Kalpa vriksha aka COCONUT "Tree that provides the necessities of life"

Coconut tree is "kalpavriksha ", worshipped since time immemorial. Kalp vriksha means the tree that provides the necessity of life. Found in the coastal areas of India, the whole tree gives its parts to fulfil the human requirements. Fresh coconut water quenches the thirst of the people living in the sea shores. The fresh coconut provides sufficient energy to curb the hunger. The leaves, coir , etc are used for various purposes. Therefore it is offered to God. Without it the religious ceremonies are incomplete. Fishermen offer coconut to the sea to celebrate the beginning of the new fishing season. Coconut is placed over the opening of the pot to represent a womb in weddings. Its offered to God before any new initiative .

The grated fresh coconut is used in the preparation of puddings, sweets , curries and chutneys.

Coconut water is a mild diuretic, with honey it is a tonic. It is good for urinary disease, nervousness and fatigue.

A mature coconut may yield upto 225 gms of kernel supplying about 1000 kcal.

A tender coconut yields 500 to 900 ml water. It is the safest and sterile drink as it is not likely to be contaminated with pathogens. During the second world war, coconut water was used as intravenous fluid.

The pH of coconut water is 5.6 and the nutrients present are glucose, fructose, inulin , proteins, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, phosphate and sulphate.

Typhoid fever and other salmonella infections have been traced occasionally to desiccated coconut. Dried kernels are less likely to be contaminated.

Dried coconut contains about 70% oil. It is easily digested. It is extensively used in the preparation of vegetable ghee and margarine. Unlike other oils, coconut oil is poor in unsaturated acids. Oleic and linoleic acids are present only to the extent of about 9 per cent. The remaining 91 percent is saturated fatty acids characterised by the presence of a high percentage of lauric and myristic acids.

Coconut cake is a byproduct of the coconut oil industry. It provides a nutritious mash for feeding milch cows to increase the quantity and nutritive value of milk.

Coconut sap or juice is obtained by tapping or cutting the stalk of the young flower bunches of coconut. The main constituent of the fresh juice is sucrose. It is rich in ascorbic acid. The juice in the fresh state is sweet toddy or neera.

Make a natural coloured lip gloss by mixing coconut oil, almond oil , beeswax, cocoa butter , and red food colouring.

Apply moisturiser made of coconut oil. It is a superb moisturiser for dry skin and mature skin. Coconut milk is a good soak up moisturising lotion.

Coconut may cause allergies.

Eat coconut in moderation, it is rich in energy. Drink coconut water to hydrate yourself but like all the food it has to be consumed in moderation. Drinking coconut water after sunset might increase water retention creating a feeling of heaviness. Enjoy eating coconut chutney, nariyal ladoo , daab chingri , etc but too much of it might help in weight gain .

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.

Mango tree is beneficial too"Aam ke aam guthliyon ke daam "

MANGO 

This word only reminds of a big ripe mango,  just sink your teeth into the flesh and indulge into the juiciness of the delicacy. It's really the best dessert fruit. Just think of summer and the mango. But why only the fruit ?

The huge tree with It's branches open wide to give relief from the scorching heat and give shade to everyone in need .

The whole tree is beneficial for health. According to Ayurveda,  the bark, leaves, shoots, roots , flowers, the unripe fruit, and the ripe fruit are very healthy. 

 Just consult an Ayurveda professional before trying on yourself. 

Mango has its significance in Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Purana .

During religious occasions,  the bunch of leaves or the pallava is placed on the pot .The leaves symbolise life.

Bark is burnt in Havana to purify the air, the wood is used to burn pyres. The wood is used to make durable furniture.

The whole tree is anti viral, anti parasitic, antiseptic, antitussive,antiasthmatics, expectorant,cardiotonic,contraceptive,  aphrodisiac, hypotensive, laxative,beneficial to digestion. 

Mango Leaves 

• Treats diabetes (contains tannins and anthocyanin)

• Treat high uric acid or gout

• Treats unhealthy gums and teeth (mouthwash)

• Refresh the body and relieves restlessness 

• As a fertility drugs 

• Reduce the risk of hypertension 

• Overcomes nervousness 

• Treats gallstones and kidney stones 

• Cures respiratory ailments 

• Cures dysentery 

• Relieves ear pain 

• Heal burns

• Prevent hiccups 

• Strengthen the stomach 

• Good source of vitamins 

• Rich in antioxidants 

• Treating vascular apathies and retinopathy 

Research has been done on young leaves, the effect has been observed in gastrointestinal disorders such as infection due to E.coli, Salmonella typhi NCTC 74, Salmonella typhi 62, Vibrio cholerae 1023 , Salmonella sanei NK 4010.

Mango young leaf shoots 

• Improves taste 

• Useful in anorexia 

• Absorbent, astringent, bowel binding, useful in irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhoea 

• Balance kapha and pitta doshas

 Tender leaves in the form of a powder are believed to be effective against diabetes. 

The local application of the ashes of the leaves is considered to be useful against burns and scalds.

Mango bark

• Absorbent,  bowel binding, useful in IBS, diarrhoea, bleeding from the intestine,  uterus, lungs or piles,for leucorrhoea,skin diseases, inflammation of the throat and nose.

• It is a good tonic. The dose of the liquid extract is 5 to 10 drops.

The bark contains tannin.

Mango root

• Absorbent 

• Bowel binding ,useful in irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhoea 

• Balance kapha and pitta doshas 

Mango flower 

• Detoxify blood. 

• Relieves cold

• Improves taste, appetiser, useful in anorexia. 

• Absorbent, bowel binding, useful in IBS and diarrhoea. 

• Indicated in diarrhoea, dysentery, urinary tract disorders, diabetes.

Dried  Flowers of the mango are prescribed for chronic dysentery and inflammation of the urinary bladder.

Unripe mangoes 

Contains gallic acid in it which imparts a sour taste to the food .

It contains cellulose,  potassium hydroxide, mallic, citric and tartaric acids. 

• Improves taste, useful in anorexia 

• Vitiates vata doshas 

• Increases Pitta doshas 

• May cause blood disorders such as nasal bleeding or heavy periods. 

• Acts as cardiac tonic,  congenial for heart. 

• Improve skin tone and complexion 

• Useful in throat disorders 

• Improve muscle tissues, blood tissues, strengthen immunity. 

Excessive consumption of sour mango fruit causes weak digestion, strength, recurrent chronic fever,vitamin disorders, bleeding disorders, constipation, bloating, eye disorders. 

To counter the side effects ginger water is advised or cumin seeds with sochal salt is advised 

Dry mango powder is useful in constipation. 

Mango seeds 

Indicated vomiting, diarrhoea, burning sensation in chest. 

Mango seed kernel is useful in diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome and relieves burning sensation in the chest.

The mango seed has been described as a valuable remedy for roundworms.

Mango oil

Useful in oral disorders,oral ulcers and bad breath. It has a good smell. Pacifies kapha and vata doshas. 

During excessive external bleeding ,injury and wound, bark, flowers, leaves, seed kernel dry powders are applied externally.  Due to the astringent properties they stop bleeding and heal wounds quickly. 

Mango trees are precious. Due to globalisation,  the big trees are cut down so that the rising human population can accommodate, but we can try to plant it in the garden or road side so that the future generations can benefit from it.

The very special "Aam" fruit , Mango, "The king of fruits"..

The term fruit derives its name from 'fructua' means to enjoy. The edible envelope contains the seeds of a plant or a tree. 

Mango (Mangifera indica) is the best loved and choicest fruits of India and occupies a prominent place among the fruits of the world. It is a tropical fruit available during the hot season. It has been cultivated in India for more than 4000 years and it is believed to have originated from the foothills of Himalayas. 

The fruit is a large drupe in varied shape ,size, colour and flavour. 

The shape is normally round,oval or oblong and the size ranges from small ones to giant ones. 

The skin of the fruit may be thin or thick, leathery, green, yellow or red or a fanciful combination of these colours. The flesh may be whitish, yellow or orange. 

The pulp of some may be fibrous throughout while may be absent or very little in others. The flesh may be firm , soft or juicy or subacid or sweet and richly sweet smelling. 

The fruit contains a solitary seed (stone) ovoid ,oblique enclosed in a hard compressed endocarp. 

About 1000 types of mangoes are grown all over India,  each having its own peculiar smell, taste, flavour and consistency of pulp. The famous and the commercial varieties are Alphanso, Malda, Chousa, Dussehri, Pairi,Neelam, Malgova, Safeda, Banganpalli, Totapuri, Neelam and Langda.

Mango has a rich luscious aromatic flavour and a delicious taste in which sweetness and acidity are delicately blended. This makes the mango fruit one of the most highly prized dessert fruits of the tropics. 

It is the National fruit of India. 

It is commonly eaten in large quantities and provides a good source of calories during the season. It has a subtle astringent taste.

 A whole fruit supplies about 50 to 100 kcal, mainly derived from fructose. These are more than in fruits like oranges and papaya which range from 30 to 40 kcal and slightly less than in the bananas (80 to 150 kcal ) . It supplies about 25 mg vitamin C . Mango contains beta carotene,  a precursor of vitamin A. Carotenoids in mango total 12.5 g per 100 g fresh pulp;about 60% is present as beta carotene, which is higher than in any other fruit. 

A question might arise that how can nutritionists state the exact nutritive value of a particular food? Carotene is estimated by extraction of the total pigments with alcohol and partitioning it with petroleum ether after saponification. The other pigments were removed by treatment with calcium carbonate and the yellow colour was measured as carotene. 

The mango fruit, like most fruits, has low values of protein( 0.6 ) and fats (0.4), 0.4 minerals, 0.7 g fibre, 16.9 carbohydrates, 14 mg calcium, 16 mg phosphorus, 1.3 mg iron per 100 gms.

Nicotinic acid (a vitamin of the B group ) is fairly high in Alphonso mango and vitamin C is high in the Langra mango variety. 

Mango is a good source of copper. (0.11mg/ 100 gms) and fluoride (1.3 ppm/100gms) 

The fruit is considered to be a laxative and to have diuretic properties. 

It is prescribed for increasing the weight particularly in children who are underweight. In the case of infants and very young children who cannot eat and digest leafy vegetables 50 to 100 grams of mangoes can be given. 

The powder of the skin of the unripe fruit is given in dysentery or other disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. It is also given as a cure for excessive menstrual bleeding. 

For skin diseases,  the application of liquid oozing out on cutting the stalk of the fruit, mixed with lime juice is recommended. 

The gum of the tree is also used for skin diseases. 

The local application of the gum resin mixed with lime juice is particularly effective against scabies. 

 The beta carotene of mango acts as an antioxidant by neutralising harmful elements that could damage skin. It acts as an arsenal for eczema.

In view of the demonstration of the protective effect of antioxidants in prevention of cancer and Ischaemic Heart disease special attention needs to be given to mangoes. 

In the Unani system of medicine, the mango fruit is believed to have strong antispasmodic, weight increasing and antipyretic properties. 

Useful in treating disorders of vata doshas imbalance such as neuralgia, paralysis, neuropathy, constipation, bloating, etc.

Nourishing and calming.

Does not increase Pitta.

Improves sperm and semen quantity and quality. 

Improves strength and immunity.

Improves skin quality.

Indicated in excessive thirst and tiredness 

Squeezed mango juice is laxative. 

 Can even be applied over hair to improve shine and strength. 

Adequate intake of Vitamin A not only prevents cancer of the epithelial cells or skin cancer but also reverse it. 

Sweet mango with milk is aphrodisiac. 

Fleshy fruits like mango can be given to patients suffering from ulcerative colitis, irritable colon syndrome, tropical sprue,viral hepatitis, chronic pancreatitis, jaundice, type 1 and 2 nephritis, surgical operation, severe injury. As it is gluten free it can be given in celiac disease. It can be given to children suffering from the first or second stage of cirrhosis of the liver.

The vegetarians obtain the required amount of carotene which is easily supplied by 100 g of mango. 

Among the poor in India, the ingestion of carotene rich mango in season builds up liver stores and helps tide over the deficiency during the rest of the year. The cheaper varieties of mangoes,  which frequently grow wild in villages are the best source of carotenoids but are regrettably becoming scarce. Planting mango trees in scarcity areas will make the most positive long term contribution to alleviating blindness due to vitamin A deficiency. 

The deficiency of vitamin A is common among children of the poor in the country and is a public health problem leading to blindness. As an effective approach to prevent vitamin A deficiency among the children in rural areas daily consumption of mangoes is recommended in the season. A proper and an effective education of the mother in the use of carotene rich foods is essential to fight the deficiency. The advice given to the mothers should be practical and should emphasise the use of carotene rich foods locally available in different seasons and readily acceptable. 

Excessive ingestion of carotene containing mangoes may produce carotenemia. In hypothyroidism and diabetes, carotene is not converted to vitamin A and carotenemia may develop. 

Excess intake may cause indigestion and diarrhoea. 

Some people with a sensitive gastrointestinal tract can react violently to this and should therefore learn from experience the quantity of mango that they can tolerate. 

Mango juice is Not good for the heart in excess amounts. 

Some children are very fond of eating unripe mangoes.  This may aggravate any preexisting inflammation of the throat and the tonsils.

Raw mangoes should be avoided by asthmatics. 

An average mango contains more calories and is usually best avoided in diabetes.  Fibre rich fruits with low glycemic index such as guava, amla, papaya, pomegranate and apple are preferable than fruits such as banana, mango ,custard apple, sapota.

Mangoes have to be avoided by diabetics .If the sugar is controlled, a few pieces of the fruit may be allowed twice a week instead of the regular quota of fruit. 

 Mango is best enjoyed as a dessert fruit. It can be enjoyed as a mango drink,  smoothie, shakes, aamras,aam ki kadhi, salsa,and salad.

Enjoy the summers in India with a glass of chilled mango shake . 

BAEL : WOOD APPLE :Aegle marmelos

Bael is offered to Lord Shiva. "Lord Shiva , the lord of power ". The leaves ,the fruit are offered to him.

The leaves ,roots , bark , seeds , fruits are all used in Ayurveda.

The fruit has a high nutritive value . It is an energy giving fruit. It contains protein , fibre, calcium, phosphorus, iron , carotene , thiamine, riboflavin, niacin , vitamin C and copper. It contains 600 mg of potassium in 100 gms of the ripe fruit , it is the highest level amongst all the fresh fruits available in India.

The fruit pulp when taken with water or curd treats diarrhoea. If taken with warm milk treats constipation. The fruit is good to treat stomach ailments.

According to Ayurveda, bael has been reported to have preventive and curative actions against diabetes. Some believe that consumption of two tender leaves of bael per day keeps diabetes away. These are particularly effective if taken with two tender leaves of neem.

Bael is good for prevention of baldness.

It is found in most North Indian states in wild or semi wild conditions. The agriculture researchers of various agricultural universities have improved the quality of Bael fruit so that it can be consumed by most of the people. A full grown tree can produce up to 150 to 200 fruits on an average. It is so economical.

Bael fruit can be consumed as such or as a nutritious drink . One big fruit can be made into 5 litres of a drink. India has treasures of nutrients in these local flora. These types of fruits and drinks made from these fruits can be provided to the children and the teenagers of the lower socio-economic group who are malnourished or to the people who are bound to eat once a day.

Excess of bael fruit can harm the liver .

BANANAS

 

Coconut is an essential part of any religious function but if coconut is not available, banana comes for rescue. Bananas themselves are a very important part of religious functions and wedding functions. The whole bunch is offered to God. People worship the tree to get the benefits of the Jupiter planet or Brihaspati. It is offered to lord Vishnu. It was derived by man in prehistoric times from wild bananas which grew in the regions stretching from India to New Guinea. Over 4.5 million tonnes of fruits are produced annually.

Banana is perhaps the cheapest and the most extensively eaten fruit in the tropics. There are many varieties, each with a distinctive flavour. It supplies more calories than other fresh fruits. Ripe banana contains carbohydrates in the form of sucrose, fructose and glucose which are readily digested.

The whole plant is very useful . The flower , the leaves ,the stem ,the fruit all are used in food . Nature has made amazing items. I feel really sorry for the people who never feel the importance of food.

Raw banana is cooked and eaten. The digestion and absorption of bananas depend on the starch content .

Bananas prevent cataracts.

Feeling a bit anxious, try eating a banana. It contains 5-hydroxytryptamine,( a serotonin , a mood enhancing neurotransmitter) ,vitamin B6 , small amounts of tryptophan, these may promote a relaxed state of mind. This may ward off depression, anxiety , stress , chronic fatigue syndrome and insomnia. Tryptophan stimulates the production of serotonin. Eating complex carbohydrates enhance the absorption of tryptophan.

Vitamin B6 facilitates communication between muscles and nerves. It also helps to make red blood cells. It may also be useful in preventing the moodiness associated with premenstrual syndrome. Bananas are an excellent source of vitamin B6. Cooking partially destroys this vitamin so it is best to eat banana uncooked.

Eating bananas to regulate levels of hormones implicated the development of acne lesions. It may reduce the outbreak.

Studies suggest that sugar molecules in bananas called fructooligosaccharides (FOS ) encourage beneficial bacterial growth in the intestine. This "friendly bacteria "may help to reduce toxins produced by unfriendly flora in the colon and improve nutrient absorption.

Banana is considered to be an antidote against opium poisoning.

Bananas are diuretic.

Pectin is heart healthy.

Herbal tea made of plantain reduces cough , hoarseness, and whooping cough.

After an episode of diarrhoea, a BRAT diet is recommended. The diet consists of Banana Rice Applesauce Toast. Bananas are easily digested and contain high levels of potassium which helps replace the electrolytes you lose when you have diarrhoea. A high banana diet probably increases the butyric acid concentration in the colon , this may control diarrhoea by inhibiting the growth of B.coli. The soluble fiber pectin is also helpful in controlling diarrhoea. It helps to absorb excess fluid in the digestive tract. It also slows down transit time in the digestive tract and adds bulk to stools. Cooked bananas make pectin more available therefore it is best to eat cooked raw bananas. It is also useful in dysentery.

In some constipated people, bananas act as a mild laxative.

They can be given as a source of calories in a non residue diet , for example, in diarrhoea and ulcerative colitis.

The fruit is in relief of dry cough arising from the throat or chest.

Banana is also prescribed in urinary problems involving the bladder.

Banana contains potassium lowering blood pressure and possibly diminishing blood clots and preventing strokes. Eating a day helps to deal with heart and circulation problems.

Research links high potassium intake with a reduced risk for kidney stones so a banana a day is useful.

A lack of minerals such as magnesium, potassium and calcium is probably the biggest cause of nighttime leg cramps. Eat bananas to solve the problem.

Apply the inside of a banana peel to a wart on the sole of the foot and secure it with a bandage.

To help swollen feet , try eating bananas. They are a natural source of potassium which helps relieve fluid retention.

During the worst phase of the flu , you probably won't have an appetite at all. But when you are ready to make the transition from liquids to more substantial fare , put the emphasis on bland starchy food. Bananas are an excellent choice. For a refreshing dessert, peel and freeze overripe bananas, puree and have it.

Bananas contain copper.

Bananas make a nurturing conditioner. Mix one crushed banana with one tablespoon of avocado and massage the paste into your hair and scalp. Cover hair with a plastic wrap and towel, leave for some time, rinse hair with warm water and wash with a mild shampoo.

The leaves are not eaten as such but raw food wrapped in the leaves makes aromatic and tasty dishes.

Hot food served on banana leaves are really far better options than styrofoam or plastic plates.

Squeeze the liquid from fresh leaves of the plantain, dab the juice directly onto blackheads and pimples with a cotton wool.

Sprinkle freshly squeezed plantain herb juice on a cotton cloth and place the cloth on the forehead like a headband to relieve headache.

The juice of the plant is prescribed in certain nervous diseases such as hysteria and epilepsy.

Crush a plantain leaf between the fingers and press it onto the site of insect sting.

Steamed banana leaves are used for dressing burn wounds.

Cooked banana flowers and banana stems can be eaten by diabetics.

The juice of the flowers is considered to be useful in dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation) and menorrhagia (excessive menstruation ).

It is believed in Ayurveda that the stem juice is an effective agent to dissolve the renal stones and stones in the bladder. A special variety of banana found in Karnataka and North Kerala is very effective.

Bananas can be a potential troublemaker for the child by the onset of colic if the mother eats .

Plantain flower and green plantain contain good oxalic acid content so it is advisable to consume it in moderation.

A high banana diet results in a rise in its urinary excretory product, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA).

Bananas are not for people suffering from ischaemic heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

Enjoy eating a banana every day. It will help to start an energetic day. A banana and a glass of milk with a whole wheat bread is an ideal breakfast for a school going child.

Do you know? 

A single banana is known as a finger. These fingers grow together in a group called the hand. Many hands grow together to form a bunch or stalk. So next time if you go shopping for a bunch of bananas you have to buy as many as 20 hands .

The banana plant is a giant herb.

The yellow fruit it produces is a Berry. 

Some bananas are long and curved.

If you have a latex allergy you might be allergic to bananas as both contain the same protein.