Vietnamese Caramelised Fish

Syed Tazammul Huq Tareq has conquered a world that is important to all of us- that of the culinary arts. Hailing from Bangladesh, Tareq was trained in Australia, in Carrick Institute of Education for a degree in hospitality management and commercial cookery.

He has been trained by some of the biggest names in the culinary world including Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris, Matt Moran, all judges of Masterchef Australia. He has even served the Australian cricket team as regular customers. Today, Tareq stands as the Executive Chef of Watercress Restaurant and is one of the lead judges of Rupchanda-The Daily Star Super Chef, specialising in Italian cuisine and fusion cooking. He leads a team of 33 in the kitchen, with the inclusion of 2 sous chefs. Tareq's exceptionality is not only evident in his flavours, but also in his precision, plating and most importantly, high hygiene standards. For this year's Puja, Chef Tareq has an extraordinary dish for you to try out and brighten up your festivities.

Ingredients:
Sauce:
1 tsp chopped onion
½ tsp chopped garlic
¼ tsp chopped ginger
1 tbsp chilli sauce
1 tsp oyster sauce
½ tsp soy sauce
½ tsp sesame oil
1 pinch sugar
Salt & pepper to taste

Fish:
200g boneless fish filet
1 tsp chopped garlic
½ tsp chopped ginger
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp yellow mustard
½ tsp chopped red chilli
Salt & pepper to taste

Method:
For the sauce, heat the frying pan and add the oil. Then add the ginger, onion and garlic and cook until it becomes nice and golden. Add the chilli sauce, oyster sauce and soy sauce. Bring to a boil, and add a little water if needed. Finally, season it with salt, pepper and sugar, and add half of the sesame oil.

To prepare the fish, cut it into roughly 30g pieces and marinate it with all the aforementioned ingredients, and then keep in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes.

Once the fish has been marinated, place the pieces in a heated frying pan with ½ teaspoon of oil, and cook on each side for 3-4 minutes. Place the fish on a plate, then top it with the sauce and drizzle with the rest of the sesame oil. Serve fresh with some plain steamed rice.

Recipe courtesy: Syed Tazammul Huq Tareq, Executive Chef, Watercress Restaurant
Photo courtesy: Watercress Restaurant

KACCHI BIRIYANI

Preparing kacchi is no longer exclusive to the skilful mastery of authentic “baburchis”. Use Bengal Meat's new product - 'Mutton Kacchi Marination' (available at all Bengal Meat Stores) and follow this easy, step-by-step recipe to amaze yourself and guests with the best kacchi biriyani you will find anywhere in this city. For a list of addresses of all Bengal Meat stores check out the cover photo of their Facebook page: facebook.com/BengalMeatKitchen

Ingredients
1 kg Bengal Meat's Marinated Mutton for kacchi
½ kg basmati rice
3 medium size (around 250g each) potatoes
1 cup chopped onions
1 cup milk
7 to 8 pieces aloobukhara/dried prunes
10 pieces raisins
½ tbsp keora water
½ cup ghee
½ cup mawa
A pinch of saffron

Method
When baking in an oven -Fry potatoes lightly in oil and keep aside. Then fry the chopped onions until it gets a nice golden colour and then take them out on a paper towel to soak the extra oil out of it. Wash rice and cook partially; drain the water through a strainer.

Now add milk on top of the mutton marinade and spread half the rice on it. Then scatter the fried potatoes, fried onions (half quantity), mawa, aloobukhara, raisin, a pinch of saffron, and keora water one on top of the other. At the end, place the rest of the rice on top of everything and spread the rest of the fried onions, half cup of ghee and the saffron over it.

Cover the pan with lid. If the lid is not tight enough, seal the edge with flour dough.
Now preheat the oven to 375 degree Fahrenheit, put the pan in the oven and bake it for about 20 minutes; then reduce the heat to 350 degree F and bake it for around   40-45 minutes.

Then turn off the oven and leave it for approximately
30 minutes.

Now carefully open the lid and slowly mix the biriyani from the bottom to top, to make an even mix of mutton and rice in the biriyani, before serving with raita or borhani.

When cooking on a burner -    Place the sealed handi with mutton, rice, potatoes and ingredients arranged together in the same way (see above), and put this on slow cooking or 'dum' as we say in the common tongue. For the mutton to be fully cooked, this has to be put on heat for at least an hour. A word of caution though: to prevent the biriyani from becoming burnt put the handi on a tawa/skillet and not on the burner directly!

Now relax for an hour and then when you break open the seal - simply divine! Before serving, mix the biriyani from bottom to top for an even distribution of meat and rice and serve with the
usual raita or the traditional borhani.

Food for the soul

Fuad Tasrim Hossain

From the title it might seem like I am going to speak about some sort of tree hugging philosophy, not really. This article is about what the title means literally. We all know food is nourishment for our body. Good food for good health is very important.

Recently there is a trend for a lot of type of diet. Most famous of these diets is low carbohydrates (Atkins) diet, juice diets, cleanse diets etc. These plans of eating to lose weight or detoxification are not a healthy form of regular eating.

When it comes to diet, like anything in the world, balance is the key. There should be a balance among the three major food groups: carbohydrates, proteins and fibers. Rice, grains and other starchy foods are usually carbohydrates. Meat, fish and animal produce like dairy are proteins and vegetables are mostly fiber.

The basic idea is the body needs a healthy amount of these three types of food to function properly. Losing balance in diet can lead to health problems, which we are not so mindful about sometimes.

Fibers provide a wide variety of nutrients which help to build a strong immune system for the body. Vegetables are definitely the best as they provide the most nutrients with the least amount of waste in the body. This is why our bodies digest them with ease.

Now when it comes to proteins and carbohydrates, it becomes a little tricky. Since everyone is so much on the stay fit, look great bandwagon, it is often a problem for a lot of people to keep in shape and still enjoy food. But knowing what kind of food to eat can give us the key to eat satisfyingly and keep the weight in check.

If someone is working indoor and do not get a lot of movement during the day, a low carbohydrate diet is ideal. For us to function properly we need 2000 calories on an average every day. Roughly 40% of which has to be carbohydrates. This amount can be increased or decreased depending on how the person feels throughout the day. But eating too much of this would result in weight gain or undesirable body shapes. Carbohydrates usually accumulate around the center of the body (belly, thighs etc.) so careful control can give a person slim and fit appearance.

Proteins are equally important as carbohydrates. It helps us to maintain healthy muscles, bones and skin. One could live without proteins altogether but such a diet would make the body extremely fragile.

So deducible is that we need to control how much carbohydrates we take along with a healthy measure of proteins and fibers. Controlling carbohydrates is not as hard as it might sound.

Provided that a person eats a healthy amount of other two food groups, the person will feel content with eating limited amount of carbohydrates.

A wonderful natural system that our body has is the tongue. A person can feel that depending on what he needs in his body, he will find certain types of food tasting really good. One just has to follow the tongue and he/she will be on the right track.

But not when it comes to processed and junk food. This type of food are made with added salt and sugar to make it taste better and are to be avoided at all cost.

Eat healthy, organic and fresh produce as much as possible and you will see that not only are you keeping the weight off but you will also feel great. A healthy body is the key to a healthy mind and most importantly happiness.

Nutritional benefits of coconut water

Coconut water is a popular nutritious drink worldwide. Plenty of health ailments are treated with this natural healthy drink. Due to its nutritional properties, it is consumed by people of all ages. Coconut water contains vitamin B and C, and minerals likes iron, magnesium, zinc, calcium, phosphorus and potassium. People consume this drink fresh or canned.

* Due to the availability of minerals, coconut water is consumed in case of dehydration.

* Coconut water balances the PH levels in the body and strengthens the tissues.

* Coconut water improves metabolism and burns fat at a faster rate. Thus, it helps reduce weight.

* It prevents the formation of kidney stones by alkalizing the urine. It treats kidney stones as well.

* It keeps the skin healthy and glowing and prevents muscle cramps.

* Coconut water is beneficial for healthy bones and muscles

* It relieves stress and depression by rejuvenating the body.

* It maintains the balance of electrolytes in the body and thus controls blood pressure levels.

* It regulates the blood circulation and also prevents the formation of plaque thereby preventing heart attacks and other cardio vascular diseases.

Nusrat Faria goes to Bollywood

Newcomer to the Bangladeshi movie scene, Nusrat Faria, has been cast for Bollywood as she is to star in Mumbai based film “Gawah: The Witness”.

Having only acted in one film so far, which has not even been released yet, Nusrat Faria becomes the first Bangladeshi actress to be cast in Bollywood, that too alongside actors like Emraan Hashmi and Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

Scheduled to start filming later in October this year, the film is directed by Vishnu Dutt and Nusrat Faria has said that she has already started training for the part, the contract for which she will sign after the “look test” takes place.

Nutrition in pregnancy

Prof M Karim Khan

Though pregnancy is a physiologic process, yet some additional nutrients like vitamins and micronutrients are to be added in daily diet of an expectant mother for the wellbeing of the baby and mother.

Local, less costly and easily available food is enough to accommodate the extra need during pregnancy. Simply two extra table spoonful of rice, one table spoon of lentils, a bit extra fat, some fresh vegetables, a few fruits like banana, guava, graves etc. and occasionally a healthy measure of protein and if possible a cup of milk is sufficient to provide nutrition to the mother and the baby in her womb. This nutritional advice is to be given while the mother comes for her antenatal check up.

Pregnancy is associated with physiologic changes that results in increased plasma volume, red blood cells and decreased concentrations of circulating nutrient-binding proteins and micronutrients.

In many developing countries, these physiologic changes can be aggravated by undernutrition, leading to micronutrient deficiency states such as anaemia that can have disastrous consequences for both the mother and child.

Multiple micronutrients are often taken by pregnant women in developed countries, but their benefits are limited, except for prophylactic folic acid taken during the periconceptional period.

Other than vitamin A, most of the vitamins and minerals are safe in pregnancy. Excess vitamin A can cause some harm to the baby. If the mother is quite healthy and no deficiency of nutrients is there other than folic acid, nothing else is required.

Folic acid is to be started one month prior to pregnancy and has to continue at least for the first three months of pregnancy to avoid neural tube defect (birth defects of the brain, spine, or spinal cord).

Vitamin D and calcium are important and it is better to be taken in the first trimester. Supplementation of zinc, magnesium and iodine is usually not needed. Simple regular healthy family diet contains these micronutrients.

We know only a healthy mother can give birth to a healthy baby. So we have to take care of the pregnant women for the betterment of the future generation. Husbands, in laws and other family members should come forward to help the expectant mother not only in case of nutritional aspect but in all other aspects. United comprehensive approach is necessary in every pregnancy.

Baked spring rolls

Baked spring rolls
 
Ingredients:
225g minced chicken
75g finely shredded cabbage
30g finely shredded carrot
2 spring onions, thinly sliced
½ tbsp soya sauce
2 tsp minced ginger
1½ tsp minced garlic
½ tsp crushed chilli
1 tbsp corn flour
1 tbsp water
24 spring roll wrappers, bought from the frozen department at your supermarket
2 dessertspoon vegetable oil

Method:
Preheat the oven to 220 degree C, then fry the minced chicken until evenly brown. Drain excess fat. Mix chicken, cabbage, carrot, spring onion, coriander, soya sauce, ginger, garlic and chillies. Mix corn flour and water in a small bowl.
Place a tablespoon of the chicken mixture in each spring roll wrapper. Roll wrapper around the mixture, folding edges inward to close. Moisten fingers in the corn flour and water mixture, and brush wrapper seams to seal. Then place them on a baking tray, brush with vegetable oil and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown turning half way through.

Mutton soup

Mutton soup
 
Ingredients:
¼ pound of mutton, cut into chunks
1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
Half of a zucchini, chopped
1 small potato, peeled and chopped
2 small onions, peeled and chopped
½ of a small capsicum (chop ½ of it very finely and leave the other half as a whole)
A handful of chickpeas
One small celery branch (it's best to get it from the inside of the celery; chopped)
One small bunch of cilantro, chopped
3 tbsp of vegetable oil
¼ tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground red pepper
1 and ¼ tsp salt
One small can of tomato paste
¼ cup of tomato juice
¼ cup of thin vermicelli
One or two sprigs of mint

Method:
Wash the meat and add it to the saucepan. Add carrot, zucchini, potato, onions, pepper, and celery. Throw in the chickpeas. Chop in ½ of the bunch of cilantro, the other half will be added later. Add spices, oil, and sauté everything together on low heat for about 5 minutes.

Then, add the tomato paste and cover everything with water (The water level should be up to at least half of the saucepan). Turn the stove up to medium heat and let the soup come to a boil. When it boils, turn the heat down to low and let it cook.

You have to constantly stir the soup, like about every 10 minutes or so, so that the vegetables don't stick to the bottom of the pan. After an hour, add the tomato sauce.

Throw in the other half of the capsicum (which should be a whole, not chopped). Chop in the rest of the cilantro and the twigs of mint (leaves only). Add four and a half cups of water, and turn up the heat again so the soup can come to a boil. When it comes to a boil, turn the heat down and let it cook for another half an hour. After that half an hour, add a cup of water (or as needed) and this time when it boils, throw in the angel hair. Don't cover the pan when you throw in the vermicelli because it will stick. Stir it around occasionally; when the vermicelli cooks, which is about 10 minutes or so, the soup will be done!

SPINACH MUSHROOM WRAP

BEST OATMEAL
Ingredients:
6 cups water
2½ cups oats (dried, rolled, steel cut)
½ cup frozen cranberries (available at Agora, Meena Bazaar and other superstores)
½  cup dried apricots, chopped
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
Method:
Combine water, oats, frozen cranberries, dried apricots and salt in pan over low heat. Put the lid on and cook until the oats are tender and the porridge is creamy.

SPINACH MUSHROOM WRAP
Ingredients:
1 seven-inch lal atta roti
¼  cup sliced mushrooms
¼  tsp black pepper
2 cups fresh spinach
1 large egg, plus 1 egg white, lightly whisked
2 tbsp crumbled, low-fat feta cheese (or cottage cheese if you like)
1 tbsp tomatoes, chopped
Method: 
Place the roti on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for one minute. Coat a small pan with cooking spray, and then place it over medium heat. Sauté the mushrooms and pepper for two minutes. Stir in the spinach and sauté for another one to two minutes, or until wilted. Add the eggs and cook, stirring often until they are set, about two minutes. Place the egg scramble in the centre of the roti, and then top it with the crumbled feta and tomatoes. To wrap, fold up one end, then both sides.

ALMOND BUTTER

ALMOND BUTTER
It is packed with protein and very
delicious!

Ingredient:
3 cups almonds

Method:
Place the almonds in a food processor fitted with an "S" blade. Secure the lid and allow to whisk for 20-30 minutes, stopping and scraping down the sides as needed. (You can also do this with a blender, it might take a little longer). The almond butter is ready when the oils have released and the resulting butter is very smooth and creamy-- this takes more time than you'd expect, so be patient! Transfer the almond butter to a sealed glass jar, and store in the fridge for best shelf life.

MANGO AND CARROT SMOOTHIE

There are a lot of people who wake up during sehri only to drink a glass of water and go to sleep. This is extremely unhealthy and will keep you uncomfortable for the rest of the day. Drink this mango carrot smoothie instead; you can have this made and kept in the fridge. 

Mangoes are a super fruit loaded with antioxidants and more than 20 different vitamins and minerals. The following recipe will serve one person.

Ingredients:
1 cup milk
½ tablespoon almond butter (recipe below)
½  cup grated carrot
¾ cup fresh mango
5 ice cubes

Method:
Place all ingredients in blender and puree until smooth.

ORIENTAL DUCK SALAD

1 duck leg
1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
140g rice noodles
1 celery stick, cut into matchsticks
1 carrot, cut into matchsticks  
½ cucumber, deseeded and cut into matchsticks
2 spring onions, sliced lengthways
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
 

Method:  
Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Rub the duck leg all over with five-spice and seasoning, place on a baking tray and roast for 25 minutes.
 

Meanwhile, cook the rice noodles following pack instructions. Drain and cool under cold running water, then drain again and toss with the celery, carrot, cucumber and spring onions. When cool enough to handle, remove the duck meat and crispy skin from the bone and finely shred.
 

To make the dressing, mix the hoisin and soy sauce with 2 tbsp water. Divide the noodles between two plates and top with the shredded duck. Drizzle over the dressing and serve.

High salt diet may delay puberty

Consuming excess dietary salt may result in late onset of puberty that can lead to behavioural problems, stress and reduced fertility, new research says.

The researchers found that rats fed a high salt diet (equivalent to three or four times the recommended daily allowance for humans) had a significant delay in reaching puberty compared to those fed a normal (low) salt diet.

Interestingly, rats that had salt completely excluded from their diet also had delayed puberty. The findings suggest that salt intake is necessary for onset of puberty but that excesses can affect reproductive health.

“Our research highlights for the first time that the salt content of a diet has a more significant effect on reproductive health than the fat content,” said lead researcher Dori Pitynski from University of Wyoming in the US.

“High fat diet is thought to accelerate the onset of puberty but our work demonstrates that rats fed a high salt diet even with a high fat diet will still show a delay in puberty onset,” Pitynski pointed out.

Recent guidelines from WHO state that populations around the world are consuming much more salt than is physiologically necessary, and certainly more that the WHO recommended daily allowance of five gram of salt per day for adults, the study noted.

Sodium is found naturally in a variety of foods, including milk, cream and eggs. It is also found, in much higher amounts, in processed foods, such as bread, processed meats like bacon, snack foods as well as in condiments such as soy sauce and stock cubes; which are becoming more prevalent in the Western diet.

The findings were presented at the European Congress of Endocrinology in Dublin, Ireland.

Smart travel beauty tips

Whether you are travelling on ground or thousands of feet up in the air, you can look good! You just need to follow a few travel beauty survival tips.

* Go with a moisturiser: Apply heavier moisturiser a day before you are going to travel. This will help in maintaining hydration in your skin before you are exposed to dehydrating effects of cabin pressure or air conditioner effects.

* Tie high: Tie a high pony or a high bun to combat bad hair at the end of the long flight. And make sure to carry a wide tooth hair brush always.

* Drizzle with mineral water: To give a touch up while travelling, never add extra foundation or blush, instead drizzle mineral water and add a bit of moisturiser.

* Pick natural colours: Avoid bright coloured nail polish while travelling as it chips too easily and gives an unfinished look. Instead, go for neutral, sheer colour that won’t call for attention even if it chips.

* Take your cleanser: If you can carry just a single skin care item from home, go for your cleanser as change in cleansers can abrupt skin’s acid balance and results in breakout.

* Keep hands away from face: To avoid breakouts, make sure not to touch your skin while travelling as your hands carry numerous bacteria resulting in many skin problems. Use anti-bacterial hand wash before applying makeup.

* A big no to eye makeup: Avoid mascara and creamy eye shadows. People often take a nap while travelling, so these might trail down to cheeks.

* Don't stick to lipstick: People prefer using long lasting lipstick, but this really dehydrates your lips and so as to have an escape go for lip gloss. Re-apply the gloss throughout the trip and your lips will look fresh.

ON/OFF RELATIONSHIPS

MODELS: RAFIDAH RAHMAN & ZARIF MASUD. PHOTO: DARSHAN CHAKMA 

Some relationships are complicated – there is an on-and-off pattern that leaves you confused. It is important to escape from this pattern and either go completely “on” or completely “off” rather than remaining in a limbo. 

On-and-off relationships can get quite tedious. On one hand there is the overpowering love for each other that keeps bringing them back, and on the other, there are the same old misunderstandings and hurt feelings that cause them to run away from each another. The same pattern over and over can cause a high level of emotional and mental stress, leaving both parties exhausted and frustrated. It is as though the couple is stuck in an endless loop. 

“The problem with such relationships is that they take an emotional toll on you as the drama is quite high,” says Sumaira Khan* who has been in that situation.

Couples in such on-off relationships tend to break up for the same reasons time and again. It may be because they weren't getting along. It may be because they had a fight and broke up in the heat of the moment. It may even be because they just needed a break from the relationship to get their priorities in order. 

“We evolved as individuals, as we grew up together,” said Afsara Mahmud* who had been in an on-off relationship for six years. “At one point, we didn't have much to share anymore.” 

Getting back together has mainly one reason – the love is so strong between the two that they cannot stay away from each other. When you are in a romantic relationship and are very comfortable with your partner, you always have that soft spot for them. The two of you know each other well, including your interests, aims and even fears. That level of comfort can cause you to turn a blind eye on the adverse sides of that relationship, thus paving the way for reconciliation. 

MODELS: RAFIDAH RAHMAN & ZARIF MASUD. PHOTO: DARSHAN CHAKMA 

Shehrin Hossain shared her experience, “Even though I knew I was making a mistake going back to him, I did it. He had become my comfort zone and understood me, which gave me the excuse to hold on to him because I did love him.”

However, this “break up and patch up” cycle needs to end if you want some peace and stability in your life. But where do you go from there? Should the two of you break it off for good? Or should you get back together and stay that way? 

In order to get to that ultimate decision, it is very important that you understand why the two of you did part ways in the first place. Pinpoint that one factor or incident that drove the two of you apart. Now, analyse that reason. Was it a reason so bad that it can never be resolved? Were you in any physical danger around each other? Or did either of you cheat on the other? In such cases, it is best to just call it quits for good and never get back together. 

Ben Yamin Khan* weighed in, “Regardless of how much we had in common and wanted to fix it, she was falling for someone else. So I decided to call it off for good and move on.” 

However, if it is a problem you both can resolve somehow, then consider this – can the two of you put the rocky past behind and start afresh? Can you forgive each other and concentrate on building the relationship for the better? And more importantly, is your partner as interested as you are in making this work?

There is no point of getting back in a relationship that will never work out or leave either partner unhappy and regretful. You should assess your and your partner's needs, and even the pros and cons of continuing this relationship. But if you are unsure even after evaluating, ask for advice from a trusted friend. It should be someone who has seen the constructive and destructive sides of your relationship or has faced a similar situation themselves. Ask how they made their decision and how to cope. 

It can actually be difficult to decide that you've had enough of this tiring cycle of breaking up, patching up and breaking up again. So when you finally decide to call the quits, you need to be mentally prepared. You should explain to your partner (or former partner, in this case) that this cannot go on any longer, and that you are, in the words of Taylor Swift, “never ever ever getting back together.” They might try to fix things up again after some time, promising that they will change for the better. Though it will be difficult, you must stick to your original decision and not let them back in your life. 

Just like Ross and Rachel had a long standing on-again, off-again relationship in “Friends”, we sometimes have such relationships in real life. Though the aforementioned couple finally got back together in the end after being called each other's “lobster,” this may not always be the case for us. Practically, the chances of an on-off relationship turning into a successful one are quite slim. That said real life success stories aren't unheard of.

Every relationship is different. Depending on the dynamics of your on-off relationship, you can either decide to get back together for the better, or to completely call it off. So take some time off, evaluate your relationship and decide where to go from the stressful pattern. And while deciding, just remember: your long-term happiness should be your top priority. 

Some interviewees have requested their names be changed to protect themselves from their parents. Bashay jaane?

How to Eat for Better Sex

Sexologists, cardiologists, and psychologists agree: how much (and what) you consume has a huge impact on your sexual health

Spinach and Other Green Vegetables

Spinach is a potent source of magnesium, which helps dilate blood vessels, according to Japanese researchers. Better blood flow to the genitals, as you've learned, creates greater arousal for men and women. Spinach and other green vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, Swiss chard, and bok choy are also good sources of our favorite sex nutrient—folate. Extra insurance for good reproductive health, folate may lower blood levels of a harmful substance called homocysteine. This abrasive amino acid irritates the lining of arteries and encourages plaque to adhere to it. A high level of homocysteine is a significant risk factor for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). But it appears that dietary folate is protective. In a study of 46,000 men. Harvard University researchers found that those who consumed the most folate daily were 30 percent less likely to develop PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease) than men who ate the fewest folate-rich foods.

 

 

Unsweetened Tea

The antioxidant catechin found in tea promotes blood flow all over the body for sex power and brainpower; it enhances memory, mood, and focus. One particularly potent catechin, a compound called ECGC prevalent in green tea, is thought to increase fat burn. A study in the Journal of Nutrition found that people who consumed the equivalent of three to five cups of green tea a day for 12 weeks experienced nearly a 5 percent reduction in bodyweight. Drink freshly brewed green or black tea every day-hot or iced. Bottled teas don't offer the same benefits. And keep the sugar out of it. Unsweetened tea is an excellent alternative to high-calorie, sugar-laden soft drinks and juices. One 12-ounce can of soda has about 10 teaspoons of sugar in it. America is drinking itself into obesity! The high-fructose corn syrup in many soft drinks raises insulin levels, which can over time develop into diabetes. Studies also show that getting too much sugar lowers the body's ability to produce endorphins. Low endorphins can lead to depression, and know that depression sucks the life out of our sex drive.

 

 

Peaches and Other Fruit

If you are looking to add some deductions to your 1040 form, eat more grapefruit, oranges, and peaches. Men who consume at least 200 milligrams of vitamin C a day improve their sperm counts and motility, according to research at the University of Texas Medical Branch. In the study, 75 men ages 20 to 35 (all heavy smokers with poor sperm quality) were divided into three groups: two that took 200 and 1,000 mg of vitamin C, respectively, and a group that took a dummy pill. The daily vitamin C takers significantly improved the quality of their sperm, with the 1,000 mg group showing the greatest boost in sperm counts. In a later study, 30 infertile men were able to impregnate their partners after just 60 days of vitamin C supplementation. In some men, fertility was restored in just 4 days.

When in the produce aisle, also pick up some watermelon too. They are filled with high concentrations of the good-for-your-heart, good-for-sex phytonutrients lycopene, beta carotene, and, the big one, citrulline. Citrulline is particularly exciting for its ability to relax blood vessels, according to studies at Texas A&M University. When you eat watermelon, the citrulline is converted to the helpful amino acid arginine. "Arginine boosts nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, the same basic effect that Viagra has, to treat erectile dysfunction and maybe even prevent it," explains Bhimu Patil, PhD, director the Texas A&M's Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center.

Eggs

Over easy, hard-boiled, or scrambled, eggs aren't the most sensual food on the menu, but it's hard to beat them for a fit and healthy body inside and out. Eggs are rich in vitamins B6 and B5, which help balance hormone levels and ease stress, and are important for a healthy libido. Calorie for calorie, eggs deliver more biologically usable protein (if you eat the yolks) than any other food, including beef. Eggs are an excellent part of a weight-loss strategy thanks to their protein and B12, a vitamin that studies have shown is necessary for breaking down fat. One study in the International Journal of Obesity found that when overweight people ate two eggs or a bagel for breakfast 5 days a week for 8 weeks, those who ate the eggs lost 65 percent more weight (and lost it faster) than the bagel eaters.

Red Wine and Meat

Sounds like the makings of a good time to us! Italian researchers recently found that the antioxidants and alcohol in the wine may trigger the production of nitric oxide in the blood, which helps artery walls to relax, increasing blood flow to the genitals. Just limit yourselves to a glass or two. More alcohol than that can put a damper on sexual performance and lead to bed spins of a not-very-sexy nature. Worth noting: even teetotalers can benefit from the red grape. Dark grape juice contains antioxidant polyphenols that protect the cardiovascular system and help keep skin flexible and elastic.

That brings us to the meat of this entry. Red meat. Lean cuts are great sources of zinc, a mineral that curbs production of a hormone called prolactin, which at high levels can cause sexual dysfunction, according to Berman. Zinc is also a key muscle-building nutrient, and the high concentrations of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) in beef, studies show, may spur weight loss. Choose filet mignon or other deep red cuts with round or loin in the name, because they are the leanest.

 

Seeds and Nuts

Pumpkin and sunflower seeds, almonds, peanuts, walnuts, and other nuts all contain the necessary monounsaturated fats with which your body creates cholesterol—and your sex hormones need that cholesterol to work properly. That's something the ancient Romans didn't know when they tossed walnuts at newlyweds for good breeding luck. Long linked to fertility—the shell, of course, resembles a man's cojones; the inside meat is vulvalike in form—nuts make a perfectly sexy snack. Packed with muscle-building protein and filling fiber, they are a heart-healthy, albeit calorie-dense, treat.

Pistachios contain plant cholesterol that can produce a 10-point drop in your triglycerides and a 16-point decline in your LDL (bad) cholesterol, reports the Journal of the American College of Nutrition. Brazil nuts are the richest source of selenium—a mineral that has been linked to preventing cancers of the prostate and colon—you can eat. Pecans deliver the most antioxidants of any nut. Adding them to your diet may reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Walnuts, almonds, and other nuts also reduce levels of LDL cholesterol, and a compound called lipoprotein(a) that increases clotting and can lead to a stroke, according to a study published in Annals of Internal Medicine. (Are you getting the point yet why we're nuts for nuts?) Sunflower seeds pack the highest natural vitamin E content of any food. "No antioxidant is more effective at fighting the aging effects of free radicals," says Barry Swanson, PhD, a professor of food science at Washington State University.

 

Beans and Extra Protein

Protein is so important to weight maintenance that you should eat it with every meal and snack. Proteins boost metabolism a little more during digestion than any other type of food. Plus protein increases metabolism by helping to build muscle and stall the muscle loss that naturally happens as we age. Muscle is more metabolically active than fat is, so the more lean muscle on your body the better at burning calories it will be. Plus, well-toned abs and thighs are nice to look at when unadorned by clothing. So, how do you eat more protein without going overboard on eggs and meat? Beans—they're good for the heart and your glutes. Kidneys, garbanzos, black beans, and navy beans are full of muscle-building protein.

While they may not be the best choice for a side dish if you plan on sex for dessert, building your meal plan around a foundation of beans and legumes will ultimately pay off for you sexually. Many studies show that bean eaters are leaner and healthier than people who don't eat beans. According to one study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, people who eat 3/4 cup beans or legumes a day have lower blood pressure and smaller waists than people who get their protein from meat. Beans are also full of cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber. A quarter cup of red kidney beans delivers 3 grams of fiber, plus more than 6,000 disease-fighting antioxidants. Navy beans are particularly rich in potassium, which regulates blood pressure and heart contractions, something you'll need as your heart starts racing when he does that special move that makes you melt.

 

 

Fatty Fish

If, as doctors like to say, what's good for your heart is good for your love life, oily coldwater fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna should figure heavily into your weekly meal rotation. The omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA found in fish help to raise dopamine levels in the brain that trigger arousal, according to sexologist Yvonne K. Fulbright, PhD. Other health benefits: anti-inflammatory properties that fight blood clots and heart arrhythmias, better brain function, and protection against dementia. Studies show that omega-3s can also reduce symptoms of depression. Research from the University of Pittsburgh showed that people with high omega-3 blood levels were happier and more agreeable. Tell us that can't help you get more sex! Fish is one of the many healthy foods that contain the amino acid L-arginine, which stimulates the release of growth hormone among other substances and is converted into nitric oxide in the body. It's worth repeating: nitric oxide is critical for erections and it can help women's sexual function as well by causing blood vessels to open wider for improved blood flow.

 

Oatmeal and Other Whole Grains

Eating oatmeal is one of the few natural ways to boost testosterone in the bloodstream. The male hormone plays a significant role in sex drive and orgasm strength in both men and women. Oats (as well as seeds, ginseng, nuts, dairy, and green vegetables) contain L-arginine, an amino acid that enhances the effect nitric oxide has on reducing blood vessel stiffness. L-arginine has been used to treat erectile dysfunction. Like Viagra, it helps relax muscles around blood vessels in the penis. When they dilate, blood flow increases so a man can maintain an erection. Oatmeal and other whole grains like whole-grain bread, brown rice, and barley also qualify as good-for-the-heart, better-for-the-gut foods. They are slow-burning, complex carbohydrates that won't drive your blood sugar through the roof. They keep you feeling fuller longer and provide excellent energy. Try a bowl of steel-cut oatmeal with fresh berries and bananas with a drizzle of honey before your next marathon sex session.

Oysters and Other Shellfish

In addition to their reputation as the ultimate aphrodisiac (thanks to their resemblance to female genitalia), raw oysters actually do have a connection to sexual function. Oysters hold more zinc than most any other food, and it is believed that this mineral may enhance libido by helping with testosterone production--higher levels of the hormone are linked to an increase in desire. Zinc is also crucial to healthy sperm production and blood circulation. While Casanova reportedly ate 50 raw oysters a day, about six will provide double the recommended daily allowance of 15 mg of zinc. To spice things up a bit, try a few dashes of hot sauce on your raw oysters. Other good sources of zinc are shrimp, red meat, pumpkin seeds, poultry and pork, eggs, and dairy products.

 

Dark Chocolate

Devouring something gooey and decadent is incredibly sensual. Dark chocolate, in particular, contains a compound called phenylethylamine that releases the same endorphins triggered by sex, and increases the feelings of attraction between two people, according to research published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. In fact, brain scans in a British study showed that eating chocolate causes a more intense and longer brainbuzz than kissing does. In this study researchers monitored the brains and heart rates of couples while they kissed passionately or ate chocolate. The brains of both men and women showed greater stimulation while the chocolate melted on their tongues than when their tongues were tied in a passionate kiss.

What's the "healthiest" chocolate? The disease-fighting flavonols that make dark chocolate good for the body also cause the bitterness. To balance flavor and health benefits, try dark chocolate with 70 percent cacao, recommends Jeffrey Blumberg, PhD, who directs the Antioxidants Research Laboratory at Tufts University A 2-inch square chunk, at about 100 calories, will deliver a healthy treat without messing with your weight-management efforts.

 

Strawberries and Other Berries

Red is sexy. Red roses, sports cars, slinky red dresses. Strawberries. Researchers at the University of Rochester conducted experiments on undergraduate students to see if there was any real connection between the color and sex. In one, male and female students viewed images of women on red or white backgrounds. The men found a woman's image on red more attractive than on white, while the female students did not. In another test, men were asked to rate attractiveness of pictures of women on red, white, gray, green, or blue backgrounds. As expected, the men scored the women on red as more sexually attractive. They also said they would spend more money on the women in red than on those in the other colors.

Strawberries can be considered sexy for another reason besides their sensual color: they are high in the B vitamin folate that helps prevent birth defects, and vitamin C, a potential libido booster. Strawberries dipped in melted dark chocolate anyone? Or how about the classic strawberries and whipped cream? Blueberries (and blackberries) are just as sexy. Ideal for a great morning-after breakfast in bed, so you have energy for round 2, both berries contain compounds that are thought to relax blood vessels and improve circulation for a natural Viagra-like effect. Plus, they are tremendous workhorses for pushing excess cholesterol through your digestive system before it can be broken down, absorbed, and deposited along the walls of your arteries.

Foods and Beverages to Avoid During Pregnancy

When you’re pregnant, you want to do everything that’s in the best interest for your baby. That includes eliminating the following items from your plate. 

 

With and Without Diabetes

It's important whether you have diabetes or not to avoid certain foods while pregnant to help benefit you and your baby. It’s important to eat properly and avoid foods that could be damaging to the development of your child.

Mercury

The most common thing we hear to avoid during pregnancy is seafood high in mercury. Too much mercury could harm your baby’s developing nervous system. Foods to avoid include: swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tile fish. Other fish that would be lower in mercury include; shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, Pollock and catfish. The recommendation for serving size of these fish is 12oz per week. If choosing albacore tuna (bigger fish=more mercury) limit your intake to 6oz per week.

Raw Fish, Shellfish, and Undercooked Meats

Avoid raw fish or shellfish altogether. Make sure all fish is cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees. If you’re not sure of the temperature, invest in a meat thermometer. Avoid all raw or undercooked meats or poultry. It's recommended to avoid hot dogs and lunch meat. However, if you do eat hot dogs be sure to cook them until steaming. Cook eggs completely until firm,  and avoid pates and meat spreads unless canned.

Unpasteurized Cheese

Avoid all unpasteurized cheese products such as brie, feta, and blue cheese unless they are clearly labeled as pasteurized. This also includes any unpasteurized juice, cider, or milk.

Caffeine

Pregnancy can leave you feeling extra tired and fatigued. Unfortunately caffeine can cross the placenta, so it’s best to avoid or limit the amount of caffeine you drink. For pregnant women, caffeine should be limited to less than 200mg per day. One cup of coffee contains about 95mg of caffeine, while one cup of tea contains about 47mg.

Alcohol

Alcohol can be damaging to your baby’s tiny developing organs including the brain, and can lead to a whole host of disorders called Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so in this case eliminate all alcohol use while pregnant.

Takeaway

Although this list may seem like a substantial amount of foods and beverages to limit, remember it is only for a short time. The health of your baby is worth the sacrifice.

Egg muffin combo

Egg muffin combo

It's all about eggs this week as most Easter tables creak under the weight of a lamb roast or a hefty rice dish or lots of food that adds those extra pounds. But on Easter Sunday as the house is abuzz with activity, it's always nice to serve something healthy a la Fearless Olive while cooking food for the family, so here's a light egg muffin combo.

Ingredients: 
4 whole eggs and 4 egg whites
½ cup diced red onions
½ cup diced capsicum
1 tbsp chopped garlic
1 tbsp chopped coriander and mint leaves
1 tbsp chopped green onions (leafy parts)
½ tsp poppy seed (posto dana) paste
2 tbsp olive oil

Method:

Sauté the onions in the oil for a minute then add the garlic for another minute, before adding the capsicum. After another minute or two as the mix starts smelling garlicky and strong, take it off the fire and add the spring onions, coriander, poppy seed paste and mint leaves. Whisk the 4 eggs and the egg whites then add the onion mix to the egg whisk and mix it.

Take a muffin tray then pour the mixture into its hollows. Pre-heat oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes then stick the tray inside and cook at 160 degrees until they have risen and are slightly golden brown on the top.

Serving:
Serve with an aloo bukhara or sweet plum chutney.

“My mother helps me choose scripts”… Sabila

Sabila Nur is one of the few youngsters who are immensely popular among the younger generation. Starting her career as a model she has already made her name as a model-actress. A first semester student of BBA at North South University, Sabila has a strong base in classical dance. Recently she shared the stories behind her career and more with this correspondent. Excerpts:  

How did you step into this arena?  

Sabila: Initially I began as a model in a Grameenphone photo-shoot. After doing a number of shoots of GP, I did a number of TVCs, promoting brands ranging from hair oil to ice creams. Those TVCs brought me popularity as a model, but I never thought of acting then. I've practiced dance since my childhood, and my dreams were centering dance, as my mother used to motivate me.  

What was the breakthrough in your career?

Sabila: Last year director Redoan Rony called me for his tele-film “U-turn”. I was overwhelmed to get an opportunity to work with a director like Redoan Rony. I played a drug-addict in the tele-film which brought me great appreciation. By that time I had received a number of offers for drama and tele- films. Later, I played a village girl in a television drama. Then I did the hugely popular tele-film “Monkey Business”.

Tell us about your passion for dance...

Sabila: I learned dance at Bulbul Lalitkala Academy, and completed a certificate course in Kathak with first class first position in 2007. I don't practice dance nowadays, but during Eid I perform in special programmes. At times I feel that I am turning aside a well-learned art because of limited time. But dancing helps a lot in acting as I can utilise those expression while I am in front of the camera.

Dancing, modeling or acting—which medium do you favour?

Sabila: I like the transition from modelling to acting. Actually modelling does not allow me to show my real character in a 30-second TVC.  I love experimenting with different roles. There's no particular choice but I love roles that challenge me and allow me to experiment.

How do you usually choose a script?

Sabila: I always go for characters that are out of the box. When a script comes to me, I first read it and then show it to my mother. She reads the script and helps me choose scripts. My mother is very supportive, and when I played a village girl, I received a lot of support from my mother, my sister and our house help. Currently I am working in four television serials, and will start another soon. Also I'm hosting a show on Banglavision.

How do you balance your work and studies?

Sabila: My father is a little conservative, so I always have to balance my work and academics. It is difficult to balance them as they continuously clash. I usually go to shoot after finishing classes. It is hard but I like it.

Your achievements and aspirations?

Sabila: I have worked with many big directors, and they are very supportive. My favourite co-actors are Tausif Mahbub and Allen Shubhro. I think as an actress I should have the capability to adapt to any situation and any character. I want to do quality works with good directors. 

Uttara's food scene

~ Nileema Huda Khan

 In a span of a few years, Uttara has emerged from a quiet little suburb to a bustling centre of activities. It is dotted with businesses, both small and large, which have encouraged a large population to move out from the inner dwellings of Dhaka city and settle in this charming suburb. Many malls, and of course restaurants and cafes have opened up to meet the tastes of people from all walks of life. 

The Donut Shoppe
This gourmet doughnut store, which has recently opened up on Sector 3, Jashimuddin Road, is a treat for the sweet toothed. It has a doughnut kitchen with all instruments to make fresh doughnuts right in front of you with European ingredients. The doughnuts here are plump, soft and come in a variety of flavours: double chocolate, zesty lemon, strawberry, cookie crunch and much more. The Irish Cream is a unique flavour brought from Europe; its sugary and creamy taste will make your head swirl with delight.

There is also a cafe in the store, known as the Bon Cafe, where you can enjoy coffee imported from Thailand. There are food options other than coffee, such as soup, burgers, salads, nachos and hot dogs.

The Donut Shoppe is the only store to offer “doughwich” which is a sandwich made from the doughnut bun. These are savoury and have fillings such as chicken, salami and shrimp.
The prices of the doughnuts range from Tk 75-100 and other meals are priced from Tk 200-250. After 11pm the prices of the doughnuts are halved, so if you are craving something sweet late at night, then Donut Shoppe is the place to be.

Visit the Donut Shoppe at House 34, Road 1, Sector 3, Jashimuddin Road, Uttara. Business hours: 7am-midnight.

  

Coffee Glory
The cosy cafe and Korean restaurant is located in Sector 1, and it offers the best of freshly toasted coffee and authentic Korean food. There are twelve kinds of coffee that are imported from Jamaica, Colombia, Kenya, Brazil, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

The white mocha with extra whipped cream is simply comforting. The honey latte is a harmonious concoction of coffee and honey, and will definitely uplift your mood. The latte comes in a variety of flavours, such as chocolate, strawberry, Irish, hazelnut and caramel. The Americano and cappuccino are regular favourites.

The owner of the cafe, Titu Debnath, has lived in South Korea for seventeen years where he learned everything about coffee. He plans on opening a coffee school so that he can train more baristas. His Korean wife has trained chefs to cook exotic Korean dishes.

The food menu offers an assortment of Korean food, such as Bulgogi rice (marinated beef with rice and soup), Gimbab (rolled rice and vegetables), Hweh (salmon and coral sushimi) and gimbab and sushi sets.

The cafe-restaurant is open from 9am-10:30pm, everyday. The price of coffee ranges from Tk 170-340. The Korean dishes are priced from Tk 370-1200.  

Visit Coffee Glory at House 1, Road 5, Sector 1, Uttara.

Chef the City
The rooftop restaurant and banquet hall is located in Sector 4, and is a great place to have lunch and dinner with your friends and family. It offers barbeque nights where you can choose from grilled chicken and fish, tandoori beef, steaks and of course naan and paratha.

The Thai, Chinese, Indian and Continental food items are all worth a try. The Thai cashew nuts salad, fried pineapple rice, grilled ‘rupchanda’, ‘bhetki’ and snappers, and T-bone steak are regular “on-demand” items at the restaurant.

The Indian dal makhani and chicken butter fry are also very popular. Chef the City has something for everyone, and there is a children's play zone as well.

The banquet hall can accommodate up to a thousand guests, and the rooftop restaurant has space for two hundred and fifty people. You can reserve the restaurant and banquet hall for any party or wedding ceremonies.

The price of food items range from Tk.200-800 for the restaurant, and there are separate menus for parties held at the banquet hall.

Visit Chef the City at House 9, Road 13, Sector 4, Uttara, Dhaka. Business hours: 11.30am-11.30 pm.

 

Mesquite Grill
Nestled in Sector One, this restaurant specialises on popular American regional cuisine, namely, south-western and Italian. The décor with its images of stark deserts and American Indian tribes evokes the culture of American southwest: Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico.

The Buffalo Wings is a classic favourite as starters. The Chips N Salsa and Macho Nachos are great for munching before the main meal arrives. The Texas Chile and Cheese Burger are filling, juicy and comforting for a hungry soul. If you are craving for something meatier, you should definitely try out the impressive assortment of steaks and barbecued chicken and kebabs.

Mesquite Grill is also loved for its Italian cuisine. The thin crust pizzas with one-of-a kind toppings are a major attraction. The pizzas rarely fail to satisfy loyal customers who keep coming back. The Fettucine Alfredo is a must item to try out if you have a zeal for Italian culinary.

The restaurant is a definite win for those who want to come here for a date or just catch up with a group of friends. Prices of main dishes range from Tk 250-995.
Visit Mesquite Grill at: Road 5, Sector 1, Uttara.

Business hours: 12pm-10:30pm on Saturday-Wednesday, and 12pm-11pm on Thursday-Friday.

Lake Terrace
Lake Terrace is widely known for its sumptuous steaks and filling meals. The rooftop restaurant has a romantic ambiance with candlelit dinner arrangements and soulful music. You can start your meal with the Cream of Mushroom soup or the Hot and Sour Tom Yam Gai soup. Hot sizzlers such as Sizzling Beef, Lake Terrace Special Seafood Sizzler and Chicken Teriyaki are examples of exquisite cooking.

You should not leave Lake Terrace without trying its tempting steaks, which come with delicious sauce and your choice of sides. The vegetable stir fry with buttered rice, chicken chop and grilled tiger prawns are quite popular. The Asian Fusion meals, such as Chicken Green Curry, Tangi Chicken and Hot and Spicy Fish will not dishearten you either. End your heavenly meal with New York Cheesecake, Cream Caramel or Nutella Banana.

Lake Terrace is a place that will make your day special. You will feel joy as you devour its excellent meals. Prices for the food items range from Tk.200-1100 and you will not regret your time spent there.

Visit Lake Terrace at 25/e, Lake Drive Road, Sector-7, Uttara, Dhaka. Business hours: 12pm-10.30pm.

These are only a few of many restaurants, cafes, bakeries and bistros that have opened up in every sector of Uttara. The reviewed five places are the locals' all-time favourites, and it is a promise that you will not be disappointed.

Photo courtesy: Chef The City, Coffee Glory, Donut Shoppe, Lake Terrace, Mesquite Grill

Source: thedailystar.net