Category: More

Truth about the Vegan Diet

Veganism is a special type of vegetarian diet in which people completely exclude eggs, meats, dairy products and all those ingredients which are derived from the animals. In veganism, people completely boycott the processed foods such as the white sugar and wines as well. Those people who follow such diet as called as vegans. Vegans generally give several arguments so as to why you should stop eating the animal foods. There are many myths in the mind of the people regarding the vegan diets. Some believe that the vegan diet is the best way a person can lose weight and fight the life threatening diseases. Every now and then you will be inspired to follow the vegan diet as it is highly beneficial for the human body. But the reality is completely different from what is presented in front of you. Vegan diet has in fact lots of side effects as well on which people don’t pay much attention and these side effects deteriorate the health of the individual. Here we will be talking about such lies and myths people have regarding the vegan diets.

People generally believe that since the vegan diet is completely free from animal foods, they offer several health benefits and are in fact healthy compared to the other food items that we eat in our daily life. The proponents of the vegan diets have whole foods in them. Vegan diet completely boycotts refined sugar, refined grains, Trans fats, vegetable oils and other processed foods. Consequently many food items which offers fewer nutrients and have chemicals that are harmful for the human body gets eliminated. The health benefits of the vegan diet is due to the fact that they consume only the whole food and eliminates the processed food items as they have harmful ingredients in them. It is nothing to do with the elimination of the animal foods from the diet. None of the studies have been able to prove that animal food is bad for the human health.

The other reason which people give for you to encourage in joining the vegan diet club is that the animal foods have huge amount of fats in them which is extremely harmful and is the root cause of the heart disease. The truth is that the cholesterol and the saturated fats which are present in the animal foods improves the blood cholesterol profile and offer several health benefits. They both give rise to the HDL and not the LDL which consequently helps in protecting the heart from diseases. Some of the recent advanced studies conducted in this field have proved that there is absolutely no connection among the heart disease and the consumption of the saturated fats and cholesterol. Vegan people use this myth to attract people but this myth has now been completely debunked.

People believe that the vegan diet is the only way one can reverse the heart disease. There is a huge contradiction on this fact. Till date no major prove is present which can support this fact. While this is true that a diet which has low fat content in it can be helpful in reversing the heart diseases but it is not necessary for you to completely adopt the veganism.

There is a very famous China Study associated with the vegan diet. China Study is in fact a world famous book written by the veteran biochemist T. Colin Campbell. In this book the author has claimed that the animal protein is the reason people suffer from the cancer and various heart diseases and lose their precious life. He stated the facts by examining the results of the survey conducted in the Cornell Oxford Project in China. But many researchers and biochemists from around the world have expressed their unhappiness over the content written in the book and have contradicted the facts given by T. Colin Campbell. They believe that the book China Study is in fact a science fiction and there is not enough evidence to accept the claims made by T. Colin Campbell.

People opt for the vegan diet as they believe that the animal protein is bad for their health. But this is not true. The animal protein is in fact useful for the human body. Several researches made in this regard confirm the same. The diet which has high protein in it acts as a wonderful appetite suppressant and this eventually helps you in losing weight. If you want to shed some kilos from your body then you must opt for the animal proteins instead of ignoring them. Further the animal protein also lowers the blood pressure and helps in building muscles.

The vegans argue that the human body is naturally herbivore and so people should not eat the animal flesh of any type. This is rather contradictory. We people are consuming animal flesh from generations and our body is well adapted to consume and digest the animal flesh. The humans on the other hand are omnivores. There are lots of nutrients and minerals obtained from the animal foods which are good for us. Moreover the claim that the person opting for the vegan diet live longer is also not true. No study has been able to prove that vegan diet is superior and is more beneficial for health.

July 1, 2014
The most Refreshing Yogurt : Lassi

Lassi, a yogurt based drink which always leaves you wanting more. In this summer nothing can be more refreshing than this coolant drink. Yogurt drinks are widely popular all over the world. In India people referred this yogurt based drink as “Lassi”.

Lassi is also known as buttermilk is a traditional drink in India and Pakistan. It was originated in Punjab and is an age-old custom in Punjab to serve this coolant drink after the meal in huge glasses. It consist of Yogurt or curd, water, sugar, pepper, raisins and sometimes salt too. Lassi can be salty or sweet and it depends on our taste which one we would like to have. Different flavors of it can be generated by adding seasonal fruits. To give a creamy taste it is topped with clotted cream. Lassi is chilled with ice-cubes and served during or after the meal as a refreshment drink.

Lassi along with refreshment also helps in maintaining our digestive system and enzymes. Lassi being an item prepared from curd helps in alleviating problems related to stomach such as constipation etc. It helps in generating healthy bacteria and decreases the number of bad bacteria. Being rich in proteins it is a main intake of bodybuilders to keep their muscles stiff. Whenever we feel low a glass of Lassi can work and increases our energy level. It is also used to provide strength to our bones as it is a good source of calcium. It also decreases building up of bacteria and gastrointestinal problems.

Lassi is of only two types: Sweet or Salted…Really is it so?? The answer is NO..Lassi comes with its variants…it mainly depends on our taste and ingredients we would love to have. Like Sweet Lassi is a flavoured form of lassi with sugar and different form of flavours added to it e.g. Rose, Lemon, Strawberry or any other juices. Saffron Lassi is a type of this which has saffron as a special ingredient in it. This is popular in Pakistan and Rajasthan. Makkhaniya lassi is lassi topped with a layer of butter over it.

Preparation of lassi is quite easy. You just want some ingredients and blender with you. Ingredients required are: 1.5 cups curd, 7-8 tbsp sugar, 1/2 cups water, saffron (optional), 6-7 almonds/nuts, I tbsp rose water, ice cubes. Initially take the curd, sugar in a blender and blend it. It is blended until an even mixture is obtained. Make sure that it is not blended for a long time otherwise butter will start to float on the top. Now lassi is ready and pour it into the tall glasses. Sprinkle the nuts and pieces of almonds over it. Saffron is added if required.

Mango Lassi is prepared from mango pulp and yogurt. Sugar is optional ingredient in it. It has gained its popularity all over the world including UK, Singapore, Malaysia. In Canada this lassi is treated as a cold drink with kesar mango pulp added to it along with the cream and there it is served with an ice cream. To make it more delicious nuts are also sprinkled at its top.

Bhang Lassi, the name itself creates an image of Punjab’s culture. This lassi contains bhang as an ingredient in it. Bhang is a type of liquid derivative of eaten forms of Cannabis. This is mainly taken during Holi and it is served with pakodas. In Uttar Pradesh there are some bhang shops and they all are licensed so you people can visit, can buy some bhang products in case you want to and can enjoy bhang lassi.

Chaach is another form of lassi which is salted in form. It is diluted in form and contains salt and jeera for giving salty taste. Some people used to add green chillies as a seasonal element. In Gujarat and Rajasthan it is served along with the meal and especially during summers. It acts as coolant drink during this hot season.

In the hot summer, chilled Lassi is served in tall a glass which is topped with clotted cream. In Punjab, the demand is getting so high day by day that shopkeeper started using washing machines for blending curd instead of mixers. With these maximum demands can be easily fulfilled. Lassi so prepared is very thick and spoon is served with it to make it easy to drink. Firstly, you can have the taste of buttery cream and then drink that lassie. People in Northern India preferred to have lassi with samosa, paranthas and sometimes with chat too.

Lassi must be prepared in a proper way like never add lassi with the fruit because curd and fruit always contradicts each other so it can indirectly harm our immune system. Reduce the consumption of lassi in winters and especially at late nights because it increases the concentration of phlegm in our body.

June 28, 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
Easy way of making Wine at home

Wine is nothing but a alcoholic beverage that is made out of fermented grapes.Basically there are two varieties of wines they are red wine and white wine.The simple difference between them is that red wine is prepared by soaking the grapes along with the skin whereas the white wines are prepared by removing the skin of the grapes after fermentation process.By using different types of grape varieties and strains of yeasts, they produce different type of wines.

history of wine

History:

Wine has a very long history and it spans over thousands of years.At first the evidence of wine civilization is found in China around 7000 BCE. Mainly the wine making technology was improved during the roman empire.They used to store them in barrels and shipped them to various parts of the world.The production and consumption has eventually increased during 15th century.Slowly it has spread to all the parts of the world and now it is available everywhere around the world.

history of wine

Making wine at home:

From thousands of years people are making their own type of wine at home.This can be prepared using any type of fruit but most people prefer to make it with grapes.In this process after mixing all of the ingredients we must leave the wine to ferment and then we have to age it before bottling.By using this simple olden process we can make delicious wine at home.

Ingredients:

1) Take six cups of any of the fruit

2) Take two cups of honey

3) Take one packet of yeasts

4) Take filtered water

Step 1:

This is the step we have to prepare all our supplies and ingredients first.Along with the wine ingredients we have to take some of the basic supplies so that our wine can age longer without being affected by bugs and bacteria.As we are making it in home we should see that it should not be much expensive.The supplies that are required for making at home are

1) Take two gallons of glass jar

2) Take one gallon of glass container having small neck

3) Take an air lock

4) Take a thin plastic tube that may be used for siphoning

5) Take clean wine bottles with screw caps

Step 2:

Select any type of fruit for making wine.Most of the people use grapes for the preparation of wine.While choosing a fruit it is better to choose a fruit that is organic as it has to be treated with chemicals if it is not organic.For reduced cost of making this wine take fruits in a farmers market.

Step 3:

At first take the fruits and remove the stems and and leaves and clean them thoroughly so that there should not be any dirt or grit.Next rinse the fruit thoroughly and place it in a crock or glass jar.Before crushing we can peel off the skin, but the actual flavor comes from the skin itself.If we peel off the skin then the wine will be more milder.Few think that natural yeasts lie on the skin of the fruit and does not wash it before crushing.

Step 4:

Now crush the fruits till the juice comes out of it.This process of taking the juice out of fruit is known as crushing.This process must be done until the fruit juice is about one and half inches from the top of the crock or glass jar.In case if the fruit juice is not till top of the glass jar fill the remaining level with mineral water.At this stage add campeden tablet to the mixture as it releases sulphur dioxide which kills wild yeasts and bacteria.In case if we don’t want to use tablet at that stage add two cups of boiling water to the fruit.

Step 5:

Add honey to the fruit juice as it adds sweetness to the wine and also provides food for yeasts.We can also add sugar if we don’t have honey available.

Step 6:

Now the main thing yeasts are to be added to the mixture taken and stir them well continuously by using a long handed spoon.For the preparation this is a step is a must and should not be ignored.

Fermenting wine:

wine-fermentation

Step 1:

Now after adding yeasts cover the crock by using a lid such that i must keep bugs away from it and it must allow air to flow in and out.Then tie it with a t shirt at the opening by using a rubber band.Now leave this undisturbed over night by providing it a temperature of 70 degrees.

Step 2:

Continuous stirring must be done for every four hours and must recover it such that the mixture starts bubbling so that yeasts start their action.This continuous stirring will help in making delicious wine.

Step 3:

Now as the bubbling slows down after few days take this to a glass container with a small neck for longer storage.Now place the small balloon over the opening to let the gas collected and replace it in a right away.

Step 4:

After this process let the wine be stored for few months but at least one month as the age for the wine increases the taste for it also increases.

Step 5:

At last preserve the wine by taking it in clean bottles and close it immediately by using a cork.Generally use dark bottles to preserve red wines.Allow it to preserve for longer age or can also take it immediately depending on one’s requirements.

Wine stored in dark bottles especially red wine

June 28, 2014
So you love Coffee?!

Do you think yourself as a coffee freak who just feels refreshed only after having that cup of hot coffee? Don’t worry, as your love for coffee is not in vain, rather it has some good things to offer. Go on, and discover the reasons why having that refreshment cup is good for you and you can continue with it without feeling guilty for the caffeine craving. There won’t be any person in this big world who hasn’t tasted coffee. Coffee and caffeine are most common and widely used substance used psychoactive substance used in the world. Many researchers have found that drinking two to four cups of coffee has many health benefits. Coffee was discovered around 850 A.D. in Ethiopia and after that it has become the world’s most popular beverage. Coffee is believed to be a good source of antioxidants and many studies have found that it elevates the mood, stop headaches, reduce cavities, improves athletic performance and yes, of course, is also helpful in reducing the risk of cancer, diabetes, gall stones and Parkinson’s disease. Coffee is something that can be pretty amazing for your brain, skin and your body. Don’t believe me? Have a look on these brimming coffee benefits, enlisted below and know about this super awesome beverage.

Just the Smell of coffee can reduce Stress: The aroma of coffee is such a stress-busting therapy. If you have been stressed or feeling anxiety due to non-sleepy nights and sleep deprivation, just the smell of coffee can make you feel better. The fragrance is so refreshing that it will be such a boost to your mood and mind and then drinking coffee is always so good. Give it a try and feel yourself.

Coffee can fight depression and makes you feel happier: It has been found in a research study that people who drink two to four cups of coffee are less likely to suffer from depression than the ones who never had it. Coffee helps in the upliftment of mood and makes you feel happy and also reduces the chances of suicide in a human being because it has slight antidepressant properties. The proposed reason for this is the presence of those healthy antioxidants that makes you feel light and healthy and happy.

Coffee can make you more intelligent and keeps your brain healthier: Usually, one drinks coffee when he feels tired or stressed, and just a cup can make you feel lively and alert because it boosts your energy levels and makes you smart. It has been reported by CNN that coffee allows your brain to work in a more efficient and smarter manner. It is linked with intelligence because when you take your cup of coffee, you somehow feel more alert and your reaction time, vigilance, logic and attention increases; things which are associated with intelligence and that is the reason you should not underestimate the cup of coffee.
Coffee improves your physical performance and makes you good athlete: Drinking Coffee increases the adrenaline levels in the blood, which is a hormone designed to make our bodies ready for physical exertion and also releases the fatty acids from fat tissues. It is mainly helpful in endurance sports and thus helps in improving the athletic performance. Because of this reason, it is recommended to have a strong cup of coffee one or half hour before workout as it will give a jolt to your athletic performance or gym workout.
Coffee can lower down the risk of Cancer: Cancer is the most deadly disease in the world and is caused due to uncontrolled growth of cells. Drinking coffee can reduce the risk of skin cancer, especially in women and also helps in lowering the risk of liver cancer or colorectal cancer. So, drinking coffee can prove to be really good against this disease.
Coffee drinkers have lower risk of developing Type II Diabetes: Diabetes and increased levels of insulin and elevated blood sugar levels has become a most common problem in today’s world, affecting almost 300 million people in the world. But it has been found in many observational studies that coffee drinkers are at much lower risk of having Type 2 diabetes than those who don’t have it. So, it is actually good if you fancy this drink.
Coffee may protect you against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease: These diseases have become the most common neurodegenerative disorders in the people specifically above 65 years of age. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for it, but yes, with some precautions you can lessen the symptoms of these diseases. Drinking coffee is one of them and it can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s by 65% if you are a regular coffee drinker. Though eating healthy is important, but coffee can prove to be incredibly effective in lowering the risk.
Well, what are you thinking now? Amazed with all these perks of COFFEE. The best part of this beverage is that almost everyone loves to have and is completely affordable and tasty too. Moderation is the key and then you are free to enjoy the benefits. Afterall, Brewing that great cup has always been Exciting.

Keep drinking it. Keep loving it.

June 28, 2014
FIVE ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS FOR HEALTHY SKIN AND WHERE TO FIND THEM!!

Skin-care is probably the most overrated issue in our life. With the flooding of creams, face-washes and other products in the market, beauty is arguably the most profit-generating venture. There are day creams, night creams, anti-aging, wrinkle-lift, fairness creams, cold-creams and what not!! I am sincerely waiting for noon creams, evening creams, summer creams, spring creams and most importantly, anti-dumbness creams. When all these creams don’t suffice, people flock to the parlors and salons for various treatments like bleaching and de-tanning.A little application of moisturizers and sunscreens is necessary for protecting our skin. Agreed!! Also,messages are very helpful in improving blood-circulation to the skin and relaxation. Agreed again!! But at the same time,there is a hoard of unnecessary products in the market that are simply aimed at duping huge sums of money from people.. The photo shopped images of celebs and models further push people towards parlours and beauty-treatments. The drive for that radiant flawless skin has never been stronger. Ironically, when the drive for looking younger and prettier is stronger than ever before, people have forgotten the essentials of ever-lasting beauty. In fact, the secrets of beauty are highly mis-understood.The old adage- You become what you eat, is long forgotten!! This leads to many problems like premature-aging,chemical burns etc. The safest and the longer-lasting ways to a healthy, glowing skin is probably the easiest too- eating right, exercising and protecting from sun!! So, let me take you to a tour into the beautiful kingdom of delicacies that will make your skin glow like never before!!

1. VITAMIN E

When our body comes in contact with external influences like Sun exposure, chemicals etc., some molecules constituting our body get oxidized and produce free-radicals. Free-radicals are extremely unstable molecules and they take electrons from neighboring molecules to gain stability. This induces a chain reaction that produces more such radicals, thereby causing severe damage to skin cells and collagen, the main structural protein of our body. This results in aging, fine-lines and wrinkles. Our body thus needs antioxidants that neutralize free radicals. Vitamin E is an extremely powerful antioxidant and thus, the route to longer youth. It is found in avocado, almonds. Hazelnuts, corn oils etc.

2. VITAMIN C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an elixir for your skin. Vitamin C is known to aid the production of Collagen, the main structural protein that makes up for about 25-35% of the whole body protein content. Collagen strengthens the capillaries supplying the skin and also helps in cell growth. Thus, Vitamin C is essential for skin repair and maintenance. Moreover, Being an anti-oxidant, it is also known to neutralize the free-radicals. It also reduces the effects of long-term effects of sun exposure like skin cancers. The main sources of Ascorbic acid are – Guava, Oranges, Lemons, Strawberries, Blueberries and other citrus fruits.

3. ZINC

Zinc is the goldmine of skin benefits. It is primarily responsible for carrying out repair work. Sebum is an oily secretion by sebaceous glands to keep our hair and skin moisturized. When secreted in excess, it can cause a variety of problems like Acne. Zinc helps counteract the damage to skin caused due to acne by reducing the amount of sebum secreted and repairing the scarred skin around acne. Zinc is one of the main constituents of almost all Sunscreen products because it provides protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. It’s anti-cancerous properties further reduces chances of skin cancer due to repeated exposure of sun. It is also important for a healthy scalp and provides protection against skin ailments such as burns, boils, eczema etc. Zinc is found in abundance in fish, meat, whole grains, nuts, sea-food, seeds etc.

4. OMEGA-3 AND OMEGA-6 FATS

Omega-3 fatty acids particularly, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) regulate oil production in the body and keeps your hair and skin hydrated. Without these essential fats, your scalp and skin will become dry and flaky. Apart from this, these fatty acids are very powerful anti-oxidants as well and thus, protect our skin from free-radical damage. They are also associated with skin maintenance and repairs and have anti-inflammatory action. For this reason, they are used for providing relief in skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis etc. They, however, cannot be produced by body and has to be obtained from outside. Chief sources include- flax-seed oil, linseed, walnut and rapeseed oil.

5.LOW GI-CARBS

Clear skin-tone, freedom from acne and a slim waistline, you name it and you have it!! Low GI carbs are your one-stop solution to all beauty-related problems. As opposed to high GI carbohydrates like sweets, potatoes etc. , low GI carbs release sugar in the blood-stream slowly. This makes you feel full for longer duration and also, helps avoid a situation known as hyperinsulinemia (excess of insulin in blood)which is often associated with acne. The main sources of low GI carbs include beans, pulses, porridge etc.

Once you start regulating your diet to include these products, you would feel a new re-flux of energy in your life. But don’t be too impatient. It takes about 6 weeks for a new layer of epidermal cells to form on your body. So, the diet changes would also take as much to provide visible results!! A little care and control today can guard your beauty forever!!

June 28, 2014
The End of Good Folk: “Bihu Somrat” passes away to cheers of joy

When I heard the news the first time, I was moved to tears. To everyone around me, it meant nothing. On June 13th, a person by the name of Mr. Khagen Mahanta passed away after months of battling an illness. To those unfamiliar with his life and field of work, he may be better known as Bollywood singer Papon’s father.

Nothing can make a man prouder than the moment when he is known as his son’s father. To me, however, it was a shattering moment. Don’t get me wrong; I have nothing against the son. The battle I wage is against the cloud of disinterest that surrounded the father’s death. Facebook and Twitter were flooded by the World Cup fever, which by the way is a wonderful thing to happen. It makes me very happy to see people feeling proud of their passions, but it also disturbs me tremendously when we remain ignorant of, and even disrespectful towards, somebody else’s passions. Among those thousand World Cup posts, my eyes rested on one Facebook update about the heartbreaking news I had mentioned in the very beginning of my sad story: “Reputed King of Bihu… Rest in peace!” Ah. An Assamese friend remembered. Finally. I congratulated him- I really did. “It’s wonderful that you made an effort to make the world realised what a gem we have lost.” “I spent the whole of yesterday listening to his songs. I feel like I’ve lost my childhood.” Those words brought tears to my eyes. “I didn’t know you were so fond of Assamese culture”, my friend went on. “You’re Bengali, aren’t you?”

A major chunk of my new-found respect for him disappeared. Mr. Khagen Mahanta was one of the greatest exponents of Assamese folk music. A musical legend, he was also tremendously famous as a soldier who made music his weapon. On his death, musician and singer JP Das lamented: “He was a true gentleman who never raised his voice. He was very passionate about Assamese folk music and its preservation. He tried to save the ‘borgeet’, ‘goxha’, ‘biya naam’ and other forms. His death has created a vacuum in the field of music.” Mr. Mahanta, for me, however, was simply the reason why I fell in love with Assamese culture in the first place. He is called the “Bihu-Somrat” (King of Bihu) and my first encounters with the part of his soul that he put in his music were through his Bihu songs I found in an old record in the attic. Although Bengal does celebrate Bihu (at least, parts of it do), the first Bihu song I heard was in Assamese. And I loved it. Assamese is a wonderful language, and fused with the melodious voice of this man, it struck a chord somewhere deep in my heart. My rendezvous with folk music had started early, and I soon went on to explore music from various parts of the country. The words ‘popular’, ‘folk’ and ‘classical’ did not mean anything to my childish ears, all I knew was I had found a passion that would fuel the loneliness of teenage, and fire the love of the senses that adolescence brings on. As I grew up, I realised my friends in school never discussed these things. They spoke of English rock songs I hated, discussed people with hairstyles that scared me and never comprehended the beauty I felt in my veins everytime Mahanta’s voice hit my ears. No one understood the language, and he was therefore labelled ‘boring’. I have news for you. I don’t understand or speak Assamese either. How can we call ourselves music-lovers when languages and social distinctions (folk, classical) and utterly stupid classifications called genres get in the way of our passion? Folk music remains my passion till date, and Mahanta’s songs simply enticed me towards the language! As I grew up, I made a sincere effort to pick up the language so that I could feel the spirit of the songs. By the time I had made myself fairly acquainted with the exponents of Assamese folk music, I realised I was very close to attaining an acquaintance with the language. Language and culture are vehicles of each other, but in the world that had been created around me, both were things to be looked down upon. The lure of the regional was something that had become part of my world and, at the same time, something that could never allow my world to merge with that of my friends. I realise now that I shouldn’t have been so shocked at the social media reaction. The death of folk culture had made its presence felt quite early in my life…and yet, it hurt me when a country on the other side of the world managed to receive the admiration that a region in our very own country has never received and truly deserves. I do not wish to advocate the supremacy of one culture over another; that can never be. Each country, each region and each culture is as supreme as another and everyone has something to learn from their neighbours. All I wanted was Bengal, Punjab, Kerala, Telengana to feel the pain Assam felt at that moment. Selfishly, perhaps, I wanted my country to scream out to the world and ask it to share in our loss. What I realised was : none had lost, for none had loved. Years of fighting for culture and music, and his death is met by rejoicing of various sorts. Several Assamese friends I spoke to told me they had never heard of him. They’d heard of Papon, of course. Famous Bollywood Singer. Chartbuster Hits. It’s okay if he died, they grinned. His son will carry forward the legacy. Are any of us worthy of carrying forward the legacy of our past? Assam had lost a gem that day but my generation had lost Folk long before that.

May my children be as enamored by him as I was. Or will they?

June 26, 2014
The Love For Cherry
If life is a bowl full of cherries, then we are all in for a treat…!!!

This bite size stone fruit in its vivid red hue is a summertime favorite- and each little sweet cherry packs a powerful punch of nutrients. Sweet or sour, cherries are bursting with nutrition.

Cherries have a very short fruiting season. In Australia, they are usually at their peak around Christmas time. In many parts of North America, cherry fruit trees are among the first fruit trees that ripen. In addition, to being a delicious fruit, they have attractive flowers and are commonly planted for their flower display in spring.

A handful of fresh cherries in the summertime are a natural gourmet natural. Cherries, along with other berries, are a rich source of anti-oxidants. Queritrin – a flavinoid is rich in cherries, and has been found by researchers to be one of the most potent anti-cancer agents.

More than just a delicious fruit, cherries are low in calories. Eating cherries can help u lose weight and stay trim. A cup of cherries is less than 100 calories and packs only in 3 gm of fiber, which helps you in keeping full for a longer time.

Also, these little beauties contains vitamin B such as- thiamine, riboflavin and vitamin B 6, these vitamins are crucial for the body and help in conversion of nutrients to energy.

Cherries are not only healthy and delicious, but versatile also. They can be added to anything to everything from dairy, to pork, eaten raw or cooked down to make a sauce or a shake.

They are a power-pack remedy to a large number of disorders-

1. Lowers down blood pressure-

Cherries are an excellent source of potassium, which helps in lowering of blood pressure by helping the body to get rid out of excess blood pressure. Eating cherries can help you maintain the balance between sodium and potassium.

2. Cherries get good sleep-

Tart cherries contain melatonin, a hormone that makes you sleepy. Two tablespoons of little tart juice is used as a tasty bedtime sleep aid.

3. Cherries help fight cancer-

The distinctive red hue of the cherry is due to the flavinoid called cynaidin, which in combination with anti-oxidants of cherry can help fight the free radicals of the body. Also cynaidin, helps to keep cancerous cells in control.

4. Cherries help ease arthritis pain-

For those who suffer from arthritis and gout, eating 2 cup of binge cherries can give a lot of relief. Cherries can also reduce painful inflammation by decreasing the amount of the reactive protein produced.

5. Helps cure migraine-

Cherries help in curing migraine problem, by reducing the inflammation in the body. The cynaidin flavinoid of the cherry can aid in reducing the migraine headaches.

6. prevents premature ageing-

cherries are rich in two important flavinoids- queritrin and isoqueritrin, which act as antioxidants and work by removing the by-products of oxidative stress, thereby slowing down the process of pre-mature ageing.

Some easy cherry recipes:

1. Cherry beer cake-

A. 3/4 cup cherries

B. 2 cup all- purpose flour

C. 2 tbsp baking powder

D. 1/4 tbsp salt

E. 4 eggs

F. 2 cup granulated sugar

G. 2 tbsp vanilla extract

H. 2 tbsp melted butter

I. 1 cup cherry wheat beer

J. 1 tbsp baking soda

K. 1 pack cream cheese

L. 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

In a large bowl, add butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, flour, baking soda, vanilla extract, baking powder and salt. Add walnuts and cherries to the mixture.

Transfer the mixture to a battered pan, which is greased with oil. Bake the cake in the preheated oven kept at 350` C for 25-30 minutes. Cool it for 10 minutes.

For frosting in a large bowl, beat cream cheese till fluffy. Then add sugar and water, to achieve consistency. Add food coloring, if required. Spread the frosting over and between the cake layers.

Spread walnuts over the top layer.

2. Cherry milkshake-
1. Vanilla ice-cream
2. 2 tbsp milk
3. Fresh cherries
4. Marshmallows for garnishing
Chop the cherries, into small dices by removing the stalk and the seeds. Blend ice-cream, milk and the chopped cherries until smooth. Do not over blend it. Pour the shake into glasses and garnish with stalked cherries and marshmallows.

3. Vegan cherry pie-

A. 1 1/4 cup dark cherries

B. 1 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour

C. 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

D. 1 tbsp baking soda

E. 1/2 tbsp salt

F. 1 cup sugar

G. 1/2 cup oil

H. 1 tsp vanilla extract

I. 1 cup coffee powder

J. 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Preheat the oven to 375` C and in a medium bowl mix together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda and whisk them. In another bowl, add coffee powder with cold water, oil and vanilla extract. Now mix both of them together. Now, add the apple cider vinegar and mix till it is evenly distributed in mixture. Add cherries to the mixture, and do not whisk now. Bake for 35 minutes and then let it cool.

Garnish with chocolate chip and stalked cherries.
June 26, 2014
Foods To ‘Spark Up’ A Runner’s Plug !

Running is one of the best workouts for us. If you are looking for a cardio exercise to control your weight, go running. If you are looking for a workout to get rid of lifestyle diseases, go running. Well, there are other types of workouts too, and you must be thinking why am i stressing on running out of all the exercises. This is because in the fast- paced lives as ours today, everything is preferred to be short and sweet with excellent results. And running is something that, if done merely for 15 minutes per day, will help you as equally as a one hour long aerobics or yoga session.

Running is a handy exercise. You just need o put your shoes on and find a track to run, that might be a simple road, a jogging trail or even a treadmill, for that matter. And the most important aspect about running is the kind of food you eat. Yes !! Runners have special nutritional needs, even if you are doing it for losing weight. Runners need to constantly maintain their energy throughout the day, repair their muscles and joints by proper lubrication, and all this can be done if they eat food that can perform these tasks in their bodies.

So here are some of the foods that runners should definitely have in the grocery list :-

Banana:

Bananas are packed with instant energy boosters, i.e. , carbohydrates and are among the best pre-workout foods for runners. They are loaded with potassium which makes them even more desirable as potassium regulates blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke specially in people who suffer from heart problems. This banana restores the level of potassium in the body that is lost while sweating during exercise. Moreover, the softness and lightness in texture and taste makes it easier to consume even with pre-running nerves.

Berries:

The colorful substances that are responsible for the blue color of the blueberries, the deep purple color of the blackberries and rich red color of raspberries are a powerful group of antioxidants called anthocyanins, which provide a host of health benefits ranging from maintaining healthy blood vessels to prevention of cancer. They are one of the ideal foods for runners, as they prevent muscle soreness and strength loss due to the presence of vitamin c and potassium. Frozen berries are just as good as fresh ones, in fact they can be stored for a long time and can be consumed as and when required. Berries can be used as a part of smoothie, can be added to yogurt or oatmeal an consumed as a great treat.

Low fat yogurt:

Running an definitely improve your bone density, provided that its coupled with calcium. And there’s nothing like a bowl of low-fat yogurt for your daily calcium intake. In addition to this, yogurt has special milk proteins, that are important for building and repairing muscles after the tough run. It is also abode to millions of healthy bacteria which help our digestive tract to be in a proper shape and prevents inflammation and soreness. Yogurt can be used a part of smoothie, as a salad dressing, or can be topped with fruits and granola for a tastier bite.

Salmon:

Salmon is the king of fishes, nutritionally. In addition to being an excellent source of high-quality protein, they are loaded with omega-3-fatty acids, which, unfortunately are sorely deficient in our diet otherwise. Omega-3-fatty acids not only boost the heart’s health by creating more elastic blood vessels, but also improve nervous system functioning. They also help to balance the body’s inflammation response, and fend off diseases. It can be eaten baked, grilled or poached with fresh herbs and citrus zest. It is also great in salads, pasta, soups or as a topping of a pizza.

Whole grain pasta:

Pasta is a wonderful food for runners as it restocks the spent glycogen stores, and whole grain pasta is even better because of its digestible carbs, and more fiber that fills you up, and vitamin d that is crucial to energy metabolism, and other disease fighting compounds. Some really good varieties even contain the much needed omega-3-fatty acids. Pasta is great when tossed with veggies, meat, seafood or tofu, as it makes a great one-pot meal.

Eggs:

Eggs are known as the body building foods due to their protein-rich content. One egg fulfills 10 per cent of your daily protein need. They contain all the proteins that muscles need to promote repair and recovery and to cure soreness. In addition, eggs are good for your eyes, brain and heart. Eggs are great anytime, whether boiled, poached, scrambled or as a part of sandwiches, toasts or wraps.

So these were some of the foods that must be there in your kitchen if you are planning on a running regime or are already an active runner. Incorporating these foods in your diet, will not only keep your muscles and joints in good shape, but also keep you active to continue the workout for days ahead. So, ‘spark up’ the energy plug in your body and go running !!

June 26, 2014
Aloe Vera comes with an antiseptic and medicinal properties

You all must be aware about the benefits of aloe Vera when skin issues are concerned.. Whether it might be rashes, sunburns etc..!! But do you people know about its health benefits..?? I think over millions of people only thousands of them know its other part and the rest must be treating it as an antiseptic for their skin.

Aloe Vera is a succulent plant that is very short-stemmed and naturally grows up to 60-100 cm. The leaves of this plant are fleshy green with small white teeth over it. It has entitled as the ‘Wand of the Heaven’ by the Americans for having widespread antiseptic properties.

Aloe Vera in its history is known for its medicinal and antiseptic properties. According to scientific researches it is generally considered as the beauty secret. Aloe Vera extract can be used as a lotion or is diluted to form aloe Vera gel. These extractions or prepared gel are applied on the skin to make it more smooth and shiny. It is used to obliterate your eye makeup very smoothly and also helps in providing relief to tired and swells eyes. Skin specialist considers it as a remedy for sunburn, skin irritations, acne etc. It is applied 2-3 times a day and its cooling properties help in curing sunburns.

Aloe Vera is rich in Vitamin C and E and our skin needs these vitamins so that it always remains hydrated and soft. And nothing can be better than adding coconut oil to it so that essential nutrients and required fats all together are provided to our skin. It internal qualities keep our skin moisturizing and it’s under layer effects keeps it shiny. Aloe Vera gel is also applied on hairs to make it smoother.

This is all about its healing properties and its major concern with skins. Now let’s talks about its health benefits. Aloe Vera extract is not only applied on skins rather it is also used in preparing aloe Vera juice. This aloe Vera juices in turn is taken and overpower its medicinal properties. This plant has a magical property which is used in the treatment of various diseases. So the major issue is How to prepare this aloe Vera juice. It’s quite easy and has a homemade recipe.

Aloe Vera Juice: Initially breaks off some of the leaves from Aloe Vera plant. Then, with the help of knife, take out the extract from the leaves gently. Peel out the yellow layer from the extract so that we are left with only a clear gel. Place this in the blender and add one cup of grapes/orange juice into it. Blend these into it for some time until it is fully mixed. Pour this into a glass and your Aloe Vera Juice is ready.

Aloe Vera juice helps in maintaining our digestive system and allows food particles to pass through our intestine flawlessly. It acts as a detoxifier and helps with alleviating ulcers, acidity and inflammation. Drinking this regularly helps in removing joint pains and decreases swelling. It also reduces rigidness of bones and makes them soft. It also cures diabetes and decreases sugar level to the large extent. Its antibacterial properties help in promoting cell growth and increases mouth gums. It also helps in improving immunity and boosts our immunity. It also increases energy along with maintaining weight. It contains minerals and nutrients which help in improving blood pressure and blood oxidation.

To make it more delicious to drink instead of preparing aloe Vera juice we can make Aloe Vera Cocktail. Just by adding few more ingredients to it, it can take a new form of drink. Firstly, prepare aloe Vera juice as usual and then add 1-2 cup of pineapple, one carrot and one green apple along with 2-4 tbsp of water to it. Finally, blend them and pour it into a glass with a straw. Now this exotic cocktail is ready to be served.

Now we are all familiar with its health and skin benefits, but these are all due to its nutritional value. It consists of 12 vitamins, 75 nutrients, 18 amino acids, 20 minerals and 200 enzymes in it. When Vitamins is concerned, it consists of Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E. These minerals have their effects internally or externally. It also consists of various compounds such as mannans, lectins and polysaccharides etc.

Aloe Vera Gel: Take out the extract and place it into the blender. Foe every ¼ cup of aloe add 400IU Vitamin E and 500mg Vitamin C. Blend these together and placed the prepared gel in refrigerator.

As we know every coin has two faces similarly Aloe comes with its advantages and disadvantages both. Excess drinking of aloe juice may be a cause of cancer in later days and can lead to serious kidney diseases and sometimes even results in death. So it’s better to consult a doctor before its intake.

June 26, 2014