Nutrifacts in a nutshell
The regular seasonal foods from nature, which we all enjoy consuming are also packed with various nutritional benefits. Here are some such facts.
Garlic
The super food Garlic contains a sulphur-containing compound called allinin, which gets converted to allicin when crushed or minced. It is a powerful antioxidant, antibiotic, and antifungal agent rich in arginine and selenium thereby boosting the process of liver detoxification process and helping the liver remain disease free.
Dark choclate
Dark chocolate are packed with antioxidants flavonoids, which help in lowering blood pressure, lower cholesterol, improve blood circulation and offer some protection to skin from UV damage.
Green tea
Green tea is full of plant antioxidants known as catechins, which have been known to improve the functions of liver. Population based studies have shown that people who regularly consume green tea are less likely to develop liver problems.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms, which are similar to the beneficial microorganisms naturally found in the human gut. These "good bacteria" are used to prevent and alleviate many different conditions but particularly those that affect the gastrointestinal tract. They are particularly good at regulating the amount of healthy bacteria in your system and normalizing bowel movements. In order to add these microorganisms to your diet include curd, buttermilk, tofu, fermented foods like idli to your diet.
Lady finger
Lady finger is an absolutely important food for ladies who are willing to conceive. Okra contains folic acid/folate, which not only helps in conceiving but also helps in the development of fetus and prevention of miscarriage. Folate helps in the formation of neural tube of the fetus.
Pineapple
Pineapple is one of the finest sources of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is the primary antioxidant in the body and helps in getting rid of the free radicals. Free radicals are the root cause of various diseases like atherosclerosis, diabetic heart diseases, colon cancer, and disabilities in both types of arthritis and asthma attacks.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a pseudo-cereal like Amaranth and Buckwheat. The grains are actually its seeds. These seeds are coated with saponins. They are bitter tasting compounds. They should be removed before consumption by washing thoroughly. The most important benefits of Quinoa pronounced as "kinwa" is that it is one of the few vegetarian source of high quality protein. Most grains contain limiting amino acids. They have a low level of Lysine and Isoleucine whereas Quinoa contains fairly good amount of both these amino acids and hence it serves as a complete protein source.
Cardamom
Chewing of Cardamom (chotielaichi) after meals helps in stimulation and regular excretion of gastric juices in the stomach, which provides relief from acidity, heartburn, flatulence and gas problems. Cardamom is also beneficial in stomach cramps. It also helps in relieving hiccups.
Turmeric
Consumption of turmeric brings down plaque levels around the brain, thereby increasing the flow of oxygen.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon (dalchini) powder taken with lukewarm water on an empty stomach can help attain weight loss because of its detoxifying properties.
Baking soda
Baking soda is an effective antacid and helps in giving instant relief during episodes of acidity. Even those suffering from ulcer pains benefit from baking soda.
Cashewnut
Cashewnuts are rich source of minerals like zinc, selenium, and copper. They are rich in calories with soluble dietary fiber and numerous health-promoting phytochemicals that help in keeping cancers at bay.
Peanuts
Peanuts are good source of protein, energy, minerals, vitamin E, and MUFAs
Kiwi
The flavonoids and carotenoids in kiwi protect your DNA from oxygen related damage and inhibit cancer growth.
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a good source of magnesium, which is a relaxation and anti-stress mineral. It also contains vitamin C, which serves as an antioxidant scavenging free radicals and preventing heart disease, weight gain, strokes, etc.
