All posts by Sumana Rao

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Mudras for women health

Practicing These Five Yoga Mudras Help Overall Vitality In Women

Mudras are hand gestures used in yoga. Practicing Mudras can be beneficial for women’s health by promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being. There are many yoga mudras and practicing these hand gestures benefits in various conditions. Five mudras that can specifically help with common women’s health issues like stress, hormonal balance, and overall vitality are Yoni mudra, Surya mudra, Prana mudra, Apana mudra and Shakti mudra.

Benefits of practicing these five yoga mudras and how to practice them  can shed some light on this ancient practice that is originated in India. 

1. Yoni Mudra (Womb mudra)

  • Benefits: Yoni Mudra represents the womb and feminine energy. It helps to balance the reproductive system, reduce menstrual discomfort, and promote a calm, meditative state. It also assists in emotional balance and grounding.
  • How to perform? Bring the tips of the index fingers together and the tips of the thumbs together, forming a triangle. The other fingers are folded inward. Hold the mudra at the navel level.

2. Surya Mudra (Mudra of the Sun)

  • Benefits: This mudra boosts metabolism, reduces excess weight, and increases body warmth. It also helps regulate menstrual cycles and improves digestion, benefiting overall hormonal balance.
  • How to perform? Fold the ring finger towards the palm and press it with the thumb while keeping the other fingers straight. Hold this for 10-15 minutes a day.

3. Prana Mudra (Mudra of life)

  • Benefits: Prana Mudra helps energize the body and boosts vitality. It supports the immune system, balances emotions, and reduces fatigue, making it great for women who feel drained or stressed.
  • How to perform? Touch the tips of the thumb, ring finger, and little finger together, while keeping the other two fingers straight. Practice for at least 15-20 minutes daily.

4. Apana Mudra (Mudra of digestion)

  • Benefits: This mudra aids in digestion, detoxification, and cleansing of the body. It is especially beneficial for relieving menstrual pain, supporting reproductive health, and easing digestive problems.
  • How to perform? Touch the tips of the middle finger and ring finger to the thumb, while the index and little fingers remain extended. Hold for 10-15 minutes daily.

5. Shakti Mudra (Mudra of power)

  • Benefits: Shakti Mudra helps to relax the pelvic area, making it beneficial for menstrual cramps and lower back pain. It also induces a deep state of relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety.
  • How to perform? Fold the thumb inside the palm, cover it with the ring and little fingers, and then bring the tips of the index and middle fingers together. Hold this mudra for 10-15 minutes.

These mudras can be practiced daily to promote overall well-being, hormonal balance, and emotional stability for women. Pairing them with deep, mindful breathing enhances their effects.

Image credit: Woman: Image by pxby666 from Pixabay (Free under Pixabay content license)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: October 31, 2024
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Analogue paneer fake paneer

Zomato Receives Backlash Over Analogue Paneer – Know About Analogue Paneer

“Analogue paneer” refers to a substitute for traditional paneer (Indian cottage cheese) made with alternative ingredients, often to reduce costs or suit specific dietary needs. It might use vegetable oils, soy protein, or other dairy alternatives to mimic the texture and taste of paneer but with different nutritional content. Some manufacturers produce analogue paneer to cater to vegan consumers or to reduce production costs compared to dairy based paneer.

Recently Indian restaurant industry Zomato received backlash for using analogue paneer in its food. Zomato is an Indian multinational restaurant aggregator and food delivery company. It connects users with a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and other food vendors and provides online ordering, delivery, table reservations, and reviews. It is a Food delivery industry in India and has expanded its services internationally, becoming one of the major players in the food tech industry.

While analogue paneer may offer a lower-cost, plant-based option, it is typically less nutritious than traditional paneer and can contain ingredients that might not support overall health when consumed regularly.

Analogue paneer is considered less healthy for consumption than traditional paneer due to following reasons:

  1. Lower nutritional value: Traditional paneer is made from milk and is rich in protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. Analogue paneer, on the other hand, is typically made from vegetable oils and other fillers, which may lack the protein and calcium content found in dairy-based paneer.
  2. High in trans fats and saturated Fats: Some analogue paneers use hydrogenated vegetable oils, which can be high in trans fats. Trans fats are known to raise bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower good cholesterol (HDL), increasing the risk of heart disease, inflammation, and other health issues.
  3. Added preservatives and fillers: To improve shelf life and texture, manufacturers often add artificial preservatives, stabilizers, and emulsifiers. Some of these additives may be harmful if consumed regularly, as they can disrupt digestion and may have other adverse health effects over time.
  4. Digestibility: Analogue paneer may be harder to digest for some individuals, especially if it contains elevated levels of processed ingredients or additives. Traditional paneer, on the other hand, is more easily digestible for most people due to its natural composition.
  5. Possible allergenic ingredients: Some analogue paneers use soy or other plant-based proteins that can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Traditional paneer is less likely to cause allergies, although it does contain lactose, which can be an issue for those who are lactose intolerant.

Why did Zomato receive the backlash over using analogue paneer?

The use of analogue paneer by restaurants, particularly without clear labeling, has sparked significant backlash among consumers. Main reasons for the backlash-,

  1. Lack of transparency: Customers expect traditional dairy-based paneer in their dishes, but analogue paneer is sometimes used without disclosure. This lack of transparency is seen as misleading, especially when the product differs nutritionally and taste-wise from authentic paneer.
  2. Health concerns: Many consumers are concerned about the health effects of analogue paneer, particularly if it contains hydrogenated oils or additives that may impact cholesterol levels, digestion, and overall health. For those specifically looking for high protein or calcium rich food options, the use of lower-quality substitutes can be a disappointment.
  3. Trust and quality issues: Using an analogue paneer can hurt a restaurant’s reputation, as customers may feel the quality is being compromised to cut costs. This has led to negative reviews, customer complaints, and even boycotts in some cases.
  4. Misalignment with dietary preferences: Some analogue paneers are not vegan or lactose-free (eg. they may use casein, a milk protein), leading to further frustration for those who have dietary restrictions or preferences.

This backlash has put pressure on food delivery platforms like Zomato to encourage restaurants to disclose when they use substitutes. Some regions and food authorities are also exploring regulatory measures to require clearer labeling and enforce stricter quality standards for analogue food products.

In many places, labeling regulations require restaurants or sellers to disclose the use of substitutes like analogue paneer to help consumers make informed choices.

If you are concerned about receiving analogue paneer in an order, you might consider:

  1. Reading descriptions carefully: Some menus specify if they use dairy free or vegan substitutes, so checking the dish description might provide hints.
  2. Contacting the restaurant: Asking the restaurant directly if they use traditional paneer or an analogue can give clarity, especially if dietary needs or health concerns are a factor.
  3. Reading reviews or comments: Occasionally, other customers may mention it if they notice analogue paneer being used, so reviews on Zomato itself can sometimes provide insights.

Awareness about food transparency is increasing, so Zomato and other delivery platforms may start being more explicit about such ingredients to support informed consumer choices.

References:

www.opindia.com

www.timesofindia.com

www.economictimes.com

Image credit: https://pixahive.com/photo/paneer-roll/ (CC0 free to use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: October 30, 2024
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Ayurveda day 2024

Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health – Ayurveda Day 2024

“Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health” gives new dimensions to the contribution of Ayurveda for Humanity.

150 countries to celebrate ‘Ayurveda Day 2024’ on 29th October

The Ministry of Ayush is all set to celebrate 9thAyurveda Day on 29.10.2024. This year more than 150 countries across the globe have geared up for Ayurveda Day that is being celebrated around the theme “Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health”. On this occasion, the ministry of Ayush is going to organize a grand event at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi .

Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State, Ayush (I/C), Ministry of Ayush talked about the significance of Ayurveda Day and said, “Ayurveda Day has now become a global movement. We are proud to learn that as many as 150 countries are expected to join Ayurveda Day celebrations 2024. He also highlighted the focus of the Ministry while underlining the theme of Ayurveda Day 2024 and added “The theme of this year’s Ayurveda Day celebrations gives new dimensions to the contribution of Ayurveda to global health. Our aim is to promote Ayurveda globally as a robust system of medicine for the welfare of public. Under this, the All India Institute of Ayurveda has initiated a month-long programme across the country.”

While highlighting the vision of Ministry, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush said, “Through the Ayurveda Day celebrations, Ayush focuses on integrating Ayurveda with contemporary science to address critical health issues including non-communicable diseases, mental health, antimicrobial resistance, and geriatric care.”

Talking about the latest initiatives of the Ministry, he further added, “Ayurveda knowledge is made conveniently accessible to public through digital platforms under the umbrella of Ayush Grid including major initiatives such as Ayurgyan Scheme, Ayush Research Portal, and Namaste Portal.” Currently, Ayurveda is recognized in as many as 24 countries across the globe, while Ayurveda products are exported to over 100 countries”.

This year’s celebration will witness significant participation from startups and industry, positioning Ayurveda at the heart of global health innovation. Leading Ayurveda experts have expressed their thoughts and hopes for this important event. Ayush professionals are particularly enthusiastic about this year’s celebrations on the theme surrounding innovation in Ayurveda.

Dr. Manoj Nesari, Advisor, Ministry of Ayush and Director, North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homeopathy (NEIAH), Shillong, said, “The theme ‘Ayurveda Innovation for Global Health’ has been specifically chosen to highlight the huge research work done in Ayurveda to establish the scientific relevance of Ayurveda in promotion of health and treatment of various disease conditions. This also highlights the relevance of Ayurveda for the healthcare of the people across the globe irrespective of their religion, ethnicity, social status and geographical boundaries. The special focus in innovation would attract and inspire our youngsters to indulge in Ayurveda and establish startups. I also see lots of vibration and enthusiasm in the people of North East states and rising acceptance of Ayurveda in all North East states.”

Dr. Mohan Singh, Director Ayush, Jammu & Kashmir, stated, “Given the theme of this year’s celebrations, we are all excited to be part of the Ayurveda Day 2024 activities. We anticipate an extraordinary confluence of professionals, researchers, and startups, all dedicated to creating a healthier, more sustainable world through the power of Ayurveda.”

Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, Vice Chancellor of the National Institute of Ayurveda, added, “The commitment and passion of our students and scholars who are preparing for the Ayurveda Day 2024 celebrations is inspiring. This would be an opportunity to explore new dimensions of holistic health, where ancient wisdom combines with modern innovation for global health.”

Dr. B.J. Patagiri, Director, Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA) mentioned, “The participation of students, scholars, and innovators in this year’s celebration is a testament to how tradition and innovation together can revolutionize global health.”

Ministry of Ayush continues to work toward integrating Ayurveda into the mainstream of global health. Initiatives such as the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC), Ayushman Bharat Yojana, and the Research Centre for Innovation in Ayurveda Biology are advancing Ayurveda’s role in the global health system. Additionally, the reactivated “I Support Ayurveda” Campaign aims to garner over 250 million votes in support of Ayurveda. Last year’s campaign was a tremendous success, with 160 million votes.

As the world moves toward Ayurveda Day on 29thOctober 2024, the Ministry of Ayush, its partner institutions, professionals, and Ayurveda enthusiasts around the globe are excited for this unique celebration. Through innovation and collaboration, Ayurveda is poised to offer sustainable solutions for global health and well-being.

It is to note that the celebration of Ayurveda Day takes place annually on the auspicious occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti (Dhanteras). Since inception in 2016, Ayurveda Day has gained global significance. This year’s celebrations are filled with energy and enthusiasm, culminating in a closing ceremony on 29th October 2024. Throughout the month, various events and activities are being organised nationwide, highlighting the importance of Ayurveda in health promotion and disease prevention.

For more read: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2067357

Image credit: Image by Sarah Sever from Pixabay (Free to use under Pixabay content license)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: October 29, 2024
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Tips for Hosting Diwali party

Ideas For Hosting Diwali Party

Diwali is such a wonderful time to host guests! From decorating your home to preparing traditional treats and planning fun activities, there are so many ways to make your guests feel welcome.

You can make celebrations memorable with following tips.

1. Decorations and ambiance

  • Lighting: Set up traditional oil lamps (diyas) or LED versions along with string lights to create a warm glow. You can also hang lanterns or toran at the entrance.
  • Rangoli: Create a rangoli design with colored powders, flowers, or even rangoli stickers at the entryway.
  • Floral touch: Decorate with fresh flowers, like marigolds, jasmine, chrysanthemum and roses, for a festive and aromatic ambiance. Arrange floral petals around Diya’s, use them in rangoli, decorate God’s room and make floating petal arrangements

2. Food and snacks

  • Traditional sweets: Have a selection of Diwali sweets like laddoos, rasagolla, barfis, and jalebi, as these are usually enjoyed by everyone. If you are particular about calorie intake, go for something that is less sweet or restrain yourself from eating too much sweets.
  • Savory snacks: Offer savory treats like samosas, kachoris, and pakoras, or even a snack platter with mixed namkeen.
  • Drinks: Serve festive drinks like spiced tea, rose milk, almond milk or a refreshing mango lassi to add a traditional touch. Serve hot soup or hot chocolate milk that everyone enjoy.

3. Gifts for guests

  • Gift Bags: Prepare small gift bags with items like dry fruits, candles, diyas, or miniature idols.
  • Personal touches: A small handwritten note with Diwali wishes or a tiny piece of jewelry can make gifts extra special. Look for DIY jewelry ideas and exhibit your hidden skills.

4. Activities and entertainment

  • Games: Organize traditional games like cards, carrom, or board games for all ages.
  • Fireworks (if allowed): Sparklers and small crackers can be enjoyed outdoors safely. Watch children and help them to burst crackers.
  • Storytelling: Share stories about the significance of Diwali and the various customs associated with it.

5. Music and dance

  • Traditional Music: Play a mix of devotional songs, traditional bhajans, or Bollywood tracks to keep the energy lively.
  • Dance: If your guests enjoy dancing, a small dance floor with upbeat music is always fun!
  • Karaoke: If you and your guests are interested in singing arrange karaoke and no matter how one sings, everyone can participate and sing along!

Diwali is all about togetherness, warmth, and creating happy memories. With a little planning, you can make your celebration cozy, festive, and enjoyable for everyone!

Image credit: Image by Alexander Roy from Pixabay (Free to use under Pixabay content license)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: October 28, 2024
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Foods and nutrition for eye health

Role Of Various Foods And Nutrition In Eye Health

Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining good eye health and preventing vision problems. Eye health depends on our nutrition intake too, as specific nutrients can help maintain good vision, reduce the risk of eye diseases, and support overall eye health.

How do various foods play crucial role in our eye health?

1. Vitamin A:

  • Role: Essential for maintaining a clear cornea, the outer covering of the eye, and preventing night blindness.
  • Foods: Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and kale.

2. Lutein and Zeaxanthin:

  • Role: These antioxidants help protect the eyes from harmful blue light and reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
  • Foods: Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale, amaranthus, fenugreek or methi leaves), corn, and peas.

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA & EPA):

4. Vitamin C:

  • Role: A powerful antioxidant that helps maintain the health of blood vessels in the eyes and reduces the risk of cataracts.
  • Foods: Oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and kiwi.

5. Vitamin E:

  • Role: Protects eye cells from damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the risk of cataracts and AMD.
  • Foods: Almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, and vegetable oils.

6. Zinc:

  • Role: Helps transport vitamin A from the liver to the retina to produce melanin, a protective pigment in the eyes.
  • Foods: Chickpeas, and pumpkin seeds.

7. Beta-Carotene:

  • Role: A precursor to vitamin A, beta-carotene helps prevent vision loss and protect against eye diseases.
  • Foods: Carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and dark leafy greens.

8. Anthocyanins:

  • Role: These powerful antioxidants found in berries may help improve vision, reduce eye fatigue, and protect against glaucoma.
  • Foods: Blueberries, blackberries, cherries, and grapes.

9. Bioflavonoids:

  • Role: These plant compounds work with vitamin C to maintain healthy eyes and prevent cataracts and AMD.
  • Foods: Citrus fruits, tea, red wine, and legumes.

10. Water:

  • Role: Staying hydrated is important for eye health as it helps prevent dry eyes and maintains overall eye moisture.
  • Source: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

11. Curcumin:

  • Role: Curcumin, the active compound found in turmeric, has gained attention for its potential benefits to eye health due to its powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Curcumin inhibits inflammatory pathways, including the NF-κB pathway, which is involved in eye diseases.
  • Source: Turmeric root

Additional tips:

  • Limit sugar and processed foods: High sugar levels can contribute to diabetic retinopathy and other eye issues.
  • Moderate screen time: Reducing blue light exposure and taking regular breaks can help reduce digital eye strain.

Additional foods beneficial for eye health:

  • Eggs: High in lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin E, and zinc.
  • Nuts and seeds: Good sources of vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Legumes: Rich in zinc and bioflavonoids.
  • Whole grains: Contain vitamin E, zinc, and bioflavonoids.
  • Avocados: High in lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as vitamin E.

General tips for maintaining eye health:

  • Eat a colorful diet: Include a variety of fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens and bright-colored foods like carrots and peppers.
  • Limit processed foods and sugars: These can contribute to conditions like diabetic retinopathy and increase the risk of cataracts.
  • Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses with UV protection and take breaks from screens to reduce eye strain.
  • Stay hydrated: Keep your eyes lubricated to avoid dry eyes and irritation.
  • Good sleep: Get good sleep to give relief from strain to eyes

A balanced, nutrient-rich diet is crucial for long-term eye health and can help prevent common age-related eye diseases.

Image credit: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/803371 (CC0 Public Domain)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: October 25, 2024
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Tips to recycle electronic devices

Tips For Recycling Electronic Devices

Not just plastics, electronic items like old computers, phones, TV, mixer etc. should be recycles when these items get old or whenever we replace them with new ones. Reasons for recycling electronic devices is for minimizing environmental impact and to promote sustainable practices.

If you don’t know or not aware how to recycle electronic devices then, here are some tips to help you recycle electronic devices responsibly:

·        Look for recycling options: Look for authorized electronic waste recycling centers or programs in your area. Check with local government authorities, recycling facilities, or electronic retailers to find out about their recycling services and drop-off locations.

·        Check for trade-in or recycling programs: Many electronic manufacturers and retailers offer trade-in or recycling programs for their products. These programs allow you to return old devices to the manufacturer or retailer, often receiving a discount or credit towards a new purchase.

·        Wipe all personal data: Before recycling any electronic device that stores personal information, make sure to back up and transfer important data to a new device. Then, erase all personal data from the old device using factory reset or data wiping tools to protect your privacy.

·        Remove batteries: Remove batteries from devices, especially rechargeable ones, before recycling. Some batteries contain hazardous materials and need to be disposed of separately to ensure safe handling and recycling.

·        Donate or sell working devices: If your electronic device is still in good working condition, consider donating it to charitable organizations, schools, or community centers. You can also sell it online or through local classifieds to extend its life cycle.

·        Participate in e-waste collection events: Stay informed about local e-waste collection events organized by municipalities or community groups. These events provide an opportunity to dispose of electronic devices safely and ensure proper recycling.

·        Follow proper disposal guidelines: If you can’t find a recycling option for a specific device, follow local guidelines for disposing of electronic waste. Avoid throwing electronic devices in regular trash bins, as they can contain hazardous materials that can harm the environment.

·        Recycle responsibly: When recycling electronic devices, choose responsible recyclers who adhere to proper environmental and data security standards. Look for certifications like R2 (Responsible Recycling) or e-Stewards, which ensure that the recycling process meets specific industry standards.

Remember, different regions may have specific regulations and recycling options, so it’s important to research and follow local guidelines for electronic waste recycling. Your town and township offices may have particular days for recycling. By recycling electronic devices properly, you can help reduce the environmental impact of e-waste and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Intestinal worms

Intestinal worms in children

Inside human body lives intestinal worms that are parasites. Some think that these worms are not dangerous. It is not true. Worms can cause many health issues and make us weak. Loss of appetite and poor absorption of food that leads to weight loss is a common symptom of having parasitic worms inside body.

How do we get worms in intestine?

There are two types of intestinal worms – Flat worms which include flukes and tapeworms and, Round worms. When not taken care, intestinal worms grow inside intestine and can cause problem to health.

These worms produce eggs that hatch to larvae. Either the eggs or larvae or both will pass out of the body in the faeces. They might enter food and water and eventually human body. In the intestine, they feed on our food or blood. The most usual way of worms entering the body is through unhygienic practice, water and food. People who eat meat of an infected animal can get it through meat. Uncooked vegetables and improperly washed raw vegetables and fresh fruits are also source of intestinal worms.  Other causes of intestinal worms are:

Soil transmitted helminths are most common types that cause health issues. Roundworms are transmitted through contaminated feces and soil. Once they enter human body, they thrive on blood and food and grow causing several severe symptoms. Hookworms enter through skin from the soil.

If the stool is left behind, flies that sit on stool carry larvae or eggs and transport them to food, cups, plates etc.

Symptoms of intestinal worms in children are:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloating
  • Gas
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
  • Dysentery

How intestine worms affects overall health?

According to WHO in children,

  1. negatively affecting nutritional status (causing intestinal bleeding, loss of appetite, diarrhoea or dysentery, and reducing absorption of micronutrients);
  2. worsening school performance;
  3. causing complications that require surgical intervention (i.e. intestinal obstruction and rectal prolapse).

Small children are more susceptible to intestinal worms due to their developing immune system. Playing with soil, sand in playgrounds will bring them close to these worms.

  • Threadworm: It is common in young children. Children feel tired and bad tempered because of less sleep and uncomfortable feeling due to itching in anus.
  • Hookworm: The hook onto intestine and suck blood. Children get anemia because of the this.
  • Roundworm: Easily can be seen in stools. Stomach pain and no hunger – are two symptoms children face with roundworms presence in intestine. Too many roundworms can block the intestines by farming a ball.
  • Tapeworms: Long, flat worms are tapeworms. Generally eating raw fish, pork or undercooked fish carries tapeworms. Some tapeworms can be very dangerous for children.

In severe cases, intestinal worm infection can cause dysentery with blood or pus in stool, vomiting, elevated body temperature, extremely fatigued and lot of dehydration. This can be fatal too.

Treatments:

  • According to WHO, soil transmitted helminth infections are widely distributed throughout the world. More than 800 million children suffer from these parasites and need treatment. This include Pre-school children and school-age children. With this woman of childbearing age including pregnant women in their second and third trimesters, and breastfeeding women are also at risk of getting infected by intestinal worms. Education on hygiene practice and healthy behaviors are two ways to stop intestinal worm’s transmission.
  • Medical treatment depends on type of intestinal worms. For example; Tapeworms are treated with oral medication that paralyzes the adult tapeworm. The two fast-acting, safe, effective, and inexpensive drugs available to treat intestinal worms are albendazole and mebendazole.
  • Avoid raw fish and meat. Washing fresh produces properly helps. Learn how to preserve or freeze meat properly.
  • Breaking the cycle of transmission of eggs and larvae is very important measure to control intestine worms. Children should be taught how to wash their hands properly after defecation, before and after eating. Personal hygiene is very important to prevent intestinal worms.

Teach children about personal hygiene and let them understand how critical is to wash hands, legs, cutting finger nails, toe nails, taking bath, using sanitizers, soap etc. Educate them about symptoms and risk of having intestine worms. Building a strong immune system helps in getting rid of worms in children.

References:

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Sabudanana barfi for Diwali

Diwali Special Sabudana Barfi

Celebrate this Diwali by preparing delicious Sabudana barfi. This dessert is easy to prepare with simple ingredients.

Do you know? Sabudana is not a grain, but a starch extracted from the cassava plant, making it permissible for consumption during fasting, when grains like wheat and rice are avoided in favor of non-grain alternatives. Sabudana is gluten free. And it can be used in a variety of dishes—like sabudana khichdi, vadas, kheer, and burfi—making it a versatile ingredient that can be adapted to different meals during fasting periods.

How to prepare Sabudana Burfi?

Ingredients:

  • Sabudana – 1 cup
  • Sugar (or as per taste)
  • Ghee (clarified butter) -1/4 cup
  • Coconut -1/4 cup
  • Milk -1/4 cup
  • Cardamom powder -1/4 tsp
  • Saffron – few
  • Chopped nuts – like cashews, almonds, pistachio.

Instructions:

  1. Dry roast the sabudana: Heat a pan over medium heat and dry roast the sabudana until they turn slightly golden and crisp. Allow them to cool completely, then grind them into a coarse powder.
  2. Prepare sugar syrup: In a separate pan, add sugar and a little water (just enough to dissolve the sugar). Heat on medium until the sugar dissolves and forms a syrup of one-thread consistency.
  3. Cooking sabudana: In a large pan, heat the desi ghee and add the ground sabudana powder. Stir-fry for a couple of minutes until aromatic.
  4. Combine with milk: Add milk to the pan and keep stirring to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, and the milk is absorbed.
  5. Add syrup and coconut: Pour the sugar syrup into the pan and mix well. Add the desiccated coconut and cardamom powder. Stir continuously until the mixture starts leaving the sides of the pan.
  6. Set the mixture: Grease a tray or plate with ghee and pour the cooked mixture into it. Spread it evenly and garnish with chopped nuts. Let it cool for 1-2 hours.
  7. Cut and serve: Once set, cut into squares, or diamond shapes. Your Sabudana Burfi is ready to enjoy!

You can store this burfi for a week or two in airtight containers.

image: www.werindia.com

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: October 23, 2024
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