Cumin

Cumin seeds belong to the parsley and dill family and resemble caraway seeds and are used as a spice for their distinctive aroma. It is an aromatic spice with bitter and warm flavour and this ancient spice is popular in Indian, Mexican, North African, Middle Eastern, and western Chinese cuisines. 

Cumin is one of the most typical spices for India and is fried or roasted before usage and are certified under NPOP AND NOP standards of organic certification.

Cloves (Lavang)

Cloves are dark, blackish-brown in color and shaped like a nail and is highly aromatic. Cloves or Lavang are used whole in several curries and also fried with other whole spices like peppercorns, cardamom and cinnamon and added to dishes like Pilafs and Biryanis.

Cloves have traditionally been used as a mouth freshener and Cloves (Clove oil) when applied on a cotton bud or even chewing a single clove relieves toothaches. Clove oil is an important component of many toothpastes.

Terra Green's Cloves improve circulation, digestion and metabolism and are also used to prevent and treat stomach disorders and are certified under NPOP AND NOP standards of organic certification.

Sugar

Organic Sugar is a special product which is extracted from raw sugarcane and is similar in nature to normal or processed sugar. However, the difference between organic sugar and normal sugar is that organic sugar is extracted from raw sugarcane without the application of any additives or synthetic chemicals.

Also when normal sugar is consumed, the energy received after consumption might not stay for a longer time. On the other hand, if you simply keep a healthy lifestyle, eat well, and consume organic sugar then the results would be higher. Besides which refined sugar goes through many chemical processes unlike organic sugar which is free from such things.

Terra Green's Organic Sugar is certified under the NPOP and NOP standards of organic certification.

Garam Masala

Garam Masala is a blend of ground spices used in Indian curries, commonly mixing cinnamon, roasted cumin, cloves, nutmeg and (sometimes) dried red chilli peppers. The delightful flavor and pungency of spices make Garam Masala indispensable in the preparation of palatable dishes. Apart from enhancing the taste and flavor of food, spices have been widely believed to exert digestive stimulant action.

Some of the benefits of Garam Masala are that it actually slows down the ageing process while promoting weight loss, intensifies salivary flow and gastric juice secretion, reduces food transit time, improves the palatability and stimulates gastric function.

Terra Green's Garam Masala is certified under NPOP AND NOP standards of organic certification.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon or Daalchini is a warm, cocoa brown (sometimes reddish brown) colored spice, and is highly aromatic with a warm, sweet fragrance. Cinnamon is often dry roasted before use as this is thought to release even more flavor from it. Cinnamon is used to flavor both sweet and savoury dishes ranging from curries and spice mixes to drinks and desserts.

Cinnamon is used in cures for respiratory ailments and for the relief of cold symptoms and to soothe coughs. Also Cinnamon is high in antioxidants and also has anti-bacterial properties. Also Terra Green's Cinnamon is used as a treatment for Type 2 Diabetes and is considered a great stress reliever and used extensively in Ayurvedic treatments and are certified under NPOP AND NOP standards of organic certification.

Cashew Nuts | Organic Cashew Nuts

Terragreens cashews are ac rescent shaped nut with a plethora of uses in the kitchen. Whether roasted, salted, sugared or covered in chocolate, the cashew nut, often used as a flavorful complement to appetizers, main dishes and deserts, packs a mix of nutrients and minerals not found in many common foods. It packs 5 grams of protein per ounce and high levels of the essential minerals iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and manganese, which are utilized in holistic health solutions and healthy diets. It is considered as a superfood because of it's nutritional content and health benefits.

Why Should You Eat Organic Cereals?

What has made cereals enter the mainstream of food and why is every food marketer jumping on the bandwagon? There must be something significant that is making every food category vying to include this element in some form or the other. From products made for kids to items intended for adults hitting the gym or sports-ring, they are a part of every package today.

The interesting twist is that food marketers in our households have been selling us this power-source for many years, but we have not been listening carefully.

• Cereals like Upma, Poha provide not only taste but also immense health benefits. Nowadays you can access ready to cook Upma mix.
• Foxtail Millets Upma Mix: Regular use of foxtail is a good guard against coronary diseases and reduces chances of cardiac arrest and fatalities. Being a diabetic friendly food, it contains a fair amount of phenolic (a strong anti-oxidant) used to get rid of toxins in the body. People who cannot consume wheat are left with very few options as most of the products in the market like biscuits, bakery items like bread, etc., are made from Wheat. As a gluten free diet, foxtail millet is a perfect food for people suffering from Celiac, promoting digestion, increases energy levels and helping in maintaining cholesterol levels.
• Sooji Rava Upma Mix: Sooji is very good for diabetics or those who wish to lose weight. Sooji is made from the durum wheat and is slow to digest, thus sustaining energy for a longer period of time.
• Wheat Daliya Upma Mix:  An excellent source of dietary fiber, Daliya is one of the best alternatives to wheat. It aids in weight loss, diabetes and prevents constipation. It is also used as a weaning food, to transition babies from breast milk to semi-solid food. Being rich in proteins it helps in building muscles.   

• Cereals need not be equated to Oats. Cereals like puffed paddy are simply store-houses of health. When one has to control weight without starving too much and without letting the stomach run empty, the best way is to eat a good organic cereal like puffed paddy, also called nel pori or aralu in the local language. It is a very good source of potassium, zinc, copper, thiamin, niacin, Vitamin B6 pantothenic acid, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and manganese.

• The presence of magnesium aids in enzyme function, energy boosters, strengthening heart muscles, preventing strokes and avoiding heart attacks. Magnesium is also linked to treatment of depression. You can make Bhel Puri with this puffed paddy.  

Many recipes that are usually sacrificed by weight-conscious people can be easily remade with cereals like Wheat Daliya, Foxtail Millets, Rava Sooji and Puffed Paddy.

It is an added advantage when the cereals are organic. Organic crops are not exposed to synthetic pesticides, GMOs, and fertilizers that are petroleum-based or sewage sludge-based. Organic farming practices include the usage of natural fertilizers such as compost and manure to feed soil and plants. Crop rotation, mulching and tilling are used to control weeds, while insects are controlled using natural methods such as traps and birds.

Enjoy the comfort of organic cereals and the health that accompanies them.

How Foxtail Millets Are Beneficial to Health?

Foxtail millet or belonging to the family of millets is an annual grass and the second most widely planted species of millets in East Asia.

Foxtails are cheaper to acquire and easy to cultivate having a crop cycle of about 60-90 days. Its early maturity and efficient consumption of water make it suitable for cultivation in the dry area. A warm season crop, typically planted in late spring, it has the longest history of cultivation among millets.

In China, foxtail millet is the most common millet and one of the main food crops, especially among the poor. In Europe and North America, it is planted at a moderate level for hay and silage and birdseed. However, in South India, especially in rural Andhra it has been a regular diet among people. It belongs to the old culture of Tamil. In old Tamil texts, it has been associated with Lord Muruga and Valli.    

This easily cultivable crop is highly rich in fibre, protein and low in Glycemic Index. Foxtail is ideal for reducing cholesterol of body, controls blood sugar and aids in metabolism rate. As an antioxidant, it removes all acidic elements from the body.

Use in Diabetics:

Regular use of foxtail is a good guard against coronary diseases and reduces chances of cardiac arrest and fatalities. Being a diabetic friendly food, it contains a fair amount of phenolic (a strong anti-oxidant) used to get rid of toxins in the body. Rice is usually devoid of essential minerals and vitamins, but foxtail millet has enough amounts of both besides being rich in all amino acids, making it a desirable food for diabetics. Studies have shown that carbohydrates and fibre in foxtail millet are beneficial for diabetics, reducing blood sugar levels by about 70%

A Gluten Free Diet:

Many people are getting diagnosed with gluten sensitivity ( also called the Celiac disease), a substance found commonly in wheat. People who cannot consume wheat are left with very few options as most of the products in the market like biscuits, bakery items like bread, etc are made from Wheat. As a gluten free diet, foxtail millet is a perfect food for people suffering from Celiac, promoting digestion, increases energy levels and helping in maintaining cholesterol levels. In fact, they provide higher nutrition than wheat. A unique benefit of foxtail is that it helps in eradicating viruses and germs.

Preparations of Foxtail:

An easy to cook food, foxtail is an ideal substitute for rice or other grains that could cause blood sugar. It can be easily eaten with all side dishes that you eat along with rice, e.g., sambar, rasam, curds, dal, etc.

You can even make pulao, khichdi, pongal, upma and other such dishes. These millets can be beautifully served as a fibre rich salad or added to soups, burgers, muffins, pancakes and an endless list of such dishes.

Not every type of whole grain has so many qualities packed into one single shell. So start including Foxtail millets into your diet from today. You can make it all the more healthy and nutritious by buying only the organic millets, free from chemical sludge, pesticides and harmful sprays. You can visit Terra Greens and check out the foxtail millets to begin your healthy journey with millets.

                        

Nutritional Facts And Health Benefits of Coriander Seeds

We love our colorful spice box and use the spices within, with great relish to flavor the delicious dishes. The aroma of Indian cooking has spread all over the world, and Indian spices are available everywhere.

Jeera or Cumin Seeds, Rai or Mustard Seeds, Methi or Fenugreek Seeds, – Kali Mirch or Paprika, Haldi or Turmeric and Coriander powder are some of the masalas found in the Indian spice box. 

Apart from these, there are several aromatic spices which make up what is known as Garam Masala. This must have combination of masalas are known to generate heat in the body. The spices in the Garam Masala include Cloves, Peppercorns, Bay Leaves, Cinnamon sticks, Mace, etc. 

Did you know that the usage of these spices not only makes the food tasty and fragrant but they are great for digestion along with providing many other health benefits. Most of the Indian condiments are mentioned in the ancient Ayurvedic texts and provide relief from several diseases.

Coriander seeds
Coriander, an integral part of the Indian spice box and is used extensively in Indian cooking. This herbaceous plant is cultivated not only for its aromatic leaves and stems but also for the small seeds it bears. Coriander Seeds are also known as cilantro, are small globular hollow seeds containing some essential volatile oils. They are light green and may brown as they age. Crushed coriander seeds make the coriander spice which provides the basic taste to the Indian cooking.

Nutritional Facts
Coriander seeds have a unique flavor and aroma from the presence of many essential oils and fatty acids like Omega 6, Linalool, Petroselinic Acid, etc. The seeds are full of dietary fiber and flavonoid antioxidants. They have ample amounts of Vitamin B, and C. Coriander seeds also have potassium and sodium electrolytes and minerals like Calcium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Zinc, and Phosphorus.

Thus coriander seeds are nature’s powerhouse full of compounds which promote good health and prevent disease.

Healthy all the way
Coriander seeds and coriander spice are common in not only Indian cuisines but are also a part of middle-eastern spice mixes. Coriander seeds help prevent several diseases and have a host of health benefits too. Read on and find out why you should use coriander spice and feel happy doing so.

The presence of active oils, fatty acids, and dietary fiber make it an excellent digestive aid. It readily eases irritable bowel syndrome and also has anti-flatulent properties.

Regular consumption of coriander seeds reduces LDL or bad cholesterol while increasing HDL or good cholesterol leading to good arterial health. It also controls blood pressure.

Coriander seeds contain essential oils which control blood sugar thus helping people with diabetes.

With the presence of minerals, coriander seeds aid in forming new blood cells and in cell metabolism.

Coriander seeds have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties thus protecting against food poisoning and colon cancer.

The antibacterial properties of Coriander seeds help to relieve symptoms of urinary tract infections leading to faster healing.

Coriander powder is regularly used in Ayurvedic system to regulate the endocrine gland function and maintain hormonal balance to ensure regular menstrual cycle, and reduce pain and cramps.

Regular consumption of coriander seeds helps in reducing neuron degeneration and helps to keeps Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s at bay.

Coriander spice is an innate part of Indian cooking, and regular consumption gives you immense benefit. What is important is the use of pesticide free, organically grown coriander seeds from a trusted source. Use pale green coriander powder as a spice in your cooking and reap the benefits of a tasty and healthy meal.

7 Health Wonders of Turmeric Powder We Bet You Didn’t Know

Turmeric is a powerful spice with remarkable uses and benefits. It’s known for its antioxidant content and ability to work as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Turmeric powder is made by dry grinding of mature turmeric rhizomes or underground stems. Turmeric has been used for colouring and flavouring food, for cosmetic purposes and medicinal properties, since ancient times in India. It has long been used by the Chinese in medical treatments and is widely used in Asian kitchens.

Almost all Asian cuisines use this spice which has almost no calories and zero cholesterol. It may be the most effective 100% naturally occurring nutritional supplement in existence.

Health Benefits of Turmeric Powder

The extensive health benefits of turmeric come mainly from its ingredient, “curcumin”. This component of turmeric is highly therapeutic and is useful for its immunity boosting and antioxidant properties.

1. Prevent and Treat Cancer

Uncontrolled growth of cells characterizes cancer. Research has shown that curcumin in turmeric inhibits cancer growth, development and spread at the molecular level.

Studies have shown that it can reduce angiogenesis i.e. growth of new blood vessels in tumours, metastasis i.e. spread of cancer, as well as contribute to the death of cancerous cells. Some studies have pointed out that it may even prevent cancer from initially occurring, especially cancers of the digestive system.

2. Prevent and Treat Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is the most commonly occurring neurodegenerative disease and a leading cause of dementia. Regrettably, no treatment or cure is available for Alzheimer’s yet. Therefore, preventing its occurrence in the first place is of utmost importance.

Inflammation and oxidative damage play a major role in Alzheimer’s disease, with a buildup of protein tangles called amyloid plaques. Improvement of overall memory in Alzheimer’s patients is caused due to effects of curcumin: decreased beta-amyloid plaques, delayed degradation of neurons, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant property. By crossing the blood-brain barrier it has been shown to lead to various improvements in the pathological process of Alzheimer’s disease.

3. Protects Against Certain Liver Diseases

The curcumin in turmeric protects against certain liver diseases by acting as an antioxidant and inhibits NF-kappaB activation thus producing pro-inflammatory cytokines. A study has revealed that curcumin is effective in preventing and reversing cirrhosis. This suggests that curcumin could be an effective anti-fibrotic and fibrinolytic in the treatment of chronic hepatic diseases. Turmeric is a natural way to detoxify your liver.

4. Controls Development of Type 2 Diabetes

People who have a predisposition to diabetes find that turmeric can help control development of type 2 diabetes. Researchers have found that people with prediabetes who ingested curcumin were less likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared with people who didn't take the curcumin. Turmeric lessens insulin resistance and prevents type 2 diabetes; hence its regular consumption in food will be beneficial even for people who are not prediabetic.

5. Improves Rheumatoid Arthritis

There are several different types of arthritis, but most are characterized by inflammation in the joints. As curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory, it helps with arthritic inflammatory pain. Several studies show that patients with rheumatoid arthritis find curcumin more effective than anti-inflammatory medication.

6. Promotes Weight Loss

Curcumin helps in weight loss and decreases the occurrence of obesity-related diseases. The inflammation connected with obesity is due in part to the presence of immune cells called macrophages in fat tissues throughout the body. Turmeric is believed to suppress the number and activity of such cells and help reduce some of the adverse consequences of obesity.

7. Delays Ageing and Fights Age-Related Diseases

Free radicals cause oxidative damage to DNA and proteins and are associated with a variety of chronic diseases. Curcumin helps curb these conditions.

Curcumin being stronger than vitamin E and vitamin C, it helps boost your immunity and has become very popular as an anti-aging supplement.

Safety profile

Turmeric is safe with no side effects when consumed optimally. People with turmeric sensitivity can have mild stomach upset or diarrhoea, nausea, increased risk of bleeding, increased liver function tests, hyperactive gallbladder contractions, hypotension and uterine contractions in pregnant women.

Turmeric may interfere with anticoagulants and could also affect medications such as non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs. If you have prescription medications, you will find it beneficial to add organic turmeric powder like that of Terra Green's Turmeric powder in your diet to reduce the adverse effects of medication. It is certified under NPOP AND NOP standards of organic certification. Culinary use is generally considered safe.

So go ahead and explore all the wonders of this yellow powder.

Advantages of Sonamasuri Hand Pounded Rice

Going on a diet? Does this mean going off your favorite food, rice? If yes, read on to uncover a healthy way of keeping rice in your diet. The answer lies in going traditional. Eat what was eaten for thousands of years before machines were invented. Substitute the ubiquitous polished rice with the pale Sona Masuri hand pounded rice. Eat rice which has all the nutrients intact. Eat rice milled by hand, the way our ancestors ate it.

Hand polished rice is rice which is pulled by hand, so that only the robust outer protection layer, the husk, is removed.  Such rice is edible and contains all of the nutrients as nature intended. Sona Masuri hand pounded rice is hand pounded with a mortar and pestle and winnowed to produce pale, whitish rice. This kind of whole grain is a complex carbohydrate and bears a mild nutty flavor. Hand pounded rice is full of fiber and may take longer to cook. However, with pressure cookers at hand; it is an easy task to convert hand pounded rice into instantly likable and nutritious food.

Benefits of consuming Sona Masuri hand pounded rice:

•    Low on the Glycemic Index, this rice takes a long time to digest making you feel fuller for longer thereby helping got keep hunger at bay

•    Presence of fiber aids digestion

•    The protein is absorbed quickly and is readily assimilated

•    Contains essential nutrients like Manganese, Tryptophan among others

•    Selenium in hand pounded rice reduces the risk of cancer of the colon

•    Presence of amino acids helps to reduce fatty liver

•    Reduces cholesterol and accelerates fat burning making you leaner

•    Reduces risk of cardiovascular diseases

•    Avoids spikes in sugar levels, this rice can be eaten by people with diabetes too

•    The presence of Vitamin E makes it an anti-aging agent

•     Helps to regulate blood pressure

•    Insoluble fibers contribute to preventing formation of gallstones

As you plan your diet combine Sona Masuri hand pounded rice with your favorite dal to make a wholesome meal. Hand pounded rice grown organically with no adulteration can do wonders for your health. Produced and grown by natural methods Sona Masuri hand pounded rice is rich in proteins, vitamin B & vitamin E and iron along with several minerals.

A diet consisting of pastel white hand pounded rice will keep you physically and mentally healthy. Interestingly, Ayurveda suggests many rice based diet plans which are used to treat various imbalances in the body. Eating the right amount of natural hand pounded rice with your favorite accompaniment is a meal which is easily digestible and gives you essential amino acids – the building blocks of proteins. As your diet continues, you will observe a change in your body making you more active.

While this is an introduction to the advantages that hand pounded rice offers when included in your diet we would also like to hear from you on how hand pounded organic rice has helped you. Any interesting recipes that have enhanced the taste and were appreciated are welcome to be shared. Take care and stay healthy with hand pounded rice!

10 COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT HERBAL HONEY

Honey has been eaten by humans since time immemorial. The ancient Greeks believed it to be the food of Zeus, the king of Gods, and the twelve gods of Olympus: they called it ambrosia or nectar, the food of immortality.

In India too, honey is considered one of the five elixirs of immortality and used to ‘bathe’ deities in temples- Madhu Abhisheka.

Herbal honey is what humans have experimented with for centuries: it is honey infused with herbs and spices. There are some of those unenlightened individuals who shrug off the benefits of herbal honey.

Here is why we should discredit certain misconceptions:

#Myth 1: Herbal honey is mumbo-jumbo: it has no basis in medicine.

Nothing could be further from the truth than this. Ayurveda firmly believes in the therapeutic use of honey blended with certain herbs and spices.

Honey mixed with ginger juice is advised for coughs. Honey mixed with carrot juice is recommended for good eyesight. Honey infused with garlic juice is beneficial to high blood pressure. The list is long.

Ayurveda believes in holistic health, and many consider it to be a harmonious form of treating chronic ailments like constipation, arthritis, etc. by balancing the various elements of the body.

#Myth 2: Herbal honey is just sugar with some flavour added to it.

Honey contains the sugars fructose and glucose, no doubt. That’s the reason for its sweetness. But it also contains vitamins like vitamin B6, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin. The minerals present in honey are magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, sodium and zinc. All these are essential for the proper functioning of the human body.

When medicinal herbs like rosemary or thyme (ajwain) are added, they add their therapeutic properties to those of honey. Rosemary, for instance, is extremely good for relieving pain and inflammation as well as being a good de-toxicant. Thyme infused honey is recommended for coughs and digestion; it serves as a good diuretic too. Sage honey is more effective as a cough syrup than many over-the-counter brands.

#Myth 3: Herbal honey spoils easily, so it’s better avoided

Herbal honey does not spoil if made in the right way by experts who know how. Here are a few points to ponder:

• If raw honey is being infused, your source of honey needs to be a safe one, or you will land up with bacterial infections.
• Drying the herbs before infusing is safer than using raw ones which have their moisture content intact.
• Some kinds of herbal honey are made by heating the honey and ‘stewing’ the herbs in it; some swear by infusing dried herbs and exposing to the sun.
• Bottling herbal honey should be done with care after sterilising and completely drying the bottles.

How much to heat? How long to expose to sunlight? Leave the making of herbal honey to the experts.

#Myth 4: Herbal honey is not good for diabetics

Diabetes is NOT about controlling sugar intake: it is about controlling calories consumed. Pure honey is a MUCH better choice not only than sugar but also artificial sweeteners as it has a lower glycemic index. Herbal honey infused with dry methi (fenugreek) leaves or powder requires much lower levels of insulin to metabolise.

#Myth 5: Herbal honey is a botulism risk

Botulism isn’t something exclusive to honey or herbal honey. It is food poisoning caused by a kind of bacterium in improperly sterilised canned meats and other preserved products. Current medical advice prescribes that honey is best avoided in infants less than 12 months of age– as a precaution. Botulism from herbal honey is not an adult risk.

#Myth 6: Herbal honey is all about taste and flavour

Of course, it is! How soothing is a hot cup of tea infused with the smell of lemon honey!

Hot summers are time for cool drinks. Honey infused with mint is a great cooler: you can add it to watermelon juice, or try ginger infused honey added to lemon juice.

Do the taste and flavour just stop at the tongue? No, the ‘good and happy’ feeling is because herbal honey is a good mood elevator. It cools the body and calms the mind.

# Myth 7: Herbal honey is a good sugar replacement in baking.

Honey, herbal or otherwise, has no value for health when heated above 60°C. In fact, the ayurvedic belief is that eating heated honey increases mucus formation.

#Myth 8: Herbal honey should be made ONLY from local raw honey

This is a myth propagated by do-it-yourself hardliners who will start the process by rearing the bees! It is not practical and not even necessary. A good brand which sources its honey AND herbs from safe and organic produce will ensure that you receive all the benefits that herbal honey can gift you.

#Myth 9: Pregnant women should avoid eating raw herbal honey

Pregnant women should feel free to enjoy this health food. Botulism is rarely an adult concern and certainly not from herbal honey. Any botulism spores will be destroyed in the mother’s digestive system by adult enzymes: there is no chance at all of their crossing the placental barrier.

#Myth 10: Herbal honey cannot really induce sleep

Honey is mainly made up of fructose and glucose. These are reduced sugars that can be quickly absorbed by the blood and are essential nutrients for neurons and our nervous systems. Herbal honey infused with herbs like catnip, passionflower, and lemon balm, mixed in hot tea or milk or even warm water, is a great soporific. Sweet dreams!

Herbal honey should be everyone’s cup of tea! Add it to tea (of course!), on top of yogurt or ice cream, on toast, fruit, breakfast cereal, or just take a spoonful on its own. Organic herbal honey is absolutely chemical free with all the goodness of nature.

Good health, good taste, and good mood: those are the three gifts that you will receive.

The benefits of Rice, Ghee and Sugar in your diet

Who can resist the aroma of pure ghee poured over piping hot rice and dal with a sprinkling of powdered organic sugar? And today, research backed scientific proclamations are directing people to the diet of our grandmothers without any guilt. Breaking myths and misconceptions of healthy and unhealthy food habits, the ‘satvik’ diet of ancient India is getting a thumb up!! Considered as ‘fatty foods’ earlier, today, rice, ghee and organic sugar have proven to provide us with an energy boost; they help in regulating metabolism, slowing down aging and are now a must-have in your daily diet.

Rice, Oryza Sativa is a species of grass, providing several essential minerals, Vitamin B, sodium, zinc etc. Full of fiber, this gluten free cereal is a source of vital fatty acids. Brown rice is richer in nutrients as only the outermost layers or hull is removed; this helps in maintaining a healthy body weight.

Rice is full of phenolics which are full of powerful antioxidants released during digestion. A cupful of rice a day has several nutritional and health benefits. A few of them are listed below:

·         Lowers cholesterol

·         Protects against heart diseases

·         Balances action of calcium to regulate muscle tone

·         Lowers metabolic syndrome

·         Reduces migraines and headaches

·         Lowers frequency of asthmatic attacks

·         Reduces risk of Type II Diabetes

This cereal crop is a part of several cultural cuisines and is a fundamental food across the world.

Ghee or ‘gow gritha’ in Sanskrit, meaning ghee from cow’s milk should be included in a person’s daily meals. Pure cow ghee should preferably be poured over rice, dals and rotis to provide you their full nutrients. Ghee made from the milk of cows which feed on organically grown grass and greens is the most beneficial. Fats provide instant energy to the body and are essential for a balanced diet.

1 gm of fat supplies almost 9 calories, nearly double of the energy given by carbohydrates or proteins.

Thus, about 2 tps of ghee per day will give you all the nutritional benefits of this wonder food. The most misunderstood fat, ghee is a soothing unguent which not only gives a glow to the skin but has a host of other benefits, some of which are listed below:

·         It facilitates absorption of essential vitamins

·         Helps form spongy tissue which cushions our joints

·         Dissolves wastes of body tissues and carries away toxins

·         Has a healing effect on the dietary tract

·         Mitigates peptic ulcers or gastritis

·         Contains linoleic acid which fights fat deposits

·         Increases memory

1 tsp ghee mixed with hot water, taken at bedtime is the best known purgative. As ghee gains popularity in the West, we Indians should continue to consume this essential food as a part of our daily diet.

Organic sugar is unrefined sugar made from raw sugarcane and has more nutrients as it is less processed. Full of antioxidants, amino acids, several minerals and vitamins, organic sugar or raw sugar should be included in one’s diet in moderate amounts. Better than refined white sugar, small amounts of organic sugar in your diet will give you an energy spike.

Having rice, ghee and moderate amounts of sugar as a part of your diet will keep your body healthy, your mind alert and all your organs working steadily. These foods reduce the risk of dementia & Alzheimer and protect you from free radical damage. Besides satisfying our hunger cravings, these traditional foods provide our bodies with a host of health benefits and therefore, should be incorporated in our daily diet.