DANGER OF COKE & PEPSI (SOFT DRINKS)

DANGER OF COKE & PEPSI (SOFT DRINKS)

For those of u who LOVE Coke/Pepsi. Just when you thought you knew everything.

1) To clean a toilet:-

§ Pour a can of Coca-Cola into the toilet bowl.

§ Let the "real thing" sit for one hour, then flush clean.

§ The citric acid in Coke removes stains from vitreous china.

§ No scrubbing, no sweat - guaranteed.

2) To remove rust spots from chrome car bumpers:

§ Rub the bumper with a crumpled-up piece of aluminum foils dipped in Coca-Cola.

§ Much economical than the stuff from Smart Shop.

3) To clean corrosion from car battery terminals;

§ Pour a can of Coca-Cola over the terminals to bubble away the corrosion.

4) To loosen a rusted bolt;

§ Applying a cloth soaked in Coca-Cola to the rusted bolt for several minutes.

5) To remove grease from clothes;

§ Empty a can of Coke into a load of greasy clothes, add detergent, and run through a regular cycle.

6) The Coca-Cola will help loosen grease stains. It will also clean road haze from your windshield.

Hey, what do we have here?
The world's first soft drink disguise as a multi-purpose cleaner? Or should it be a multi-purpose cleaner disguise as a soft drink!!!

Besides that, if you pour Coke (yes, the soda) on a slab of pork, wait a little while, you will SEE WORMS crawl out of it.

AND WE DRINK THIS STUFF!

Coke & Pepsi - ALARMING FACTS!!!
The average pH of soft drinks, e.g. Coke, Pepsi is pH 3.4. This acidity is strong enough to dissolve teeth and bones! Our human body stops building bones at around the age of 30. After that it'll be dissolving about 8-18% of the bones each year through the urine, depending on the acidity of the food intake (acidity does not depend on the taste of the food, but on the ratio of potassium / calcium / magnesium / etc. to phosphorus).
All the dissolved calcium compounds accumulate in the arteries, veins, skin tissue, and organs. This affects the functioning of the kidney (kidney stones). Soft drinks do not have any nutritional value (in terms of vitamins and minerals). They have higher sugar content, higher acidity, and more additives such as preservatives and colourings.
Some people like to take cold soft drinks after each meal, guess what's the impact? Our body has an optimum temperature of 37 degrees for the functioning of digestive enzymes. The temperature of cold soft drinks is much less than 37, sometimes quite close to 0. This will lower the effectiveness of the enzymes and put stress on the digestive system, digesting less food. In fact the food gets fermented. The fermented food produce bad smelling gases, decays and forms toxins, which are absorbed in the intestines, get circulated in the blood and is delivered to the whole body. This spread of toxins can lead to the development of various diseases. Think before you drink Coke or Pepsi or any another soft drink.
Have you ever thought what you drink when you drink an aerated drink? You gulp down carbon dioxide, something that no sane person in the world would advise you to do. Few months ago, there was a competition in Delhi University "Who can drink the most Coke?". The winner drank 8 bottles and died on the spot because too much carbon dioxide in the blood and not enough oxygen. From then on, the principal banned all soft drinks from the university canteen.
Someone put a broken tooth in a bottle of Pepsi and in 10 days it is dissolved! Teeth and bones are the only human organs that stay intact for years after death. Imagine what the drink must be doing to your delicate soft intestines and stomach lining! To all COKE / PEPSI LOVERS, think again the next time before you say " CHUP ".

TANDOORI MASALA POWDER

TANDOORI MASALA POWDER

Tandoori masala is a mixture of spices specifically for use with a tandoor, or clay oven, in traditional north Indian, Pakistani and Afghan cooking. The specific spices vary somewhat from one region to another, but typically include garam masala, garlic, ginger, cumin, cayenne pepper, and other spices and additives (e.g. lemon juice ...). The spices are often ground together with a pestle and mortar.

Tandoori masala is used extensively with meat dishes. This masala gives the meat or vegetables a pink-colored exterior and a savory flavor.

If prepared yourself, the masala can be stored in airtight jars for up to 2 months. However, nowadays, packets or canisters of tandoori masala are also readily available at major Indian supermarkets, with varying tastes depending on the brand. This convenience has led to many people buying the masala rather than making it at home.

Ingredients

Ground coriander - 4tspGround cumin - 3 tspGround ginger -3 tspGarlic powder - 1 tsp

Chilly powder - 1 tspPaprika Powder - 4 tspMango powder - 2 tsps

Fenugreek powder - 1/4 tsp

Kasuri Methi powder - 1/4 tspDried Mint - 1 tspDeep red coloring - 3 tspYellow coloring - 1 tsp
Method
Mix all the above ingredients together and store. The coriander and cumin powders must be freshly grounded. Use as required. This masala powder can be kept for months if stored in an airtight container. Almost all the powders are available in the shops. Use the powder colors for the coloring. This masala can be used for the Veg and Non veg Tandoori dishes and for Barbecue recipes. I normally use this for my Paneer Tikkas.

PACCHA PAYARU (MOONG DAL) SUNDAL

PACCHA PAYARU (MOONG DAL) SUNDAL
Paccha Payaru/Green moong dal sundal is made during the Navaratri festival. Its highly nutritious and is light on the stomach.
Ingredients
Green moong dal - 250 grams
Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
Udad dal - 1 tsp
Green chillies – 3-4
Red chillies – 1-2 broken into 2 halves
Turmeric -1/4 tsp
Asafetida (Hing) - a small pinch
Freshly grated Coconut – 1-2 tbsps
Cooking oil - 1 tbsp
Salt as per taste.
Curry leaves – a sprig
Coriander leaves for garnish

Method
Soak the Green moong dal in water overnight. In the morning rinse out well, add some turmeric powder and little water as moong gets cooked very fast and pressure cook it for about 3-4 whistles. Don’t throw the water in which the dal has been boiled as it contains a lot of nutrients. Keep the boiled dal aside.
In a Kadhai (wok), Add oil, when it is hot, Add the mustard seeds and when they begin to crackle, Add udad dal and the red chillies, when the udad dal becomes slightly pink, add the green chillies and the curry leaves and fry well, now add in the boiled Green moong dal and turmeric, asafetida and salt. Mix well. Cover the kadhai with a lid. Don’t add water, The boiled dal already has some water, so let it cook. Once all the water is soaked up Add freshly grated coconut and some coriander leaves and mix well.
Serve hot with Rice and Rasam or enjoy it as it is.

LACK OF APPETITE IN BABIES. IS MY BABY GETTING ENOUGH BREAST MILK

LACK OF APPETITE IN BABIES. IS MY BABY GETTING ENOUGH BREAST MILK
Most New mother's are super anxious about their newborns. They are worried about whether the baby is getting enough breast milk. Is the supply good enough. Is he/she satisfied. Hope my baby doesn't remain hungry and many mothers also start formula milk as a substitute to breast milk thinking that the baby is not getting enough. This post is for all of them. This post will clear most myths that new mother's have regarding the appetite of the babies and the supply of breast milk.

"NOTHING CAN SUBSTITUTE BREAST MILK / MOTHER'S MILK". EVEN THE FORMULA MILK CONTAINER STATES THAT.....

Breast milk is the best form of nutrition for little infants and I always advocate giving breast milk to babies very strongly. The important thing is how would one know whether the breast milk supply is enough or not....Most new mothers worry that they are not getting enough breast milk but many times the breast milk supply is good enough. So always ensure that you massage the breast well and squeeze out before you latch on the baby to your breast. You can consult your doctor/ a nurse/ midwife on how to do this.

A breast feeding mother should have good nutrition and timely intake of food.
I strongly recommend Shatavari for increase in breast milk.
It's tried and tested. It's available in a Granulated Sugar form which can be added to milk or Himalaya Herbals sell them in Capsule form. I personally prefer the granulated sugar form.

Another problem is, new mothers always latch their babies on to their breasts the moment they cry. Crying could be related to various reasons and not only hunger.

Breastfeeding should be "on demand" (when your baby is hungry), which is generally every 1-3 hours. As newborns get older, they'll need to nurse less frequently — some may feed every hour and a half, whereas others may go 2-3 hours between feedings. Babies who are getting formula will likely take about 2-3 ounces every 2-4 hours. Newborns should not go more than about 4 hours without feeding.

Mothers may want to try nursing 10-15 minutes on each breast, then vary the time as necessary.

Call your baby's doctor if you need to awaken your newborn frequently or continually urge your baby to suck.

Most experts suggest you nurse or feed your baby whenever he or she seems hungry. Signs that babies are hungry include:

·  moving their heads from side to side

·  opening their mouths

·  sticking out their tongues

·  placing their hands and fists to their mouths

·  puckering their lips as if to suck

·  nuzzling again their mothers' breasts

·  showing the rooting reflex (when a baby moves its mouth in the direction of something that's  
   stroking or touching its cheek)

A rigid feeding schedule is not necessary; you and your baby will eventually establish your unique feeding pattern. Babies know (and will let their parents know) when they're hungry and when they've had enough. Watch for signs that your baby is full (slow, uninterested sucking; turning away from the breast or bottle) and stop the feeding once these signs appear.

As babies gain weight, they begin to eat more at each feeding and go longer between feedings. There may be other times when your infant seems hungrier than usual. Continue to nurse or feed on demand. Nursing mothers need not worry — Breastfeeding stimulates milk production and your supply of breast milk will automatically adjust to your baby's demand for it.

New mothers, especially breastfeeding moms, are often concerned that their infants may not be getting enough to eat. It's important for breastfed infants to be seen by their pediatrician 48 to 72 hours after a mother and newborn leave the hospital. During this visit, the baby will be weighed and examined, and the mother's breastfeeding technique can be evaluated. It's also an opportunity for nursing mothers to ask questions.

If a breastfed baby is doing well, the doctor will probably schedule another visit for around 2 weeks of age. Formula-fed babies are usually checked between 2 and 4 weeks of age, unless parents have specific concerns.

You can be assured that your baby is getting enough to eat if he or she seems satisfied, produces about six to eight wet diapers a day, has regular bowel movements, sleeps well, is alert when awake, and is gaining weight. A baby who is fussing, crying, seems hungry, and does not appear satisfied after feeding may not be getting enough to eat. If you're concerned that your baby isn't getting enough to eat, call your doctor.

Many infants "spit up" a small amount after eating or during burping, but a baby should not vomit after feeding. This can be due to overfeeding, but vomiting after every feeding may be a sign of an allergy, digestive problem, or other problem that needs medical attention. If you have concerns that your baby is spitting up too much, call your doctor.

Although your baby will probably start on some solid foods between 4 and 6 months, breast milk or formula will remain the most important source of nutrition through the first year of life.

Commercially prepared infant formula is a nutritious alternative to breast milk. Bottle feeding can offer more freedom and flexibility for the mother, and it makes it easier to know how much the baby is getting.

Because babies digest formula more slowly than breast milk, a baby who is getting formula may need fewer feedings than one who breastfeeds.

If you feel your baby's appetite is not good, monitor his weight, if he is gradually putting on weight do not worry. Also monitor his activities, as long as he is achieving the milestones matching to his age, you do not need to worry.

After the 4th month, you can introduce your baby slowly to solid foods. monitoring whether he is able to digest the same.

Introduce one food at a time, if he/she is able to take it then continue for a week, then the following week introduce him to the next thing.

****A baby's tummy is the size of his fist - remember this as you are feeding him; it doesn't take much food to make a "meal"!****

DISCLAIMER : "HOME REMEDIES ARE JUST SUPPLEMENTARY APPROACHES. ALWAYS SEEK A QUALIFIED PHYSICIAN'S ADVICE FOR ANY ILLNESSES."

AN ODE TO TALAYALAM

AN ODE TO TALAYALAM

TALAYALAM

The language spoken by the Tamil Iyers settled in Kerala, is something which is a mix of Tamil and Malayalam, we can call it Talayalam as many people call it.

Identity Crisis

Am I a Talayalee? ….almost so….because while I was growing up and even now. I don’t fall in either category i.e. Tamil or Malayalam speaking. That definitely qualifies me to be in this genre.

Born to a mother from a Talayalam lineage (my maternal grandfather hails from Tirunelveli and my maternal grandmother from Vadakkan Paravoor (North Paravoor). My grandma knew only to read and write Malayalam and she definitely didn’t know much Tamil, and as the mother’s influence at home is very strong on her kids, all the 3 daughter’s speak Talayalam, cook Keralaiyer style and 2 out of the 3 are married to Keralaiyers,(Tiruchur and Trivandrum respectively).
My mother got married to my father who hails from Coimbatore and has more of a Tamilnadu influence. But both of them are brought up in Mumbai and I grew up hearing different words for the same thing.

When Appa used to go to the market Amma will ask him to buy Matthan (Orange Pumpkin) and Elavan (Ash gourd) and when he comes back he will say Pushnikkaiyum Parangyakaiyum vaindhu vandurken.

In Tamilnadu  Ash Gourd is Pushnikkai and Orange Pumpkin is Parangyakai.

Amma used to get quite irritated. Then Appa used to call Amma “Ara Palakkad”(means half-Palakkad). We used to be quite entertained by the Great Tamil-Talayalam squabbles and grew up to learn nothing perfectly.

It was always a royal confusion at home growing up and learning a language. I don’t think what we talk could be classified as Tamil in any sense of the word, hence the last time I started a thread of Bombay Palakkad tamil Iyers, in our Palakkad Iyers forum. I called it an entirely different genre and I named this genre BBC- PTI  (Bombay born confused Palakkad Tamil Iyers).

(Sorry folks I still can’t get myself to say Mumbai.)

BBC-PTI ke baarein mein (About BBC-PTI’s)

I am a Bombay born confused Palakkad Tamil Iyer, but I can still call myself as Tamil speaking, Malayalam was a bit far off from what we spoke at home. It was already challenging to speak our mother tongue, as vallam (water) transformed into tanni(water) at my home and when grandma came she used to ask “ konjam thanuttha jalam venum enakku”(I want some cold water?) and I used to tell my mother, “ Fridge lenthu konjam cold vallam venam ammavukku?”

Now what was that…..That is Talayalam mixed with English and sometimes there was a mix of other languages as well Hindi and English with the Talayalam.

Let’s see some Tamil and Talayalam words (courtesy- our Palakkad Iyer Members which includes me)

General
Ende Guruvayorappa – O my Lord Guruvayoorappan (Talayalam)

Eeshwaro Rakhshathi – Lord save us.

Allah – No in Talayalam

Illay (Tamil)
(Appa teases my mother, "Allah Allah Misbillah" for using the word Allah)

We use a lot of “O” in reply to questions

Neku – for me in Talayalam

Ennakku in Tamil

Noku – for you in Talayalam

Onnakku in Tamil

Evolo – Tamil how much

Ethara – Talayalam

Enna pannare- Tamil
Ennavakkum Pannaraai-Talayalam

Manasilaacha  - Talayam (did u understand)- this word is nearer to Malayalam

Purinjacha -Tamil

Verummane –Talayalam (Simply)

Chumma – Tamil

Kaalambra – Talayalam (Morning)

Kaarthala – Tamil

Uchaikki – Talayalam (Afternoon)

Madhyaanam – Tamil

Saptacha-Tamil
Aaharam kazhichacha--talayalam

Evlo neram aachu -Tamil
Ethara neram aachu –Talayalam

Ethra prashiyam – how many times -Talayalam

Evolo vaati – how many times – Tamil

Velai – Work in Tamil

Joli – Talayalam

Dhirudhi – Talayalam (Rush)

Nagaru/ Navuru – Moove out of my way in Tamil

And in Talayalam Neengiko

We call our little girls Kunju ponnu and little boys Kuttan

Kutty – small in tamil and  Kunju – Talayalam

Naai – Dog in Tamil And Patti in Talayalam

Tamilians say Veetu ku vaango

We say, Aathuku .vaangol

Talayalam -"cheruppa azhichutu vaa"  In Tamil"seruppa kazhatyutu vaa"(Remove your slippers and come)

Tamil - Kizha poithu valayadyutu verthukotindhu vandirkan (he went down, played and has come back sweating)

Talayalam - Kizha poithu kalichuthu vesharthukothindhu vandirkan

Saadikyalai – Talayalam (couldn’t do)

Mudiyalai - Tamil

Madiyan – Talayalam (Lazy)

Somberi - in Tamil

Medukkan (boy)/ medukkathi(girl) – clever boy or girl in Talayalam

Buddhishaali in Tamil

Varthamanam- Talayalam (news)

Samaajaaram - Tamil

Molla – Talayalam (slowly)

Medhuva – Tamil

Cheekaram – Talayalam (quickly)

Vegam – Tamil

Ormai – Talayalam (Do u remember)

Nyaboham - Tamil

Ammanji – Mama’s son

Ammanga – Mama’s daughter

Attan – Attai’s son

Attangaar – Attai’s daughter

Konthai – Talayalam –  (baby)

Kozhandai - Tamil

Therakku – Talayalam (crowd)

Kootam -Tamil

Pani – Talayalam (Fever)

Joram – Tamil

Mookuchali in Talayalam (cold)

Jaladosham in Tamil

Vayaru seriya illai – Tamil (Stomach is not good)

Vayaru kedu vandirku – Talayalam

Kushumbu – Talayalam (mischief)

Kurumbu – Tamil

Budhimuttu – Talayalam (Trouble)

Kashtam - Tamil

Ubadhravikkarathu – Talayalam (to trouble)

Kashtapaditharthu - Tamil

Torthu / Torthumundu– Talayalam (Towel)

Tundu – Tamil

Virutthikedu - Talayalam (untidy)

Asingyam - Tamil

Praandhu – Talayalam (Mad)

Paithiyam- Tamil

Vashal la – Talayalam (Outside)

Veli la – Tamil

Chamachacha - Talayalam

samayal aacha - Tamil

FOOD

Adukkulai is kitchen in Talayalam and in Tamil they say Aduppu arai

Vellicha Ennai – Talayalam (Coconut Oil)

Tenga Ennai

Appam in Talayalam

Paniyaaram in Tamil

Appakaarai in Talayalam

Kuzhi Paniyaaram in Tamil

Pansaarai / Panjaarai– Talayalam (Sugar)

Chakkarai – Tamil

Chakara Pongal in Talayalam

Sakkarai Pongal

Karandi in Tamil for a ladle is Aapai in Talayalam.

Kanaapai (Spoon with holes)

Cheena Chatty – Talayalam(wok)

Vaanali / Iluppu chutty in Tamil

Chattuvam for the rice spoon

Kashnam –Talayalam (Pieces )

Tundu - Tamil

Mundhu – Talayalam (Sarong for men-Dhoti)

Veshti – Tamil

In tamil Kootu (mix vegetables in coconut and lentil gravy) Becomes molaghutal in talayalam.

Curry / Poriyal becomes Mezhukkuvarati if just sautéed, if coconut is added it becomes Thovaran and we call everything podutuval at home. It was easier for us. Some call it upperi too. But for us Upperi was always Banana chips.

Also thengapodi became sambaarapodi and the thuvayals became Chammanthi and then there are typical PI dishes like molagushayam and idi chakka thuvaran.


Morkozhambu(Tamil) becomes Morkootan(Talayalam) 


and then there are dishes like Olan, Kaalan, Pulinkari, Puli-Inji which also form an integral part of the PI wedding lunch along with Nendram Upperi, Sarkaritta Upperi(the sweet banana chips) and a Banana which usually don't form a part of Tamil iyer wedding menu.

I always say doshai. Never was it dosa or dosai or as they say in Singapore Thosai.

Idly was always Idaly.

Harmless Abuses

We do use a lot of Mannangatti…..the Malayalees say Mannangatta…(a form of abuse…meaningless as far as I know)

My uncle used to get angry and say, “Cheppe la oru adi kittum” (you will get one beating on your butt)

Ennathu idu kaatumbraandi maadri nadakkarai (walking like a savage)

My mother always threatened me by saying,“choota kaachi ezhuten na paaru” (I will burn you with the iron rod)

Chooral aala vechchu kachuven (Cane you)

Moonjiyem Morakattai yem paaru (see the face)

Atchipitchu (Idiot)

Muttal (Fool)

Abhishtu (Stupid)

But there are certain words which mean entirely different in tamil and Malayalam This is seriously funny.
Valakku Kathanam – Talayalam ( I have to light the lamp )

Valakku Ethanam – Tamil

Kathardhu in tamil means shouting

Thalla lai enakku (Iam not feeling well) in Talayalam

Enakku odambu mudiyalai in Tamil

Actually Thallarthu means pushing someone in Tamil

Thooral - Drizzling in tamil and Vayathaala porathu in Malayalam
I read somewhere in blogosphere that when the movie 'Thooral ninnu pochu' came to kerala they had to change it to Saaral ninnu pochu and release it

Kazhichacha- have u eaten? in Talayalam is saptacha in tamil, but kazhichacha actually means subtracting

Veedu in Tamil(home) is Aathu in Talayalam but

Aathu in talayalam actually means river in Tamil

I have never understood the Tamil news read on Singapore local channel Vasantham Central or on / Sun TV / Vijay TV / Jaya TV nor have I understood the Asianet news. It all sounds like a foreign language to me.

Then there are words like thair oravathardhu(setting the yogurt from milk), moru Kadayardhu(making buttermilk), chaana churnai(rag to wipe the floor), modai (kitchen platform), sambadam(vessel), eriyardhu/ kaaram aa irukku- I don’t know which one is Talayalam and which one is Tamil…

I like my chaya (tea) as in Malayalam and Talayalam but we call it Chai (Mumbai isshtyle) and don’t like Kapi (Coffee) at all like the Tamilians

So does that qualify me to be a Talayalee……?

I love dhoklas, samosas and pav bhaji. Vada pao is my absolute favorite and I speak fluent Marathi and extremely fluent Hindi and my hindi peeks into my Talayalam as well…. Ezhadhardhu khatam(finished in hindi) panniyaachu? I have finished writing.

so does that qualify me to be a BBC-PTI ?

Confused and not accepted but what the heck I get the best of all worlds don’t I?

POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING …….LOL!!!!!!

MULLANGI CHUTNEY (CHUTNEY MADE WITH RADDISH)

Mullangi Chutney(Chutney made with Raddish)

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups of grated white radish
5-6 tbsp scraped fresh coconut
5-6 garlic flakes, crushed (optional)
3 green chillies
1 small piece ginger
1 tsp tamarind juice
1 tsp Chana ka daali (Pottu Kadalai)
3-4 peppercorns
1 sprig curry leaves
1 tbsp cooking oil
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
Salt to taste
Method
Blend together the Coconut, tamarind, peppercorns, Chana ka daali, green chillies and the ginger. When it's almost smooth in texture, add the garlic, salt to taste and the grated radish. Run the blender for about 3-4 secs. The radish and garlic should be about a quarter mashed up. Remove from the blender and season with mustard seeds and curry leaves.

CHUTNEY SPREAD

Chutney spread

Ingredients:
1/2 cup grated coconut
4 red chillies or 1 tsp. red chilli powder
1 tbsp Tamarind paste
2 flakes garlic (optional)
1 tbsp. roasted groundnuts
Salt to taste
Method
Grind all ingredients into a smooth paste without adding much water. The chutney consistency should be firm.

KRISHNA IS EVERYWHERE

KRISHNA IS EVERYWHERE

Sage Narada had a desire to know how Krishna was able to keep his thousands of wives happy and contented and attend to all of them everyday. So one day, he came to Dwaraka and entered the palace of Rukmini where he saw Krishna being fanned and served by her. He was greeted by the Lord and given an honorable seat. After sometime, he took leave and entered the hosue of Satyabhama and saw there Krishna playing a game of dice with her, with Uddhava sitting by his side. On seeing Narada, Krishna got up and welcomed him as if he was meeting him for the first time that day. Narada then left that house and entered another where he saw Krishna playing with his babies. He entered another

house and saw in each of them Krishna engaged in various activities, such as preparing to go for his bath, performing his morning worship, teaching the children, and so on. Narada then entered the durbar hall and saw Krishna engaged in discussions with the

minister’s. Wherever he went, he saw Krishna in his innumerable forms, somewhere spending his time in the midst of courtiers, somewhere hunting and so on. Narada was thrilled at this experience of the One Lord manifesting at all places simultaneously in different forms. Wherever he looked he saw only Krishna. He was overcome with wonderment and praised Him with hymns. Krishna then spoke to him thus "O great sage! You know My Tatwa. I sustain righteousness in this world. In order that the world may not swerve from the righteous path, I have assumed the role of a great householder

now. Why should you get deluded by this Maya of Mine?" Narada prostrated to the Lord and went to the higher worlds singing the glory of Krishna.

BODY

BODY

-If you starve, you lose weight! What is the secret? To be told eat less and exercise, is common sense if you want to lose weight. In fact, I find that when a person is on diet, you think of food much more than ever. The important thing is to know your body, identify your wrong eating habits and correct them. Be aware of what you are ingesting and calculate its repercussions.

-The best way is to start the day with a fruit. I do believe if you eat boiled egg in the morning, you don’t feel too hungry even at lunch. Don’t skip carbohydrates at lunch, or you will never make it through till evening. If faced with an irresistible dessert, have one bite and satiate yourself, and resist the second bite. To lose weight, skip carbohydrates after 7 pm.

-Eat less, occupy your mind with something constructive and maintain an exercise routine.

-Exercise is important for a body tone on the outside, and, to increase metabolism on the inside. Also exercise clears the head and is therapeutic.

-Just starving never does good. It takes away the glow from the face and makes one irritable and low. The idea is to maintain a certain lifestyle, with good food habits, instead of crash diets. It is the only way to maintain yourself and not have your weight fluctuating.

-Once you loose the excessive kilos on your body your skin tends to get flabby.Exercise is the only method to tighten the skin, which has become loose after loosing weight. Oil massage can also help. Body toning and firming exercises will be fine. A Gym instructor will be able to guide more on the pattern of exercises routine that you must follow.

- Yoga helps you to have a beautiful body.

- Having an oil bath (Applying oil to your entire body) once in a week keeps your skin moisturized and you can avoid flaking and itchy skin.

VEGETABLES ARE ANTI-CANCEROUS

VEGETABLES ARE ANTI-CANCEROUS

BROCCOLI
How it combats cancer: Research has revealed that a chemical component called indole-3-carbinol can combat breast cancer by converting a cancer-promoting estrogen into a more protective riety. The phytochemical sulforaphane raises the levels of certain cancer-fighting enzymes that defend the body from cigarette smoke, fumes, pesticides & other known carcinogens.

Diet tips: Broccoli leaves actually contain more beta-carotene (i.e. pre-Vitamin A) than the florets - use leaves in purees, soups, stir-fries. To preserve broccoli’s valuable nutrients, steam or microwave, being careful not to overcook. Avoid garnishing broccoli with fatty cheeses and creams instead,squeeze on some lemon juice or sprinkle with toasted bread crumbs.

PAPAYA
How it combats cancer: Its plentiful store of vitamin C works as an antioxidant and may also reduce absorption of cancer-causing nitrosamines from the soil or processed foods. Papaya contains folacin (also known as folic acid), which has been shown to minimize cervical ysplasia and certain cancers.

Diet tips: Choose papayas that are at least half yellow in the store - fully green ones were probably picked too soon and won’t ripen properly. You can serve papaya in fruit salad, add it to a garlic-and-spinach pasta mixture, or just eat it on its own, letting the juice dribble down your arm.

GARLIC
How it combats cancer: Garlic’s immune-enhancing allium compounds block carcinogens from entering cells and slow tumor development. Diallyl sulfide, a component of garlic oil, has also been shown to render carcinogens in the liver inactive. Studies have linked garlic - as well as onions, leeks, and chives - to lower risk of stomach and colon cancer.

Diet tips: Add raw garlic to salads, use it fresh in marinades and sauces;
rub freshly cut garlic around the insides of salad bowls and over chicken
and fish fillets. Avoid dried or powdered garlic, which is less concentrated - and less effective

KALE
How it combats cancer: Research has shown that indoles, nitrogen compounds found in kale and other leafy greens, may help stop the conversion of certain lesions to cancerous cells in estrogen-sensitive tissues. In addition, isothiocyanates, phytochemicals found in kale, are thought to suppress tumor growth and block cancer-causing substances from reaching their targets.

Diet tips: A cruciferous vegetable, kale requires quick cooking - blanching or steaming - to preserve its nutrients. When you’re done, save the nutrient-rich cooking liquid for soups or sauces. You can also use whole large leaves to wrap fillings or to layer in lasagna.

SWEET POTATO
How it combats cancer: This nutrient-dense food contains many anticancer properties. It’s loaded with beta-carotene, which may protect DNA in the cell nucleus from cancer-causing chemicals outside the nuclear membrane.

Diet tips: Go for freshness when picking potatoes - canned arieties contain less beta-carotene and vitamins C and B. Naturally sweet and creamy, mashed sweet potatoes can be enhanced with a little apple juice. Or whip the cooked tubers with orange zest or orange juice and season with cinnamon,nutmeg, and ginger.

GRAPEFRUIT
How it combats cancer: Grapefruits, like oranges and other citrus fruits,contain monoterpenes, believed to help prevent cancer by sweeping carcinogens out of the body. Some studies show that grapefruit can inhibit the proliferation of breast-cancer cells in vitro. It also contains vitamin C, beta-carotene, and folic acid.

Diet tips: Grapefruit can be sweetened with brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup or honey; vanilla extract, fresh mint, and almonds also accent the fruit’s flavor. Grapefruit juice will give you the antioxidants and phytochemicals that fight cancer, but it’s missing the fiber that fresh,whole grapefruit offers.

AVOCADO
How it combats cancer: Avocados are rich in glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that attacks free radicals in the body by blocking intestinal absorption of certain fats. Ounce for ounce, avocados also supply 60 percent more potassium than bananas and are a strong source of beta-carotene.

Diet tips: Store avocados at room temperature until they soften. If you don’t eat the fruit immediately after cutting, sprinkle on some lemon or lime juice to keep it from darkening. Add chunks or slices to salads and sandwiches or spread mashed avocado on bread.

SEAWEED
How they combat cancer: Seaweed and other sea vegetables contain beta-carotene, protein, vitamin B12, fiber, and chlorophyll, as well as chlorophylones - important fatty acids that may help in the fight against breast cancer. Also, many sea vegetables have high concentrations of the minerals potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and iodine.

Diet tips: Sea vegetables come fresh, dried, or powdered. Both the Japanese & the Irish regularly use them as flavorings for broths & soups,stir-fried over rice, or as a wrap for fish and other seafood. Varieties such as dulce, wakame, kombu, and hijiki even appear in pancakes,salads,puddings, and sandwiches.

TOFU
How it combats cancer: Soy contains several types of phytoestrogens -weak, nonsteroidal estrogens that could help prevent both breast and prostate cancer by blocking and suppressing cancerous changes. Genistein,one type of phytoestrogen, also lowers breast-cancer risk by inhibiting the growth of epithelial cells & new blood vessels that tumors require to flourish.

Diet tips: Tofu is made by coagulating the protein in soybeans - much the way cheese is produced. While bland on its own, tofu absorbs other flavors when cooked, making it perfect for stir-fries, dips, spreads,shakes, even cheesecake. It’s also a good high-protein substitute for meat, whole milk & mayonnaise.

Please note that ALL cruciferous vegetables (like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussel sprouts) CANNOT be taken raw as they contain oxalates which, is excessive, and can lead to gall stones.
To get maximum benefit from these vegetables, please do not overcook them. Just stir fry and have it crispy and crunchy.

CAUSES OF CANCER
Lets take Singapore for example….The number ONE killer in Singapore is cancer (followed by Heart Disease & Stroke). Not all cancers are the same. 1/3 is curable. 1/3 is preventable.

2 factors of cancer that cannot be controlled are AGE & FAMILY HISTORY.

Causes of cancer:-
1. Smoking is very often the main cause of cancer. It kills us silently and drains money from us quietly. There're 4,000 harmful chemicals (though in diluted form) in one stick of cigarette. Taking one puff is 600 times worst than inhaling the exhaust fumes from vehicles.

2. Some food that cause cancer are:
2.1 Barbecued Food
2.2 Deep Fried Food
2.3 Overheating Meat
2.4 Food that is high in fat causes our bile to secrete acid that contains a chemical which is a promoter of cancer cells.
2.5 Food that contains preservatives, too much salt or nitrates (e.g. Canned food, Salted egg & veggies, sausages, etc.)
2.6 Overnight Rice (where Aflatoxin is accumulated)
2.7 Food that is low in fibre: Our body needs 25 gm of both soluble & insoluble fibre daily. We must drink at least 1.5 litres of plain water a day.
2.8 Contaminated Food (e.g. moulded bread causes our body to secrete toxins that may eventually lead to liver cancer in the long run. Never eat bread that is kept in room temperature for more than 2 days especially in a humid weather like Singapore's.

3. Types of fat and which is the best?
3.1 Highly Recommended for Health:-
i. Olive Oil - The best of all oils. It does not absorb in our body.
ii. Fish Oil - Omega 3 (contained in NI's Circulytes) haspoly-unsaturated fat. It's good for our brain cells.
iii. Peanut Oil - It contains Vitamin E. A small dosage is recommended only.

3.2 Not Recommended for Health
i Vegetable Fat - Palm oil is worst than coconut oil. It is high in cholesterol and highly unsaturated.

ii Coconut Oil - It has saturated fat.

4. Specific Food & Beverages
4.1 Egg when eaten too much can cause High Colon Cancer. Risk Ovary Cancer, Prostate Cancer.
4.2 Cabbage is highly recommended for health reason.
4.3 Tomato is best eaten raw with a bit of olive oil for better absorption. Other alternative is to take tomato sauce.
4.4 Coffee is good because it contains 2 anti-oxidants. Inhaling the coffee aroma for half each day is equivalent to eating two oranges a day. However, the residue of over-burned coffee is extremely bad for health. It can cause cancer.
4.5 Tea, as long as it is in its original tea leaves and not processed into BOH or Lipton packets, it is good for health. Tea contains 30 anti-oxidants. Recommended dosage is 4 cups a day.

Exercise and be fit
Have a balanced lifestyle. Exercise regularly.
F : Frequency: 3 to 5 times a week.
I : Intensity: Exercise till we sweat and breath deeply.
T : Types of exercises: Find one that suits our age, lifestyle, etc.

Have regular check-up
Once we reach the age of 45 & above, it is recommended that we go for regular comprehensive health examination. Early detection may save lives.