All posts by Sumana Rao

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Daily uses of vegetable oil

20 Practical Uses Of Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oils are extracted from seeds or from other plant parts. Most of the vegetable oil that we find in market are mix of corn, soybean, safflower, palm, canola, sunflower oils. It is an inexpensive choice that can be used for all types of cooking. Vegetable oil can be used for not just cooking, also for various purposes.

  1. Apply for squeaky hinges: Putting few drops of vegetable oil to hinges will reduce squeak by lubricating the hinge.
  2. Applying for cast iron: Cast iron cookware quality improves by applying coat of vegetable oil often and prevents rust.
  3. Remove stickers from bottles: To remove tough stickers and disintegrated stickers apply vegetable oil.
  4. For tools: Applying vegetable oil on scissors, knife, garden tools, prevents dust, glue, any sticky material on surfaces.
  5. Separating cans, glasses: Applying oil on surface of reusable cans, glass bottles  that tend to stick together because of sticky food label residues, will help to keep them separated.
  6. Clean furniture: Take drops vegetable oil on soft cloth and apply wooden furniture surface. Leave it for few minutes and again wipe excess oil.
  7. Use for polishing stainless steel surfaces: If you have stainless steel microwave, fridge, dishwasher, and other appliances apply vegetable oil and gently wipe surface to remove fingerprints, marks, smudges. It brings shine to appliances.
  8. To unstick zipper: Sometime in our jackets, sweaters, suitcases zipper will get stuck. Lubricate zipper using vegetable oil, put few drops on zipper where it is getting stuck, leave it for few minutes.
  9. To remove candle wax: Candle wax drips on furniture or floor can be removed using vegetable oil. Pour little oil on dried wax. It will loosen the wax and becomes easy to remove.  
  10. Paint removal: When we work with paint, we also get some paint on our hands or face. Take few drops vegetable oil and apply on the skin surface. Paint will come out easily.
  11. Use as moisturizer: Sometimes moisturizers might not keep you from drying, especially during severe winter and cold seasons. Use vegetable oil in place of moisturizer for hands, legs, feet and heel cracks, elbows. It works well.
  12. Protect pet paws: To heal the cracks in pet paws, apply small amounts of vegetable oil under the paw. It makes them comfortable by softening the paw surface. Just make sure your pet does not run-on bed or sofa for few minutes!
  13. Use for buffing shoes: To rejuvenate leather shoes, using a soft cloth apply vegetable oil on shoe surface and shine them. Oil also removes smudge and dirt from surface.
  14. Car prep: Car wheels, door handles, bumper and areas where there is shiny metal on your car surface  can be taken care using oil. Prep these areas before washing the car by applying vegetable oil. This not just pre-cleans the car surface, also gives look.
  15. To remove lids: Sometimes syrup, honey, jam or jelly material can make lid tight due to glue like property. Coat vegetable oil on outside of the rim  and dispense few drops of oil inside lid and bottle contact. Leave it for few mins and try opening it. Lid should open easily.
  16. To remove splinters: While working in garden or wood, splinters can sit in hand or feet making it difficult to work as it hurts. Soak the splinter stuck area with little vegetable oil and then using tweezers pull the splinter.
  17. To get soft skin: Add few drops of oil in bucket water and take bath. It moisturizes skin, you will end up with glowing soft skin.
  18. For smooth shave: For women, if you are running out of shaving cream for legs and hands, apply little vegetable oil on skin surface and then shave. It works!
  19. Makeup removal: Instead of using makeup remover that bothers skin by irritation and allergy, use vegetable oil to remove make up. It also moisturizes skin.
  20. For mosquito bites: During summer mosquito bites are common. Apply few drops of vegetable oil on mosquito bites and itchy areas for relief.

Image credit: Image by congerdesign from Pixabay (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: July 15, 2022
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Dandelion rubber

Rubber From Beautiful Dandelion Plant

Commonly considered as weed with beautiful yellow flowers Dandelion is gaining importance for all good reasons. Before you throw Dandelion from your yard, think twice.

Why Dandelion is gaining importance?

Dandelion is known for its medicinal properties. Its root and leaves are used for different home remedies. Leaves are edible and can be added in salad. With these, it is adding another feather to its cap!

Globally many companies are searching for ways to be more environmentally friendly and looking for sustainable, regenerative materials for manufacturing of various products. Rubber industry is looking for plants that can be used in rubber production. Rubber plants Hevea brasiliensis from Brazil were the most cultivated plant around the globe for rubber production.

Do you know? Today fossil fuels are major source for rubber. Overall, 65% of rubber consumed globally is derived from fossil fuels. This is cheaper and more hardwearing than its natural counterpart. The advantage of natural rubber is it disperses heat better and has better grip. This is the reason tires are made with a mix of both.

During the second world war because of the growing demand, US, UK, USSR and Germany were using Dandelions for rubber manufacturing! It means, the technology of rubber manufacturing using Dandelion is not new to the world. It was originally developed by then USSR to become self sufficient nation.  After searching for hundreds of various types of plant specimen, Soviet Union picked up Dandelions growing in Kazakhstan for rubber production. Russian dandelion, namely Taraxacum koksaghyz, supplied 30% of the USSR’s rubber by 1941.

After second world war, rubber plant gained more importance due to low cost production and Dandelion moved away from the picture.  

Growing Hevea is another major reason for deforestation in Brazil.  Leaves of rubber plants are vulnerable to fungal blight disease in South America. This is making rubber industry look for an alternative to rubber plant as they are nervous to depend on single plant that has very little genetic diversity.

Dandelion is back in action!

Continental tires recently started producing rubber tires using Dandelion. They named these tires Taraxagum, a collaboration between Continental Tires and the Fraunhofer Institute of Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology in Aachen, Germany. Taraxacum is the Botanical name of Dandelion species. Bicycle tires manufactured by Continental tires bagged 2021 German Sustainability Award for its sustainable design.

Even the famous Apollo Tyers have used Dandelion rubber to manufacture bike tires. Continental is confident about promising tests on truck tires manufactured from Dandelion rubber.

Dandelion plant grows easily everywhere, anywhere. These plants do not require any additional supply of food or care. Their seeds easily disperse and grow well even in polluted areas! The Russian Dandelion can be grown in poor soil and it does have to grow using agriculture methods. Apollo which was part of EU funded DRIVE4EU consortium cultivated Dandelion in Belgium, Netherlands, and Kazakhstan. Dandelion for this project was also cultivated in Sweden, US, and Germany. In US and Canada, Dandelion is very common and present everywhere. Taking advantage of this character of Dandelion, Taraxagum research team has come up with idea of producing best quality rubber. Dandelion tires also proved to be even better than those that were manufactured using Hevea, the natural rubber. It also blends with synthetic rubber well.

In case of Hevea plant during rubber extraction process organic solvents are heavily used and it creates problem to environment if not properly disposed. In case of Dandelion. rubber extraction procedure requires hot water extraction method. According to van der Meer, Coordinator of DRIVE4EU project, chopped roots processed in hot water with very little chemicals.

There is still concern about another problem, disposal of the used, degraded rubber as micro particles of rubber settles in water sources.

As mentioned, Dandelions are easily growing weeds and are very critical for maintaining food supply for bees and dandelion root coffee (herbal tea) is popular food amongst many. Now extracting good quality rubber for rubber industry makes Dandelion presence more important for the environment. Instead of going on destroying the forest around us to plant rubber tree, plants like Dandelion that grow naturally bring promise and hope for the environment.

References:

https://www.dw.com/

www.trueactivist.com

Image credit: https://www.foodstoragemoms.com

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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How to starve and kill prostate cancer cells?

How to starve and kill prostate cancer cells?

Researchers recently identified that turmeric, red grapes and apples have one common factor. All three can help to prevent and treat one of the most common cancer that is happening “prostate cancer”. After skin cancer prostate cancer is most common cancer among men. Recent report from American Cancer Society, there are about 161,360 new cases of prostate cancer patients!

When you eat curry, fruits or vegetables it is for the betterment of the health. Eating plant based food helps in various ways. This report published in online Oncology journal reveals that plants have the capacity to prevent the growth of cancer. Indian miracle herb turmeric has gained so much importance because of its compound. With turmeric, another two plants – red grape and apples are studies by group of scientists to understand their effect on cancer cells. The natural compounds present in these three, have potential to starve the prostate cancer tumors and can shrink them!

As per the report, the apple peel can halt the growth of the prostate cancer when combined with the compounds present in red grapes and turmeric! In combination, these compounds have more effect on cancer cells.

A report published in online Journal of Precision Oncology by Stefano Tiziani and colleagues from the Department of Nutritional Sciences and the Dell Pediatric Research Institute of University of Texas, Austin reveals this news.

For this study Stefano Tiziani and colleagues used high Screening technique and 142 compounds were screened with the goal of identifying those compounds that potentially can halt growth of prostate cells. These compounds were administered alone and in combination were tested both and humans and animals. These compounds harmless and were effective.

The compounds were tested on prostate cancer cells derived from mice and humans, individually and in combination. The curcumin from turmeric, resveratrol from red grapes and ursolic acid in apple peel were tested in mouse for prostate cancer. When combined with either curcumin or resveratrol, ursolic acids, prostate cancer cells are prevented by uptake of glutamine and prevents tumor development in mice. Glutamine is needed for prostate cancer cells to grow and preventing glutamine uptake starves the cancer cells and they die! Concentration of these chemical compounds were higher than the amount that we intake through normal diet.

This research also demonstrates how plant based phytochemicals can work together. The solution looks simple – blocking a substance that is needed for growth of cancer cells and make them starve to death! It means, include more plants in your diet – eat fruits, vegetables and plant based food and you never know what benefit you are getting from phytochemicals plants supply to your body as medicines.

Reference:

University of Texas at Austin. “Starving prostate cancer with what you eat: Apple peels, red grapes, turmeric.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 6 June 2017. 

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: July 14, 2022
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Electronic device free zone helps kids developmentElectronic device free zone helps kids development

Electronic device free zone helps kids development

Use of technology is so much that it is hard to understand and at same time to be careful about its implications. Kids always think that electronic devices like smartphones, video games, tablets are fun toys. They love to use it for games, chatting, browsing or watching movies. In other words, digital devices have become an inseparable part of everyone’s life!

As parents and caregivers (including educators), it is important to make sure that these devices do good and not harm child’s growth.

According to Dr. Victoria Dunckley, M.D., Child Psychiatrist, too much screen time can interfere with child’s development by impairing brain function.

Based on her research with group of 500 children and adolescents Dr. Dunckley found that excessive screen time acts as a psychostimulant like caffeine, amphetamines, or cocaine. It acts on nervous system resulting in disturbance in sleep, focus, mood swing and reduces/restricted interests outside of the use of electronic gadgets.

While using the devices kids generally don’t pay attention to things like screen distance, brightness, posture which can adversely affect not only their vision but overall health too.

Here are several ways parents and care takers can work towards solving these issues:

  • Make sure the content children access in mobile device is age appropriate. Understand what content is appropriate for which age group.
  • Look for educational games and videos and APPs to help encourage creativity
  • Make sure that children interact with peers and friends and not just stuck to mobile device. Mobile should not get in the way of eating or exercising or in studies
  • Sometimes play games together and watch videos together.
  • Communicate and get interactive with your children. Watch and discuss about kid’s movies and help them to understand importance of family time.
  • Digital screen cause eye strain. Ask children to take regular break from device and tell them how important is the vision. Discourage use of gadgets in bright sunlight or in dark condition. Reason is screen brightness should not be three times darker or brighter than surroundings. Use auto brightness mode.

 Have device free zones:

For example:

  • Remove television from bedroom: Watching television more than an hour, not only increases obesity, screen time during sleeping hours shown to influence sleep patterns and increases behavioral problems.
  • Say no to electronic items at dinner table: While eating using smart phones or video games makes children eat more calories and it will be difficult to communicate with children. Dinner time is family time and is the time to understand what is happening in school and daily life.
  • Makes sure devices are off during family time. Put limitation on screen time. It should not exceed more than an hour daily. Using phones during family time can make a child more introvert.
  • Set a playtime for child. Let it be old fashioned way. Play with your child and help them to understand the importance of physical exercise. Take them for outdoor sports. Leave electronics behind when go outdoors.
  • Smartphone free zone: Before going to bed make sure child keeps smartphone away. Keeping phones close to body can only harm the child in various ways.
  • Don’t use electronic devices as baby sitters – instead give children creative toys, coloring books or story books.

Take control today and help your kids to understand the importance of electronic gadgets limitations and why it is important to have “device free zone”

Image credit: Photo by stem.T4L on Unsplash (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: July 13, 2022
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Upward Plank Pose

Upward Plank Pose

To stretch abdomen, chest, feet, ankle and to strengthen arm, upper back, hamstring, glute, shoulder and wrists upward plank pose is helpful. It is an intermediate pose and helpful in obtaining a strong core. In addition it also helps to balance.

Upward plank pose is also a counter pose for several yoga poses like forward bending, seated forward fold, four limbed staff pose. It gives flexibility, stretches and strengthens entire body. It is also known as reverse plank, inclined plank or upward plane pose.

Yogis used to practice this pose facing eastward as the Sun rose and hence the  Sanskrit name  Purva (East), Ut (intense), Tan (to stretch), Asana (pose) -Healthylife

LEVEL: Intermediate

Anatomy: Arms, Back, Chest, Neck, Pelvis, Shoulders, Thighs

Pose Type: Backbend, Heart Opener

Sanskrit: Purvottanasana (PUR-voh-tun-AHS-anna) purvo = east uttana = intense stretch

BENEFITS

  • Strengthens the arms, wrists, and legs
  • Stretches the chest, shoulders, and front of the ankles
  • Provides a counter pose for Chaturanga
  • Builds core strength and balance

CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Wrist injuries, such as a recent surgery
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Slipped discs and other spinal pathologies
  • Neck injuries

HOW TO

  1. Start in Dandasana (Staff pose) with your legs outstretched in front of you.
  2. Place your hands about six inches behind your hips, with fingertips pointing toward the toes, and press your palms firmly into the ground.
  3. Roll the thighs inward, and draw the abdominals in and up. On an inbreath, lift your pelvis as high as you can, keeping your chin tucked.
  4. Work toward straightening your legs and reaching your toes to the floor.
  5. Firm your shoulder blades against the back of your torso and lift your chest.
  6. If you have a regular practice, release your head back toward the floor. Be careful to not compress your neck.
  7. Stay here for five breaths. Return to Dandasana to release the pose.

MODIFY OR REPLACE

Alternatives:

Modifications:

  • If dropping your head back causes discomfort, keep it aligned with the spine.

SEQUENCING TIPS

Before:

  • Dhanurasana (Bow pose)
  • Reverse Table pose

After:

  • Paschimottasana (Seated Forward Bend)
  • Balasana (Child’s pose)

TEACHING CUES

  • Ground down through all four corners of your hands.
  • Reach through the heels, activating the leg muscles.
  • Keeping your chest open, roll the shoulders back and down your back.

VARIATIONS

  • Lower the hips down to the mat; then raise them up toward the ceiling.

WATCH OUT FOR

  • Hips dropping
  • External rotation of the legs

This article and image published here with prior permission from https://beyogi.com

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: July 12, 2022
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Hiking tips

Hiking tips for first time hikers

Planning on hiking in the summer? Hiking is a good exercise and you will get a chance to explore the nature and unpolluted air of forest and mountains. If you are a first time hiker, then keep these useful tips in mind.

  1. Plan on hiking with your friends or families. Let there be minimum three people during hiking
  2. Inform someone where you going for hiking, someone who is not accompanying you for hiking
  3. Make a checklist of essential items that you must carry
  4. Select a hiking place that is suitable for everyone’s’ stamina. This way you don’t need to return back halfway because of a person who cannot hike trial.
  5. Carry a compass and before commencing hiking, understand the directions.
  6. Carry copies of map, note down important hiking points on the way, look for the points on your hike. It means you are not lost
  7. Carry light but essential luggage. Your backpack must contain water, light food, flashlight/torch, pain killers, bug repellent, extra clothing, extra batteries, match box or lighter and first aid kit box
  8. Carry extra bottle of water. Some hiking trails may have water sources. Refill bottles. It is important to be clear source of water before you start hiking. Keeping body hydrated helps you to climb.
  9. Carry a whistle in your pocket and a signal mirror that comes handy in case you are left behind from the rest of the hikers or separated from the group.
  10. Carry your cell phone. Most smartphones include a compass, GPS, flashlight and other useful apps. Use phone only if necessary and keep it as a back up for flashlight or for emergency.
  11. Wear proper hiking shoes. Shoes must give enough support to feet and ankle.  Do not wear new shoes. Train and break new shoes with small hikes before your big hiking trip. This will give grip while climbing if you step on mud or nice soil or rocks. Your shoes must have waterproof quality. Wear socks and keep an extra pair of socks in backpack.
  12. Carry foods that help you to recover from fatigue. Trail mix, nutrition bars, veg sandwich and few citrus candies are helpful.
  13. Wear layers of cloths and raincoat if you are hiking a mountain that changes weather often. Do not wear cotton cloths.
  14. Ladies, if needed carry proper precautionary items – sanitary pads, soap, extra set of cloth.
  15. If you are hiking during rainy season, then there could be lightening. If you notice lightning avoid hiking above the tree line
  16. Apply insect repellent and sunscreen if needed. Sometimes at high altitude Sunlight will be sharp and skin can burn.
  17. Wear proper comfortable clothing, suited for hiking.
  18. If someone gets injured assess your team situation. If the injury needs medical attention, have a person stay with injured hiker, then go get help. Don’t forget to mark the location where the victim is.
  19. Do not throw bottles, plastic or food wraps in the wild. Carry a trash bag and collect all the trash. Bring it back and dispose in the trash.
  20. Stick to trail, do not step on tender plants. In many places’ plants are fragile and will be trying to get back to life. Do not disturb vulnerable life.
  21. If you need breaks, don’t hesitate to take breaks and breath to relax.
  22. Walk at a pace that allows your to walk and talk steadily. This gives body proper oxygen supply and body will function efficiently.

Know your limits and stay positive all the way. Don’t say ‘I won’t be able to or I cannot’. If you believe in yourself, it gives confidence and encourages other hikers to continue hiking. When you reach the end goal, you will really appreciate the effort.

Image: www.WerIndia.com

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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