Herbs Health benefits of Alfalfa valuefood, August 12, 2013February 20, 2014 Health benefits of alfalfa include reduction of cholesterol, healthy cardio vascular system, reduction of heart… Continue Reading
Vegetables Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds valuefood, August 9, 2013August 2, 2021 While researching on health benefits of pumpkin seeds, I found this small but sweet poem… Continue Reading
Spices Health benefits of Anise valuefood, August 5, 2013May 15, 2023 Anise (scientific name Pimpinella anisum) or aniseed, is known for its flavour, which resembles liquorice, fennel. Anise, like fennel, contains anethole, a phytoestrogen. Anethole, is the principal component of anise oil. The oil of anise is also used in toothpaste, chewing gum, cough syrups, and soap, among other products. Whole seeds of Anise are used in cooking. Anise is also available in tea, while also marketed as Anise extract. The health benefits and medicinal use of Anise can be attributed to its properties like carminative, anti septic, anti spasmodic, decongestant, digestive, expectorant, sedative and stimulant. Health benefits and medicinal uses of Anise is summarized below: Continue Reading
Vegetables Health benefits of Moringa valuefood, April 21, 2013May 15, 2023 What is Moringa? It 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. Continue Reading
Fruits Health Benefits of Pomegranate valuefood, April 14, 2013February 20, 2014 Health benefits of pomegranate are innumerable. It would not be exaggeration if one says a pomegranate a day keeps the doctor away. Pomegranate fruit is filled with vitamin C and other nutrients that offer wide health benefits and are good for our heart and body. Pomegranate is one of the oldest fruits and favorite fruit of people of tropical and sub tropical areas of the world. The pomegranate is an original native of Persia or Mediterranean Basin and today it has become more common in the global commercial markets. Reference of Pomegranate is found in several ancient writings across cultures and religions including Babylonian texts, the Book of Exodus, the Homeric Hymns and the Quran. There is evidence that over 2000 years ago the people of the Mediterranean used various parts of the pomegranate to treat a variety of ailment. Pomegranate gets its name from medieval Latin pōmum “apple” and grānātum “seeded”. It has similar names in other languages – granada (Spanish), Grenadine (German), grenade (French), granatäpple ( Swedish), pomogranà (Venetian). Other local names include anâr (Persian/Hindi/Urdu), darima/dadima (Sanskrit). Continue Reading
Vegetables Health benefits of Onion valuefood, September 6, 2011February 20, 2014 Onions (Allium cepa) is part of family Allium and one of the most important vegetable. There are over 600 species of Allium including lily and garlic. Allium vegetables mainly onion and garlic are known for their peculiar flavor which accounts for its popularity. This flavour is due to presence of alkyl cysteine sulphoxides synthesized in plant cells. Health benefits of onion and garlic can be attributed to unique combination of flavonoids and sulphur containing nutrients. Onion is hardy, bulbous plant, very much similar to lily and grows in well drained moist soil. Health benefits of onion are thus easy to obtain. Onion plant can be grown in backyard or garden. Onion since ages, have been important part of our food preparations as flavouring and seasoning agent. Use of onion can be traced way back to bronze age. Continue Reading
Spices Health benefits and medicinal properties of Lemongrass valuefood, March 21, 2011September 24, 2015 [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
Spices Health benefits of Kokum valuefood, January 13, 2011July 25, 2016 Health benefits of Kokum can be attributed to its medicinal properties to aid digestion, provide… Continue Reading
Spices Health benefits of Sumac valuefood, December 5, 2010November 12, 2017 Health Benefits of Sumac(French: Sumac German: Sumach Italian: Sommacco Spanish: Zumaque Arabic: Sammak): Scientific Name: Rhus Coriaria Sumac is native to North America, Iran and Turkey. There is also a poisonous variety of Sumac known commonly as ‘Poison Ivy’. Sumac is used as a substitute for lemon because of its sourness and astringency. Sumac also is used as a substitute for Vinegar. Continue Reading
Spices Health benefits of Vanilla valuefood, November 30, 2010December 30, 2013 Vanilla Scientific Name: Vanilla Fragrans or Vanilla Planifolia Vanilla follows saffron and cardamom as the most expensive spice. Vanilla is native to Brazil, Indonesia, Madagascar and Mexico. Vanilla is one of the most popular flavoring agents for chefs and amateur cooks alike. In fact in the older days Vanilla’s use was only restricted for the royalty because of the pricey nature. Continue Reading
Spices Health benefits of Zedoary valuefood, November 20, 2010November 8, 2014 Zedoary (Scientific name: Curcuma Zedoria) is an ancient spice and a close relative of ginger. It is a native of India, China, Nepal and Indonesia. Zeodary was introduced in the west as early as 6th Century by the Arabs. Today, however it is very rare in the West having been replaced by Ginger. Dried Zedoary is ground in a pestle and mortar. The dried rhizomes of Zeodary plant are used as a condiment and in perfumes, medicines and cosmetics. The Zerumbet has been erroneously confused with the round Zedoary. Continue Reading
Herbs Health benefits of Basil or Tulsi valuefood, October 6, 2010September 2, 2013 Basil (Ocimum basilicum) derived its name from from the Greek ‘basiikon phyton’ which means ‘kingly herb’. French consider it royale, while Indians consider Basil sacred and holy. Every Hindu house has plant of Tulsi or Basil shrub and is worshipped. Basil has refreshing clove like aroma. This aroma is complementary to tomatoes and other vegetables. Hence it is also referred as “Tomato herb”. It is also used in garnishing salads and other foods.Stem and leaves of Basil are known to have health benefits and medicinal use. Basil leaves contains essential oil – estragol, eugenol, lineol, caffine, beta carotene, camphor and Vitamin C. It is rich in vitamins A and C and contains minerals like potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorous and calcium. Health benefits of Basil are attributed to its properties as antispasmodic, carminative, stomachic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, insecticide. Health benefits of Basil are summarized below: Continue Reading
Spices Health benefits of Asafoetida valuefood, October 6, 2010November 8, 2014 Asofoetida (scientific name Ferula asafoetida) is also known as Asafetida, Assafetida, Assafoetida, Devil’s Dung, Devil’s Durt, Food of the Gods (Persian), Laser (Roman), Stinking Gum, Hing (Hindi). The name is combination of Persian aza (meaning resin) and Latina foetidus (meaning stinking). Asofoetida has been used as a spice in ancient Rome. Although it is not native to India, Asofoetida is widely used in Indian medicines and cookery for ages. The spice, Asofoetida is hard resinous gum, from sap of roots and stem. The resin is powdered and used. Resin is composed of coumarin. Asofoetida has pungent smell like sulphur, which dissipates on cooking. It adds onion like pleasant flavour to food. Minute quantities of asafoetida is added is added directly to cooking oil or cooking liquid. Health benefits of Asafoetida can be attributed to its medicinal properties like carminative, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and others. Health benefits of Asafoetida are summarized below: Continue Reading
Spices Health benefits of Ajowan or Ajwain Seeds valuefood, October 5, 2010February 7, 2015 Ajowan or Ajwain (scientific name Trachyspermum ammi pronounced aj’o-wen) is from same family as caraway or cumin. Ajowan also known as carom / Ajave/ Ethiopian Cumin or Omam, is common spice in Indian cooking. Ajowan seeds are often chewed on their own after a meal for medicinal value. Ajowan tastes hot and leave tongue numb for a while. Crushed or cooked ajowan leaves strong and distinctive thyme-like aroma. Oil of Ajwain seeds essential contains Thymol. Thymol constitutes more than 50% of Ajowan oil. Health benefits of Ajowain seeds are known traditionally and it is only because of these health and medicinal benefits of ajowain seeds, it finds its place as home remedies for common ailments. Health benefits of Ajwain seeds and other medicinal uses of Ajwain are summarized below: Continue Reading
Honey Health benefits of Honey valuefood, May 25, 2010January 25, 2014 What is Honey? Honey is nectar and sweet deposits from plants, gathered, modified and stored in the honeycomb by honey bees. Honey is made by honey bees in one of the most efficient structure – the beehive. A beehive contains more than 50,000 bees who collectively travel thousands of miles to gather nectar from flowers and make honey. Honey is most popular natural product known since ages for its health benefits. Ancient men who collected honey from forests had realized health benefits of honey. Ancient civilizations have been using honey in various forms for various medicinal uses including healing of wounds, burns, ulcers, infections, etc. Honey has been used for at least 5000 years for its healing properties. Honey forms base of various medicinal preparation of Ayurveda – ancient medicine science from India. Ancient Greece’s Hippocrates, the father of medicine, found honey cleans sores and ulcers on the lips. He also found it heals boils and running sores and other health benefits. Continue Reading