Interesting Facts About Carrots Part II

Interesting Facts About Carrots Part II

Source: "13-08-31-wien-redaktionstreffen-EuT-by-Bi-frie-037" by Bi-frie (talk) - Own work. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:13-08-31-wien-redaktionstreffen-EuT-by-Bi-frie-037.jpg#/media/File:13-08-31-wien-redaktionstreffen-EuT-by-Bi-frie-037.jpg

1. Orange carrots were not developed until the 1500s in the Netherlands.

2. Carrots can be white, yellow, orange, red, purple or black! 

3. The root hairs on carrots can extend 2.13-2.44 metre's (7-8 feet) into the soil in search of water and nutrients; beet root hairs travel even deeper.

4. Carrots are biennials, which means that it takes two years for them to produce seeds; in order for carrots to produce seeds in Canada, we have to pull them in the fall, store them all winter in a cold storage, replant in the ground the next spring, and let the leafy green tops send out a flowers which will turn to seeds! That’s why most people go to the garden centre to get fresh seed every spring.

5. The world’s longest carrot ever recorded was 5.839 metre's and was grown in the United Kingdom 

6. The world’s heaviest carrot weighed 8.44 kg (18.6 lbs) and was grown in the United States 

7. The average American eats 6.17 kg (13.6 pounds) of carrots in a year 

8. If babies have a diet high in pureed carrots (baby food) they often develop orange skin from the carotene, which disappears when they decrease their carrot intake!

9. Excellent source of vitamin A (beta-carotene) which promotes good vision. 

10. Beta-carotene also acts as an antioxidant, which can help to keep the heart healthy. 

11. Carrots are usually orange, but can also be white, yellow, red, or purple. 

12. Carrots were grown thousands of years ago in Asia and Middle Eastern countries (purple carrots).

13. Carrots became popular in the 1800's, and were the first vegetable to be canned.

14. “Baby carrots” from the store are actually big carrots washed and cut into smaller pieces.

Interesting Facts About Carrots Part I

Interesting Facts About Carrots Part I

Source: "13-08-31-wien-redaktionstreffen-EuT-by-Bi-frie-037" by Bi-frie (talk) - Own work. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:13-08-31-wien-redaktionstreffen-EuT-by-Bi-frie-037.jpg#/media/File:13-08-31-wien-redaktionstreffen-EuT-by-Bi-frie-037.jpg

1. Over 3000 years ago in Asia, carrots were first used for medicine.  These carrots were very different from the carrots we see now - they were purple and yellow!  It wasn’t until 900 BC when carrots were first grown for food in Afghanistan. Purple and yellow carrots didn’t make their way to Western Europe until the 1300’s.

2.  The orange carrot was developed in Holland as a tribute to William of Orange during the Dutch fight for independence.  However, its popularity was likely due to the fact that the new orange carrot was less bitter than the purple and red varieties.

3. To achieve a perfect orange color, carrots should be grown between 60-75°F weather.

4. Carrots are a type of root vegetable - meaning the edible portion of the plant is grown underground.

5. Carrots are related to celery, dill, fennel, parsley, and parsnip.

6. The flower called Queen Anne’s Lace is actually a wild carrot.

7. European ladies would wear lacy carrot flowers in their hair in the 15th century.

8. After the United States, China is the biggest producer of carrots.

9. Half a cup of carrots provides more than one day’s worth of vitamin A.

10. Raw carrots can be eaten plain as a snack or an appetizer, and sliced, chopped, or grated to add to salads. 

11. Slice carrots into carrot sticks and dip in low-fat dressing or other low-fat dip.

12. Carrots can be cooked using many different methods, such as boiling, steaming, roasting, or grilling, and can be eaten as a side dish on their own or cooked with other vegetables.

13. Carrots are the second most popular vegetable in the world after potatoes.

14. Carrots were first grown as a medicine, not for food! 

15. The first carrots were purple and yellow.

Health benefits of Fenugreek

Health benefits of Fenugreek

1. Despite the fact that fenugreek(Methi) one of the oldest medicinal herbs, ongoing research in India and abroad is currently uncovering new possibilities for its potential role in the treatment of diabetes and high cholesterol levels associated with coronary heart disease, both of which plague many industrial societies.

2. Fenugreek (methi) has been used as both a food and a medicine in many different cultures, but especially in Asia and the Mediterranean region. The medicinal value of its seeds is mentioned in Ayurvedic texts as well as in Greek and Latin pharmacopoeia.

3. In ancient Egypt, methiwas used to ease childbirth and to increase milk flow, and modern Egyptian women are still using it today to relieve menstrual cramps, as well as making hilbatea out of it to ease other kinds of abdominal pain. The Chinese call it hu lu ba, and also use it for treating abdominal pain.

4. The leaves of methiare highly alkaline, and rich in iron, calcium, sulphur, chlorine, and vitamins A and C.

5. Indigestion, flatulence, diarrhoea, dysentery, peptic ulcers and colic are all complaints that may be relieved with the use of methi. In addition, people who suffer from biliousness or a sluggish liver may derive benefit.

6. Methi has been used effectively in the treatment of ulcers, boils, arthritis, sinusitis (an inflammation of the mucuous membranes of the nasal passages) and sore throat.

7. For external use, such as in the treatment of burns or boils, a poultice made from the leaves can be applied.

8. The seeds or the leaves can be eaten to soothe internal inflammation or swelling.

9. To relieve a sore throat, a strong methi brew can be prepared by simmering two tablespoons of the seeds in a quart of cold water for a half hour. After allowing it to cool, strain it and use the entire quantity as a gargle.

10. Fenugreek seeds have hypoglycaemic properties and can be used in the management of diabetes. The fenugreek diet significantly reduced fasting blood sugar and improved the glucose tolerance test.

25 Interesting Facts about Girls

25 Interesting Facts about Girls

1. The vagina is only as deep as your middle finger.

2. The vagina keeps itself clean and healthy by constantly producing mucus which turns white when it’s exposed to the air.Discharge also prevents the vagina from drying out. Discharge will begin to appear some time before your first period begins.

3. Females can ovulate before they have their period.

4. Cramps and painful periods may be caused by low calcium and magnesium levels.

5. The usual amount of blood lost during a period is between one and six tablespoons(120 ml blood and tissue).

6. Menstrual fluid is mostly made up of water.

7. A lot of girls’ hymen are broken through using a tampon or during active sports such as horse back riding or cycling. Masturbation, too, can break the hymen. There is an opening in the hymen that lets menstrual fluid flow out.

8. The fallopian tubes are about 10 cm long. The egg travels from the ovary to the uterus along these tubes.

9. Girls are born with about 300,000 eggs.

10. Ovary is about the size of a walnut/olive. The uterus is about the size of a pear/clenched fist.

11. The average woman has about 500 periods in her lifetime.

12. If a tampon has absorbed as much as it can and has to be changed within 4 hours, try a tampon with a higher absorbency. If a tampon still has lots of white patches showing when you take it out after about four hours, try a tampon with lower absorbency. Change your tampon every 4-8 hours.

13. PMS symptoms: breast tenderness, feeling swollen or bloated, change in appetite, headaches, acne or skin rash, constipation or diarrhea, abdominal cramps, feeling sad/tired/irritable or clumsy.

14. You get cramps when your uterus contracts (squeezes) slightly to help get rid of most of its lining.

15. If you are taking the birth control pill these five drugs may interfere with its effectiveness: antihistamines, alcohol, analgesics, antacids, antibiotics.

16. A pregnancy test only works 2 weeks after a suspected conception.

17.Girls’ primary school completion rates are below 50 per cent in most poor countries.

18.One in seven girls in developing countries is married before age 15, and 38 per cent are married before age 18.

19. In sub-Saharan Africa, more women than men are living with HIV, and young women 
aged 15–24  years are as much as eight times more likely than men to be HIV positive.

20. Both Barbie and Bratz dolls are so thin, they lack the internal proportions to have bodily organs like kidneys or large intestines; both would lack the 17-22% of body fat necessary for females to menstruate.

21. If Barbie were a real woman, she would be 7'2", weigh 101 pounds, and have a 19” waist and 39FF chest. A real woman with these proportions would be unable to support her upper body and stand up straight.

22. Female characters in children’s cartoon shows are five times more likely to be shown in revealing, skimpy clothing (even when they are animals) and three times more likely to be shown with physically-impossible tiny waists.

23. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia used to start in the “tweens” – doctors are now treating them in girls as young as five or six.

24. Three-quarters of female characters in TV situation comedies are underweight; only 1 in 20 is average size. Moreover, female characters that are heavier tend to get made fun of more often, and 80% of the time these negative comments are rewarded with audience laughter.

25. By the time they graduate high school, children will have spent more time watching TV than in the classroom or talking with their parents.

Health Benefits of Different Types of Milk

Health Benefits of Different Types of Milk

1. Coconut milk:
Coconut milk is a common ingredient in South Indian cooking that makes the curry rich and delicious.

What are the health benefits of coconut milk?
Coconuts provide vitamins, minerals and fibers that prevent diseases like gallbladder stones and liver diseases, inflammation and skin diseases, to name a few. If you want proteins, coconut milk is a good source. It also provides iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, vitamins: C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6. Surprisingly coconut milk is far richer in calcium than regular milk. Rest assured that coconut milk also supports the immune system, helps in weight loss and is great for digestion.

2. Almond milk:
Almonds are a great snack if you are fasting or if you simply want a potent healthy snack to keep you full for longer. Some dishes also use almonds as garnish and it is an excellent medium in desserts.

What are the health benefits of almond milk?
Almond milk, just like coconut milk, is a great alternative for vegans. Almond milk is a good source for proteins; it is also low in calories unlike cow's milk. This milk contains vitamin E, magnesium, monounsaturated fats, manganese, copper and riboflavin. Boost your energy and lower heart diseases with almond milk.

3. Cow's milk:
This is the most commonly used milk in India. Cow's milk is also used to make enticing Indian sweets.

What are the health benefits of cow's milk?
This milk contains fats, minerals and vitamins like vitamin D, proteins, vitamin B, potassium, iodine and it is a good substitute to Omega 3. Cow's milk is not fattening but it should be complimented with a healthy diet. Besides strengthening the bones with calcium, cow's milk is known to control blood pressure as it contains potassium, iodine promote thyroid function and prevents gout.

4. Goat's milk:
Most Indians may not use goat's milk, but high up in the hilly regions of northern Indian, goat's milk is widely used. But the buck does not stop there, globalization and India's love for Italian food has seen an increase in the import of goat cheese.

What are the health benefits of goat's milk?
According to researchers, goat's milk helps prevent softening of bone and anemia. It also aids digestion and 'metabolic utilization of minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium'. The secret lies in the high presence of iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Apparently goat's milk has less fat, builds your immune system, and reduces anti-inflammation of the bowel.

5. Raw milk:
Consuming raw milk is a trend that promotes the importance of organic food. But is it a wise choice?

What are the health benefits of raw milk?
The debate still continues on the health benefits of raw milk over pasteurised milk. Raw milk contains proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals, but scientists do not believe the claims of health benefits of raw milk. There are healthy bacteria in raw milk; some say that pasteurised milk kills these microbes, but scientists believe it's all for a good cause.

You need to know:
- Pasteurization DOES NOT reduce milk's nutritional value.
- Pasteurization DOES kill harmful bacteria.
- Pasteurization DOES save lives.

6. Soy milk:
This is a common substitute for those who are lactose intolerant or vegetarian. Soy milk also comes under probiotic food choice.

What are the health benefits of soy milk?
Soy milk contains fatty acids, proteins, fiber, vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for the smooth functioning of our body. You can count on soy milk to improve good cholesterol and help in weight loss; the omega 3 and 6 in soy milk strengthens the blood vessels, claims to prevent prostrate cancer, osteoporosis and postmenopausal syndrome.

7. Cardamom or eliachi milk:
May not be a common ingredient in milk, but flavoured milk is always refreshing on a hot day. Cardamom milk is healthier than having flavoured milk like chocolate and strawberry.

What are the health benefits of cardamom milk?
Cardamom contains potassium, calcium, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin-C and magnesium. It is also used as an antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic and tonic. These are the traditional uses of cardamom.

Dandruff-Home Remedies

Dandruff-Home Remedies

Dandruff is a chronic ,non inflammatory condition of the scalp that is characterized by excessive scaling of scalp tissue. It is not a disease but rather a normal physiological event unaccepted socially.

For most people, the signs and symptoms of dandruff are unmistakable: white, oily looking flakes of dead skin that dot your hair and shoulders and an itchy, scaling scalp.

It appears at puberty, reaches a peak in early adulthood, levels off in middle age, decline in advancing years, and disappears in old age.it is seasonal, mild in summer months and most severe in winter. Poor hygiene does not cause dandruff in a non -dandruff person, but exacerbates existing symptoms. Dandruff is a stable process( not subjected to sudden shifts in severity from week to week).   It is less subjected to outside stress.

Almost any adult is a candidate for dandruff, but certain factors can make you more susceptible. Dandruff usually begins in young adulthood and continues through middle age. That doesn't mean older adults don't get dandruff, however. For some people, the problem can be lifelong.  Because more men than women have dandruff, some researchers think male hormones may play a role in dandruff. Men also have larger sebaceous glands that produce an oil called sebum.

You can't prevent dandruff, but you can take steps to reduce your risk.

Dandruff is a chronic condition that can almost always be controlled, but dandruff treatment may take a little patience and persistence. In general, mild scaling can often be helped by daily cleansing with a gentle shampoo to reduce oiliness and cell buildup.

1. When regular shampoos fail, OTC dandruff shampoos may succeed. But dandruff shampoos aren't all alike, and you may need to experiment until you find one that works best for you. Dandruff shampoos are classified according to their active ingredient:

2. Learn to manage stress. Stress affects your overall health, making you susceptible to a number of conditions and diseases. It can even help trigger dandruff or exacerbate existing symptoms. 

3. Shampoo often. If you tend to have an oily scalp, daily shampooing to remove the excess oil may help prevent dandruff. Cut back on styling products. Hair sprays, styling gels, mousses and hair waxes can all build up on your hair and scalp, making them oilier. 

4. Eat a healthy diet. A diet that provides enough zinc, B vitamins and essential fatty acid may help prevent dandruff. 

5. Get a little sun. Sunlight may be good for dandruff. But because exposure to ultraviolet light damages your skin and increases your risk of skin cancer, don't sunbathe. Instead, just spend a little time outdoors. And be sure to wear sunscreen on your face and body. 

Fun Facts about Hygiene

Fun Facts about Hygiene

1. Hygiea was a Greek goddess of health cleanliness and the moon. Ancient Greek gods apparently worked double shifts.

Hygeia is the personification of health. She was the daughter of Asclepius, the god of medicine, who was the son of Apollo.  Hygeia was associated with the cult of Asclepius.

Hygeia was often pictured holding a cup, (a kylix, or wine-cup), with a snake coiled about her body or arm.  The serpent is a symbol of resurrection; the cup, medicine.  Hygeia’s cup may have been an early inspiration for grail stories.

2. The human body is home to some 1,000 species of bacteria. There are more germs on your body than people in the United States.

3. Antibacterial soap is no more effective at preventing infection than regular soap. After studying over 11,000 children it was found that an overly hygienic environment increases the risk of skin conditions and asthma.

4. Monks in a small religious monastery in India are not allowed to bath any part of their bodies besides their hands and feet. Their religion believes it is wrong to kill any living creature even microorganisms.

5. The word soap comes from this mythological mountain.  When women washed their cloths in the Tiber River, the dirt on the shore was a mixture of fat and wood ash from animal sacrifices coming down from the mountain. They used this as a cleaning agent.

6. Ancient Egyptians and Aztecs rubbed urine on their skin to treat cuts and burns.  Urea is a key chemical in urine.  When urine is in the bladder it is free from fungi and bacteria, so it was possibly cleaner than the water they drank.

7. England’s medieval King Henry IV struck a blow for cleanliness when he required his knights to bath a least once in their lives during their ritual knighthood ceremonies.

8. During the 18th-century, London did not have a sewer system. Toilet water was just dumped out of the windows on to the streets, where it contaminated the city’s water supply.  They did not know at the time that boiling water would help make the water safer to drink. In 1854 there were 616 deaths related to the water supply in London alone. Because of this, is was a common practice to drink alcoholic beverages at every meal and in-between.

9. 5 SECOND RULE
If you drop something on the floor but pick it up in less than four seconds, it will be OK. False. There is no five-second rule when it comes to food on the ground. Bacteria needs no time at all to contaminate food.

10. The first toothbrush was invented in China in 1498. It was made of carved cattle-bone and pig bristles wired into it.  Brushing ones teeth did not become routine in the USA until it was enforced in 1940 on soldiers during World War ll.

11. In 1935, Northern Tissue proudly introduced “splinter-free” toilet paper.  Previous options included tundra moss in North America and  sea sponge from salt water for Romans. Here in the modern West corncobs were used.

12. In 1843, Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. campaigned for basic sanitation in hospitals. But this clashed with social ideas of the time concerning upper class citizens like doctors. Charles Meigs, a prominent American physician, retorted, " Doctors are gentlemen, and our hands are always clean".

13. However, up to a quarter of all women giving birth in European and American hospitals in the 17th thru 19th centuries died of an infection spread by unhygienic nurses and doctors.

14. A study by the University of Arizona determined that the TV remote control in hospitals are the worst carriers of bacteria in hospital rooms; worse even than toilet handles. The remote can spread the infection MRSA, which contributes to over 90,000 deaths a year.

15. It is now believed President James Garfield did not die from the bullet fired by Charles Guiteau.

16. Some of the medical team that treated the President were also farmers with manure-stained hands. The wound developed a severe infection that killed him three months later.

17. Hygiene tips do not have to be complicated.  Everyone can practice good hygiene.

18. Soap and water are the simplest form of cleaning. Wash hands all day long, especially before exiting the bathroom, and before meals. When at all possible wash the TV remotes, mouses and keypads between users.