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Goanetter Francis Rodrigues (Vasco/Toronto) unveils his book,
The Greatest Konkani Song Hits. Launch dates: Goa (Kala
Academy) on 9 Aug. 4 pm. U.K. (Staines) on 15 Aug. Canada on
20 Aug and US on 30 Aug. Details http://www.konkanisongbook.com/
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The botanical name Salvia Hispanica honours the Aztecs who were long familiar
with the plant and the seed. Considered the most beneficial of all whole
grains, Prof. Vuksan of Toronto calls the nutrient composition phenomenal. It
is rich in omega-3 oils, antioxidants, calcium, zinc and iron. A regular
addition to diet produces dramatic drops in BP levels, triglyceride levels and
the C-Reactive protein marker that predicts heart disease. The glucose lowering
effect after a meal was as high as 40 %. The very viscous soluble fibre gels
with food in the small intestine, slowing absorption and insulin spikes. The
grain can be consumed whole.
I picture the Deccan, around Belgaum, cooler and drier, to be an ideal
growing region for the crop, if introduced to India.
