Potato - The Misunderstood Vegetable

Potato a.k.a Solanum tuberosum, belongs to Solanaceae family. Potatoes originated in the Andean mountain region of South America. Currently, potatoes are the world's fourth largest food crop, following rice, wheat, and maize.

Nutritional benifits:

Apart from being a rich source of carbohydrates, potato tubers are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and proteins.

Heart:The presence of potassium and small amount of sodium in potatoes helps in normal functioning of heart by keeping a check on blood pressure. Hence providing resistance to heart attack and stroke (paralysis). Potatoes make nice food for diabetic patients because they help to control blood sugar levels.

Vitamins: Potatoes contain vitamin C in substantial amount to meet the requirement of human body. It helps in curing mouth ulcers. It is also rich in vitamin A thereby preventing cancer in glands and organs with epithelial tissue. The high fiber content is benificial in reducing piles(hemorrhoids) and curing constipation. Potatoes are rich in Vitamin-B6, which is involved in more than 100 enzymatic reactions in our body. It helps in the formation of new cells in the body and has got many more actions

Antioxidants: Potatoes also contain a variety of phytonutrients that have antioxidant activity.Among these important health-promoting compounds are carotenoids, flavonoids, and caffeic acid, as well as unique tuber storage proteins, such as patatin, which exhibit activity against free radicals.

Cholesterol Free:Potato is a fat and cholesterol free tuber and also lowers plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, increases satiety, and possibly even reduces fat storage.

Tips to select a potato:Potatoes should be firm, well shaped and relatively smooth, and should be free of decay that often manifests as wet or dry rot. In addition, they should not be sprouting or have green coloration 

since this indicates that they may contain the toxic alkaloid solanine. This alkaloid has been found to not only impart an undesirable taste, but can also cause a host of different health conditions such as circulatory and respiratory depression, headaches and diarrhea.

Potatoes should definitely not be exposed to sunlight as this can cause the development of the toxic alkaloid solanine to form. Cooked potatoes will remain fresh in the refrigerator for several days. Potatoes do not freeze well.

Note: Potatoes are good only in boiled or baked forms. Baked potato is an exceptionally healthful low calorie, high fiber food that offers significant protection against cardiovascular disease and cancer.
The majority of carbohydrates in potatoes are complex carbohydrates and they are the type that fuel the body and brain and are the body’s main energy source. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines have always shown that potatoes can be part of a well-balanced diet.

Far from being a dietary villain, potatoes are a satiating and nutrient rich vegetable containing

• 45% of the recommended daily value (DV) of vitamin C
  
• 18% DV of potassium
  
• no fat
  
• no sodium
  
• no cholesterol

A potato eaten with the skin offers important dietary fiber, is rich in vitamin C and a good source of both potassium and vitamin B6.
Unfortunately, most people eat potatoes in the form of greasy french fries or potato chips, and even baked potatoes are typically loaded with fats such as butter, sour cream, melted cheese and bacon bits. Such treatment can make even baked potatoes a potential contributor to a heart attack. But take away the extra fat and deep frying.

Potato- beauty tips: Apart from all the above, pulp obtained from crushed raw potatoes, mixed with honey, can serve as excellent skin and face packs. This helps even curing pimples and spots on the skin.

References

http://www.healthypotato.com/mediaDetail.php?id=19
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=48
http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/benefits-of-potato-1284.html

Garlic - A Drop of Amrutam

It is said that when deva-vaidya Dhanvanrti was taking the Amrutam (the elixir of life) to the heavens, a drop of it fell down to earth and took the form of Garlic. While this legend might (or might not be true), it summarises the usefulness of garlic to the human body.

The (Indian) colloquial name of Garlic is lasoon, while its botanical name being Allium Sativum. It is known as RASONA in sanskrit.

 

Garlic is a proven tonic for nervous debility (weakness) and the repair of nerve endings. It is also popular as a general pick me up for  sexual impotency. In Ayurvedic scriptures garlic is considered to be a powerful detoxifying and rejuvenating agent.

In more specific terms it should be taken to:

• Lower cholesterol levels 
  
• Boost immunity to colds and flu
  
• Reduce risk of high blood pressure and blood clots thus improving the blood circulation
  
• Produce healthy red cells (RBC) thereby improving the immunity system
  
• Protect against the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (which is the leading cause of stomach ulcers)
  
• It also protects liver (hepato-protective)
  
• It is an invaluable aphrodisiac, which helps in spermatogenesis
  

These are battles that any of us are constantly fighting and garlic should be ingested regularly to combat them. A perfectly acceptable way to take garlic is to simply add plenty of fresh garlic to meals. 

In addition to the above, garlic can also fight off diseases and complaints such as

• Whooping couh 
  
• Earache 
  
• Flatuance 
  
• Colic 
  
• Fertility problems 
  
• Conditions caused by a lack of minerals in the body 
  
• Intestinal worms and other similar parasites 
  

Garlic is the drug of choice in vata related diseases like facial palsy, paralysis, sciatica and also as a brain tonic.  Along with sesame oil, garlic is valuable in epilepsy treatment. The fresh juice is given with the honey and ghee in curing night blindness.

There are two main ingredients which produce the garlic health benefits: allicin and diallyl sulphides. The organosulphur compounds present in garlic helps prevent agains prostrate cancer.

Garlic and Hair Care

 

Garlic, as well as being good for our body, is also really good for our scalp and hair.

It stimulates the flow of blood to the scalp, thereby nourishing the hair. It not only strengthens existing hair but also encourages growth of new hair.

If you have dry hair or an itchy scalp, a shampoo with garlic extract will  give you relief from these nasty symptoms. 

Researchers in Argentina have found that application of garlic helped kill more than 96 percent of lice in just fifteen minutes.

Garlic and Pregnancy

Gynaecologists have found that mothers-to-be who eat garlic boosts the birth weight of small babies. They also discovered that it cuts the risk of pre-eclampsia (this was told in ayurveda thousands of years back) .

NOTE

Don't take garlic supplements if you are on a blood-thinning medication or before any surgery. Discuss these aspects with your GP.

Garlic is more potent when it is consumed in sliced or minced form instead of consuming it as a whole.

Rreferences

http://www.costadelsol-vacationrentals.com/garlic.html

http://www.ayurvedicherbsdirect.com/garlic-himalaya-p-86.html

http://www.whatcausesbaldness.net/A-Surprising-Treatment.htm

http://www.ayurvedictalk.com/garlic-%e2%80%93-the-natural-healer/540/

http://www.nzhealth.net.nz/herbs/garlic.shtml

http://www.ayurvedic-medicines.com/herbs/garlic.html

Ghee -The life saver

Ghee, a clarified butter, has a very long and rich history. It has been used in Indian cooking for thousands of years. The following quote from an Indian philosopher Charvak (3,000 BC) shows the importance of ghee:

"Yada Jeevam, Sukham Jivet
Rinam Kritvam, Ghritam Pibet "
which means:
As long as you live, live happily
Beg, borrow or steal, but relish ghee

According to ayurveda,

• Ghee is said to have curative and rejuvenative(Rasayana) effects on the body that in turn promotes longitivity.


• Application of ghee on mild burns prevents blistering and scarring.


• Ghee is also believed to improve absorption and assimilation of nutrients. In other words, ghee helps to regularize bowel movement and relieve constipation. Taking one or two teaspoons of ghee in the morning followed immediately with a glass of hot water, will promptly produce bowel movements.

• It is finest fuel for digestive system (Jatara-Agni) of the body. It helps to balance excess stomach acids and maintains as well as repairs the mucus lining of the stomach (cures gastric ulcers).

• It strengthens the brain and nervous system and is believed to promote all three aspects of mental functioning, i.e ghee improves the intelligence, refines the intellect and improves the memory.

• It nourishes and lubricates the connective tissues thus making the body flexible and increasing stamina.


• Ghee also contains 2-3% conjugated linoleic acid, which has anti-carcinogenic properties.


• An Anti-oxidant: Ghee has beta-carotene and vitamin E, both known anti-oxidants that counter the effects of free radicals. Science has been able to establish that free radicals cause nearly 90 percent of all degenerative diseases.
• Fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K2 (Activator X) help in production of proteins and lipids essential for mental health.


• It makes the skin smooth and gives glowing complexion.


• Ghee is also useful for eyes. It is used in Netra Tarpan- an Ayurvedic treatment for the eyes that relieves tiredness and improves the eyesight.


• It also boosts our immune system.

Fatty facts of ghee

In the case of ghee, most of its saturated fats are short-chain fatty acids which make it easily digestible. It also contains up to 27% monounsaturated fatty acids and only 4% to 5% polyunsaturated fatty acids. Since our body needs both saturated and unsaturated fats, this
combination is close to ideal.

Ghee actually maintains the ratio of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) levels. Clinical experience is that if ghee is used in moderation as appropriate to ones body type it does not raise ones cholesterol levels.

Note:

1. 15 to 20gm of visible fat (oil/ghee) is recommended per person per day.
2. Ghee in your diet will carry fat-soluble foods quickly and easily inside cells
3. Ghee's rate of absorption into body tissues is 96 per cent, the highest of all oils and fats. This is why most of ayurvedic medicines are prepared with ghee as the base
4. Cow ghee in particular the best option.
5. Ghee does not contain harmful trans fats or hydrogenated oils which can cause heart disease and many other serious health problems.
6. The coagulated lactose and other milk solids are removed in the process of making it, rendering it suitable for lactose intolerant people.

So the next time you sit at the dining table do not forget to reach for the ghee bowl!!!

The Super Summer fruit

Mango is called "The King of fruits" due to its sweetness and richness in phytochemicals and nutrients. It is praised as "heavenly fruit" in Vedas. It is also known as "Super fruit" due to its potential health values.

Origin and Distribution: The mango is indigenous to India. It has been cultivated here for over 4000 years. Alexander and his army were the first Europeans who saw mango fruit in India in 327 B.C

Nutritional values:
Mangoes are an ideal Summer food as they are high in many carotenoids, especially Beta-carotene. Beta-Carotene not only has a protective effect against the harmful rays of the sun.
but also is a very rich antioxidant (445 µg/100 g fruit). Along with Vitamins A, C & E, mangoes contain B-complex (anti-stress) vitamins, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, Folic acid (folate), calcium and zinc. Mango peel and pulp also contain carotenoids, polyphenols, and antioxidents.
These are very low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium. Plus are a good source of dietary fiber. They also contain some protein and amino acids.

Natural benefits of Unripe Mango:

• Eating raw mango with salt quenches thirst and prevents the excessive loss of sodium chloride and iron during summer due to excessive sweating.
• Unripe mangoes are an excellent fruit remedy for bilious disorders. The acids contained in the green mango increase the secretion of bile and act as intestinal antiseptic. Therefore, eating green mango daily with honey and pepper cures biliousness, food putrefaction, urticaria and jaundice. It tones up the liver and keeps it healthy.
• It is valuable in blood disorders because of its high vitamin C content. It increases the elasticity of the blood vessels and helps the formation of new blood cells. It aids the absorption of food-iron and prevents bleeding tendencies. It increases body resistance against tuberculosis, anemia, cholera and dysentery.
• The amchur is valuable in the treatment of scurvy.

Natural benefits of ripe Mango :

• Eating mangoes liberally will also prevent development of refractive errors, dryness of the eyes, softening of the cornea, itching and burning in the eyes.
• Liberal use of mangoes during the season contributes towards formation of healthy epithelium, thereby preventing frequent attacks of common infections such as colds rhinitis and sinusitis.
• The mango-milk cure is an ideal for increasing of weight
• An infusion is prepared from fresh leaves by soaking them overnight in water and squeezing them well in water before filtering it in the morning. This infused water should be taken every morning to control early diabetes.

Precaution:Unripe mangoes should not be eaten in-excess. Their excessive intake may cause throat irritation, indigestion, dysentery and abdominal colic. One should, therefore, not consume more than one or two green mangoes daily. Water should not be drunk immediately after eating the green mango because it coagulates the sap and makes it more irritant.

Tomato: The Miracle Plant

The tomato is a plant belonging to the Solanaceae family. Tomatoes are made up of water and vital biological substances. They are low in calories and are considered an excellent nutritional type of food for people that wish to follow a weight-loss plan.
Its no surprise that tomatoes are also know as the 'miracle plant' because of the following advantages:

• Improves the natural immune system (high contents of Vitamin C & selenium)
• Helps fertility and assists in maintaining a balanced sex life (Vitamin E content)
• Helps the metabolic system to function smoothly and develops a strong neural system (vitamins from the vitamin B group)
• Prevention of certain types of cancer (selenium content)
• Improves the heart (potassium content)
• Overcome the symptoms of stress and muscular cramps (magnesium content)
• Helps shield lungs from bad air and cigarette smoke. prevents lung cancer.
• Anti-aging nourishment for the brain.
• Protects eyes from macular degeneration
• Reduces sun-induced skin damage

In addition to all this, tomatoes are excellent source of iron, copper, manganese and vitamins A and K.
Lycopene: Of all the nutrients contained in tomatoes, one of the most studied and important is lycopene. Lycopene is a carotinoid having antioxidant power approximately a hundred times greater than Vitamin E (which is one of the most powerful fat-soluble antioxidants).
Antioxidants greatly reduce the amount of DNA damage received by our cells (which is mainly the reason why we age over time) and they have been linked with better health, slower aging, and a certain degree of protection from cancer.

Tomatoes have also got anti inflammatory properties which help in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Tomatoes are also very good source of dietary fiber, which has been shown to reduce bad cholesterol levels, regulate blood sugar levels and help prevent colon cancer.

A tomato-rich diet has beneficial effects to all those with a higher risk of thrombosis, people with high cholesterol, those who undergo surgical procedures, women who take oral contraceptives and those who smoke. Just make sure to choose a tomato juice with a low sodium (salt) content, since sodium has the effect of hardening vessel walls and increasing risk of blood clotting.

The protective effect of tomato juice is to be found in the powerful mix of antioxidants: a glass contains 5.7 mg of lycopene, 1 mg beta-carotene, 3.7 mg of phytoene, 2.7 mg of phytofluene, and 1.8 mg of the alpha-tocopherol fraction of vitamin E.
To get the greatest benefit

• Eat at least five weekly servings of tomato-based foods.
• Eat tomatoes cooked, processed and prepared with a little olive oil.
• Heating helps release lycopene, and you get the most lycopene in concentrated, processed products such as tomato paste and sauce, canned tomatoes, juice, soup and ketchup.
• Moreover, nutrition experts support that people should eat both raw and cooked tomatoes.

Note: People having stones in kidney should avoid tomatoes as they are rich in calcium.

Whats in a pinch of Salt?

Biologically speaking, salt (sodium) plays a major role in human health. It not only feeds nutritional mineral elements to our cells, but dissolves, sanitizes and cleanses toxic wastes from our system. It is this latter function that makes salt such a healing substance.
All classic biology textbooks refer to salt as the cleanser of bodily fluids.
Most physiological and biological processes function correctly only when sufficient quantities of sodium are present. For example, the body makes hydrochloric acid (one of our essential digestive fluids) from salt.

In a healthy person, the quantity of salt retained in the tissues remains constant. Any excess sodium ingested is automatically eliminated through the kidneys. However, if any disease is present, this elimination of excess salt is impaired, and excess salt deposits are created; or sudden loss if internal salt can occur.

When stress or infection demand an extra supply of salt, our body reserves are used. Addison's disease, pylorus blockage, ulcers and gastric cancers can create a critical loss of chloride ions and lower the sodium chloride in the digestive system causing a shortage of hydrochloric acid in gastric juices. These losses of chlorine and sodium inhibit the cell's self-cleansing function resulting in the blood becoming loaded with toxins. This, in turn, can act on the nervous system and create a chain reaction of new losses of sodium chloride, which in extreme cases can be fatal.

Salt is also responsible for the balance of acids and bases within the body. When salt enters the body it dissolves into ions (also called electrolytes because they carry electrical current).
With this in mind, the water balance role of salt may be easier to understand. Water is a necessary part of all body cells but cells have no way to hold onto water molecules directly. They can only move ions around and water will follow ions. So the cells direct where the ions go, the water follows and this determines where the fluids go.

In nature, sodium chloride never occurs in pure form. A multitude of essential major and trace elements are in its crystals. Here is a partial list of these minerals and their function in human metabolism.

Sodium: Essential to digestion and metabolism, regulates body fluids, nerve and muscular functions.
Chlorine: Essential component of human body fluids.
Calcium: Needed for bone mineralization.
Magnesium: Dissipates sodium excess, forms and hardens bones, ensures mental development and sharpens intelligence, promotes assimilation of carbohydrates, assures metabolism of vitamin C and calcium, retards the aging process and dissolves kidney stones.
Sulfur: Controls energy transfer in tissue, bone and cartilage cells, essential for protein compounds.
Silicon: Needed in carbon metabolism and for skin and hair balance.
Iodine: Vital for energy production and mental development, ensures production of thyroid hormones, needed for strong auto-defense mechanism (lymphatic system).
Bromine: In magnesium bromide form, a nervous system regulator and restorer, vital for pituitary hormonal function.
Phosphorus: Essential for biochemical synthesis and nerve cell functions related to the brain, constituent of phosphoproteins, nucleoproteins and phospholipids.
Vanadium: Of greater value for tooth bone calcification than fluorine, tones cardiac and nervous systems, reduces cholesterol, regulates phospholipids in blood, a catalyst for the oxidation of many biological substances.

Last but not the least, as a rule anything that is too much is too bad applies to the salt also!!! So make sure you use only as much as you need.