Category: Lifestyle features

Multiple health benefits of rooibos tea

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Checking out rooibos flavours with Hala

Caffeine-free tea from South Africa is linked with treatment for diabetes, cancer and heart disease

I love alternative healing and detoxing therapies and thanks to some forward thinking individuals and gorgeous nutritionists in the UAE like Hala Barghout, I often get enlightened on what I should be eating and drinking to keep myself fairly healthy. Especially as I have a huge appetite for the good stuff in life, super foods somehow help me keep a balance so that my voluptuous figure doesn’t go totally toxic.

I first got introduced to rooibos tea when Eric came home few years ago raving about it and coaxed me into bringing some of the more organic stuff back from one of my previous trips to Cape Town.  Since then, friends have brought this herbal tea for me plus one can also get them easily here now in nutrition shops in UAE.

As Hala mentions, rooibos offers a range of health benefits and has been shown to slow down cancer, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and help with a range of other conditions, including diabetes. Rooibos is a national drink in South Africa but it’s not just about taste –rooibos contains a complex and unique blend of antioxidants that play a major role in boosting the body’s natural defences.

I met Hala at Pullman Hotel after a long time – my last contact with her was when she enlightened me about the benefits of kiwi fruit. This time, it was all about rooibos which she delightfully tells me also contains no calories and no caffeine, and researchers have found that it can help to lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, prevent liver disease as well as cut the risk of heart disease and stroke.

New evidence has just emerged of the anti-diabetes potential of rooibos, following a joint study conducted by the Diabetes Discovery Platform from South Africa’s Medical Research Council (MRC) and the South African Agricultural Research Council’s (ARC) Infruitec-Nietvoorbij Institute.

Researchers found that an aspalathin-enriched extract of green rooibos is able to lower raised glucose levels in the blood of diabetic rats. Aspalathin is a unique antioxidant found in nature only in the rooibos plant (Aspalathus linearis). When combined with rutin, another key compound in rooibos tea, the glucose-lowering action was further enhanced.

Working with diabetic rats, the researchers were able to show that the Rooibos extract could achieve a glucose-lowering effect comparable to existing diabetic drugs.

Hala said that research has also shown rooibos to be effective in easing stomach cramps and other digestive disorders, relieving allergies and soothing itching skin. Substituting regular tea or coffee with rooibos, drinking camel’s milk instead of cow’s milk, adding kiwifruit to the fruit bowl – these are all easy steps to a healthier lifestyle. In fact, to get the maximum health benefits from rooibos tea, researchers in South Africa recommend the consumption of up to six cups per day, spread throughout the day, including a cup at bedtime.

I was not able to meet with Fanus Schoeman, South Africa’s Consul-General in Dubai but he had mentioned earlier that there is a large potential market in UAE for rooibos tea. He hopes the health benefits will help rooibos win many new fans in the UAE.

The rooibos plant is indigenous and unique to the Cederberg and surrounding areas of the Western and Northern Cape in South Africa, where rooibos tea is produced. The plant and the tea brewed from it were first documented in 1772, and today the tea can be found in 72% of South African homes. About half the annual production of 12,000 tonnes is exported, and it is already widely available in UAE supermarkets.

The manner in which the rooibos leaves and stems are harvested and dried determines whether the tea will be the traditional amber or red colour or the lighter and milder green variety. Both versions are entirely natural products and contain no colourants, additives or preservatives.

The Rooibos Council in South Africa is currently funding AED 1 million worth of independent research to advance the understanding of the health-promoting properties of rooibos – and in particular its ability to slow down and prevent various forms of cancer as well as its potential to protect heart health in individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease. Other topics being researched include the possibility that rooibos could be beneficial in slowing down the effects of ageing, its anti-obesity properties, its role in post-exercise recovery and its potential in combatting stress.

Looks like I am switching from my dear Maxim’s premium organic tea to rooibos to get my detox accelerated and my chakras aligned. Could this be diva’s next ultimate health drink alternative?

Rooibos tea in glass

EIGHT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE V8 SUPERCARS

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With my favourite Formula 1 Driver Marussia F1 Team, Timo Glock


It’s finally here :). As the 2012 Formula 1TM Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix fast approaches, fan excitement is reaching fever pitch. In addition to the thrilling action of one of the most exciting F1 seasons to date, fans at Yas Marina Circuit will also experience all the bumper to bumper action of the V8 Supercars Championship, official support race of the 2012 Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix….I have my official shirt and cap to wear thanks to the gorgeous Timo Glock who is my current hero….and its signed :):):)

Our friends at Yas Marina are sending us latest updates and diva is smiling heaps as the excitement unfolds. Richard Cregan, Chief Executive Office of Yas Marina Circuit, host of the Formula 1TM Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix says the popularity of V8 Supercar is rising rapidly around the world.  The addition of the V8s as this year’s official support race adds a new dimension to the 2012 Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and he and his team are super proud to host them on what will be an action-packed weekend.

While based in Australia and hugely popular on home turf, V8 Supercars is developing a strong fan base both closer to home, in New Zealand as well as throughout the Middle East and in particular Abu Dhabi.

As the official support race for this year’s Formula 1TM Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, here are eight things to know about the V8s:

1)      From Australia to Abu Dhabi: V8 Supercars is a touring car racing category based in Australia and run as an International Series under Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) regulations – just like the Formula One Grand Prix.

2)      28 Drivers – 3 Races: This year, 28 drivers will go head to head and bumper to bumper in three V8 Supercar races during the F1 weekend, 2-4 November at Yas Marina Circuit.

3)      An International Season: The 2012 V8 Supercars Championship consists of 16 events across Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East including the racing at the 2012 Formula 1TM Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Next year they will debut at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

4)      An F1 First: This year’s races are the first time a points-paying V8 Supercars Championship event will be held on the same weekend as a Formula 1TM World Championship.

5)      Third Time’s a Charm: This upcoming weekend’s support races marks the third time the V8s have raced at Yas Marina Circuit. Previous V8 races at Yas Marina Circuit include the Yas V8 400 which was held both in 2011 and 2010.

6)      Going the Distance: This year’s support races will be the first time the V8 Supercars will race on the full 5.5-kilometre length of Yas Marina Circuit, after using a 4.7-kilometre version in previous races.

7)      Defending Champions: Winners of the 2011 Yas V8 400, set to defend their Yas Marina Circuit wins, are Jamie Whincup of TeamVodafone , who took top spot in Race 1 of last year’s Yas V8 400, and James Courtney of the Holden Racing Team who came in first in Race 2.

8)      Lean, Mean and Green: All V8 Supercars run on 85 percent CSR Ethanol, a renewable fuel made from the bi-product of the sugar refining process.

The qualifying session for the V8 Supercars will take place on Friday, 2 Nov., 15:00-15:20. Races 1 and 2 will take place on Saturday, 3 Nov, at 10:00-10:30 and 11:55-12:25, while the final race of the V8 Supercars will take place on Sunday 4 Nov, at 13:30-14:00….ENJOY!

Bahrain Science Centre focuses on social media in November

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Facilitator conducts a tour

Each month the Bahrain Science Centre focuses some of its educational programmes on a different theme. In November the theme will be ‘Social Media and Socialization’ and the Science Centre will be hosting displays, debates and discussion groups on the challenges and opportunities that social media present to people today.

The early 21st century is a time of wide choices, including choices on how we can communicate with one another. Although the various forms of social media and digital communications provide people with many ways of communicating, and the world is arguably better connected than ever before, many people still seem to be strangely disconnected from society.

Furthermore, those who make extensive use of social media seem to live in an isolated, virtual world and to have lost the skills of one-on-one live communication with other people. During a time of great connectivity, we are losing our communication skills.

The programmes in the Science Centre will discuss this issue as well as topics such as digital addictions, the impact of social and digital media on brain and child development, and the role of social media in the modern world. In addition, the Science Centre will present displays and talks on the history of computing and social media. Lessons will also be offered on how to access social media and how to design your own FaceBook page. Don’t miss these exciting events.

“The Ministry of Social Development supports the concept of having a different theme each month in the Bahrain Science Centre which focuses on science as well as how modern technology affects the youth today,” said Khalid Eshaq Alkoheji, Undersecretary for Community Development in the Ministry.

The month’s events will include a communications workshop by David Hollywood, a leading theatre and literary personality in Bahrain at 5pm on the 22nd of November. David is the chair of the Theatre Group, the Poetry Group, the Bahrain Writer’s Circle and is developing performing arts in Bahrain.

The Bahrain Science Centre is located in Building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain and can be contacted on +973 1 768 6466.

Press release issued on behalf Bahrain Science Centre. For further information, please contact Shereen Shabnam on +971 507690087/ 504828177/ shereen@mtestudios.com. For information on the weekly programmes at the Bahrain Science Centre, please contact Amna Aldoseri at amna@mtestudios.com.

About Bahrain Science Centre (BSC):

The Bahrain Science Centre (BSC) is an interactive educational facility that targets children, youth and families of Bahrain. It is located in building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain. The science centre has six interactive exhibition galleries, an auditorium, four laboratories and a café/shop.

The role of the BSC is to promote awareness of the importance of science and technology, complement the school curriculum, stimulate curiosity and innovation, and create a forum for public debate on science and technology issues. The topics covered by current exhibitions include junior engineering, human health, the five senses, earth sciences and biodiversity.

Focusing on hands-on learning using interactive displays and people-centred programmes, such as science shows, Bahrain Science Centre also strongly promotes creativity and innovation as well as cross-generational learning. The science centre will also endeavour to promote an awareness of Bahrain’s contributions to science and technology and a strong Bahraini identity. It is an ideal family edutainment destination.

Looking oh so feminine with Vhernier

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Simple, elegant…am loving the Vhernier bracelet

Being a Fijian has its ups and downs but the best bit about being one is our FIJI water and the fact that we have awesome soft velvet skin texture which I attribute to the large amounts of FIJI water we gulp down with its high content of the magic potion, silica. So normally I don’t flinch when a fashionista touches my hand to say how soft the skin is – but this time, it had nothing to do with my skin but the delicate bracelet I was wearing from Vhernier, masters of Italian contemporary jewellery.

Normally I would not go for jewellery from Vhernier but it was love at first sight with this bracelet and I have become an advocate of the brand….not for all pieces but the delicate, simple and classy pieces that are so subtle and yet somehow make statement that one normally gets from a boldly designed piece.

Although I don’t go much to the Emirates Towers boulevard, it was worth going there to see the jewellery collections of the Italian House which is influenced in their design by trends in modern and contemporary art. I am so glad AW Rostamani Lifestyle brought this amazing brand to Dubai for us savvy females who appreciate inimitable pieces that make us stand out as  individuals. Hey, if it’s good for Demi Moore, Angelina Jolie and Jessica Biel, then its good for Fijianchick as well!

Infiniti FX Vettel Edition

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Infiniti FX Vettel Edition does look nice

If you get time this weekend, check out the Infiniti FX Vettel Edition, which is currently displayed at the Arabian Automobiles Infiniti Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road.

It is after all the most exclusive crossover in the world and Infiniti has dedicated only 50 units of this 420bhp V8-engine crossover for the Middle East region.

In a unique event next week, Formula One Double World champion and Infiniti brand ambassador, Sebastian Vettel, will give customers and potential buyers of the car (he personally helped to develop) a once-in-a-lifetime ride of their lives in the build up to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix….how cool is that?

Food, Music Art….its all at Bo House Cafe

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Fijianchick’s favourite Cafe 🙂


Last week I spent an evening after work at my favourite snack place, Bo House Café, the home of modern bohemians with Houri, Fadi and a couple of awesome young artists. The weather is perfect to hang out at JBR Walk anyway but what was awesome that evening was the BOZART Exhibition at Bo House in celebration of Dubai based artists. lt showcases the talented and creative work of Dubai‘s aspiring artists, Lisa Fabian, Sarah Khalil and Ishtar Al Shaybani. I had a lovely chat with Sarah and Ishtar who are as delightful as their art pieces.

I loved the art, the food and of course it was awesome to catch up with friends like Lisa and gorgeous Fadi who I normally would not see for months. It’s great to see Bo House giving local talents an opportunity to showcase their artwork on a creative and free artistic platform and its a perfect opportunity for art lovers to enjoy the café’s new menu with hearty home cooking, some made entirely from vegan friendly products.

Also the renowned Chef Giovannino Fittipaldi, conitues to create his award winning gelato, which should not be missed. I had a shot that night of a virgin cocktail that had goji berries which I got introduced to in Bahrain before as a super food …it was lush!

Bo House Cafe has been designed especially for the young, educated, and art savvy crowd who seek a haven from the bustle of daily life to a place where they can get together for fun, for love, for a scoop of award-winning Gelato, for no reason, for endless simple facts and emotions. The organically shaped rounded tables create a catalyst for creative minds to feed off each other’s talents and ideas. Its inspiring views of the coast, with waves that rhythmically lap against the shore, Bo House Café always keeps the vibe fresh and chilled.

It is naturally a concept by my favourite Pragma Group –  an organisation that balances the art and science of business and the management are just awesome fun people who are also behind the concept of the Cavalli Club, which is possibly the only night venue I love being in for snacks and chill out time with Pragma friends. Bo house Café is one place I would happily endorse as a quality venue in Dubai for chilling out with artistic and intellectual friends.

Loving Ermanno Scervino

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Mohidin Bin Hendi with Ermanno Scervino at Dubai Mall


It is always a pleasure to catch up with Mohi-Din BenHendi to see what he is up to and it’s almost always at a launch where he has played a crucial role in bringing a superb brand into the UAE for the fashion conscious shoppers.

This time it is the luxury Italian fashion brand Ermanno Scervino – its first boutique is now at the Dubai Mall. Ermanno Scervino himself hosted a beautiful evening along with Mr Mohi-Din Binhendi together with Dubai VIPs and fashion lovers and it gave us an opportunity again to catch up with old and new friends.

Guests mingled in the elegant new space and had the opportunity to meet the designer who flew into Dubai especially for the momentous occasion. The boutique opening was followed by a private dinner held at the chic Joe’s Café for a select few VIPs and fans of the brand.

The new boutique is set to become one of the most visited fashion destinations in Dubai, with Scervino showcasing the best of the best of Italian fashion. The new collection was so well received that his covetable styles are already flying off the shelves, and into every Dubai fashion maven’s wardrobes. It has an edgy femininity. For fitting and elegant, the equestrian inspired collection was an instant winner with Dubai’s discerning fashion lovers.

A very dear friend of mine just celebrated her birthday – she is one of the best dressed local Emirati friends I have and she absolutely loved the piece I gave her. To me, her approval was the best testimony to the awesomeness of the brand and its success in Dubai.

Ford – It’s that time of the year when all is pink

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My favourite warriors in Pink symbol

October is here and this is the time when Ford’s Warriors in Pink® emerge in full force to honour breast cancer survivors who have demonstrated strength and courage in their battle. Although my car or my bag often features the ‘Warriors in Pink’ items most times in the year, this month in particular we get up, close and personal with the new collection of Warriors  in Pink collection of apparel and accessories at www.fordcares.com

Breast cancer is more than a disease as it’s about people and families, whose lives are forever changed by a diagnosis. And Ford Motor Company works relentlessly every year to raise awareness and funds in the fight against breast cancer through a unique programme called “Warriors in Pink®”. Powered by Ford, the initiative is dedicated to promoting breast cancer awareness across the globe. The campaign recognises the strength and courage it takes to deal with the everyday challenges of fighting breast cancer. Warriors in Pink embodies hope, strength and courage and is about women and men finding strength within themselves,  their inner warrior, especially at a time they need it most.

I first met Sue Nigoghossian who works for Ford last year and find her an incredibly dynamic individual who passionately talks about the cause since. She mentioned to me recently how her company played a pivotal role in encouraging women to become informed and visit their doctors, educating them that early detection saves lives. In the Middle East, the disease is the number one cause of death in women and relatively low awareness rates means that women are often diagnosed with cancer at advanced stages.

I personally find Ford’s CSR work great. Recently I had a henna tattoo done reflecting 2 of the 12 Warriors in Pink symbols of hope, strength and unity in the fight against breast cancer on my hands just before a trip to Bahrain. Reaching there, I learnt of a young girl being diagnosed so I introduced her to ‘Warriors of Pink’ and gave her the scarf I had as a reminder that she had support around her.

As Sue mentions, women in our region have used henna in body art since ancient times, so it is a source of inspiration to her team at Ford to see women using henna to make such a bold statement, in a way that only our region can, in support of breast cancer awareness. The symbols are versatile, some are worn to honor those that have passed away as a result of the disease, others show a sense of solidarity and standing strong with breast cancer survivors, others to mark a commitment to life and survival in the face of the disease.

Doctors recommend that since older women are more likely to develop the disease, once women reach the age of 40, they should have an annual mammogram, in addition to monthly self-examinations.  Women under the age of 40 are advised to self-examine every three months. People concerned about any abnormalities should contact their doctor immediately.

As its October, take time to go on-line at www.fordcares.com, with 100 per cent of net proceeds from the collection goes into research of breast cancer and related support initiatives. Watch Ford Middle East’s ‘Are you a Warrior in Pink’ video to learn more about the henna campaign on www.youtube.com/fordmiddleast and www.facebook.com/FordMiddleEast. To buy the Warriors in Pink collection on-line visit www.shopwarriorsinpink.com.

Another favourite symbol I use when I have a henna tattoo

BAHRAINI PUPILS PREPARE TO SET A WORLD RECORD

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Ali Al-Hawadi, one of the Facilitators in the Bahrain Science Centre, using the ‘Memory Test’ display in the ‘Test your Talents’ gallery

World’s largest memory game to be held at the Bahrain Science Centre during Biology Week

The Bahrain Science Centre in collaboration with The Society of Biology will be part of a record attempt for the world’s largest memory game to celebrate Biology Week in October. The record attempt will take place in the Bahrain Science Centre at 4.30pm on Friday 19th October and is suitable for adults and children of all ages.

Anyone keen to put their short-term memory to the test can take part in the record attempt and learn about the fascinating world of neuroscience. The games will be simple and require no resources or preparation and will last 10 minutes. By sitting a ten-minute memory test, which has been prepared by renowned experimental psychologist Professor Bruce Hood, the pupils will be contributing to a nationwide scientific study.

Dr Mark Downs, Chief Executive of the Society of Biology, says: “This will be the climax of Biology Week, with schools, universities, and learned societies testing their memories simultaneously. We’ve been thrilled with the number of people who are keen to take part and we have high hopes for setting an impressive world record.”

According to Khalid Eshaq Alkoheji, Undersecretary for Community Development in the Ministry, the event is one of many planned at the Bahrain Science Centre to inspire and educate visitors about the life sciences.

“The involvement of the Bahrain Science Centre in the ‘Memory Test’ competition is the first of many international events in which the Science Centre will participate”, said Professor Mike Bruton, MTE Studios Director for the Science Centre, “The Science Centre is part of the international science education community and we are keen to strengthen our global network.”

Participants will sit a ten-minute memory test, prepared by renowned experimental psychologist, Professor Bruce Hood. The data from people of different ages will contribute to a scientific study.

Alongside the attempt school pupils will learn about how our brains store memories (or at least convince us we have made accurate memories!). Anyone who is interested in how the brain works, from remembering how to make a cup of tea to falling in love can watch the Society of Biology Brain Explorers video series.

Dr Downs says: “We hope the record attempt will highlight the importance of neuroscience research, especially into diseases like Alzheimer’s. The memory game is part of a series of events being held to mark Biology Week which runs from 13th-19th October and aims to inspire students about the life sciences.

The Bahrain Science Centre, located in Building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town in the Kingdom of Bahrain has several permanent interactive displays that test and develop the memory of visitors.

-ENDS-

Press release issued on behalf Bahrain Science Centre. For further information, please contact Shereen Shabnam on +971 507690087/ 504828177/ shereen@mtestudios.com.

Notes for editors:

The Society of Biology (www.societyofbiology.org) is a professional body for bioscientists – providing a single unified voice for biology: advising Government and influencing policy; advancing education and professional development; supporting their members, and engaging and encouraging public interest in the life sciences.

About Biology Week

The first ever Biology Week will take place on 13th-19th October, organised by the Society of Biology. Events around the country will give everyone the chance to learn about biology, the science of the 21st Century. www.societyofbiology.org/biologyweek

About Bahrain Science Centre (BSC):

The Bahrain Science Centre (BSC) is an interactive educational facility that targets children, youth and families of Bahrain. It is located in building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain. The science centre has six interactive exhibition galleries, an auditorium, four laboratories and a café/shop.

The role of the BSC is to promote awareness of the importance of science and technology, complement the school curriculum, stimulate curiosity and innovation, and create a forum for public debate on science and technology issues. The topics covered by current exhibitions include junior engineering, human health, the five senses, earth sciences and biodiversity.

Focusing on hands-on learning using interactive displays and people-centred programmes, such as science shows, Bahrain Science Centre also strongly promotes creativity and innovation as well as cross-generational learning. The science centre will also endeavour to promote an awareness of Bahrain’s contributions to science and technology and a strong Bahraini identity. It is an ideal family edutainment destination.

Its all about Kludi RAK

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My Fiji apartment has the same bowl but the base is dark…I love the additional accessories that I never thought of – they add so much warmth to the bathroom

Looks like my DIY mode has still not shaken off weeks after getting back from Fiji where I spent most of my time in hardware shops looking at the delightful treasures that could turn my house into a home.

Now, when I look at home accessories, it is with a different perspective and I visualize how they will look in my personal cooking and bathroom space. Bathrooms and kitchens have become the focal point of the home living experience and it is no longer about function and efficiency but instead about quality of life and pleasure…I need to feel like I am in a spa when I shower and can whip up miracles if I am set loose in a trendy kitchen.

I may not be known as a domestic diva but I do love cooking and being a Pisces, my best time is when I am in water….nothing beats a warm bath with aroma salts when it comes to getting a Pisces into chill mode.

My current favourite for kitchen and bathroom accessories is of course Kludi RAK. Being a diva, I want fittings that soothe, inspire and match my discerning tastes. And Kludi RAK satisfies my demand for decent high quality stuff that makes my personal space that much more nicer to be in … I find their designs elegant and their timeless classic fittings certainly have an edge over most of the stuff I ended up getting back home. Talking about ceramics, there is that one more thing my little heart desires….:)