FOOD NEWS

Sunday, 26 June 2016

GAJALU MOVIE

The film to be produced via Rohit will featured a few famous new-age actors in the film. In keeping with the file, the movie will function Jerryy and ‘Hostel’ famed Anmol Hostel fundamental hiro Salon ‘Manjari’ famed Gaurav Pahadi, and ‘Resham Filili’ famed Menuka Pradhan. , skip over Nepal 2012 is also going to be featured in most important role within the movie. Unique artists embody Hritik Shahi.

Like ‘Hostel’ and ‘jerryy’ the movie is also going to be directed with the beneficial resource of Hemraj BC. Hemraj has furthermore written the script of the film. The film will characteristc the cinemagraphy of Shailendradhoj , enhancing via Surendra Poudel and choreography through manner of using Kabiraj Gahatraj. The movie makers have now not all started out to method actress Gauri Malla in a characteristic inside the movie

By: Rohit On 13:32

Friday, 10 June 2016

Barley Can Ward Off 'Bad Cholesterol' and Prevent Heart Disease

Barley is a grain commonly found in bread, beverages, and various cuisines of every culture. It is one of the most widely consumed grains in the entire world. Barley is high in fibre, has twice the protein and almost half the calories of oats as well as an important consideration for people with weight or dietary concerns.

According to a new study conducted by St Michael's Hospital in Canada consuming barley as food or in food recipes can significantly reduce the levels of "bad cholesterol" that are associated with heart disease risk, suggesting that barley has similar cholesterol-lowering effects as oats.

The review, published in The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, included 14 studies on clinical trials conducted in seven countries, including Canada.The results showed that barley reduced by seven per cent both low-density lipoprotein, or LDL and non-high-density lipoprotein, or non-HDL. "The findings are most important for populations at high risk for cardiovascular disease, such as Type 2 diabetics, who have normal levels of LDL cholesterol but elevated levels of non-HDL or apolipoprotein B," said Scientist Vladimir Vuksan.Barley has a lowering effect on the total bad cholesterol in high-risk individuals, but can also benefit people without high cholesterol. High cholesterol and diabetes are the major risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Measuring non-HDL and or apoB -- a lipoprotein that carries bad cholesterol through the blood, provides a more accurate assessment for heart disease risk, as they account for the total 'bad cholesterol' found in the blood.Despite its benefits, barley is not as well established as some other health-recommended foods -- such as oats, the researchers rued, adding that barley consumption by humans has fallen by 35 per cent in the last 10 years.

By: Rohit On 22:03

Friday, 27 May 2016

Top Reasons To Use Apple Cider Vinegar Every Day

An apple a day keeps the doctor away is a very famous saying. Now, you can add a new twist to this saying by replacing the apple with apple cider vinegar. A daily dose of apple cider vinegar is also very effective in keeping the doctor away. It is a quick and effective ingredient for your hair, skin, cleaning coffee makers, removing coffee and tea stains from ceramic cups, polishing armor, killing weeds, making pickles as well as used for salad dressing. Apple cider vinegar is such a useful ingredient that you cannot resist the use of this ingredient every single day. It is not just used for helping you out in the kitchen and for cleaning things, but it also has many natural benefits. It is rich in calcium, potassium, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, sodium and fluorine. It is also rich in vitamins like A, B1, B2, C, E, pectin and bioflavanoid. It is such a useful ingredient that you need to use it in your daily routine.
Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting the apple juice to form hard apple cider. Then it undergoes a second fermentation process where it becomes apple cider vinegar.

• Using the apple cider vinegar in place of other products in your home will help you to decrease the consumption and dependence on unnatural chemicals in your homes every day.
• Regular use of apple cider vinegar will provide a healthy environment and surrounding in your home.

2. Regulates Skin pH
Apple cider vinegar is found to be an excellent ingredient that will help in removing age spots, ace scars, and warts apart from toning your skin.

Procedure:
• Use two parts of water to dilute one part of apple cider vinegar and spread this mixture all over your face with the help of a soft cotton ball.
• You can apply this at night before going to bed or even use it in the morning before applying your moisturizer.
• It will help in reducing age spots.
Warts Treatment:
• Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and then using a band aid seal this soaked cotton ball over the wart on your face.
• Leave it there for overnight and there are chances for the skin to swell when the apple cider vinegar solution reacts with the wart.
• The wart will fall off and repeat this treatment for a few more days so that wart does not reappear.

3. Use It For Shiny Hair
If you love to see your hair shiny and full, then you need to rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar after a good shampoo. It is also an excellent remedy for dandruff.

Procedure:
• Add half a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of cold water and mix it well.
• Apply this solution over your hair after a good shampooing process and leave it there for about half an hour and then rinse it off.
• Repeat this process several times a week to see quick and effective results.

By: Rohit On 02:53

Tuesday, 17 May 2016

A Father's Lifestyle Habits Could Cause Birth Defects in His Children

New fathers please take note! Your age, use of alcohol and other lifestyle factors can cause birth defects in your child as well as for the future generations, warns a new research at Georgetown University in the US. The nutritional, hormonal and psychological environment provided by the mother permanently has been previously known to alter the organ structure, cellular response and gene expression in her babies.

The team reviewed past research that focused on how a man's lifestyle could cause epigenetic changes in his sperm's DNA that could eventually affect his kid's genome."Our study shows that the fathers' lifestyle, and his age, can be reflected in molecules that control the gene function," said Joanna Kitlinska, an associate professor. "In this way, a father can affect not only his immediate offspring, but future generations as well," Kitlinska added in the paper published in the American Journal of Stem Cells.The findings showed that, if the father is alcoholic, a newborn can be diagnosed with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), even though the mother has never consumed alcohol. Alcohol use in fathers was also linked to decreased birth weight, marked reduction in overall brain size, and impaired cognitive function.In addition, the advanced age of a father can elevate the rates of schizophrenia, autism in his children, the researchers said.Also, the diet pattern of a man during his pre-adolescence can reduce or increase the risk of cardiovascular death in his children and grandchildren. Paternal obesity has been linked to enlarged fat cells, changes in metabolic regulation, diabetes, obesity and development of brain cancer.Further, psychosocial stress on the father can cause defective behavioural traits in his kids."This new field of inherited paternal epigenetics needs to be organised into clinically applicable recommendations and lifestyle alternations," Kitlinska said adding, "to really understand the epigenetic influences of a child, we need to study the interplay between maternal and paternal effects, as opposed to considering each in isolation.

By: Rohit On 04:11

Saturday, 14 May 2016

Can Sitting in a Salt Room Help in Relieving Asthma?

As the number of asthma cases are rising due to the deteriorating air quality, health experts have suggested a new form of therapy that may be beneficial in treating respiratory diseases. According to them, salt room therapy is helpful and has been tested in various parts of the world. It is completely natural and can provide symptomatic relief to patients suffering from respiratory problems.

“Dangerously high levels of pollution have taken a toll on the health of many people. In this form of therapy, patients are asked to relax in a room with walls thickly lined with salt. Light air is continuously blown into the room, helping the minute salt particles mix in the air which is breathed by the patient," said Animesh Ray, Consultant Pulmonologist at Fortis Vasant Kunj.

According to doctors, the salt particles after reaching the nose and the respiratory tract remove all debris and bacteria. They also help in the abatement of bronchial inflammation and strengthening of the immune system that decreases allergic reaction to pollen.

Varsa, a Delhi-based respiratory expert, explains that the passage of air through the bronchial tubes, leads to widening of the airway passages, restores the normal transport of mucus and unclogs blockages in the bronchi, thereby controlling asthmatic attacks.

Anju Chandra, founder of Salt Room Therapy in New Delhi, says in agreement, "Salt room therapy is a drug-free treatment for asthma, chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, allergic and skin ailments. I am hopeful that this initiative will not just help people with respiratory and skin conditions but will offer them an effective and natural treatment option to fight the rising pollution around us."

Salt therapy is also known as Halotherapy, a spa-type therapy which claims to bring health benefits by surrounding a person with salt in real or simulated salt caves. It also takes the form of salt rooms and breathing through salt pipes, called SpeleoTherapy. Supporters of the salt therapy say that simply sitting in a space surrounded by salt creates a micro-climate that may be beneficial to some respiratory and skin conditions.

By: Rohit On 09:52

Wednesday, 11 May 2016

Can Sitting in a Salt Room Help in Relieving Asthma?

By: Rohit On 23:37

Tuesday, 10 May 2016

Amazing Prunes Benefits: The Dry Fruit You've Ignored for Too Long

Not a fan of prunes? You’re not alone. In the US, a research found women of ages 25-54 to react negatively to the idea of prunes, so the California Prune Board pressured the Food and Drug Administration to change the name of prunes to the more inviting “dried plums”. And it worked!

Prunes are basically plums that have been dried naturally in the sun without undergoing any fermentation process. “Over my career, I have tested numerous fruits, including figs, dates, strawberries and raisins, and none of them come anywhere close to having the effect on bone density that dried plums or prunes have. All fruits and vegetables have a positive effect on nutrition, but in terms of bone health, this particular food is exceptional”, says researcher Bahram H. Arjmandi, Florida State University.

Meet The Dried Plum

All crinkled and wrinkly, this unassuming fruit is surprisingly packed with fiber and a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, iron and retinol. “Prunes are rich in vitamin K and contain beta-carotene. Each prune (approx 9.5 g) offers about 23 kcal and 0.7 g of fiber. An ounce (28g) can be added to smoothies or trail mixes to add to the fiber and antioxidant content”, says Dr. Rupali Datta, Chief Clinical Nutritionist, SmartCooky. Just one cup of prunes provides 87% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K, more than 20% of most B vitamins, 8% of calcium and 27% of potassium.

By: Rohit On 10:58

Monday, 9 May 2016

What Causes Appetite Loss During Illness

A new study at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) in California, US published in the Journal of Neuroscience have discovered how an immune system molecule hijacks a brain circuit and reduces appetite when you are inflicted with an illness.

While loss of appetite during illness is common, it contributes to reducing a patient's strength and in cancer patients, it can even shorten lifespan. The new research points to potential targets for treating loss of appetite and restoring a patient's strength.

'Treating loss of appetite won't cure an underlying disease, but it could help a patient cope,' said senior author of the study Bruno Conti, professor at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) in California, US. 'Many times, loss of appetite can compromise clinical outcome. A weak individual is less likely to be able to cope with chemotherapy, for instance,' Conti adds.

Many people recover their appetite after illness. But in patients with diseases such as cancer or AIDS, loss of appetite can turn into a wasting disease called cachexia, also known as "the last illness" because it can accelerate a patient's decline.

The researchers believe the circuit affected by an immune molecule called interleukin 18 (IL-18) may be a potential drug target for treating loss of appetite, and possibly support weight loss for those with metabolic disorders. 'IL-18 regulates feeding by locking directly into the neuronal circuitry,' Conti said.

By: Rohit On 02:38

Sunday, 8 May 2016

Silk Coating Can Keep Fruit Fresh Without Refrigeration

Your favourite strawberries and bananas can stay fresh for more than a week without refrigeration if they are coated in a thin, odourless, biocompatible silk solution, says a study.Silk's unique crystalline structure makes it one of nature's toughest materials. Fibroin, an insoluble protein found in silk, has a remarkable ability to stabilise and protect other materials while being fully biocompatible and biodegradable.For the study, the researchers dipped freshly picked strawberries in a solution of one percent silk fibroin protein.

The coating process was repeated up to four times.The silk fibroin-coated fruits were then treated for varying amounts of time with water vapour under vacuum (water annealed) to create varying percentages of crystalline beta-sheets in the coating.The strawberries were then stored at room temperature. Uncoated berries were compared over time with berries dipped in varying numbers of coats of silk that had been annealed for different periods of time.At seven days, the berries coated with the higher beta-sheet silk were still juicy and firm while the uncoated berries were dehydrated and discoloured. Tests showed that the silk coating prolonged the freshness of the fruits by slowing fruit respiration, extending fruit firmness and preventing decay."The beta-sheet content of the edible silk fibroin coatings made the strawberries less permeable to carbon dioxide and oxygen. We saw a statistically significant delay in the decay of the fruit," said senior study author Fiorenzo Omenetto, professor at Tufts University in Massachusetts, US.Similar experiments were performed on bananas, which, unlike strawberries, are able to ripen after they are harvested.The silk coating decreased the bananas' ripening rate compared with uncoated controls and added firmness to the fruit by preventing softening of the peel.The findings were published in the journal Scientific Reports.Half of the world's fruit and vegetable crops are lost during the food supply chain, due mostly to premature deterioration of these perishable foods, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations.

By: Rohit On 03:14

Saturday, 7 May 2016

Stop Eating Red Meat Daily to Add Years to Your Life

Beware! Gorging on red meat such as bacon, sausage, unsalted beef or pork on a daily basis can decrease your life, new research warns. The findings showed the steepest rise in mortality rate at the smallest increase in intake of meat, particularly red or processed meat.A decreased risk of 25 percent to nearly 50 percent of all-cause mortality for very low meat intake compared with higher meat intake was found. In addition, the researchers also found a 3.6-year increase in life expectancy for those on a vegetarian diet for more than 17 years, compared to short-term vegetarians.

"This clinical-based evidence can assist physicians in counselling patients about the important role diet plays, leading to improved preventive care, a key consideration in the osteopathic philosophy of medicine," said Brookshield Laurent, assistant professor at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine in the US."This data reinforces what we have known for so long -- your diet has great potential to harm or heal," Laurent added.For the study, published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, the researchers conducted a review of six large-scale studies involving more than 1.5 million with a goal of giving primary care physicians evidence-based guidance about whether they should discourage patients from eating meat.They followed people over 5.5 to 28 years and considered the association of processed meat (such as bacon, sausage, salami, hot dogs and ham) and unprocessed red meat (including uncured, unsalted beef, pork, lamb or game).Physicians should advise patients to limit animal products when possible and consume more plants than meat, they suggested.

By: Rohit On 10:34

Drinking Cherry Juice May Help Reduce High Blood Pressure

Drinking cherry juice can significantly reduce high blood pressure, particularly in males with early hypertension, to a level comparable to that achieved by medication, new research has found. High blood pressure if left untreated, increases risk of heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease, stroke or dementia.

The findings showed that men who drank tart Montmorency cherry juice -- a variety of sour cherry -- saw a peak reduction in their blood pressure of seven millimetre of mercury (mmHg) in the three hours after consuming the drink.This reduction is comparable to the level achieved by anti-hypertensive drugs, the researchers said.When phenolic acids, protocatechuic and vanillic -- compounds present within the cherry concentrate -- reached their peak levels in the plasma, systolic blood pressure showed greatest improvement."The magnitude of the blood pressure lowering effects we observed was comparable to those achieved by a single anti-hypertensive drug and highlights the potential importance that Montmorency cherries could have in the effective management of high blood pressure," said lead author Karen Keane, lecturer at Northumbria University in Britain.Raised blood pressure is the leading cause of deaths from heart diseases, yet relatively small reductions in blood pressure can have a large impact on mortality rates, Keane added in the paper published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.The team worked with fifteen participants who were displaying early hypertension with blood pressure readings of at least 130/90 mmHg, meaning they were at higher risk of experiencing heart related problems.They were given either 60ml of a Montmorency cherry concentrate or the same amount of a commercially available fruit-flavoured cordial.Blood pressure and blood samples were taken before the cherry concentrate was consumed and blood pressure was measured on an hourly basis thereafter.

By: Rohit On 03:15

Thursday, 5 May 2016

Grapeseed Oil Benefits: Actually Healthy or a Big, Fat Lie?

A few days go by and a new “health food” arrives in the market. In plenty cases, the health claims are spurious and don’t have any real studies to support them. The same appears to be the case with grapeseed oil, a leftover by-product of wine-making. Grapeseed oil is a polyunsaturated oil that is chemically extracted from the seeds of grapes after wine is made.

The 5 “Benefits” of Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil benefits are based on the supposedly high amounts of nutrients, antioxidants and polyunsaturated fats of the seeds. But here’s a newsflash… most of the nutrients and antioxidants (including the proanthocyanidins) from grape seeds are not present in the oil. Let’s take a look at the supposed benefits of using grapeseed oil.

1. Grapeseed oil is a good source of Vitamin E

After the intense chemical extraction process, most of the good properties are actually filtered out. The only nutrient left in any significant amount is Vitamin E. One tablespoon of grapeseed oil contains 9 mg of Vitamin E, which is 19% of the Recommended Daily Allowance. In fact, grapeseed oil contains about twice as much Vitamin E as olive oil. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage in your body and strengthens your immune system.

By: Rohit On 03:29

Wednesday, 4 May 2016

Eating Dark Chocolate Can Curb Diabetes, Heart Disease Risk

Fancy eating chocolates every day? You may soon have the recommendation of doctors to indulge a little as researchers have found that a dark chocolate bar daily could reduces the risk of developing diabetes and heart diseases.For the study, the researchers analysed data of 1,153 people aged 18-69 years old who were part of the Observation of Cardiovascular Risk in Luxembourg study.

It was found that those who ate 100 g of chocolate a day -- equivalent to a bar -- had reduced insulin resistance and improved liver enzymes.Insulin sensitivity is a well-established risk factor to cardiovascular disease. The findings were published in the British Journal of Nutrition. The analysis took into account lifestyle and dietary factors, including the simultaneous consumption of tea and coffee.This is because both drinks can be high in polyphenol, the substance which may provide chocolate with its beneficial cardiometabolic effects."Given the growing body of evidence, including our own study, cocoa-based products may represent an additional dietary recommendation to improve cardio-metabolic health; however, observational results need to be supported by robust trial evidence," said Saverio Stranges, visiting academic at the University of Warwick Medical School in England."Potential applications of this knowledge include recommendations by healthcare professionals to encourage individuals to consume a wide range of phytochemical-rich foods, which can include dark chocolate in moderate amounts," Stranges said.However, it is important to differentiate between the natural product cocoa and the processed product chocolate, which is an energy-dense food.Therefore, physical activity, diet and other lifestyle factors must be carefully balanced to avoid detrimental weight gain over time, the researchers warned.

By: Rohit On 02:42

Tuesday, 3 May 2016

How to Make Iced Tea this Summer, Beyond Lemon and Peach

Traditionally, iced tea is made from black tea leaves. But as of late, many small boutiques and cafes are experimenting with exotic tea blends and even sprucing them up with dried herbs, spices and flowers. Think: White tea with a kiss of rose or acai-mango or raspberry-mint or lemongrass-marigold. Garnishes, brewing methods, sweeteners and add-ins make it really easy to step up your iced tea game this summer, and even help transform iced tea into the ideal mocktail (or cocktail) for outdoor parties.

Mr. Amit Anand, Owner of Mingle Tea says, “A brew of Orange and Mint Green Tea works beautifully as an iced tea for the summer. Not only are oranges packed with high levels of vitamin C, but mint helps you cool down. You can blend it with some soda, a splash of lime, a spoonful of honey and voila! Even a pitcher of Pineapple and Vanilla Iced Tea is really refreshing. It’s black tea, and makes for a brilliant concoction especially if you add a dash of lemon juice”.

The best thing about making your iced tea is limiting the amount of sweetener you add (or not adding any), sans the chemicals. And these cold infusions make for a great solution for people who avoid drinking a hot cuppa.

Now if you believe that nothing screams summer quite like mangoes, you’ll love this gorgeous Peach and Mango Iced Tea recipe, with a White Tea base. It’s really simple, tastes divine (and makes for a perfect picture). Did you know: Studies suggest that White Tea may have the highest levels of antioxidants as compared to all other types of tea? You’re in for a treat.

By: Rohit On 01:40

Monday, 2 May 2016

Summer Special: Smashing Drinks to Quench Your Thirst

Picture this: It's blazing hot outside, you head indoors and race towards the a.c remote. While still trying to get the machine on, you make a giant leap to your next best friend - the refrigerator.

The door is open and as the cool air touches your body, you give a sigh of relief - heaven is here! The very next moment a chilled bottle of cola is spotted. You quickly reach out to it and gulp it down.How many of us are not known to have lived this moment? Summer is that time of the year when chilled beverages are probably most endearing to us. Under hot and humid conditions, our body tends to get dehydrated leading to a constant need to consume fluids. It is important to understand that while our body seeks constant hydration, its source should be healthy. Various medical and health studies conducted in the past have signaled at the ill effects of processed drinks. Not only are these drinks high in calories but are also stripped off the nutritional content and are filled purely with refined sugar. One should always be on a lookout for natural ways to stay hydrated. Apart from increasing your water intake, you can also add fruits and veggies that have high water content - some of them would include citrus fruits, melons, cucumber, etcetera. Yogurt is also an excellent way to cool down when it's hot outside.

By: Rohit On 05:53

Saturday, 30 April 2016

Japanese Food: Top Dishes from Sashimi to Yakitori Chicken

"The first rule of cooking one learns in Japan is "Sozai o Mamoru" which means to protect an ingredient; or to showcase an ingredient's flavor without masking it", says Chef Niki Nakayama of n/naka in Los Angeles, California. When you pop a sushi roll in your mouth, it is the fresh and honest flavours that woo you. And Japanese cuisine is just that - a celebration of flavours and seasonal ingredients in their pure state, and food is presented as an art.

"A basic Japanese meal, which even I have grown up eating, consists of rice known as 'gohan', miso soup, pickled vegetables and fish or meat", says Chef Takanori Fukuda, from Megu, The Leela Palace, New Delhi. Have you ever eaten a cloud before? Because that's what their rice tastes like, incredibly light on the palate and the stomach. He adds, "As an island nation, the Japanese take great pride in their seafood. A wide variety of fish, squid, octopus, eel, and shellfish appear in all kinds of dishes from sushi to tempura".

Japanese food is usually healthy, fresh and well portioned. Take the bento box for example, one of their most simple dish concepts. It is a single portion meal prepared with rice, meat or fish, and vegetables, designed to include a variety of food sources addressing multiple nutritional needs. It offers a contrast of textures and flavours, and speaks volumes about the careful balance that is applied in Japanese cuisine. The first time I tried the bento box, I marvelled at the myriad textures and flavours released with each bite, then at its rapid disappearance.

By: Rohit On 18:55

Yoga May Reduce Impact of Asthma in Your Life

If you are suffering from asthma, practising yoga may offer some relief from the chronic disease and improve your quality of life, suggests a new research. Asthma is a common chronic disease affecting about 300 million people worldwide. The many typical symptoms of asthma include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.

"Our findings suggest that yoga exercise may lead to small improvements in asthma quality of life and symptoms," said lead author Zuyao Yang from Chinese University of Hong Kong.The study, published in the journal Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, involved 15 randomised controlled trials which involved 1,048 men and women. Most of the trials were conducted in India, followed by Europe and the US.The majority of participants had mild to moderate asthma for six months to more than 23 years. Six studies looked into the effects of breathing alone during yoga exercise, while the other studies assessed the effects of yoga that included breathing, posture and meditation.Most people continued to take their usual asthma medication while participating in the studies. The studies were conducted over a time period of two weeks to over four years. The researchers found some moderate quality evidence from five studies that yoga exercise reduces the impact of asthma on people's quality of life."However, it is unclear whether yoga has a consistent impact on lung function and we don't yet know if yoga can reduce people's medication usage, or if there are any side-effects of yoga for people with asthma," Yang noted.

By: Rohit On 10:45

Bengali Fish Dishes Perfect For Family Or Friends

This year, for Bengali New Year, I decided to do something very intrinsic to Bengali cuisine -- explore the dimensions of cooking fish.

Shadowed by the rivers, fresh fish is essential and intrinsic to the culinary heritage of the food-obsessed Bengali community. What is most impressive is the sheer diversity of fish preparations that are different and distinct from almost any other part of India.

On the Bengali table, fish is cooked together with the assortment of regional specialties indigenous to the wet, fertile region replete with greens, citrus and coconuts. Coconuts are plentiful and a much-loved ingredient -- and for Bengali people, almost anything tastes better with some coconut.

When cooking with fish, all parts of the fish are used -- from the head to the tail. Different treatments and preparations are used for different parts, showcasing the various tastes and textures. Fastidious Bengali home cooks like to shop for fish daily, usually in the early morning, returning home proudly with the catch of the day and tales of how they managed to get it before it was all gone.

Fish can take diners from starters to the main course without any problem. A traditional meal often commences with an assortment of vegetables and small shrimp, and fish heads or tiny fish are usually added to regular vegetable dishes to add a touch of sweetness, boost the protein and transcend the ordinary into something festive or more formal.

Fish heads are a coveted part of the fish, because their rich omega-3 fatty acid content is associated with promoting intelligence. Although it’s not as popular as it once was, a true Bengali household will reserve the fish head for the children or a new son-in-law. Adding it to lentils elevates it to a celebratory dish.

Needless to say, a fish head cannot be savored without using your hands, so to this end Bengalis enjoy eating fish by gently separating the bones from the flesh.

Curries are, of course, the mainstay of the table, and these range from gentle, nigella-scented vegetable and fish stews to common fish curries enriched with pungent mustard, creamy coconut, rich yogurt and sometimes even lemon.

To showcase the diversity of cooking fish for the Bengali table, here are four traditional but simple recipes that are practical enough for everyday meals.

By: Rohit On 03:48

Friday, 29 April 2016

21 Countries Could be Malaria-Free by 2020: WHO

As many as 21 countries, including six in the African region and four of India's neighbours - Bhutan, China, Nepal and Malaysia, could be free of malaria by 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has estimated in a report published today to mark World Malaria Day. One of the goals of WHO's 2016-2030 programme against malaria is to eliminate the disease in at least 10 countries by 2020. To meet this target, a country must achieve at least one year of zero indigenous cases by 2020.

"The 'Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016-2030', approved by the World Health Assembly in 2015, calls for the elimination of local transmission of malaria in at least 10 countries by 2020,” the Geneva-based organisation said in a statement.

"WHO estimates that 21 countries are in a position to achieve this goal, including six countries in the African Region, where the burden of the disease is heaviest,” the statement added.

"Our report shines a spotlight on countries that are well on their way to eliminating malaria,” said Pedro Alonso, director, WHO Global Malaria Programme.

According to the WHO analysis presented in the report, these 21 countries are: Algeria, Belize, Bhutan, Botswana, Cabo Verde, China, Comoros, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Iran, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Paraguay, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Suriname, Swaziland and Timor-Leste.

"WHO commends these countries while also highlighting the urgent need for greater investment in settings with high rates of malaria transmission, particularly in Africa. Saving lives must be our first priority,” Alonso noted.

Since the year 2000, malaria mortality rates have declined by 60 percent globally, the report pointed out. But reaching the next level - elimination - will not be easy, it added.

Nearly half of the world’s population, 3.2 billion people, remain at risk of malaria. Last year alone, 214 million new cases of the disease were reported in 95 countries and more than 400 000 people died of malaria, the report said. To make the world free of the disease, “new technologies must go hand in hand with strong political and financial commitment,” Alonso added.

Reaching the goals of the “Global Technical Strategy” will require a steep increase in global and domestic funding from $2.5 billion today to an estimated $8.7 billion annually by 2030, the report noted.

By: Rohit On 04:48

Thursday, 28 April 2016

Pineapple on the Grill: The Secret's in the Spice

By mid-April, when I have grown weary of winter citrus but the bounty of local berries hasn't hit the market yet, I like to turn to the tropics for some sweet, juicy variety. My luscious pineapple dessert not only is packed with island flavor, it satisfies a sweet tooth healthfully as well. Grilling the fruit caramelizes its natural sugars, brings forth its juices and gives it attractive grill marks. A sprinkling of ground allspice adds another dimension with its warm, aromatic Caribbean flair.Once the pineapple comes off the grill, it's topped off with another layer of tropical flavor in the form of coconut whipped cream. I don't use coconut milk because it is more healthful; it isn't necessarily better for you than regular whipped cream.

I use it because it has such an intense, craveable coconut flavor that it makes you see palm trees. Besides, it keeps the dish vegan-friendly.To make it, you refrigerate a can of full-fat coconut milk for several hours - long enough for the fat to separate and rise to the top of the liquid. Then you scrape off the solid fat and whip it as you would cream, with a touch of sugar. It is so rich and decadent that you need just a little for this recipe. But the rest keeps well in the refrigerator, so you can have it on hand to dollop on those berries, too, when they arrive at last.Grilled Pineapple With Coconut Whipped Cream4 servingsThe pineapple also can be cooked on an outdoor grill. (Remember to brush the grates with oil.) If you have a pineapple corer, use it to remove the core before you cut the pineapple into rings.MAKE AHEAD: The can of coconut milk needs to be refrigerated for at least 5 hours and up to 1 day in advance. You'll have whipped coconut cream left over; it can be refrigerated for at least 1 month. Ellie Krieger likes to refrigerate the beaters she uses for the coconut whipped cream; you can chill them along with the canned coconut milk.From nutritionist and cookbook author Ellie Krieger.IngredientsOne 13.5-ounce can full-fat coconut milk1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar1 fresh whole pineapple1/4 teaspoon ground allspiceCanola oil, for the grill pan2 teaspoons fresh mint leaves (whole or chopped), for garnishStepsChill the can of coconut milk in the refrigerator for at least 5 hours and up to 1 day.Remove it from the refrigerator without shaking it or moving it too much. Transfer what has congealed at the top to a mixer bowl, being careful not to include any of the liquid. The yield should be about 3/4 cup of solid coconut cream.Add the sugar to the bowl; whip with chilled beaters (optional; see headnote) on medium-high speed (stand mixer or handheld electric mixer) until the coconut cream is glossy and firm enough for a spatula to leave tracks that remain. The yield is about 1 cup.Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple. Cut away and discard the skin and any brown spots on the fruit. Cut the pineapple flesh crosswise into eight equal slices (about 1/2 inch thick). Use a spoon or apple corer to carve out the center core of each slice to create rings. Sprinkle the allspice evenly over each pineapple ring (on one side only).Brush a large grill pan lightly with the oil and heat the pan over medium-high heat. Working in batches and adjusting the heat as needed, cook the pineapple rings for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until they are nicely browned and grill marks have appeared.To serve, place 2 pineapple rings on each serving dish. Top each with a small dollop (2 teaspoons) of the coconut whipped cream, and garnish with mint.Nutrition | Per serving: 90 calories, 0 g protein, 21 g carbohydrates, 5 g fat, 3 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 0 mg sodium, 2 g dietary fiber, 16 g sugar.

By: Rohit On 11:34