Wouldn't you look at a person incredulously if he or she declares a dislike for mango? Wouldn't you say, "What, unbelievable!" Well, mango has its fans that go to any lengths to enjoy the fruit of the season in some amazing ways. And then mangoes have this other following, who will take the fruit for granted and eat their way through as if it is just a fruit.
Kingly prices Mango is a fruit... the 'King' of fruits. This year, the prices are high (were high last year too!). Well, I feel this year they are higher! So how does one enjoy the fruit to the maximum, with all the mango delights being churned out from the kitchen, the fridge and the freezer?First of all, decide which dessert you are trying out. I thoroughly enjoy making and serving ice creams, kulfis, mousses and sorbets. One good thing about desserts is that they help you stretch out two or three fruits for the whole family and more! Now that is a chef's secret!
Dessert carnival: Begin with Indian So ready for the dessert carnival? Try some variations of Indian preparations. Like a Mango Bhapa Doi. Lovely when served chilled: Mix 400 grams condensed milk with a cup of thick yogurt, half a cup each of mango pulp and milk. Steam. Cool and set in the refrigerator. Unmould and serve it decorated with thin orange segments and pomegranate pearls.
More Indian offerings are Mango Phirni (add mango cubes to chilled phirni), Shahi Tukra or Amrakhand (which is mango shrikhand). Say cheese When we entertain, a mango souffle is impressive. So is a mango cheesecake. You could either make a uncooked one or a baked one. The baked one needs a base of crushed biscuits on which you can pour a mix of eggs, sugar, cream cheese and mango pulp. Bake at 180degC. Once done and cold, cover with mango jelly and serve chilled. The no-cook version uses a similar biscuit base, but is topped with a mix of milk, condensed milk, cornflour, carrageenan or gelatine, hung yogurt, paneer and mango pulp. Pour this mixture into the prepared tin over the biscuit layer.Refrigerate for two to three hours. Cover with mango jelly and serve.
Or go oriental with the Singapore Mango Jelly: combine five cups of water and 150 grams of sugar in a pan and cook over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Add six teaspoons of gelatine and continue cooking until it gets completely dissolved in the sugar syrup. Remove from heat and add a cup of the coconut milk, six tablespoons of milk powder and one cup of thick mango pulp. Mix until well blended. Stir in one chopped mango. Pour into individual moulds and place in a refrigerator till set. Garnish with pomegranate pearls and serve. A crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, Mango Wonton (a simple thickened pulp of mango with cornflour as the filling), qualifies as also a Canton Mango Pudding (an egg custard with mango pulp) as well.
If you wish to be different, try a hot caramel pudding (my mother's favourite) which is made instantly with mango slices put under the grill under a blanket of cream, caster sugar and brown sugar. Or go to the other extreme with frozen mango dessert which is simply cream, sugar mango jelly, mango pulp, milk powder whisked together and frozen in individual moulds.
Go all out on puddings and enjoy a Mango Zabaglione! Mango Zabaglione *Wash, peel and halve two ripe mangoes. Discard the seed and cut the mango halves into one inch sized cubes. Place them in individual bowls.
*In a mixing bowl take two egg yolks, 1/4 cup castor sugar and one cup fresh cream. Mix well.
*Heat water in a wide pan and place the bowl of egg mixture in it. Cook stirring continuously till the mixture reaches a custard consistency.
*Preheat the oven to 220degC.
*Add one cup mango puree to the custard and pass it through a sieve to get uniform consistency.
*Pour this mixture over the mango cubes and sprinkle four tablespoons brown sugar over the top.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
grooming your legs
As summer gets hotter, the hemlines get shorter. Stars like Priyanka Chopra and Mugdha Godse aren't afraid to show off their toned stems, pulling out their miniskirts and short rompers to beat the heat. These quick-fix methods will help you get your legs mini-worthy.
Smooth skin Instead of spending painful hours in the beauty parlour every week, many city girls are opting for laser hair reduction to get rid of the problem of wax strips permanently. Dr Hema Pant, of Kaya Skin Clinic, reveals that the summer is when she gets maximum appointments for laser treatments.
"It's one of the most common procedures that clients opt for these days and we even have mothers bringing in their teenage daughters for the treatment," she says. While this may have raised eyebrows a couple of years ago, Pant insists that it's become de rigueur. "People are keen on it because it's a more permanent solution. The only thing that used to deter them was the pain as these sessions hurt when performed on such a large area. But now, we even have painless treatment in certain centres."
The treatment is divided into six to eight sessions that cost about Rs 72,000 for the whole leg and Rs 35,000 for the lower leg. Maintenance sessions can be done about twice a year. It promises no scars. "Immediately after the treatment, there will be a little irritation. But if the patients avoid dehydrating the skin and regularly moisturize and cover up with sunscreen, there is no problem. Tone up Summer is usually when couch potatoes renew interest in their New Year's resolution for supermodel legs.
Leena Mogre, director of Leena Mogre's Fitness, agrees, saying, "In summers, people want to show off their bodies in skirts and shorts. Though women want to have great legs throughout the year." While she insists that there is no substitute to a good dedicated workout, she does offer some quick tips to getting your calves in shape. "People shouldn't be misled into thinking that this will get them foolproof results.
Add these to your routine for faster results," she advices: Take the stairs instead of opting for the lift. Once you've got yourself in a good momentum, climb two steps at a time. Brisk walking is good for the calves. Add to standing calf raises by doing calf raises while sitting at your desk. Do leg extensions while sitting to target your thigh muscles. Skipping is a great cardio exercise. Dancing also helps, but only if you manage to work up a sweat.
Star favourite, designer Swapnil Shinde, predicts the return of the '60s minis. "Minis are going to be very trendy, especially when paired with chain or stud detailing for that grunge look." While he doesn't think shorts are trendy, he advises fans to opt for colourful ones with floral prints. "And lose the gladiator sandals that have been done to death. The T-strap sandal is the footwear of the season," he signs off.
Smooth skin Instead of spending painful hours in the beauty parlour every week, many city girls are opting for laser hair reduction to get rid of the problem of wax strips permanently. Dr Hema Pant, of Kaya Skin Clinic, reveals that the summer is when she gets maximum appointments for laser treatments.
"It's one of the most common procedures that clients opt for these days and we even have mothers bringing in their teenage daughters for the treatment," she says. While this may have raised eyebrows a couple of years ago, Pant insists that it's become de rigueur. "People are keen on it because it's a more permanent solution. The only thing that used to deter them was the pain as these sessions hurt when performed on such a large area. But now, we even have painless treatment in certain centres."
The treatment is divided into six to eight sessions that cost about Rs 72,000 for the whole leg and Rs 35,000 for the lower leg. Maintenance sessions can be done about twice a year. It promises no scars. "Immediately after the treatment, there will be a little irritation. But if the patients avoid dehydrating the skin and regularly moisturize and cover up with sunscreen, there is no problem. Tone up Summer is usually when couch potatoes renew interest in their New Year's resolution for supermodel legs.
Leena Mogre, director of Leena Mogre's Fitness, agrees, saying, "In summers, people want to show off their bodies in skirts and shorts. Though women want to have great legs throughout the year." While she insists that there is no substitute to a good dedicated workout, she does offer some quick tips to getting your calves in shape. "People shouldn't be misled into thinking that this will get them foolproof results.
Add these to your routine for faster results," she advices: Take the stairs instead of opting for the lift. Once you've got yourself in a good momentum, climb two steps at a time. Brisk walking is good for the calves. Add to standing calf raises by doing calf raises while sitting at your desk. Do leg extensions while sitting to target your thigh muscles. Skipping is a great cardio exercise. Dancing also helps, but only if you manage to work up a sweat.
Star favourite, designer Swapnil Shinde, predicts the return of the '60s minis. "Minis are going to be very trendy, especially when paired with chain or stud detailing for that grunge look." While he doesn't think shorts are trendy, he advises fans to opt for colourful ones with floral prints. "And lose the gladiator sandals that have been done to death. The T-strap sandal is the footwear of the season," he signs off.
Women fear getting fat
Women fear getting fat, something that doesn't worry men, a study has found.
The female brain reacts negatively at the sight of an overweight woman, prompting feelings of unhappiness and even self-loathing, reports express.co.uk.
Though the phenomena is common in anorexics but it also affects healthy women who worry about their weight or shape. The same thing doesn't happen with men, whatever their shape may be.
The study for the US journal Personality And Individual Differences suggests that women are under more pressure to form image stereotypes
The female brain reacts negatively at the sight of an overweight woman, prompting feelings of unhappiness and even self-loathing, reports express.co.uk.
Though the phenomena is common in anorexics but it also affects healthy women who worry about their weight or shape. The same thing doesn't happen with men, whatever their shape may be.
The study for the US journal Personality And Individual Differences suggests that women are under more pressure to form image stereotypes
Sunny side up in life
Forget the advertisment and bold claims that bombard you. We get skin experts to give you the real dope on complete sun protection.
Myth: Herbal sunscreen is better for your skin. According to Dr Rohini Wadhwani of Skin Essentials, herbal products may not necessarily be chemical free. "Products only need a certain percentage of natural ingredients to be classified as herbal. Pure organic ones need to be certified." Wadhwani also explains that despite the inclusion of ingredients that have protective qualities, they get diluted in the final product and are not as effective.
"The percentage and concentration of the sun-protective ingredient used is important. When it is mixed with other ingredients, it loses its potency," she reveals.
Myth: Sunblock and sunscreen are different words for the same product. Wadhwani insists that while sunscreen is a filter, sun block is a complete protective cover. "It is ideal for athletes and people who spend lots of time in the sun or who tan quickly. You don't need sun block for minimum activity in the sun," she assures. Those with sensitive skin should test various products to find one that suits their skin the best. If your product causes rashes or burning sensations, change it. Those who have acne-prone skin could opt for gel-based sunscreens, which are water-based and lighter.
Myth: It is enough to use cosmetics with SPF levels. Dr Abhijeet Desai of Evolve Medispa doesn't believe in using cosmetic products that claim to have SPF properties. "Sunscreens need to be properly medicated and certified by the Indian FDA. They have prescribed amounts that you can trust," he insists. Those who are exposed to intense or prolonged sunlight cannot rely only on cosmetic products like compact or foundation that claim to have sun protection qualities. "These can be used by those who spend most of their time indoors, or on top of a good sunscreen," he recommends.
Myth: Products with high SPF are too harsh for the skin.
He also advises parents to choose specially formulated sunscreens for their children, which won't damage their sensitive skin. "Highly concentrated sunscreens may only cause skin irritation if you have acne-prone oily skin. You need to test different products before settling on one that's convenient for you."
Myth: Herbal sunscreen is better for your skin. According to Dr Rohini Wadhwani of Skin Essentials, herbal products may not necessarily be chemical free. "Products only need a certain percentage of natural ingredients to be classified as herbal. Pure organic ones need to be certified." Wadhwani also explains that despite the inclusion of ingredients that have protective qualities, they get diluted in the final product and are not as effective.
"The percentage and concentration of the sun-protective ingredient used is important. When it is mixed with other ingredients, it loses its potency," she reveals.
Myth: Sunblock and sunscreen are different words for the same product. Wadhwani insists that while sunscreen is a filter, sun block is a complete protective cover. "It is ideal for athletes and people who spend lots of time in the sun or who tan quickly. You don't need sun block for minimum activity in the sun," she assures. Those with sensitive skin should test various products to find one that suits their skin the best. If your product causes rashes or burning sensations, change it. Those who have acne-prone skin could opt for gel-based sunscreens, which are water-based and lighter.
Myth: It is enough to use cosmetics with SPF levels. Dr Abhijeet Desai of Evolve Medispa doesn't believe in using cosmetic products that claim to have SPF properties. "Sunscreens need to be properly medicated and certified by the Indian FDA. They have prescribed amounts that you can trust," he insists. Those who are exposed to intense or prolonged sunlight cannot rely only on cosmetic products like compact or foundation that claim to have sun protection qualities. "These can be used by those who spend most of their time indoors, or on top of a good sunscreen," he recommends.
Myth: Products with high SPF are too harsh for the skin.
He also advises parents to choose specially formulated sunscreens for their children, which won't damage their sensitive skin. "Highly concentrated sunscreens may only cause skin irritation if you have acne-prone oily skin. You need to test different products before settling on one that's convenient for you."
Safe & sex in life
You are all set for a steamy night with your partner. The soft light of fragranced candles falls on the bed; a bottle of wine lies on the bedside table and soft music plays in the background. It's hard to contain your excitement and anticipation. So what we're going to recommend may not be welcome, but we are going to do it all the same: Do go out and buy some condoms so that your night is as safe as it is exciting.
You may imagine that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are other people's problem and could never happen to you. You couldn't be more wrong. Your unprotected sexual exploits may lead to more than 25 STDs apart from HIV, and these may cause arthritis, memory loss, heart disease, eye inflammation and even cancer. You can catch a STD from the blood, semen or vaginal fluids of an infected partner. Ironically, it's possible to contract sexually transmitted diseases from people who seem perfectly healthy and those who may not even be aware that they have an infection. Doctors at major hospitals in the city say they see around 50 people with STDs in a month. There are lots more out there who are silent carriers and avoid seeing a doctor.
BEING A YOUNG WOMAN
If you are a young woman, your chances of getting a STD are much higher than those of a man or middle- aged woman. "Young people are at a greater risk because they are more likely to indulge in unsafe sex and have multiple sex partners. Condoms provide some amount of protection, but it's important to avoid multiple partners," says Dr Shivani Sachdev, gynaecologist, Phoenix Hospital. Moreover, in young women the cervix is made up of constantly changing cells which make the cervix more vulnerable to certain STDs.
However, this does not mean you can't get an infection if you are old. In fact, the numbers of older women reporting to the doctors with STDs is on the rise, simply because of the misconception that they are not at risk. After menopause, there is a thinning of tissues in the female vagina and the natural lubrication also decreases. This can increase the risk of micro- tears and sexual transmission of certain diseases.
The immune system of older people is also less efficient, leading to an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections. Women are anatomically wired to be more likely to contract STDs because the average vaginal environment enables viruses and bacteria to grow. Moreover, it's relatively easier for an infection to penetrate the thin mucous membrane of the vagina as compared to the penis which is protected by its epidermis skin coating. While women are mostly infected with yeast infections, chlamydia and genital human papillomavirus (HPV), men usually report with gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia.
Hepatitis A and B are also known to spread through sexual transmissions. In addition to being more susceptible to infection, women are also more likely than men to experience some of the harmful side effects associated with STDs. Chlamydia, for example, is known to produce few complications among men whereas women with the disease can face problems like infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and potentially- fatal ectopic pregnancies if the condition goes untreated.
CONFUSING SYMPTOMS
STDS may go undetected for long periods as they result in a number of confusing and misleading symptoms. While some may have no symptoms for very long, others may experience genital sores, pain and itching. "Around 80 per cent of STDs are detected by doctors when patients visit them for some other problem. For instance, I had a patient who had genital herpes but never reported that to me. It was a chance discovery. There are also several patients who come with problem of infertility and through tests we get to know they have been suffering from chlamydia," says Dr Sachdev.
While women with STDs may experience vaginal discharge, lower- abdominal pain and pain during intercourse, men generally experience a discharge from their penis, pain during urination besides testicular swelling and pain. Regular testing for STDs, especially chlamydia and HPV, is very common in the west but it's yet to pick momentum in India.
While a Pap smear test is recommended for HPV, blood tests and vaginal swab tests would tell if a woman has got any other STD. " For men, besides physical examination, blood tests and urine tests usually tell the presence of STDs," says Dr Kapil Juneja, consultant urologist, Moolchand Medcity.
Anal sex is very risky when it comes to STDs because it usually causes bleeding. Also your chances of getting an STD increases every time you break up with one partner and move on to another, even if each relationship is monogamous. Most people are silent carriers of STDs which can manifest later on. Though condom reduces chances of contracting STDs, being faithful to your partner is the best way to prevent it.
SEVERAL COMPLICATIONS
Any STD, if ignored, can do a lot of complications in later stages. "Men can suffer from urethral stricture which means obstruction in urine passage, infection of the testicles, prostrate and even infertility.
Some diseases if left untreated can also damage other body organs. For instance, syphilis infection may travel to the brain leading to memory loss, problems with mental function, walking and balance. It can also affect the heart, bladder control, and vision if left untreated," says Dr Anshuman Aggarwal senior consultant, urology, Fortis Hospital.
If somebody has untreated gonorrhea or chlamydia, he is also at risk of getting arthritis when infection moves to the joints. Once it does, it can cause excruciating pain and, in some cases, permanent joint damage and deformity.
A woman suffering from chlamydia can pass the infection from the vaginal canal to her child during delivery, causing pneumonia or an eye infection that can lead to blindness. The good news is all STDs are curable if detected on time.
Antibiotics can cure many sexually transmitted bacterial and parasitic infections, including gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia and trichomonas. Sexually transmitted viral infections like HIV are not curable, but HPV and hepatitis B are preventable with vaccines prior to exposure. The duration of the treatment would depend upon the stage and kind of STD you are suffering from.
TRY THIS
Watermelon is especially high in lycopene which is very good for skin protection against the sun
You may imagine that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are other people's problem and could never happen to you. You couldn't be more wrong. Your unprotected sexual exploits may lead to more than 25 STDs apart from HIV, and these may cause arthritis, memory loss, heart disease, eye inflammation and even cancer. You can catch a STD from the blood, semen or vaginal fluids of an infected partner. Ironically, it's possible to contract sexually transmitted diseases from people who seem perfectly healthy and those who may not even be aware that they have an infection. Doctors at major hospitals in the city say they see around 50 people with STDs in a month. There are lots more out there who are silent carriers and avoid seeing a doctor.
BEING A YOUNG WOMAN
If you are a young woman, your chances of getting a STD are much higher than those of a man or middle- aged woman. "Young people are at a greater risk because they are more likely to indulge in unsafe sex and have multiple sex partners. Condoms provide some amount of protection, but it's important to avoid multiple partners," says Dr Shivani Sachdev, gynaecologist, Phoenix Hospital. Moreover, in young women the cervix is made up of constantly changing cells which make the cervix more vulnerable to certain STDs.
However, this does not mean you can't get an infection if you are old. In fact, the numbers of older women reporting to the doctors with STDs is on the rise, simply because of the misconception that they are not at risk. After menopause, there is a thinning of tissues in the female vagina and the natural lubrication also decreases. This can increase the risk of micro- tears and sexual transmission of certain diseases.
The immune system of older people is also less efficient, leading to an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections. Women are anatomically wired to be more likely to contract STDs because the average vaginal environment enables viruses and bacteria to grow. Moreover, it's relatively easier for an infection to penetrate the thin mucous membrane of the vagina as compared to the penis which is protected by its epidermis skin coating. While women are mostly infected with yeast infections, chlamydia and genital human papillomavirus (HPV), men usually report with gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia.
Hepatitis A and B are also known to spread through sexual transmissions. In addition to being more susceptible to infection, women are also more likely than men to experience some of the harmful side effects associated with STDs. Chlamydia, for example, is known to produce few complications among men whereas women with the disease can face problems like infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and potentially- fatal ectopic pregnancies if the condition goes untreated.
CONFUSING SYMPTOMS
STDS may go undetected for long periods as they result in a number of confusing and misleading symptoms. While some may have no symptoms for very long, others may experience genital sores, pain and itching. "Around 80 per cent of STDs are detected by doctors when patients visit them for some other problem. For instance, I had a patient who had genital herpes but never reported that to me. It was a chance discovery. There are also several patients who come with problem of infertility and through tests we get to know they have been suffering from chlamydia," says Dr Sachdev.
While women with STDs may experience vaginal discharge, lower- abdominal pain and pain during intercourse, men generally experience a discharge from their penis, pain during urination besides testicular swelling and pain. Regular testing for STDs, especially chlamydia and HPV, is very common in the west but it's yet to pick momentum in India.
While a Pap smear test is recommended for HPV, blood tests and vaginal swab tests would tell if a woman has got any other STD. " For men, besides physical examination, blood tests and urine tests usually tell the presence of STDs," says Dr Kapil Juneja, consultant urologist, Moolchand Medcity.
Anal sex is very risky when it comes to STDs because it usually causes bleeding. Also your chances of getting an STD increases every time you break up with one partner and move on to another, even if each relationship is monogamous. Most people are silent carriers of STDs which can manifest later on. Though condom reduces chances of contracting STDs, being faithful to your partner is the best way to prevent it.
SEVERAL COMPLICATIONS
Any STD, if ignored, can do a lot of complications in later stages. "Men can suffer from urethral stricture which means obstruction in urine passage, infection of the testicles, prostrate and even infertility.
Some diseases if left untreated can also damage other body organs. For instance, syphilis infection may travel to the brain leading to memory loss, problems with mental function, walking and balance. It can also affect the heart, bladder control, and vision if left untreated," says Dr Anshuman Aggarwal senior consultant, urology, Fortis Hospital.
If somebody has untreated gonorrhea or chlamydia, he is also at risk of getting arthritis when infection moves to the joints. Once it does, it can cause excruciating pain and, in some cases, permanent joint damage and deformity.
A woman suffering from chlamydia can pass the infection from the vaginal canal to her child during delivery, causing pneumonia or an eye infection that can lead to blindness. The good news is all STDs are curable if detected on time.
Antibiotics can cure many sexually transmitted bacterial and parasitic infections, including gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia and trichomonas. Sexually transmitted viral infections like HIV are not curable, but HPV and hepatitis B are preventable with vaccines prior to exposure. The duration of the treatment would depend upon the stage and kind of STD you are suffering from.
TRY THIS
Watermelon is especially high in lycopene which is very good for skin protection against the sun
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