Author: urvashi beniwal

Delicious Chicken Recipes

Indian chicken dishes are known and famous world over for mouthwatering tandoori varieties, tikkas, curries and gravies. Pakoras and chicken tikkas are served as starters. One of the most loved meats in India, chicken cooked in fiery desi flavors is a treat for the senses. Breathe in the aroma of traditional rustic spices – a sprinkle of cinnamon, the spark of garam masala and the heat of the Kashmiri chillies. Chicken a very popular meat in India. Most of the people are fond of chicken, they love chicken, they eat chicken and even if challenged they can eat chicken daily. Some of India’s most popular chicken dishes are given below. Let’s have a look and make delicious chicken dishes on your known and enjoy with your family.

PEANUTS NOODLES WITH CHICKEN-

Ingredients-

1/3 cup natural-style peanut butter, 1/2 teaspoon Asian chili sauce, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 8 ounces fettuccine, 2 cups thinly sliced red bell pepper, 2 garlic cloves, minced, 2/3 cup water, 1/3 cup hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon seasoned rice wine vinegar, 1/2 cup chopped green onions, 2 cups chopped roasted skinless, boneless chicken breasts, 1 teaspoon dark sesame oil, 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger, 1/3 cup natural-style peanut butter.

Recipe- Pasta is cooked according to the package directions, omitting salt and fat. Combine bell peppers and chicken in a colander. Drain the pasta over chicken mixture and let it stand for 5 minutes. Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, then add garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute, stir the mixture frequently, and add water and next 4 ingredients (through chili sauce). Cook for 1 minute or until thoroughly heated, stirring with a whisk. Combine the pasta mixture and sauce in a large bowl, then toss to coat. Stir in cilantro and onions.

ITALIAN CHICKEN-

Ingredients-

1 cup sliced green bell pepper, 1/2 lbs. boneless and skinless chicken breasts, 1 pack of Roasting Bag & Seasoning Blend for Chicken – Garlic Parmesan & Italian Herb, 1 cup sliced yellow onion.

Recipe- Preheat the oven to 350degree. Now place the vegetables and chicken inside the bag, then sprinkle seasoning blend over vegetables and chicken. Twist the bag to close it tightly, then secure with blue tie about 2-3 inches below opening. Turn the bag gently in order to spread seasoning blend over vegetables and chicken. Now lay the bag flat in 13*9 inch baking dish and arrange the chicken in single layer. Bake it for 35 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before opening. Carefully cut the bag, open it and serve your delicious dish.

CHICKEN SHAKUTI-

Ingredients-

1 Medium sized Chicken, 6 Red Kashmiri Chillies, 1/2 teaspoon Sesamee Seeds, 1 teaspoon jeera, 8 Peppercorns, 1 teaspoon Saunf, 1/2 Coconut scraped, 1/2 Onion sliced, Salt To taste, 3 tablespoons Ghee, 1 tablespoon Corriander Seeds, 2 teaspoons Cloves, 1/4 teaspoon Methi Seeds, 1 tablespoon Khus Khus, 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder, 5 Flakes of Garlic, 2 tablespoons Tamarind pulp.

Recipe- Cut the chicken in large chunks of about 3 inch pieces and then apply some salt and set aside. Put in 1 tablespoon of ghee in a frying pan and fry the red chillies and all the dry spices till toasty and then add the garlic, the coconut and the onions fry for a little bit and then grind all the ingredients in a blender till you get a fine paste. Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a thick bottomed pot and then add the ground masala and fry well. Add in the chicken, mix well with the masala and put 1 cup of water into it till a thick gravy consistency. Now add some salt for better taste. Bring it to a boil then cover and cook till chicken is fully cooked. Lastly add the tamarind pulp and serve it hot with white rice and enjoy with your family.

BUTTER CHICKEN-

Ingredients-

1 kg boneless chicken skin removed, Salt to taste, 6 cloves, 1 stick of cinnamon, 8-10 almonds, 1 cup fresh yoghurt, 2 onions chopped, 1 tsp ginger paste, 1 tsp cumin powder, Juice of 1 lime, 1 tsp red chili powder, 8-10 peppercorns, 2 bay leaves, Seeds from 3-4 pods of cardamom, 3 tablespoons vegetable/canola/sunflower cooking oil, 2 tsps garlic paste, 2 tsps coriander powder, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 litre chicken stock, 3 tbsps unmelted soft butter, Coriander leaves to garnish, 400g of chopped tomatoes, ground into a smooth paste in a food processor, 2 tbsps kasuri methi.

Recipe- Mix the lime juice, chicken, salt and red chili powder in a large, non-metallic bowl. Then cover and allow to marinate for 1 hour. Heat a flat pan on medium heat and gently roast the peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaves and almonds till they are darken slightly. Cool and add the cardamom seeds. Now grind into a coarse powder in a clean, dry coffee grinder. Now mix the yoghurt, above whole spice powder (from previous step), coriander, cumin and turmeric powders together and add them to the chicken. Allow to marinate this for another hour. Heat the oil in a deep pan on medium heat. When it gets hot, add the onions into it and fry till a pale golden brown in color and then add the ginger and garlic pastes. Fry for a minute. Add only the chicken from the chicken-spice mix and fry till sealed. Now add the tomato paste, chicken stock, kasuri methi and remaining part of the yogurt-spice mix to the chicken. Cook till the chicken is tender and the gravy is reduced to half its original volume. Melt the butter in another small pan and then pour it over the chicken. Your dish is ready.

July 7, 2014
Delicious Food Culture of India

India has one of the most colorful and aromatic cuisines in the world. Varieties of Indian food is countless. The Traditional Indian food is widely appreciated for its fabulous use of spices and herbs. Indian cuisine is famous for its large assortment of dishes. The cooking style varies from state to state and region to region. Indian food has many crown jewels which are hidden in many homes in Indian villages and towns. The entire country is suffused with scent of spicy curries coming from local restaurants and street stalls. A typical Indian meal consists of salty, creamy, sweet, spicy, hot and pungent flavors. Many regional specialties are enjoyed throughout India, and worldwide.

RAJASTHANI FOOD-

Rajasthani cuisine is an array of colorful, spicy and unique dishes. It offers a fabulous variety of mouthwatering dishes. The food style of this fabulous desert state of India is affected by the natural indigenously and topography available ingredients.

Dal Baati churma- Dal Baati Churma is Rajasthan’s most favored and famous meal. It is a Rajasthani dish which has three servings termed as dal, Baati (baked wheat balls), and churma (sweet cereal powder). Baati is served with dal and churma. Ghee is applied on Baati to make it more delicious.

Gatte Ki sabji- It is known as a spicy dish in Rajasthani Thali. It consists of the rolls of besan poured into the gravy of sabji and then cooked with pouring spices into the same.

Bajre Ki Khichdi- Khichdi is easy to digest and is healthy Indian food prepared from rice and lentils. Vegetables such as potato, cauliflower and green peas are commonly added.

Jodhpur Mawa Kachori- Mawa Kachori is a sweet made of mawa stuffed in kachori. It is a very prestigious and special dish originated from Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

Ghewar- Ghewar is a delicious Rajasthani sweet which consists of rounded cakes of wheat flour in which sugar syrup is poured. Paneer ghewar is garnished with paneer and is highly demanded for their tasty flavor.

Besan Ki Chakki- It is a traditional Rajasthani sweet made of Gram flour. Gram flour is a major ingredients here which is used to make some of the delicacies like gatte ki sabji, khatta, pakodi etc.

GUJARATI FOOD-

The traditional Gujarati food is primarily vegetarian contains a high nutritional value. Gujarati cuisine has so much to offer and each and every dish has an absolutely different cooking style. It is mostly served on silver platters along with rice and wheat breads.

The most popular form of meal of Gujarat, a typical Gujarati thali or meal consists of dal, roti, rice and Shaak which is cooked vegetables, with accompaniments of pickles and roasted papads. Popular beverages consists of buttermilk and tea. Sweet dishes of Gujarat contains laddoos and mango.

Handvo- It is a traditional Gujarati savoury cake. It is a nutritious meal in its own right when served with chutney and buttermilk. It is crispy from outside but soft from inside.

Khaman Dhokla- Khaman Dhokla is a very famous food savored by Indians around the world. It is traditionally made from Bengal gram lentil. It is very fluffy, soft and spongy in texture. It is perfect as a snack for any time of the day.

Mohanthal- It is a traditional sweet of Gujarat. It tastes a bit like fudge and is one of the most popular and traditional dishes served at Gujarati weddings.

SOUTH INDIAN FOOD-

South Indian cuisine is based on rice. Rice is combined with lentils to make wonderful dosas, vadas, idlis and uttapams. They are combined with sambhar, rasam and curried vegetable etc to give them a delicious flavor. South Indian food is also famous for its mixture of coconut, a wide variety of fishes and root tubers. Kerala is another state of South India. In this state, the food of localites is fish accompanied with rice of usually large size grains. Kerala cuisine also has a variety of chutneys and pickles, and crunchy pappadums, banana chips etc. In Andhra Pradesh, the food prepared is believed to be quite spicy and hot in nature. Some of the most famous eatables of this state are kurmas, yummy grilled kebabs and the delicious Biryani.

PUNJABI FOOD-

Punjab is known for its spicy, delicious and butter laden food throughout the world.

Sarson Da Saag and Makki Di Roti- It is the traditional winter dish of Punjab. It is highly nutritious as it contains mustard leaves which are great source of iron and protein. It is served with lots of butter ad ghee.

Lassi- It is the favorite drink of Punjabis. It is made from beaten curd and milk. It is mostly served there in steel glasses.

Rajma Chawal- It is one of the main course dishes of Punjab. It is served with steaming hot boiled rice known as chawal. It is a wholesome meal because it is rich in carbohydrates, iron and as well as in protein.

Butter Chicken- Punjab is famous for its spicy and best chicken dishes whether it is tandoori or curry chicken. It is high in calories but a mouthwatering creamy dish as it contains butter. It is served with butter naan.

July 1, 2014
Mango drinks for summer

Everyone need more than air-conditioning or a dip in the pool to battle the hot summer weather of May, June and July. So cool off and chill out with cool summer drinks. Summer is the best suited time to have cocktails. Summer is the perfect time for friends to gather and share a few drinks. So brake out the tropicals, the frappes, the coolers and chill out. Cool drink refreshes your mind, soul, heart and body so never forget to take cold drinks during summer.

AAM PANNA–

It is the traditional North western Indian summer cooler drink. Aam Panna reduces the occurrence of heat strokes. It is not only a good refreshment but also a great rejuvenating drink as it restores the Sodium which was lost due to dehydration. It is rich in antioxidant which helps to remove the toxins from the body and purify blood. Here is a simple recipe for how to make aam panna.

Ingredients-

3 medium size green raw mangoes
1 cup Sugar
1 tablespoon roasted cumin powder
Black salt to taste
Salt to taste
2 cup water
1 tablespoon Mint leaves
Ice crushed

Recipe– Place the mangoes along with water in a sauce-pan and boil them. Simmer for 10 minutes. Then remove from gas. Alternately you can pressure cook the mangoes with water till they become soft. When they get cool, peel the mangoes and get the pulp with the help of a spoon. Grind mango pulp with water to a smooth paste. Take the pulpy mixture in a pan, add sugar and let it cook on gas till the sugar get dissolved completely. Stir continuously. Remove from gas and add roasted black salt, cumin powder and salt. Let this mixture cool down in proper time. To make the drink, take a glass and pour 1 -2 tablespoons of the mango mixture and pour it in chilled water. Now add finely crushed ice. Garnish with mint leaves and serve immediately.

MANGO MILKSHAKE-

Mango has a plenty of benefits that are good for our health and can fight against diseases such as cancer. It helps in digestion as it is rich in fiber. It is a rich source of vitamin A, hence it also boosts the immune system and lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke. Mango shake contains good amount of proteins and irons, therefore it is very beneficial for anemic patients. Vitamin D and calcium present in mango milkshake helps in strengthening the bones. The recipe for making mango shake is as follows-

Ingredients–

1 cup milk,Ice cubes, 3 small ripe mangoes, 1/4-1/2 tablespoon cardamom powder (start less and increase as per taste), 2 tablespoon sugar.

Recipe- Peel the mangoes and then add their pulp to a blender. Add the milk and cardamom powder to it. Start with the minimum, since some may find the flavor of cardamom too overpowering. Blend it well along with ice cubes until they get mixed. Taste and add sugar if needed and give it another whirl if added. Pour into glasses with ice-cream on the top and enjoy.

MANGO MARGARITA –

Ingredients-

Mangoes peeled and cut into small pieces, Ice cubes as required, salt as required, lemon juice 3 tablespoons, and 1 cup mango squash.

Recipe- Put the pieces of mangoes in a blender and blend for a minute. Add mango squash, two table spoons lemon juice, ice cubes and blend it again for three minutes.Apply the remaining lemon juice at the rims of the glasses and dip the rims in the plates containing salt and then remove. Pour the margarita in the glasses and serve.

MANGO LIME COOLER–

Ingredients-

1 tablespoon honey, ½ cup low fat milk, 1 ripe mango, peeled and cut into chunks, 1 tablespoon lime juice, Ice cubes, ½ cup plain fat free yogurt.

Recipe- Put all the ingredients except the ice cubes in the blender, then cover and blend the mixture on high speed around 15 seconds. Add crushed ice and then continue blending for 15 seconds. Now kick back and enjoy the perfect summer drink.

MANGO MOJITO-

A mango mojito features muddled mint leaves mixed with mango rum.

Ingredients-

1 lime wedge, 4 mint leaves, fresh mango (pureed), 90ml soda, ice cubes, 22ml light rum.

Recipe- Muddle the mint leaves and lime juice until they are fragrant by pressing a muddler into the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Then pour the rum and the mango puree into the shaker. Fill the shaker 2/3 full of ice cubes. Shake the drink until the ingredients are well mixed and chilled. Place ice cubes in a fashioned glass. Strain the drink from the cocktail shaker over the ice cubes. Top the drink with club soda and garnish it with a slice of mango.

MANGO COLADA-

Ingredients-

1 cup ripe mango cubes, 1/3 cup light rum, 1/3 cup cream of coconut, 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, ice cubes.

Recipe- Place all the ingredient shown above in a blender and then blend until it becomes smooth and thick. Add ice cubes. Pour into tall glass and enjoy your drink.

July 1, 2014
Rasili Sweets Yummy bhi, Healthy bhi!!

RASGULLA-

Rasgulla is a dessert which is made primarily from a type of cottage cheese known as chhena, dough and sugar syrup. It’s native sweet of Indian state of Orissa, although various types of rasgulla can now be found throughout India. Rasgullas are typically served at social occasions or festivals.

Ingredients-

3 tablespoon Lemon juice, 2 cups sugar, 1 liter milk, I pinch ilaichi powder, ice cubes, nuts, water.

Recipe- Heat the milk, when it start boiling, simmer the flame, add the lemon juice and stir properly. Heat further until when the water clearly separates. Put off the flame. Add some Ice cubes and mix well, ice cubes are added to stop the curdling at that instant. It prevents the chenna to become hard and helps for its soft texture. Take a metal strainer lined with a cheese cloth and then pour the curdled milk in it. Wash it well in the running water under the tap so as to remove the lemon smell and sourness. Then squeeze the excess water gently and hang it for 30 minutes. Squeeze the excess water now. After 1/2 an hour, take out the paneer in a bowl. It will be now more like a crumble look wise. Now knead this for 7-10 minutes gently to make it like a soft and smooth dough. Make smooth small balls of equal size. Apparently take the sugar, elaichi powder and water in a pressure cooker and boil it. After the sugar gets dissolved completely and the syrup boils, add the balls made carefully one by one. Cover the pressure cooker and cook it until you get one whistle in low flame. After a whistle, simmer more and keep it for another 5 minutes. Put off the flame and let the pressure gets released by itself then open the lid to see the rasgullas, by now it would have doubled in size. Cool down and refrigerate and serve them chilled.

SANDESH-BENGALI MITHAI

It is a very popular traditional Bengali Mithai which is made from fresh chenna. It’s absolutely delicious and the best part about making this sweet at home is that you can choose the type of flavour you want and as well as sweetness levels.

Ingredients-

1 cup of warm milk, a small pinch of cardamom powder, 1 cup of chenna, 2.5 tablespoon sugar, a pinch of salt, a few strands of saffron.

Recipe- Firstly, soak the saffron strands in the warm milk. Once chenna is prepared, knead it to a smooth-ish consistency and then add sugar, cardamom powder and salt to it. It is once again kneaded lightly with your fingertips until the mixture is well combined. Now, transfer this to a pan and cook on low heat to remove the rawness of chenna. The mixture will start to let out some moisture and will turn mushy and soft. You keep stirring it until it starts to leave the sides of the pan. On overcooking, the chenna turns dry so stop when the mixture gets moist and comes together as a lump. Now Transfer this to a bowl and add the saffron plus milk. When the mixture is warm, shape it into small balls and flatten lightly. You can use moulds at this stage too. You can add some saffron strands on the shaped sandesh to get a milder kesar flavour. Your sweet is ready and you can serve it immediately.

GULAB JAMUN-

It is one of the easiest sweet recipes which we can make for any occasions like Diwali or birthdays, anniversaries or any celebration.

Ingredients-

1/2 cup Sugar, 1 cup khoya, 3 tablespoon Maida, 1/8 tablespoon sodium bicarbonate, 2 cardamom, and 2drops rose essence, oil or ghee as per the need, 1/2 cup water.

Recipe- Bring khoya to room temperature if it is frozen. Then Crumble it with your hands and measure it. Take maida, khoya and cooking soda in a mixing bowl and mix them well. Add water slowly and make a smooth dough without any cracks. No need to knead hard, just gather with your hands such that it forms a smooth dough without lumps. Keep it aside for 5 min and make balls of equal size. The balls should be smooth from outside, but do not roll so tightly by applying so much pressure. Just roll softly but until smooth. Meanwhile prepare the sugar syrup with sugar, water, powdered elaichi and saffron, then bring it to boil for 8 minutes to 10 minutes in medium flame. In the meantime, you can fry the rolled jamuns. Make the oil hot, not smoking hot, but hot enough to fry the jamuns. Keep it in low flame and add the jamuns and then keep rolling the jamuns gently with the use of the ladle inside the oil so that it gets cooked and fried to deep golden brown in colour. Fry only few at a time, do not dump the jamuns so many in oil. Drain them in the kitchen towel and immediately add it to hot syrup. Let it get soaked well. Add essence lastly if you require.

July 1, 2014
Interesting facts about chocolates

HISTORY- The secret of cacao tree was discovered around 2,000 years ago in Central American rain forests. At that time tropical mix of rainfall combined with humidity and temperature provided the climate for cultivation of the plant from which chocolate is derived, called cacao tree. Cacao was an essential and important part of Mayan culture. The Mayan also used Cacao beans as currency. The first people who made chocolate were the cultures of America and Mexico. They mixed Cacao seeds with various seasonings to make spicy drink. Later, the drink’s popularity spread throughout the Europe. Since then, new experiments and techniques have brought changes in the tastes of chocolates. The taste of chocolate depends upon proportion of cacao and other integrands used in the mixture.

Studies have proved that dark chocolate which is sweet and delicious is good for curing heart stroke. Dark chocolate is made from cacao beans. It has coconut palm sugar and it is high in nutrients. It contains high level of flavonoids and antioxidants. It contains low glycemic index so it doesn’t raise your sugar level. Dark chocolate reduces insulin resistance and helps your body to efficiently use the insulin. It stimulates the production of chemicals in the brain that brings you the feeling of pleasure. It also works as an anti-depressant. Flavonoids in dark chocolates helps in protecting and increasing blood flow in skin and improves skin’s complexion. It contains a chemical which is effecting in treating cough. Dark chocolate is considered as one of the best food for fighting against cancer. It reduces inflammation and inhibits cancer cell division. Dark chocolates have positive effects on blood pressure, stress, circulation and energy. The dark chocolate antioxidants and other phytochemicals can balance blood pressure and promote general health by reversing heart disease.

Researchers have found that chocolates can protect against tooth decay. Even someday its components may be added to face wash and tooth pastes. Scientists have discovered that the outer part of the cacao bean which usually goes as waste during chocolate production has an anti-bacterial effect on mouth and it can fight against dental plaque and other damaging agents. The foods which contain carbohydrates are cavity causing culprits whereas cacao butter in chocolates coats your teeth and make them less likely to cause tooth decay. Chocolates may be high in sugar but they melts in very much less time in your mouth giving no time to bacteria to cause tooth decay or any other damage.

Chocolate contains the stimulant Theobromine and also phenylethylamine, which stimulates the same hormones as lovemaking. There are some small amount of a substance in chocolates which gives a feeling of wellbeing. Chocolate triggers the brain and releases a hormone which speeds up your pulses and give you a pleasant high feeling, rather like being in love. Studies have shown reduction in stress hormones and other stress-related changes in those who eats chocolates regularly than those who does not. Some substances in cacao affects the levels of serotonin – which can ease depression and boost your mood.

Cocoa chocolate was known not only for its good taste but also for its effective health effects. It improves the heart function and relieves stimulation of the nervous system, facilitated digestion, and improved kidney and bowel function. In addition, cocoa was used to treat, mental fatigue, anemia, tuberculosis, gout, fever, kidney stones, and even poor sexual appetite. Foods rich in flavonoids were associated with a decreased risk of death caused by heart disease. Dark chocolate prevents arteriosclerosis, lowers high-blood pressure. Chocolate contains a molecule that can easily cross the blood-brain barrier, the levels in chocolate are probably too low to produce an effect on our mood by itself. Chocolates contain magnesium salts and its absence in elderly females may be responsible for the post-menopausal condition known as chocoholism. Chocolate contains a molecule that resembles psychoactive stimulants.

There is one more interesting fact which is not known to most of the people i.e food also promotes skin health. Chocolate is a skin-friendly ingredient which helps your skin to stay healthy, glowing and just flawless.Flavonols found in dark chocolate helps your skin to protect itself from sunburn, redness and other signs of UV damage. Cocoa helps in reducing stress hormones, which means less collagen breakdown in the skin and fewer wrinkles. It removes the dead skin cells and allows the newly exposed, fresh skin to breathe freely. Dark chocolates are found to be rich in copper, zinc and iron which promotes the cell renewal growth process. So eating at least 2 chocolates every day will increase oxygen and blood flow to the scalp and lead to healthier and strong hair. Chocolates have a low glycemic index which helps in reducing huge spikes in sugar level. Dark chocolates contain theobromine, a chemical which is found to harden our tooth enamel.

June 28, 2014
6 Motivational ways to stay healthy

Eat a healthy breakfast –

Most of us are unaware of some facts about breakfast. Even I used to think that taking breakfast daily will lead to me putting on weight and taking an egg and milk daily is so boring. But this type of thinking got clear when I came to know some interesting facts about breakfast. Now a days foods are high in calories and low on nutrition. A healthy breakfast is the cornerstone of a good and perfect diet. It sets you up so that you are full of energy and fuel for physical and mental performance. A healthy breakfast includes high fiber cereal which keeps diabetes, heart disease and stroke away from us. Researchers have shown that the one who take breakfast as a routine is leaner than who skip the morning meal.

Adding a little lean protein to the breakfast works as a booster of energy and helps you feeling full until lunchtime. Protein blunts your hunger and is the most satiating. The human body uses up a massive 440 calories during eight to nine hours sleep, that’s why breakfast in morning is so important.

To get you started here’s an idea of breakfast meal –

1egg

Oatmeal

Flax seeds

Almond slivers

1 glass milk

Fruits

Physical Exercise-

It is world known that physical activity is vital for your health. Regular physical activity both moderate and vigorous bring health benefits. Exercise can improve one’s performance by as much as 50% if they eat dark chocolate regularly. Regular exercise results in increased energy, increased metabolism, stress reduction and increased muscle tone, controls blood pressure, healthy weight etc. It also keeps you in shape so that you can enjoy leisure activities and offers great mental and social benefits. It protects you from stroke and heart diseases. Physical activity also stimulates various brain chemicals which may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. Exercise and physical activity delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system to work more efficiently. Get ready to work out with the given best exercises for heart health-

Walking

Cycling

Swimming

Yoga

Weight lifting

Regular Sleep hours-

Although most of the people are fond of sleeping but some of them are too busy in their work that they don’t find enough time for sleep. They don’t have any idea that lack of sleep can increase a person’s risk of serious health problems. Lack of sleep can make you put on weight by slowing the metabolism down. Researchers have found that getting good sleep works as a supplement medication for pain. Sleep also increases blood supply to our muscles, allowing our body to recover from the day’s stresses. When you are in a good sleep, your body temperature lowers, and this energy is utilized on growth and repair of tissues and cells.

So it’s an advice that make sleep a priority. Naps can help pick you up and make you work more efficiently.

Drink water at least 8 glasses a day-

Today most of the people prefer cold drinks over water. Drinking coke, Pepsi, etc. daily is their routine. There is something interesting which they are missing out. Let them think over this habit after reading the article. A human body is from 55% to 78% water. Every cell in your body needs water from head to toe. It is essential to consume water every day to prevent dehydration. You will look younger when your skin is properly hydrated. Water works as moisturizer for skin and increases skin elasticity. The waste is thrown out of the body in form of sweat and urine which reduces the risk of kidney stones and urine infections. It helps you in losing weight, building muscles, and is healthy for your joints. Also it saves your money as Water is FREE!

Eat fruits and vegetables-

Now a days whether he is a kid or adult, everyone like to eat junk food like burger, pizza, etc. They are unaware of the fact that a diet rich in vegetables and fruits may reduce risk of heart diseases and protect from cancer. Fruits and vegetables provide fiber that helps to maintain your digestive system. Freshly squeezed juices from fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of minerals and vitamins that catalyzes chemical reactions in the body. Also, fruits promote detoxification in the human body.

Food to maintain healthy joints-

Bone and join pain is common when you have reached on the age of 40. But here is something for your joint pain which really works. What you eat has direct effect on your joints and bones. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet really help you to keep your joints healthy. Several scientists have proved that tart cherry juice and fresh cherries may curb inflammation. Vitamin C helps your body to make collagen which is a part of our ligaments and cartilage which cushion your joints and hold them together. Calcium and vitamin D makes your joints strong.

June 28, 2014
Secrets of dry fruits

Dry fruits are considered as rich source of nutrients and are booster packages of high fiber, potassium and enzymes. Dry Fruits are dried out fruits and nuts. They have a lot of health benefits of which most of us are unaware that exactly what qualities they have. They are considered as the best way to deal with sugar cravings. It is beneficial to eat dry fruits every day to get nutrients and vitamins. They are also rich sources of minerals and proteins. It is found that they are loaded with medicinal properties as well. Dry fruits have special significance during long journeys because of their high nutritive value. Dry fruits are healthy choice to make, and moreover a stomach filler. Easily eatable and works as a backup at the times when your refrigerator is empty and requires no hard work to break the crunch.

ALMONDS–

Almonds have beneficial antioxidants which actively cleanse and eliminate toxins and free your body radicals and make your skin smooth and glowing from inside. Sweet almond oil is considered as one of the oils which can help to prevent hair loss because of its softening action. It is rich in vitamin D and E and also minerals like calcium, magnesium. It has moisturizer property so it prevents your hair from going brittle and provides them nutrition to keep them healthy, stick and strong. Almond paste with water or cream helps in the cure of eczema and relieve constipation problems to restore sexual vigour. Almonds contains potassium and sodium, both are factors which regulates blood pressure and also helps in curing heart diseases.

RAISINS-

Raisins are nothing but dried grapes which can be of the green and black variety. Raisins are one of the most versatile dried fruits available today with high nourishing qualities. Raisins contain a high dose of antioxidants which may act as an anti-aging tool for the brain as well body. Studies have shown that it can also help to prevent serious diseases like cancer. People who suffers from low iron levels may also take benefit by regular intake of raisins. According to the result of various studies, it has positive effect almost on every part of our body such as increasing our body’s supply of energy and building up our immune system. It helps in relieving constipation and protects against tooth decay. They are also rich source of iron and copper which is necessary for formation of red blood cells.

WALNUTS-

Walnuts have unlimited health benefits. Walnuts improve cardiovascular function and have wonderful anti-inflammatory properties, hence they prevents diseases like asthma, arthritis and eczema as walnuts have high amounts of fatty acids in them. They are very good for the heart diseases as well because they reduces the levels of triglycerides. Melatonin is one more essential component of walnuts which effectively protect against inflammation and other health related problems. The Omega 3 Fatty acids are also present in the Walnuts which are good for the brain. It keeps the nervous system working smoothly and improves your memory. It also reduces the risk of breast cancer.

PISTACHIO-

Pistachio benefits include the presence of vitamin A, vitamin E and anti-inflammatory properties. They reduces risk of heart diseases and protects blood vessels. Pistachios are rich source of vitamin B6 which is essential to make hemoglobin, the protein which helps in carrying oxygen through the blood stream to cells. Phosphorous in pistachios helps in breaking the proteins into amino acids resulting in glucose tolerance. They also protect our body from certain, infections, diseases as well as cancers. The oil of pistachios protects your skin from dryness and is used in cooking. A healthy immune system requires proper and regular intake of vitamin B6, which pistachios abound in. It helps the body in making the healthy red blood cells, and helps to maintain the health of lymphoid glands, which ensures the production of white blood cells that protects the body from infections.

CASHEWS-

Tasty and filling cashew nuts are the most consumed nuts in the world. It has loads of nutritional benefits. It is a good source of mono unsaturated antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fats. Cashews are full of copper content which gives black color to your hair. With the help of magnesium present in them, they lowers your blood pressure. Proanthocyanidins and high copper content of cashew nuts helps you to fight against cancerous cells and keeps you away from colon cancer. They helps in building muscles and bones along with promoting the health of gums and teeth because of their calcium and magnesium contents. They are cholesterol free and the antioxidants present in them keeps you away from heart diseases. Cashew nuts also helps in development and growth, nucleic acid synthesis and digestion. Cashew nuts have that ability to filter Sun’s ultraviolet rays and protect us from macular degeneration.

June 26, 2014
Cultural dresses of Indian states

India is a great land of culture and heritage. India is a country of colors and cultures. Indian fashion is too much influenced by their background and cultures of the people. Traditional clothing in India varies with, religion, region and community. Each and every state of India has its own tradition, culture and lifestyle to celebrate fairs and festivals with these traditions.Indians have always given a lot of importance to the dress materials since the inception of Indian civilization. Indian Clothing is known for its elegance and traditional wear all over the world. Festive season is the best way for exploring India and its culture, which is unique in every state of India. People of different communities wear different types of dresses in India which has become their identity.

South India-

South Indian dresses are known for its simple and graceful look.This Indian state costumes of this region are made up of cotton and are light, because of its warm climate. Normal clothing here is sarees for women. Unstructured cloth called a lungi which is usually worn over shirt. It’s a common attire for men, and some ladies, within the southern states of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The traditional dress of Kerala is the ‘Mundum neriyathum’ or ‘mundu and neriathu’. It is worn by men and women of Kerala. States like Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil nadu are famous for their silk and cotton sarees. Sarees have formed a specific place in the attires of Tamil Nadu. It is a traditional outfit for all Indian women. Kanchipuram silk saris are very popular and women generally wear them on significant occasions like wedding and religious ceremonies. Clothing of Tamil Nadu is not restricted only to women even men also have that passion to show their style and look handsome. They wear a lungi with an Angavastra or shirt.

North East India-

North East is called a state of seven sisters. The Seven Sister States includes Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura. Along with the scenic beauty of northeastern India, its traditional ethnic clothes represent the true spirit of India. The bright traditional clothing of northeast Indian people gives an identity to Asian fashion worldwide. The women dresses of Arunachal Pradesh are colorful with myriad patterns which gives a true feeling of their tribe culture. The women of Buddhist Monpas tribe wear a jacket above a sleeveless chemise which is tied to their waists with a narrow and lengthy strip of cloth in a rounded manner. They were accessories which are cut from bamboo trees and decorated with beads. The costumes in the Meghalaya shows the ethnicity of their tribes. The women wears a short cloth round the waist, while men put a loincloth. Silk fiber of Assam constitutes the lion’s share of costumes of Assam. Traditional costume of Assam is known as “Mekhla Chadar”. A women tribe of Arunachal Pradesh wear a very attractive woven petticoat and a linen blouse, which looks like an ancient replica of modern indian skirts and shirts.

North India-

The main states which covers North India are Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Costumes of Maharashtra comprise a sari as traditional attire for women and a dhoti and a shirt for men. The traditional dresses of women in Punjab are extremely beautiful and colorful. Punjab is known for its use of “phulkari” embroidery in its traditional costumes. The people of Haryana are very simple and their spirited enthusiasm for life is visible in their way of dressing up. The basic traditional dress of Haryanvi women is the Damaan, Kurti and Chunder. The highlight of the chunder is usually the shiny laces all along the border and is used to cover the head. The most popular attire of women in Jammu and Kashmir is the phiran. The Pheran and Poots are two gowns worn on top of each other. Most of their clothes are made up of wool and silk with intricate embroideries. Phirans are tied at the waist with folded material called lungi. Rajasthani wear colors to make up for the absence of blooming flowers. The traditional dress of a Rajasthani woman is the ghagra choli and odhani. Rajasthan is famous for its tie and dye prints or bandhani prints.

West India–

Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat are the states which lies in the west part of India. Costumes of Maharashtra comprise a sari as traditional attire for women and a dhoti and a shirt for men. The Maharashtrian women wear famous Paithani sari during festivals and religious functions. Clothes are an important part of the Goa lifestyle making it essential to dress well at the innumerable social occasions and parties. In Goa, women prefer Western dresses like skirts and tops, trousers and shirts etc. Christian women wear sarees. The traditional dress of women in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat is the colorful ghagra choli. Ghagras are ankle-length skirts secured around the waist. Saree is also a cultural dress of Gujarat.

June 26, 2014
Culture of Mayan

The Maya civilization, one of its kinds happened to be only as early from 300 to 900 A.D. It was the root of the myth behind 2012 was quite sophisticated in the pre-Columbian Americas. It spreaded from southeastern Mexico across modern-day Guatemala, Belize and the western parts of Honduras and El Salvador which is quite significant for that period and thus, claiming its stake in history of mankind. The Maya were indigenous people of Mexico and central America.The people of Maya never came under a single political flag, obviously there weren’t any situation of political unification at any level. They merrily lived in around sixty distinct kingdoms, each having its own distinct ruler and the relations between the kingdoms were quite subtle and yet complex. They did negotiation, trading and inter-marriage, as well as invasion and were trained for warfare and war strategies. There were several artistical monuments and the Maya cities most often had a dramatic stepped pyramid topped by a temple sanctuary at their center as a spiritual place. Nearby they had the palaces of the royal court, which was built lavishly and it functioned as the center of government and provided luxury accommodation to rich merchants and other rich folk. Close case studies tell they had residences, temples and plazas, even a few ball courts which have been identified only recently. These courts usually consisted of two parallel walls and they played their ritual game using a rubber ball between the two long walls.

The Maya produced impressive and awestruck creative artworks, crafts which includes polychrome ceramic vases and carved stone monuments portraying their rulers in different activities of life in which war portrayals were most common where the king is shown with great pride and honour. The British Museum even holds a number of carved lintels from Yaxchilan in a safe place of modern south Mexico. But the thing , which made the Mayan civilization hot in recent times was ‘the Long Count’ ,an elaborate calendar system which was prodigiously designed to provide dates and that was quite a thing considering this level of a sophisticated writing system in that period.

CULTURE-

Religion– The Maya believed in a cyclical nature of time, like the Aztec and Inca who came to power later. At that time the ceremonies and rituals were associated with terrestrial cycles which they observed as separate calendars. The priest of that time had the job of interpreting these cycles and giving an outlook of future or past. In some Maya rituals, people were killed by having their arms and legs held a priest used to cut the persons chest and tore out his heart as an offering. There is a massive array of supernatural characters in the Maya religious tradition.

Agriculture– The Maya had sophisticated and diverse methods of food production. Mayan used several farming techniques to grow their crops including the slash and burn method, terracing etc. It was believed that a temporary system of agriculture provided most of their food. But now it is thought that permanent raised fields, forest gardens and wild harvesting were also crucial to support the large population in some areas. The major food sources were beans, tomatoes, pumpkin and cacao.

Politics- A Classic Maya polity was a hierarchical state headed by a ruler. Such kingdoms were no more than a capital city. Although there were greater kingdoms, which extended patronage over smaller polities. The identity of each kingdom was that of a political unit associated with a ruling dynasty. Interestingly, most kingdoms never disappeared from the political land until collapse of the whole system.

The Mayan region was not homogenous in the distribution of natural sources and culture. Various groups followed the same system of agriculture and worshiped the same tribal gods. Each tribe had its own specific culture and style. The cultural peak of the empire was reached in an area covered with dense forest where man had to fight with nothing but stone tools and fire. The Maya in this lowland area had been active traders and farmers of beans and succeeded to clear the forest through the practice of cutting and burning for planting.

The Maya people never disappeared neither with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors nor at the time of the Classic period decline. The Maya and their descendants form sizable populations throughout the Maya area and maintain a distinctive set of traditions that are the result of the post-Conquest ideas and cultures. Mayan population exceeded carrying capacity of the environment including exhaustion of overhunting of fauna and agricultural potential. The Maya centers of the southern lands went to decline during the 8th and 9th centuries and were abandoned shortly thereafter. In its last period, the Mayan Culture reached and flourished its maximum splendor, agricultural advances, a solar and religious calendar, highly developed numeration system and a new sophisticated construction systems buildings.

June 26, 2014
Berry healthy, Berry delicious, Berry juicy

Strawberries are the most popular type of berry fruit in world. The strawberry is also known an aggregate fruit because it is formed from separate carpels of a single flower. Its red fleshy part does not develop from the flower’s ovary, but derived from the non-reproductive parts of the flower. Studies have shown that strawberry is a perishable, fragile and delicate fruit. It is the only fruit whose seeds are visible from outside. Strawberries are used as fresh or as a part of processed foods like ice creams, jams, juices, chocolates and milkshakes because of their extra juicy and sweet flavor. These berries have the taste which from quite sweet to acidic. Calories in strawberries are much lower than many fruits. A strawberry has about four calories. Strawberries are a healthy and tasty option for many weight watchers, also they are a great source of nutrition for the body.

NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS-

Strawberry is an excellent source of manganese, flavonoids, vitamin C, and E and beta carotene. It is a good source of fiber, copper, vitamin K, zinc, iodine, fatty acid and some healthy minerals. Strawberries have some phytonutrients which helps them to work as antioxidants in our body. Strawberry also contains some small amounts of salicylic acid which is an anti-inflammatory compound very similar to acid of aspirin. It is low in calories, sugar and protein and devoid of cholesterol and fat.

HEALTH BENEFITS-

Strawberry has around 32 Kcal/gm which is very low and it is very low in fat as well. But, it is a rich source of vitamins and minerals which are essential for your health. There is a compound in strawberries called phenol, it fight against many inflammatory disorders, such as asthma, osteoarthritis etc. They do not carry unwanted side effects like intestinal bleeding. Strawberry is listed as one of top foods which helps in lowering the cancer rate because of its very high content of anti-oxidants which work synergistically and more powerfully against oxidation and prevents damages caused by free radicals in our body. Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin-C which helps the body to develop resistance against inflammation and infectious agents. It is rich in B complex group of vitamins which helps as cofactor to help the body in metabolizing proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Acetyl acids are also found in strawberries, it helps to prevent blood clots formation and hence improves the function of heart. It is also found that strawberries can help in improving memory, and brain’s ability to process information which helps in preventing brain defects in babies during pregnancy. Strawberry improves your immunity and keeps you fit. It also enhances your blood sugar regulation.

SKIN BENEFITS–

Skin Cleanser– Strawberries have great cleansing properties. Strawberry extracts are used as an ingredient in skin cleansers, face washes. Ellagic acid is present strawberry which combats skin damage to maintain its freshness and youth. They remove impurities and soften the skin as well as soothe allergies and other irritants and provide protection against pollution.

Treatment of pigmentation- Since strawberries are rich source of ellagic acid, its oral ingestion can cure hyper pigmentation caused by Ultra violet rays by inhibiting the synthesis of melanin, the chemical which gives the skin its color.

Food scrub- Strawberries are very effective in giving you crack free and soft feet. Strawberry foot scrub can be easily prepared by mashing 6-7 strawberries and mixing them with a few drops of glycerin and oats. This mixture will exfoliate your dead cells and rough skin. Strawberry can also be used as a skin toner. It gives you wrinkle free, blemish free and younger looking skin.

Strawberry is an astringent, it reduces dark circles and under eye puffiness. Strawberries repairs your skin, save your skin from damages and heal wounds. It contains some ingredients which reduces oiliness of your skin and controls acne.

HAIR BENEFITS-

Strawberries protects the cell membrane of the scalp because of its antioxidant property, and hence prevents the formation of layer on their surface which separates the scalp from contact of water. Manganese, copper and magnesium in strawberry controls the growth of fungus on your scalp. Strawberries are rich in allegic acid which protects your hair from falling and thinning. It also prevents hair loss and provides extra shine to your hair as it works as a natural conditioner. It can be mixed tea or tree oil to get rid of dandruff.

The acids in strawberries are known to remove stains. They helps in removing plaques and strengthen and heal gums and gives you white and shiny teeth. Strawberries are rich in potassium which is a mineral, it helps to regulate the electrolytes in the body pushing down the dangers of heart attacks and strokes. They are very beneficial as a healthy morning breakfast and also gives you the perfect energy boost for the whole day.

June 26, 2014