Value of Papaya

 Papaya, a fruit native to tropical America, is unrivaled by any other fruit except the mango for its beta-carotene content. This is the plant form of vitamin A. Beta-carotene is a special vitamin which gives papaya its orange colour and has powerful antioxidant properties.

It helps in preventing damage by free radicals which might other wise lead to some forms of cancer, heart disease, cataract and premature ageing. Eating papaya can also help prevent blindness caused by a deficiency in vitamin A. (This is the most common cause of blindness in India.) However, if eaten in excess, it can cause the yellowing of palms and skin known as carotenemia. Raw papaya contains no beta- carotene. Half a medium-sized fruit will provide an adult's daily requirement of vitamin C as well as supply small amounts of calcium and iron. Raw papaya contains large amounts of vitamin C.

The fruit is also known to have laxative properties because of its mucilageneous fibre. Contrary to popular belief, pregnant women need not avoid papaya for the fear of miscarriages. Rather it is a unique, wholesome and easily digestible fruit. What's more is that papaya is an excellent choice for those suffering from digestive ailments, dyspeptic patients and convalescing individuals. Being low on calories, high on fibre and water content, as well as high on nutrition, it makes for wholesome eating with high satiety for weight watchers.

Raw papaya is a rich source of papain which is plant pepsin (an enzyme produced in animals to digest protein). Papain is capable of digesting protein in acid, alkaline or neutral mediums while animal pepsin requires an acidic medium. Because of this property, raw papaya is used to tenderise meats and is widely used by the food industry as a tenderiser. In some preliminary research, patients with coeliac disease, who could not digest wheat protein (gluten), have had benefits when treated with papain. However, many more clinical trials would be needed to justify its use in coeliac disease.

Papain also exhibits pain relieving properties, and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its medical use in spinal injections in order to ease the discomfort of slipped discs. Juice of green, raw papaya is also used externally to improve complexion and treat skin blemishes. Some studies also suggest anti-candida effects (fungal infection) and anti-bacterial effects. These may aid the treatment of a candida infection and in wound healing and ulcer treatment. A recent study published in Journal of Medicinal Food found that papain has anti-ulcer properties too. The papain extracts significantly reduced the ulcer index in the experimental model.

Scientists have found that the black seeds of papaya contain, in traces, a toxic substance called carpine. Carpine in large quantities is said to lower the pulse rate and depress the nervous system. The substance is found only in papaya seeds and that too in very small quantities. Fortunately though, the fleshy part of the fruit is completely free from this toxic substance.

Some varieties remain green when ripe, but most turn deep yellow or orange. When buying, choose uniformly yellow fruit with a delicate scent. Papaya is excellent when fresh, in fruit salads, smoothies or served with ice cream. Papaya is also enjoyable when finely chopped and served with chopped fresh chilies in a salsa dip.

Advantages of Honey

BUZZING WITH HEALTH
 

The medicinal and healing properties of honey have earned it a reputation as one the purest and most natural remedies for over 5,000 years. And because it contains so many therapeutic qualities, honey is used to treat a wide range of ailments and complaints.

Manuka honey

Manuka honey is produced by honeybees which gather nectar from the flowers of wild Manuka bushes that are indigenous to New Zealand. This particular honey is distinctively flavoured, with a rich taste and dark appearance.

Although all types of honey contain hydrogen peroxide (particularly known for its antibacterial properties), Professor Peter Molan of the Honey Research Centre at Waikato University in New Zealand has undertaken extensive research into maunka honey and believes it contains unique properties which provide additional support to the body's natural healing process.

Molan's research has shown that manuka honey has a high antibacterial potency which heals a range of conditions, from external skin infections to aiding digestion. Molan has also shown that manuka honey can help to fight throat infections and reduce gum disease. When eaten regularly it can aid memory, increase energy levels, improve well-being and reduce feelings of anxiety.

The essential elixir

Honey is an all-round healing elixir which can promote general health and well-being. A daily dose of honey, whether as a sweetener in hot drinks, by the spoonful or spread on toast, will boost the body's supply of antioxidants - essential for protecting the body against free radicals.

Flush out your system and give yourself a daily boost with this cleansing tonic: mix a spoonful or two of honey and the juice of half a lemon into a cup of hot water and drink each morning before breakfast.

The energy provider

Next time you go to the gym, have a spoonful of honey beforehand. Honey is a source of natural unrefined sugars and carbohydrates, which are easily absorbed by the body, providing an instant energy boost with long-lasting effects. For this reason, many athletes include honey in their daily diets. It was even used by runners in the original Olympic Games in ancient Greece.

Coughs and colds

Honey is widely used as a complementary remedy for the relief of the symptoms of colds, coughs, sore throats and 'flu. For a sore throat, take it on its own or gargle with a mixture of two tablespoons of set honey, four tablespoons of cider vinegar and a pinch of salt.

A traditional drink made from hot water, lemon juice and honey will help to soothe cold and flu symptoms. Adding a little eucalyptus oil or root ginger will help to ease congestion and, to help enhance sleep, try a drop of whiskey in the mixture.

Cuts and grazes

Honey is a mild antiseptic and can help to keep external wounds, such as cuts and minor burns, clean and free from infection. By absorbing the moisture around the wound, honey can help to prevent the growth of bacteria.

A digestive healer

It was the Romans who first discovered the beneficial effects of honey on digestive disorders when they would prescribe honey as a mild laxative. Funnily enough, honey has also been used as a treatment for diarrhoea. The principle behind these theories is that honey is believed to help destroy certain bacteria in the gut by acting as a 'preserving' agent.

Health Benefits

Honey has long been recognized as a natural remedy and has been used as a medicine for thousands of years. It has antiseptic properties and can be used as a remedy for ailments from sore throats to burns and cuts. This is endorsed by research which has shown that its bactericidal properties can be used to good effect in treating digestive problems such as peptic ulcers as well as external lesions.(see page on medical refrences for detaied bibliography)

For a soothing drink for sore throats, mix honey with the juice of half a lemon, add boiling water and stir. If you¹re feeling low, try a spoonful of honey as a pick-me-up. The fructose and glucose in honey are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream.

Honey in Cooking

You can use honey in cooking instead of sugar. Because it is sweeter than sugar, you need to use less. If you are experimenting with honey in a recipe, try replacing half the sugar with honey as the flavour can be very strong. Honey is hygroscopic (meaning it attracts water) so it is good for baking cakes as it keeps them moister for longer. Look on our recipe pages for some delicious recipes using honey.

The Crying Effect Test..!

There was a study done where a control group of 100 people were divided into two. 50 people watched a very funny, tears-of laughter type movie. 50, watched a very sad and tears of compassion type movie. At the end of the sessions researchers collected the "Happy Tears" and "The Sad Tears" with eye droppers.

They found that "Happy Tears" are made up of brine... salt water and not a great deal else however the "Sad Tears" were found to contain the very same chemicals and enzymes that are found in tumors, ulcers and other such lumps and bumps and sicknesses through out the body.

This test concluded that the body, when crying in sadness etc is literally flushing out all of the toxic-chemicals that accumulate and are a part of the sadness /heartache experience.

Therefore if one holds back those tears, those toxic-waters will find somewhere else to deposit themselves... and prolonged lack-of-crying-release will guarantee that the body will accumulate a huge amount of internal pollution and toxicity that should have been released through the tears....... is it any wonder that the eyes sting so much when we hold back our tears?

Worlds Longest Sea Bridge

Qingdao Haiwan - The Worlds Longest Sea Bridge

China has unveiled the worlds longest sea bridge, which stretches a massive 26.4 miles five miles further than the distance between Dover and Calais and longer than a marathon. The Qingdao Haiwan Bridge was completed on December 27, 2010 and is 26.4 miles long - the equivalent of 174 Tower Bridges, links the main urban area of Qingdao city, East Chinas Shandong province, with Huangdao district, straddling the Jiaozhou Bay sea areas. The road bridge, which took four years and cost a cool 5.5 billion pounds to build, will be open for use in the New Year and is almost three miles longer than the previous record-holder, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in Louisiana.

That structure features two bridges running side by side and is 23.87 miles (38.42km) long. The three-way Qingdao Haiwan Bridge is a staggering 174 times longer than Londons Tower Bridge, over the Thames River and shaves 19 miles off the drive from Qingdao to Huangdao. Two separate groups of workers have been building the different ends of the structure since 2006. With an overall length of 42.58km, the route between Qingdao and Huangdao will be shortened by 30km, cutting the travel time by about 20 minutes

 

 

Solar-powered SkyLifter

It carries 150 tons of anything to anywhere

While hoping to go beyond the modern day helicopters limited load-bearing capacity, Australian firmSkyLifter is busy evolving a solar-powered airship for carrying up to 150-ton loads more than 1,200 miles. Just the perfect machine to support disaster relief operations, the solar blimp could ship payloads of equipment, freight, pre-constructed buildings and other loads at a speed of 45 knots (50 mph).

Where the vehicles disc-like shape offers immunity against different wind conditions, the specially designed Voith-Schneider propellers (measuring 500ft across) and strategically placed cockpit help the vehicle in keeping steady. Aside from using it for disaster relief, the developers hope to use the vehicle as luxury airborne cruise ships.

SkyLifter uses (bio)diesel fuel and solar collectors to generate electricity that powers the cycloidal propellers and aircraft systems. Sun-facing aerostar design offers ample space for large arrays of solar collectors. One level of the pod contains (bio)diesel engines, drive-train and water recovery systems. So flaunting a minimal environmental footprint, the aerial crane keeps delivering the goods without noise.

Skylifter looks forward to release a full-sized prototype, nearly 150ft wide, in three years or so.

The most Colorful River in the world

The river shown in the photographs below is the Caristales, which is located near the town of La Macarena in Colombia, South America.

The river, world famous for its colorful display, has been called:

"the river that ran away to paradise",

"the most beautiful river in the world"
and "the river of five colors".

During Colombia 's wet season, the water flows fast and deep, obscuring the bottom of the river and denying the mosses and algae that call the river home the sun that they need. During the dry season there is not enough water to support the dazzling array of life in the river. But during a brief span between the wet and dry seasons, when the water level is just right, the many varieties of algae and moss bloom in a dazzling display of colours. Blotches of amarillo , blue, green, black and red - and a thousand shades in between - coat the river.

 

 

World's 7 Wonder places

Amazon Rainforest

 Mainly located in Brazil, this destination will amaze your beyond your wildest dreams. See how life would have adapted without being colonized by humans. As the world's largest tropical rainforest, it sprawls across much of the north. The mighty Amazon and other enormous rivers wind though this vast green area of towering trees and steamy jungles. Where else would you find 75% of the world's plant and animal species in only 3% of the world's area? The forest is always alive here. Mountains covered in a blanket of clouds and fog rise high in the north. Broad white beaches line glistening seashores.

Alps

The Alps is a majestic mountain range that looks down upon Europe. This mountain range is 500 miles long and 100 miles. It is also home to the world's tallest and strangest mountains. These snowy beast can beautiful but deadly with avalanches. Going here is a once in a lifetime experience.

Mediterranean Sea

Where else would you find a sea so rich in culture and beauty; only the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean is part of the Atlantic but resides between Europe and Africa. There is a large variety of tropical marine life. Large, broad beaches line the coast of the Mediterranean area. It is suggested going here for a relaxing vacation.

Angel Falls

In the outskirts of Venezuela lays the world's highest free-falling waterfall. You know it as Angel Falls. At 3212 ft, it is 15 times taller than Niagara Falls. It is truly one of South America's gems.

Sahara Desert

As the world's biggest desert, the Sahara cover a third of Africa. That is the size of the United States of America! This barren land dotted with occasional oasis has a strange beauty of its own. It is amazing how wild life has adapted to this harsh, dry climate. It is suggested joining a camel caravan when going through here.

Map - Sahara Desert

 

Greenland's Glaciers

Glaciers in Greenland are like no other. They may look small on top, but they are enormous on the bottom. Global Warming has been taking a toll on glaciers. See these icy beasts while you can.

 

African Plains

The African Plains is a place where the toughest of the tough survive. This is the land where the lion and elephant rule. The climate is brutal: hot days and freezing nights. The beautiful can't be explained in words. Take a safari here. It is worth it.

 

 

Metal Sculpture - Love

In the Georgian spa town of Batumi, a new attraction - a metal sculpture of "Love". It is noteworthy that the sculpture ... mobile. Seven meter schematic figures of men and women spinning move toward each other and merge together.

 

 

The new attraction, which cost the local budget in 2400 lari (about 5,000 dollars) installed in Batumi at the entrance to the city by the sea

 

 

The moving figures of men and women change their position every 8-10 minutes.

 

 

The author of the composition is a sculptor working in the U.S. Tamara Kvesitadze.

 

 

Of this work was inspired by her novel Kurban Said "Ali and Nino", which tells Love the Azerbaijani and Georgian young girl.

Just know about a bridge

In 1991 the Denmark and Swedish governments agreed to build a bridge to connect the two countries across Oresund.  Later that year the two parliaments ratified the agreement and scheduled the design to be completed by 1994.  The 16 km long Oresund link between Sweden and Denmark is now complete. At 6 am on August 14, 1999 the final section of the Oresund bridge was placed in position by the floating crane, "Svanen". Six hours later, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark met on the bridge to mark the fact that Denmark and Sweden are linked once more - 7,000 years after the Ice Age when they were landlocked.  The project opened to traffic during the summer of 2000.

 

 

The Oresund Bridge is the world's longest single bridge carrying both road and railway traffic. In the design full advantage was taken of repetition by composing the major part of the bridge of identical spans. The high bridge with its record-breaking cable-stayed span of 490m is designed to harmonize both structurally and aesthetically with the approach bridges. In the construction phase the on-site activities were completed in just 2 1/2 years due to an extensive use of prefabrication and erection of large units.

 

 

 

The Largest and Fastest Cargo Ship

Emma Maersk

What a ship.... no wonder 'Made in China' is displacing North American goods big time with this floating continent transporting goods across the Pacific in 4 days no less!

This is how Wal-Mart gets all it's stuff from China . Get a load of this ship! 15,000 containers and a 207' beam! And look at the crew-size: 13 people for a ship longer than a US aircraft carrier which has a crew of 5,000 men and officers.

Think it's big enough? Notice that 207' beam means it cannot fit through the Panama or Suez Canals . It is strictly transpacific. Check out the cruise speed: 31 knots means the goods arrive 4 days before the typical container ship (18-20 knots) on a China-to-California run. So this behemoth is hugely competitive when carrying perishable goods.

This ship was built in five sections. The sections floated together and then welded. The command bridge is higher than a 10-story building and has 11 cargo crane rigs that can operate simultaneously.

Additional info:

Country of origin - Denmark

Length - 1,302 ft

Width - 207 ft

Net cargo - 123,200 tons

Engine - 14 in-line cylinders diesel engine (110,000 BHP)

Cruise Speed - 31 knots

Cargo capacity - 15,000 TEU

Crew - 13, with room for 30

First Trip - Sept. 08, 2006

Construction cost - US $145,000,000+

Silicone painting applied to the ship bottom reduces water resistance and saves 317,000 gallons of diesel per year

Most Unique Dome Shaped Hotel

Ark Hotel 

The Ark project was designed by Russian firm Remistudio with the assistance of the International Union of Architects program Architecture for Disasters Relief. The dome-shaped hotel is constructed with wooden arches, steel cables and a self-cleaning plastic layer instead of glass. The slinky-like Ark hotel can be adapted to suit both land and water. It is built to stay afloat in the event of floods or rising seas. The 14,000 square metre shell-like construction of arches and cables distributes the weight evenly, meaning it can withstand earthquakes. Daylight is filtered through to internal rooms due to the hotels see-through structure, reducing the need for lighting.

Designed as:an integrated energy system with an uninterruptible power supply using alternative energy sources, the hotel uses solar panels and a rainwater collection system to provide inhabitants with power and water. It would be built around a central pillar connecting to roof-top wind generators and heat pumps, as well as to energy storage and thermal conversion units below. There will also be a tornado energy generating spiral at the top of the pillar.