Almond it!
Eating a few almonds everyday is a great idea because they sharpen the brain and boost memory power. They are also beneficial for good health of skin and hair.
The fact that almonds are highly nutritious is not a surprising one. These nuts find uses in several cuisines and courses all around the globe because they are easily available and also because of the versatility of its flavor. A number of products can be made using almond as a base ingredient. They can be used for making curries, desserts, can be used for garnishing or just eaten plain. Almonds can be blanched, roasted or stored just like that in air-tight containers to maintain the crunch you get when you bite into it. Eating a few almonds everyday is a great idea because they sharpen the brain and boost memory power. They are also beneficial for good health of skin and hair.
Almonds find integral use in Indian food, both savory and sweet. Almond powder is often used to thicken gravies and infuse them with a richer taste. Almonds are beneficial for the mind, body and also for your taste buds. Here are some of the nutritional and health benefits of this versatile nut:
1. Almonds are energy boosters – eating a few almonds when you feel fatigued is a good idea because almonds are high in riboflavin, copper and manganese which give you stamina and provide you with instant energy.
2. Almonds are rich in mono saturated fatty acids that help to lower LDL or bad cholesterol and increase HDL or good cholesterol.
3. Almond milk, extracted from almonds is high in vitamins and minerals and low in fat as compared to cow’s milk. It also provides an alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or are vegans.
4. Almonds are low in sodium and high in potassium and hence are very effective in controlling fluctuations in blood pressure.
5. Regular consumption of almonds also helps to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Almonds are free in gluten and therefore, are one of the popular ingredients in the preparation of gluten-free food formulas.
7. Almond oil is also great for the skin. Massaging your skin with little almond oil makes it healthy, glowing and soft.
8. Almonds are ideal for those trying to lose weight. The fiber, fat and protein content in a few almonds are sufficient enough to keep your stomach full.
Courtesy: Sanjeev Kapoor dot com
by Sanjeev Kapoor
Eating a few almonds everyday is a great idea because they sharpen the brain and boost memory power. They are also beneficial for good health of skin and hair.
1. Almonds are energy boosters – eating a few almonds when you feel fatigued is a good idea because almonds are high in riboflavin, copper and manganese which give you stamina and provide you with instant energy.
2. Almonds are rich in mono saturated fatty acids that help to lower LDL or bad cholesterol and increase HDL or good cholesterol.
3. Almond milk, extracted from almonds is high in vitamins and minerals and low in fat as compared to cow’s milk. It also provides an alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or are vegans.
4. Almonds are low in sodium and high in potassium and hence are very effective in controlling fluctuations in blood pressure.
5. Regular consumption of almonds also helps to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Almonds are free in gluten and therefore, are one of the popular ingredients in the preparation of gluten-free food formulas.
7. Almond oil is also great for the skin. Massaging your skin with little almond oil makes it healthy, glowing and soft.
8. Almonds are ideal for those trying to lose weight. The fiber, fat and protein content in a few almonds are sufficient enough to keep your stomach full.
Courtesy: Sanjeev Kapoor dot com
What is so special about ‘dum cooking’?An interesting article by Sanjeevkapoor
Dum cooking is a way of slow cooking. It is a technique that is more than 400 years old! This method was accidentally discovered during a famine when enormous containers were filled with rice, vegetables, meat and spices and sealed. Hot charcoal was placed on top and fires lit beneath, while slow cooking ensured food was available day or night. The result was extraordinary, for when the containers were unsealed; the splendid aromas attracted even the royal attention. The dishes prepared in this style of cooking has evolved in to one of the finest fine-dining cuisines from South Asia and is represented by its own taste and flavour especially in Lucknow, Kashmir, Hyderabad and Lahore.
Dum signifies steam and many a time the vessel containing the food being slow cooked in its own juices is sealed with atta. When the steam is not allowed to escape it becomes dumpukht (here pukht means choking).
Courtesy: Sanjeev Kapoor dot com
Selected articles on food and drink from different sources
Learn about Indian Food |
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Black
Seed
Arabic: Habba
Souda, Habbat al-Barakah;
Other
Name: Fennel Flower, Black Cumin Nigella sativa; Ranunculaceae
(Buttercup Family)
Native
to the Mediterranean and grown throughout the Middle East and parts of Asia,
Nigella sativa is cultivated for its seeds, which are known as the “seeds of
blessing.” For the Arabs, black seed is not only a food but also a valued
traditional medicine that has long been used to treat such ailments as asthma,
flatulence, polio, kidney stones, abdominal pain and so on. It has served as an
important health and beauty aid for thousands of years.
According
to tradition, the Prophet Muhammad described black seed as a cure for every
disease except death. The great physician Ibn Sina (980–1037), better known as
Avicenna, stated that black seed works as an expectorant, stimulates the body’s
energy and helps overcome fatigue and dispiritedness.
How
to use:
1. Eat black seeds plain;
2. Eat a teaspoon of black seed mixed with honey;
3. Boil black seed with water. Strain and drink;
4. Heat black seed and warm milk until it just begins to boil. Remove from heat.
Cool, then drink;
5. Grind black seed and swallow it with water or milk;
6. Sprinkle on bread and pastries;
7. Burn black seed with bukhoor (incense) for a pleasant scent.
In
the kitchen: Black seed is aromatic with a slight peppery
flavor. It is one of the distinct flavors of Arab pastries. It is often
sprinkled on breads and cheese. It is heated with milk for flavor. It is eaten
ground with honey or with cakes and pastries.
Remedies
across Arabia: In Arabia, black seed remains a traditional
remedy for asthma, coughs, stomach aches, abdominal pain, colic, general
fatigue, rheumatism, mouth and larynx diseases, skin diseases and cancer. It is
also believed to strengthen a mother after childbirth; stimulate menstruation,
urination and liver functions; aid digestion; dissolve kidney stones; and
increase intelligence. Black seed is used to beautify skin, nourish hair and
stimulate hair growth.
Did
you know? Black seed was found in Tutankhamen’s tomb. This suggests
that black seed had an important role in ancient Egypt, since it was customary
to place in tombs items needed for the afterlife.
In
the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah contrasts Nigella (black cumin)
with wheat. (See Isaiah 28:25-27)
Power of Garlic
by Dr. Jalaja Ramaswamy
Garlic's medicinal properties are well known; so go ahead and add it to your diet.
For centuries garlic has been used as a medicinal and culinary substance in India, China, Greece and other countries. It has been used as a salve for everything from headaches to colds to infections and healing wounds. To some, however, the strong flavour of garlic is not very appealing; in fact repelling. Therefore, although garlic is a widely available spice, it is not very popular in some households.
Garlic does not make significant nutritional contribution to the diet because the quantities added to recipes are small. But even these nano amounts make a big difference to one's health.
The biological benefits and the distinct odour of garlic are attributed to the many sulphur containing compounds; one of which is Alliin. This compound is converted to Allicin when garlic is crushed. Allicin is, perhaps, the principal bioactive compound present even in processed garlic.
Limited evidence supports an association between garlic consumption and a reduced risk of colon, prostate, oesophageal, larynx, oral, ovary and other cancers. This is due to diallylsulde, a potent bioactive component. Besides, the plant can also accumulate selenium, a trace element known to possess anti-cancer properties, from the soil.
Curtailing cardiac diseases
One inexpensive way of curtailing cardiovascular diseases is to use generous amounts of garlic in cooking. Garlic consumption inhibits the progression of cardiovascular diseases. It can bring about small reductions in blood pressure. Some studies have shown it to modestly lower cholesterol levels, which is also a protection against cardiac diseases. Animal experiments have associated garlic ingestion with reduction in triglyceride and LDL cholesterol, both of which contribute to atherosclerosis and heart diseases. Garlic, like aspirin, can reduce the tendency of blood to coagulate and form clots. Many human studies on garlic have shown it has the ability to dissolve blood clots. Pharmaceutical supplements are often used by patients with cardiac and vascular diseases.
Garlic can reduce homocysteine levels in blood. This toxic compound damages the cells that line the blood vessels, induces blood clots, loss of cognition and causes death of nerve cells. People with dementia and Alzheimer's disease have elevated blood homocysteine levels. Damage to nerve cells in Alzheimer's disease is also due to elevated oxidative stress induced by free radicals. By scavenging free radicals, garlic offers protection from neuronal death, dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Garlic is also called ‘Russian penicillin'. Fresh — but not stored or cooked garlic — is an antimicrobial agent against a variety of micro-organisms, including H. Pylori, implicated in gastric cancers. Topical application of garlic is effective in treating ringworm. Many studies have shown that garlic has antifungal and antiviral effects.
Adverse effects
Are there any adverse effects associated with taking garlic? In some, it can cause mild stomach discomfort, especially when taken on an empty stomach. Add garlic to meals or sprinkle it on pasta, soups or even sambhar and chutneys. Swallow a clove of crushed garlic with water. The common side effect is “Garlicky Breath”.
Since garlic is also a blood thinner, people who take aspirin should be careful when including garlic regularly in their diets. Also discontinue garlic at least a week before any surgery.
How much? One clove of medium-sized garlic daily provides health boosting effects. Numerous over-the-counter supplements are available as are enteric-coated tablets. Those who don't like the strong flavour can try deodorised capsules. It is indeed the cornerstone of good health.
Did you know?
Garlic can inhibit changes in the DNA and scavenge free radicals; both are implicated in cancers. It can also limit the transition of a normal cell into a cancerous cell, inhibit the growth of cancer cells, and even destroy the cancer cells.
Garlic can reduce plaque formation in blood vessels and help lower blood sugar levels.
Because of its antioxidant properties, regular intake of garlic can reduce the incidence of many age-related disorders such as cataracts, arthritis, and rejuvenate skin and promote blood circulation.
Garlic also promotes liver health and protects the liver from many environmental toxins and drugs such as the commonly used analgesic agent, paracetamol (Crocin, Tylenol).
Source: The Hindu
Honey and Cinnamon Remedy
The combination of honey and cinnamon has been used in both oriental and
Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known to
mankind and honey's popularity has continued throughout history. The two
ingredients with unique healing abilities have a long history as a home remedy.
Cinnamon's essential oils and honey's enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide
qualify the two "anti-microbial" foods with the ability to help stop
the growth of bacteria as well as fungi. Both are used not just as a beverage
flavoring and medicine, but also as an embalming agent and are used as
alternatives to traditional food preservatives due to their effective
antimicrobial properties. People have claimed that the mixture is a natural
cure for many diseases and a formula for many health benefits:
1) HEART DISEASES: Apply honey and cinnamon powder on bread instead of
using jam or butter and eat it regularly for breakfast.
2) ARTHRITIS: Apply a paste made of the two ingredients on the affected
part of the body and massage slowly.
3) HAIR LOSS: Apply a paste of hot olive oil, a tablespoon of honey, a
teaspoon of cinnamon powder before bath, leave it for 15 min and wash.
4) BLADDER INFECTIONS: Mix cinnamon powder and honey in a glass of
lukewarm water and drink.
5) TOOTHACHE: Apply a paste of cinnamon powder and honey and on the
aching tooth.
6) CHOLESTEROL: Add honey to cinnamon powder mixed in boiled water or
green tea and drink.
7) COLDS: Make a glass of lukewarm honey water mixed with cinnamon
powder to help boost your immune system during the cold season. It may also
help to clear your sinuses.
8) INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on a spoonful of honey taken
before food relieves acidity.
9) LONGEVITY: Regularly take tea made with honey and a little cinnamon
powder.
10) PIMPLES: Mix honey with cinnamon powder and apply paste on the
pimples before sleeping and wash away the next morning.
11) OBESITY: To reduce weight, daily drink a mixture of a teaspoon of
honey with half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder boiled in water with an empty
stomach in the morning about half an hour before breakfast.
Cinnamon has an insulin boosting property (water soluble compounds
called polyphenol type A polymers) which have the ability to boost insulin
activity about 20 fold and can benefit people who have high sugar levels (obese
people, pre-diabetics and diabetics). Also, read the honey hibernation diet
theory to find out how honey contributes to the metabolizing of undesirable
cholesterol and fatty acid, provides a fuelling mechanism for the body, keep
blood sugar levels balanced, and let our recovery hormones get on with burning
body fat stores.
12) BAD BREATH: Gargle with honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water
so that breath stays fresh throughout the day.
Honey plus cinnamon together besides being a amazing potential cure for
so many illnesses, their total fragrant, sweet and warm taste is also a perfect
match for the palate. The combination adds a magic effect to the taste of
cakes, breads, biscuits and rolls and is known to make many winning recipes in
the world of delicious food, such as the famous, easy-to-make, kids' favourite
classic - honey and cinnamon butter toast!
Are You Eating the Real Cinnamon? If you don't know what real or
fake cinnamon sticks are, read more in: Ceylon Cinnamon Versus Cassia Cinnamon
Source: www.benefits-of-honey.com
20
Health Benefits of Turmeric
The
active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Tumeric has been used for over 2500
years in India, where it was most likely first used as a dye.
The
medicinal properties of this spice have been slowly revealing themselves over
the centuries. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent research
has revealed that turmeric is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the
treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer's
disease.
Here
are 20 reasons to add turmeric to your diet:
1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial
agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.
2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown
to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.
3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the
lungs in mice.
4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing
melanoma cells to commit suicide.
5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.
6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.
7. May prevent and slow the progression of
Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.
8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many
different forms of cancer.
9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that
works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.
10.
Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.
11.
Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.
12.
May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.
13.
Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
14.
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for
arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
15.
Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.
16.
Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.
17.
Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.
18.
Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.
19.
Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.
20.
May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Turmeric
can be taken in powder or pill form. It is available in pill form in most
health food stores, usually in 250-500mg capsules.
Once
you start using turmeric on a regular basis, it's fun to find new ways to use
it in recipes. My favorite way to use it is to add a pinch of it to egg salad.
It adds a nice flavor and gives the egg salad a rich yellow hue.
Contraindications:
Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction.
Though turmeric is often used by pregnant women, it is important to consult
with a doctor before doing so as turmeric can be a uterine stimulant.
Source:
health diaries dot com
