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.
Sugar Palm

Sugar plam

Sugar palm or toddy palm is the name of Borassus flabellifer. The sweet sap of the Palmyra tree is called Toddy and is used in preparation of Palm jaggery. This plam tree exists in tropical countries. Fruits somewhat resemble coconut. The pulp is tender and the husk is fibrous similar to that in Coconut. The fruit has a black husk and is 4 to 7 inches in diameter. It is borne in clusters. The top portion of the fruit is cut off to reveal the three sweet jelly seed sockets. During early summer, they are sold in markets and for a limited period of time.

Almost every part of the tree is useful to humankind.

  • The sap is fermented to make Arrack which is an alcoholic beverage.
  • The tender fruit pulp is eaten raw during summer because it gives a cooling effect to the body
  • The fruit contains vitamin A, B and also Vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid.
  • Minerals such as Potassium, Iron, Calcium, Phosphorus and Zinc are found in the fruit.
  • Matured palm fruit juice is used in making pancakes.
  • The pulp from the mature fruit is used over the skin to cure Dermatitis.

Image credit: www.werindia.com


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: February 25, 2016
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Marang

Marang

Marang is a close relative of jackfruit, cempedak and breadfruit trees. These fruits are rich source of energy and contains lots of carbohydrates eventually broken into glucose. They are mainly cultivated for its fruit in Indonesia, Malaysia Philippines, and southern Thailand. The short shelf-life of the fruit limits its wider use. Although it shares some features of the breadfruit, it does not have the same tolerance capacity and the tree is not cold tolerant. When the fruit is ripe and opened, it should be consumed as soon as possible because it oxidizes quite fast and loses its flavor.

Packed with protein and fat, it is also known as athlete’s fruit and are very much compatible to the banana.

  • Fruits are rich in protein, fat, carbohydrates, ash, calcium, phosphorous, iron, crude fiber, retinol, beta-carotene, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, Vitamin A and C.
  • These fruits known to calms the symptoms of an irritable bowel and can also relieve or prevent constipation.
  • Apart from the pulp the seeds could be boiled or roasted and are quite edible too.
  • Image credit: http://veryuniqueplants.com/

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Mangosteen

Mangosteen

Mangosteen, is a tropical evergreen tree believed to have originated in the Sunda Islands and the Moluccas of Indonesia. It grows mainly in Southeast Asia, southwest India and other tropical areas such as Puerto Rico and Florida. Due to restrictions on imports, mangosteen is not readily available in certain countries.

“Mangosteen… is able to reverse most of the ailments of modern man.” Kenneth J. Finsand

  • These fruits are is rich in water, energy, protein, carbohydrate and fiber. Essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper and manganese are found in this fruit. It contains vitamin C, B6, B12.
  • Various parts of the plant have a history of use in traditional medicine, mostly in Southeast Asia; it may have been used to treat skin infections, wounds, dysentery, and urinary tract infections.
  • Studies shows that these fruits are also helpful in preventing and possibly even stopping a wide range of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and other chronic diseases.

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


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Durian

Durian

Durian fruit is delicious, soft, succulent and very popular for its unique characteristics. The exotic durian is native to Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysian rain forests. Durian fruit is distinctive for its large size, unique odor, and formidable thorn-covered husk. It can reach up to 30 cm (12 in) long and 15 cm (6 in) in diameter, and typically weighs one to four kilograms (two to seven lb). Pulps of these fruits can be yellow or red. Though it contains a relatively higher amounts of fats among the fruits, it is free from saturated fats and cholesterol.

Durian is widely revered as the “King of Fruits” in the South-East Asian countries.

  • It is high in energy, minerals and vitamins. 100 g fresh fruit carries 147 calories. The fruit is made of soft, easily digestible flesh made of simple sugars like fructose and sucrose .
  • Durian is rich in dietary fiber, which makes it a good bulk laxative.
  • The durian fruit is a good source of antioxidant vitamin-C
  • It is an excellent source of niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine and thiamin.
  • Further, it also contains a good amount of minerals like manganese, copper, iron and magnesium..
  • Fresh durian fruit is a very rich source of potassium.
  • Additionally, it also contains high levels of essential amino acid.

Image credit:topcreativeproducts.com


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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EMF WAKE UP CALL !

EMF Wake Up Call !

For most people it is impossible to run a day without a microwave, cell phone , lap tops or similar gadgets. We are in an era where we seem cannot wait to communicate and we are always in a rush to respond to coworkers, boss, family, friends and others. Well, what most people don’t realize, is that all of these electronic devices are known to emit waves of Electromagnetic field or radiation.

With the increase in number of mobile/ cell phone uses, wireless internet and other devices including the smart grid there is a growing concern about the Electro Magnetic Field’s effect on humans’ health. Lot of studies has been undertaken to understand the effect of EMF on humans and animals.

The known negative health of EMF is:

  • Hypersensitivity to EMFs
  • Increase in allergies and allergy symptoms
  • Potential link to certain cancers
  • Reducing the efficacy of certain drugs (such as Tamoxifen, which is used to treat breast cancer)
  • Radiation damage
  • Long-term DNA fragmentation

People try to convince others that it is a hoax. Question is – is it really a hoax? Unfortunately, no it is not a hoax. Research is overwhelmingly proving that Electromagnetic Radiation emitted from laptop computers, cell phones, and other high-tech devices can be very harmful.

According to Dr. Johansson, Professor at the renowned Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden- exposure to EMFs, which are created by electronic devices, has long-term cumulative effects that go as far as changing our very DNA. An engineer namely Jeromy Johnson, a former Silicon Valley tech employee with a master’s degree in engineering who, himself, began to feel negative impacts from his exposure to wireless radiation. There are hundreds of thousands of people have reported mild to severe symptoms from exposure to EMF sources.

Jeromy’s wife is a medical doctor and both are hardly a duo of conspiracy-inclined paranoiacs. The wakeup call about EMF has come from Jeromy at a time of blanketing the cities with wi-fi in various cities of the world.

How to stay away from EMF?

Avoiding the effects of Electromagnetic Radiation is not easy, as the devices that emit it are virtually everywhere and practically inescapable. There are a couple of important steps one can take into consideration to avoid EMF.

  • Instead of microwave -use a traditional toaster oven – Advantage of this is also improved taste of food. While microwave heats the food, we tend to lose the taste. Whereas, traditional oven helps to retain the taste.
  • To reduce the effect of EMF, Professor Johansson suggesting to make some major societal changes, like only letting children under the age of 16 use cell phones for emergency calls. The reason is studies show that children are more vulnerable for the EMF effect.
  • If you are a laptop user then keep laptop away from your body as much as possible. If not, use laptop defender pad that shields the body from harmful radiations. Use clear shield and cover the laptop screen.
  • Try to reduce the power to the source.
  • Increase the distance between the EMF source and the body. For example, when you talk over the phone- use hand -free set whenever it is possible. Always use a shield or cover over the phone to reduce its contact with your body. Or use a packet purse to keep your phone.

Whether you want it or not- EMF is there and it is growing like a invisible plague, doing the damage to both humans and the surrounding environment. Most people ignore this effect. Educate yourself and help others to understand this serious matter.

See more about EMF in this video

 

 References:

Image credit: Photo by Marcos Ramírez on Unsplash (Free for commercial use)


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: February 24, 2016
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HOW TO KEEP BODY MUSCLES FLEXIBLE AND ACTIVE

How to keep Body Muscles Flexible and Active

Do you give a miss for muscle stretching after your exercise? If the answer is yes then you should know that you should never give a miss to muscle stretch after your daily workout.  It is not just to burn the extra few minutes of your class or workout. Instead, this is essential and is for good reasons. Stretching calves and hamstring or other body parts is important for various reasons. Incorporating stretching into our daily workouts or into our regular day on their own is just as important to health and body functioning as regular exercise.

The greatest advantage of muscle stretching is it increases the range of body motion.Muscles and tendons will work better after stretching.  Because of increase in the motion, intensified workout, work or daily activities do not affect the muscle that much or the internal injury can be avoided. In other words the more conditioned  muscles and tendons are, the better they can handle the rigors of sport and exercise, and the less likely that they will become injured.

The general advantage of muscle stretch is:

  • Reduced muscle tension, relaxation and stress relief
  • Increased range of movement in the joints
  • Enhanced muscular coordination
  • Increased circulation of the blood to various parts of the body
  • relief from pain
  • increased energy levels
  • increased flexibility
  • greater circulation of blood to various parts of the body
  • reduces inflammation of muscle and relieves pain
  • improved posture
  • greater sense of well-being

Good reasons to stretch the muscles:

  • Helping the body: It helps to increase and improve the flexibility and rang eof motion. With the age muscle becomes tighter and flexibility decreases. It results in slow movement and less lubrication of joins. This puts a shadow on the active life styles and hinders normal day to day motions. Also, the balancing act of the body and coordination becomes less and imbalance sets in. Tensed and tight muscles contribute to poor posture. Stretching helps to correct the posture by loosening the tightened muscle and relaxes the muscle.  One can notice an overall improvement in spine alignment and overall postures of the body because of regular stretching.
  • Enhanced body coordination: Maintaining the full range-of-motion through joints keeps us in better balance. Coordination and balance will help keep us mobile and less prone to injury from falls, especially as we get older.
  • Blood flow: Stretching also helps to increase the blood flow of muscle. This means increase in blood flow brings greater nutrient supply to muscle. This helps in reducing the soreness and injury and helps in speedy recovery from muscle and joint injuries.
  • For The Mind : When we are stressed out we have a tendency to hold the stress in our muscle. This is called tension of muscle. Instead of relaxation muscles contract and becomes tensed. This will have a negative impact on the body parts.  Stretching is a powerful stress buster. Spending few minutes every day in stretching the body after exercise of after day to day activities helps to get out of the tension in mind and muscle.  It helps to calm the mind, providing a mental break and giving your body a chance to recharge. Yoga and Pilates generally helps in body stretch that relieves the tension in mind and muscle.
  • Muscle toning: Muscle stretches helps to shape up the body. It tone downs the muscle to get into proper shape and replaces the fat with good muscle.

Which are the exercises generally helps to stretch?

Gentle stretching by practicing yoga or Pilates is recommended. Start slow and allow muscles to understand the change in the exercise and to settle down for stretching. This way you will not injure your body parts by sudden stretches.

When to stretch the body?

  • It is important to note that before any stretching muscles should be warm. A warm out work helps the muscle to stretch easily and becomes flexible.
  • If a part of your body muscle need stretch first understand by feeling it. In other words, if you are aware that certain muscles are tighter than others, focus your attention on that particular muscle or those muscles that need good stretching.
  • After your work out it is always good to stretch the body parts. Do it slowly and steadily. Do not rush to stretch.

How to stretch?

Warm up first: Warm up by walking while gently pumping your arms, or do a favorite exercise at low intensity for five minutes.

  1. Hold the stretch: Hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds It takes time to lengthen tissues safely. Hold your stretches for at least 30 seconds — and up to 60 seconds for a really tight muscle or problem area. For most of your muscle groups, if you hold the stretches for at least 30 seconds, you will need to do each stretch only once.
  1. Never bounce: Bouncing during stretching can cause injury or micro tears in muscles. The scar created by bouncing can tighten the muscle further causing more soreness and pain to body.
  1. Let it be pain free: If you feel pain as you stretch, you have gone too far. Back off to the point where you do not feel any pain, then hold the stretch.
  1. Relax and breathe: While stretching breath in and out – so that tired muscles will get good amount of air to relax.
  1. Stretch both sides: Make sure your joint range of motion is as equal as possible on each side of your body.

Stretching is thus very important. Do not overdo stretching, it is better to work within your limits.

Source:www.werindia.com

Image credit: https://www.needpix.com/photo/download/94651/yoga-meditation-spiritual-mental-hinduism-hindooism-exercise-exercising-physical-exercise (Free for commercial use)


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: February 23, 2016
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Food of God , Chocolate & Chocolate cakes

Food of God, Chocolates & Chocolate Cakes

This Valentine’s Day if you are planning to buy chocolates for your loved one’s then you should also know where the world’s best chocolates and chocolate cakes are available or what brand to buy.

“Food of the Gods”: Chocolates are world famous and loved by most people. Chocolates are famous because of taste and flavors.  Chocolate is Nahuatl word, the language of Aztec. The Nahuatl term, chicolatl, meaning “beaten drink”.  Do you know how chocolates are prepared? Cacao is the dried seed of the cacao tree that is used to make cocoa powder and chocolate. The cacao tree is a tropical flowering tree native to the Americas. Its scientific name, Theobroma cacao, means “food of the gods.” The first instances of cacao processing and culinary use can be traced back to the ancient cultures that once inhabited what is now central and southern Mexico. Chocolate definitely has an ancient history. Cacao seeds were the currency during the times the people of Maya and Aztecs traded. The Aztecs believed that cacao was brought to earth from paradis and that wisdom and power could be had by consuming the seed.

Here are world famous chocolates and chocolate cakes for all lovers on Valentine’s day!!

Maya Chocolate, Tabasco, Mexico – Click here to Read

Maya Chocolate, Tabasco, Mexico

Hershey chocolates – Click here to Read

Hershey chocolates

Cadbury chocolates – Click here to Read

Cadbury chocolates

Godiva Chocolatier – Click here to Read

Godiva Chocolatier

 Sachertorte, Vienna, Austria – Click here to Read

Sachertorte, Vienna, Austria

Maison Cailler, Broc, Switzerland –  Click here to Read

Maison Cailler, Broc, Switzerland

Magnolia Bakery, New York City-  Click here to Read

Magnolia Bakery

Valrhona Chocolate, Tain l’Hermitage, France–  Click here to Read

Valrhona Chocolate, Tain l’Hermitage, France

Hot Chocolate, Turin, Italy –  Click here to Read

Hot Chocolate, Turin, Italy

Chocolate and Churros, Madrid, Spain –  Click here to Read

Chocolate and Churros, Madrid, Spain

Nemesis, River Café, London, England – Click here to Read

Nemesis, River Café, London, England

Ghirardelli Chocolate –  Click here to Read

Ghirardelli Chocolates


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: February 10, 2016
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Ghirardelli Chocolates

Ghirardelli Chocolate

The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is a United States division of Swiss confectioner Lindt & Sprüngli. As America’s longest continuously operating chocolate manufacturer, Ghirardelli has established its position as America’s premium chocolate company. In 1849, during the California Gold Rush, Italian-born Domingo Ghirardelli moved to America and opened a store in a mining camp. After discovering the miners were starved for luxuries and needed something to spend their gold dust on, he starting stocking chocolate delicacies. In 1852, the enterprising immigrant founded a confectionery shop in San Francisco, which eventually became the modern-day Ghirardelli Chocolate Company.

Ghirardelli produces several flavors of chocolate. The chocolate is sold in bar version or is cut up into squares and individually packaged.  Varieties available: Dark, white, milk chocolates etc. filled with strawberry, caramel, almonds, espersso. They also have cinnamon crunch, cinnamon -spiced almond, pecan pie, egg nog, pumpkin spice etc.

http://www.ghirardelli.com/our-story/heritage#piWU6crXuBawPP40.99


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