Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Vegetable Biriyani


Ingredients:
2 cups Basmati Rice
1 cup Mixed Vgetable (cauliflower, potato, carrot, french beans)
150 gms Green Peas
3 Finely Sliced Onion
2 Finely Sliced Green Chillies
Salt to taste
1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
2 tsp Cinnamon(dalchini), Caraway Seeds(zeera)
4 Cloves (laung)
1/2 tsp Black Pepper Powder
4 Tomato
1/2 cup Yogurt (curd)
4 tbsp Vegetable Oil
1/2 tsp Mustard Seeds
3 tbsp Dry Fruits (cashew nuts, raisin)

How to make vegitable biryani :
* Wash the basmati rice well before cooking.Then take rice with 3-3/4 cup water and a little salt added to it and 2 tbsp of dry fruits.Cook it in pressure cooker or in a pan or microwave.

* Cut all the vegetables into small thin pieces and fry each one of it separately in oil. Fry the green peas also.
* Take 1 tblsp oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, green chilli, cinnamon and caraway seeds powder, cloves, black pepper powder and stir for about half minute. Then add onions and saute them for a minute ot till they get pink in color.
* Add salt and red chilli powder and stir.
* Add fine chopped tomatoes and fry till they are properly cooked.
* Take the yogurt and make it fine by putting in a blender for just 2 rotations. Add this fine yogurt and stir well.Heat it for about 10 seconds.
* Add all the fried vegetables.
* Add the cooked rice and mix well with very light hands so that the rice grain doesn't break. Cook for about 3 minutes.
* Take this vegetable biryani out in a rice serving dish.
* Garnish with dry fruits and green coriander leaves.
* Serve the vegetable (veg ) biryani hot with raita and pickle.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Vitamin E

Vitamin E originates from plants. It is found in vegetable oils such as corn, olive, palm, peanut and cotton-seed oils. Animals acquire their vitamin E from plants directly, or by eating other animals that have derived their vitamin E from plants and stored it in their liver, muscles and fat. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin like A, D and K.

Vitamin E has an important function as an`antioxidant'. As such, it prevents the degradation of polyunsaturated fat and other compounds by oxygen. It may have some additional functions in the membranes of body cells. Although an attractive idea, there is really no good evidence that vitamin E retards the ageing process or reduces coronary heart disease. The erroneous view that it might improve libido arose because vitamin-E-deficient animals can be infertile.
It has been recommended that enough vitamin E should be present in food containing polyunsaturated fat in order to prevent oxidation (degradation) of the fat. Where up to 10 per cent of dietary energy comes from polyunsaturated fat, 10 to 20 milligrams of vitamin E per day adequately protects the fat and provides enough of the vitamin for an adult. An alternative recommendation is that the diet should contain 0.4 milligram vitamin E for each 1 gram of polyunsaturated fatty acid consumed.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Tourist Places in Kerala

Kerala India Tour has many other interesting surprises in store for you.
The major tourist destinations in this south indian state include Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kovalam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Munnar, Palakkad, Alappuzha, Kollam, Kannur, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Sabrimalai etc, which trace out the vibrant and colourful life of Kerala at every step.
The state has initiated the promotion of eco tourism and is committed to increase the participation of tourists in making the state tourist friendly. The Kerala Tour welcomes the tourists irrespective of their age, caste and creed as Nature speaks only one Language. Whether you crave for beauty, landscape, mountains, rivers, birds, animals, private moments, boating, adventure and water sports or the temples and village life; you have it all in a single tour.
Alappuzha
Alappuzha (Alleppey) is one of the most exotic backwater sites of Kerala backwater tour packages. Washed by the Arabian Sea, intermingled by a number of canals and bridges, this place is famous for Nehru Trophy boat race held every year. So plan a Kerala Tour to enjoy the real adventure. Besides the natural beauty, Alappuzha provides you the indigenous coir products of superior quality.
Cochin
One of the largest cities of south India, Cochin is the commercial capital of Kerala. Even a simple dawn in Cochin or Kochi, showcases the breathtaking beauty of the city. Cargo-laden barges and 'Vallams' or country boats move, ponderously slow, over the sprawling vastness and glistening water of the Vembanad Kayal, Kerala's largest lake.
Kottayam
The words Kotta (meaning fort) and Akkam (meaning inside) form the word Kottayam. Kottayam is one of the fabulous backwaters destinations attracting the tourists from all over India. Scenic landscapes, backwaters, bird sanctuaries, temples and churches; all tempt you for a Kerala Tour Packages in Kottayam.
Kumarakom
The words Kotta (meaning fort) and Akkam (meaning inside) form the word Kottayam. Kottayam is one of the fabulous backwaters destinations attracting the tourists from all over India. Scenic landscapes, backwaters, bird sanctuaries, temples and churches; all tempt you for a Kerala Tour in Kottayam.
Kumarakom
Apart from being a backwater tour destination in Kerala; Kumarakom is also home to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which has some of the rare and extinct bird species. You can also be fortunate enough to have a close glimpse of those birds. If you are an adventurous buff, then you can indulge in water sports such as windsailing & water skiing. You can also enjoy canoeing in the silent lakes.
Munnar
Munnar is a small hill resort nestled amidst the Kannan Devan hills. You can roam around in its lush green surroundings, lakes, reservoirs, forests, and tea estates. Munnar also beckons the adventure-seeking traveler, especially paragliding. Munnar has some of the highest tea estates in the world making it the top-notch tourist spot in a Kerala tour.
Periyar
Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the most talked about wildlife parks in the world. In 1895, the British undertook water resource management plans for the area that led to the origination of this national park. The picturesque lake in the heart of the sanctuary was originally 26 sq km, which, now it covers an area of 55 sq km. This perennial source of water makes this place an ideal habitat for wild animals and birds. You can enjoy boating in the Periyar Lake, elephant and Jeep safari in the park. You may be fortunate enough to view the King of the Jungle - Tiger and the other animals like deers, elephants, neel gai, sambhar etc.
Backwater Tour Kerala
The most favourite Kerala India Tour is the Kerala backwater tour, which introduces you to the verdant green forests and the wildlife in Kerala. The backwater destinations like Alappuzha, Kovalam, Kasargod, Kochi, Kottayam etc. make up the best and enchanting backwater destinations in Kerala. If you coincide your Tour to Kerala with the festivities in the Kerala state during the month of Onam then you multiply your entertainment by observing the customs and traditions of Kerala..

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Kerala Tour India

Kerala is a fertile and verdant strip of land on the south west coast of India. This south indian state is rightly appellated as 'The God's Own Country' lies between the Lakshadweep Sea and the Western Ghats. The sea and the mountains surrounding the state sketch the amazing landscapes in Kerala.
This tranquil land of Kerala with coconut trees and wide backwater stretches ensures a perfect relaxation. The golden sandy beaches of boundless cerulean Arabian Sea invite you on the seashore with waves caressing your legs. You can also simply lie down on the beach to experience the serenity in the atmosphere.
The backwater tour packages in Kerala is the major attraction amongst the tourists. Other equally beautiful water bodies elsewhere are Veli (in South Kerala), Kadinamkulam, Edava, Anjengo, Madayara, Peravur, Ashtamudi, Kayamkulam, Kodungalur, Chetuva and Valiyaparamba (in North Kerala). One can also have a stroll at the Kovalam Beach and a stay at the Kovalam Beach Resort to have a royal experience.
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History of Kerala
The state of Kerala derived its name from the word Keralaputra (land of the sons of Cheras). Famous as a trade zone for spices, sandalwood and ivory; Kerala was ruled by the Cheras until the early Middle Ages. Kerala saw the emergence of a new trend in its politico-economic life after the arrival of Vasco da Gama in 1498 AD. Portuguese, Dutch, English and the Arab traders fought with each other to capture the spice trade of Kerala.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Vitamin C rich diet and beauty products may slow skin wrinkling

Researchers now report that people who eat plenty of vitamin C-rich foods have fewer wrinkles than people whose diets contained little of the vitamin.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means that it can combat the effects of free radicals in your body and on your skin. Free radicals are the unstable molecules in the environment that can cause aging of the skin. So, when vitamin C is properly delivered into skin cells, there is a good chance to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.

However, eating a bag of oranges every week is not going to bring about the desired results for your skin. In order to see the benefits of vitamin C on the outside of your body, you will need to find a way to combine a healthy diet that is rich in vitamin C with skin care products that contain this important nutrient. Scientists have now discovered how to use a variety of vitamin C derivatives in skin care products that will bring about the same benefits as natural vitamin C with less of the ingredient required for results.

Apart from intake of vitamin c there are also other ways to protect skin from damage and keep it glowing. Free radicals which damage the skin are accumulated due to excessive sun exposure, cigarette smoke and environmental pollutants. Hence, skin has to be protected against these. Have plenty of water, when people are dehydrated wrinkles are much more noticeable. Use sunscreen and a good night moisturizer.

for more details click Vitamin

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Nelson Mandela


Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela born 18 July 1918 was the first President of South Africa to be elected in a fully representative democratic election, serving in the office from 1994–1999. Before his presidency, Mandela was an anti-apartheid activist, and the leader of the African National Congress' armed wing Umkhonto we Sizwe. The South African courts convicted him on charges of sabotage, as well as other crimes committed while he lead the movement against apartheid. In accordance with his conviction, Mandela served 27 years in prison, spending many of these years on Robben Island.
Both in South Africa and internationally, Mandela's opposition to apartheid made him a symbol of freedom and equality for many. However, the apartheid government and various other nations condemned him and the ANC as communists and terrorists.
Following his release from prison on 11 February 1990, Mandela, supporting reconciliation and negotiation, helped lead the transition towards multi-racial democracy in South Africa. Since the end of apartheid, many have frequently praised Mandela, including former opponents.
Mandela has received more than one hundred awards over four decades, most notably the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. He is currently a celebrated elder statesman who continues to voice his opinion on topical issues. In South Africa he is often known as Madiba, an honorary title adopted by elders of Mandela's clan. The title has come to be synonymous with Nelson Mandela.

Monday, February 2, 2009

White House


The White House is the official residence and principal workplace of the President of the United States. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., it was built between 1792 and 1800 of white-painted Aquia sandstone in the late Georgian style and has been the executive residence of every U.S. President since John Adams. When Thomas Jefferson moved into the home in 1801, he (with architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe) expanded the building outward, creating two colonnades which were meant to conceal stables and storage.[1]
In 1814, during the War of 1812, the mansion was set ablaze by the British Army in the Burning of Washington, destroying the interior and charring much of the exterior walls. Reconstruction began almost immediately, and President James Monroe moved into the partially reconstructed house in October 1817. Construction continued with the addition of the South Portico in 1824 and the North in 1829. Due to crowding within the executive mansion itself, President Theodore Roosevelt had nearly all work offices relocated to the newly-constructed West Wing in 1901. Eight years later, President William Howard Taft expanded the West Wing and created the first Oval Office which was eventually moved as the section was expanded. The third-floor attic was converted to living quarters in 1927 by augmenting the existing hip roof with long shed dormers. A newly constructed East Wing was used as a reception area for social events; both new wings were connected by Jefferson's colonnades. East Wing alterations were completed in 1946 creating additional office space. By 1948, the house's load-bearing exterior walls and internal wood beams were found to be close to failure. Under Harry S. Truman, the interior rooms were completely dismantled, resulting in the construction of a new internal load-bearing steel framework and the reassembly of the interior rooms.