Category: Vegetables

Vegetables

Health benefits of Moringa

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What is Moringa?

Health benefits of moringaIt is probably the first question which comes to mind for someone who is reading for first time. Moringa is known as magical tree with tremendous uses and health benefits. Today usage of moringa has been encouraged by various humanitarian organizations to combat malnutrition in various parts of globe. In 2008, National Institutes of Health (NIH), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services featured Moringa in their “Mystery Plant Challenge”.

It is said that Moringa tree originated in Northern India and its uses and benefits date almost 5000 years ago.  Ancient Indian medicinal writings have mention of Moringa tree and health benefits of moringa. Roman, Greek and Egyptian civilizations used moringa for its medicinal value, protect skin and purify drinking water.

The name is derived from the Tamil word murungai. There are around 13 species of the plant and widely cultivated one is Moringa oleifera. It is also known as Drumstick tree, (Horse)radish tree, Mother’s best friend or West Indian ben. The tree is named as Munga, Sondna or Segva in Hindi language.

Health benefits of moringa are many and recent studies have showed that moringa has health benefits on more than 30 ailments. Moringa has been used in various traditional medicine for treatment of Anemia, Anxiety, Asthma, Blackheads, Blood impurities, Blood pressure, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Chest congestion, Cholera, Colitis, Conjunctivitis, Cough, Diabetes, Diarrhea, Dropsy, Dysentery, Eye and ear infections, Fever, Glandular swelling, Gonorrhea, Headaches, Hysteria, Intestinal worms, Jaundice, Lactation, Malaria, Pain in joints, Pimples, Pregnancy, Psoriasis, Respiratory disorders, Scurvy, Semen deficiency, Skin infections, Sore throat, Sores, Sprain, Stomach ulcers, Tuberculosis, Tumor, Urinary disorders, Wounds. It shall not be exaggeration to mention that the list is incomplete. Moringa is powerhouse of nutrients, phytonutrients and other chemicals which are responsible for its health benefits.

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Vegetables

Health Benefits of Cauliflower

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health benefits of cauliflowerThough health benefits of cauliflower was not that researched area in past, however the vegetable had been cultivated and consumed for ages. “Cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education” quoted by Mark Twain.  Without contextual knowledge it appears that cauliflower is superior variety of cabbage and has superior health benefits. Quite truly, Cauliflower is one of several vegetables in the species Brassica oleracea, and is related to the cabbage and broccoli. The vegetable is very popular and is available throughout the year. The name cauliflower gets its name from latin word for cabbage – caulis and flower. Cauliflower is native to the Mediterranean region and Asia Minor, where it has been cultivated for more than 2,000 years. It was spread to Western Europe and US in 16th century.

Health benefits of cauliflower are similar to health benefits of broccoli. These health benefits of cauliflower can also be attributed to several phytochemicals which is highlight of the brassica vegetable family. There are major four groups of cauliflower – Italian, Northwest European, Northern European and Asian. It is popularly white in colour, however it comes in  other colours like orange, green and purple. Orange cauliflower variety includes “cheddar” and “orange bouquet” varieties and supposed to contain 25 times the level of vitamin A of white varieties. Green cauliflower or known as broccoflower, has other varieties called romanesco broccoli, alverda, green goddess and vorda. Purple cauliflower gets its color from antioxidant group anthocyanin and has exotic names like “graffiti” and “purple cape.”

Rounded mass of curds are the edible part of cauliflower, which are actually undeveloped flower buds, or shoot tips. Cauliflower is generally bland in taste and children don’t generally like its taste. However it is always masked by other ingredients of the recipe and complements them greatly. Cooking brings out inherent sweetness and Cheese is one such ingredient which goes well with cauliflower. Cauliflower is often added to provide creamy texture to food. Inspite of its taste, health benefits of cauliflower are enormous. It is especially great for vegans supplying adequate vitamins and other nutrients. Consumption of cauliflower on regular basis, can provide fantastic health benefits.

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