All posts by Sumana Rao

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UNDERSTANDING PLU CODE

Understanding PLU Code

Soon spring will be here.  We get many produces in markets. This time of the year everybody wants to buy fresh produces for their family. However, with growing concern about the origin of the produces, awareness about GMO and its effect on family members health, people avoid buying produces. In the process they may lose sight of good produces that are essential and packed with rich nutrients.  If you are afraid of buying some produces that may not be organic or conventional produce then, here is what you should know. Read the PLU on the produce stickers and understand whether the produce grown organically or it is a GMO.

The stickers found on fruits and vegetables at markets contain 4-5 digit numbers known as Price Look-Up (PLU) codes. These codes have been around since 1990. They are primarily assigned to identify individual bulk fresh produce (and related items such as nuts and herbs) and will appear on a small sticker applied to the individual piece of fresh produce.. They help to distinguish between conventionally grown, genetically modified (GMO) and organic products. The International Federation administers this system for Produce Standards, an affiliate of the Produce Marketing Association. There are currently over 1400 PLU codes issued.

The mission of the IFPS is to improve the supply chain efficiency of the fresh produce industry through developing, implementing and managing harmonized international standards. PMA serves as the General Secretariat of the IFPS in an effort to use the PLU number globally. Additional information and a listing of PLU numbers can be found by accessing the IFPS website.

Since PLUs are currently optional to use, and especially since many Americans are afraid of genetically modified foods, retailers, and even some seed suppliers when selling to farmers, opt out of using the identifying numbers.

What the codes mean?

4-digit PLU code starting with 3 or 4 (3xxx or 4xxx) = conventionally-grown

Produce items containing a four-digit PLU are considered “conventional,” which means they are not technically GMO, but may still contain pesticides and other toxic residues. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has created a helpful shopping guide for picking out safe produce

5-digit PLU code starting with 9 (9xxxx) = organically-grown : When shopping for fruits and vegetables, your first choice will want to be those labeled with a five-digit PLU that begins with a “9,” which indicates that it is certified organic.

5-digit PLU code  starting with 8 (8xxxx) = genetically-modified : Most Americans say they would avoid GMOs if they were labeled. Therefore, it is well known fact that PLU number was “hypothetically” created with 5 digits starting with an 8. In other words in case if you see produce items you will want to specifically and always avoid are those bearing a five-digit PLU beginning with the number “8,” as these are GMOs.  So far, in USA there are few GMO foods available in market -soybean, potato, corn, peas, canola, cotton, papaya, tomatoes, radicchio, zucchini and yellow squash.

Examples:

4129 = conventionally-grown Fuji apple

94129 = organically-grown Fuji apple

84313 = genetically-modified apple

How to obtain a complete list of PLU codes?

Refer to the IFPS (http://www.ifpsglobal.com/) PLU search page and then simply select ‘Search’. Do not fill in or select any options from the fields. This will present the entire list of existing PLU codes. You then have the option to export the entire list to Excel and manipulate the list however, you choose.

See the PLU code of various vegetables and fruits here: http://www.innvista.com/health/foods/plu-codes-alphabetical-order/

References:

Image credit: Photo by Ethan Feng on Unsplash (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: August 28, 2018
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House maintenance tips

6 house maintenance tasks to complete this summer

There are several house maintenance tasks that need attention before you step into fall season. Completing these tasks by end of summer is better as you don’t need to worry about freezing, cold conditions to finish tasks. The 6 house maintenance tasks to complete this summer listed below are the ones that tend to forget most.

  1. Clean brooms and dustpans:

Many of us use and just give rinse to brooms and put inside closet. It is a good idea to clean the brooms and put them out in bright, hot sunlight for drying. Add few drops of detergent for bucket of water and soak broom and dust pan in the soap water. Leave it for half an hour, rinse in water and dry them.

  1. Clean dryer vent:

Generally, we take precautions to clean laundry lint trap. But cleaning dryer vent is also critical once a while. If not, dirt and lint trapped in lint will overheat can burn clothes and can start a fire. Use a flat vacuum and clean out dryer vent duct.

  1. Refrigerator coils:

Either behind or bottom of refrigerator unit one can notice refrigerator coil. While we clean inside and outside refrigerator, we forget about this one part to include in our cleaning schedule. Most time, pets hair, dust, grease will settle on the coil making it less efficient and coil will start exerting more. Unplug and use a vacuum hose to remove dirt from coil and clean coil surface with soap water and dry off with cloth before plugging in it again.

  1. Smoke detectors:

Test smoke detectors for beep. Light 2-3 matches blow and hold under the detector to see whether smoke drifts towards detector. If the detector makes sound, then you know it is working. If not, check the batteries.

  1. Air conditioning unit:

Instead of waiting for next summer, clean the air filters and keep it clog and dirt free. Replace the filters. If it is an outdoor unit remove any weeds and grass grown around it. This cleaning helps air conditioner to run without fail next season.

  1. Heating system:

Make use of your free time to investigate one more unit. Check heating system air filter and replace it if needed. Remove dust around heating unit.  Contact your local utility company to check gas heater or furnace to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Does your family members know where the main controls of following units? If not, let the family members know where the controls for,

  • Heating fuel main shutoff
  • Main electrical fuse/breaker box
  • Main water shutoff
  • Water shutoff valve for toilets, sink faucets, and washing machine.

Image credit: https://www.pxfuel.com/en/free-photo-jkgbg (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: August 21, 2018
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Delivery care home remedy recipes

Fenugreek post delivery care home remedy recipes

After delivery along with baby new mother also needs care. All the pain and body changes take a toll on mother’s health. It might result in back pain, joint pain and body aches. For such post delivery conditions traditional remedies works. Fenugreek (methi) lehyam and  uluva halwa  are popular post delivery care home remedies for nursing mother’s body aches and pain. This can also be consumed by those who is suffering from chronic pains and inflammation.

There are two different recipes based on the ingredients : Simple mehti lehyam and Methi halwa or uluva halwa

Simple methi lehyam recipe:

Ingredients:

  1. Jaggery – 1 cup
  2. Ghee – ½ cup
  3. Fenugreek seeds – ½ cup
  4. Water – ½ cup

 Preparation:

  1. Wash and soak fenugreek seeds in water overnight.
  2. Remove water and grind soaked seeds to paste
  3. On medium heat place a vessel and add grinded fenugreek paste and water, stir continuously till the paste cooks.
  4. Add ghee and continue mixing for few more minutes
  5. Add jaggery and mix well till the whole mix separates from bottom of vessel.
  6. Allow the leham mix to cool and transfer to an airtight container.

Consume this one or two tsp morning and night with warm milk or water.

 Uluva halwa / Mehti halwa recipe:

Ingredients:

  1. Fenugreek – ½ cup
  2. Jaggery powder – 1 cup
  3. Coconut – ½ cup
  4. Rice flour – 1.5 tsp
  5. Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
  6. Pepper – 1 tsp
  7. Mustard – 1tsp
  8. Turmeric- 1.5 tsp
  9. Rock salt or Himalyan salt – little

Preparation:

  1. Soak fenugreek seeds overnight
  2. Remove water and grind it to paste
  3. Grate fresh coconut and grind with little water. Strain and collect coconut milk from grinded coconut
  4. In a vessel dissolve rice flour in little water and keep aside
  5. Now, grind cumin, mustard, pepper, turmeric with salt to a paste. If you like ginger you can add little ginger for taste.
  6. On medium heat place a vessel add fenugreek paste and slowly start stirring it.
  7. Add coconut milk, rice flour and jaggery powder and slowly mix
  8. After couple of minutes add grinded spice mix and continue stirring
  9. Continue mixing till the content turns somewhat black – green color and separates from the vessel
  10. Apply ghee on inside of a plate and transfer the hot halwa mix onto the plate. Spread it evenly and cut into small pieces.
  11. Consuming one or two pieces everyday helps to get rid of back pain and body aches.

Image credit; Photo by Zach Lucero on Unsplash (free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Belly fat & larger waistline linked to lower Vitamin D level

Belly fat & larger waistline linked to lower Vitamin D level

There is an increase in number of population worldwide suffering from Vitamin D deficiency and it is a serious health issue. Research studies have shown that Vitamin D the ‘Sunlight vitamin’ protects humans against diabetes, cancer and heart conditions. Deficiency of Vitamin D is linked to body aches, respiratory tract infections, infertility, chronic pain, tiredness, autoimmune disease and hair loss.

Apart from these conditions, obesity and weight increase is also linked to inadequate levels of Vitamin D.

A team of scientists from Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity conducted analysis to understand the fat accumulation in body parts and lower vitamin D level. Rachida Rafiq and group of researchers, revealed the results conducted on women and men aged between 45 – 65. This data was presented in Barcelona at the European Society of Endocrinology annual meeting, ECE 2018.

The variables included smoking, ethnicity, education level, chronic conditions, exercises and alcohol intake.

Belly fat and larger waistline associated with low levels of vitamin D.

“Due to the observational nature of this study, we cannot draw a conclusion on the direction or cause of the association between obesity and vitamin D levels. However, this strong association may point to a possible role for vitamin D in abdominal fat storage and function.”- Rachida Rafiq

Team analysis revealed that in Women abdominal fat and total body fat is associated with lower vitamin D levels. Deficiency was correlated with more abdominal fat in women. In men, fat accumulation was more in liver and abdomen. It is not clear whether, the accumulation of fat causes deficiency of vitamin D or vice versa. But obesity, fat accumulation in abdomen and lower level of Vitamin D are related and Vitamin D plays a role in abdominal fat storage and function.

Belly fat means probably you need more Sun shine!

People who have larger waistlines and more amount of abdominal fats are at greater risk of having lower level of Vitamin D and should get it checked. To ward off belly fat, soaking in Sun with outdoor activities helps. If not, get Vitamin D supplements. Recommended daily allowance of vitamin D is minimum 600 IU. Foods with fortified sources can help to get Vitamin D in the system. For non-vegetarians’ egg, red meat, fish eating helps. For vegetarians’ foods like fortified cereals, juices, milk and supplements will help. Dosage of supplements depends on person’s deficiency level.

Image credit; https://www.needpix.com/photo/1562139/fat-obese-obesity-weight-heavy-overweight-corpulent-round-heavy-set (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: August 14, 2018
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Saffron health benefits

Pinch of saffron & numerous health benefits

Saffron is one of the most expensive spice in the world.  Saffron is believed to be originated in Mediterranean, Iran and Asia.  It is cultivated in Spain, France and Italy. Iran produces more than 70% of world’s saffron.

What exactly is saffron?  Botanical name of saffron plant is ‘Crocus sativus’ and common name is saffron crocus.  The spice we get in shops called saffron is a small part of the plant and belongs to purple flower. Slightly yellowish red color part with slight bitter taste is stigmata (stigma- singular) where the pollen germinates. Each flower has 3 stigmata and these stigmata are separated, dried and boxed to sell. It is such small part of the flower and it takes about 75,000 saffron flowers to get one pound of saffron spice! Being small part of the flower, removing the stigmata is labor intensive work and must be done manually. Therefore, saffron spice is expensive.

A pinch of saffron provides numerous health benefits and can be used in different ways.

Image credit: Pinterest, Salonik Saffron, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Henna, CC BY-SA 1.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/1.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Image by Marc Pascual from Pixabay  (CC by 0)

Saffron is a friendly herb: Click here

saffron-good-friend-healthylife-werindia

Benefits of saffron: Click here

saffron-general-health-benefits-healthylife-werindia

 Saffron is anti-cancer agent: Read moresaffron-anticancer-healthylife-werindia

 Saffron is aphrodisiac & promotes weight loss

saffron-weightloss-healthylife-werindia

Saffron for skin & hair: Read more

saffron-hair-skin-healthylife-werindia

Saffron use in daily life: Read more

saffron-diet-healthylife-werindia

  • https://www.gardeningknowhow.com
  • https://www.acsh.org
  • https://www.psychologytoday.com/

Image credit:Image by Nowaja from Pixabay (CC by 0), Pinterest, Indian sweets (WerIndia),

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Watermelon seeds

Ways to consume Watermelon seeds

Next time, before throwing watermelon seeds collect and use them for your health benefits. Because, watermelon seeds are powerhouse of many nutrients and is provides many health benefits. There are different ways to consume watermelon seeds. One can use them in different ways based on their health need.

Watermelon seeds has several health benefits

  • Sprouted seeds contain high amount of protein. It helps to increase metabolism.
  • Watermelon seed oil is good for skin and hair. It has light texture and is a good moisturizer. It contains vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids.
  • It is a good detoxifying agent and can be added to green tea.
  • As it contains good amount of protein, can be included in protein diet for weight loss.
  • Good food for diabetes
  • Boosts immune system and good for heart health
  • Seed oil good remedy for dark circles and for hyperpigmentation.
  • It contains Vit A, B and E along with linoleic acid, oleic acid – all are good for our skin health. It is known as antiaging oil and reduces wrinkle.

How to use watermelon seeds? Some people prefer using seeds with shells. One can remove shells after sun drying by using a rolling pin. One can boil seeds for couple of minutes and pour in cold water. Boiling process causes shells to fall off.

Different ways to use watermelon seeds are below:

  1. Roasted seeds: Roast watermelon seeds and salt seeds. To roast spread seeds on baking pan and roast at 350 F for about 45 minutes. Spray bit of cooking oil and salt. If you like spicy seeds add little turmeric, asafetida and chilli powder. Mix well. After cooling store in air tight container.
  2. Sprouted seeds: Soak seeds for about 8 hours and transfer to muslin cloth. Tie the cloth and sprinkle water. Store in a dark place for 2 to 3 days. Take out sprouted seeds and dehydrate before adding to salad. Between roasted and sprouted seeds, sprouted is better for health. Sometimes too much heat can take away nutrients from the seeds.
  3. Sun dry and eat: After washing Sun dry the seeds for few days. Consume dry seeds 1 or 2 Tbsp alternate days is good for health
  4. Sprinkle on salad: Sprinkle sun dried seeds on salads and consume
  5. With rice: Add roasted seeds to veg fried rice
  6. Powdered seeds: Prepare powder from dried seeds and mix with smoothies. Add to tea and consume.
  7. Edible oil: Watermelon seed oil is edible too and can be added to salad and curries.
  8. Add as a carrier oil: While using essential oil one can use watermelon seed oil as career oil. To any 8 to 12 drops essential oil add about ½ cup watermelon seed oil. For example, for 10 drops of rosemary oil add ½ watermelon seed oil and massage on scalp for hair growth.
  9. To apply on skin : Mix few drops of watermelon seed oil with turmeric powder and honey. Apply this on skin (face). Leave for 10 to 15 minutes and wash face using warm water. This also reduces hyperpigmentation.
  10. Apply to scalp: Massage scalp using watermelon seed oil. It gives a sleek look and is less greasy look to hair. It improves hair health.

Next time instead of seedless watermelon, buy seeded watermelon and try using them.

Image credit: https://www.needpix.com/photo/1591825/fruit-food-watermelon-juicy-healthy-background-bright-closeup-delicious

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: August 13, 2018
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Monsanto to pay $289.2 million in Roundup cancer trial

Monsanto to pay $289.2 million in Roundup cancer trial

A former groundskeeper with terminal cancer won a law suit against Monsanto Company. The agrochemical giant to pay total of $289.2 million dollars for failing to warn consumers that Monsanto’s popular weed killer Roundup causes cancer! The agrochemical company to pay $39.2 million as compensatory damages and $250 million in punitive damages for failing to put the warning that could have cautioned consumers.

Groundskeeper DeWayne Lee Johnson filed a lawsuit on Monsanto company which is based in St. Louis. He alleged that spraying Roundup herbicide while working as a groundskeeper to Benicia Unified School District caused him to develop NHL “non-Hodgkin lymphoma” cancer. Because of Johnson’s health condition and terminal diagnosis, the case was the first to proceed to trial. Jury found unanimously that glyphosate-based herbicide Roundup caused DeWayne develop the cancer and Monsanto failed to warn about the severe health hazard in the information.

In addition, jury also found St. Louis based Giant company Monsanto acted with oppression, malice or fraud and should be punished.

What is Roundup?

Roundup the World’s most widely used herbicide. It is a non-selective herbicide and kills most plants. There are few countries who banned use of Roundup. But the rising labor problem and effectiveness of Roundup in controlling weeds made it to the top amongst all herbicides. Currently it is used by farmers in more than 160 countries with more than 1.4 billion pounds application per year! It contains a compound called glyphosate and it is the primary ingredient that acts on weeds.

Glyphosate kills weeds by blocking proteins essential for the plant growth and development. It stops a specific enzyme pathway called “Shikimic acid pathway” that is necessary for plants growth.  In US it is the second most preferred weed killer of household lawn! Roundup is effective in killing poison ivy, dandelions, kudzu, clover etc. The primary use of Roundup is in agriculture. Soy, cotton and corn fields in US are treated with Roundup ‘glyphosate’.

Why Roundup does not kill crops?

Because seeds of popular crops are genetically engineered to tolerate glyphosate. Genetically modified seeds are modified so that the plants are not killed by glyphosate. Farmers are using Roundup on entire field without any worry. Thus, the GMO crops particularly cotton, soy and corn production has tremendously increased.

In addition to these three crops, about five million acres of California agriculture lands were treated with glyphosate during 2012 to grow peaches, onions, cucurbits, cherries, sweet corn, grapes, almonds etc.

How farmers are exposed to glyphosate?

There are various methods of exposure to glyphosate:

Air – inhalation, especially during spraying

Water – surface and groundwater used for drinking and cooking

Food – glyphosate found in soil/food

When farmers spray Roundup it can enter through skin, eyes or breathing. Some glyphosate can enter body by smoke and eating. Products containing glyphosate may cause skin and eye irritation. Swallowing can cause burn in throat and mouth, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. Pets may be at risk if they touch or eat plants/grass. Reports also indicate that Glyphosate also might increase celiac disease by increasing gluten sensitivity.

In July 2017, California took the bold step of placing the active ingredient in Roundup – glyphosate – on its list of known carcinogens and is requiring warning labels on Roundup products containing the toxin.

Are there any other ingredients in Roundup?

Roundup is high debated chemical compound in these days/ Some research suggests that Glyphosate as such is less toxic. As per few studies, it is difficult for human skin and system to absorb glyphosate and body may throw out glyphosate through fecal matter and urine. European Union Food Safety Authority (EFSA) also concluded that glyphosate is not likely to cause cancer or DNA damage! Some claim that other ingredients that are not disclosed by the Company are significantly more toxic and responsible for its toxic effect on human cells.

What WHO has to say about Glyphosate?

WHO in 2015 declared Glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans”.  That means use of Roundup can put a person in risk of developing cancer. Glyphosate responsible for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma that originates in WBC and according to California court Dewayne Lee Johnson is one of the victim of Roundup spray. Activists who are battling to ban glyphosate lauded the decision of San Francisco County Superior Court.

References:

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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