Walnuts- 'The World's most healthiest food'

What makes Walnuts healthy?

Walnuts are great source of omega 3 fatty acid and are naturally sodium, cholesterol and gluten free. Global studies show that eating handful of walnuts daily may reduce the risk of chronic illness such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, asthma and arthritis.

The best part about Walnuts is that not only nutritious but also very tasty. So grab a handful as a snack, or include them in your meals to enhance crunch, nutrition and flavor.

* Walnuts may be considered the king of nuts for health benefits, with a combination of more healthful and higher quality antioxidants, U.S. researchers say.

* "Walnuts rank above peanuts, almonds, pecans, pistachios and other nuts."

* "A handful of walnuts contains almost twice as much antioxidants as an equivalent amount of any other commonly consumed nut. But unfortunately, people don't eat a lot of them. Everybody should eat more walnuts as part of a healthy diet."

* Nutrients in Walnuts 0.25 cup (25.00 grams) -  omega-3 fats94.5%,  manganese42.5%,  copper20%,  Calories (163) 9%


* The reason they are so good for your brain health is the high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids. Your brain consists of more than 60% structural fat, and for the brain cells to function properly, omega-3 fats need to be a primary component. The American diet is almost devoid of all omega-3s, with researchers finding that about two-thirds of Americans are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids.

* A study has shown that children with a lower concentration of omega-3 fatty acids have a higher risk of being hyperactive, having learning disorders, and displaying behavioral problems.

So,include this 'Brain food' everyday in your diet. 

Easy home made rasagullas

Ingredients:

4 cups milk
11/2 cups sugar
2 tablespoon lemon juice

Method:

1. Boil the milk for 6-7 mins
2. Add the lemon juice to the boiling milk and stir occasionally. You can see the milk and water separating. At this point switch off the flame.
3. Using a clean Cotten cloth filter the panner separated from milk. Drain the water completely.
4. Using your hands smash the panner nicely and make small size rasagullas.
5. Add 4 1/2 cups of water and 1 1/2 cups of sugar for syrup. Sugar syrup doesn't have to be very thick.
6. When the syrup is done add the rasagullas to the syrup. Do not switch off the flame. Leave the rasagullas in the syrup for 7-8mins  in medium flame.
7. Refrigerate the rasagullas for 1 hr and serve cold. 

Best pancake recipe

Say good bye to the ready made pan cake mixes! Once you taste this home made recipe, you will definitely agree they are better than the ready made pan cakes.

Ingredients:

1. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2. 2 tablespoons sugar

3. 2 teaspoons baking powder

4. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

5. 1/2 teaspoon salt

6. 1 1/4-1 1/2 cups milk

7. 2 eggs

8. 1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)

9. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Method:

1. In a bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients.

2. Make a well in the centre and pour in the milk.

3.Start with 1 1/4 cups milk, adding up to another 1/4 cup if necessary, as you mix it with the flour.

4. Add the two eggs, vanilla and oil to the mixture and whisk nicely without any lumps. 

5. Heat a frying pan (if it is not non-stick, you will need to melt a bit of butter or oil in it) and when hot, pour in some pancake mix.

6. When the pancake starts to bubble on top and is golden brown on the cooked side, turn it and continue cooking until both sides are golden brown.
7. Repeat this process for remaining batter.Maintain in medium flame.

8. Serve hot with maple syrup or honey and butter. 

How to care for chemically and heat damaged hair?

1. Wash your hair with good moisturizing shampoo made for whatever hair type you have.Also, use a leave in conditioner and rinse thoroughly.

2. Towel dry your hair and make sure to pat it. Always let your hair dry naturally.

3. Wash your hair only once or twice a week, any more will dry your hair out.

4. Give your scalp a nice massage and hot oil treatments once in 2 weeks. Gentle massage is always good for your hair otherwise, you will damage your sensitive skin or pull out your hair.

5. Moisturize your hair and scalp with these popular oils like almond oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, castor oil, coconut oil, etc to promote your hair growth.

6. Brush and comb your hair daily. Workout tangles gently using your fingers and don't over work the hair.

7. Opt for boar or wide bristle hair brush, they don't tear and stretch your scalp and hair .

8. One way to achieve a healthy scalp is by brushing your scalp itself. It loosens the dead cells and dirt and promotes blood circulation. If your scalp is dry and if you see any white flakes on your hair, it is not dandruff all the time. It is just really dry skin.At this situation, you can try using all the popular hair oils stated above for your scalp and give a nice massage and let it sit for 30 mins.After 30 mins wash your hair.Use leave in conditioner. Don't comb your hair when it is wet because your wet hair will be fragile. 

9. Get your ends trimmed every 8-12 weeks to get rid of split ends and dead hairs. 

10. Never ever grease your scalp because it clogs up your pore and lead to breakage and damage. Your ends are the oldest hair so treat it with good protein conditioners.

11. It is good to sleep on a satin pillow always.Cotton and fleece pillow covers will pull your hair out and cause breakage.

12. Good hair starts from within so eat healthy and drink 2 to 3 liters of water every day to keep your hair moisturized. 
  

Facts about Sun Exposure

Sun exposure causes most changes in the skin, the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays damages the fiber in the skin called Elastin. When these fiber break down, the skin begins to sag, stretch and lose its ability to go back to its normal place after stretching.

The real bad news about sun exposure is, it increases the risk of skin cancer. If You have any following symptoms, See your doctor immediately:

- A mole that is changing it color or shape, getting bigger, itching or bleeding.
- A pink or red lump (mostly on your head, hands or shoulders) that forms a non-healing scab or ulcer.

Who is at highest risk?

There are 2 main group of people who are particularly at high risk of skin cancer.
1. People with skin that tends to burn easily
2. Those who spend lot of their time in the sun over a life time.

People who have RED or BLONDE HAIR, BLUE or GREEN EYES and FRECKLES have higher risk of 'MELANOMA'.

You are at higher risk of 'NON-MELANOMA' skin cancer if you have a long-term job that keeps you out in all weathers.

MELANOMA- is aggressive and deadly.
NON-MELANOMA- is a type of skin cancer that is not melanoma ans less aggressive.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM CANCER?

1. Use a high sun protection factor(SPF)- atleast 15.
2. Stay out from sun between 10 A.M - 4 P.M.
3. Don't apply very little sun screen cream! If you apply thin layer, the SPF will be much lesser than the label suggests.
4. Re-apply the sun screen cream/lotion every couple of hours and after swimming.
5. Protect your children and youngsters! About 50% of your life time sun exposure is likely to happen before 20 years.
6. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses.
7. Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths

If you notice any change in your skin and if you think it might be a cancer, don't delay to consult your doctor. Most skin cancers can be completely cured but only if it is treated early. 

IMPORTANCE OF SUN-EXPOSURE:

1. We do need some sun exposure and it give Vitamin D, which protects us from osteoporosis (Thinning of the bones).
2. 15 to 20 mins a day during summer season is enough and its gives you Vitamin D to last all year.
3. The best time for sun exposure is from 8 A.M - 10 A.M in the morning and after 4 P.M in the evening.
4. Sunshine Vitamins helps to maintain high level of immunity, neurological functions and protect against psychological disorders. 

SUKHIYAN (Diwali Special sweet)

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Serves: Four

Ingredients:

* 200 g whole green gram (moong dal), Don't over cook the gram

* Salt to taste

* 2 cups of water 

* 2 tsp ghee

* 200 g jaggery

* 200 g coconut, grated

* 1/2 tsp cardamom powder

* 200 g flour

* Water as required

* Oil to deep fry

Methods:

1. Pressure cook the green gram with a pinch of salt and water. When done, drain water and set aside.

2. In a heavy-bottom pan, heat ghee and add jaggery. When jaggery has almost melted, add coconut, cardamom powder and cooked green gram. Saute until mixture comes together and then remove from heat.

3. Once cool, make lemon sized roundels of the mixture and set aside

.

4. Mix flour with a pinch of salt and enough water to make a medium thick batter. Dip each roundels in the batter and deep-fry in hot oil until golden crisp. Serve hot.