Who doesn't love a delicious, rich Indian meal? It's filling, enjoys a worldwide appeal, and best of all - it is good for you! Indian food is internationally recognized as one of the most healthy food types available. Here are six ingredients and meals that you can enjoy guiltlessly.
Cumin
Cumin is a popular spice that is found in several Indian dishes, such as aloo gobi, aloo baingan, and jeera. It is also a main ingredient in curry powder. This special herb is full of antioxidants, which help the immune system to function at its best. Those suffering from digestive issues will also benefit from regular doses of cumin. Richness in iron is another benefit of cumin, which makes a great supplement for those with anemia or lack sufficient iron in general.
Turmeric
Turmeric is another powerful all-around healer used in the prevention and treatment of several maladies. For instance, turmeric is known as a mild pain killer as well as anti-inflammatory. Turmeric is also good for the liver, acting as both a detoxifier as well as a protector. Arthritis and joint disease sufferers will do well to eat dishes with turmeric in order to relieve their symptoms. Turmeric is found in vindaloo, chicken masala, and aloo phujia. Like cumin, turmeric is also an ingredient in curry powder.
Vegetable Curry
Though the ingredients and spices vary greatly with this universal dish, they all have one thing in common - vegetables! A vegetable curry is an excellent way to get your daily dose of veggies all in one meal. Popular vegetables include cauliflower, onions, potatoes, carrots, squash, eggplant, peas, and tomatoes.
Chana Masala
Chana masala is a delicious meal that is easy to make and found on menus worldwide. If you're not familiar with this dish, its main base is chickpeas, or garbanzo beans. Chickpeas are rich in protein, fiber, folate, thiamin, iron, magnesium, and potassium. The other ingredients in chana masala include an herb-heavy seasoning comprised of a combination of the following: turmeric, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, coriander, and ginger.
Ginger
Newly pregnant mothers can take advantage of Indian dishes seasoned with ginger, as it is a known treatment for morning sickness. Ginger tablets are also available in airports and ship ports to reduce the effect of motion sickness and nausea. Ginger soothes the gastrointestinal passageway, making it a natural remedy for heartburn. Some studies have even shown that ginger may be helpful in the prevention of certain types of cancers. Vegetable bhaji, tomato masala, and masoor dal are all dishes that utilize ginger.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is another miracle spice. The fenugreek seed is a good source of fiber and iron. Acting as nature's Viagra, it has been used to increase libido in both men and women. Menopausal women will find relief in fenugreek, which has similar properties as estrogen. During flu season, fenugreek can be used to ease sore throats, fever, and coughing. This herb adds flavor to dishes such as methi dum aloo, sambar, and sai bhaji.
Source: Jasmine Stephenson is an international traveler, freelance writer, and Indian food lover who also writes for radiologytechncian.com and onlinecollegedegrees.net
Showing posts with label guest writer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label guest writer. Show all posts
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Toxic Body, Home and Mind...
Here is an inspiring post we received from one of our readers, Krista Peterson, a 23 year old passionate about environmental issues, and a health & safety advocate:
"It is becoming harder and harder to live a healthy life in today’s society. With less time and more and more unhealthy shortcuts available through junk food and other conveniences, it takes both effort and information to stay on task. Knowing how to eliminate toxins from your body, your home, and your mind can lead to a balanced, energized, and healthy lifestyle.
You’re stuck with your body for the rest of your life, so it benefits you to take good care of it. Of course, too much sugar, processed food, and junk food are bad for you. But your body also produces natural toxins. On a cellular level, unstable molecules, called free radicals, can cause oxidation, a process very similar to the rusting of metal. Oxidation is known to cause cancer, cataracts, heart disease, and other illnesses.
Antioxidants are substances found in nature that work to protect our cells from free radicals and oxidation by interacting and stabilizing the molecules. Fruits that are high in antioxidants include apples, blueberries, and black beans, each of which is great for dessert making or just plain snacking. Also foods high in Vitamin C, E, and A contain antioxidants.
Your home ought to be a safe haven of health, a place where you can refocus, rest, and refuel. But toxins like lead and asbestos may be making your home unsafe. Lead can be found in water, soil, household dust, and some paint. It is important to be able to recognize the symptoms of lead poisoning to prevent permanent physical damage to yourself and your family members. Lead poisoning symptoms include abdominal pain, aggressive behavior, reduced sensations, and difficulty sleeping.
If your home was built in the 70’s or earlier, it may contain a natural mineral called asbestos in the dry wall, insulation, tile, or heating appliances. If asbestos fibers are disturbed, they’re released into the air and can be inhaled, causing a cancer called mesothelioma if ingested or inhaled. Mesothelioma treatment is similar to most cancer treatment, including chemotherapy and surgery. For those who already have mesothelioma, consider alternative treatment . Some options, like yoga, acupuncture, and herbal remedies, may be unconventional, but they have yielded promising results.
Good mental health, while affected by your home environment and your physical state of well being, can also have a lot to do with a positive attitude. Though not necessarily tangible, negative thoughts are toxic. Studies show that maintaining a positive attitude can lead to better mental and physical health. Optimism reduces stress, allowing you to focus on better lifestyle choices. Expelling the toxins of negative attitudes can also change your hormonal balance, restoring energy and immunity, and reducing your risk for conditions like depression.
So, if you desire a healthy life overall, consider the dangers of toxins like free radicals, lead, asbestos, and negative thinking. With information on what these hazards can do and the drive to eliminate them from your body, home, and mind, you can make the steps toward an even healthier you."
You’re stuck with your body for the rest of your life, so it benefits you to take good care of it. Of course, too much sugar, processed food, and junk food are bad for you. But your body also produces natural toxins. On a cellular level, unstable molecules, called free radicals, can cause oxidation, a process very similar to the rusting of metal. Oxidation is known to cause cancer, cataracts, heart disease, and other illnesses.
Antioxidants are substances found in nature that work to protect our cells from free radicals and oxidation by interacting and stabilizing the molecules. Fruits that are high in antioxidants include apples, blueberries, and black beans, each of which is great for dessert making or just plain snacking. Also foods high in Vitamin C, E, and A contain antioxidants.
Your home ought to be a safe haven of health, a place where you can refocus, rest, and refuel. But toxins like lead and asbestos may be making your home unsafe. Lead can be found in water, soil, household dust, and some paint. It is important to be able to recognize the symptoms of lead poisoning to prevent permanent physical damage to yourself and your family members. Lead poisoning symptoms include abdominal pain, aggressive behavior, reduced sensations, and difficulty sleeping.
If your home was built in the 70’s or earlier, it may contain a natural mineral called asbestos in the dry wall, insulation, tile, or heating appliances. If asbestos fibers are disturbed, they’re released into the air and can be inhaled, causing a cancer called mesothelioma if ingested or inhaled. Mesothelioma treatment is similar to most cancer treatment, including chemotherapy and surgery. For those who already have mesothelioma, consider alternative treatment . Some options, like yoga, acupuncture, and herbal remedies, may be unconventional, but they have yielded promising results.
Good mental health, while affected by your home environment and your physical state of well being, can also have a lot to do with a positive attitude. Though not necessarily tangible, negative thoughts are toxic. Studies show that maintaining a positive attitude can lead to better mental and physical health. Optimism reduces stress, allowing you to focus on better lifestyle choices. Expelling the toxins of negative attitudes can also change your hormonal balance, restoring energy and immunity, and reducing your risk for conditions like depression.
So, if you desire a healthy life overall, consider the dangers of toxins like free radicals, lead, asbestos, and negative thinking. With information on what these hazards can do and the drive to eliminate them from your body, home, and mind, you can make the steps toward an even healthier you."
Source: Krista Peterson, Orlando, FL
Content provided by guest writers are not checked by EcoLogicalMom for accuracy. Please click here for our complete policy. Always consult your doctor or specialist for best care.
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