Community Wellness

Halal Certification for Food Definition of Halal Certification:        Halal certification is the formal acknowledgment by a credible organization that a food product, including its ingredients and the entire production process, complies with Islamic dietary laws. It serves as a trustworthy indication for Muslims, ensuring that the products are permissible for consumption under Islamic law. Importance of Halal Certification:        Halal certification instills confidence in consumers, especially in non-Muslim regions where identifying Halal food can be challenging. Businesses benefit by tapping into the vast and growing Muslim consumer market globally, creating new opportunities. Providers of Halal Certification:        Numerous global organizations and agencies offer Halal certification services. These entities conduct meticulous audits, examining the entire food production cycle, from raw material sourcing to preparatio...

  “Halal” for Muslim Consumers As the Muslim consumer market expands, comprehension of terms associated with services, needs, and practices becomes crucial. Among these, the term "Halal," with profound importance in the Islamic faith, stands out. Understanding its meaning and implications aids stakeholders in navigating this consumer segment effectively. Exploring the Meaning of Halal Halal" in Arabic signifies permissibility or acceptability. In the Islamic context, it denotes actions and behaviors deemed permissible according to Islamic teachings. Conversely, "Haram" signifies actions or behaviors forbidden within Islam. Halal Food Halal food, permissible under Islamic law as defined in the Quran, adheres to Islamic dietary laws. All food and beverages are considered Halal unless explicitly deemed forbidden. These laws, rooted in the Quran, guide Muslims globally in adhering to dietary requirements.   Quran Says (a translation)   ·    ...

  Halal in Islam: A Brief Overview Halal, a vital concept in Islam, encompasses acts and objects sanctioned by Islamic law, particularly in dietary restrictions. Its counterpart, haram, signifies actions or items explicitly prohibited by the Quran and the Hadith, the sayings of Muhammad. The roots of these concepts lie in pre-Islamic Arabic, where Halāl denoted cleanliness, and haram referred to proscribed, often sacred, spaces. Origins and Development of Halal and Haram In the era of Muhammad, the Meccans and Medinans were exposed to diverse religious norms, including those of Jews and Christians. The Quran, in Al-Anaam, acknowledges parallels with Judaic dietary laws while delineating its own less stringent prohibitions. Say [Muhammad]: “In what has been revealed to me, I have not found anything prohibited in terms of food, other than carrion, flowing blood, or the flesh of swine—which is impure—or [food] offered to anything other than God…Your Lord is Forgiving and Mercifu...

     Food trends 2024     Food trends 2024 will be based on cultural, social, and generational factors. Trends are part of modern food culture and these 2024 food trends will influence ingredients on shelves of grocery store shelves and restaurant menus. Trends arise in response to socio-cultural changes, economic development, regional climate, religion, and trends found in popular culture   well as ongoing developments in food science and technology. Overall food trends in 2024 1. Plant-Based and Flexitarian Diets: A growing number of people, across different age groups, have been showing interest in plant-based and flexitarian diets. This trend includes the consumption of more plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and meat substitutes. 2. Functional and Health-Boosting Foods: Consumers of all ages have been seeking out foods that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. This includes foods rich in antioxidants, probiotics,...

  Stevia: Stevia also known as Stevia rebaudiana , is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the stevia plant. It is used as a sugar substitute due to its intense sweetness without adding calories or carbohydrates. Here are some common uses of stevia: Sweetening Beverages:  Stevia can be used to sweeten a variety of beverages, including coffee, tea, herbal infusions, and smoothies. It dissolves well in liquids and provides sweetness without the added sugars. Baking and Cooking: Stevia can be used in baking recipes to replace sugar. However, because it is much sweeter than sugar, only a small amount is needed. Baked goods made with stevia may have a slightly different texture and taste compared to those made with sugar. Desserts:   Stevia can be used to sweeten desserts like puddings, yogurt, and fruit salads. It works well when mixed with other ingredients to create a balanced sweetness. Sauces and Dressings:   Stevia can be...

Panjeeri: Panjeeri is a traditional South Asian food made from a combination of whole wheat flour, ghee (clarified butter), nuts, seeds, and sugar. It is often consumed for its supposed health benefits, particularly for postpartum women. While Panjeeri is believed to have certain nutritional advantages, it's essential to consider its use after delivery in a balanced and informed manner. Nutrient Boost:   Panjeeri is rich in essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, healthy fats from ghee, protein from nuts and seeds, and fiber from whole wheat flour. These nutrients can help provide energy and support postpartum recovery. Iron and Calcium:   Ingredients like nuts and seeds in Panjeeri can contribute to increased iron and calcium intake, which are important for replenishing nutrient stores after childbirth. Lactation Support:   Certain ingredients in Panjeeri, such as fenugreek seeds, are believed to support lactation and milk production in b...