Red Hot Meat

New Delhi, Jan 6 (IANS) Notwithstanding the brouhaha over whether the meat eateries are serving halal or jhatka meat or the recent Bird Flu scare, the reality is that the pandemic has resulted in a significant increase in raw meat orders online and key delivery players like FreshToHome, Licious, Zappfresh and BigBasket have seen three times growth in meat orders since the outbreak of the pandemic in India.The online meat delivery market was fairly nascent with a market size of Rs 700 crore in 2019. While the broader meat market has largely been unorganised, online is now growing fast as the players have successfully targeted consumer pain points associated with purchasing meat from local butchers. "Especially, super verticals like Licious and FreshToHome have quickly gained prominence. Even verticals like Big Basket are upping their meat game," according to Bengaluru-based market research firm RedSeer. While India's overall meat market was Rs 330K crore in gross merchandise value (GMV) in 2019, it is set to grow to more than Rs 460K crore by 2024, the firm forecasts. The Covid-19 scare, which forced people to stop going to their friendly neighbourhood meat shops, has helped online players to a great extent. They immediately jumped on to the bandwagon, successfully targeting consumer pain points like lack of hygiene, less options and longer wait time at the shops. "The meat provided by online players is clean, without any stain of blood and has negligible odour. The online players also differentiate in terms of width of offerings – especially ready-to-cook/ready-to-eat ones. The pieces are of high quality, rich in nutritional benefits, and ideal for urban, young, working consumers," the report noted. Meat market includes fish (freshwater and seafish), poultry (bird meat, ex-eggs) mutton (goat and lamb meat), pork and beef. More than 70 per cent of the Indian population consumes meat in some form or the other. This is particularly prominent in eastern and southern India. For instance, more than 98 per cent of the population in West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh consumes meat and fish, according to the report. "Success of online meat providers is due to vertically-integrated supply chains with high bars on quality. Also, the players have innovated to provide consumers a wide set of offerings, and attracted them through highly relevant and contextual marketing," RedSeer informed. FreshToHome is the world's largest fully integrated online brand in fresh fish, poultry and meat e-commerce, with approximately 1.5 million orders per month and $85 million (nearly Rs 600 crore) annualised sales run rate on its platform. FreshToHome said it enables its marketplace sellers to source and sell high-quality meat and fish directly from livestock farmers and fishermen and is present in most major Indian cities and the UAE. The fresh fish and meat e-commerce platform in October last year raised $121 million (approximately Rs 891.5 crore) in a Series C funding round. "Covid-19 transformed the fish and meat purchasing behaviour of consumers dramatically. Due to safety concerns, consumers made the habit-forming shift to e-commerce and we saw online demand for our products going up many folds this year," said Shan Kadavil, Co-Founder and CEO of FreshToHome. The online meat market has grown more than 2.5-3 times since Covid. "This was driven by Covid-related apprehensions while purchasing from offline/local butchers. The online players effectively communicated their superior quality and hygiene practices, which boosted consumer confidence," the RedSeer report noted. Therefore, online players gained significant number of new users since Covid-19 outbreak, even as existing users ordered more, which boosted volumes. --IANS na/arm

The news has started to trigger panic among the public. The people, still fear-struck with the Covid-19 infection, are afraid that the bird flu, which is also a viral disease, may turn into an epidemic. However, the health experts have negated such a possibility and advised the public to take precaution and not panic. The doctors said that the risk of human-to-human transmission of the H5N1 virus that causes the bird flu is very rare unless one works in proximity with the infected species of birds. "People who work closely with poultry are at high risk of getting the infection. Otherwise, human to human transmission of the H5N1 virus is very rare. Hence there is no need to panic," Dr. Harshal R. Salve, Associate Professor at Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) told IANS. "The bird flu is detected in sick birds and has the possibility to spread among humans only with those handling poultry or infected birds," said Dr. Rajeev Gupta, Director- Internal Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh (Delhi). Dr. Upali Nanda, Head, Preventive Health & Consultant-Medicine, Medeor Hospital Qutab Institutional Area (Delhi), also said that human-to-human transmission of the Avian Influenza is very unusual. Meanwhile, the public has started to ditch eggs and chicken meat in fear that it might carry the H5N1 virus and could infect the ones who would consume it. While there is no connection between the spread of Avian Influenza and consumption of eggs, the doctors suggested ditching undercooked poultry products and meat for a while to allay the fear. "There is no evidence available that suggests the spread of bird flu through eating meat or eggs. Nonetheless, eating raw meat and eggs should be avoided in the affected region till the incidents come down," advised Dr. Salve. He goes on to add that the public should not let their guards down and continue to follow the safe and hygienic practices adopted amid the pandemic to steer clear from any possibility of encountering the H5N1 virus. Dr. Nanda said that it is anyway not advised to eat semi-cooked meat and eggs. "People can also take extra precaution besides properly cooking the meat and poultry," she added. "Wash your hands with warm water and soap, especially before and after handling the raw poultry and eggs. Use different utensils for cooking raw meat and make sure meat is cooked properly until steaming hot. Avoid direct contact with live and poultry birds," Dr Nanda advised. She also suggested avoiding visiting live animal markets or poultry farms for now. "If need be, wear a mask and gloves all the time. Also, do not go near or touch bird droppings or sick and dead birds," Dr. Nanda added. The bird flu is not yet detected in the poultry birds. The National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, where samples of animals sent across India for detection of diseases, told IANS that it has not found the presence of the H5N1 virus in the poultry birds yet. The president of Ghazipur Mandi, biggest poultry market in the national capital, also informed IANS that no incidence of the bird flu among chicken meat has been reported in the market as yet. (IANS)

Red sandalwood is mainly found in India and is also called raktachandan. It is used for various medicinal purposes and health problems.   Due to the presence of anti-inflammatory and healing properties in red sandalwood, it can be applied to the skin for various skin infections and allergies. It is also used for treating acne and pimples.   Also, due to the presence of anti-diabetic properties in red sandalwood, it can help control diabetes and increase the secretion of insulin in the body.  The antioxidant property of red sandalwood can help in controlling the levels of cholesterol. Red sandalwood kadha or decoction is quite helpful in preventing dysentery due to the astringent property's presence.   However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using red sandalwood since some people can be allergic to red sandalwood.   Treating diseases/health problems through red sandalwood • For stomach ulcers              Scientific              Ayurvedic Due to the presence of gastroprotective properties in red sandalwood, it can help treat stomach ulcers by decreasing the secretion of gastric acid in the stomach. The antioxidant property of red sandalwood can help fight against free radicals and inhibit the damage to gastric cells. According to the Ayurvedic view, imbalanced pitta dosha and indigestion lead to stomach ulcers. It can cause inflammation, burning sensation, irritation, and bleeding in the affected area. However, due to pitta balancing and sita (cold) in red sandalwood, it can help prevent ulcers and lessens its symptoms like inflammation, burning sensation, irritation, and bleeding in the affected area.   For indigestion • Take around 1 to 3 grams of red sandalwood powder, or you can take it as prescribed by the doctor. • Swallow it with water or honey. • Use this remedy regularly before meals for getting better results.   • For edema              Scientific                 Ayurvedic Due to the presence of anti-inflammatory properties in red sandalwood, it can be quite beneficial for edema. According to science and research, red sandalwood can be applied to prevent certain inflammatory mediators' production, which further decreases the secretion of fluid in the tissue and thus prevents edema. According to the Ayurvedic view, an imbalance of vata and pitta dosha can lead to edema and causes swelling in the affected area. However, due to pitta balancing and shothar or anti-inflammatory properties in red sandalwood, it can help prevent edema and reduce inflammation.   For edema • Take some water. • Rub a small piece of red sandalwood in the water and make a thick paste. • Apply it to the affected area.  • Use this remedy to get rid of swelling and inflammation.   • For cough  According to the Ayurvedic view, an imbalance of kapha dosha can lead to the formation and accumulation of mucus in the respiratory system, causing obstruction and coughing. Even though red sandalwood has a sita or cold nature, however, due to the presence of kapha balancing property, red sandalwood in the form of red sandalwood oil can be used to treat cough. You can massage red sandalwood on your chest or inhale the steam with red sandalwood oil to help clean the respiratory tract and manage the cough. Ayurvedic care with the help of red sandalwood    For indigestion • Take around 1 to 3 grams of red sandalwood powder, or you can take it as prescribed by the doctor. • Swallow it with water or honey. • Use this remedy regularly before meals for getting better results.   For edema • Take some water. • Rub a small piece of red sandalwood in the water and make a thick paste. • Apply it to the affected area.  • Use this remedy to get rid of swelling and inflammation.   For headaches  • You need to take around 3 to 6 grams of red sandalwood powder. • Convert it into a paste by mixing it with some plain or rosewater. • Apply it on your forehead gently once a day to get rid of headaches.   For boils • Take some water. • Rub a small piece of red sandalwood in the water and make a thick paste. • Apply it to the affected area.  • Use this remedy to get rid of swelling and inflammation.   For healing wounds • Take some water • Rub a small piece of red sandalwood in the water and make a thick paste. • Apply it to the affected area.  • Use this remedy to get rid of swelling and inflammation.   Precautionary guide while using red sandalwood    • Breastfeeding  Since sufficient evidence is not available regarding the use of red sandalwood during breastfeeding, it is advised not to use red sandalwood at the time of breastfeeding, or it is better to consult a doctor before using red sandalwood breastfeeding.   • Pregnancy  Even though it is safe to consume red sandalwood in food amounts during pregnancy, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using red sandalwood during pregnancy.   • Allergy Red sandalwood can lead to contact dermatitis in certain individuals; therefore, it is advised to consult a doctor before using red sandalwood.   FAQ's about red sandalwood    Q How do we prepare red sandalwood paste? A Method to prepare red sandalwood paste is as follows. • Take around 1 tsp of red sandalwood powder in a container. • And add 2 tsp of gram flour to it and mix it. • Then add a few drops of lemon juice to it. • Then add some rose water. • Mix it well and make a paste. • Apply gently on the affected skin. • Then let it dry for some time. • Wash it with running water.   Q Is it safe to use red Sandalwood at the time of pregnancy? A Even though it is safe to consume red sandalwood in food amounts during pregnancy. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using red sandalwood at the time of pregnancy.    Q Can red sandalwood help in dysentery? A Yes,               Scientific             Ayurvedic Due to the presence of astringent property in red sandalwood, its fruit decoction can be quite beneficial for dysentery. It decreases the discharge of mucus secretions in the intestine and gives aid in dysentery. According to the Ayurvedic view, vitiated kapha and vata dosha can cause dysentery. It is called pravahika in Ayurveda and can be treated with the help of red sandalwood. In case of severe dysentery, inflammation in the intestine can lead to mucus and blood in the stools, which can be treated with the help of red sandalwood. This is because of grahi (absorbent) and sita (cold) properties in red sandalwood that can help prevent inflammation and bleeding.   Q Can red sandalwood help in the case of cholesterol? A Yes, due to the presence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in red sandalwood, it can be quite helpful for controlling the levels of cholesterol. It helps reduce the levels of total blood cholesterol, bad cholesterol or LDL, and triglycerides and increases the levels of good cholesterol or HDL.    Q Is red sandalwood helpful for liver problems? A Yes, due to the presence of hepatoprotective property in red sandalwood, it can be quite helpful in managing various liver problems. Also, red sandalwood possesses certain antioxidants such as flavonoids, which effectively fight against free radicals and prevent damage to liver cells. Therefore, red sandalwood can help to prevent various liver diseases.    Q Is red sandalwood helpful for diabetes? A Yes,             Scientific               Ayurvedic According to science and research, the red sandalwood's bark and heartwood can be quite helpful in controlling blood sugar levels.  This is due to the presence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in red sandalwood, which helps prevent damage to pancreatic cells and increases insulin production.   According to the Ayurvedic view, an imbalance of vata and kapha dosha can lead to diabetes. The imbalance of kapha and vata doshas disturbs the insulin levels in the body. However, due to the presence of kapha balancing and tikta (bitterness) properties in red sandalwood, it can be quite helpful in treating diabetes. It can help in controlling the levels of sugar in the blood.   Q Is red sandalwood helpful for wound healing? A Yes,              Scientific            Ayurvedic Red sandalwood in the form of red sandalwood oil can be used for healing wounds faster. This is because of the presence of certain constituents in it that can help in the contraction and closure of wounds. It also helps in promoting the formation of collagen and new skin cells. This is due to the presence of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties in red sandalwood. Due to its antibacterial property, it can also help in avoiding the risk of infection at the site of the wound. According to the Ayurvedic view, due to ropan (healing) property in red sandalwood, it can help heal wounds faster. It is used in the form of red sandalwood oil. It is also effective against conditions like swelling, burning, or irritation of the wound. This is due to its shothar (anti-inflammatory) and site (cold) properties.   Red sandalwood for wounds  • Take some water. • Rub a small piece of red sandalwood in the water and make a thick paste. • Apply it to the affected area.  • Use this remedy to get rid of swelling and inflammation.   Q Is red sandalwood helpful for headaches? A Yes,            Scientific               Ayurvedic Due to the presence of cooling and relaxing properties in red sandalwood, it can be used for treating headaches. It can be used in the form of a paste and can be applied gently on the forehead to get rid of headaches. According to the Ayurvedic view, an imbalance of pitta dosha can cause headaches. However, due to pitta balancing and sita properties in red sandalwood, it can be used to treat headaches and provide a cooling and relaxing effect.   For headaches  • You need to take around 3 to 6 grams of red sandalwood powder. • Convert it into a paste by mixing it with some plain or rosewater. • Apply it on your forehead gently once a day to get rid of headaches.   Q Is red sandalwood helpful for boils? A Yes,                Scientific               Ayurvedic Due to the presence of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties in red sandalwood, it is quite helpful for treating boils. It inhibits the spread of bacteria and reduces inflammation. It can be applied in the form of a paste to the affected area. According to the Ayurvedic view, due to the presence of ropan (healing) property in red sandalwood, it is quite beneficial for treating boils. Also, due to its shothar (anti-inflammatory) and sita (cold) properties, it can be used to reduce burning and irritation caused due to boils.   Red sandalwood for boils • Take some water. • Rub a small piece of red sandalwood in the water and make a thick paste. • Apply it to the affected area.  • Use this remedy to get rid of swelling and inflammation.

New York - Replacing red meat with high-quality plant foods such as beans, nuts, or soy may be linked to a modestly reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), say researchers. The study, published in the journal the BMJ, suggests that substituting whole grains and dairy products for total red meat, and eggs for processed red meat, might also reduce this risk. Substantial evidence suggests that high consumption of red meat, especially processed red meat, such as bacon, hot dogs, sausages and salami, is associated with an increased risk of death and major chronic diseases, including coronary heart disease. For the current study, a team of US researchers examined the relationship between total, processed, and unprocessed red meat and risk of CHD and estimate the effects of substituting other protein sources for red meat with CHD risk. Their findings are based on data from 43,272 US men (average age 53) from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study who were free from cardiovascular disease and cancer when they enrolled. Medical records were used to track CHD events (fatal and non-fatal) over this 30-year period. During this time, 4,456 CHD events were documented of which 1,860 were fatal. After taking account of other cardiovascular disease risk factors, the researchers found that for everyone serving per day, total red meat was associated with a modest (12 per cent) higher risk of CHD. "Similar associations were seen for unprocessed (11 per cent higher risk) and processed red meat (15 per cent higher risk)," said study authors However, compared with red meat, intake of one serving per day of combined plant protein sources, including nuts, legumes (such as peas, beans and lentils), and soy was associated with a 14 per cent lower risk of CHD. This risk was lower still (18 per cent) among men over the age of 65, and when compared with processed red meat (17 per cent). Substituting whole grains and dairy products (such as milk, cheese and yoghurt) for total red meat and eggs for processed red meat were also associated with lower CHD risk. This association was particularly strong among younger men, in whom the replacement of red meat with egg was associated with a 20 per cent lower risk of CHD. "These findings are consistent with the effects of these foods on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and support a health benefit of limiting red meat consumption and replacement with plant protein sources," the authors noted. (IANS)