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.