Thursday 19 September 2013

19Sept13 - Agarwood

Agarwood
(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Agarwood, also known as oud, oodh or agar, is a dark resinous heartwood that forms in Aquilaria and Gyrinops trees (large evergreens native to southeast Asia) when they become infected with a type of mould. Prior to infection, the heartwood is relatively light and pale coloured; however, as the infection progresses, the tree produces a dark aromatic resin in response to the attack, which results in a very dense, dark, resin embedded heartwood. The resin embedded wood is commonly called gaharu, jinko, aloeswood, agarwood, or oud (not to be confused with 'Bakhoor') and is valued in many cultures for its distinctive fragrance, and thus is used for incense and perfume. 
    Left showing the mould infecting the tree, resulting in a dark resin core

One of the main reasons for the relative rarity and high cost of agarwood is the depletion of the wild resource. Since 1995 Aquilaria malaccensis, the primary source, has been listed in Appendix II (potentially threatened species) by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

 In 2004 all Aquilaria species were listed in Appendix II; however, a number of countries have outstanding reservations regarding that listing.

Oud oil can be distilled from agarwood using steam, the total yield of agarwood (Oud) oil for 70 kg of wood will not exceed 20 ml.

    Workers extracting agarwood oil from the wood.

Usages and benefits
-Calms the mind and promotes good sleep
-For mediation and relaxation of the mind
-Improves mental clarity
-Remove bad chi in fengshui

    Agarwood essence oil and bracelets


Friday 6 September 2013

06Sept13 - Strawberries!

10 Health Benefits of Strawberries
1. Helps burn stored fat
The red coloring contains anthocyanins, which stimulate the burning of stored fat. When a group of animals was fed a high-fat diet along with anthocyanins, they gained 24 percent less weight than the animals eating the high-fat diet without added anthocyanins. (The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry)
2. Boost short term memoryThe anthocyanins boost short term memory by 100 percent in eight weeks. (The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry)
3. Low in Calories – High in Fiber
One cup contains only 54 calories.
4. Ease Inflammation
Strawberries lower blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a signal of inflammation in the body. In a study, women who ate 16 or more strawberries per week were 14 percent less likely to have elevated levels of CRP. (Harvard School of Public Health.)
    Yup a straw to remove the core of your strawberries ^^
5. Lower cardiovascular disease
Flavonoids — which are responsible for the colour and flavour of strawberries — lower the risk for heart disease.
6. Promote bone health
Strawberries contain potassium, vitamin K and magnesium which are important for bone health.
7. Prevent oesophageal cancer
Studies show freeze-dried strawberry powder may help prevent human oesophageal cancer.
8. Anti-aging properties
Strawberries are filled with biotin, which helps build strong hair and nails. They also contain the antioxidant ellagic acid, which protects the elastic fibers in our skin to prevent sagging. 
9. Good for weight loss
The compound nitrate found promotes blood flow and oxygen in our body, which is great for weight loss.
10. Promote eye health
Eating three or more servings of fruit like strawberries may lower the risk of macular degeneration, a condition resulting in vision loss. (Archives of Ophthalmology)
Read more:(source)

    Strawberries do not store well, so consume them soon!

Have a great Friday and weekend!

JJ

Monday 2 September 2013

02Sept13 - Coloring Book App

Hi All,

Just like to share with everyone a coloring book app I did recently. :)



It is available to download on both Android and iOS.

There is lite version so please try it out! 
Thanks!

Hope it will be a great sept for everyone!

JJ