Healthy Cooking Techniques

1. BARBECUE:  To roast slowly, usually basting with highly seasoned sauce. It can be done on a stationary or rotating skewer.
2. BASTE: To moisten meat or other foods while cooking by covering surface with melted fat and fruit juice or sauce.
3. BATTER: A mixture of flour and water thick enough to stir and thin enough to drop from a spoon.
4. BEAT: To make a mixture smooth by introducing air with a brisk regular motion.
5. BRAISE: To cook slowly in a covered pan, with a small amount of liquid. can be used for meat or vegetables.
6. BLEND: To mix thoroughly two or more ingredients.
7. BLANCH: To partially cook vegetables in a boiling water. This may serve to soften the skins of vegetables of easier removal, or to prepare vegetables for canning or preserving.
8. BOQUET GARNING: A French cooking method of trying whole herbs into a piece of cheese cloth, securing it with cotton string and using it flavor soups, sauces and other dishes.
9. CANDIED: A process of cooking in a syrup or in sugar .Sometimes the syrup is kept moist and sometimes is dried and crystallized.
10. CHOP: To cut to small even pieces with a knife.
11. CASSEROLE:  A vessel usually with a cover in which food can be baked and served.
12. CHUTNEY: A curry accompaniment which may be raw or cooked made of fruit, vegetable or nuts.
13. CARAMELIZE: To cook until the sugar in the food has browned, but it is not burnt. This process brings out sweetness and color in the food.
14. CREAM: A method used in baking, in which sugar and butter are combined in small amounts, mixing thoroughly between additions. This method incorporates air into sugar/butter mixture and makes for a tender baked product.
15. COAGULATION: To change from a fluid to a thickened jelly, clot or curd.
16. CUT IN: To distribute solid fat or cheese into dry ingredients by use of pastry blender.
17. DOUGH: A mixture of flour and liquid thick enough to knead or roll but too stiff to stir or pour.
18. DASH: Less than 1/8 teaspoon of an ingredient.
19. DOUBLE BOILER: A set of two saucepans so made that one pan can be inserted in the other to allow space between pans.
20. DREDGE: To coat meat or vegetables in a dry mixture such as flour or breadcrumbs, prior to cooking.
21. DEGLAZE: To pour water or wine into a hot pan where meat has been cooked. The process loosens the browned crumbs in the pan, and may provide a base for gravy or sauce.
22. FLAMBE: To ignite warmed spirits in a pan of food, often a dessert, for effect, and to caramelize the dish.
23. FOLD: To gently incorporate the ingredients together, usually with a scraper or spoon. Often used to blend whipped cream with other ingredients.
24. GRIND: To reduce to particles by cutting or crushing.
25. GRILL: To cook by direct heat.
26. GLACE: To coat with a thin sugar syrup cooked to the crack stage.
27. HOMOGENIZE: To break into regular sized small particles.
28. HYDROGENATION: A process in which hydrogen is combined with an unsaturated compound to form a solid.
29. ICING: Coating of finely ground sugar and water or white of egg for cakes.
30. JULIENNE: Food cut in long thin strips.
31. LUKEWARM: To heat to 95 F or when sprinkled on palm side of the wrist , will not feel warm.
32. MALT: Sprouts of moist grains which have been heated, dried and ground into a flour.
33. MARINATE: To make food stand in a liquid like vinegar or curd before further processing.
34. MINCE: To cut or chop into very small pieces.
35. MIX: To combine ingredients in any way that effects a distribution.
36. MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE: A chemical added to food enhance flavor.
37. PARCH: To brown by means of dry heat.
38. PARE: Cut off outside covering.
39. PARBOIL: To boil until partially cooked.
40. POACH: To cook in hot liquid in a way that the shape of food is retained.
41. PICKLE: Fruit or vegetable which is preserved in vinegar, lime or oil with salt and spices.
42. PRESSURE COOKER: An airtight container for cooking food under steam pressure at a high temperature.
43. SAUCE PAN: A covered cooking utensil with one handle.
44. SAUTE: To brown or cook in a small amount of fat.
45. SCALD: To dip food in boiling water.
46. SCALLOP: To bake food with a sauce pan.
47. SEAR: TO brown meat all over to create a crust, to be finished with another cooking method.
48. SOLUTION: Uniform liquid blend containing a solid and a liquid.
49. STIR: To mix food materials with a circular motion.
50. STEEP: To allow a substance to stand in liquid.
51. SKEWER: To string on wooden or metal rods for cooking.
52. SEASONING: To add spices or herbs to food to provide flavor and make it more palatable.
53. SHERBET: A frozen dessert composed of fruit juice or pulp, sugar and water or milk .Egg white or gelatin may be added to improve the consistency.
54. STERILIZE: To destroy the microorganisms by use of high temperature with steam or boiling liquid.
55. SPECIFIC GRAVITY: The weight of a volume of substance in relation gravity to the weight of an equal volume of water.
56. SWEAT: To slow cook vegetable in a covered pan until they are soft, but still hold their shape. This is often done with Garlic or onions.
57. TOAST: To brown by means of dry heat.
58. TEMPER: To gently heat a food, often before adding it to a hotter substance. One example is adding a teaspoon or so of hot sauce to beaten eggs. The mixture is blended and then added to the sauce. This keeps the eggs from curdling. The method is also used in candy making chocolate.
59. ROLLING BOIL: When a liquid is boiling and cannot be stirred down to below boiling point.
60. ROUX: A mix of flour and oil together until the flour is browned. Used a s abase for cajun dishses such as gumbo.
61. WARM: To raise temperature to 105- 115 F
62. WHEY: The liquid residue of milk after removal of the casein and most of the fats.
63. WHIP: To beat rapidly to incorporate air and produce expansion.

Food Garnish Ideas

Food garnishing is decorating food items and drinks to them look attractive, appeal and appetizing. Garnish can also be used to add flavor and color. Appropriate food garnishes should be used for food dishes. Sometimes one who doesn’t like the particular dish because of different taste preferences even go with the dish as food garnishing attracts. Different food garnishing tools are used to chop, shred, slice etc.

• Carrots can be grated, shredded, chopped and sliced to use as garnish for different recipes which will be attractive.
• Desserts can be garnished with grated chocolates and even chocolate chips can be used. Both dark chocolate and white chocolate can be used.
              
• Coriander leaves can be used as garnishing specially in evening snacks such as chats. Even on rice items and curries coriander leaves can be used as garnishing.
• Melted chocolate can be used on fruits and nuts.
• Lemons and oranges can be cut out to strips, wedges and twists can be used as garnishing desserts and drinks.
• Cheese, cream and yogurt can be used as soup garnishes.
• Chopped mint leaves can be used as garnishing in vegetables curries and rice pulao.
• Grated nuts can be used on desserts.
• Sliced tomatoes, cucumber and peppers can be used as garnishing

Methods for lightening black marks on face

Black marks on the face are dead cells they result due to improper face care or because of pimples.
To fight against pigmentation one can go for simple and effective home remedies.
• Apply cucumber juices that lighten black marks.
• Apply milk cream to skin leave for 15 minutes and wash with water.
• Apply mixture of lemon juice and honey let it dry and wash, acts as a bleaching agent.
• Apply olive oil that will lighten black marks.
• Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables helps to improve skin tone.
• Apply curd mixed with few drops of lemon juice let it dry and wash with tap water, during night.
• Apply coconut oil before going to bath and then use a paste made of turmeric powder, green gram and few drops of milk leave for 10 minutes let it dry and then scrub it in circular motions with finger tips. Wash it with ordinary water. Just do this two times in a week.

Healthy Ears

Your ears require very little maintenance. However, since you only have two of them, here are some hints to protect and keep those two healthy:

NEVER use cotton-tipped applicators (such as Q-tips) in your ears!  Cerumen, or ear wax, is natural, lubricates the canal, catches dirt particles, and naturally moves itself and debris to the outside.

If you remove the cerumen, your ears will most likely become itchy.                                  

Using applicators in the ear canal can push the wax deeply into the canal creating even more difficult removal, scratching the canal results in infection and tear the skin of the canal with bleeding, or even perforate or tear the ear drum.

If a child observes adults using applicators in their ears, they mimic the adults, using them in their own ears -often with serious injuries!

To clean the wax:

Clean the cerumen from the outer ear canal with a moist washcloth wrapped around your finger.

Provided there is no perforation or hole in the ear drum, limited use of wax removal drops or hydrogen peroxide in the ear as well as allowing warm shower to enter the canal will help soften and remove the wax.

Avoid loud sounds:

Exposure to loud music, fireworks, firearms, motorcycles, aircraft, power tools, and other sources of loud sound may cause permanent nerve-type hearing loss - even with one exposure!

Tinnitus, or ringing in the ear, often accompanies such loss and is also often permanent.
 
When exposed to loud noise, always wear adequate approved ear protection.

Keep children away from such sounds; they can permanently lose their hearing, too.

Ear pain may not be due to the ear itself.

Other conditions, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disease, Eustachian tube dysfunction, tumors in the throat behind the nose, or referred pain from tumors or infections in the throat or voice box may cause pain in the ear.

If you have ear pain, see your physician or an otolaryngologist.

Recurrent ear infections or fluid in the middle ear in children can cause permanent damage to the ears and hearing.

Head Lice in Children

Head lice infestation is very common especially among school going children. Head lice are parasites that live by the host’s blood in the hair and head scalp and which can develop in large numbers. That is most horrifying thing about hair lice, it just few lice to make a large population.

Head lice are pretty unpleasant and most people have suffered an infestation at some point or another. Children are more likely to get them, due to contact through play and being around lots of other kids at school or at the playground. Despite being gross and a bit of nuisance, they are very common, pretty harmless.

It is mostly assumed that head lice spread from one head to another by close contact only. However, they can also spread through the sharing of items, such as a hair brush, pillow, soft toy or hat. It should be also noted that killing the lice will not solve the problem. This is because lice eggs hatch after about 7-10 days. If they are not removed the person will be re-infested.

Personal hygiene has nothing to do with the lice infestation. Symptoms of lice infestation include:

• Tickling feeling in the hair
• Frequent itching
• Sores from scratching

There are many treatments which are available now for this kind of threat. The best and safest way to start the treatment of lice in the child is through all kinds of natural remedies, like use of various essential oils, mayonnaise, vinegar, herbs and many more. Lice combs are also available which are specially made for killing lice.

Medical treatments in the form of anti-lice hair shampoos are also available in the market. Before using shampoos consult a dermatologist or a good doctor to make sure that product is safe for the child or the infested person.
In case of lice infested, it is very important to act fast and not to delay.

Dental Health Care for Children

Dental or oral health care of children starts from the day when baby is born. Few simple steps which can contribute to healthy teeth are:

• Always wipe off gums after feeding the baby.
• Try to avoid bottle feeding as far s possible.
• Never allow baby to sleep with milk bottle in his mouth.
• Once your child starts going to play school, teach him how to brush. Brushing regularly with fluoride toothpaste avoid caries.
• Teach him good oral habits. For example, rinsing after every meal and brushing twice a day.
• Avoid thumb sucking habit. Teeth start protruding outside if this continues for a long time.
• Avoid sweets and sugary snacks in between the meal, this can lead to cavities.
• Young children tend to swallow toothpaste, so take proper care and do not allow them to swallow as toothpaste contains fluoride.
• Regular dental checkups are useful to have a proper record of baby’s teeth.
• During teething always take care of dental hygiene. Tethers or gum soothers used should be properly washed and clean.

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is actually the pressure of blood against the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure is measured in mm Hg. Typical values for a healthy adult human are approximately 120/80. But, if the blood pressure reading is equal to or above 140 over 90 mm Hg, then that means the concerned person is suffering from high blood pressure or hypertension. Hypertension has been called the "silent killer" because it usually produces no symptoms. Untreated hypertension increases slowly over the years. Hypertension can cause certain organs (called target organs), including the kidney, eyes, and heart, to deteriorate over time. Malignant hypertension, an emergency condition resulting from untreated primary hypertension, can be lethal. It is important, therefore, for anyone with risk factors to have their blood pressure checked regularly and to make appropriate lifestyle changes.
   Symptoms of high blood pressure include drowsiness, confusion, headache, nausea, loss of vision.  Some basic steps that may be followed to check High Blood Pressure or Hypertension:
  - Be physical active by regular exercise, walking, yoga etc.
  - Maintain a healthy body weight.
  - Follow a healthy eating plan that emphasizes fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy foods.
  - Avoid alcoholic beverages.
  - Quit smoking.
  - Have a low salt intake.

First aid for Chest pain

Chest pain can be due to various conditions like indigestion to heart attack.
• Call hospital for immediate medical assistance. If the access to such medical assistance is not there then ask your friend or neighbor to drive you to the hospital. Try to avoid driving, keep as the last option when no one is around.
• You can chew a regular strength aspirin. Aspirin will help to slow the blood clotting, which otherwise may lead to heart attack. Consult with your doctor before hand on taking aspirin.
• If you have a heart attack and in case your doctor has previously prescribed nitroglycerin take it as directed. Do not use your friend medication or OTC medication.
• If the person becomes unconscious begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In case you are not trained to do CPR start chest compression hard and fast with 100 compressions per minute.

Dental Treatment during Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the phase in women life, when extensive care is taken by her family and dear ones. During this phase excessive medicines and treatments are avoided if not necessary. But, anyhow if sudden toothache starts during pregnancy then 2nd Trimester is the ideal time. Regular dental checkups during pregnancy are advisable as some women develop swollen gums or gums infection due to rise in hormone level during pregnancy.  X- Rays taken in dental treatment can be avoided till birth because they can cause negative effect on baby. General care of teeth to be taken during pregnancy is as follows:
•  Always brush twice a day to keep your teeth healthy.
•  Avoid too long dental visits.
•  Baby first teeth develop during first three months of pregnancy. Try to avoid sugary food during this period.
•  Whenever you visit Dentist, do not forget to tell that you are pregnant.
• Use dental floss, twice a day as shown in figure.
•  Teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures can be postpones until the birth.

Above are list of common dental care during pregnancy. Follow thumb rule that only 2nd trimester is safe for Dental treatment.

General Personal Grooming Tips

Personal grooming is a form of personal hygiene. Personal grooming is very important for a positive self image. The very first look of an individual gives an idea how well maintained and well-dignified that person is and what kind of personality he possess.

Few of the personal grooming ideas that can be followed are:

• Wear right clothes for the right occasion. Wearing appropriate clothes goes in handy with good personal grooming.

• Apply deodorant or body spray every morning and keep a container with yourself in case you need it.

• Don’t drench yourself with perfume or aftershaves. A subtle fragrance is more pleasing to the senses than the overwhelming ones.

• Shampoo your hair often and keep it healthy and shiny.

• Cut and trim your hair regularly. Your hair cut and style should complement directly to your facial features and shapes. The cut should also be according to the profession you are pursuing. For example, the hair cut that is suitable for a profession may not go with the financial sector.

• Keep your finger nails neat and clean. Avoid painting them with dark or bright colors unless it is a special occasion.

• Clean and moisturize your skin daily, on a regular basis, especially if it is a dry and flaky skin.

• Avoid wearing extra accessories like nose rings and tattoos in the corporate world.

• Always be simple and neatly dressed to impress others.

• Avoid wearing clothes that are stained, look crumpled or smell of body odors.

• Refrain from grooming yourself in public.

• Avoid finger nail biting in the public.

• Limit your gum chewing habit to principally when you are by yourself or at home with friends. Never chew gums in office or during a professional meeting.

• And at last but not the least, eat a proper balanced and healthy diet. And exercise regularly. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables to the maximum and fast food to the minimum.

Simple dress and good manners reflect you are confidante, reliable and considerate.

Eye care tips

Eye is a very delicate part of our body. Eyes are our first connection to the external world. Eye being delicate part need to be taken care of, you need to remember that your eye will also age with you and if not taken care of properly it may lead to eye problems. Here are certain tips to cool down your strained eye.

• Take rose water and add 2 drops of castor oil to it. Soak a small cotton pad in this and place it in your eye for 15 min, this will help soothe down eye burns.

• Dip cotton pads soaked in cold tea solution for 60 mins, and then place them in your eyelids for 20 mins. This will help your eyes to cool down.

• If your work involves looking on the computer monitor for a long time, then make sure you blink several times, and at frequent interval of 2-3 min, look away from computer screen. This will help better focus.

• Simplest method is to rub your palms together and then place it on your eyelids, this will soothe the eye.

• Make sure you have an anti-glare screen fixed in your monitor screen to reduce the strain to eyes.

• Dark circles can be one method for your eyes to tell you that it is tired, place a piece of cucumber on your eyelids for 20 mins, this will help cool down your eyes.

• For puffy eyes, you can use used tea bags after cooling it. Place this on your eyes this will reduce puffiness.

• Visit an ophthalmologist at least once in a year, it can’t cost you much.

• While driving bike, make sure you wear a sunglass, this will protect eye from sun and also dust.

• Don’t rub your eyes, even if there is some irritation splash plenty of water into your eyes, rubbing will further strain your eyes.

Augmentation Mammaplasty

Augmentation mammaplasty also known as breast augmentation or breast enlargement or breast implantation, consist of insertion of silicone bag (also known as prosthesis), under the breast (submammary) or under the breast and chest muscle (subpectoral) and then filling the bag with saline or salt water. The easiest surgical implantation is under the breast tissue (submammary).

The prosthesis expands the breast area giving it a better contour and look. However, the ultimate size of the breast is purely the patient’s personal decision.



However, the risk and complications associated with breast augmentation include the following:

• Infection: Chances of occurrence of fever are very rare (1%-3%). But they can be very distressing. Signs of infection include fever, redness, swelling and discomfort. However, if the infections do not respond to any antibiotic treatment, the implant should be removed and again replaced three months after the wound is healed completely.

• Bleeding: Signs of bleeding in the implant pocket include marked swelling, increased pain and bruising. If there is the incidence of bleeding into the implant pocket after surgery, it must be removed surgically.

• Capsule Contracture: The incidence of capsule contracture ranges from 30%-35%. Hardening of breast with distortion with occasional pain may be experienced by some patients. If there is multiple occurrence of capsule contracture, the patient may decide to remove the implant permanently.

• Asymmetry: Sometimes the implant may slip out of position in which it was initially placed leading to an asymmetrical look. Mostly, in this case, surgical repair is required.

• Calcifications : Calcification may occur in the scar capsule around the transplant. However, these calcifications are very different from the calcifications associated with the breast cancer.

• Deflation: Deflation of implants may occur due to the leakage from the saline bag implanted. These mostly occur in 1-5% of the cases.

It is unknown that how long the implant will last. The implant may or may not last for the life time; subject to various factors like manufacturing process, disruption of the saline bag due to any accident or fall and other unknown factors.

Health benefits of Fenugreek

Fenugreek has been associated with number of health benefits. It is a common herb and used as a condiment for seasoning in Indian homes. This seed when used in cooking imparts a characteristic flavor and tang to food. Fenugreek leaves are well known for their high nutrient content of minerals and vitamins like potassium, calcium, magnesium, selenium, Iron and vitamin C, riboflavin, folate, vitamin B6. These leaves also have high fiber content and also Vitamin C. Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of fiber. It contains mucilaginous fiber and total fiber to the extent of 20% and 50% respectively. This mucilaginous fiber is recognized medically for its anti-inflammatory properties. Fenugreek seeds have many medicinal values. These include in the treatment of digestive problems, diabetes, kidney problems, wounds, cellulites, tuberculosis. A PASTE OF Fenugreek leaves or seeds , applied on face prevents pimples, dryness of skin, blackheads and it also have anti aging factors. The Fenugreek seeds contain “Diosgenin” which is more of a raw material substance used in medical steroids by pharmaceutical industries.

* Fenugreek seeds aids in proper digestion: It maintains good metabolism and prevents constipation. The soluble fiber found in Fenugreek seed extract may help slow digestion and absorption of food. It also helps to treat colon disorders. It also increases appetite.
* Fenugreek seeds are effective in treatment of skin disorders: It relieve skin inflammation. It is also used in the treatment of eczema, gout, boils and burns.
* Fenugreek seeds reduce fever: Fenugreek seeds with lemon and honey help to reduce fever and weakness .In fever it is beneficial to consume tea added with fenugreek seeds that helps to lower the intensity of temperature rising.
* Fenugreek eases menopause symptoms: It is effective in treating the menopause symptoms including anxiety, hot flashes and insomnia this is because of its natural estrogen.
* Fenugreek may help in preventing cancer: It is an effective antioxidant. It also have anti carcinogenic properties some studies have shown that this may be due to presence of Diosgenin.
* Fenugreek also acts as a natural blood purifier and helps to prevent acne. Its also very effective in curing of oily skin.
* Fenugreek can also be used for excessive hair fall. It is believed to enhance hair growth both in men and women. Fenugreek powder mixed with curd helps in controlling your dandruff problem.
* These seeds help in lowering the risks of heart diseases.
* Fenugreek seeds help to increase production of milk in lactating mothers. The seeds contain a chemical known as Diosgenin which acts as similar to estrogen and hence promote milk production during breastfeeding.
* It is also used in the treatment of arthritis and asthma.
* Fenugreek seeds help in management of Diabetes: The powder of seeds in the diet reduces blood sugar and urine sugar with improvement in glucose tolerance and diabetic symptoms in both insulin and non-insulin dependent patients. It also lowers the levels of serum lipids such as cholesterol and triglyceride. Depending upon the severity of diabetes the quantity of fenugreek seeds to be taken varies from 25g to 50g.The Fenugreek seeds powder can be incorporated in food preparations such as vegetable curries, roti and dhal etc. Seeds can also be taken as such after overnight soaking in water.