Tapioca

Tapioca is derived from the cassava plant. It is best consumed as a creamy pudding dessert with little nourishment mostly in western countries while in some in areas like Africa, Asia and South America, tapioca is known better for its nutritional benefits and is also consumed with hot spice. 

Tapioca

Health Benefits

1. It is a healthy source of carbohydrates.
2. It is considered a healthy starch because it is low in cholesterol and unhealthy fats.
3. Tapioca is included in dietary plans to promote healthy weight gain.
4. It is low in saturated fats.
5. It does not add bad cholesterol level in the body.
6. It is estimated that every hundred grams of this vegetable yields three hundred and sixty calories of energy.
7. Since it contains mainly starch, it is used for thickening purpose like arrowroot.
8. It is widely employed in cloth washing purpose as it is ideal for stiffening of clothes especially cotton clothes.

Overall, it is a lovely vegetable which can be consumed by just boiling it with little salt.

Look for Tapioca recipes from Indian kitchen here..... 

Papaya - The power fruit

Papaya

Papaya is reputably called the "Fruit of the angels" by Christopher Columbus. It is also referred as the "Power fruit for Women". It is deliciously sweet with musky undertones and a soft, butter-like consistency. Irrespective of the climatic changes,they can be found in markets throughout the year. Papaya can be eaten as a fruit, a smoothie or even a milkshake.

The fruit, as well as the other parts of the papaya tree, contain papain, an enzyme that helps digest proteins. Papaya's seeds are edible, although their peppery flavor is somewhat bitter. Stems and bark are also used in the production of rope.

Papaya holds vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, potassium, fiber, vitamin E, vitamin K, natural fiber, carotene and essential minerals. Papayas also contain enzymes like arginine and carpain.

Health Benefits

1. Papaya seeds and leaves are useful in treating intestinal worms found in the body.
2. Papaya juice helps in alleviating infections of the colon by clearing away the infection, pus and mucus. Regular consumption will help in improving the problem.
3. Papaya is low in calories and high in nutritive value hence it is an excellent food for those on a diet.
4. Papaya has anti-inflammatory properties and anti-cancerous properties. The anti-inflammatory properties in papaya will help reduce pain for those suffering from arthritis, edema and osteoporosis.
5. Papaya is also very good for the hair and helps in controlling dandruff. Papaya shampoos are good for the hair and are available in many health stores.
6. It is a great resource for proteolytic enzymes, research says that “Pawpaw” (the common name of this fruit) work for controlling of premature aging.
7. The enzyme papain in papaya, this makes it valuable to aid digestion. Increasing consumption of pawpaw (papaya) is a very good idea for the prevention of colon cancer risk.
8. Papaya contains arginine which is known to be essential for male fertility.
9. It also contains carpain, an enzyme thought to be good for the heart.
10. Papaya is rich in three essential antioxidants like vitamins C, E and A. These nutrients prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. Papayas also help in preventing diabetic heart disease.
11. The fruit's enzyme has recently become known as a leading ingredient in skin whitening products and is also thought to encourage skin renewal. When used to exfoliate the skin, it has restorative properties that can help soften the skin and give a smoother appearance.
12. Papaya is an antiseptic and helps prevent the proliferation of harmful bacteria in the gut. Papaya helps normalize the pH of intestinal flora in the intestine so that the situation became normal.
13. Papaya juice keeps the muscular degeneration under control. It also helps in preventing cataract formation. Papaya juice is rich in beta-carotene.

Papaya for Women

Papaya is proved to have a good efficacy for women, ranging from smooth defecation, leucorrhoea, menstrual launched to anticancer. In fact, young papaya can be a means of contraception.

• Helps in Weight Loss: The green papaya contains enzymes named papain, chymotrypsin, carotene and more than 17 amino acids. It is low in calorie, rich in a variety of nutrients such as vitamin C and essential minerals. They help in weight loss. It is essential to consume green papayas due to the fact that green papayas contain twice as much ripen papaya enzymes. 
• Breast Enhancement: Papayas, being rich in vitamin A and enzymes, can stimulate the ovarian secretion of estrogen and the healthy function of the mammary gland to achieve the purpose of breast development.
• For skin complexion: The papain enzymes can promote skin metabolism. It helps dissolve the accumulation of sebum in the pores of the aging skin so that the skin will appear fresh and young. Papaya makes the skin glow. This is why many purifying cleansing gels contain papaya enzymes as one of the ingredients. Papaya face pack, can help to open up the pores and get rid of acne.
• Prevent: Cervical cancer: lower your cervical cancer risk.
• Menstural cycle: Women who are having irregular menstrual cycle, can consume papaya juice in order to make their menstrual cycle regular.

So why not Papaya a day to keep the doctor away!

Alerts and warning!!!!!!

It is speculated that the latex concentration of unripe papayas may cause uterine contractions, which may lead to a miscarriage.

Radish - Health Benefits



Radish & its greens

Radishes are available in white, red, purple or black, long cylindrical or round in shape. They are eaten raw, cooked or pickled. Oil is extracted from the seeds of radish. Its leaves, flowers, pods and seeds are consumed. The scientific name of radish is Raphanus Sativus which belongs to the Brassicaceae family. Radish is also known as Daiken in some parts of the world.

It smells pungent and sweet in taste.Radishes are a low calorie vegetable that have no fat or cholesterol. With very little sodium and no protein, and the major nutrient contained in ½ cup of radishes is dietary fiber. It is against many illness as its health benefits describe below:

1. Radish is very good for the liver and the stomach.
2. Detoxifer: It purifies blood.
3. Jaudince: It is miraculously useful in jaundice as it helps removing bilirubin and also checks its production. Its leaves are used in treatment of jaudince.
4. This facilitates digestion, retains water, cures constipation and thus gives relief in piles.
5. Radish is effective in fighting oral cancer, colon cancer and intestinal cancer as well as kidney and stomach cancers as it is rich in Vitamin C, folic acid and anthocyanins.
6. Radishes contain Vitamin C, zinc, B-complex vitamins and phosphorus and so are very effective in treating skin disorders such as rashes and dry skin.
7. Radish leaves are good source of calcium.

Apricots

Apricots

The small, golden orange fruit - Apricot is relative to peach family. It has furry skin and flesh. It doesnt hold excessive juice but certainly it is smooth and sweet.

Health Benefits

1. Rich in Vitamin A, B2, B3 and C.
2. Have healing and therapeutic property.
3. Blend fresh apricot with honey provides a refreshing, cooling concoction to ease body heat brougyt about by fever.
4. The kernel yields oil that is similar to that of almond.
5. Brings relief to strained muscles.
6. Constipation: Being rich in fibre, it is very helpful in preventing constipation.
7. Digestion: Eating an apricot before meal is believed to boost digestion.
8. Releases increased acidity in stomach as well as alleviate the symptoms of colitis, flatulence and bacterial imbalances.
9. Eyesight improvement: Vitamin A in apricot promotes better eyesight. Vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness and impair sight.
10.  Vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant, quenches free radical damage to cells and tissues.
11. Holds high beta-carotene content good for heart.

So whats next? Enjoy apricot in delectable ways as follows:

• eat fres or dried
• in vegetable stews
• in green salads
• as jam

Water Amaranth



Water Amaranth



Amaranth is a cosmopolitan genus of herbs. Belongs to the family Amaranthaceae and approximately 60 species are recognized. With its origin in America, and later introduced to Asia, amaranth has been a part of the human diet in both the seed (grain) and leaf forms for a long time.



Water Amaranth



Being known as ponnanganni keerai, thotakoora, cholai, marsa, and tamri bhaji, in various Indian languages, amaranth leaves are very popular in Indian cooking, especially in the South, and come in many varieties: green, red, and bicolored. The leaves are used in curries and soups.  It is preferred for its everlasting taste as its is referred as food of immortality and kings grains.

Health benefits:

1. 
   In Respiratory Disorders : Drinking fresh juice along with honey is remedy for chronic bronchitis, asthma, emphysema and tuberculosis.
2. The regular use of amaranth is useful in preventing premature old age.
3. Effective mouthwash for treating mouth sores, swollen gums, and sore throat.
4. Are a good home remedy for hair loss. Applying the fresh juice of amaranth leaves helps hair to retain its color, and keeps it soft, and is a great hair-loss treatment.
5. Easy to digest and gluten-free, and, hence, often fed to babies, children, the elderly and those recovering from fasts and illnesses.
6. Rich in Vitamin K, thus
   
   - Improves blood clotting
   
   - Reduces bleeding
   
   - Improves kidney function
   
   - Improves bone growth
   
   - May protect from osteoporosis
   
   - May protect and cure from some cancers
7. A cupful of fresh leaf juice mixed with a teaspoonful of lime juice should be taken every night in conditions like bleeding from the gums, nose, lungs, piles and excessive menstruation. It acts as a natural tonic.
8. Contains all the essential amino acids such as arginine, nistidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, cystine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. So is very useful in preventing retarded growth in children by giving a teaspoonful of the fresh juice mixed with few drops of honey after a fort night of the birth to infants.
9. It also reduces night blindness, improves good vision, protects from free radicals, moisturises skin, eyes and provides antioxidant support due to its richness in Vitamin C.
10. It also supports strong bones, normalizes cholesterol levels, prevents earing loss, supports healthy thyroid gland, due o its richness in Manganese.

So eat healthy and live healthy naturally.

Strawberries

Strawberries

Strawberries, have common scientific name Fragaria. There are different suffixes for different varieties, such as Fragaria Vesca for wild strawberry, Fragaria Orientalis for Eastern Strawberries etc. They are berries which grow in bushes.  They also pack powerful health remedies. They are among the top 20 fruits in antioxidant capacity and are a good source of manganese and potassium. Just one serving of eight strawberries provides more vitamin C than an orange. Choose berries that are firm, plump, free of mold, and which have a shiny, deep red color and attached green caps to enjoy its full nutrients.

1. Antioxident and anti carcinogenic : Vitamin-C, Folate and Anthocyanin, Quercetin and Kaempferol in strawberries possess excellent anti oxidant and anti carcinogenic propertiesa to form an excellent team to fight cancer and tumor. A daily intake of strawberries is seen to have remarkably brought down the growth of cancerous cells.
2. Anti-Aging Properties: The USDA human nutrition center on aging found that strawberries help slow the decline of age-related loss of cognitive and motor skills. The nutrients in strawberries nourish brain cells increasing brain health and function.
3. Anti-Inflammatory: The phenols in strawberries also fight against many inflammatory disorders, such as osteoarthritis, asthma and atherosclerosis, by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) in the same way that the drugs aspirin and ibuprofen do. Strawberries, however, do not carry unwanted side effects like stomach and intestinal bleeding.
4. Bone care: Manganese is also great for the bones, helping in bone building and maintaining proper bone structure. The potassium, vitamin K, and magnesium in strawberries are also important for bone health.
5. Cardiovascular care: Strawberries have also been linked with effecting blood vessels, platelets and lipoproteins positively, which can reduce the risk of coronary heart diseases.
6. Whiten teeth: The acids in the fruit are said to help remove stains from the teeth. Cut a strawberry into half and rub it on your teeth and gums. This removes tartar and strengthens and heals the gums. Leave the juice on the teeth for a while and then gargle with warm water.
7. Fat free: Studies suggest that one cup of strawberries contain only 0.6 grams of fat. They suppress your appetite and stimulate your metabolism, they also help keep your weight reducing hormones functioning properly.
8. Eye care; The anti oxidants such as vitamin-C, Flavonoids, Phenolic Phytochemicals and Elagic Acid, present in strawberries can help avoid drying up of eyes, degeneration of optical nerves, Macular degeneration, vision defects and make them prone to infections too. As they contain potassium, they help maintain right pressure to eyes.

Unripe Jack fruit

Health benefits

1. Jack-fruit is rich in dietary fiber, which makes it a good bulk laxative. The fiber content helps to protect the colon mucous membrane by decreasing exposure time and as well as binding to cancer causing chemicals in the colon.
2. Fresh fruit is an excellent source of Vitamin-A, which has powerful antioxidant properties and is essential for vision. Vitamin A is also required for maintaining integrity of mucus membranes and skin and to boost immunity. Consumption of natural fruits rich in vitamin-A known to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
3. It is also rich in antioxidant flavonoids like β-carotene and lutein. These antioxidants are found to be protective against colon, prostate, breast, endometrial, lung, and pancreatic cancers.
4. Jackfruit is a good source of Vitamin C. The human body does not make vitamin C naturally so we must eat foods that contain it.
5. The jackfruit root is a remedy for skin diseases and asthma. An extract of the root is taken in cases of fever and diarrhea.
6. Protects from free radicals.
7. Reduces Aging.
8. Lowers Risks of some Cancers
9. Maintains Hair color.
10.  Normalizes Cholesterol levels

Recipe of unripe Jackfruit curry

Brolotti Beans

Borlotti beans are related to cranberry beans. Being popular in Italian and Portuguese cooking the dried one, are similar in size to the kidney bean. They appear as a medium-sized tan coloured bean mottled with deep magenta speckles. When cooked, the beans will turn to light brown and taste creamy, nutty flavored and slightly chalky in texture.

Brolotti bean

Health Benefits:

1. It is a good source of iron which helps the red blood cells to carry and deliver oxygen to the whole body.
2. Due to its low Glycaemic Index (GI) food it is suitable for diabetic patients.
3. The bean contains vitamin B1 which is essential for carbohydrate metabolism.
4. Rich in potassium which acts as key to good kidney function and muscle contraction.
5. Maintain pH of body fluids and build strong bones and teeth with existence of phosphorus.
6. Highly recommended for pregnant mother due to its richness in folic acid that promotes duplication of chromosomes.
7. Magnesium in the bean helps to produce energy and vital in muscle and nerves functionality.

Pumpkin - Health Benefits



Pumpkin

The pumpkin known as isqoutm, or isquotersquashs a member of the Cucurbita family including squash and cucumbers, got its name from the Greek word "pepon" for large melon. Seeds (pepitas) from related plants have been found in Mexico, dating back over 7000 years to 5500 B.C. Since then it has been in use for healing wounds and burns by tribes of various periods.

Nutritional Information:

Apart from the think of Halloween, jack-o-lanterns, pumpkin pie and pumpkin seeds; Pumpkin is really a superfood. It is a nutritional powerhouse whose benefits are still being discovered. Pumpkin is filled with vitamins, nutritional value and tremendous health benefits. Few people actually know about the health benefit aspect that pumpkin offers. It is packed with high fibre, Vitamin C, E, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc, variety of carotenoids

Health Benefits:

1. Pumpkins are packed with beta carotene, an antioxidant with properties that can help improve immune function and reduce the risk for chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
2. Pumpkin meat is very high in carotenoids. They're what give pumpkins their orange color—but that's the least of their benefits. Carotenoids are really good at neutralizing free radicals, nasty molecules that can attack cell membranes and leave the cells vulnerable to damage.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Benefits in Arthritis: Unlike the widely used anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin, pumpkin seeds do not increase damaged fat levels in the lingus joints, a common side effect associated with indomethacin which contributes to the progression of arthritis.
4. Skin Care: Pumpkins contains lots of anti-oxidant vitamins A and C, as well as zinc and alpha-hydroxy-acids which helps to reduce the signs of aging.
5. Pumpkins are also high in lutein and zeaxanthin, which scavenge free radicals in the lens of the eye. Therefore, they may help prevent the formation of cataracts and reduce the risk of macular degeneration, a serious eye problem than usually results in blindness.
6. Pumpkins have a lot of common nutrients, like iron, zinc, and fiber. Iron, of course, is needed by red blood cells.

Bittergourd - Health Benefits

Bittergourd

Bittergourd as per its name it is known for its bitterness. Its scientific name is Momordica charantia Linn and belongs to the family - Cucurbitaceae. It is said to have antidotal, antipyretic tonic, appetizing, stomachic, antibilious and laxative properties. This is the main reason why the vegetable is used in a number of native medicines of Asia and Africa.

Nutritional Information:

Bitter gourds are very low in calories but dense with precious nutrients. It is an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, and B3, C, magnesium, folic acid, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, and has high dietary fiber.

Health Benefits:

1. Bitter gourd has been associated with lowering sugar levels in people suffering from diabetes.
2. Bitter gourd is said to be helpful in fighting against cancer and a number of infections.
3. Bitter gourd has been known to provide relief from constipation and is also effective in the treatment of psoriasis.
4. Bitter gourd helps in improving circulation and in turn, generates slimming effects on the body.
5. Regular consumption of bitter gourd has been associated with prevention as well as treatment of hypertension.
6. Bitter gourd is believed to be helpful in preventing eye complications, apart from treating neuritis.It improves eye-sight due to it high beta-carotene content
7. The juice of the leaf of bitter gourd plant has been found to be beneficial in the treatment of alcoholism.
8. The essential vitamins and minerals present in bitter gourd help in treating defective metabolism of carbohydrates.
9. The bitter tonic properties of bitter gourd have made it effective as a blood purifier.
10. Fresh juice of bitter gourd is good for patients suffering from piles.
11. It removes stomach worms and highly recommended for kids.
12. It is good for asthma patients as it heals respiratory disorders.

Ginger - health benefits

Ginger

Ginger is an herb used from ancient times all over the world. It originated in China and later, spread to India, Southeast Asia, West Africa and the Caribbean. It is basically the rhizome of the monocotyledonous perennial plant Zingiber officinale.

Nutritional Information:

Ginger comprises of the following nutrients:

• Calcium
• Carbohydrate
• Dietary Fiber
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Potassium
• Protein
• Selenium
• Sodium
• Vitamin C, E, B6

Health Benefits:

1. Menstrual Cramp Relief: Ginger tea with brown sugar is used in the treatment of menstrual cramps.
2. Prevention of Diabetic Nephropathy - A study done on diabetic rats found that those rats given ginger had a reduced incidence of diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage).
3. Heartburn Relief: Ginger has long been used as a natural heartburn remedy. It is most often taken in the form of tea for this purpose.
4. Cold and Flu Prevention and Treatment: Ginger has long been used as a natural treatment for colds and the flu.
5. Digestion: Many people also find ginger to be helpful in the case of stomach flus or food poisoning, which is not surprising given the positive effects ginger has upon the digestive tract.
6. Migraine Relief: Research has shown that ginger may provide migraine relief due to its ability to stop prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels.
7. Ovarian Cancer Treatment: Ginger may be powerful weapon in the treatment of ovarian cancer. A study conducted at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that ginger powder induces cell death in all ovarian cancer cells to which it was applied.
8. Colon Cancer Prevention: A study at the University of Minnesota found that ginger may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells.
9. Morning Sickness: A review of several studies has concluded that ginger is just as effective as vitamin B6 in the treatment of morning sickness.
10. Motion Sickness Remedy: Ginger has been shown to be an effective remedy for the nausea associated with motion sickness. Japanese researchers believe the gingerols found in ginger, may be responsible for blocking the body's reflex to vomit.
11. Reduces Pain and Inflammation: One study showed that ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful natural painkiller. Denmark researchers have discovered that ginger can block the effects of prostaglandins. These are substances that cause inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain, which leads to migraines.
12. A researcher at Cornell University Medical College discovered that ginger has an effect on blood clots that is similar to that of aspirin. By the same token, it appears that high cholesterol levels are lowered using the same active ingredient, thromboxane.

Buying ginger, fresh is best! Avoid ginger with dry, wrinkled, skin, mold or soft spots.

Cucumber - health benefits

Cucumber

Cucumbers are scientifically known as Cucumis sativus and belong to the same family as watermelon, zucchini, pumpkin, and other types of squash. Varieties of cucumber are grown either to be eaten fresh or to be pickled. Those that are to be eaten fresh are commonly called slicing cucumbers.

Nutritional Information:

Cucumber is an excellent source of silica. They also contain ascorbic and caffeic acids. Cucumber has an impressive amount of water (about 96%) that is naturally distilled, which makes it superior to ordinary water. Its skin contains a high percentage of vitamin A, so should not be peeled off. The cucumber contains alkaline-forming minerals and is an excellent source of vitamin C and A (anti-oxidants), folate, manganese, molybdenum, potassium, silica, sulfur, and lesser amounts of vitamin B complex, sodium, calcium, phosphorus and chlorine.

Health Benefits:

1. Cooling: During dry and hot weather, drink a glass of cucumber + celery juice. It wonderfully helps to normalize body temperature.
2. Swollen eyes: Some people wake up in the morning with puffy eyes, probably due to too much water retention in the body (or having cried to sleep). To reduce the swelling, lie down and put two slices of cucumber on the eyes for a good ten minutes. Thats what they do in beauty parlours. It keeps out the irritation away from eyes.
3. Skin conditions: The high amount of vitamin C and anti-oxidants in cucumber makes it an important ingredient in many beauty creams for treating eczema, psoriasis, acne, etc.
4. Acidity: The alkalinity of the minerals in cucumber juice effectively helps in regulating the body's blood pH, neutralizing acidity. The juice is also soothing for the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers.
5. Blood pressure: Like celery, this colorless drink can help regulate blood pressure because of its minerals and traces of sodium.
6. Hair growth: The silicon and sulfur content in cucumber juice makes it especially helpful in promoting hair growth. Drink it mixed with carrot, lettuce or spinach juice.
7. Diuretic: Cucumber juice is diuretic, encouraging waste removal through urination. This also helps in the dissolution of kidney stones.
8. Building Connective tissues: The excellent source of silica contributes to the proper construction of connective tissues in our body as in the bones, muscles, cartilage, ligaments and tendons.
9. Fever: The temperature regulating properties in cucumber juice makes it a suitable drink when you have a fever.
10. Inflammation: The Chinese think that cucumbers are too "cooling" and not suitable for people with rheumatism. But we know now that cucumber can help counter uric acids that are causing inflammation in joints. When cucumber is taken it does its cleaning work at the joints, thus stirring up pain as it eliminates the uric acid. This means it also help other inflamed conditions like arthritis, asthma, and gout.
11. Sunburn: When there is a sunburn, make cucumber juice and rub it on the affected area for a cooling and healing effect.
12. Water retention: It supplies the necessary electrolytes and restores hydration of the body cells, thus reducing water retention.

Cucumbers such as gherkins that are specially cultivated to make pickles are oftentimes much smaller than slicing cucumbers.

Capsicum - Health Benefits



Capsicum



Capsicums are beautifully colored fruits available in green, red, and yellow colours. They are mild-flavoured and used as vegetables. They are known to be sweet pepppers and are named differently according to where it comes from. It is a vegetable that is adored all over the world not only for its delicious taste but also for its benefits to human body.

In Britain, they are called Chilli peppers; In US and Canada, they are called Bell peppers;  In Australia and Asia, they are known as Capsicum;  and in some countries they are even called Paprika. In biological terms they are known as  Cayenne and Jalapeno. Among the colours, Green is mostly used and is simply the unripe version of the red. Purple coloured are also available but they are more pungent and bitter.

Coming to its nutritional benefits, a small bell pepper could provide up to three times more of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C, much more than any citrus food. Consumption of the variety of the colored peppers are recommended in order to benefit from all the nutrients.

• Yellow - lutein, zeaxanthin
• Red - astaxanthin, lycopene
• Orange - alpha, beta and gamma-carotene
• Purple - anthocyanin

Red, green, orange, and yellow capsicum, are cultivated worldwide. The mildly flavored capsicum is used extensively as a spice, medicine and as vegetable. Rich with vitamins A, C, capsaicin, beta carotene, capsicum has been used traditionally for treating diverse ailments right from impotency to liver disease.

Health Benefits:

Listed below are some of the health benefits of Capsicum:

1. Capsicum increases the metabolism by lowering triglycerides, which are stored fats in blood corpuscles.This helps in burning calories.
2. Capsicum is an important source of vitamin A and vitamin C. These two vitamins are powerful antioxidants that help in fighting free radicals in the body and help in treating heart diseases, osteoarthritis, bronchial asthma, cataract etc. The free radicals are responsible for causing cellular damage, damage to nerves and blood vessels.
3. Capsaicin found in capsicum blocks the transmission of pain from the skin to the spinal cord and is considered helpful in treating neuralgia, pain associated with herpes zoster and postoperative amputation trauma.
4. The compound capsaicin is also believed to treat cancer by preventing carcinogens from binding with DNA. As a regular dietary intake, it has been found through various studies that eating capsicum can provide some protection from cancer.
5. Capsicum has the capacity to prevent clotting of blood. Vitamin C is found to play a major role in dissolving blood clots.
6. Capsaicin content in capsicum fights off food-borne bacterial diseases like Vibrio vulnificus bacteria found in raw shellfish.

Tomato - Health benefits

Tomato

Tomatoes, are actually a fruit and not a vegetable. It is loaded with all kinds of health benefits for the body.

1. Its vital anti-oxidant content called 'Lycopene' that helps in the fight against cancerous cell formation as well as other kinds of health complications and diseases.  The free radicals in the body can be flushed out with high levels of Lycopene, and the tomato is so amply loaded with this vital anti-oxidant that it actually derives its rich redness from the nutrient.
2. Apart from preventing cancer, heart disease as well as high cholesterol are also in the tomato's sights.
3. Research is now slowly proving that there is a high likelihood that the consumption of tomatoes and tomato based products actually may prevent serum lipid oxidation and reduce the risk of macular degenerative disease.
4. Two powerful compounds found in tomatoes-coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid-are thought to block the effects of nitrosamines. These are compounds that not only are formed naturally in the body, but also are the strongest carcinogen in tobacco smoke. By blocking the effects of these nitrosamines, the chances of lung cancer are reduced significantly.
5. They also contain large amounts of vitamin C, providing 40 percent of the daily value (DV). They also contain 15 percent DV of vitamin A, 8 percent DV of potassium, and 7 percent of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of iron for women and 10 percent RDA for men.
6. They are also a very good source of vitamin B6, niacin, folic acid, fiber, and pantothenic acid. When choosing your tomatoes, be sure to pick those with the most brilliant shades of red. These indicate the highest amounts of betacarotene and lycopene.
7. Red tomatoes contain up to four times the amount of beta-carotene as green tomatoes.

Health benefits of Mint leaves

Mint leaves

Mint as Minta Spacata is a plant that has been long used in diverse cultures, such as India, Middle East and Europe, due to its rich aroma, soothing flavor and curative properties. Mint has a sweet flavor, with a cooling after-sensation. Both, fresh and dried mint are used in preparing a large number of recipes, including curries, soups, chutneys, salads, juices, juleps, candies and ice creams. 

Its nutritional conten includes moisture - 84.9 g , protein - 4.8 g, fat - 0.6 g, minerals - 1.9 g, fibre - 2 g, carbohydrate - 5.8 g, calcium - 200 mg, phosphorus - 62 mg, iron - 15.6 mg, carotene - 1620 μg, thiamine - 0.05 mg, niacin - 1 mg, riboflavin - 0.26 mg, folic Acid (Free) - 9.7 μg, Folic Acid (Total) - 114 μg, vitamin C - 27 mg, magnesium - 60 mg, copper - 0.18 mg, manganese - 0.57 mg, zinc - 0.44 mg, chromium - 0.008 mg, oxalic Acid - 33 mg, phytin phosphorus - 4 mg and energy - 48 Kcal

Its health benefits include:

1. soothing the digestive tract and easing the severity of stomachaches.
2. Drinking herbal mint tea reduces irritated bowel syndromes, cleanses the stomach and also  clear up skin disorders such as acne. Provides a cooling sensation to the skin and can help to treat minor burns, itching and skin irritations.
3. Mint is a strong diuretic and therefore, helps in eliminating toxins from the body.
4. mint reduces the growth of bacteria and fungus in the body on regular intake.
5. help in curing asthma and other allergic conditions.
6. Crushed mint leaves helps in whitening teeth and combat bad breath. .
7. Due to the presence of essential oil called menthol, mint finds its usage in preparing a variety of cosmetics and perfumes and as an important component of many medicines and drugs
8. Mint finds extensive usage in the field of aromatherapy. Ease and unblock the breathing and respiratory passages and airways.
9. Due to its antipruritic or anti-itch properties, it helps to cure insect stings and bites when added with camphor.
10. The phytonutrient, called perillyl alcohol, in mint is believed to prevent colon, skin and lung cancer.
11. Relieve minor aches and pains such as muscle cramps and sprains.
12. Mint is a very good cleanser for the blood.

More on Corriander Leaves

corriander leaves

The scientific name is Coriandrum Sativum L. Commonly known as Dhania in the Indian Subcontinent or Cilantro in the Americas and some part of Europe. It is an herb which is extensively used around the world as a condiment or as a garnish or as a decoration on the dishes. Its leaves and fruits have typical aroma and are used raw or dried in culinary.

It has immense health benefits that it is best to have in our daily food in various forms. It has eleven components of essential oils, six types of acids (including ascorbic acid, better known as vitamin-C), minerals and vitamins, each having a number of beneficial properties. It is used in the treatment of

1. controlling high cholesterol levels
2. swelling
3. anemic disorders
4. curing mouth ulcers
5. diarrhea
6. aiding digestion
7. small pox
8. skin disorders like dryness and fungal infections, eczema
9. menstural disorders
10. in eye care due to its Vitamin A, C , minerals and essential oils and thus prevents aging of eye, macular degeneration and soothes eyes against stress.
11. controls blood sugar as the secretion of insulin is increased from pancreas which increases the insulin level in the blood, thereby helping proper assimilation and absorption of sugar and resultant fall in the sugar level in the blood.
12. Coriander helps cure ulcer, inflammation, spasm and acts as an expectorant, protects and soothes liver.
13. It is anti-carcinogenic, anti-convulsant, anti-histaminic and hypnotic.

Curry leaves - Health benefits



curry leaves

The botanical name of curry leaves is Murraya keonigi. The curry plant is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to a height of 6 meters. These plants are found in the warm tropical climates of the Indian subcontinent. These leaves are used for treating various illnesses in Ayurveda.

• It is iron, calcium and phosphorous. It contains significant amounts of fibers, proteins and carbohydrates.
• Curry leaves aid digestion. It is extensively used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
• Curry leaves help to flush out fats from our bodies. It reduces the level of bad cholesterol.
• Skin care: The extract of these leaves could cure irritations from insect bite and minor burns.
• Hair Care: It plays important role in hair care also as it retains the black colour of the hair.
• Mother care: Handful of curry leaves when taken immediately increases lactation after delivery.

Regular intake of curry leaves either raw or as juice or in meals benefits us a healthy lifestyle. Check for a refreshing curry leaf juice recipe here....

Brocoli - Health benefits

Brocoli

Brocoli is the only vegetable that packs dozens of nutritients within it. It is very rich in calcium content that is more than a glass of milk. So those who are allergic towards dairy products can consume brocoli for calcium replacements. Botanically, broccoli belongs to the cabbage family, collectively known as cruciferous vegetables.

• It is a rich source of the fat-soluble vitamins, A, E and K, as well as vitamins C, folate and B6.
• It contains high doses of the minerals iron, calcium potassium, magnesium and phosphorous.
• Broccoli contains additional antioxidant compounds, known as indoles and sulphoraphane and is a good source of lutein and promises in protection against hormone sensitive cancers like breast cancer.
• One medium spear has three times more fiber than a slice of wheat bran bread.

An article from CNN published on April 17, 2000

Broccoli beats most other veggies in health benefits

Its true In the category of most healthful vegetable, this cruciferous contender wins all the top honors.

This past February, when the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a paper that listed foods most likely to prevent colon cancer, what stood out Broccoli. Scientists at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston published an article in the same journal last October and noted that broccoli, along with spinach, helped to minimize risk for cataracts.

When another team of Harvard scientists looked at how diet might protect against stroke, broccolis benefits again came to the fore, in research published in the October 6, 1999 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Health benefits of Corriander leaves

corriander leaves

Corriander leaves are commonly known as cilantro. This leafy herb is used in most cuisines.Its seeds are known as coriander. Traditionally, coriander is a perennial herb. It has sweet-smelling aroma due to its tender green fruits, which when ripe, turn a brownish yellow.

1. Being rich in various food elements, the coriander leaves contain protein, fat, minerals, fiber, carbohydrates, and water.
2. The minerals and vitamins include: vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, sodium, potassium, and oxalic acid.
3. It is beneficial in treating digestive disorders such as indigestion, nausea, dysentery, hepatitis and colitis.
4. It is also helpful in typhoid fever.
5. In addition, the drinking of coriander water helps lower blood cholesterol. It relieves burning and reduces pain and swelling.
6. Drinking one glass daily can notice all salt and other accumulated poison coming out of kidney by urination.

Thandu keerai health benefits

thandu keerai

Spinach is the natural resource of all vitamins, minerals, iron, protein etc. Having spinach in routine meal not only keeps us health but also yields a good personality.

1. It is rich in beta carotene that is good for eyes that prevents cataracts.
2. It is a great antioxidant that fights diseases.
3. Contains many phytochemicals, including lutein, which helps prevent age-related macular degeneration.
4. It regulates blood sugar level as it contains lipoic acid.
5. Has abundant potassium promoting good heart function.
6. Overcooking spinack kills all its vitamins and calcium. So do cook correctly so that intake of spinach works for good.

Avaraikai health benefits

avaraikai

Avaraikai is also referred as Indian broad beans or fava beans. Its immense health benefits includes:

1. It is rich in potassium and thus regulates good heart function, relieves stress and irritability.
2. Its rich in fibre thus aids good digestion and overcomes constipation.
3. Also lowers cancer risk preventing buildup of carcinogenic substances.
4. It is also rich in amino acid that is good for pituitary gland which regulates human growth.

Ridgegourd health benefits

Ridgegourd - Peerkangai

Ridge gourd biologically named as Luffa anguiculata is called as peerkangai in tamil and karela in hindi. Its health benefits are listed as:

1. Ridge gourd is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, high in dietary fibre, vitamin C, riboflavin, zinc, thiamin, iron, magnesium and manganese.
2. It has blood-purifying properties.
3. It contains insulin-like peptides, alkaloids and charantin, all of which act together to lower blood and urine sugar levels without increasing blood insulin levels.
4. It has high beta crotene that is good for eyes.
5. Cellulose in ridge gourd helps to overcome constipation so is good for stomach.
6. It helps to purify, restore and nourish liver as its an antidote for alcohol intoxication
7. It also aids weight lose.
8. It is used in skin care treatment against eczema, psoriasis
9. Also aids in curing piles
10. A glass of ridge gourd juice in the morning can help to strengthen your immune system against any infection.

Ivygourd health benefits

Ivygourd

Ivygourd referred as kovaikkai in Tamil, tindori in Hindi, Coccinia indica as its biological name has immense health benefits.

1. It is considered to be a natural remedy for diabetes as it controls certain enzymes that involves sugar production.
2. It has its own place in Ayurveda also in treatment of fever, skin allergy.

Brinjal health benefits

Brinjal

Brinjal as Vakkai, began, kathirikai, eggplant, aubergine in various languges also is available in green, blue, purple in varied forms as slender, fat, eliptical and so on to be cooked in various way as grilling, roasting, barbequing, frying, smashing with various health benefits.

Health benefits of brinjal:

• cholesterol controller
• antidiabetic
• treat epilipsy and convulutions
• treat stomach cancers and measles
• rich in Vitamin A, B, C, calcium, fibre, folic acid, potassium
• good to trea obesity
• reduces swell in joints

Manathakkali health benefits

manathakkali vatral ( Black night shade & its berry)

Botonical name of manathakkali(BLACK NIGHTSHADE ) is Solanum nigrum.

1. Its leaves are effective in the treatment of digestive disorders and stomach disorders like flatulence, colitis and peptic ulcers.
2. An infusion of the plant is useful in dysentery and other stomach ailments.
3. The fruits or the beries of the plant is beneficial in treating asthma and also yields beneficial results in fevers.
4. It is useful in the treatment of dropsy.
5. It increases the secretion and discharge of urine.
6. The plant is good in healing chronic skin diseases such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.

Vallarai health benefits

'Vallarai' is a spinach variety referred as 'Centella asiatica ' in Botannical terms. It has immense health benefits:

1. maintains youthful vigour and strength

2. it improves improves memory, voice, physical stamina, complexion and digestive capacity of the body.

3. The herb is also good for diabetics and people suffering from anaemia.

4. It finds its use also in cosmetics as an ingredient in face creams and anti-wrinkle creams.

Beetroot health benefits

Beetroot

The purple colored vegetable has immense health benefits. Check it out here......

1. Drinking beetroot juice boosts your stamina, concludes a new study, which adds that the magical drink can help you exercise for up to 16 per cent longer.
2. They are used to treat high blood pressure, depression, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and ailments related to digestion.
3. Beet greens are a very good source of calcium, iron, Vitamins A and C.
4. Beetroots are an excellent source of folic acid and is regarded as an important dietary inclusion for women planning a pregnancy.  
5. They are a very good source of fiber, manganese and potassium.
6. Beet greens and beetroot are a good source of phosphorus, magnesium, iron and vitamin B6.
7. Betacyanin is the pigment that gives beetroot its color, and has powerful antioxidant properties.
8. Beetroot contains the mineral silica, that helps the body to utilise calcium, so it is important for musculo-skeletal health and also it reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
9. Its juice is also noted for its cleansing and detoxifying properties.

Vazhaipoo health benefits

vazhaipoo

Vazhaipoo is the tamil name for banana flower.It is also known as banana blossom or banana heart. As its taste, its has immense health benefits. The flower stalks grow through the center of the pseudo stem of banana tree. The flowers develop in clusters and coil around the main axis.

1. It is an is an excellent source of crude fiber in the human diet.
2. It is used to control excessive pain and bleeding during menstural cycles.
3. good for pregnant women

Vazhathandu health benefits

Vazhathandu

'Vazhathandu' is the inner stem of banana tree. It has high medical value which could even replace gyms.

1. It is highly rich in fibre.
2. Its extract is used to treat kidney stones.
3. The stem juice when mixed with butter milk and consumed in empty stomach helps in weight reduction. Due to its rich potassium content , the extract when taken on regular basis for many days critical stomach pains can be cured.

Why Fruits and Vegetables necessary for our routine diet?

Fruits and VegetablesFruits in the botanical sense are the parts of the plant that contain the seeds. There is no exact distinction between a fruit and a vegetable. The tomato, for example, is usually called a vegetable; but, like apples and berries, it is a fleshy fruit with the seeds embedded in the flesh. In general, A fruit is the ripened ovary together with seeds of a flowering plant. Herbaceous plant has many parts that humans eat whole or in part is a vegetable. There are so many classification in vegetables as greens, starchy, watery, leafy, stems, roots and more based on the part they belong to the plant and its properties.

Why fruits and vegetables are necessary?

1. Fruits are supplements for our body's necessary vitamins and mineral. It give us all day strength and enough fiber that may help protect you from chronic diseases.
2. Fruit and vegetables of differing colors contain diverse mixtures of phytonutrients (protective plant compounds). These can act as powerful antioxidants, protecting the body from harmful free radicals and helping to protect against certain chronic diseases such as cancer.
3. Its a diet that lower blood pressure, reduce risk of heart disease, stroke, and probably some cancers, lower risk of eye and digestive problems; and a mellowing effect on blood sugar that can help keep appetite in check.
4. Vegetables are important sources of 19 or more nutrients including vitamins A, C, and E, folic acid, potassium, magnesium and fiber and are an essential part of a healthy diet throughout our lives. The vitamins and minerals in vegetables are necessary for vital body functions including growth, maintenance, repair of tissues, and a healthy immune system.

How to make Fruits and vegetables an essential Diet?

• Keep fruit on your visibilty. That way you'll be more likely to eat it. Keep it out on the dining table.
• Get some for every meal, every day. Try filling half your plate with vegetables at each meal. Serving up salads with stir fry, or other vegetable-rich recipe makes it easier to reach this goal. Bonus points if you can get some fruits and vegetables at snack time, too.
• Choose something new. Variety is the key to a healthy diet. Get out of a rut and try some new fruits and vegetables.