Indian Food - The Misconceptions And Truths

By Rajeev Sinha

There are many myths and misconceptions about Indian food.
Lets just take a quick look at a few of them. This could be
interesting.

All Indian food is spicy: Though Indian cooking is hot and
spicier when compared with European or Western cooking,
there are lots of regions in India where the food is bland,
even sweet. In case you want to try something less-hot, go
taste some Gujarati dishes.

Gujarati cuisine has a touch of sweetness in almost all of
its dishes. Traditional South Indian cooking (except Andhra
Pradesh) is generally less-spicier than other regions in
India. Kashmiri cuisine also incorporates sweet tasting
dishes in its menu. So when someone tells you Indian cooking
is spicy, don't entirely believe them.

Most of Indian recipes are Vegetarian: Well, not entirely
true. While many sections of India are strictly vegetarian,
the array of non vegetarian food available in this part of
the world is immense.

Many of the Hindus while vegetarian have traversed to the
other side and there's a great population of non vegetarians
in India. Muslims and Christians in India also consume meat,
while Hindus do not eat them as they considered it sacred.

There is no variety in Indian cooking: Many, especially
foreigners and first time visitors to India, are of the
opinion that Indian food doesn't have so much of choices.
Indian cuisine is probably one of the most varied
food-culture on the planet!

This is actually a misconception around the world and even
in India. Chicken Tikka did not originate in India. It was
brought into India by the Mughals and has its origins in
Persia.

Indian food is all about Curry: Curry is something that was
again made popular by British-South Asian ethnic groups.
While Curry abroad may refer to a thick and spicy gravy
dish, India takes a different meaning altogether. In South
India, Curry may refer to a vegetable side-dish that is
often served with rice.

You will also find that in certain Indian regions, food is
served on a banana leaf or an areca nut leaf. These
traditions have been passed on to families since many
generations and many modern Indian continue to follow then
regardless of caste differences.

For further information and video recipes please visit the
buzzing food community at ifood. If you are an Indian food
lover you can also take a look at
(http://www.ifood.tv/r/indian/recipes) Indian Recipes and
(http://www.ifood.tv/network/south_indian/recipes) South
Indian Recipes.

Addiction Trends Of The Last 30 Years

By Catherine Cosgrove

By definition, an addiction is described as being abnormally
tolerant or dependent on something that is psychologically
or physically habit-forming. Addictions come in many forms,
from substance abuse addiction to behavior addictions, all
of which may require intervention or professional treatment
to overcome. As addictions have changed and redeveloped over
time, programs have had to progressively change and modify
approaches as well. In fact, while addiction trends have
changed in the last three decades with some becoming more
problematic than others, more help is available for
overcoming addiction than ever before.

Though alcohol dependency has been a constant addiction
recognized for many years, in the mid-1970s, illicit drug
use and addiction peaked to a point almost rivaling that of
alcohol. Illicit drugs, including cocaine, heroine, and
marijuana were the primary source of drug addictions until
the 1990s. At this point, illicit drugs that were more
cheaply made and acquired, like meth, became a growing
trend.

Marijuana dependency and addiction is a source of interest
in both the medical and political sectors today. As more
states explore the legalization and government control of
marijuana for medical purposes and even recreational use,
the potential for marijuana use to peak and become as
problematic as alcohol addiction is possible.

While dependency on illicit drugs continues to be a problem
for some, prescription drug addiction has nearly
overshadowed illicit drugs in the last decade. Narcotic pain
relievers and stimulants top the list of prescription drug
addictions. In 2001, reports indicated that nearly 87
percent of prescription drug addicts were white. Some
reports also indicate prescription stimulates, such as those
used to treat ADHD, are primarily abused by people under the
age of 21. In addition to prescription drug addiction, over
the counter (OTC) drug addiction has seen a rise in the last
decade.

In addition to substance abuse, other addictions that are
behavior oriented have seen rises and falls as well. Some
behavior-based addictions that have existed for years have
only recently become recognized as genuine addictions
requiring intervention. For example, where gambling
addictions were once unacknowledged, 12-step programs for
gambling addicts are now as mainstream as AA. Similar
addictions, including sex addiction, have also seen an
increase in awareness. Certain addictions, like food
addictions, have less social stigma but have come into the
forefront as behavior addictions requiring modification
nonetheless.

For many, an addiction may stem largely from habitual
familiarity but many addictions are both psychological and
physiological. Those who struggle with addiction are bound
not only by the psychological habit but in many cases, a
physical addiction. Substances that cause the body to
respond to an absence, such as caffeine, nicotine, or an
opiate drug, make overcoming addiction that much more
difficult.

With an increase of studies pertaining to the psychological
and physical dependencies created by addiction, programs to
overcome addiction have improved as well. Programs to treat
addiction were once barbaric in some sense, ignoring the
psychological aspect of addiction. Today, programs that
focus on the individual and each aspect of their addiction
make it possible to overcome addiction once and for all.
Through various support and treatment programs that address
an individual's addiction in both traditional and
non-traditional methods, addiction recovery is becoming more
successful.

Addictions of all varieties have seen some resurgence in
different times but the core of addiction and the road to
recovery remain the same. People struggling with addiction
are often depressed and can see their life spiraling out of
control but feel too alone or ashamed to ask for help.
Oftentimes, denial is at the core of addiction, with those
suffering from addiction unable to acknowledge their
dependency. Those who are involved in an addict's life also
feel alone and afraid and may not know how to help.

Thankfully, as addiction at its core has remained virtually
unchanged, the influx of information available through the
Internet and the increase in public awareness and health
education curriculum has improved the way people can find
help. Additionally, this increase in information and
awareness has improved the way recovery and treatment
facilities are able to offer help. Treatment and recovery
centers exist for nearly all types of addictions, in nearly
every part of the country. Substance abuse hotlines and
mental health benefits through insurance companies have also
helped to facilitate addiction help. If you or a loved one
is struggling with addiction, the first step to recovery is
to ask for help.

Catherine Cosgrove is a representative of Heritage Home Drug
and Alcohol Rehabilitation Center. Heritage Home Drug and
Alcohol Rehabilitation Center offers a tranquil and
therapeutic environment to begin your recovery from alcohol
and drug addiction. Our team has worked together in
(http://www.sobriety.ca/) drug rehab centres for many years
and will give you a personal, unique, and individualized
approach to emotional healing and sobriety.

Bruce Lee or Michael Jackson - Who Has Had More Impact On The World?

By Al Case

Hate to be the one that points it out, but both Bruce Lee
and Michael Jackson happen to be dead. Period. End.

Which leaves us with the burning question, which one of
these superstars had more impact on the world. It doesn't
matter that they were in different areas, we can still put
'em up against each other. So, let's examine the issue.

Bruce Lee wins over MJ when it comes to acting. Heck,
Michael hardly made anything, so he gets a big time zero. On
the other hand, Bruce made a handful of movies that inspire
people to this day.

You could argue for MJ when it comes to singing, but Bruce
Lee is gonna come out on top again. The dilemma is that
Bruce Lee's vocals are more memorable than MJ's. I mean, are
you going to call that mugger a PYT, or give him a chilling
woop woop that will remind him that there are people in this
world who can kick some serious ass!

Believe it or not, Bruce Lee had better moves than Michael.
Michael couldn't kick somebody's adam's apple, or do the
splits or anything worthwhile, all he could do was walk
funny backwards. Bruce, on the other hand, could have
moonwalked like a genius.

Bruce wins on downright sheer impact. Michael encouraged a
generation of young, impressionable minds to walk backwards
funny, uh, walk funny backwards, uh, you know. Bruce, on the
other hand, encouraged several generations, and is still
going strong, as to the value of healthy living, being able
to protect yourself, living an artistic lifestyle, and on
and on and on.

I think it is obvious that Bruce wins, once again, and
bigger than ever, when it come to who had more
presence. Michael filled a boom box, and an occasional stage,
but he never said a line like..."you have offended my family,
you have offended Shaolin". Really, except for words from a
few songs that are hard to understand, can anybody remember
much of anything that Michael said?

So Bruce Lee would have kicked Michael Jackson's ass,
big time, dead or alive. Oh, you don't like it, you think I
rigged the results worse than an OJ trial? Well, you better
walk backwards funny away from me and mumble so I can't hear
what you say, because, my friend, I study Bruce Lee.

Al Case has practiced the martial arts for forty years.
He'll (http://blindingsteel.com) Moonwalk your Face at
(http://www.monstermartialarts.com) Monster Martial Arts.

Why Omega-3 Fatty Acids Are Essential For Your Heart

By Peter Bertonich

Recently I've written a lot about the health benefits of
taking fish oil supplements, or what is also known as Omega
3 supplements. Lets look today at the heart benefits of fish
oil supplements.

The Jan/Feb issue of Sports Health, A Multidisciplinary
Approach, has published the results of a new study.
It was a study of the heart benefits of taking fish oil
supplements, or essential fatty acid supplements, the main
component of which is fish oil.

There were 36 pro football players who took part and they
took either omega 3 fish oil supplements or else a placebo.
The fish oil capsules they took contained 2560 mg of omega-3
fatty acids (650 mg EPA and 450 mg DHA in each capsule.)

The study, or it's results, backed up the conclusions of so
many other studies that supported the health benefits of
Omega 3 fish oil supplementation that increased the levels
of essential fatty acids in the diet.

The results were good. HDL levels (good cholesterol) went up
while LDL (bad cholesterol) went down.

And triglycerides went down too, an excellent result.

Now this isn't the first fish oil supplements study to
confirm a link between improved heart health and the intake
of more fish oil, or Omega 3 fatty acids. There's now many
studies that confirm the heart benefits of fish oil
supplements.

And the American Heart Association also recommends that we
all take at least a gram a day of EPA and DHA and that if we
have elevated triglycerides that this be increased.

So now that you know how important taking sufficient Omega 3
fats in your diet is, how do you increase your intake? By
using the very best Omega 3 fish oil supplements.

Be aware that not all Omega 3 supplements are created equal.
There are issues with both the quantity of DHA in each
capsule as well as the purity of the fish oil, some fish
oils being contaminated with heavy metals and PCBs and
mercury. These are only small amounts but the best fish oil
capsules contain higher levels of DHA than most others and
undetectable levels of contaminants.

So anyone at risk of heart related health problems should be
taking the very best fish oil supplements. That's you.


Want to know more about the benefits of
(http://healthyomega3.com/) Omega 3 Fatty Acids? Or about
how to get more
(http://healthyomega3.com/heart-benefits-of-fish-oil-supplements/)
Benefits of Fish Oil in your diet? Visit Peter's Website
Healthy Omega 3 Fish Oil.

Breastfeeding - Consider Your Diet

By Kim Allissa

It takes nine months for babies to grow inside their
mothers. During this time of pregnancy, you pay careful
attention to what you eat and drink as you know there is the
potential to affect your unborn baby. When you are
breastfeeding, what you eat continues to be an important
consideration.

However, a breastfeeding diet is not as strict as a
pregnancy diet, although it is still important to know what
you should be ingesting during this time. That way, you can
rest assured that you will only be making the very best milk
for your baby.

Luckily, when you follow a diet that will help your baby,
you are also helping yourself! The foods that you will be
eating should give you the nutrition you need to deal with
your hectic schedule. By being conscious of what you are
eating, you can also make better choices that will allow you
to take off some of the weight that you have accumulated
during pregnancy.

So what breastfeeding diet should you follow? As at any
other time, you should be eating a diet that is
well-balanced. It is recommended that you eat all four food
groups, but mainly focus on whole grain products, protein,
vegetables, fruit, and foods that are high in calcium and
iron. And do not forget your fiber! You are likely to be
less physically active after the birth if you are spending a
lot of time seated to nurse your baby. However, if you are
not used to eating a lot of fiber, begin gradually!

Even though you plan to eat a well-balanced diet, it is also
advised that you take a good prenatal multivitamin/mineral
supplement. This will ensure that your body gets everything
that you may be missing in your diet, and results in less
chances of your body having to tap into its own reserves to
make good-quality breast milk.

When it comes to breastfeeding diets, you have no doubt
heard that you should avoid certain foods that can make your
baby fussy or gassy. However, no two babies are alike and so
what bothers one baby is not necessarily going to bother the
next one. Some babies do not even seem to be bothered by
foods their mothers eat. Some, but not all, suspicious
foods to monitor your baby's responses to are onions,
garlic, cabbage, and broccoli. These foods can alter the
taste of the breast milk resulting in rejection by your baby.

Continue not to eat fish such as king mackerel, swordfish,
and shark, to name a few, as they contain the most mercury.
Instead, consider eating fish (in moderation) that contain
less mercury, as their fish oils are important for your
baby's neurological system.

The last point I want to mention is that of drinking alcohol
beverages. Alcohol drinking mothers are better off not
breastfeeding their children, as there are known long-term
effects. But if you want to have a drink every now and then,
most experts would agree that there are certain precautions
you can take in order that you reduce the effects on your child.
This can include drinking immediately after your baby has just
breastfed, or saving expressed breast milk earlier that week
that can then be fed to your baby after you have an alcohol beverage.
Obviously the best thing to do is not drink alcohol at all.

In conclusion, there are not too many restrictions on a
breastfeeding mother. Most of it is common sense, and
mostly involves good judgment. Just remember that a
breastfeeding diet can benefit the mom and the baby.

My name is Kim Allissa, and I have been a breastfeeding
mother. Check out my blog,
(http://www.breastfeedingbaby.org) Breastfeeding Baby , for
more practical information and tips.

Is Your Internal Clock Keeping You Awake At Night?

Your internal clock, or circadian rhythm, is closely
connected to many forms of insomnia. Contrary to popular
belief, circadian rhythm has more to do with the levels of
light than the time of day. This internal clock is what
tells us when to go to sleep, and when to wake up in the
morning.

The circadian rhythm IS the internal clock.These rhythms are
to some degree governed by hormones secreted by endocrine
glands throughout the day. And our body temperature and
overall mental acuity and alertness are only some of the
factors affected by the circadian rhythm.

Since the circadian rhythm influences alertness and our
energy level, for those with have a sleep disorder related
to their circadian rhythm, their internal clock is "off" and
they tend to feel alert when they should be tired or sleepy,
and tired when they should have much energy. This is very
common for those working the grave yard shift.

Light is one of the most influential factors in regulating
your circadian rhythm. When there are long periods of low
levels of light there is a tendency to feel more fatigued
and to suffer from low energy. This is very common in the
winter, especially in the northern areas where there is only
a few hours of light per day.

Correcting sleep disorders caused by, or related to, your
circadian rhythm can be done by light therapy specially
designed to slowly reset your circadian rhythm. The light is
delivered from what is called a "light box" which has the
correct wavelengths of light. 30-60 minutes of exposure to
the light in conjunction with a strict sleep schedule
explains the therapy.

The key to success with light therapy is to time the light
exposure correctly depending on your particular situation.