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.