What is soy milk?

Soy milk is made by soaking soybeans, grinding them with water. The fluid which results after straining is called soy milk. You can make soy milk at home with basic kitchen tools or with a soy milk machine. Soy milk is most commonly found in aseptic cartons. Most of the soy milk available in the market is flavoured and fortified with extra calcium or vitamins. The most popular flavours are vanilla and chocolate. Some producers add thickeners to their soy milk to give it a mouth feel of cow's milk. Traditionally, soy milk has a beany taste which is well accepted by the Chinese, but less by the Western palate. By using correct processing techniques, this beany taste can be reduced or eliminated. Recently, with the recognition of its health benefits and with its improved flavor and texture, soy milk has now a high and rising acceptance. Sometimes, use is made of protein isolates from soy bean which are mixed with water, oils, sugars, stabilisers to give it a milky appearance. This type of product should be described as soy drink and is not as wholesome as real soy milk.

Nutritional values of soy milk

Plain soy milk is very nutritive: it's an excellent source of high quality proteins, isoflavones and B-vitamins. Soy milk is free of the milk sugar (lactose) and is a good choice for people who are lactose intolerant. Also, it is a good alternative to those who are allergic the proteins of cow's milk.

Making your own soy milk

In China and Japan fresh soy milk is made daily using a simple, centuries-old process of grinding soaked soybeans and pressing the soy milk out of the beans. There, soy milk is sold by street vendors or in cafes. Soy milk is served hot or cold and is often flavored with soy sauce and vegetables to produce a spicy soup.

Many people find the cost of commercial soymilk to be prohibitive and make soy milk at home. They soak and crush soy beans and filter the liquid, which is soy milk. Some have invested in a soy milk machine that cooks and grinds the soy beans and makes soy milk, fresh in your own home. There are different brands of soy milk machines on the market (Miracle Soy Wonder, SoyJoy Automatic Soy Milk Maker, SoyToy Soy Milk Machine, Soyapower). You don't need these machines to make good quality soy milk, but they make life easier and give a high yield.

Chocolate pudding

Ingredients

1 liter soy milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoon sugar
100 g corn starch
150 g dark chocolate
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, or too taste

Servings: 6

Recipe directions

This chocolate pudding recipe gives a very thick pudding which will keep its form when turned out of the mould. If you like a more liquid pudding use 60 g corn starch instead of 100 g.

Add the corn starch to about 200 ml soy milk and mix to get a smooth slurry.

In the meantime bring the remaining 800 ml soy milk to boil. Add the sugar. When boiling slowly add the starch mixture, while stirring constantly. Continue to boil for a minute. Remove from heat, add the chocolate and salt and stir until the chocolate is dissolved.
Moisten the inside of a pudding mould with water. This step insures that the pudding will come out of the mould smoothly. Poor the chocolate pudding in the mould and let it cool down. Turn the pudding out of the mould on a serving plate.
Serve the chocolate pudding as such or with some brown sugar.

Chocolate facts

Everybody likes chocolate because of its melt-in-the-mouth consistency. Some people even crave chocolate as it contains some chemicals, such as anandamide and phenylethylamine, which creates a soothing effect on the brain. Eating chocolate releases endorphins, which act as pain reliever, in our brain. Chocolate does not cause acne. Dark chocolate is more healthier than milk chocolate.
These are some levels of nutrients in 100 g dark chocolate: 5.3 g protein, 397 mg potassium, 63 mg calcium and 3.2 mg iron. Chocolate also contains some vitamins and large amounts of antioxidant polyphenols, which can help to prevent oxidative damage to our cells and reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer.

t's very easy to make soy milk at home. If you make soy milk on a daily basis you might find an automatic soymilk maker (also called soy milk machine) such as Soyajoy, Soylife, Miracle, Soyquick, Soyawonder or Vegan Star very helpful.

Step1: Ingredients

You need about 125 g whole soya beans to make 1 liter of soy milk.

Step2: Soaking and dehulling the soya beans

Clean the soya beans and soak them in water for 10 - 16 hours. Although not necessary, you can remove the hulls be kneading the soya beans and flushing the loose hulls with water. Removing the hulls makes the extraction process more efficient. An alternative is to crack the soya beans before soaking. The hulls come loose easily and can be washed away. When you use cracked soya beans you need less soaking time: 6 - 8 hours.

Step3: Heating the soya beans (optional)

Heating the soya beans will destroy enzymes which are responsible for the development of beany flavour. This heating can best be achieved by microwaving the wet soaked soya beans during 2 minutes.

Step4: Grinding the soya beans

Grind the soaked soya beans and 1 liter water in a blender. Sieve the mixture trough a cheese cloth and recover the soy milk. The insoluble material which remains on the sieve is called okara, and can be used as an ingredient for bread making or as cattle feed.

Step5: Boiling the soy milk

Heat the soy milk till boiling point and continue boiling for about 5 to 10 minutes. After cooling, the soy milk is ready and can be kept in the fridge for another 3 days.

Step6: Flavouring the soy milk (optional)

The soy milk can be drunk as such but taste can be improved by adding some salt (also cow milk contains a lot of salt).
With soy milk you can easily make your own fruit smoothie. Fruit smoothies are very healthy because they contain soy milk and a lot of fresh fruits.

Benefits of Soy Milk

As the taste of commercial soy milk improves more and more people are drinking it as enjoyment. But many people drink soy milk for the added health benefits. So what are the benefits of drinking soy milk as compared to cow’s milk?

Benefit 1: Soy milk contains only vegetables proteins

Vegetable proteins have the advantage that they cause less loss of calcium through the kidneys. It is known that a diet rich in animal (and dairy protein) creates a higher risk for osteoporosis.

Benefit 2: Soy milk contains no lactose

About 75 percent of the world population cannot tolerate lactose. Some ethnic groups are more affected than others. For example 75 percent of Africans and 90 percent of Asians have lactose intolerance. As an additional benefit, soy milk contains the prebiotic sugars stachyose and raffinose. These prebiotic sugars boost immunity and help decrease toxic substances in the body.

Benefit 3: Fewer people are allergic to soy milk

Only 0.5 percent of the children are allergic to soy milk, whereas 2.5 percent is allergic to cow’s milk.

Benefit 4: Soy milk reduces cholesterol

The saturated fats in cow’s milk are unhealthy and increase your cholesterol. The protein in cow’s milk has no benefits for the cholesterol. Soy protein can decrease cholesterol levels. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration of US) confirms that soy protein, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may significantly reduce the risk of coronary heart. The FDA recommends to incorporate 25 grams of soy protein in your daily meals.

Benefit 5: Soy milk contains no hormones

Cow’s milk contains natural hormones (from the cow) but also synthetic hormones, which can influence the good working of our own body. The synthetic hormone rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone) increase milk production by as much as 20 percent.

Benefit 6: Soy milk does not cause insulin dependent diabetes

Although no general consensus exists among scientists, some studies have shown an association between drinking cow's milk in early life and the development of insulin dependent diabetes. This association does not exist with soy milk.

Benefit 7: Soy milk is rich in isoflavones

The presence of isoflavones is the most important and unique benefit of soy milk. Each cup of soy milk contains about 20 mg isoflavones (mainly genistein and daidzein). Cow’s milk does not contain isoflavones. Isoflavones have many health benefits including reduction of cholesterol, easing of menopause symptoms, prevention of osteoporosis and reduction of risk for certain cancers (prostate cancer and breast cancer). Incidents of these cancers are very low in countries with high intake of soy products, including soy milk. Isoflavones are also antioxidants which protect our cells and DNA against oxidation.

Nutritional values of soymilk

Soymilk is an excellent source of high quality protein and B-vitamins. Soymilk is not a rich source of calcium, this is way most commercial soymilk products are fortified with calcium.

Soymilk naturally contains isoflavones, plant chemicals that help lower LDL ("bad" cholesterol) if taken as part of a "heart healthy" eating plan.

Nutrional values of soymilk (per 100g):

Water	93.3	g
Energy	33.0	kcal
Energy	138.0	kJ
Protein	2.8	g
Fat (total lipid)	2.0	g
Fatty acids, saturated	0.214	g
Fatty acids, mono-unsaturated	0.326	g
Fatty acids, poly-unsaturated	0.833	g
Carbohydrates	1.8	g
Fiber	1.3	g
Ash	0.27	g
Isoflavones	8.8	mg
Calcium, Ca	4.0	mg
Iron, Fe	0.58	mg
Magnesium, Mg	19.0	mg
Phosphorus, Mg	49.0	mg
Potassium, K	141.0	mg
Sodium, Na	12.0	mg
Zinc, Zn	0.23	mg
Copper, Cu	0.12	mg
Manganese, Mn	0.17	mg
Selenium, Se	1.3	µg
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)	0.0	mg
Thiamin (vitamin B1)	0.161	mg
Riboflavin (vitamin B2)	0.070	mg
Niacin (vitamin B3)	0.147	mg
Panthotenic acid (vitamin B5)	0.048	mg
Vitamin B6	0.041	mg
Folic acid	1.5	µg
Vitamin B12	0.0	µg
Vitamin A	3.0	µg
Vitamin E	0.010	mg
[Source: USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference]

History of soy milk

The oldest evidence of soy milk production is a Chinese mural incised on a stone slab. It shows a kitchen scene that proves that soy milk and tofu were being made in China during the period A.D. 25-220. The oldest written reference to soy milk appeared in also in China at about A.D. 1500., in a poem "Ode to Tofu" by Su Ping.The earliest European reference to soy milk was in 1665 by Domingo Fernandez de Navarrete and in 1790 by Juan de Loureiro, a Portuguese missionary who lived in Vietnam. All these early references to soy milk only mentioned soy milk as part of the process for making tofu. Only 1866, Frenchman Paul Champion, who had traveled in China, mentioned that the Chinese drank hot soy milk for breakfast.

Soy milk was first referred to in the United States by Henry Trimble in 1896 in the American Journal of Pharmacy. In 1910, Li Yu-ying, a Chinese living in Paris founded the world's first soymilk factory. In 1917, the first commercial soymilk in the US was produced J.A. Chard Soy Products in New York.

The first calcium fortified soy milk was produced in 1931 by Madison Foods, Tennessee. This Madison Foods company was run by the faculty of the Madison College. In 1939 Miller started to produce canned liquid soy milk, which was called Soya La, because the dairy industries prevented Miller from calling the product "soy milk".

Calcium Fortification of Soy milk

Dairy products provide most of the dietary calcium in Western countries, where soy milk is becoming increasingly popular. Natural soy milk contains only 200 mg calcium per liter, which is 6x less than cow milk. Therefore, most commercial soy milks are fortified with extra calcium up to a level 1200 mg/L, which is the same as that of cow milk. Manufacturers of soy milk use this specific level of 1200 mg/L to provide an alternative calcium source to cow milk. However, the question is do we really need such high calcium levels in soy milk? Obviously, manufacturers want to avoid the debate about optimal calcium levels and simple use same levels as found in cow milk, which is traditionally a recommended source of calcium. However, studies have shown that a higher intake of milk and calcium from milk is associated with a higher risk of osteoporosis. The Harvard's Nurses' Health Study, which involved about 57,000 women, showed that women who consumed the most calcium from dairy products had almost double the rate of hip fractures compared to women who received the least calcium from dairy products.

Sources of Calcium in Soy Milk

Most manufacturers use tri-calcium phosphate as calcium source. Other calcium sources are calcium carbonate and vegetable calcium from seaweed (Lithothamnium Calcareum). In addition, the calcium in the water, used in the soy milk manufacturing process, can be significant. The calcium level of municipal water or well water can range from 0 mg/L up to 600 mg/L.

Bioavailability of Calcium in Soy Milk

A study by Robert Heaney and colleagues entitled "Bioavailability of the Calcium in Fortified Soy Imitation Milk, with some Observations on Method" (2000, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition) found that calcium from soy milk, fortified with tri-calcium phosphate, has an absorption efficiency of 75% compared to cow milk. Another study by Yangdong Zhao entitled "Calcium Bioavailability of Calcium Carbonate Fortified Soy Milk is Equivalent to Cow's Milk in Young Women" (2005, The Journal of Nutrition) found that calcium carbonate in soy milk had the same bioavailability than calcium from cow milk and had a higher bioavailability than tri-calcium carbonate. The lower bioavailability of tri-calcium phosphate is probably coming from the phosphate, which precipitates the calcium in the intestine. Soy milk contains phytochemicals, such as isoflavones and phytic acid, which may influence calcium absorption. Some studies have shown that isoflavones stimulate estrogen receptors in the intestine and increase calcium absorption, whereas other studies failed to show such effect. Phytic acid is known to inhibit calcium absorption but the low levels (less than 0.01%) found in soy milk are unlikely to have any influence.

Soy Protein Powder

Soy protein powder is a term to describe many products. Pure soy protein powder is powdered soy protein isolate or soy protein concentrate. This type of powder is mainly used in the food industry. However, soy protein powder is also used for powdered protein shakes, consisting of a complex mix of soy protein powder and other ingredients including thickeners, flavours, sweeteners, sugars, minerals and vitamins. It is an easy and efficient way to add soy protein to your foods and drinks. Compared to dairy-based protein powders, soy protein powder has some minor disadvantages. Soy protein powder does not dissolve that well (needs more shaking), may have a beany taste (can be masked with flavours) and can cause flatulence to people sensitive to soy sugars.

Health benefits

The health benefits of soy protein powders are coming from the soy protein and the associated isoflavones. A daily diet low in cholesterol and saturated fat and containing 25 grams of soy protein may reduce the risk of heart disease. The soy protein has a high biological value and contains all essential amino acids . Soy isoflavones have been recognized for many health benefits, including lowering the risk of heart disease, breast cancer, prostate cancer and osteoporosis. Soy isoflavones act as anti-cancer agents because they are antioxidant, inhibit the growth of blood vessels required to feed tumours and inhibit the protein production in cancer cells. Soy isoflavones are also beneficial for menopausal women because they may ease menopausal symptoms and help to maintain strong bones.

Isoflavones in Soy Protein Powder

The isoflavones content of the commercial soy protein powder is not always mentioned on the package. The isoflavones content can vary a lot and will depend on the method used to extract the soy protein.

Brands of Soy Protein Powder

There are many brands of soy protein powder. GeniSoy is a well-known brand of soy protein powder which can be blended with juice or other liquids to make nutritious shakes. One scoop of Genisoy protein powder contains 25 g soy protein isolate and 20 vitamins and minerals. Soy protein Supro Protein Powder contains similar amounts of soy protein (23 g) and is sweetened with stevia. Jarrow Iso-Rich Soy is made from water extracted soy protein isolate and is enriched with extra isoflavones.

Soy Protein Health Claim

In October 1999 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the US gave food manufacturers permission to claim on foods high in soy protein that they may help lower heart disease risk. A similar claim was approved a few years before for oat bran. Allowing health claims encourages food manufacturers to make more healthy products. Soon after the soy protein health claim was approved concerns arose about certain components in soy products, particularly isoflavones and anti-nutrition compounds. According to Elizabeth A. Yetley, Ph.D., lead scientist for nutrition at the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, every dietary health claim that has ever been published has had controversy. All foods, including soy, consists of many chemicals that can be beneficial for most people, but can be harmful to some people when used inappropriately.

Many controlled clinical studies have shown that foods rich in soy protein can have considerable value to heart health. A review of these scientific studies prompted Food and Drug Administration to allow a health claim on food labels stating that a diet containing 25 grams of soy protein, also low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. Most research involved whole soy foods including soy milk, tofu and soy protein. The recent controversy focuses mainly on specific components of soy, such as the soy isoflavones, but not the whole soybean or intact soy protein. These isoflavones extracts are sold as dietary supplements for use by women to help ease menopausal symptoms. Isoflavones act as weak estrogens and could have drug-like effect in the body. Some suggest that intake of isoflavones might increase the risk of breast cancer. Scientists are far from conclusive. Some studies even show the opposite, that soy may help prevent breast cancer. The Food and Drug Administration claim is only limited to foods containing intact soy protein and not to isoflavones extracts. According to Margo Woods, D.Sc., associate professor of medicine at Tufts University, there are probably hundreds of protective compounds in soy foods and it is just too big a leap to assume that a pill could do the same thing.

The Food and Drug Administration determined that diets 25 g of soy protein (four daily servings of 6.25 g soy protein) can reduce levels of low-density lipoproteins (bad cholesterol) by as much as 10 percent.The quantity of 25 g soy protein seems high but soy protein is actually easy to consume 25 g of soy protein. For example following foods are rich in soy protein:

• Four ounces of firm tofu contains 13 g of soy protein.
• A soy burger contains 10 to 12 g of protein.
• One cup of soymilk contains 10 g of protein.
• One soy protein bar delivers 14 g of protein.
• One half cup of tempeh provides 19.5 g of protein.

Criteria for Soy Protein Health Claim

To qualify for the soy protein health claim, foods must contain at least 6.25 grams of soy protein per serving and comply to other criteria, such as low content of fat, sodium and cholesterol. To qualify for the soy protein health claim, foods must contain per serving:

• 6.25 g soy protein
• less than 3 g fat
• less than 1 g saturated fat
• less than 20 mg cholesterol
• less than 480 mg sodium for individual foods, less than 720 mg sodium for main dish, and less than 960 mg sodium for complete meal.

Soy Protein Isolate

Soy protein isolate is the soy protein with the highest content of protein. It is made from defatted soy meal by removing most of the fats and carbohydrates, yielding a product with 90 percent protein. Therefore, soy protein isolate has a very neutral flavour compared to other soy products. Because most of the carbohydrates are removed, the intake of soy protein isolate does not cause flatulence. Pure soy protein isolate is difficult to find in stores and is mainly used by the food industry and less by consumers. Maybe you can find it in health stores or in the pharmacy section of the supermarket. It is mainly found combined with other food ingredients; for example, soy protein shake powder is a mixture of soy protein isolate with flavours, minerals and vitamins.

Industrial use of soy protein isolate

Soy protein isolate is used in the food industry for nutritional (increasing protein content), sensorial (better mouthfeel, bland flavour) and functional reasons (for applications requiring emulsification, water and fat absorption and adhesive properties).

Soy protein isolate is used in following food products:

• snacks
• meal replacements
• breakfast cereals
• energy and protein bars
• weight loss ready-to-drink beverages
• soups, sauces and prepared foods
• baked foods
• ice cream, yogurt and other dairy or dairy-free products
• meat alternatives
• processed meat, poultry and fish products

Use of soy protein isolate by consumers

You can use soy protein isolate in different ways. It can be added to your favourite juice, it can be added to milk shakes or smoothies, or it can be sprinkled on cereal to boost the protein content. Homemade soy yogurt, which is often too watery, can be made thicker by adding some soy protein isolate. The thickness of yogurt is the result of the coagulation of proteins in an acid environment.

Nutritional and health benefits of soy protein isolate

Soy protein isolate is a complete vegetable protein. It contains all essential amino acids for growth and it is equal in quality to the protein in meat, milk and eggs. On the other hand, it has a very low fat content. Soy protein isolate may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. There are also indications that soy protein can help in the prevention of osteoporosis, some cancers and menopausal symptoms. However, soy protein isolate may have less health benefits than whole soybeans or soy protein concentrates. During the production of soy protein isolate the protein is washed with alcohol, removing most of the isoflavones. The isoflavones have many health benefits such as improving arterial vasodilatation, lowering cholesterol and inhibiting atherosclerosis.

Textured Soy Protein

Textured soy protein, often called TSP, is used by the food industry in many foods products, mainly foods that resemble meat products such as beef, pork or chicken. Textured soy protein is also available in health stores. It is granular in texture and once rehydrated it has the texture of minced beef. Textured soy protein is also available in larger pieces that take on the consistency of stew meat after rehydration or as ready to eat soy jerky.

Production of Textured Soy Protein

Textured soy protein is made from defatted soy flour that is compressed and processed into granules or chunks. During this process, the structure of the soy proteins changes in fibres. Most textured soy protein is produced from defatted soy flour, soy flakes or soy concentrates with an extrusion process. This extrusion technology can form a fibrous matrix which is almost similar than that of meat.

Use of Textured Soy Protein

Textured soy protein has a shelflife of more than a year when stored dry at room temperature. After rehydration, it should be used at once or stored for a max 3 days in the refrigerator. To use textured soy protein read the instruction on the packages. Normally it says to rehydrate the protein in cold or hot water and to let it rehydrate for a few minutes. When you add a bit of vinegar or lemon juice the textured soy protein rehydrates quicklier. Textured soy protein can replace, completely or partly, ground beef in most recipes.

Nutritional values

Textured soy protein is rich in protein and extremely low in fat and sodium. Textured soy protein shall contain at least 35% protein on a moisture free bases. It is also a good source of fiber and isoflavones.

Soy Protein Concentrate

Soy protein concentrate is made by removing a portion of the carbohydrates (sugars) from dehulled and defatted soybeans. There are different soy protein production methods. The most frequent method used is alcohol extraction although this method results in most loss of the soy isoflavones. However, when the water extraction method is used to remove the sugars, there is a good retention of the isoflavones in the final product. Soy protein concentrate retains most of the fiber of the original soybean. Soy protein concentrate is widely used as functional or nutritional ingredient in a wide variety of food products, mainly in baked foods, breakfast cereals and in some meat products. Soy protein concentrate is used in meat and poultry products to increase water and fat retention, and to improve nutritional values (more protein, less fat).

Soy protein concentrate should contain at least 65% protein on a moisture free basis. The protein can have different solubility characteristics, depending on the extraction method. Some applications, such as drinks, require a highly soluble protein. The soy protein concentrate made with the alcohol wash will have low solubility.

Soy protein concentrates are available in different forms: granules, flour and spray dried.

Soy protein concentrate is very digestible and therefore suited for children, pregnant and lactating women and elderly. It is in pet foods and milk replacers for calves and pigs. Soy protein concentrate is even used for some non-food applications.

Benefits of Soy Protein

Soy protein is very healthy: it is very low in fat, contains no cholesterol and contains phytochemicals. The main phytochemicals in soy protein are isoflavones, saponins and phytc acid. These phytochemicals are strong antioxidants but have many other properties. Soy protein and its associated phytochemicals seem to reduce heart disease, osteoporosis and risk of cancer.

Soy Protein and Heart Disease

Soy protein reduces the cholesterol and help to reduce the risk of heart disease. The most important scientific study about the relationship of soy protein intake and heart disease is the meta-study by Anderson et al (Meta-analysis of the effects of soy protein intake on serum lipids. N Engl J Med 1995;333:276-282). They concluded that the consumption of soy protein rather than animal protein significantly decreased serum concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides without significantly affecting serum HDL cholesterol concentrations.
Anthony MS et al found that isoflavones in soy protein improve cardiovascular disease risk factors without apparent deleterious effects on the reproductive system of peripubertal rhesus monkeys (Soybean isoflavones improve cardiovascular risk factors without affecting the reproductive system of peripubertal rhesus monkeys. Journal of Nutrition 1996;126:43-50).
Erdman, J.W et all recommend in their study (Soy protein and cardiovascular disease: A statement for healthcare professionals from the nutrition committee of the AHA. Circulation 2000;102(20):2555-9) that including soy protein in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol promotes heart health. They found that the daily consumption of more than 25 g soy protein, with its associated isoflavones, could improve lipid profiles in hypercholesterolemic humans. They also found that soy protein without the isoflavones appears to be less effective in preventing heart disease. Taking isoflavones supplements without soy protein does not lower cholesterol but may provide other cardiovascular benefits.

Soy Protein and Osteoporosis

Research suggests that consuming soy protein and the replacement of animal protein with plant protein may protect against osteoporosis. Although Japanese women consume less calcium than most Western women do they have a lower prevalence of fractures. This could be explained by the soy protein consumption of Japanese women. Alekel, D.L. et al found that soy isoflavones attenuated bone loss from the lumbar spine in perimenopausal women.
Source: Isoflavone-rich soy protein isolate attenuates bone loss in the lumbar spine of perimenopausal women. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;72(3):844-52.

Soy Protein and Abdominal Body Fat

Soy protein contains calories, about 4 kcal per g, but does its consumption increase our body fat? Of course, if you add extra soy protein to your diet you may expect weight increase, but how does soy protein compare with for example dairy protein. One study investigated the effect of a daily supplementation of soy protein or dairy protein on body fat of postmenopausal women [1]. The researchers found that the group who consumed soy protein lost abdominal fat (-12 ml), whereas the group who had the soy protein replaced with dairy protein (casein) showed an increase in abdominal fat (+39 ml). Other parameters, such as total body fat, insulin secretion and lean mass did not differ between the groups. This study concluded that a daily supplementation of soy protein prevents the increase in subcutaneous and abdominal fat, observed with an isocaloric casein placebo in postmenopausal women.
Source: Effect of a daily supplement of soy protein on body composition and insulin secretion in postmenopausal women. Fertil Steril. 2007 Dec;88(6):1609-17.

Soy Protein and Cancer Risk

Epidemiological studies suggest that soy protein may reduce the risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer and prostate cancer. Japanese women, who eat a lot of soy protein (mainly from soy tofu and miso), have a much lower risk of breast cancer or prostate cancer than Western people have. The anti-cancer effect of soy protein could be explained by the phytochemicals, which are associated with the soy protein. These phytochemicals include the isoflavones genistein, daidzein and glycitein, phytic acid, saponins and protease inhibitors. Isoflavones and phytic acid have strong antioxidant properties and can prevent oxidative damage by free radical to our DNA and cells. Shu X.O. et all suggest that high soy intake during adolescence may reduce the risk of breast cancer in later life (Soyfood Intake during Adolescence and Subsequent Risk of Breast Cancer among Chinese Women. Cancer Epid Biomarkers Prev. 10: 483-488). The inverse association between soy protein intake and reduces risk of breast cancer was observed for each group of soyfoods examined.

What is soy protein?

Soy protein has been used since 1959 as ingredients for its functional properties in a variety of foods such as salad dressings, soups, vegetarian foods and meat imitations. Its functional properties are emulsification and texturizing. Recently the popularity of soy protein is increasing, mainly because of its health benefits. It has been proven that soy protein can help to prevent heart problems and many countries allow health claims for food, which are rich in soy protein.

In the US a soy protein health claim is allowed under the following conditions:

• One serving must contain at least 6.25 grams of soy protein.
• One serving may contain max 3 grams of fat, unless the product consists of or is derived from whole soy and contains no fat in addition to the fat inherently present in the whole soy. Of these 3 grams of fat max 1 gram may be saturated fat, representing max 15% of the total calories.
• The serving must contain less than 20 milligrams of cholesterol.
• The food must be low in sodium: less than 480 milligrams for an individual food, less than 720 milligrams for a main dish and less than 960 milligrams for a meal product.

Categories of soy proteins

Soy proteins can be divided into different categories according to their production method:

• Soy protein isolate is the most refined form of soy protein and is mainly used in meat products to improve texture and eating quality. Soy protein isolate contains about 90 percent protein.
• Soy protein concentrate is basically soybean without the water soluble carbohydrates. It contains about 70 percent of protein.
• Textured soy protein, often called TSP, is made from soy protein concentrate by giving it some texture. TSP is available as dry flakes or chunks. It will keep its structure when hydrated. Hydrated textured soy protein chunks have a texture similar to ground beef. It can be used as a meat replacement or can be added to meat. Textured soy protein contains about 70 percent protein.

Omega 3, 6, 9

The Omega 3, 6 and 9 groups of fatty acids all contain essential fatty acids necessary for good health. The difference between them lies in the position of the first double bond from the methyl end or the Omega end of the carbon chain. As its name implies, the Omega 3 fatty acids have their first double bond at the 3rd position from the end of the chain, and likewise with the other two. Omega 6 has its first double bond at the 6th position from the end and Omega 9 has it at the 9th position from the end of the chain.

The following table represents the main fatty acids found in Omega 3, 6 and 9

Main components of Omega 3, 6, 9
Omega 3	Omega 6	Omega 9
alpha-linolenic acid ALA	Linolenic acid LA	Oleic acid OA
eicosapentaenoic acid EPA	Gamma-linolenic acid GLA
docosahexaenoic acid DHA	Dihomogamma linolenic acid DLA
	Arachidonic acid AA

Omega 3

The most important 2 fatty acids in the Omega 3 family are EPA and DHA as these are in limited supply and only found in any real quantities in oily fish and fish oil supplements. Although DHA is important for pregnant and nursing mothers and for young children for healthy development of the brain and vision, EPA can be considered the most important for everyone else as it is necessary for the efficient functioning of the brain and the body at a cellular level.

The Omega 3's have anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant properties as well as many other important health benefits. They reduce inflammation and can provide protection against cardiovascular disease, arthritis, skin conditions, depression and other mood-related disorders.

Omega 6

Although Omega 6 is generally classed as pro-inflammatory, paradoxically, GLA, when sourced dietetically, has anti-inflammatory properties. It can help the bloating and pain associated with PMS. It also maintains healthy skin, hair and nails and generally helps to bring about hormonal and emotional balance.

Omega 3 and Omega 6 interact with each other so the balance between them is crucial for good health. Together they affect the production of hormonal type messengers called eicosanoids, which has an impact on inflammation in the body and all functions at a cellular level.

Omega 9

Omega 9 also has many preventative qualities as its main component, Oleic acid, helps to reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Borage oil contains both Omega 6 and Omega 9 in the form of Gamma-linolenic acid and Oleic acid and is in fact, one of the best sources of GLA.

Pure EPA therefore contains a blend of all 3 of the important fatty acids EPA, GLA and OA making it an excellent choice of omega 3 6 9 supplement.

Benefits of Omega 3 6 9

Omega fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats. They are healthier than saturated fats and have many metabolic functions. There are many benefits of omega 3 6 9 supplementation.

Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are essential fatty acids (EFA’s). Our bodies cannot manufacture them, and we must consume them in our diets. Omega 9 fatty acids are not essential. Our bodies need omega 9 fats, but we can manufacture them from other sources.

Omega 3 fatty acids prevent heart disease and the complications of heart attack. People who take omega 3 fatty acids have a lower mortality rate after heart attack than those who do not.

Omega 3 EFA’s improve cardiac risk factors, and help prevent CHD. They normalize lipid levels, lower blood pressure and improve glucose metabolism.

Omega 3’s may be helpful in a number of other conditions, to. Rheumatoid arthritis, depression, autism, and many other conditions may be improved by taking omega 3 EFA’s. They are necessary for growth and development, especially in the development of nervous tissue, and may improve cognitive function and emotional health.

Omega 6 fatty acids compete for enzymes with omega 3 EFA’s, so the amounts of the two need to be properly balanced. Less research has been done on omega 6 EFA’s than on omega 3’s. Most omega 6 fatty acids produce an inflammatory response that may be necessary for healthy immune system function. Research is beginning to indicate that one omega 6 EFA is, however, a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, and may be even more important for healthy hearts than omega 3 oils.

Omega 9, as mentioned, is not an essential fatty acid. Omega 9 oils are monounsaturated, and are found in olive oil. Olive oil is known to have beneficial health effects, and omega 9 oils may be necessary for healthy immune system functioning.

The benefits of omega 3 6 9 include all of the benefits of all three types of fatty acid. The amounts and ratios of each fatty acid are balanced to optimal levels of each. Taking an omega 3 6 9 supplement is a good way to ensure that you are getting essential nutrients for your good health. Pure EPA is a fantastic balance of omega 3 6 9 !

Law

Human Rights advocacy

Do the refugees have any remedy under our laws?

Shafiqur Rahman Khan

INTERNATIONAL human rights law, as mentioned in the Preamble to the UDHR, aims to ensure the equality of all people that should live with all dignity and worth inherent in all human beings without any discrimination whatsoever. The primary subjects of international law being the States, they carry the responsibility to ensure that all persons within their sovereign territory and under their jurisdiction do fully enjoy the rights guaranteed under international law and which the respective State has undertaken to respect, protect and fulfil. With regard to the obligation to protect, the State, in addition to putting in place appropriate policies and legislative measures, is specifically obligated to ensure that every person in its territory enjoys the right to an effective remedy when his or her rights have been violated. This writing sought to look into how or whether this right to an effective remedy is realised by refugees both in domestic law and in international law generally.

The right to an effective remedy in international law
The meaning of the right to an effective remedy as interpreted by various international and regional bodies, namely: the HRC, the CESCR, the European Court of Human Rights and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights. Going by the way these bodies have interpreted this right, one can deduce that the right to an effective remedy implies one; procedural remedies or the means by which a victim of a human rights violation may obtain substantive redress and these should be competent, independent and impartial tribunals, not necessarily judicial which abide by the procedural guarantees as set out under human rights law. Such institutions for obtaining remedies should be both available and accessible. Secondly, it implies that the remedy obtained by the victim should sufficiently redress the violation that has occurred and as such the nature of the remedy may take various forms ranging from reparation, compensation, investigations and prosecution of individual offenders to amending offending laws. The actual realisation of the right, moreover, occurs when the particular remedy is enforced.

The right to an effective remedy under refugee law
A refugee, fleeing persecution from his or her country as defined under international law, or civil war or armed conflict, as recognised under the African refugee protection regime, becomes “an object of international concern under refugee law, where the circumstances are such that he or she has lost or been deprived of protection under law in his or her country of origin, and is in need of another source of protection”. Owing to the principle of State sovereignty, it does not automatically follow that a refugee will obtain protection of another State. In fact international law generally does not explicitly recognise the right to obtain asylum, but it recognises the principle of non-refoulement, which shall be expounded upon shortly. There is thus a gap from when a refugee flees his or her country to when he or she is formally accepted or granted asylum in another State. In order to fill in this gap, the international community created the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) with a specific mandate to “provide international protection to refugees and to seek permanent solutions to the problem of refugees by assisting, primarily, Governments to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of refugees, or their assimilation in new national communities”.

Nevertheless, the CSR (Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees) does provide for the rights of refugees in the asylum country, among which is free access to courts. However, it goes no further than this, leaving the details into the hands of each individual and sovereign State.

The refugee and the right to an effective remedy in practice: Bangladesh situation
Following the persecution generated by the Myanmar military authority, hundreds and thousands of Rohingya refugees took refuge in Bangladesh since 19901-92. About 258,000 Rohingyas were registered by the Government of Bangladesh and still thousands of them are arriving.

The right to an effective remedy, generally speaking, is well catered for under the Constitution and laws of Bangladesh (Article 31, 32& 35 of Bangladesh Constitution). Going by the constitutional provisions, any person, refugees included, wishing to vindicate their rights has access to competent, independent and impartial institutions that will hear his or her case and where, a violation is established, then provide an appropriate remedy. Thus far, the Government of Bangladesh is very much in compliance with its obligation to ensure the right to an effective remedy to all persons within in its territory and under its jurisdiction, without discrimination, as provided under international human rights law.

When it comes to the practical implementation of these human rights and constitutional guarantees, then the right appears to be rather illusory particularly for refugees in settlements. The law provides for their free access to courts, but at the same time it greatly restricts their movement. This is worsened by the practice and other factors, as seen above, which in effect negates refugees' access to courts and any other institutions which would vindicate their rights. Moreover, these institutions do not go 'knocking at peoples' doors' looking for violations; it is the people who have to go to them.

It is therefore humbly submitted that while the right of refugees to an effective remedy is adequately provided for under both international law and in domestic law (that is, in Bangladesh), it is not that easily realised by a refugee, especially the kind of refugee that we have looked at. While international law and its protection or monitoring mechanisms aim to ensure that this right is available to all, they can only, in most cases, go as far as making declarations that a State has violated its obligations and that it should provide a remedy. The plight of a refugee would therefore be better redressed in a domestic setting, if the system is in fact functioning as envisaged under international human rights law, but even where it is not, the practice in international law is that the ultimate solution and enforcement of any right will depend on the good faith of the State in carrying out its human rights obligations.

Broadening the concept of refugee protection
Moreover, the States do avoid the responsibility of ensuring that refugees are accorded an effective remedy by their State of origin or nationality by neglecting to make such a provision under refugee law instruments. Taking this approach would better ensure that refugees do obtain an effective remedy for the violations they may have suffered that occasioned their flight. What then would be the effective remedy in such instances with regard to the remedies proffered under human rights law? There are a few suggestions that could be considered:

a) Compensation or Restitution: under the Principles Concerning Treatment of Refugees, it is provided that a refugee “shall have the right to receive compensation from the State or country which he left or to which he was unable to return”. This compensation would in fact seek to redress all the losses and violations an individual may have suffered.

b) Truth and Reconciliation: one of the ways of redressing gross human rights violations is through truth and reconciliation commissions. However, this approach taken on its own could leave many victims without full remedies and perpetrators without complete sanction, which might defeat the purpose of justice.

c) Accountability/Prosecution: as we saw earlier, human rights bodies emphasise the importance of investigating and prosecuting human rights violators as one of the effective remedies. Systematic creators of refugee problems should be made responsible to the international community by establishing proper forum.

There are other remedies provided under the Basic Principles, which include satisfaction, guarantees of non-repetition, rehabilitation and which could also be accorded to refugees. The basic proposition here is that the international community should adopt a two-pronged approach to the refugee problem: one which seeks to provide an alternative and temporary solution, and the other which aims at providing redress or remedies for human rights violations suffered by the refugees.

To wrap up, States should take their international obligations seriously instead of saying one thing on paper and doing the other in practice. Bangladesh has been hosting refugees for a long time but it is not a State party to the UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees 1951 or it's Protocol. No domestic legal framework is available to deal with the issues of asylum and refugees. It is against this backdrop, Bangladesh should take necessary steps for accession to the UN Convention. This could perhaps help remove that feeling of 'nothingness' that a refugee experiences and restore his or her dignity and worth as a human being, which is one of the objectives and principles of human rights law.

Shafiqur Rahman Khan is Assistant Professor and Chairman, Department of Law, BGC Trust University, Chittagong, Bangladesh.

From Comilla Revisiting Mainamati

THIS May, I rode the bus to Mainamati for the first time in six years. I had not seen the ancient kingdom of Samatata in so long. The archaeological museum of Mainamati displayed a number of Buddhist sculptures, artifacts, terracotta plaques, coins, utensils and manuscripts from the period between the 6th to 13th century AD.

In the museum I found the Assistant Custodian Mr. Sadequzzaman, who was my guide six years ago. I visited this area on a winter's day in 2003 and this year it was a mid-summer's day and I felt I had gotten exhausted just from the bus ride. The sun was blazing and there was a beautiful view of krishnachuras on the way. I was accompanied by Prothom Alo's Comilla Correspondent and the Assistant Custodian of the museum as I looked around.

Mainamati Museum Today
There are 42 showcases displaying royal copper plates, 350 coins, bronze sculptures, stone sculptures, terracotta plaques and other terracotta objects, stone and metal objects, pottery and more. One particular copper plate is from Salban Bihara. It measures ten by eight inches, has writing on both its sides, on top it has a Dharmachakra (Wheel of Law), with two seated deer symbolising the first Sermon of Buddha in the Deer Park of Sarnath. After the copper plates, coins are the most important findings from the Mainamati excavations. Earliest are two gold coins belonging to the imperial Guptas, identified as the Asyamedha coin of Samudragupta (335-375 AD). The most recent coins found in the Kutila Mura excavation in 1957 belongs to the last Abbaside Caliph Abu Ahmed Abdullah Mustaasim Billah (1242-1258 AD). These give us evidence of trade between Arab countries and Bangladesh during the pre-Islamic period.

There are a large number of unbaked clay stupas encasing circular burnt clay ceilings inscribed with Buddhist creed. These were recovered in abundance from the Tri-ratna stupas of Kutila Mura. Among the clay figures the eight-handed Taras and Jamvalas are noteworthy. A large number of bronze sculptures were discovered from the Salban Bihara excavations, mainly the statutes of Buddha, Bodhisattva and Tara. These are excellent specimens of metal-casting and represent a mature art. These sculptures reveal a gradual change in Mahayana Buddhism in Bangladesh in the 7th and 8th centuries AD.

The terracotta plaques are often the greatest source of excitement. Representations of men and women in war, warriors with swords and shields and archers with bows and arrows are noteworthy amongst the human representations. Besides these, flying female figures, amorous couple and acrobats are fairly common. Among birds, peacocks and swans are represented in different plaques. There is a swan holding a string of pearls and another eating the stem of a lotus. Terracotta plaques depicting animals include lions, horses, monkeys, wild boars, crocodiles and kirti-mukhas or two crouching lions. There are also fossilised woods, glass and shell objects and large-sized bricks at premises of the museum. The six largest sculptures in the museum are the black stone image of Heruka (a tantrik deity), a sandstone image of goddess Tara, the bronze head of a Buddhist image of Lokanatha, the image of Manjuvara in blackstone, the eight-armed black stone image of Marichi or the female counterpart of the meditative Buddha and the image of Ganesha, the Hindu God of wealth.

Outside the Museum: Archaeological spots under the open sky
As we come out of the museum, we follow the trail of red Krishnachura petals on red clay of the Lalmai hills to search for 23 archaeological sites of Mainamati. Finding all 23 might be a little too much for one day, but we can look at a few of the most important ones.

Salban Bihara (Site no. 12): Excavations since 1955 at the Salbanpur mound have revealed remains of a 550 square feet Buddhist monastery which was remade as Salban Bihara due to its proximity to the shal forest in the west. The big monastery, consisting of 115 cells, was built around a spacious courtyard with a shrine in the centre.

Kutila Mura (Site no. 4): Perched on a hillock, Kutila Mura is located about three miles north of Salban Bihara. On top of the hillock, within the enclosure, there are three stupas representing three jewels of Buddhism. This site measures about 280 feet from north to south and about 225 feet from east to west.

Charpatra Mura (Site no. 19): Excavation on this mound has completely exposed the remains of a fairly large temple complex. It was renamed Charpatra Mura (hillock of four leaves) and belonged to the ancient Chandra kings. The ground plan of a large temple complex, measuring 105 feet east-west and 55 feet north-south, could be found here.

Ananada Raja's Palace (Site no. 5): This mound is situated about a mile north of the BARD complex at Kotbari, Comilla. It is more than 650 square feet in size and about 15 feet higher than the flat land. Local people call it Ananda Rajar Bari.

Ranir Bungalow Mound (Site no. 20): Situated on the northernmost point of Mainamati hill, the mound is nearly 40 feet higher than the surrounding flat land. It is locally known as the palace and temple of Rani Mainamati, a well-known heroine in Bengali folk-literature. But why are cattle grazing here? Is there no one to look after this place?

Challenges of the Mainamati Museum and other archaeological spots:
Despite the beauty of the Mainamati museum and other archaeological spots, overall it lacks proper maintenance and care. “Problems are many. We have a manpower crisis” said Mr. Sadequzzaman, Assistant Custodian of the Mainamati Museum who has been working here since 1999.

“Although the museum earns around Tk. 1,50,000-2,10,000 per month from ticket sales, this is really not enough to maintain, renovate and excavate the archaeological sites and the museum. The Department of Archaeology and Ministry of Culture helps us. Still, we need more financial support to excavate further and renovate in a more modernised way,” he commented.

“We are hopeful that the number of visitors is will increase. In summer (1st April to 30th September) the museum remains open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm with a half hour lunch break. It is closed on Sundays. In winter (1st October to 31st March), the museum remains open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.” he added.

Audity Falguni

References:
A.K.M.Shamsul Alam, Mainamati, Department of Archaeology and Museum, 1976
Md. Shafiqul Alam, Excavation at Rupbanmura, Department of Archaeology, 2000

http://www.thedailystar.net/starinsight/2009/06/02/cover.htm

Cric-time foodfest

Bangladesh is out from the T20 World Cup but there is surely a lot of suspense and drama to look forward to. The odd timing of the games surely leaves much on option for the fast food junkie. Munching on mouth-watering delights is surely a perk of the cricket action this season.

Here are some options you can try, while the slogfest goes on…
Chips have always been a popular snack. Cheetos, Doritos, Lay's and Pringles are the most widely sold ones, offering a wide range of flavours. The prices vary according to size and flavour and range between Tk 150-250.

If you want to try out the spicy Indian chat flavours then Papri Chat, Pogo Papri, Stax, Uncle chips Mirch Masala are the right picks. They come in mini packs at Tk 30-70, you can easily try them before deciding on the family packs. Apart from all these, our very own deshi Pran's roasted peas, Bombay Sweet's chanachur, and popcorn remain the traditional knick-knack snacks.

For the nut lovers, Tong Garden assorted nut cans are the must-buy items. You can choose from salted pistachios to cashew nuts to roasted almonds and lots of other flavours that are available in varying container sizes with a price tag of TK 190-270. Apart from Tong Garden, Nut Candy and Nut Walker are two other brands you can choose from.

Then there is the all time favourite: our own brand of left over sandwich. Take three pieces of sugar free bread, spread mayo, ketchup, and mustard mercilessly and generously. Shred the chicken pieces from the dinner curry; toss that in. Add deshi cheese, try to poach an egg, remember to scramble just the yoke, a few coriander leaves, tomato slices or left over salad and you got yourself a humongous sandwich. However if you have the salami loaves or hunter beef handy than there's nothing like it, throw that in too.

You can also bug mummy dearest to fill the refrigerator with marinated chicken pieces, half done kebabs, potato salad etc; she'll grumble for sure but be more than happy to oblige.

By Zannatul Lamea

http://www.thedailystar.net/lifestyle/2009/06/03/back.htm

The sound of weaving

THE art of clothing is intrinsically associated with civilisation and today's fading handloom industries are a silent bystander of those bygone days when clothing was regarded more as a means to cast off barbarism than as a mere tool of fashion. While some say that the history of handloom in Bangladesh dates back to seven to eight hundred years, there are those who claim that the “Muslin” that the Egyptian mummies were wrapped in came from the ancient city of Shonagora or Shubornogram which is where the present Narsingdi district lies.

Claims aside, Bangladesh has a very old history of handloom, as old as farming, and the Baburhaat of Narsingdi where the main trade of handloom yards used to take place was once proudly known as the “Manchester of the East.”

But the emergence of powerloom has cast a dark shadow over this exceedingly traditional industry that is rapidly dwindling into obscurity. Although there still exists a local demand for handloom lungies, gamchas, saris and bedcovers, the sheer presence of powerloom clothes in the market pales it into insignificance.

As a result, the once affluent weavers who passed on their trade to future generations have sought some other line of profession and the villages behind which hid the drone of handloom can hardly boast of a single family still engaged in the profession.

In order to raise awareness about the traditional values associated with this ancient industry and to revive its popularity, Anjan's Boutique, in a rare endeavour organised a nine-day-long exhibition on the handloom of Bengal in the National Museum from 8 June, 2009 where the general public could watch old weavers at work on colourful yarns to produce the crisp handloom fabrics with the “thak-thak thak-thak” sound of their looms that really transports one to those bygone times.

It was stressed by Sultana Kamal, a guest speaker in the inaugural ceremony, that handloom is an integral part of the Bengal tradition and as such must be nurtured and valued at all costs. She urged the young generation to promote handloom fabric saying if one has five outfits in his/her wardrobe then let there be at least two of handloom.

It is important that our youth lean towards handloom in their fashion tastes as the future of this sector lies in their hands. With some help from the government sector in the form of subsidies and private by providing training facilities and the means to compete with international designs this fading industry could indeed revive. However, a word of gratitude to the Dhaka fashion houses like Aarong, Arannya, Jatra, Kumudini and Anjan's among others, for their quest to keep the handloom industry alive and celebrate its beauty.

By Shaily Fatima

http://www.thedailystar.net/lifestyle/2009/06/03/page04.htm

Sudden downpours

One short glance outside my window told me I would not be able to find a more appropriate time to sit down and complete my assignment. I had the perfect weather, which worked as the necessary stimulation. So, I sat comfortably beside the window with my laptop and started typing…

Mother Nature provides its perks, now and again. Also, she loves to surprise us, I believe. She showers at us when least expected, or, perhaps at a day when you felt it would be the hottest you have ever gone through. She loves to trick you, and also, to soothe you, by the sudden drop in the temperature, thus permitting you to escape the cruel heat.

From where I sat, I could hear doors banging due to the furious wind. I again gazed out the window…

Few things are more exciting than observing the 'welcoming' of rain. The whole system of nature around you works in perfect synchrony and coordination- how the grey clouds shield the sun and thus make an otherwise bright afternoon look like dusk, how the wind goes wild and the trees respond to that with all their passion, the sudden fall of temperature, the angry thunders and the flashy lightnings and above all, you, who's either excitedly witnessing the events from your verandah or running for shelter!

Rainfall started at full enthusiasm and speed. I pulled my window a bit so that water does not enter my room. I continued with my writing…

What is it with rain and emotions? The first shot of rain on the heated streets and the soil that gives you the earthy and heavenly smell, and the sight of rainfall and the sound… rain provokes so many emotions - deep sorrows, true happiness, nostalgia and what not.

It persuades you to have an extra mug of coffee with some 'deshi' snacks to complement, makes you crave for khichuri, or, allures you to snuggle under the blanket with the person you love…

My 'musing' was interrupted by a sudden and excessively loud thunderclap. I almost jumped up. Now, my thoughts journeyed through the corridors of the past…

School hours become much more fun when it rains. Each thunder is followed by a roar of hooting and yelling together in the classrooms. Rain's always more enjoyable when you are with friends!

Indeed, it is. Exhilarated friends who dash over a field with a football during rain know it. Perhaps that's the optimum way to enjoy rain. The heavy rainfall on your head, and also the chilling water that's washing away the clay all over your body and face that you acquired during the game, the coldness- all add up to the excitement of football!

For the less sporty and more romantic folks, riding a rickshaw with its hood down, accompanied by a couple of friends, singing together (maybe with an old guitar), all the way down the road, leaves a memory that they'll cherish for the rest of their lives.

The rain has slowed down into a drizzle now. You never get enough of the good stuff, I thought. Now I fully opened my window and stare out…

Everything looks so clean after the rain. Also, the wind and the trees appear to be calm and quiet, as if they have become exhausted from the fierce performance they just gave, or as if a powerful force has been snatched away from them.

I noticed the people who were anxiously taking refuge in the building in front of my house now restart their daily chores again. I stretched out my arms; there was no more rain; the show was over, and so was my writing.

By M H Haider
Photo: Munem Wasif

Star news

http://www.thedailystar.net/lifestyle/2009/06/03/page04.htm

Saga of a Storm Ravaged People

A Day of Cyclone Aila brought down prolonged sufferings for more than one lakh people of Ashasuni and Shyamnagar upazilas at Satkhira coast. The storm gave rise to a tidal surge breaking down dams and sweeping away dwellings of the residents. Many thousands were left paupers after their belongings were swept away. Following the storm, some found only poles standing, where there used to be their houses. Villages after villages were inundated by saline water, giving rise to a severe crisis of fresh drinking water. Heavy rain made the roads so muddy that it was easier for storm shelter bound people to get down into the Kholpetua and Kopotakkhya rivers and wade along the shorelines. Thousands still languish in shelters too ill equipped to accommodate the massive number of the ill fated, while many thousands more are still marooned in remote areas surrounded by saline water. The government says it will take at least a year to rebuild the destroyed dams in the area, while another storm is brewing around the corner.

Photo: Anisur Rahman

http://www.thedailystar.net/cityinframe/2009/06/01/cityinframe.htm

Computer model gives vital clues to dealing with flu pandemics

RESEARCH from The University of Western Australia will give vital clues to public health authorities in dealing with potential pandemics such as the current "swine flu" (H1N1) outbreak. The research, published in the journal BMC Public Health last month, found imposing "social distancing" measures such as school closures, home isolation, partial closure of workplaces and reduced community contact, if done rapidly, could prevent a local epidemic. "The timing of activation of such non-pharmaceutical interventions is critical," said Professor George Milne, who along with Dr Joel Kelso and Dr Simon Huband used a computer simulation model to emulate the spread of influenza (in this case, H5N1 "avian" influenza, but the results are directly applicable to H1N1). "For a very transmissible strain, application of all four interventions at the same time as the first case is introduced, and enforcing these draconian measures continuously, can potentially hold the illness rate at 16 per cent (compared to 73 per cent if they are not used)." The research assumed 100% of infectious children and 90% adults are home quarantined and a 50% reduction in workplace attendance and community-wide contact. The model used statistical data about the population of Albany, a town of 30,000 people in south-west Western Australia. Developed by the team from UWA's School of Computer Science and Software Engineering, the model is believed to be the most detailed replication of an actual community - down to individual schools, employers and the exact make-up of households - to be used to quantify the impact of alternative intervention strategies. Professor Milne said the model showed that non-pharmaceutical social distancing interventions could reduce the rate of development and the overall burden of epidemics. "While such draconian measures will only be mandated under extreme circumstances, given their impact on personal freedom, they appear to play a key role in delaying the development of a 'worst case' influenza epidemic," he said. "Social distancing may be critical in holding back an epidemic until vaccines are deployed on a sufficient scale that subsequent relaxation of these measures won't result in an acceleration of the outbreak." "The measures must be employed as soon as possible if they are to have maximum effect. We found that for an outbreak as infectious as the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic, a combination of all intervention measures must be introduced within two weeks of the first case appearing in a town or city to prevent an epidemic developing. Delays of two, three and four weeks resulted in final attack rates of seven per cent, 21 per cent and 45 per cent respectively." The UWA team has provided reports based on their two published papers to the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) and received funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, DoHA and WHO. Source: UWA Website

Singapore Diary

Last week, we took a dive into the dazzling world of discounts and dining out in the garden city of Singapore during the Great Singapore Sale. Tourism being the lifeblood of this island, no trip to Singapore is complete unless you've taken some time out to do some sight-seeing. The concluding chapter on this dream destination sheds some light on just some of the very many things you can check out here.

Eye Spy
Move over, London Eye. The Singapore Flyer, inaugurated in February last year is now the tallest Ferris wheel in the world. Located on the southeast tip of the Marina Centre reclaimed land, it offers broad views of the city centre and beyond, including bits of Indonesia and Malaysia. Visitors getting into one of the 28 air-conditioned capsules are treated to a slow rotation, which takes approximately half an hour, during which one can see the glittering landscape slowly fall away before them, while an audio guide directs the gaze to points of attraction on the vista below, and provides a brief recap of the history of the island.

The ride isn't the only reason to make a stop at the Flyer. Built over a three-story terminal building which houses shops, bars and restaurants, you'll be spoiled for choices when it comes to dining or shopping. We highly recommend the Kenko Fish Spa, where you can let the Doctor Fish tickle away all your worries.

All creatures great and small
Animal lovers can let their hair down and get close to all the furry, feathery or scaly creatures they want, with some of these must-see destinations:

Singapore Zoo
Opened in 1973, and comprising a whopping 28 hectares land, which houses some 315 species, the Singapore Zoo has definitely done its part for conservation. Set in a rain-forest environment, the Zoo’s world famous ‘open concept’ allows you a most realistic experience of wildlife. There's none of the depressing cage and bars that one associates with zoos. Animals here live in spacious and landscaped environments simulating that of their natural habitat. Furthermore, the exhibits are so arranged with interactive walk-throughs and tram and boat rides with commentary to make the visit a truly educational experience. Definitely a must-see if you're bringing kids along.

If you have time on your hands, make this an all-day trip, because there's more fun as the sun goes down. A major attraction of the Zoo is the Night Safari, which covers some 40 hectares, and comprises of two road loops. It is essentially a safari park divided into eight geographical zones, which can be explored either on foot via three walking trails, or by tram. Be sure to take in the Creatures of the Night show, where some of the animals are trained to perform for an audience, and display some of their many surprising qualities. Seated in the open arena, you never know what to expect, be it a furry monkey scampering across the tight-rope just over your head, a big python suddenly materialising under your bench, or a cute pair of raccoons knocking over the recycle bins in the stage area. Since the format changes based on the temperament of the animals, the show's always fresh, and the opportunity for audience participation adds to the fun.

Jurong Bird Park
Another worthwhile animal attraction is the Jurong Bird Park. This is a 20.2 hectare open-concept park, the largest in the Asia Pacific, housing more than 8,000 birds from 600 species, mostly birds from Southeast Asia.The Park has four walk-in aviaries, among which is the world’s largest walk-in aviary with the tallest man-made waterfall for visitors to enjoy a close-up view of free-flying birds from Africa. The exhibits and aviaries are specially designed to closely resemble the natural habitats of the birds. There are also open spaces landscaped with exotic flowering plants to enhance the beauty of the place. We highly recommend the bird shows, staged at the Pools Amphitheatre. From vultures to cockatoos, flying over the heads of the viewers, playing basketball, singing birthday songs, the shows are guaranteed entertainment.

Ride away
What trip to Singapore is complete without a gander at the once-infamous Sentosa Island? Formerly a place of exile, which later became a fort and a military base, it is now an island resort, featuring a multitude of attractions. If you liked the Singapore Flyer, you'll love looking out the 37 meter replica of the Merlion, one of Singapore's enduring symbols. There's also the Tiger Sky Tower, which, standing at 131 meters above sea-level, is the tallest observation post. Grab a seat in the enclosed, air-conditioned cabin, and let it take you up, up, and away! The chair-lifts, which form part of the Skyride, give you the illusion of flying, as they take you up to the Luge rides. Speed freaks will really dig this one. Part go-cart, part-toboggan, pure excitement – the luge is a fun-filled gravity ride that's safe for all ages, with a unique steering and braking system that allows you to make the ride as leisurely or as exciting as you want. If you like speed, you'll definitely dig the Segway course. The eco-friendly two-wheeled vehicle uses your weight to take you around. At Sentosa, you get to try it over a fun obstacle course. If all those 'actual' rides are too much to take in, make sure you try out the 4D Magix shows, which synchronise a full spectrum of visual effects, surround sound, individually-controlled motion seats and special "live" environmental effects such as water spray to make your movie viewing experience come alive. Finally, the crowning glory of all the entertainment features at Sentosa, Songs of the Sea, the light and sound show is simply breathtaking. Featuring a live cast and the dramatic effects of pyrotechnics, water jets, brilliant lasers, special computer imaging, captivating music and stunning flame bursts, it is the ultimate audio-visual experience.

Daily star

Bangladeshi news.

Will British crops go thirsty?

We are standing under endless Fenland skies. It's not yet Eight O Clock, but already the sun is warm and high.

We are surveying three fields on Duncan Worth's farm. Before us, glossy green potato plants with their scented white flowers; to the left of us, maize to be used in power generation; to the right of us, wheat.

"It's been ideal growing weather recently," Duncan says, "sunshine and the right amount of rain."

But for how much longer? The hotter, drier summers predicted by climate change scientists could have a dramatic effect on this agricultural powerhouse of a region, and the thousands of jobs that it supports.

Where will the water come from to slake the thirst of these crops?We're walking Duncan's fields with Dr Jerry Knox from Cranfield University, an adviser to, among others, the British Potato Council, and with Andy Brown from Anglian Water.

So will there be enough water to sustain the plants of the future in this rich, light soil?

"It's not so much a resource issue as a policy issue," says Dr Knox. "In other words, whether we want food with a low environmental footprint.

"We already import strawberries and lettuce from Southern Europe, where businesses are at risk from water shortages. We're exporting much of the problem.

"But farmers here do realise that some crops, like potatoes, may have to be grown in other parts of the UK in future."

"We're worried about water; we're not confident," says Mr Worth.

He and other farmers in the region are so concerned about the issue that they have started the Holbeach Marsh Water Transfer Project, looking at the feasibility of getting water from the River Welland to the marsh - making it accessible to agriculture.

But if projects like this proliferate in the future as water becomes more scarce, are we not robbing Peter to pay Paul?

"There's a fascinating triangle in the east of England between domestic use, agriculture and the environment," says Mr Brown.

"There are 750 sites of special scientific interest in our region, a large number of which are wetlands-based. We think we can get the balance right."

But as we finish our walk and head off for a cup of tea, all agree that it will take planning and perhaps some sacrifice to meet the many demands on the increasingly precious resource of water.

BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8107350.stm