Jai Ho

I have a problem: I want to be a vegetarian. “So what’s the problem?” you might ask. I am half German and Germans tend to eat meat, a lot of meat. Not without reason; every major city from Frankfurt to Nürnberg has a sausage named after itself.

But why bother at all? First of all, there are health reasons.

Red meat has a lot of saturated fats, cholesterol and purine; it lacks vitamins (except B-complex), and is likely to have antibiotics and steroids.

However, more important for me to overcome my German-ness, is the fact that meat consumption is taking a tremendous toll on our environment - whether it is the amount of vegetables, fossil fuels, or water which are required to produce meat and which could be redistributed to the hungry. Then there is  methane emission of cattle. Closely linked to these factors is also the rising cost of meat. As a student of philosophy, to me the issue is a moral one too. Can we defend meat consumption? Perhaps for survival? Except for those few living in  non-arable areas, no one is depending on meat for survival today.

Are we permitting ourselves as a ‘superior’ species to kill other species? This thought is pretty common in the west and the Bible  states that “everything that lives and moves will be food for you.” (Genesis 9:3) 

This thinking leads us to irresponsible “speciesism”, as the most eminent philosophical proponent of vegetarianism, as Peter Singer, called it. Exalting the status of the human animal and his rights above other animals stands in line with western philosophical thought, which defined men as being human because of rationality and virtue, in contrast to the negative, irrational part in us, our so-called animalistic side.

Not only did this cause discrimination against and suffering of a plethora of other species, biologists like Frans de Waal revealed that parts of our so called humane side, such as morality, find their origin within animals, who bequeathed us these capabilities to refine them.

If one argues that one is allowed to devour someone else, because of one’s superior intelligence, then would it apply to those within the species as well? Is it then a question of whose life is worthier than another and for what reason? How does one decide the value of one life over that of another? One can well imagine a sci-fi scenario where aliens with an IQ that far surpasses our self-destructive intelligence could come to earth and start hunting us humans down as food for their survival, only because we have inferior intellects compared to theirs and also because we are not the same species.

Lastly, intertwined with the moral argument, is the spiritual argument. Many Hindus, Jains and Buddhists refrain from eating meat due to the principle of ahimsa or non-violence and since it has negative impact on spiritual development. Or why else would  have every elated soul from M K Gandhi to Guru Nanak Dev abstain from eating meat?

Through meat consumption we ingest negative energy, as we absorb the fear and agony of the dying animal, so the argument goes. Hard-line vegetarians may find this logical and consequently claim that meat enhances aggression. Although there may be correlations between nutrition and aggression, it is still disputed among scientists whether this is the case with meat.

Eventually, there is no argument vindicating a human carnivore, whether he is so on account of  social habit, or, as in my case, akrasia (weak will), as the Greeks called it.

Bariatic surgeon Dr Muffazal Lakdawala tells you what you should eat and avoid

The World Health Organization defines overweight and obesity as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. The most common health consequence of being overweight or obese is cardiovascular disease — mainly heart disease and stroke. The more overweight a person is the more likely he/she is to develop heart disease. Increased weight is a determinant of higher levels of triglycerides, elevated LDL (commonly known as bad cholesterol) and low HDL (commonly known as good cholesterol). The good news, however, is that even a slight reduction in weight (5- 10 per cent) can reduce a person's risk of heart disease. Healthier food choices and increased physical activity are the easiest ways to reduce weight and the risk of heart disease.

Dos

Fruits and vegetables - They are a great source of fibre, that helps increase satiety and reduce cholesterol levels. Choose brightly coloured fruits and vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, spinach, bell peppers, berries, oranges, papaya, etc. as they are rich in antioxidants.

Whole grains - Include whole wheat and multigrain products like whole wheat breads, rotis, pasta, brown rice, oats, ragi, jowar, bajra and quinoa.

Legumes - Sprouts, kidney beans, chickpeas, etc. are a great source of soluble fibre, which helps reduce cholesterol.

Nuts and seeds - Almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help decrease bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol.

Flaxseeds - A great source of omega-3 fatty acids and fibre, a sprinkle of this on one's breakfast cereal can help improve cholesterol profile.

Low fat dairy products - Low fat milk, yoghurt, homemade paneer are excellent sources of calcium and also help in reducing body fat.

Fatty fish - Especially Salmon and tuna, contain omega-3 fatty acids that help increase good cholesterol.

Soya and soya products - Soya contains isoflavones, which help prevent clogging of arteries and improve cholesterol profile.

Tea - Green tea especially helps lower total cholesterol and increase good cholesterol.

Physical Activity - Include a minimum of 30 to 45 minutes of moderate physical activity daily - brisk walking, jogging, swimming, cycling etc to increase energy expenditure and therefore help in weight reduction.

Don'ts

Refined cereals - Maida, white breads, pasta should be cut out from one's diet completely and replaced with whole grain or multigrain varieties.

Saturated fatty acids - Avoid intake of full cream dairy products like whole milk, cheese, yoghurt, butter, cream and coconut as they increase levels of bad cholesterol.

Processed and packaged foods - Avoid biscuits, chips, cakes and pastries as they contain high levels of saturated and trans-fatty acids, in addition to higher content of sodium.

Fatty meats - Avoid intake of fatty meats like mutton and beef, have skinless chicken and fish instead.

Fried and deep fried foods - Avoid junk foods like pizzas, burgers, fries and other deep-fried snacks. Deep fried foods contain trans-fats, which increases one's risk of arthrosclerosis clogging of arteries.

Smoking - Smoking is a major cause of atherosclerosis — a buildup of fatty substances in the arteries, which could lead to angina pectoris or heart attacks.

In a nutshell, reducing intake of calories, especially calories from fats, regular physical activity together with the inclusion of heart healthy foods can help to reduce weight and eventually the risk of developing heart disease.

SHARE THIS INFORMATION FIRST AND READ AFTERWARDS.....SAVE LIFE Share this as much as you can. "10000 times stronger killer of CANCER than Chemo".. do share it.. can save many lives, fill up hopes and build confidence in the patients...The Sour Sop or the fruit from the graviola tree is a miraculous natural cancer cell killer 10,000 times stronger than Chemo.Why are we not aware of this? Its because some big corporation want to make back their money spent on years of research by trying to make a synthetic version of it for sale.
So, since you know it now you can help a friend in need by letting him know or just drink some sour sop juice yourself as prevention from time to time. The taste is not bad after all. It’s completely natural and definitely has no side effects. If you have the space, plant one in your garden.
The other parts of the tree are also useful.
The next time you have a fruit juice, ask for a sour sop.
How many people died in vain while this billion-dollar drug maker concealed the secret of the miraculous Graviola tree?
This tree is low and is called graviola ! in Brazi l, guanabana in Spanish and has the uninspiring name “soursop” in English. The fruit is very large and the subacid sweet white pulp is eaten out of hand or, more commonly, used to make fruit drinks, sherbets and such.
The principal interest in this plant is because of its strong anti-cancer effects. Although it is effective for a number of medical conditions, it is its anti tumor effect that is of most interest. This plant is a proven cancer remedy for cancers of all types.
Besides being a cancer remedy, graviola is a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent for both bacterial and fungal infections, is effective against internal parasites and worms, lowers high blood pressure and is used for depression, stress and nervous disorders.
If there ever was a single example that makes it dramatically clear why the existence of Health Sciences Institute is so vital to Americans like you, it’s the incredible story behind the Graviola tree..
The truth is stunningly simple: Deep within the Amazon Rainforest grows a tree that could literally revolutionize what you, your doctor, and the rest of the world thinks about cancer treatment and chances of survival. The future has never looked more promising.
Research shows that with extracts from this miraculous tree it now may be possible to:
* Attack cancer safely and effectively with an all-natural therapy that does not cause extreme nausea, weight loss and hair loss
* Protect your immune system and avoid deadly infections
* Feel stronger and healthier throughout the course of the treatment
* Boost your energy and improve your outlook on life
The source of this information is just as stunning: It comes from one of America ‘s largest drug manufacturers, th! e fruit of over 20 laboratory tests conducted since the 1970's! What those tests revealed was nothing short of mind numbing… Extracts from the tree were shown to:
* Effectively target and kill malignant cells in 12 types of cancer, including colon, breast, prostate, lung and pancreatic cancer..
* The tree compounds proved to be up to 10,000 times stronger in slowing the growth of cancer cells than Adriamycin, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug!
* What’s more, unlike chemotherapy, the compound extracted from the Graviola tree selectivelyhunts
down and kills only cancer cells.. It does not harm healthy cells!
The amazing anti-cancer properties of the Graviola tree have been extensively researched–so why haven’t you heard anything about it? If Graviola extract is
One of America ‘s biggest billion-dollar drug makers began a search for a cancer cure and their research centered on Graviola, a legendary healing tree from the Amazon Rainforest.
Various parts of the Graviola tree–including the bark, leaves, roots, fruit and fruit-seeds–have been used for centuries by medicine men and native Indi! ans in S outh America to treat heart disease, asthma, liver problems and arthritis. Going on very little documented scientific evidence, the company poured money and resources into testing the tree’s anti-cancerous properties–and were shocked by the results. Graviola proved itself to be a cancer-killing dynamo.
But that’s where the Graviola story nearly ended.
The company had one huge problem with the Graviola tree–it’s completely natural, and so, under federal law, not patentable. There’s no way to make serious profits from it.
It turns out the drug company invested nearly seven years trying to synthesize two of the Graviola tree’s most powerful anti-cancer ingredients. If they could isolate and produce man-made clones of what makes the Graviola so potent, they’d be able to patent it and make their money back. Alas, they hit a brick wall. The original simply could not be replicated. There was no way the company could protect its profits–or even make back the millions it poured into research.
As the dream of huge profits evaporated, their testing on Graviola came to a screeching halt. Even worse, the company shelved the entire project and chose not to publish the findings of its research!
Luckily, however, there was one scientist from the Graviola research team whose conscience wouldn’t let him see such atrocity committed. Risking his career, he contacted a company that’s dedicated to harvesting medical plants from the Amazon Rainforest and blew the whistle.
Miracle unleashed
When researchers at the Health Sciences Institute were alerted to the news of Graviola,! they be gan tracking the research done on the cancer-killing tree. Evidence of the astounding effectiveness of Graviola–and its shocking cover-up–came in fast and furious….
….The National Cancer Institute performed the first scientific research in 1976. The results showed that Graviola’s “leaves and stems were found effective in attacking and destroying malignant cells.” Inexplicably, the results were published in an internal report and never released to the public…
….Since 1976, Graviola has proven to be an immensely potent cancer killer in 20 independent laboratory tests, yet no double-blind clinical trials–the typical benchmark mainstream doctors and journals use to judge a treatment’s value–were ever initiated….
….A study published in the Journal of Natural Products, following a recent study conducted at Catholic University of South Korea stated that one chemical in Graviola was found to selectively kill colon cancer cells at “10,000 times the potency of (the commonly used chemotherapy drug) Adriamycin…”
….The most significant part of the Catholic University of South Korea report is that Graviola was shown to selectively target the cancer cells, leaving healthy cells untouched. Unlike chemotherapy, which indiscriminately targets all actively reproducing cells (such as stomach and hair cells), causing the often devastating side effects of nausea and hair loss in cancer patients.
…A study at Purdue University recently found that leaves from the Graviola tree killed cancer cells among six human cell lines and were especially effective against prostate, pancreatic and lung cancers Seven years of silence broken–it’s finally here!

A daily glass of orange juice can help improve your skin, hair and nails, say a panel of health and beauty experts.