Sunday, November 7, 2010

Romantic Countries ;-)



H.O.L.L.A.N.D. - Hope Our Love Lasts And Never Dies.

I.T.A.L.Y. - I Trust And Love You.

L.I.B.Y.A. - Love Is Beautiful; You Also.

F.R.A.N.C.E. - Friendships Remain And Never Can End.

C.H.I.N.A. - Come Here.. I Need Affection. 

B.U.R.M.A. - Between Us, Remember Me Always. 

N.E.P.A.L. - Never Ever Part As Lovers.

I.N.D.I.A. - I Nearly Died In Adoration. 

K.E.N.Y.A. - Keep Everything Nice, Yet Arousing.

C.A.N.A.D.A. - Cute And Naughty Action that Developed into Attraction

K.O.R.E.A . - Keep Optimistic Regardless of Every Adversity.

E.G.Y.P.T. - Everything's Great, You Pretty Thing!

M.A.N.I.L.A. - May All Nights Inspire Love Always. 

P.E.R.U. - Phorget Everyone... Remember Us.

T.H.A.I.L.A.N.D - Totally Happy. Always In Love And Never Dull.  




Courtesy:- A FWD mail

Friday, November 5, 2010

Friday Fruitism : Papaya


Picture Courtesy : fruitsage.com

What a colorful fruit! I used to hate it, and all in my family used to love it. It has immense power and potential in itself to heal our body. It is sweet, soft, butter-like and even considered exotic, hence rightly named "Fruit of the Angels" by Christopher Columbus. It is also called "papaw" or "pawpaw".
 
The fruit is on an average 7 inches long, but it can grow even up to 20 inches. The tree grows to 5-10 meters. The peak season is during summer and fall, but nowadays, you can find it all year through in the markets. Even its seeds are edible, but they do have a bitter taste. Most part of the tree is said to contain an enzyme "papain" which helps to digest proteins. The fruit contains max amount of the enzyme when it is not ripe.

Papaya contains:-
  • Antioxidants like Vitamin C and carotenes
  • B vitamins like folate
  • Minerals like potassium and magnesium
  • Lots of Vitamin A
  • Fiber
In addition, it doesn't contain any fat or cholesterol and is low in sodium.
 
Health Benefits:-
  • Aids digestion and digestive disorder treatment, preventing constipation and ulcers (even seeds help in expelling worms when taken with honey)
  • Improves the Immune system hence gets rid of cold or flu easily
  • Protect kidneys in cases of toxicity-induced kidney failure
  • May even prevent growth of cancerous cells in colon, liver, etc. (studies have indicated)
  • Prevents heart problems caused from diabetes or cholesterol, even lowers cholesterol levels
  • Prevents nausea and morning sickness
  • Reduces pain in diseases like arthritis and osteoporosis
Cosmetic Benefits:-
  • Prevents premature aging by restricting wrinkles.
  • Brightens and lightens skin color.
  • Reduces pimples, acne and pores in skin.
  • Heals cuts, stings, rashes or burns.
  • Supplements for food during dieting. 
  • Controls and limits dandruff in hair.
  • Reduces menstrual irregularities in women (raw papaya).
Even the stem and bark are also used for purposes like rope production.
 
When choosing a papaya, look for one that is fairly large, half yellow or more, and slightly soft. It should yield to gentle palm pressure. Avoid papayas that are too soft, or those that have scars or blemishes.
 
Quick Serving Tips:- 
  • Dice papaya and sprinkle little lime juice.
  • Add diced papaya into a fruit salad.
  • Make a smoothie with papaya, strawberries and yohurt.
  • Make a dip by mixing papaya, coriander leaves, green peppers and ginger.
If you love to eat papaya, then the benefits have no boundaries. No part of the plant/fruit goes unused. So, have a bite friends!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Tuesday Trauma : Conjunctivitis

Image Courtesy : Wiki

Pink Eyes/Madras Eyes

There is a thin transparent membrane covering the front of the eye called the Conjunctiva. The inflammation of this membrane produces Conjunctivitis. It constitutes the outermost layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. Mainly, in this infection, the white part of the eyes turn red, this is because when the eye becomes irritated or infected, the tiny blood vessels dilate and turn red. It can be due to bacterial, viral or even allergic reactions. It spreads from person to person when in direct contact and is also known as "Sore Eyes".

This is seen in quite many places nowadays; hence thought of writing about it.

Major symptoms can be:-
  • discharge of yellow color fluid or pus from the eyes (may cause eyelashes to be stuck together)
  • pain in the eye
  • eyes turn reddish in color
  • sensitivity to light
  • itchy feeling
  • watery eyes
  • burning sensation
  • dryness
  • swelling of eyes
Probable causes can be:-
  • viral infection due to cold or sore throat
  • unclean hand-to-eye contact especially in overcrowded and unhygienic surroundings
  • over usage of non-prescription eye drops
  • direct contact with an infected person
  • smoke, dust or pollen
  • overstraining of eyes
  • allergies
  • contact lens trapping unwanted particles inside itself
Remedies (from home itself):-
  • To give a little relief to the eyes, place these over it intermittently-
    • slices of peeled potatoes
    • cloth soaked in aloevera juice or curd
    • moist green/black tea-bag
    • cold bread
  • Castor oil can be used as an eye drop
  • Boil fennel seeds or dried coriander in water and use as an eye-wash
  • Honey can either be used as an eye-drop or it can be boiled in water and used as an eye-wash
  • Having Gooseberry juice with honey or Carrot+Spinach juice can be highly beneficial
  • Washing the eyes with cool water
  • Have lots of fresh fruits like papaya (boosts immunity), mango, orange, etc.
  • Make the diet rich in Vitamin A and B2; include stuffs like milk, curd, butter, almonds and green veggies
Little Tips:-
  • Avoid sharing pillows, clothes, towels.
  • Keep bedsheets and clothes clean by washing often.
  • Don't pester your eyes by putting your fingers into them always; and then touching all other places.
  • Keep yourself clean and aloof from other diseases.
  • Use sunglasses if going out in sunlight.
Keep yourself aloof from this quite infectious irritating disease....friends! Take Care.