Sara Nutrition | Traditional Indian Nutrition for Better Health

 SPICE OF THE WEEK BLACK CUMIN SEEDS     Black Cumin Seeds also known as Kalonji. The seeds are used as a flavorful spice in many cuisines. Black cumin seeds also known for its medicinal properties. It has been used for several centuries as a natural remedy for everything from bronchitis to diarrhea. HEALTH BENEFITS RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS     Antioxidants in black cumin seeds may protect against several types of chronic conditions, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease and obesity.  MAY LOWER CHOLESTEROL     Black cumin seeds has been shown to be effective at lowering cholesterol. Black cumin seed powder increases levels of HDL. HAVE CANCER FIGHTING PROPERTIES     Black cumin seeds is effective against several types of cancer, including pancreatic, liver, cervical, prostate, skin and colon cancers. Black cumin seed extract helps to inactivate breast cancer cells. HELPS TO KILL OFF BACTERIA     Black cumin seeds have anti- mic...

  SPICE OF THE WEEK STAR ANISE     Star anise is a spice used in many dishes. This is native from Southeast Asia and parts of China. This star-shaped spice is highly desired due to its active chemical compounds. This spice also contains a compound called shikimic acid, as essential part of anti- influenza medications worldwide. Due to its flavor, this spice is used for culinary and traditional medical applications, for thousands of years.      Health benefits of star anise include its ability to promote healthy skin, prevent fungal infections, support respiratory health, lower the risk of cancer, stimulate the immune system, optimize digestion, boost blood circulation and aids sleep. HEALTH BENEFITS OF STAR ANISE 1. Star anise has high level of antioxidants can help to promote the elimination of free radicals throughout the body, particularly those that can cause oxidative stress in the skin. This can help minimize the appearance of wrinkles, boost skin ela...

BAY LEAF      Bay leaf is a herb comes from bay laurel family, native to the Mediterranean. It is one of the standard cooking  ingredient in many savory dishes all around the world.      There are different varieties of bay leaf is available. Mediterranean bay leaf, Indian bay leaf, California bay leaf and Indonesian bay leaf. Indian bay leaf has a similar taste of cinnamon where the California bay leaf slightly have mint flavor.  HEALTH BENFITS OF BAY LEAF 1. Inhibit the growth of breast and colorectal cancer cells. 2. Consuming bay leaf tea helps to manage blood glucose levels in diabetes patients 3. Reduces inflammation in the wound area. 4. Bay leaf tea helps to prevent kidney stones 5. Smelling the bay leaf smoke helps to improve memory and reduces anxiety 6. Bay leaf tea helps to treat ulcers 7. Helps to prevent heart diseases 8. Rich in Vitamin A, C, B6 , Iron, Magnesium and Zinc 9. Bay leaf tea helps to improve the quality of sleep 10...

  SPICE OF THE WEEK GARLIC     Garlic is a plant in the onion family. It is closely related to onion, shallots and leeks. Each segment of garlic bulb is called a clove. Each Garlic contains nearly 16 cloves in single bulb. Garlic grows in many part of the world and used for cooking for his strong smell and delicious taste.      Garlic has been used in traditional medicine. The compound allicin present in garlic has a medicinal property. but when garlic is crushed the allicin is unstable. The sulfur compound present in garlic enter the body from digestive tract, then travel all over body and exerting some strong biological effects. HEALTH BENEFITS OF GARLIC Helps to boost the immune function Can reduce high blood pressure Reduces LDL cholesterol Garlic contains anti -oxidants that may prevent Alzheimer's disease and Dementia Helps to detoxify heavy metals in the body Improves bone health It adds flavor to the dishes Lowers the risk of lung cancer Protects th...

 SPICE OF THE WEEK CINNAMON     Cinnamon is a spice extracted from the bark of the cinnamon tree which is used in traditional medicine around the world for thousands of  years. It is used in cooking, and baking and is added to many foods.     Cinnamon can be used as a stick or in powder form. in Indian cuisine, cinnamon is used as the main spice in many dishes. It enhances the flavor of the dish. HEALTH BENEFITS It helps to maintain the blood sugar level but does not make any changes in the HbA1c value. It helps to lower the Cholesterol Rich in Anti-oxidants Cinnamon has an anti-inflammatory property that helps to reduce inflammation in arthritis.  consuming cinnamon powder with water regularly helps to reduce the inflammation of  Rheumatoid arthritis patients. Cinnamon may have beneficial effects on neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Cinnamon prevents cancer Anti-microbial property of cinnamon prevents to...

SPICE OF THE WEEK   TURMERIC Turmeric is a kind of ginger plant family.  It is native to southern Asia, requiring temperatures between 20 and 30 c and a considerable amount of annual rainfall to thrive. We can use it as fresh, when not used fresh, the rhizomes are boiled for about 30 to 45 minutes and then dried in hot ovens. After which they are ground into a deep-orange- yellow powder Commonly used as a coloring in Indian cuisine, Iranian cuisine, Pakistani cuisine. HEALTH BENEFITS OF TURMERIC : 1. Turmeric is the spice that gives curry its yellow color. It has been used in India for thousands of years as a spice and medicinal herb.  2. Cur-cumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It has anti - inflammatory effects and is a very strong anti oxidant. Cur-cumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream . When Turmeric is consume with black pepper which contains piperine a natural substance that enhances the absorptio...

SPICE OF THE WEEK  GINGER Ginger is a flowering plant whose rhizome, ginger root or simply ginger is widely used as a spice or a folk medicine. It is originated from China. Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional or alternative medicine. It is loaded with nutrients and bio active compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain. The unique fragrance and flavor of ginger come from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol. Gingerol is the main bio active compound in ginger, responsible for much of its medicinal properties. It can be used fresh, dried, powdered or as an oil or juice, and is sometimes added to processed foods and cosmetics. HEALTH BENEFITS It has powerful anti inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It can treat many forms of nausea, especially morning sickness Reduces muscle pain and soreness Its anti inflammatory effects can help with osteoarthritis  Helps to lower blood su...

SPICE OF THE WEEK  MUSTARD SEEDS # Brown Mustard is a spice that was cultivated in Indus Valley Civilization and is one of the important spices used in the Indian Sub continent Today. # There are 3 varieties of mustard seeds are available: Black Mustard, White Mustard and Brown Mustard. # Mustard seeds are sold either whole or as a ground powder. # Mustard Oil, Mustard Sauce and Mustard Powders are available. #Mustard Seeds should be kept in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark and dry place. # Always roast  the mustard seeds well  when cooking.   MUSTARD SAUCE   MUSTARD POWDER MUSTARD OIL NUTRITIVE VALUES : # Mustard seeds are an excellent source of selenium # A Very good source of Omega-3 Fatty  acids # Rich in manganese # A great source of phosphorus, magnesium and copper # Rich in Vitamin B1 HEALTH BENEFITS OF MUSTARD SEEDS 1. Protects from Gastrointestinal Caner. 2. Helps to contr...

SPICE OF THE WEEK JEERA (CUMIN SEEDS) #  Cumin, is a flowering plant in the family apiaceae, native from the eat Mediterranean to India # Its seeds are used in the cuisines of many different culture in both whole and ground form. # It also has many uses as a traditional medicinal plant. # Jeera is used as a spice for its distinctive flavor and aroma. # Buy jeera seeds instead of powdered. # It can be stores in a dry, cool and dark place. NUTRITIVE VALUE : One Tablespoon of Jeera contains: # 22 k cal of energy # 1.34 g of Fat # 2.63 g of Carbohydrates #1.07 g of Protein HEALTH BENEFITS OF JEERA # Drinking jeera water helps to Re hydrate the body. # It helps in improving saliva secretion. # Enhances appetite # Relieving the digestive disorders. # Helps to lower the blood sugar levels. # Helps in treating anemia # Enhances the oxygen carrying capacity of the cells throughout the body. # Aids in curing the c...

SPICE OF THE WEEK  BLACK PEPPER * Black pepper is a tree cultivated for its fruit, which is usually dried and used as a spice and seasoning * When dried, the fruit is known as a Pepper Corn. * Black  Pepper - cooked and dried unripe fruit * Green Pepper - Dried Unripe Fruit *White Pepper -  Ripe Fruit seeds * Black pepper is the most pungent and flavorful of all types of peppers. * Black pepper is available whole, crushed or ground into powder. * To ensure best flavor, buy whole peppercorns and grind them just before adding to a recipe. * Buying whole peppercorns will help to ensure that you are purchasing unadulterated pepper since ground pepper is often mixed with other spices. * Black pepper should be kept in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark and dry place. * Add pepper at the end of the cooking process since it loses its flavo r and aroma if cooked for too long, adding it near and end will h...