Tag: fruits

While Dieting,You Eat!!

With the spurt in the number of Mcdonalds and Dominoz all around the country, seldom it is that we find kids and adults alike whom we can term as perfect specimens of the human anatomy. Cheaper and cheaper burgers and fries combos and the easy accessibility of everything unhealthy is taking this Aryan civilization faster to its unhealthy end than we can possibly imagine.And some who are aware of this gradually surmounting epidemic of obesity turn themselves to starving, or dieting as they more fashionably call it.

And this is where most of them go wrong. If you out the word dieting on google and search for its meaning, the first result it shows is: Restrict oneself to small amounts in order to lose weight” But this is wrong in its most fundamental sense. Living beings need energy to work, breathe and live. And unlike Jaadu(from Koi Mil Gaya) our energy does not directly come from sunlight.We humans, have to have food in order to survive. So, starving, fasting and skipping meals is out of bounds. What we will do today is, get a new regime started for those who are willing to exchange flab with muscle and diseases with health.

First of all, forget everything that you ever ate anything and that you had a diet schedule planned. Here, we all start afresh. Just like infants do.

Secondly, many might have said or suggested to you; plan your meals ahead of time. Forget it. Because, food can’t be quantified beforehand. Suppose you worked out a little extra today, won’t you need an extra glass of milk to balance the energy that you’ve lost? So, never plan your eating. Eat, whatever your heart wants, but from the list that we decide here for ourselves only. Now we begin by clearing off all the things that are clichéd and everyone tells you about them. You should eat loads of fruit they provide vitamins, drink lots of water: gives you roughage, gorge on soups: healthy for your body and all that. But doesn’t everybody know this list by heart by now? So, we come down to those Indian dishes that you can prepare in your kitchen while hunger strikes. Let’s start with dinner.

Idli Sambhar:

A blast for the tongue from the South of India and easy on your belly too. This dish makes it to the top of our list of the Indian foods for dieters. Each idli contains just 39 calories, which is a minimal amount in comparison to a healthy 2,000-calorie daily diet. . Idlis contain no fat, no saturated fat and no cholesterol. Consuming less than 16 grams of saturated fat and 300 milligrams of cholesterol lessens your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

DHOKLA:

Going in the reverse order from dinner to breakfast, its time for your evening snack. And what better than dhokla to freshen you up and lighten you at the same time. Yes, it is chiefly made up of Dal and Rice, but don’t cringe as otherwise you would have been gormandizing on chips or samosas for sure. But remember, Dhokla is low in saturated fat, very low in cholesterol, low in sodium, high in dietary fiber and high in vitamin A and C. And for us dieters, low fat is all that matters, right people?

SPROUTS AND RAITA:

To your lunch, let’s start by having some Raita, what say? Now, raita as you all know is made by adding fruits, vegetables or any other thing to beaten yoghurt. And the best part is that one serving includes just 60 calories. To the beaten curd one can add grated bottle gourd or some fruits. But if you are in the mood for some crunch, you can very well add Boondi to it. Boondi, is fried, yes. But a handful of pea sized boondis will do your diet no harm.

With Raita, you can have sprouts as the main course and feel a bit Pseudo-European. Keep the pulses in water overnight and in the morning add a bit of lemon, some spices, some cucumber and your lunch is ready in a jiffy.

OATS AND DALIYA:

Now, one thing with which we should agree with the hackneyers is that, breakfast should be heavy. And the dieticians have logic and Science backing them too. According to some studies if we consume more calories at breakfast and very less at dinner, this will help you lose weight quicker because if you eat a larger breakfast it will give a kick start to your metabolism and plus you won’t feel all drained and sleepy in that history class of yours. Plus more calories in the breakfast gives you more time in the day to burn them off. For breakfast why don’t we have something milk based, like oats? Well oats take two minutes to cook and trust me, you won’t be able to eat more than one and half cups of it. And hey, no adding sugar at your mom’s back, OK?

Other than oats, you can also have Daliya in the morning. Daliya or Bulgur wheat in Angrezi, is a very light and healthy option for breakfast. Daliya is an excellent source of fiber that keeps you feeling full and also helps to maintain a healthy digestive system. And just like oats, daliya can be either milk based or oil and vegetable based. Now, a little oil isn’t harmful for your body and don’t cringe if once in a blue moon you are fed up of having only milk based diet for your mornings. So, here we are with a very basic diet plan for you to follow and with just one mantra at the end. Never starve yourself, Never. You need food to live. So, just give it a healthy twist and keep eating ( or dieting, whatever you like to call it! ).

January 8, 2015
Delicious Smoothies…!

The lovely, fruity, refreshingly cool smoothies are almost everyone’s favorite. Available in all varieties, be it fruity or veggie contained green smoothies, served with straw. So popular now, are found in all restaurants, grocery stores and even coffee shops, there’s nothing not to love about smoothies. They may sound like healthy option above all which they are undoubtedly but yes, there are some aspects to it which make not so good. They are considered healthy and come under this umbrella term because most of the time they are made of soy milk, yoghurt, frozen fruit or skim milk. They make a really good options for meal or snack when made with natural fruits. Well, let’s enumerate the health benefits of smoothies;

Smoothies keep you hydrated: Having smoothie in breakfast helps in keeping you hydrated for the whole day. This is what something like soda, tea or coffee won’t do. The body do gets water from many foods and resources, so one doesn’t need to drink water while having smoothie. As milk and yoghurt are largely water, it will quench your thirst eventually. In hot weather, it is preferable to add some extra ice cubes for extra water and the chillness.

Smoothies are perfect or Breakfast: Breakfast needs to be king size, I know you know that. Smoothies make up an excellent choice for breakfasts because they make you feel fuller and are heavy as fruits and veggies are blended together with milk or yoghurt. The classic breakfast of bread, peanut butter, jam and any fruit smoothie is easy-to-make and perfect for any day. Sipping smoothie in the morning prevents you from indulging in unhealthy urges like donuts or drive through. Also, if you have problem taking in those cod liver oil directly, you can add some drops in your smoothie and this will make it all the more nutritious.

Smoothies are Easy, Portable and Custom-made: Smoothies are really easy to make and are really good on-the-go choice. Just pick some fruits, throw them in the blender, put some milk and drink the mixture. If you own a blender, it will be ready in no time. Also, they can be stored and will stay fresh for 24 hours if kept cool and sealed in a right container and you can carry it anywhere in the car or train or gym to have it anytime you like. A vacuum flask is a right choice if you want to keep your smoothie cool and fresh on the move. Moreover, the fun part is you can add all types of ingredients you like in your smoothie and make it as per your taste and mood.

Smoothies are blend of Vitamins and Minerals: They are way better than Multi-vitamins. Drinking fruit smoothie every day is more healthful than taking those multivitamins, even recommended by nutritionists. As just a glass full provide us with enough fiber and loads of all the required vitamins and minerals. Smoothies are a true blend of nutrition. This in turn helps in digestion and may help in control blood sugar and lower cholesterol.

Smoothies are Nutrient-dense and source of calcium: Smoothies are best when they are all natural made with real fruits and veggies. The nutrient –dense ingredients provides vitamins and oils necessary for complete nutrition. A truly healthy smoothie is the one that has dietary fats in the form of cream for the body to use in assimilating the vitamins and minerals. Just simply blend bananas with skim milk or yoghurt or soy milk and get a great deal of benefits and nutrients. And yes, the milk or any base you use is a rich source of calcium, giving it all the more richness.

With all the pros of smoothies, let’s have a look on the ingredients that probably you shouldn’t be using but are preferable to put into your smoothie to make it really rich, which are like,

Aloe Vera, Pomengranate juice, Kefir, Coconut Milk, Chia seeds, Moringa powder, Milled flax seed, Spirulina etc. Well, the great news if you want to know is that if you want to lose weight, smoothies can be used as a meal replacement not an addition to it, so just take it this way and enjoy the results. Like, sip a dairy based smoothie for breakfast or water-based smoothie as a snack. All the fruit or veggie smoothie can be a healthy additional meal plan as long as you maintain proper meal portion. Its better to incorporate smoothies in your diet plan by consulting your dietician or doctor.

Some Awesome smoothie recipes:

Coconut Water-Mango smoothie:

2 cups unsweetened coconut water

Pinch of cayenne powder

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 cups ripe mango chunks

Blend all the ingredients in blender till smooth. Gulp them and enjoy the delicious smoothie.

Now, Here’s is what a really healthy green smoothie will contain, just perfect for your body;

¼ cup water

1 banana

¼ cup orange juice

1 cup spinach

¾ cup strawberries

½ cup blueberries

Blend till smooth and enjoy the green richness of the drink.

All these less calories, full of refreshment and deliciousness smoothies make up really good combination in breakfast or as a evening snack. Basically, smoothie is perfect for a busy life like present time, counts as an ideal on the go drink and is really easy to make, ready in no time. Smoothies are now-a days everywhere, people are talking about it a lot on the internet or in general. Why? Because it is Healthy. Yes, It definitely is healthy. There’s more to green smoothies but smoothies or protein shakes in any form is healthy. Though, taking fruits and veggies straightforward form is also healthy, but sipping on smoothie gives a new refreshing touch to them.

Healthy Eating. Happy Life.

January 1, 2015
Chilled Desserts to Chill you More !!!

Its always fun to do something different , something out of the box ….to break the mono type , the stigma , the notion its great to just un-follow the typecast. A very harmless one is to eat which you are not expected to eat. Its very simple….Yes, you just need to have chilled desserts in freezing temperature. Its awesome fun . Fill your pockets with paracetamol’s to get precaution after you do this fun task but surely do this. No matter how much your mum scolds you after this how much you sneeze , just be carefree and dare yourself to do this one. To make it more simpler lets just learn few awesome delicious dessert recipes which can even tempt your parents , your granny , your grandpa to do this fun adventure without even a second thought. Isn’t it just a day our in Disney land type idea… that to without money. Ummmm…you will have to pay for the ingredients though!!!

We often bring our lives to a point where we de-mark ourselves about the DO’s and the DONT’s. But who are we to decide to live our life in a boring way. Aren’t we just tired of the routine work and monotonous way of leading life. Eating always makes us happy so why not to eat dishes we just love . In that way not only we going to eat it happily its going to affect our minds too & it gets digested easily moreover makes us feel more cheerful and fun loving. You must be thinking is this a psychology class or a article on psychology . No , you are not fully wrong but yes of course good food or favourite food makes you happy . I am not wrong when I say seeing your mother bake your favourite chocolate chip cookie makes you dance within your mind .( I feel like dancing just by the thought of getting a choco-chip cookie …yum!!!). I am still a child when it comes to list down my favourite dishes and they are still the same what i use to eat 2 decades ago. We all are having a child inside and lets not kill the child within our adult bodies or just don’t gaurd your child too much to make them bore enough for future. Just take my dare and do it. I am sure you will just live a day of full happiness . To fight infection there are enough medicines so don’t worry.

Frozen Alaska with a twist :

Ingredients : few slices of fruit cakes,1 scoop of vanilla ice-cream , I scoop of butterscotch ice-cream , 1 cup of chopped bananas, 1 cup of chopped black grapes, 1 cup of chopped strawberries, 1 cup of oranges de-seeded, peeled and skinned out, 1 tablespoon of kiwi crush, 1 tablespoon of strawberry crush, 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup (optional). A beautiful glassware. To decorate you may choose your own garnish..for example wafers , straws, choco-chips etc , butterscotch nuts, whipped cream.

Servings : 2

Method : Take a decorative glass , crumble the slices of fruit cake and pour in the glass and with the help of the finger push it inside the glass making its very first layer of frozen Alaska. Now add in one fruit crush of your choice and then add in a layer of vanilla ice-cream scoop , then layer in chopped bananas and oranges, grapes . Now add butterscotch ice-cream , strawberry crush with chopped strawberries and garnish it with whipped cream and choco-chips. The frozen Alaska is ready to serve. Enjoy it with your loved ones its a perfect fun dare for chilled winter evenings.

Creamy soft peaks:

Ingredients : 2 cups of whipping cream , 1 cup chopped strawberries(Its the best available fruit in winters with rich red colour giving a nice look to a delightful creamy dessert, 1 tablespoon caster sugar, 1 teaspoon corn starch solution,1 tablespoon of strawberry crush , few slices of chocolate cake, 1 tablespoon condensed milk, 1 tablespoon fresh cream, 1 teaspoon coffee powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Oreo biscuit for garnishing .

Servings : 2

Method : With the help of a whipper whip the whipping cream . In the whipping process add vanilla extract to the whipped cream to add on some flavouring to the plain cream. Crumble the chocolate slices and mix it with fresh cream , condensed milk and coffee powder. Heat this mixture until it thickens up without forming a lump. Pout this mixture in the glass you want to serve and making it the base of the dessert. Keep the glass in refrigerator to chill. Divide the whipped cream in two portions. Again heat a pan add in strawberries, caster sugar, strawberry crush and corn starch solution in it. Heat the mixture till it turns out to be a thick lump less sauce. Cool the strawberry sauce and mix it with one portion of whipped cream. Take out the chilled choco-coffee base glass and pour in the two flavoured creams as two different layers in the glass. Garnish it with Oreo biscuit and you are ready to commit the sin.

Banana Split:

Ingredients : Two large bananas split into two halves, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup condensed milk, Single scoop of three different ice-cream flavours, 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup, few chopped seasonal fruits of your choice, little whipped cream and a happy heart to assemble all this.

Servings : 2

Method: Take a dish and place the split slices of ripe bananas. Meanwhile heat a pan and stir in brown sugar and condensed milk till the sugar melts and thickens the mixture without solidifying. Make sure you keep on stirring this caramelized mixture on slow flame.Once its done just simply pour it over the banana slice and keep it to chill for a while. Once its cools down in refrigerator just layer it with fruits scoops of different flavoured ice-creams and whipped cream. Top it with chocolate syrup or any syrup of your choice and just do not wait to eat it .

Isn’t it a pleasure to dare yourself to have these chilled desserts even in winters and feel heavenly with every bite you sink in through your throat.If you do not believe me try out the recipes we well surely have a common agreement .

December 27, 2014
Canned fruits and veggies… Healthy or not?

I know fresh fruits and veggies are always considered the best. When its organic, it is like cherry on the cake. But with changing lifestyle canned fruits have replaced the tree ripen fruits, ready to pluck and eat. Now there are ready to open cans having slices of fruits cut already and just needed to be eaten. Now, the concern here is if these are good to be consumed as they are, yes, they are good in saving time and just seem to be automatic to be eaten anywhere, any time. But, the concern arises when you think about the preservatives or chemicals used to keep the can food fresh. There is an idea among consumers that if it isn’t fresh it doesn’t count. But there is also findings saying that People need to be encouraged to eat more fruits and vegetables whether they may be fresh, frozen or canned, all do well. The only variable whatever form fits best and fits the pocket of consumer. When it comes to canned, all forms of fruits and vegetables matter; fresh, frozen, canned, sliced, dried and 100% juice. With so many options available and loads of variety, convenient packaging to make fruits and veggies easy to store and ready to serve, there is something in frozen, canned food that pleases everyone. Here are some quickie facts about canned stuff. Go through them and amaze yourself.

Most of the frozen and canned foods are processed within hours of harvest, so that their flavor and nutritional value are preserved and saved.

Studies show that foods prepared with canned foods have same nutritional value as that present in dish prepared with fresh and frozen ingredients.

The only difference between fresh just cooked stuff and frozen food is that canned foods are ‘cooked’ prior to packaging, so they are recipe-ready.

Frozen foods also require little initial preparation – washing and slicing for instance is already done.

Based on these facts, they say that all types of frozen foods count towards your daily dietary recommendation. Canned variety can be considered as healthy alternative. The good or bad in the canned fruit is determined here;

According to USDA, adults should atleast eat 2 servings of fruit each day and canned fruits are just as healthy, if not more, than its fresh counterpart. You know this, when fresh fruit is stored for many days, the vitamin C content is diminished, as it is easily destroyed by exposure to fresh air. However, canned fruits still retain much of vitamin C, even when stored for months, which is a clear advantage. Also, many fresh fruits are stored in cold stores and shipped miles before being enjoyed which also leads to loss in their nutritional content. Also, when out of season, they cost you pretty penny, while canned is available year round, at the same price and you can even find discount coupon on them when order online.

But, if have to count on the bad aspects of canned stuff, here’s some issues of concern. For people who are diet conscious or disease-ridden, it may pose a problem, as canned fruits loaded and canned in heavy syrup coat, the pieces of fruit have loads of added sugar. One half-cup of pears packed in their own juice contains 60 calories and 12 grams of sugar. Though, fruit cocktail may seem to be healthy choice, but buyers should buy them mindfully as many varieties of canned fruits and veggies are packed in heavy and light syrup, plus those cherries often contain artificial colours. So, while choosing brands, look for those packed in juice and without any artificial color and then only trust the content. To avoid the risk of any illness or health problem, check properly while buying and avoid buying bloated, leaking or dented or cans with flawed seals. If you open a can and its funky or foamy odour, discard it immediately without tasting it as it may lead to serious repercussions.

Basically, canned fruits can be a good source of nutrition, vitamins and minerals but check before buying the nutrition label to know what exactly you’re getting. Typically, canning reduces the levels of most vitamin B and C, compared to fresh fruits, minerals, fiber, potassium and vitamin A and E are roughly found in same levels as present in fresh fruit. Also, if you can’t afford fresh fruit or it isn’t readily available in your area, it is preferable to boost fruit consumption by adding canned fruit instead of completely carbing food out of diet. All the more, canned fruits and veggies are convenient when it comes to making desserts or last-minute breakfasts. Few last things you can consider; Frozen and dried fruit add to great wintertime option and unsweetened frozen fruit which is not packed in sugar, retains much of its nutritional value since it’s picked and processed rapidly. You can use it in everything ranging from baked foods to sauces and smoothies. The quality and variety of frozen food has really improved in recent years and is now used as a healthy alternative and easy option. The key thing is Canned food can certainly become part of your healthy diet plan but its really important to read labels and choose cans wisely.

Healthy Eating. Happy Life.

November 9, 2014
Healthy kick start

In this neoteric world, people are getting lazier and less healthy. They make plans each and every new morning, but stick to neither of them. You may think that it’s very difficult to control your eating habits, but in reality it is very simple and easy. Youonly need to plan your inexpensive, nutritious diet and stick to that. There are certain tips you must follow to remain healthy and start your day:

Prepare your healthy Snacks by yourself:

Everyone is health conscious nowadays, but when it comes to preparing your own meal you all take one step backward. Why is it so? The best way to keep your diet under control is making your own food and chooses by yourself what to eat and what not to eat. Your day starts with snacks so prepare your own snacks that are easy to eat and carry. If you are already late and don’t have time to eat, then you can go for some fruits, carrots, whole-grain crackers, grapes, low-fats biscuits or cookies in your bag. These items are in itself a package of nutrients. So, as soon as you feel hungry, you don’t need to run over the fast food or to some street vendors. This will maintain your calories level and money too.

Keep your refrigerator stocked:

As you have been starting your day with fruits and vegetables is the best way to keep your diet healthy. It doesn’t make any difference if you eat frozen vegetables or fruits; the nutritional value that they carry does not change. The amazing benefit that they carry is minimizing waste. You can eat whatever and in however the amount you want to and again seal the packet for later use. You can keep your fruits to get chilled in your freezer. You can keep your freezer full of nutritional packets like nutrella, healthy powders etc. For example, if you store blueberries in your freezer, then you can have an advantage of adding delicious flavor to your yogurts anytime. So keep your freezer full of these items and fruits and enjoy every part of your meal as a treat.

Make fruits and vegetables handier:

Isn’t this sound quite interesting? As the week starts go to the market and pick all the fresh fruits and vegetables present there. Keep them as a stock in your refrigerator. Whenever you are free and got nothing to do then wash these fruits and cut them into slices. We know now a day’s generation is so lazy that they don’t believe in putting efforts and need everything ready in their hand. Easily accessible items are always preferred so this is the best way to make them handy. You can use airtight containers for putting these cuttings to avoid any contact with air and get oxidized. If these nutritious items are easy to grab then you will easily grab them instead of going for potato chips and candies.

Eat Frequently:

Do you people know there is an amazing secret lies behind a healthy diet? Healthy eaters used to eat frequently that means they believe in having small meals or snacks throughout the whole day. Researchers found that having three four time snacks in your day will avoid the problem of digestion and obesity. But you should have a healthy breakfast as it is the only reason behind the maintenance of calories in your body. With this technique you tend to eat more than your normal diet. So eat less but eat frequently.

Healthy cooking techniques should be used:

The food that is prepared with the help of steam is the best way to add nutrients to our body. Always prefer food that is steam cooked over baked foods as they helps in retaining all the nutrients and does not increase the level of fats in your diet. You can use Microwave Cooking bags so that the taste and nutrients remain unaltered. You must use non-sticky oil to prepare fried dishes and maintain the cholesterol level in your body. Make sure everything that you use must be washed properly before being used.

Eat nuts and eggs instead of meat:

As we all know meat is a high-fat dish and daily intake of this would harm your body indirectly. So why not avoid this and start intake of eggs and nuts in your main courses or meal. Nuts, beans and eggs are indirectly the replacement for meat. They are a source of low-fat and protein. They are less expensive than meat. So it’s better to try meatless proteins in your main meals or snacks and save money. There are some alternatives too, like you can buy a small amount of meat. To have a taste of meat in your meal you can stretch it out over your main course dishes which mainly contain vegetable and grains.

Try these and have a healthy kick start..!!

September 14, 2014
Scrumptious fruits you must eat and their benefits
Fruits are the ultimate natural source of vitamins, minerals, proteins along with some anti-oxidants and other substances which are very beneficial and essential for health to humans as a healthy diet. Humans and many animals are mostly dependent on fruits. Consumption of fruits in high amounts keeps us away from diseases like cancer,heart diseases,skin diseases etc… There are many kinds of fruits which grow in different atmospheric conditions at different regions.

Carambola:

Carambola fruit / star fruit
- Carambola is a fruit it is also called as star fruit or Carambola Apple.
- Its name differs from region to region.
- This fruit is native to the places like Indonesia, Bangladesh,India and Sri Lanka.
- The taste of the fruit is likely the mix of apple, pear,grapes and citrus family.
- It tastes differently in different stages of ripening.
Health benefits:
- Carambola contains Potassium, Vitamin C,sodium and acid.
- Its rich in anti-oxidants and contains low sugar
- It also contains Nitric oxide(NO) which varies at the ripening states
Risk Factors:
- This fruit is not recommended for those who are suffering with kidney failure, kidney stones and those who are suffering with kidney dialysis.
- The patients with kidney problems when consumed this fruit can cause hiccups , nausea, vomiting, and mental confusion.
Uses:
- This fruit when it is sour can be used for cleaning rusty materials or removing rusty stains from the clothes.
Recipes prepared using star fruits:

Carambola sour juice

Carambola smoothie

Carambola juice

Tambis
- Tambis is a fruit which is from the family of apple known famously as Rose apple .
- Its scientific name is Syzgium samarangense.
- It is also called as bell fruit, water apple, Jamaican apple etc…, and it is called with different names in different regions.
- This fruit is mainly found in the islands of Indian ocean, Andaman and Nicobar Islands .
- In India it is found in Andhra Pradesh in the dry land areas of Rajanagaram mandal ,here in Telugu it is called as Kammari Kayalu. In malyalam it is called as Chambaka.
Health benefits:
- Rose apples are very beneficial to Diabetic patients and also lowers blood pressure.
- It is considered to be good for brain, liver and blood.
- It is used as medicine in curing fever and asthma.
- Its seeds can be used to treat diarrhea
Risk factors:
- Excessive consumption of this fruit can result in certain health problems
- Excessive eating can cause itching in the throat and leads to coughing.
- Eating 3-4 apples per day can serve good excessive is not beneficial.
Litchi:
- Litchi fruits are mainly cultivated in China and India. It is also cultivated in many other countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Japan and several other places around the world. It tastes sweet and has perfume like smell in it .
Health Benefits:
- Litchi helps in maintaining good health and fat free body as it contains no saturated fats or cholesterol.
- It contains good amounts of anti-oxidants,vitamins and dietary fibers.
- Eating Litchi can help to improve flow of blood in organs, in reducing weight and protects skin from UV rays.
- Its also source for Vitamin C, Vitamin B- complex,thiamine, niacin, and also minerals like copper and potassium.
- Litchi is grown in many areas to prevent and treat malnutrition.
Risk factors:
- Eating litchi’s is not recommended for children especially during the months of May and June , as the litchi’s are attacked by deadly virus called Encephalitis.
Recipes made out of Litchi fruits:

Litchy smoothie

Litchy juice

litchy jelly ice-cream

Palm fruit:

Ice apple or nungu
- Palm fruit which is also called Palmyra fruit or Ice -Apple, known as Tari in Hindi, Nungu in Tamil and Thati munjalu in Telugu.
- This fruit is sweet in taste and looks transparent jelly like thing. Its also fermented to make Toddy called kallu .
- Palm trees which are grown bulky especially in India , Indonesia,Malaysia, Nepal,Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Africa.
- Its scientific name is Barassus Flabellifer.
- In the states like Tamil Nadu , Andhra Pradesh and some places the seeds are allowed to germinate and forms stems like structure,which are called as Palm sprouts called as Gagulu or Panai Kezhingu is eaten raw or either boiled or roasted.
- And if the fruit is fully ripened then the outer yellow layer is eaten and used in preparing varieties of recipes.
Health Benefits:
- Palm fruits are very healthy and it has been all around from many years.
- Palm fruits contain jelly like substance which is called Ice apple can be eaten or drink which is made out of it is taken as a cool drink during summer seasons.
- It gives instant energy as it contains Vitamin C and Vitamin B – complex
- The fruit pulp is used to cure many skin inflammatory conditions
- The sap which is collected from the tree is used as tonic and laxative to cure liver diseases and ulcers.
- When this sap is fermented it becomes a crazy drink called kallu(alcohol)
- The sap is also used to cure anemia, improves digestion and good for appetite.
Recipes made with Palm fruit:

steps to prepare Rose Milk Ice Apple:
- Boil thick milk in a vessel and cool it in a refrigerator for 1-2 hours
- Peel the Ice Apple (nungu) and cut into peaces
- after 2 hours mix rose syrup to the milk and add sugar and blend it for 2 minutes
- and then finally add nungu and serve it chilled
nongu paal

Sweet Tamarind / Camachile
- Camachile is a fruit which is similar to tamarind but its pulp tastes sweet and looks twisted and red in color.
- These trees are grown on streets in India and its also found grown in South America, Mexico, Philippines, Bengal , Caribbean, Florida and other places.
- This fruits are also called as Monkey pod. Its called as Seema Chintakaya in Telugu , Kodukka Puli in Tamil and Jungle Jalebi or Ganga Imli in Hindi.
Benefits :
- This fruit is used in preparing many meat dishes
- Its seeds are edible and useful in extracting oil out of them which contains only 10% seeds and good for reducing weight.
- Its also helpful in strengthening the gums of tooth ans preparing medicines
- The bark extract helps in curing diarrhea, tuberculosis and dysentery
August 4, 2014
Benefits of Pomegranate juice for health

Pomegranate is a thick skinned seedy fruit.The name pomegranate is derived from the french word “pomegranate” which means seeded apple.Pomegranates are originated in Iran and are brought to Egypt in 1600 B.C.This is not only used as a food source but it is also used as a medical source.Inside the fruits we can find jewel shaped seeds covered by a natural red rind.Drinking pomegranate juice helps our skin and hair in many ways.Of all the fruit juices, pomegranate juice is having special importance.This is because the peel contains the maximum amount of antioxidants which are released in abundance when the fruit is squeezed while juicing.Few people feel uncomfortable while eating the fruit with the little seeds.To such people pomegranate juice is the best way to enjoy the benefits of the fruit.In comparison to other fruits, pomegranates contain the maximum amount of anti-oxidants.The number of anti oxidants in pomegranate are nearly three times more than that in green tea and oranges.One glass of pomegranate juice will provide 40 percent of the body requirements.The juice must be taken without adding extra sweeteners to it, as it may counteract with some of the health benefits present in it.

Pomegranate juice is having many health benefits

Health benefits of pomegranate juice:

Over thousands of years in the middle and east regions pomegranate is used for medical purposes.Pomegranate juice is used as tonic for healing the frequently occurring body disorders like ulcers and diarrhea.The anti oxidants that are present in pomegranate juice offers protection against diabetes, heart diseases, osteoarthritis and several kinds of cancer.

Fruit with strong outer layer and red rind inside

Benefits for heart:

Pomegranate juice helps in keeping the arteries flexible and maintain perfect functioning of heart.Atherosclerosis, which is one of the main reason for causing heart disease, can be reduced by taking pomegranate juice.It lowers the amount of bad cholesterol that is retained in the body and increases the amount of good cholesterol.

Health-Benefits-of-Pomegranate-for-better-functioning-of-heart

Maintains blood sugar levels:

Pomegranate juice contains fructose, but it does not increase the blood sugar levels which the other fruit juices do.According to few studies it is observed that people who took this juice daily for a period of two weeks, had no effect on their blood sugar levels.

health benefits of pomegranate juice for maintaining blood sugar levels

Maintains blood pressure:

Pomegranate juice is helpful in reducing high blood pressure.The problems that are present in the blood vessels of heart patients can be reduced.This helps in coagulating blood and forming blood clots.It even acts as a blood diluting agent, and does not allow for an unrestricted flow of blood through the body.

Pomegranate-juice-control-high-blood-pressure

Protects from Cancer:

Pomegranate juice eliminates free bonding of atoms and it also reduces the growth and development of cancer tissues.The anti oxidants present in the fruit are helpful in promoting strong immunity system.Daily intake of a glass of pomegranate juice can slow down the growth of cancerous cells in prostate cancer.Pomegranate juice blocks aromatase and reduces the chances of getting breast cancer.

Pomegranate juice protects from cancer

Soothes the stomach:

Pomegranate juice is used in the treatment of diarrhoea.Digestion problems can overcome by taking pomegranate juice.This can be more effective by adding one teaspoon of honey in a glass of pomegranate juice.

Pomegranate-juice-resolves-digestion-problems

Boosts immunity:

Taking pomegranate juice boosts our immunity system, as it contains strong anti bacterial and anti microbial properties.The microbes that are responsible for forming cavities in the mouth can be reduced by taking pomegranate juice daily.Of all the fruits pomegranate is having the capacity to oppose the transmission of HIV.

pomegranate juice improves body immunity

Prevents anemia:

Anemia is caused due to the deficiency of red blood cells in the body.As pomegranate juice is rich in iron,it helps in developing the red blood cells in the body.By adding few sugars to the pomegranate juice and taking few drops of it in the nostrils, can reduce nose bleeds.It is used as a remedy for red eyes.

Chances of getting anemia can be reduced

Improves digestion:

Pomegranate juice aids in the smooth functioning of the stomach, heart and liver. This juice induces hunger and can even control thirst. Therefore it is a great choice of drink during summers. It also soothes urinary tract infection and eases the flow of urine. The high amount of dietary fiber, both soluble and insoluble in pomegranate juice helps to improve digestion and regulate bowel movement. Since it has no saturated fats or cholesterol, it is highly recommended for those aiming to lose weight.

Pomegranate is good for digestion

Helps in cartilage regeneration:

Pomegranate juice helps in regulating the enzymes that damage the cartilage.So people who are suffering from bone disorders, joint pains and cartilage problems can overcome them by taking a glass of pomegranate juice.This is also observed by few studies.Bone inflammation can be relieved by taking unsweetened pomegranate juice.Taking pomegranate juice regularly dissolves the stones in kidneys and also cures the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis during sexual activity.

August 4, 2014
Why are juices turning out to be unhealthy?

We all know that fresh fruits are very useful for our body and they provide us with various health benefits. We can ingest more fruits at a time by drinking fruit juice. Consumption of juices of various fruits as well as vegetables is very prevalent now days. We normally think that drinking juice is quite advantageous. But there are certain demerits associated with the juicing as well.

Lack of fiber: Fruits are filled with various necessary constituents that go away during course of juicing. During this process, fiber is eliminated from the fruit which has a significant role in the betterment of the body. We can suffer with digestion difficulties with the absence of fiber. Fiber supports in attaining satisfaction. We generally can’t eat a lot of fruits at the same time because of the fiber which is present in them. Hence consumption of fresh fruits does not lead to the danger of sugar. In contrast to fruits, juices wipe out the fiber. The shortage of fiber leads to consumption of more amount of juice to fulfill our hunger.

Elimination of the fruit’s skin: Our body receives rarer benefits while drinking juice as the skin of the fruit is eliminated during the method of juicing. Every single fragment of the fruit is important and each fragment is packed with major nutrients which are necessary for the body. Fruit’s skin is that part which interrelates with the sun light and develops pigments. These particles are valuable in protecting our body from the harm. Generally the fruit’s skin possesses extra nutrients as compared to the flesh. Hence the intake of fresh fruit is healthier then the consumption of freshly prepared juice.

Rise in the sugar content: All the people who are suffering from diabetes and want to control their sugar content must cut out the consumption of juices. Juices are capable of providing a lot of sugar. Sugar is present in fruits and as the juices contains many fruits as well as vegetables at the same time, the sugar level increases. Hence the juices increase the risk of sugar.

Time consuming task: It is a little time consuming and problematic to prepare juices in our daily routine. Juicing involves slicing and peeling of fruits along with vegetables. It’s quite easier to consume the fruits as a whole rather than producing the juice out of it. People who are occupied with work load find it hard to include juicing in their routine.

Freshly prepared juices are of the finest quality: It is best to consume the juice when it is fresh. The juices turn out to be less flavorsome and healthy with time and so preparing the juices in advance is not be suitable. Hence it becomes troublesome for the people to prepare juices regularly because time is involved in juicing.

Juicing is pricey: Preparation of juices is costlier then the intake of fresh fruits as a whole. The process of juicing involves juicer to extract the juice out of the fruits and vegetables. These juicers are generally costly and as per their qualities and brand their costs varies.

But there are certain advices that make the consumption of fresh juices suitable for us.

Go for the pure juices: Whenever you feel like drinking juice makes it sure that it is freshly prepared from the pure and genuine fruits and vegetables. Avoid buying treated juices from the store. The freshly prepared juices are best for our health.

Cut down the usage of fruits for sugariness: The juices made out of vegetables are much better and healthier for us as compared to the fruit juices. Only slight piece of fruit must be added to the vegetable juice in order to increase its sugariness. Try to stay away from the juices that are exclusively prepared from fruits as they very high in sugar content.

Drink in moderation: The major problem with the consumption of juices is the risk of sugar. Juices are beneficial for us provided that the level of sugar content is not surpassed. Hence it is necessary to consume the juices in a controlled manner. Try not to outstrip the sugar level.

Usage of fine quality juicer: As I have already mentioned above that fiber is eliminated during the process of juicing. Hence try to find the juicer with finest quality which preserves the fruit’s skin during the course of juicing. Blender is one of the best options in this respect as it retains the fiber completely.

Now you have learnt about the fact that juices are filled with nutrients but in a lesser amount as compared to actual fruits and vegetables. Fiber which is so essential is not present in the juices. The sugar level is also enhanced in the juices. Hence it is better to directly consume the fruits rather extracting the juice out of it to enjoy the major health benefits.

July 30, 2014
About fruits and their effects on health

Fruits are very rich in minerals with lot of juice and contain about 75 percent of water.Fruits are naturally enriched with lot of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.In fruits we can find two types of fiber they are soluble and insoluble.These fibers help in weight loss.The soluble fiber helps in controlling blood sugar, hunger and it is also used to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.Because of these soluble fibers type 2 diabetes can be avoided.While coming to the insoluble fibers, they add bulk to your food so you can eat more of it without adding extra calories.

Fruits are almost juicy as they contain lots of water in them.By the intake of fresh and frozen fruits which are having high water will have low calories because the high water level leads to the dilution of those calories.This helps in weight loss.The water contained in fruits helps in maintaining optimal energy levels.People can get over cardiovascular diseases.Fruits containing vitamin A are used for skin health.It helps in the growth of skin tissues which protects skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays that are coming from sun.It also keeps our hair strong and healthy.

By taking fruits containing vitamin B is used to cure heart diseases, healthy hair, and improved memory.Where as vitamin C contains a protein that helps to maintain healthy skin and cartilage.Vitamin E works with vitamin C to provide anti-aging skin protection.Generally vitamin E help to protect the skin against damages caused by sun.Eating fruits that are rich in potassium can help to lower blood pressure.

Apples:

Most of the people like to eat apples as it is delicious juicy and also healthy.Apples contain large amounts of water and are having soluble fiber.Is is a best diet for most of the people who choose to loose weight.Type two diabetes can be avoided by taking this fruit regularly.Apples that are having red cover are mostly preferable as it helps in lowering memory loss.But in some cases people get mild headaches when they eat more red apples, but green and yellow apples are safe a bit.

green-apple-yellow-apple-red-apple

Apricots:

Apricots are also rich in water and contain soluble fiber and hence are used for weight loss or to reduce high cholesterol. They are also a very good source and help in maintain healthy skin and hair.Potassium that is present in apricots helps to lower blood pressure.

Apricots

Bananas:

Most of the people eat bananas daily as it is a easy grab and go fruit with a good amount of fiber present in it.It is used to reduce weight , heart diseases and type 2 diabetes.Potassium is present in bananas which lowers blood pressure.If we eat bananas before going to bed, it helps in good sleep as it contain a sleep-promoting chemical.

Bananas

Dates:

Generally dates are taken as dry fruit as it contain lot of soluble fiber.Type 2 diabetes can be reduced and the people who are trying to loose weight can take this daily.They are mostly grown in very hot areas.

Dates a nutricious fruit

Grapes:

In grapes we can find many varieties like rd grapes, purple grapes and black grapes.They contain minerals like quercetin and anthocyanins, antioxidants.People who are suffering from maigrane are advised to avoid dark skinned grapes which contain tyramine, a possible migraine trigger.

Different varieties of grapes

Guava:

Guava is one of the tropical fruit that is rich in vitamin C.Guava helps in maintaining healthy hair and skin.Guava contains large amounts of water and has large amount of carbohydrates.So this fruit is good in regulating the weight loss.

Guava and their benefits

Lemons:

Lemons are the fruits that are rich in vitamin C.They have high amounts of citric acid.They have antioxidants that are found in many of the fruits that helps prevent and manage arthritis, cataracts, macular degeneration, and maintain healthy hair and skin.These lemons are used in all type of food items to add lemon flavor and it is also a low calorie food to add for salads and also to jazz up chicken and fish.We can also take it in a glass of water by adding salt or water to it which acts as glucose to our body.

Yellow_lemons

Mangoes:

Mangoes are a type of tropical fruit which are rich in vitamin C.Mangoes are useful in fighting against cancer.It contain large amounts of fibers that help in reducing cholesterol.They help in keeping our skin fair by opening up the pores.Mango can be advised to sugar patients but it is also restricted not to take it more.It also helps in good digestion , eye care, heart strokes, strengthen your immunity, reduces stones in kidneys,provides high iron for women.

Mangoes and their benefits

Oranges:

Orange also belongs to citrus fruit and is used in fighting against cancer of skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon.Drinking orange juices regularly reduces kidney diseases.They contain soluble fiber and reduces cholesterol.It also fights against viral infections.It helps in preventing skin diseases and also helps to keep skin wrinkles free.

Oranges a variety of citrus fruit

Watermelon:

Watermelon name itself specifies that it contain large amount of water.They are advised in summer and people take it more during summer to avoid dehydration.It is used as a natural medicine for health problems.Taking this water melon daily acts as natural Viagra.It is very rich in vitamins and minerals and is low in calories.

watermelon a delicious fruit

July 15, 2014
Worried About Hair Falls! Try These Foods

Hair loss is a major concern these days. What we apply on our locks is not the only thing that leads to strong and healthy hairs. The perfect balanced diet also plays a significant role in this matter. Similar to each and every other bit of the body, the strong hairs can be determined by the nutritious diet. When our body is disadvantaged from the necessary nutrients then our body undergoes the hair fall. The hair follicle is strengthened by the take in of proper nutrients. There are other factors also that negatively affect the quality of hair like smoke, environmental conditions, not sufficient sleep and many more. But proper nutrients can surely compensate for all these issues. The best way to overcome this situation is to provide your hairs with the perfect nutritious diet. Below down there are few most desirable food products to prevent the hair fall.

Salmons:

Salmons are discovered to be very rich in proteins, vitamin D as well as omega-3 fatty acids. The body needs these nutrients to grow the hair. It has been found that the body is unable to produce the fatty acids which are needed in the growth of the hair and hence we should to take in food products which are rich in these fatty acids. If you don’t like eating salmons there are many others which contain these essential fatty acids like trout, avocado, walnut and many more. Make sure you take in sufficient amount of these fatty acids.

Walnuts:

The walnuts are very good in fighting against the hair fall. The walnuts are those kinds of nuts which are filled with great quantity of omega-3 fatty acids. Apart from this they also contain vitamin E as well as biotin which are responsible for protecting the cells from impairment. And other than this walnut also contains a mineral –copper which provides the hair with shiny and glossy color. The elasticity of the hairs is also improved by the oils present in the walnuts and henceforth leads to stronger hairs. Hence walnuts are proved to be very friendly to the hairs.

Eggs:

Eggs are soo hair friendly. They are vital in the growth of the healthy hair. Eggs are filled with many desirable nutrients. Some of them are proteins, iron, omega-6 fatty acids and many more. If our body is deprived of any of these essential nutrients then we certainly suffers the weak and feeble hairs. Apart from this eggs also contain biotin which is a major hair fall fighting source. Consequently it is advised to eat eggs to have beautiful, long and lustrous hairs.

Oats:

Oats are very much required to possess a healthy body as it is filled with fibers. But eating oats has other benefits too. They are found to be filled with fatty acids, zinc as well as iron too. These fatty acids are majorly responsible for the proper growth of the hair. And hence reduce the hair fall to a great extent. As we can see that we get so many essential nutrients from this particular food product therefore we should include a bowl of oats in our daily diet.

Carrots:

Vitamin A is delivered to the body in great amount by eating carrots. Vitamin A is not only beneficial for the eyes but also for the hairs. It delivers great nutrition to the scalp and makes it healthier. And subsequently the hair becomes stronger and shinier as a result of healthier scalp. Apart from carrots the perfect diet that includes green vegetables, fruits and proteins is found to be the promoter for well-conditioned hair. Hence carrots are very important to control and limit the thinning hair line.

Prunes:

There are several other hair related concerns apart from the hair fall like the hair undergoes dryness, firmness and lightening in the hair color. The major reason of all these conditions may be depletion in the amount of iron. And hence our body is need of iron rich food items. One of the major sources of iron is prunes and it majorly reduces the hair fall. Prune significantly enhances the hair quality and makes the hairs look more radiant. There are other sources of iron too which you can include in the diet as well like green vegetables, beetroots and many more.

Spinach:

Spinach proves to be of great help in maintaining the quality of the hair. Spinach contains some of the most essential nutrients like Vitamin C, iron and many more. And as a result taking in spinach makes the hair follicles healthier and eventually diminishes the hair fall. It also helps in the circulation of the oils in the scalp. There are many other options like broccoli as well as kale.

Apart from the healthy diet there are some other points that you must take into account to prevent the thinning of the hair line. Extreme strain should be avoided and stop switching from your shampoo and hair product frequently. Lower down the usage of hair sprays. Thus start taking in the balanced diet and enjoys the perfect and glossy hair with no hair fall.

July 1, 2014