MUSTARD.....

MUSTARD....
Mustard is one of the ancient spices used by almost every country in the world. Other than adding flavor to your food it is also known for its curative power.The unique healing properties of mustard seeds can partly be attributed to their home among the Brassica foods found in the cruciferous plant family.

Mustard has the following nutrients in it..the nutrients are arranged in ascending order of their % in the seed -
-Selenium,Tryptophan,Omega-3 fatty acids,phoporous,manganese,magnesium,dietry fibre,iron,calcium,protein,niacin,zinc and lastly calories.

-Selenium is a nutrient that has been shown to help reduce asthma, arthritis and certain cancers.

-Magnesium also reduces asthma and lowers blood pressure.

Some of the health benefits of mustard's are :-

-Increased rate of metabolism

-Speeds up digestion process by increasing saliva as much as eight times more than normal

-Inhibits cancer cell growth and possibly prevents other types of cancer as well.

-Treatment of skin diseases through the application of sulfur found in mustard.

The four powerful qualities in mustard is antibacterial, anti fungal, antiseptic and has anti-inflammatory properties.

So don't go by the size,just see the amount of benefits given to us by the tiny tot.

FENUGREEK- BITTER YET HEALTHY

FENUGREEK

Fenugreek a native of Mediterranean Ukraine, India and China. The medicinal use of fenugreek seed was first mentioned 3500 years ago in the Egyptian Ebers Papyri. The seed is commonly used in Arabian, Greek and Indian medicinal traditions.
Fenugreek has double benefits as the seeds as well as the leaves both are beneficial for us.
The active constituents in fenugreek are alkaloids, lysine and L-tryptophan. It also contains steroidal saponins (diosgenin, yamogenin, tigogenin, and neotigogenin) and mucilaginous fiber which are believed to be responsible for many of the beneficial effects fenugreek exhibits.
Some of the benefits of Fenugreek are listed below :-

• Diabetes :- Fenugreek is considered to be very helpful for diabetes patient.The glucose regulating, anti-diabetic properties of fenugreek seed are linked to a novel free amino acid, 4 hydroxyisoleucine. This compound stimulates insulin secretion, thereby limiting the extent to which blood glucose is elevated. 4 hydroxyisoleucine promotes insulin secretion and inhibits the rise of blood glucose, thus helping to stabilize blood sugar and reduce body fat production. In one human study, 15 grams of fenugreek daily significantly reduced glucose levels after meals.
• Control Cholestrol :- Studies have proved that consumption of Fenugreek helps control your cholestrol level. It reduces your LDL ie low density Lipoprotein.
• Releif from Constipation :- Fenugreek contains a substantial amount of mucilaginous fiber. The mucilage found in fenugreek does not dissolve but instead swells when mixed with fluids. Since the body cannot digest the mucilage from fenugreek it is believed to be an effective laxative.
• Women health :-Historically, fenugreek was used for a variety of health conditions, including menopausal symptoms and good for breast feeding mothers. It was also used for inducing childbirth.
• Prevents Cancer :-Fenugreek possesses anticarcinogenic potential. So it is helpful in preventing cancer.
• Skin treatment :-As an external application fenugreek may sooth irritated skin and relieve surface aches and pains.

CARROTS

BENEFITS OF CARROTS

Since childhood we have heard our mothers sayinf that if you want good eye-sight eat carrots. Carrots of Asian origin are rich with beta-carotene or Vitamin A,which enhances eye-sight. Other than Vitamin A carros also have other medicinal properties which are not known to everybody.

-The beta-carotene in carrots is an anti-oxident.combating the free radicals that contribute to conditions like cancer, heart disease, and macular degeneration.
- Carrots prevent Cancer
- Carrots consumed daily reduces cholestrol and controls blood pressure.
- Carrot is good for blood sugar regulation because of the presence of carotenoids in carrot. Carotenoids inversely affect insulin resistance and thus lower blood sugar.

- Carrots have antiseptic qualities and therefore, can be used as laxative, vermicide and as remedy for liver conditions. Carrot oil is good for dry skin. It makes the skin softer, smoother and firmer. Carrot juice improves stomach and gastrointestinal health.

Nutritional values of Carrots :-

1. Calories - 27
2. Fat <1>
3. Saturated Fat - 0 g
4. Cholesterol - 0 mg
5. Carbohydrate - 6 g
6. Protein - 1 g
7. Dietary Fiber - 2 g
8. Sodium - 45 mg
9. Vitamin A - 13,418 IU
10. Vitamin B6 - <1>
11. Manganese - <1>
12. Potassium - 183 mg
13. Carotenoids - 10,138 micrograms

HEALTHY ONIONS

ONIONS

We cannot imagine cooking without Onions. Most of the recipes cooked by most part of the world has Onions as their important ingredient.Tears and bad breath-these are the two things usually associated with onion . But there is much more to this popular vegetable, which are known not only for their unique flavours but also for their therapeutic benefits. Onion is guaranteed to transform any meal into a profoundly aromatic culinary experience.
Onions are believed to have originated from Egypt.Although it has a very strong pungent smell that can be overwhelming, it contains curative values.

• Fresh as well as cooked onions have anti-platelet adhesiveness, which helps in preventing thrombosis.
• Onion has been found to be very good for those suffering from high blood pressure.
• Onion helps reduce inflammation and is therefore, beneficial for those suffering from Neuritis, Vertigo and Bronchitis.
• Onion, being a diuretic, increases the secretion of urine.
• Onions are rich in flavonoids and thus, provide protection against cardiovascular disease.
• Onions are very good for the health of hair, finger and toe nails and even the eyes.
• Onions contain a number of sulfides that help in lowering blood lipids.
• Onions have anti-allergy properties, apart from being slightly laxative.
• Onions help drain out mucus from the cavities and loosen phlegm, in turn alleviating the symptoms of sinus.
• Onions help the body in destroying worms and other parasites.
• Researches have revealed that onions prolong longevity.
• Since onions have the property of helping lower blood sugar, they are good for those suffering from diabetes.
• The extracts of onion, being rich in a variety of sulfides, provide some protection against tumor growth.

Nutritional Value of Onion :-

- Vitamin A - 75 IU
- Vitamin C - 9 mg
- Calcium - 48 mg
- Proteins - 1 gm
- Phosphorus - 66 mg
- Carbohydrate - 16 gm
- Sodium - 5 mg
- Potassium - 200 mg
- Dietary Fiber - 3 gm
- Calories - 60
- Total Fat - 0 gm
- Saturated Fat - 0 gm

Onion is Benenificial in the following conditions:
.Asthma
· Influenza
· Colds
· Tuberculosis
· Insomnia
· Pneumonia
· Antiallergy
· Obesity
· Reduce inflammation
·Slightly laxative
· High Blood Pressure
· Lowers cholesterol
· Prolong longevity
. Helps destroy worms and other parasites.
· Bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial tube)
· Neuritis (inflammation of the nerves)
· Vertigo (inflammation of nerves)
· Diuretic (increases the secretion of urine)
· Diabetes mellitus - lowers blood sugar.
· Valuable for the hair, nails of the fingers and toes, and for the eyes.
· Sinus conditions - helps to drain mucus from the cavities and loosen phlegm.
· Whether fresh or cooked onions have antiplatelet, adhesiveness, thus preventing thrombosis.