THE HISTORY OF ROOT BEER

Root beer is a sweet, dark beverage flavored with the root or bark of the sassafras tree or the sarsaparilla vine. This drink comes in alcoholic and non-alcoholic variants. Enjoyed for decades, root beer traces its roots in colonial times in America.

Apart from the root or bark of the sassafras tree or the sarsaparilla vine, root beer is also made with a variety of herbs. Root beer also comes in different types including birch beer, sarsaparilla beer, and ginger beer.

The Beginning of Root Beer

Root beer was derived from a traditional native American beverage made from sassafras. This herbal drink was used to treat certain ailments as well as mixed in cooking. But as Europeans made their way into the North America, the drink was being prepared using European techniques. The earliest root beer recipe existed in the 16th or 17th century. From the 1840s and beyond, root beer was being sold in candy stores. Written recipes of root beer have been recorded since the 1960s. Historians believe that the root beer recipe was incorporated with soda recipes during the 1850s to make the beverage. However, root beer was sold as a syrup, not as a ready-made drink.

Charles Hires developed the first commercially available root beer recipe. Hires was a Philadelphia pharmacist who allegedly discovered the herbal concoction while on his honeymoon. He began selling the dry version of the tea. Eventually, he developed a liquid version of the recipe. Hires’ root beer recipe was made from over 25 ingredients, including berries, herbs, and roots. He was also the first to combine the root beer mixture to soda pop to alter its flavor.

In 1876, Hires’ version of root beer was launched to the masses through the Philadelphia Centennial exhibition.

Root Beer Ingredients

Root beer was classified as small beers. Small beers are local beverages made from barks, roots, and herbs. Early root beer recipe included allspice, birch bark, coriander, juniper, ginger, wintergreen, and hops. Other ingredients are burdock root, dandelion root, spikenard, pipsissewa, guaiacum chips, cherry bark, yellow dock, prickly ash bark, sassafras root*, vanilla beans, dog grass, molasses, and licorice. All these ingredients add to the rather complex flavor of the beer as well as its distinct color. Some of the ingredients listed above are still being used in modern root beer.

Different companies have different variations of the root beer recipe. Unsurprisingly, these recipes are kept under lock and key! This means root beer does not have a single recipe at all.

Launching Bottled Root Beer

Charles Hire would eventually make his fortune on his herbal concoction. The Hires family continued manufacturing root beer and was the first to distribute the drink in bottled, ready to drink form in 1893. This was the beginning of the modern root beer we know and love today.

Since then, different companies came up with different versions of the more popular recipe developed by Charles. Once such company is A & W Root Beer, which was founded by Roy Allen in 1919.

Brushing and flossing alone are not

Brushing and flossing alone are not enough to keep the teeth healthy. Even with regular brushing, the teeth are still vulnerable to cavities and tooth decay. Destructive bacteria that break down the enamel of the tooth cause cavities. Eventually, cavities will wear away the teeth, causing decay.

Unfortunately, these bacteria love sugar and carbohydrates. The good news is, you don’t have to buy expensive oral care products for healthy teeth and gums. In today’s post, we are listing down practical ways to improve oral health and prevent tooth decay the natural way:

Avoid Refined Sugars

One of the most effective ways to improve oral health without special toothpaste or other products is by avoiding refined sugars. All types of sweet foods expose the teeth to acids that weaken the tooth enamel. Eating sugar treats regularly will lead to plaque buildup that hardens. Once the plaque hardens, bacteria will eat away the tooth. Cutting back on sugary foods minimizes the acidity in the mouth caused by sugar-loving bacteria. The result? Healthy, stronger teeth!

Drink Tea!

Did you know that teas of all kinds improve teeth and gum health? Tea contains anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants that neutralize bacteria that destroy the teeth. Certain types of teas also eliminate plaque buildup and suppress oral infections. To keep the teeth and gums strong and healthy, consider drinking green and black tea three to four times daily.

Avoid Acidic Foods

Acidic foods destroy the tooth enamel the same way as bacteria do. Fruit juices, citrus fruits, and other acidic foods weaken the tooth enamel. Coupled with bacteria buildup and sticky plaque, the teeth become vulnerable to tooth decay and cavities. If you love eating acidic fruits or drinking acidic beverages, we recommend brushing your teeth at least an hour after eating or drinking.

Brushing After Meals

We all know how regular brushing keeps the teeth healthy. But did you know that brushing immediately after eating is actually bad for the teeth? You see, the teeth soften after eating. Brushing the teeth aggravates the already softened enamel of the teeth. Eventually, the enamel will wear away. And once the damage is done to the teeth, there is no way to reverse it! Instead of brushing your teeth immediately after eating, we recommend waiting for at least an hour.

Eat Calcium-Rich Foods

Eating calcium rich foods will keep the teeth resistant to cavities and tooth decay. Foods like nuts, cheese, broccoli, okra, and sardines are loaded with calcium that boosts teeth and bone strength and density.

Cut Back on Carbonated Drinks

Just like acidic beverages like fruit juices and coffee, carbonated drinks also weaken the tooth enamel. If you can, eliminate carbonated drinks from your diet. If you must drink fizzy beverages, use a straw. This way, the flow of the beverage is away from the teeth.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic treatment that keeps the teeth white, strong, and healthy. To perform this technique, swish a spoonful of coconut oil in the mouth. Swish the oil for 20 minutes before spitting it out. The key is to swish the oil continuously and resisting the urge to spit it out. According to practitioners, oil pulling will draw out toxins from the teeth and gums, leaving the teeth healthy./healthydietbase.com/

THE BEAUTY BENEFITS OF ARGAN OIL

Argan oil is a type of plant oil derived from the argan tree nut. The argan tree, which is endemic to Morocco, is a source of shelter, food, and protection among dessert-dwelling Moroccans. And because argan oil is having a moment in the beauty industry, the oil helped boost the country’s economy too! Curious about the beauty benefits of this all-around nourishing oil? In today’s post, we are exploring the amazing uses and beauty benefits of argan oil:

As a Nighttime Serum/Moisturizer

Did you know that argan oil makes an excellent nighttime serum and moisturizer in one? The oil is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients that combat aging. Argan oil helps strengthen the skin, plumping up the skin for a youthful appearance. To use argan oil as a nighttime moisturizer, get a few drops of the oil and warm it up with your palm. Using a gentle tapping motion, apply the oil all over the face. Give yourself a 5-minute mini-massage to let the oil sink deeper into the skin.

Reduces Stretch Marks

Argan oil helps restore skin elasticity and fade unsightly marks. The oil can be used to avoid stretch mark during pregnancy and fade stretch mark after having a baby! Just spread a generous amount of the oil on slightly damp skin after your morning and night shower. Apply more on stretch mark prone areas, like the abdomen, thighs, and butt. The vitamin A and E in argan oil will rejuvenate and strengthen the skin, making it resistant to stretch mark.

Reduces and Heals Razor Nicks and Cuts

Shaving may be a straightforward affair but the blade can cause burns and nicks that are very painful. You can use argan oil as an alternative to your favorite shaving cream. The oil lubricates the skin so the razor blade glides effortlessly, reducing painful nicks. The nutrients and antioxidants in argan oil also speed up healing of old cuts and nicks. Argan oil contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce inflammation and boost healing.

Shiny, Conditioned Hair

Dealing with flat, dull, and brittle tresses? Nothing that a little argan oil can’t fix! Argan oil is loaded with antioxidants and hair-friendly vitamins. Just apply a few drops of the oil over the lengths of your hair. Wear a shower cap and leave the oil on for 15 minutes. Shampoo as usual. You can also use the oil as a leave on treatment to tame frizz, reduce split ends, and restore shine! This is the perfect beauty oil if you style your hair every day!

Moisturize Nails

Got brittle, damaged nails? You can use argan oil as a fingernail and toenail conditioner! Just apply a few drops on freshly cleansed fingernails and toe nails. Give yourself a mini massage to work the oil into the skin. Leave the oil on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing. You can do this prior to giving yourself a manicure to prep the nails!

Heal Cracked Heels and Dry Elbows

Cracked heels cause painful skin fissures that could become infected. At the first sign of cracking, apply a generous amount of argan oil before going to bed. Finish up by wearing socks and you will wake up to softened heels. You can also use argan oil to moisturize dry elbows and knees.

BENEFITS OF STUDYING AT CAMBRIDGE

The Supervision System

As a graduate student at Cambridge you will be a member of a world-leading University, with departments internationally renowned for their research and the originality and significance of the work contributed by their academics. You will receive close individual support from an expert in your field – your faculty or department will assign you a personal supervisor whose role is to guide your programme of study or research. The availability of a suitable supervisor is one of the factors a faculty or department takes into account when considering your application.

Most students studying for a research degree also have a second supervisor or adviser who may be from a different faculty or department (if your research topic requires this). You may also be allocated a mentor. This supporting team monitors your progress and may be involved in your assessment during the first year. Some departments and all Colleges also have a graduate tutor available for personal or professional problem-solving, and for feedback.

Your supervisor completes a report on your progress at the end of each term. They will also help you to clarify your ideas; ensure that you recognise and aim to meet the required standard; and point you in the direction of information and resources that should enable you to produce first-rate work. But only you can ensure that you take full advantage of all the educational facilities that are available.

Supervising and Teaching Undergraduate Students

Research students may have the opportunity to gain supervising and demonstrating experience by undertaking teaching on behalf of colleges and departments. Supervisions involve the teaching of undergraduates in small groups of between one and four students at regular intervals throughout the term. Demonstrating involves helping academic staff in running laboratory classes and various teaching exercises such as drawing or computer-aided process engineering. Such experience can be immensely valuable in developing a wide range of transferrable skills which can be important for future career success, whether in academia or in other fields.

In order to ensure that this teaching does not affect your studies, such work is limited to a few hours a week (generally up to maximum of between 6 and 10 hours), and although the work is paid, it is not sufficient to make any meaningful contribution towards the cost of your studies./graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/

HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF MALARIA

Malaria is a parasitic disease caused by infected mosquitos. It’s caused by the Plasmodium parasites and is transmitted from the bites of an infected Anopheles mosquito vectors. Of the five types of malaria parasites, the Plasmodium falciparum is the deadliest of all.

According to the World Health Organization or WHO, there is an average of 198 million cases of malaria each year. An estimated 584, 000 deaths are linked to Malaria. The mortality rate of malaria is 47% worldwide and 54% in the African Region.

How to Prevent Malaria

Almost half of the human population is at a risk of contracting this deadly disease. To minimize your risk of catching malaria, keep these tips in mind:

Find Out About Your Malaria Risk

Malaria is common in tropical and sub-tropical environments. The wetter environment is conducive to the proliferation of Anopheles mosquitos. The possibility of an infection will vary from country to country so arm yourself with information when planning your trip. The last thing you want is to contract the disease while you are in a foreign country!

If you’re traveling, consider the time of the year you travel, the duration of your stay or the activities you plan to do.

Remove Stagnant Water

Anopheles mosquitos breed in stagnant water so to keep your home safe, remove standing water in and around the home. Stagnant water may accumulate in puddles and old tires. Just drain standing water to discourage mosquitos from breeding near your home. Start by checking the garden because this part of the home is prone to standing water. Remove stagnant water from all bird feeders, pond, etc., if you have these in the garden.

Use Mosquito Repellent in the Home

To keep the interiors of your home safe, make a habit out of using insect repellent every time you head out. So by the time you go back to your home, the fumes are gone and so are the mosquitos. You can also light a citronella candle to repel mosquitos. Occasionally, you can call a professional to fumigate the garden and the home.

Wear the Right Clothing

Instead of wearing skin-baring clothes especially during summer nights, consider wear trousers and long sleeved shirts. The less skin that’s exposed, the better. If you can, treat your clothes with permethrin. This chemical will help repel mosquitos!

Apply Anti-Mosquito Cream

If you must head outside and you’re wearing skin-baring clothes, slather anti-mosquito cream liberally all over your body. Focus on the legs and the arms then re-apply according to the instructions. If you’re heading out, bring a small bottle of anti-mosquito cream so you can simply re-apply anytime, anywhere!

Layering with Sunblock

If you are using a sunblock, do not apply it after the anti-mosquito repellent. You want to apply the sunscreen first, then the insect repellent after. Applying the sunblock after the anti-mosquito repellent will neutralize the effects of the latter. But if you can find a sunscreen formulated with an insect repellent then use that instead. This product goes light on the skin so it’s not as greasy as applying two separate products./healthydietbase.com/