Category: Food

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5 Health Benefits of Kasuri Methi

Kasuri Methi is an ancient spice that is popular in the subcontinent of India. They are dried fenugreek leaves that are used to add flavor and aroma to many famous Indian dishes. This herb is added to North Indian delicacies like Paneer Butter Masala, Paneer Lababdar, Tandoori Gobhi, and many more.

These leaves are versatile; meaning to say that fresh fenugreek leaves can also be used. Its seeds are also used while cooking – they are yellow amber-colored seeds with a bitter aftertaste. These leaves taste a little earthy, grassy, and slightly sweet in the first two bites which get a little bitter by the end. However it may taste, these seeds are a power bank of health benefits.

Health Benefits of Kasuri Methi

In the ancient medicinal system, Ayurveda, Kasuri Methi is widely known for its medicinal purposes. It helps in aiding digestion problems and induces labor. This proves that it has many health benefits. To add to these medicinal qualities, it is anti-diabetic, anti-carcinogenic, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-fungal.

Let’s discuss some of its medicinal qualities in detail.

  1. Helps With Gastro-Intestinal Problems:Kasuri methi contains antioxidants that help in improving digestion problems and thus reduce the chances of several severe gastrointestinal problems. Kasuri Methi is very fibrous and thus helps to ease constipation. Regular consumption of Kasuri Methi will help in preventing problems like intestinal inflammation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome.
  2. Rich Source of Micro Nutrients:Fresh fenugreek leaves are filled with vitamin C, but intense drying of these leaves leads to its loss. This is because vitamin C is a volatile nutrient that loses its quality when it comes in contact with air and sunlight. Calcium and iron are not lost while drying. As we all know, calcium is needed to build strong bones and on the other hand, it helps in maintaining our hemoglobin levels.
  3. Controls Diabetes:Kasuri Methi helps in controlling the levels of glucose in your body. Regular intake of Kasuri Methi in the form of curries, dals, and gravies can help in treating type II diabetes. Due to the fiber content present in it, it helps in the function of the levels of insulin in diabetic people. It also helps carbohydrate tolerance in diabetic people as their bodies cannot metabolize carbohydrates easily.
  4. Prevents Skin Diseases:Kasuri methi is rich in antioxidants, consuming it regularly will greatly prevent free radical damage which will protect your skin from premature aging. Since it is also rich in vitamins and minerals, it helps in providing a natural and fresh glow to our skin. Kasuri Methi can also be applied as a pack externally. With the consumption of Kasuri Methi, skin blemishes reduce and prevent the skin from problems like eczema.
  5. Helps With Respiratory Problems:Kasuri Methi is especially used to keep respiratory problems away during winders. It cures allergies and congestions in the respiratory tract. This herb maintains the level of mucus in the body and thus prevents the boy from undergoing severe respiratory diseases.

Kasuri methi is to be stored in an air-tight container so that the moisture doesn’t seep in. It should be kept in a dry, cool, and dark place. If you follow these points, your homemade or store-bought Kasuri Methi can have a shelf life of up to 6 months or more.

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What is the Difference Between Deghi Mirchi and Kashmiri Mirchi?

India is the epitome of the production and usage of spices. Indians love spicy food and so their favorite spice has to be mirchi (chillies). The most famous options available in powder form are Deghi Mirchi powder and Kashmiri red chilli powder. Both these spices are versions of red chilli powder in terms of how spicy they are. Both Deghi Mirchi and Kashmiri Chilli are mild considering their spice levels, but despite that, both are very different in taste.

To know the difference, we will have to dive deep into its understanding. Let us understand the difference between them.

What Is Deghi Mirchi?

Deghi Mirchi is a traditional Indian spice that is made from a beautiful blend of red peppers and Kashmiri dried red chillies. It is mildly spicy and is authentically used to add deep red or orange color to Indian dishes. It is used to add mild spiciness and vibrant color to dishes like dal (Indian curry), and paratha (Indian traditional bread) to name a few. Deghi Mirchi measures about 1,500 to 2,000 Scoville units. The dried Deghi Mirchi powder tastes similar to paprika but when it is roasted with some oil, its releases it spiciness and adds a different flavor to the dish.

What Is Kashmiri Mirchi?

India is the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of Kashmiri red chillies. They are a blend of quality red chillies grown in Kashmir. These chillies could be used as a whole spice, in powder form, or by slitting it in pieces. Kashmiri chilli gives a vibrant red color to food and is also capable of adding flavor to any dish. These chillies are also mild and measure about 1,000 – 2,000 Scoville units. It is small in size and is less pungent. It is mostly used in tandoori dishes as it becomes more aromatic when roasted. It adds a very bright color to foods that are capable of absorbing color.

How are Deghi Mirchi and Kashmiri Mirchi different?

Deghi Mirchi is like mild paprika. It gives a deep red color to gravies, stews, and soups without much heat. Whereas, Kashmiri Chillies are believed to be hotter than Deghi Mirchi. This chilli is hotter than Deghi Mirchi but milder than other chillies like Gantur and Manthania, to name a few.

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Myths About Food & Nutrition

There are so many food myths and misinformation around that it’s sometimes hard to know what is actually good for you and what we should be eating.

Top Food Myths people believe :

Myth 1: Juices help reduce weight and cut calorie intake.

Fact: Juices have concentrated source of energy and additional sugar content. Consuming whole fruit is more beneficial for health

Myth 2: Oranges are the best natural source of vitamin C

Fact : Strawberries actually contain more Vitamin C than oranges (57mg/100g compared to 42mg/100g for easy peeler oranges). Just seven strawberries provide the recommended daily amount of Vitamin C which contributes to the normal function of the immune system along with the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

Myth 3 :Carrots help you to see in the dark

Fact : This is a myth but carrots do contain Vitamin A which is important for good vision.

Myth 4 : Refined oils are 99% fat free.

Fact : All refined oils,irrespective of their composition,are 99% fat. It may vary across trade names. 1 tea spoon of refined oil contains 45 Kcal.

Myth 5 :Too much of any fruit rots your teeth

Fact : Fruits which have a high acid content can damage the enamel of your teeth if eaten excessively. However, the sugar in most fruits will not rot your teeth.

Myth 6 :Nuts are fattening & to be avoided in order to lose weight.

Fact: A handful of nuts can be part of a healthy weight loss program. Nuts are high in calories and fat. However.they contain healthy fats and are a good source of protein, dietary fiber and minerals like magnesium & copper.

Myth 7: Steam or Sauna helps in weight loss.

Fact: These stimulate muscles; boost sweating; will result only in short term loss of fluid but cannot reduce body fat. No sooner you drink a glass of water, original weight comes back.

Myth 8 : You have to workout for 45 minutes at a stretch to get benefit from exercise.

Fact: Plenty of studies show that walking 30 minutes, three times a week,too benefits tremendously. Ideally, your target should be at least 30 minutes 5 times a week.

Myth 9 : Skipping breakfast help you lose weight

Fact : Some people skip breakfast to cut their food intake and try to lose weight, but research shows the opposite is actually true. Eating a high fibre, low GI breakfast helps keep you fuller for longer which means you’re less likely to snack on high-fat and sugary foods mid-morning. In fact, studies show  people who skip breakfast especially children and mothers , are likely to weigh more than regular breakfast eaters .

Myth 10 : Fresh vegetables are more nutritious than Frozen vegetables.

Fact: Research has consistently found fresh and frozen vegetables to have a similar nutritional value, with frozen vegetables actually sometimes having more. With so many people struggling to eat enough vegetables each day, having a steady supply of vegetables handy in the freezer can be an easy and cost effective way to eat more. That said, growing your own vegetables in your garden and eating them shortly after picking is a highly nutritious and super cheap way to get in more of the good stuff!

Myth 11 : Coconut oil is good for you.

Fact:There is very little (if any) scientific support for many of the claims that have been made about the health benefits and healing qualities of coconut oil. Although coconut oil may be better for your cholesterol levels than butter, it still is 90% saturated fat! While it can increase good ‘HDL’ cholesterol it also increases bad ‘LDL’ cholesterol.

While a small amount of coconut oil is okay occasionally, quality unsaturated fats like olive oil or canola oil are a better choice for health. They not only help to increase good ‘HDL’ cholesterol but more importantly decrease bad ‘LDL’ cholesterol too.