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10 amazing health benefits of French beans

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French beans is also known as bakla are one of the common ingredients of fried rice and pulav. Usually available during the monsoons seasons, this unripe green vegetable not only tastes good but also very nutritious. Here are the top 10 amazing health benefits of French beans and reasons why you should start adding these French beans to your food preparations.

Help with the weight loss

French beans are very low in calories and so individuals who want to lose the weight or are calorie-conscious can consume these in good amounts. Additionally, these beans contain minimal amounts of sodium, cholesterol and saturated fats, which makes them best natural help for weight loss.

Improve the eyesight

Zea xanthin is an very important dietary carotenoid found in the French beans, which protects an eyes due to their powerful antioxidant activity and filtering harmful UV radiation. These French beans are also found to prevent age-related macular degeneration, usually affecting the aged population.

health benefits of French beans

Help in the fetal development

French beans are rich in the folates, that when consumed during the time of pregnancy, prevent the foetus from neural-tube defects. These beans also help in healthy growth and development of the babys heart along with the protecting against asthma in their later stages of life.

Maintain the healthy heart

The presence of high amounts of dietary fiber in these beans reduces high cholesterol levels in the body by decreasing the re-absorption of cholesterol binding bile acids in the colon. Potassium present in French beans helps in controlling blood pressure along with maintaining a healthy heart. Read more about Top 10 heart healthy foods

Protect against cancer

Being an excellent source of dietary fiber, French beans act as a laxative that protects mucus membrane of colon from the attack of free radicals. The fiber also reduces time of exposure of toxic substances and binding of cancer causing chemicals with an intestinal lining.

Regulate the blood sugar level

Diabetics can include French beans in their diet as they help in proper regulation of the blood sugar levels in the body. The presence of fiber in these green beans slows down carbohydrate metabolism thereby preventing the sudden surge of blood sugar levels in diabetics.

Improves an immune function

10 amazing health benefits of French beansFrench beans contain the high levels of vitamin C that acts as the powerful antioxidant, searching the harmful free radicals. This green vegetable also helps to strengthen the bodys immune system. The presence of various health essential minerals and vitamins like iron, calcium and B-complex, helps to improve the rate of metabolism.

Prevent premature ageing

French beans contain good amount of flavanoids and antioxidants that play the key role in anti-ageing by nullifying attacks of harmful free-radicals. Vitamin A present in this vegetable is found to slow down signs of premature ageing, like dry skin, wrinkles and dark spots.

Help in proper digestion and urine output

Due to its high fiber content, French beans are beneficial for people who are suffering from an irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation. These beans have the moderate diuretic effect on the body, that stimulates the normal flow of urine and also eliminates the harmful toxins from body.

Improves the bone health

French beans contain sufficient amounts of manganese that help in an absorption of calcium and boost bone strength and density. These beans lower the risk of developing osteoporosis, alleviate gout and prevent rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation of the joints.
Photo credit: Ivan Lian / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND

French beans or green beans are very good for health so try to include in your regular diet to reap its 10 amazing health benefits of French beans.

Chickpeas or chana Nutritional facts

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Chickpeas or chana Nutritional facts

Chickpeas is also known as chana or chole in hindi belong to family of legumes which are widely consumed by the Indians. Commonly known as Bengal gram, they convey a unique and delicious taste and flavour to your dishes and curries. Even though available in a variety of colours, beige-coloured chickpeas are most common. Apart from being economical, this legume is high in the nutrient composition making it a must-eat food. Here are its top eight health benefits and Chickpeas or chana nutritional facts are explained.

Helps in weight loss

Chickpeas are known to be an effective natural help for weight loss due to their high fibre content. They not only help in controlling the appetite but also make you feel fuller for a long time. This legume is best source of dietary protein for vegetarians and it also plays the key role in proper weight management.

Enhances your energy and immunity

Chickpeas is an excellent source of trace mineral manganese, in addition to other health essential nutrients like thiamine, magnesium and phosphorus. Manganese is an essential cofactor that plays a very important role in energy production and improving your overall immunity.

Stabilizes the blood sugar levels

The fact that chickpeas have low glycemic index (GI) makes this legume good for diabetics. It is responsible for the slow and steady release of glucose into bloodstream and thus, controlling your blood sugar levels. The presence of soluble fiber, high protein and iron content also helps in proper management of sugar levels in the body.

Maintains hormonal levels in women

Chickpeas are a great source of phytonutrients namely phyto-oestrogens i.e., plant hormones and saponins called anti-oxidants. This legume lowers the risk of breast cancer and protects against osteoporosis by maintaining the blood levels of the oestrogen hormone. Chickpeas also help in relieving mood changes during the menstruation and post-menopausal symptoms in women.


Chickpeas or chana Nutritional factsPrevents anemia

Chickpeas are an excellent dietary source of iron that helps in fulfilling the bodys requirement of this mineral and prevent anemia. Hence women (pregnant, lactating and menstruating), growing children and people at high risk of anaemia are recommended to consume this legume on a daily basis.

Controls the blood pressure

Chickpeas are found to lower the blood pressure by reversing the changes that occur in blood vessels of hypertensive patients. This legume helps in maintaining proper electrolyte balance in the body due to presence of potassium and magnesium in it. Add this natural and healthy legume to your daily diet in order to lower the blood pressure and lead a healthy life.

Protects from digestive disorders

The high fibre content in the chickpeas helps in promoting a healthy digestive system and intestine by lowering the risk of digestive disorders. This legume contains phyto-nutrients, high protein, dietary fibre and a wide range of minerals and vitamins all of which reduce the risk of bowel complications like constipation.

Maintains the healthy heart

It is found that regular intake of black gram exerts a positive effect on your heart and protects from a wide range of cardiac complications. Chickpeas contain the high amounts of magnesium and folate which helps in strengthening the blood vessels along with lowering the bad cholesterol LDL – Low density lipoproteins levels in the body.
Photo credit: tiny banquet committee / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA

Chickpeas have many nutritional benefits so try these with different recipes and enjoy its taste

Eat dhania or coriander helps to relieve swelling and pain

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Coriander or dhania is one of most commonly used condiments in an Indian households. Apart from adding a unique flavor and color to your dish, it renders a very attractive aroma. Widely used to garnish your food, coriander to relieve swelling and pain and also packed with many health benefits. Do you know about coriander helps to relieve swelling and pain

How coriander helps to relieve swelling and pain due to infections ?

Eat dhania or coriander helps to relieve swelling and painBeing an excellent source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, coriander acts as an effective anti-inflammatory agent that reduces the swelling and inflammation caused by infections. It contains powerful antibiotic compounds and volatile oils or coriander oil that helps in soothing inflammation naturally. It is commonly used to soothe skin itching, redness and pain caused due to inflammatory skin diseases.

Dhania or Coriander leaves possess an anti-arthritic and anti-rheumatic property that helps to reduce pain and swollen legs caused due to arthritis. Its leaves can be used to treat various fungal, bacterial and yeast infections. It also acts as an excellent natural antiseptic agent that helps wounds to heal more quickly.

Photo credit: Henrique Vicente / Foter / CC BY

Scurvy causes due to Vitamin ‘c’ deficiency

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Scurvy causes due to Vitamin ‘c’ deficiency

Scurvy is a condition caused due to vitamin c deficiency. Vitamin c is an essential compound required for synthesis of collagen and uptake of iron. The chemical name of vitamin c is known as ascorbic acid. Scurvy patients develop anemia, debility, exhaustion, edema (swelling) in some parts of the body, and sometimes ulceration of the gums and loss of teeth.

Scurvy was common in sailors and pirates on the sea, due to the lack of fresh fruits and vegetables. Vitamin c is abundantly available in fresh fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruits contain high amount of vitamin c. Humans, other primates and some animals lack an enzyme that is essential in synthesizing of ascorbic acid, so it is essential to take citric acid in diet. The concentration of Citric acid gets deprived if the food source is cooked or boiled for long time and storing for longer period of time.

Read our Previous Article 15 ways Vitamin C keeps healthy and fit

Symptoms of Scurvy

There are wide ranges of symptoms observed. Early symptoms include malaise and lethargy. After awhile, patients develop shortness of breath and bone pain. Myalgias may occur because of reduced carnitine production. Other symptoms include skin changes with roughness, easy bruising and gum disease, loosening of teeth, poor wound healing. Dry mouth and dry eyes similar to Sjögren’s syndrome may occur. In the late stages, jaundice, generalized edema, neuropathy, fever, convulsions, and eventual death are frequently seen.Scurvy caused due to Vitamin 'c' deficiency

Prevention &Treatment for Scurvy

Scurvy is prevented by adding fresh fruits and vegetables daily in the diet. Since daily supply of ascorbic is very essential for various processes. If traveling or having canned foods, it is advised to carry vitamin c tablets.

The only treatment for scurvy is to take vitamin c tablets and having rich source of vitamin c foods. This helps in easy and quick recovery from all the possible symptoms.

Mango Lassi recipe

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Mango Lassi is a sweet, smoothie like heavenly drink. It is a blend of fresh mango, plain yoghurt, milk and honey. This delicious recipe is easy to prepare and is a favorite at Indian restaurants. I love its creamy fruity sweet taste and flavor.

Here is the easy recipe to make this delightful drink. Try it and let me know how it is..:)

Ingredients to prepare Mango Lassi recipe:

  • Ripe mango : 1
  • Mango Lassi recipePlain yoghurt : 1 cup
  • Milk : ½ cup
  • Sugar or honey : 2 tbsp
  • Ice cubes : few

Method to prepare Mango Lassi recipe:

  1. Take a fresh ripe mango and peel off the skin.
  2. Slice the flesh from the fruit and cut it into small pieces.
  3. In a blender, add yoghurt, milk, mango pulp and sugar.
  4. Blend for 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Now add ice cubes and blend for 1 more minute.
  6. Once the frothy lassi is formed, transfer to serving glass.
  7. Freeze in fridge for 30 minutes.

Serve chill with mint leaves garnishing. Yummy mango lassi ready to enjoy…!
Photo credit: NukelarBurrito / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND

How to make Shark Curry or Sura puttu recipe ?

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How to make Shark Curry or Sura puttu recipe ?

Todays special is Shark curry or Sura Puttu recipe. Shark cooked in this way tastes absolutely delicious.

In this Shark curry or Sura Puttu recipe, the fish is cooked soft, scrambled to pieces and stir fried in flavorful spices.

This dish is very good for nursing mothers and kids. It makes an ideal combination for lunch with white rice, fish pulusu and seer fish fry.

Ingredients to prepare Shark Curry or Sura puttu recipe:

  • Shark fish : ½ kg
  • Oil : 3 tbsp
  • Onion : 2
  • Ginger garlic paste : 1 tbsp
  • Green chilly : 2
  • Turmeric pwd : ¼ tsp
  • Red chilly pwd : ½ tsp
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves to garnish

Method to prepare Shark Curry or Sura puttu recipe:

  1. Clean and wash the shark pieces well.
  2. How to make Shark Curry or Sura puttu recipe ?Boil water in a pan and cook the shark fish pieces by adding a pinch of salt and turmeric pwd.
  3. Once the shark is completely cooked about approx to 8 mins, turn off flame.
  4. Allow to cool and peel off the skin.
  5. Remove the bones and scramble the cooked shark.
  6. Heat oil in a fry pan.
  7. Add chopped onion and fry till transculent.
  8. Add ginger garlic paste and saute for few more minutes.
  9. Add slit green chillies and stir fry.
  10. Add turmeric pwd, salt and red chilly pwd.
  11. Mix the masalas well.
  12. Now add the scrambled fish and stir in gently.
  13. Keep flame in moderate heat and stir nicely.
  14. Cover and cook for 5 mins in low flame.
  15. Continue turning over once in a while, till the shark or fish curry lets out an delicious aroma with golden brown color.
  16. Then Turn off the flame.

Add freshly chopped coriander leaves. Now Shark Curry or Sura puttu recipe is ready to serve.Enjoy with this Traditional & spicy Shark curry or Sura puttu recipe.
Photo credit: * starrynight1 / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND

Muslim Style Chicken Biryani Recipe

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Muslim Style Chicken Biryani Recipe

Biryani is truly most celestial dish of all non-veg recipes. Muslims are expert in making delicious biryani.

The Muslim Style Chicken Biryani recipe tastes outstanding, fragrant, non-greasy yet finger-licking good with delicious flavor. If you are a Non Vegetarian, you might have tasted this in any Muslim functions.

My favourite dish is chicken biryani so I never ever miss a chance to attend the Muslim wedding and enjoy this genuine taste.

So now i am sharing Muslim Style Chicken Biryani recipe with you. I hope you will try and enjoy the most flavorful Biryani.

Check out this easy recipe & enjoy the comfortable taste ..!

Ingredients to prepare Muslim Style Chicken Biryani Recipe:

  • Basmati Rice : 2 cups
  • Chicken with bone : ½ kg
  • Ginger : small piece
  • Garlic : 5
  • Green chilly : 2
  • Oil : 2 tbsp
  • Ghee : 2 tbsp
  • Cloves : 3 to 4
  • Cinnamon : 1 “ piece
  • Bay leaf : 2
  • Star anise : 1
  • Cardamom : 2 to 3
  • Onion : 2
  • Coriander : finely chopped ½ cup
  • Yoghurt : ½ cup
  • Turmeric pwd : a pinch
  • Salt to taste

To Marinate Chicken:

  • Lemon juice : 1 tsp
  • Turmeric powder : a pinch
  • Red chilly powder : ½ tsp
  • Salt to taste

Method to prepare Muslim Style Chicken Biryani Recipe:

  1. Wash and soak the Basmati rice in water for 5 mins, drain and set aside.
  2. Clean and wash the chicken pieces.
  3. Apply lemon juice, salt, turmeric powder and red chilly powder for chicken pieces and keep aside to marinate.
  4. Make a paste of ginger, garlic and green chilly.
  5. Take a deep bottomed pan, heat oil and ghee in it.
  6. When oil is hot, add cloves, cinnamon, bay leaf, star anise & cardamom.
  7. Muslim Style Chicken Biryani RecipeAdd finely chopped onions and fry until it turns to golden brown.
  8. Now add freshly ground paste ( ginger, garlic and green chilly paste ).
  9. Fry till the raw aroma disappears.
  10. Now add the chopped coriander leaves.
  11. Mix well and sauté for a minute.
  12. Add chicken pieces and sauté until chicken absorbs the masala.
  13. Now add the curd, turmeric powder, salt and cook until oil separates out.
  14. Add 4 cups of water and combine well.
  15. Check for salt and spicy seasonings, leave it till water come to boil.
  16. Now add the basmati rice.
  17. Gently stir in contents to combine well.
  18. Cover the pan with lid, reduce the flame to medium.
  19. Pressure cook for one whistle and simmer for 5 to 7 mins.
  20. Once the pressure goes off, fluff the rice gently.
  21. Garnish with fresh corriander leaves.

Now Muslim Style Chicken Biryani Recipe is ready to Serve & Enjoy the delicious & luxurious Muslim’s Chicken Biryani with onion raitha.

Photo credit: NA.dir / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND

How can banana shake help in weight gain?

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It is worth having a banana shake as it contains healthy carbs and helps one to gain weight after a prolonged illness. It is also a tasty fruit. It is a delicious smoothie and is relished by all.

Bananas are a good source of healthy carbs and thus, can be indeed effective in gaining weight when consumed in the right way. A blend of milk, bananas, nuts, honey can be a proper way to gain weight without consuming empty calories. Banana shakes are usually advised by the dietitian for people who want to gain their mass. Not only bananas, but you can also include fruits that do contain natural sugars in the blend and make a delicious smoothie.

How to prepare a milkshake?

Add some chopped bananas, mangoes, berries, milk, a bit of honey and blend them until smooth. Severe it with some chopped almonds on top. This a healthy and tasty way to naturally gain weight. Banana has healthy carbs and calories and when combined with other high-calorie foods such as almonds and milk can increase one’s body’s calorie intake.

It is advisable to have banana milkshake to regain weight after a prolonged illness as it does increase calorie intake. Also, if you are someone who is trying to gain body mass or build muscle then indulging in these scrumptious smoothies and shakes can help you achieve your goals faster.

Bananas are healthy to have as they contain nutrients such as fiber, potassium, good carbohydrates, Vitamin C and many more important vitamins as well as minerals. They are a breakfast staple in almost every household as it does give one instant energy to kick-start the day. Bananas are good for weight loss as well. Confused? Does eating bananas help one gain or lose weight?

How can banana shake help in weight gain?

Bananas are loaded with carbohydrates and often people are asked not to have it so that they can lose weight. But bananas contain the good carbohydrates in the form of the resistant starch – the kind that supports both weight loss as well as weight maintenance. Moreover, they are packed with fiber that does keep one full length and is also low in calories.

Although high in carbohydrates, bananas have a low to medium glycemic index and as such therefore they do not cause sudden spikes in the blood sugar levels as compared to other high-carb foods and do keep the metabolic rate in control. By keeping the blood sugar levels and metabolic rate in control, the body will burn more fat for energy.
Bananas do happen to be full of nutrients and energy and are a great source of essential minerals as well as vitamins. Bananas do not make a person lose or gain weight by themselves. The combinations in which it is taken and the timing is what is required for weight management.

How to Eat Bananas to Lose Weight

A medium banana contains just 105 calories, 27 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of satiating fiber and about 14 grams of naturally occurring sugar along with a host of essential micro-nutrients. The fruit does boost one’s metabolism and keeps a person full longer preventing one from snacking in between meals.

also read: jeera-banana combination for weight loss

How to Maintain Balanced Diet for a Healthy Life

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Maintain Balanced Diet for a Healthy Life:-

Diet containing adequate amounts of all the necessary nutrients essential for healthy growth and activity is called as balanced diet. Maintain Balanced Diet for a Healthy Life

You should take necessary steps to make your diet well balanced so as to stay healthy and stave off various diseases and illnesses associated with deficiencies. Though it is busy to maintain a well balanced diet everyday in our busy lives, making sure that you include proper amounts of the following foods in your daily meals will just do the trick.

Steps to Maintain Balanced Diet for a Healthy Life

Eat lots of fruits and veggies

  • Include a minimum of 5 portions of fruits and vegetables per day as fruits and vegetables fall under very important food groups.
  • These provide a great amount if vitamins and minerals all which are hard to find in any other sources.
  • Fruits form a great choice for snacks as they are low in fat and high in water content.
  • Fruits and veggies form a major part of balanced diet and help in decreasing the incidence of diseases like high blood pressure and some cancers.
  • Fruits are best eaten raw and vegetables steamed.

Include protein rich foods

  • Proteins are generally called as body building foods and are usually derived from animal sources. These are as important as fruits and vegetables.
  • There are lots of vegetarian alternatives to get the right amount of protein into your diet.
  • Protein carries out important functions like growth and repair. They are needed for healing injuries, muscle and nail growth, repair of nerve cells etc
  • A diet too low on protein causes arthritis, muscle deterioration etc and too high protein leads to kidney damage. You should know how to strike a balance.
  • Ideal amount of protein per day in a balanced diet for females is 45g and for males it is 56g.
  • Foods containing proteins include meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, nuts, seeds, pulses and soya products.
  • Protein deficiency also leads to sleep deprivation, hair loss, muscle cramps or soreness etc. If you experience these symptoms, visit a doctor immediately.

Have Dairy Products

  • Dairy products are a great source of calcium and are very easily digestible. These occupy a significant space in balanced diet
  • These form a great source of calcium, which promotes strong bones and teeth and responsible for regulation of muscle contraction.
  • A balanced diet includes three portions of diary per day. Children and teenagers need more dairy as they grow actively.
  • If you are a vegetarian, you can get your calcium from spinach, almonds, soya milk etc

Good Carbohydrates

  • Carbohydrates should be included in every meal you have as they are the main source of energy for our bodies.
  • There are good as well as bad carbohydrates. You should choose the right carbohydrates to avoid certain diseases.
  • Good carbs include – whole grain products which provide fiber, vitamins, minerals and also rich in carbohydrates. Others include potatoes, root vegetables, oats, nuts, brown rice, beans, lentils etc
  • Bad carbs include – Refined grains, white sugar, chocolates, cakes, pastries. Limit these for living healthy.
  • Balanced diet includes good carbohydrates as one-third of every meal.

Sugar and Fat abundant foods

  • A balanced diet does not actually cuts off these things completely because a limited amount of fat is actually good.
  • Fat supplies essential fatty acids, cushions your internal organs and transports fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. In addition, they improve immune system and heart health.
  • Saturated fat is the good fat. It can be found in butter, meat, cheese, eggs, milk, fat yoghurt etc
  • In a well balanced diet, Fats make 35% of the energy. So, include not more than 70-95 of fat per day.
  • Sugars found in natural sources are good but artificial ones are not. Artificial sugar gives you empty calories which harms your health.

Maintaining a balanced diet is not too hard. Try including a food item from each of the above mentioned food groups in your every meal to balance your diet properly. Healthy eating and exercise is healthy living.

The Above is all about How to Maintain Balanced Diet for a Healthy Life

Maintain Balanced Diet for a Healthy Life

Summer special Homemade Lemonade

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We love to drink cool & freshly made drink on this boiling summer days. One of summer’s favorite tastes is homemade freshly squeezed Lemonade.

This classic Summer special Homemade Lemonad , refreshing, zesty drink can be prepared very easily at home. And it tastes far better than bottled, frozen or powdered lemonade.

The perfect version combines a simple sugar syrup and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Go ahead and enjoy this sweet & tart freshly squeezed Lemonade recipe today..!

Ingredients to prepare lemonade from lemon juice, lemonade, lemonade recipe,

  • Lemons : 8 or 9
  • Sugar : 1 cup
  • Water : 2 ½ to 3 cups

Method to prepare Summer special Homemade Lemonade

  • Summer special Homemade LemonadCut all the lemons to halves.
  • Measure & Keep sugar in a cup.
  • Juice all the lemons in a squeezer and collect the juice in a bowl.
  • Take sugar in a pan.
  • Add water to it and mix.
  • Put the pan on a gentle heat.
  • Stir and allow it to come to a gentle boil.
  • When the sugar has dissolved turn off heat.
  • Allow to cool.
  • Now add the bowl of fresh lemon juice to the sugared water.
  • Stir well.
  • Place the pan into the fridge and chill for ½ an hour to 1 hour ( until cooled )

Add lots of crushed ice into a large glass, pour in the lemonade and decorate with a lime slice on the side.Fresh & delicious homemade Lemonade ready to relish.

5 Natural ways to Get Rid of Fruit Flies

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Fruit flies are the plague of the existence of many owners. They have a short crazy life span, ranging from egg to adult in 8-10 days, which means they breed at a ridiculously fast rate. Read more about 5 Natural ways to Get Rid of Fruit Flies

They grow in humid and humid places such as waste sinks/drains and are attracted to fruits and other foods, especially those that ferment or rot (they obviously do not taste). To get rid of the nasty little buggers, try These 5 natural ways to get rid of fruit flies and methods to clean your home.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Before you panic about your invasion of the fruit fly, start with a simple trap and a little apple cider vinegar.

Fruit flies can not resist the smell of fermentation, and since apple cider vinegar is fermented apples, it’s a dream drink for them. Heat the vinegar in advance to release more of its irresistible fragrance.

Ingredients:

-A jar of masonry or something similar
-A funnel (you can make one)
– Cider vinegar, about ½ cup
-A drop of dish soap
-A piece of ripe or over-ripe fruit (optional)

How To Use?

  1. Heat a half cup or more of apple cider vinegar and pour it into your pot, just be deep enough for the flies to drown and add a drop or two of dish soap.
  2. The dish soap breaks the surface tension of the liquid so that the flies can not just sit on top and fly away when they are made.
  3. Roll a piece of paper and insert it into the mouth of the jar to form an improvised funnel and ribbon in place.
  4. The flies go into the pot to get to vinegar, but will not be able to figure out how to get out and drown.
  5. If you find that you need a little extra temptation, drop into a mature piece of fruit and let it decay.
  6. If they do not drown, place them in the freezer for 20 minutes.
  7. It is not necessary to delete the old contents if you want to reuse this trap, although I do it because I find the view terribly unattractive.

2. Jar-Type Trap with Fruit

Fruit flies like fruit, so what better to lure them into a trap than…fruit?

Ingredients

A glass jar
-Plastic wrap
-A toothpick
– Very ripe or over-ripe products
-Saping water

How To Use?

  1. Place several pieces of very ripe or almost rotten fruit in the bottom of a glass jar, and cover with plastic wrap (using a rubber band to secure it).
  2. Drill holes in the envelope with a toothpick, and put these pots strategically through your home where you notice that the fruit flies seem to come or gather.
  3. Also put one outside the door on a sunny warm say. The flies will be drawn into the trap but will not know how to get out.
  4. At least they can enjoy a nice little party until you decide that the pot is full enough.
  5. At this point, dip the pot into a bucket of hot soapy water and leave it for about 10 minutes to ensure that the flies will not come back.
  6. Rinse, recharge and repeat! This is a great way to get rid of products that accidentally leave you too long.

5 Natural ways to Get Rid of Fruit Flies3. Happy fly trap

A drunken fly is a strange thought, but they can get drunk as we can. They are very attracted to red wine and gather at it if none remains. They would either drown, or one can utilize the freezer or soapy water method to finish the work.

Ingredients:

Just a little red wine left in the bottle (you can use red wine vinegar or balsamic in a pinch)

How To Use?

  1. Leave some red wine at the bottom of the bottle and let it rest. The flies will flow, and die a joyous death.
  2. You can also put it in a separate container with plastic wrap and holes pressed into the top if you wish.

4. Trap tried and true

This recipe comes from the Almanac of the former farmer and has been transmitted and used since 1850 in New England to get rid of fruit flies. I do not know how anyone thought, but that’s a good thing they did!

Ingredients

1 pint of milk
-1/4 pound of raw sugar
-2 ounces of freshly ground pepper

How To Use?

  1. Mix all the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes.
  2. Pour mixture into shallow dishes and place these dishes around the house.
  3. For a particular reason, the fruit flies are attracted to the mixture and suffocate quickly / drown in it.
  4. You can try adding a drop or 2 dish soap if they seem to be landing and flying away.
  5. Lemongrass Spray
  6. Lemongrass essential oil does not kill fruit flies, but surely keep them away (along with a number of other pests.)

Ingredients

Lemongrass essential oil: 10 drops
A clean spray bottle
Hot water: 2 ounces

How To Use?

  1. In a spray bottle add 10 drops of lemongrass essential oil to 2 ounces of hot water and shake well.
  2. Spray along the edges of windows and doors, directly on the flies when you see them, or anywhere else.
  3. It leaves a pleasant refreshing scent as well.
  4. Getting rid of these small pests should not be such a discouraging task.
  5. It is simple to make your own fruit fly traps at home, and although some of them may be fat to clean, they beat with horrible chemical sprays to kill the flies.

Fruit Fly Tips

  1. Fruit flies breed in drains.
  2. Pour a mixture of half white vinegar half boiling water into the daily drain to stop them at the source. Keep the area around the drain dry.
  3. Of course, keep all the fruits stored and do not let any food of any kind sit outside.
  4. Keep garbage covered.

Tips to Make Mehandi Dark

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As a bride, you try to do everything whatever it takes to get the best outfit, accessories, sandals, makeup, and hairstyle. But, what about yourMehandi? Mehndi is of great significance in Indian culture. No Indian wedding can be imagined where a bride does not flaunt her hands and feet decorated with intricate mehndi designs. On special occasions also like karwachauth, Diwali, Rakhi, and Teej there is a tradition to draw mehndi tattoo. A dark Mehandi not only looks good but also is believed to be a parameter of love a husband has for his wife. We spend lots of time and money in selecting the best design for the special day and getting it sketched perfectly on our palms. But if it doesn’t turn out to be the way we wanted it to be, all efforts go in vain. So here are listed a few tips to make your Mehandi get the darkest color and look brilliantly splendid. Read about Tips to Make Mehandi Dark.

How to Make Mehndi Design Dark and Long Lasting

Apply Eucalyptus Oil

Before starting delineating a perfect design over the palm or feet, just coat the area with a tiny amount of eucalyptus oil. This sweet smelling oil works wonders in ensuring the dark color of the henna.

Leave Mehandi for Longer Time

Once you are done with the mehndi design, leave it unwashed for minimum 7-8 hours. If you can afford to keep it a little longer then leave it on for 12 hours. The best idea is to sleep while allowing the dried henna to rest over your palms. In the morning scrap it off using a knife or rubbing the palms together till the dried henna falls off your palms completely. The color turns out to be dark within a few hours.

Dab with Lemon-Sugar Mixture

Prepare a lemon and sugar mixture for your henna beforehand. Lemon juice added to sugar boiled in water acts as a great fixative for drying henna. Dabbing the solution over the mehndi design couple of times prevents henna from falling off. While the sugar syrup does not let the henna falling off from its place, lemon juice acts as a catalyst and makes it the possible release of more color from the henna.

Wrap Up

Wrapping henna design can also be your way to get a dark and rich color. Though you can wrap the design yourself, there would always be chances of you spoiling the design. Since it demands perfection, ask the artist to do the favor for you. You can wrap up the mehndi design using medical paper tape.

Fumes of Cloves For Darker Color

To get a splendid color, try the ‘bhaap’ trick. After applying the lemon and sugar mixture, soak your mehandi in the fumes of cloves. For this take few cloves and heat it up on a tawa. Put your hands over the tawa so that the fumes coming out of the heating cloves dry up the fixative solution. Be careful to keep your hands safe from getting burned from the steam.

Tips to Make Mehandi Dark

Balm or Vicks

Balms or Vicks is not only to cure your headache or cold. You can also use them every time you decorate your hands with splendid Mehandi designs. After scrapping the dried henna off, apply Vicks or balm over your hands. It is observed that these help in extracting more color, keeping the stain darker for longer.

Keeps hands Away From Water

Do not wash your hands while the mehndi is on or off your hands. Mehandi stops attaining color the moment water comes in contact with it. Make sure to keep your hands away from water for minimum 12 after scraping off the crust if you really want to get a rich and dark color.

Fried Potato Balls recipe

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Hi friends, Today we want to share an awesome snack Potato Croquette, which makes a great company to our evening hot cuppa chai. It takes just a little effort to make these tempting balls.

In this Fried Potato Balls recipe, boiled and mashed potatoes are blend with flavourful spices, coated with the bread crumbs and deep fried till turns to golden. It tastes crispy on outside and soft and creamy on the inside.

Check out this easy Fried Potato Balls recipe to make this crunchy potato croquettes..:)

Ingredients to prepare Fried Potato Balls recipe:

  • Potatoes : 2
  • Bread crumbs : 1 cup
  • Pepper powder : ½ tsp
  • Coriander leaves chopped : 2 tbsp
  • Onion slices : 2 tbsp
  • Amchur pwd : ¼ tsp
  • Red chilly flakes : ¼ to ½ tsp
  • Cumin powder : ¼ tsp
  • Corn flour : 2 tbsp
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil to deep fry

Method to prepare Fried Potato Balls recipe:

  1. Wash, slice and pressure cook the potatoes till become soft.Fried Potato Balls recipe
  2. Peel off the skin and mash it into fine.
  3. Transfer it to the mixing bowl.
  4. Add salt, white or black pepper powder, finely chopped coriander leaves, onion slices, amchur powder, red chilly flakes and cumin powder.
  5. Add bread crumbs and combine. Bread crumps are used to take away the extra moisture from the dough also you can use plain bread crumps
  6. Take small portion of dough and roll it to balls. It is optional that can also stuff small piece of cheese inside the ball and roll it.
  7. Dip it into the corn flour paste. In a cup, take one tbsp of corn flour, add sufficient water and make it paste.
  8. Roll it in bread crumps.
  9. Repeat the same for all the dough.
  10. Heat oil in the fry pan.
  11. Drop the potato balls gently in the hot oil.
  12. After a minute, keep the flame in low medium and deep fry till potato balls turn golden and crisp.
  13. Drain it in kitchen towel or tissue.

Serve hot with your favorite dip. We love to taste it with tomato ketchup and mint chutney. Enjoy…!!!
Photo credit: roboppy / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND

Hot and Spicy Chilly Soya Chunks recipe

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Today I’m here with a wonderful recipe Hot and Spicy Chilly Soya chunks. It is a desi take on Chinese cooking and tastes delectable good starter. We know soya chunks are rich in the protein and are a great alternative to meat for vegetarians. This simple recipe is prepared with the soya chunks cooked with capsicum and different sauces. It goes yummy with fried rice and any Indian breads.

Ingredients to prepare Hot and Spicy Chilly Soya Chunks recipe

  • Soya chunks : 2 cups
  • Oil : 1 tbsp
  • Ginger garlic paste : 1 tbsp
  • Red chilly : 1
  • Green chilly : 1
  • Onion cubed : 1 ½ cup
  • Capsicum cubed : 1 cup
  • Soya sauce : 1 tbsp
  • Hot chilly sauce : 1 tbsp
  • Tomato ketchup : 2 to 3 tbsp
  • Corn flour : 1 tbsp
  • Salt to taste

Method to prepare Hot and Spicy Chilly Soya Chunks recipe

  1. Wash and soak the soya chunks overnight.
  2. Squeeze out the water and add warm water into it.
  3. Allow to rest for 5 mins and squeeze out the water.
  4. Repeat the washing and squeezing process for 3 to 4 times.
  5. Drain the water completely and set aside. Slice onion and capsicum to fine cubes.
  6. Heat oil in a frypan.
  7. Add ginger garlic paste and saute till raw smell disappears.
  8. Add red chilly, green chilly and toss.
  9. Add finely cubed onions and give a good stir until it turns translucent.
  10. Add salt and combine.Hot and Spicy Chilly Soya Chunks recipe
  11. Saute for 2 to 3 mins.
  12. Slice soya chunks to two and add it to the pan.
  13. Give a good stir & add capsicum.
  14. Add soya sauce, hot chilly sauce and tomato ketchup.
  15. Mix well.
  16. Cook covered for 15 mins. (sprinkle very less water if required else the moisture in the soya chunks is enough to get cooked)
  17. Once the chunks are done, make a mix of 1tbsp of corn flour in 1/2 cup of water and add to the pan.
  18. Mix well and cook covered for another 5 to 7 mins.
  19. Once the gravy is thick turn off the flame. Squeeze few drops of lemon juice.

Hot n spicy Chilly Soya chunks is ready. Serve hot with finely sliced fresh coriander leaves.It pairs up best with fried rice, chapatti or any Indian breads.

Healthy Broccoli Stir Fry

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Today, I’m here with a delicious and simple stir-fry focused on the broccoli and chick pea flour mixture. Broccoli is a nutritious vegetable that is loaded with the super nutrients and have beneficial properties.

Broccoli Stir Fry

This Healthy Broccoli Stir Fry easy to cook broccoli and it readily absorbs the tasty flavors in this stir fry recipe. You can also change this recipe, to include any veggies you choose.

This stir fry goes best with the rice or even with roti & chapatti.

Check out this nutritious & tasty recipe, that would make your taste buds jump for joy.

Ingredients to prepare Healthy Broccoli Stir Fry:

  • Broccoli : 1 small size
  • Oil : 2 tbsp / divided
  • Cumin seeds : ½ tsp
  • Grated garlic : 1 tbsp
  • Hing / asafetida : a pinch
  • Green chilly : 1
  • Onion : 1
  • Besan flour : ½ cup
  • Turmeric pwd : a pinch
  • Red chilly pwd : ½ to ¾ tsp
  • Cumin pwd : ½ tsp
  • Amchur pwd : ½ tsp
  • Garam masala pwd : ½ tsp
  • Coriander pwd : ½ tsp
  • Lemon juice : 1 tsp
  • Salt to taste

Method to prepare Healthy Broccoli Stir Fry:

  1. Wash broccoli well and slice to fine florets.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a frying pan.
  3. Add cumin seeds and allow to splutter.
  4. Add finely sliced garlic, hing, green chilly and stir fry for few seconds.
  5. Now add the onions and continue frying until the onions turn light brown.
  6. Now add broccoli and mix well with the spices.
  7. Healthy Broccoli Stir FrySprinkle few drops of water, sprinkle a pinch of salt and combine.
  8. over and cook for 4 to 5 mins in low medium flame.
  9. Meanwhile, take a mixing bowl, add besan or chickpea flour, turmeric powder, red chilly powder, cumin powder, amchur or dry mango powder, garam masala powder, salt and coriander powder.
  10. Add 2 tsp of oil and incorporate well into the flour mixture.
  11. Uncover the broccoli and sprinkle the spicy chickpea flour mixture evenly all over the broccoli florets.
  12. Sprinkle few more drops of water ( just enough to moisten the chickpea flour lightly)
  13. Mix, cover and cook for another 3 to 4 mins.
  14. The spicy chick flour mixture coats the broccoli florets and give great texture and flavor.
  15. Turn off flame.
  16. Delicious Broccoli stir fry is ready.
  17. Transfer to serving bowl.
  18. Garnish with lemon juice and serve hot with rice and dal.

Also it can be served as a side dish with roti, chapatti and the leftover can be stuffed in a wrap or a sandwich.
Photo credit: whologwhy / Foter / CC BY

Healthy Ragi Koozh recipe

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Healthy Ragi Koozh recipe

Ragi porridge or Healthy Ragi koozh recipe is a special drink of South India. This is very healthy recipe & we prepare this during hot summer season. It is one of excellent and traditional dishes.

Most of them did not like Ragi porridge or Healthy Ragi koozh recipe much, But Once you taste this, definitely you ask for my second glass without hesitation. The chilled drink tasted heavenly with fulfilling aroma. It cools the body and a glass of this keeps us full for more hours. It is a gifted one, for those who are in dieting & also a diebetic friendly recipe.

Just give it a try.

Ingredients to prepare Healthy Ragi Koozh recipe:

  • Ragi jawa, ragi sankati, ragi juice, health benefits of ragiRagi flour : 2 cups
  • Yoghurt : 1 cup
  • Par rice : ½ cup
  • Salt to taste

Method to prepare Healthy Ragi Koozh recipe:

  • Take two cups of Ragi flour in a bowl, add sufficient water, mix it with your fingers, so that there are no lumps.
  • Allow it to remain for overnight.
  • This helps in the fermentation process. Fermentation increases its nutritional benefits to maximum.
  • Take half cup of par rice, wash well and pressure cook it by adding water, so that it is completely done.
  • Take a thick bottomed pan, cook the Ragi water mixture on medium-low heat, with continous stirring.
  • Allow to boil completely with bubbles, add little water if required. Take care the Ragi is well cooked. Or cook about 10 mins.
  • Now add the cooked and smashed rice, salt and combine well.
  • Allow to boil for some more minutes, with constant stirring.
  • It must have the consistency of the thick batter.
  • Remove from flame and allow it to cool completely.

Mix curd or buttermilk, sprinkle chopped pearl onion pieces. Serve cool. Yummy and healthy Ragi Koozh recipe ready to taste…!
Photo credit: Joseph D’Mello / Foter / CC BY-NC

Amazing Health Benefits of Cotton Seed Oil

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If you ask someone like me about the benefits of cottonseed oil, all you’ll get is a clumsy smile “I do not know”. Although many of us use cotton seed oil in our daily lives, we do not know much about its many health benefits. I just love lacing my salads with cottonseed oil – the flavor added to the salad is really exotic. Read about Amazing Health Benefits of Cotton Seed Oil

The nut flavor is hard to miss, and fried snacks in cotton oil have a longer shelf life. On a lazy Sunday afternoon, after blowing up some fish in cottonseed oil, I decided to spend the rest of the afternoon reading about cottonseed oil. Here I have gathered a few facts about this wonder oil used by many in cooking a few delicious ones.

History of Cottonseed Oil:

Cotton has been around since ancient times and it has been found that people of 3500 BC woven cotton cloth. This was evident from pieces of tissue from the civilization of the Indus Valley that was found by archaeologists.

Over the centuries, more research has been done to find out how cotton can be used in other ways. It was found that the oil extracted from the cotton seeds could be used for cooking. More studies have found that cottonseed oil is one that has quite a few health benefits.

Top 10 Cottonseed Oil Uses:

Cottonseed oil falls into the category of vegetable oils and is considered one of the most popular cooking oils in kitchens around the world. It is used in a variety of ways such as vinaigrette for salads and frying many foods.

Here is an overview of the top 10 reasons why cottonseed oil is so popular:

1. It contains a large amount of antioxidants that are essential for good health.

2. It is also rich in vitamin E, which, like antioxidants, is important in the fight against free radicals.

3. Cottonseed oil is low in cholesterol making it an excellent choice for those who want to lower their cholesterol.

4. This oil is great for frying because it is known to improve the flavor of fresh foods instead of hiding them, unlike some other oils.

5. It is considered best for cooking as it is not as heavy as other oils.

6. It has a high oxidation resistance which makes it ideal for use in salad dressings.

7. Cottonseed oil is specially treated for a wide range of applications in the manufacture of food and is known to be a good substitute for cocoa butter in confectionery.

8. It can be used in rotation with other oils such as canola oil, peanut oil, etc., as part of a healthy diet.

9. The light texture of this oil makes it ideal for cosmetic use, making it a common ingredient in creams, lotions, etc.

10. It has a light and neutral taste that is loved by people who do not like oils with strong flavors.

Health Benefits of Cotton Seed OilSome little-known facts about cottonseed oil:

1. Did you know that cottonseed oil is used as a standard for measuring the flavor and olfactory qualities of other oils?

2. Unlike many other oils, this oil does not return quickly to flavor even when heated to very high temperatures.

3. Cotton oil is one of the main ingredients in most oriental dishes.

Composition and nutritive value of cottonseed oil:

A large percentage of the polyunsaturated fatty acids present in cottonseed oil is linoleic acid. When compared to other oils and fats that are commonly used, the saturated fat it contains is mid-level; This is what makes it more stable than other oils that are used in the kitchen.

Although it is very well saturated, it still does not match some of the hard fats that are available. To make them stable, a number of vegetable oils need to be hydrogenated and as they go through the process, trans fats develop. Due to its natural stability, the cottonseed oil does not contain trans fats.

The cotton oil contents are as follows:

  • Linoleic acid: 49 percent to 58 percent.
  • Oleic acid: 15 to 20 percent.
  • Palmitic acid: 22% to 26%.
  • Behenic acid and lignoceric acid / arachidic acid: 10 per cent.

Cottonseed oil is rich in tocopherols which are an excellent source of vitamin E and are natural antioxidants, which makes them beneficial to our health. As mentioned earlier, they help us in the fight against free radicals.

With three times the amount of saturated unsaturated fatty acids, many health experts around the world claim that this oil is good health. It suits the regimes we follow in this modern age.

There is still much debate about whether cotton seed oil is as healthy as many people claim. The use of chemicals in cotton plantations has raised many concerns about the safety of using cottonseed oil.

However, in today’s market, organic cotton seed is also available, making it easy for people who prefer over other oils to use in their kitchens. So what are you waiting for? Come on, grab a box of cotton seed oil and use it in your kitchen. You are sure to love the flavor that it communicates to your dishes!

How to Get Fake Nails Off

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Acrylic nails are the latest trend these days. Though you might have mastered placing them correctly over your natural nails but peeling them off maybe still a bit challenging for you. This is quandary even the salon professionals face at times. Here are two simple ways to remove fake nails among which you can choose the one that suits you the most. They are simple, inexpensive and work like a charm. Know about How to Get Fake Nails Off.

Method 1: Soaking Your Nails in Acetone

Things you need to collect for this method:

  1. Nail clipper
  2. Olive oil for constipation
  3. Nail polish remover
  4. Petroleum jelly
  5. Moisturizing lotion
  6. Orange-wood stick
  7. Nail buffer
  8. Nail file
  9. Glass bowl
  10. Clean towel

Steps to be Followed:

  1. Using a nail clipper trim down your acrylic nails as short as possible without cutting any of the nail bed. Short acrylic nails will make the further process easier and quicker.
  2. Now comes removing the top coat which is a layer of gel that imparts shine to fake nails. Using a good quality buffer file off the layer uniformly without focusing on a single spot only. This will help the acetone to work better.
  3. Take a small glass bowl and fill it partially with acetone nail polish remover. Since acetone is highly inflammable do not keep the bowl near any source of heat. Also, do not light anything near the bowl.
  4. Acetone is harsh over the skin and hence it is required to protect the skin near the nail beds. To offer protection, coat the skin around the nail bed with a thin layer of petroleum jelly.
  5. Now soak your nails into the bowl pre-filled with acetone. Keep your nails dip into the solution for 15-20 minutes until the glue that holds fake nails over natural nail beds starts coming off.
  6. When you observe the glue coming out, gently try to peel off acrylic nails using the other hand. In case you feel the nail is not coming out, dip your fingers again in the solution for some more minutes or use an Orangewood stick to scrape them off. Whatever you do, never try to remove fake nails forcefully as it will lead to some serious damage to the natural nail bed.
  7. When you are done with removing acrylics, wash off your hands thoroughly with water to remove acetone nail polish and petroleum jelly from the hands.
  8. If you see any leftover glue over the nails, run a nail buffer over them until they get smooth.
  9. Acetone causes the nails to get dry. To restore smoothness of your hands and nails, massage them with olive oil or moisturizing lotion. This will restore natural moisture that was lost during the process.

How to Get Fake Nails OffMethod 2: Removing Nails with Dental Floss

Things you need to collect before starting the procedure are:

  • 12 inches of dental floss
  • Metal file

Steps to be Followed:

  1. Though this activity is quite simple, you can’t do it yourself only. To remove fake nails through this method you need two more helping hands. However, this method is not recommended for those who have brittle nails.
  2. First of all, taking a metal nail file, pry up the bottom edge of fake nails with the tip of the nail file.
  3. Now allow your partner to wrap to slip the dental floss under the edge of the nail you have created in step 1.
  4. Let your friend pull the fake nail slowly and gently with the help of the dental floss. Keep moving the dental floss in a sawing motion until the acrylic nail can be removed from natural nail completely.
  5. Using a buffer clean your nails, and apply a moisturizer to restore nature smoothness.
  6. Now, knowing you can easily take fake nails off, you can indulge in sporting trendy stickers that match your ensemble!