Tuesday, April 23, 2013

The Great Indian Kitchen

                             
                         The single word Indian cuisine includes a wide variety of regional cuisines.

The Indian Subcontinent with different types of climates, different kinds of soil all over the country produces a wide variety of spices. All these spices blend food to get the nutrients and bind them to an appetizing form......
                      





Turmeric         

ManjalPasupuArishinaManjalHaldi
   Found in every Indian kitchen and is used to add flavor to curries and stir fries. But its skin benefits are more notable as turmeric is renowned for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.


  • Blocking cancer
  • Powerful anti oxidant
  • Potent anti inflammatory         
  • Natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns
  Nutrients in Turmeric for 2.0 tsp
  
Nutrient
%daily  value
Manganese
17%
Iron
10.15%
Vitamin B6
4%
Fiber
3.7%
Potassium
3.1%
Calories
0%


Pepper
MilaguMiriyaluKari MenasuKurumulakuKali mirch
Salt and Black Pepper seem to go hand-in-hand when it comes to seasoning our foods.

  • Aids digestion.
  • Prevents intestinal gas and reduces stomach upset.
  • Helps in cold congestion.

Cumin seeds

JeeragamJilakaraJeerigaeJirakamJeera

  • Rich source of iron, so beneficial for anaemics, lactating mothers and pregnant women
  • Great aid in digestion 
  • Helps in stimulating the secretion of enzymes in the pancreas which in turn help in the absorption of nutrients.
  • Boost the power of the liver to flush out toxins from the body.
  • A handful of cumin seeds along with water. Drinking this water wards off common colds and keeps the digestive system on track.


Fenugreek

Vendhayam  Menthalu  Menthae   Uluva   Methi seeds

Fenugreek is a powerful herb which has been clinically proven to lower high glucose levels in diabetic patients. Fenugreek also promotes heart health and hormone levels.






  • Helps in reducing blood sugar levels
  • In improving Healthy cholesterol
  • Helps in soothing efffect of digestive organs.
  • Eases child birth and improves lactation.
  • May help in preventing cancer also.
Fennel Seeds
Perumjeeragam/ Sombu
   Pedha   Jilakara/Sopu
 Badesopu

 Perumjeeragam
  Moti      Saun
           






  • Used after meals to facilitate digestion and expelling gases from your stomach.

Coriander

Kothamalli   Kotimer/Kotimir/Kustumburu    Kottmbari   Kottamalli    Dhania
 It is part of most Indian kitchens and very often used to garnish curries, salads and soups. One can make a mouth-watering paste of coriander leaves, peanuts, onions, green chilies and add a dash of lemon juice. This chutney is excellent as a sandwich spread. You can also grind coriander leaves with mint leaves and it is excellent for making a green chicken rice.
  • Excellent source of minerals like potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, and magnesium.
  • Rich in many vital vitamins including folic-acid, vitamin-A, beta carotene and vitamin-C that are essential for optimum health.
  • Increases HDL cholesterol (the good kind), and reduces LDL cholesterol (the bad kind). 
  • It has got strong antioxidant properties and it helps promote healthy liver function.



Mint leaves

Pudhina   Miriyala  dravakam/Oka   chettuMerugu/ Pudina  Putiyina  Pudina



  •  Soothing the digestive tract and if you are having stomach ache then it can be of great help
  • Drinking herbal mint tea reduces irritated bowel syndromes, cleanses the stomach and also clear up skin disorders such as acne.
  • Acts as a cooling sensation to the skin and helps in dealing with skin irritations.
  • Helps in eliminating toxins from the body.
  • Crushed mint leaves helps in whitening teeth and combat bad breath.
  • Very good cleanser for the blood.


Curry leafs

KaruveppilaiKarepeku/ KarivepakuKaribevuKareapelaKari patta

  • A good remedy for nausea and indigestion. Extract juice of curry leaves, squeeze a lime and add a pinch of sugar.
  •  Chew a few leaves every day to lose weight 
  •  Improves eyesight, so make sure you do not throw away the leaves while eating. It is also believed to prevent cataract. 
  • Good for hair growth and colour. Prevents  pre mature greying of hair.