LIFESTYLE & FASHION

Heart rate app

2014-07-20T19:51:00.001+03:00

My heart rate is 74bpm. With new improvements to the app you can measure your BPM. For people with blood pressure problems I highly recommend this app. Its called Instant heart rate, you can get in the Play store for free

Potato chip torta

2014-07-20T12:24:00.001+03:00

Today my mom cooked for us a fine breakfast and I remembered sweet breakfast I had last summer at my sister's. So I decided to share with you what we had.
This recipe is very simple, but flipping the torta takes a bit of practice. Don’t get discouraged, take your time, and be gentle. It may take more than one time, but you’ll get it eventually. Once you give this dish a try the practice wont be an issue because you’ll be craving a slice every Sunday morning.

About this recipe

Yield: 4 serves
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Special Equipment: 10 inch non-stick skillet

Ingredients

6 eggs
1 tablespoon (14 grams) of sliced scallions
2 cups (466 grams) of potato chips
kosher salt and cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon (14 grams) of butter
sliced scallions (to garnish)
Yogurt (to garnish)

Procedures

Beat eggs and scallions in a large bowl. Gently fold potato chips into eggs, trying to break as few as possible. Season with salt.
Heat pan over medium high heat and add butter; when foam subsides, add egg/chip mixture and turn heat to medium low. Using a rubber spatula, gently pull eggs away from sides of pan while the eggs set.
When eggs have begun to set, use a oven mitt and a plate to flip over torta. Place plate over pan, and securing the pan to the plate with an oven mitt, flip pan over so torta lands on the plate, then gently slip torta back into pan to finish cooking.
Slice into segments and serve with more sliced scallions, cracked black pepper, and yogurt

Let the music rhythms adjust your health

2014-06-24T21:09:00.001+03:00

Unplugging from the daily rigors of life, heartbreaks, financial crunches and disappointments and recharging with music may be just what you need. Recent studies have shown that music has beneficial effect on your body's immunity and overall health. This gives you abetter chance to fight off disease and protect itself against the attacks of many illness.
This may sound unbelievable but the soothing impacts to your health may surprise you. Throughout the ages, people have listened and played music in an effort to live happier and healthier lives, in fact in my country they played music in dance contests just to win a hand in marriage for a woman. Good music can also put you in a better state of mind and help your overall emotional and physical well being. Whether, you are angry, feeling downcast or happy, music has a way of making the day better and life worth living.

Take a moment and think about a life without music, a world without music is a sad and gloomy indeed. Listen to music and be happier. Music has been proven to lift our spirits during difficult or lonely times. Build up a large cache of the particular music that you play on a rainy day to lift up your spirit. Besides obvious health benefits, and throughout generations, music has connected people of different creeds and nations in a way that nothing else can. Music is a powerful bond that can come simply through a shared enjoyment.
Remember, you're never too old or young to learn an instrument that makes one feel that his life is worthwhile. Am learning how to play keyboards and am excited about it.You can either hire a tutor or attend lessons. Happy Summer

9 Homemade refreshing drinks for the Summer

2014-06-15T20:12:00.002+03:00

Do you wish to try some easy to make and savory drinks this summer? Well you might wanna
drink a little bit more in summers as compared to winters, so why not drink something that lowers your temperature and keeps your mind cool and relaxed. Here are some nine innovative homemade drinks that are sure to refresh your body to keep it cool and fresh.

1) Mixed berry shake

If you are fond of berries, then a mixed berry shake can be the perfect solution to beat the heat, this summer. These shakes are easy to make and are immensely delectable to drink. Simply blend strawberries and raspberries and then, mix it with water to create this shake. You can also add some mint sprigs to add a hint of innovation to this drink and make it all the more refreshing.

2) Mango Slushie

Mango Slushie can be another viable option, if you are totally “gaga” over mangoes. Simply mix the mango pulp with milk and shake it well in order to create this delicious drink. You can also add a spoonful of sugar, if you want your drink to be extra sweet. This mango slushie tastes best when it is frozen.

3) Peanut butter Crusher

Peanut butter crusher is a unique drink which is light, refreshing and highly delicious. Add 2 scoops of creamy peanut butter, 2 scoops of vanilla ice-cream and half a tea spoon sugar, to a glass of milk to make this savory and delectable crusher. Freeze this crusher to enjoy the best of this drink.

4) Fruity Soda

If you wish to add a punch of fruitiness to your drink, then you can definitely try this fruity soda. Simply mix cranberry juice, mango juice, orange juice, strawberry juice, blueberry juice and any other relevant fruit juice to create this delicious soda. You can also add maple syrup to enhance the sweetness of this drink.

5) Fruity crusher

This crusher can be a pretty intriguing option to cope up with the summer heat. Simply add mango and orange juice and blend it with some peeled pineapple chunks to create this fruity crusher. Add some ice-cubes to this drink in order to enhance its taste.

6) Sparkling mocktail

This mocktail can be the perfect summer drink, this season. Add apple cider juice, orange juice, mango juice, raspberry juice, blue berry juice and some maple syrup to create this innovative drink. Freeze this mocktail and enjoy its refreshing taste.

7) Chocolaty coffee crusher

This is probably the best drink this summer. Simply add a teaspoon of coffee and 2 scoops of chocolate ice cream in a glass of chilled milk to create this crusher. You can also crush some biscuits and blend it well, to enhance the taste of this drink.

8) Banana Honey Shake

If you want to enjoy the taste of a refreshing, healthy and delicious smoothie, then this banana honey shake can be a perfect alternative. Blend banana, honey, ice-cubes and a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make this unique and tasty smoothie.

9) Sweet Lime Soda

This age old lime soda is the one of the most classic summer drinks. Simply add a few drops of lime juice and some ice cubes to a glass of soda. Blend this drink in a blender to make this innovative and refreshing drink.

Tips and Mistakes to avoid in making Guacamole

2014-03-30T14:27:00.001+03:00

I don't mess around when it comes to guacamole. We understand the importance of this simple avocado dip. No party is really worth it unless there's guacamole.Guacamole is just one of those foods that makes people happy.

With all that avocado dip consumption, we've gotten to the bottom of what makes a guacamole great -- and what simple mistakes people make that can ruin the most perfect of foods. Don't be the person responsible for destroying such a good dish. Read on for what not to do when you make your next batch of guacamole (which we hope is within the next couple of hours).

Don't Get Stuck With Bad Avocados

Look, you can't make good guacamole without good avocados. It's just not possible. Only make guacamole if you have perfectly ripe fruit, don't bother with anything else. Learn how to pick the best ones, it will serve you well in life.
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Don't Use The Wrong Avocados

The best avocados to for guacamole are the little Hass varieties. You might be tempted to buy the big avocados that come from Florida because it means more guacamole, but those avocados contain more water which doesn't make for a great guacamole.
Don't Forget The Acid

Flickr: dierken

Whether you prefer lemon or lime, make sure to add some to your guac. Adding both is a good idea too.
Don't Omit The Spice

Even if you're not into spicy foods, adding a little bit of fresh chili to your guacamole adds the right kind of flavor. Of course, if you don't mind spicy foods, feel free to liberally add in jalapenos, habanero or serrano peppers.
Don't Skimp On The Fresh Herbs

Cilantro haters need to back away from the guac, because it just isn't guacamole without freshly chopped cilantro. Of course, adding in other fresh herbs like chives and scallions impart a nice flavor too.
Don't Shy On The Seasoning

Most of us have learned to use salt sparingly when cooking, but when it comes to guacamole don't even think about it. This fatty fruit demands a good amount of seasoning. Gradually add more salt than you normally would, tasting as you go and you'll see what a big difference a little extra salt does for making a great guacamole.
Don't Over Mix

While yes, there are some people who think they prefer easily spreadable guacamole, they are wrong. The best guacamole always has a little texture to it. It just adds to the flavor. Mix your guacamole only till the flavors are combined, leaving plenty of chunks, and you'll see what a difference it makes.
Don't Let It Turn Brown

Flickr: BocaDorada

Because that's just gross. Once you make guacamole, it's just a matter of time before exposure to the air causes it to oxidize and turn that unappetizing brown. Sure, you can just scrape that layer off. But you can also stop the oxidation. If you're not serving your guacamole right away you should know that there are a lot of tricks to keep guacamole from turning (like leaving the pit in), some more effective than others. We like the water trick best. Top your well-packed guacamole with about 1/2 inch of lukewarm water while it's stored in the fridge. This stops the air from oxidizing the guacamole. When ready to serve, just pour off the water and mix in the extra moisture.

Beautiful Bagamoyo

2013-11-21T10:49:00.001+03:00

Bagamoyo was once the center of slave trade and ivory trading. It was the last point reached by the caravans of the slaves who arrived here for transportation to faraway places. Today, this attractive coastal town still bears reminders of its past-the fortified house where slaves were kept while waiting for transportation still stands, as does the tree under which they were brought and sold.

The town of Bagamoyo was one of the most important trading ports on the East African coast and the penultimate stop of slave and ivory caravans traveling on foot from Lake Tanganyika on their way to Zanzibar. Missionaries active in abolishing the slave trade made Bagamoyo, whose name means ‘bury my heart’ in Kiswahili, a center of their activities.

These days, Bagamoyo is now a center for dhow sailboat building on the Tanzanian coast. A quiet village with a few German colonial buildings still standing, in the past, the town of Bagamoyo was one of the most important trading ports on the entire East African coast. Its port was the penultimate stop of slave and ivory caravans that traveled on foot all the way from Lake Tanganyika. Once the caravans reached Bagamoyo, the slaves and ivory were shipped by dhow to Zanzibar, where they were then dispatched all over the world.

It is possible to take boat trips from Bagamoyo to the Ruvu River Delta of which you can see several species of mangroves and water birds. Hippos also swim in the Ruvu water and you'll catch glimpses of them along the shore and in the water.

The Bagamoyo Beaches are unspoiled, white sand beaches. All of the lodges are located along the beach. Visits to the historical sites can be done in the mornings, returning to the lodge for lunch, and relaxing on the beach during the afternoons.

Concise History of Ancient Egypt

2013-08-07T20:50:00.002+03:00

One of the most strong Kingdoms in Africa are the Egyptian, reading their history made me wonder how life was at the ancient times.
Ancient Egypt, a civilization with very strong traditions of architecture and sculpture (both originally painted in bright colours) also had many mural paintings in temples and buildings, and painted illustrations on papyrus manuscripts. Egyptian wall painting and decorative painting is often graphic, sometimes more symbolic than realistic. Egyptian painting depicts figures in bold outline and flat silhouette, in which symmetry is a constant characteristic. Egyptian painting has close connection with its written language – called Egyptian hieroglyphs. Painted symbols are found amongst the first forms of written language. The Egyptians also painted on linen, remnants of which survive today. Ancient Egyptian paintings survived due to the extremely dry climate. The ancient Egyptians created paintings to make the afterlife of the deceased a pleasant place. The themes included journey through the afterworld or their protective deities introducing the deceased to the gods of the underworld. Some examples of such paintings are paintings of the gods and goddesses Ra, Horus, Anubis, Nut, Osiris and Isis. Some tomb paintings show activities that the deceased were involved in when they were alive and wished to carry on doing for eternity. In the New Kingdom and later, the Book of the Dead was buried with the entombed person. It was considered important for an introduction to the afterlife.

Summer Garden Gazpacho

2013-08-05T18:22:00.000+03:00

Description

This is by far my easiest recipe and at the end of summer when the farmers market is in full gear these ingredients are overflowing in my fridge. Serve this cold soup with toast and an avocado spread preferably on the porch and with a tall glass of lemonade!

Ingredients

2 tomatoes
2 red pepper
1 cucumber
1/2 c green onion
1/4 c cilantro
3 cloves of garlic
1 cup water
juice of 2 lemons
3 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
salt & pepper to taste

Methods/steps

Peel the cucumber and place half in the blender with the 2 tomatoes, 1/2 red pepper, green onion, cilantro, ceyenne, juive of lemons and water
blend until smooth
dice remaining cucumber and red pepper and add to blender, pulse once or twice just to chop it a bit
mix in olive oil and salt & pepper to taste
serve cold with toast or croutons!

How To Make Ice Cream Without a Machine

2013-07-14T13:05:00.001+03:00

People have been making ice cream far longer than the invention of electricity so there’s no reason you can’t make ice cream and sorbets at home without a machine.
The advantage to using an electric or hand-cranked machine is that the final result will be smoother and creamier. Freezing anything from liquid-to-solid means you’re creating hard ice crystals, so if you’re making it by hand, as your ice cream or sorbet mixture freezes, you want to break up those ice crystals as much as possible so your final results are as smooth and creamy as possible.

Machines are relatively inexpensive nowadays with models costing less than $50, and yes, I’ve seen the ball, but if I started tossing one of those around the streets here in Paris, I’d probably get even more strange looks than I normally get. (Plus you’ll need to lug some rock salt home as well.)
But not everyone has the space or the budget for a machine, so here’s how you can do your own ice cream at home without a churner. I recommend starting with an ice cream recipe that is custard-based for the smoothest texture possible. You can use my Vanilla Ice Cream or another favorite, or even this Strawberry Frozen Yogurt recipe using Greek-style or drained yogurt. The richer the recipe, the creamier and smoother the results are going to be.
Ice cream made this way is best eaten soon after it’s made—which shouldn’t be a problem.

Making Ice Cream Without A Machine

1. Prepare your ice cream mixture, then chill it over an ice bath.
2. Put a deep baking dish, or bowl made of plastic, stainless steel or something durable in the freezer, and pour your custard mixture into it.

3. After forty-five minutes, open the door and check it.
As it starts to freeze near the edges, remove it from the freezer and stir it vigorously with a spatula or whisk. Really beat it up and break up any frozen sections. Return to freezer.
4. Continue to check the mixture every 30 minutes, stirring vigorously as it’s freezing. If you have one, you can use a hand-held mixer for best results, or use a stick-blender or hand-held mixer.
But since we’re going low-tech here, you can also use just a spatula or a sturdy whisk along with some modest physical effort.
5. Keep checking periodically and stirring while it freezes (by hand or with the electric mixer) until the ice cream is frozen. It will likely take 2-3 hours to be ready.

You can easily make Stracciatella ice cream with Italian-style chocolate chips:
Drizzle pure melted dark or milk chocolate (about 5 ounces, 140 g) over the almost-frozen mixture, then stir, breaking up the ribbons of chocolate as they start to freeze, to create little ‘chips’.

Transfer the ice cream to a covered storage container until ready to serve.

Shiitake Mushrooms

2013-06-24T00:57:00.003+03:00

What's New and Beneficial about Shiitake Mushrooms

Although immune system support has often received much of the spotlight

in shiitake mushroom research, recent study results involving support of the cardiovascular system have caught the attention of many researchers. In particular, recent studies have shown the ability of shiitake mushrooms to help protect us against cardiovascular diseases (including atherosclerosis) by preventing too much immune cell binding to the lining of our blood vessels. In order for immune cells and other materials to bind onto our blood vessel linings, certain protein molecules—called adhesion molecules—must be produced and sent into action. By helping to block the adhesion molecule production process, substances in shiitake mushrooms can help protect our blood vessels. (The adhesion molecule production that is partially blocked by shiitake mushroom components includes the adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin.)
Shiitake mushrooms have long been recognized as a very good, non-animal food source of iron. But a recent preliminary study has determined that the bioavailability of iron from shiitake mushrooms may be even better than we thought. Although conducted on laboratory animals (female rats) rather than humans, this study found the iron in dried shiitake mushroom to be equally as bioavailable as supplemental iron in the form of ferrous gluconate. (Ferrous gluconate is a very commonly used low-dose iron supplement.) While we don't usually spotlight research on laboratory animals, we found this result to be especially promising for individuals who consume little or no animal products and are often looking for foods that can supply valuable amounts of bioavailable iron.
Shiitake mushrooms can be one of the most sustainable foods in your diet! While the majority of shiitake mushrooms produced worldwide have been grown on sawdust block in a non-natural setting, it is fully possible for shiitake mushrooms to be produced on natural hardwood logs in a forest setting. This approach to shiitake mushroom production is called "forest farming" and it has become an especially popular way of growing shiitake mushrooms in the U.S, where there are now more than 200 shiitake mushroom growers. Unfortunately, forest farming is not a requirement for organic certification of shiitake mushrooms. However, all of the plant crop standards in the National Organics Program regulations apply to shiitake mushroom production, and so the combination of these two features—certified organic shiitake mushrooms that have also been forest farmed—can make a great food choice in terms of sustainable agriculture. Just look for the USDA's organic logo on your shiitake mushrooms to determine if they are certified organic. Then check for information about forest farming on the packaging. If no information is provided, there is a good chance that your shiitake mushrooms were not forest farmed. For this reason, we encourage you to ask your store staff or contact the product manufacturer to determine if your shiitake mushrooms were grown on hardwood logs in a natural forest environment.

Recommendations

People do not usually consider including mushrooms as part of their meals for their nutritional content. However, shiitake mushrooms are an excellent source of three B vitamins (vitamins B2, B5 and B6); a very good source of one additional B vitamin (B2); a very good source of six minerals (manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, copper and zinc); a very good source of dietary fiber; and a good source of protein, magnesium, and vitamin D (in the D2 form). They also provide a wide variety of unique phytonutrients. To maximize their flavor and the retention of their nutrients it is important to not to overcook them. That's why we recommend Healthy Sauteeing shiitake mushrooms for just 7 minutes to bring out their best flavor while maximizing their nutrient retention. For more on our Healthiest Way of Cooking shiitake mushrooms see the How to Enjoy section below.

Nutrients in
Mushrooms, Shiitake
87.00 g (87.00 grams)

Nutrient%Daily Value

vitamin B316.8%

vitamin B513%

vitamin B612.5%

vitamin B211.1%

manganese10%

phosphorus9.7%

fiber8.6%

potassium7.5%

selenium7%

zinc6%

copper6%

vitamin D4.3%

magnesium4.3%

protein3.9%

Calories (29)1%

This chart graphically details the %DV that a serving of Mushrooms, shiitake provides for each of the nutrients of which it is a good, very good, or excellent source according to our Food Rating System. Additional information about the amount of these nutrients provided by Mushrooms, shiitake can be found in the Food Rating System Chart. A link that takes you to the In-Depth Nutritional Profile for Mushrooms, shiitake, featuring information over 80 nutrients, can be found under the Food Rating System Chart.

Health Benefits

Shiitake, maitake, and reishi mushrooms are widely referred to as "medicinal mushrooms" due to their long history of medical use, particularly in oriental medicine traditions. It's important to distinguish, however, between extracts and medicinal preparations made from these mushrooms and their appearance as whole foods in an everyday diet. Most of the medicinal research on shiitake mushrooms has been conducted on laboratory animals or on individual cells studied in a laboratory setting. There are hundreds of lab and animal studies that clearly document the medicinal properties of shiitake mushroom extracts. As important as these studies are in a medical context, they are still very different from studies that examine shiitake mushroom as a common and beloved food.
In contrast to the wealth of medicinal research on shiitake mushrooms, there are very few studies on shiitake mushrooms in the human diet. Among the human dietary studies that do exist, however, there is a clear message about shiitake mushrooms: they can provide us with some fantastic health benefits. Below are areas of health support that make the top of our list for shiitake mushrooms when enjoyed as a whole food.

Immune Support

No health benefit is better documented for shiitake mushroom than immune support. In fact, the immune support track record for this mushroom is fascinating. On the one hand, numerous studies have shown the ability of whole shiitake mushrooms to help prevent excessive immune system activity. On the other hand, an equal number of studies have shown the ability of shiitake mushrooms to help stimulate immune system responses under certain circumstances. In other words, from a dietary perspective, shiitake mushrooms appear able to enhance immune function in both directions, giving it a boost when needed, and cutting back on its activity when needed. It's important to note that dietary shiitake mushroom intake—unlike intake of medicinal shiitake extracts—has not been shown to be strongly suppressive of the immune system or strongly activating. From our perspective, this finding makes sense. We wouldn't want our everyday foods to strongly suppress or strongly activate any body system. What we would want from our foods is support of body systems under a variety of circumstances—and that is exactly what we get from shiitake mushrooms with respect to our immune system.
One especially interesting area of immune system support involves the impact of shiitake mushrooms on immune cells called macrophages. Among their many important activities, macrophage cells are responsible for identifying and clearing potentially cancerous cells from the body. In order to carry out this task, they need to be "activated" in a particular way. (In more scientific terms, their activated phenotype needs to reflect a higher level of interleukin 1-beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha, and a lower level of interleukin 10.) Shiitake mushrooms are able to help macrophage cells achieve this activated profile so that they can do a better job clearing potentially cancerous cells. Researchers refer to this result as an "anti-cancer immunity" that is enhanced by shiitake mushroom intake.
The most famous immune-supportive components in shiitake mushrooms are its polysaccharides. (Polysaccharides are large-sized carbohydrate molecules composed of many different sugars arranged in chains and branches.) Although many fungi are well-known for their polysaccharides, no single fungus has been more carefully studied than the shiitake mushroom. We know that this fungus is unique in its variety of polysaccharides, and especially its polysaccharide glucans. (Glucans are polysaccharides in which all of the sugar components involve the simple sugar glucose.) Among the glucans contained in shiitake mushroom are alpha-1,6 glucan, alpha-1,4 glucan, beta-1,3 glucan, beta-1,6 glucan, 1,4-D-glucans, 1,6-D-glucans, glucan phosphate, laminarin, and lentinan. Shiitake mushrooms also contain some important non-glucan polysaccharides, including fucoidans and galactomannins. The immune-related effects of polysaccharides in shiitake mushrooms have been studied on laboratory animals under a wide variety of circumstances, including exercise stress, exposure to inflammation-producing toxins, radiation exposure, and immunodeficiency. Under all of these circumstances, the polysaccharides in shiitake mushrooms have been shown to lessen problems. There is also some evidence that shiitake mushrooms' polysaccharides can help lower total cholesterol levels.

Cardiovascular Benefits

The cardiovascular benefits of shiitake mushrooms have been documented in three basic areas of research. The first of these areas is cholesterol reduction. d-Eritadenine (also called lentinacin, or lentsine, and sometimes abbreviated as DEA) is one of the most unusual naturally occurring nutrients in shiitake mushrooms that has repeatedly been shown to help lower total blood cholesterol. This nutrient is actually derived from adenine—one of the building blocks (nucleotides) in the mushroom's genetic material (DNA). The beta-glucans in shiitake mushrooms are also very likely to contribute to its cholesterol-lowering impact.
Another basic area of cardiovascular support involves the interaction between our cardiovascular system and our immune system. Recent studies have shown that shiitake mushrooms can help protect us against cardiovascular diseases (including atherosclerosis) by preventing too much immune cell binding to the lining of our blood vessels. In order for immune cells and other materials to bind onto our blood vessel linings, certain protein molecules—called adhesion molecules—must be produced and sent into action. By helping to block the adhesion molecule production process, substances in shiitake mushrooms can help protect our blood vessels. (The adhesion molecule production which is partially blocked by shiitake mushroom components includes the adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin.)
A final basic area of cardiovascular benefits involves antioxidant support. Chronic oxidative stress in our cardiovascular system (ongoing, oxygen-based damage to our blood vessel linings) is a critical factor in the development of clogged arteries (atherosclerosis) and other blood vessel problems. One of the best ways for us to reduce our risk of chronic oxidative stress is consumption of a diet rich in antioxidant nutrients. Shiitake mushrooms are a very good source of three key antioxidant minerals: manganese, selenium, and zinc. They also contain some unusual phytonutrient antioxidants. One of the best studied is ergothioneine (ET). This unique antioxidant is derived from the amino acid histidine, although it's unusual since it contains a sulfur group of molecules that are not present in histidine itself. In studies on ET and our cells' oxidative stress levels, one fascinating finding has been the special benefits of ET for cell components called mitochondria. Mitochondria use oxygen to produce energy for the cell. Heart cells have greater concentrations of mitochondria than most any other cell type in the body. For this reason, researchers believe that ET may be one of the key nutrients from shiitake mushrooms that provide us with cardiovascular support.

Anti-Cancer Benefits

Most of the research on shiitake mushrooms and cancer has been conducted on laboratory animals or on individual cells in a laboratory setting and has involved mushroom extracts rather than whole mushrooms in food form. For this reason, our understanding of the anti-cancer benefits of shiitake mushrooms as a whole, natural food is still preliminary. But based on research to date, we believe that adding shiitake mushrooms to your diet is likely to offer you anti-cancer benefits, especially with respect to prevention of prostate cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer.
Medicinal extracts from shiitake mushrooms have been studied much more extensively than the whole food itself. In cell and laboratory animal experiments, numerous components of shiitake mushrooms have been show to help block tumor growth, sometimes by triggering programmed cell death (apoptosis) in the cancer cells. These components have been collectively referred to as "anti-tumor mycochemicals" provided by shiitake mushrooms. Researchers have speculated that more than 100 different types of compounds in shiitake mushrooms may work together to accomplish these anti-tumor results. While the unique polysaccharides in shiitake mushrooms were first thought to be its primary anti-cancer compounds, scientists are now convinced that shiitake provides many non-polysaccharide substances that have anti-tumor effects.

Other Benefits

The special combination of antioxidants found in shiitake mushrooms together with their highly flexible support for immune system function make them a natural candidate for providing us with protection from a variety of problems involving oxidative stress and immune function. This includes rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an area that has begun to interest shiitake mushroom researchers. Although research in this area is preliminary, we expect to see large-scale human studies confirming the benefits of shiitake mushrooms for prevention of RA.
Medicinal extracts from shiitake mushrooms have well-documented effects on a variety of micro-organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses (including human immunodeficiency virus-1, or HIV-1). While we have yet to see large-scale human studies on whole food intake of shiitake mushrooms and decreased susceptibility to colds, flu or other problems related to unwanted activity of micro-organisms, this is a very likely area for future food research and discovery of health benefits.

Description

Shiitake mushrooms have brown, slightly convex caps that range in diameter from about two to four inches in diameter. They belong to the basidiomycete family of fungi. Until the early 1990's, they were widely known by their scientific genus-species name of Lentinus edodes. However, during the late 1980's and early 1990's this genus-species name for shiitake mushrooms was largely phased out and replaced by a new genus-species name, Lentinula edodes.
The common name for this mushroom, "shiitake," comes from the Japanese language. "Shii" in Japanese refers to wood belonging to the Pasania species of tree on which shiitake mushrooms naturally grow. "Take" simply translates as "mushroom." You may sometimes also hear shiitake mushroom being referred to as the "Black Forest mushroom," and they do indeed grow naturally in that German mountain range.
Other mushrooms with Asian roots that are also becoming more popular are reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and maitake (Grifola frondosa). Reishi mushrooms usually have an antler or rounded, fan shape; the most popular type of reishi is red in color, although that is just one of the six colors in which they grow. Maitake mushrooms grow in a formation of clustered brownish fronds of fan-shaped petals and are commonly known as "Hen of the Woods." These types of mushrooms are available in food markets specializing in Asian foods.

History

Shiitake (as well as reishi and maitake) mushrooms have grown wild since prehistoric times. Their therapeutic value has been prized in Asian countries, where they originated, for thousands of years. They play a critical role in Asian medicinal traditions and were noted in some of the first books on herbal medicine written thousands of years ago. In the past few decades, these mushrooms have become more popular in the United States as a result of an expanding body of scientific research supporting their numerous health benefits. The U.S. is currently home to approximately 200 commercial growers of shiitake mushrooms, and nearly half of those growers use forest farming to produce shiitake mushrooms in a natural forest setting using downed hardwood trees as the cultivation medium.
Although Japan was at one time the world's largest producer of shiitake mushrooms, that distinction now goes to China, which produces over 80% of all commercially sold shiitake mushrooms. Japan, Korea and Taiwan also produce shiitake mushrooms, as does the United States. One quickly growing market for shiitake mushrooms is Brazil, which currently produces more shiitake mushrooms than any other South American country.

Canvas Footwear History

2013-06-04T20:55:00.000+03:00

In 1933, canvas footwear pioneer BF Goodrich patented the Posture Foundation insole, an innovation in comfort and performance, and began adding the new technology to its action shoes. Goodrich shoes with Posture Foundation became known simply as 'P-F' in 1937.
Fashion trends in the Forties and Fifties saw PF Flyers escaping gyms and ball fields to become fashionable active footwear for everyone. PF Flyers styles ranged from high and low-top sport shoes to oxfords and moccasins 'for work, relaxation and play.' By the 1960s, PF Flyers was one of the most popular shoes in America.

But even the sneaker shoe that helped millions 'Run Faster and Jump Higher' struggled with industry changes in the early Seventies. Today, PF Flyers action shoes have returned, with the original synergy of good looks and active comfort stronger than ever.

How to cut an avocado

2013-05-23T19:26:00.001+03:00

Avocados are delicious in sandwiches, salads and everyone’s favorite game-day dip: guacamole. Today, Mexico is the largest world producer of avocados. Produces approximately 1 107 140 avocados, though Haas avocados are typically what we see in the grocery store. Slicing is easier than the fruit's thick skin and unwieldy seeds (or pits) might lead you to believe. Here's how to get the job done.

Step 1: Give it a squeeze.

Choose an avocado that's ripe but not overripe; an avocado past its prime will be too soft to slice cleanly. At the market, look for avocados that are firm to the touch. If you want to use them immediately, look for avocados that yield to gentle pressure when touched.

Step 2: Use Caution.

Hold the avocado gently but firmly so it doesn't slip from your hand. With a large, sharp knife in the other hand, cut the avocado lengthwise around the pit. Slightly twist the two halves, separate and remove the seed (see below).

Step 3: Remove the pit.

You can scoop the pit out with a spoon, cut around it or -- if you're confident in your knife skills -- tap the avocado pit with a knife until it makes a significant cut in the pit. Then, just twist the pit out.

Step 4: Scoop it.

If you're making guacamole or serving the avocado mashed -- say, on a sandwich -- scoop the avocado flesh from its shell with a spoon. If you're making a salad and prefer to dice the avocado, slice a crosshatch pattern with a small paring knife into the avocado. Alternatively, cut each half into long wedges with the peel still on; remove the peel once the pieces have separated.

How to make expensive nut butters at home

2013-05-23T19:16:00.001+03:00

Though supermarkets and natural food stores boast a growing array of yummy nut butters, you can save big bucks by making your own nut butters at home. Here's how.

Freshly ground nut butters are as close as your food processor. Not only do freshly ground nut butters boast richer flavors, making nut butters at home gives you the opportunity to enjoy them without any added sugar, salt or preservatives. Though homemade nut butters are more perishable than store-bought, you can make them in smaller batches and store them in the refrigerator. For easier spreading, let them return to room temperature before using.

How to make nut butters at home

Toast nuts for more nut butter flavor

Regardless of the nut you choose, raw nut butters are divine but toasting the nuts before grinding will give you fab flavor not found at your local grocery store. Simply toast nuts on a dry baking sheet at 400 degrees F. until nuts are fragrant and lightly browned, 5 to 10 minutes. Keep on eye on them because nuts easily scorch. Let nuts cool enough to handle before grinding.

Grind nuts in a food processor for yummy nutty butter

There is a 2 to 1 ratio of nuts to nut butter. To make 1 cup of nut butter, start with 2 cups of shelled nuts. For all nut butters, simply place nuts in a food processor and grind. Since different nuts have varying oil contents, you may have to add a bit of canola oil to achieve a buttery, rather than crumbly, consistency. If available, try same flavor nut oils. For example, add a little almond oil to the food processor when making almond butter.

Nut butter guidelines

The large array of nuts lends a wide variety of nut butters you can make. Nut butters and jelly may be a standard pair, but nut butters have far more culinary versatility for both sweet and savory dishes.

Almond: Raw whole almonds with skins will blend into a brown-flecked spread. Process for 3 to 4 minutes. Try spreading almond butter on whole grain bread and top with thin slices of brie and apple slices.
Brazil Nut: A rich source of vitamin E, brazil nuts become a scrumptious butter in about 3 minutes. Thin with water for a thick creamy sauce for pasta, vegetables, chicken or fish.
Cashew: Grind cashews for 2 to 3 minutes for a smooth butter that is particularly delicious paired with crushed fresh blackberries on whole grain toast. You can also use cashew butter in place of tahini.
Hazelnut: Grainy and sweet, hazelnut butter comes together in about 3 minutes. For a delectable dessert spread (similar to the wildly popular Nutella), process with a generous drizzle of dark chocolate syrup. You may need to add a little water to make a pourable sauce.
Macadamia: High in fat and the smoothest of butters, it purees in about 2 minutes. Blend with cream cheese or sour cream for a nutty yummy dip.
Peanut: The standard of nut butters, making peanut butter at home will revive your love of peanut butter sandwiches. Grind for about 2 minutes. Turn peanut butter into a spicy peanut sauce for pasta or dip for chicken satays.
Pecan: A tad bitter because of the skins, pecan butter is a divine addition to savory dishes. Serve as a complement to meat or lamb dishes. Pecans will process in 1 to 2 minutes.
Pistachio: One of the more interesting nut butters, pistachios blend into a crumbly paste that can be blended with cream cheese for a nutty cheesecake or a simple nut dip. Grind for 3 to 4 minutes.
Walnut: Walnuts blend into butter in 1 to 2 minutes. Thin with water or cream to create a scrumptious sauce for pasta, chicken, fish or vegetables.

Uncover the newest Style of Clothes for Guys and Girls

2013-05-16T11:55:00.001+03:00

Shopping online is your ultimate purchasing location when trying to find clothing and accessories to fulfil your fashion demands. It has the widest selection of clothes for guys and girls which can be stylish and trendy. Their clothing items are very affordable as well so even if you do not have substantial budget for clothes, you nevertheless can come across designer brands that can certainly satisfy your style requirements.
Shopping for clothes on-line comes having a quantity of benefits. For one particular, you get to choose from numerous products without the need to go around unique retailers all day acquiring the clothes pieces you’d like. Moreover, you get to opt for garments that are at considerably reduced costs. But there are critical suggestions to keep in mind first although shopping for garments on the internet.
To start with, you must know exactly your size. Make sure to measure your waist, arms, chest and legs to make sure you get matching clothes. Because you do not get to attempt these garments just before getting them, you may have to make confident your size is correct to prevent dealing with the hassles of returning garments. Some web page promoting clothes apparels online can supply you with free of charge solutions where it is possible to develop a virtual mannequin together with your height, size, weight and shape and practically attempt these garments on.
It’s always a superb notion to try to find promotional delivers and discounts when shopping for women shirts or other sorts of fashion men clothes online. Don’t forget that among the agendas of looking for clothing on-line could be to save dollars and time so you should look at these as your major objectives. Constantly verify sales, discount and promo sections of these shops initially. You’ll find also internet sites nowadays where you’ll be able to understand about income saving deals and hyperlinks to discount coupons and vouchers.
It is actually advised also that you simply need to select a clothing item only soon after you may have read total information about it. You have got to know not only the exact size but also the style and design and style. You ought to be specific the material matches your requirements or desires. Also, you must ensure the clothing is being made in accordance to the security regulations. The name on the designer or manufacturer of clothes has to be stated also. If it will not provide complete information, it might not be a good concept acquiring from that store.
You could in no way to go incorrect with your obtain due to the fact aside from offering you top quality designer clothing, additionally they be certain you realize the terms and circumstances and that you just may have safe transactions with them. They are able to make your on the internet shopping experience to be a actually good a single.

Food and Economy of Italy

2013-05-14T15:33:00.005+03:00

Food in Daily Life. Food is a means for establishing and maintaining ties among family and friends. No one who enters an Italian home should fail to receive an offering of food and drink. Typically, breakfast consists of a hard roll, butter, strong coffee, and fruit or juice. Traditionally, a large lunch made up the noon meal. Pasta was generally part of the meal in all regions, along with soup, bread, and perhaps meat or fish. Dinner consisted of leftovers. In more recent times, the family may use the later meal as a family meal. The custom of the siesta is changing, and a heavy lunch may no longer be practical.
There are regional differences in what is eaten and how food is prepared. In general, more veal is found in the north, where meals tend to be lighter. Southern cooking has the reputation of being heavier and more substantial than northern cooking.
Food Customs at Ceremonial Occasions. There are special foods for various occasions. There is a special Saint Joseph's bread, Easter bread with hard–boiled eggs, Saint Lucy's "eyes" for her feast day, and the Feast of the Seven Fishes for New Year's Eve. Wine is served with meals routinely.
Basic Economy. Only about 4 percent of the gross national product comes from agriculture. Wheat, vegetables, fruit, olives, and grapes are grown in sufficient quantities to feed the population. Meat and dairy products, however, are imported.
Lombardy is, perhaps, the richest area of Italy. It is the location of the fertile Po river valley as well as Milan, the chief commercial, industrial, and financial center. It is also the major industrial area of Italy. Textiles, clothing, iron and steel, machinery, motor vehicles, chemicals, furniture, and wine are its major products. It stands in marked contrast to the southern area of the country that has only recently begun to emerge from its agricultural economy.
Italy began its major shift from agriculture to a major industrial economy after World War II. At the beginning of the twenty-first century, it is the fifth-largest economy in the world. Italy has only recently abandoned its interventionist economic policies that created periods of recession. Under pressure from the European Union it has begun to face its federal deficit, crime, and corruption. The state has begun a major retreat from participating in economic activities. Unemployment, however, has remained around 12 percent and economic growth has risen barely above the 1 percent level as the new millennium began.
Land Tenure and Property. Italy's economy is basically one of private enterprise. The government, however, owns a large share of major commercial and financial institutions. For example, the government has major shares in the petroleum, transportation, and telecommunication systems. In the 1990s Italy began to more away from government ownership of business.
Commercial Activities. Most of Italy's commercial centers are in the developed northern region. Milan is the most important economic center of Italy. It is located in the midst of rich farmland and great industrial development. It has extensive road and rail connections, aiding its industrial power. Milan is predominant in the production of automobiles, airplanes, motorcycles, major electric appliances, railroad materials, and other metalworking. It is also important for its textiles and fashion industry. Chemical production, medicinal products, dyes, soaps, and acids are also important. Additionally, Milan is noted for its graphic arts and publishing, food, wood, paper, and rubber products. It has kept pace with the world of electronics and cybernetic products.
Genoa remains Italy's major shipbuilding center. However, it also produces petroleum, textiles, iron and steel, locomotives, paper, sugar, cement, chemicals, fertilizers, and electrical, railway, and marine equipment. It is also a center for finance and commerce. Genoa is Italy's major port for both passengers and freight.
Florence, located about 145 miles (230 kilometers) northwest of Rome, is renowned for its magnificent past. Tourists flock to Florence to see its unparalleled art treasures. Turin, in contrast, is noted for automobile manufacturing and its modern pace of life. It is located just east of the Alps. In addition to Fiats and Lancias, Turin manufactures airplanes, ball-bearings, rubber, paper, leather-work, metallurgical, chemical, and plastic products, and chocolates and wines.
Major Industries. Italy is important in textile production, clothing and fashion, chemicals, cars, iron

Boats float in a canal lined by houses in Venice.

and steel, food production, wine, shipbuilding, and other industrial activities. Trade. Italy exports metals, textiles and clothing, production machinery, motor vehicles, transportation equipment, and chemicals. In 1996, Italy exported almost 2 billion gallons of wine. It exports about $250 billion in material and imports about $190 billion. Imports include industrial machinery, chemicals, petroleum, metals, food and agricultural products, and transportation equipment.
Division of Labor. There is a great hierarchy of prestige according to one's occupation. Those in professional jobs have greater prestige than those in manual labor. The importance of tailoring one's lifestyle to the appropriate job is significant. Thus, anyone who works with a pencil and paper, or today a computer, is above others who get their hands dirty.

German Chocolate Cake- Pecan Filling

2013-05-10T17:54:00.001+03:00

Ingredients

4 ounces baker's chocolate (recommend: Baker's German Sweet Chocolate)
1/2 cup water
2 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 pound unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 eggs, separated
1 cup buttermilk
Filling, recipe follows or whatever you prefer
Favorite chocolate frosting, for the sides

Directions

In a microwave safe bowl, add the chocolate and water and heat in a microwave or over a double boiler until melted. Stir until smooth and set aside. In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter, vanilla extract, granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add egg yolks 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in the melted chocolate. Add the flour mixture and buttermilk, alternating, until just combined.

Add the egg whites to a small bowl and beat with an egg beater until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whites into the batter until well incorporated.

Pour the batter evenly into 2 (9-inch) cake pans or 2 (12 capacity) cupcake tins. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 30 minutes for the larger cakes and 15 to 20 for the cupcakes. Remove from the oven to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely before filling and frosting.

To Assemble the German Chocolate Cake:

Put a cake layer on top of a serving plate and top with a generous layer of the caramel/pecan filling. Cover the frosting with another cake layer of and spread with the frosting. Top with the final layer and frost.

Spread dark chocolate frosting (secret recipe), or your favorite chocolate frosting around the outside of the entire cake. Cut into wedges and serve.

A viewer, who may not be a professional cook, provided this recipe. The Food Network Kitchens chefs have not tested this recipe and therefore, we cannot make representation as to the results.

Coconut Pecan Filling:

1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
5 egg yolks, slightly beaten
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup butter
2 1/2 cups flaked coconut
2 cups toasted pecans

Combine the evaporated milk, slightly beaten egg yolks, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla and butter in a large saucepan or heavy pot over low heat. When the butter melts raise the heat to medium, stirring constantly. The mixture will thicken after 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add the coconut and pecans and cool before frosting the cakes.

Mchicha- Tanzanian Spinach And Peanut Curry Recipe

2013-05-05T17:13:00.002+03:00

2 lbs spinach
1 1/2 ounces peanut butter
1 tomato
1 onion
2 teaspoons curry powder (or paste, your favourite blend!)
1 cup coconut milk
3 tablespoons ghee or 3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1 Wash the spinach & roughly chop. De-skin the tomato, peel and chop. Peel and chop the onion.

2 Mix the peanut butter with the coconut milk in a jug & set aside.

3 Heat the ghee . butter over a medium heat in a large frying pan. Add the onion, tomato, salt and curry powder / paste and sauté for 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft.

4 Add the spinach, continue cooking for about 15 to 20 minutes, until the spinach is cooked.

5 Pour the peanut butter and coconut milk mixture into the pan & stir gently to mix.

6 Simmer, for another 5 minutes, stirring constantly, to ensure that the mixture does not stick to the pot.

7 This dish makes a lovely side dish, & can also be eaten with rice, ugali or samp and beans to form a delicious main course.

Tanzanian Ugali

2013-05-05T16:56:00.003+03:00

Ingredients

Maize (White Corn Flour) about 2 cups
Water
Salt (Optional)
One also needs a Mwiko (a large wooden spoon/ladle)

A note on the flour: I have never found flour that approximates the type that we have in Tanzania, but I have been told a close substitution called "Mozerapa" can be found at Mexican grocery stores.
Bring water in a pan to a boil (about 4 Cups)
Reduce heat to medium and put flour, gradually stirring until the consistency is stiff. Stir continuously, and cover for about 5 minutes.
Stir again and form into a mound. The ugali will be done when it pulls from the sides of the pan easily and does not stick. The finished product should look like stiff grits
Cover the pot with a plate and invert the pan so that the Ugali "drops" on the plate.
Serve with meat stew or brown beans.

Russian Clothing

2013-05-01T10:39:00.001+03:00

Russia is a vast nation and hence, the kind of clothing that one would notice in the dedicated stores of Moscow would naturally be quite different to that found in Siberia. Leather is a fetish in Russia. Lined with fur, the look has become synonymous with Russian clothing. In general, traditional Russian men like to flaunt leather a lot. In fact, till today, no matter what the time of the year is, a leather jacket is a cool thing to have! Russian women wear dresses or long skirts and blouses and love to flaunt high heels.

Color Preferences in Russian Clothing
There is a distinct difference in the color and theme preference of the Russian men and women; while the men do not usually like flaunting bright colors in clothing, the women do. The men prefer sober, earthy tones and prefer to keep the look 'calm'. Many Russians find black and white being very elegant. They pick dark colors mainly due to the amount of dust and mud around and this is a practical choice that runs down the generations. The Russians wear different colors on occasions too; however the colors they choose seem to tell of their lifestyle! There is no hiding the fact that the Russians work very hard and their down-to-earth demeanor is seen in their clothing too.

The colors often seen on Russian men and women tell of their occupation and lifestyle. The colors are from a different scale. The rest of the world is used to people wearing blue, red, yellow and even pink. However, when it comes to shocking and deep shades, only the Russians know how to flaunt them. And the beauty of these people lies in the fact that the shades of colors look different on them and even more natural! The normal fabrics they choose are also to complement the climatic conditions. They use a lot of wool and linen and in the Russian 'killer' winter, furs are a reasonably natural choice.

Traditional Russian Men's Clothing
A shirt like long-sleeved garment that is mid-thigh long, known as a kosovorotka is the traditional Russian shirt. Unlike a normal shirt, it has buttons at the collar, slightly off-center, which are unfastened and the shirt is worn by pulling it over the head. The word kosovorotka is used to denote just any kind of shirt. Though there are separate shirts for children and women, kosovorotka are considered to be men's shirts. Widely worn by peasants and townsfolk till the early 20th century, today it has become the mainstay in Russian song dance and folk music ensembles and as souvenirs.

Traditional Russian Women's Clothing
The traditional dress for women folk is called sarafan, it is a plain jumper-like long dress much like a pinafore. This dress is of single piece and has no sleeves but thin straps at the shoulders which were decorated with ribbons, gold or silver thread and made stiffer. and were decorated with ribbons, gold or silver thread or buttons. Usually it is worn over a traditional off white or bright-colored Russian blouse. A typical sarafan had a woven belt at the waist that had beads or bells and was either of printed or plain material. It is still popular as a summer-time light dress, though worn without the blouse. For festivities or special occasions silk or fine linen was used for the sarafan.

Traditional Russian Headgear and Footwear
Utter the name Russia and the image of snow, fur coat and fur cap springs to one's mind. The most popular headgear that keeps Russians warm during the cold, snowy days is known as the ushanka. They are fur caps with ear flaps, that can be tied on the top of the cap or worn down over the ears. An ushanka is the best protective headgear in the harsh Russian winter and testament to it is the fact that they became a part of winter uniform for military and police not only in Russia but many other western countries, such as Canada and the United States, as well. The massively popular modern-type ushanka are generally made from rabbit fur or sheepskin.

Till the beginning of the 20th century, the traditional footwear of Russian peasants were shoes made from the bark of the linden tree or birch tree. These shoes known as Bast shoes, were hand-woven that fitted according to the shape of a foot and were primarily worn during the summer.Today, bast shoes are seen only as part of ethnic costumes or dance troupe costumes and are majorly sold as souvenirs. Valenki, or felt boots, are the traditional Russian winter footwear and are associated with traditional rustic style. They are primarily worn during severe frost or when other shoes don't keep out the cold. Valenki boots worn with galoshes (overshoes) are popular in urban areas and are usually worn by little kids.

Symbolism of Russian Clothing
Russian clothing is a show of the traditional folk art and the spirit of the culture of Russia. Traditional Russian clothing is designed to highlight the inner dignity and emotional restraint of every woman. The traditional Russian costumes are not only beautiful, but also very convenient, being specially created for work. The variety of colors used in the traditional costumes display ethnic diversity and it is interesting to note that the Russian word for "beautiful" comes from "krasny", which is Russian for "red"!

Moscow fashion
The fashion trends followed in the capital city of Moscow are quite close to those observed in Europe or New York though they are lagging behind maybe by about 10 years. An aspect frequently observed by foreigners is that Russians are dazzling and each dress that they wear seems to be prepared for going out. Russians are fast developing their own fashion culture and regard casual style as wearing bright unusual clothes to show their personality, it is the way of feeling comfortable for lots of Muscovites.

Russian fashion is distinctively different. There are a number of authentic and dedicated online and offline resources that make designer Russian clothing available. In fact, the easiest way to learn more about Russian clothing and purchase authentic apparel is just a click away! Most of the apparel found in other parts of the world, claiming to be Russian, is usually decorated with traditional Russian motifs.

Ramen (Noodle Soup)

2013-04-30T17:01:00.001+03:00

Ingredients

1 package ramen noodle soup
Vegetables to add to soup (choose up to four, such as chopped celery)
1 carrot, cut into very thin sticks, about 2 inches long
1 scallion, chopped
Daikon radish, cut into very thin sticks, about 2 inches long
1 mushroom, sliced thin
3 snow pea pods
1 Chinese cabbage leaf, shredded

Procedure

Make soup according to package directions.
Place up to four of the add-ins into a large soup bowl.
Carefully pour hot broth and noodles over vegetables.
Use chopsticks to eat the vegetables and noodles, and drink the broth from the bowl.

Fried Rice - a Basic Recipe for Fried Rice

2013-04-30T15:01:00.002+03:00

This is a basic recipe for fried rice that you can add to as desired. If adding other ingredients, increase the number of eggs to 3.
Need a bit of help? Here are step by step photo instructions showing how to make basic fried rice.

Ingredients:

1 - 2 green onions, as desired
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt
Pepper to taste
4 tablespoons oil for stir-frying, or as needed
4 cups cold cooked rice
1 - 2 tablespoons light soy sauce or oyster sauce, as desired

Preparation:

Wash and finely chop the green onion. Lightly beat the eggs with the salt and pepper.

Heat a wok or frying pan and add 2 tablespoons oil. When the oil is hot, add the eggs. Cook, stirring, until they are lightly scrambled but not too dry. Remove the eggs and clean out the pan.

Add 2 tablespoons oil. Add the rice. Stir-fry for a few minutes, using chopsticks or a wooden spoon to break it apart. Stir in the soy sauce or oyster sauce as desired.

When the rice is heated through, add the scrambled egg back into the pan. Mix thoroughly. Stir in the green onion. Serve hot.

How Does Lemon Juice Help Weight Loss?

2013-04-30T14:57:00.003+03:00

It’s amazing how a simple fruit like a lemon can be so effective in helping the body regulate its metabolism and sugar absorption, in a manner that helps you lose extra weight. The secret lies in the “acidity” content in a lemon. Lemons are rich in citric acid, so when you take a glass of lemon juice in plain warm water first thing in the morning, you introduce healthy natural digestive aid into your stomach. The citric acid, from lemons, end up interacting with the other acids and enzymes in your digestive tract which results in a healthy and problem free digestion.
Lowers Absorption of Sugars: It has been studied that even a little lemon can help you lower the absorption of sugars from the food you eat simply because of its high acidic content. You can go one step further and eat some lemon peels along with the juice, this acts like a double whammy on weight gain, because the pectin present in the peels helps in weight loss by becoming a gel forming substance in your stomach which reduces the sugar absorption from the food you eat.
Researched Facts: A research at Arizona State University indicated that people who stock up on foods that are high in vitamins, such as lemons, oranges, grapes and kiwi fruit, as less likely to gain weight in comparison with people whose intake of Vitamin C is on the low side.
Helps Absorption of Calcium: It is well proven that lemon juice accentuates the acidity of the digestive system and this helps the body in the absorption of calcium from the foods you eat, and this calcium is then stored up in the fat cells. It has been studied that the more the calcium content in fat cell, the more its ability to burn fat. So this another benefit of lemon juice for weight loss.

How to Introduce Lemon Juice into Your Body?

There are many different ways in which you can introduce lemon juice into your body in a way that helps you lose weight. Some people propagate the use of lemon juice with apple cinder vinegar, while some swear by the effectiveness of lemon juice in honey, with warm water, for weight loss. All these methods are usually tried and tested and its effectiveness is not in doubt. Whether you drink lemon juice with plain warm water or you mix it up with other natural ingredients like honey, it’s effectiveness remains the same. If you are serious about weight loss, then you need to befriend the lemon. Lemon water helps you lose weight naturally and helps your body improve its immunity and digestion as a bonus.

5 Yoga Poses to Relieve Stress at Work

2013-04-27T11:01:00.002+03:00

No matter whether you're the most easy-going gal around, stress can get to all of us. Your back tenses up. Maybe you get a headache. You might snap at your loved ones. Stress is unavoidable; we're only human after all. And when it comes to work, even the most organized of people can get stressed out. But there are ways to combat stress and yoga is a wonderful option.
Before we get into how yoga can help relieve stress, let's discuss a few other quick ways to relax — especially during the work day when you maybe can't get to the gym or pop off for a yoga class, which you may only get to do before or after work.

Quick Stress Relievers

Walk Around: Take a quick walk around the block or do a few flights of stairs at a comfortable pace. Getting up and moving helps keep your blood flowing, sending oxygen to your brain. You'll clear your mind and recharge yourself.
Take Deep Breaths: When you feel tension building, push back from your desk, close your eyes, visualize a "happy place" and take five to 10 deep, relaxing breaths to bring yourself back to a calm place and again focus your mind. This also works if you're stuck in traffic — just keep your eyes on the road!
Stretch it Out : Your body always benefits from movement and stretching . Stand up, shake off (literally just shake out your arms, hands, legs, head, etc.) and do some easy stretches at your desk or in the break room. Bend over, touch your toes and hold that pose for 30 seconds. Raise your arms over your head, clasp your hands and stretch up and from side to side. Raise and lower your shoulders. Stand up and sit down without using your hands to assist (this will help activate your core).
Listen to Music : Not all music calms us down. You may love dance music or heavy metal, but it's stimulating. Classical music works to calm the mind. We like to listen to this fantastic mix of the "100 Most Beautiful Songs" and have found it helps us get more centered.

5 Yoga Poses to Relieve Stress

Now if you do find that you have time to get in a yoga class or two per week, great. If not, below are five easy poses you can do at home before or after work — or even at your desk if you have some space. Why yoga? In general, the ancient practice is a great stress reducer. When you have high stress, your brain releases a large amount of the hormone cortisol , which helps you deal with physical and emotional emergencies, into your body. This can lead to ulcers, weight gain and illness. So when you do yoga, you focus on your breathing, which helps to calm your mind and racing thoughts and brings those false emergencies into check. If you practice yoga, even a few minutes a day, using the following poses, you should be able to help reduce stress in your daily life.

: the Cat/Cow pose is a chest and collar bone opener and warms up your spine

Seated Cat/Cow is a chest and collar bone opener and warms up your spine

: Standing Half Moon with one hand on desk lengthens the spine and stretches the side of your body

Standing Half Moon with one hand on desk lengthens the spine and stretches the side of your body

: Eagle Arms relieves tension at base of the neck and shoulder

Eagle Arms relieves tension at base of the neck and shoulder

: Twisted Chair Pose (left) helps to wring out and lengthen the spine while detoxifying organs. The chair twist (right) stretches your spine while seated at your desk.

Twisted Chair Pose (left) helps to wring out and lengthen the spine while detoxifying organs (you can do a variation on this — a chair twist ( right)— and stretch your spine while seated at your desk)
And for a little animated fun ... the finger roll (first gif), forearm stretch (not shown), wrist roll (2nd gif) and shake (just shake out your hands and arms) all help to prevent carpal tunnel.

How Carrot juice helps us?

2013-03-23T19:49:00.004+03:00

Many people consider drinking carrot juice one of the healthiest lifestyle choices possible. Carrot juice is known for beta carotene which gives the body Vitamin A, B Vitamins, Vitamin E and many minerals. The health benefits of drinking carrot juice are thought to be good prenatal health, eyesight, bones and teeth, liver and nails, skin and hair as well as helping in cancer prevention.
Carrot juice is thought to reduce the risks of many different types of cancer including skin and breast cancer. The cancer-fighting properties of carrot juice are often thought to be excellent due to the high amounts of beta carotene. Beta carotene changes to Vitamin A in the body. Studies have connected Vitamin A with cancer prevention by its antioxidant properties that help eliminate cancer-causing free radicals in the body.
Deficiencies in Vitamin A can cause dryness and damage to the skin, nails and hair. Drinking carrot juice to produce Vitamin A is said to benefit many different parts of the body. Vitamin A also strengthens bones and teeth.
Drinking carrot juice is thought to be extremely beneficial for the liver due to Vitamin A's cleansing effects. Vitamin A reduces bile and fat in the liver. However, for the liver to reap the maximum benefits of Vitamin A, it is said that drinking carrot juice needs be done regularly rather than occasionally. The liver can store Vitamin A.

Drinking carrot juice is also thought to improve eyesight due to Vitamin A creation in the body. Deficiencies in Vitamin A can lead to night blindness which can be very dangerous. For example, if a person with night blindness is driving a car at night, the glare of the headlights from oncoming cars in the opposite direction can affect him or her in a way that makes the eyes not refocus properly. An easy way of detecting a Vitamin A deficiency is to walk from a well-lit room to a dimly-lit or dark room. Your eyes should have little trouble adjusting to the change in light.
Drinking carrot juice, as well as eating carrots, is thought to be especially beneficial for prenatal health. Beta-carotene that forms into Vitamin A is said to be very healthy for both mother and child. Some studies have shown that when babies drink both milk and carrot juice they get the best possible amount of Vitamin A.
The darker the color of the carrot, the more carotene it contains. Many people find the taste of carrot juice enjoyable and surprisingly sweet. Carrot juice does have a high concentration of natural sugar, so those with diabetes should consult their doctor as to how much they can drink. Drinking carrot juice is also thought to be good for reproductive health due to the Vitamin E content.

Spiced Bean and Vegetable Stew

2012-12-23T13:25:00.001+03:00

45 mls olive oil
2 small onions, sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 level tbsp sweet paprika
1 small dried red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
700 gram(s) (11?2lb) sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
700 gram(s) (11?2lb) pumpkin, peeled and cut into chunks
125 gram(s) okra, trimmed
500 gram(s) passata
400 gram(s) can haricot or cannellini beans, drained

Heat the oil in a large heavy-based pan, add the onions and garlic and cook over a very gentle heat for 5min.
Stir in the paprika and chilli and cook for 2min. Add the sweet potatoes, pumpkin, okra, passata and 900ml (11?2 pints) water.
Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover, bring to the boil and simmer for 20min until the vegetables are tender. Add the beans and cook for 3min to warm through.