Hari Om Parents,
We started the class with Likhita Japa and our daily prayers. We recapped what we learnt in our last classes before spring break. As it was Tamil new year and Vishu Karnika, few kids talked about how they celebrated it at their homes. We played a Jeopardy game with questions related to Mahabaratha and India, the sacred land. We continued to discuss India. Since being a tropical place there are various spices grown in India. Most spices and Lentils grown have health benefits. Kids were asked if they helped in the kitchen with their moms and did they notice spices in mom's kitchen cabinet. We showed a few spices and we were happy to see kids recognize their names and importance as well. Few which we talked about are as below.
Turmeric:- Serves as a potent anti-inflammatory, helps in Combating cancer, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. Used to prevent acne, allergies, arthritis, and asthma.It is also used in wound healing.
Coriander:-Soothes stomach and lowers bad cholesterol.
Black Pepper:- Black pepper was considered the "King of Spices" and it was more valuable
than gold. Assists digestion, eases arthritis, heals hyperthyroidism and also protects hearing loss.
Cloves:- Prevents teeth and gum diseases.
Ginger:- Relieves all kinds of nausea, asthma, heartburn
Cardamom:- used as mouth refresherner.Lowers blood pressure, Prevents blood clot, eases asthma and helps in clearing sinus infection.
Cinnamon:- Defeats diabetes and protects the heart.
Cumin:- Fights diabetes and helps in Protecting bones.
Fenugreek Seeds:- Prevents diabetes and Helps in weight loss.
Wheat:- Is rich in dietary Fiber.
Millets:- It has micro nutrients like iron,calcium. Helps in weight loss.
Pigeon Pea(Tuvar Dal):- It has anti-inflammatory properties and also helps in preventing Anemia.
Green Gram(Moong dal):- It is used as Antioxidant. It aids in the digestive System and also helps promote weight loss.
BlackEyed Beans:- It has rich nutrients Folate and Vitamin A and helps lower Blood pressure.
ChickPeas:- It has very high protein content.
Home Work and Preparation for next class:- we have asked students to get two spices from home with a note on its benefits. if you could skip the above mentioned ones it would be great.
It was about time to leave for us to attend the Aarthi and Pledge in our prayer hall.
Few important up-coming events.
1) Gita chanting regionals on April 22nd
2) Bhajanotsavam on April 29th.
3) We would be having our class play on June 10th during the Annual Day/Mela Day. We are in the process of preparing for the same. Please look forward to more information on the same.
With pranams,
Shivram and Anuradha
