The magic of methi

From the Hindu


Fenugreek seeds have medicinal value and a unique flavour

Fenugreek, commonly known as methi seeds, gives a tangy flavour to the dishes it is used in. The fenugreek seeds help relieve sore throat, throat pain, tonsillitis, dyspnoea (breathlessness) and cough. They also relieve hyper acidity and burning sensation in the stomach. The action of fenugreek is significant because all cough medication causes irritation in the stomach, whereas fenugreek relieves cough without this undesirable side effect. A luke warm decoction of fenugreek seeds taken with honey helps settle a cough and increase urination.

The chemical composition of the seed shows it is rich in protein and amino acids. That is why fenugreek powder is an established remedy for dandruff. It also tones the hair, making it silky and shiny.

Fenugreek is mostly used in pickles. Dry roasting enhances its flavour and reduces its bitterness. In Indian cuisine, it is eaten as a vegetable prepared like spinach and sometimes used in the preparation of Indian breads.

In western countries, it is used as one of the main ingredients in curry powder or to flavour spiced vinegar. Fenugreek from Qasoor in Punjab is famous for its fragrance and is known as Qasoori methi (Kasoori Methi)

4 Simple Breakfast Rules for Shedding Pounds

From Real Age

1.Do it daily.
Your goal is to make it a daily, automatic habit. The reward? You can kiss late-day low blood sugar and sugary snack cravings goodbye --

2.Do it sooner rather than later.
For the best results, eat breakfast within an hour or so of waking up -- even if you’re not hungry. Morning-time low blood sugar produces a brain chemical designed to mask hunger pangs -- but can cause sugar cravings later in the day

3.Make it complex.
We’re talking complex carbohydrates here (whole-grain cereals, steel-cut oats, high-fiber fruits, etc.) The fiber keeps blood sugar on an even keel and helps you feel full longer.

4.Power it with protein.
Protein slows digestion, helps prevent spikes and dips in blood sugar, and can even give you a dose of depression-fighting tryptophan. DesMaisons recommends that you get a third of your daily protein at breakfast.

Seven Rules For Fitness

From the Times of India, Bangalore (August 03,2008)

1 EAT RIGHT |
Don’t go more than four hours without eating to prevent cravings. Keep your blood sugar up to make better food choices. Combining an apple with cheese or with 12 almonds will leave you satisfied longer

2 FEWER CALORIES TO LOSE |
A US dietitian uses the following formula to calculate the number of calories to be consumed daily to gradually lose weight while maintaining energy to exercise — Multiply your goal weight by 10. Add 20% of that number if you sit at a desk all day; 50% if moderately active; or 70% if you are moving all day. Add the number of calories burned during workouts. For example, running at a pace of 12 minutes/mile, if you weigh 160 pounds, burns 582 calories/hour. Reduce the total by 15%

3 KEEP TRACK |
Record what you eat and calculate the calories you consume. Make a list for your fridge of the 20 foods you eat often. Eat before you get too hungry

4 ELMO RULE |
The strategy of eating less more often (ELMO) does work. Studies have shown that those who follow ELMO lose more weight than those who do not.

5 EVEN OUT YOUR CALORIES |
Each meal should contain veggies and/or fruits, whole grains, and protein such as lean meats, low-fat dairy, fish or vegetable proteins. Break that habit of scraping your plate clean

6 WHERE DO YOU EAT |
Many calories can be consumed while standing at the kitchen counter, watching television or sitting in the car. They can add up quickly

7 GET MOVING |
Find an activity or sport that you enjoy doing at least five times a week. Don’t slack of