All posts by Sumana Rao

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The BHOG project for food safety

The BHOG project for food safety

In India temples all over the country distribute prasad to devotees. It is a religious practice and in many temples, it also helps those who need food.

Prasad is the food that was offered to God is distributed to devotees either in small quantity or as lunch or dinner.

There are temples who distribute prasad as midday free meal to local schools and students get benefit from nutritious food. Every day an estimated 300 million people visit places of worship in India and receive food.

Famous temples like Sringeri Sharada Peetham, Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy temple, ISKON, Sri Venkateshwara temple, Horanadu Annapurneshwari temple, Golden temple of Amritsar (known for world famous langar), Somanth temple, Meenakshi temple Udupi Sri Krishna temple – to name a few, examples who provide free food to devotees every day.  Few temples also sell prasad in the form of laddu or other form sweets.

Do you know? Distributing food in a temple or any other places of worship like church, Gurdwara, mosque requires license from FSSAI?  And it is a must that worship places also follow food safety guidelines.

When the food is prepared in larger quantity, hygiene in every aspect of food preparation should also be taken care. No doubt this is a huge challenge. Last year FSSAI visited several places of worship (in Thane) to check on food safety. The reasons for the visit was since people in large numbers visit worship places and these are high risk prone spots for spread of illness caused due to food contamination.

Food safety regulator has asked the states to roll out a project to ensure that devotees were served safe prasad, Safe and Nutritious Food (SNF) at places of worship. For this reason, FSSAI has come up with project namely “BHOG = Blissful Hygienic Offering to God”.

BHOG is part of FSSAI’s safe and nutritious food bouquet of initiatives that was initiated in 2016 and workshops were conducted for all those who handle prasad including vendors. FSSAI CEO Pawan Agarwal issued an order on January 29th    regarding the BHOG project that should be implemented in every state of India. This nationwide project is supported by Association of Food Scientists & Technologist India (AFSTI). A short film on project BHOG was released recently.

As per Agarwal, “This directive is to ensure proper regulatory compliance as it is important to improve the level of food safety and hygiene in their (places of worship) premises,”. The campaign BHOG conducts training on food safety management systems, utilization of leftover flowers, fruits and vegetables, product handling and safety, quality and hygiene standards, vendor training programs etc. Recently people from Places of Worship (PoW) – Chintapurni Shakti peeth, Meenakshi Temple in Tamil Nadu and Somnath in Gujarat were sent for this training.

The second workshop on BHOG which took place in Delhi recently to review the progress of the states and to cover all worship places under this project. A guidance manual was released for self-implementation of food safety in their premises. Encouraging point is, representatives from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat shared their experience of improvement in quality of prasad after BHOG implementation at PoW.

Visit for BHOG document: http://snfportal.in/snf/data/bhog/BHOGGuidanceDocument.pdf

References:

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: June 4, 2019
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World food safety day

World Food Safety Day June 7th

On its 73rd session of the United Nations General assembly in New York, UN declared June 7th is world food safety day. Food is the only medicine that we should be consuming to have healthy body and mind. If we consume safe and good food, our health improves, and our body will face any conditions.

This decision of declaring June 7th as World Food Safety Day is because of the initiative taken by Awilo Ochieng Pernet in 2015, when she was heading Codex Alimentarius commission or CAC. In association with Food and Agriculture organization of United Nations (FAO) and WHO Costa Rica lead the negotiations on this decision. On June 7th United Nations General Assembly’s resolution invites all parties involved including -authorities, industry, consumers, international organizations, NGOs and academia to take part in promoting food safety at all levels.

“World Food Safety Day will be a chance for everyone to take a moment to think about something we often take for granted: Food safety” : Codex secretary Tom Helandt.

What is Codex Alimentarius?

The Codex Alimentarius is a set of standards, guidelines and codes of practice adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC). Since 1963, its mission has been to develop a standardized food code to protect the health of all consumers across the world and ensure fair practices in the international food trade. Switzerland is a founding member of the Codex.

Food safety is nothing but absence of hazards in foods that includes chemicals, microbes or any physical in nature that are often invisible to our eyes including pesticide, bacteria, viruses, residues etc. Food safety assures us that whatever the food that we are going to consume at every stage of food chain is safe to consume and does not cause harm to body. It is safety of food from farm to production to harvest, processing, storage, distribution, preparation and consumption.

Unsafe food and food borne illness is the biggest threat for humans and animals. It is huge threat for economy as it dis- proportionally impacts vulnerable people including children and women. It also affects those who are affected by war zones, conflicts and migrants in a negative way.  In developed and developing country nearly three million people die due to waterborne and food borne illness. According to WHO, contaminated food alone is responsible for more than 200 diseases ranging from diarrhea to cancer in humans.  Reasons for such deaths is, food is the primary source of our body energy, health and well-being. Without checking what we eat and being ignorant are many times the reason for food borne illness. Taking proper precautions and understanding the regulations and standards that is imposed by food safety officials is one way to control food borne illness and to have safe food.

World food safety day is bringing sustainable development goals to prevent, detect and manage foodborne illness. Safe food boosts not just economy also, agriculture, market access, increases tourism and sustainable development in the developing countries.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO) is the only organization overseeing food safety along all aspects of food chain. All stages of food chain from farm to consumption is monitored closely by this International organization. World Health Organization supports global food safety and consumers health. WHO oversees relationships with public health sector.

While these two organizations playing their role, there is role that consumers must play too. Consumers should purchase and eat what is safe for them and their family.  Food helps us to stay alive. Having safe food is essential for good health and longer life

What are the 5 Keys for safe food consumption?

The core messages of the Five Keys to Safer Food are:

1.       keep clean

2.       separate raw and cooked

3.       cook thoroughly

4.       keep food at safe temperatures

5.       use safe water and raw materials

By adopting these five food handling practices most of the food borne diseases can be prevented. Eat safe and be safe!

References:

https://www.un.org/

https://www.paho.org

http://safeconsume.eu/

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

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: June 3, 2019
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Plant based food in Disney

Eating Plant based food in Disney just got easier

Disney is a favorite place not just for kids even for adults. Visiting Disney theme park is a dream of many. People who visit Disney look forward for all those fun filled shows, games, magical kingdom’s charm, and the FOOD! Until recently, Disney had very few options for plant based foods for vegans and vegetarians inside its theme park. Well…,not anymore!

Good news for vegans and vegetarians is they no need to go out or carry their food to Disney world anymore! At least in Magical Kingdom. Eating plant-based food in Walt Disney World is just got easier in Orlando Florida.  Recently Disney released their Disney Plant Based Cuisine guide. It means at select full service dining locations in the Magical Kingdom which is the main attraction of Disney.

Disney resorts in recent years have been continuously updating their menus to meet an extensive variety of diary needs as well as plant based nutritious foods. To meet the needs, in resorts they have also added vegetarian and vegan options. Vegan Disney World and Happiest Vegan on Earth are two highly recommended resources for plant-based foods. This makes it easy for those who don’t eat animal byproduct or meat. It is a big treat for animal lovers as Disney previously has not been friendly (with menu) and menu approach was not straightforward.

Walt Disney world released the pamphlet that display vegan, vegetarian friendly food sources. The plant-based cuisine guide gives an insight into what is both vegan and vegetarian quick and full services locations available in the theme park.

WDW News Today

‏@WDWNT Follow @WDWNT

http://wdwnt.news/19041009

The pamphlet is available to pick up for free on site and visitors can chose veggie friendly food items when visiting the fun park. Details also include symbol to indicate the items is free from dairy, egg, animal meat and even honey. Disney World’s this big step is already attracting those who depend on plant-based food. Reason is, in most Disney parks, one can see mostly nonvegetarian foods, ice-cream, cake and popcorn along with juices, soda etc. Adding plant based foods in different locations makes it easy for those who love to eat inside the theme park while enjoying their visit.

These locations are available in six sections – one for each area of the park.  Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Liberty square, Main street USA and Tomorrowland. Fantasyland has most options with eight sources and 28 different items! Some of the popular plant-based food items in these restaurants to chose are: Perkins Thai noodles, vegetable quiche, Mermaid Doughnut, Mickey pretzels, popcorn, pineapple dole whip, strawberry smoothie etc.

All popular theme parks hopefully will adopt Disney’s positive move. Disney’s move is bringing more people to Disney world as the number of vegans and vegetarians increasing in both Canada, USA and other parts of the world from where Disney gets visitors from. Hopefully Disney’s this change soon enters other theme parks including Animal Kingdom. Who wants to eat meat when you are surrounded by animals?

References:

https://thetakeout.com/

https://www.foodandwine.com

https://news.yahoo.com

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 30, 2019
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Keto bulletproof coffee

Keto Bulletproof coffee

Some claim it is a magical health elixir and some say it is not but people who tasted this keto coffee says it is delicious! We are talking about bulletproof coffee here which has gained popularity just like turmeric latte.

Why people are going gaga over bulletproof coffee? Those who wants to lose weight by following keto or ketogenic diet, are drinking bulletproof coffee in the morning hours. Its nutritional value is different than normal, traditional coffee. Most of us who love to drink coffee either will go for black coffee or with little milk, little sugar. Some prefer bit more flavor and add cinnamon into it. Keto’s bulletproof coffee recipe is designed to give more energy and fullness for most of the day!

People who invented say recipe of bulletproof coffee is designed to burn fat, to give energy and preparation is fun as it ends up looking like latte.

Reasons people drink bulletproof coffee: To curb hunger and keep full for many hours, to increase energy and metabolism, balance hormones, get mental clarity and helps to focus, helps in weight loss.

Bulletproof coffee recipe is like this- It is made of three key ingredients

  • Coffee: 1 cup
  • Butter or ghee (clarified butter): 2 Tbsp
  • MCT oil or coconut oil: 1 Tbsp

The term “bulletproof” originated from the brand Bulletproof which sells coffee beans under its brand name, MCT oil also known as Brain Octane Oil and butter!  It was coined by David Asprey, CEO of The Bulletproof company.

To make bulletproof coffee one need not have bulletproof coffee brand powder or seeds. You can use your favorite coffee powder – freshly brewed, unsalted butter or ghee and MCT oil. You will blend them together to get a latte look- that is foamy, frothy and creamy

How the ingredients are effective in your diet?

MCT oil is a saturated fat that has medium chain triglycerides. Unlike long chain triglycerides that must go through series of chemical reaction to release energy in our body, MCT with shorter chains is easy for body to use up fast and almost readily available to use. Apart from this, it is known to support healthy gut, curb food cravings, decrease fat storage, gives clarity and energy, good for heart health, sharpens mental clarity and boosts metabolism by inducing calorie burn. It is digested faster than other fats.

Butter or ghee:  Butter makes bulletproof coffee cream. Preferably adding grass fed butter because it blends well with coffee. In addition, grass fed butter has healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins that nourishes body. It is rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a chemical known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

If a person cannot consume butter for diet and health reasons, they can opt for ghee. Only different using butter Vs. ghee is, ghee is oily and does not give a latte appearance for coffee.

Coconut oil has several health benefits from reducing body inflammation to skin health. If not MCT oil adding coconut oil as an alternative as it is a true keto coffee ingredient.

Coffee: Coffee as we know contains caffeine that keeps us going through the day. It keeps brain alert and active.

Adding butter or ghee or MCT oil in the coffee won’t it add calories? As per keto diet -eating more fat is a good way to combat food cravings and to lose weight. Eating fat makes us fill fuller long time. Bulletproof coffee said to have same effect – it slows down absorption of carbohydrates, keeps us full for longtime, helps to balance hormones and good quality fat absorbs vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E and K. If someone wants to follow keto diet, bulletproof coffee is the start as it truly contains keto ingredients.

Like other products that claim, “good for health,” bulletproof coffee also surrounded by criticism about its claim. Some question about adding MCT oil and its use and feel that it is one of the extreme diets. It was tested mostly on animals and tested less on humans in small numbers. To lose weight we might follow diet and may be successful in losing some pounds. Challenge is to continue the diet by following it strictly. Bulletproof coffee is part of keto diet, but if you need other nutrients then you must also think about other foods- not just relying on one drink in the morning.  There is no harm in trying this coffee but also find a right diet for you that gives all nutrients you need!

References:

https://www.dietdoctor.com

https://blog.bulletproof.com

https://gizmodo.com/

Image credit: https://ketolog.com/keto-products/best-blender-for-bulletproof-coffee/

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Dark underarm Remedy

Remedies for dark underarms

Many suffer from dark underarms and hesitate to wear sleeveless shirts and blouses.  Reason for dark underarm is, certain health conditions and increase in pigmentation in the area. This also happens because of underarm hair removal method or using hair removing creams, deodorants etc.  Shaving underarm often can cause more pigmented cell production. There are few simple home remedies that solve dark underarm condition.

  1. Mix ¼ cup lemon juice with ½ Tbsp baking soda. Apply mix on armpits before bath for half an hour and rinse with lukewarm water.
  2. Mix 2 Tbsp of honey with milk. Apply this under armpit before bath and leave it for about 20 minutes followed by rinse in lukewarm water.
  3. Mix one Tbsp coconut oil with one vitamin E supplement and rub this under armpit. Leave it for half an hour and wash.
  4. Mix honey, lemon juice and milk cream in 1:1:1 proportion. Apply this underarm pit and wash using lukewarm water.
  5. Peel and grate a potato. Collect juice by squeezing potato and apply directly on dark area. Leave it for 10-15 mins and wash using lukewarm water.
  6. Mix 1 Tbsp lemon juice with 1 Tbsp cucumber juice. Apply this mix underarms and leave for half an hour. Wash using lukewarm water.
  7. Mix one Tbsp rose water with 1 Tbsp baking soda and prepare paste. Apply this underarm and leave for about 15 mins. Wash using cold water.
  8. Mix apple cider vinegar and baking soda in equal quantity. Prepare a paste and apply underarms. Wash using cold water after 20 mins.
  9. Mix 4-5 drops tea tree oil in one cup warm water. Fill this in a spray bottle and spray it on dark are of underarm. Allow it to dry and wash using lukewarm water.
  10. Apply Aloe vera gel underarms and leave it for half an hour, followed by rinse in lukewarm water.
  11. Take 1 or 2 tsp castor oil and warm it for few seconds only. Apply warm castor oil and leave it for half an hour. Wash using warm water.
  12. Mix 2 Tbsp brown sugar with 2 Tbsp olive oil, prepare a mixture. Scrub this for couple of minutes underarms and leave it for 10-15 mins. Rinse using lukewarm water.
  13. Mix 1 tsp turmeric with 1 tsp honey and 1 Tbsp milk. Apply this mix underarm and leave it for 15 mins. Wash using lukewarm water.
  14. Use pumice stone and gently scrub the area – pumice stone is a natural exfoliate. It also removes unwanted hair.

You can try any of the above remedies two to three times a week. If you develop rashes then stop applying the remedy mix for few days.

Image credit: Photo by Billie on Unsplash

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 29, 2019
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Stress related stomach pain in child

Stress related stomach pain in children

Parents need to know that  according to studies on children health, stress in children causes abdominal pain and stress can also make abdominal pain worse. Children with chronic and frequent stomach pain are more likely to have anxiety disorders in adulthood.  The feeling adults get when we are nervous – “butterflies in stomach” and feeling sick is something like what kids feel when they are stressed out. Children feel the same things and might not be able to express what is happening to them.

The reason children often feel abdominal pain for no visible reasons is because, the stomach and intestine both have their own nervous system called enteric nervous system. Enteric nerves respond to the stress hormones and send to the brains. When there is stress and fatigue pain threshold reduce in children (as well as in adults).  During stress a small disturbance in digestive system or a passage of gas bubble can feel worse in children. In addition, stress related eating of comfort foods can make the pain worse. Children tend to eat more lactose and fructose, or they demand for such food. Children have poor ability to digest these foods and it causes uneasiness, pain, bloating, cramping and diarrhea in children. These changes also cause inflammation in intestine and sometimes bleeding in stool. This is inflammatory bowel disease with little blood in stool. Inflammation in the intestine affect brain and makes children more sensitive to pain. If you feel that your child is healthy but showing these above symptoms related to stress, talk to your child’s pediatrician.

Parent also can help child to get relief from stress. Reasons for stress in children can be due to several reasons.

  • Bullying, meanness of other kids
  • Unable to take part in sports
  • Unable to take part in discussion
  • Body image
  • Unable to make friendship and feeling lonely
  • Inferior performance in studies
  • Parents fights
  • Physical abuse etc.

Some stress can be helpful but not all. Helpful stress that is related to sports or studies will help your child up to manage life in the future. Those stress that can be fixed with your interference, should be taken care soon. Parents must also encourage child to take part and continue normal activities during stress. School absence is common among children who often suffer from abdominal pain. Encourage child to go back to school and monitor child’s activity closely.

Apart from medication, some counseling will possibly help the child to come out from tension, anxiety and stress. In addition, meditation that brings mindfulness in child, helps to reduce pain. Slow breathing, walking, meditation, yoga, sports, exercise, extracurricular activities, counseling – all these does not have any side effect like medicines and focusing on happiness helps children to overcome stress and anxiety.

Talk to your children and understand what they are feeling, what activities they are involved at school or outside. If they have stress, it can worsen the pain. Devoting sometime solely to child and giving positive attention helps child to recover sooner.

References:

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Corn pomegranate spicy chat

Spicy corn pomegranate chat

Looking for quick and easy evening snack? Try Corn pomegranate combination spicy chat. This chat is delicious and can be a party entree item too. Moreover, you will get benefit of eating healthy and nutritious ingredients. It only take 10 mins to prepare this yummy snack if you have all ingredients in place!!

What Ingredients you need?

1.       Sweet corn – 2.5 cups

2.       Pomegranate – 1 cup

3.       Chopped tomato – 1 cup

4.       Grated carrot – 1 cup

5.       Chopped cilantro – 1 cup

6.       Chopped onion – 1 cup

7.       Little pepper powder

8.       Red chilli powder – 1 tsp

9.       Butter or ghee – 2 tsp

10.   Thin masala sev – 1 cup

11.   Salt

 

How to prepare?

1.       If you are using corn in the cob, separate corn

2.       On medium heat place a pan and heat butter or clarified butter (ghee)

3.       Add corn and fry until the corn puff up

4.       Turn off the heat and now add red chilli, pepper powder and salt. Mix well.

5.       After corn cools, add pomegranate and mix.

6.       Now prepare plates to serve and place desired amount corn pomegranate mix in the plates.

7.       Add chopped tomato, carrot, onion, chopped cilantro and bit of sev on top of it.

8.       Add little lemon juice and serve.

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Reduce hand pain

How to reduce hand pain at work

Whether it is small or big task we need hands to perform all those countless hard works. With age our hands will often feel tired, less strength and suffer with pain which disturbs everyday activities. Joints, tendons, ligaments, bones and nerves in our hands are vulnerable to damage from injury or illness, highlighting the importance of consulting with a specialist, perhaps the best hand surgeon Singapore, if needed. Arthritis is one of the main reasons that can cause hand pain and eventually might result in disability. Other common causes of hand pain are – carpal tunnel syndrome, fractures, trigger finger and tendinitis. Sitting and working in front of computer can initiate or can cause more pain in hand. How to reduce hand pain at work ?

Some of the reasons for hand pain are:

  • Tendinitis: Also known as Quevain tendinosis causes pain on thumb side of the wrist. Irritation in the wrist tendons at base of thumbs causes the pain. Pain can develop suddenly or gradually and will travel to forearm.
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome: It is a common nerve disorder of hand that leads to pain in wrist, forearm, palm and fingers. It also causes weakness, tingling, numbness in hand.
  • Fracture: a break in bone can cause stiffness, swelling, loss of movement in hand. Injured finger can lead to less movement of hands and wrist.
  • Arthritis: One of the common reasons for hand pain is arthritis.  Loss of cartilage in joints makes it painful for hand joints. It might cause swelling and pain.

Hand pain becomes worse when using computer. Follow these hand tips to keep hands healthy.

  1. While typing on computer, keep wrist in neutral position, not extended upward or flexed downward. Place wrist palm facing down, flat on a hard surface.
  2. Every hour get up from desk stretch your hand. While holding palm up facing away from you pull /bend your fingers slowly towards you.

Ergonomics specialists suggests following arrangements for computer workstations:

  1.  Keep telephone, keyboard, mouse, documents and other supplies within easy horizontal reach.
  2. Keep mouse close keyboard and at the same height with a padded wrist rest.
  3. Set your keyboard in adjustable tray – this will help your forearms to keep parallel to floor, wrists straight and in line with forearms. This keeps elbows are relaxes and at 90-degree angle to waist.
  4. Buy an adjustable chair with rounded front edge and back support. Knees should be lower than hips and feet must rest firmly on floor or on a footrest.

Home treatments:

  • If you notice swellings in hand, remove all rings, bracelets, watches, or any other jewelry from fingers, wrist and arms.
  • Give rest and take rest give a break for activities.
  • Apply ice, compression, and keep hand elevated for pain and swelling.
  • Avoid exposing hands to cold weather.
  • Do not sleep on our hands as it decreases blood flow to fingers.

If there is swelling and color change in hands see your doctor.

Image credit: Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
(Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: May 19, 2019
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