Day: July 20, 2014

Feng Shui! Some know-about-it facts!

Wikipedia defines Feng Shui as a Chinese philosophical system of harmonizing the human existence with the surrounding environment. It strikes up a correlation and creates a perfect balance between these elements of nature. The term Feng Shui literally translates into ‘wind-water’ in English. The practice of Feng Shui is one of the Five Arts of Chinese Metaphysics, among Chinese Astrology Bazi (Four Pillars of Destiny), Divination, Mian Xiang (Face reading) and the science of Chinese Medicine. It explains and discusses architecture along the lines of metaphorical terms of “invisible forces” that bind the universe, earth, and man together, known as Qi. This ancient art based on the principles of mathematics, geology, philosophy, psychology, intuition, astronomy and astrology, draws together an ideal mix of aesthetic and moral ideas. It can help you grow physically, morally, intellectually and spiritually in fields of profession/ career, academics, personal life, health etc.

The principles of Feng Shui have existed for millions of years and can be observed in cultural practices of Taosim, Buddhism, Shinto, Confucianism and Vaastu Shastra. As a matter of fact, India and China both lay claim to Feng Shui’s ancestry and origin. Archaeologists have found evidence that date around 5500 years ago to reinforce the presence of Vasstu Shastra (building science). As of present claims, Yangshao (a Neolithic culture that existed extensively along the Yellow River in China) and Hongshan (a Neolithic culture in northeastern China) cultures are said to have evidence of the earliest use of Feng Shui. Astronomy forms the basis of early practices of this ancient art. In 4000 B.C. during the Zhou Era, a constellation called Yingshi (the then Ding) was used to indicate the appropriate time to build a capital city. A grave at Puyang that contains mosaic which actually is a Chinese star map of the Dragon and Tiger asterisms and the Beidou (the Big Dipper) is oriented along a north south axis. The presence of both round and square designs in the Chinese architecture of these times suggest the presence of gaitian cosmography (the belief that Heaven was round and Earth was in the shape of a square) in the Chinese society and its’ influence on ancient Feng Shui.

The organized body of knowledge of Feng Shui was first studied and practiced in the Tang Dynasty in around 888 A.D. Another exemplary application of Feng Shui was seen during the Han Dynasty (206B.C. to 220A.D.) wherein the expansion of this empire incorporated a multitude of geological zones and climates keeping in mind the principles of Feng Shui. The Great Wall of China was built during 771-476 B.C. keeping in mind the ideas of Feng Shui.

One of the most famous Feng Shui masters is Master Yang Yun Sang, who left a legacy of many classical Feng Shui texts. He is said to be the founder of what is called the Landscape school of Feng Shui. In the nineteenth century AD, Yang Yun Sang collated the first ever physical compilation of Feng Shui principles, systematically describing the characteristics of land and water formations which then became the standard text of the Landscape (or Form) School of Feng Shui. His writings suggest the importance of selecting an auspicious site that has the dragon’s energy or the dragon’s breath and hence emphasizes on careful examination of land formations like hills, mountains, valleys and even water formations. This is because the vital energy or Qi (‘Ch’i) contained in specific parts of the Earth was described as finding the Dragon and it lair. The Form school is the oldest school of Feng Shui.

Almost a century later, another school of thought called the Compass school of Feng Shui became popular. Master Wang Chih was the main influence in this school and he developed his teachings during the Song Dynasty (960 A.D.-1279 A.D.). The ideologies of this school of thought are based on the compass directions and the I-Ching trigrams arranged in the octagonal symbol of the Feng Shui energy map (the Bagua, meaning 8 areas). The Yin-Yang theory and the Theory of Five Elements are some of the other theories that were developed under this school of Feng Shui.

The theory of Yin and Yang in Chinese philosophy indicates how opposite or contrary forces are actually relative and complementary to each other. Yin (the Moon; feminine) and Yang (the Sun; masculine) are the two opposing cosmic forces of nature that interact to form a dynamic environment of existence where the assembled model is greater than the individual constituents. Another basic principle of Feng Shui is the Theory of Five Elements viz. Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. These elements interact among themselves through processes what are known as the Productive and Destructive cycles. Colours (derivation of Light) are assigned to each elements and they are said to be identified as the expression of each elements. The colour correspondence of each elements is as follows:

WOOD: Green, Brown

FIRE: Red, Strong Yellow, Orange, Purple, Pink

EARTH: Light Yellow, Sandy/Earthy, Light Brown

METAL: White, Gray

WATER: Blue, Black

Some theories also identify the elements with shapes. The correspondence is as follows:

WOOD: Rectangular

FIRE: Triangular

EARTH: Square

METAL: Round

WATER: Wavy

Some other widely popular concepts of Feng Shui are the Lo-Shou square and the Kua number concept to name some. The Kua number concept was used to determine the most auspicious positions or directions based on the persons’ date of birth. The Lo-Shou square is an ancient theoretical and conceptual tool applied by Feng Shui practitioners till date. The square so mentioned is a 3×3 symmetric square with numbers 1-9 written in the unit squares as shown in the diagram below. Among various stories of the origin of this tool, also called the Magic Square, one of them is the most popular. It is said that Emperor Yu was walking along the river Lo, thus lending it the name. Lo Shou Square literally translates into the Scroll of River Lo. This legend dates back to 650 B.C., when the great floods had hit China.A turtle that emerged from the river had an unusual 3 x 3 pattern on its shell. This thus became the core idea of the Lo Shu Square, a mathematical grid where the sum of numbers from each row, column or diagonal is the same and equals 15 in any direction. As we see from the pattern of the numbers the even numbers (representing the Yin energies) are at the 4 corners of the square and with 5 in the centre, the odd numbers (the Yang forces) form a cross. Each number has a specific energy correspondence to it, say for instance, the number 9 carries a strong fire influence while 1 is a water-associated number.

This art has thus influenced Asian architecture for millions of years and has now even reached the West. Some basic Feng Shui tips are:

1.)    Declutter!

If you can get rid of even half the unnecessary stuff in your home and office, it eases the flow of energy in the premises. This is the first step that should compulsorily be followed.

2.)    Avoid working with your back facing a door.

If your desk is positioned in a way that your back has to be towards a door, or if there is no way to alter the position, put a mirror above your desk or a reflective surface on your desk that enables you to see the door in the reflection. This fills the work or study atmosphere with positivity and moral strength and security. Also, it lets you concentrate better.

3.)    Flora Cure!

Plants symbolize culture, growth, freshness and life besides performing an excellent role in air purification. They also beautify the place. No harm in letting the plants grow where you stay. They always do you good!

4.)    Keep the Toilet Seat covered!

The Feng Shui perspective says that a toilet seat is a drain and it lets the good energy in your homes flow away through it. So, keep it covered. There is nothing appealing about an exposed toilet seat!

5.)    Fix what’s broken!

Broken things should not be kept at home or in the office as they would neither serve their purpose nor look good. So, try repairing them or if they are beyond repair, I’d suggest discarding them off and getting them replaced.

July 20, 2014
Maple Syrup: Is It Healthy or Unhealthy for your Body?

Maple syrup is one of the widely used sweeteners today. The manufacturers claim that it is 100 % natural and is in fact far healthier than the regular sugar that we use. They also claim that maple syrup is also better in terms of the nutrition provided to the human body. Believing these claims, people have started to use it in their day to day life without even making any efforts in authenticating if the claims made are genuine or not. Maple syrup is actually manufactured using the sap of the maple trees. These saps are actually sugary fluid which comes out of the maple trees. Its use has been mentioned in various history books making it one of the food items consumed for many centuries now. Currently Canada is the country which produces almost 80 % of the total maple syrup used in the whole world.

There is a two-step process involved in the manufacturing of the maple syrup. Firstly a hole is made in the trunk of the maple tree and the sugary fluid circulating is collected in these holes. Then the next step involves the process in which this syrup is boiled till the water present in it evaporates and sugary syrup which is thick in nature is left behind. Then with the help of the filtration, the impurities present in them are removed. Now depending upon the color of the final syrup obtained, the maple syrup is then classified into Grade A and Grade B. In the Grand A variety, we further have the Light, Medium and Dark Amber category. The Grade B category maple syrup is the darkest syrup obtained and so they have the strongest flavor. This is the reason they are generally used for baking while the Grade A category ones are directly used as the syrup. The darker maple syrup or the Grade B maple syrup is generally manufactured using the sap obtained in the harvesting seasons. It is very important to have prior knowledge before buying the maple syrups from the market. You should select the actual maple syrup and not the flavored maple syrups as they offer more health benefits. Moreover the flavored maple syrup is loaded with the fructose corn syrup or the refined sugar which not only affects your health but also invites various diseases towards your body.

The reason why maple syrup is preferred over the refined sugar is the presence of many essential nutrients, minerals and antioxidants. A fresh and pure 100 grams of maple syrup contains the following minerals. Potassium: 6% of RDA, Zinc: 28% of RDA, Calcium: 7% of RDA, Iron: 7% of RDA and Manganese: 165% of RDA. Further the 100 grams of pure maple syrup also has 67 grams of table sugar. This high percentage of the sugar is not at all appropriate as they can lead you to type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart related diseases. If you go for the maple syrup considering that it has good amount of minerals in it and ignore the sugar content, then it is not a wise step and you need to think again on your decisions. The only other healthy way by which you can get the right quantity of minerals is by eating the real foods as they are not adulterated and are perfectly natural. Choose a balanced diet of both the plants and animals and you will surely be protected against the diseases.

But if you are anyway going to eat the artificial sweeteners then maple syrup is the best option in front of you as they have about 1/3^rd sugar content compared to the refined sugars available these days. Another good thing about the maple syrup is that its glycemic index is 54 which is less than the table sugar and is a good sign. The table sugar has the glycemic index of 65. This low level of glycemic index helps in maintaining the blood sugar level inside the human body. The less the glycemic index, the better it is for your health. Another advantage of using the maple syrup is the presence of the 24 different varieties of the antioxidants. Yes, this is absolutely right. They have 24 varieties of antioxidants. The oxidative damage inside the human body makes it prone to the diseases and also fastens the process of aging. Actually there are some of the unwanted chemical reactions which happen inside the body involving the free radicals that harms you severely and these chemical reactions are called by the name of the oxidative damage. The antioxidants present in the maple syrup helps in neutralizing these free radicals which eventually helps in getting rid of these oxidative damages. The darker maple syrups have more percentage of antioxidants in them than the lighter ones and so you should opt for the darker ones.

The final verdict is that although the maple syrup contains the nutrients and essential antioxidants, it also has the high amount of sugar content in it which is not good for your health. You can call maple syrup as slightly better than the actual sugar. So its use should be limited so that you stay protected. Do not use it regularly as it may harm your health.

July 20, 2014
Foods for weight loss

Loosing weight is not just about sweating it out for hours in the gym, but also about what you eat. Many people do work out regularly but not see any results because they ignore and do not eat the right food. Having unhealthy or junk food can ruin the hard work you put in the gym for hours. If one wants to lose weight then their diet should also be as close to their normal diet as possible, only then will they be able to stick to it. Otherwise one tends to discontinue the diet and does not follow it regularly. New research points to more than a dozen of foods, from beef to beans, that can help you fight hunger, boost your metabolism and can kick your candy addiction.

BEANS–

Versatile, Inexpensive and filling beans are a great source of protein. They are slow to digest and also high in fiber which means you feel full longer, which may help stop you from eating more. You might have probably never heard of cholecystokinin, but it’s one of your best weight-loss pals. They’re just so tasty and hearty, and you will love that they will make you feel satisfied without feeling sluggish. Plus, you will feel like a health champion when you eat them because they’re chock full of nutrients which includes fiber, protein, slow-burning carbs, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Eating beans results in improved blood sugar control and slashed heart disease risk for patients with type 2 diabetes. One study has found that regular bean eaters have a 22 percent lower risk of obesity and smaller waistlines. There’s also some evidence about beans that they keep blood sugar on an even keel, so you can stave off hunger longer. Also High-fiber beans helps you in reducing your cholesterol.

SALAD-

A salad is a simple, diet darling and one of the best ways to get a load of disease-fighting nutrients in one meal and still keep your calories down. However, a mixed green salad can leave your stomach rumbling not long after you put down your fork but they’re packed with lean protein, fiber-filled toppings and the right amount of heart-healthy fat. Studies have shown that those who ate a big and low-calorie salad consumed 12 percent less pasta afterward, even though they were offered as much as they wanted. The secret behind this is the sheer volume of a salad, which makes you feel too full to pig out.

SOUPS-

Eating too many calories will prevent you from losing weight, so the best soups for weight loss are low in calories. Protein slows down the emptying of food from the stomach so that you stay full for longer after your meal than you would after a meal without much protein. Lean proteins are best way for weight loss. It’s better to avoid rich soups that are laden with cream and instead opt for low calorie and low fat choices such as tomato, vegetable, mushroom, chicken and carrot soups. Opting for soup as a starter when you’re eating out whilst trying to lose weight is also a good idea and it may help you to eat less of the main course and filling you up so you don’t have room for the dessert. Most of the readymade soups contain nutrition information per serving on the packaging so use this to help you make sensible choices and remember to add soup into your daily food diary.

OLIVE OIL-

Researchers have suggested that replacing other types of fats with monounsaturated fat, especially olive oil, helps people lose a moderate amount of weight without restriction of additional food or extra physical activity. Olive oil is a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids which promotes heart health by decreasing cholesterol. It also works to prevent inflammation, cancer and may even play a helpful role in weight loss and diabetes. Its taste is delicious and is full of health, good for your heart fats, and it might even help fight off dangerous belly bugs.

GREEN TEA-

Green tea is known as the healthiest beverage on the planet. It is full of antioxidants and various substances that are beneficial for health. In order to burn fat, it must first be broken down in the fat cell and moved into the bloodstream. The active compounds in green tea can aid in this process by boosting the effects of some fat burning hormones. The end result is that the fat cell breaks down more fat, that is released into the bloodstream and becomes available for using it as energy by cells that need it, like muscle cells. Green tea has repeatedly shown increase the burning of fat which is especially during you exercise. Studies have shown that Green tea selectively boosts the burning of fat, which may lead to reduced body fat in the long term.

July 20, 2014
Culture of Mizoram

Mizoram is one of the north-eastern sate of India.Aizawl is the capital city of Mizoram.The name Mizoram is derived from the words “Mi which means people” , “Zo which means hill” and “Ram which means land”.Thus the name itself conveys that it is a land of hill people.It has three bordering states namely Tripura, Assam and Manipur.The state acts as a border for two countries Bangladesh and Myanmar.According to census 2011 the state had a population of about 10,91,014.It is one of the least populous state in the country.It covers an area of approximately 21,087 square kilometer.Before 1987 it is an integral part of Assam.After 1987 it it formed as a 23rd state in India.In Mizoram most of the people are tribal and many of them belong to Christianity.Most of the people took Christianity during 20th century.It is one of the three states in India that is having majority of the people are Christians.People of Mizoram practice shifting cultivation and the crop yields are poor.In recent years, the jhum farming practices are being replaced with horticulture and bamboo products industry.About 20% of the Mizoram’s population lives below poverty line.

Villagers of Mizoram

Geography:

MIzoram consists number of hills and valleys.Being on the hills and valleys all the villages are located on the hills itself.About 21 hills are present with an average height of 1000 meters above the sea level.The highest peak in Mizoram is Phawngpui Tlang with a height of 7,250 feet.Most of the area is covered by forests and only eight percent is land.The sate is having the highest risk of getting earthquakes compared to other parts of India.

Geography of Mizoram villages

Climate:

Mizoram experiences very low temperatures in any season.During summer the temperature ranges from 20 to 29 °C and in winter temperatures ranges from 7 to 22 °C.In monsoons this region experiences heavy rainfall.The average rainfall in Mizoram is about 254 cm in moist tropical to moist sub-tropical regions.Whereas in the capital city Aizawl it is about 215 cm.It is better for the tourists to visit during November to March.

Most of the time the climate is cool

Ethic groups:

Different types of groups and languages can be seen in Mizoram.As most of the people are tribal, they are known as hill men.Bengali’s who had settled in Mizoram during 16th century are called as Kukis.In Mizoram there are many tribes who are further divided into clans.These clans are again are sub divided into sub-clans.

Ethic groups of Mizoram

Languages:

Mizo is the important language widely used by the local people of Mizoram.Along with that English is used in education and other interactions officially.Duhlian dialect was the first language of Mizoram and later it is known as Mizo.It is a mixture of few other languages.The Christian missionaries resided in Mizoram developed the Mizo script.The Writing of this language is a combination of the Roman script and Hunterian transliteration methodology with prominent traces of a phonetics based spelling system.In Mizo there are 25 alphabets they are A, AW, B, CH, D, E, F, G, NG, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, R, S, T, Ṭ, U, V, Z.In this state Hindi is a compulsory subject for all the students up to eighth standard.Besides Mizo Nepali is also spoken by many of the Nepali immigrants in the state.

Religion:

About 87 % of the population in Mizoram are Christians.Among the population of Mizoram, the largest minority is Buddhists.They are followed by Hindus.Apart from them several thousands of people who have converted to Judaism.Muslims in the state are about 1.1% .The remaining 3,000 people in Mizoram state belongs to Sikhs, Jains and other religions.

Mizoram religion wise population

Industries:

In bringing the advancement to the industries Mizoram faces few difficulties.The main drawback for the industries is lack of proper transport.The other problems that are faced by the state are shortage of electricity, capital, telecommunication and export market access. Mizoram is having two industrial estates and one software technology, that is being established in Mizoram university.The state government has acquired 127 acres of land in Khawnuam for development of the Indo-Myanmar border trade township.

There are two industrial sectors in Mizoram

Educational Infrastructure:

The christian missionaries have established the primary school in Aizawl during the year 1898.The state has higher literacy rates than average literacy rates for India.In India Mizoram is having the second highest literacy rate.There were about 3,894 schools in Mizoram.There were many educational institutions establishment under the umbrella of the Ministry of Education.It also includes universities, colleges and other institutions.In the Mizoram university there are 29 undergraduate departments including 2 professional institutions affiliated with the university.

Mizoram university

Traditional festivals:

The traditional festivals in Mizoram are celebrated around various stages of jhum cultivation.In the local language they are call it as Kut.There were many major and minor Kuts such as Chapchar Kut, Thalfavang Kut, Mimi Kut and Pawl Kut.The Chapchar Kut was the festival of spring.Thalfavang Kut was the festival celebrated after the completion of weeding of the jhum crop fields.Mimi Kut was the festival dedicated to ancestors after first maize crop was collected.Pawl Kut is celebrated at the end of harvest i.e., at the start of new year.Later after the Christianity has spread these festivals have slowly vanished.

Traditional festivals of Mizoram

July 20, 2014
Shake It Up!

Are you tired of having the same old glass of milk every morning? So gives mangoes and bananas a break. And explore different fruits, chocolates and ice-creams to zing up your shake.

They will not only keep you refreshed in this hot season, but the addition of other flavorful ingredients will provide you with extra nutrition.

Gone are the days of vitamin pills, tasty shakes have “ totally shaken up” the nutrition!

An ideal food for health conscious, people on the go, shakes can be a wonderful breakfast, lunch or snack. fast, nutritious, and easy to make, shakes are blended drinks made combination of fruits, vegetables, juice, or other liquids, flavored with a variety of thickenings.

As well as improving the sense of your taste buds, your general well being, shakes made from purely fruits and vegetables can have marked benefits. The following is the list of the benefits associated
with having shakes-

1 Higher energy levels

2 Clearer and glowing skin

3 Relieves stress, cold and depression

4 Certain fruit combinations are known to cure ailments

Shake stands are popping up like anything in the country, but these refreshing drinks are a cinch to make at home. It just takes a minute to whip up a smooth concoction of succulent blackberries, smooth blueberries, chilled grape juice, and a rich vanilla yogurt. Or to savor a juicy mango combined with ambrosial buttermilk, zesty fresh ginger and tart lime juice. Shakes are bursting with tempting suggestions for adventurous mixture of fruits, sorbets, soy milk, yogurt, flavorings, and other deliciously healthful ingredients zinging up with energy.

From berries to nut, here are some quick and fun ideas to instantly jazz up that drink-

Blueberry Bliss –

A. 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

B. 1/2 cup vanilla ice-cream

C. 1/4 cup milk

D. 1 tsp maple syrup

Mix all the ingredients i.e. Blueberries, vanilla ice cream and milk in a blender until smooth. add more milk if necessary, to reach the desired consistency. Served it chilled. Drink and enjoy!

Strawberry Storm –

A. 1/2 liter milk

B. 1 cup fresh strawberries

C. 1 tbsp sugar

D. 1 scoop strawberry ice-cream

E. 5 strawberries for garnish

Chop the strawberries in small pieces. Blend them with sugar in blender. Add milk and blend it until you get a frothy and smooth texture. Serve chilled with a freshly cut strawberries and a scoop of strawberry ice-cream.

Jamun shake –

A. 60 ml Colorado rose honey

B. Unsweetened double cream

C. Pecan nuts

D. 2 tbsp sugar

E. Crushed ice

F. 1 cup jamun, with seeds removed

G. Mascarpone cheese

Make caramel, with sugar and water. Add pecan nuts to it and keep it aside. Mix Colorado rose honey, double cheese, mascarpone cheese ( or any other cream cheese) and seedless jamun, crushed ice in a shaker and blend it. Pour in a tall glass and add some caramelized pecans on top. Serve it chilled.

Choco- whipped shake-

A. 1/2 liter cold milk

B. 2 scoops of chocolate ice- cream

C. 5 tbsp sweetened cocoa powder

D. 2 bars of dark chocolate

E. Crushed ice

F. 4-5 tbsp of whipped cream

Break the chocolate bars into pieces. Blend milk, cocoa powder in a blender for a few seconds. Add chocolate ice cream and crushed ice, and blend it again for a few more seconds. Sprinkle the broken chocolate pieces and add whipped cream on top. Serve it chilled.

Black sesame touille shake –

A. 10 gm lavender

B. 50 gm yogurt

C. 50 gm Philadelphia

D. 5 gm black sesame

E. 20 gm walnut

F. 5 gm basil

G. 50 ml toned milk

H. 20 gm brown sugar

I. A few gold leaves

J. Crushed ice

Strain the yogurt and keep the whey in a bowl. Make sesame touille by roasting sesame seeds in a dry non stick pan, add walnut and basil and make a paste in a blender.

Add yogurt, toned milk and lavender flower. Whip it with sugar and crushed ice. Top the shake with whey, and serve chilled with 24 K gold leaves on top.

Tips for top shakes-

1. Make sure that the shake is chilled/cold when served.

2. Shakes are made for drinking immediately, their nutritional value decreases the longer they are kept or exposed to air. Some fruits and vegetable shakes tend to separate quickly, if kept longer. Make sure not to store the shakes for more than 1 day.

3. Shakes that are too tart, can be sweetened with a little clear honey.

4. If your shake is too thick, add water to make it thin. If it is too thin, add yogurt for extra body to make it thick.

5. Frozen fruits work well for shakes.

6. Make sure that you don’t use too many ingredients in a single shake recipe, as this would mask the original flavor of the drink.

7. Freezed fruits in ice cube trays, and adding the fruit ice cubes to add additional flavor to your

8. Take care when mixing fruit and apple flavors together, some of these mixtures can cause bloating. But exception to this is carrot and apple, which are very good mixtures for shakes in themselves.

July 20, 2014
A Healthy Touch To Summer With Curd

We all want to keep our taste buds happy, and when what we eat scores high on health too – it’s a clear win-win! Curd due to the probiotic activities of the beneficial bacteria it contains, has a good proportion of minerals like calcium and phosphorus, along with proteins and vitamins, highlighting their efficacy as a good probiotic product. Indeed, curd is a wonder food.

Curd is prepared from sour milk. It is known to have better nutritive value than milk. It is formed by fermentation of lactic acid present in milk. The curd is highly esteemed for its refreshing taste and smoothness. People who have strong intolerance towards milk, can easily easily have curd without any further problem.

In ancient India, curd mixed with honey was known as the ‘food of the Gods ‘. Some people explain that curd is known to be the best food for the mankind.

Curd is popularly known as dahi, in north India while in south people have it mixed in with rice. While in kolkata, curd is popularly known as mishti doi.

Some people also consume curd, due to superstitious beliefs. Some people belief that consuming curd mixed with sugar before starting some journey, is auspicious and will ensure safety and good health.

Here are some reasons why you should add curd to your daily diet, ensuring a lot of health benefits-

Curd helps improve digestion– curd is prepared by fermentation of lactic acid by lactobacillus bacteria, which helps improve digestion. The other reason attributed is that curd is easy to digest and helps control the heat produce by spicy food.
Helps boost immunity- curd has the presence of good bacteria, which strengthens the immunity by fighting several microorganisms present in our body. Consuming curd is known to prevent certain infections, especially vaginal yeast infection in women.
Good for bones and teeth– curd is even more nutritive than milk, with presence of calcium and phosphorus, which promotes growth of bones and makes teeth stronger. Curd is also known to control arthritis and osteoporosis.
Curd as a milk substitute- people those who are intolerant towards milk, generally lactose intolerance can safely consume curd and also is easier to digest.
Makes heart healthy– curd is known to keep in control blood pressure and also helps in reducing the blood cholesterol level by preventing thickening of arteries.
Helps control dandruff problems– curd is an extraordinarily best ingredient known to control dandruff, by mixing it with oil and lemon juice and apply it on scalp. Leave it for an hour, and then wash it with water.
Makes a good skincare product– curd is an excellent ingredient for making homemade packs, with addition of curd, gram flour and lemon juice to get an attractive and glowing face.

There are certain additional benefits of curd like, it helps in curing insomnia. It is also believed consuming curd on a regular basis could prevent premature aging. It is also claimed that curd or even yogurt can improve the condition of colon cancer and food poisoning. It can also help in treatment of diarrhea, bowel movement, constipation and gastrointestinal disorders.

Curd is also used in preparation of beverages by adding water and sugar, salt or some spices to it. Curd is also widely used in preparation of srikand, which is a semi dry mass of curd sweetened with sugar. This is done by suspending curd in a muslin bag , it is then sugared and colored.

1. Curd zucchini lime raita –

A. 1 thinly sliced green zucchini

B. 1 thinly sliced yellow zucchini

C. Lime juice

D. 2 tbs olive oil

E. 1 tsp red chilly flakes

F. 1 tsp peppercorns

G. Salt to taste

H. 2 cups Greek yogurt

I. Garlic cloves

J. 2 scallions, thinly sliced

In a medium sized bowl, add sliced zucchini with olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chilly flakes, pepper and salt. Toss them and keep it aside to marinate for a few minutes.

Heat a grilling pan, grease it with the prepared marinade and arrange the zucchini in single layer. Grill the zucchini on both the sides. In another bowl, combine yogurt, salt and pepper. Spoon the yogurt in an even layer on the platter. Layer the grilled zucchini in an alternating pattern as green and yellow over the yogurt, drizzle the remaining marinade over it.

Serve it, garnished with scallions over it.

2. Curd spicy chicken-

A. 1 kg whole chicken

B. Garlic clove

C. Ginger

D. 2 tsp chili powder

E. 16 tbsp curd

F. Salt

G. 2 tsp black pepper

H. Soy sauce

I. 2 tsp coriander powder

J. 2 tsp cumin seeds

K. Coriander leaves

L. Oil

M. 1 big onion, chopped

N. Tomato sauce

Combine tomato sauce, soy sauce, chili powder, garlic, salt, pepper and curd in a bowl and mix well. Marinate the chicken in this mixture and keep aside for 2 hours.

Heat oil in the pan, and add chopped onion, cumin seeds, coriander powder, ginger and garlic and saute. Add in the chicken with little curd, and cook on low flame till the chicken turns tender. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve.

July 20, 2014
Few reasons why you should have lemons in your kitchen!!

Lemon is known as one of the super foods with a myriad cosmetic and health benefits. Lemons are acidic in taste, but they form alkaline in the body. In fact they are one of the most alkaline-forming foods and this quality makes them great for maintaining and balancing a highly acidic condition in the body. Also lemons are a rich source of vitamin C, calcium, potassium, magnesium, minerals and antioxidants which improves the appearance and condition of our skin, hair and nails. There are so many health benefits of lemons which are known for centuries.

Lemons are acidic to begin with but they are alkaline forming substances for the body fluids which helps to restore balance to the body’s pH. The two biggest are lemons strong antiviral, antibacterial and immune boosting capability. They are also used as a weight loss aid because lemon juice is a liver cleanser and digestive aid.

Lemons increase peristalsis in the bowels and helps to create a bowel movement which eliminates the waste and helps with regularity. Squeeze one lemon and add its drop in a container of warm water and drink first thing in the morning.

Boosts your Immune system- Vitamin C plays an important and crucial role for our immune system and lemon juice is a rich source of it. The level of vitamin C in your system is one of the first things to plummet when you’re stressed, this is the reason why experts recommended to consume extra vitamin C during especially stressful days.

Remove blackheads- Lemons antifungal and antibacterial properties make them a natural alternative in order to treat pimple problems such as acne. Simply cut and open a lemon and rub it across your face. Otherwise, you can add a few drops of honey to a lemon half before applying it directly to the area where you have blackheads. You need to wait five to 10 minutes before rinsing off with cold water.

Reduces inflammation- When you drink lemon water on a regular basis, it decreases the acidity in your body, which is where disease states occur. It helps in removing uric acid from your joints, which is one of the main causes of inflammation.

Abandon your anxiety- Studies have shown that lemon balm has a calming effect and therefore it helps in removing fatigue, nervousness, anxiety and tension. It is also believed that inhaling lemon oil helps in increasing alertness and concentration. It can therefore be used as a room freshener in offices to increase the efficiency of the employees. Whenever you feel tense, do not forget to sprinkle a few drops of lemon balm essential oil on a handkerchief to inhale.

Freshens your breath- Lemon also helps in relieving gingivitis and toothaches. Because the citric acid has an ability to erode tooth enamel, you may either hold off on brushing your teeth after drinking lemon water or brush your teeth before drinking it.

Leave the Fever- Fever and cold are due to a variety of causes, but the lemon is always helpful as a medicine. Here is a method which can be used to ease symptoms-add the juice of 1 lemon to a cup of hot water with honey and drink at once, then repeat this after every 2 hours until the fever or cold subsides. It strengthens the liver by providing energy to the liver enzymes when they are dilute.

Liver lover- The lemon is a wonderful stimulant to the liver and is a dissolvent of uric acid and other poisons which liquefies the bile. Fresh lemon juice added to a large glass of water in the morning is a great liver detoxifier.

Cure corns- Lemon poultices when applied overnight are a good home remedy for calluses and corns. Place a slice of lemon which must be 5 mm thick on to the corn, then bandage it and fasten. Dab the affected area with lemon essential oil, it helps in accelerating the healing process. Take care to only use the undiluted oil on the callused area by using a cotton ball.

Fight Fatigue- World travelers, long distance walkers and explorers look upon the lemon as a God gift. When fatigue sets in, they must suck lemon juice by piercing the top of the fruit with a straw, as it helps them by acting as quick acting medicine and a lovely refreshment.

Good for hair- Lemons have positive effect also on your hair. Combine lemon juice and hair conditioner, then comb through strands, sit in the sun for a few hours and then wash it out. Repeat these steps at least once a week, and you will notice that your hair is significantly lighter.

Quit Insomnia- Few researchers have found that lemon balm combined with other calming herbs helps in reducing anxiety and promote sleep. The regular intake of dose of lemon balm increases mood and significantly increases alertness and calmness.

Soothe chapped lips- Another beauty tip or treatment which requires slicing open a lemon for your chapped lips. You need to rub the fruit onto your pucker, then wash off the next morning. The lemon juice will remove all the dead skin cells so that your lipstick goes on super smooth.

July 20, 2014
The holy plant called Tulsi

Basil leaves, a.k.a Tulsi is regarded as a holy plant in Indian culture. This medicinal plant is literally worshipped and you can see it planted at the entrance or in front of almost every Indian household and is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition. It is well known for its amazing healing power and medicinal properties and is the principal herb in Ayurveda. It is of great significance in Indian culture and tradition and has a sacred place in Indian homes.In Hindu mythology, tulsi is very dear to Lord Vishnu and is ceremonially married to Lord Vishnu on the 11^th day of Kartikka in the lunar calendar and this ritual is called ‘Tulsi Vivah’. The scientific or botanical name of this aromatic plant is Ocimum sanctum. Tulsi is something, that is a gift to mankind. It has benefits that go so on and on, just innumerable and infinite. The nutritional and pharmacological properties of tulsi has been traditionally used since ages for different purposes.

Tulsi, no doubt, is an Elixir to life. Even having religious significance, the medicinal importance of this herb can’t be undermined. Having an stringent taste, strong aroma, tulsi has variable curative benefits as it promotes longevity and has remedial effects over many diseases. If you go through the benefits of this culinary herb Basil, you will find yourself be acquainted with the perks of tulsi and why you should increase the use and be disease free by the use of the tulsi leaves regularly;

Treatment in cold, flu and sore throat: The basil leaves are highly efficient in treating cold, asthma, flu and sore throat caused due to infections. Especially, during rain season when many diseases like malaria, dengue are prevalent, basil leaves are used to treat them as a home remedy. Just chewing some tulsi leaves can treat the cold, flu or blocked nose and relieve the affected person. Boiling few leaves in hot water with cloves can relieve the sore throat.

Cures fever: Tulsi is well known for its treatment for fever due to its anti-microbial properties. It is effective in bringing down the temperature of body suffering from fever and also protects the individual from dengue or malaria type fevers. Tulsi leaves boiled in water with honey, turmeric are effective in treating fever and are suitable for both children and adults. Tulsi is having unique chemistry and unique blend of so many nutrients and antioxidants, the anti-viral, anti-bacterial, immunity-enhancing properties of tulsi helps in curing fever.

Relieves stress: The holy basil really contributes in relieving stress. This herb actually helps in refreshing and rejuvenating the person’s mind and relaxes the body. It helps in calming the mind and restoring person’s good health when exposed to extreme stress. Stress, which is a leading cause of many diseases can be relieved through the use of tulsi.

Anti-ageing effects: Due to the presence of anti-oxidants in tulsi, it has anti-ageing effects on the skin. Because of its properties, it prevents the body from damages caused due to free radicals, which delays the ageing process and appearance of wrinkles and other signs. With age, Tulsi links the mind, body and spirit and supports your body in many ways. The leaf has adaptogen properties, which soothes the nerves and improves the blood circulation. It is always better to consume tulsi rather than using so expensive anti-ageing beauty products.

Good for skincare and haircare: Basil leaves are really good for the maintenance of healthy and glowing skin and for the long, shining hair. It has powerful purifying and antioxidant properties, So, when basil leaves are eaten raw, they purify the blood and give you clear and glowing skin. Tulsi can even treat many skin allergies and disorders and acne prone skin. Eating it raw or making a paste or face pack can be really effective for a good skin.

Protects against Cancer: Having so many curative properties, being anti-fungal, it protects against cancer. Because it is antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic, tulsi is found to stop the increase of cancer cells in the body. This is because it has compounds which stops the blood flow to the tumor by attacking the blood vessels supplying it. If cancer patients have the extract of tulsi or its juice everyday, it can be effective in their treatment.

Reduces risk of Heart disease: The powerful antioxidant component called Eugenol in tulsi protects the heart against srokes and heart diseases. Also, this component checks the blood pressure and keep it in control and even balance the cholesterol levels in person’s body. Simply, chewing few leaves of tulsi every morning in an empty stomach can keep many heart ailments at bay and keeps your heart healthy.

Tulsi, the Holy Basil is certainly principle of herbs and its remedial properties and religious concerns in India has made it so popular that every household has it or if any kitchen doesn’t have tulsi, it seems incomplete without it. Tulsi, no doubt, is of great importance in every house and with so many health benefits, it is truly an elixir for human body. Make it a habit to chew some leaves raw or include tulsi in some way in your daily life for a healthy living. Worship it and eat it too.

Happy Eating. Happy life.

July 20, 2014
Keep lovin’ COCONUT !

I, myself really love Coconut. The white fruit, rich in fiber and so many nutrients is just perfect for any dish or eaten raw or the coconut water which is deliciously awesome. The round coconut with so many hairs on its hard shell has many health benefits and also its subsidiaries, produced from coconut, constitute the wonder food too. This tropical food is very popular all over the world and its worth doesn’t end with just refreshing coconut water. When added in anything, it increases the taste of almost any dish and can be a main ingredient in many. There are many things that can be made from this mere coconut; ranging from coconut chutney to coconut ladoos, all being superawesome and super tasty.

Coconut is a fruit belonging to Cocos nucifera palm. It has greenish colour outer part, which turns brown when matured. The freshly harvested coconut contains sweet water which is extremely beneficial for health and is very tasty and refreshing. Especially, in tropical areas, coconuts are way of life people and coconut oil is staple in their kitchen from cooking to skin and haircare. Now, coconut and its derived ingredients; be it coconut oil, coconut water, coconut milk or coconut flour are being used increasingly in kitchens, restaurants and processed foods. Though it is rich in calories and laden with saturated fats, it has innumerable health benefits. It has an impressive list of health benefits, you may be surprised to know;

Rich in fiber: Coconut has very high fiber content and has a whopping 61% fiber. The fiber is very useful for body and can relieve the body from many problems of digestion or constipation. It even assists in relieving stress on the pancreas and enzyme systems and it slows down the release of glucose and transports it to the cell. Rich fiber can give obviously rich benefits!

Weight loss: Coconut oil and coconut water are really effective in losing weight. It contains medium chain fatty acids that helps in losing off those extra kilos and are also easy to digest. It helps in healthy functioning of thyroid and endocrine glands and also increases the metabolic rate. As you may have seen, tropical region inhabitants are never obese and have normal weights.

Skincare and Haircare: Coconut oil, coconut water or raw coconut are excellent for maintaining good skin health and hair. This is because it contains high fiber and antioxidants and coconut oil is very effective for massaging and moisturizer. It is useful for preventing wrinkles, anti-ageing and prevents many skin ailments. Also, massaging it in hair is very effective for reducing dandruff and keeps your hair lice free. So, in a nutshell, it is just perfect for skin and hair.

Effective for heart health: Coconut is beneficial for heart as it contains 50% lauric acid, which contributes in effectively preventing and treating many heart problems like high blod pressure, high cholesterol levels and also the saturated fats found in cococnut oil is not harmful as the fats in vegetable oils. So, coconut increases the good cholesterol and helps in improvement of cardiovascular risk.

Now, let’s have a look at the coconut derived, so-famous, beneficial products:

Coconut Oil: it contains a mixture of saturated fatty acids, which do not affect cholesterol levels in negative way. It’s the reason coconut oil has made a comeback in cooking and baking and is so popular. Its amazing effects on hair and skin are well known. Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from kernel of matured coconuts and put to variety of uses. Use it in your daily and see the superawesome benefits.

Coconut Milk: It is made from brew of coconut meat and water but it isn’t low calorie product of coconut as coconut water. Rich and thick liquid, more like cream has 445 calories per cup. This is the reason ‘lite’ coconut milk is out in groceries stores as an substitute and is used in cooking and just turns the taste of the dish to tickle your buds.

Coconut water: It has got a lot of buzz because of its refreshing properties and taste with lovely benefits. It is a great hydrating agent after a workout and is even regarded as ‘natural’ sports drink and is very low in calories to the extent that 8 ounces of coconut water contains just 45 calories. Moreover, it can be used in smoothies and delivers a great taste on its own or when added to anything.

Coconut Flour and shredded coconut: coconut flour, being gluten free is really healthy and rich in fiber. It is used in baked goods and adds flavor to them and has great health benefits to diabetic patients. Also, shredded coconut or coconut flakes are popularly used in baking and on sweets to decorate them and add taste to the dishes. The dried shredded coconut is great on almost anything.

If you are also coconut crazy like me, you may have got surprised with all these health benefits of this super white, pure coconut. Due to its versatility, it can go with anything to everything. In addition, coconut is gluten free, non-toxic, no trans fat and is also antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal an hypoallergenic and improves the immune system and supports body function. Having so many pros of coconut, you may want to eat it everyday or atleast include any of its ingredients in you daily diet. I know fresh nariyal paani is so irresisitible and is very seasonal in northern regions. So, Go ahead, keep munching on coconut and its derived products. Afterall, it is superwesome, attractive, irresistible, pure white fruit.

Happy Eating. Happy Life.

July 20, 2014
That squishy yellow fruit-Go Bananas!

They are yellow, long, soft, and squishy and they taste good when they are at their best stage of ripening. Bananas have been known to man for a very long time and they form a very important part in our lives. They are so common that, when a person thinks of a fruit, the chances of him/her choosing a banana is almost equivalent to that of an apple. They have been painted by artists and have become one of their greatest masterpieces and sold at auctions to the highest bidder. With just their sunny yellow color, they have sent people to a whimsy. They have even been animated and shown in cartoons; making people to slip and fall down.

They are an integral part of diet plans and in the food hierarchy. However, in all these various representations of the banana, they have been shown only as ‘the perfectly ripened fruit’. The over-ripe bananas have simply been thought to be over the hill and are thrown away for the only reason that they become too squishy and mushy when they over-ripe.

When they ripen, the starch inside them turns to sugar, thus making them sweeter and their water content, mixed with the sticky sugar, oozes out covering its brown-spotted outer layer, making them sticky. This naturally causes a feeling of disgust amongst all of us and so, we finally end up ignoring it.

But, not many know that there are quite a lot of delicious recipes and foods that can be made when a banana reaches its height of ripening.

A New Year recipe!

Just like how all good things start from a New Year, this recipe is usually chosen by people wishing to welcome the New Year on a sweet and a healthy note. For those who have sworn to hit the gym at the start of the year and to maintain a healthy lifestyle, this recipe is especially for them, irrespective of whether they follow their promise or not.

All one needs is a few over-ripe bananas, peanut butter and if required, sugar. This is very simple and can be prepared in a few minutes though its taste lingers really long at the back of the mouth. The ripened flesh (or pulp) of the bananas are neatly cut and kept aside. Layers of the banana are later used to sandwich the tastier part in the middle.

However, not all bananas are cut. A few, depending on the needs of an individual, are put in a bowl and mashed, to give a fine, thick pulp. Very small amounts of water may be added to make the pulp smoother and to give it a sweeter taste. Peanut butter and sugar (if required) are then mixed at this stage. The entire content is mixed thoroughly to give it a smoother and richer texture.

Addition flavoring may be added in the form of fine coconut shavings sprinkled on top along with a dollop of honey if required. The finished product may be kept in the refrigerator for some time and served cold.

A deep fried recipe

Cooking is all about making something amazing from almost nothing. It’s all about changing the nature of the particular food article and bringing out something, though related to it, but much tastier than the original.

The required quantity of oil is poured into a big vessel and is heated. Add required quantity of sugar to the hot oil. After a minute or so, add freshly cut ripened banana slices to the hot oil and sauté for a few minutes until they turn golden brown. Continue the process until they turn into a deeper brown. This recipe definitely satisfies those who love crackers, chips or anything that’s fried. They make an excellent evening snack and are simply irresistible.

Banana, oat ‘n’ honey

This one definitely tops the cart when it comes to those who wish to have a proper breakfast. For many, breakfast has become a monotonous, tasteless affair. Why not change it to the better?

This recipe is a quickie and, saves one from having to spend their time in the kitchen preparing something that would satisfy our hunger. This banana smoothie not only satisfies our hunger, it also energizes us, while providing the body with the required nutrients. Thus, it is a perfect way to jumpstart one’s day.

All one needs is a few ripened bananas, fruits (figs are preferable), honey (or sugar) and maybe a few nuts, like almonds, cut in small pieces and about a litre or two of milk. Everything is put in a blender and mixed till the contents are properly and perfectly mixed. The resulting product should be smooth and should not contain too many large pieces of bananas or figs. At the end, it is poured into a glass and cut almond pieces are added. They may be served cold as smoothies taste best when served cold. And there you have it, a healthy, yet tasty breakfast.

A perfect dessert

Who would have thought that bananas can be used to make one of the tastiest ice-creams? Put peeled bananas into the freezer for some time. Take them out and blend them till they become chunky. Now, vanilla essence is added to it and it is blended again to get a smooth mixture. There you have it! A natural, vanilla-banana cream!

Also, they can also be made into popsicles. But for this, the banana paste is made a bit runny. Then, it is put into a suitable vessel whose shape the Popsicle will take. An ice-cream stick is inserted into this vessel and it is carefully kept in the freezer. After sometime, the pulp hardens around the stick and it can easily be popped out. Nuts can also be added to the runny mixture, before freezing it. For this recipe, almost any flavoring can be used depending on the individual’s taste. Cocoa powder can be added to get a Chocó-banana ice-cream or ripe pineapple essence is mixed before freezing it to get a naturally sweet taste. This recipe though, is definitely for those with a sweet tooth and a craving for banana products.

Thus, even over-ripe bananas can be used resourcefully and who would have thought that they so many delicious recipes can be made from them. It is indeed, not much of a surprise that bananas have become a part and parcel of everyone’s lives.

July 20, 2014