal personalization, it won’t do any good.

 

Thinking of bringing your family out on a special occasion? Sure, bringing them to restaurants where they can dine satisfactory and spending quality time with them is a good idea. One of the biggest challenges when doing so is choosing the right restaurant where to bring them. You would never want them to feel disappointed as not all the time this kind of activity happens.

Just to make sure you are dining in at the best family local restaurant, consider the steps provided below.

Steps When Choosing A Local Family Restaurant To Bring Your Family

Just to help you get started with this task, below is a step by step guide you can consider using:

Step 1

Ask your family for suggestions and ideas

Gather all your family members and hear some of their suggestions and ideas. Asking them of a cuisine they wanted to try or a restaurant they have been dreaming for to dine is a good idea. Collaborate and filter your options to about 2 to 3 restaurants.

Tip: When you ask for their suggestions and ideas, make sure it will count.

Step 2

Read reviews

Once two to three restaurants are identified, check on each of the restaurants reviews online. Read reviews that can help you determine how well the restaurant satisfies their customers. Do not focus just on the food, but also price, and customer service. But, do not believe reviews too easily until you verify the legitimacy of the reviewer’s account. There are reviews made to deceive people, hence it is best if you take a little care when choosing a reviewer to trust.

Consider the restaurant’s rating and the number of raters. The restaurant may get 5 stars because there is only one person who rated them. The more raters the restaurant has, the more accurate information you would get.

Tip: Visit their website and check out the food they offer and also its price. You would not want to bring your family to a restaurant with limited food choice nor a restaurant that might break your bank account.

Step 3

Do an ocular inspection

When you are satisfied with the feedback you read online, it is time that you perform an ocular inspection. Drive to the restaurant and observe. Some of the things that you need to check out are:

• Parking area
• Cleanliness of the restaurant
• Availability of clean comfort rooms
• Amenities where your children can play
• Customer service
• The size of the restaurant
• Attentiveness of staff

It is also best if you place an order. When doing so, you may want to observe the pace of their food service, the serving sizes, the taste and price of their food. Dining out with your family is a special activity you must take seriously. If you do not like what you see and experience, look somewhere else.

 

Other than dining in, there are other activities you can do with your family like playing slots at online casinos and their sister sites, board games, picnicking and so much more. Family time must always be spent right all the time.

 

Weird And Wonderful Ice Cream Around The World

We hope that in writing this article, we would be able to expand your horizons when it comes to making an ice cream dish. We’re a big believer that there’s no one ‘best’ ice cream. We’re more inclined to go with the system we’ve seen used in the mobile slots game ’99 Time,’ where one of the bonus rounds sees players designing the perfect ice cream dish from various different ingredients in order to win money. The better the recipe the Vegas Slots players can come up with, the more money you’ll win. Mixing ice cream recipes together in real life might not be able to win you a mobile slots jackpot, but it can provide a taste sensation. How about mochi served on top of a bowl of regular ice cream, for a start? Also, as weird as it sounds, we’ve suddenly developed a craving for spaghettieis!

You probably think you know what ice cream looks like. It’s a soft, fluffy dessert which you either eat from a tub with a spoon, or you lick and bite it out of a cone, right? If you’re reading this article in the USA or the UK, you’re probably nodding in agreement with that suggestion. If you’re from other European nations, or you’re based elsewhere in the world, you’re probably wondering what we’re talking about.

In what might be a surprising piece of information for you, there are actually as many different ice cream recipes as there are pasta recipes – and there’s a whole lot of range within those recipes, too! Ice cream has come a very long way since it was invented by the Chinese over a thousand years ago, and almost every major nation has their own take on the world’s favorite dessert. Here are some of the most delicious and unusual varieties of ice cream we’ve encountered!

Mochi (Japanese)

If you’ve been to a mid-range Japanese restaurant, you’ve probably been offered green tea ice cream (or at least we hope you have, because it’s spectacular). If you’ve been to a high-end Japanese restaurant, you might have been offered green-tea ice cream the way that the Japanese enjoy it – in the form of mochi. Mochi is a kind of ice cream rice cake. We usually associate rice cakes with being on a diet, but these sweet Oriental treats wouldn’t help you much if you were counting the calories! The concept of a mochi is very simple – it’s a bite-sized portion of ice cream wrapped in a flavored rice cake. Green tea is the most popular flavor, but there are several other options, including red bean. Eating mochi is like eating ice cream-flavored cookies.

Kulfi (Indian)

Think about what ice cream tastes like when you put it in your mouth. What are the first few words that come to mind? Soft? Sweet? Fluffy? How about chewy? If chewy doesn’t seem to sit right as a description of ice cream, it’s because you’ve never had ice cream the way that the Indians make it. Indian ice cream makers work at their craft – making a single serving of kulfi can take an entire day (although ‘quick kulfi’ can be made in around four hours). You’ll rarely see kulfi served on its own; it’s generally a topping for another dessert, such as a popsicle. Nuts are often sprinkled through this mix of cardamom, honey, and milk to give it a little more crunch.

Spaghettieis (German)

We know what you’re thinking. You’re looking at the ‘spaghetti’ part of the name, and in your head you’re telling yourself ‘there’s no way anybody has made spaghetti out of ice cream,’ but they have. The Germans have decided that the best way to serve ice cream is to make it look much like long strands of spaghetti as possible. They start off with standard vanilla ice cream – the same as the kind you’d buy from a store – but they put it through a pasta maker and come out with a dish that is basically ice cream noodles. They then take the whole thing a step further by using strawberry sauce to resemble a layer of tomato sauce, and shavings of white chocolate to look like grated cheese. It looks exactly like a plate of pasta. Why someone thought this was a good idea is a question we don’t have an answer to.

Dondurma (Turkish)

We’ve already seen an example of chewy ice cream from the Indians, but the Turkish have a different take on it which looks a little bit more like the ice cream we know and love. It’s white, and it’s served in a cone, but that’s where the resemblance ends. Dondurma is extremely chewy. You can push it, pull it, hit it, and twist it, and it still won’t come to pieces. Dondurma is like cold, edible Play-Doh. Many of the basic ingredients are the same as the ones we use when we make ice cream, but flour and mastic – an ingredient which is commonly found in chewing gum – give it a starchy and malleable texture. It has to be kneaded and beaten with a rod before it goes onto your cone. Don’t expect to be able to finish it very quickly; chewing it takes effort!

Akutaq (American)

You don’t have to go thousands of miles away to find weird and wonderful ice cream. There’s a very unusual type being served in the United States of America; albeit only in one state. Alaska is the home of akutaq. Because it’s already extremely cold in Alaska, there isn’t much call for traditional ice cream. Akutaq is what they eat instead. Fruit and berries are commonly added to akutaq recipes for flavor, but we think their true purpose might be to disguise the taste – the dessert is made using animal fat. In some cases, it’s made using fish fat. An akutaq serving might even contain fat from moose, seals, and fish all blended together. If you think that sounds disgusting, then we might be inclined to agree with you; but you still shouldn’t write it off without trying it yourself.

 

 

Have you had a bowl of Vietnamese food? Did you know Vietnamese food is among the healthiest foods? These foods are healthy and vital for your body. Each Vietnamese meal consists of rice, a bowl of soup, herbs and spices necessary for your body. You can enjoy Vietnamese food where you are by visiting a Vietnamese restaurant near you. Here are great tips to settle on the best Vietnamese restaurant London offers.

Location

Choose a restaurant in your city. The advantage of a nearby restaurant is that you can visit it at any time. It is also essential to check on where the restaurant is situated. Some restaurants are along unhygienic areas in the streets of London. Before you visit a restaurant, enquire about its location and address.

Hygiene

The other factor is the hygiene of the restaurant. How is the restaurant’s sanitation status? Does it meet health standards? Does the restaurant have the required health permits to operate? Hygiene is the first thing you need to keep in mind before you visit a restaurant.

Check on the menu

Which is your favourite Vietnamese food? Which restaurant can you find it in? The best Vietnamese restaurant should offer most Vietnamese food. Usually, these menus are in Vietnamese. Among the favourite Vietnamese dishes that you are likely to find on the menu are Pho, Goi Cuon, Banh and Canh. If you are not familiar with these, you can seek assistance from the servers.

Reputation

Choose a restaurant you can trust. There are several Vietnamese restaurants in London. However, some of the up-and-coming restaurants lack the know-how of preparing these foods. Vietnamese people make the best Vietnamese meals. You will notice that the most reputable restaurants have Vietnamese chefs. One way to find a renowned restaurant is to check reviews. You can also read testimonials to determine the quality of the food served.

Cost

There are different types of Vietnamese food. As the ingredients are different, so is the value. From the menu, you can compare the prices and choose the right dishes for you.

Experience

With several up-and-coming Vietnamese restaurants, it’s best to consider the knowledge of the staff. How long has the restaurant been serving Vietnamese food? Are their chefs experienced?

Order online

Did you know you can search and order Vietnamese food online? Most London restaurants offer online services where you can order food from your phone or computer. The restaurant you choose will ensure that the food you order arrives on time. It’s cheaper to order food online than driving to a restaurant.

These are great suggestions for finding the right Vietnamese restaurant. Vietnamese food is highly recommended for its health benefits. Besides being tasty, Vietnamese food is rich in proteins, vitamins and carbohydrates. It is also rich in vitamins responsible for keeping you young. Each meal of Vietnamese food contains herbs and spices that help in weight loss. Make sure you have a healthy body by including Vietnamese food in your diet plan.

To read more on topics like this, check out the food category.

If you’re a self-confessed foodie and enjoy traveling around the world and trying out local foods, simply continue reading to discover a handy list of some of the best foods around the world!

The Best Foods Around the World:

1. Churros – Central and South America

Churros are long stick-shaped donuts which are served hot and are extremely popular in Latin countries such as Mexico and Brazil and are often covered in sugar and served with hot chocolate sauce. If you’re interested some eateries even serve piping hot churros with vanilla ice cream.

2. Empanadas – Central and South America

Empanadas are another Latin American snack which are well worth trying. If you’ve never tried an empanada, they are a fried savory pastry that contains meat, cheese, beans or vegetables.

If you’re ever looking for a quick, tasty snack whilst you’re traveling through a Latin American country, you can’t go wrong ordering a freshly made empanada either from a sit-down cafe or a popular street stall. If you’re vegetarian don’t worry as vegetarian empanadas are usually readily available.

3. Samoas – India

Samoas are spicy Indian pastries which are usually filled with potatoes and mixed vegetables such as peas and corn. Some samoas also contain chicken. If you love eating spicy foods, it’s well worth trying a samosa for yourself.

If you’re keen on trying a samosa, try pairing your samosa with a chutney or relish or plain yogurt. As samosas as traditionally served with relish or yogurt and both condiments help neutralize the strong spices such as chili which is often found in samosas.

4. Poutine – Canada

Poutine features hot fries which are covered with gravy and cheese and is a national dish in Canada. Should you find yourself in Canada, you won’t have any trouble finding a cafe or restaurant which offers poutine on its menu.

5. Mee Goreng – Malayasia, Singapore and Indonesia

Mee Goreng is a popular type of noodles which is commonly served in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Typically Mee Goreng features thick fried noodles, spices, lime juice, tofu, chicken and egg. So if you enjoy noodle-based dishes it’s well worth trying your first bowl of Mee Goreng.

6. Ravioli – Italy

If you enjoy eating pasta but are sick of eating spaghetti and macaroni based dishes, it’s well worth ordering ravioli at an authentic Italian restaurant. Ravioli are small pasta parcels which are filled with delicious ingredients such as cheese, spinach, pumpkin, and chicken.

Most ravioli dishes are then topped off with a delicious tomato based sauce such as Pomodoro sauce. Which is incredibly popular in Italy.

7. Paella – Spain

Paella is a rice-based dish which is popular in Spain and contains seafood such as prawns, shrimps, and mussels. So if you love fresh seafood it’s well worth ordering paella for the first time.

So whether you’re looking to plan your next overseas adventure or you’re interested in finding new international meals to try in your own city, it’s well worth trying all seven of the international foods listed above.