A for Apple

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, Right? Why?

🍎 Crunch an apple  

 If you grind at night due to bruxism, tucker out the jaw by munching on an apple before retiring, it helps.

High cholesterol 

Fruits Like apples get the cholesterol lowering punch from pectin. To get the amount of pectin about 2 ½ cups of fruit is required. Eat a  guava in the morning, an apple at lunch and some papaya at dinner, for example, cholesterol levels can lower nicely. 

Constipation 

One small apple supplies about 3 grams fiber. Eat it. 

Suffering from diarrhoea 

Avoid apples as they are poorly absorbed carbohydrates. 

Put more fiber into your diet

Leave the skin on the apples when you bake them.

Diverticulosis 

Eat an apple instead of fruit juice.

Flu

Eat lightly and wisely. Eat applesauce. 

Food poisoning 

Drink Clear liquids like apple juice.

ASAFOETIDA : Tempering is incomplete without it.

It is the gum resin exuded from the rhizome of several species of Ferula. It contains gum , resins and essential oil in varying proportions which together are responsible for the strong flavour. In India, we use flavouring curries , sauces and pickles in conjunction with other spices. We have certain mouth watering dishes like hing aloo (potatoes with a distinguished flavour of asafoetida) , hing kachori (asafoetida flavored a type of fried bread ) , and many more. It is basically added to the pulse preparation for its carminative action. Pulses are a bit difficult to digest so hing helps to ease out the digestion and remove the bloated feeling.

The therapeutic goodness are as follows -

It is used in Ayurveda.

Recommended in constipation.

Helps to eradicate intestinal worms.

It has a carminative effect and facilitates the passage of flatus.

It is applied on the stomach of infants as a relief from colic pain.

Relief from asthma.

Advised for patients of Ischaemic heart disease.

So next time you gorge on pani puri or golgappas or puchkas just have hing ka pani with it . You will enjoy the taste and you will feel lighter . Amazing! !

There is nothing better than a pinch of turmeric in India : It's an Auspicious spice.

Turmeric is not only a spice but our tradition. It is found in almost all Indian households.

Before the Internet age , people used to send wedding cards. They used to put a 'teeka' on each card before sending. On the wedding day , a good amount of turmeric paste was applied to the groom and bride so that they have a glow on the skin. The bride gives a glass of milk to the groom to drink on the wedding night. Raw turmeric is used in all religious occasions. Turmeric holds the major role in granny's treatment. So ,why is turmeric so necessary for us? There must be some reason for using turmeric for centuries. It might be possible that the introduction of turmeric as a spice may have been motivated by its preventive properties against many diseases rather than it's value as a flavouring agent. It is used as a common home remedy.

Turmeric contains a phytochemical compound curcumin , which lends yellow colour to it. It has antioxidant abilities.

Curcumin helps to protect against cataracts. It protects the lens of the eye from becoming cloudy.

Turmeric contains phenolic acids, which are a subgroup of plant polyphenol that may have the ability to destroy free radicals as well as activate cancer fighting enzymes in the body, which helps to reduce tumor early in the cancer process.

It has been found in research that turmeric prevents the rise of cholesterol in blood. Effective in Ischaemic Heart Disease.

Turmeric helps to get rid of intestinal worms.

It is a common home remedy for respiratory disease such as influenza , bronchitis and bronchial asthma, common cold and cough . A tsp of turmeric boiled with a cupful of milk is the cure. It is also taken with coriander and cinnamon as a relief.

Helps to cure rheumatism.

In prevention of dietary deficiency anaemia, turmeric plays an important role.

Turmeric along with Indian gooseberry is also considered to be useful in diabetes .

Turmeric water is believed to be an effective remedy against urticaria.

For the cure for haematuria it is taken with Indian gooseberry.

Prescribed for abdominal gas, fever,liver disease, urinary diseases.

It is used locally for cleaning wounds and ulcers. It is used as a poultice for boils. Applied on itchy skin. Along with neem , used to cure pimples.

Mix with warm milk and drink in the night to reduce fatigue and aches.

Local application is beneficial in sprains and inflammation of joints. Used in eye and ear infection. People wash inflamed eyes with turmeric water.

Why is turmeric so special? It has a high content of potassium. Also contains calcium , phosphorus, iron , vitamin A and nicotinic acid and essential oil.

Many scientists have conducted various researches to know the benefits of turmeric. The antimicrobial of curcumin was observed. It was observed that the antibiotic effect was there but it was less effective than the other antibiotics . The inhibiting effect of fungal infection was shown by Mishra and Sahu (Indian journal of Pharmacol,9,269,1977). Gujral and coworkers (1953)showed that turmeric helps in the healing of wounds. Dr.Subbarao and associates found that there is less rise in cholesterol levels in the body . There is so much research regarding the benefits of turmeric.

Turmeric water is my favourite. I start my day with a glass of lukewarm turmeric water. I feel fresh and I have seen improvement on my digestive system , skin , and haemoglobin level . And surprisingly my bones don't ache .!!!

CHILLIES: Ohh !Lal Mirch! An indispensable and common ingredient of Indian food

We use it so much but chilli is not indigenous to India. It was introduced by the Portuguese about 500 years ago and we loved it. Previously, we used to add black pepper to our food to provide the necessary pungency.

It is grown all over India and we produce it on a large scale.

It is rumoured to be very harmful and people are mostly advised not to have it but then also we use it because we love spicy food. If the food is rich in spices and chillies and oil , it will obviously irritate the stomach leading to adverse effects. My granny used to soak whole red chillies in warm water for some time and then use it in curries. She used very less oil but the curries used to have a good rich colour but not pungent. She was a great cook and knew how to extract the benefits of the spices. I also try to follow the same tradition. At that time, they did not use powdered spices but whole and freshly ground spices and they were healthy in their nineties. We use chillies in almost all dishes , be it pulses , rice preparation ,vegetable preparation, meat or fish preparation, snacks , sauces , chutneys, pickles , raitas , or if it is the green one , then raw .

Why?

We have an extreme climate all over India, we have extreme hot to extreme cold to extreme humid to extreme dry across the country and every Indian cuisine uses chillies as a spice. Incredible!!

The pungent principle in chillies is due to an alkaloid , Capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide). This pungent phytochemical supplies the "heat" in chilli. It may ease congestion by increasing secretions in the nose and airways. Studies suggest that capsaicin may also detoxify cancer causing compounds and encourage cancer cell death. The hotter the chilli, the greater the capsaicin content.

Chillies are high in vitamin C content. It may enhance our defence against respiratory ailments. It may also help to reduce the harmful effects of environmental oxidants that can worsen allergy and asthma symptoms. It may enhance the function of immune cells. The combined antioxidant power of beta carotene and vitamin C may help to prevent cataracts and macular degeneration. Although vitamin C will not cure the common cold or influenza, vitamin C may prevent the onset of these viruses and it may also reduce the duration of symptoms. Folate and iron are best absorbed from plant sources when accompanied by a source of vitamin C so anaemia may be prevented. Preliminary clinical studies suggest that vitamin C may have a benefit by widening blood vessels and promoting excretion of environmental toxins, such as lead ,which can contribute to high blood pressure.

Chillies add spark to the love life. This antioxidant vitamin C may shield against oxidative damage, which can reduce sperm count and quality. Vitamin C is also thought to help maintain blood vessels and improve blood flow diminished by atherosclerosis, a frequent underlying cause of impotence.

The colour of the ripe fruits is due to carotenoid pigment. It has antioxidants. Lutein and zeaxanthin , carotenoid pigment, are concentrated in the macula and retina , which suggests they may protect vision cells from oxidative damage. Observational studies associate a lower risk for macular degeneration with diets rich in lutein and zeaxanthin.

Chilli helps digestion.

It stimulates the taste buds which result in increased flow of salivary amylase helping the digestion of starchy foods.

It has Disease protective effect.

Local application of capsaicin for toothache initially releases substance P which makes the nerve sensitive.

Ingestion of capsaicin is reported to increase fibrinolytic activity in the blood and thus reduce the chance of thromboembolism.

Capsaicin cream may relieve pain in diabetic neuropathy.

It may help to relieve joint pain , osteoarthritis , osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Capsaicin may be present in borage oil capsules or salves. This natural ingredient reduces inflammation.

Neurogenic bladder may be beneficial when treated with capsaicin.

For temporary relief of congestion from sinusitis, eat chillies. Capsaicin, a powerful and fiery compound that acts as a mucolytic agent by breaking up mucus and promoting mucus flow , offering temporary relief from pressure in the sinuses.

Use chilli powder in moderation and taste between each addition to ensure that a dish is not fiery. Use a mortar or spice mill or grinder to grind the spice so that the flavour is retained. Buy whole red pepper and grind it so there is no adulteration. Spices should heighten the taste of the food, not overpower it. So use chillies lightly or in moderation. Chillies lose their flavour or become bitter if added to bubbling hot oil. It releases it's aroma and tastes better when lightly sautéed. For chopping fresh chillies , it is a good idea to wear rubber gloves to avoid burning of hands , eyes and lips .

So enjoy the spiciness of chillies in mirchi ka salan , or as a tempering in sambhar , rasam , curries , veggies, lemon rice , curd rice , etc , etc, etc but please do not overdo with chillies as it will act as an irritant for the stomach and will cause problem.

Be cautious! !

Chillies in large amounts produce gastritis and even cause hematemesis. Chilli powder causes marked exfoliation of stomach lining. They are not tolerated by those who suffer from dysentery or have an irritable colon. Pungent food provides a burning reminder during defecation the following day. It can also produce bleeding in people suffering from piles.

TULSI

Tulsi or basil. A plant which is worshipped since time immemorial. Indians do not consider it as a herb but it is a plant which is worshipped. A plant which is worshipped as a goddess , taken care of like an individual. The leaves are air purifiers. It is considered so powerful that it is given on cooked food and drinking water at the time of eclipse, the plant is placed near the dead body. It is a part of worship. And the amazing fact is on a certain day the wedding of Tulsi takes place.

Tulsi green tea or tulsi leaves in milk tea gives a good aroma and flavour. It is offered to Gods and the "prasad"is chewed. The leaves are taken with honey by the singers to improve their sweet voice. Actually, it prevents us from many health problems.

Tulsi gets relief from

Gastrointestinal disorders

Lung disorders

Heart disorders

Fever

Kidney problems

Headache

Influenza

Malaria

Intestinal worms

Headache

Gout

Catarrh

Bronchitis

Influenza

Cough

Viral fevers

Neuralgia

Ringworm infections

Earache

Hearing Impairment

Gastric ulcers

It can be used as mouthwash.

Use as a natural nasal spray.

Take tulsi tea. Add cardamom, cloves and cinnamon, ginger , black pepper, saffron for the added benefits.

But excess tulsi can increase the production of ulcers.

So, worship it , nurture it, keep it as an indoor plant as an air purifier. Break the flower buds and store them in a tea leaves container and enjoy the drink .

CUMIN SEEDS or JEERA

My day ends with a cup of fennel and cumin tea. It helps me to start my next day in a refreshing way. I feel light after having it. My stomach is clear and free of water retention.

The dried fruits of Cuminum cyminum contain thymol.

Cumin is available as the whole seed or ground.

It's a major ingredient of curry powder.

Cumin water is used as a carminative.

It is also given to children to prevent intestinal colic.

Wards off bacteria and food borne microbes, such as E.coli. May be a potential antioxidant and may have anticancer effects.

Cumin is a spice , overcooking cumin remains in the body's excretion and secretions for hours after eating and can impart body odor.

Make plain rice interesting by adding cumin "jeera rice". Use it in savory , soups , stews , curries , marinades , salsas , chutneys, relishes , grills , non veg dishes as lamb or chicken dishes. Or roast it and powder it and sprinkle on fresh curd "raita". It is loved by Indians.

DRUMSTICK:HELP OR HYPE?

 DRUMSTICK; SAJNA;SARAGAVO;SAIJAN;NUGGEYELE;MURINGA ELA; SHEVGA PAN; MURUNGAI KEERAI;MULAGA AKULU; HORSE RADISH LEAVES; SUHA NAJNA; MOTHER'S BEST FRIEND; MIRACLE TREE; THE NEVER DIE TREE;THE BEN OIL TREE 

The drumstick is indigenous to India and is cultivated all over the country. The tree is valued mainly for tender pods which are esteemed as vegetables. 

The trees are tropical and can survive drought. Known as drumsticks, as they have skinny foot long pods. Almost all the parts of the tree can be eaten including the seeds, leaves and flowers. Use of green leaves from drumstick trees helps to obtain them regularly without much effort if a tree is planted in the backyard of a rural house. It is affordable by the rural or urban poor is ubiquitous in India. 

There are different varieties of moringa. Moringa oleifera comes from South Asia and has been eaten there for ages. It is commonly consumed in many parts of India. Earlier it was comparatively inexpensive  and could be easily grown in the backyard as a kitchen garden.  It is common in Africa. It has been used to treat everything from tumors to toothache.

It is a natural health medicine. It is used for diabetics, asthma and breastfeeding

For asthmatics, taking 3 grams of moringa twice daily for 3 weeks reduces the severity and improves the lung function in adults with mild to moderate disease. 

The stick or the pods is a low calorie food about 26 kcal per 100gms. It contain 86.9 g moisture, 2.5 g protein, 0.1g fat, 4.8g fibre, 3.7g carbohydrate, 0.11 g phosphorus, 5.3g iron, 110 microgram carotene, 0.05mg thiamine, 0.2mg niacin, 0.07mg riboflavin, 24mg magnesium,, 6mg sodium, 463mg potassium, 101mg oxalic acid. 

It is an important source of iron.

It helps relieve constipation. Drumstick is advised in diabetes and anemia

It contains good amount of vitamin C (120mg)

Drumstick has an antioxidant effect which prevents cancer and Ischaemic Heart disease. 

It has 0.03g calcium, which is good for bone health.

It contains 0.6mg copper which is needed for formation of red blood cells. 

Drumstick is useful in intestinal worm infestations. 

For sprue, Drumstick is believed to be very helpful. 

Drumstick helps in the prevention of cataract and diabetes. 

Drumstick is advised to obese patients. 

It is allowed for pain sufferers of the neck and lower back .

Moringa oleifera leaves moisture 75g ,6.7 g protein, 0.9g fat,1g fibre, 9.8g carbohydrate, 0.47g calcium, 16.9g iron, 67 kcal, 0.04mg thiamine, 0.8 mg niacin, 0.31mg riboflavin per 100 gms . The vitamin A content is in a very high amount (7700 microgram/100 gms)  and is in the form of beta carotene. Vitamin A deficiency is common among poor children across the country. As an effective approach to prevent deficiency which leads to blindness, drumstick leaves can be suggested. Good source of vitamin C or ascorbic acid (220 mg/100 gms ). It is an important dietary source of calcium. 

Moringa leaves are often eaten as vegetables. It comes under the section of medium carbohydrate vegetables. 100 gms provides 15 g carbohydrate, 1-7gms protein and 68 kcal.It is also dried and ground and used as a powder in soups and curries. It has iron, potassium and calcium. The leaves also have nine essential amino acids, vitamin A, B and C. They are full of protein and can be substituted for meat, fish or eggs. It helps to treat malaria, arthritis, skin disease and diabetes, scurvy,  catarrhal affliction.

The white moringa flowers taste like mushrooms. It has amino acids, calcium and potassium. It can be cooked or fried or steeped as tea. It has been used to treat tumors and muscle disease and to boost sex drive.

Moringa bark extract is used to help treat stomach issues, anemia, diabetes and other conditions. It may help fight bacteria. 

Seeds are full of protein, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin C, calcium and potassium. It can be eaten raw or boiled or crushed . It can also be pressed into cooking oil. 

Moringa is a distant cousin of broccoli, kale and cabbage. The roots can be ground to paste. The paste can help with snake bites, toothache and malaria. But the roots and root extract can be toxic to some animals. 

Help or hype ? Moringa is packed with phytochemicals and antioxidants. It may be antibacterial, antifungal and anti inflammatory. Moringa might help with diabetes and cancer. But most of the studies have been done on rats. Most research is needed to know how well it works on humans. 

Eating large amounts of moringa might be dangerous. The leaves give pregnant mothers plenty of vitamins and minerals but the bark may cause uterine contraction. Studies show that moringa can lead to liver and kidney damage as well as infertility. 

It can also cause problems with the diabetes medicine sitagliptin.

Moringa leaves and seeds can be bought from the market. It comes in powder, liquid, pill, tea and oil forms. 

Moringa powder can be added to smoothie, oatmeal or guacamole. Mix it with pesto or chutney with mint. Add the leaves to the salad for a peppery punch.

In Indian cuisine, it is cut into slices and used in culinary preparation.  Drumsticks are used in pickle, sambar, drumstick curry, Gujrati singh nu shaak, murungakkai masala, sangachi bhaji, sangacho ros, chorchori, paanch mishali, sojne data posto, drumstick with mustard paste, tender drumstick with masoor dal fritters. Seeds are consumed after frying. 

Moringa seed oil is in some cosmetics. It is even used to grease machine

 The part of the product which is left after oil is taken out is rich in potassium, phosphorus and calcium. It is used as fertilizer. 

It is beneficial to have it in the form of vegetables when in season. Avoid the hyped pills and powders. 

If I like SPICE , am I doing something wrong?

I like spices , when I wrote the previous article on my daily use of spices, one of my well wishers commented, "you love spices , it's very bad for the heart." I wondered if that was true . Whenever we speak of spices, the image of rich spicy oily foodstuffs comes in our mind.

Spices are really beneficial when used in the proper way. Excessive use of everything is bad and some stuff is unsuitable for few. 

Let's have a look at the superfood Garlic.

Garlic

Garlic is considered a superfood. But that doesn't mean to take ready made garlic paste ,fry in oil, add spice powders and make a thick curry out of it and then complain of joint pains and stomach disorders.

High sulphur content called allicin,ajoene,allyl methyl trisulfide, diallyl sulfide is found in garlic . Allicin is responsible for it's characteristic odour. The odour appears rapidly when the pods are crushed or during chewing. The intact garlic pod doesn't contain the smell. So it is better to place garlic pods between the teeth, crush lightly and swallow with warm water and later on brush the teeth.

Garlic is an antibacterial agent. It was used before the antibacterial era in the treatment of bronchitis, bronchiectasis and lung abscess. Allicin inhibits the growth of gram positive and gram negative bacteria. So used to suppress intestinal bacterial activity in diarrhea and flatulence.

Garlic juice diluted with water was used as a lotion for cleaning septic wounds. Allicin decreases serum total and LDL cholesterol . Anti thrombotic,Anti cancer, Anti fungal.

Garlic inhibits platelet aggregation. The ajoenes has a platelet anti aggregation effect. Clotting time and fibrinolytic activity are considerably delayed after eating raw garlic.

So like all other foodstuffs there is no need of eating plenty of garlic for the best health care.

Allyl methyl trisulfide may stimulate the activity of glutathione S-transferase, an enzyme known to assist in the detoxification of carcinogens in the liver and colon.

It can act as a miracle against epidemics.

So if garlic is used in the proper way , there is no harm of taking it. As it is always said that excess of anything harms so garlic should be used according to the need and it should not be used in certain digestive disorders, in sulphur allergy and with certain medicines.

TAMARIND :A SPICE ? OR A FRUIT ?

How many of you remember those lickable moments of eating tamarind and getting scolded for it. Tamarind chutney is inseparable from pakoras , samosas , dahi bhalle , tikkis , papri chats and many more.

Tamarind is really tasty and nutritious. It is the major ingredient of sambhar , rasam and south Indian dishes.

Tamarind connects North India to South India.

T.indica is a cheap and easily available plant. The whole plant has nutritional benefits. The root ,body , fruit , seeds are used as medicine and have industrial use as well. Tamarind fruit is a rich source of essential amino acids except tryptophan. It contains pectin, organic acids , minerals, polyphenols , flavonoids , phytochemicals and vitamins. It contains phenolic compounds like catenins, procyanidin, vitamin B2 , epicatechin, tartaric acid, mucilage, pectin, arabinose,xylose , galactose, glucose,uronic acid, triterpene. The seeds have a good amount of protein so it can be used in consumable form where protein malnutrition is common. It has many health benefits in traditional medicine. It can also be used for treatment of many ailments.

It may be used as a laxative because of its high malic acid , potassium and tartaric acid content.

The dried seeds have antioxidant properties.

For diarrhoea, the leaves are useful. For constipation, the fruit is useful. For abdominal pain , the soft bark is useful.

Tamarind fruit causes smooth muscle relaxation via calcium channel blockage. In this way it helps in diarrhoea.

The seeds extract may be effective against renal cell cancer and acute nephrotoxicity.

It may be able to protect from peptic ulcer.

It has been reported that tamarind is effective in allergic asthma and cough via antihistamine , adaptogenic and mast cell stabilizing effects.

The xyloglucan obtained from tamarind seeds may serve as suitable media for degenerated nerves and may aid nerve regeneration. Xyloglucan is suggested as a natural additive compound in sunscreen because it has immunoprotective and DNA protective effects from ultraviolet damage.

Mixtures obtained from bark and leaves help in wound healing.

The polysaccharide in T.indica seed may be used in eye drops to increase its effective time period because of its mucoadhesive properties. The mixture with hyaluronic acid in xerophthalmia and with timolol decreases intraocular pressure.

Tamarind fruit increases iron bioavailability.

Tamarind is hypolipidemic , anti atherosclerotic , antioxidant, immunomodulatory effect.

Tamarind fruit is antiparasitic , antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antinematodal. Antibacterial properties are due to its lupeol content. The bark extract has shown inhibitory effect on Salmonella typhi.

The leaves, seeds and other parts of the plant have mild anti-inflammatory effects. Polyphenol and flavonoid content of T.indica associated with anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects.

In acute alcohol induced liver toxicity, the leaves showed anti apoptotic and liver protecting effects. It causes membrane stabilisation and decreases glutathione consumption. Additionally, it prevents CASP -3 activation and DNA fragmentation and causes histopathologic amelioration.

Tamarind fruit has a weight control effect.

Tamarind has an anti diabetic effect.

The plant and the fruit are effective in fluoride toxicity.

Children are often scolded for eating too much tamarind. The raw fruit is not easily digested and causes stomach pain. Too much of it can cause dental erosion. It should be boiled in water and then used in the culinary preparation. So it is better to use in moderation like any other foodstuffs. Ibuprofen and acetyl salicylic acid when used with T.indica increase their bioavailability and increase the blood levels of them.

At this time when pollution level is too high and deforestation is a major problem, tamarind trees can be planted for the rescue. It is such a wonderful tree which gives all its part for health care. It's not just a spice, enjoy tamarind fruit , sow the seeds in the garden and enjoy the benefits but consult a health professional for the proper guidance.

Neem

Neem is a symbol of strength. The tall branches, the green leaves, the bright yellow blossom. The whole plant is full of benefits. The benefits are mentioned in Ayurveda.

Till now, many people use neem branches in the morning to brush their teeth. Grains and pulses are stored in the containers with neem leaves. Woollens are stored with neem leaves to protect from silk moths or silverfish. Neem water is used to clean homes , cattle sheds . Neem husk is used as manure. Girls apply neem paste as a face pack. Teenagers take a teaspoon of neem tonic to get rid of pimples and as a blood purifier. It is too bitter but there is no better option than beautiful skin. So neem is a heritage plant taking care of everyone.

Leaves have been found to contain Quercetin, Nimbosterd. Both of these are found in the dried flowers. The trunk bark has been shown to contain Nimbinin , Nimbina , Nimbidin and Margosine. The heartwood contains Nimatone . The neem seeds contain Azadirachtin and Salannin. Neem oil contains fatty acids.

It is effective against many skin conditions like eczema, scabies, seborrhoeic dermatitis, boils , sores , and ulcers.

It is effective against bleeding gums and pyorrhoea.

Neem is Anti fungal.

Neem is Anti malarial.

It is Anti parasitic.

Neem has Anti tuberculosis action.

Nimbin has an anti-allergic reaction.

It fights ulcers.

It is Anti inflammatory. OTC medicine damages the stomach lining but neem reduces the inflammation without damaging the lining.

It fights bacterial infection.

It cures Fever.

It fights Cardiovascular disease.

It is a very effective family planning device.

It controls insects.

It helps fight liver problems.

It cures intestinal worms.

It acts as an appetiser. Reliefs from gastrointestinal problems.

It is an effective antispasmodic agent.

Neem oil is effective against leprosy.

Useful in Diabetes.

Neem is applied on injured joints and Rheumatic joints.

Neem has a good amount of calcium , fibre , and iron. The leaves are too bitter so taking the leaves is a bit tricky. The fresh leaves are available in the spring season. Cook with brinjal to decrease the bitter taste and eat with rice. It will definitely cure skin problems and other health problems.

LONG PEPPER : A part of Indian Garam Masala

We Indians are too spicy. We not only use round black pepper , we use long pepper.

It is cultivated in India to a limited extent. It contains alkaloids having a pungent pepper like taste and produces marked salivation and numbness of the mouth.The pharmacological effects are probably due to the alkaloids. It has volatile and fatty oils, resins , gum , starch and some inorganic matter. It contains an essential oil with a spicy odour resembling that of pepper and ginger oils.

It has therapeutic effects-

It is prescribed for bronchitis , cough , inflammation of the throat , tuberculosis, asthma, epilepsy .

Effective in Ischaemic Heart disease. It is considered in Ayurveda to be a heart stimulant.

Useful in certain types of gastrointestinal tract disorders. Believed to be a good tonic , digestive and antiseptic.

It is prescribed for indigestion (laxative ) and abdominal distension (carminative ).

It is considered to be a value in rheumatism and gout.

Long pepper is also prescribed for early stages of influenza. Believed to be used in the treatment of mumps.

Add flavour to your curries with Indian garam masala.

CARAWAY or SHAH JEERA

It is part of the carrot family and is available as a whole seed.

It is used as a spice for culinary purposes.

Limonene,a monoterpene in caraway, may prevent cancer. Small amount of perillyl alcohol, which may have the potential to prevent breast cancer.

Caraway seeds are a good remedy to cure flatulence. Mix fennel, anise , caraway to boiling water, steep , strain and drink. Or grind caraway seed and coriander with a little water before every meal.

We Indians use caraway in curries. It is used to season and flavour the food to aid digestion and to reduce flatulence and bloating. Caraway seeds can be chewed daily as an aid to digestion.

Caraway tea soothes nervous heart ailments and it is very easy to prepare.

Caraway oil can be used as a lightening tooth powder.

Add caraway to your kitchen and use it to season bread , cabbage dishes , casseroles and curry or chew half teaspoon of it after a heavy meal.

CINNAMON or DALCHINI or DARCHINI

I went to a supermarket a few days ago, I was amazed to see hundreds of packs of cinnamon in the diet section. It is good to be diet conscious and now sneaking into anybody's diet and following it blindly is so common that I am scared of the consequences.

Cinnamon is really good for health but isn't it a spice ? Isn't it used in a particular quantity? Isn't the spices used in more than the prescribed quantity harms the body ?

People should consume it but after asking certified nutritionist or certified dietitian. If you do not want to consult then treat cinnamon like any other spices .

Cinnamon is the inner bark of the young shoots of the cinnamon tree.It contains cinnamic aldehyde , cinnamyl acetate and cinnamyl alcohol, a volatile oil. It also contains coumarin , too much of coumarin is toxic.

It is aromatic, astringent and stimulatory. Used to impart flavor to food.

Cinnamon may help to strengthen the cardiovascular system, shielding the heart from disorders. It has cholesterol lowering effects.

The spice also acts as a blood thinning agent that increases circulation. So it has to be used cautiously with blood thinning medicine.

It also acts as a carminative.

May also reduce discomfort from heartburn.

Cinnamon tea helps prevent motion sickness. Take it in a small thermos flask and sip slowly. Pour boiling water over one small piece of cinnamon bark and steep for 10 minutes and strain.

Have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.

May ward off bacteria such as H. pylori which has been linked to ulcers.

May relief from menstrual cramps.

Sniffing of a mixture of cinnamon with other spices is often helpful and is particularly useful in blocked nose.

Due to it's sweet aroma and flavour it can be added to food for diabetics to impart sweetness in milk or desserts. It may help in reducing blood sugar in diabetics. It can mimic the effects of insulin. While a small amount is beneficial ,there will be a sudden drop of blood sugar if taken more than prescribed.

Use cinnamon as a spice , it will benefit but if used as a supplement it can create side effects and harm. It may cause liver damage. May increase the risk of cancer. May cause mouth sores. May interact with certain medication. So if under certain medications ,the dosage has to be checked. It causes low blood pressure. May cause breathing problems if inhaled. It is also not advisable for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in high doses.

Enjoy cinnamon to flavour Indian curries , pulao , biriyani , kahwa but to use as a supplement, please think twice.

Winter is here , come, let's have a cup of "adrak ki chai"

I am proud to be an Indian. We are very social. We like guests. "Atithi devo bhava" is our motto meaning Guests are God. Whenever someone comes to our home , we offer tea and snacks and if it is winter the tea is ginger tea aka adrak ki chai. Fresh ginger tea...

Ginger is a spice. Both fresh and dried are used. But why have we been using it since ancient times? It has been under cultivation in India from times immemorial and has been exported from very early times. India accounts for 50 % of the dry ginger output of the world.

It contains gingerol,shogaol,and zingiberene. The pungency is due to the oleoresin , a phytochemical, gingerol. Gingerol is believed to reduce swelling and tenderness of the joints. Shogaols , a phytochemical, may help fight cancer and heart disease as well as improve pain and reduce swelling of inflamed joints.

Have antioxidant capabilities.

Ginger tea reduces migraine headaches.

May help to prevent heart disease and cancer.

Ginger preserved in syrup is eaten to aid digestion after a heavy meal.

Boiled ginger water may be the remedy for acid reflux.

Season food with ginger to reduce flatulence and bloating.

Relieves motion sickness,nausea,vomiting. In relieving, motion sickness, 940 mg of powdered ginger was superior to 100 mg Dramamine(Antia;Abraham 1997)

Possess anti inflammatory properties.

Phytonutrients in ginger ameliorate the pain and swelling of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis by interfering with the synthesis of inflammatory compounds.

Reduces cough and cold. Reduces bronchitis. Lessens asthma attacks. Some find it great relief with a teaspoon of fresh ginger and honey but "it is for some".

Helpful in rheumatism.

Ginger tea can help combat nausea during pregnancy.

Dry ginger sweets or "sonth ladoo" is given to lactating women to ease the postpartum pain .

Ginger drink helps to reduce menstruation pain.

But as I repeatedly write, do not overdo it. Too much ginger irritates the stomach , in severe coughs and colds ,the cough gets trapped inside and becomes dry . Not recommended for patients suffering from piles.

So , welcome to India and enjoy a cup of hot ginger tea with us. As for us "Atithi devo bhava"

India: it's varied food culture : 1.Rice : Staple diet of many regions.

India: it's varied food culture :   

1.Rice : Staple diet of many regions.

Amazing fact :People are not obese in these areas because of rice consumption, so ???

India is a vast country but united with one staple food , that is rice. About 40,000 varieties of rice are available.

The types of rice consumed in India are White rice , Brown rice, Red rice, Black rice , Sticky rice , Parboiled rice , Basmati rice , Jasmine rice , etc.

Most of the Indian states are rice eating states . There are 29 states in India which have different cultures of their own but all of them share their love for food with Biryani , Pulao , Khichri , Pongal , Bisi bele bath , Kedgeree , Bamboo rice , Chambray, Mizo bai , Pakhala Bhata , and many more rice dishes. Apart from eating rice for lunch and dinner, Indians have delicacies made from rice flour , rice flakes , rice puffs , rice milk , rice paste so rice is consumed in any part of the day as snacks , desserts, main course , appetizers .

Apart from being a food, rice is auspicious . Rice grain is used in marriage. It is applied on the forehead with vermilion. It is fed to pregnant ladies as rice pudding for a healthy child. It is the first food for a child when it starts weaning. It is a holy food offered to Gods .

There are records of rice production in India in 1000 BC. Rice is either Hand pounded or Machine milled or Parboiled followed by hand pounding or machine milling.

Hand pounding is done by the farmers who cultivate rice for their own consumption. It does not remove the bran completely so vitamins are better preserved.

Most of the rice available in the market is machine milled. This type of rice is less likely to be contaminated by insects which destroy stored grains ;easily digested and absorbed; looks clean and attractive; contains little phytate and hence minerals from other foods are better absorbed. But variable proportions of vitamin B complex , calcium, iron, proteins and fats are removed.

In some states like Tamil Nadu , Bengal , Goa , etc Parboiled rice is consumed. Parboiling is a process in which the paddy is soaked in water and the water is boiled , the water is drained and the paddy is dried before milling. The grain is harder after Parboiling; it can be preserved both in cooked and uncooked states ; the nutrients are well preserved.

Is Rice the cause of weight gain?

It depends upon how it is consumed . Many rice eating areas have started eating wheat after the myth that rice is the main reason for weight gain and diabetes. But really are they cured of these problems? I have seen those people suffering from heartburns , acidity , etc because they haven't eaten wheat flour earlier and now at the age of 60s they are forced to eat wheat products. 

Rice has its own benefits. 

They are

😊 Rice provides about 350 kcal per 100 gms , wheat also provides 350 kcal per 100 gms .

😊Rice contains about 7% protein but is deficient in amino acid Lysine so always consume rice with soya bean or pulses or fish or curd or milk to balance the diet.

😊Rice is easily digested.

😊If eaten with pulses , it provides bulk so the feeling of hunger is reduced.

😊Smaller feeds of rice with milk or milk products are easily digested even during acute illness.

😊Free of gluten , good choice for people with allergies.

😊Remedy for diarrhoea and heartburn

😊Folate lowers the risk of birth defects and heart disease.

😊Magnesium improves PMS and kidney stones.

😊Oryzanol relieves menopausal hot flashes, lower cholesterol levels and prevents the harmful conversion of nitrogen compounds into cancer causing nitrosamines. It is found in the bran layer.

😊Selenium prevents allergies, asthma, cataracts, infertility and prostate problems.

😊Vitamin B6 helps to thwart allergies, anxiety, asthma, depression and heart disease.

😊Fermented rice products like idli , dosa , appam ,dhokla , ambali , kanji or fermented rice increase the nutritive value . It facilitates enzyme action during digestion .

Maximise the benefits

♥️When cooking rice , do not rinse it before or after because it washes away the essential nutrients.

♥️Avoid cooking with excess water to retain B vitamins.

If you think that if you drain the rice water , it becomes less starchy, less calorie, then please don't do it, rice is dense in starch so you are not taking out the starch but losing upto 33%of vitamins

♥️MIND THE QUANTITY OF RICE YOU ARE EATING. YOU CAN'T COUNT RICE LIKE BREAD SO YOU EAT TILL YOU ARE FULL. ALWAYS MEASURE THE QUANTITY OF RICE AND CURB YOUR HUNGER WITH VEGETABLES AND PULSES AND SALADS AND FRUITS. IT'S A WISE OPTION TO EAT RICE IN A SMALLER PLATE .

♥️Do not combine rice with potatoes ,tapioca or high starch fruits and vegetables. Instead combine it with pulses, fish , chicken and fruits and vegetables.

Enjoy rice , it doesn't make you FAT . It is a traditional food, respect it and eat it wisely and break the myth.