Sex tonight won't trigger heart attack

If you have suffered a heart attack and feel that exertion between the sheets can be further detrimental to the health of your heart, just chill and plan some real action tonight.

According to researchers, sex can never trigger a heart attack and for those who has suffered one, its is absolutely safe to resume sexual activity.

"Based on our data, it seems very unlikely that sexual activity is a relevant trigger of heart attack," said Dietrich Rothenbacher, professor and chair of the institute of epidemiology and medical biometry at Ulm University in Ulm, Germany.

According to the researchers, sexual activity generally involves moderate physical activity comparable to climbing two staircases or taking a brisk walk.

"Less than half of men and less than a third of women are getting information about sexual activity after heart attack from their doctors. It is important to reassure patients that they need not be worried and should resume their usual sexual activity," he explained.

To reach this conclusion, the researchers looked at 536 heart disease patients between the age 30 and 70 to evaluate sexual activity in the 12 months before a heart attack.

During 10 years of follow up, 100 adverse cardiovascular events occurred in patients in the study.

Sexual activity was not a risk factor for subsequent adverse cardiovascular events.

Researchers also evaluated the timing of the last sexual activity before the heart attack.

Only 0.7 percent reported sex within an hour before their heart attack.

"In comparison, over 78 percent reported that their last sexual activity occurred more than 24 hours before the heart attack," the authors noted.

Despite the benefits of sexual activity outweighing risks, the potential of erectile dysfunction as a side-effect from medications and the risk of a drop in blood pressure from combining certain heart medications with erectile dysfunction medications should be clearly communicated to patients.

Sexual activity can be a concern for many heart attack patients who worry about exertion triggering another heart event, but data on the harms and benefits of sexual activity in heart disease patients is limited.

The research was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.    http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/Sex-tonight-wont-trigger-heart-attack/articleshow/49056761.cms

10 Sex Secrets I Wish I Knew Before I Was Married

I'm 41 years old, and I've been married to the same beautiful woman for almost two decades. Over the years I've had to work through some myths and misconceptions about sex. Many of these misconceptions started early, before I was married, and they've taken years to straighten out. If I could send ten sex and intimacy tips to myself before I was married, this is exactly what I'd say...

Dear pre-married self (circa 1994),I know you're so pumped about getting married because you found the girl of your dreams and you plan to spend the rest of your lives together and, well, SEX!

However, I'm writing this because you have some preconceived beliefs about sexual intimacy that are totally WRONG. And before you get married, I'd like to clear them up for you, because, you know, we're pals. So let's get started.

10. Sexual intimacy doesn't happen like it does on TV or in the movies.

Much of what you know about sex comes from advertising, TV and the movies. In other words, sex looks like a spontaneous, flawless connection of love-making filled with romance, Marvin Gaye and candles in windowsills. Sexual intimacy does NOT work like that. There is rarely Marvin Gaye. Don't be disappointed; real sexual intimacy is different than the movies, but it's much better in the long run.

9. A note on frequency. Brace yourself.

Right now you're thinking marriage is filled with sex almost every second of the day and thousands of times a week -- because, why wouldn't you!? You should live in this dream world for as long as you can and ride your trusty unicorn into the Skittle-stained sunset where you pet your wild Ewok and cross the Bridge to Terabithia. Stay there. As long as you can. That is all.

8. Sex is like fine wine -- it gets better with age.

Sexual intimacy is something you get better and better at. It takes communication, practice and time. This is the way God intended it. Right now you think your sex IQ is at a genius level, but you couldn't pass the Sex ACT with what you know. (No, there is no Sex ACT; I'm using an illustration -- you really should read more too.)

7. Sex is not just about getting, but giving.

Are you laughing? I'm serious. God made sex in such a way that it requires both of you to give. And it's good to give. Don't be a taker all the time. Sexual intimacy is a great place to model sacrifice and service. If you get that into your head now, the getting will be even better. There's great beauty and mystery in the giving. Be generous.

6. Men and women don't think about sex the same way.

For you, sex is wrapped up in physical attraction and it's very visual and instantaneous. However, you might want to sit down for this one, women think about sex in terms of the relationship, their security and how much they feel loved and pursued. For you, sex is like a light switch without a dimmer: you're totally ready at any moment (unless you're asleep... like dead asleep). For her, sex is like a crockpot that takes a good part of the day to come to a simmer. You will both be frustrated by this. That's OK; it's part of God's wiring to bring you together on a deeper level.

5. Sex doesn't complete you.

Right now, you're putting a ton of stock in the power, importance and value of sex. Let's be honest, you think about it constantly. You need to know sexual intimacy is fantastic and satisfying and incredible in so many ways, but it's not meant to be an idol. You will need to fight this and work to keep sex in proper perspective: as a gift from God to be enjoyed in marriage.

4. Sex can be fun and funny and playful.

There are many angles of sexual intimacy, and some of them you're totally unaware of right now. You think of sex in one dimension -- serious pleasure. However, sexual intimacy done right is a form of vulnerability and authenticity, and when you totally love someone and have nothing to hide -- and I mean nothing -- you are free to be your truest self.

3. Pursuing her is like a legal sex drug for her soul.

I hinted at this previously, but this is probably the best secret I can give you. Pursue her. Make sure she knows you want her in more ways than just the physical. Pursue her mind. Pursue her heart. Pursue her in every way possible. Remember, she doesn't think about sex like you do --you're all skin and eyeballs, and she's all heart and soul.

2. It's more mysterious than you think.

Again, right now your thoughts about sex are pretty simple. You're stuck in the physical, but God designed sexual intimacy to be way more complex than two bodies finding their way together. That whole one-flesh thing you've read in the Bible -- that stuff is real. It's hard to explain and I don't fully understand it, but something magical happens in the act of sex, something cosmic that links you to her in a way that's soul deep.

1. Sex in marriage is a form of worship.

Most of your thoughts about worship are confined to church and singing right now. So when I say sex is worship, you probably think I'm nuts. But soon you'll get a bigger picture. It's a fun point in our spiritual journey. Along with that is the beautiful command from Scripture to have sex with your wife -- unashamed, unabashed, unadulterated and often. This act is a form of worship, plain and simple, like singing an ancient hymn with your bodies. That sounded a little creepy. Let's just call it worship.

I really hope you'll take these thoughts to heart, because when it comes down to it, sex is more wonderful than you can imagine.  Sincerely, Brian from 2015

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brian-orme/10-sex-secrets-i-wish-i-knew-before-marriage_b_8133538.html?ir=India&adsSiteOverride=in

5 walk-based workouts that will burn the fats

It is widely believed that walking not only helps you lose weight but also helps you to achieve a well-toned body. Thus, fitness professionals have started stressing on exercises that can be done while you walk to get better results.

Here are five workouts that you can try out —

High intensity workout
While going for your usual walks in the morning or in the evening, try putting in a 10-minute of HIIT workout in between. This will make working out fun and also help you lose weight and tone better.

Sprint walking
Ditch your brisk walk and instead try going in for sprint walking. The quicker you walk, the farther you can go, the more kilos you'll shed. This fun routine helps you burn as much as 175-200 calories within half an hour. Each time you do this workout, aim to walk faster than your last time.

Half-marathon walk
An hour-plus walk can boost your immunity and also increases your metabolism. A half-marathon, which is typically about a 20-km walk, can up your energy levels and can keep you fitter. If a long walk bores you, you can also ask your friends to join in.

Belly-bursting walk
Fitness professional Adrija Mane says, "While walking, try doing some ab-based exercise to strengthen your core. For instance, breathe in and hold your breath for a good few seconds when you are walking. If you are in a park, you can try doing some crunches for about five minutes in between your walks."

Brainpower boosting walk
It is said that changing the direction you walk can sometimes up your chances of burning more calories. The walk can be sideways, backwards or forward. It is also said to utilise muscles which haven't been used before while walking, such as the outer or the inner thighs.   http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/fitness/5-walk-based-workouts-that-will-burn-the-fats/articleshow/49091136.cms  

Healthy snacking

People who watch their weight often complain that they have to snack on boring, bland items.However, there are quite a few options that can appeal to their taste buds. Here are some healthy and lip-smacking recipes for you picked up from various states.
 MAHARASHTRA  Peanut chaat masala is an easy Maharashtrian snack that is easy to rustle up in minutes.Vinita Desai, a homemaker tells us about the recipe, "Pressure cook fresh peanuts with salt and turmeric. Cool and de-shell.You can have them as it is or mix it with chopped onions, tomatoes, green chillies, fresh coriander, chaat masala and a squeeze of lemon juice."

 GOA  You can't miss the gaados (street carts) on streets of Goa selling Goan pav with bhaji or the other speciality- the simple yet delicious rassa omelette.Foodie Sarah Fernandes says, "Ros is a Konkani word for gravy which in this case is the spicy chicken xacuti gravy and floating in it is the egg omelette made with onions, tomatoes, garnished with coriander, and served with chopped onions on the side. Some may replace the chicken curry with plain tomato curry or mutton curry but the end result has to be a hot and spicy dish to be wiped clean with pav (toasted or plain)."

 NORTHEAST  Steamed momos too are a good choice for those watching weight. Pranati Guha, a homemaker originally from Assam says, "Back home I have childhood memories of eating homemade momos. This steamed snack can be made with a variety of fillings like paneer, mashed potatoes, meat and cheese with finely chopped veg etables cabbage, spring onions, ginger and garlic being integral to each filling.Served hot with chilli sauce or spicy tomato chutney it is an unforgettable experience of monsoon food culture from northeast India."


 MADHYA PRADESH  Indore has a speciality dish known as bhutte ka kees made by cooking freshly grated corn with green chillies, grated ginger and coconut, topped with coriander leaves and spices. It is eaten as it is or with chapatis.Another Indori special is the poha which along with jalebi is a favourite breakfast item in Indore. Says Vinita Desai, "The Indori poha is incomplete without the fennel seeds added to the tadka and pomegranate seeds for garnishing. Many also add sev and other namkeen to the poha giving it a crunchy twist."  
PUNJAB  In Punjab they love their deep-fried samosas but there are other equally tempting snacks like masala chana aloo chaat. Pooja Khanna who makes it a point to pre pare nutritious snacks says, "I make a tangy masala chana aloo chaat which is healthy and tasty. I make the same chaat using boiled rajma, chhole or chawli. It takes care chawli. It takes care of the taste buds and my waist-line too.    http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/weight-loss/Options-for-healthy-snacking-state-wise/articleshow/49113641.cmS   

How to make your own bottle garden

Ever seen a garden in a bottle? Only a genie might be able to do that, right? Well, not anymore. Even you can conjure one at home now. Don't believe us? Do it yourself...

Commonly used as a form of decoration, a bottle garden is perhaps a brilliant substitute of balcony or terrace gardens for city apartments. A plastic or a glass bottle with a narrow neck is just what you require to get started. Plants are grown inside the bottle with little exposure to sunlight, and can be contained indefinitely inside the bottle. You may wonder how the plants survive without air or water. It's pure science. When the plants are initially planted in a bottle, a small quantity of water is added. The air in the bottle provides the plants with necessary oxygen and carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. Sunlight is used to convert water and carbon dioxide into sugar. Oxygen that is liberated as a byproduct, remains trapped in the bottle and is, in turn, used for respiration by the plants. The cycle continues and thus, the plants can easily survive in a self-sufficient ecosystem.

Green therapy
Creating a bottle garden is simple. All you need to do is select a plant with a slender stem, tolerance for lower indoor light, humidity and features of visible interest like appealing leaf colour, shape etal. Get a pretty-looking bottle and you are all set.

- Put a tablespoon of coarse aquarium gravel at the bottom of the bottle. That way you'll be able to see if there is stagnant water below the soil.

- Fill the bottle up to an inch with fine potting soil just above the gravel. Let it settle down by gently adding water, but just enough to moisten the soil.

- To prevent getting water on the mouth of the bottle and to prevent over watering, use an eye dropper. Using distilled water will help limit the amount of salts going into the soil.

- Keep adding soil and water until the level of the soil is correct and all of it is moist.

- Once the stem extends beyond the top of the bottle, gradually add more soil to give the stem and roots time to adjust being covered. With such a small opening, the soil may not be able to take in enough air at times and may sour due to over-watering. Now, that might be fatal to the roots.

- If the bottle is big enough, a layer of brick pieces of about 10 mm thickness should be laid (instead of gravel) at the bottom. This will absorb accidental application of excess water. Preparing the soil.

- The soil mixture should be porous and friable. This helps in aeration of roots. In case of a bottle garden, it is not easy to loosen the soil at regular intervals. Hence porous soil is essential.

- For this, take one part red garden soil, one part crushed brick pieces and one part leaf mould. In case leaf mould is not available, ½ part of well-decomposed manure may be used in the mixture. It is not necessary to sterilise the soil mixture.

- To take care of fungus and insect infection, add a small quantity of fungicide and insecticide to the soil mixture. It is advisable that these chemicals are mixed in water and then added to the soil.

- Making the soil moist has certain advantages. The dust will not fly while you fill the bottle with soil. And when you plant the saplings, the soil won't crack. Selection of plants

- The plants chosen should be slow-growing because fast-growing plants need frequent pruning, which is bit difficult in case of a bottle garden.

- Herbs like sage, oregano, basil and ferns work quite well for a bottle garden as they usually adapt to the size of their environment be it a small bottle or a big container.

- Keep the bottle near a window. But direct sunlight must be avoided, or else plants will wilt inside.

How to sow a sapling
Place the selected saplings inside the bottle with the help of fork and forcep. Pour a few droplets of water and close the lid of the bottle. The plants start growing inside the closed bottle. You should not water again unless the saplings start wilting. So, what are you waiting for? Happy gardening! http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/home-garden/How-to-make-your-own-bottle-garden/articleshow/49071541.cms

Vital health checks every woman should have

To pre-empt problems when you're older, it's wise to get checked out for certain things sooner rather than later...

Feeling healthy right now? Don't be too complacent; research found that almost half of people in their late 30s are at increased risk of illness and poor health later in life, as we put off making positive changes to our lifestyle. "Your 40s are the perfect opportunity to press the 'reset' button on health habits to make a lasting difference to your overall wellbeing," says Dr Chris Tomkins, head of proactive health at a healthcare centre. Prevention really is better than cure: "Most test results can give you peace of mind and if a problem is picked up, treatment is more effective the earlier an issue is identified," says women's health expert, Dr Marilyn Glenville. It's time to get checked out...

Cervical smear

Why? Although cervical cancer is most common in women between the ages of 30-35, it's still vital to have regular smear tests. You should have one every three years between 25-49, and every five years between 50-64.

What is it? A smear involves taking a small sample from the cervix (the neck of the womb) to check for any abnormal cells that might lead to cervical cancer. Almost all cervical cancer is caused by the HPV virus, which is initially contracted by sexual activity. "However, it may lay dormant for years before it starts to cause cancerous cells on your cervix," warns Dr Pixie. "If you have bleeding between periods or after sex your should see your GP," she adds.

Mammogram

Why? Breast awareness is very important at any age, because breast cancer, the most common cancer in the UK, affects one in eight women. "Attending mammograms every three years is vital," advises Lloyds Pharmacy pharmacist Alison Freemantle.

What is it? This is an x-ray of both breasts to look for any changes that might suggest cancer. Women between the age of 47 and 53 should get it done. Regular breast checking is incredibly important, too; see your GP immediately if you notice any changes to your breast tissue, such as irregular lumps or bumps, or skin dimpling.

Regular eye tests

Why? Having an eye check once a year with a qualified ophthalmologist is important, no matter what your age.

What is it? A simple test, where the ophthalmologist looks into the back of your eye with a special torch, can highlight health conditions such as diabetes and glaucoma and also check for eye conditions that result in a gradual loss of vision, which can't be treated with glasses — such as cataracts and macular degeneration, the most common form of vision loss in the over 50s.

Bowel checks

Why? Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK but accounts for the second highest number of deaths, so it's essential to have regular tests.

What is it? This involves submitting a specimen of your stool for analysis. "It's important to catch bowel cancer early, so get checked out at 40," says Dr HelenWebberley, medical director of an online tests site. "The test can detect tiny amounts of blood in the stool which can indicate cancer or precancerous polyps. These polyps can be removed before they go on to cause any harm."

Bone health

Why? The health of your bones becomes even more important once you hit the menopause. "Past 50, one of our greatest risks is osteoporosis," comments Dr Marilyn Glenville. This is because a drop in oestrogen for a prolonged period can cause a loss in bone mass. "Have a bone density scan, especially if you have a family history of osteoporosis, or any other risk factors for the condition such as being a heavy drinker and smoker, or suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's disease," says Dr Glenville.

What is it? An x-ray that uses very low doses of radiation to take pictures of your spine and hips while you are lying down. Dr Glenville also recommends having a 'bone turnover' test — a urine test which detects whether you're losing bone mass on a daily basis. "This shows if you need extra nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D." Consider having a vitamin D test too, because it's essential in helping our bodies absorb calcium.

Hearing

Why? Hearing loss is a common problem as we age, "but most people suffer from it for up to 10 years before seeking help," says Alison Freemantle. Hearing loss can be gradual and often begins with having difficulty hearing people speak when there's a lot of background noise. This can affect quality of life and make a person feel isolated. If you have problems hearing, it could also signify an infection or ear disease, so visit your GP. If you haven't had a hearing test since childhood it's worth having one to check everything is as it should be.
 What is it? There is a free Lloyds Pharmacy hearing test, which is carried out by a fully qualified Sonetik audiologist. "The test takes about 10 minutes and checks for levels of hearing loss," explains Alison. "And if a hearing aid is suitable, Lloyds Pharmacy offers a free trial." http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/Vital-health-checks-every-woman-should-have/articleshow/48810112.cms 

7 reasons to walk regularly

Walking has the ability to reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

It's also effective enough to maintain weight and control pain from chronic disease. It is recommended that adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week as well as two days of resistance training. A survey found that an overwhelming majority of people don't meet these benchmarks. To help you get into the swing of walking, we've rounded up seven reasons why you should take up walking as an exercise...

It is linked to lower rates of obesity
People, who walk to work are less likely to be obese, according to a study. Walking just 20 minutes a day can reduce your risk of premature death by 30%. About 30 minutes of walking a day burns 150 calories, which can help you reach a calorie deficit that leads to weight loss.

Walking helps prevent diabetes
Walking regulates blood sugar levels, which keeps insulin levels low and diabetes at bay. Walking for 15 minutes after meals helped regulate blood sugar levels just as effectively as one 45-minute walk per day, said a study, which is good for those daunted by one big walking session.

It is a good form of exercise for your heart
Everyone knows that in the ranking of best-for-you exercises, running is better than walking, right? Not necessarily, and especially not when it comes to cardiovascular health. A study found that walkers who cover the same mileage as runners enjoy comparable reductions in high blood pressure, high cholesterol and coronary heart disease. While it took twice as long for walkers to cover the distance, walking may be a more sustainable and accessible activity than running for most people, especially those who are new to exercise.

Walking is gentle enough for people of all body types
Pregnant? Morbidly obese? Arthritic? Walking is gentle enough for most people who have these conditions, doctors agree, and the activity can help ease the pain of chronic illness — even if you have to start off by walking just two minutes a day.

It lifts your mood and protects against depression and anxiety
Moving your body is a good way to release endorphins, a set of feel-good chemicals that dull pain receptors in the brain, sedate you and even give you feelings of happiness and euphoria. That's why walking is recommended to help improve symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Walking briskly for 35 minutes five times a week, or 60 minutes three times a week, has a significant influence on mild to moderate depression symptoms.

It'll help you sleep better at night
There's a reason that travel experts advise you to walk around a new city on the day you arrive. Exposing your body to sunlight and staying outside helps recalibrate the hormone melatonin to your new surroundings and time zone. As melatonin rises, so does feelings of sleepiness.

Walking is affordable and accessible
There's no gym membership, fancy exercise clothing or even walking-specific shoes you need to start. You also don't have to be trained to learn how to walk properly. All you need are a pair of comfortable, supportive shoes! — Anna Almendrala, HuffingtonPost.in http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/fitness/7-reasons-to-walk-regularly/articleshow/48971529.cms 

Go for terrace farming for organic veggies at 50p/kg

KOLKATA: Organic vegetables at just 50 paise a kg: This may sound incredible at a time when veggies are burning a hole in the pocket but a Birbhum firm apparently has the key to it.  The firm, which has set up a terrace garden in New Town, is ready to offer their expertise that could help grow vegetables at an unbelievably low cost. It has come up with an elevated platform on PVC "towers", which could be used to grow vegetables on a terrace for a one-time investment of Rs 4 lakh.

More than 50 varieties of organic vegetables can be produced under the project. A 20 sq-m garden on a terrace could accommodate around 50 different plants, said Kunal Deb, secretary of Owl Spirit, the firm behind the project. "We use only natural ingredients and have created a unique bed, which is 10 times lighter than soil. It is a plant nutrient mixture comprising bacteria, compost and organic plants. We also provide a maintenance kit that consists of fungicide and organic pesticides. A 20 sq-m terrace garden can help meet the vegetable demand of an average-sized multi-storey building for a year. The price will not be more than 50 paise a kg."

Deb and his team has developed a 5,000 sq-ft garden atop Siddha Garden in New Town that grows half-a-dozen varieties of leafy vegetables, such as note shaak, palang shaak, piring shaak, several varieties of chillies, multiple varieties of brinjals, tomatoes, cabbages, cauliflowers, gourds, onions, beetroots, capsicum, garlic, flat beans and bitter gourd. These are cultivated in baskets placed inside low, semi-circular bamboo chambers. The garden produces 8,000 kg vegetables a year.

The new technology that Owl Spirit is offering now is even easier and cheaper than its earlier version. They have devised four-feet tall towers of PVC pipes, each of which can hold at least 10 plants, and can be used to grow creepers and. A roof can have five-six such towers, meaning 50-60 plants. "It can be used to cultivate several varieties that are now almost extinct in Bengal, such as white brinjals, ridged gourds and piring shaak. For an investment of Rs 4 lakh, eight-10 families can have a yearly supply of vegetables," said Deb. Agriculture minister Purnendu Bose has asked them to help set up more such terrace farms.

The farm could be set up in three months, said Deb, adding they were experimenting with paddy.      http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Go-for-terrace-farming-for-organic-veggies-at-50p/kg/articleshow/48992436.cms   

Different flours have different powers

Seemingly innocuous, flour has immense power. Embedded in each grain are nutrients impatiently waiting to jump out and help your body combat diseases, and support you with your personal health goals. But how do you choose bread that's good for you? Different flours have different powers. Let's sift through the grain.

Wheat-based Flours Most of the wheat or atta used in Indian cooking is culled from the semi-hard wheat varieties or durum that are easily available, versatile, power-packed, tasty and good for you. Atta, cracked wheat/lapsi fada and semolina/ sooji are all high-fibre, and are sources of both healthy carbs and fats. They have been associated with the reduction of bad cholesterol and high blood pressure and mitigate the risk of diabetes as well. While it is true that maida or refined flour — also part of the wheat family — has less fibre than its cousins, that doesn't mean it's fattening. The only difference is that it goes through your body faster and does not require as many calories to digest it - digestion also burns calories. However, all wheat-based flours have gluten. So,
those with gluten allergies need to take note.

Millet-based Flours Flours from the millet family (millet is a small-seeded grass) are gluten-free. If you have gluten allergy, the millet family can be your choice of flours. Jowar, and its close relative, bajra, both belong to the millet family. Jowar has been linked to lowering the risk of heart diseases as well as cholesterol. It also has cancer-fighting properties because of the presence of antioxidants, and brims with protein, calcium and iron. Bajra is a great source of energy, aids digestion, is good for the heart, and with its ability to increase insulin sensitivity, is also great for diabetics.
But if you think that this particular cereal is going to end its run, hang on. More and more flours are blooming every day.

Rajgira/ Amaranth Flour The Indian kin to the superfood quinoa, this flour — made from the seeds of the amaranth plant — is a tasty non-gluten option. Rajgira has high iron, calcium, protein and antioxidant levels. And since it retains the hull during the process of making the atta, the nutrients are also retained.

Rice Flour Used a great deal in Southeast Asian cooking and in Indian dishes, like neer dosa, rice flour is good for those with gluten intolerance and is a great substitute for wheat.

Soy Flour Soy beans are ground to make soy flour, which comes in full fat and low fat options. It bursts with vitamins and minerals, and is also one of the best vegetarian sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. Soy protein is great for women post menopause and also for elderly women.

Quinoa Flour Quinoa is a 100 per cent vegetarian reference protein - which means that all the protein present in it is absorbed by the body. The only other food that does this is egg white, a non vegetarian option. The flour can be made at home simply by mashing up the quinoa and using the powder for any dish.

Ultimately, though, it is how you treat your flour that takes away or adds to its benefits. Bathing it in ghee, oil or sugar will cancel pretty much most of its health benefits. Treat flour with respect, and it may just save you a lot of dough, as hospital bills. By Pooja Makhijahttp://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food/food-features/Flour-Power/articleshow/48800335.cms

What each region prepares for Krishna on his birthday

With the country all geared up to celebrate Janmashtami, we take a look at the food prepared on that day and the legends behind it

The mention of Janmashtami evokes images of rath yatras, dahi handis, raas lilas, and bhajans. However, not much is known about the feast that follows the puja on that day. Offered as naivedya to Lord Krishna first, the feast is an all-vegetarian spread devoid of onions and garlic and cooked in pure ghee, buttermilk (Krishna's favourite), poha, curds and fruits. This aspect of the festival gets an interesting regional twist.Let's take a look at these delicacies:

THE LEGEND OF GOPALKALA It's quite common to see youngsters making a pyramid to break dahi handis on Gopalkala in Maharashtra.According to legend, Lord Krishna would graze his cattle with his fellow cowherd friends and at lunch time they would mix all their food together, which came to be called Gopalkala. It consists of poha, curd, sugar, milk, buttermilk and salt. Few pieces of cucumber, banana, guava, finely cut coriander leaves and green chillies with pieces of lime pickle completes it.

The reason poha is a must-have on this occasion is because it played a significant role in the everlasting friendship of Krishna and Sudama. Dudh Pohe (beaten rice in milk) is a popular delicacy prepared by mixing washed and drained rice flakes with milk and sugar. THAT TOUCH OF SWEETNESS R ich Boondi Laddoos, Rabdi, Shrikhand and Mohan Thaal are some of the sweetmeat preparations made at many Gujarati homes that follow an elaborate puja ceremony . The bhog served in Rajasthan is specially prepared at home -Aate Ka Halwa, which is made by roasting wheat flour in ghee, sugar syrup and a sprinkling of dry fruits.

In Bengali homes, Taler Bora, is the perfect bhog (offering) for Lord Krishna.`Taler bora kheye Nondo nache re!' are famous Bangla lines, which mean, `Krishna dances in ecstasy as he eats Taler bora!' These are sweet toddy palm fritters made with the pulp of toddy palm, grated coconut, sugar, maida and sooji (semolina), which are deep fried and dipped in sugar syrup. If the toddy palm fruit is not available, it can be substituted with ripe bananas.

In Mathura, the birth place of Krishna, the favourite offering is Mathura Ke Pede. These are made by cooking together fresh mawa, milk, sugar and ghee with car damom powder for added flavour.

It is then shaped as round pedas when the mix ture cools down.

WOMANLY INFLUENCE North Indians lay an emphasis on specialties that are offered to a mother after childbirth. So for prasad, there are dry fruits mixed in sugar syrup, set in a thin layer, and Gond Laddos made from edible gum resin which are known to provide heat and energy.Other offerings are Malpuas, Kheer, Halwa and Coconut Barfi.

Panjeeri, a dry mix of wheat flour and sugar is offered as prasad in areas of UP and Punjab. Dhaniya Panjeeri is an aromatic preparation using grounded coriander seeds, powdered sugar roasted in ghee and mixed with your choice of dry fruits like chopped almonds, raisins, cashew nuts and dry coconut. Since it has a hint of bitterness due to coriander seeds; some also add mishri (raw sugar crystals) to it.

THE SOUTH PLATTER Down South, the main naivedyam is Sottu prepared from soaked Bengal gram, sugar cane pieces and small slices of fresh coconut. Many people also offer Bengal gram or sliced yam cooked and fried without salt. They also prepare a variety of rice and urad dal savouries like Seedai, Sweet Seedai, Verkadalai Urundai and Murukku. Therattipal, a sweet made using milk and sugar is a must on this day . Panchagadai is prepared using chana dal, moong dal, broken wheat, coconut milk and jaggery . People in Tamil Nadu offer varieties of fruits, butter, milk, curd, poha mixed with jaggery along with Appams and Pal Payasam. Sweetened cashewnuts, raw banana chips and banana halwa are also served as naivedyams.

wholesome homemade food for hostel students and office-goers

Chennai resident Tajunisha Shafi supported her two children by dishing up wholesome homemade food for hostel students and office-goers in her area. Though she had a small clientele, it was often tough to make ends meet. So when she got a chance to sign up with an online portal, which makes home-cooked food accessible to people, she grabbed the opportunity.

Today, the 40-year-old homemaker gets about 750 orders a month, and makes Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000. "I have a steady income and more money in my hand now," says Tajunisha, who signed up with www.watscooking.com this February. Her mutton and chicken biryanis, chicken gravy and chops masala are what keep the orders coming.

Ghar ka khana has never been as glamorous as it is right now. Websites such as Wats Cooking, Meal Tango, Once Upon My Kitchen and From A Home, which cater to people who prefer simple, homely fare to hotel food, have provided a platform to many homemakers to not only showcase their culinary skills but also earn a pretty penny.

The portals connect clientele to home chefs in their locality, and the services are especially popular with bachelors, single people, and the elderly. "There are so many fantastic dishes made in people's kitchens that we would never get to try otherwise," says Saket Khanna, co-founder of Meal Tango, a frontrunner in this space. "We have chefs cooking everything from Goan to Malayali food." The website, which launched in 2013, has home chefs in 25 cities today. A takeaway option has been added for Pune, and the team also plans to soon stock home-made products such as pickles and masala powders.

"The trend has been around for a long time abroad but is just catching up in India," says Wats Cooking's founder, Mohamed Ismail. Originally from Dindigul in Tamil Nadu, he moved to Chennai to study and work, and missed his mom's cooking.

So the software engineer and his wife Rilwan Fathima decided to combine his professional skills with his passion for food. Today, Wats Cooking has 2,151 home chefs registered with them, including 1,007 in Chennai, 174 in Mumbai, 160 in Delhi, and 42 in Kolkata. "Out of the total listings, 80% are pure home chefs, and the rest are home-based catering service providers," says Ismail. "They can sign up for free, and put up their signature dishes. Their earnings depend on their ratings and reviews and how committed they are to it."

Vinodh Subramanian, 27, who quit his job as a genetic research analyst to launch fromahome.com in February this year, says the nine home chefs he has tied up with are all homemakers. "They can earn some extra money even though it is the passion for cooking that drives them."

Rajeshwari Prabhakar, for instance, has always loved cooking. "When I fell ill last year, I wanted to order some home-cooked food but couldn't get good fare. So I thought of doing something to cater to the market," says the 53-year-old, who signed up with fromahome.com. Today, she provides south Indian Brahmin meals, free of onion and garlic. "My family is well provided for but I am happy to be working and do something to showcase my talent and passion. For me, it is good pocket money."

Subramanian's portal collects payment on behalf of homemakers. "We charge 10% for every order," he says, adding that response has made him realize how much such portals empower women.

For instance, C Saroja had been catering to parties and other functions before she signed up with Ismail's portal. "While I did get orders earlier, now I get 450 orders every month and make about Rs 20,000. It is steady work and I get a regular income," says Saroja, who makes south and north Indian food.

For others, it is a way to contribute towards the family kitty. Rathna Venkatesan, who works with From A Home, makes about Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 a month. "I have begun saving some money every month for my daughter Siranjini. It will be useful when she wants to pursue higher studies or when she gets married."

As home-chef websites continue to proliferate, apps such as Tiny Owl Homemade have been fast to catch up. Launched in February and operational in Mumbai's startups-packed suburb of Powai, the app has fast become popular among students and young professionals, looking for a more substantial meal. For those like 51-year-old Swati Davey, the growing financial independence has given her a huge confidence boost. Davey, whose sons moved abroad a few years ago, rises at 5am every weekday to rustle up takeaways of lasuni batata, palak puri and even khow suey and cheesecake. The Tiny Owl team tells her about the number of orders the weekend before and provides containers to pack the food in. "I've become a working woman now at my age," she says, laughing. "I get to do something I love and I get paid for it." 

The portals connect clientele to home chefs in their locality, and the services are especially popular with bachelors, single people, and the elderly.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Dough-rises-for-home-cooks-as-they-board-online-platform/articleshow/48841230.cms

தமிழகம் முழுவதும் நீர் நிலைகளில் கருவேல மரங்களை வேரோடு அகற்ற தனி திட்டம் வகுக்க வேண்டும்: தமிழக அரசுக்கு உயர் நீதிமன்றம் உத்தரவு

தமிழகம் முழுவதும் நீர் நிலைகளில் கருவேல மரங்களை வேருடன் அகற்றுவதற்கு தனித்திட்டம் வகுத்து உரிய நடவடிக்கை எடுக்குமாறு தமிழக அரசுக்கு உயர் நீதிமன்றம் உத்தரவிட்டது.

மதுரை வைகை உள்ளிட்ட அனைத்து நீர்நிலைகளிலும் உள்ள சீமை கருவேல மரங்களை அகற்ற பொதுப்பணித் துறைக்கு உத்தரவிடக்கோரி மதுரை கிருஷ் ணாபுரம் காலனியை சேர்ந்த சி.ஆனந்தராஜ் உயர் நீதிமன்ற மதுரை கிளையில் மனு தாக்கல் செய்தார்.

இந்த மனு கடந்த ஜன. 9-ல் விசாரணைக்கு வந்தபோது, வைகை நதியில் வளர்ந்துள்ள சீமை கருவேல மரங்களை 4 வாரத்தில் அகற்ற வேண்டும் என தமிழக அரசுக்கு நீதிபதிகள் உத்தரவிட்டனர். குறிப்பிட்ட காலக் கெடுவுக்குள் கருவேல மரங்கள் அகற்றப்படாததால் தலைமைச் செயலர் மற்றும் அதிகாரிகள் மீது நீதிமன்ற அவமதிப்பு நடவடிக்கை மேற்கொள்ளக்கோரி ஆனந்தராஜ் மனு தாக்கல் செய்தார்.

இதேபோல், தாமிரபரணி ஆற்றில் சீமை கருவேல மரங் களை அகற்றக்கோரி வைகுண் டத்தை சேர்ந்த எஸ்.கண்ணன் விஸ்வநாத் உயர் நீதிமன்ற மதுரை கிளையில் பொது நலன் மனு தாக்கல் செய்தார்.

அந்த மனுவில், தாமிரபரணி ஆறு கருவேல மரங்கள், குப்பை மற்றும் அனைத்துவிதமான கழிவு களால் அதன் அழகை இழந்து வருகிறது. தாமிரபரணி ஆறு வழி யாகவே அனைத்து அதிகாரிகளும் தினமும் செல்கின்றனர். இருப்பி னும் தாமிரபரணி ஆற்றை மாசு படுத்துவதைத் தடுக்க எந்த நடவடிக்கையும் எடுக்கப்படுவ தில்லை. கருவேல மரம் நீரை மாசுபடுத்தி வருகிறது. இந்த மரங்களால் நீரின் போக்கு மாறி பல்வேறு பாதிப்புகள் ஏற்படுகின் றன. எனவே, தாமிரபரணி ஆற்றில் உள்ள கருவேல மரங்களை வேருடன் அகற்ற உத்தரவிட வேண்டும் எனக் கூறப்பட்டிருந்தது.

இந்த மனுக்கள் நீதிபதிகள் ஆர்.சுதாகர், வி.எம்.வேலுமணி ஆகியோர் கொண்ட அமர்வு முன் நேற்று விசாரணைக்கு வந்தன. மனுதாரர் சார்பில் வழக்கறிஞர் ஆர்.அழகுமணி வாதிட்டார்.

அரசு சிறப்பு வழக்கறிஞர் கோவிந்தன் வாதிடும்போது, நீர் நிலைகளில் கருவேல மரங்களை அகற்ற படிப்படியாக நடவடிக்கை எடுக்கப்பட்டு வருகிறது. நீதிமன்ற உத்தரவுக்குப் பின் வைகை ஆற்றில் கருவேல மரங்கள் அகற்றப்பட்டுள்ளன என்றார்.

இதையடுத்து நீதிபதிகள் பிறப் பித்த உத்தரவு: கருவேல மரங் களை அகற்றுவது தொடர்பாக பொதுப்பணித் துறை செயலர் அரசுக்கு கடிதம் அனுப்பியுள்ளார். அதில் கருவேல மரங்களை அகற்றுவதற்கு கூடுதல் நிதி தேவைப்படுகிறது. தமிழகம் முழுவதும் கருவேல மரங்களை வேரோடு அகற்றுவது தொடர்பாக தலைமைச் செயலர், வனத்துறை முதன்மை செயலர், பொதுப்பணித் துறை செயலர் ஆகியோர் தனித்திட்டம் ஒன்றை உருவாக்கி உரிய நடவடிக்கை எடுக்க வேண்டும். இதுதொடர்பாக செப். 14-ல் நீதிமன்றத்தில் அறிக்கை தாக்கல் செய்ய வேண்டும் என நீதிபதிகள் உத்தரவிட்டனர். http://tamil.thehindu.com/tamilnadu/81/article7525152.ece

also check counter article in http://elakumana.blogspot.in/2014/07/blog-post.html