With Eid approaching, we bring you the top 10 dishes of Eid ul Azha as an escape from time-consuming and bland dishes, as well as a way to create simple but delicious meals in this hot weather, allowing you to relax with your loved ones. Prepare your taste buds for a lasting meaty experience as the highly anticipated cooking show, produced in collaboration with Shan Foods, is set to hit your screens this Eid ul Azha.

Shan Foods is a Pakistani manufacturer of packaged spice blends that are widely used in South Asian cuisine for more than 40 years. The company has an extensive range of products including recipe mixes, plain spices, ready-to-cook sauces, cooking pastes, dessert mixes, cooking condiments and accompaniments, and instant noodles. Not only does Shan Foods make it less time-consuming without compromising taste, but also eliminates the need for us to add extra spices because the spice mixes contain a blend of the best-sourced ingredients from all around the world. This innovative collaboration aims to blend the art of cooking with the excellence of Shan Foods’ authentic flavors, resulting in an exciting reveal for Bakra Eid recipes and for everyday affordable and authentic meals.

Each episode will feature Shan Foods’ all-in-one spice recipe mix boxes, which make cooking at home economical and accessible to people of all ages. The boxes include the goodness of every item used in the dishes, eliminating the need to buy and add individual ingredients. This show will be hosted by one of the most experienced and cherished Chefs of Pakistan Mehboob, who has been working in the food industry since 1986 and has worked on various shows, including ‘Mehboob’s Kitchen’ on HUM Masala. He also served as a judge in MasterChef Pakistan, an intensive cooking competition. By combining the chef’s expertise and the flavours of Shan mixes to create Eid special dishes such as Nihari, Bombay Biryani, Beef Qorma, Tikka Boti, Seekh Kabab, Shahi Haleem, Kaleji, Brain Masala, Beef Paya  and many more sizzling dishes, this new launch by Masala Tv promises to ignite a passion for cooking and inspire viewers to explore diverse flavours in their own kitchens.

As pioneers in the field of spices, Shan Foods’ involvement ensures that viewers are introduced to a world of aromatic delights, from classic spice blends to the unveiling of unique flavours combinations on this meaty Eid. Masala Tv’s social media platforms will also broadcast our chef’s tips and strategies, as well as the preparation of the top Eid ul Azha recipes, demonstrating the commitment that goes into their making, while also emphasizing the quality and accessibility of Shan products.

Through this show, we promise to provide you with an Eid ul Azha special sensory feist as you embark on a cooking experience like none before. Keep an eye out for our updates and get ready to savour the flavours of perfection in the kitchen where talent meets Shan spices.

People have used the black seeds to make medicine for over 2000 years. In fact it is used as a medicine in the form of a home remedy for several pains and aches.

Historically, black seed has been used for headache, toothache, nasal congestion, asthma, arthritis, and intestinal worms. It has also been used for pink eye, pockets of infection (abscesses), and parasites.

Today, black seed is most commonly used for asthma, diabetes, hypertension, weight loss, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

There is some scientific evidence to suggest that black seed might help boost the immune system, fight cancer, reduce swelling, and lessen allergic reactions by acting as an antihistamine.

A Rich Source of Antioxidants

Antioxidants are substances that neutralize harmful free radicals and prevent oxidative damage to cells.

Research shows that antioxidants can have a powerful effect on health and disease.

In fact, some studies indicate that antioxidants may protect against several types of chronic conditions, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

 It May Lower Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found throughout your body. While you need some cholesterol, high amounts can build up in your blood and increase your risk of heart disease.

Kalonji has been shown to be especially effective at lowering cholesterol and especially the bad cholesterol.

It Could possibly have Cancer-Fighting Properties

Kalonji is high in antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals that may contribute to the development of diseases like cancer.

Eating cucumbers every week is also great for cleaning your gastrointestinal tract, and they can stimulate your metabolism.

This diet claims to help you lose 7 kgs in 7 days. The tagline it goes around with is this as well ‘7 days for 7 kilograms’.

What is the cucumber diet?

The cucumber diet is a short-term weight loss diet. Most versions of the diet claim that following it for 7 to 14 days can lead to a 15-pound (7-kg) weight loss.

The diet consists mainly of cucumbers, along with a few protein-rich foods, such as eggs, chicken, fish, and nuts.

It recommends replacing most foods with cucumbers, meaning even other fruits and vegetables should be kept to a minimum.

For breakfast in this diet you need to combine one plate of cucumber salad, together with 2 to 3 hardboiled eggs.

For snacking while on the cucumber diet, you can have 5 plums, 1 big apple or 1 peach.

The lunch is supposed to be severely lacking in calories, but that’s so you can lose weight in a faster. For making a tasty lunch, you can combine one slice of wheat bread with a bowl of cucumber salad. The cucumber salad is basically a single large piece of cucumber, cut up into small slices. You can add olive oil, salt and pepper to the salad.

For dinner again you can have a bowl of cucumber. You can add in herbs and yogurt to give it a little more taste. Or you can replace dinner with a cucumber smoothie.

This diet is very simple to follow and the calorie deficit will help you lose a considerable amount of weight. This diet is very good from a medical point of view if you are trying to lose weight for an upcoming event or to just fit in to you old jeans.

However, what should be noted is that this diet should only be continued for two weeks at maximum or else it will not just create a calorie deficit but also a nutritional deficiency which is obviously not good for a healthy life.

Strawberries have a sweet and a slightly tart berry taste to them. They have powerful antioxidant content and do not rapidly boost a person’s blood sugar, making them an ideal choice for those who have diabetes, and a safe, delicious addition to any diet.

Fruits and vegetables of all types, including strawberries, offer many health benefits. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that consuming this fruit everyday can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Here are 8 benefits of strawberries that will make you love them even more:

It boosts immunity

Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C which helps in boosting immunity. A strong immune system means that you’ll be able to fight off diseases better and that germs won’t attack you as often. Vitamin C is a well-known immunity booster, as well as a powerful and fast-working antioxidant.

Helps you maintain a healthy vision

The antioxidant properties in strawberries may also help to prevent cataracts — the clouding over of the eye lens — which can lead to blindness in older age. Our eyes require vitamin C to protect them from exposure to free-radicals from the sun’s harsh UV rays, which can damage the protein in the lens. Vitamin C also plays an important role in strengthening the eye’s cornea and retina.

Wards off cancer

Vitamin C is one of the antioxidants that can help with cancer prevention, since a healthy immune system is the body’s best defense. Strawberries also contain antioxidant like lutein and zeathancins. These antioxidants neutralize the potentially negative effect on our blood cells.

Keeps your wrinkles at bay

The power of vitamin C in strawberries continues, as it is vital to the production of collagen, which helps to improve skin’s elasticity and resilience. We usually tend to lose collagen from our skins as we age; eating foods rich in vitamin C may result in healthier, younger-looking skin.

Lowers your cholesterol

the benefits of strawberries include powerful heart-health boosters. It contains Ellagic acid and flavonoids that can provide an antioxidant effect which benefits heart health in various ways. One way includes counteracting the effect of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL — bad cholesterol in the blood, which causes plaque to build up in arteries. A second way is that they provide an anti-inflammatory effect, which is also good for the heart.

It reduces inflammation

The antioxidants and phytochemicals found in strawberries may also help to reduce inflammation of the joints, which may cause arthritis and can also lead to heart disease.

Regulates your blood pressure

Potassium is yet another heart healthy nutrient. Potassium can help regulate blood pressure and may even help to lower high blood pressure by acting as a buffer against the negative effects of sodium.

Aids in weight management

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best defenses against type 2 diabetes and heart disease; also it’s plain good for your overall well-being. Strawberries are naturally low in calories, fat-free and low in both sodium and sugar. Strawberries do contain natural sugars, though total sugars are fairly low.

We all wish for a healthy and beautiful looking skin but it is not easy to achieve one.

Those envious eyes we see someone with  who has a flawless skin, what we do not recognize is that it takes a lot of effort to achieve that skin.

There are several do and don’t when it comes to a glowing, healthy looking skin. There are a lot of people who do not have to take care of their skin too much and it still remains perfect, that is either because of their genetics or you may call them lucky.

However, that is not the case for everyone. Usually people have to take care of their skin in order to achieve that spotless skin.

Things you need to pay attention to in order to achieve good skin are:

Consume skin healthy foods

Research shows that mangoes, tomatoes, olive oil, green tea and foods that contain omega 3 are very beneficial for skin. In fact tomatoes help protect your skin against the sunburn or UV rays damage.

Keep your stress in check

Have you ever noticed that right before an important event, an unpleasant pimple appears on your face? Research shows that there is a strong link between high stress levels and skin problems.

Reducing your stress levels will possibly lead to clearer skin. If you think that stress is having an impact on your skin, try stress reduction techniques such as Yoga or meditation.

Keep the moisture in your skin intact

A moisturized skin is essential in order for the skin to look and feel healthy. Skin moisturizers keep the top layer of skin cells hydrated and seal in moisture.

Use protection against the sun ray

Sun damage is the worst form of damage for the skin. The direct rays from the sun can damage your skin like never before. It is essential to use a sun block so that the rays from the sun do not directly harm your skin.

Quit smoking

Smoking ages facial skin and skin located  in other body parts. Smoking narrows the blood vessels found in the outer layer of the skin, which reduces blood flow and exhausts the skin of the nutrients and oxygen it needs to remain healthy.

The pandemic that has hit the world has changed our lives completely. Everyone is trying their best to stay productive and make the most of their time.

Many of us have tried cooking or baking during this time-period, and somehow we seem to be doing surprisingly well at it. One thing that has been everyone’s favourite is dessert. We’ve tried making various sorts of desserts and are still looking to try out more.

Most of us are always in search of recipes that give amazing results in terms of taste, presentation and flavours.

Here are our favourite dessert recipes that you’ll love as well:

Christmas Almond Cake Recipe

This Christmas cake recipe is one of the easiest to prepare. The combination of chocolate cake with almonds tastes like heaven. This is one of those cakes that you can never truly have enough of!

Lemon Cream Pancake Recipe

Lemon cream pancakes are unique, yet so delicious. Everyone would have tried the regular pancakes but this pancake recipe is special. Have these pancakes once, and you’ll never be able to stop yourself from making these regularly!

Cherry Garcia Ice cream 

Is it possible to make perfect-tasting ice cream at home? Well now it is, with this ice cream recipe! We never knew making ice cream at home was so easy until we found this recipe!

Donuts Recipe

You do not need to go to a bakery or coffee shop for scrumptious tasting donuts. Now you can make them at home with this donuts recipe that is a step by step guide to achieving gorgeous-looking and delightful-tasting donuts!

Linzer Cookies Recipe

These are Linzer cookies are classic cookies that are centre-filled. These cookies pair perfectly with tea or coffee and the jam-filled centre makes them even more wonderful!

The new day and age calls for healthy eating and replacing unhealthy eating habits with healthy alternatives. It is important to remain healthy in order to stay active and lead a life where you’re not dependant on anyone.

While healthy eating is the way to go, it is not necessary that it tastes poor. With great tasting healthy alternatives being discovered, it is very easy to create great tastes.

Salads usually help us stitch to our healthy eating routines. These are an amazing way to taste deliciousness while still eating healthy.

Here are 4 salad recipes that will help you create yummy salads:

Macaroni Potato Salad 

Macaroni potato salad is a classic at most Pakistani weddings, as well as family gatherings. This is one easy salad to make and it tastes scrumptious as well. Another reason this salad is loved by most of us is because it makes a beautiful combination with desi rice dishes.

Fattoush Salad

Fattoush Salad comes from a Lebanese origin but works very well with desi foods as well.  Fattoush salad is a combination of tomatoes, onions and cucumbers, tasteful seasoning and the lovely topping of pomegranate and a few crackers to add an extra crunch.

Bean Salad

Bean Salad has all the healthiest ingredients that don’t just taste great but are also very nutritious. This bean salad can be eaten it is and sometimes it can be combined with other dishes too.

Minty Chickpea Salad

Minty Chickpea Salad is a combination of nutrients from all food groups. This salad had a minty dressing with lots of chickpeas and vegetables in it. This salad creates a wonderful combination  that makes it irresistible.

Ramadan in Pakistan is not just like any other month. It’s the month where our lives completely change. Our eating patterns are different, our sleeping patterns are different, work patterns change, and likewise a lot of other things too; but, we live every day to the fullest in this month.

This month is the month of celebration and pure joy for many of us. One very important thing that also changes in our lives during Ramadan is how we stay hydrated. While some of us fill up on water as soon as we break the fast, others start consuming more water later in the evening.

Many of us often find ourselves in compromised positions if we do not consume enough water or liquids to keep us hydrated. Dehydration is very common in Ramadan which is why many of us also consume liquids like lemonade, juices, shakes, squashed, and other water or milk-based drinks.

Staying hydrated is extremely important, especially during Ramadan so that while you are fasting, you can operate properly during the day and do not feel too thirsty.

Here are 4 Ramadan Special Drinks you can have to stay hydrated and energetic:

Pink Lemonade

This Pink Lemonade is a perfect Iftari drink that tastes amazing. This lemonade tastes so refreshing that your energy will instantly revive if you have it at Iftar. We all have tried the regular lemonade but making it a little differently sometimes will only make the Iftaris more interesting and worthwhile.

Badam Ka Sharbat

Badam Ka Sharbat has been passed on from generations. It is almost like a tradition to have Badam Ka Sharbat at Iftari in a lot of houses and you wouldn’t be surprised why this has never gone out of fashion if you give it a try. It revitalizes your energy like no other. Almonds are beneficial for the health so this Sharbat is not only delicious but also great from the health perspective.

Milkshakes

Milkshakes are always a hit, be it at the Iftar table or have them for Sehri. Pakistanis usually have a rather fattening Iftari but that does not have to be the case for you. Having milkshakes for Iftar can curb your hunger and give you a healthy kick. If you have these for Sehri, these will keep you full and satisfied for a longer period of time.

Banana Oat Smoothie

Banana Oat Smoothie is one of the healthiest drinks you have tried this Ramadan. This makes a perfect Sehri. It’s healthy and wholesome. Take a break from those oily Sehris and have this instead to stay super active even while you are fasting!

The perfect skin that we all wish for isn’t always easy to attain. During our teenage years our skin starts breaking out. Even if the acne breakouts stop, it often leaves permanent marks that none us like. These acne marks often get people very conscious of how they look and it affects the way they operate in their daily lives.

Some people prefer to cover their acne marks with makeup while some try to get skin treatments done to make the skin look more presentable.

However, an easier way to get rid of acne scars is by using natural methods to make the marks almost disappear. These do not have a health side effect and once the acne marks lighten, it won’t come back again. 

Here are a few natural home remedies you can do to remove acne scars:

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has been known for skin and health benefits. It is a traditional way of healing skin, acne and acne scars. Aloe vera has moisturizing and soothing properties that help in healing acne. The antioxidants in aloe vera reduce swelling, redness and removes excess oil and dead cells.

Aloe vera works wonder on sunburns as well. It doesn’t just give a cooling effect but also gradually removes the sunburn. 

It might feel weird and sticky but your skin will thank you and it will show. 

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is rich in omega fatty acids that penetrate the skin and moisturize it so that it can restore your skin’s glow.

Make sure you do not use too much coconut oil because it might cause you to break out more. 

Baking Soda

You must be wondering how baking soda could help in reducing acne scars. Well, it balances your pH and works great as a natural exfoliator. It eradicates dead skin cells and leaves your skin refreshed without damaging the skin around the scar.

You can use it by make a paste out of it by using two parts water and one part baking soda. Scrub it on the affected area, rinsing thoroughly and gently after a minute.

Lemon

Lemons contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), which means it has the healing properties that your skin needs. 

Lemons are known to be a natural bleaching agent that gradually bleaches away the acne marks and leaves your skin looking flawless. Unlike chemical-based face bleaches, this a lot healthier for the skin. 

Extract some lemon juice and dilute it with a hint of water so that it isn’t too harsh for the skin. Apply it for 20 minutes daily and you’ll feel the acne marks disappearing. 

Many people are almost always trying to lose weight but it seems almost impossible to even move down a kg.

Weight gain is almost impossible with unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. While everyone loves staying in shape but with our busy schedules the concept of eating healthy and exercise goes out of question.

Losing weight isn’t easy but there are ways in which it can be made easy without affecting physical and mental health and we have found you 3 easy ways of doing it:

Reduce the consumption of carbohydrates

The most essential part of losing weight is that you cut down on carbs, sugar and starch. This helps in lowering hunger levels and also helps control appetite.

Instead of burning carbs for energy, your body now starts burning stored fat for energy.

Another benefit of cutting carbs is that it lowers insulin levels, causing the kidneys to shed excess sodium and water. This reduces bloating and unnecessary water weight. This is especially effective for people who suffer from insulin resistance.

Eat proteins, vegetables and fats

Each one of your meals should include a protein source, fat source, and low carb vegetables.

Constructing your meals in this way should bring your carb intake down to around 20–50 grams per day

High protein foods can reduce cravings and the desire to have something sweet. It can help in controlling snacking as well.

Lift weights 3 times a week

By lifting weights, you will burn lots of calories and prevent your metabolism from slowing down, which is a common side effect of losing weight. Low carb diets show that you can gain a bit of muscle while losing significant amounts of body fat.

Hair is an essential part of how you look and present yourself. Your look can never be complete without your hair looking just the way you want them to.

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to hair. Some people like their hair straight while others like to have a few waves or curls. There are further subcategories like dead-straight hair or natural-straight look, beach waves or tight curls, a blow-out look, or loose curls.

One common thing is that everyone wants pretty looking, healthy hair and there is no easy way to have perfect hairs health until you take care of them. Like every other living thing, your hair requires nourishment and care. No one can have gorgeous looking hair without some effort.

Here are a few ways which will help you achieve healthier looking hair:

Get haircuts regularly

Often, when we are trying to grow out our hair, we skip salon visits so that our hair grows out faster. However, this just harms the hair; the ends of the hair start splitting which causes and overall thinning of your hair. As more time passes by without a haircut, the ends start to get dry and fail to give your hair a healthy look. Experts usually recommend a haircut every 6 to 8 weeks.

Go natural more often

We all love dyed and styled hair. An added color in our hair locks and some styling gives it a whole new look and we love flaunting it but natural is the new way to go. Avoid getting chemical treatments in your hair if it’s not necessarily needed. Do not style your hair if your hair is even slightly manageable or try making your hair more manageable by tying them into a ponytail or a bun.

Pay attention to your scalp

An itchy scalp means that it’s getting dry. Dandruff getting piled up on your scalp is not a good signal either. If your scalp is dry and itchy, apply hair oils to moisturize it. If the dandruff is piling up, get yourself a shampoo or a treatment to control it.

Maintain a healthy diet

This is the most important part of having beautiful hair. The nourishment you give your body shows in your hair as well. Your hair requires protein to look healthy so when you consume foods like pulses, red meat, poultry, or fish, it helps your hair grow better.

Don’t take hair showers

You’ll be surprised to know how much hot showers can damage your hair. Showering with lukewarm water will help you cleanse your scalp and the pores properly. However, hot water will cause damage, and some major hair fall. So while you can wash your hair with lukewarm water, make sure to rinse it off with cold water to seal the hair follicles.

Avoid touching your hair

Touching your hair constantly only makes the hair oilier and loosens the shafts of your hair. Also, tying your hair up in a tight ponytail creates a pull on your hair that creates breakage so avoid touching your hair or tying them up too tight and leave them alone.

Ramadan is the month where Muslims built a stronger connection with Allah by bringing changes in how they conduct themselves in their daily lives. Muslims try being on their best behavior; making charities, celebrating the Muslim brotherhood, performing prayers, and forming better habits in life.

Ramadan is the month where we are consciously aware of whatever we are doing. We can’t possibly blame Satan for our wrongdoings which is why we consciously try to become better Muslims and humans as well.

This month gives us a chance to repent to Allah and ponder over our conduct in our regular lives. This month gives us the perfect opportunity to make amends and progress towards good habits to live better lives.

We often give our best during this month and go back to our regular lives once Ramadan ends. However, what should be done is that the amends we have tried making during this month should become a part of our lives so that we lead better lives.

Here are 4 Habits you can take on from Ramadan for the rest of the year as well:

Maintain the habit of praying

Praying Salah is the second pillar of Islam and Islam teaches that there is no forgiveness for missed Salahs. Ramadan helps Muslims develop the habit of praying five times a day which can easily be continued for the rest of the year as well. If you have regularly prayed Salah this month then try maintaining Salah for life now.

Charitable acts

Muslims are extra generous with their charities during the month of Ramadan for two main reasons. Firstly, Allah promises 70 times more reward for every good deed and we try to give our best. The second reason is that the entire concept of fasting revolves stepping into the shes of those fellows who starve out of hunger because they do not have enough to provide for themselves.

If you have given out charities this month, you should start allotting a certain percentage of your income for charity, so that your charities keep changing the life of your poor brothers and sisters all around the year.

Helping around the house

Ramadan is the month where everyone tries to be more considerate towards the other. Every member of the family tries to help in the kitchen; some try to do the dishes, while others help in cooking and some help with cleaning. This spirit of helping around the house should continue all year round so that one or two members of the family are not overburdened while others rest.

Eating together

During Ramadan, Muslims tend to gather around the dining table to break the fast or during the time of Suhoor. This month encourages all members of the family to sit together for meals which could be done every day in our lives too. Eating together builds a stronger bond among the family members.