All posts by Sumana Rao

Don't worry about the people in your past; There's a reason they didn't make it to your future.
World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day

February 4th is Cancer is World Cancer Day. To lower the risk of cancer all of us can do something, something good to our body by taking actions. Following seven tips given by CDC is presented here for you and your loved ones

Quit smoking:  Use of  tobacco in any form is linked to higher risk for cancer. Quit tobacco and lower risk of cancer.

 Be seen and get screened: Medical technology is advanced. Cancer screening technology for both men and women helps to get a quick overview. Talk to doctor about different screening and get a yearly checkup.

Vaccines for teens: Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccines for both boys and girls aged Boys and girls aged 11 to 12 years should be considered. These viruses can cause cell changes in the body which might eventually become cancer. HPV vaccines protects against cancer for many years.

Reduce weight: Obesity and overweight in adults is linked to 13 different types of cancer. Healthy eating and physical activity helps to lower risk of deadly disease.

Family history: Talk to your elders and understand the medical history. For example, some women with strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer have changes in genes BRCA! & 2 which is passed down through generation. If the changes are passed to you, you might have higher risk of getting breast or ovarian cancer.

Love your liver: People who are born between 1940 and 1960 are more likely than others to carry the hepatitis B or hepatitis C viruses. These viruses may not cause any noticeable symptoms, however they are a big risk for liver cancer. Get hepatitis B vaccine. Protect liver from binge drinking and other abusive substances

Be gutsy: Care your colon, colon cancer is affecting both genders. Colorectal cancer is the second only to lung cancer in causing death from cancer. Screening will help to catch growth of polyps that can turn to cancer.

Visit: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/worldcancerday/

Image credit: www.cdc.gov


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: February 5, 2018
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How to stay Motivated

How to stay Motivated

When we have too many things in mind and stressed out everything feels like falling through crack. Sustaining motivation is tough under such conditions.

Everybody faces these circumstances in different ways. Unless we step into their shoes we might not understand the severity of the situation.

However, some people overcome these tough situations and are motivated in life. They pick up pieces and get work done. It is not possible for everybody. Because motivation is not magic and does not pop up from a bottle.

How to stay motivated in life and find time to work on both personal and professional projects?

“Motivation does not last. Well neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily” – Zig Ziglar

In day to day life we will meet several people who are always motivated or try to overcome obstacles to achieve their goal. Looking at life of such people we can learn how to be motivated to do better in life.

Don’t be discouraged, change your strategy: Have a positive outlook at your life. If something does not work after trying many times there is no need to give up. As Thomas Edison said “I have not failed. I have found 10,000 ways that won’t work”. It means you might have to change your strategy to achieve what you want. There is not failure here, you are learning more and the experience of learning will help you in your future.

Get help: Discuss your goals and issues with your people. We often overestimate our capabilities. People who have experience will help you with right directions. If you are highly selective about whom you should ask for help, it might take time to finish what your started or reaching goal feels like long way. Instead, get referrals and contact those achievers who might help you. If your hesitation is “if they say no”. Don’t assume, you never know until you ask. Even if a person is negative, remember world is big and you will find someone who will help you.

Your attitude of expectancy: Think that something great is going to happen. When you surround yourself with positive energy you will end up in achieving something great. Expect something great happens, tell yourself “No matter what…I am sure things are going to work”. This will help you to look at difficulties and issues in a positive note and you will find a way to overcome tough situation.

Stop worrying about what you can’t: Always remember, somethings are within your control and some are not. Understand the difference between the two and why things are not working the way you want. When you learn the difference, you will stop working about circumstances that are beyond your control. This helps you not to emotionally entangled. You won’t be paralyzed with your progress. Sooner, you get over from the worry, the quicker you move toward your goal.

Surround yourself with positive people: As much as possible stay away from negative people and their conversation. Instead of getting motivated and job get done, you will be trapped in trash talks. It also builds up negative attitude and will take away your focus from your job. Instead of criticizing those who are positive and work hard, spend time with them to learn how to be motivated. It is proven that, positive people always spread positive energy to others.

Learn from mistakes: Everybody makes mistake as no one is perfect. Instead of blaming yourself, learn from the mistakes. When you work on the same project, remember the mistake you have committed previous time and avoid mistakes.   Moving away from the project and problem will not solve your issues. Write down possible solutions and outcomes – this will help you to face problem differently.

Have a plan: Planning helps because “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”. Sketch and list your plans from beginning to end. This will give ideas, helps in developing strategy and ensures a great outcome. When you have sketched everything, and keep it in front of you, it motivates you to accomplish your goal/job. Write down your plan and to do list every week. Identify the problem that might occur and be prepared to face it with options. In case problem comes, your plan and options will help you.

Celebrate your accomplishments: Take time to celebrate your victory. Whether it is small or big, rewarding yourself each time keeps you motivated. Celebrate your success within few days – it can be treating yourself with ice cream, a movie night or buying a dress. Next time, you know that your achievement will take you for a treat and you will be motivated.

Remember, even in most passionate people obstacles can diminish motivation and confidence. That will not stop them to achieve their goals. They will become passionate by motivating themselves by various means. Instead of complaining about life, see what you can give to your life that is meaningful.

Image : Healthylife.werindia.com


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: February 1, 2018
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Benefits of eating Indian mouth fresheners and paan

Benefits of eating Indian mouth fresheners and paan

Mouth fresheners are available in different forms in market. Chewing gum is also a type of mouth freshener. When you are in India, you will see people chewing “pan or paan” after meal. Or you might also see roasted seeds in restaurants kept in a bowl.

While stepping out after heavy meal or snacks you will take a teaspoon of these roasted seeds and put in your mouth. Within an hour of eating these mouth fresheners you will start feeling better. They get rid of bad breath, heaviness in the system and helps in digestion.

Varieties of mouth fresheners are available in our kitchen itself: Cardamom pod, mint leaves, pomegranate seeds, anise seeds, guava seeds etc.

But, some mouth fresheners are more popular and prepared in different ways. These generally mixture of different ingredients and offer different benefits.

Here are few examples presented in next few slides…

Remember: Quantity of paan that should be consumed is one or two per day after meal. Too much paan consumption is not recommended. If not, we get addicted to paan which is not good for oral health. Similarly, eating mouth fresheners also should be limited to 1 or 2 tsp after meal. Similarly, too much of eating seeds can also result in constipation!

Dhana Dal – Split Cilantro: Click here to read more

Dhana Dal - Split Cilantro

Roasted Variyali – Fennel seeds: Click here to read more

Roasted Variyali Fennel seeds

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: Click here to read more

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

All seeds mouth freshener: Click here to read more

All seeds mouth freshener

Traditional Paan: Click here to read more

Traditional Paan

Paan Sandesh: Click here to read more

Paan Sandesh

Banarasi Sweet Paan: Click here to read more

Banarasi sweet paan

Calcutta Dry Fruit Paan: Click here to read more

Calcutta Dry Fruit Paan

 

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Reference:


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: January 31, 2018
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Calcutta Dry Fruit Paan

Calcutta Dry Fruit Paan

Generally regular meetha paan stains the mouth and teeth. For those who does not want to stain the mouth much, there is an option.

Gilori calcutta paan is as delicious as regular paan and it has several health benefits.

What it contains? You need beetle leaf, dry dates, gulkand, anise seed, little sugar, Indian gooseberry, wood apple pulp, menthol a little, cardamom and little dry coconut flakes.

How to prepare: Wash betel leaf and cut into half. Take half leaf and add all ingredients one by one. At the end add coconut flakes, close the leaf and serve by inserting a clove or cherry on top.

Health benefits: This paan apart from helping in digestion, reduces heaviness of system. It also supplies dry fruits – dates, Indian gooseberry and wood apple pulp. All these dry fruits stimulates digestive system and enhances metabolism. Along with it also supplies iron and helps in blood circulation.


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Banarasi sweet paan

Banarasi Sweet Paan

This is world famous mouth freshener and promotes digestion.

It helps in increasing appetite and promotes secretion of saliva.

What it contains?

  • Fennel seeds – 4 tsp ,
  • Betel nuts – 2 tsp,
  • Colored sugar- 2 tsp,
  • Cardamom powder – ¼ tsp
  • Clove powder – ¼ tsp,
  • Nutmeg powder – ¼,
  • Cinnamon powder – ¼ tsp,
  • Dry coconut powder or flakes – 1 tsp,
  • Menthol – little powder,
  • Camphor – little powder,
  • Gulkand – 2 tsp,
  • Dried fruit & nut mix – 1 tsp

How to prepare at home?

  • Wash betel leaves and dry using a paper towel
  • Mix all above-mentioned ingredients
  • Apply a little of slaked lime on two betel leaves and place on a flat surface. Place one tsp of mixture on the leaves.
  • Fold leaves into triangle shape and insert a toothpick or clove to hold the shape.
  • Serve after meal

Benefits: If you see the ingredients you will understand why people like to have Banaras leaves after meal. All ingredients presented in Banaras paan helps in digestion and promotes metabolism.

Clove and cardamom refreshes mouth. Betel nut and nutmeg helps in liver health.

Cinnamon reduces cholesterol and keeps heart healthy. Fennel seeds good for intestine and removes toxins from the body. Dried fruit and nut mix supply protein and minerals. Betel leaf of course, supplies vitamins, thiamine and iron and it works on salivary gland!


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Paan Sandesh

Paan Sandesh

Paan Sandesh is another speciality paan served after meal or one can have it any time of the day.

It is sweet and contains good amount of protein in the form of paneer and condensed milk.

What you need? 

  • Finely chopped betel leaves – 10 ,
  • Paneer or cottage cheese – 200 gram,
  • Condensed milk – 3 Tbsp,
  • Desiccated coconut – 3 Tbsp,
  • Gulkand – 2 Tbsp,
  • Roasted, sweet fennel – 1 Tbsp,
  • Sweet mix mouth freshener (mukhwas) – 1 Tbsp,
  • Pieces of Cherries- few.

It is easy to prepare…

  • Blend panner using a blender.
  • In a vessel, mix paneer, betel leaf, dessicated coconut and condensed milk. Keep it on low flame and mix well. Let the contents cook and form a dough.
  • Remove the dough from heat source and allow it cool. Knead it and divide it to small balls of equal size.
  • Mix both mouth refresher. Take the dough ball and slightly flatten it and create a dent in the center. In the dent add little mouth refresher mix. Close the dough ball and place a piece of cherry on top.
  • Paan bahar Sandesh ready!

Benefits: Not just digestion aid, this also supplies protein and because it contains roasted seeds and sweet, helps to calm system after heavy meals. It is kind of dessert with digestive material.


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Traditional Paan

Traditional Paan

Paan leaf and supari together called paan in India and neighboring countries.

Paan lead has several health benefits and supari too. Not only for medicinal purposes, both these have cultural and religious importance in festivals and functions.

In India, one can see paan shops outside restaurants or in markets. There are many varieties of paan leaves and betel nuts.

To prepare paan you need following ingredients:

  • Paan(Betel leaves) – 1 or 2,
  • Betel nut – pieces – 1 tsp,
  • Gulkand – 1 tsp (for sweet paan),
  • Mouth fresheners– 1 tsp,
  • Sweetened coconut flakes – 1/2 tsp,
  • Cardamom powder – 1/2 tsp,
  • Glazed cherries – few,
  • Chunna (lime) – very little (say a pinch)

How to prepare paan? Wash and dry paan leaf using a paper towel. Remove midrib and stalk of paan. Spread little slaked lime (if you prefer) and roll one edges to form a cone shape or spread the leaf on counter top. Smear chunna on leaf.  Inside the cone or on the surface place all ingredients one by one.  Close the cone or fold the leaf. Eat this sweet paan after meal. If you don’t want sweet, then don’t add gulkand.  How much to consume ? Generally one. If you love it you may eat two.

Health benefits are:

  • Digestion improvement: Chewing paan helps in easy digestion. It promotes secretion of saliva which is needed for digestion
  • Removes bad breath & odor: Helps to reduce bacterial effect on breath and mouth cavity
  • Aphrodisiac: It is known for aphrodisiac effect on humans!
  • Anti-diabetic: Paan without sweet is preferred for diabetes. It reduces blood sugar level

Stomach pain relief: Indigestion related stomach pain can be reduced by chewing paan and it also cures constipation.


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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All seeds mouth freshener

All seeds mouth freshener

To get benefits from goodness of different seeds one should have this all seeds mouth freshener.

It contains following ingredients:

  • Sesame seeds – 1/2 cup,
  • Fennel seeds – 1/2 cup,
  • Roasted coriander seeds (Dhana dal) – 1/2 cup,
  • Flax seeds – 1/2 cup,
  • Carom seeds – 2 tsp,
  • Lemon juice – 2 tbsp,
  • Black salt  – 1/2 tsp,
  • Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp,
  • Salt – to taste

To prepare: Mix lemon juice, turmeric powder, black salt and salt in a bowl. Let salt dissolve. In individual plates take all different seeds. Divide the salt dissolved lemon liquid and add it to seeds. Mix well so that seeds should coat with lemon and salt liquid. Allow all plates to dry for few hours. Now, dry roast all seeds separately, one by one on medium heat. While roasting fennel seeds mix carom seeds.  All seeds will release different aroma during roasting. Take a larger bowl and add all roasted seeds and mix well. Allow roasted seeds to cool. Store in air tight container.

How much to consume? After meal about 1.5 tsp.

Benefits: Main benefit is easy digestion and boosts metabolism. Apart from this you will receive benefits of good heart health, reduces sugar level, for ladies strengthening of bone, removal of toxins from the body and supports liver health.


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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