GOQii

Blog

Search Results for: acidity

By 1 Comment

KOKUM: The healing and cooling spice

Kokum Juice

Recently, my mother called to check if I had finished the Kokum juice and dried Kokum that she had given me when I had visited her during the summers. I have been having Kokum for so many years but had never checked its nutritional content. It always acted as a rescue food in most of the digestive illness which my family suffered. Today, I however thought to check more about it and share with all of you.

Kokum’s botanical name is Garcinia indica. It is a tiny fruit which is red in colour when it is raw and turns into deep purple when it ripens. It is then dried and used as a culinary and medicinal agent in most of the houses.

Nutritional value:

Nutritional value of Kokum is amazing. It is low in calories, no saturated fats and high in fiber. Apart from this it is rich in Vitamin C and also contains vital minerals such as Potassium, Manganese and Magnesium.WOW! What a power packed food.

I very well know about its contribution in fighting all the digestive issues but when researched more about it, here is what I found.

Benefits of Kokum:

  1. Anti-oxidants: Kokum fruits are packed with antioxidants which ensure protection from all the worldly diseases. It also promotes cell regeneration and repair which makes it an important nutrient to consider for cancer patients. It’s anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties stops the growth of cancerous cells.
  2. Get rid on your allergies:It can be used as an application to get relief from any allergic skin rashes. Applying kokum butter on cracked heal has proved to be an excellent cure for my mother which she shared with me. Kokum butter, an emollient similar to shea or cocoa butter, is often used in cosmetics such as lipsticks, moisturizing creams, conditioners and soaps.
  3. Beat the body heat:People store them to use it as a coolant and refreshing drink in scorching summer heat. It can be used as thirst quencher throughout the year by adding to your bottle of water.
  4. Get relief from all digestive issues:

* Constipation: Approximately 500 mg of dried kokum fruits if taken at night, helps to ease constipation.

* Hyper acidity: In 1 liter of water, drop 6 to 7 dried kokum and keep sipping it throughout the day to get relief from acidity.

* Flatulence: Make a nice mixture of kokum, ginger, organic honey and get quick relief from flatulence, stomach pain and gaseous distention.

* Indigestion: Due to lot of travelling my husband faces a lot of indigestion problems. Kokum has always helped him to get quick relief. He remembers to carry Kokum along with black pepper wherever he goes. Add it to your water and sip it.

Apart from all these, name any gastric and digestive issues like piles, fistula, dysentary, kokum has shown wonders. Not to forget about its antihelmintic (against worms) properties. You can give it to your kids to cleanse their system too.

  1. Aids in weight loss: The hypocholesterolaemic agent, suppresses the activity of the enzymes responsible for conversion of calories into fat. It induces weight loss by hindering with the process of lipogenesis (fatty acid synthesis).

Side-effects and Precautions: The fruits of Gracinia indica shouldn’t be used in excess. Milk and milk products should be used after one hour.

Use of Kokum:

The dried version of kokum is used in daily preparation in most of the Marathi, Gujarati, Konkan, Kerala and Goan cuisines. They are added to veggies, dals and curries to give it a sour taste and obviously reap its other benefits too.

Let me end the blog by sharing a recipe: Goan speciality known as ‘Solkadi’

Soak 10 to 12 kokum rinds in 1/2 cup of water for about half an hour. Next squeeze them and add 2 cups of warm water and 2 cups of coconut milk to it. Add salt and temper it with mustard seeds, cumin, garlic, asafoetida and red chillies. Enjoy this delicious recipe with after you meals or with rice.

By 1 Comment

The humble ‘Khichdi’

khichdi

My love for ‘Khichdi’, a mixture of cooked rice with lentils, vegetables with tempered spices dates back to my childhood days. It’s the preferred choice of mothers to feed their child Khichdi (minus the spices) as it’s the easiest to digest, well-balanced \food. Khichdi is a mixture of Carbohydrates, protein, Fibre and calcium.  

History of Khichdi

Just to take you a little into the history of Khichdi, the wonderful dish traces its origin in the Indian subcontinent as early as 1350. ‘Khichdi’ was recently promoted globally by the government as India’s ‘Super Food” and Queen of all foods”. The government also plans to globally promote Khichdi as healthy, delicious and easy to make Superfood of India.

The Great World food India event held at the India Gate Lawns, New Delhi set a Guinness book world record of making the largest portion of Khichdi weighing 918kg. Chef Sanjeev Kapoor and well-known yoga and Ayurveda Guru Baba Ramdev were among the eminent personalities who took part in preparing the KHICHDI. The humble khichdi has travelled across borders—From Egypt to Britain.

Taste better and retains nutrients when cooked in an earthen pot

Khichdi tastes best when cooked in an earthen pot. Clay pot’s porous nature allows both mixture and heat to circulate through the food. This results in aromatic food, which is generally lost in other types of utensils. Clay is alkaline in nature and it interacts with acidity in the food, thereby neutralizing the pH balance and eventually making the food healthy. It is believed to provide the required minerals including calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus and sulphur that benefits health. Due to its heat resistance and slow cooking, the food retains all its nutrients and moisture, therefore you would not require extra oil or fat for providing moisture to your food. Apart from calming the body and detoxifying it, the ingredients in khichdi also have the perfect balance of the basic elements required to improve energy, immunity and digestion.

Health Benefits

Khichdi is the food of choice of Panchakarma, a form of Ayurvedic healing that helps in mind, body healing and detoxification. Wondering why white rice is part of the mix? During cleansing, the metabolism slows down and the digestive strength weakens, so any food you eat must be very easy to digest. You also need adequate proteins to keep the blood sugar stable and burn fat, which is where the lentils come in.

Nutritional Benefits

Nutritionally speaking, khichdi and veggies make a balanced meal that reboots your digestive system after eating packaged and restaurant foods. And if you want to add some colour to your khichdi, try a palak khichdi. It’s one of the healthiest one-dish meal you’ll eat. For most, khichdi is the kind of food you eat when you are unwell as it is considered a bland dish. While, yes moong khichdi is an easy-to-digest meal when you have an upset tummy or fever but hey, that’s not what khichdi is all about.  Every region in India has a unique variant of this dish.

There is Bengal’s khichuri; Haryanvi Kichri with Bajra and moong dal served with lassi; Bisi Bela Bhat in Karnataka; Hyderabad’s popular breakfast khichdi-kheema khatta are some of the popular khichdi varieties.

Varieties of Khichdi

Moong khichdi may not fit in your definition of tasty food, but in Surat, this is a much-loved meal. You’ll love their khichdi served with piping hot kadhi, a mixture made of curd and some add-ons like cooked vegetables. Khichdi is the ultimate comfort or soul food, however humble it may be.

Bajra ka khichdi is a popular dish in Rajasthan eaten during winter. Bajra along with ghee keeps your body warm and your skin soft and supple in the cold weather. You can whip up a lip-smacking bajra khichdi at home.

So let me share some amazing khichdi style with you

Daal Khicdhi—simplest and common one( rice, tur dal, spices, veggies, peanuts and desi ghee).

Bhogar Khichdi–(rice, moong dal, veggies, spices, and desi ghee)—This is BENGAL speciality.

Sprouted lentil khichdi–( rice, sprouted lentil, herbs spices, desi ghee)

Pongal (Tamil Nadu khichdi)-(rice, moong dal, desi ghee, Kaju, spices.

Barely khichdi-(barley, herbs, veggies, spices, desi ghee)

Khato-–Hyderabadi khichdi (rice, moong dal, veggies, desi ghee)

Mushroom pesto khichdi–( rice, mushroom, cheese, pasta, pine nut and desi ghee)

Corn Palak khichdi–( rice, moong dal, corn, spinach, spices, desi ghee)

Sabudana khichdi–( sabudana, peanuts, potatoes, and desi ghee) You can enjoy khichdi with curd, buttermilk, grilled fish and veggies.

So let’s cook some Khichdi in one meal today and sooth our soul.

 

By 58 Comments

7 Differences between Chia Seeds & Sabja Seeds

chia1

 CHIA Seeds on the left side and SABJA seeds on the right side

Chia seeds are tiny power-packed seeds that have been documented to be around since 3500 bc in the diets of Aztecs and Mayans. They had identified that these super seeds had the ability to increase stamina and energy over long periods of time.

What is the difference between chia seed and sabja seeds (basil seeds)?

Chia seed is a native of Mexico and it does not have an Indian name. However, it has time and again been confused with basil seeds which are also known as Sabja in Hindi. Be it in appearance, origin or health benefits; Chia seeds are different from Sabja in numerous ways. Both chia seeds and sabja seeds originate from the mint family and hence the resemblance.

So how do you differentiate one from the other? Below are a few simple ways that can help you do so:

  1. Native

Chia seeds are native to central and southern Mexico while Sabja seeds are native to India and the Mediterranean region.

      2. Colour

chia 2a chia2b

As can be seen in the above image, the left side is CHIA SEEDS. They are usually a mixture of grey, black, white and sometimes even brown seeds. However, even the black ones are not pitch black in colour. Instead, a dull pattern or a mosaic is visible on them. On the right side is SABJA SEEDS, uniformly jet Black in colour.

         3. Appearance

chia3

Chia seeds are oval in shape and Sabja seeds are elliptical, like tiny grains of rice.

4. On Soaking in Water

chia4

                                        Sabja Seeds in the water on the left, Chia seeds in water on the right

Chia seeds take time to absorb water. It has the unique ability to gel by absorbing over 10 times their weight. Sabja seeds swell up within seconds of being mixed with water. A translucent coat forms around the seed and it appears much larger in size when compared to a soaked chia seed.

         5. Taste of Soaked Seeds

chia5

                                         Sabja seeds in water on the top glass, Chia seeds in water on the bottom glass

Chia seeds do not have any taste of its own and can easily be incorporated in any kind of dish. Sabja seeds have a mild flavour of basil and impart the same to drinks and desserts.

                6.Usage

Chia seeds can be consumed raw or soaked. Sabja seeds can be consumed only after soaking.

               7. Health Benefits

Both, Chia and Sabja seeds have their own set of health benefits. They have been known to aid in weight loss due to their ability to make you feel fuller faster. Here are the most beneficial properties of the seeds.

Chia seeds

  1. Good source of proteins and Omega 3s
  2. The naturally low-carb and high-fibre food helps in digestion
  3. Highly recommended for weight-loss
  4. Promotes energy and endurance
  5. Helps in stabilizing blood sugar levels

Sabja Seeds

  • One of the best body coolant
  • Has a soothing effect on the stomach and hence useful to combat acidity
  • Good source of vitamins and Iron
  • Helps to promote healthy skin and hair
  • Acts as a detoxifying agent and helps to cleanse the blood

 

FACTOR CHIA SEEDS SABJA SEEDS
Native to Central and southern Mexico Native to India and the Mediterranean region
Colour Usually a mixture of grey, black, white and sometimes even brown seeds. However, even the black ones are not pitch black in colour. Instead, a dull pattern or a mosaic is visible on them Uniformly jet Black or pitch black in colour
Appearance Oval in shape Elliptical, like tiny grains of rice
On soaking in water Chia takes time to absorb water. It has the unique ability to gel by absorbing over 10 times their weight. Sabja swell up within seconds of being mixed with water. A translucent coat forms around the seed and it appears much larger in size when compared to a soaked chia seed
Taste of soaked seeds Does not have any taste of its own and can easily be incorporated in any kind of dish.  Has a mild flavour of basil and imparts the same to drinks and desserts
Usage/Health Benefits Can be consumed raw or soaked.

Good source of proteins and Omega 3s

 Can be consumed only after soaking.

Has a soothing effect on the stomach and hence useful to combat acidity.

 

*Chia Seeds from Naturally Yours is now available on GOQii Store. 

 

By 3 Comments

Best Home Remedies for Ailments

natural-home-made-remedies

In my career as a nutritionist, I have come across three main issues that most people suffer from and these are Diabetes, Hypothyroid, and Acidity.

The reason for these issues to develop is only one—Unhealthy Lifestyle. But, unfortunately, while most are aware of this close to 90% are unable to make lifestyle changes and thus end up getting medicines as recommended by their doctors.

Popping pills seem easier than to bring about a lifestyle change and arrest the issue at the initial stages. Things get difficult when the results are not as expected and are slow. This is precisely when one starts searching for some natural remedies from natural foods.

I am listing down certain good home remedies which actually use natural food and cure your issues, help you get fit with proper healthy lifestyle.

Best home remedies for treating diabetes

  1. Mix 1/2tsp Turmeric + 1tsp Aamla (Gooseberry) powder+1/2tbsp Methi (Fenugreek) seeds powder in a half glass of water and take daily morning on empty stomach. (good for retinopathy)
  2. 1tbsp Methi (Fenugreek) seeds soaked overnight in ½ cup water and chew it next day in the morning empty stomach.
  3. Dry seed powder of Jamun (Balck Berry) fruits have to be used -1tsp twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water
  4. Take 40-80ml of decoction of banyan tree bark. Boil 20gm of bark in 4 cups of water, reduce till 1 cup and then drink daily.
  5. Using Tejpatta (Bay Leaf) in food helps to bring sugar levels under control.
  6. Juice of Karela (Bitter gourd) -20ml daily should be taken in morning. Bittergourd help diabetics with insulin secretion, glucose oxidation and other processes.
  7. Soak Ladyfingers (Okra) in water overnight and then drink that water on an empty stomach to control diabetes.
  8. Paneer Ka Phool” is also known as Rennet, is a kind of Indian flower very effective to control diabetes. You have to put 8-10 pieces of flower in a glass of water and soak it the whole night. In the morning squeeze the flower & filter it & and then have it. Its taste is not so good but effective. Regular use will give you the best results. First, try only 5 flowers, then gradually increase to 8-12.

Home remedies for thyroid

  1. Use cold pressed coconut oil as it contains medium chain TG, which improves thyroid function.
  2. Take 2 tbsp of Apple Cider vinegar, mix little honey and drink this solution daily.
  3. Omega 3 rich compounds like fish oil, fish oil supplements, flaxseeds, chia seeds reduce thyroid.
  4. Licorice Herb: The use of Licorice herb helps to promote balance within the thyroid gland and also promote more energy levels in the body –keeping fatigue at bay. It contains triterpenoid glycyrrhetinic acid which may aid in stopping the growth of more invasive thyroid cancer cells.
  5. Evening Primrose oil: This herb is full of Amino acids and these acids are critical for optimal thyroid health. They aid in improving thyroid function and alleviate the symptoms of an underactive thyroid, such as heavy menstrual periods and hair loss. Just a tablespoon a day is the general recommendation to decrease inflammation and promote thyroid health.
  6. Ginseng: This herb helps to improve underactive thyroid and it can also address the fatigue that is associated with it. It is best to take one dose prior to lunch and another prior to breakfast–about 100-200mg each time.
  7. Black walnut: This contains a high dose of iodine which is helpful for an underactive thyroid. You can have one –two of this nut.

Home remedies for acidity

  1. Mix one tsp of baking soda in a glass of fresh water and drink.
  2. After a meal pops up a piece of chewing gum for 30 min to relieve heartburn.
  • Natural antacid—full ripen banana acts as a buffer against acid reflux
  1. Sipping a cup of ginger water lukewarm, soothes your tummy and acts as an acid buffer.
  2. Being alkaline in nature, chewing 1 tsp of good quality yellow mustard helps to relieve acidity.
  3. Chamomile tea flavoured with honey or lemon is a very good remedy.
  • 1tbsp of Apple cider vinegar with a glass of water acts as a great antacid.

NOTE: These all remedies can be used with your current medications.

Let’s bring our natural food remedy into practice and keep levels under control along with practising a healthy lifestyle.

From Burnout to Balance: How Dr. Ranjit Reclaimed His Health

Dr Ranjit Bhatt has spent years tending to others. A practising doctor in Odisha, his days were packed with patients, surgeries, and emergencies. From the outside, it looked like a life lived in service. But on the inside, something wasn’t right. “I had no control over my schedule. I’d sleep late, eat at odd hours, […]

From Terminal Illness To Complete Wellness! Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

As we observe World Cancer Day under the powerful theme ‘United by Unique’ (2025-2027)**, we are reminded that every individual’s journey with cancer is distinct, yet united by shared resilience, hope, and the collective fight against this disease. This theme places people at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of the […]