Do color of food reveal about its nutrition?



Food with a wide array of vibrant colours tend to attract children these days, yes, they demand for a feast - both the tongue as well as the eyes in the table! 
Here are some secrets behind the colours of the eatable nature.....


White Vs. Brown eggs

An egg's color do say less about nutrition and more about chicken's earlobe. Chickens with red earlobe lay brown eggs and those with white earlobes lay white eggs.


Green Vs. Red Bell Peppers


Red peppers are usually aged green peppers. Chlorophyll masks red pigment in green peppers until the vegetable matures. Green peppers are typically cheaper and have fewer nutrients because of their shorter growing time. And red peppers do really taste strong than green peppers. 



Orange Vs. Red Carrots



All colors of carrot are rich in different antioxidants. Orange carrots have high levels of beta-carotene, important for healthy vision. Red carrots contain lycopene, linked to lower risk of certain cancers. For the maximum benefits, eat a variety.   

Orange - The must fruit in your daily life

Orange is the color of adventure and social communication. Orange is a power color. It is one of the healing colors. The color orange is optimistic, sociable and extroverted. It is said to increase the craving for food. It also stimulates enthusiasm and creativity. So is the fruit Orange.

The orange is a hybrid, possibly between pomelo (Citrus maxima) and mandarin (Citrus reticulata), cultivated since ancient times. Nutrients in oranges are plentiful and diverse. Thus there is a say as,

“Orange strengthens your emotional body, encouraging a general feeling of joy, well-being, and cheerfulness.”

1. Helps Prevent Cancer


Oranges are rich in citrus limonoids, proven to help fight a number of varieties of cancer including that of the skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon. According to scientists, the regular consumption of lots of oranges can help fight against cancers such as lung cancer, mouth cancer, breast cancer and skin cancer.

A certain compound in them called D-limonene, which is common in other citrus fruits also plays a very prominent role in the prevention of the types of cancers mentioned above. If you consistently eat a lot of oranges then you automatically reduce your risks of suffering from the cancers mentioned above.


2. Prevents Kidney Diseases



Drinking orange juice regularly prevents kidney diseases and reduces the risk of kidney stones.

3. Lowers Cholesterol and Weight loss agent


Since they’re full of soluble fiber, oranges are helpful in lowering cholesterol. The alkaloid synephrine found under the orange peel can reduce the liver’s production of cholesterol. Whereas the anti-oxidant fights oxidative stress that is the main culprit in oxidizing the LDLs in our blood.

The fruit is low in calories, contains no saturated fats or cholesterol, but is rich in dietary fiber, pectin, which is very effective in persons with excess body weight. Pectin, by its action as a bulk laxative, helps to protect the mucous membrane of the colon by decreasing its exposure time to toxic substances as well as by binding to cancer-causing chemicals in the colon. Pectin has also been shown to reduce blood cholesterol levels by decreasing its re-absorption in the colon by binding to bile acids in the colon.

4. Boosts Heart Health


Oranges are full of potassium, an electrolyte mineral responsible for helping the heart function well. The minerals like potassium and calcium in Orange controls the sodium action in the human body and maintains blood pressure and heart beat. Oranges contain fiber with fat free, sodium free and cholesterol free properties to keep your heart healthy. A high intake of flavonoids and vitamin C has been known to halve the risk of heart diseases.

5. Lowers Risk of Disease


Oranges are full of vitamin C which protects cells by neutralizing free radicals.

6. Fights Against Viral Infections


Studies show that the abundance of polyphenols in oranges protects against viral infections.

7. Relieves Constipation


Oranges are full of dietary fibre which stimulates digestive juices and relieves constipation.

8. Helps Create Good Vision


Vitamin A is most essential element for eye sight vision to keep your mucous membrane and skin of the eye healthy. Oranges are rich in carotenoid compounds which are converted to vitamin A and help prevent macular degeneration. Also contains various flavonoid contents along with the antioxidant particles like alpha and beta carotenes, beta cryptoxanthin, zea-xanhin and lutein gives you a good skin.

9. Regulates High Blood Pressure


The flavonoid hesperidin found in oranges helps regulate high blood pressure and the magnesium in oranges helps maintain blood pressure.

10. Protects Skin


Oranges are full of beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant protecting the cells from being damage which also protects the skin from free radicals and prevents the signs of aging.

Also the presence of bioactive compound like Narigenin which is a good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and a good immune system provider helps in neutralizing the effect of free radicals and the unstable oxygen molecules in human body. These neutralizing effects clears the sign of aging like scars, wrinkles giving you the perfect skin letting you feel the glow and sparkle of your skin. This nutritional benefit of orange is more useful for aging women .

11. Oranges Alkalize the Body


Although oranges are acidic before you digest them, they contain many alkaline minerals that help to balance out the body after they are digested. In this respect, they are similar to lemons which are one of the most alkaline foods available.

12. In arthritis


Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, oranges help in relieving arthritis pain and stiffness of muscles and joints. In a study at the Arthritis Research Campaign Epidemiology Unit in the UK, suggested that one glass of freshly squeezed orange juice per day is associated with a reduced risk of developing inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.

13. Damaged sperm, repair


Orange is also good for men because it helps keep their sperm healthy. According to studies, there is a compound in orange called folate. Folate is said to contain nutrients good for the health of a sperm. Folate besides keeping the sperm healthy also protects it from genetic damage.


Hence making the habit of consuming one Orange a day is vividly concluded to be a must activity.

Check out the mouth-watering Recipe of Orange from Indian recipe Corner: Sweet Lime Rasam

Garlic - Health benefits

Garlic
Garlic scientifically referred as Allium sativum, is a species in the onion genus, Allium. Its close relatives include the onion, shallot, leek, chive, and rakkyo. Garlic has been in human use over 7,000 years. Being native to central Asia, has long been a staple in the Mediterranean region, as well as a frequent seasoning in Asia, Africa, and Europe.Since the ancient times, it has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Garlic can magically transform simple spring ingredients into dishes that are fragrant, irresistible and layered with flavor.

Scientific nameAllium sativum
SpeciesAllium
Largest Producers: China, Indian, south Korea

Garlic contains high levels of manganese, calcium, vitamin B1, B6 and C, phosphorous, copper, potassium, selenium and tryptophan. With all this going for it, garlic boosts the immune system. As per USDA (United States Department of Agriculture),


Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy623 kJ (149 kcal)
Carbohydrates33.06 g
Sugars1 g
Dietary fiber2.1 g
Fat0.5 g
Protein6.36 g
Thiamine (vit. B1)0.2 mg (17%)
Riboflavin (vit. B2)0.11 mg (9%)
Niacin (vit. B3)0.7 mg (5%)
Pantothenic acid (B5)0.596 mg (12%)
Vitamin B61.235 mg (95%)
Folate (vit. B9)3 μg (1%)
Vitamin C31.2 mg (38%)
Calcium181 mg (18%)
Iron1.7 mg (13%)
Magnesium25 mg (7%)
Manganese1.672 mg (80%)
Phosphorus153 mg (22%)
Potassium401 mg (9%)
Sodium17 mg (1%)
Zinc1.16 mg (12%)
Selenium14.2 μg
Link to USDA Database entry

  1. Heart Smart:- Garlic can lower cholesterol and prevent blood clots, but it is really good at fighting high blood pressure. Here is how researches think it might work: Garlic breaks down in the body into compounds that contain sulfur which triggers blood vessels to release Hydrogen Sulfide. This helps blood vessels relax and widen keeping blood pressure down.
  2. Diabetes Control: -One recent study found that people who took a garlic supplement with their diabetes medication had better control over blood sugar levels. Bonus news is that their cholesterol and triglyceride level improved too.
  3. Antioxidant:-The antioxidants destroy free radicals and reduce overall oxidative stress. Free radicals can damage DNA and cell membranes. High levels of oxidative stress have been associated with many diseases and conditions. Antioxidants are also beneficial for preventing types of cancer.
  4. Cold comfort:- Garlic may boost the body's ability to fight colds. Some studies have found that people taking garlic supplements get less severe cold.
  5. Anti inflammatory: - A popular cold sore home remedy involves holding a bit of crushed garlic directly on the cold sore. Its natural anti-inflammatory properties could help reduce pain and swelling. Garlic supplements may also speed up the healing process, according to ecosalon.com. It could be useful in relieving uncomfortable psoriasis outbreaks also. Try rubbing a little garlic oil on the affected area for smooth, rash-free skin.
  6. Weight control:- Garlic could help you control your weight, according to nutritionist Cynthia Sass, who cites a study that showed mice eating a garlic-rich diet reduced their weight and fat stores. Try to cook with garlic daily for tasty and waist-friendly meals.
  7. Cancer Preventer:- Increased intake of garlic has been found to be associated with the reduced risk of certain cancers. This includes cancers of the stomach, colon, esophagus, pancreas, and breast.
  8. Patience rewarded:- While cutting a garlic clove,its cells are broken to release stored enzymes that react with oxygen. This process triggers healthy sulfide compound such as allicin ( cureinfections in minor cuts and bruises on your skin)  to form. Letting the chopped garlic stand for 10-15 min before cooking allows the compound to be fully developed before heat inactivating the enzymes.


Note:-
The more you damage garlic's cell walls the more sulfide is formed with more pungent flavor.

Cook's Tip:-
Crushed cloves taste harsher while sliced and coarsely chopped ones taste milder. Mashing minced garlic with a pinch of coarse salt helps tame the harsh flavor.

Sugarcane

Sugarcane and Sugarcane cubes
Sugarcane, or Sugar cane, is any of six to 37 species of tall perennial true grasses of the genus Saccharum, tribe Andropogoneae, native to the warm temperate to tropical regions of South Asia. 

Sugarcane has been playing a predominant role in South India especially in Tamilnadu and is a most expected harvest in the month of January.

Scientific nameSaccharum
RankGenus
Largest Producers: Brazil, India, China, Thailand

Nutritional Information

Serving: 1.00 oz-wt(28.35 g)
Amount Per Serving
Calories
111.43
Calories from Fat
0.03
Calories fromSaturated Fat
0.00
Protein
0.20 mg
Carbohydrates
27.40 g
insoluble fiber
0.71 g
sugar - total
25.71 g
riboflavin - B2
0.16 mg
calcium
32.57 mg
magnesium
2.49 mg
potassium
162.86 mg




  1. Sugarcane has been playing a predominant role in South India especially in Tamilnadu and is a most expected harvest in the month of January.
  2. It is a good source of calcium, magnesium etc.
  3. Sugarcane, being low on glycemic index, helps keep the body fit and healthy.
  4. Sugarcane is considered to be one of the best sources of energy as it provides glucose to the body, which is stored as glycogen and burned by the muscles, whenever they require energy.
  5. Also if you have been exposed to heat and physical activity for too long, drink sugarcane juice. It will help hydrate the body quickly.
  6. Cane juice is a good source of riboflavin.
  7. Sugarcane is believed to reinforce stomach, kidneys, heart, eyes, brain, and sex organs.
  8. Sugarcane juice has been beneficial for those who are suffering from febrile disorders. Febrile disorders are responsible for causing fevers, which can result in a great amount of protein loss from the body. Liberal consumption of sugar cane juice provides the necessary protein and other food elements to the body.
  9. Sugarcane is helpful for micturation, caused due to high acidity, along with genorrhoea, enlarged prostate, cyctitis and nepthritis.
  10. As sugarcane consists of carbohydrates, in good quantities, it serves to refresh and energize the body.
  11. It lowers body cholesterol- both LDL and triglyceride
  12. Cane juice may be effective in treating scanty urination by promoting clear urine flow and proper kidney function. Studies have proved that cane juice, diluted with lime juice and coconut water, greatly helps in burning sensation associated with urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, kidney stones.
  13. Sugarcane is also good for digestion, as it can effectively work as a mild laxative because of its high potassium content.
  14. Due to its alkaline nature, sugarcane juice helps the body in fighting against cancer, especially prostate and breast cancer.
  15. Cane juice helps in the treatment of jaundice, a condition characterized by the yellow pigmentation of the skin and membranes caused due to elevated levels of billirubin in the body fluids and poor liver function. Consuming one glass sugarcane juice mixed with lime provides relief in jaundice and helps in speed recovery.
  16. Sugarcane juice has been found to be very helpful for preventing as well as treating sore throat, cold and flu.
  17. Since sugarcane possess no simple sugar, diabetics patients can consume it without any fear. However, the intake should still be limited for people suffering from type-2 diabetes.
Encouraging the habit of consuming sugarcane cubes for kids will help reinforce teeth and is a good jaw exercise. 

Lotus - Health Benefits

Lotus
The lotus plant is an aquatic perennial plant. Botanically referred as Nymphaea Lotus, Nymphaea Nouchali is a member of the water lily family. It symbolizes beauty and sensuality. Despite lotus being a religious symbol for ages representing eternity, purity and divinity, this plant is known to provide various medicinal and health benefits. 

Most parts of the lotus plant are edible. This includes the leaves, flowers, seeds and roots, all of which have been eaten in several parts of Southeast Asia for hundreds of years. Different cultures throughout the world cook and prepare Lotus plant in many different ways. The lotus plant is used in stir-fry dishes, steamed buns, desserts and various other preparations. People are now becoming increasingly aware of the health benefits of different parts of the lotus plant. 

Benefits of the Lotus Plant

  1. The Lotus root are rich in Vitamin C, Potassium and Dietary fiber.
  2. Lotus flowers contain linoleic acid, protein, phosphorus, iron and vitamins B and C.
  3. The flower of the lotus plant has cooling, soothing and calming properties. It is often used to relieve stress and provide relaxation. 
  4. Lotus flower are highly used in facial to improve the texture and condition of the skin.
  5. The lotus has been studied to lower the risk of developing various cardiovascular diseases including stroke and heart attacks. 
  6. Drinking lotus tea can help treat premature ejaculation. It is also believed to be helpful in curing syphilis and for soothing hyperacidity, acid reflux and burning sensations in the stomach. It also helps treat gastric ulcers. 
  7. Lotus seeds can help build lean muscles and strengthen the body. 
  8. Lotus roots juice can help clear the throat and the lungs as well as treat colds, coughs and other respiratory ailments.
  9. Oil extracted from the lotus flower might be effective in preventing gray hair and stimulating the body's production of melanin.
  10. The plant is effectively used to increase memory and create a feeling of euphoria and ecstasy, without the use of narcotics.
  11. White lotus is used internally in treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and jaundice.

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