Stars and flowers

Stars, hearts, flowers, and cupcakes made up of plaster of Paris. Put together beautifully to make a wonderful art piece. 

Here are the details of each piece:

Star that is colored and glitter glued.

Cupcake that is painted with various colors.

Hearts painted blue & green.

Rose painted red and glittered.

Beautiful artwork by beautiful,

Asma Khurram

Do’s and Don’ts of detox water with 5 detox water recipes

Do not do dieting while consuming detox water

When one feels motivated and all of sudden starts working out, says no to junks, no to sugary and savory foods, and no to nutrition and then starts consuming detox water, detox water and detox water, then harm is sure to happen. 

Do have proper nutrition daily

It is vital for the body to have proper nutrition on a daily basis in order to function well. Have balanced and nutritious meals, then detox water will show its miracles. Instead, having detox water while body is already deprived of essential nutrients will do no good than harm.

Do not just drink detox water

People are seen drinking just detox water and no plain water. The body comes under chaos when it doesn’t get plain and refreshing water at all. As a result, starts responding to this situation and the person feels sick.

Do drink plain water as well

Remember, plain water is the best drink ever; better than any detox water, bubblies, or juices. Plain water is a natural detoxifier. No detox can ever be invented that can replace what nature has bestowed already. So have your water please!

Detox water recipes

1^st recipe: Grapefruit & apple

Half grape fruit slices + 1 apple slices + 1 liter of water

Soak for a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 7 hours in refrigerator.

Or it can be soaked for 1 – 3 hours outside of refrigerator.  

Grape fruit is packed with nutrients and vitamin C which are vital for health. It fights harmful cells, helps in weight loss, boosts immunity, and good for skin & optimal health. But do not be hasty to get all those benefits within 24 hours. Just have a maximum of 1 grapefruit in a day. So, you can add half or quarter grapefruit to your detox water and rest of it consume as a fruit. 

2^nd recipe: Cucumber, ginger, & mint

Half cucumber slices + 1 small piece of ginger + few mint leaves + 750ml to 1 liter of water

Soak for a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 7 hours in refrigerator.

Or it can be soaked for 1 – 3 hours outside of refrigerator.  

3^rd recipe: Grape fruit & dates

Half grape fruit slices + 1 dates + 750 ml to 1 liter of water.

Soak for a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 7 hours in refrigerator.

Or it can be soaked for 1 – 3 hours outside of refrigerator.  

Dates are usually not added to detox waters. But as dates are good source of essential minerals and various vitamins, they will provide a nutritious tag within the detox water.      

4^th recipe: Beetroot

1 beetroot slices + 500ml to 750 ml of water.

Soak for a minimum of 10 minutes to a maximum of 45 minutes inside or outside of refrigerator.

5^th recipe: Honey, ginger, & cinnamon

1 teaspoon honey + 1 small piece of ginger + 1 small cinnamon stick + 250 to 500 ml of water.

Soak for 1 – 3 hours inside or outside of refrigerator.

Detox water recipes by,

Engr. Ayesha Alam Khurram

Power Seeds – Superfoods – Black Seeds & Flax Seeds

With the advent of this era of allopathic failure at large, many avengers who are those whose underlying conditions have been vetoed & rebuked at the doorsteps of allopathic treatment, have started searching how to cure themselves and their loved ones with alternative treatments. Vetoed & rebuked in the sense that any allopathic practitioner doesn’t say that you are not welcome, but there are no answers thus there are no results with that treatment. Of course why would a tiger say no to the chicken would he? They open-handedly welcome the prey seeing him as a big diamond crystal to be cashed soon. And how many of us are not aware that allopath sure says no after a big squeeze (of money) when they see that the victim is of no use now. 

Having said, I am not at all criticizing the ones who are not of the above explained nature. In fact I am grateful to those who have found the flaw in their own field and have spoken about it and are spreading the truth with their money & lives as many of them are already assassinated or under life’s threats. The world has backlashed on them because it’s huge game of money or should I say game of thrones - the unshared dominion; right? 

With the trust in the One who has actual unshared dominion and due to the above elucidated reason that I and my loved ones have been swindled by so called allopathic care with no cures and zero answers, I have been researching, vocalizing, consuming, and writing about such alternative healing foods. Thus, here are two more healing foods and I am not sure these seeds dates back to when the time in history. But am sure they did exist as therapeutic procedures especially black seeds. 

So consume these after your own research.

Thus, heal thyselves!    

Black seeds

Black seeds or nigella sativa are one of the seeds that have been used as medicine and as food flavor since ancient times. Black seeds and black seed oil deal with autoimmune diseases. The diseases that are manifested in the form of inflammations, skin conditions, gastrointestinal problems, nasal tract infections, joint pains, and many more.

How to include black seeds in diet?

Just add a pinch of black seeds or ground black seeds in your curries or bread dough. Do not consume it in large amounts.

Where to get black seeds in Pakistan?

Black seeds are called ‘kalonji’ in Urdu. Black seeds are available at ‘perchoon ki dukaan’ and grocery stores. 

Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds or linseeds are brown, small, flat & oval shaped seeds. These seeds can do wonders when they enter the human body as they are protein-rich, contain omega-3 fatty acids, high in dietary fiber, and have antioxidants & minerals. These make a good addition to diet as these are low in carbohydrates, lower cholesterol levels, good for skin and hair, digestive system, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and also support fat-loss.

How to include flaxseeds in diet?

Grounded flaxseeds are better for body as it is able to get most benefits from them. Increase water intake when using flaxseeds. A pinch of flaxseeds to a maximum of half teaspoon can be added to daily diet.

Flaxseeds can be added to smoothies, cake or muffin batter, bread dough, cereals or chat.

      

Where to get flaxseeds in Pakistan?

Flaxseeds are called ‘alsi k beej’ in Urdu. Flaxseeds are available at ‘perchoon ki dukaan’ and grocery stores.

Superfoods aficioner,
Engr. Ayesha Alam Khurram

Read also:

Power Seeds – Superfoods – Chia Seeds & Basil Seeds

Use power seeds that are superfoods

Line up your wellbeing

Cure yourself physically & emotionally 

Today, we linger at the verge of our pitiable lifestyles followed by health issues. Almost every one complains about flu, headache, body pain, stomach problems, skin & hair, anxiety, etc. & un-identified unknown conditions. 

People are struggling with deteriorating health; prescriptions after prescriptions; test after tests; doctors after doctors; homeopaths after allopaths; i.e. no way out & don’t know how to get through this?

Along with subtracting JUNK food & extra medicines from our diet, we better start looking into healing our gut thus healing our bodily conditions.   

Here are two power packed seeds that come in the category of superfoods. By adding these to diet, they improve health by gradually healing the stomach & body’s inflammations.

***** CHIA SEEDS *****

Chia seeds are regarded as superfoods as these are energy-boosting, nutrient-rich, and cancer-fighting power seeds. Chia seeds are perfectly oval, some are white and most of them are dark grey. There are tiny markings on them as well. Chia seeds are known to be food of warriors & runners. Those who are low at energy must try including chia seeds in their diet as they improve metabolism. Chia seeds are fiber-rich & contain omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, protein, and vitamins. Chia seeds are anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, cholesterol regulating, skin friendly, muscle toning, bone & teeth strength, digestive health supporting, and blood sugar controlling. Also, good for the heart & lower blood pressure. Once consumed, chia seeds function as prebiotics in the gut and feed the healthy gut bacteria i.e. probiotics.

How to include chia seeds in diet?

Add ½ - 1 tea spoon of chia seeds in quarter cup water. Let it soak for 15 – 30 minutes or even more when used for baking. You can simply fill up the cup and drink it or add some lime juice in it with or without honey. Chia seeds do not have to be soaked all the times. These can be sprinkled over yogurts or salads or add into smoothies or shakes. Chia seeds can be added to bakery as well & work as an egg substitute.

Where to get chia seeds in Pakistan?

Chia seeds are called ‘tukhme doodhi’ or ‘tukhme sharbatee’ in Urdu. Chia seeds are not easily available at grocery or 'perchun ki dukaan'. You need to find some organic stores to buy these. Searching online is the best option. Chia seeds are costly seeds. But do not cost as much when we compare the benefits they provide to the body. There is only one store in Karachi, that I know & I order online chia seeds from that store. (Upon asking, I will tell about that store)

***** BASIL SEEDS *****

Basil seeds are nutrient-packed, anti-aging, & weight-maintaining dietary fiber. Basil seeds are tiny black, pointed from one end, & elongated-oval shape. These are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, & anti-bacterial seeds and are source of protein, iron and vitamin K. Basil seeds heal the body, reduce fever, improve digestion, cure stomach acidity, improve vision, clear skin & hair, cure anxiety, and take care of blood sugar, stress, cholesterol and blood pressure.

How to include basil seeds in diet?

Add ½ - 1 tea spoon of basil seeds in quarter cup water. Let it soak for 15 – 30 minutes or even more. You can simply fill up the cup and drink it or add some lime juice in it with or without honey. Unlike chia seeds which may or may not be soaked before consumption, basil seeds work better when they are soaked. In Pakistan, basil seeds are generally used in Ramadhan at iftaar time with Rooh Afza or Jam e Shirin prepared with milk or water. The idea is to provide coolness & energy to the body. Basil seeds are also used in various ‘falooda’ recipes.

Where to get basil seeds in Pakistan?

Basil seeds are called ‘tukh malanga’ or ‘tukhme balanga’ in Urdu or ‘sabja’ (Hindi) or ‘tukhmaria’ or ‘tulsi’ (Bengali). Basil seeds are easily available in grocery stores & ‘perchun ke dukaan’. Basil seeds are available at cheap prices. 

Superfoods lover,

Engr. Ayesha Alam Khurram

Our Body Systems

Learning science in the art style!

Ms Word art by,
Asma Khurram

Tux Paint Art

Tux paint is an artful way not only to engage children with positive side of technology but also to let them dive into their imagination.

Tux Paint arts by,

Hafsa Khurram

Women ask: Can I exercise at this particular age or I am aging or I am afraid if I get injuries or I have aches and pains? Such Q’s answered here…

Aging & activeness

Aging brings with it, its symptoms. Largely found symptoms are being lethargic & in-active, having pains & aches, and weakening muscles & bones. While being in a state of physical & mental well-being is not easy at any stage of life, it is most challenging as a person ages. That’s because naturally the person feels low at the energy levels thus gets less motivated to exercise or to do any physically challenging activity. Breathing in a mindful fashion is the foremost exercise the person should do as it helps to be relaxed and feels to get pumped. An aging person needs more self-determination to be able to exercise. Exercising at such age is crucial to stay generally healthy, to avoid injuries, to endure shocks & jerks, to be less-stressed, to retain memory & enhance brain functioning, to reduce risk of diseases, and to recover quickly if falls sick.      

Exercising is anti-aging!

Pain & stress management

Many out of many complain these days about body pains, headaches, muscular cramps, joint pains, dizziness, sleeplessness, stress, and various other related symptoms. The first thing we need to do is to stay largely active to lead a healthy lifestyle with well-being. Having fresh & clean diet is basically vital for a well-body & active brain. Food should be packed with macro & micro nutrients. Doing low to moderate exercises and yoga stretches also help in managing pains and stress. Exercising helps the body to endure sudden falls and every day fatigues that cause most pains. At least slow paced walking and proper breathing should be done to manage pains and stress.      

Exercising is refreshing!

Avoiding Injuries

Warming up before starting exercise is crucial. Warming up helps the body getting ready for tougher exercises and relaxes muscles. If one starts a rough exercise all of a sudden, then there may be chances of injuries. Always start slow with your exercises. To learn the proper shapes and forms first, you need to do it slowly. Then gradually, repetitions of a particular exercise can be increased per minute. Do not try & do 100 sets of an exercise as you enter the gym. If your body is not used to rigorous exercises, then you need to take care and make your body learn progressively. With your body, your mind gets activated and gets used to your workout plans. Go easy on you, on your mind, and on your body. Impulsive and jerky movements without understanding a particular exercise can result in injuries, cramps, bruises, or pains. Do not train too often, too hard, and too long. These can cause sore joints and muscular pains. If your body is telling you to stop then do so to avoid fatigue, dizziness, aches, and injuries. As you should not start suddenly, similarly do not stop at once after a heavy exercise. Lessen your repetition and rest gradually. A light walk and limbs gentle shaking followed by stretches are appropriates ways to finish a workout.          

Exercising is enduring!

Exercising explained by,

Engr. Ayesha Alam Khurram