10 ways til or sesame seeds add more to your life than just flavour

Lowers bad cholesterol
Sesame seeds are rich in oleic acid, a potent mono-unsaturated fatty acid which lowers the ‘bad cholesterol’ or LDL cholesterol in the blood and increases the level of ‘good cholesterol’ or HDL in the body. Thereby helping you maintain a healthy lipid profile. All this in turn protects you from heart disease, stroke and atherosclerosis. 
Protects you from cancer
Research has found that sesame has very potent anti-cancer properties. It has been found to be effective against a number of cancers like lung cancer, colon cancer, leukaemia, prostate cancer, breast cancer and pancreatic cancer. There have been a number of papers published on its efficacy in stopping the proliferation of blood vessels supplying the tumour, in changing the way white blood cells (or your immune system cells) are attracted to chemo attractants (substances that are attracted to cancer causing agents), in reducing the rate of infiltration of the cancer etc. All these benefits are brought about by a potent antioxidant known as sesamin. Sesamin stops and slows down the regeneration of cancer cells and stops the production of chemicals that are linked to their survival.
Helps reduce anxiety
Rich in niacin, an essential vitamin, and sesame seeds are known to reduce anxiety. With almost 28% of the total necessary daily intake of niacin present in 100 grams of the seeds, it helps in improving the GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid) activity inside the brain, thereby reducing anxiety and neurosis.
Keeps your heart muscles healthy
Sesame seeds are extremely rich in essential minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium. These minerals help to regulate cardiac muscle activity making them stronger and beat at regular intervals. 
Helps maintain healthy bones in children
Sesame seeds are rich in dietary proteins and very good quality of amino acids that are essential for the growth of bones in children. Just 100 g of the seed gives approximately eighteen grams of proteins. This combination is great for the uptake and use of proteins and amino acids by the child’s body, helping them grow stronger and better.
Helps keep pregnant mothers and growing foetuses healthy
Packed with folic acid, sesame seeds are great for pregnant mothers. Since folic acid is essential in the proper DNA synthesis in growing foetuses and improves the all round health of a pregnant mother, sesame seeds and their derivatives like sesame oil lends greatly to the health of an expectant mother.
Makes a great massage oil for babies
While the benefits of massaging a baby after birth is still debatable, a number of Indian cultures still practice it. According to a study, sesame oil or til oil massage showed to improve the bone strength and their growth in babies. It also showed that the child was able to sleep better after a massage with the oil. According to Ayurveda, sesame oil is said to have a relaxing effect on a child and is cooling in nature. Its innate components also add to the healthy growth of the baby.
Beats osteoporosis
Due to the zinc and calcium present in sesame seeds, they are great in preventing osteoporosis. The combination of essential minerals and vitamins help in the proper assimilation of calcium by the body, and zinc helps in preventing excessive leeching of calcium into the body.
Improves the efficacy of certain diabetes drugs
A study published by the Department of Biothechnology at the Vinayaka Missions University, Tamil Nadu, found that sesame helps to reduce blood pressure and has an anti glycaemic effect with up to 36% of reduction of the glucose levels in the blood when combined with the widely used anti-diabetic drug glibenclamide. So for a type 2 diabetic, including sesame seeds is a great idea to fight the disease naturally.
Helps recovery after a stroke
Studies on animal models found that sesame seeds are great in restoring the blood flow to parts of the brain that have lost circulation due to a stroke. This study is based on the fact that the high amounts of magnesium and zinc present in the seed help in strengthening one’s blood circulation and neural impulses.

source: india

15 health benefits of garlic

Indian curries are incomplete without garlic – a simple ingredient with packed health benefits. It is very strong and bitter but adds an unbelievable flavour to the cuisine. Any description of garlic is incomplete without mentioning its medicinal values. This miracle herb Garlic has been used since time immemorial as a medicine to prevent or treat various diseases and conditions.
Garlic has a variety of potent sulphur-containing compounds which are the reason for its characteristic pungent odour. Allicin, the vital compound among them, is known to have great anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant properties. The benefits of allicin can be best garnered when it’s finely chopped, minced or pureed and let sit for some time. Garlic is also a reliable source of selenium. Allicin, along with other compounds like ajoene, alliin, etc. found in them also have an effect on the circulatory, digestive and immunological systems of our body and help in lowering blood pressure, detoxification, healing, etc.
Here are 15 health benefits of garlic:
Antibacterial and Antiviral
Garlic is most well-known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. They help control bacterial, viral, fungal, yeast and worm infections. Fresh garlic is thought to play a role in preventing food poisoning by killing bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella enteritidis, etc.
To treat skin infections
The chemical ajoene found in garlic may help treat fungal skin infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot.
Blood thinning
The anti-clotting properties of ajoene found in garlic help in preventing the formation of blood clots in the body. Hence, it may also increase the risk of bleeding after surgery.
Reduce blood pressure
Angiotensin II is a protein that helps our blood vessels contract thereby increasing the blood pressure. Allicin in garlic blocks the activity of angiotensin II and helps in reducing blood pressure. The polysulphides present in garlic are converted into a gas called hydrogen sulphide by the red blood cells. Hydrogen sulphide dilates our blood vessels and helps control blood pressure.
Protect heart
Garlic protects our heart against cardiovascular problems like heart attacks and atherosclerosis. This cardio-protective property can be attributed to various factors. With age, the arteries tend to lose their ability to stretch. Garlic may help reduce this and may also protect the heart from the damaging effects of free oxygen radicals. The sulphur-containing compounds of garlic also prevent our blood vessels from becoming blocked and slow the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). The anti-clotting properties of ajoene help prevent clots from forming inside the blood vessels.
Reduce cholesterol
Garlic has the ability to moderately lower our blood triglycerides and total cholesterol and reduce arterial plaque formation.
Combat allergies
Garlic is known to have anti-inflammatory property. It can help the body fight against allergies. The anti-arthritic property of garlic is due to diallyl sulphide and thiacremonone.  Garlic has been show to improve allergic airway inflammation (allergic rhinitis). Raw garlic juice may be used to immediately stop the itching due to rashes and bug bites.
Remedy for respiratory problems
Daily use of garlic might reduce the frequency and number of colds. Its antibacterial properties help in treating throat irritations. Garlic may also reduce the severity of upper respiratory tract infections. Its benefits in disorders of the lungs like asthma, difficulty of breathing, etc. make it a priceless medicine.  Its ability to promote expectoration makes it irreplaceable in chronic bronchitis.
Diabetes
Garlic increases insulin release and regulates blood sugar levels in diabetics.
Effective against warts and corns
Applying fat dissolving garlic extracts to corns on the feet and warts on the hands is thought to improve these conditions.
Cancer prevention
Daily intake of garlic has been found to lower risk of most types of cancer. This anti-cancer property is due to allyl sulphides found in garlic. PhIP, a type of heterocyclic amine (HCA), has been associated with increased incidence of breast cancer among women. According to studies, diallyl sulphide found in garlic inhibits the transformation of PhIP into carcinogens.
Improve iron metabolism
Ferroportin is a protein which helps in iron absorption and release. Diallyl sulphides in garlic increase production of ferroportin and help improve iron metabolism.
Stir up passions
Garlic’s aphrodisiac property is due to its ability to increase the circulation.
Toothaches
Simply put some crushed garlic clove directly on the affected tooth can help relieve toothaches due to its antibacterial and analgesic properties. But be aware that it can be irritating to the gum.
Reduce weight
Many researchers believe that obesity is a state of long-term low-grade inflammation. According to recent research, garlic may help to regulate the formation of fat cells in our body. Pre-adipocytes are converted into fat cells (adipocytes) through inflammatory system activity. The anti-inflammatory property of 1, 2-DT (1, 2-vinyldithiin) found in garlic may help inhibit this conversion. This may help prevent weight gain.


source: india

Kotlet

Ingredients: (6 servings)
lean ground lamb or beef, 500 grams
small potatoes, 500 grams
medium eggs, 3-4
medium onions, 2-3
chopped parsley, 2 spoons
bread crumbs, one cup
cooking oil
Salt
Black pepper

Directions:
Boil potatoes for 15-20 minutes over high heat until they soften,
then peel and mash them. Peel and grate onions. Add to potatoes
with eggs, salt, black pepper, parsley, and meat. Mix well until
the mix is quite even.

Remove balls from the mix about 4-5 cm in diameter. Spread bread
crumbs on a flat surface. Roll each ball in bread crumbs until
it is fully covered. Shape the ball into an ellipse with a
thickness of 1 cm.

Heat up cooking oil in a frying pan. Fry each kotlet over medium
heat on both sides until golden. Serve with parsley, sliced
tomatoes, and flat bread.

source: anvari

Kedah Laksa Recipe

Kedah Laksa Recipe (Serves 4)
Ingredients

For the fish & stock
400 g ikan kembung
2-cm knob ginger, sliced
3 large slices tamarind apple (asam keping)
1 teaspoon salt
600 ml water
For the gravy
10 large dried chillies, snipped into 1-cm lengths
100 g shallots, peeled and sliced
10 g shrimp paste (belacan)
75 ml water
2 slices tamarind apple (asam keping)
1 bunch (about 10 stalks) daun kesum
2 torch ginger buds (bunga kantan), halved lengthwise
1 tsp sugar
Salt, to taste
For the noodles & garnishes
200 g dried laksa noodles
1 cucumber, finely shredded
1 onion, finely sliced
2 – 3 limes, cut into wedges
10 bird’s eye chillies, finely sliced
1 large torch ginger bud, finely sliced
3 – 4 lettuce leaves, coarsely shredded
1 small bunch ulam raja, plucked
½ cup whole mint leaves
½ cup daun kesum leaves, finely shredded

Method
1) Prepare the fish and stock. Place the fish, ginger, asam keping and salt in a pan and cover with the water. Bring to the boil and poach on gentle heat until the fish is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Take the pan off the heat and remove the fish, reserving the cooking liquid.
2) Remove the flesh from the fish and weigh (you should get around 200 g). Place the heads and bones into an electric blender, strain the fish cooking liquid into the blender and blend finely (to extract the flavour from the fish). Strain this. Reserve the liquid and discard the solids remaining in the strainer.
3) Place the strained liquid into clean blender jug. Add fish flesh and whiz finely in the blender. Set aside.
4) To make the gravy, cover the dried chillies with hot water and set aside to soak till softened, about 15 minutes. Rinse and remove most of the seeds. Place prepared chillies, shallots, shrimp paste and (75 ml) water in an electric blender and whiz finely.
5) Transfer this mixture to a large saucepan and add another 300 ml of water together with the additional tamarind apple slices (asam keping), daun kesum and torch ginger. Add salt and sugar, and bring to the boil. Simmer for about 10 minutes over low heat. Add the blended fish and continue simmering for another 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings, then take pan off the heat.
6) While the gravy is cooking, prepare the noodles and garnishes. Cook noodles according to packet instructions and strain. Arrange garnishes attractively on a serving platter.
7) Close to serving time, re-heat the gravy. Portion the noodles in shallow soup bowls and ladle hot gravy to cover. Top with garnish ingredients and serve immediately.

source: hungrygowhere

Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) in Pregnancy

Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) in Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the placenta produces a hormone called relaxin which softens your ligaments to loosen up your joints. It will come as no surprise to you that your body expands while you’re pregnant, but you may be interested to know it’s not just your tummy that stretches. Your whole rib cage has to open up to make room for all the extra baggage you’re carrying in the later stages of pregnancy. Even your arteries have to get bigger to accommodate the extra blood pulsing through you. Relaxin has a very important job, because loosened joints allow your baby to pass through more easily during childbirth.
It’s not all fun and games though. Chances are, if you’re reading this, you suspect you may be suffering from Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) in which case, far from being impressed by how amazing it is that relaxin widens your arteries, you probably want to punch relaxin in the face.

What Causes Pelvic Girdle Pain?

Science has not yet determined an exact cause for pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. It is unclear whether it is caused by too much or too little relaxin, or whether it is to do with changing posture, or even something entirely different. However research is starting to point at pre-existing pelvic dysfunction (prior to becoming pregnant), which becomes worse under the influence of relaxin – so it is very important to start treatment as soon as possible to get to the root cause.
What is known is that around 20 per cent of pregnant women suffer from pelvic girdle pain. So, take solace in the fact that you’re not alone. Some mums may suffer from early in the pregnancy, whereas others may not encounter any difficulties until the last few days.

Symptoms of Pelvic Girdle Pain

Symptoms of pelvic girdle pain include hip pain, back pain, pelvic pain and shooting pains in the buttocks. You may only experience one of these symptoms, or you might be unlucky enough to suffer them all.
The pain is worsened by a whole host of everyday activities including lying down, walking and standing up. Good luck avoiding those. Basically, anything that causes an imbalance in the pelvis will make the pain worse. So activities like turning over in bed or getting out of a car – things that are difficult for most heavily pregnant women – become very problematic for pregnancy girdle pain sufferers.

Treatment for Pelvic Girdle Pain

If you think you may be suffering from pregnancy girdle pain, it is important to speak to your midwife, GP or a trained therapist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can be beneficial for pain management and avoiding long term problems after things have gotten worse.
The therapist who treats you will be able to assess your pain levels, offer advice and any further assistance necessary. For some women, simply learning how best to sit – with a straight back, not slumped – can make all the difference, whereas some women may find they need crutches to get about comfortably.
The following tips may help you in the meantime:

• Ensure your back is well supported while you sit down. This can be achieved by placing a rolled up hand towel between the curve of your spine and the chair back.
• Wear flat shoes.
• Try to ensure any weight you carry is evenly distributed – this means no shoulder bags and, unfortunately, no lifting your toddler up onto your hip.
• Be careful and take your time when doing any activity that may put strain on your pelvis (eg, getting out of a car).
• Sleep with a pillow between your legs to allow you to get comfortable.
• If using the stairs is painful, take them one at a time.
• If you’re uncomfortable, move position. Try moving about and see if that helps.

If I Have Pelvic Girdle Pain, Will I Need A Caesarean?

No, you do not need a caesarean if you have pelvic girdle pain. Most sufferers of pelvic girdle pain are able to have a normal birth.
Ultimately, it is your choice if you wish to have a caesarean section, and its understandable being in so much pain can leave you wishing for things to be over with. But its important to make an informed decision before you choose a caesarean section. Remember, a caesarean section is major surgery and poses serious risks to both you and the baby – and the more caesareans you have, the significantly riskier they get. On top of that, you will have a caesarean recovery on your hands at a time when wound infections are not uncommon, and bugs are becoming more resistant to antibiotics. Golden Staph is of particular concern in hospitals and can cause serious damage.
Water births are particularly good because the water supports you and takes pressure off your hips and pelvis during labour. Speak to your midwife about the options available to you.

What About An Induction Of Labour?

Again, this is not necessary and something you should make an informed decision about. Induced labour contractions tend to be longer, stronger and closer together, so coupled with the pelvic girdle pain, it tends to be more difficult to cope with for PGP sufferers. While you can opt for pain relief in the form of an epidural or other, you may become comfortable but the baby will still be under the effect of the longer, stronger and closer together contractions – this compresses the blood and oxygen supply to the baby and increases his risk for fetal distress, resulting in a caesarean section. For more information, check out our article on induction of labour.
Unfortunately for most pelvic girdle pain sufferers, the only thing which completely makes the symptoms disappear is childbirth. However a small percent of women will still have pain – in which case, keep seeking treatment until its resolved.
If you are suffering with pelvic girdle pain, make sure you take things easy. Remember, it will pass eventually.

Therapists That Treat Pelvic Girdle Pain

There are several modes of therapy that help with pelvic pain. Two important ones include:

• Osteopathy
• Chiropractic

Some women are lucky and only require one treatment to help solve pelvic girdle pain, but others will require more treatments, especially if the pain has been going on for a while. If you notice that the pain starts to come back after initially feeling better, don’t worry that it appears not to have worked – it just needs more work. Make another appointment and keep going regularly until the treatment starts to make a difference. If you don’t notice an improvement, perhaps try another therapist or mode of therapy.
Make sure you visit a trained and licensed practitioner, ideally with experience treating women in pregnancy. You may also like to see your GP if you would prefer more medical options.

More Support and Information

• Check out our forum discussion on pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy
• For more information also check out the Pelvic Partnership website.

source: bellybelly

How to Make a Gift Box out of a Greeting Card

Gather your supplies and tools, listed below.

Cut the card in half along the fold. The easiest way to make the top fit over the bottom is to make sure both halves of the card are the same size, so you may have to trim a little. You will use the colorful front of the card as the box lid.

Decide how tall you want your box to be. This may depend on the design on the front of the card, or on how big the item is that you want to enclose. This demonstration uses 1 inch (25mm) for the top, and 1 and 1/16 (27mm) for the bottom. Add a little to the measurement for the bottom, so the top will fit over it.

Draw a square in each corner of the top and bottom of the card, the size of your measurements. You can mark just the corners, making a square so you can see where to cut.

Score the card all the way along all four sides, using the squares to give you the distance from the edge.

Cut along the score line from the edge to the next, perpendicular score line in each corner, but do so for only one side of the square you drew. Leave one side of the box uncut to make a tab. Do this for all four corners of the card.

Fold the sides up, and fold the tabs in.

 
Glue each tab and paper clip it into place until it dries.

Repeat the marking and scoring for the other half of the box.

When your box is dry, place your gift or other small objects inside.

source: wikihow 

kookoo sabzi recipe

Ingredients: (4 servings)

vegetables (parsley, dill, coriander, lettuce, spring onion ends), 1 kg
eggs, 4 large
barberry (optional), one spoon
crushed walnut (optional), one spoon
baking soda, one teaspoon
wheat flour, one spoon
cooking oil
salt
black pepper

Directions:

Wash vegetables and rinse thoroughly. Chop finely and fry in oil for
about 5 minutes. Let cool completely.
Beat eggs well, then add baking soda, salt, black pepper, flour,
barberry and walnuts. Add vegetables and mix well.
Heat oil in a non-stick pan until it is hot. Pour in the mix,
flatten the surface with the back of a spoon, and place the lid on.
Reduce heat and fry for about 10 minutes, until kookoo is cooked
under. Cut radially into 4 equal pieces, turn over, and fry for
another 10 minutes.


source: anvari