World of Books and Travel

Gladioli flowers give extra beauty to the garden. There are different colours of gladioli flowers. My sister gave me some gladioli bulbs last year and I planted them. They are in different colours. Gladioli is usually grown in Asia, Mediterranean Europe, South Africa, and tropical Africa. It is sometimes called a ‘sword lily.’ Gladiolus should be planted on well-drained and even sandy soil. They also like sunny locations. It will be nice to plant the gladiolus deeper than usual (about 8 inches deeper) because they have a tall sheaf of leaves. This will help anchor them against strong winds that might blow them over to the ground. If it is not possible it will be helpful for them if a stick is provided to them, as a support. Proper watering is required in their early days and make sure to mulch the soil around them to keep them moist. Gladioli plants thrive if the bulbs are protected by a thick mulch throughout the winter. I grow them both in mud as well as on pots. They take 70 to 100 ...

Makhana is a type of seed commonly used throughout Asia.  They are   also known as Fox nuts and Lotus seeds, Euryale Ferox, Gorgon nut etc. What is so special about it? Any great benefits?  1. Makhana supports heart health. - Some animal studies show that makhana extract could reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels to improve heart health.  2. Makhana is rich in several micronutrients, including calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus.  3. Makhana is high in antioxidants, which could protect against inflammation and chronic disease, which could be beneficial for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Makhana is rich in antioxidants and micronutrients and may help slow signs of aging and support heart health, blood sugar management, and weight loss. 4. May help in blood sugar control - Several animal studies show that makhana extract could help improve blood sugar management,  5. May help in weig...

  How to make green tomato chutney - In a pan, add a spoon of oil. - Chop an onion and saute it for 2 minutes. - Add 2–3 green tomatoes, chopped. - Add 2–3 green chillies, 2–3 garlics, 1 piece of ginger, a few chopped green coriander leaves (optional). Saute them for 3 minutes. - When cooled grind with salt. -Finally, temper it with mustard seeds, red chillies and a cluster of curry leaves. Health Benefits of Green Tomatoes Improves gut health  — Green tomatoes are rich in dietary fiber. Fiber helps in keeping your digestive system healthy by aiding in the multiplication of good gut bacteria. Vitamin E found in green tomatoes helps  prevent hemolytic anemia. Beta carotene found in green tomatoes  promotes healthy skin . Prevents Premature Ageing -  As green tomatoes are rich in Vitamin C, which helps produce skin cells, may make you look younger and wrinkle-free. Helps in hydration  — green tomatoes are 94% water, which helps to keep you hydrated when exerc...

In this summer, I decided to make some Green banana powder. What is the use of green banana powder, you may wonder.  Green banana powder (raw banana powder) has several health benefits. I was shocked to know the humble banana's health benefits and why we should include it in our diet.  I usually make main curries and side dishes with raw bananas, without knowing its numerous health benefits.  I, of course, knew it was good for health.   When I came to know its health benefits I decided to make the powder and keep ready at home for immediate needs.  First, let us see how to make the Green Banana Powder. Select good variety of raw banana. Wash it. Peel the skin. (If you wish you can remove the whole skin instead of peeling it.) Cut it into small pieces and dry it in the sun or use a drier, if you have one at home. The dried raw banana pieces can be preserved in an airtight container as it is, or powder it and keep, for months together.  How to use the po...

 Hair may fall due to various causes. If it is not due to some serious issues, we can control them at home to some extent.  Photo by  Paul Siewert  on  Unsplash There are so many commercial products available in the market for reducing hair fall and promoting healthier hair growth. But we all know natural remedies are the best to try first. Six methods are given below with the things easily available at home. These are methods passed on from elders who believed in natural remedies. I have tried all of them on different occasions and I found each one useful to me. No need to try all of these, just any one method will do which is easily available with you, to control the hair fall.  1. Coconut oil  — Many people use coconut oil for hair. It is packed with fatty acids that penetrate the hair shaft, reducing protein loss and strengthening hair. Then leave it for at least an hour and wash with a mild shampoo. You will have to try this for a few days regularly to...

  More and more people are opting for millet food, realizing its amazing health benefits.  As you know, the year 2023 was named as International day of Millets.  I use millets almost on a daily basis, for various recipes. I am sharing a foxtail millet pongal recipe with you. Foxtail millets are tiny seeds covered in a thin, crispy hull and are available in a light yellow-brownish colour.   Ingredients required Fox Millet - 1 cup Moong dal - 1 cup Wash these two and keep aside.  1 piece of ginger -chopped 1 tsp. cumin seeds  1 tsp. black pepper 1/2 tsp. asafoetida powder 1 tablsp. cashew nuts - broken 2 green chillies - chopped curry leaves 1 tsp. mustard seeds Preparation Keep a cooker on the stove, add 1 1/2 tablespoon cooking oil When it is heated add half of the cumin seeds, half of ginger pieces, half of black pepper and the chopped chillies.  When it is ready, add 4-5 cup water, add salt and bring it to boil.  Add the millet and moong dal int...