Photo credit: Randy Neufeldt

Author: Melanie Dearringer

1. The genus Orchis comes from an Ancient Greek word meaning “testicle”; because of the shape of the bulbous roots. The term “orchid”, which is just a shortened form of the family Orchidaceae, was not introduced until 1845.

2. Orchidaceae is one of the two largest families of flowering plants with over 25,000 naturally occurring species in the world. The number of orchid species is almost five times the number of mammal species.

3. The smallest orchid in the world features flowers that measure in at a little over 2mm wide. The flower petals are transparent and are only one cell thick. This teeny tiny orchid belongs to the Platystele genus.

4. While orchids are commonly thought to be tropical plants, you can find orchids growing on every continent…except Antarctica.

5. Orchid seeds are the smallest seeds in the world and are comparable to the size of a particle of dust. Each orchid seedpod can contain millions of orchid seeds. The minuscule size of the seeds make it incredibly difficult to propagate orchids in this manner.

6. Some orchids strangely resemble creatures from the animal kingdom. Ophrys apifera, better known as the Bee Orchid, lures male bees with its enticing smell and bee like appearance. When a male bee approaches the flower to mate, it becomes covered in pollen and is sent off to pollinate the next orchid it visits. Check out 7 Orchids that Could be Mistaken for Animals to learn more about orchids that look like animals.

7. The vanilla flavoring we use in our homes actually comes from the orchid, Vanilla planifolia. The flavoring is made from a combination of the orchid’s seed pods and seeds within.

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Small rivers often have different names which include creek, stream and brook.

Rivers normally contain freshwater.

The word upriver (or upstream) refers to the direction of the river’s water source, while downriver (or downstream) refers to the direction in which the water flows, i.e. towards the end of the river.

Source: Science Kids

A human mind is like oceanic waves,
sometimes calm, sometimes rough,
and sometimes in a turmoil,
just like the cyclonic bursts.

Worries make a hell out of human life,
triggering the mind’s painful nerves,
just like the oceans waves,
lashing widly at the sandy shores.

A human mind is in a turmoil,
when thoughts are not clear,
just like the cyclonic waters,
twirling and swirling out of control.

But when a human mind is at peace and rest,
it is just like the occean,
with it’s calmness blessed.

~Suparna Subhash Pai, India

1.  Move on without them.
2.  Stop pretending their toxic behavior is OK.
3.  Speak up!
4.  Put your foot down.
5.  Don’t take their toxic behavior personally.
6.  Practice practical compassion.
7.  Take time for yourself.

By Marc and Angel

Yard-long beans. Scientific name: Vigna unguiculata

Beans contain beta-carotene, chlorophyll, vitamins B1 and B2, protein, thiamine, riboflavin, phosphorus, iron, fiber, and pectin. Vegetables are useful for controlling blood sugar levels, treat hypertension, minimizes the risk of stroke, heart attack, treating constipation, and improve the functioning of the digestive organs. In addition, he also has diuretic properties (laxative urine) levels are. By taking it regularly can help smooth diyakinin urination.

In some countries, beans are used to treat rheumatism, arthritis, and urinary tract disorders. Also to keep the skin from acne problems, helping fuel the recovery Lukar, diarrhea, eczema, kidney disorders, and itching. For those at risk of developing breast cancer and leukemia can take advantage of this vegetable because it contains anti-cancer substances. There are also the content of antioxidants, antiviral, and antibacterial. He also can improve the function of red blood cells, curing the disease of sheep, overcoming back pain, and anemia.

Source: Health Food Nutrition
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Snake gourd

Nutritional Value of Snake Gourd

Snake Gourd contains a rich variety of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for human health, including significant levels of dietary fiber, a small number of calories, and high levels of protein. In terms of vitamins, snake gourd possess vitamin A, B, C, as well as manganese, magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, and iodine.

Health Benefits of Snake Gourd

Detoxify the Body: Snake gourd has been used as a diuretic in traditional medicine for many years, as it stimulates the liver and increases urination, thereby speeding up the elimination of toxins from the body. It also increases the creation of bodily fluids, which can eliminate dryness and dehydration, which also helps in the normal functioning of the kidneys and bladder. Juice from the leaves can also stimulate vomiting in case something toxic has been consumed.

Digestive Issues: Children with bowel problems have been given snake gourd to ease their discomfort, as it acts as a mild laxative. Furthermore, the high fiber content of snake gourd can help anyone with bowel disorders and can eliminate constipation, reduce cramping and bloating, and optimize the nutrient absorption process in the body.

Fever Reduction: In many tropical countries, fever can be a major danger to public health, regardless of its cause. Snake gourd can be turned into a decoction and given to people suffering from fever. Overnight, fevers tend to break and the natural healing process can begin. Continue reading →

Improves vision

Helps fight cancer

Maintaining blood health

Reduces risk of heart disease

Good for digestion

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