Latest Archives - Page 73 of 78

January 2, 2015 By Saaimah Parkar 2 Comments

Nutritional benefits of Indian Gooseberry-‘Amla’

amla

Do you know what is ‘Phyllanthus emblica’? Actually, we all know it by its Indian name ‘Amla’ also called the Indian gooseberry as most of us have eaten it in its various forms of chutney, pickles, jams and the likes. It is most eaten during the winters. Amla is tangy in taste, which is not very appealing; however it has endless benefits, and hence is often referred to as the “Wonder Fruit”.

Amla also known as Amlakka or Amlakkai in Hindi, which means the “sustainers” or the fruit where the “goddess of prosperity presides”

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy	184 kJ (44 kcal)
Carbohydrates	10.18 g
Dietary fiber	4.3 g
Fat	0.58 g
Protein	0.88 g
Vitamins
Vitamin A equiv.	(2%)15 μg
Thiamine (B1)	(3%)0.04 mg
Riboflavin (B2)	(3%)0.03 mg
Niacin (B3)	(2%)0.3 mg
Pantothenic acid (B5)	(6%)0.286 mg
Vitamin B6	(6%)0.08 mg
Folate (B9)	(2%)6 μg
Vitamin C	(33%)27.7 mg
Vitamin E	(2%)0.37 mg
Trace metals
Calcium	(3%)25 mg
Iron	(2%)0.31 mg
Magnesium	(3%)10 mg
Manganese	(7%)0.144 mg
Phosphorus	(4%)27 mg
Potassium	(4%)198 mg
Sodium	(0%)1 mg
Zinc	(1%)0.12 mg
Other constituents
Water	87.87 g

Some benefits of Amla are listed below:

It is a rich source of Vitamin C
Heals mouth ulcers
Cures sore throat and cold
Reduces constipation when eaten in its whole form
Reduces Arthritis pain
Reduces Sleeping disorders
Improves eyesight
Removes toxins and free radicals.
Regulates pH in the stomach.
Improves metabolism
Boosts Immunity
Improves haemoglobin production and purifies the blood
Reduces blood cholesterol levels
Lowers risk of gall stones
Improves insulin sensitivity
Reduces ill effects of smoking
Delays premature ageing
Reduces wrinkles
Reverses greying hair
Reduces skin pigmentation
Treats hair loss, dandruff and lice

Here are some ways to incorporate Amla in our daily diet

Sprinkle some salt on Amla before you bite into them and believe me it will really cut down the sourness of the Amla and make it easy to eat.

Amla Powder is available in many grocery shops make it really easy to add Amla in our daily diets. You can have Amla Powder in small amount (1 tsp) before each meal to improve digestion.

Amla juice is the most easy and quick way to add Amla in your daily diet.

December 11, 2014 By Aqsa Shaikh 2 Comments

Dates to eat or not?

Dates originate from date palm. This delicious fruit is always mistaken by people that it’s a weight gainer. Most are of the opinion that ‘Dates’ because of it sweetness can cause weight gain which is totally wrong. That is just a myth. ‘Dates’ in reality have many hidden benefits which I will take you through. The health benefits of dates are innumerable, it is in fact a dry fruit which is sweet in taste yet healthy and fat free.

Dates are high in iron and fluorine content which in turn are rich sources of vitamins and minerals. Having ‘Dates’ can help you keep many disorders at bay and keep cholesterol under control.

Some health benefits of dates.

Dates are free from cholesterol and very low in fat. Dates are rich in vitamins and minerals.
Dates are rich in protein, dietary fibre, rich in vitamin B3 B2 B1 B5 including vitamin A1 and C.
Dates are great energy boosters as they contain natural sugar like fructose sucrose and glucose.
Dates are very low in calories and very ideal choice for health conscious people
It improves digestive system as it contains soluble and insoluble fibres and different kind of amino acids
Dates help in weight gaining and are beneficial for those who are unable to gain weight.

How does Dates help during Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is when a lady suffers from excessive bloating, bowel problems along with other intestinal tract difficulties. Dates are good treatment for these kinds of intestinal disruptions. In addition, being abundant with iron, Dates prevents from anaemia in mother as well as child. Dates assist in improving the uterus muscles, allowing it to enlarge in a smooth manner during the course of delivery. Dates in addition improve mother’s milk by giving it nutrition along with being very therapeutic for the new-born’s overall health. Dates in addition helps avoid haemorrhage soon after childbirth.

Pregnant women need to eat about 300 calories per day more than their non-pregnant peers to gain the weight needed to support pregnancy. Instead of choosing high-calorie foods that are low in nutrients, pregnant women should choose nutrient-dense foods, such as dates, that provide plenty of vitamins and minerals along with the calories they need.

Good for Diabetes

Diabetics must be aware of controlling their weight. They should eliminate many food items from their snacks. Dates-the sweet desert fruit is cholesterol and fat free therefore, they serve as a great snack item. Many essential disease protective minerals such as iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and copper are present in Dates. These minerals are required in small amounts but, if the body is deprived of these nutrients then the health condition may be worsened. The insulin production is improved by the presence of zinc. Level of sugar is regulated by magnesium.

Lot of dates can easily improve the chance for type 2 diabetes simply because they have a great glycaemic index, in accordance with the Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Centre. High-glycaemic foods just like ‘Dates’ may cause sharp raises within your blood sugar levels and therefore should be consumed in moderation.

Any food if consumed in excess can be harmful to your internal system. Having dates in moderation in a day can prove and give many kinds of benefits to our life and make us more productive at work.

December 4, 2014 By Ami Shah 1 Comment

Apple Cider Vinegar and its 6 Health Benefits

We all know what’s an apple and what is vinegar! But, have you given a thought to what if both apple and vinegr are blended, how would it taste?

An unusual combination called Apple cider vinegar (ACV), is unheard by most of us! It’s yet to gain importance in today’s world! Hence, I decided to write what it is and how it is beneficial!

ACV is a type of vinegar, made from apple. Unpasteurized organic ACV contains mother of vinegar. Mother of the vinegar is packed with benificial enzymes, pectins and minerals. It is said that the benefits of ACV comes from it’s mother. It is made by crushing apples and squeezing out the liquid.

Bacteria and Yeast are added to the liquid to start the alcoholic fermentation process, and the sugars turn into alcohol. In a second fermentation process, the alcohol is converted into vinegar by acetic acid-forming bacteria (acetobacter). Acetic acid and malic acid give vinegar its sour taste.

Benefits:

Improves digestion: If you’re planning on indulging in a meal that you expect might not get along very well with your stomach, ACV would definitely help. It has anti bacterial properties which helps in preventing UTI (urinary tract infection)

Dosage: one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with one teaspoon of honey in a glass of warm water 30 minutes before you dine.

Improves insulin sensitivity in diabetes: Several studies have shown its positive effect on blood glucose levels; a 2007 study with type-2 diabetes patients was found to be success

Dosage: 2 tbsps of ACV in the morning have lowered glucose level by 4 to 6 percent

3.Brighten skin: Many who suffer from skin problems psoriasis and eczema to dry skin and blemishes, praise apple cider vinegar for reducing inflammation and generally minimizing problems.

Tip: Try dabbing it on affected areas with a cotton ball.

Aids in weight loss: Apple cider vinegar’s acetic acid has been shown in studiesto suppress the accumulation of body fat and liver lipids. Its pectin content is also considered to slightly reduce your body’s ability to absorb fat.

When you have an apple cider vinegar drink before a meal it not only improves digestion, it also reduces your hunger levels which can only be beneficial for losing weight.

Dosage: 1 tablespoon in a large glass of water before each meal is the recommended dosage.

Bad Breath: The natural acids in real apple cider vinegar, like acetic and malic acid, can reduce the bacteria in your mouth that cause bad breath.

Dosage: Add one tablespoon to a third of a cup of water and gargle for around 20 seconds to minimize bad breath

6.Detoxification: Apple cider vinegar is a popular ingredient in detoxification of body, specially liver.

Dosage: One tablespoon of ACV in a large glass of water before each meal is often recommended as an effective dosage for daily detoxification.

Also, you can add ACV to salad dressings, marination, soups and stew! By now, I am sure you have understood the motherly benefits of ACV.

December 2, 2014 By Ami Shah Leave a Comment

Cinnamon- A wonder spice

A sweet, fragrant and a warm taste of cinnamon spice is gaining importance in today’s world where morbid conditions are at its peak. One of the oldest spice known, it is made from a bark of a tree and is used in sweet and savoury food preparations. Cinnamon comes in various forms such as cinnamon tea, cinnamon oil, cinnamon powder which can be used for therapeutic treatments as well to enhance the flavour.

We all use this spice and enjoy its strong taste be it in food or in tea but, did you know what this spice can do for a healthy living?

Let’s have a look at some:

The most common and known effect of cinnamon is to stabilize the blood sugar!
It is known to reduce the LDL cholesterol (bad) in the body.
It has anti infectious properties which help in curing ulcers and also in irritable bowel syndrome.
It’s anti-bacterial properties helps in getting rid of harmful bacteria thus preventing tooth decay. Also, it is used in food preservation

It is packed with manganese, calcium and iron.

It is best known to be used during PMS (premenstrual syndrome) wherein the mood swings and cramps subside.
Cinnamon tea infused with cinnamon bark oil could be an excellent way to fight internal Candida infections and boost your immune system
Cinnamon acts as an anti-inflammatory.

Various ways to infuse cinnamon and enhance the taste:

Add one to two teaspoons of ground cinnamon to a steaming hot cup of green tea.
A dash or two of cinnamon added to soups such as lentil or black bean may add an exotic flavour, plus provide the warming goodness may bring relief to those feeling under the weather.
You can also add it to curries

So, next time don’t forget to add 1-2tsp of cinnamon powder to your cooking and wait to see the wonders!