The Anti Ageing Wheat Grass

  

                                                                         Wheat Grass

                                                Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Malyadri

The wheatgrass is one of the most nutritious superfoods as it has rich amounts of minerals, vitamins, amino acids and other nutrients needed by the body.

The wheat sprouts or the wheat grass is a baby wheat plant and has wonderful health benefits. There is no disease in which it is not beneficial. Like all superfoods, wheat grass has a long list of health claims and it is the best anti aging food.

It contains several nutrients. The main constituent in it is chlorophyll. It helps in purification of the blood, anemia, high blood pressure, cold, asthma, sinus, digestion, stomach ulcers, swelling in intestines, tooth problems, weak gums, eczema, pyorrhoea, kidney problems, ear ailments, thyroid etc.

 

                                                                        Wheat Grass Juice

                                              Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Malyadri

Haemoglobin is the main constituent of blood and it is mainly composed of heamen which is chemically similar to chlorophyll. Both have the same structure and number of atoms of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen. The only difference is that magnesium is situated in the atomic centre of chlorophyll, while in haeman it is iron. So chlorophyll and hemoglobin are almost similar and that is why the green sprouts of wheat are called green blood.   

It improves digestion, strengthens the lever functions by removing the toxins from the body.

It gives energy to the body and gives protection against cancer and diabetes.

Availability

The wheatgrass could be grown at home in a kitchen garden and it takes about two weeks from planting to harvesting. It is harvested at a time when it has the highest nutritional value.

The wheatgrass could be taken either directly in juice form or mixed in with a smoothie or shake or juices. It could be made into a powder too.

The wheatgrass juice and dried wheatgrass powder or pills are available in the market.

Beetroot and its Benefits

Yellow, white and pink/white striped beetroot (visible when sliced)
Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Beet man

The friendship with beetroot is very beneficial for the health. It could be taken as vegetable or or in juice form. Its juice is the best among the vegetables. It could also be taken as a salad.

The juice helps in the formation of blood in the body and is very good in anemia. It contains sufficient amounts of iron and helps in activating and restructuring the red blood cells. It helps in the assimilation of acarbonic calcium.

It increases the immune system of the body and the carbohydrates present in it provide energy to the body.

The juice of beetroot is the best in jaundice, hepatitis, nausea, vomiting,

It helps in piles, fever and kala azar.

It contains sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sulphur, chlorine, iodine, iron and several vitamins.

It contains enough carbohydrates and moderate amounts of proteins and fiber.

Biol and filter the white beetroot and apply the extract on abscess, pimples and burns to get relief from them. It cleans the skin. By helping in the formation of haemoglobin in the body it provides redness and facial glow.

Put some vinegar in the extract of beetroot and apply on hair or dip the piece of ginger in the extract and massage the hair at night and rinse in the morning to get relief in dandruff.

The daily intake of two cups of the mixed juice of beetroot helps in regulating the blood pressure.

It is better to take the beetroot in moderate amounts as the excess intake of it is dangerous.

The health benefits of Dates

Dates on Palm

Wikimedia Commons by Irshadpp

The body needs to adapt itself with changing seasons by following little changes in the eating habits for fitness and overall health. Certain foods give special benefits in winter. That is why dates is called the dry fruit of winter. The regular intake of it saves the body from several ailments. It gives maximum benefits, when taken with milk.

It is the rich source of several vitamins, minerals and fluorine. It contains carbohydrates, proteins, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium and phosphorus in rich amounts.

The fluorine in dates helps to delay the tooth decay, while the calcium in it helps to strengthen the teeth and bones.

It is very beneficial for those who wish to increase the weight of the body.

It has dietary fiber which is both soluble and insoluble, which keeps the digestive system healthy. It is rich in amino acids.

It is highly nutritious and instant energy giver as it contains natural sugar like fructose, glucose and sucrose.

It is very beneficial in gastric cancer as it has no side effect.

It helps to increase the eyesight and its regular use helps to get rid of night blindness.

The regular intake of dates helps to control the blood sugar levels.

The intake of it with honey is very beneficial for the weak children and this remedy helps in diarrhea too.

The children wetting the bed at nigh should be given the dates with milk before going to bed. It is beneficial for those who repeatedly go to urine.

It keeps the heart and mind healthy. The rich amount of potassium and moderate quantities of calcium in it helps the proper functioning of the nervous system.

The use of dates for few days by eating 3-4 fruits washed in warm water helps to get rid of the problem of low blood pressure.

The presence of iron in dates helps in anemia and stimulates the the formation of blood.

It is beneficial for the proper functioning of lever.

It completely cleans the digestive system. Keep it soaked in water overnight and drink the contents in the morning to improve the digestive system.  

It has little fats and no cholesterol. It controls the levels of cholesterol.

Burn the kernel of dates and apply the powder on wounds for speedy healing. 

The Health Benefits of Boiled Vegetables

The Boiled Vegetables

Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Biswarup Ganguly 

The eating of the boiled vegetables has several health benefits, though they may not be relished for taste. But you will appreciate them if you know about their nutritious values.

The fried and baked food is not healthy. Whereas the boiled and light cooked food is not good for health. The boiling is better than frying and baking.

To increase the immune system of the body, just boil the water and add the vegetables in it with little salt.

The boiled food is safe and clean for eating as it becomes free from bacteria and the vitamins which get destroyed by overcooking are found to remain intact in it.

The boiled food is very beneficial as the nutrients remain as such in them.

It saves the body from the risks of several diseases and we can also get rid of many ailments by eating the boiled food.

The boiled vegetables boost the immune system of the body.

It helps in reducing and regulating the body weight as there is not fat in it.

The boiled vegetables could be easily eaten and digested and are preferable in case of mouth and gum problems.

The boiled food has different taste and the boiled vegetables acquaint with new flavor, as the tomatoes give new taste when taken in boiled form.

The preparation of the food saves the time and fuel and it is the healthy way to supply rich nutrient diet to the body. 

Dalia Helps in Weight Loss

A nice fresh colourful Algerian salad using bulgur wheat, cucumber, spring onions, peppers and cheese

Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Jerry Pank

Dalia, a cereal food made from the groats of several different species of wheat especially the drum wheat is also known as Bulgur or Burghul or bulghur. 

It is the most common food in India, Europe and Middle East. It is known as Dalia in North India and is popular all over this wheat-consuming region. 

In US it is produced from white wheat in four distinct grinds or sizes viz. fine, medium, coarse and extra coarse. 

It is made from parboiled and dried wheat which is ground afterwards, and has a very small amount of the bran partially removed from it. 

It is a whole grain as per USDA and Whole Grains Council. 

This high fiber food is sometimes confused with cracked wheat. The latter is is crushed wheat grain and is not parboiled.

The whole grain, bulgur and cracked wheat are available in natural food stores and could be easily prepared at home. The highest quality of Dalia has uniform particle sizes and forms a consistent cooking.

It is a common ingredient in dishes and has a light, nutty flavor. It contains plenty of nutritious contents which keep us healthy. The high fiber diet of Dalia is good for overall health. It has a lower glycemic index and higher levels of most minerals and vitamins.

Benefits of Dalia

1. It contains both soluble and insoluble fibers. These higher levels of fiber reduce the cholesterol and increase the blood sugar levels. It controls the cholesterol levels, helps in proper functioning of heart and regulates the metabolism of the body.

2. It reduces extra weight of the body. The people who wish to reduce the weight should regularly take Dalia and add it to their daily diet chart. 

3. The intake of Dalia gives the feeling of fullness and satisfies hunger. A person does not feel hungry for a long time after taking Dalia. The people having the habit of always eating something should take Dalis in breakfast.

4. It provides sufficient energy to the body.It gives extra boost to the body. The daily intake of a cup of Dalia provides energy for the whole day. This high energy keeps the metabolism of the body in proper shape. That is why the intake of dallia is preferred in the mornings. 

5. Dalia contains enough antioxidants which flush out the toxins from the body and revitalize the body. The antioxidants help in proper metabolism too.

6. It reduces the presence of unnecessary elements from the body and helps in proper functioning of all bodily activities both internal and external.

Uses in Recipes

It is used in pilafs, puddings, soups, bakery products, stuffing, salads and breads. In breads, it adds a whole grain component. 

It is often mistaken for rice as both are prepared in a similar manner but the high nutritional value of Dalia makes it a good substitute for rice. But as compared to the unenriched white rice, it has more fiber and protein.

In India it is used as a cereal with milk and sugar while in US, it is often used as a side dish like rice or pasta. 

It is a popular Latin American carnival food and is often prepared with flower pollen and tapioca syrup and fried in patties.

In Turkey it is prepared as pilaf in chicken stock, with or without sauteed noodles or is cooked with tomatoes, onions, red pepper or ginger. The Turkish people use it in two forms, the fine-ground and a coarser one. The fine ground form is used for making kisir which is a bulgur salad similar to tabbouleh and is prepared with tomato paste or fresh tomatoes with cucumbers, parsley, olive oil and other salad ingredients as per taste.

The pomegranate molasses which is more sour than sweet is commonly used in favor of lemon juice to add tartness to Dalia dishes. A variety of dishes are prepared with it including the ezogelin soup as it forms the base of a tarhana soup too which is made with yogurt in which hellim or halloumi is added. 

How to wash the Fruits and Vegetables before Use

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Elina Mark

We have to make sure that whether the fresh vegetables and fruits taken by us daily are healthy or not. Several germs, pesticides and insecticides remain attached with the fruits and vegetables purchased from the market. These unfriendly and disease casing living and non- living things enter our kitchens and cause several health problems. So it is better to get rid of these unwanted things.

Some traces of insecticides and pesticides remain stuck with the fruits and vegetables available in the market. These harmful chemicals are not visible to the eyes, yet they are very harmful to health.

So it is advisable to properly clean the fruits and vegetables before use. The following measures will help to clean them and get rid of harmful things attached to them.

Clean with White Vinegar

The white vinegar is the best to get rid of bacteria and chemicals sticking on the sruits and vegetables. Soak the fruits and vegetables in vinegar for 5-10 minutes and then thoroughly wash with clean water. The ratio of vinegar to fruit is 1:3.

Wash the fruits and vegetables with tap or drinking water. Soak them in water for half an hour if they are to be eaten with peels like cabbage etc. and then wash with clean water.   

Always peel the fruits and vegetables like apple, mango, kiwi, pumpkin etc. before cutting them. 

Most of the remains of the contents of insecticides get removed by steam or cooking. Therefore put the green leafy vegetables in boiling water for a minute and then wash with running water.

Wash the vegetables like cabbage, spinach,cauliflower, broccoli in warm water containing 2% salt.

The carrot, brinjal etc could be washed in tamarind water to leech out the harmful chemicals from them.

Always clean the hands before and after washing the fruits and vegetables.

As far as possible, use the locally grown vegetables.

Always buy seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Prepare the Cleaning Solution

Prepare the solution of any one of the following and sprinkle on fruits and vegetables. Let it remain for 5-10 minutes and then wash with clean water.

1. Take a large spoon of lemon juice and add two large spoons of baking soda in it.  Instead of baking soda, two large spoons of vinegar could also be added.

2. Add a cup of white vinegar and a large spoon of baking soda with 8-10 drops of lemon oil in a cup of water. Prepare the mixture and clean the vegetables and fruits by sprinkling the contents on it. Wash with clean water to remove the taste of vinegar.

Scrub the vegetables and fruits like broccoli, cabbage, leafy greens, watermelon, potato, and berries in the mixture before washing in running water.

In this way you can save yourself and your family from the harmful effects associated with unclean vegetables.

Beetroot for health and Beauty

Beetroot
Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by User:Siebrand 

Make beetroot a close friend to keep yourself healthy. It could be taken either in the vegetable or juice form. Beetroot could also be taken in the form of salad.

It contains sodium, potassium, calcium, sulfur, chlorine, iodine, iron and vitamins. It contains enough carbohydrates and gives energy to the body, but few proteins and fats.

Its juice is the best among all vegetables and it increases the blood in the body. Beetroot helps in anemia as its juice activates the formation of blood. Due to the plenty of iron in it, the beetroot activates and restructures the red blood cells. It increases the immune system of the body. The juice helps in jaundice, hepatitis and nausea. The juice is the best medium to assimilate the acarbonic calcium in the body.

The regular intake of beetroot alleviates constipation and helps in piles.

Boil the white beetroot and filter the extract. This infusion is the best remedy in abscess, skin inflammation, pimples, measles and fever. It is the best skin cleanser. It increases the hemoglobin beneficial for skin. As a result it increases the facial glow and redness.
Beetroot helps in dandruff too. Mix the infusion with a little vinegar and apply on hair or soak few pieces of ginger in it and rub on hair before going to bed and wash the hair in the morning.
The intake two cups of beetroot juice per day helps to control the high blood pressure.
However the excess use of beetroot could be harmful.

What is vitamin E

Boxes of fresh vegeables
Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Kate Holt/AusAID

The body needs vitamins in one form or the other as several diseases may occur due to the deficiencies of vitamins. The vitamin E is very important for the overall health. It keeps away several diseases and imparts extra glow to the skin. 

It is very beneficial to keep the body healthy. 

The vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, wheat, green leafy vegetables, gram, barley, date, rice water, cream, butter, sprouts and fruits. 

The properties of Vitamin E

The intake of fruits and vegetables containing vitamin E or taking the capsules of it increase the presence of antioxidants in the body. But the natural foods are advisable instead of tablets or capsules.

Formation of Red Blood cells

It helps in the formation of red blood corpuscles in the body. The deficiency of vitamin E leading to anemia may occur in new born babies, if the pregnant woman does not take enough amount of vitamin E.

Skin Glow

It is very helpful to make the skin strong, supple and shiny. The intake of vitamin E can even reduce the occurrence of wrinkles. 

Helps in Functioning of Thyroid and Pituitary Gland   

The deficiency of vitamin E affects the working activity of the thyroid gland and pituitary gland the most. It causes the sluggish working of these glands and the body feels tired and heavy.

Formation of Cell Membranes

The skin membrane or the layer covering the blood cells to keep them intact, becomes weak with the deficiency of vitamin E.  It would stop the formation of blood cells too. The vitamin E helps in the formation of cell membranes. The deficiency of vitamin E weakens this outer layer and will reduce the formation of blood cells. 

Mental Problems

The sufficient amount of vitamin E in the body saves from stress and mental tensions. Its deficiency causes several mental problems. 

What is vitamin K

Vitamin K Rich Vegetables
Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Elina Mark

Despite being an important vitamin for health the vitamin K is rarely discussed. It is soluble in fats and is needed by the body to synthesize certain proteins. It remains stored in body fats and liver. Its primary importance is considered to help in clotting of blood during bleeding.The letter K has been a German origin from the word koagulation which in English means coagulation or clotting.

This objective is achieved by vitamin K by activating different proteins, minerals and calcium which help in the process of clotting of blood. It helps in the improvement of the health of bones and stops the accumulation of calcium in arteries and thereby reduces the chances of sudden heart attack. It helps in delaying the symptoms of old age.

Due to ignorance the people do not care to include vitamin K in regular diet.

Excessive and abnormal bleeding is the first sign of the deficiency of vitamin K in body. The bleeding from gums and nose is the symptom of this deficiency. The excessive deficiency of vitamin K even leads to the bleeding in digestive system.

The appearance of excessive blood clotting occurs in body is another symptom of vitamin K deficiency.

Due to the deficiency of vitamin K the body especially the soft tissues assimilate large amount of calcium and the arteries become hard. The hardness of the arteries is also a symptom of the deficiency of vitamin K. In some cases it damages the great artery.  

Vitamin K is found in Cabbage, Cauliflower, Spinach, Lettuce, Broccoli, Kale, Brussels, Swiss chard, Turnip, Aspharagus, Sprouts, Grapes, Kiwifruit, Avocados etc. Its chief source is parsley. 

Strawberry Cornstarch Glaze

A bowl of sliced strawberries
Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Yuyudevil

The strawberry glaze made with cornstarch can be used as topping for many deserts including cheesecake too. 

Mix water(2/3 cup ), Take about 750 gm of stems removed fresh strawberries. Add 3 cups of water, half cup sugar, 2 cups lemon juice to the strawberries. Place the contents in a pan and boil on high heat with thorough and constant stirring. Then mesh the strawberries into small pieces in the pan and cook on low heat for few minutes. 

After stopping the heating process, strain the mixture and squeeze the juice through strainer from the strawberries. Avoid the pulp and reheat again on low heat.

Take one tablespoon of cornstarch in a small bowl and whisk it with 3 tablespoons of water. Thereafter pour the cornstarch into the simmering pan.

Continue whisking the mixture on high heat for five minutes or till it thickens into a glaze.

Stop heating and pour the glaze into a separate bowl and let it cool. After cooling glaze and refrigerate till it gets chilled.  

Strawberry Mint Lemonade

Strawberry Mint Lemonade
Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Janine 

Like other lemonades the strawberry mint lemonade too is sweet and sour. Because the slices of strawberry become pickled by lemon in lemonade. While the sugar and mint provides extra flavor to it. 
The strawberry mint lemonade is very easy to prepare.

Take some organic cane sugar or the maple syrup, which easily dissolves than the sugar crystals. Instead of bottled lemon juice extract the juice of fresh lemons.
Take 4 cups of water and add fresh strawberries with 1 ¼ cups of sugar, 5 cups of fresh mint leaves, and 1 cup of lemon juice.

Leave the mixture for few hours or preferably overnight so that the sugar can drain out the juices from the strawberries through osmosis. 

Then add the remaining lemon juice, and 2 cups of water and put the contents in a pan. Boil the mixture and simmer for 10 minutes. Stain into a blender and blend properly with thin slices of strawberries. Add more sugar to taste and refrigerate the contents. The 4 servings of strawberry mint lemonade are ready.

What is Vitamin D and what are its benefits

Sunbathing Women
Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Ed Yourdon 

The nutritious diet is necessary for overall health. The diet could not be healthy unless it contains vitamins in right proportion. 

The body needs all types of vitamins but vitamin D is one such vitamin which fulfills several needs besides making the bones strong and healthy.

It strengthens and regulates the immune system, controls the body weight, gives benefits in depression and helps in the functions of the brain. Therefore vitamin D should be included in daily diet for overall health.

Sunlight is the chief source of vitamin D. At least half to one hour basking in the sun fulfills the daily needs of vitamin D in the body.

Fish is another rich source of vitamin D. The non vegetarians could include fish in their daily diet to replenish the needs of vitamin D. The fish contains rich amounts of omega 3 fatty acids which make the heart healthy. The fish like salmon, tuna, hilsa are the rich source of vitamin D.

The milk and milk products like curd, cheese etc., also fulfill the needs of vitamin D and calcium in the body.

The pasteurized food like bread, milk, cheese, soy milk etc., also contain vitamin D and should be included in daily diet by the vegans.

For vegans another important source of vitamin D is whole grain. Wheat, husk, rice and dalia are the rich sources of vitamin D.

The orange juice is a rich source of vitamin D and should be included in daily diet.

The sources of vitamin D are limited and its requirement could be fulfilled by vitamin D tablets.

Eggs are the easiest source of vitamin D and they could be included in breakfast. The white part of the egg is a rich source of vitamin D.

The regular use of cod lever oil also fulfills the need of vitamin D.

How to Make a Strawberry Jam

Take about 15 cups of fresh strawberries and clean them. Cut them into halves or chop them. Put the strawberries in a non-reactive container and add 2 cups of the organic sugar. For sugar to drain out the liquid from the strawberries by osmosis, leave the mixture at room temperature for half an hour.Then cover the container and refrigerate over night for maceration. 

After removing the strawberries from the fridge, add 4 and half cups of organic sugar, 8 tbsp of powdered pectin, and half cup of fresh lemon juice or vinegar to it. The fruits can also be added as per choice. 

Boil the contents over high heat, in large pan with continuous stirring for about half an hour or till the mixture becomes consistently thick or trickle down like honey. Be careful as the foam may spill over during the boiling.

Then stop cooking and transfer the jam into the jars.Put the lid tightly on the jars and dip them in a boiling water bath for about 15 minutes, then place them on a cloth and cool them for 24 hours. This processing preserves the jam and makes the jars airtight, as the lids would become concave due to vacuum. 

Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by PatríciaR
Image URL-upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d0/Strawberry_jam_on_a_dish.JPG/796px-Strawberry_jam_on_a_dish.JPG

Strawberry Sorbet Recipes

It is very simple to make a sorbet with simple recipe and without any fancy equipment. The brilliant red strawberry flavored sorbet is made from simple ingredients. Either served alone or paired with simple butter cookies it is an exquisite and and delicious dessert. Any citrus juice like that of lemon, lime, orange or grapefruit, can be added to it. The fruits make a delicious combination. 

It has two recipes.

1. An icy or granular sorbet, requiring only a food processor and freezer.
Prepare the syrup of water and sugar in a saucepan, by boiling the mixture over medium heat with constant stirring, then without stirring, let it simmer for 5 minutes. Transfer it into a bowl, and refrigerate.

Thaw a quart of frozen strawberries, or wash and trim if they are fresh. Then make a smooth mixture but not a puree in a food processor, and combine it with half a cup of frozen apple juice concentrate or 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and lukewarm or cool sugar syrup. 
Put the mixture in a shallow or cake pan and place it in the freezer. First stir it after two hours and then twice after every hour, to break the crystals or till the sorbet becomes as firm as required. When it becomes icy, puree it in a food processor and return to the freezer after covering it. 

It could be served after next two hours before allowing it to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.

2. A smoother sorbet, churned in an ice cream maker. Prepare the water and sugar syrup as above.

Make a completely smooth puree of strawberries with citrus juice in a food processor.
Stain the mixture to remove the seeds and the pulp of strawberries and mix the liquid contents with the sugar and corn syrup.Freeze it in refrigerator for an hour. Prepare the sorbet in ice cream maker. 

Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons 
Image URL-upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/59/Strawberry_sorbet.jpg/800px-Strawberry_sorbet.jpg

Aloe Vera as a Food Preservative

Aloe Vera Gel

The chemical preservatives in food processing industry always needed a substitute, because they have been proved to cause several diseases including cancer.

The recent researches have assigned a new role of food preservative to aloe vera. In Spain, an Aloe Vera based gel has been developed, which has prolonged the conservation of products like fresh fruits,legumes and meat. 

Aloe Vera is a safe natural product and is an environmental friendly alternative to synthetic preservatives such as sulfur dioxide etc. 

As against the usual table life of 7-8 days at 1°C, the untreated grapes when coated with this aloe vera gel were preserved for 35 days. The further researches are still going on to develop aloe vera as a viable alternative for chemical preservatives on large and commercial basis.

Photo Credit- Pava
Image URL- http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%22_13_-_ITALY_-_Aloe_Vera_gel_Juice_extract_-_organic_BIO_italian_cosmetics_or_supply_food_focus_on.JPG