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Jun 18, 2012

Top 10 Most Nutritious Pizza Toppings|Food Tips

The word pizza is actually a Latin verb, which means to press, but its pronunciation is in Italian form. Nonetheless, this word is actually of Greek origin. It is also spelled as pita in byzantine Greek, which means pie. Although it is originally created in Greece but it has been apparently considered as one of the most favorite food in the world, aside from pasta, burger, rice, and potato, which are all numbered as major staple foods. It is part of the cuisine in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern part of Asia, although this term was first used in South Italy, specifically in the town of Gaeta around 997 A.D. The typical pizza is composed of specific types of bread, along with its main and original toppings such as tomato and cheese. For the past centuries, there were improvements on the tastes and presentation of pizzas in the market, which are results of innovation. However, it is named as one of the unhealthiest foods that should be avoided that contains high levels of carbohydrates and other sordid toppings. Nonetheless, there are various pizza parlors that actually serve nutritious and healthy pizzas because of its healthy toppings that would not stop your cravings while keeping you healthy and fit.

1. Onions

Onion is one of the most powerful toppings that can be found in any of the meals that we prepare at home. It is known for its strong flavor that actually fights in lowering blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, since it contains Vitamin C, fiber, and chromium that also fights cancer and other diseases

2. Black Olives

It’s up to you if you want to consider it or not, but being part of this top 10 most nutritious pizza toppings will actually give a strong affirmation that it’s indeed healthy, despite of the strong taste that it gives. You just have to put some of it in minimal quantity if you don’t like the taste. It contains healthy non-saturated fat and with no cholesterol at all. It also fights heart diseases and also contains flavanoids and polyphenols

3. Bell Pepper Slices

It’s up to you if you want the green one or the red one, although the red bell pepper is much healthier compared to green bell pepper. They are packed with Vitamin A, C, B6, and antioxidants. It does not only add color to your pizza, but it also adds crunchiness to the overall taste.

4. Garlic

You rarely see pizza parlors putting garlic on your favorite pizza. But there are some that places that offer it. It could be in a form of sauce by mixing chopped garlic in olive oil that could be spread on the pie, if you plan to make your own pizza at home. Garlic is the number one prescription to all patients who are experiencing increase in blood pressure. It is actually a member of the heart healthy fat family that is commonly found in olive oil. You may also roast pieces of garlic and it could add crisp, sweetness, and flavor to your pizza

5. Raw/Cooked Spinach

This is not just Popeye’s source of muscle power, but it is also one of the secret healthy toppings for pizza. It contains antioxidants, iron, zeaxanthin, and lutein, which are good against macular degeneration and excellent for healthy eyes. In fact, it does not matter if you would put it raw or cooked on your pizza. It actually complements well with your favorite non-fat cheese and tomatoes. It also contains Vitamin K and other 13 kinds of flavonoids that also fight cancer

6. Pineapple

If you have pineapple bits or slices on your pizza, then you don’t have to worry if you are going to take in so much pizza into your body. Based on healthy facts about pineapple, it contains an enzyme known as bromelain, which is good for the digestion process. It actually breaks down all saturated and unsaturated fat in the body, ensuring that it will not be converted to unhealthy fats. It has Vitamin C and it is also good in relieving muscle pain and it is recommended as an anti-inflammatory aid.

7. Mushroom

It is also one of the common toppings that can be found in any pizza flavors. It is considered part of the top 10 most nutritious pizza toppings, which is packed with nutrients, riboflavin, selenium, and Vitamin B. It provides a defense against the formation of cancer cells

8. Skinless Cooked Chicken

If you are really conscious when it comes to meat, then skinless cooked chicken is preferred, although you could also have a choice of lean ham rather than the typical ham, which is one of the common toppings for pizza. This is recommended, especially if you would just prepare your own pizza at home. Whole chicken meat is healthy already, but its skin contains a high level of cholesterol, which can be comparable to any red meat

9. Tomatoes

Aside from the good effects that it can give to our skin, it is one of the original toppings that cannot be replaced by any other selection. It is always partnered with other toppings. Aside from the juiciness and sweetness that it gives, it also contains low percentage of calories. It contains vitamin C which is good for the body and lycopene that fights certain cancers. You could actually read in many valuable sources, whether in books or online content, about the healthy benefits that tomatoes give to our body

10. Non-Fat Cheese

The full-fat cheese products is the main topping for all pizzas, especially to all fast food pizza that typically load their pie with cheese to make it flavorful and umami tasty. Based on studies, cheese contains high level of calories. Based on the average record, it’s about 100 calories per ounce, while its fat ranges from 6% to 9%. In fact, it is the main culprit for triggered increase in blood pressure that might result to heart attack and stroke. Nonetheless, there are pizza parlors these days that are now using non-fat cheese, instead of the typical tasty cheesy toppings. The result is still the same without thinking that you can’t eat too much of the cheese on your pie

May 24, 2012

10 Tips to Help You Look Younger|Health

If you want to have a quality life when you are in your 60s 70s, no other thing can help you out but yourself. Having a sound mind, body and spirit are the only things that can make you look vibrant and a sharp mind even when you are getting old. Keeping your brain in a perfect order, exercising properly for a sound body can give you a very long and healthy life. Eating proper food that contains essential minerals and vitamins good for your health is also one of the best anti aging tips.
When we are young we always have this feeling in us that we are the ones, and all the really good things do not actually appear good to us, but as it is said that when you get older you become wiser. Well along with all the experiences that we have in our lives we have to follow some tips that can still make us look younger and healthier. Other than the exercising, keeping the brain busy and so many other things we must also be update with the makeup trends that makes us look pretty even in our old age.
So, here I have this post about some tips to look younger that actually do work for you when your age starts drying and thinning

look-younger

1. A perfect Primer and liquid foundation helps immensely in filling up your wrinkles and makes them less visible. Firstly use the primer to fill the small wrinkles and then do not apply a thick layer of foundation as it breaks and cracks appear on your skin but use moisturizer and a light liquid foundation to add a skin plumping effect in you.

2. Make your eyes look pretty and do not go for the overly done clown eyes. As you know that your eye sight might a little weak so use a good magnifying mirror to do the eye makeup and enhance the shape of your eye. The usage of eye liner is very much important and use mascara to give the illusion of thick eye lashes. Use sophisticated and light eye shade with a little shimmer that gives you a vibrant look.

3. While applying the foundation don’t forget to put that on your lips too as you would love to have lips that do not have a bleeding lip color but using a foundation or moisturizer plumps up your lips, use a lip pencil to make the shape of your lips and then fill in with it, after that use the lipstick brush to apply the lipstick.

4. Reduce dark circles and rejuvenate the tired eyes by getting proper rest and reduces eye puffiness. If you have dark circles then it may be because of too much pigmentation so use creams that are rich in vitamin c plus you can also use cucumber for your eyes as it has a very soothing effect on them.

5. Sunglasses are not only a great fashion but it also makes you look younger and stylish. It is among the ways in which you can keep your eyes safe from sun damage but also saves you from getting more wrinkles on your skin.

6. Hairs trimming are very much important, as with the passage of time your hairs start falling down then get a proper hair cut and maintain your hairs. A hairdo must be in such a way that it adds volume to your hairs and style them in a sophisticated manner. You know you will be having grey hairs soon, so do not fret about the grey hairs.

7. Exfoliation is a very good tip for keeping your skin fresh, scrub your face and body regularly to remove the dull skin. Apply this all very gently and do not scrub too hard as it will put rashes on your skin.

8. Bleach your skin every month or two as the aging spots will appear on your skin and hydroquinone is the ingredient necessary for your skin which lightens your skin.

9. Eat healthy food for a sound body, for a glowing skin you can eat salmon as it is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, eat fruits for proper vitamins and minerals plus the most important part i.e. quit smoking.

10. Other tips include teeth whitening, moisturizing your hands properly and softening your heels which are very much important. Similarly while going out use sunscreen thoroughly and see a dermatologist after sometime for more care and safety of your skin.

May 4, 2012

Top 10 Best Thanksgiving Day Dishes|Food

Thanksgiving Day is the most celebrated holiday in the United States every 4^th of November each year. In fact, this is part of the top 6 holidays that American citizens look forward to aside from Christmas Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Memorial Day, and New Year Celebration. Originally, this celebration normally lasts for 3 days and yet it was superseded as years passes by. It is an event that happens after Black Friday. The first celebration took place in the fall of 1621. It was an event where people are feasting where you could see and eat fish, berries, boiled pumpkin, fowl, deer, and plums. Let us see the top dishes that can be seen on each table in the many residences in the United States of America.

10. Ham

This is the best replacement for those who do not like to eat turkey when the time to gather around the table comes to celebrate the day and indeed give thanks. Just a loaf of ham will do to keep the season balanced and enjoyable.

9. Cranberry Sauce

This is one of the staples in American, which has a strong sweet taste. It is actually made of cranberries, which actually serves as a sauce for turkey meat and other dishes, which is best served as a dipping sauce. It can also be applied on biscuits and breads.

8. Green Bean Casserole

Thanksgiving Day is not complete without this 1950’s dish, which is a mix of canned cream of mushrooms, fried onions, and green beans. This is one of the healthiest ways to celebrate the day without succumbing too much on the meat of turkey.

7. Potato Salad

This is one of the common dishes found in most holiday celebrations in the United States. It is a combination of potato and mayonnaise.

6. Macaroni and Cheese

It is commonly called as Mac ‘n’ cheese. This is made of authentic macaroni pasta, with creamy butter, creamy sauce, and cheese.

5. Sweet Potatoes

Thanksgiving is not complete without the sweet potatoes served on the table of American citizens. It is called as yams where it has a mix of marshmallows and candies.

4. The Classic Stuffing

Stuffing is an ordinary and classic way of achieving crumbly, heavy, and slightly dry being placed on the heavy bread. It could be spices, vegetables, and eggs. It could also serve as a side dish or can be stuffed in the turkey itself. It perfectly combines for a healthy and savory meal.

3. Mashed Potatoes

Another dish made of potatoes, which would make any thanksgiving dinner complete by following the simple recipe that has a main ingredient of potatoes, which are being mixed with vegetable oil, milk, butter, cream, and garlic. Of course, the tasty gravy would cover the mashed potatoes that can be used too to dip the turkey meat.

2. Pumpkin Pie

This is the favorite dessert to complete the thanksgiving feasting, which is made of baked pumpkin custard, which is actually formed out of corn syrup and pecan nuts that would be spread over to a pie shell. It is up to you if you would like this pumpkin or an alternative called pecan.

1. Turkey

It does not matter how you would want to cook it, but there are two popular and favorite dishes out of this turkey, which is the primary meal that you can see in each house of the American people in the United States. In fact, without turkey, Thanksgiving Day is not complete. It could be deep-fried, roasted, and the favorite Turducken, which is a turkey stuffed with duck and chicken. Have you ever tried it? Start including it on your lists of meals this coming Thanksgiving Day.

Apr 23, 2012

Top 10 Morning and Evening Yoga|Health

Rolling Vinyasa (Part 1)

This strengthens the shoulders, triceps, back, and core, building stamina and boosting confidence and endurance. Start on your hands and knees with your hands under your shoulders and your knees under your hips, then tuck your toes under and straighten your legs to come into Downward Facing Dog.

Rolling Vinyasa (Part 2)

From here, start to round the spine beginning at the tailbone. Tuck the chin and roll forward until your shoulders are over your hands (imagine a wave starting at the base of your spine and rippling toward your head).

Rolling Vinyasa (Part 3)

Bend your elbows (keeping them tucked close to the body) and then lower your shoulders and arch your back into Upward Facing Dog. Now reverse the body roll. Starting with the base of your neck, round the back, as if you're pressing the spine against the ceiling. Roll back with a rounded spine, easing slowly into Downward Facing Dog. Do this exercise 3 to 5 times.

Floating Frog, Fighting Frog (Part 1)

This exercise strengthens core and shoulder muscles. It also heightens yang energy, so that you can confront fear, take risks, and move forward. Plus, it improves balance and agility, confidence, assertiveness, and teaches you to get up off the ground and go. Start in Downward Facing Dog. Bend your knees deeply, look between your hands, engage your abs.

Floating Frog, Fighting Frog (Part 2)

Then jump your feet to the outside of your hands into Frog pose.

Floating Frog, Fighting Frog

From there, pop up into a fighting stance -- arms and fists up, feet spread wide, knees bent, left foot in front of the right, as if you're hopping up onto a surfboard. Repeat this exercise 5 times.

Fighting Buddha (Part 1)

This exercise moves you through three states of being -- at peace, defending, and attacking -- without losing your center. Start with a wide, squatting straddle stance, with your toes pointed out and knees bent, hands in praye

Fighting Buddha (Part 2)

Shift your weight to the left, straightening the right leg and bending the right arm, drawing the left arm over your head.

Fighting Buddha (Part 3)

Then reverse, shifting your weight over your right knee, chambering the left arm and punching the right fist forward. Return to the starting position. Repeat 3 times.

This exercise helps maintain the natural curvature of the lower spine, which is often flattened by long periods of sitting; stretches the front of the spine and softens any tightness around the heart, which can feed imbalance; creates more space in the lungs, increasing your ability to receive breath, which also helps alleviate depression. Lie on your belly with elbows under shoulders. Look straight ahead. Hold for 3 minutes.

Sphinx Pose

Reclined Twist

This exercise settles the emotional body, creating a sense of calm, while toning and massaging the abdominal organs; opens the outer hips and lower back; aids digestion, elimination, and detoxification, helping restore your body's natural balance. Lie on your back with feet on the floor and knees bent. Cross left knee over the right and drop knees to the right, twisting the torso, keeping as much of your upper back as possible on the ground. If your knees don't come to the floor, place a blanket under them. Left arm stretches out straight along the floor; right hand rests over the torso. Look to the left. Stay 2 to 3 minutes twisted to each side.

Wide Child's Pose

This exercise relieves tension in the hips and lower back; draws attention inward; brings you in touch with your contemplative side; quiets the mind and calms the emotional body. Sit on your shins with your knees bent. Open your knees as wide as they will go (place a blanket underneath your shins if you need more cushioning). Fold forward and rest your head on your stacked palms -- with your arms bent and elbows out to the side. If you have a tight lower back and need more height, rest your forehead on a folded blanket. Stay 3 minutes.

Savasana

This exercise allows the body to rest and absorb the effects of the session; promotes relaxation, clarity, and calm. Lie on your back with a rolled-up blanket under your knees. Keep your legs separated. Let your arms rest about 6 inches from your body with your palms facing up. Close your eyes and feel your breath gently rise and fall on its own. Let your body sink slowly into the floor as your thoughts grow quiet. Stay in this position for at least 5 minutes, or longer if you like.

Baked potato triggers positive memories!|Health

potato

The smell of a baked potato can actually make us feel happier, scientists say.

LONDON: The smell of a baked potato can actually make us feel happier, scientists say.

Researchers have discovered that the aromas given off during the cooking process can trigger positive memories in the brain, the Daily Mail reported.

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As part of the study, subjects were presented with a Maris Piper, baked in the oven for an hour 140 degrees, and asked if it inspired any feelings.

Findings revealed the majority of participants were uplifted by comforting childhood memories – including favourite grandparents and meals with the family.

Avinash Kant, who lead the research, said the positive emotions were triggered by what is called the “Maillard Effect”.

He said: “Food aromas and their recognition is a complex brain function which we’ve only recently started to understand.”

Apr 1, 2012

10 Get great abs: Best foods for women|Health

Doing 200 crunches a day is not enough to give you a washboard stomach - you also need to eat the right foods that will burn through stubborn fat and promote muscle growth.

Protein-rich foods play a particularly important role in helping your body to build muscle and stop storing fat, and you should make sure that every meal or snack includes a dose of this magic nutrient while also sticking to a balanced, varied diet.

Here is our list of foods that will give your natural fat burners a turbo-boost and give you tight, toned abs.

Eggs

A veritable protein-powerhouse, eggs make the perfect breakfast or post-workout meal as they stop lean muscle from being broken down, while their high level of vitamin B12 has the opposite effect on fat cells (B vitamins also give you energy, so you'll feel like the Duracell bunny when doing sit-ups).
If you are worried about your cholesterol, you can cut out the egg yolks and still benefit from the high protein content in the whites.

Lean meat

Meats like turkey and beef are full of protein, which makes them adept at building muscle and strengthening the immune system, but you need to make sure you buy as good a quality meat as you can afford (go free-range or organic) and always look for the leanest cuts of beef, such as rump, topside or fillet.

Beef is also full of those fat-destroying B vitamins, which is an added bonus.

Oily fish

Don't be fooled into thinking these delicious fish, which are full of omega-3 fatty acids, will make you put on weight rather then lose it.
They might contain significant levels of fat, but these are indisputably 'healthy' fats that work with the high levels of protein to increase muscle mass and stop your body from storing fat on your waist.
They also protect your immune system, so you can keep exercising without feeling run down or ill. You should aim to eat three portions of oily fish a week.

Nuts

You weren't expecting that, were you? Nuts have a reputation for being eye-wateringly high in fat - but in fact they are another source of 'good' fats and nuts such as almonds and Brazils are the perfect snack to carry around with you.
If you feel hungry during the day, eat a handful of nuts to fight cravings and prevent muscle loss (other snacks such as chocolate, chips and cookies contain dreaded transfats - the worst possible for your waistline).

Olive oil

It goes without saying that you should be cooking with olive oil rather than other unhealthier fats such as butter or vegetable oil. Olive oil actually encourages your body to burn fat and reduces your cholesterol, which means your heart benefits too.

Just one ounce of olive oil contains almost 90 per cent of your daily recommended amount of monounsaturated fat. If you are hard enough, down a shot of olive oil once a day - your stomach will thank you for it.

Beans

Most beans (and we're talking about the likes of kidney, lima, fava and edamame rather than canned baked beans, which can be high in sugar) are full to the brim with protein, as well as dietary fibre (good for your digestive system) and iron.
To get the full benefits - make sure you cook them thoroughly, as this makes it easier for your system to properly break down the proteins essential for keeping your muscles toned and your waistline slim. Legumes, such as lentils, are another great source of protein and vitamins.

Whole grains

Your body still needs carbohydrates (every meal should include a fine balance of protein, carbs and fat) so don't cut them out of your diet altogether.

If you want a flat stomach, then you need to stop eating processed carbohydrates like white bread, pasta and white rice. Instead, swap them for fibre-rich, unprocessed whole grains, including whole grain bread, pasta, rice and cereals to stop your body from storing fat.

Low-fat dairy

As most of you are probably already aware, cheese is the enemy of our waistlines. But it doesn't have to be. You should still eat cheese and other dairy products such as milk and yogurt, but make sure you switch to a low-fat variety.
As well as strengthening bones, low-fat dairy products are thought to help you rip through fat reserves. Research carried out at Purdue University found that those who consumed three cups of low-fat milk a day gained less weight over two years compared to those on low-calcium diets.

Peanut butter

Another reason why protein is so fantastic at burning fat is that the body requires more energy to process it than it does carbs and fat, so you burn more calories in the process. Peanut butter is essentially liquid protein, and it's a top choice for a pre-workout breakfast.

Leafy vegetables

Low in calories and fat (obviously), green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and lettuce are packed with fat-burning fibre as well as an endless list of vitamins and minerals.

Fibre (just like protein) has the added benefit of making you feel full, so they are a great way to bulk up your diet and keep you from craving carbs or sweet snacks - which are the enemy of your stomach.

Mar 28, 2012

15 Most Unusual Korean Dishes|Health & Food

In my recent article, , I explored 10 of the most delicious and satisfying Korean foods. In today’s list, we look at dishes that most of us living outside of Korea find very unusual. Despite this, it is worth trying all of the dishes if you get a chance as they are such unique and tasty aspects of Korea’s amazing culinary heritage.

Budae Jjigae

Army Base Stew

After enduring the second world war, and then the Korean War, the Korean people were left hungry and in need. In order to feed their families, many parents who lived near US army bases took surplus supplies of army goods such as spam and canned frankfurters and added them to a basic kimchi stew. The end result was Army Base Stew. This stew, which can have virtually anything in it – including eggs and ramen noodles – has spread across South Korea and is wildly popular to this day.

Dakbal

Chicken Feet

Chicken feet are probably one of the least unusual entries on this list, considering that most countries with a Chinese restaurant can get Chinese-style chicken feet. The texture of this dish is very unusual to western palettes – it is sinewy and chewy. Once you get past the idea that you are eating feet, this dish is truly delectable and I couldn’t recommend it enough.

Gejang

Raw Crabs

These delightful little crabs are not cooked before consumption; instead they are seasoned with various sauces and eaten raw. Interestingly another raw seafood dish of baby crabs is soft enough that you also eat the shells which are not unlike a slightly harder version of an M&M shell. These are very popular in Korea, and you will see bundles of these crabs tied together in chains at most fish markets.

Haemultang

Live Seafood Soup

While the idea of live seafood soup sounds rather awful, it isn’t as bad as you think. The seafood is all raw when taken to the table, but it is cooked in a very hot soup prior to consumption. The soup contains gochujang (hot pepper paste) and is spicy, sweet and full of flavor from the amazing array of vegetables and herbs that are added (including crown daisies!) This soup is extremely popular in Korea, it is delicious, and it will soon become one of your favorites if you try it.

Tarakjuk

Milk Porridge

It is commonly believed in the west that Asians don’t eat dairy products. In fact, in both China and Japan, small amounts in the form of ice cream and occasionally milk or yoghurt are consumed – though seldom in cooking. Korea, on the other hand, has a long and venerable tradition of cooking with milk. Tarakjuk originated as Royal Cuisine, and milk has been drunk and cooked with in Korea since the fourth century. This undoubtedly reflects Korea’s great love of eating unusual things for their health benefits and not just taste, and it makes them unique in that area of the world.

Dotorimuk

Acorn Jelly

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While acorns are poisonous, the toxins can be removed by cooking. In parts of Korea (especially mountainous regions), acorns grow in huge numbers. During times of hunger in the past, the people living in the mountains discovered that acorn could be cooked and powdered to provide a starch that can be cooked. The result is a jelly with a very subtle and slightly bitter flavor. When seasoned with soy based sauces and vegetables it becomes a truly delicious side dish.

Hongeo

Fermented Skate

Korean’s aren’t the only people to eat fermented fish, but this is definitely one of the strongest smelling you will find in the world. Skate doesn’t urinate like other fish – it passes its uric acid through its skin. When it is fermented, the uric acid breaks down into a compound which smells exactly like ammonia. The smell of this fish is so strong that some people recommend breathing in through your mouth and out through your nose to reduce your exposure to the odor.

Cheonggukjang

“Dead Body Soup”

Dead body soup is so-nicknamed in the west because its odor is so strong and repellant to many. In fact, there is a story (undoubtedly an urban legend) that states that some Korean students living in Germany cooked this soup in their flat, only to have the neighbors call the police fearing that they were keeping a corpse in their home. The soybean paste used for this soup is only briefly fermented (unlike typical soybean paste – pictured above), which means that much of its strong ammonia smell remains. It has largely whole soy beans which stick together with a slimy, gluey substance. But, despite the dreadful description and smell, it is incredibly delicious. Before you think to refuse it on the grounds of its smell, think of how so many of us love to eat blue cheeses, and the strongest of the French soft cheeses like Livarot.

Sundae

Boiled Intestine Sausage

Other than the name, Korean sundae has no relation to western sundaes. Sundae is a cow or pig’s intestine, stuffed like a sausage with various ingredients. They are a type of blood sausage and can be stuffed with seafood to give you a squid sundae (I bet you never thought you would hear that) or a dried pollock sundae. Typically, the dish is boiled or steamed. Sundae is a very popular street food in both South and North Korea, and you should try it if you get the chance

Gopchang

Barbecued Intestines

Gopchang is similar to sundae, except that the intestines (small and large) of a pig are grilled without any stuffing. The texture is very chewy, and while the dish is often served cooked alone, it can also be used as an ingredient in other dishes such as stews. Gopchang really is incredibly delicious and it is usually very fresh, so you can be sure of the best taste. When eating it you often have a dipping sauce along side. Despite what it is, this is something most westerners should not have too much difficulty eating

Dak Dong Jib

Chicken Gizzard

A gizzard is part of an animal’s digestive tract which functions to grind down food. It is made of thick muscular walls. Dak Dong Jib is often wrongly referred to as chicken rectum, but this is not accurate. It is actually a form of sundae and is very common (and popular) in North Korea. Because it is such a heavy dish, it is very popular as a drinking side dish as it helps to absorb alcohol. While it is very common in North Korea, you have to hunt a little harder in South Korea to find it.

Beondegi

Silkworm Larvae

Beondegi is another Korean street food. It comprises steamed or boiled silkworm pupae, which are seasoned. As well as being a popular snack on the streets, Beondegi is often served with alcohol. When you find a vendor selling silkworm pupae, you can be fairly sure that roast crickets are also not too far away. This is one of those dishes that take a little steel to try for the first time, but when you do you can appreciate why it is such a popular snack.

Sannakji

Live Octopus

If you search youtube you can find various video clips of people eating Sannakji. The octopus is taken fresh from the water, quickly gutted and expertly chopped into many pieces. You then eat it while it continues to writhe on the plate in its myriad parts. This is the only dish on the list which also comes with a danger warning: octopodes’ suckers continue to function even when they are chopped up, so they must be chewed very thoroughly. There have been a number of deaths due to eating Sannakji, because the octopus managed to suck on to a person’s throat.

Bosintang

Dog Stew

Canine meat is surprisingly common in many Asian countries, and Korea is no exception, though consumption is much less than average there, with dog meat being the fourth most common meat eaten. A special breed of dog is preferred for consumption, and there is a different word for dogs fit for eating and dogs fit for pets. Many Koreans are opposed to the consumption of dog meat for similar reasons to Westerners, but it is quite legal and most restaurants purchase their meat from trusted dog farms. Bosintang is a stew made with dog meat that is eaten on the three hottest days of the year (sam-bok) in order to keep strength up. The texture and taste is not unlike goat. Generally, you find bosintang at restaurants that specialize in the dish. If you want to read a fascinating article that discusses the ethics and laws around this dish, read “Dog – it’s what’s for dinner“.

Gaebul

Live Spoon Worms

Spoon worms are marine animals, and if you look on youtube for videos of them in a tank of water you will see that they bear an uncanny resemblance to a certain part of the male anatomy that I won’t mention here. When consumed, they are cut into bite sized pieces which continue to move (like sannakji) on the plate. I chose this entry for number one because it is not only unusual for us in the west to eat moving creatures, it is even less usual to eat something we are so completely unfamiliar with that we don’t even recognize it. Despite the somewhat alien appearance of these sea worms, gaebul is meant to be very delicious and certainly safer to eat than the raw octopus if you are a lazy chewer.