Pulses & Cereals Health benefits of Cereals valuefood, August 29, 2011 We eat rice daily, enjoy wheat bread. Corn flakes with milk or oat are such wonderful breakfast. It is said to consume brown bread rather than white bread. Knowingly or unknowingly cereals form part and parcel of our daily diet. But what are cereals? What are the health benefits of cereals? What is the nutritional value of cereals? Continue Reading
Dairy Products Health benefits of milk valuefood, August 26, 2011 Its said “Milk—It does a body good”. Very rightly, consuming milk and milk products provides various essential nutrients and health benefits. Milk, considered a wholesome balanced diet, has been primary source of nutrients for all animals since their birth. This white liquid produced by mammary glands in animals has been primary nutrient source before they digest complex nutrient source. Apart from being rich source of nutrients, Milk has been regularly used for its medicinal properties by various ancient medicinal folks. In Ayurveda, ancient Indian medicinal science, milk finds its special place. Ever since humans have started domestication of animals, they have been consuming milk. Milk and milk products have been used in ancient Egypt by wealthy people and was considered symbol of wealth. History of milk has also been interesting. In every human civilization milk had its own place of importance. Continue Reading
Vegetables Health benefits of Zucchini valuefood, August 13, 2011 Zucchini or courgette, as we popularly know, is dark or light green vegetable similar to ridged cucumber. Zucchini finds its place in many recipes across globe for its delicate flavor and creamy white flesh. Zucchini belongs to family Cucurbitaceae or the summer squash and are related to winter squash (includes pumpkin), melon (watermelon, muskmelon) and cucumbers. Zucchini vegetable we consume is botanically swollen part of flower. Flowers and seeds of Zucchini are also edible. Some varieties of zucchini which are popular include Black beauty, cocozelle, golden, courgette, and dark green zucchini. Bright golden coloured hybrid zucchini are also available in market. Like other summer squash, zucchini are fragile and have less shelf life. They can’t be stored for long periods. Chilling damages the fruit, especially when brought to normal temperature after cold storage. Fully mature zucchini can grow up to one meter long, but immature fruit around a foot long with soft seeds are usually used for culinary purpose. Continue Reading
Fruits Health benefits of Watermelon valuefood, May 29, 2011 Watermelon is definitely one of my favourites. Apart from being deliciously, watermelon is tremendously healthy, as well. Watermelon is a storehouse of nutrition and hydrates, but still low on fat. The myth was that because watermelon is 92% water, they have very little nutritional value. But studies on health benefits of watermelon have proven that when you eat watermelon, a bundle of powerful antioxidants travel through the body to neutralize free radical damage. Free radicals are organic molecules that contribute to aging, tissue damage and even the progression of certain diseases. Continue Reading
Spices Health benefits and medicinal properties of Lemongrass valuefood, March 21, 2011 [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="400"] Lemongrass – health benefits[/caption] Health benefits of Lemongrass include its ability to cure fever, headache, digestive tract disorders, cough, cold, convulsions, high blood pressure. Some health benefits of lemongrass can be attributed to its anti bacterial, anti fungal, detoxifying, anti oxidant, stimulant, antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory properties. Apart from these health benefits, it has wide culinary use and use in cosmetics and other aromatherapy products. Continue Reading
Herbs Health benefits of Ginger valuefood, January 17, 2011 Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) [French: Gingembre, German: Ingwer Spanish: Jengibre], popularly and inaccurately sold as ginger root, is a rhizome or stem. Ginger is known traditionally for its medicinal and nutritional value including aiding digestion, common cold or cough. This herb is originated and is widely used throughout South Asia and East Asia. It contributes greatly towards health benefits and is regarded as a food medicine for various ailments. Ginger is a large tuberous horizontal perennial plant having knots. The leaves and rhizome have characteristic fragrant odour when cut or bruised. Rhizomes are dug out after the leafy parts are dried. It is sold as fresh ginger in the market or are peeled, sliced and dried. Dried ginger powder is also widely used. Continue Reading
Spices Health benefits of Mustard valuefood, January 14, 2011 Mustard [French: Moutarde Noire, Spanish: Mostaza Negra] is a member of the Brassica family of… Continue Reading
Spices Health benefits of Kokum valuefood, January 13, 2011 Health benefits of Kokum can be attributed to its medicinal properties to aid digestion, provide… Continue Reading
Herbs Health benefits of Mint valuefood, January 9, 2011 Mint (Scientific Name: Mentha Arrensis/ Piperita) is popular spice and widely used in cooking. It is erect, perennial plant with oval shaped, delicate, dark green and fragrant leaves. The leaves have strong, pungent odour while acrid taste. The leaves can be well mixed with other mild tasting leaves and herbs. Because of numerous health benefits of mint, it is often referred to as a wonder herb. Mint is native of temperate Europe. The Romans and Greeks knew about this plant and its medicinal properties from ancient times. It was believed that Mentha, the damsel lover of God Pluto was transformed into mint due to the anger of Prosarpain, the wife of Pluto and Goddess of wealth. Hence it got its name Mentha. Ancient Greek physician, Saufarsats used it in the preparation of various carminative medicines. Even ancient Mohammadan, Chinese and Japanese physicians were familiar with this spice. Mint is cultivated in most parts of Europe, Asia and Africa. Although there are different species of mint found all over the most common among them are Peppermint, Spearmint, Wildmint, Pennroyal and Berg mint. Mint was used as a remedy for ailments related to digestive tract, oral, respiratory and skin disorders. Mint was often used as an air freshener. During the middle ages powdered mint leaves were used to whiten teeth. Mint finds use in the Ayurveda as ‘Ark Pudina’, which is generally prescribed after delivery as it is a possessor of the property of uterus retraction. Continue Reading
Herbs Health benefits of Parsley valuefood, January 7, 2011 Parsley [Scientific name: Petrocelinum Crispum] also known as Persele, it is one of the most widely used herb. The name Parsley is derived from greek word which means ‘rock celery’. This herb with is vibrant taste has amazing medicinal and healing properties. Most popular use of this herb has been for garnishing. Ancient Greek medicines find use of Parsley. Medicinal use of Parsley is also found in traditional Indian Ayurveda, where it is used in different forms like dried root or essential oil. Continue Reading
Spices Health benefits of Pepper valuefood, January 5, 2011 The spice Pepper is cultivated mainly in Asian countries like India, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam…. Continue Reading
Spices Health benefits of Poppy seeds valuefood, January 5, 2011December 23, 2024 Health benefits of poppy seeds include its effect on neural systems and brain, treatment of cancer, treatment… Continue Reading