Cry Murder!

Of the advanced countries, I think U.S. is the only one that permits use of several genetically modified, hormone induced foods. European countries have banned this completely. Consumers raised hell in these countries, so for eg. in the case of milk or beef, farmers no longer use antibiotics or inject hormones of any kind. Meat eaters say the beef in Europe is tastier than the U.S. I can say the same for milk. It is way better and natural tasting. We found the same in the case of cheese, yogurt, ice-cream, you name it.

U.S. milk and beef have high traces of synthetic hormones that are directly responsible for breast cancer and other types of cancers. Its been several years since Europe banned it and the U.S. still continues with these modified foods. Just imagine what it does to our children who have these food their entire life. Not only are they generally obese but are also at high risk for cancers and several other types of diseases.

Consumers here should also take responsibility by just boycotting these harmful substances instead of helping fill the pockets of the large businesses and individuals behind these things. I wonder where the lobbyists are when it comes to real issues. Why are we blaming health care costs when the root causes can be eliminated?

Calcium and Vitamin D

Just this morning when I was having a casual conversation with a co-worker, we touched on the topic of how much calcium or vitamin D should one take. Being south asian in orgin I am not sure if my skin type gets enough vitamin D or not. I discovered that once people like myself move to the west the level of vitamin D in our body drops way low.

I have no clue as to how much is good or indeed if I should take it, and what if I over dose myself with too much Vitamin D or calcium. What a coincidence! I read an article on this topic in today's New York Times.

This article will shed some light - http://tinyurl.com/dbuyp.

Updated copy on home page

Please see the slightly modified title of my blog site. I have also added some descriptive text to indicate that it is the same as Vidya Swamy's kitchen.

This week's recipe is Macaroni with Broccoli, Mushroom, Cheeses

A fantastic recipe for a cold winter day. Test it out. Turn your boring macaroni and cheese to a party favorite. I just created this recipe for this afternoon's lunch. Turned out to be a hit.

Spinach Soup

4 cups spinach leaves
2 cup(s) water
1 onion(s) chopped
1 cup(s) milk
2 tablespoon(s) plain flour (maida)
1 tablespoon(s) fresh cream
2 tablespoon(s) butter
salt and pepper to season.


Wash the spinach leaves and discard the thick stems. Boil along with the water for 8minutes or till the spinach is well cooked. Cool and puree in a blender. Keep aside.
Heat the butter in a pan. Add the chopped onions and saute on medium heat for 3 minute(s) or till the onions are transparent. Now, add the plain flour and fry briefly on low heat. Add now the spinach puree, milk, salt and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 3 minute(s).

Add the fresh cream just before serving.

Indian restaurants in the U.S.

As much as I love good food, it makes me sad that there are hardly any Indian restaurants in the U.S. that serve good Indian food. For one thing, they are mostly northern Indian which means potent spices, dripping oil and the same old powerful, overwhelming masala. Northern Indian food at homes are not the same. They are incredibly tasty! So, why do restaurants change their formula? I guess they think that's what sells.

Southern Indian cuisine is my favorite but most restaurants just don't go for the south Indian menu. The one I'd highly recommended is 'Saravana Bhavan' in New York. It is usually on top of my agenda whenever I visit NYC. But I can't travel to NY every time I want good Indian food, even though I think it's worth it just to have some good food, Indian in particular, and specifically Saravana Bhavan.

Cost of obesity in dollars

What's choking our health care system? Simply the money or lack of it.

The high cost burden is on the people who can afford it and are paying for the ones who do not have insurance or can't afford them. Who are these people who cannot afford? People on social security, who eat McDonald's and other fast foods that just make them obese which in turn results in most of the health-related problems.

Can you believe these numbers? In addition, to the earning popoulation that contributes toward the medical insurance, the US spends about 160 billion on health care directly related to obesity. That is a lot of money that can be channeled to something like education, for instance. The people who don't care about their health and eat junk everyday need to be educated and that's where some of these billions should go rather than for paying to treat them.

The feeling of fulfillment

Doesn't it feel good when someone gets you completely whether it be in your personal or professional life?

I had this euphoria moment when finally I was able to get people to understand what I was trying to communicate to them regarding this one project at work. I need to celebrate it with some goodie. I am going for the broiled macaroni with mushroom and broccoli. And, when my husband gets home with some Port Wine (LBV) from Portugal!

Manipulative marketing

Marketing is key to the success of any business followed by selling. I get that. But, manipulative marketing just to get your products to sell? That is unethical.

Many of the basic ayurvedic herbs and spices used in Indian cooking such as ginger, turmeric, fenugreek have extraordinary health benefits that were disovered way late by the western doctors. However, they are being used as a tool to promote their businesses or practices, whether it is true or not.

Ginger is a magic root that has been used for centuries in India. I recently read an article that says ginger was tested on a group of people to alleviate muscle pain and it worked. I believe that's a myth. If the pain is related to indigestion, ginger is a good remedy. But not if it is a muscle ache related to exercise. I am not sure what types of researches give these false results, but it is simply not right nor is it true.

Groceries at Walgreens and CVS?

It appeared a bit odd when Wal-Mart introduced groceries in their stores several years ago. I stepped into a Wal-Mart recently just out of curiosity and found they are pretty well stocked. Prices are not bad either.

Target stores have groceries too. The one nearby my home in Media is decent although I rarely have bought groceries there. It somehow doesn't feel right to get groceries in a place where you buy clothing and other household items.

I recently read that Walgreens has introduced fresh groceries, frozen foods and even sushi. Sounds odd. But obviously they have done enough research to lure customers who drop by to pick up things like socks to also pick up some items for the days's dinner. Although I am not sure that Walgreens or CVS have better prices. Convenience? May be.