Monday, April 28, 2008

Indian Cormorant

These two Cormorants like our politicians are just not able to make up their minds ;-)


We vote "Against"


Ummmm...We vote "For"

No wait...We vote "Against"

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Potatoes, Aaloo, Bataata, Aalugadde, Urlakarn...

Potatoes are nutritionally amazing, for everybody and especially for runners. They have close to ZERO fat!!! But according to a doc "...sadly more than 50 percent of those [potatoes] are fried--turning them into a nutritional disaster, which helps account for their bad rap."
In India I would say 100% of the potato preparations are nutritional disasters...

Anyway read on for more awesome facts about Potatoes...


"The potato is a nutritional powerhouse, in addition to being an excellent source of carbohydrate, a potato contains 45 percent of the daily requirement for vitamin C, and more potassium than a banana. If you eat it with the skin on, it's a terrific source of dietary fiber. A fresh potato contains no fat or cholesterol, and has only 100 calories."


"Potassium in potatoes keeps your muscles firing properly, warding off cramps during a tough workout or race. Potassium is a key ingredient in sports drinks. Few foods contain significant amounts of potassium, which is why your coach keeps urging you to eat potassium-rich bananas. One medium-size potato, however, boasts more potassium than a banana."


Baked, mashed, or boiled, potatoes actually provide more energy-delivering complex carbohydrates than a cup of pasta. All varieties--russet, red, yellow, purple, and sweet--contain impressive quantities of vitamins and minerals. Plus, they're easy to digest and prepare. "People often assume that because potatoes are white, they're a nutritionally empty food," says Tara Gidus, R.D., a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. "But the opposite is true."

Potatoes rank high on the glycemic index--higher than pasta--which means their carbs get into the bloodstream fast. Postrun, potatoes replenish carbs quickly, and topped with protein, help repair muscle fibers. Plus, the vitamin A in sweet potatoes aids new cell growth and repairs postworkout microtears in muscle, helping you recover and refuel for your next run.

[Potatoes] A perfect runners' food--just steer clear of the fries.


Wednesday, April 09, 2008

These kind of outcomes I like ;-)

Alcohol 'quickly' cuts heart risk
Those who drank only wine showed the most benefit...But cardiac experts warned alcohol was not a panacea for good heart health.
Those who stuck to wine had the biggest reduction in cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, compared with non-drinkers, heavy drinkers or those who drank other types of alcohol.
The study also found some improvement in HDL or "good" cholesterol in those who took up drinking.
Non-drinkers should not take up alcohol to protect their heart
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Q: What Alcohols Should You Drink?
A: Beer And Red Wine
Acute consumption of red wine or beer improves endothelial function and decreases vWF levels, suggesting that the type of beverage may differently affect endothelial function and thrombosis/fibrinolysis system in healthy adults.
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Eat your broccoli!
Potent substance in broccoli appears to be sulforaphane
That's the advice from UCLA researchers who have found that a chemical in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables may hold a key to restoring the body's immunity, which declines as we age.

The study findings show that sulforaphane, a chemical in broccoli, switches on a set of antioxidant genes and enzymes in specific immune cells, which then combat the injurious effects of molecules known as free radicals that can damage cells and lead to disease.
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