KICK START WITH OATS

Oats have some unique fatty acids and antioxidants which together with Vitamin E slow cell damage.

A Counsel On OTS Marzidoats and dozidoats and little lamzidivie, A kiddeldiedivey too, wouldn’t you?”. A tough, old cowboy once counseled his grandson that if he wanted to live a long life, the secret was to sprinkle a pinch of gunpowder on his oatmeal every morning. The grandson did this religiously and live to the age of 110. He left four children, 20 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and a 50 foot hole where the crematorium used to be. Oats have been around for centuries & a bowl of porridge has always been considered a satisfying breakfast in the West. The craze has also caught up here not only because it is the best source of soluble fibre, but also as oats are a very versatile cooking ingredient. A serving of oats ( half a cup, cooked) has nearly 4 grams of viscous souble fibre(Beta Glucan). This fibre helps lower blood LDL cholesterol, the so-called “Bad” cholesterol.

Oats absorb the extra fat & flush it out of the system. That is why they cure constipation because of the high soluble fibre & assist in regulating gastro-intestinal functions. A diet which is rich in oats may also help stabilize blood glucose levels, which could help people with non-insulin dependent diabetes. A study at a famous University in Boston showed that meals with oats lowered blood pressure & total cholesterol in just six weeks. Balancing blood sugar levels by eating fibre-rich food can help your mood. Porridge oats is used traditionally as a relaxant herb & can be taken in tincture form. This helps in nervous disorders. If aids to cope with ovarian & uterine problems associated largely associated with the onset of menopause in women. Depression & mood swings that affect after menopause are relieved through a regular oat meal, because of its high protein & fibre content. Oat meal rejuvenates the endocrine systems & enriches sexual pleasure because it matures the nerves. Oats have some unique fatty acids & antioxidants which together with vitamin E slow cell damage & have been shown to reduce the risk of cancer. Oats are low in fat & salt; they are a good source of natural iron. Being a good source of calcium, they are ideal for heart, bones & nails. Oat Bran because of its food value has received considerable attention from the medical community for its role in reducing blood cholesterol. In 1997, the U.S. food & Drug Administration announced that the fibre from oatmeal may reduce the risk of heart disease. Several types of baby foods contain oats, mainly in the form of whole oat flour. Dry pabulum type infant food often use just oat flour with a little barley malt & some vitamins & minerals. The product is “drummed” to create very thin flakes of pabulum. Thin oat flakes are equally useful for invalids ask for toddlers. They can easily be swallowed & are easy to digest. The nutrient value in 100 grams of oats when compared to wheat is much more – food value is 389 K cal 19% more than in wheat. Being partly cooked in the mill, oats can easily be teamed with fresh or died fruits & natural yoghurt. It can be assimilated as a part of any meal breakfast, lunch or dinner. Oats are a very good dessert ingredient because they are low in sugar & compensate for the otherwise rich ingredients. In an age of fast & processed food, mothers have to be very innovative in cooking up new dishes. Oats have the flexibility not only because of its variety, but also because it is half cooked. It can easily used to make quick pastas, muffins, crossiants. Moreover, since it substitutes for maida, it is a healthy option any day. It can act as a thickening agent for soups & gravies instead of maida & replace wheat flour in Indian cooking.

Papaya

Rich source of anti-oxidants and fibre

Papaya commonly known as 'PawPaw' is a delicious fruit with butter-like consistency. Once considered quite exotic, they can now be found in markets throughout the year. Although there is a slight seasonal peak in early summer and fall, papaya trees produce fruit year round, with the peak season running from April through October. Originally from southern Mexico and neighbouring countries, the papaya plant is now cultivated in most tropical countries. Papayas are grown in both tropical and subtropical regions, including Mexico, Brazil, India, and Southeast Asia. The trees, related to the North American pawpaw, grow quickly and do not live long, but nevertheless seed easily and yield fruit year-round. There are about 50 varieties of papayas, many of which are inedible and not sold commercially. The papaya, is the fruit of the Carica papaya tree. Papayas are spherical or pear-shaped fruits that can be as long as 20 inches. The ones commonly found in the market usually average about 7 inches and weigh about one pound. Their flesh is a rich orange color with either yellow or pink hues. Inside the inner cavity of the fruit are black, round seeds encased in a gelatinous-like substance. Papaya's seeds are edible, although their peppery flavor is somewhat bitter. Papayas are picked completely green and firm, they will usually not ripen, but can be used in cooking. Choose fruit that is free of black spots and damage to the skin. The spreading yellow color indicates the papaya is softening and shows how far along it is in ripening; fruit with a little yellow near the end takes five to seven days to ripen. Ripe yellow papayas may be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. Refrigeration will also slow the ripening process in fruit intended for cooking. For the biggest nutritional benefits, the fruit, seeds and/or skin should be eaten. But tea made from the leaves or dried fruit has shown many of the same properties. Papaya is most often taken in the form of supplements (papaya enzymes) but if you enjoy tea, you might as well give it a try. The fruit, as well as the other parts of the papaya tree, contain papain, an enzyme that helps digest proteins. This enzyme is especially concentrated in the fruit when it is unripe. Papain is extracted to make digestive enzyme dietary supplements and is also used as an ingredient in some chewing gums. Papayas are rich sources of antioxidant nutrients, minerals and fibre. Papayas may be very helpful for the prevention of diabetic heart disease. Papayas are an excellent source of vitamin C as well as a very good source of vitamin E and beta-carotene, three very powerful antioxidants. These nutrients help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. They are rich in Fibre. The Ayurveda experts have regarded papain as a remedy for abdominal disorders. It is a good medicine for dysentery, hyper-acidity, dyspepsia and constipation. Pimples are removed by rubbing the white pulp of raw papaya on the face. It brings lustre to the face and removes wrinkles.

Avocado for Fitness

Cures blood cholesterol levels, skin problems, eczema and Psoriasis

Avocado is native to Central America. It is a fruit belonging to the genus Persea in the Lauraceae family.  It was once considered to be the 'King of Fruits' and was consumed only by the royal clan. The plant bears yellow green flowers. The Avocado fruit is pear shaped. Because of its shape its sometimes called 'Avocado Pear'. Avocado is tropical plant and cannot withstand very cold temperatures. The fruit is high in fat content than another fruit. The fat that is present in the fruit is monounsaturated fat. The fruit is also rich in potassium content. The fruit is also a good source of vitamins A, B1, D, E, K & B. The fruit is also said to cure the blood cholesterol levels. It also contains amino acids, lecithin and other fatty acids. It is useful for people suffering from skin problems. The Avocado oil is useful in treating skin orders like Eczema and Psoriasis. The oil is deep olive green in color and has a sweet nutty aroma. It is a good skin nourisher and makes the skin glow. Avocados have a delicate flavor and a smooth, creamy consistency which makes them a perfect food for babies. Compare to any other vegetables such as carrots, spinach, or fruits, just a slice of avocado improves your body's ability to absorb arytenoids. Avocadoes have medicinal qualities as well. They are used in alternative medicine to treat arthritis, high cholesterol, and gum disease. Avocado flesh also gets oxidised on exposure to air like the apples and pears. To prevent oxidation lemon juice can be smeared on the pulp. Its used in preparation of sandwiches, spreads, dips and rolls. It can also be combined with chicken preparations. The pulp has a pleasing taste and is creamy in consistency. Avocado is widely used in salad dressing and milk shake preparations. The Jamaican islands specialty is the milk shake. The simplest way is just slice the avocado and place ham and mayonnaise to make a bread sandwich. Avoid keeping the avocado fruit as is in the freezer. Avocados are always eaten raw because heating can cause them to become bitter. They can be added to cooked dishes just before serving. Avocado is most commonly used to make the Mexican dip called guacamole, a mixture of mashed avocado, lime juice, tomatoes, and hot peppers.

Health Benefits of Bitter Gourd

Promotes digestion, controls blood sugar and treats fungal infections

Momordica charantia or karela or Bitter Gourd is a tropical vegetable. The vegetable skin is warty in nature like that of a crocodile. It is bitter to taste. The plant is slender and is a climber. It bears yellow flowers. The bitter gourd is available in many sizes. The fresh juice of the vegetable is used to treat various ailments like diabetes, colic, sores, fungal infections, etc., Young immature biter gourds are best to cook. The skin in dark green in colour and the flesh is white and the seeds are tender. Its also known as Karela, Balsam pear or Bitter melon. Bitter gourd is rich in vitamin A, B1, B2 and c and contains minerals like calcium, phosphorous, iron, copper and potassium. It aids purify blood tissue, enhances digestion, and stimulates the liver. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid eating bitter gourd. Since ancient times, the extracts of Bitter gourd have been used in natural medicine. Bitter gourd is a blood purifier, activates spleen and liver. It is a purgative, appetizer and digestive. All parts of the plant, the seeds, leaves and vines, are used for medicinal purposes. Like most bitter fruits and vegetables it promotes digestion. Primarily Asians used bitter gourd to treat malaria. Its is said to have a positive effect in controlling the blood sugar level and is termed as 'Plant Insulin'. Three active constituents in bitter melon know as steroidal saponins (charntin, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids) are believed to be responsible for the blood-sugar lowering. Rich in iron, bitter melon has twice the beta carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, twice the potassium of bananas. Its is used to treat blood disorders like blood boils, scabies, ring worm etc., The juice of the leaf is used to treat alcoholism and piles. The juice of the Bitter Gourd leaves are used to treat cholera. It is useful as an emtic, purgative. Excessive ingestion of bitter melon juice, much more than the amount recommended may lead to diarrhea and abdominal pain. Bitter melon is seldom mixed with other vegetables due to its strong bitter flavour. The Chinese used the bitter melon in stir fry dishes and soups. Bitter melon capsules are also available in the market.

Cabbage

Cures Ulcers, Constipation and Prevents thyroid

Cabbage 'The drug of the poor' is botanically known as Brassica oleracea. The health benefits of the cabbage are known for ages. It is a relatively cheaper than any other vegetable. It is a perennial vegetable. Cabbages are sturdy and strong. Cabbage has a round shape and is composed of superimposed leaf layers. Cabbages grown late in autumn and in the beginning of winter. The only part of the plant that is normally eaten is the leafy head. There are three major types of cabbage: green, red and Savoy. Red cabbages contain significantly more protective phytonutrients than white cabbages. There are many varieties of cabbage like the 'Danish Ballhead', 'Late Flat Dutch' etc. Cabbage helps cure ulcers and prevents colon cancer. It is rich in fiber and low in calories. The fiber content helps the intestines to stay healthy. It helps in reduced absorption of iodine and prevents thyroid disorders. It is an excellent source of beta-carotene. The beta-carotene helps prevent cataract. Cabbage is rich in vitamin A, B, C, E. Cabbage is rich in minerals like Thiamin, riboflavin, calcium, potassium, magnesium and proteins. It helps boost immunity. Cabbages are used to treat acute inflammation. It helps relieve painfully engorged breasts. Alzheimer's which is caused due to the accumulation of a protein called beta-amyloid results in damage of the brain cell. The antioxidant polyphones which is present in cabbage can protect the brain cells from such a damage. Raw cabbage juice is said to cure ulcers. The cabbage is a good source of folic acid which lowers the risk of having babies with Spina bifida. Cabbages are available in the market in abundance. While choosing the cabbages the following points should be kept in mind. Avoid buying precut cabbages. Choose cabbages that are dense and firm. Avoid cabbages with too many loose leaves. Store cabbages in a cool place to make them stay fresh for longer duration. Once cabbages are cut wrap them up tightly in a plastic bag and store else the vitamin c component starts to degrade. Napa cabbage has a mild sweet taste and is incredible in stir fry dishes. Shredded raw cabbage is usually used in salads, such as coleslaw. Cabbage is often added to soups or stews.

Musk Melon - Tropical Delight

Good for the stomach. Helps in curing Constipation and acidity
'Cucumis Melo' or Musk Melon is a native to central asia.  It is grown in the tropical  regions for a very long time.  Musk melon is widely known as 'Cantaloupe'.
Musk melon being an annual plant is cultivated from the seeds.  The plants have to be watered lightly.  It is a monoecious plant where the male and the female flowers are distinct.  The melons are easily grown in sandy soil.  Manure is essential for a healthy growth.  Dry river beds are the most suitable for melon cultivation.  Unripe melons should be stored at room temperature until they ripen.  The two principal varieties of muskmelon are those with netted skins  and those with smooth skins.
The creamy flesh can be consumed chilled or as fruit juice.  With scientific advancements the melon growers have introduced many hybrids which are much tastier.  Melons make a good combination for custards and fruit salads.
Musk Melon juice is beneficial to be consumed during  conditions like Lack of appetite, Weight loss, Urinary tract infections, Constipation, Acidity, Ulcer. Musk melon reduces heat in the body to a great extent, relieves tiredness, enhances appetite and is an effective laxative. It is a good source of Vitamins A, B, and C. Musk Melons are rich in potassium, a nutrient that may help control blood pressure, regulate heart beat, and possibly prevent strokes.