Rearing roosters for cockfight costs lakhs but pays dividend in crores

Cockfight is a sport where blood flows freely and, those who organize this sport in rural Andhra Pradesh spend lakhs of rupees to rear and feed each bird in preparation of the bloody sport. Even though it is illegal, it is a mega sport in the countryside during Sankranti with stakes running into hundreds of crores of rupees.
This has been reported in timesofindia.indiatimes.com dated 11 January 2016.

It may be of interest to note that a rooster weighing four to five kgs costs Rs 4 lakh, and many feel it to be a good investment because returns can be many more times its value.
The West Godavari district, known for its prime aquaculture ponds and lush green agricultural fields, leads the cockfight 'industry' - and people spending about Rs 200 crore on betting. Neighboring districts of Krishna and Guntur are in the second slot in the betting hierarchy.
In view of the huge amount of money involved, the organizers go all out to keep the roosters ready. Their meals consist of almonds, cashews and minced mutton (kheema). Moreover, the birds are administered muscle-building hormones and antibiotics. Thereby, they can withstand injuries during the fight.
Cockfighting is prohibited under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act, 1974 and bird lovers oppose these events as thousands of roosters die in the sport but, cockfight enthusiasts describe as a "traditional sport".

(Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

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Almond is good for health - just 14 grams a day can keep doctors at bay

Almond is good for health and an intake of a moderate amount of almonds daily can enrich the diets of adults and young children and keep the doctors away. This has been established through a study in the University of Florida in the US. As a researcher Alyssa Burns says - 'almonds are a good source of plant protein -- essential fatty acids, vitamin E and magnesium.'
The study was carried out over a 14-week period when the scientists gave almonds daily to 29 pairs of parents and children. Most of the adults were mothers with an average age of 35 and the children were between three and six years of age.
This has been reported in zeenews.india.com dated 21 December 2015.

The children were given 14 grams of almond butter daily and parents were given 14 grams of whole almonds per day. Then an online dietary recall was used to find out what adults had eaten and how much. That way, researchers could measure diet quality.
The findings of the scientists indicated that when parents and children were eating almonds, their Healthy Eating Index HEI increased for total protein foods, seafood and plant proteins and fatty acids, while they ate fewer empty calories. For all components, a higher score indicates higher diet quality. When parents and children ate almonds, their HEI score increased from 53.7 to 61.4.
Parents and children had consumed more vitamin E and magnesium when eating almonds.

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It’s time to go nuts over nuts because they are a healthy option

Till recently, nuts were usually something to be avoided because of their high fat content. But, the thinking has changed because dietitians are now insisting that it is necessary to consume more of the unsaturated fats they contain. These can help prevent blood clotting and maintain a regular heart rhythm.
This has been reported in dailymail.co.uk dated 18 May 2015.

Nuts are believed to be healthier because they are mostly sold in a relatively natural state and there is an array of exotic varieties to choose from. These also have a reputation as a classy snack option that is on offer in five-star hotels and on private jets.
Other benefits of nuts are the positive effect they have on appetite due to their high protein content. This makes people feel fuller and helps curb hunger. Pistachios are the most popular nut, followed by cashews, almonds, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, macadamias and chestnuts. Some do not consider peanuts in the category because, these are technically not nuts but are a type of vegetable.
(Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org)

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