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)

Gourmet Baklava Is A Rich, Sweet Treat

By Beryl Dalton


Baklava has been served for centuries in many countries around the world. Royal bakers served this sweet pastry to the sultans in Istanbul hundreds of years ago, and recipes were first noted in Turkish cookbooks in the 1300s. It has been thought to have Greek connections since it is similar to certain Greek desserts. This flavorful dessert actually has Turkish, Middle Eastern and Arabic backgrounds. Now there are bakeries in San Diego, CA that specialize in baking fresh gourmet baklava.

Baklava is a robust, flaky pastry made with layers of phyllo that is unleavened dough. This type of mixture does not include yeast or other baking helpers to rise. The layers are buttered and include honey or syrup mixed with nuts like walnuts, pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts or almonds. Some recipes also add dates, apricots or chocolate chips. The mixture is baked in the oven after being cut into either diamond, square or triangle shapes. After cooling, it can be served with chocolate sauce or a combination of honey, lemon and cinnamon. Many people also prefer it without any sauce.

This pastry has a high calorie count, but the nuts used provide numerous health benefits. All types of nuts provide calcium, protein, fiber, minerals and vitamins. They are also responsible for decreasing bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol levels.

Almonds strengthen the heart, bones and teeth. Hazelnuts help maintain needed calcium levels and make stronger bones and joints. Pecans also have a positive effect on teeth and bones, decrease hypertension, and strengthen muscles so it is not so painful after exercise. Pistachios assist with vision, healthier blood and skin and strengthen the immune system. Walnuts reduce the risk of heart attacks and cancer and include omega-3 and many antioxidants.

The honey and lemon sauce served on top also offers healthy nutrients. The former increases energy, aids the production of white blood cells and improves brain functions like memory. The latter contains vitamin C, encourage healthy skin and eyesight, and maintains efficient immune system and blood vessels. Cinnamon is also added that stabilizes blood sugar and promotes heart health.

The food provided for certain religious holidays and wedding receptions often includes this dish. Rosh Hashanna is a Jewish holiday that serves this pastry. This is a two-day festivity celebrating the existence of Adam and Eve. A light-colored dessert with light-colored nuts is made to symbolize a bright year whereas a dark-colored selection with dark nuts means the opposite. It is also served during Purim, another Jewish holiday. This holiday remembers the Jewish people who escaped death from the royal minister back in the Persian Empire.

It is also a common dessert eaten at the Muslim celebration of Ramadan. This spiritual event involves fasting for one month. It is a time for spiritual reflection and devotion, self discipline and control and less worldly thoughts and actions. This pastry is also served for Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter that celebrate the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Preparing baklava can be tricky and take some time and patience. Purchasing this selection from a bakery that makes this specialty guarantees a pleasing, satisfying experience for special occasions or as a treat. Both kids and adults enjoy this tasty dessert.




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