Recently in Cuisine Category

In a recent article by Scientific American High Fructose corn syrup has been discovered to impair memory. The substance which is in many foods that are processed today is touted widely by corn growers and supporters as perfectly safe, and many ad campaigns in the US have also pointed to the very safe nature of the substance, which of course is dubious, especially when many of the products paired with High Fructose corn syrup also contain carcinogens and preservatives, which really should not be on the market is the FDA had an sense. It is becoming more and more advisable to avoid corn syrup whenever possible and opt out for the healthier choices. Finding products made from real cane sugar really makes sense, although the taste takes a little bit of time to adjust to.

In a related article from Science Daily caffeine has been discovered to reverse effects of memory impairment, and the equivalent of 5 cups a day has been found to help significantly with this impairment, which would mean a very effective treatment for people suffering from Alzheimer's disease. In incredibly interesting thing to think about, which of course makes me even more fond of my morning coffee. Although it does make me wonder what the effects of soda are on the memory overall, does the caffeine and fructose boost help or hinder?

A really nice spoof of the High Fructose Corn Syrup Commercial 

My friend from Brazil a bit of a cook told me one day he was eating fish, to which I replied, "I hate fish!"or something to that tune. He told me though that the fish he was eating was seasoned with coffee and didn't taste anything like fish. A particularly odd little recipe, which is well worth a try I suppose, for the lack of fish and the presence of coffee.

My prayers and feeling go out to my dear from in Brasil who gave this to me, as he is dealing with several very difficult problems in his family. I wish him all the best, as I do for all the new friends I have encountered over the summer.

You can find the recipe at Globominas called Peixe ao molho de café.

So when you're studying for the upcoming exam which is presently looming as the start of fall semesters near, or perhaps already begun you ask yourself, "Am I eating right?" A question I often know that the answer to in despite my best efforts and lack of will power the answer is a very definite No. So here today I'm going to suggest a few brain foods either to enhance your learning experience or strengthen your intellect.

1. Açai. Yes, it's been recommended time and again by just about everyone for its antioxidantpowers and ability to keep you looking like a 20 year old for the rest of your life. In addition, it also helps to keep brain membranes supple, smooth, and ready in envelop whatever comes at it. I´m taking this from what I remember from the website I read this morning about how great Açai is, and I'll spare you the link, because I'm not the best at product promotion. Anyhow, as I described in previous entires Açai pulp tastes great with fruit. you can buy some Açai powder or Açai juice over at amazon.com or a local health food store in your area.
   
   
2. Goji Berries. This Chinese berry is rumored to have kept people alive for 300 years, or at least according to myth. I bought two big bags of these berries about a year ago, and
   I absolutely hate them. They are difficult to chew in a dried form are bitter and get stuck in your teeth. they go better in a smoothie type of mix, and would be better if they were chocolate covered. the seeds are absolutely horrendous and never stop coming at you, but again this little treat has enough antioxidants to be the pride and joy of anyone advocating yet another way to stay young and smart for ever.
   
   
3. According to the Learn a Language blog Lion's Mane Mushrooms are also a great supplement to your brain healthy adventures. It looks a bit like a shaggy dog and nothing worth eating in my book, but perhaps for the more experienced eater it would make a nice treat for a more adventurous person within to try something new. The blogger who tried it said he didn't notice many real effects from the mushroom, but who knows. There are apparently quite a great deal of beneficial fungus compounds out there. Sample with caution.
   
   
4. Omega acids. These Omega fatty acids have been linked to beneficial brain function, people who are deficient in Omega acids may have developed dyslexia or have learning troubles as a result of the deficiency. You can find this little compound in a handy supplement at the store (I recommend a no burp brand, as you may end up with quite a bad taste if you don't.). You can also find this supplement in eggs, some butter, fish, and a wide variety of other healthy foods for your body. I listed Açai up top as a great antioxidant. Açai also helps the body uptake more Omega acids enhancing brain function even more.
   
   
5. Cut back on the soda, but don't deprive yourself of coffee. Good coffee the real stuff has a lot of benefits in it for you. Recently, in a New Scientist article I'm not going to link to it was found that coffee drinkers lived longer and had better heart health. And sure enough coffee beans have all the antioxidants you'll ever need to live to be 300. Of course, you probably already were going to sip some coffee before I told you that.
   
   
6. If you want some snacks I recommend Raisins, M&M's with Almonds or Peanuts, and some good whole grains somewhere to top it all off.
   

Okay, so you get up in the morning, you've just had a late night surfing the web chatting with all your South American buddies, and then you have to get up at half past 5am. Any typical American is in for a nice morning brew of some really good coffee.

I don´t think I´m really included in the conglomerate of morning coffee lovers out there, but I really do enjoy a sweet taste of my favorite stimulant known as caffeine. I prefer sweet as opposed to bitter, which is why I generally get something blended, or with a lot of sugar added.

One of my world wonderments is the South American drink known as mate. It is a coffee/tea like drink that looks really stylish. Yes, food that looks stylish. The mate gourds are incredibly sweet looking, and the metal straws are even more drawing. I´ve never tried the drink myself, but the custom looks really sociable and like a lot of great fun. Although I will admit that I would probably not be much of a fan of the taste of the drink, without a bunch of sugar, I can say that I though it would be really fun to try.

You can read more about the Mate drink at Wikipedia(Credit for photo). In case you didn't notice I've added a cuisine category, as it seems there are several entries that feature different cuisine from South America. Enjoy your coffee!

After the fact I decided to add another photo of Mate that my friend from Argentina sent me, and that consequently inspired this blog in the first place. 

The long awaited new entry for this week...

Last week in conversation between an America, Dominican, Argentinian, and a Brazilian the topic of Alfajores arose. What are Alfajores you may ask? Well, a cookie with dolce de leite sticking two tasty cookies together. The treats looks really interesting. Comparable to some Hostess products, but certainly much more appetizing. The Alfajore originates from Argentina and is enjoyed throughout South America.


With some great luck I happened upon a student exhibiting the cookie and was able to have a taste of it! It was great! However, not the most delicious brand. I am told Havanna Alfajores are the most delectable brand of Alfajores. On the same day, I was also fortunate enough to try the Brazilian Açai berry in a breakfast like combination with strawberries, bananas, nuts, and some honey to top it all off. It was a really great treat to have! Açai is usually very expensive in the U.S. and I have not previously tried it, its flavor is mellow if not entirely neutral, and lacking the acidity that most berries carry.

With any luck I will get one more blog in this week. My apologies as my work schedule has changed, and allows for a little less blog time.