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In the world of spices, <keyword id="53648" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="saffron" source="Orion">Saffron</keyword>, also known as <keyword id="32289" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kesar" source="Orion">Kesar</keyword>, holds an esteemed position as the "king of spices." With its vibrant color, enchanting aroma, and rich history, saffron has been a prized ingredient in culinary and medicinal practices for centuries. Let's delve into the allure of saffron, uncovering its remarkable attributes that make it a treasured gift from nature. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What is Saffron (Kesar)?" comment="subhead" text="What is Saffron (Kesar)?">What is Saffron (Kesar)?</cmsannotation> Saffron, scientifically known as Crocus sativus, is a precious spice derived from the vivid crimson stigmas of the saffron crocus flower. Each stigma is handpicked and carefully dried to produce saffron threads, which are known for their striking color, distinct aroma, and unparalleled flavor. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Nutritional Value" comment="subhead" text="Nutritional Value">Nutritional Value</cmsannotation> Despite its delicate appearance, saffron is a powerhouse of nutrients. It contains essential vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, along with minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and iron. Saffron also contains active compounds like crocin, safranal, and picrocrocin, which contribute to its health benefits. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Health Benefits" comment="subhead" text="Health Benefits">Health Benefits</cmsannotation> Saffron's reputation as a therapeutic spice is backed by its myriad health benefits: Antioxidant Rich: Saffron's antioxidants combat oxidative stress and contribute to overall well-being. Mood Enhancement: Saffron is believed to have mood-boosting properties and may aid in managing mild depression. Digestive Comfort: Saffron's carminative properties can help alleviate digestive issues and bloating. Skin Radiance: Saffron is used in skincare for its potential to promote radiant and glowing skin. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Culinary Uses" comment="subhead" text="Culinary Uses">Culinary Uses</cmsannotation> Saffron's mesmerizing hue and delicate aroma have made it a sought-after ingredient in culinary creations worldwide. It's a staple in Indian, Persian, and Mediterranean cuisines, where it lends its captivating color and flavor to dishes like biryanis, paellas, and desserts. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Types of Saffron (Kesar)" comment="subhead" text="Types of Saffron (Kesar)"><keyword id="18566580" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="types-of-saffron" source="Orion">Types of Saffron</keyword> (Kesar)</cmsannotation> Saffron is classified into different grades based on its quality and origin. The most prized and sought-after type is "Kashmiri Saffron," known for its rich color and potent aroma. Other types include Iranian saffron and Spanish saffron, each with its unique characteristics. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="How to Buy and Store Saffron (Kesar)" comment="subhead" text="How to Buy and Store Saffron (Kesar)">How to Buy and Store Saffron (Kesar)</cmsannotation> When purchasing saffron, opt for threads that have a deep red color and an alluring aroma. Avoid buying powdered saffron, as it may be adulterated. Store saffron threads in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to preserve their flavor and potency. Proper storage can extend the shelf life of saffron. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Precautions and Potential Side Effects" comment="sabhead" text="Precautions and Potential Side Effects">Precautions and Potential Side Effects</cmsannotation> Saffron is generally safe when consumed in culinary amounts. However, excessive consumption may lead to potential side effects like digestive discomfort or allergic reactions. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid large amounts of saffron, as it may stimulate uterine contractions. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Frequently Asked Questions" comment="subhead" text="Frequently Asked Questions">Frequently Asked Questions</cmsannotation> 1. Why is saffron so expensive? Saffron's high cost is due to the labor-intensive process of harvesting and its requirement of a large number of flowers to produce a small amount of saffron threads. 2. How is saffron harvested? Saffron is harvested by hand-picking the delicate stigmas (threads) from the saffron crocus flower. This process is time-consuming and requires precision. 3. Can saffron be used in savory dishes? Yes, saffron is versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It adds a unique flavor and color to a wide range of culinary creations. 4. What gives saffron its distinct color and aroma? The compounds crocin and safranal in saffron are responsible for its vibrant color and distinct aroma, respectively. 5. Is there a substitute for saffron in recipes? While no ingredient perfectly replicates saffron's unique qualities, turmeric can be used as a color substitute, and certain spices like cardamom or vanilla can contribute to a similar aromatic profile. Saffron, the radiant jewel among spices, enchants both the senses and the soul with its vibrant color and unparalleled aroma. As a testament to its culinary and medicinal significance, saffron has graced tables and herbal remedies for centuries. Whether it's enhancing a dish's allure or contributing to well-being, saffron's golden touch continues to inspire awe and admiration. Note: The article is based on content generated by AI models like Bard and Chatgpt. <h3>SEE ALSO:</h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/food/webstories/top-10-indian-spices-to-improve-your-digestion/slidelist/103132008.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Top 10 Indian spices to improve your digestion</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/food/best-fruits-to-have-in-breakfast-for-energized-mornings/articleshow/103129771.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Energize your mornings with these top fruit choices for breakfast</a>

Saffron (Kesar): The golden elixir of flavor and wellness

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Real <keyword id="53648" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Saffron">saffron</keyword> can cost you over $10,000 per kilogram.</li><li>The miniscule harvest means the amount you get from each flower is roughly 0.006 grams.</li><li>A kilo of saffron could be made up of 450,000 strands. And to get that many strands, you need 150,000 flowers.</li></ul>Following is a transcript of the <keyword id="21654" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="video">video</keyword>:Narrator: Even in the expensive world of spices, saffron stands out. And real saffron can cost you over $10,000 per kilogram.Sought after for thousands of years as a <keyword id="6378177" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="spice">spice</keyword>, a dye, and a medicine, you need over 150 flowers to make just 1 gram of saffron. And the stuff you have at home in the cupboard could well be fake. So just what makes this spice so expensive?Saffron is the red stigma of the Crocus sativus. Each crocus has three small stigmas that have to be picked carefully by hand. This minuscule harvest means that the amount you get from each flower is roughly 0.006 grams.No machine can do the delicate work required to harvest these thin threads. And it can take 40 hours of hard manual labor to produce just 1 kilogram of high-quality saffron. Growing the plants isn't exactly easy either.David Smale: They're actually called corms, but they're like a bulb, basically. Like, you know, a flower bulb. So, the more flowers per bulb you can get, and the bigger the flowers, really, and that all depends on how you look after it, how you grow it, the climate.So, for example, if it rains just before harvest, we get bigger flowers. If it's very dry just before harvest, the flowers are smaller. So you look after the crop during the year by hand, and you pick the flowers by hand, and you process the flowers by hand.Narrator: Once the crop starts flowering, harvesters have to work fast to make sure they can pick it all in time. Almost all of the saffron planted can flower within one week of the year. And to maintain the quality, the flowers are best picked first thing in the morning.Quality is key when growing such a precise crop. And the taste of the saffron depends on the rainfall, temperature, and soil. Kashmir is famed for producing some of the highest-quality saffron in the world.And that small strand of saffron that you harvest as a result of all of this work? Well, to get the highest grades, you might need to throw half of it away. The most expensive, highest-grade saffron is generally made up of just the very tips of the stigma.In Iran, where over 90% of the world's saffron is produced, there are four grades. The lowest grade is the bunch. That's the entire strand that's pulled from the flower, from the dark red tips to the yellow base. In higher grades, the yellow strand is removed, leaving only a long strand of pure red.That means a kilo of saffron could be made up of 450,000 strands. And to get that many strands, you need 150,000 flowers. And those flowers take up a lot of growing space. Cumin, for example, can yield 600 kilos per acre. Nutmeg gets you around 350 kilograms in the same space. Use that land for saffron instead, and you get a 1.8 kilogram harvest.Despite the incredible amount of work and space this crop takes up, demand for the spice is increasing, and over 200 metric tons of saffron threads are harvested worldwide each year. That's the result of about 30 billion flowers.Demand for the threads is so high that many adulterate or produce fake saffron. Threads that look real at first glance could actually be made of corn silks, coconut fibers, or even horsehair. Synthetic colorings are also used to dye the lower-grade stigmas and sell them as high-grade saffron.In late 2019, a fake-saffron crime ring was uncovered in the UK, which led to a two-year international investigation. And back in 2010, Spain exported 190,000 kilos of saffron, worth $50 million, but the country's total production amounted to only 1,500 kilos. At the time, a local farmers union reported that up to 90% of Spanish saffron exports were fraudulent.The industry has attempted to crack down on these fake and mislabeled products, but the problem still persists, and the market for fake saffron is closing many real saffron farmers down. So, what does real saffron actually taste like?Smale: I've been asked that one by a lot of people over the years. [laughs] It's so difficult to describe, which is, I think, part of its fascination for people and why it ended up as an expensive product, because it is - it just adds something. It's a bittersweet flavor; it's an earthy flavor. Trying to replicate it is very difficult. And we've - you know, people have tried to do that, I know.Narrator: While saffron is just as popular as ever, it's been sought after throughout history. In Greek mythology, Zeus sometimes slept on a bed of saffron. And Cleopatra was said to bathe in saffron and milk, using the dyeing properties of the spice as an ancient fake tan.Every culture seems to have its own myth about the spice's powers, and in the 14th century, saffron's popularity skyrocketed across Europe when it was thought to be a possible cure for the plague.But there's a recent looming problem for saffron and its price: climate change. In Kashmir, production has dropped significantly, and many farmers are selling their land instead.Sajad Rafeeq: We had, you know, very few rains in the last, I think, four or five years. The temperature and the climate has completely changed in Kashmir.When I was a kid, when we used to go to the saffron farms to pick up the saffron, it would at least take us two days to pick up the saffron from the same fields which, you know, nowadays you could just pick up in half an hour. I'm very emotional about the saffron, because this is a cultural identity of Kashmir and especially the people of Pampore. But the thing is that the production is declining, and the lands are being sold. Houses are being built on the saffron land. So it really disheartens me.Narrator: Between 2017 and '18, saffron production in the region fell almost 70%, from 16.5 metric tons down to 5.2. And with continuing droughts and climate change, this harvest could become even more rare.

Real saffron can cost you over $10,000 per kilo. Here's what makes it so expensive

Harvesting saffron requires a lot of physical labor to get the flowers from the field to final packaging. The harvesting process plus its distinct flavor, smell, and color make it the most expensive spice in the world. It's used in kitchens across the world, as a fabric and skin dye, and may soon be used more widely for medicinal purposes. Following is a transcript of the video.Narrator: This is saffron and just one pound of it can cost you $5,000. It is easily the world's most expensive spice. The next most expensive spice? Vanilla, at about $600 a pound. So, what makes saffron so wildly expensive? For starters, saffron is a complicated spice to harvest.Arash Ghalehgolabbehbahani: My name is Arash Ghalehgolabbehbahani. I am a postdoctoral research associate at University of Vermont. To harvest the saffron, you need a lot of hand works to pick up the flowers, separate - saffron is dehydrated or dry stigma. The stigma is the female part of flower. You have to separate that stigma, dry that. And for all of these procedures, you need hand works, laborers. I prefer to harvest the flowers by hand because I don't like to damage the other parts of the plants.Narrator: Saffron comes from the saffron crocus flower. And each flower has three red stigmas - that's the saffron.Ghalehgolabbehbahani: The yield of saffron is really low. You have to hire a lot of laborers to harvest 4 pounds of saffron per acre. That's nothing.Narrator: Ultimately, you'll need to hand-pick 170,000 flowers to create just one pound of saffron. The purple flowers only bloom over a 6-week period from late September to early December. There's also a specific time of day to harvest them.Ghalehgolabbehbahani: When we have a higher relative humidity in the air, it can affect the saffron quality. Also, sunlight can break the chemical structure in the saffron. So, we prefer to harvest the saffron early morning every dayNarrator: 90% of the world's saffron is grown in arid fields in Iran. But harvesting all of that saffron comes at a price.Ghalehgolabbehbahani: Why Iran is the main producer of saffron? Because workers are available and they are cheap. In some parts, it's like slavery, their behavior with laborers. I hate that, I should say. Based on my experience, they usually, workers came to the farm in Iran around 5, 6 a.m. and they left around 4 p.m.Narrator: Most saffron harvesters are women, getting paid a maximum of $5 a day. Saffron is not only grown in Iran. It's grown in Morocco, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Afghanistan, India, and even in the United States. Why the U.S.? Though many Americans have never eaten saffron, the US imported 25 tons of the stuff in 2013 and 46 tons in 2016.Ghalehgolabbehbahani: I knew that saffron has a good resistance to the cold weather. If you cover Vermont state with a layer of plastic, you will have the same situation that we have in Iran. Narrator: What's so great about saffron? Over centuries, it's proven useful in many situations. Saffron is most commonly used in cooking.Ghalehgolabbehbahani: As an Iranian, every day we use saffron in our dishes. We cook with saffron a lot. So far I cannot find an alternative for the taste of saffron.Narrator: It give dishes like paella its signature flavor and golden color. It's also used in broths, breads, and marinades. When saffron is broken down, it creates a yellow-gold dye. Ghalehgolabbehbahani: Saffron contains some chemical components, which are really expensive like picrocrocin, crocin, and safranal. They are three main components or compounds which are responsible about the taste and color and smell of saffron. When we are talking about saffron quality, technically we're talking about these three chemical components. Saffron is inherently a valuable thing.Narrator: Historically, people have tried passing turmeric, red marigold petals, and lily flower stigmas as saffron. But the flavor and dye is totally different. In large quantities, saffron can be a potent, happiness-inducing narcotic. And research suggests it may help reduce the symptoms for Alzheimer's disease, depression, and PMS. Who knew this little spice packed such a punch?

Why saffron is the world's most expensive spice

This phone has been in the news for quite a few weeks now and we must say that the response to the news of this phone has been mind-boggling. While many loved the idea of a phone inspired by a renowned political figure, many said it’s just a stunt to gain popularity and some even said it was a practical joke and the phone would never come to life. Well, the phone is live and kicking, and it is now available in India. 
 
As most of us know, the phone has nothing to do with any specific political party. However, it has been developed by a group of Modi fans from Gujarat, now based in China. They were kind enough to send a phone over for a review and here is what we could make of it. 
 
Looks To tell you the truth, when we first held the phone, it seemed somewhat inspired by <keyword id="10591" type="CITY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Samsung">Samsung</keyword> Galaxy S3. They do look similar, but once you start using the <keyword id="1904756" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Saffron-1">Saffron 1</keyword>, you will find subtle dissimilarities between the two. The new device is dressed in white and a nice silver trim runs along the side of the phone. The front part of Saffron 1 has a large 5 inch screen with a 5 MP front-facing camera above it and the usual feather <keyword id="30450" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="40" keywordseo="Touch">touch</keyword> navigation keys at the bottom. 
 
 
 
The rear of the phone hides a large loudspeaker behind a meshed grille at the bottom and a 13 MP camera with LED flash on top. The power and volume keys are placed on the right side of the phone, all of which can be easily accessed using one hand. 
 
Performance The group of Modi fans have put some decent hardware within this mobile. It has a 1.5 GHz quad-core CPU, 1 GB RAM (which we think is slightly less) and 16 GB storage. A custom UI skin has been used over the <keyword id="6355645" type="COMPANY" weightage="40" keywordseo="android">Android</keyword> 4.2.1 operating system. It does give the phone a distinct feel and the interface is slick to manoeuvre. However, we did get a bit of a lag when we played high-end games and apps. Primarily, the RAM can be blamed for this and the phone could do better with another GB of it. 
 
 
 Barring that, rest of the features look fine. The company is providing a lot of nice pre-loaded utility apps, such as the ‘Go’ set of apps. One distinct feature of this phone is the Toucher Pro widget. Turn it on and you will get a circular button on the screen in the form of the <keyword id="14666" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="BJP">BJP</keyword> logo. With this, you can access various functions such as screen brightness, rotation, Wi-Fi and more. 
 We benchmarked the phone with Quadrant (a popular testing tool for Android devices) and it managed to score a decent 4,679. That puts it shoulder to shoulder with phones such as <keyword id="16129" type="CITY" weightage="40" keywordseo="HTC">HTC</keyword> One X. The camera quality of the phone is not bad either and one can get good images in well-lit rooms and outdoors. Another point of excellence is the battery (but it has also made the gadget heavier than usual). The phone carries a 3,150 mAh battery, which kept it alive for 2 days on 2G network. 
 
Verdict 
The package is not bad at all. The phone can accommodate 2 SIM cards; the memory can be expanded up to 64 GB and users get most of the features that are only available in the premium segment of international phones. 
 Saffron 1 falls in a category that is already populated with products from Micromax, Karbonn and Lava. We feel the company is banking on <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword>’s popularity, which might just be the rocket fuel required for the phone to thrust its way through to the crowds. All in all, a decent phone at a good MRP of Rs 18,000, but one can pick it up for a thousands or two less from the stores.

REVIEW: Saffron 1 Is
A Good Bid For People Who Admire NAMO Or Want A Decent But Less Expensive
Smartphone

<keyword id="19896313" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="andhra-pradesh" source="keywords">Andhra Pradesh</keyword>, a state known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions, also boasts a diverse and delectable culinary scene. With a blend of fiery spices, aromatic herbs, and fresh ingredients, Andhra Pradesh offers a gastronomic experience that tantalizes the taste buds and leaves a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to sample its delights. Here's a guide to some of the best foods to try in Andhra Pradesh: <keyword id="159461" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hyderabadi-Biryani" source="Orion">Hyderabadi Biryani</keyword> Although Hyderabad is now part of Telangana, its influence on Andhra Pradesh's culinary landscape is undeniable. Hyderabadi Biryani, a fragrant rice dish cooked with marinated meat (usually chicken or mutton) and infused with spices like saffron, cardamom, and cloves, is a must-try. This dish reflects the rich culinary heritage of the region and is often served with raita (yogurt sauce) and mirchi ka salan (a spicy chili curry). <keyword id="12310794" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gongura-Pachadi" source="Orion">Gongura Pachadi</keyword> Gongura, also known as sorrel leaves, is a staple in Andhra cuisine. Gongura Pachadi is a tangy chutney made from these leaves, flavored with mustard seeds, garlic, red chilies, and tamarind. It pairs perfectly with steamed rice and ghee, providing a burst of flavors with every bite. <keyword id="2646688" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pesarattu" source="Orion">Pesarattu</keyword> A popular breakfast dish in Andhra Pradesh, Pesarattu is a savory crepe made from green gram (moong dal) batter. It is typically served with Upma (a semolina-based dish) and ginger chutney. Pesarattu is not only nutritious but also a delicious way to start your day. <keyword id="20747916" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="royyala-iguru" source="keywords">Royyala Iguru</keyword> (Prawn Curry) With a long coastline, Andhra Pradesh offers an abundance of fresh seafood dishes, and Royyala Iguru is one of the highlights. This spicy prawn curry is cooked with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of traditional spices, creating a symphony of flavors that seafood lovers will appreciate. <keyword id="4193795" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Araku-Coffee" source="Orion">Araku Coffee</keyword> While not a food item per se, Araku Coffee deserves a mention for its exceptional quality and unique flavor profile. Grown in the picturesque Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh, this coffee is known for its smooth texture, fruity notes, and rich aroma. A cup of freshly brewed Araku Coffee is a must-try for coffee connoisseurs and anyone seeking a delightful caffeine fix. <keyword id="20747917" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mirapakaya-bajji" source="keywords">Mirapakaya Bajji</keyword> (Chili Fritters) Mirapakaya Bajji is a popular street food in Andhra Pradesh, especially during the monsoon season. Large green chilies are stuffed with a spicy masala, dipped in gram flour batter, and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. These fiery fritters are often served with a side of coconut chutney, offering a perfect balance of heat and flavor. <keyword id="20747915" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ulava-charu" source="keywords">Ulava Charu</keyword> (Horse Gram Stew) Ulava Charu is a traditional stew made from horse gram, a protein-rich legume. Slow-cooked with a medley of spices and herbs, this hearty stew is both nutritious and delicious. It is often served with rice or ragi mudde (finger millet balls), making it a comforting meal, especially during the colder months. <keyword id="7214752" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pootharekulu" source="Orion">Pootharekulu</keyword> No culinary journey through Andhra Pradesh would be complete without sampling Pootharekulu, a delicate and intricately layered sweet. Made from rice paper, ghee, sugar, and cardamom, this traditional sweet treat is a specialty of Atreyapuram in East Godavari district. Its unique texture and melt-in-your-mouth goodness make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Andhra Pradesh's culinary landscape is as diverse as its cultural heritage, offering a plethora of flavors and dishes to explore. From fiery curries to sweet delicacies, every bite tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a deep-rooted love for good food. So, whether you're a food enthusiast or a curious traveler, be sure to indulge in these mouthwatering delights on your next visit to Andhra Pradesh. Note: The article is based on content generated by AI models like Bard and Chatgpt.

8 Must try foods to try in Andhra Pradesh

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The scent of lavender is well-known for its ability to help people relax.</li><li>When lavender flowers are distilled and concentrated into an essential oil, the vaporized chemicals may be used to treat a variety of <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">health</keyword> issues.</li><li>You can get relief by breathing lavender oil in through a cotton ball or a diffuser, or by applying it to your skin.</li></ul>As early as the first century AD, Greek botanist and physician Pedanius Dioscorides wrote about lavender's medicinal uses for indigestion and headache in his volumes on medicinal plants: <a href="https://www.academia.edu/8846650/The_historical_significance_of_Dioscorides_De_Materia_Medica_" target="_blank" rel="noopener">De Materia Medica</a>.Today, many people enjoy the light floral scent of this flowering plant in soaps, lotions, and perfumes. Lavender is also a popular ingredient in food and drinks, including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/LAbeille-Occitane-Lavender-Honey-ounce/dp/B00IIK6N9Q/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAq8f-BRBtEiwAGr3DgawALCGyoMGusw8tXcp9GoD5bGs1nfR8yBnIWbQsX77JyoyzkCLL1BoCFh4QAvD_BwE&amp;hvadid=410001560132&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvlocphy=9012017&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvqmt=e&amp;hvrand=9604208433182444147&amp;hvtargid=kwd-39578743&amp;hydadcr=24661_11410856&amp;keywords=lavender+honey&amp;qid=1607603845&amp;sr=8-4&amp;tag=googhydr-20ey&amp;qid=1607603845&amp;sr=8-4&amp;tag=googhydr-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">honey</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lavender-Tea/s?k=Lavender+Tea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tea</a>, and cocktails. This article discusses the many benefits of lavender oil.<h2>How best to use lavender oil </h2>The scent of lavender is well-known for its <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6007527/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ability to help people relax</a>. When lavender flowers are distilled and concentrated into an essential oil, the vaporized chemicals may be used to treat a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612440/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">variety of health issues</a>. As with all alternative medicine, what works for one person may not work for another.Here are the three recommended ways to use lavender oil:<ol><li>Breathe in the scent of lavender essential oil. "Put one or two drops of essential oil on a cotton ball and inhale," says <a href="https://www.csh.umn.edu/bio/center-for-spirituality-and-he/lynn-gershan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lynn Gershan, MD</a>, a pediatrician and assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Minnesota Medical School who is certified in medical herbalism. One small <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32212806/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2020 study</a> showed that inhaling lavender essential oil on a cotton ball helped decrease anxiety.</li><li>Use an aromatherapy diffuser. An <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-use-diffuse-essential-oils-2018-6#you-can-simply-pop-them-into-a-diffuser-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">essential oil diffuser</a> is a device combining water with a few drops of essential oil to create a fine vapor. A small <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5327916/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2017 study</a> showed that lavender diffused twice a day decreased agitation in elderly dementia patients.</li><li>Apply it to the skin. "Another way to get these effects from lavender is by applying it to the skin diluted in a carrier oil," says Gershan. A safe dilution preparation for those two years of age and older, according to Gershan, is 2% essential lavender oil diluted in a carrier oil, which is a plant-based oil with little or no scent. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/unscented-coconut-oil/s?k=unscented+coconut+oil" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unscented coconut oil</a>, olive oil, or jojoba oil, which closely <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6780807/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mimics the skin's sebum</a>, may be used. </li></ol><h2>Benefits of lavender oil</h2>From the treatment of physical ailments to mental health benefits, herbalists use lavender oil for <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612440/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">many reasons</a> that are positively linked to chemical reactions in the brain. It can be used with or without dilution and may help relieve various health issues. As the case of herbs and essential oils, what works for one person may not work for someone else.Here are common conditions that lavender may help, according to Gershan:<ul><li>Insomnia. Several studies confirm lavender's relaxation benefits, including a small <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31780012/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2019 study</a> showing that lavender aromatherapy favored increased melatonin levels, possibly helping participants sleep. </li><li>Anxiety/Stress. A 2017 review of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6007527/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">studies</a> found that lavender, whether it's breathed in through a cotton ball, inhaled by using a diffuser, or rubbed into the skin, may help to reduce anxiety and stress. For example, a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5743169/#:~:text=In%20this%20study%2C%20lavender%20aromatherapy,modest%20and%20possibly%20statistically%20significant." target="_blank" rel="noopener">2017 study</a> showed that lavender inhalation reduced preoperative anxiety in surgery patients. When used twice a day, lavender also may decrease agitation in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5327916/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dementia patients</a>. </li><li>Wounds. Essential oils, such as peppermint and lavender, can be used as holistic treatments for pain associated with burns and wounds. A <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1744388110000381" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2012 study</a> on 120 postpartum women researched the use of lavender oil application after <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/episiotomy/art-20047282" target="_blank" rel="noopener">episiotomy</a>, a surgical incision of the perineum. While there were no significant differences in pain levels or complications between the two groups, researchers found significantly less redness in the lavender group versus the control group who were treated with the antiseptic <a href="https://www.poison.org/articles/povidone-iodine-safe-use-of-a-common-antiseptic-193" target="_blank" rel="noopener">povidone-iodine</a>.</li><li>Headaches. A small <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22517298/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2012 study</a> showed that inhaling lavender may be an effective treatment for migraine headaches.</li><li>Menstrual cramps. A <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5405632/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2016 study</a> found that inhaling three drops of lavender oil on a piece of cotton reduced menstrual cramps. </li></ul>While lavender essential oil is readily available in stores and online, quality varies. When purchasing, choose bottles that contain 100% pure lavender essential oil, with no fillers or chemicals.<h2>Risks and side effects of using lavender oil</h2>"Lavender oil is generally very safe to use," says Gershan. However, she does caution against the following:<ul><li>Use discretion if you're pregnant. Lavender is generally not recommended in the first trimester. Gershan suggests discussing any use of essential oils while pregnant with your doctor.</li><li>Pay attention to allergic reactions. While rare, lavender oil can cause sensitivity. If you get a rash, hives, or your skin itches, apply a carrier oil to help remove the lavender, then wash with soap and water and discontinue use.</li><li>Take immediate action if you get lavender oil in your eye. This can cause burning and irritation, says Gershan. Flush with clean, warm water or use cold full-fat milk. Call your doctor if necessary.</li></ul>Gershan notes that some people don't like the smell of lavender. If that's how you feel, don't use it. The negative association with its smell may block its positive effects. <h2>Insider's takeaway</h2>Lavender isn't just a nice-smelling plant, it also has several useful health benefits, including alleviating insomnia and reducing stress and anxiety.You can get relief by breathing lavender oil in through a cotton ball or a diffuser, or by applying it to your skin. "Lavender oil is one of five essential oils - along with peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, and tea tree - that I believe every household should have," says Gershan. "It has so many uses, and so few potential side effects."<h2>Related articles from <a href="https://www.insider.com/health-reference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Health Reference</a>:</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/saffron-benefits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Science-backed benefits of saffron - the world's most expensive spice</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/bee-pollen-benefits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Many health claims about bee pollen are unproven - here are 3 benefits backed by science</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/benefits-of-drinking-water" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7 science-backed benefits of drinking water - and how much water you should drink each day</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/celery-juice-benefits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Many health claims about celery juice are false - here are 4 proven benefits backed by science</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/benefits-of-beets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">6 proven health benefits of beets: How the root vegetable may improve athletic performance and help you lose weight</a></li></ul>

Benefits and risks of using lavender oil for insomnia, stress, headaches, and more

<ul class="summary-list"><li>We found 28 foods that are a must try in <keyword id="3718131" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="2021">2021</keyword>. </li><li>For one of the best cookies in Manhattan, try the "nutty cookie" from Maman. Its made with three different types of nuts and dark chocolate wafers. </li><li>Elio's Wood Fire Pizza serves up some of the best Pizza in LA from the back of a pickup truck. </li></ul>Following is a transcript of the <keyword id="21654" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="video">video</keyword>.Narrator: From the juiciest tacos in LA to barbecue ribs from a gas station in Kansas City, here are 28 foods you can't miss in 2021.If you're looking for some of the juiciest tacos in LA, be sure to stop by Birrieria San Marcos. The meat is slow-cooked for up to seven hours. The cooking broth is used to crisp up the tortillas, which then get a nice pile of cheese and are cooked further. And, of course, no Birrieria taco is complete without a cup of consommé for dipping.While Portillo's in Chicago is known for its hot dogs, its cake shake is another incredibly popular menu item. The business makes anywhere from 60 to 200 chocolate cakes a day. Any cakes not served that day are used to make the shakes, which include an entire slice mixed in.Primo's Donuts is an institution in LA. Since 1956, Primo's has been serving up hot and fresh doughnuts to Angelinos daily. While it may not fit the traditional shape, the Buttermilk Bar is widely regarded as one of the best doughnuts in Los Angeles.Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que has been operating out of a gas station since 1996 and has become a favorite amongst locals. The award-winning ribs are slowly smoked and smothered in a sweet barbecue sauce.If pancakes are your breakfast of choice, look no further than the Clinton St. Baking Co. in New York City. Its blueberry pancakes have won numerous awards, and for good reason. The perfect balance of crispy outside and fluffy inside paired with its homemade blueberry sauce makes each bite as delicious as the next.Skyline Chili is a Cincinnati staple known for topping its meals with huge amounts of delicious chili and cheese. Its signature dish, called the 5-Way, has a spaghetti base topped with beans, chili, and loads of cheese.For a savory option in the morning, the full English breakfast from Terry's Cafe is one of the best in London. The dish comes as a hefty portion, with Cumberland sausage, beans, roasted tomatoes, black pudding, bubble and squeak, mushrooms, bacon, and a perfectly runny egg.La Newyorkina in New York City makes traditional Mexican-style ice pops by hand. It makes roughly 3,000 of the paletas a day and features a variety of Mexican-inspired flavors, such as mango chili and raspberry verbena.C&amp;O Trattoria in Venice, California, offers free and endless garlic knots with every meal. Each roll is doused with a signature garlic-butter mix. The restaurant averages about 10,000 garlic knots each day.The nutty cookie from Maman is one of the most popular cookies in New York City. The cookie includes almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, and 61% dark chocolate wafers. The shop goes through around 3,000 cookies in just two days.Some of the best pizza you can buy in LA doesn't come from a restaurant, but from this wood-fire grill in the back of a pickup truck. After spending time learning the craft in Italy, Elio Lopez set up shop in a liquor store parking lot, where he fires up fresh Neapolitan-style pizzas with a wide range of customizations.Central Texas is known for having some of the best barbecue in the country, and the beef rib from Louie Mueller Barbecue is no exception. A simple blend of seasonings paired with old-school smoking techniques cooks the meat to a nearly-pull-apart texture.Konbi in Los Angeles specializes in Japanese-style egg sandwiches. One of its most popular is the egg salad sandwich, which features a hefty scoop of egg salad and a soft-boiled egg sandwiched between two slices of fluffy white bread. The business goes through around 2,200 eggs a week.Across the river from Manhattan, you'll find Fiore's House of Quality, a small deli in Hoboken, New Jersey, that's renowned for its roast-beef-and-mutz sandwiches. The shop makes its own fresh mutz, which pairs perfectly with its roast beef and freshly baked rolls. The sandwich is topped off and served with a rich gravy for dipping.Antico Vinaio is a must-try when visiting Florence. Its sandwiches are made with a local bread called schiacciata. The shop has an endless selection of cold cuts, cheese, and homemade creams, like truffle or artichoke.You can find Fugetsu-Do in LA's Little Tokyo. It's one of the oldest Japanese American businesses in the country. The family-run shop is known for its rainbow dango, a fun and vibrant version of the traditional Japanese mochi.While Philadelphia may be known for its cheesesteaks, Sarcone's Bakery serves up another Philly classic. What started as a way to prevent leftover bread dough from going to waste, the tomato pie has become popular amongst Philadelphians for an on-the-go meal.Russ &amp; Daughters is a fourth-generation family business serving up some of the best lox in Manhattan. The sandwich comes with a healthy portion of the smoked salmon, tomato, and cream cheese on both sides.Monty's Good Burger in LA offers a delicious burger option that is 100% plant-based. Cooks caramelize fresh onions daily, then top Impossible meat with Follow Your Heart cheese, house-made sauces, and all the fixings. A great comfort-food option for vegans and non-vegans alike.Since 1925, Eddie's Sweet Shop has made a name for itself in the Queens borough of New York City. It's known for its classic sundae with the works. That's three scoops of ice cream, hot fudge or strawberry sauce, fresh whipped cream, and a cherry on top.Las Vegas' Sugar Factory features a five-dessert cake tower that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. It includes a brownie base, chocolate-covered strawberries, ice cream cookie sandwiches, and red velvet cake pops.Lowkey Burritos is a pop-up in Long Beach, California, serving up savory breakfast burritos filled with eggs, bacon, potatoes, and avocado. They're then finished off on a flattop with a crispy cheese blanket cradling the outside.Ralph's Italian Restaurant in Philadelphia is the oldest Italian restaurant in the country. Over the last 120 years, it's gained a loyal following for classic Italian American dishes like spaghetti and meatballs. A mix of ground beef and ground pork gives the meatballs their distinct tender texture.The clam chowder from Atlantic Fish Co. in Boston is perfect for seafood lovers. The chowder's made with huge, fresh-chopped quahogs and clarified butter. It's then served in a toasted sourdough bread bowl.The Cronut is one of New York City's most iconic desserts. Dominique Ansel Bakery created the doughnut-croissant hybrid in 2013, and the hype remains fervent to this day. It's filled with two different fillings, rolled in sugar, and glazed with an evolving selection of flavors. This version features Meyer lemon and honey.Naples street-food shop T'imballo has revolutionized the traditional pasta bake. Instead of serving it on a plate, the shop wanted to make a more portable version of the dish by wrapping it in a baked shell with a variety of fillings.Mashti Malone's has been serving Persian ice cream to Hollywood locals since the 1980s. One of the more popular items is the pistachio ice cream sandwich made with saffron rose water.Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pie in Red Hook, Brooklyn, has created a way to enjoy its famous key lime pie on the go. The founders came up with the idea of making a smaller version of the pie that fits on a stick and is dipped in chocolate.

28 of the best foods that you have to try in 2021

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-halal-guys-san-jose-2?select=WWl8jM1TycjTkeY1cnb9-A">Yelp/Truc T.</a>The Halal Guys in San Jose, California.</div></div></div>Halal food is taking over the US. Sales of food prepared according to Islamic law are expected to hit $20 billion this year, from restaurants to supermarkets,<a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-09-14/america-loves-muslim-food-so-much-for-a-clash-of-civilizations"> reports Bloomberg. </a>That figure, from the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America, is up 33% since 2010. Where's the growth coming from? According to Bloomberg, it is due to both the quickly growing US Muslim population and younger customers eager to try new types of food. Whole Foods ranks halal as one of its fastest-growing categories, and has been running Ramadan promotions since 2011. According to Adnan Durrani, CEO of Whole Foods' supplier American Halal Co., about 80% of customers who buy his Saffron Road brand buy it for the food's quality, not religious reasons.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheHalalGuys">www.facebook.com</a>Facebook/The Halal Guys</div></div></div>Halal food is also catching on in the restaurant space. In the last few years,<a href="http://thehalalguys.com/"> the Halal Guys</a> have gone from a New York City street cart serving gyros and other meaty dishes to a franchise with 200 units in development worldwide. If the halal trend continues to grow, it has the potential the next "kosher" - a designation that indicates better treatment of animals, as well as special preparations related to a specific religion. Thanks to the rising Muslim population, with projected figures indicating there will be 8.1 million Muslims in the US by 2050, and an increasing demand for ethically-produced food, halal food seems likely to only get hotter. In other words, if you haven't tried halal food yet, you probably will in coming years. <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/burger-king-introduces-cheetos-chicken-fries-new-2016-9">FAST FOOD WARS: Burger King goes all in with 'Cheetos Chicken Fries'</a></h3> <div> <div> <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="N1czd1NTE60FGiHQ5Z7RuIjQ3UcUTio-" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div> </div> </div> </div>

A hugely popular but largely ignored global cuisine is now worth $20 billion in America

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="9512773" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="monica-aldama">Monica Aldama</keyword> is the coach of the <keyword id="6651114" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="cheer">cheer</keyword> team at Navarro College in Texas and stars on the six-part <keyword id="128682" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Netflix">Netflix</keyword> docuseries "Cheer."</li><li>Aldama answered some rapid-fire questions for Insider about the interesting detail fans would be surprised to know about "Cheer," her partnership with Objective Wellness's Fast Sleep, and more.</li></ul><a href="https://www.insider.com/category/monica-aldama">Monica Aldama</a> is a championship-winning cheer coach at Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas and a star on <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/netflix">Netflix's</a> hit docuseries <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/cheer">"Cheer."</a>Aldama, who has led her teams to 14 NCA National Championships, answered some <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/worksheet-interview">rapid-fire questions</a> for <a href="https://www.insider.com/">Insider</a> about the artist who's always on her playlists, her advice on how to cope amid the <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/coronavirus-pandemic">coronavirus pandemic</a>, her partnership with <a href="https://www.objectivewellness.com/products/fast-asleep">Objective Wellness's Fast Sleep</a>, and more.1. Who was your first concert?Def Leopard. It was outdoors at the Coca-Cola Starplex Amphitheatre in Dallas, now known as the Dos Equis Pavilion.2. Who is the last person who gave you a really good piece of advice and what was it?My husband. He told me not to read the negative comments (especially on Instagram) after the show came out. Most of the press was really good, but a few articles were negative and portrayed me as someone who I'm not at all. So I didn't read them.Mental health is so important. Why read something you know that's not true and going to bring you down? Fans and critics only saw six hours of edited footage and you can't base your opinion on someone on just that alone. 3. Who's one artist or song that's always on your playlists?<a href="https://www.insider.com/category/taylor-swift">Taylor Swift</a>.<div type="image" title="taylor swift july 2019" height="1255" width="1673" msid="76778851" hostid="261"></div>4. What's the last show you binged?<a href="https://www.insider.com/category/tiger-king">"Tiger King."</a> Actually, I have a funny story about this — [Joe Exotic's] last husband in the show, Dillon [Passage] — he and I follow each other on Instagram. Well, one day, a guy named Dillon messaged me, and without putting too much thought into it, I automatically assumed it was Dillon from my team because they spell their name the same way.He sent me an article about how everything must be right in the world because somehow "Tiger King" and "Cheer" were connected. Apparently, Dillon used to be a competitive cheerleader a few hours away from our school and there are some photos of him out there with Navarro cheerleaders. So funny, and the whole time I was thinking I was messaging with Dillon from my team about this!5. What's one thing you'll never travel without?A jacket. I'm always cold. It can be summertime or wintertime, it doesn't matter. I have a jacket on right now because my office is like a refrigerator.6. Have you ever been starstruck? Who was it and what happened?I did kind of act crazy on the "Today" show when I met J.J. Watt — the Texans football player. They surprised me on the "Today" show with him. He had tweeted about "Cheer" and I mentioned that in a previous interview and clearly producers at "Today" took note. He happened to be in town at the same time filming <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/saturday-night-live">"Saturday Night Live,"</a> and the producers brought him on the "Today" show to surprise us and I fell out of my chair!<div type="image" title="cheer cast today show january 2020" height="1430" width="1907" msid="76778852" hostid="261"></div>7. What is a career moment you're most proud of?Well last year, our athletic director at Navarro created an athletic hall of fame. I was inducted as the inaugural inductee. It's a pretty big thing — especially because I still work here. I would assume this type of honor is for people that no longer work here, however, they inducted 10 people and I was one of the very first 10 people.8. What is one of your favorite phrases or quotes?I didn't realize it was going to get so much attention from the show, but this saying: "Keep going until you get it right and then keep going until you can't get it wrong." It's a motto we live by on the team.Another saying I love is: "To whom much is given, much will be required." To me, that means when you're blessed with things, you should definitely pay it forward.9. What's the biggest misconception about you?I think going back to what I was saying about not reading the negative comments, some of the things I read were that I cared more about my own ego than the health of the kids. But that's the furthest from the truth.Obviously the series showed a lot of the falls and kids getting hurt — which shows the guts, strength, and determination that goes into the sport. Having even one person think that I would jeopardize the health of my kids is absolutely gut-wrenching to me.<div type="image" title="&quot;Cheer&quot; on Netflix." height="899" width="1199" msid="76778853" hostid="261"></div>10. Is there a behind-the-scenes detail about the making of "Cheer" that fans would be surprised to learn?I think the fact that the crew filmed 12 hours a day for months, and had to edit it all down to just six hours is mind-blowing. I never imagined how much time and work goes into making a docuseries — it's so much more than I could have ever fathomed.There were so many things we did that weren't shown or didn't make it into the six episodes. I've seen comments from fans that they're surprised that prelims take place and then finals, because that wasn't shown.On the show, they only show the final competition. But prelims are the day before and we compete there and then turn around and compete at finals the next day in order of how you're ranked at prelims. So there's a lot of stuff that was filmed that didn't quite make it in the final cut. <div type="image" title="Monica Aldama on Netflix's &quot;Cheer.”" height="912" width="1216" msid="76778854" hostid="261"></div>11. What was the moment you knew you made it?I don't know if you ever know "you've made it." There's a lot of moments I feel like I made a step in the right direction.The first one being in the first national championship in 2000. We've gained a lot of respect over the years and now that the show has come out, people realize how hard cheerleading actually is and the athleticism that these kids possess.Winning national championships, bringing positive exposure to the college, being able to film this docuseries, and educate the world about what we do in college cheerleading — all of those to me are big accomplishments and steps in the right direction. Who knows what it takes to actually "make it?" I'm still working on it and am definitely proud of the positive stepping stones I've hit along the way.12. Why is this <a href="https://www.objectivewellness.com/">partnership with Objective Wellness's Fast Sleep</a> a natural fit for you?What started out as a partnership as I prepared for our biggest competition of the year, has truly become part of my nightly routine and such a go-to during this unique time. I can honestly say every night before I go to bed I take one square and it helps me to relax and not only fall asleep when I need but helps keep me asleep.13. How does it factor into your typical health and wellbeing routine?Sleep is more important than ever. Fast Asleep is a great sleep aid that brings you quality sleep from the unique relaxing combination of saffron and GABA. Sleep can affect productivity and concentration. We are faced with new challenges, and still expected to be 100% at everything — whether it is work, finding your new balance, keeping loved ones healthy and happy. Productivity and concentration are needed more than ever stemming from a good night's sleep.14. How are you trying to maintain normalcy in your life amid the pandemic? When it first hit I took a week to mourn the situation. All of the information coming out was shocking and I, as was my team, was devastated that the season was canceled.After a few days, I picked myself back up, and although we were sheltering in place, the college still allowed me to come in for work, so I tried to keep my normal routine as much as possible. I focused on tryouts and creating a new team and getting ready for them next year. Also, I was preparing for camp, and in my mind, just proceeded as if next season will happen as normal and to push through with that mindset.I was definitely home a lot more, but tried to keep my focus on work. I like work a lot. I realized very quickly that I need structure and need to leave my house. And although I enjoyed my time at home with my family, I quickly learned that I do not like working from home.15. Do you have any tips on how people can cope with what's going on in the world? I think definitely focusing on your attitude will keep you in check. I am a big believer that everything will fall into place with the right attitude. Jerry [Harris, from "Cheer"] said it best the other day: "To have an attitude for gratitude," meaning: be thankful for the things you have in life, and not to focus on the negatives.Obviously there is a lot of negative in the world right now, but taking a step back and trying to appreciate the things that are positive really helps you put things into perspective and be grateful for the daily things we take for granted: our health, work, going to the store, etc.I would say, try to focus on what you can do to be better or improve, whether it's something you never even thought you'd dream up. Mental health is super important.<ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/jerry-harris-cheer-interview-facts-2020-3">'Cheer' star Jerry Harris says he was starstruck by Billie Eilish at the Oscars and 8 more things you didn't know</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/haylie-duff-interview-facts-2020-3">Haylie Duff says her 4-year-old daughter Ryan is the best birthday gift she's ever received and 12 more things you probably didn't know</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/ryan-tedder-onerepublic-interview-fun-facts-2020-4">OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder says the band's next album includes songs 'written during the pandemic' and 21 more things you didn't know</a></li></ul>

'Cheer' star Monica Aldama puts Taylor Swift on all of her playlists and 14 more things you probably didn't know about the cheerleading coach

A local's ultimate guide to visiting Dubai

<div class="image-container float_right" style="width:480px"><div class="image"><keyword id="1795465" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Cultured-Beef">Cultured Beef</keyword> ProjectA Cultured Beef <keyword id="6433444" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Burger">burger</keyword> after it's been cooked. </div></div>Josh Schonwald, author of "The Taste for Tomorrow" and Austrian <keyword id="6181" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Food">food</keyword> researcher Hanni Rützler <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/first-ever-public-tasting-of-cultured-beef-burger-in-london-2013-8">were the first people to taste a burger made from lab-grown meat</a> at an event in <keyword id="6354968" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="London">London</keyword> on Monday. 
Both agreed: It had the texture of meat, but the flavor still needs work. 
The burger was cooked in a frying pan by Chef Richard McGeown, who approached the Cultured Beef patty "like a traditional burger" despite it being a "little paler than normal." 
Since the meat lacks blood cells, red beet juice and saffron were added to make the hamburger more pleasing to the eye. 
The hamburger's creator, Professor <keyword id="692531" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Mark-Post">Mark Post</keyword> of Maastricht University, believes that in-vitro meat could <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/test-tube-hamburger-could-kill-the-food-crisis-fears-for-good-2012-8">end the impending food crisis</a> and satisfy the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/lab-grown-hamburger-mark-post-2011-11">world's growing demand for meat</a> without destroying the environment or harming animals.
<div class="image-container float_left" style="width:480px"><div class="image">Cultured BeefIn a public tasting, food researcher Hanni Rützler said the texture of the Cultured Beef burger is "surprisingly close."</div></div>But does a test-tube live up to the real thing? 
Rützler said she was expecting the burger to be more juicy. 
The hamburger doesn't yet have fat, which is where most of the flavor comes from.
"It was crunchy on the top surface and hotter than I normally expect," Rützler said. The inside did not have an "intense meat flavor."
Schonwald was equally unsure about the flavor. "It's somewhere on the continuum between a Boca burger and a McDonald's burger," he said. Of the texture, he said it had a "cake-like quality."
Taste continue to be one the biggest technological barriers. "Theres no meat scientist that can tell you which chemical composition of meat drives the tastes," Post said.

The World's First Test-Tube Burger Is Not Very Tasty

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image">JPR MediaMarkets Group boss Anatoly Parkhomchuk</div></div></div>The London restaurant scene is thriving right now. According to the 2016 edition of<a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/peter-harden-opening-a-restaurant-is-easier-than-ever-2015-11"> British restaurant guide Harden's, more restaurants are opening in the capital than at any other time </a>- even topping pre-financial crisis levels - since the organisation began keeping track in 1991.Much of that growth is being led by a new wave of Russian entrepreneurs.Restaurants like Novikov and Bocconcino, both located in Mayfair, and successful mini-chains, including Burger &amp; Lobster and Goodman, are all Russian-owned. Many other restaurants have the backing of wealthy Russians.Restaurateur Anatoly Parkhomchuk is also a Russian business owner setting up shop in the capital, but unlike many of his Russian counterparts in London, Parkhomchuk is not a super-wealthy oligarch. He started out as a bartender in Moscow, before coming to England in the early 2000s.Business Insider <keyword id="6354868" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="UK">UK</keyword> sat down with Parkhomchuk and his business partner, Sergey Men, at one of their two restaurants to talk about how the two men went from working in the service industry to running two successful London restaurants - <a href="http://www.thecrystalpalacemarket.com/">Crystal Palace Market</a> in south London and <a href="http://www.theworldsendmarket.com/">World's End Market</a>, which opened on the King's Road in Chelsea at the start of this year.When asked why Parkhomchuk came to London in the first place, he laughs: "A broken heart I would say." Parkhomchuk and Men knew each other in Moscow, where Parkhomchuk first worked as a bartender and waiter, and Men as a sushi chef."I started working for a major restaurant group in Moscow in 2000, and in 2003, they gave me the chance to come over here to work as a chef. I worked as a sushi chef for about five years, and then I did my degree and moved into the finance department of the company," says Men.The pair lived in Crystal Palace in south London when they first came to Britain, and realised while there that the area was severely lacking in decent dining options."When we were planning on opening a restaurant in Crystal Palace, because we lived there, we understood that there was a market for what we wanted to do," says Men. "We did nearly 8 months of research before we opened, and found that the area needed this kind of restaurant. We put all our own money into the place. We didn't really have investors."<h2>The key to success in a thriving market</h2>The first restaurant, Crystal Palace Market, opened in May 2013. Both it, and World's End Market specialise in market fresh produce cooked simply in a British brasserie style and at a reasonable price point, something that both men think has been crucial to their success.The men did not reveal the business' revenues or the number of people it serves daily, but it appears to be doing well, at least based on the number of patrons when Business Insider visited at 3 p.m. on a Thursday, a general quite time for restaurants.Mains are largely meat- and fish-based, with dishes like ribeye steak, and whole seabass featuring on the menu. All mains are cooked on a huge grill. They cost between £13-23 ($19.50-34.50), substantially cheaper than at many Chelsea restaurants. For example, just down the road at <a href="http://www.kingsroadsteakhouseandgrill.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/ALC_Nov16_2015_A3.pdf">Marco Pierre White's King's Road Steakhouse</a>, a fillet steak costs £32 ($48). At World's End Market, it will cost you just £22 ($33).Starters are a little more inventive, and heavily focused on raw seafood, with dishes like Carpaccio of Seabass with horseradish, shallots, lemon &amp; truffle oil, and Lemon Cured Tuna with Ginger, jalapeno chili &amp; coriander dressing featuring. The majority of starters are under £9 ($13.50).<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Business Insider/Will MartinRare Seared Beef Fillet with citrus soy, saffron pear and horseradish mayonnaise at World's End Market</div></div></div>"One of the big differences we have is the approach to our food. We only use suppliers for alcohol and things. For the food, vegetables, fish, meat, we have drivers and chefs who go to the market almost every night. This makes everything cheaper, meaning we can give people quality for a lower price," says Men, who is in charge of operations for the Markets Group, which oversees both restaurants.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Business Insider/Will MartinTuna tartar, Moroccan eggplant, cumin mayonnaise at World's End Market</div></div></div>Success in the restaurant business, particularly at World's End Market, is tied to doing things differently to other restaurants in the area, the partners say. For example, many restaurants in Chelsea are renowned for being places to be seen, rather than actually enjoying a good meal. But at World's End Market, the food is king. The freshness of the produce used at both Crystal Palace Market and World's End Market is obvious. Business Insider was given a few dishes to try, and the quality of the ingredients was truly excellent."London is a huge market, and there's enough business for everybody. If you love what you do, anyway you offer it, you're going to win the business. People here really appreciate a quality approach," says Parkhomchuk.One key to their success, Parkhomchuk says, is not being slaves to a rigid business plan. When World's End Market opened in February - on the site of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_World%27s_End,_Chelsea">a former pub so famous that it has seen the whole surrounding area nicknamed World's End</a> - it was not something that had been planned extensively. <div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image">World's End MarketThe dining room of World's End Market</div></div></div>"The restaurant [Crystal Palace Market] was a great success so we looked to expand, and an opportunity came up with this property [World's End Market] and we didn't want to miss it. There was no strategic reason for this, it's just circumstances dictated it. It was the right place and the right time to come here," Parkhomchuk says.Unlike lots of businesses, the Markets Group doesn't have a set plan for expanding, but is looking to grow pretty rapidly in the coming years. "We're looking to expand the operation to around 10 units. We're just about in the position to start opening a new location. We're in touch with a couple of venture funds, and some private investors and we're exploring how we can grow further. We're gonna take some time, but at the minute our costs look pretty bulletproof, and both operations are running flawlessly," says Parkhomchuk.Markets Group wants to open restaurants in both east and west London. Shoreditch, and Fulham are both possible locations, Parkhomchuk said.<h2>Exciting times for London restaurants</h2>The restaurant scene in London is pretty exciting right now, but is going to undergo big changes in the coming years, according to both Men and Parkhomchuk."London's scene has grown so much recently, in the last 15-20 years as well. There's obviously big players like <a href="http://www.caprice-holdings.co.uk/">Caprice Group</a>, who I would say are one of the Mohicans of the industry. You always have to look at them, always watching them. I think they're great."But there's also a lot of young companies starting up with really unique concepts. You've got the likes of the Zelman Brothers who are just really talented people. They're someone we look up to and follow."The Zelman brothers run Goodman, the upmarket steak chain, and have just opened Zelman Meats, a restaurant that says <a href="http://www.zelmanmeats.com/">"</a><a href="http://www.zelmanmeats.com/">We just cook beef, that's all we do" on its website.</a>"The market will obviously change, and customers needs will too. I mean it's already changing now, with companies like Deliveroo, who are influencing things and creating an easy approach [to dining].""Its great to be in this time and era, where we are right now. We can be in that wave of people growing and expanding," Parkhomchuk says.<h2>"What people expect in London and Moscow is not the same" </h2>Having worked in both Russia and the UK, the business partners were keen to stress that London's restaurant scene is far removed from what goes on in their homeland."What I've noticed about the places opening in Russia is that they only work for a certain period. They're trendy when they're new and when you offer something new, but then they've got a life of 2-3 years, and then people start to go to newer places, and they close down. Here, if you open a restaurant that has good service and food, it can work for 10-20 years," says Men."Customers are very loyal here," Parkhomchuk adds.He also recalls what it was like going to restaurant before the collapse of the Soviet Union. "In the Soviet Union, to get a table in a restaurant it was one of the great missions. You'd have to book it in two months time, and pay the concierge money in the hand. There'd be queues outside because there weren't many restaurants."While clearly proud of their Russian roots, neither of the Markets Group's founders want their business to be solely identified as being from the country."We're not screaming out as a Russian restaurant. We live here. We're residents and we're contributing to the economy. My wife is British. We don't really define ourselves as Russian or British. We just do what we do," Parkhomchuk says.Men adds:"We don't advertise our ethnic origins, or that we used to live in Russia, because that way you create a Russian restaurant or just attract the Russian public, and we don't want to do that. We do work with a few PR companies, but they promote us as a British restaurant. That's what we think we are. We try to promote British producers." <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/frank-perkins-hixon-jr-insider-trading-story-investment-banker-mistress-child-2015-11">How a successful investment banker used insider information to bankroll his mistress and child</a></h3> <div> <div> <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="I3cGV5eDpNp-um-fuwDxzHgv3f6qYrGH" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div> </div> </div> </div>

A former bartender left Russia to open a successful British restaurant in London - here's his story

NEW DELHI: Even as a "communal versus secular" battle promises to remain the main motif of the 2014 election, <keyword id="1575" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Congress">Congress</keyword> has sought to counter criticism that it presided over a shrinking <keyword id="34412" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="economy">economy</keyword> by balancing its "welfare" instincts with an outreach to business. 
 Though Congress's political focus remains challenging <keyword id="14666" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="BJP">BJP</keyword>'s prime ministerial <keyword id="53129" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="candidate">candidate</keyword> <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> by painting him as a threat to the idea of a unified, equitable India, the party is also looking to undercut his growth pitch. 
 Framing Congress policies as truly inclusive, vice-president <keyword id="5268" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Rahul-Gandhi">Rahul Gandhi</keyword> said, "The country can grow by a firm partnership between business and poor. It cannot grow either by neglecting business or the poor." 
 
The manifesto, which bears a strong imprint of Rahul's thinking, promises a strong set of rights-based initiatives intended to benefit a "sandwiched" class of those between the poverty line and the middle class. 
 
Rahul has consistently focused on this section, estimated by his backroom to number 70 crore, and the manifesto promised to bring these "skilled hands" into the middle class through a 15-point agenda. 
 
Addressing the interests of a class that is not-rich, not-middle class, not-BPL (NRMB) can help Congress counter caste and identity based politics of its rivals in many states, party sources contended. 
 
The document released on Wednesday looks to offer a "complementarity" between business and beneficiaries of the welfare schemes by arguing that programmes like homestead and health security will spur demand. 
 
Just the health sector could see an addition of 60 lakh jobs while Congress promised to frame policies that can deliver 10 crore jobs – a clear attempt to counter the damaging criticism that UPA policies delivered jobless growth. 
 
The lack of specific initiatives — apart from pledges such as fixing retrospective tax — to encourage foreign investment reflects a belief that if systems work in a fair and efficient manner, capital is bound to follow. 
 
There are other shifts from past UPA policy that point to the ongoing change of guard in Congress with the manifesto's political and governance reforms underlining Rahul's oft-repeated view that rent seeking and influence peddling is the bane. 
 Though the proposals cannot wish away the negative impact of a series of corruption scandals, Rahul chose to defend the 'primaries' experiment in choosing <keyword id="6355187" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Lok-Sabha">Lok Sabha</keyword> candidates saying it was an idea well worth the effort. 
 
His argument that making a system more transparent can make it that much harder for bribe-giving and lobbying to influence decisions has been at best partially successful. But either way, Congress is clearly committed to Rahul's way. 
 
The balancing act between welfare and growth seeks to retain the support of those likely to benefit from schemes like rural employment and food security and counter Modi's sharp criticism that corruption, shrinking employment and stalled businesses meant both the poor and the middle class lost out. 
 
The rebalancing did not, however, see any dilution of Congress's focus in a rights-based approach that party leaders say is intended to "give the deserving their due" and this means health cover including free medicines, homestead security and pensions. There is also the promise to improve education through a greater role of private institutions. 
 
Though Rahul said he recognizes the need for business to prosper to fund welfare schemes, the manifesto clearly does not see the rights as "handouts" but feels they level the playing field for the disadvantaged. 
 
 
 The manifesto slammed the "retroactive <keyword id="6383566" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Taxation">taxation</keyword>" while promising to pump in one trillion dollars in infrastructure in ten years and bringing in flexible labour policy to boost competitiveness. It also lays stress on job creation and manufacturing. 
 
"The elections are not just about good work and economic development. For Congress, this election is to safeguard the constitutional framework that the freedom fighters bequeathed to us…we don't turn man against man," she said. 
 The Congress trinity of <keyword id="71" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Prime-Minister">Prime Minister</keyword> <keyword id="6359397" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Manmohan-Singh">Manmohan Singh</keyword>, <keyword id="689" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Sonia-Gandhi">Sonia Gandhi</keyword> and Rahul singled out Modi for sharp attack. Rahul backed Singh's earlier description that Modi would be a disastrous for India as a PM and added that he represented an ideology that would hurt the country. 
 Congress faces strong anti-incumbency after a decade in power, co<keyword id="6355553" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="MP">mp</keyword>ounded by the slips on the graft-and-growth fronts that have put its chances with the middle-classes under a cloud. The failure in the largely rural states of MP, <keyword id="43945" type="COMPANY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Chhattisgarh">Chhattisgarh</keyword> and Rajasthan in the December elections underlined the limitations of the appeal of UPA's flagship schemes. 
 
The attack on BJP and Modi for "communalism" seeks to address the vast electorate of Muslims and minorities who are likely to polarise against the BJP with Modi as mascot. There seems a realization among the Congress strategists that because of his image, Modi is succeeding in baiting the Hindu votes despite talking about development in his rallies. 
 
The bid to corner the saffron camp aims as much to corner it with a large section of the electorate as also to deepen the "secular" deterrent for the regional parties mulling partnership with BJP. 
 
Times View 
 
The Times of India Manifesto ('MANIFESTOI', published on March 14) had made a strong case for fiscally responsible and socially progressive governance. The Congress manifesto is broadly in line with our philosophy, although it is somewhat skimpy on details. It calls for accelerated growth and financial prudence; speedy introduction of GST; administrative, legal and judicial reforms, flexible labour laws; 'zero aversion' to foreign investment; decriminalization of consensual gay sex; greater spending on health and education; creation of a business-enabling environment. All of this, and more, was contained in the TOI Manifesto. Question is, how much of it will the Congress be able to actually implement? After all, it had a decade to do it. 
 
While agreeing with the overall thrust of the manifesto, it should be pointed out that what Congress calls a 'rights- based approach' can be rendered meaningless by overreach. We have no quarrel with the general proposition that many of the services government provides to citizens should be treated as their due rather than a favour. Indeed, it is an important change in the mindset of those in 'power'. However, we must not make the mistake of assuming that all of India's problems – among them the fact that not everybody gets their roti, kapda and makaan – can be legislated away by giving people a 'right' to them. Guaranteeing the right to health, for instance, is a far cry from actually delivering quality, affordable healthcare to 1.2 billion. 
 
<a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/specials/lok-sabha-elections-2014/news/TOI-manifesto-An-agenda-for-the-new-government/articleshow/31973967.cms">READ ALSO: TOI manifesto — An agenda for the new government</a>

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