food and mood

we ofthen eat to calm down or cheer up when we're feelings stressed or depressed.

now new research suggests there's a reason: food changes out brain chemistry.
these changes powerfully influence our moods, but can certain foods really make us feel better? nutrition  experts say yes,
 but what should we eat and what should we avoid? here are the foods that work the best, as well as those that can make a bad day worse.

food and mood - we ofthen eat to calm down or cheer up when we're feelings stressed or depressed. (you have to read this great article)

Expand Your Culinary Horizons With Latin American Cooking Recipes

By Christa Jarvis


If preparing a meal has become a chore that you don't really look forward to, it's time to bring some creativity into the kitchen again. You may want to try dishes from other parts of the world, for instance. An easy option is to explore some Latin American cooking recipes, because most of them are easy to make, the ingredients aren't hard to find and the kids won't find the dishes too exotic for their tastes. Remember to play some salsa or merengue music while you're preparing the dishes, to make the experience more fun.

For most people, their knowledge of Latin American dishes doesn't stretch much further than those Mexican favorites, the taco and the burrito. However, the region known as Latin America is huge, encompassing Mexico and Central America, countries in the Caribbean and the continent of South America. Here you'll find chilly highlands and hot and humid tropical jungles. You'll find deserts and you'll find coastal areas. There is such variety in the landscape and the edible produce to be found here that it's common to find very different foods in different parts of the same country.

The Americas gave the world many foods that today are considered indispensable, such as tomatoes, avocados and chocolate. The one that really became a staple in many parts of the world though is corn. This is still the starch eaten most often in Mexico and Central America, where no meal is complete without tortillas. It's used to make Salvadoran pupusas too. Tamales are another delicious corn-based treat and they're made differently in the various countries of the region.

The Americas also gave the world the potato, which is enjoyed everywhere but especially in the highlands of the Andes, where it came from. In the more tropical areas, you'll find plantains instead and a root known as manioc is used especially in the Caribbean. Rice is popular too and in some countries you'll find rice and beans with every meal, even breakfast. A variety of vegetables are used to add nutritional value and color.

For protein, people tend to opt for meat or fish, depending on where they live. Beef is ubiquitous in Argentina and Paraguay while in many other countries, pork is more popular. Chicken is cheap and used in dishes from Mexico to Patagonia. The Peruvian national dish of ceviche, which is made with raw fish and lime juice, has become so popular that you'll now find it in most coastal towns as well as at lakeside locations.

Some desserts are found throughout Latin America, with only slight regional variations. These include dulce de leche and flan, as well as tres leches cake. At certain times of the year, for instance during Holy Week, you'll also be able to find seasonal specialties.

One of the greatest things about the region is the variety of delicious fruits to be found here. These make for a healthy, nutritious snack. They're also very tasty when blended into drinks similar to smoothies. In some areas, people make tasty, creamy drinks by using corn or rice as well. Rum is a popular alcoholic drink.

To find Latin American recipes, you can simply search online on food sites. You'll also find cookery books that include dishes from the region. To learn how to make authentic dishes, however, it's best to visit a country such as Mexico, Brazil or Argentina and take some classes. It's a great excuse for a vacation too.




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