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 ( cures infections 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.

Brussel Sprouts

Health Benefits

1. Brussels sprouts contain numerous disease-fighting phytochemicals.
2. Lowers our cholesterol by binding with bile acids that the liver produces from cholesterol for digesting fat due to its high fiber content.
3. Recent studies have shown that certain compounds in Brussels sprouts block the activity of sulphotransferase enzymes that can be detrimental to the health and stability of DNA within white blood cells. 
4. Contains a mass of antioxidant ingredients, including Vitamins C, E, and A, as well as the mineral manganese.
5. Abundant Glucobrassicin, a glucosinolate in Brussels sprouts, has been shown to fight inflammation on a genetic level once converted into the molecule indole-3-carbinol, or ITC.
6. Contains omega-3 fatty acids that are an essential part of our body's anti-inflammatory messaging molecules.
7. High Vitamin K found in Brussels sprouts has been shown to effectively regulate our body's inflammatory responses and also promotes healthy bones, prevents calcification of the body’s tissues, serves as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, and is essential for proper brain and nerve function.
8. Contains twice the amount of protein than found in most vegetables. Protein is important for rebuilding damaged skin tissue and producing enzymes that transform food to energy.
9. Carbohydrates and Fiber: The health study shows :

•  ½ cup raw Brussels sprouts contains: 2 gms effective (net) carbohydrate and 1.5 gm fiber and 19 calories.
•  ½ cup cooked frozen Brussels sprouts contains: 3 gms effective (net) carbohydrate and 3 gms fiber and 32 calories.
•   4 oz raw Brussels sprouts (¼ lb.) contains: 6 gms effective (net) carbohydrate and 4.5 gms fiber and 178 calories

Note

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..... 

Radish & its greens

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.

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

Pumpkin

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

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

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

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.

Cucumber

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.

Capsicum

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

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.

Brocoli

• 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.

Broccoli beats most other veggies in health benefits

avaraikai

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 - Peerkangai

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

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

• 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

Beetroot

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

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

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.