The Top 5 Things You Must Know About South African Food This World Cup?

by: Sean Farrell

The 2010 Football World Cup is kicking off in South Africa, bringing the world's most watched tournament to Africa for the 1st time ever. For all those lucky enough to be in South Africa watching some of the games or just to absorb the festive atmosphere, there are a few facts you should know about specific South African food and drink - to experience the country and culture to the full.

While for those enjoying the world cup from their sofas in their home countries, wherever that may be, you may want to impress your friends or possibly South African colleagues with some food facts that most South Africans take for granted. So from the land of long white sandy beaches, wild animals, picturesque landscapes, breathtaking vistas and awe inspiring mountain ranges - here are some foods you definitely should not miss out on.

Biltong: Ask any South African abroad what he misses most and 9 times out of 10, biltong will feature in the top 3 most missed South African treats. Similar to 'beef jerky' in the USA, in that both are cured and dried meat, but the production processes are quite different. Biltong can be made from a variety of meat, including: wild game, ostrich or more commercially available beef.

Biltong is a long standing Afrikaner tradition evolved from the dried meat carried by the wagon-travelling Voortrekkers. The Voortrekkers were early settlers to the Cape Colony who ventured north into the interior of Southern Africa away from British rule during the Great Trek in the early 1800's. With no cold refrigeration and being constantly on the move they dried and cured the meat preserving it from decay and insects.

There are many herb and spice combinations, with each town or city having their own famous biltong supplier. For the best biltong its best to ask the locals or alternatively you can just try them all and decide for yourself.

Rooibos Tea: Grown only in the Cederberg mountains in the semi-desert Western Cape of South Africa, Rooibos (pronounce 'roy-bos' - Afrikaans for 'red bush') - is a naturally green shrub but gets its deep red colour and rich flavour from fermentation similar to that of black tea.

Although in 1772 botanist Carl Thunberg was the first Westerner to mention this wild shrub, the indigenous Khoisan were well aware of Rooibos' remarkable health benefits and had been brewing it for centuries. The Cape colony's early Dutch settlers adopted Rooibos instead of expensive black tea from Europe. In 1904 Russian immigrant Benjamin Ginsberg, recognising its potential, became the first to trade it from the Bushmen and pioneered its cultivation. More recently, Rooibos has become famous for being the favourite drink of Precious Ramotswe of 'The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency' novels.

Rooibos tea is full of natural powerful antioxidants and key minerals, and unlike green tea it has no caffeine and is very low in tannins, so all round a very healthy beverage - so much so that it is often bottle fed to babies, which explains why many South Africans are so addicted to it!

In South Africa it is common to drink Rooibos tea with milk, prepared similar to black tea in England, but to fully appreciate the tea it is best drunk black. The tea has a unique taste experience: an inviting vanilla aroma, woody flavours and a sweet, mild, fruity taste.

Rusks: With your cup of Rooibos why not try a rusk. Rusks are hard, dry biscuits (also known as 'beskuit' in Afrikaans) eaten dunked in cup of coffee, tea, or Rooibos. Historically, rusks evolved (along with biltong) during the country's early pioneering days as a way to preserve bread in the dry climate.

Traditionally baked at home using recipes handed down through the generations, the most famous commercially produced rusk brand is Ouma (grandmother in Afrikaans) Rusks. In addition to plain and buttermilk flavours, look out for homemade varieties made with amongst others aniseed, whole-wheat, condensed milk, muesli, and lemon poppy seed. Impress your South African friends; ask for an Ouma rusk with your cup of Rooibos!

Naartjies: Its winter in South Africa and Naartjies (or nartjie) like other citurs fruits are in season. A soft loose-skinned citrus fruit, Naartjies are similar to mandarins, satsumas or tangerines.

The name is Afrikaans and is originally from the Tamil word nartei meaning citrus. The word has been used in South Africa since 1790, but the first written recorded English use is by Lawrence Green in the Tavern of the Seas 1947.

Naartjies are very popular at sporting events and can often find street vendors selling bags of the fruit outside football stadiums. So if you feeling like you missing out on your 5 a day fruits/vegetables and need a healthy snack in between your Castle beer (most popular South African beer) and biltong, get yourself a bag of Naartjies.

Babotie: Babotie is possibly the one truly South African dish that you can't find anywhere else. Like rusks there are numerous varieties and every South African will swear to his mother making the best Babotie using a recipe handed down through the generations. Babotie is a spiced minced meat baked dish with an egg-based topping and includes dried fruit like raisins or sultanas. Served with rice it is normally garnished with walnuts, chutney (ask for 'Mrs Balls Chutney' - the most well known brand) and bananas. Although not noticeably spicy, the dish incorporates a variety of flavours that can add complexity, like for example dried fruit (usually apricots and raisins/sultanas), curry spices and milk.

South Africa has a very rich history and diverse cultural background, evidenced by the now 11 official languages and countless nationalities living in this naturally rich and beautiful country at the tip of Africa. Hopefully you have a few more facts of food info to not only impress your friends with but the truly appreciate and enjoy the country during this the first world cup hosted in Africa.

Sean Farrell is the founder of Chateau Rouge food and drink. A passionate foodie, having grown up in South Africa, he loves Rooibos tea. Would you like to discover more about gourmet food and drink? Or discover some lesser known tea varieties, sign up for FREE newsletter updates: =>

http://www.chateaurouge.co.uk/

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Top 10 Male Enhancement Herbs

by: Serj Sagan

Last time I was at a local Walgreens I noticed that they carry hundreds of different herbs that claim to do amazing things. If I was to take all of them, not only would I be super smart, but I would also have sexy skin, a six pack stomach, great hair, be an amazing lover, and all of the women would want me just by smelling my “pheromones.” I doubt that I can have all of that just by taking some pills, but as amazing and unrealistic as the claims are, there are definite benefits to certain herbs. We all know that Ginkgo is for mental alertness and Echinacea is for immunity strength, but what herbs are best for male sexual performance? We will discuss the top ten male enhancement herbs here and finish with a few to avoid.

1. GINKGO BILOBA LEAF – I wanted to start with ginkgo because it is commonly thought of as an herb to help with memory and brain function. This is in fact correct, however only covers one scope of the herb's benefits. Ginkgo works by expanding the capacity of blood flow through your veins and arteries therefore that effect benefits many parts of the body from the increased oxygen supply to the brain, which allows better brain function, to fuller and harder erections as more blood is supplied to the penis.

A few concerns with ginkgo are, because of the increased blood flow, those with bleeding disorders, especially those whose blood fails to coagulate on a wound, should take more precaution as more blood flow will slow the coagulation process. The second concern is for those who prefer ginkgo biloba seeds over the leaf. Uncooked ginkgo biloba seeds have shown some small levels of toxins, so if you prefer the seeds it is advised to cook them prior to ingestion. Finally, as with any new addition to your diet, some people have claimed a minor upset stomach and diarrhea.

The recommended concentration is 24% flavones and 6% terpene lactones. The usual dosage is 120mg to 160mg per day.

2. EPIMEDIUM LEAF EXTRACT – The next herb is epimedium leaf or commonly known as horny goat weed. The origins of epimedium is from goat herders who noticed that when their flock ate the weed their sexual activity was noticeably increased, thus the name. Discovery Channel did a study on horny goat weed. They found that it is the number one most prescribed solution to sexual dysfunction by professional doctors in China. Although little is known about how horny goat weed actually works, it has shown significant increases in libido and vitality in both men and women, restore sexual function in men, and help with discomfort during menopause in women.

To this day there have not been any known side effects with horny goat weed, other than the typical minor upset stomach and diarrhea when something new is added to your diet.

It is recommended that your intake of horny goat weed is concentrated enough to have at least 10% icariin. Generally 1000MG to 2000MG is a sufficient daily dosage.

3. HAWTHORN BERRY – The hawthorn berry is another herb that is generally used to treat one concern, yet its benefits extend further. The hawthorn berry is primarily used to treat heart problems. It strengthens the heart allowing it to pump more blood. This, of course, translates into more blood flowing into your penis. Thus allowing for harder, fuller erections and increased pleasure from orgasm.

A few concerns with the hawthorn berry are that studies show that it does lower blood pressure a little bit so if you have very low blood pressure you may need to consult with a physician. And as usual some have reported a minor upset stomach and diarrhea.

The daily recommended dosage for the hawthorn berry is 160mg to 900mg concentrated to 2% to 3% flavonoids or 18% to 20% oligomeric procyanidins.

4. SAW PALMETTO BERRY – The saw palmetto berry is a berry that is commonly used for urological problems. The most common use for it is to bring an enlarged prostate back to regular size. However most studies indicate that long term use (12 months or more) of saw palmetto also eased urination and increased sexual function significantly.

One of the few things about saw palmetto berries is that although there have been many studies done on saw palmetto, there have not been any reported side effects, none even complained about upset stomach or diarrhea.

320mg per day standardized to not less than 85% fatty acids is the recommended dosage for saw palmetto berries.

5. CATUABA BARK EXTRACT – The catuaba is a Brazilian, primarily in the Amazon rainforest, tree whose bark has been used for thousands of years as an all around nervous system revitalizer. It restores your nervous system function bringing about increased brain function, reduced nervousness, better sleep and improved sexual function. This is the herb that has helped the 60, 70, 80 even 90 year olds in Brazil have a healthy sex life naturally.

There are no known side effects with catuaba except the occasional upset stomach and diarrhea when it is first introduced to the diet. The main concern is that you are actually purchasing real catuaba bark, as there are several exporters who export the bark as catuaba, but it is in fact from the wrong tree. There are 2 forms of catuaba tree that supplies the actual bark that is medicinally known for its benefits and the scientific names for these two is Erythroxylum catuaba and Trichilia catigua.

The standard daily dose is 1000mg to 2000mg. There has not been any standardization of the extract’s concentration.

6. MUIRA PAUMA BARK EXTRACT – The muira pauma is another rainforest tree found in South America and Africa. This plant’s benefits also focus on the nervous system to treat various ailments such as paralysis, beri-beri, rheumatism, grippe, and cardiac and gastrointestinal weakness, baldness and sexual dysfunction, such as impotence, infertility and menstrual disturbances.

There are no reported side effects from muira pauma except the occasional upset stomach and diarrhea when it is first introduced to the diet. It is also commonly exported as muira pauma bark extract from a similar tree whose bark does not have the same medical benefits, the scientific name for it is Liriosma ovate, so be sure that before you purchase muira pauma that it does not come from this tree.

The recommended dosage is 1500mg daily and there are no concentration standards for the muira pauma bark extract.

7. CUSCUTA SEED EXTRACT – The cuscata is commonly known as dodder plant and it is commonly used to increase sperm production and its fertility. New research has shown that it helps with treating impotence.

There are rumors that cuscuta seed extract, when ingested in high quantities, caused lack of sleep. There are no case studies showing this effect as the studies done use standard dosages when administering it. There have also never been any claims of upset stomach or diarrhea with cuscuta seed extract.

The recommended dosage is 10g to 15g boiled in 3 cups of water for 20 minutes, some have said to increase that dosage up to 25 grams of cuscuta seed extract in 3 cups of water each day. It is standardized to 2.5% flavonoids.

8. ASIAN GINSENG – There are several kinds of ginseng available on the market today, but the one that shows the most sexual function benefit is the asian ginseng. It is commonly used to restore energy both physically and mentally and in sexual function it has a significant benefit in preventing premature ejaculation.

Asian ginseng has similar side effects as other forms of ginseng which include difficulty falling asleep when taken in large quantities and an upset stomach when it is first introduced to the diet.

A daily dosage is 200mg to 600mg, standardized to contain 4% to 5% ginsenosides.

9. TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS – The tribulus terrestris is a plant native to the warm climates of southern Europe and Asia, throughout Africa and in northern Australia, although it is found in North and South America as well now. Its primary use is for the purpose of increased sex drive by restoring hormone levels to normal range, primarily testosterone.

There are no reported side effects from tribulus terrestris except the occasional upset stomach when it is first introduced to your diet.

750mg per day is the recommended dosage of tribulus terrestris, standardized for at least 30% to 45% steroidal saponins (furostanol).

10. DAMIANA – Damiana is found primarily in Central and South America. It is recorded being used as early back as the ancient Mayan civilization to prepare for lovemaking. Today it is used to relieve headaches, control bed wetting, better control of the muscles in the urinary tract, as an aphrodisiac and to enhance orgasms.

There are no known side effects of damiana even the upset stomach that is common to new ingredients being added to your diet is unheard of.

The recommended dosage is 750mg to 1000mg per day. There is no standardization for damiana.

All of the above herbs have been listed as Class 1 safe on the US government website when taken in recommended dosages. However I wanted to make you aware of an herb that is very popular for male enhancement, but it has a serious side effect. The bark of the Yohimbe (aka Yohimbine) tree is known for its potency in increasing sexual function however it can and very often does cause very serious damage to the liver. In fact it is banned for import in several different countries. Please use caution when taking this herb, especially if already have liver problems.

You will find that all of the above herbs when taken alone will improve your sexual functionality, but when they are combined the effects are compounded. So next time you walk into Walgreens, or who ever your supplier is, you will be able to better distinguish between at least a small section of the natural supplements isle and enhance your love life considerably.

Sources:
National Institute of Health
http://nccam.nih.gov
University of Maryland Medical Center
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/hawthorn-000256.htm
Discovery Health
http://health.discovery.com/centers/sex/libido/goat_03.html
David Mendosa
http://www.mendosa.com/sawpalm.htm
Raintree Nutrition
http://www.rain-tree.com/muirapuama.htm
MDidea
http://www.mdidea.com/products/new/new017.html

Serj Sagan is the CEO and owner of the male enhancement company that is dedicated to find the real truth about male enhancement products and its manufacturers and expose that truth to the consumer. Copyright 2008 Serj Sagan of Male Enhancement Research. This article may be freely distributed as long as this resource box stays attached.

http://www.enhancementresearch.com/

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Who Are The Top Springer Spaniels Breeders?

by: Phil Marks

If you want to find the top springer spaniels breeders then you first need to find out about the top springer spaniels, and in what line. Welsh or English Springer? English springer spaniels have two distinct lines - the working ('Field') dog and the Show dog types - they are slightly different in build. Welsh springer spaniels have only one line. We will use the English springer as an example. In the United States, the Show dogs are known as Bench dogs.

To Find Show or Bench English Springer Spaniels Breeders:

The top show dogs will have been show champions (in the UK Crufts is the foremost show, and has a website). You can easily check online for the champions. For Crufts 2010, in the Gundog Group, the Brest of Breed (Spaniel, English Springer) was:

SH CH TRIMERE TALKING POINT OF ALLENIE JW

["e;]Trimere["e;] is the affix of the breeder (it identitifies the breeder), and a search online for ["e;]Trimere spaniel["e;] will locate the breeder for you. Not all breeders have a website with contact details - some top breeders do not feel they need to advertise their litters - they are well known with Show circles and the pups sell readily.

Then, if there are no contact details available, a search on the Kennel Club website will usually uncover the breeder's name and address details.

In the USA, the National Championship run by the American Kennel Club is one of the top shows. For the 2009 National Championship, the Best in Breed was:

CH SPRINGWEST AMAZING GRACE

Again, just use the affix 'Springwest' to search online for the Breeder.

The author has no connection with any of the breeders mentioned here - they were at the top the prizewinners lists.

Of course, there will have been runners up too, and other prize categories, so you should be able to locate at least half a dozen champion breeders. And, you can check through a couple of preceding years' results.

To Find Field or Working English Springer Spaniels Breeders:

These trials are organised by Field Trials Associations or Clubs, such as:

In the USA: English Springer Spaniel Field Trail Association

In Britain: List of Field Trial Societies on the Kennel Club website

Australia and South Africa: There is less information available online, and the sites are mainly commercial, though links to breeders can be found. Part of the reason for this is that these countries use hunting dogs which are more specialised to their environments and their game.

In the US and UK there is more English springer spaniels field trial activity, and top breeders are more easily found.

The great thing about field trials is that the springers are doing what they are bred to do - flush and retrieve - and it is much more fun for both owners and dogs. Most field trials involve live shooting.

Why do you want a Champion's offspring? The main reason has to be that you want to own a champion, and that means show the dog or field-trial him. This will involve a very high degree of commitment to do the dog justice.

There are plenty of second- and third-tier English springer spaniels breeders who have perfectly good pups. With a well chosen pup from a local prize-winning bloodline, you can still have a great deal of fun and win a few prizes, whether it is in the show-ring or out in the country at field trials.

A final note - with a Welsh Springer you can both show and field-trail the same dog; with the English Springer you make the commitment one way or the other when you buy a pup from either the show dog line or the field line.

Written by a long term English Springer Spaniel owner. Find out much more about springer spaniel breeders at => http://www.springerspanieladvice.com/english-springer-spaniel-breeder/ and discover a whole lot more about this fantastic breed at => http://www.springerspanieladvice.com and get yourself a 10 part mini course about them, at no charge.

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The Basics of Ecotourism: Support Sustainability and Local Economies with Your Travel Dollars

by: Jamie Jefferson

Traveling is one of life's greatest pleasures, but you might not have considered whether your style of tourism could actually be a drain on your destination's resources.

The good news: today, it's easier than ever to find alternatives to traditional tourism practices. By going on an eco tour, you're helping to preserve the area that you are visiting and to minimize your environmental impact as a tourist.

Eco-tourism is different from traditional tourism in a lot of ways. It's also significantly different from nature tourism. With nature tourism, you are simply enjoying the natural areas that you are visiting. For example, a safari in Africa could be considered a form of nature tourism. But a safari that uses electric vehicles, a local guide and an environmentally-friendly hotel would be considered part of eco-tourism.

Some of the key features of eco-tourism is the respect of the natural areas of the country and an emphasis on sustainability. Eco tours seek to create a positive relationship between the visitors and the people who live in the tourist destination.

Instead of the tourist attractions draining an area of its natural vitality, eco tourism aims to boost the local economy and respects nature. Often environmentally friendly practices are part of eco-tourism, such as using natural sources of energy or using recycled materials, but the main emphasis is on preserving what is already there at the location.

Contrary to popular belief, an eco tour doesn't have to be a trek to the middle of nowhere or an exotic locale. As long as the accommodations you are staying in emphasize respecting and preserving natural resources, it can be considered an eco tour.

Eco-tourism activities run the gamut from high adventure activities, such as deep sea diving and mountain climbing, to more gentle adventures, such as horse back riding or photography. If you're ready to experience all that eco-tourism has to offer, here are some of the most popular destinations:

1. Key West, Florida: This tiny island is becoming a hot eco-tourism spot. You can take a kayaking trip around the exotic mangrove forests, view nocturnal ocean creatures and get hands on experience with local environmental scientists.

2. Alaska: Some consider this to be America's last frontier, and its thousands of acres of natural lands are being preserved with eco-tourism. Grizzlies, salmon, eagles and sea otter are just a few of the animals that you can visit in their natural habitat.

3. Belize: This country of thick jungles is a great place to stay in an ecological cabin. You can ride horses through jungle paths, view spider monkeys swinging through trees and take a dip in tranquil pools.

With some research, you can find eco-tourism popping up in many different areas around the globe. As long as you are vigilant about finding an eco-friendly option, you can find tourist destinations that don't hurt the local areas you are visiting.

Jamie Jefferson writes for http://www.susies-travel-coupons.com, where you can find Travelocity Coupons: http://www.susies-travel-coupons.com/travel.htm as well as promotions and discounts on adventure travel: http://www.susies-travel-coupons.com/adventure.htm

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