The 4 Hottest Chillis in the World

The 4 Hottest Chillis in the World

Everyone who has ever taken a bite out a chili pepper knows just how hot they can be. While this may be common knowledge, the reason why these peppers cause such a strong reaction in our mouth is not.

Within moments of taking that first bite, your tongue begins to react to a component found inside the pepper, and within seconds it feels like your mouth is on fire. You can drink as much water as you want, but the burning feeling remains until the component has passed. This component is known as capsaicin. When exposed to human tissue, it causes that burning sensation.

The amount of capsaicin found in a pepper is measured on a special scale, called the Scoville scale, which is deigned to measure the level of hotness that a food has. For example, Sweet bell pepper scored 0 Scovilles, meaning they are a very mild pepper. Jalapeño chili peppers, which are known for being quite hot, scored between 2,500 - 8,000 Scovilles, depending on the individual pepper and where and how it was grown.

There are chilli peppers that are much, much hotter than the jalapeño however. In fact, there are chillis so spicy that even holding them in your hand without gloves can cause the skin on your hand to burn as though your flesh is melting.

4 – Ghost Chili

Take for example the ghost chili. This pepper is a interspecific hybrid grown in northeastern India. It was awarded the "spiciest chilli pepper" award by the Guinness World Records in 2007, but has sense been replaced. It is now the fourth spiciest pepper, but don't let that fool you. Using even just a few slivers of the pepper in a dish can make it almost inedible. Those who have tried to eat the entire pepper, only a few inches long, compare it to to drinking battery acid mixed with glass shards. The pepper rates around 1,067,286 Scovilles.

3 – New Mexico Scorpion

The third hottest chili in the world is the New Mexico Scorpion, at 1,191,595 Scovilles. As the name implies, this is a US grown chili that is most commonly eaten in El Pinto Scorpion Salsa. One jar of the spicy salsa cost $55, with proceeds going to help fund New Mexico Chile Institute, which strives to continually improve peppers to make them even hotter.

2 - Naga Viper

But the New Mexico Scorpion is nothing compared to the Naga Viper, the second hottest pepper in the world, scoring 1,382,118 Scovilles. This pepper was grown on a farm in England, in Cark, Cumbria. It is a three way hybrid chili, grown from the Naga Morich, the Ghost Pepper and the Trinidad Scorpio. This pepper is so hot that even holding it for a few moments can cause your skin to burn. Eating this pepper doesn't just burn your mouth either, it burns your entire throat, eyes, intestine, and everything else it touches. Before eating this chili, you must sign a waiver stating that you understand what you are putting your body through.


1 - Trinidad Scorpion Butch T pepper

Nothing can compare to the Trinidad Scorpion Butch T pepper however, the spiciest chili in the world. At 1,463,700 Scovilles, this pepper is so hot that you must wear a chemical mask and body suit to protect against the fumes it gives off. This chili is so strong that if the fumes get anywhere near your eyes, it can cause blindness.

This is a guest post by Karen Andersen from MinTemaFest.dk. MinTemaFest is Scandinavias largest party supplies shop, with over 10,000 party products in stock including Mexico party items.

Side Effects of Chewing Gum

All of us can’t imagine a world without chewing gums we are so addicted to it and it has been enjoyed by people of all ages. Below class room benches, behind movie seats, park benches, public transport, they are everywhere!

Most often we forget the fact that some gums also can cause certain side effects especially those chewing gums that contain artificial flavors and here is why.

Human body is not designed to chew regularly. This is due to the fact that there are some neurological mechanisms involved  in the chewing process. When you chew, your brain will  think that it is going to get food and it secretes digestive enzymes like Amylase in the mouth. This enzyme will break down the carbohydrates.This is the first stage of digestion. It then directs the gastrointestinal track and pancreas to secrete more enzymes like Protease and Lipase. These enzymes will break down the protein and fat. This artificial process can cause bloating.

When your digestive system is controlled, sometimes it can cause hormonal imbalances. Sometimes even your stomach may start producing Hydrochloric Acid. It can even lead to Acid Reflux Ulcers and Bruxism (teeth grinding and clinching).

It can even result in headaches in some people. Some people who chew often on one side, will have asymmetric faces. Sorbitol is a sweetener that is contained in many chewing gums. Sorbitol can trigger severe weight loss, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

Many research reports have also proved that chewing gums can suppress appetite. Patients with acid reflux should not use chewing gums as it can erode teeth and damage the esophagus by reduce the amount of acid entering the esophagus. The sugar in chewing gums can also result in tooth decay. It can even lead to obesity and diabetes. There are also cases reported with stomach burns, ulcers and risks of different cancers due to the intake of chewing gums.

Chewing gums are also not good for children as swallowing chewing gums can result in constipation, diarrhea or esophageal obstruction. Many people have also suffered from severe weight loss, chronic diarrhea and other intestinal problems due to chewing gums.

Most of the time people use chewing gums for a mouth freshening effect instead of that they can use mouthwashes or electronic cigarettes. As most of the mouthwashes contain man made chemicals and artificial sweeteners you can use Hydrogen Peroxide Mouth washes which are extremely safe. This will enhances your oral hygiene and fights against tooth decays and plaque formation. If you are  a person who wants to get rid of  bad breath or stained teeth then you can use electronic cigarettes instead of chewing gums.

You can  even try chewing a whole clove or tea-tree-flavored toothpick.  These alternatives will definitely freshens your breath naturally and also help to fight bacteria in your mouth.

The author, Sizie Paulson is a retired vet who now runs a pet shop in her city. She recently launched a website on Worms in Cats with which provides easy solutions for dealing with worms for cat lovers! Thanks for reading this article.

Foam Rollers: Upper Body Self-Massage Techniques

Foam roller work is, to my surprise, one of the most rewarding, cost-effective and performance-enhancing practices for the active individual. I only wish it hadn’t taken me so long to figure out what it was and how beneficial the results would prove. In as little as fifteen to thirty minutes per day, you can not only decrease your body pain but rejuvenate muscles and increase your range of motion. All it takes is a few simple exercises (and your massage therapist AND your body will be thanking you!). Below are two exercises for the upper body using a simple foam roller. Use them daily or when you feel you need relief.

Upper Body Foam Roller Technique 1: Full Back

Position a long foam roller (generally about 30”-36” in length and either 4” or 6” in diameter) on the floor and lay on top of it with the roller along your spine. Make sure your head is on top of the foam roller and not dangling off backwards. Perform a series of ten to twenty deep breaths, allowing your spine to relax into the roller. Then, gently and slowly roll the roller from side to side across your spine, accessing the spinal erector muscles. When you feel relaxed, slowly roll your body off the roller and onto a flat, carpeted surface or comfortable yoga mat and lay there for another ten to twenty deep breaths.

Upper Body Foam Roller Technique 2: Upper Back

Using a 12” long foam roller (either 4” or 6” diameter), position the roller on the floor underneath your neck – directly across your shoulder blades. The roller should not start on your neck. Take a series of ten deep breaths and allow your upper back to relax into the roller, using your body weight to apply more pressure. Slowly roll the roller from its starting place just below your neck down to your mid-back, stopping on areas that cause an ache (different from pain). When you approach those achy areas, gently and quickly roll the roller back and forth until the ache subsides. Finish the exercise by bringing the roller back to your start position and complete and additional ten to twenty deep breaths.

After you purchase your massage roller, you'll discover even more ways to relieve common aches and pains. My hamstrings for example, are always tight from sitting at a desk all week. With my foam roller under my desk, all I have to do is take five minutes to place it on the ground and roll my legs and glutes over it. Couple this with some standing twists, a few side stretches and bending down to touch my toes with my legs straight and not only are my hamstrings loose, but my energy levels skyrocket.

Nathan Joynt works with GaiamTV.com, streaming the web's best selection of award-winning health, fitness and yoga videos.

Caught In The Moment – Famous Images From History

Ever since the creation of the photograph its power has often gone underestimated. What I love about the photograph is that there can be no denying one thing, those who are ‘in it’ were there, in that moment in time was captured and can be enjoyed, or deplored again.

As we know a picture tells 1000 stories, some controversial, some serve as a reminder of what might have been and some purely scream out never again! The following photographs will cause emotional reaction, some will disturb you, some will bring you joy, but one thing is for certain, you will certainly appreciate the significance of their existence.

September 11 2001 is a day none of us will ever forget, a callous display of human cruelty that reminds us all firstly how precious life is, and secondly how little valued it is by some. The picture shows a man in mid-air having jumped or fallen from the North tower of the World Trade Center. Theologian Mark D. Thompson commented that “perhaps the most powerful image of despair at the beginning of the twenty-first century is not found in art, or literature or even popular music, it is found in a single photograph.

For me, this photograph can represent life and death. I like to think the falling man; even in his impending doom had a choice, a choice of how he wanted to die. Rather than face being burnt alive he chose to jump to his death. Because we can’t see facial expression, and only rely on one sense, vision, to me, he appears be at peace with that fate.

Nearly 100 years ago Emily Wilding Davidson was struck and killed by a horse owned by King George the 5th. Amazingly even back in 1913 this iconic image catches the moment; however, it was the reasons behind her death that make it so compelling. Davidson was part of the Suffragette’ movement that was pushing for equal rights and right for women to vote and some viewed her death as the ultimate sacrifice for government to hear their message.

Indeed, like all photographs, this one tells many stories, and Emily Davison’s motives and intended actions will never truly be known, many say she threw herself in front of the horse, making her a martyr of the cause and some say she was trying to throw the suffrage flag over the horse, either way she has gone down in history as one of the most important women of the movement.


This is the most famous magazine cover from the controversial photographer George Lois. It depicts Ali as the martyr Saint Sebastian, who was killed for his Christian beliefs. Portraying Ali in the same way referenced his recent refusal to fight in Vietnam because of his religious beliefs and the US government’s quick and severe punishment, stripping him of his title and livelihood, giving him a suspended 5 year prison sentence and effectively rendering him bankrupt.

Matthew Graham is a keen historian; he has a degree in history and loves writing about passed events, particularly involving sport. His writes for a company that boast a great digital slr camera and cheap digital camera range.

Reading and Understanding Food Labels

You're standing in the aisle at the grocery store holding two brands of the same type of food. Unless you're an experienced label reader, odds are you might be a bit confused, and perhaps a bit frustrated. Becoming adept at reading food labels isn't really difficult, it just takes some getting used to. The first thing to keep in mind is to never make judgments based solely upon the information that's provided on the front of the package. Just because something has "all-natural" emblazoned on it, doesn't necessarily mean that you'll be getting a product that is healthy and good for you. It's imperative that you flip the item over and read the nutrition guidelines on the back (or side, or wherever they might be located). When you're examining processed foods, there is much room for ambiguity. Basically "all-natural" means nothing. There are no laws governing this term and any company can arbitrarily stamp it on any product. If the package claims "organic", it doesn't have to be 100% unless it specifically says so, and anything 80% or better can carry the label.

If your focus is on better health, it's best to avoid processed foods as much as possible, and base the bulk of your diet on fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. It may seem a drastic statement, but one that is disturbingly true and factual - almost all processed foods, whether sweet or savory, contain harmful ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup, the insidious monosodium glutamate, also known as MSG, a flavor-enhancer that causes a variety of allergic reactions and unpleasant side-effects in human beings, and dangerous hydrogenated oils, also known as trans-fats.

It's also extremely important to note that big food companies with deep pockets have been able to push their agendas through the FDA, and due to this, items that are GMO (genetically modified organisms), or contain GMO ingredients, are not labeled. Read that again - they ARE NOT labeled. How frightening is that? The only way to be certain that you're not eating GMOs is to look for items that are 100% organic certified by the USDA *not* the FDA as the USDA certification is legally regulated.

Again, the safest and best decision you can make for your health is to avoid processed foods, but, if it's realistically too difficult to avoid them altogether due to issues of convenience or family preference, then here is a list of the most dangerous ingredients (and phrasing), which you should try to leave out of your diet unequivocally.

• Artificial Colors
• Artificial Flavorings
• Artificial Sweeteners (Acesulfame-K, Aspartame, Equal®, NutraSweet®, Saccharin, Sweet’n Low®, Sucralose, Splenda® & Sorbitol)
• Benzoate Preservatives (BHT, BHA, TBHQ)
• Brominated Vegetable Oil(BVO)
• High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
• MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)
• Partially Hydrogenated Oil
• Propyl Galate
• Sodium Nitrate or Sodium Nitrite
• Sugar
• Enriched or bleached flour

This is by no means a comprehensive list, so please do some additional homework and educate yourself on the spectrum of harmful food additives, and be proactive when it comes to your and your family's health.

This article is by Allison McElroy, a freelance writer who contributes guest posts for Advance Me Inc. America's leading provider of the merchant cash advance.

Dancing On The Inside by Glen C. Strathy

Dancing On The Inside is a Children's Book for ages 9 - 12.

Twelve year old Jenny Spark has wanted to be a ballerina since her grandparents gave her a DVD of "Swan Lake".  However, Jenny is very shy and suffers from anxiety attacks whenever she is in a crowd.

Hiding under the piano on her first day of ballet lessons, she watches the rest of the kids practice.  Rose comes up with a plan so that she doesn't have to participate but can watch and secretly teach herself the moves at home.

When her parents catch her lying, Jenny is denied permission to continue with her lessons.  Not to be deterred, Jenny asks to volunteer at the dance school, which will enable her to continue with her dream without having to have everyone looking at her.

When Jenny meets Ara, a beautiful dancer without any grace, the two offer guidance and support to each other.  Ara agrees to make Jenny more open and Jenny agrees to help Ara become more disciplined.  After the two choreograph a ballet, their fates are set in motion and Jenny becomes to believe she may have bitten off more than she can chew.  Will she continue to dream of being a ballerina or will she give in to her self-conscious and walk away from her pointes forever?

I thought this was a very delightful read.  I thought the characters of Jenny and Ara were wonderful and encouraging to read.  Jenny's drive and determination to see her goals appear fruitful was interesting to read.  I loved how she overcame her obstacles with mature and organized thoughts and plans.

I did not like Jenny's mother.  I found that she was very discouraging and sometimes added to her daughters anxiety.  I could see that she felt just because she was a failure with her dreams, that Jenny would be also, and Jenny has carried that with her throughout life.  I didn't like the arguments that her mother shared, nor how she came across as obstinate and controlling.  Jenny's father was much more understanding and acceptable of his daughters dreams.

I liked how Jenny worked through the antagonists in the book.  She was always working to include everyone and in the end it appears everything will work out, however, there are many set backs and emotions shared that will leave the reader wondering if Jenny will make her dreams come true.

I would give Dancing On The Inside a four and a half stars out of five, I truly did not enjoy the mother, her dialogue wasn't impressive and her interaction with her daughter came across as cold and stiff.  This was a truly enjoyable read, especially for the positive message the author is trying to share and encourage.  I could see this go into a series as we watch all the girls come to terms with their lives and their careers, watching them grow through the dance school and beyond.

SYNOPSIS:
Ever since her grandparents gave her a DVD of Swan Lake, twelve-year old Jenny Spark has wanted to be a dancer. But on her first day of ballet class, she suffers a panic attack and makes a horrifying discovery. She's terrified of dancing in front of the other kids, and as for actually performing for an audience? Forget it.

Yet Jenny refuses to give up her dream. With determination and a little ingenuity, she finds ways to observe ballet classes without actually participating. She trains in the safety of her room, while hiding the truth from her parents. Then Jenny meets her exact opposite: Ara Reyes, an outgoing, spontaneous, and accident-prone girl who loves dancing but has always been overlooked.

The girls' friendship blossoms as they help each other uncover their real talents. Ara's dancing takes a leap forward and Jenny discovers she has an amazing gift for choreography. With the support of the school's newest teacher, Jenny's original ballet might just make it on stage ... but will she?

Charming and inspiring, Dancing on the Inside shows how pursuing our passions can often lead to wonderful and unexpected results.

 

** Disclosure: I did not accept any compensation from the sponsors other than review copies, my views are my own, reviewed by me..as I see it~!! **

Absolute Obsession by C. Elizabeth

Absolute Obsession is a Romantic Drama.

Rose Gerbaldi obsesses about certain aspects of her life and when this occurs she cannot think about anything else.  After reading a book she becomes obsessed with the main character and believes that they are meant to fall madly in love.

Rose's husband, Jim is very accepting of his wife's behaviour.  He accepts when she zones out and leaves her loved ones behind until she can wrap up her obsessive feelings and move on with her life.

After Jim encourages Rose to watch the movie version of the book she is obsessed about, Rose writes the actor and tells him that he is a great actor and not just a pretty face.  Drawn to her words, Michael Terrance calls Rose and the two begin a friendship.

Rose, who is absolutely wrapped up into this love story that is appearing before her must decide what is reality and what is make believe.  She must come to realize her inner self in order to choose the right decision for her future.

This was an okay read, I thought the plight of Rose was a believable in that many people suffer from such thoughts and mental instabilities.  Her thought ramblings were often interesting and her depth of realization of how wrong her actions were was equally enjoyable to read.

I found that the back story characters didn't get enough play in the story.  I'm not sure if the author had meant to have the main characters appear as the main attraction but I would've loved to have seen some more insight from her friends and family.  To me, it felt like they were only in the book to serve Rose and Michael's plight.

I really felt for the husband, Jim, I don't know how he managed to suffer his wife's mental infidelities.  I found him to be a reasonable and encouraging spouse who truly didn't deserve to be ignored by his wife.

I found the ending to be predictable and I would've loved to have seen Rose gain insight through her friends and family instead of her own accord.  It was almost like her loved ones were always secondary in her life and as long as Rose was happy...

I would give Absolute Obsession a three out of five stars.  I didn't find much drama involved, other than Rose's mental machinations and I found the romance to be unbearable, as I could not condone Rose's thoughts about other men while she has a perfectly wonderful husband at home.  However, if you like a light romance without much drama that can be easily read in one afternoon, then you will enjoy this.

Absolute Obsession

SYNOPSIS:
Triggering an intervention of fate, 42 year old Rose Gerbaldi, discovers her heart and soul has been forever united with beautiful, 30 year old, British movie star, Michael Terrance. A discovery that compels her reality to firmly reclaim her – consequently devastating the very lives fate had so lovingly entwined.

Forsaken by a woman he’s never met, unable to control the debilitating agony, Michael seeks solace on the darker side of Hollywood. Meanwhile in Western Canada, having been doubly devastated, Rose relinquishes to a life of loneliness. Both are certain they’ll never again find that for which they long for – each other.

Foolish people – fate is infallible.

 ** Disclosure: I did not accept any compensation from the sponsors other than review copies, my views are my own, reviewed by me..as I see it~!! **