Titillating flavored cookies

You have before you, a tall glass of milk, how best do you think you could utilize this very healthy drink without having to think of its odd taste while gulping it down? Well, we have a suggestion for you. Bring a plate of cookies (any flavor would do although we prefer the classic chocolate chip ones), pick one (or two together) and dunk it into your milk. And Voila! You will have before you the yummiest combination, one that can be eaten at any time of the day (or night ). If you have not already guessed what this article is leading towards, we shall endeavor to enlighten our dear readers. We are talking of the enormous advantages of having a jar of cookies at home at all times. We will also show you a list of flavored cookies to make your day.

1.     Dark Chocolate Pistachio Sea Salt Cookies – Cookies are essentially batter that is baked in the oven. They are usually circular in shape. Dark Chocolate Pistachio Cookies are infused with pistachios in them along with the essential chunks of dark chocolate and sea salt. A deadly combination we must accept. The perfect mix of saltiness and sweetness mixed together makes for a perfect tea time snack.

2.     Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies – These literally look like the cinnamon rolls that we are used to. Except that, these are in actuality, cookies. Sprinkled with Cinnamon and brown sugar with a cream cheese frosting, these are the ultimate cookie/biscuit snack of all time.

3.     Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies – And… We have our very own, all famous, chocolate chip cookies. In all its glory, with the healthiest combination, to add to it a far crunchier and heartier feel. The oatmeal combination consists of raisins, nuts, and of course, oatmeal.

4.     Peanut Butter Cookies – Who doesn’t love a healthy dose of peanut butter? We certainly do! And the best way to show our love to the nutty delight Is by adding them to our cookie batter. In addition to adding peanut butter to the cookie mix, one needs to add vanilla extract and milk to give it the complete flavour.

5.     Acıbadem kurabiyesi – We know it’s not the easy on the tongue, not so for the Turkish we are sure. This traditional Turkish cookie is made using sugar, egg whites, and almonds. A very simple recipe but simply delicious to taste.

6.     Afghan Biscuits – Although the name suggests that it might have originated in Afghanistan, these biscuits are made in New Zealand and is a traditional snack of the place. Very attractive to look at, these cookies are made using cocoa powder, flour, cornflakes, and butter. The cookie mix is then topped with one-half of a walnut and chocolate icing (Just so good…)

7.     Berger Cookie – Now we aren’t referring to burgers here people. These are delish cookies made in Germany that are vanilla flavored with a buttery feel and has a topping that consists of a thick, creamy fudge. Berger cookies are the in thing in Baltimore. What we would do to get this shipped to the Indian sub-continent stands to be questioned.

8.     Bizcochito – These cookies are star shaped and actually have star anise added to it as a major ingredient. An origin of New Mexico, the Bizcochito are crispy butter cookies that have a cinnamon flavor to it. The cookies are usually found in times of celebration and gatherings back in New Mexico.

9.     Caramel Shortbread Cookies – Scottish cookies that are rectangular in shape and are shortbread biscuits that consist of layers of chocolate and caramel. They are also referred to as caramel shortcakes, caramel slices, millionaires’ shortbread and caramel squares (they all sound yummy as ever, we must say.)

10.  Charcoal Biscuit – True to its name, this creation of the English is based by on a powdered, willow charcoal, that is mixed with flour and made into a dough with eggs, sugar and butter. It looks very much like charcoal too but tastes far better than it, we assure you.

11.  Chocolate Biscuit – We’re sure you’ve heard of these little delights that are coated completely with chocolate and has a biscuit on the inside of it. A very simple design, and recipe, but the taste is far superior when compared to regular biscuits.  

Ten benefits of Amla

Amla is one of the grandma’s nuskas that we all have been listening to throughout our lives and it is totally effective. The benefits of amla have been known to mankind for many decades. Amlas can be eaten raw, juiced, powdered or simply added in an array of pickles, jams, dips or spreads. Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry is considered a small package with millions of surprises.  It is rich in vitamin C & contains anti-oxidants, fiber and minerals like calcium and phosphorus. It has been a common ingredient in the ancient Indian medicinal practice of Ayurveda. Following are the ten most prominent benefits of consuming "Amla"

1.     High in anti-oxidants

The presence of anti-oxidants in amla protects the body against free radicals. Free radicals are harmful and can damage cells, potentially leading to cancer and other possible diseases.

2.    Powerhouse of nutrients

Amla has high nutritional value. It enriches the person with many minerals and vitamins such as Carotene, Phosphorus, Calcium, Iron, Vitamin C and Vitamin B Complex.

3.    Hair growth

Amla strengthens the hair from roots and brings the natural glow to hair. Amla restores the lost spirit and energy of the hair and makes it lustrous. There are various hair packs available in the market, with amla being the key ingredient. One can prepare it at home as well by mixing lemon and amla powder and then applying it on the hair.

4.    Life span of a person

It is believed that having amla on a daily basis increases life span of a human. Amla comprises of fiber, minerals, proteins and carbohydrates. It also improves the immunity system of the body, thus enabling resistance against diseases.

5.    Purifies blood

Amla has anti-oxidant properties that help the body purify the unwanted products from the blood. It is advisable to have amla juice with a little honey twice a day.

6.    Blemish free skin

Amla is considered a natural concealer. Drinking amla juice with honey brings a fresh and everlasting glow on the skin and makes it free from blemishes. Amla juice works perfectly for the removal of pimples and acne scars from the skin.

7.    Fights against heart disease

Amla helps in bringing down cholesterol in the body leading to less chances of heart disease.  It also reduces clogging in the arteries.  Moreover amino acids and antioxidants aid in the overall functioning of heart.

8.    Weight loss

Amla is quite effective in weight loss.  Its high fiber content helps in flushing out waste from the body.  Protein present in amla also helps control cravings. Also having a glass of amla juice before having a meal fills the stomach and then you tend to eat less.

9.    Strengthens bones

Amla is excellent for strengthening bones not just because of its high calcium content, but also for the fact that it lowers osteoclasts, cells that are responsible for breaking up bones.

10.  Boosts immunity

These days most of the people suffer a lot because of their weak immunity system. Amla is a rich source of antioxidants and vitamins, and contains tannins. It improves the body’s disease fighting ability.

Ten benefits of carrots

Who does not get cranky right at the moment he/she sees lots of vegetables on the plate. Most of the vegetables are plain looking and dull. But exceptions exist in anything and everything. Carrots are comparatively liked by people especially children. Of course its bright orange colour gives it an advantage over the other gloomy looking vegetables. But we also cannot deny the fact that carrots do not taste that bad.

Carrots are root vegetables that contain high amounts of Vitamin A, minerals and anti-oxidants. There are numerous advantages of having carrots. Mentioned below are the ten most significant benefits.

1.     Controls Blood pressure

These days people endure so much of anxiety and stress that it is not baffling to see every second person facing the problem of high blood pressure. High blood pressure can be enormously dangerous leading to strokes and heart attacks. Carrots are rich sources of potassium, which is a vasodilator, thus carrots help in relaxing the tension in blood vessels and arteries, leading to increase in blood flow and circulation.

2.    Anti-aging

The biggest fear in each individual’s life is seeing himself/herself age. Everyone dreads the thought of growing old.  Although there is nothing in the world that can stop a person from aging eventually, but carrots can help in slowing down the aging of cells. Carrots consist of high levels of beta-carotene that act as antioxidants to cell damage done to the body through regular metabolism. 

3.    Fiber

More than 10 million people per annum suffer from obesity in India. But obesity does not only exist in India, it is prevalent in all parts of the world. Obesity is a root cause of infinite number of diseases.  Fiber contributes in weight management, as a diet high in fiber can keep a person full for longer time. A medium carrot provides with 2 g of fiber, or 7% of the daily recommended value. Fiber is one of three types of nutritional carbohydrates, thus carrots are a great source of energy too.

4.    Improves eye sight

Eyes are one the most essential sense organs of our body. It is vital to keep good care of them. Carrots contain Beta-carotene and lutein. These are compounds that are concentrated in the retina of our eyes. They help to protect our vision - especially night vision.

5.    Cancer prevention

Cancer is one of the most deadly diseases in which abnormal cells start destroying body tissues.  It is commonly said that carrots reduce the risk of certain types of cancer by up to one-third. Falcarinol, a natural pesticide found in carrots prevent the growth of fungal diseases.

6.    Diabetes

Carrots are extremely helpful in regulation of blood sugar levels due to the presence of carotenoids. Carotenoids lower blood sugar. They also regulate the amount of insulin and glucose providing a more even and healthy fluctuation for diabetic patients.

7.    Maintaining teeth and gums

Just like our entire body needs a little workout to remain fit, so do our teeth and gums. Carrots are so crunchy. Carrots stimulate gums and trigger a lot of saliva, which being alkaline, balances out the acid forming, cavity forming bacteria.  The minerals in carrots prevent tooth damage.

8.    Healthy glowing skin

There is nothing more charming than a healthy glowing skin. It is the glow in the skin that matters and definitely not the complexion. Carrots contain Vitamin A and antioxidants that protect the skin from sun damage. These also help in preventing wrinkling, acne, dry skin, pigmentation, blemishes, uneven skin tone.

9.    Lung health

Carrots protect the respiratory system from infection. Although smoking is highly injurious to health and should not be accepted at all, carrots can be a life saver. Eating carrots can possibly counter the bad effects of smoking.

10.  Eating carrots during pregnancy

It is very important to be cautious at the time of pregnancy for the well- being of the child and mother. Carrot juice can help nursing mothers to enrich their milk and fulfils the demand of calcium during pregnancy. In addition carrot juice enriches the infant with Vitamin A.