In  On 06 July 2016

FRUITS OF THE SEASON                            It was during this time of the year when monsoons would have started, schools reopened and on the way to school we saw the street children gathering these black berries to be sold near the school.  These were sold in small paper pouches with a dab of salt.  All of us would try  to grab at least a handful of the berries .Firstly , to enjoy the sweet and sour taste and secondly, to coat our tongues purple-black and tease others. Little did we know that this pigment called %u2018anthocyanin%u2019 helped us build our immunity for the rest of the season. Jamun, Jambu or black berries, whatever you call , start appearing around june and last till about the month of august. The jamun is a tropical fruit, that grows widely  all over india. The size ,the shade of colour and pulpiness  may vary but the fruit in itself  is loaded with many nutrients and has many health benefits. As it is very rich in iron it helps build hemoglobin in the body ,there fore it is recommended for people with anaemia. Besides it also has good amounts of Calcium, Magnesium, Phoshprous, Sodium, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 , B1, Vitamin A and many other nutrients. The fruit has a low glycemic index and hence is good for diabetics also.                                                Jamun has many flavonoids, essential oils and bio-chemical compounds that impart  it medicinal values. When eaten with a pinch of salt it helps in digestion. The fruit has astringent properties  and thus ,eliminates bad breadth . Being low in calories it is perfect for dieters. It also prevents constipation. However here%u2019s a word of caution, do not overdo it and about  100 gm of the whole fruit is just enough for an average adult in a day. The fruit is best eaten in its natural form.                                             The other fruit which also comes around the same time  is the country cousin of apples that is the guava. Though guava literally grows well in almost all parts of the Indian sub- continent , it  originally  belongs to Mexico. The Guava has adapted  nicely to our climatic conditions because it is a very sturdy plant , grows profusely with little or no maintainence. Moreso, it bears fruit twice in a year, once during the monsoons  and then again in the winters. Most people love guavas for their distinct flavor and crunchiness. Guavas come in different sizes , colour and texture . Locally they are called %u2018amrud%u2019 ,  %u2018pedu%u2019 etc. However the fruit is full of essential nutrients especially Vitamin C , Vitamin A ( the pink ones being more rich) ,Pottassium ,and Calcium , besides having many other minerals and vitamins.  Guavas have a high amount of pectin, a soluble dietary fibre and along with the seeds  they provide enough laxatives for smooth bowel movement . Thereby, preventing constipation .                                              The fruit is best when eaten raw, but elderly people and those who are ill can be given the freshly prepared juice. The fruit is low in calories and also has a low glycemic index . So, it suits dieters as well as diabetics. The dietary fibre also has cholesterol lowering effects.                                             On the whole both the Jamun and guava : Help build immunity Lower triglyceride levels in blood  Are  Diabetic friendly Have anti- ageing properties Help prevent constipation .

In  On 15 April 2016

SEASONAL  AND NATURAL FOODS ARE THE BEST Mother nature gifts us with things which are most appropriate for that season and climate. Say for instance mangoes and melons in summer , oranges,sweetlimes,amlas in winter Practically these seasonal things are loaded with nutrients which are most needed during that time of the year. Raw mango preparations protect you from heatstrokes and sunstrokes besides providing many vitamins and minerals .Watermelons are 90% water and replenish water and essential electrolytes lost as sweat .Similarly amla ,orange and guava are a good source of vitamin C that provide resistance from cold. They also provide roughage and antioxidants. Thus , eating natural ,seasonal and local fruits and vegetables not only comes cheaper but are also best and highest in nutritive value during the season. So, think before giving in to the temptation of grabbing attractively placed out of the season exotic fruits and vegetables. So, think before giving in to the temptation of grabbing attractively placed out of the season exotic fruits and vegetables.  

In  On 04 July 2015

  As of now,the country is facing a big health crisis ,according to the WHO reports.A vast majority of the productive population is or will be suffering from a number of lifestyle related disorders , which is a drain on the economy . Lifestyle disorders primarily  occur due erratic patterns of life which includes wrong,unmindfull and unhealthy eating habbits. So with simple changes in our daily lives and our eating habits we can  keep our lives under control to a great extent.  Then why not start  TODAY,,,,, NOW    itself.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Sagarika