Tag: India

Coconuts Stabilizing Blood Sugar & Other Benefits

On By Paul2 Comments

PC/Friday, 27 September 2013

images-1 People living in the tropics are very familiar with coconuts, but sometimes familiarity breeds contempt in that people tend to forget or take for granted the very goodness of coconut. I was looking at an old recipe book for Indian food and the instruction was to add the coconut milk at the end, i.e. not to boil the coconut milk. 

We have often been told that coconuts are good for you, but more that we are virtually ignorant. So here then are the facts.

Did You Know…

. . . that coconuts are one of the wonder foods on earth that amply provides for all human needs?

They can even save your life!

images Few people (even fewer doctors) understand how important the coconut is to stabilizing blood sugar; lowering cholesterol; healing; hydration; and even replacing blood plasma in an emergency.

Referred to as kalpa vriksha (Sanskrit for “the tree that supplies all that is needed to live”) in ancient India, the coconut palm has been recognized as a top immune booster, antifungal , antibiotic, antiviral , and antibacterial remedy for thousands of years all over the world.

Yet, it has only been recently that modern researchers have begun to fully discover the massive health benefits this amazing fruit offers.

Fresh Coconut Water Pure Coconut Water

To give just one example of coconuts’ life-saving properties, they were used extensively in the Pacific during World War II. Since blood plasma supplies were scarce, it was very common for medics to siphon pure coconut water from young coconuts to be used as emergency plasma transfusions for soldiers who were injured. Since coconut water is nearly identical to human blood, it was suitable for people of all blood types.

Because of its strong antioxidant properties, the coconut can be used to:

==> Lower cholesterol

==> Improve digestion

==> Ward off wrinkles

==> Stabilize glucose levels

==> Fight off viruses

==> Build cells

==> Regulate hormones

==> Increase thyroid production

==> Lose weight

==> Increase metabolism

==> Fight infections

==> Stave off memory loss

==> Kill bacteria

==> And more!

Young CoconutsYoung Coconuts

 Coconut OilCoconut Oil

Considered one of the most treasured foods of all time, coconut products — including coconut flesh, coconut water, coconut oil, and coconut cream — each deliver superb health benefits.

Coconut oil, for instance, is considered the best and safest oil to use for cooking — even superior to extra virgin olive oil when it comes to giving the body what it needs for optimum health. Unlike other fats and oils that we typically use for cooking and baking, coconut oil does not form polymerized oils or dangerous trans fatty acids in our bodies, which can raise our cholesterol levels; clog our arteries and even make our skin sag and wrinkle. Plus, this ultra-safe oil can give your body important antioxidants that can help build stronger cells and improve your overall health and well being.

Here are a few ways that you can use coconut products to stave off disease and to recapture the look and feeling of youth:

Coconut Water – The coconut is a natural water filter. It takes almost 9 months for a coconut to filter every quart of water stored within its shell. This makes the resulting coconut water completely pure and sterile, which is one reason why it can be used for blood transfusions.

Another benefit of coconut water is the fact that it has the highest concentration of electrolytes than anything else found in nature. This makes it an excellent source of hydration.

Coconut Oil – In addition to being superior for cooking and baking, coconut oil also makes a superb topical oil that can help to naturally rid the skin of dangerous toxins. It also gives the skin the perfect mix of hydration and antioxidants that it needs to stay healthy, smooth and younger-looking longer.

Another great benefit of coconut oil is in protecting your teeth from the bacteria that can cause cavities and disease. Simply rubbing a little fresh coconut oil on your gums and teeth can keep them stronger and healthier than virtually any other dental treatment.

Most people don’t realize that coconut oil can actually help you lose weight ! Yes, simply changing your cooking oil from the unsaturated fat variety to coconut oil can help you lose those extra pounds.

Here’s why : Unsaturated fats found in canola, corn and other vegetables oils, as well as margarine suppress the metabolism , which makes it harder to lose weight — and easier to gain it. Over time, this metabolism suppression may result in 20-30 pounds of excess weight that your body cannot get rid of. Coconut oil, on the other hand, helps to increase thyroid function and boost your metabolism — 2 important components to shedding unwanted pounds.

READ MORE ON COCONUT OIL: http://www.truppcookingschool.com/blog/2012/08/30/coconut-goodness/

 Coconut Milk

Coconut Cream – The best skin treatment product one can use to achieve flawless skin may quite possibly be coconut cream. Unlike traditional skin creams which can actually introduce fats and oils to the skin that will break it down over time, making it look older, creams derived from the coconut can actually replenish the skin, giving it a more youthful and healthy glow than most other skin care products on the market.

When it comes to buying coconut products, coconuts are not all created equal. Wild coconuts are always best, but can be hard to obtain if you don’t live in a tropical country. Whether you are using this wonder food to boost your immune system; increase your metabolism or fight wrinkles, using products from young coconuts will help you reap the most benefit.

Young coconuts contain the purest unsaturated fat, compared to the fat found in the more mature varieties. This is why they offer the most rejuvenation properties for the body’s tissues. But how can you tell how old a coconut is? Young coconuts are usually green in colour and oddly shaped. The brown hairy ones are mature coconuts, and while they offer a lot of healthy benefits, they aren’t nearly as good for you as younger varieties.

The best place to find young fresh coconuts is, of course, in the markets of the tropics, so be sure to seek them out if you travel to those areas. Coconut-producing regions export coconuts all over the world, however, so it’s relatively easy to find coconuts at your local health food store or Asian grocer.

Advertisement

World’s Shortest Woman

On By PaulLeave a comment

WORLD’S SHORTEST WOMAN Jyoti Amge was recognised by The Guinness Book and Limka Book of Records as World’s Shortest Girl. She celebrates her 18th birthday on 16th December 2011 and become the Shortest Woman in the World. She measures 62.8cm (2ft 0.7in) tall and she weighs only 12 lbs (9 lbs more than she did at birth).

On 14 Sep 2012 – The 18-year-old, who is just 2ft 0.7in tall, has already appeared in a Bollywood movie and says she now plans on pursuing a career in Hollywood.

“I would like to be an actress and win an Oscar.”

She was named the world’s smallest woman last year, but Jyoti Amge has no intention of allowing her size to prevent her from fulfilling her dreams.

“I am proud of being small,” she said during an interview with The Sun. “I have the same thoughts and the same dreams as you.”

More Pictures in Slides

 

Life of Contrast in India

On By Paul1 Comment

Taj Mahal

Present India, an emerging economic power on the heels of China, is pathetic when you examine the extremes of living conditions behind the scene. Its glossy picture is dimmed largely by the mass of poverty, ignorance, religious & social taboo & social indignity . . . the list goes on.

India is a huge mass of land of huge contrasts. The very best exist alongside the worst. Materially India is poor but spiritually rich. Human degradation is witnessed at an unprecedented scale in India, for example, children pressed into low paying jobs, with the untouchable shunned by the society. Religious taboo & language barrier add on more hindrances to economic advancement.

On the brighter side, one may also witness heights of moral ascendancy and the wealthy splashing & displaying their vast wealth by the way they live. India is renowned for its great temples & palaces. India also boasts of the second largest pool of engineers and scientists in the world. Its 50% illiteracy rate is among the highest in the world too.

The Upsides & Downsides of life is far too many to be adequately covered by the scope of this writing. Suffice for me to show the contrasting aspects by way of pictorial slide presentations here:

Young Girl documents Slum Life in India – YouTube

Slides on the Upsides of Life (including the Downsides)

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Lives of great disparity & extreme
Bridging the gap would be slim
The challenge ahead is great
If India were to make the grade!

Amazing Ginger – Its Value & Benefits

On By Paul1 Comment

Medical Source Unknown:

Latina: Zingiber officinale. Русский: Имбирь.
Latina: Zingiber officinale. Русский: Имбирь. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Ginger is an herb, which originated in China and later, spread to India, Southeast Asia, West Africa and the Caribbean. It is basically the rhizome of the monocotyledonous perennial plant Zingiber officinale. It has been in use since ages, both as a spice as well as an herb. The nutrients present inside ginger, especially its volatile oils – gingerols and shogaols, accord a number of health benefits to its users. Infact, ginger has also been found to be effective in fighting against some fatal ailments like cancer. In the following lines, we have provided information on nutritional value and health benefits of eating ginger.
 
Nutritional Value of Ginger
Ginger has been known to comprise of the following nutrients:

Slideshow: More benefits . . .

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

Space to Grow & Grace to Flow

On By Paul1 Comment

By P Chong                                                                              23 November 2011

Taj Mahal world heritage site in Agra, India.
Image via Wikipedia

When talking about space, there are areas which are normally familiar to the man in the street. There are indeed also indefinite concepts in scientific terms as used by geometers and physicists which we may not know or understand. Suffice for me to touch on some personal thoughts relating to peace & harmony, privacy, friendship, love & emotion . . . and space in the physical living or playing fields.

Even then there are confines or boundaries beyond which we may never know, and of course, there is that spiritual aspect of things where grace sets in.

In January 2007 when my friend CC & his lovely wife Phyllis were travelling & sightseeing in New Delhi to Taj Mahal in Agra, India, they passed through the countryside where some grand new villas were under construction. He noticed a large poster with these words:

GIVE SPACE SOME GRACE, AND

GIVE GRACE SOME SPACE.

Till today he remembers it well and often reflect upon those memorable words, sharing them with his friends, architects, developers and his soccer-playing grandchildren. According to him, life is often preoccupied with time & space and with grace giving us lessons in various ways.

Lately, while watching his grandchildren playing soccer, realisation dawned on him of the need of an optimum playing field where space is paramount for level play with ease or difficulty of attack & defence. He recalled & visualised the “space” concept in terms of a restricted number of 11 players & one goal-keeper in each team and where in winning the game all available spaces must be covered & exploited. Success in life to him means preempting the right positioning in space. His grandchildren are fortunate to have a grandfather with wisdom to impart.

In further extension of my thought:

  • Space is taken to overcome all boundaries, inhibitions & restrictions to explore & conquer . . . turning all adversities to victories. Space however is timeless as opposed to our limited existence.

  • Grace is herewith defined as a divinely given talent or blessing, the free & unmerited favour of God. It’s got to flow from God to fill within us & then exert forth to the external. Grace is unseen, non-materialistic and unlimited flowing from God for our faith & asking. As goodness grows, blessings flow.

From the womb to the tomb, we need space to grow . . . to equip ourselves in our daily life to intern, specialise and then to fraternise. As is said, no man is an island. We are by nature gregarious and cannot live alone. We need company. We need partner and that is why God provided Adam with Eve. Within the limitless space of the Garden of Eden, freedom & choice were available except for the forbidden fruit. What happened next resulted in the pain & suffering of mankind.

Freedom to chose & choice to make are really no option whatsoever. Inevitably, man by his own doing destroy the space & environment in which he lives. By our own strength we are powerless and though “impossible” is the word not to be found in Napoleon Bonaparte’s dictionary, not all things are possible with man. Only with God all things are possible. With “space to grow” we need “God’d grace to flow”.

Give grace some space, for man is no master of space. It sours the souls of those greedy for space by intrusion & exploitation, thereby destroying both peace & harmony . . . as exemplified by the turmoils in the Middle East & the Arab world. Under the guise of democracy, everything has gone crazy. The need for regime change is a nagging & ragging righteousness with no resultant merit except unnecessary death, pain & suffering. Nobody ever wins in a war!

Make friends not enemies. The irony is you may have but one enemy, you’re bound to face him everywhere! Negotiation rather than confrontation as with diplomacy opposed to being artless or tactless or hypocrisy. Give space to sovereignty, for aggression will meet with further aggression. Let every sovereignty grow & progress. Encroach not upon its nest.

Let moderation & good sense prevail and senselessness be assailed. LET GO & LET GOD. Don’t ever push yourself too hard. As is said in Ecclesiastes 3:17: “God will bring to judgment both the righteous & the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time for every deed.”

Wait upon the Lord!

Antilia: World’s Most Expensive And Opulent Skyscraper Home

On By Paul2 Comments

 You would expect such a home to belong to Warren Buffet or Bill Gates. But surprisingly, it belongs to the world’s fourth richest man, Mukesh Ambani, who is living it up better than those great Maharajahs of India in the days gone by.

Antilia is named after the mythical island in the Atlantic.

The construction is inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon .

Ambani & wife

Located in Mumbai, the most expensive home in the world is owned (fittingly) by the richest man in India: Mukesh Ambani, age 53. He lives in the $1 billion skyscraper mansion with his wife, three children and 600 servants. The building took nearly three years to complete. It seems somewhat ironic that the world’s largest and most expensive house has been constructed within a country estimated to have one-third of the world’s poorest population.

The entire structure is 27 stories (568 feet high), with a total area of over 398,000 square feet of living space (that’s more space than at the Palace of Versailles) . Although to be fair , the first 6 floors are a 160- car garage.

The amenities are as extravagant as they are endless, but what would you expect from the fourth richest human on the planet? The most expensive house in the world has a private gym, ballroom, 50-seat movie theater, a variety of lounges, health spa, several swimming pools, and 3 helicopter pads. The house also features small trees in the residence in an elevated garden with high ceilings. It’s said to be the greenest of all buildings. It’s built entirely of glass.

Besides three helicopter pads on the roof, there’s a car park for 160 vehicles on the ground floor to accommodate his 168 imported cars!

Antilla, has consumed electricity worth Rs.70,69,488 (AUD$146,000) in the one month since Mukesh Ambani moved in with wife Nita and their three children. It is the Mumbai’s highest residential electricity bill generated to date.

 

Special interior features:

  • Each floor are designed with various materials so as to bring a different look.

  • Lounges, fine rugs, chandeliers and mirrors can be seen in any room.

  • The most striking features of the Antilla is probably the ballroom which has crystal chandeliers that take up approximately 80% of the ceiling.

  • It has silver stairways that lead to a central landing, behind which two retractable doors can open to display works of art. There is also a stage for entertainment or speeches, with a projection screen behind it.

  • A kitchen, about the same size as the ballroom itself, can service hundreds of guests, an Olympic-size swimming pool and a four-storey open garden.

  • Other floors have gyms and glass-fronted apartments for guests.

  • The two floors above the family’s residence have been set aside as maintenance areas and for an “air space floor” capable of accommodating three helicopters.

All photos: connect.in.com 

World’s Largest Family

On By Paul1 Comment

Indian man has 39 wives, 94 children, 33 grandchildren.

100-Room Mansion to house the Family
 

Five of the wives

We have heard of Emperors and Maharajahs having concubines and harems, but here’s Ziona Chana, a 66-year-old Indian man who has 39 wives, 94 children, 14 daughters-in-law and 33 grandchildren, is probably the head of the world’s biggest family, according to Reuters.

The big family lives in a four-storey mansion with 100 rooms in a village in Mizoram, northeast India. Chana’s wives and children live in different rooms but share one kitchen.

Chana said that he in his younger days once married 10 women in only one year. He enjoys his own double bed while his wives have to make do with communal dormitories. He keeps the youngest women near to his bedroom with the older members of the family sleeping further away – and there is a rotation system for who visits Mr Chana’s bedroom.

He considered himself a lucky man since he is given so many people to look after. Mr Chana told the Sun: ‘Today I feel like God‘s special child. He’s given me so many people to look after. I consider myself a lucky man to be the husband of 39 women and head of the world’s largest family.’

Although Chana has already had a 167-member family, he still would like to expand it and “go to any extent to marry. ”To expand my sect, I am willing to go even to the U.S. to marry,” he said. One of his sons insisted that Mr Chana, whose grandfather also had many wives, marries the poor women from the village so he can look after them.

Rinkmini, one of Mr Chana’s wives who is 35 years old, said: ‘We stay around him as he is the most important person in the house. He is the most handsome person in the village.

She says Mr Chana noticed her on a morning walk in the village 18 years ago and wrote her a letter asking for her hand in marriage.

Another of his wives, Huntharnghanki, said the entire family gets along well. The family system is reportedly based on ‘mutual love and respect’ And Mr Chana, whose religious sect has 4,000 members, says he has not stopped looking for new wives.

The family is organised with almost military discipline, with the oldest wife Zathiangi organising her fellow partners to perform household chores such as cleaning, washing and preparing meals.

One evening meal can see them pluck 30 chickens, peel 132lb of potatoes and boil up to 220lb of rice.

Chana is also the head of a local Christian religious sect which allows polygamy.

One of his sons insisted that Mr Chana, whose grandfather also had many wives, marries the poor women from the village so he can look after them.

Source: China Daily


The Family – Face of Our Civilisation

On By Paul1 Comment

 

Family Kiama: The face of our civilisation is the family

 

An United Family A Thousand Successes

It’s the unit that

Respect & honour bound in unity

breed past & present society

It must be the consideration for all eternity.


 

The new age sets the modern trend

The family is set to end

Marriages are no longer grand

When like-sex togetherness lawfully stand.


 

The sins of the world are multiplying in fold

Crimes & offences are prevailing bold

Young and old no longer can be told

The ideals of goodness can’t be sold.


 

We must ponder and be back to the basics

For the solutions and answers that we seek

Stop this decay before society gets too sick

God‘s principles and guidance must we stick.


 

Paul Chong

A Chinese by Descent

An Australian by Consent