POMEGRANATE

The word pomegranate means seeded apple, a fitting name for this apple sized fruit filled with jewel like clusters of red seeds. The fruit can be eaten by breaking it apart, lifting the clusters of the seeds and eating them. They are also consumed as a juice. The juice can be used to make jellies, sorbets, sauces as well as to flavor salads, baked apples etc. This delicious juicy fruit has numerous health benefits also.
- They are a good source of fibre, vitamin C and niacin.
- Pomegranates are a good source of potassium.
- They are rich in anthocyanins and ellagic acid which have antioxidant properties.
- They are rich in plant chemicals.

HONEY

HONEY is known as the 'Nectar of the Gods'. Honey, a carbohydrate compound has been accepted to generate heat, create and replace energy and also to form certain tissues. It also supplies the organism with substances for the formulation of enzymes and other biological ferments to promote oxidation. It has distinct germicidal properties. Honey is a valuable food, which somehow has not been appreciated.
Honey was a staple sweetener before sugar became available. Honey is mostly fructose and glucose. Some types provide minute amounts of B complex and C vitamins. Honey does contain anti-oxidants apart from antimicrobial and wound healing properties. To obtain maximum benefits it is vital to use organic honey.
BENEFITS:
1) A source of quick energy.
2) Adds flavors to foods and beverages.
3) Improves shelf life of baked foods.
4) Has anti-microbial properties.
5) Helps in asthma.
6) Relieves colds, cough.
7) Aids in digestion.
8) Has wound healing properties

ACNE

Acne begins usually with blackheads. Blackheads are formed when oil and dead cells get trapped in a pore. They then turn black when exposed to air. When inflamed they become pimples which multiply when touched with dirty hands. Here are few home remedies for dealing with acne.
1) Grind nutmeg(jaiphal) with unboiled milk and apply on acne for 1-2 hours.
2) Make a paste by mixing honey and cinnamon powder. Apply paste on pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water.
3) Apply a mixture of 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder. Not for sensitive skin.
4) Make orange peel paste by grinding it in some water. Apply on and around pimples.
5) Apply fresh mint juice over the face very night.
6) Apply a paste of fresh methi leaves over the face every night for 10-15 minutes and wash with warm water.

SPINACH

Green leafy vegetables are an important group of food. Green leaves are a great source of alkaline minerals and have anti-stress properties. They are the best form of chlorophyll which is one of nature's most important healers.
Spinach is a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin K, folate and potassium. It contains vitamin C and B6 and riboflavin.The vegetables dark green leaves contain other valuable nutrients especially antioxidants and bioflavoids that help block cancer causing substances and processes. Cooking spinach helps to convert lutein into more bio-available forms. Folate is important for pregnant women as it helps prevent congenital neurological defects. Folate deficiency can cause a severe type of anemia.

HOME REMEDIES FOR TOOTHACHE

Toothache indicates presence of infection, breakage or tooth decay. Here are a few home remedies for temporary relief.
1) Placing a slice of onion in the affected area.
2) Alcohol based mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide aid in toothache relief.
3) Clove oil and garlic provide immediate and long lasting relief.
4) Gargling with warm salt water is useful.
5) Few drops of vanilla extract on the affected tooth helps.
6) Chewing ginger provides pain relief.
7) Dab a cotton ball in asafoetida paste made with lime juice.

CHOCOLATES

Antioxidants in Dark Chocolates may reduce the risk of many kinds of illnesses from heart disease to cancer. Dark chocolates and cocoa are high in flavonoids which help protect the heart by deactivating unstable molecules in the blood called free radicles. Free radicals can aggravate bad cholesterol in blood and lead to clogged arteries. To gain the health benefits all that is needed is one square a day.

TURMERIC

Turmeric originated in tropical parts of India. It is a root and a member of the ginger family. It is best known in its yellow powdered form. It is commonly used as a spicy and warming food/herb/spice in India.
Antioxidant Properties: Turmeric has curcumin which is an anti-oxidant substance and is responsible for its anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects.
Blood Purification: Turmeric is an excellent blood purifier. It stimulates the liver, increases red blood cell formulation, inhibits red blood cell clumping and increases circulation. This allows wounds to heal fast and exhausted tissues to rejuvenate.
Skin Beautification: Turmeric makes the skin soft, supple and smooth. Beautiful skin results from pure blood. Turmeric helps purify blood and so it helps to counteract pimples, acne , boils and other skin imbalances.

KIWI FRUIT

1) Kiwi is a great source of vitamin C.
2) It is a good source of potassium and pectin, a soluble fibre that helps control blood cholesterol.
3) Kiwis contain antioxidants associated with eye health.
4) The fruit can be used as a marinate to tenderise tough meats.

SECRET TO ETERNAL YOUTH

A TOMATO can help keep skin looking youthful. Tomatoes have been known to cut cholesterol and prevent some cancers. It also gives protection against sunburn.
Tomatoes must be consumed as much as possible- in pastas, salads, tomato juice, sauces. Some tomato components are more easily absorbed by the body when tomatoes are heated, either during cooking or processing. Carotenoids present in tomatoes are fat soluble, so adding a small amount of oil to tomatoes helps the body absorb the nutrients better.
HEALTH BENEFITS:
1) Consumption of tomatoes can help improve skin texture and color.
2) Tomato is a good blood purifier.
3) Nicotine acid in tomatoes can reduce blood cholesterol.
4) Vitamin K in tomatoes helps to prevent hemorrhages.
5) Lycopene pigment in tomato is a powerful antioxidant that fights cancer cells.

PAPAYA PASSION

4 cups pieces of papaya
4 cups coconut milk(fresh)
1 cup pineapple or orange
Sugar as needed
Mix grated coconut with water in a blender and liquidise it. Using a thin cloth squeeze the milk from the mixture. Add some more water to the remains and repeat twice. This is how you get your coconut milk. Blend papaya, coconut milk, pineapple/orange and sugar in a juicer. Add water if needed for desired consistency. Cool the mixture for some time. Do not chill it. Serve it garnished with small pieces of papaya and pineapple. It is a healthy drink.

CHEW SOME CARROTS

Carrots are very rich in minerals and useful for the skin. The presence of beta carotene and vitamin A in carrots help to keep the skin alive. It maintains to keep the elasticity of the skin. It also protects sun damaged and wrinkled skin. The presence of carotenoids helps reduce the damage due to ultra violet rays. It also gives a natural tanning boost to the skin when applied.
The juice of carrots has anti-carcinogen properties. It thus helps to prevent cancer. Cancer is also believed to have cancer curing properties. The beta carotene present in carrots acts as an antioxidant and prevents cell degeneration. Anti oxidants also slow down the ageing process. Carrot juice improves overall health by increasing immunity. It is so rich in minerals that it can be termed as miracle juice. Carrot is helpful in the following cases: Obesity, gum disease, ulcers, asthma, constipation, eye disorders.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a prime component of the Mediterranean diet. It is a natural juice which preserves the taste, aroma, vitamins and properties of the olive fruit. The oil has been in use since ancient times. The ancient Greeks called it 'Liquid Gold'. It was an essential part of their diet.
The benefits of the olive oil on health are due to its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids(mainly oleic acid) and its high content of antioxidative substances. Olive oil gives protection against heart disease by controlling LDL(bad) cholesterol levels while raising HDL(good) cholesterol levels. Olive oil is well tolerated by the stomach. It has a beneficial effect on ulcers and gastritis. Olive oil activates the secretion of bile and pancreatic hormones. It also lowers the incidence of gall stone formation.
Olive oil is extracted by pressing or crushing olives. Olive oil comes in different varieties depending on the amount of processing involved.
Extra Virgin is considered the best comprising the oil from the first pressing of the olives.
Virgin olive oil is from the second pressing.
Pure olive oil undergoes processing such as filtering and refining.
Extra light undergoes considerable processing with a very mild olive flavor.

Cardamom

Cardamom is the 'queen of spices', second only to black pepper. It is one of the most valued spices in the world. The dried cardamom fruits have a pleasant aroma. It consists of carbohydrates, moisture, protein, ether extract, volatile oil, crude fibre, calcium, phosphorous and iron.
The aroma and therapeutic properties of cardamom are due to its volatile oil. Cardamom reduces the air and water elements, increases appetite and soothes the mucous membrane. It relieves gas and heart burns. Tea made from cardamom reduces headache caused by indigestion. Ground cardamom seed, mixed with ginger, cloves and coriander is an effective remedy for indigestion.
The aromatic flavor in cardamom is a breath freshner. Powdered seeds of cardamom boiled in water with tea gives a pleasant aroma to the tea. This can be used as a remedy in the treatment of depression.

A valuable fruit

Fruits are an excellent source of antioxidants that lower cholesterol. They are abundance in natural sugars which gives energy for a long time. Its the beginning of the season for peaches.
Peaches can be enjoyed fresh by itself or added to fruit salad. They can also be baked, grilled, broiled or poached to create a healthy dessert. Peaches contain a good amount of potassium, beta-carotene and vitamins A and C. Vitamin C, as you may know keeps away cold and cough increasing immunity. Peaches also contain pectin fibre which helps in lowering high blood pressure. Beta carotene and vitamin A are benefitial to the skin and eyes. Peaches also have diuretic and laxative properties, aid in the stimulation of digestive juices and add color to the complexion. Dried peaches have a higher concentration of nutritive value.

A perfect food

Wheat Grass is the most complete food. It helps to build healthy body, cleanse the whole system, helps digestion, increases immunity, inhibits the growth of cancer and eases physical and mental ailment. One pound of wheatgrass is equivalent in nutritional value to 23 pounds choice garden vegetables. Wheatgrass is also known as an alternative cancer therapy. It must b liquified before it can be consumed. Drinking wheatgrass juice helps the body to build red blood cells which carry oxygen to every cell.
Wheat grass can purchased in grass form and made into juice in a juicer or wheatgrass powder can be mixed with water for consumption.
Health benefits
Organic wheatgrass, rich in chlorophyl, enzymes, vitamins and nutrients has been linked to improved health. Some benefits are:
Increase of haemoglobin production
Rebuilding of the blood system
Purifying the blood and the liver
Improving the bodys ability to heal wounds
Neutralising toxins and carcinogens in the body

Stir fried baby corn

This is something I made on Sunday at the spur of the moment.
Ingredients:
Baby corn
Carrots
Onions
Colored Bell Peppers
Salt Freshly ground black pepper
Mixed Herbs
Butter
Method:
Cut the baby corn, carrots, peppers into long strips. Slice an onion. Heat the butter in a shallow frying pan. Once heated saute the onions, carrots, and peppers for about 2 minutes. Then add the baby corn and keep on stirring. Add salt according to taste. When almost done add the black pepper and mixed herbs. Keep on flame for 2 more minutes. Can be enjoyed as a dish in itself.