Top 10 foods in Cambodia

Cambodia is in between Vietnam and Thailand. When it comes to food, it is one of the countries overlooked. But once you have tasted one of the many foods served in Cambodian restaurants you won’t turn back. Here are some of the top dishes that make up the top 10 foods in Cambodia and which every person traveling in the country should sample.

1. Beef Lok Lak
You will find this classic dish in any part of Cambodia. Frenchmen are thought to bring the dish to Cambodian from Iran. In Iran, it’s known as “Bo Luc Lac” which means a shaking beef.

2. Fish Amok
Most Individuals refer to the dish as the “national dish.” It is also available in almost every part of the country. Mostly, the dish is served in a simple bowl or in a banana leaf. Kroeung’a Cambodia curry paste – made by simply combining lemon grass, Galangal, garlic, shallots, chilies and turmeric - gives the dish its unique taste. Coconut milk is also added to the paste to make the base for the fish amok. Kaffir lime leaves and white fish are finally added to form the dish.

3. Khmer red curry
The rich red curry is not as spicy as that from Thailand. Khmer version also requires a coconut milk base sauce but without heat associated with Thai cuisine. The protein in this dish comes in form of fish or chicken. In addition, the meal has to contain potatoes, kroeung’a and lemon grass. Mostly, it is served with bread. It is popular in some events like family gatherings, weddings and religious holidays.

4. Kampot pepper
This is the finest pepper you will ever get. Most restaurants all over the world import the pepper and it only takes a single taste to understand the reason. It is the flavorsome and aromatic pepper and a major part of Cambodian meals. It highly grows in Kampot area.

5. Peppered crabs
In Kampot – where you also get the aromatic and flavorsome pepper – crabs are plenty. The sea is near the place. Kep village is famous for serving this food. The crabs are cooked in pepper sauce to form the most delicious meal around Asia. Individuals in this area make the sauce with garlic chives and immature green peppercorns.

6. Grilled squid
This is a sear grilled fresh squid mostly found in the small seaside towns. Whole squids are placed on a wire grill over burning coal or wood and seared fast. It is served with cucumber and light salad of greens after it’s chopped up. Pepper addition makes it more delicious.

7. Khmer barbecue
You can find barbecue restaurants in any part of Siem Reap. In these restaurants you will get a full display of pork, beef, squid, fish, vegetables and chicken. A waiter brings a pot full of hot coals and offers you a chance to cook the food. You will need to add compote pepper mixed with lime.

8. Lap Khmer
This is an amazing lime-preserved Khmer beef salad. It is almost similar to Thai beef salad. Sometimes, it is preserved in lime juice and at other times it is dressed with garlic, shallots, lemon grass, Asian Basil, fish sauce, green beans, mint and green pepper. It is a sweet but salty meal with proper flavor combination and in addition, fresh red chilies are added to improve the taste.

9. Samlor Machu Trey
The soup has a spicy and sweet bitter taste. It is delicious and also very easy to make and therefore common in Cambodian restaurants. Its main ingredients are garlic, celery, white fish, tamarind, lemongrass, pineapple and bean sprouts. You may also choose to add salt, sugar or fish sauce. Most locals serve it with chilies and green herbs.

10. Beef, holy basil and red tree ants
Insects are eaten in almost every part of Southeast Asia and if you have never eaten them, then this is the best place to start. The dish is prepared with ants of all sizes. They are fried together with thinly sliced beef, garlic, lemongrass, shallots and ginger. For extra flavor, any larvae is added and the dish is served with plain rice.

You will find the guide useful as a new visitor in Cambodia. The country has much to offer including incredible temples, amazing countryside and great cuisine.

TOP 10 TYPES OF NUTRIENTS YOUR BODY NEEDS

Good nutrition is essential for each and every living organism. We’re no different. The nutrients found in junk food and healthy food alike gives us the material we require to fight diseases and build a very strong body. Healthy eating, together with an active lifestyle, has been established as a sure way of living a long and full life. It might seem impossible to get the correct amounts of the nutrients in your diets, but the trick is that you should be eating almost all of these. You have to eat more than one of these nutrients for a healthy body functioning. Here are the top 10 Types of Nutrients Your Body Needs:

Vitamin A
This essential nutrient plays a very important role in general body growth as well as development including healthy teeth, proper vision, glowing skin and strong bones.

Vitamin A also helps in protecting the body from several types of infections. In addition, it also promotes the growth and health of tissues and cells in the body. This nutrient comes in 2 forms –carotenoids and retinoids.
Some foods which rich in vitamin A are sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, carrots, pumpkin, eggs, watermelon, spinach, kale, papaya, tomatoes, dried beans, lentils, peaches, apricots, red peppers, guava, milk, fortified cereals, broccoli and liver..


Vitamin C
This is a water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin C is an antioxidant which helps in protecting cells from free-radical damages, lowers the risk of several types of cancer, regenerates the supply of vitamin E in your body and also improves iron absorption. This body nutrient also aids in the healing of wounds, keeps healthy gums, boosts the body’s immune system and also keeps infections at bay.

Your body cannot store vitamin C or even make it. As a result, you have to this nutrient every day. Some foods which are rich in vitamin C are kiwi, oranges, red peppers, strawberries, cantaloupe, grapefruit, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, guava, parsley, lemon juice, cauliflower, papaya, kale and the mustard greens.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a collective name used to refer to 8 fat-soluble compounds that have distinctive antioxidant activities. This vitamin protects ones skin from the harmful ultraviolet light, improves the communication between cells, prevents damage of cells from free radicals and also protects the body against Alzheimer’s disease and prostate cancer.
Some foods which are rich in vitamin E are chard, turnip greens, spinach, mustard greens, almonds, sunflower seeds, cayenne pepper, wheat germ, whole grain cereals, safflower oil, asparagus and bell peppers.

Dietary Fiber
The American Dietetic Association has defined fiber as being complex carbohydrates which the body cannot digest or even absorb. Instead, fiber passes relatively intact via your stomach to the small intestines and colon and then out of your body.

A diet containing high fiber content helps to maintain bowel health, normalizes bowel movements, lowers the levels of cholesterol, helps in controlling blood sugar levels and also aids in achieving a healthy weight. Dietary fiber also lowers the risk of suffering chronic conditions including cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Some foods having high fiber contents are quinoa, millet, whole grain crackers, barley, cracked wheat, chickpeas, turnip greens, wild rice, black beans, oats, flaxseed, collard greens, navy beans, mustard greens, raspberries, eggplant and cinnamon.

Folic Acid
Folic acid, also referred to as folate, is a kind of the water-soluble vitamin B9. This nutrient supports production of red blood cells thus preventing anemia, homocysteine buildup in the blood and also helps the nerves in functioning properly. Folic acid also prevents dementias including the Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis-related bone fractures.

The body can’t store folic acid. As a result, it’s highly essential to eat it daily so as to maintain adequate amounts in your system.

Some good sources of folic acid are spinach, asparagus, romaine lettuce, turnip greens, mustard greens, broccoli, cauliflower, parsley, collard greens, beets, lentils, egg yolks, cabbage and lettuce.


Iron
Iron helps in making red blood cells which carries oxygen around the body. The nutrient is also essential in supporting proper metabolism for the muscles as well as other active organs. Lack of iron minerals in the body leads to iron-deficiency which can result in weakness, irritability and fatigue.

Some iron-rich foods are red meats, oysters, chicken liver, fortified cereal, soybeans, pumpkin seeds, beans, nuts, dried apricots, lentils, spinach, brown rice, Swiss chard, thyme, watercress, kale, asparagus, tofu, blackstrap molasses, cumin, turmeric, collard greens, black pepper, basil, leeks, oregano and turnips.


Magnesium
Magnesium contributes to the bone strength, enables production of energy, boosts the body’s immune system and also normalizes nerve, muscle and heart functioning. Actually, this mineral is essential for a normal heartbeat. The foods which are high in fiber are also high in magnesium.

Some good foods for one to eat so as to get magnesium are whole grains, broccoli, legumes, squash, spinach, peanuts, soymilk, almonds, cashews, black beans, oatmeal, kidney beans, avocado, brown rice, banana, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds.


Omega-3 fatty acids
The Omega-3 fatty acids are considered as essential fatty acids (DHA, EPA and ALA) which help in building cells, regulating the nervous system, strengthening the cardiovascular system, building immunity and helping the body to absorb nutrients.

These essential fatty acids reduces the risks of becoming obese and also improve the ability of the body to respond to insulin. Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acids can help in preventing cancer cell growth.
Some of the best sources this nutrient are flaxseeds, sardines, beef, walnuts, salmon, soybeans, halibut, canola oil, linseed, scallops, shrimp, tofu and olive oil.

Calcium
The calcium mineral plays a very key role in maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. The mineral also promotes a healthy muscle and nerve functioning, helps in maintaining the pH balance in the blood and also helps the body in converting food into energy. Studies have shown that adequate intake of calcium also controls weight and lowers blood pressure.

Some calcium-rich foods are cheese, milk, yogurt, tofu, black molasses, collard greens, spinach, sesame seeds, sardines, turnip greens and the scallops.

Top 10 Natural Ways To Heal Your Digestion

The digestive system plays a huge role in the body and when it is not in perfect shape, it can really affect your overall health. Some of the digestive defects include the IBS, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, constipation, bloating, heartburn, weight gain, exhaustion, diarrhea, and many more. Basically, there are a lot of defects of the digestive system. If these symptoms are not attended to, they can cause severe health conditions. Here is a look at the top 10 natural ways to heal your digestion;

1. Eat real food
The first thing you will want to ensure is that you are eating real food. Basically, digestion starts in the mouth. For that reason, you will want to choose your food wisely. Avoid going for the processed and the fast foods. These are some of the common enemies of your digestive system and for that, you will want to keep them off your mouth. The processed foods will contain processed oils, refined sugar and salt. You should choose the whole foods that have a good nutritional value. Such foods like whole-meal bread, fresh fruits and vegetables.

2. Chew your food completely
One common thing that cause the digestion defects is the improper processing and grinding of the food. When you chew the food well, then the digestive system will have an easier time all along. Avoid swallowing unchewed foods, especially those that are tough.

3. Eat cultured and fermented foods
The fermented foods will have good levels of good bacteria and for that, they will help to regenerate flora in your gut. If you can include as much fermented and cultured food in your diet, it will be better. You can consider some fermented vegetables, kefir, Kombucha, or Kimchi. In case you are suffering from a severe gut disorder, you will want to gradually include the fermented food in your diet.

4. Hydrate your body
Water is very vital in the body. In most cases, a lot of people will have gut disorders due to lack of enough water. This is common with constipation. To solve this, you will want to boost your water intake. You can try drinking at least a glass of water, with a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Alternatively, ensure you take about 5 to 8 glasses of water throughout the day.

Herbal tea can also be a great drink to hydrate you. The herbal tea can contain peppermint, fennel, fenugreek and ginger. These ingredients are known for supporting the properties of the digestive system.

5. Consider your liver
Another way to heal your digestive system naturally is by helping your liver to work effectively and efficiently. If the digestive system is able to handle the digestion perfectly, you can boost it by consuming some foods that are good for your liver. Some of the foods that will support your liver include fresh juices, soup with leafy greens, beet-root and carrots.

6. Work on your stress
Did you know that stress can also affect your digestion? Basically, it will not only inflict your mind but your gut as well. You can try different ways of managing your stress. You can engage in some activities that will help you relax accordingly. Also, you can try out some activities like yoga, breathing, meditation, naps, and walking. These can help you get over your stress.

7. Add more glutamine in your diet
Generally, Glutamine is considered as s vital nutrient in the body. It helps to support the regeneration and repair of the lining of the intestine. It also helps to soothe the inflammation in the body. There are some organic food supplements that can provide you with natural glutamine. You can also find it in such foods like dairy products, spinach, beans, fish, meat, eggs, fresh vegetable juices and parsley.

8. Detox your body
You might also want to detox your body and get rid of the dirt that ruin your digestive health. You can have aloe vera juice to wash out your digestive system. When detoxifying, you will want to change your diet.

9. Understand your body
You will also want to listen to your body. Rather than going with the food trends and other dieting dogma, you will want to understand your body. This will help you know what works well for you and what will ruin your health.

10. Get probiotics
Having a good supply of probiotics can help you provide your body with good bacteria. This will help improve your overall health and the digestive health. The probiotics can be obtained from the dietary supplements, but be keen to choose the right probiotics.