Saturday, July 14, 2012

Cleopatra loved to eat okra /Bhindi


The world's most beautiful women, Cleopatra of Egypt and Yang Guifei of China loved to eat okra according to the history record.


Cleopatra of Egypt
Yang Guifei of China
When we visited the world's most productive land of okra in a rural area in Kami, Kochi Prefecture, Japan, the young and old all look very healthy. When we asked their secret in having good health in that area, they graciously answer “okra”.
Okra has a long history, with its beginnings in Egypt where it is cultivated before the time of Cleopatra. The okra plant spread to many parts of the world during the Atlantic slave trade. During World War II, the shortage of coffee beans made them use okra seeds as a substitute for coffee. This incident made the word “okra fever”. Since then, okra's popularity never disappeared from local markets to convenience stores throughout the world and throughout the year.
Nutritional Information
Okra contains vitamins A and C and is a good source of iron and calcium. It also contains starch, fat, ash, thiamine and riboflavin. No wonder, Cleopatra and Yang Guifei maintained their beauties.
For 1/2 cup sliced, cooked okra
For 1 cup raw okra
Calories – 25
Dietary Fiber – 2 grams
Protein – 1.52 grams
Carbohydrates – 5.76 grams
Vitamin A – 460 IU
Vitamin C – 13.04 mg
Folic acid – 36.5 micrograms
Calcium – 50.4 mg
Iron – 0.4 mg
Potassium – 256.6 mg
Magnesium – 46 mg
Calories – 33
Fiber – 3.2g
Total Fat – 0.1g
Protein – 2.0g
Carbohydrate – 7.6g
Vitamin A – 660 IU
Vitamin C – 21mg
Folate – 87.8mcg
Magnesium – 57mg

Health Benefits of Okra
1.     The superior fiber found in okra helps to stabilize the blood sugar by curbing the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestinal tract.
2.     Okra's mucilage binds cholesterol and bile acid carrying toxins dumped into it by the filtering liver.
3.     Okra helps lubricate the large intestines due to its bulk laxative qualities. The okra fiber absorbs water and ensures bulk in stools. This helps prevent and improve constipation. Unlike harsh wheat bran, which can irritate or injure the intestinal tract, okra's mucilage soothes, and okra facilitates elimination more comfortably by its slippery characteristic. Okra binds excess cholesterol and toxins (in bile acids). These, if not evacuated, will cause numerous health problems. Okra also assures easy passage out of waste from the body. Okra is completely non-toxic, non-habit forming, has no adverse side effects, is full of nutrients, and is economically within reach of most individuals unlike over-the-counter drugs.
4.     Okra fiber is excellent for feeding the good bacteria (probiotics). This contributes to the health of the intestinal tract.
5.     Okra is a supreme vegetable for those feeling weak, exhausted, and suffering from depression.
6.     Okra is used for healing ulcers and to keep joints limber. It helps to neutralize acids, being very alkaline, and provides a temporary protective coating for the digestive tract.
7.     Okra treats lung inflammation, sore throat, and irritable bowel syndrome.
8.     Okra has been used successfully in experimental blood plasma replacements.
9.     Okra is good for summer heat treatment.
10.  Okra is good for constipation.
11.  Okra is good in normalizing the blood sugar and cholesterol level.
12.  Okra is good for asthma. Okra's vitamin C is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which curtail the development of asthma symptoms.
13.  Okra is good for atherosclerosis.
14.  Okra is believed to protect some forms of cancer expansion, especially colorectal cancer.
15.  Eating okra helps to support the structure of capillaries.
16.  Some information shows that eating okra lowers the risk of cataracts.
17.  Okra is good for preventing diabetes.
18.  Okra protects you from pimples and maintains smooth and beautiful skin. We understand the reason why Cleopatra and Yang Guifei loved to eat okra.
There are other medicinal uses of okra, like its protection against trans fats.
I myself planted about 25 stems of okra in my backyard garden throughout the year for over 20 years now. I can pick up about 20 pieces of okra pod every morning. All okra pods are consumed by my family. There are hundreds of recipes that can be done. You can either: cut it raw and mix with vinegar and pepper; cut it raw and mix with mayonnaise; steam, cut, with mayonnaise dressing; or, cook with stew or soup.
Okra is easy to grow anywhere during summer season in cold countries and throughout the year in tropical areas. You can even plant it in a container garden at the terrace in condominium buildings.

Inventor of PYRO-ENERGEN, the author, Mr. Takano himself picks up Okra in his backyard garden
To tell you the truth, I did not know that okra seed was used as a substitute for coffee beans during World War II. I have about 500 grams of okra seeds, so I roasted one-half of it using an iron cast pan, and pulverized it. I made okra coffee with it, and it tasted like real coffee although it was darker in color. When I offered the okra coffee to my staffs and visitors who did not know the real thing, they replied "Oh, you got a new blend of coffee, taste is good". I blended it with real coffee, too. It tastes all right. We do not know, however, what nutrients okra coffee gives.



Okra nutrition facts
Okra, also known as "lady finger" or "gumbo", is a highly nutritious green edible pod vegetable.   Botanically, this perennial flowering plant belongs to the mallow family and named scientifically as Abelmoschus esculentus.
The plant is cultivated throughout the tropical and warm temperate regions of the world for its fibrous fruits or "pods". It grows best in well drained and manure soil.  The plant bears numerous dark green colored pods measuring about 5-15 cm in length. It takes about 45-60 days to bear ready-to-harvest fruits.


Internally, the pods feature small, round, mucilaginous white colored seeds arranged in vertical rows. The pods are harvested while immature and eaten as vegetable.


Health benefits of Okra
  • Very low in calories, provides just 30 cal per 100 g and contains no saturated fats or cholesterol; but is a rich source of dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins; recommended in cholesterol controlling and weight reduction programs.
  • The rich fiber and mucilaginous content in Okra pods helps smooth peristalsis of digested food particles and relieve constipation condition.
  • The pods contain healthy amounts of vitamin A, and flavonoid anti-oxidants such as beta carotenes, xanthin and lutein. It is one of the green vegetable with highest levels of these anti-oxidants. These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties and are essential for vision. Vitamin A is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural vegetables and fruits rich in flavonoids helps to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
  • Fresh pods are good source of folates; provide about 22% of RDA per 100 g. Consumption of foods rich in folates, especially during pre-conception period helps decrease the incidence of neural tube defects in the offspring.
  • The pods are also an excellent source of anti-oxidant vitamin, vitamin-C; provides about 36% of daily recommended levels. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps body develop immunity against infectious agents, reduce episodes of cold and cough and protects body from harmful free radicals.
  • The veggies are rich in B-complex group of vitamins like niacin, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), thiamin and pantothenic acid. The pods also contain good amounts of vitamin K.  Vitamin K is a co-factor for blood clotting enzymes and is required for strengthening of bones.
  • The pods are also good source of many important minerals such as iron, calcium, manganese and magnesium.


See the table below for in depth analysis of nutrients:

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), Fresh, raw pods,
Nutrition value per 100 g.
 
(Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)
Principle
Nutrient Value
Percentage of RDA
Energy
1.5%
31 Kcal
Carbohydrates
7.03 g
5.4%
Protein
2.0 g
4%
Total Fat
0.1 g
0.5%
Cholesterol
0 mg
0%
Dietary Fiber
9%
3.2 g
Vitamins
Folates
88 mcg
22%
Niacin
1.000 mg
6%
Pantothenic acid
0.245 mg
5%
Pyridoxine
0.215 mg
16.5%
Riboflavin
0.060 mg
4.5%
Thiamin
0.200 mg
17%
Vitamin C
21.1 mg
36%
Vitamin A
375 IU
12.5%
Vitamin E
0.36 mg
2.5%
Vitamin K
53 mcg
44%
Electrolytes
Sodium
8 mg
0.5%
Potassium
303 mg
6%
Minerals
Calcium
81 mg
8%
Copper
0.094 mg
10%
Iron
0.80 mg
10%
Magnesium
57 mg
14%
Manganese
0.990 mg
43%
Phosphorus
63 mg
9%
Selenium
0.7 mcg
1%
Zinc
0.60 mg
5.5%
Phyto-nutrients
Carotene-ß
225 mcg
--
Crypto-xanthin-ß
0 mcg
--
Lutein-zeaxanthin
516 mcg
--
Selection and storage
Fresh and immature okra pods are readily available in the stores all around the year. The pods have attractively rich green color and neutral flavor. In the store, look for crispy, immature pods and avoid those with over-ripen, sunken appearance, discolored spots, cuts and too soft.
Once at home, place them inside the refrigerator. Eat them while they are fresh to obtain full benefits of vitamins and anti-oxidants.


Preparation and serving methods
Some hybrid varieties are usually subjected to insecticide powder or spray. Therefore, wash the pods thoroughly in the water in order to remove dust, soil and any residual insecticides.
Trim the crown end and tips. The pods are generally cut into small circular sections and used in variety of cuisines in Indian and Asian countries.
Here are some serving tips:
  • Okra pods are one of the widely used vegetable in tropical countries.  Chopped or sliced pods are then stewed or fried in low heat oil in order to remove mucilaginous content. It then, can be mixed with other vegetables, rice or meat.
  • In Caribbean islands okra is cooked up and eaten as soup, often with fish.
  • The pods can be pickled and preserved like in other vegetables.
  • Okra leaves may be cooked in a similar manner as the greens of beets or dandelions. The leaves are also eaten raw in salads.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Red hot chillies fight fat in 3 ways


  • Hone your inner artist

    Explore your inner artist this monsoon by joining Art2Day’s month-long art workshop. Titled, Learn to Paint in Oil Colours, it is targetted at art lovers.
    The workshop is open for anyone who wants to know the basics of how to paint using oil colours. The students will be taught by state level artists Manjiri More and Ajay Deshpande.
    Oil colour art Says Deshpande, “Through this workshop, we intend to teach the basics of oil colour painting, usage of paint brush, knife and roller techniques and also the limitations of this medium. We are expecting a big turnout for this workshop as Pune is known for its art loving population.”
    The workshop which will start from July 7 will be held over weekends so that students can easily join the workshop and develop their artistic skills.
    From: July 7 to July 31 At: Art 2Day Gallery, Tilak Road. Call: 9325499599  
  • Red hot chillies fight fat in 3 ways

    Tests by food scientist Stephen Whiting, who is based at Manchester Metropolitan University, proved that chillies “key component” – the chemical capsaicin that gives them heat, triggers an adrenalin rush.
    Representational picture
    This orders the brain specifically to burn fat cells, and tests found fat around the belly was burned most rapidly.
    Midriff fat is the most dangerous, as it increases the risk of heart disease.
    Whiting found chillies also helped to suppress appetite, plus they speeded up the body’s overall metabolism, the rate at which a person burns off calories.
    “If you eat chillies consistently for a good period of time, it will help you lose weight,” the Sun quoted Whiting as saying.

Friday, July 6, 2012

"Rookhi Sookhy Khai kay ......KHUSHWANT SINGH AT 98


"Time tested tips on how to stay healthy & live longer – by Khushwant Singh

Coming on to 98 and still earning more than I did in my younger days, people ask me how I manage to do it. They regard me as an expert on longevity. I have pronounced on the subject before; I will repeat it with suitable amendments based on my experience in the past two years.

Earlier I had written that longevity is in one’s genes: children of long-living parents are likely to live longer than those born to short-lived parents. This did not happen in my own family. My parents who died at 90 and 94 had five children, four sons and a daughter.

The first to go was the youngest of the siblings. Next went my sister who was the fourth. My elder brother who was three years older than me went a couple of years ago. Two of us remain; I, who will soon be 98, and my younger brother, a retired Brigadier three years younger than me and in much better health. He looks after our ancestral property.

Nevertheless, I still believe gene is the most important factor in determining one’s life-span. More important than analysing longevity is to cope with old age and make terms with it.

As we grow older, we are less able to exercise our limbs. We have to devise ways to keep them active. Right into my mid-eighties, I played tennis every morning, did rounds of Lodhi gardens in winter and swam for an hour in summer. I am unable to do this any more. The best way to overcome this handicap is regular massages. I have tried different kinds and was disappointed with the oil drip and smearing of oil on the body. A good massage needs powerful hands going all over one’s body from the skull to the toes. I have this done at least once a day or at times twice a day.

I am convinced that this has kept me going for so long. Equally important is the need to cut down drastically one’s intake of food and drink. I start my mornings with guava juice. It is tastier and more health-giving than orange or any other fruit juice. My breakfast is one scrambled egg on toast.My lunch is usually patli kichri with dahi or a vegetable. I skip afternoon tea. In the evening, I take a peg of single malt whisky. It gives me a false appetite.

Before I eat supper, I say to myself “Do not eat too much.” I also believe that a meal should have just one kind of vegetable or meat followed by a pinch of chooran. It is best to eat alone and in silence. Talking while eating does not do justice to the food and you swallow a lot of it. For me no more Punjabi or Mughlai food. I find South India idli, sambhar and grated coconut easier to digest and healthier.

Never allow yourself to be constipated. The stomach is a storehouse of all kinds of ailments. Our sedentary life tends to make us constipated. Keep your bowels clean however you can: by laxatives, enemas, glycerin suppositories, whatever. Bapu Gandhi fully understood the need to keep bowels clean. Besides, taking an enema every day, he gave enemas to his women admirers.Lucky man,he was.

Impose strict discipline on your daily routine. If necessary, use a stop-watch. I have breakfast exactly at 6.30 am lunch at noon, drink at 7 pm, supper at 8. Try to develop peace of mind. For this you must have a healthy bank account. Shortage of money can be very demoralising. It does not have to be in crores, but enough for your future needs and possibility of falling ill. Never lose your temper, it takes a heavy toll and jangles one’s nerves. Never tell a lie. Always keep your national motto in mind:  Satyamev Jayate — only truth triumphs.

Give generously. Remember you can’t take it with you. You may give to your children, servants or charity. You will feel better. There is joy in giving. Drive out envy of those who have done better than you in life. A Punjabi verse sums up: Rookhi Sookhy Khai kay Thanda Paani Pee Na Veykh paraayee chonparian na Tarssain jee (Eat dry bread and drink cold water Pay no heed or envy those who smear their chapattis with ghee) Do not conform to the tradition of old people spending time in prayer and long hours in places of worship. That amounts to conceding defeat. Instead take up a
hobby like gardening, growing bonsai, helping children of your neighborhood with their homework.

A practice which I have found very effective is to fix my gaze on the flame of candle, empty my mind of everything, but in my mind repeat Aum Shanti, Aum Shanti, Aum Shanti. It does work. I am at peace with the world. We can’t all be Fauja Singh who at 100 run a marathon race but we can equal him in longevity and creativity. I wish all my readers long, healthy lives full of happiness.

If it's worth forwarding, it's worth cleaning up. Please delete details of all previous senders (including mine) before forwarding again to reduce spam, viruses & identity theft. It's best to use the 'Bcc' field while forwarding mails. Thanks.

Khushwant Singh

Joke of year...and intelligent too..on Sardarji of modern era


A Young Sardarji saved his girlfriend's phone number on his mobile as "LOW BATTERY".

Whenever she calls him in his absence, his wife takes the phone and plugs it to the charger.
Give the Sardarji  a medal!

Banana vs sports drink



Friends,
Interesting to know, cheaper and tastier idea to put in practice. Water part still needs to be taken care of as and when you run long distance / perspire more during an excercise.
Just experiment to find how it suits you and switch over slowly, if comfortable. Personally, i could not imagine of any negative impact of practicing.
In fact banana shake could be a good post excercise food.
.........................read on....
 
London, June 1 (ANI): Bananas beat sports drinks as energy source for athletes, a new study has revealed.

 
The fruit, which is rich in potassium and nutrients, has always been a favourite for endurance runners and cyclists.
Now scientists have confirmed that as well as maintaining the same levels of energy as carbohydrate drinks, bananas also possess healthier sugars.
The study revealed that bananas contained antioxidants not found in sugary sports drinks apart from having a greater nutritional boost.
"It shows healthier energy sources can still support an athlete's high performance," the Daily Express quoted Dr David Nieman, of Appalachian State University in North Carolina, as saying. (ANI)_.___