In  On 22 November 2017

? Sitafal – The markets are flooded with Sitafal (custard apple) these days. As they are seasonal now, they are easily available locally. Sitafal is not just good to taste but is packed with a lot of nutrition to help us stay nourished this season. Including a serving of Sitafal in our everyday diet this season, will benefit in the following ways - Sitafal keeps skin and hair healthy - bones strong - heart healthy - prevents asthma - assist digestion - relieve constipation - blood pressure levels in control - removing excess heat from the body - increases the haemoglobin content of blood - helps lower cholesterol levels. For all the expecting Mothers - Sitafal helps cope with morning sickness, nausea, numbness, mood swings - help develop brain, nervous system & immune system of foetus - reduces risk of miscarriage - minimizes labour pain - consumption during pregnancy is excellent for production of breast milk. Note - Buy them from a vendor selling it at room temperature to ensure maximum Nutrition.

In  On 24 November 2017

? FRUIT THAT REMOVES SORROW – Indian Jujube (Bor/Ber) Bor is another winter seasonal fruit. Although a lesser known fruit as it grows only in tropical regions like ours, it has tremendous Nutrition to offer. It is loaded with antioxidants, Vit A, Vit C, Calcium and 18 out of 24 essential amino acids (that’s a good score) that our body needs. It is a storehouse of energy. That’s why it continues to be a prominent part of Ayurvedic medicine. Bor, since ages, has been called as ‘the fruit that removes sorrow’ as it has innate sedative properties and soothes the nervous system. Prevents cancer/leukaemia – strengthens immune system – teeth, bones, muscles healthy – skin healthy & young - aids digestion - helps relieve constipation & do flatulence - soothes a sore throat – better pumping of blood - helps deal anxiety, insomnia, psychosis, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s. Precaution - Bor is a mild laxative hence should be avoided by people suffering from diarrhoea. Pic - Apple bor

In  On 24 November 2017

NATURE’s WINTER SHIELD – Fenugreek Leaves Fenugreek leaves, also known as ‘Methi ki bhaaji’ in Hindi and ‘Vendhiyam keerai’ in Tamil, a seasonal green leafy vegetable is a nature provided shield to protect us during winters. According to Ayurveda, it is known to produce heat in the body which protects our body during harsh winters by stabilizing body temperature. Every alternate meal should have a serving of one green leafy vegetable and fenugreek leaves is one of the best during winters. Let’ see how it can be our best friend - Fenugreek leaves help maintain blood sugar levels – assists in weight loss – lowers bad cholesterol – improves good cholesterol – improves digestion – treats heartburn / acid-reflux – cures respiratory allergies/congestion – relieves arthritis pain – fights kidney issues – increases milk production in lactating mothers - stabilizes body temperature. Try Methi involved veggies like Aloo Methi, Malai Methi Matar, Plain Methi Sabji, Methi-Besan or other recipes like Methi Muthiya, Methi-Bajri Dhebra, Methi-Dal/ Methi-Paruppu, Methi Paratha. P.S – It is best to consume fenugreek leaves preferable during winters over other seasons.

In  On 29 November 2017

LET’S ENERGIZE OUR FOOD Food energizes us because of the presence of life-force in them. But did you know that food loses its life-force when it is subjected to different conditions?  When the food is refrigerated, overcooked, reheated, fast-cooked, microwaved, cooked with negative emotions, it is ripped off its nutrition thus making it low in life-force. Similarly, the nutritive value of food can be enhanced when it’s cooked using fresh ingredients, slow-cooked, cooked with positive emotions. The nutritive value of raw foods is the highest coz they have the maximum life-force energy (basically coz they are straight from nature). An additional way to enhance the nutritive value of foods and improve the life-force in them is by storing them under a Pyramid. The energy under a pyramid is almost 3 times higher thus – Food stored under a pyramid stays fresh 2 to 3 times longer than uncovered food - slows down the growth of micro-organisms - enhances the natural taste of food – improves nutritive value - energizes food – improves shelf life at room temperature. Tip – Store raw veggies and fruits under a pyramid instead of refrigerating them.

In  On 02 December 2017

‘Methi ke laddu’ is a type of health laddu especially made during winters. It’s made with a combination of fenugreek (methi) seed powder, whole wheat flour (atta), tragacanth gum (gond katira), almonds (badam), jaggery (gul), dry ginger powder (soonth), peepramul (ganthoda) and ghee. So basically it contains all the healthy ingredients which are nutritionally high and winter supportive. Have one laddu in the morning and you are done with your winter tonic for the day!!! How to make it? The best person to help you with the recipe and the process would be your Dadi/Nani/Paati/Mommy. I just recently learnt it from my Mom. Delicious (with a dash of bitterness), healthy (to the core) and trust me, it’s worth it!!!

In  On 04 December 2017

DAILY HAIR TONIC ‘Curry leaves’ also known as ‘Kari Patta’ in Hindi and ‘Karuvappalai’ in Tamil is packed with carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, phosphorous, irons and vitamins like Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin E. It is one of the most regular ingredients used in Indian seasoning. Apart from offering amazing health benefits, curry leaf is an awesome ingredient for our hair health. Curry leaves prevent hair fall – prevent dead follicles on the scalp –prevents premature greying of hair – controls frizz – reduces the impact of chemically treated hair – repairs hair – protects hair shaft – controls dryness of hair promotes hair growth. So the next time we place those leaves aside on your plate while we find them in our Dal / Sambar / Sabji / Poriyal / etc., remember we need this tonic for our hair, so let's treat it as an edible part of our meal and chew them respectfully. Tip – Make curry leaves chutney/tea/and use it is a must ingredient in seasoning.  

In  On 11 December 2017

THE SKIN GLOW SALAD ‘Face is the index of the mind’, agreed. Also, did you know ‘skin is the direct reflection of the stomach’? The skin actually reflects how efficient the digestive system and how clean the colon is. Raw papaya (also known as green papaya) is rich in fibre which acts like a broom (jhaadu) that cleans the stomach. Once the stomach is cleansed of toxins, the skin becomes healthy. Anti-oxidants in the raw papaya neutralize the free radicals making the skin look younger. Raw papaya is also packed with a lot of enzymes and phytonutrients (much more than that of a ripe papaya) that nourishes the skin. So make a salad by grating raw papaya, seasoning it and add a dash of lime. Have it periodically with your meal. It is absolutely simple to make and delicious to taste. P.S – Raw papaya is a very good diet remedy for constipation thus making it the best beauty product in our kitchen.  

In  On 13 December 2017

The Power Packed Leaf – MORINGA Did you know, Moringa leaves (drumstick leaves) contains 4 times more Vitamin A than that of a Carrot? Commonly known as ‘Murungai keerai’ in Tamil and ‘Sahejan ke Patte’ in Hindi is a power packed green leafy vegetable with enormous nutrition like Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Protein, Vitamin C, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin A , Potassium and 80 other nutrients and 46 antioxidants. It is anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. That’s a jackpot. Pick them carefully, clean them thoroughly and cook them deliciously. You can try making Drumstick leaves’ –  clear soup / sambar / thoran / poriyal / dal / thogayal / koftas / theplas / parathas / adai / pesarattu / sajana phula bara / khakaru sajana saga to enjoy its benefits. healthy eyes – health bones – stimulates nervous system – prevents heart disease – supports brain health – protects liver - boosts immune system – prevents growth of cancer cells – increases appetite – acts as a detoxifying agent – prevents constipation - controls blood sugar levels – controls blood pressure levels – helps treat arthritis – helps treat asthma - treats acne – prevents hair loss - prevents anemia in pregnant women – helps in fetal bone and teeth development – increases breast milk secretion. P.S – The leaves can be dried, powdered and stored to be taken as tea.  

In  On 20 December 2017

The DESI ENERGY CAKE – Kachariyu It’s a typical Gujju recipe called ‘Kachariyu’, while I’ve also tasted the south Indian version of this, generally referred to as ‘Karuppu Ella Urandai’. It is extremely simple to make. It’s made with a combination of Black Sesame Seeds (Til), Desiccated Coconut (Copra), Almonds (Badam), Melon Seeds (Magaz), Organic Jaggery (Gul), Dried Ginger Powder (Soonth), Cardamom (Elaichi) Powder, a pinch of Nutmeg (Jaayfal) and Ghee. Once again all the ingredients are good for winters as they give the energy needed during winters, keep the body warm from inside, boosts up immunity, lubricates joints, prevents body aches. ‘Kachariyu’ falls under the category of ‘Vasaanu’ derived from the word Vasaana meaning ‘herbs and spices’ that are warming foods used in making these extremely traditional winter delights. Learn to make it the traditional way. Even kids can learn to make this easily as it does not involve cooking. Have a few spoonful of Kachariyu or an Ella Urandai in the mornings at breakfast and feel energetic for the entire day. Note – Black Sesame Seed is yet another ingredient which is best used during winters over other seasons.

In  On 26 December 2017

How important is proper nutrition for a child? I think as much as education is. Let’s understand why. Every child is unique and should never be compared to another child. Remember the child carries its parental genes, is raised in a specific family environment and has his/her own likes and dislikes to certain foods. Also at every stage, the needs of a growing child keep changing and so do their preferences. Just like children are tempted to eat junk food because of peer pressure and TV commercials, they can also be convinced (not enforce) to eat a healthy and balanced meal. A healthy diet provides proper nutrition which can help children - maintain healthy weight stabilize their energy sharpen their mind avoid certain health problems supports growth and development supports mental & emotional wellbeing improves focus and balance   To instil healthy eating habits and give your kids an opportunity to grow into healthy, confident adults book an appointment by leaving a message.

In  On 01 January 2018

Let’s make some simplified easy health resolutions which will bring louder results. Start your day with warm water. Sunlight exposure during sunrise. Breathe deep, exhale slow. Exercise at least 30 min/day. Have at least 1 seasonal fruit before breakfast. Include a serving of green sabji/keerai in lunch. End lunch with a serving of curd/buttermilk. Gulp less, chew more. Eat slowly. No multitasking, please. One teaspoon of mixed roasted seeds post meal. End your day with a glass of warm milk. Sleep away from gadgets. When it comes to health, remember, “Slow and steady always wins the race.”