In rainny season wash all vegetables and fruits thoroughly

 In rainny season wash all vegetables and fruits thoroughly

In rainny season wash all vegetables and fruits thoroughly, esp green leafy vegetables, cauliflower, broccoli, brinjal, roots and tubers which harbour larvae, worms and dust. Clean them under running water. Steaming them is the best way to get rid of germs. Soaking the greens in salt water for about 10minutes can help remove insects. Research has shown that using just plain old water can remove 98% of the bacteria when it is used to rinse and soak produce.

 

If you decide to use vinegar, research has shown that a 3 part water to 1 part vinegar is most effective. A soak of five to10 minutes should be sufficient. Try to get the water temperature as close to that of the fruit or vegetable that you wish to clean. When you have a variety of fruits and vegetables, it might be best to wash these separately. 

Spicy Roasted Phool Makhana(Puffed Lotus Seeds) Recipe

Spicy Roasted Phool Makhana(Puffed Lotus Seeds) Recipe

We generally use makhana during fasting as it makes for a good vrat or fasting food, its light on the stomach and nutritious too,they are addictive and healthy.Try to replace your good old pop corn packets with this healthy guilt free makhana snack to munch, while watching your favorite movie/show.

Spicy Roasted Phool Makhana(Puffed Lotus Seeds) Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup Phool Makhana/Puffed Lotus Seeds

1/2 tsp Chaat Masala

1/4 tsp Pepper Powder

1/2 tsp Red chili powder

1/2 tsp Kala Namak/Black Salt

1/4 tsp Turmeric powder

Salt to taste

2 tbsp Ghee/oil/butter

Method:

Heat 1 tbsp ghee/oil in a kadai and add phool makhana to it and roast them until crisp over low flame.This takes 8-10mins. You can even taste a piece of nut to check whether it turned crispy. 

Add all the spice powders and salt, except chaat masala.

     

Toss to combine evenly. Sprinkle chaat masala and turn off the fire as you don’t want the spice powder to get burnt.

 

Mix well until the phool makhana is coated well with all the spices.

Once they cool store them in an air tight container. You can store it up to a week.If the makhana becomes soft just pop them in a pan and roast them until crisp.
 

Note You can replace chaat masala with garam masala and amchur powder for a different taste.

Serve them as an evening snack with a cup of tes or coffee or when ever you want to munch on in between meals.

Makhana have a neutral taste. you can spice it up the way you want, just roast them and when they are cool, store in an air-tight container, anytime you want a light and nutritious snack, just have the roasted makhana.

World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day 

World Hepatitis Day is observed across the world on 28 July 2013. The theme for the year 2013 is 

"This is Hepatitis, Know it, Confront it." 

The theme has been set with an aim of creating a global awareness about the Hepatitis virus and to encourage its prevention, treatment and diagnosis. Of the five types of viruses, B and C are considered to be dangerous.

Hepatitis Does not discriminate, 500 million people are infected

Hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D and E can cause infection and inflammation of the liver. These infections may be acute or chronic. Individuals with chronic infections are likely to develop life- threatening diseases such as cirrhosis and liver cancer later on in life.

Viral hepatitis poses a major global health risk with approximately 240 million people being chronically infected with the hepatitis–B virus and approximately 150 million people being chronically infected with hepatitis C. Despite its prevalence, and the danger that it poses, the disease remains under- diagnosed and poorly- managed.

Proper diet can help prevent a condition associated with hepatitis, namely liver steatosis, or fatty liver disease. Healthy foods and supplements can also enhance your immune system.

Don't skip Suhoor (pre-dawn meal)

Don't skip Suhoor (pre-dawn meal)

 

Suhoor is regarded as a benefit of the blessings in that it allows the person fasting to avoid the crankiness or the weakness caused by the fast.

Eat suhoor(sehri) just prior to dawn. Yes, it's hard to get up at that hour, which is why it has many benefits and rewards. And this morning meal is generally recognized as the single most important meal of the day. as this is needed to get you through the day. Many people eat a late night meal and sleep through till the dawn prayers. This is not advisable.
 
Skipping Suhoor prolongs the fasting period as your body will need to rely on the previous meal to provide you with all the nutrients and energy until Iftar (dinner). Due to the longer hours of fasting, you are more likely to feel dehydrated and tired during the day. Furthermore, skipping Suhoor also encourages overeating during Iftar, which can cause unhealthy weight gain.

So all those doing Ramadan please eat suhoor.

Cherries health benefits

 Cherries health benefits

It is the season of cherries, each and every fruitwala will stock on this.Cherries have recently emerged as one of the hottest Super Fruits available in the market. Today, there are plenty of research studies that have uncovered the many health benefits of cherries and they have been proven to be the powerhouse of antioxidants.Did you know that just 15 cherries can make up one of your five a day.

Anti-Oxidant

Cherries are extremely high in anti-oxidants called anthocyanins, commonly found in brightly-coloured fruits, which are so important as part of a healthy diet and play a variety of roles, from lowering the risk of heart disease and cancer, to promoting healthy skin and brain cells. There is even evidence to suggest that antioxidants may help prevent dementia and memory-loss, go for sweet cherries with the deepest pigment; crimson-purple rather than bright red.

Anti-Inflammatory

Scientists have proven relationship between arthritis, gout and cherries. It has been observed that patients, who consumed large quantities of cherries regularly, reported reduction in pain of arthritis and gout. These problems generally occur due to excessive production of uric acid. So, when consumed in large quantities and regularly, cherries may help control excessive uric acid production in the blood.

Improves immunity, sleep and is anti-aging

Struggling to get a good night’s sleep? Sour cherries can help! They contain the antioxidant melatonin, which occurs naturally in the body to promote and regulate our sleep-patterns. It is essential for our immune system. Melatonin found in cherries also slows down the aging process. Regaining your face glow is a good reason to start eating cherries now!

Blood pressure and healthy heart

Cherries are an excellent source of potassium, which helps to lower blood pressure by getting rid of the excess sodium in our body. Eating cherries helps keep potassium and sodium in balance, and can prevent hypertension from occurring. One cup of cherries has the same amount of potassium as a banana making it a great substitute when you are not in the mood for another ho-hum banana.

Fighting Cancer

Cherries contain high Beta Carotene (Vitamin A) content and this also helps fight the cancer in organs and glands.

Good For Digestion

When we eat cherries, there is more production and secretion of digestive juices, they are also a significant source of fibre, and hence great for digestion.

Studies seem to show that sour cherries have the potential to limit the uptake of fat into the body, and control levels of cholesterol in the blood. Also, these little beauties contain many B-vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin and vitamin B6; these vitamins are crucial for metabolism and convert nutrients into energy.

Cherries are not only healthy, but they are delicious and versatile. They can be added to everything, so ahead indulge in these beautiful cherries

Healthy Monsoon Snacks

Healthy Monsoon Snacks

Further adding on to my previous post on healthy snacking options for monsoons here are a few more

Baked aloo tikki, corn tikki, crepes (besan chillas), steamed momos, soups, a mixed-sprouts chaat, grilled snacks, mix veg pattice or aloo chaat. It's easier to make, delicious, and definitely more nutritious than the fried pakoras.

Grilled sandwich perfectly substitutes a bread pakoda by offering a nice mix of boiled vegetables, a bit of cheese or panir for taste, and crunchy slices of bread, Similarly bread with hot besan or egg omelette is also a high protein healthy snack option in a rainy weather.

Rains are beautiful, so enjoy yourself, but don't make exceptions to your diet you might regret later.

Go nuts over this Peanuts

Go nuts over this Peanuts

Peanuts are not actually nuts, as the name would imply. Peanuts are a member of the legume family, and are closely related to peas, beans, lentils and chickpeas. 
Also known as Groundnut, moongphali, moongfali, sing, singdana

• Loaded with protein, fiber, healthy fats (monounsaturated fats), vitamins (vitamin E, folate niacin), minerals( manganese) and phytonutrients, peanuts are nutritious. 
• Peanuts are associated with reduced risks for chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes and hypertension due to the presence of RESVERATROL, a phenolic ant-oxidant usually found in grapes. 
• Peanuts may also help you control your weight if you consume them in moderation.
• Peanuts do not contain cholesterol.
• Peanuts have a very low glycaemic index (14).

It is recommended that peanuts should undergo some processing like boiling, roasting prior to consumption. The largest danger of the consumption of raw peanuts is the possible presence of aflatoxin, a poison produced by a fungus that may be present on raw peanuts.They are not poisonous, and it is unlikely you'll get a huge amount of toxins from eating a handful.However at times it can lead to problems such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea.

 

This Monsoon enjoy a handful of boiled or roasted Peanuts.

Health benefits of Corn

Health benefits of Corn

Monsoons are incomplete without a dose of lemon rubbed butta.

With bhuttawalas putting up makeshift stalls at almost every corner in the neighbourhood during the rains, isn’t it difficult to pass by them and not be captivated by the delectable aroma of roasted corn. The way a vendor dips half a lemon in chilli-salt powder and then assaults the corn cob with it sets you salivating in anticipation.Apart from the charcoal roasted variety, there are many who like their bhuttas boiled.This delicious snack has great health benefits.

1. Corn is rich in fiber which aids in digestion.One cup of cooked yellow corn provides 3.6 g of dietary fiber that helps to control your hunger and keeps your digestive system functioning smoothly

2. It is a good source of vit c, niacin n folic acid, which helps prevent heart disease.

3. It contains thiamin that helps maintain memory
and other valuable B-complex group of vitamins such as pantothenic acid, riboflavin, and pyridoxine. 

4. It lowers cholesterol and prevents the risk of colon cancer.


5. It is loaded with lutein,zeaxanthin and ß-carotenes (esp the yellow ones), these phytochemicals promote healthy vision.

 

One of most common myth and fear people have is - corn is fattening and sugary.
Truth: An cob of corn has about the same number of calories as an apple and less than one-fourth the sugar. In other words, it can be one of the healthier foods! Just remember: while sweet corn is healthy, some of the fried preparation made out of it or toppings people like to put on it aren’t, but still at times an cob of corn slathered in butter and doused in salt is still a healthy option.

Still waiting go ahead and enjoy this guilt free snack