Indian gooseberry, commonly known as amla, is undoubtedly a powerhouse of nutrients. Being a very rich source of Vitamin C, iron and calcium, amla is a health treasure. It also offers a number of beauty benefits for your hair and skin. Available whole, crushed, or ground into powder

Details :

• Amla reduces the risk of heart disease by regulating the build-up of bad cholesterol.
• Amla is rich in antioxidants that help in fighting free radicals in the body. This reduces cell damage and also the risk of cancer and inflammation.
• Amla powder gives you glowing skin and also keeps it hydrated. Consume it with water or add it to your face mask for natural glow. You can mix amla powder, honey and yogurt to make a quick face mask. Leave it on till it dries and then wash off. It will leave your skin smooth and clean.
• Amla powder has a high fibre content which works wonderfully for the digestive system. It's an effective cure for constipation. The dried powder of the amla fruit is also a great home remedy for hyperacidity and stomach ulcers.
• Amla is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it reduces the acid level in the stomach and fights inflammation.
• Amla is considered as the first and foremost food for anti-aging. Consuming amla in any form on a daily basis is the secret behind the slow aging process and beautiful skin.
• Amla powder is good for diabetics. Amla contains chromium which makes the body more responsive to insulin and regulates the blood glucose levels.
• Amla powder when taken with a teaspoon of honey acts as a great blood purifier. You can also mix it with jaggery and have it daily. Regular consumption of amla powder helps in increasing your haemoglobin naturally.
• Amla is also great for your hair. It not only cures dandruff but also helps in preventing hair loss. Make a paste with shikakai, curd and amla powder. Apply this on your scalp and leave it on for half in hour. You could also add few drops of lime to this pack to treat a dry scalp.

Black gram is a type of bean grown in the Indian subcontinent, which has a surprising number of health benefits, including its ability to boost energy, protect cardiovascular health, reduce pain and inflammation, improve immunity, aid in maintaining skin health, prevent diabetes, build strong bones, strengthen the nervous system, and optimize digestion.

Health Benefits of Black Gram : There are many health benefits of black gram including its ability to aid in digestion, boost energy, improve the skin health, and many others.

Improves Digestion : Like many other types of beans, black gram is very high in fiber, which can help to remedy any gastrointestinal issues you might be suffering from. Dietary fiber is able to help bulk up the stool and stimulate peristaltic motion. This can help to reduce symptoms of constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and cramping, as well as other more serious health concerns in your gut. The fiber found in black gram can also help optimize nutrient absorption, ensuring that you get the most out of your meals.

Boosts Energy : The significant levels of iron found in black gram make it an ideal way to boost energy and increase vitality. Iron is a key element in the production of red blood cells, which can increase oxygenated blood flow to the organs and extremities, thereby increasing energy. Iron also prevents anemia, which is characterized by fatigue, weakness, and cognitive weakness.

Improves Bone Mineral Density : There is a wide range of minerals found in black gram, including calcium, phosphorous, potassium, iron and magnesium, all of which play their part in maintaining bone mineral density. As we age, our bones begin to break down and our joints get weak, opening the door for arthritis and osteoporosis. However, maintaining a diet that is high in key minerals can help keep you strong and resilient against age-related disorders.

Prevents Diabetes : Fiber is a commonly recommended food for people who are struggling with diabetes or are at high risk of developing the disorder. Fiber is very effective for regulating the uptake of nutrients in the gut, and can, therefore, balance the levels of insulin and glucose in the blood. By preventing those dangerous spikes and drops in blood sugar, diabetics can live a more normal life.

Skin Care : Ayurvedic remedies used decoctions and pastes made of the black gram for almost every skin condition you can imagine. The concentrated mineral and vitamin content made it perfect for relieving inflammation, getting rid of beauty marks, promoting rapid healing and exfoliation, and stimulating the flow of oxygenated blood to the surface of the skin. It can also help soothe the pain of sunburns, reduce the intensity of a tan, and lessen the symptoms of acne.

Reduces Pain & Inflammation : For pain relief and inflammation throughout the body, black gram is one of the oldest and most trusted Ayurvedic remedies. The combination of minerals and vitamins, in addition to boosting the metabolism and cutting down oxidative stress, can soothe irritated areas in the body. A decoction made with black gram, or the extract itself, can be topically applied to aching joints of painful areas for fast relief.

Senna is an herb. The leaves and the fruit of the plant are used to make medicine.Senna is an FDA-approved nonprescription laxative. It is used to treat constipation and also to clear the bowel before diagnostic tests such as colonoscopy.Senna is also used for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hemorrhoids, and weight loss. Available whole, crushed, or ground into powder.

How does it work?
Senna contains many chemicals called sennosides. Sennosides irritate the lining of the bowel, which causes a laxative effect.

Senna Uses & Effectiveness :

• Likely Effective for : Constipation. Taking senna by mouth is effective for short-term treatment of constipation. Senna is an FDA-approved nonprescription drug for adults and children ages 2 years and older. However, in children ages 3-15 years, mineral oil and a medication called lactulose might be more effective than taking senna. Senna also appears to be effective for treating constipation when used in combination with psyllium or docusate sodium. In elderly people, senna plus psyllium is more effective than lactulose for treating ongoing constipation. Senna plus docusate sodium is effective for treating constipation in the elderly and in people who have undergone anorectal surgery. Taking senna appears to be as effective as lactulose, psyllium, and docusate for relieving constipation in people taking opioids or loperamide.
• Possibly Effective for : Bowel preparation before colonoscopy. Taking senna by mouth is as effective as castor oil and bisocodyl for bowel cleansing. Some evidence suggests that senna is also at least as effective as polyethylene glycol for bowel preparation. However, conflicting evidence exists. It is unclear if taking senna with polyethylene glycol is more effective than taking polyethylene glycol alone. Senna appears to be less effective than sodium phosphate for bowel cleansing. However, taking a combination of senna, sodium picosulfate, and polyethylene glycol appears to be more effective than sodium phosphate for bowel prepration prior to colonoscopy.
• Possibly Ineffective for : Diagnostic imaging. Taking senna by mouth does not appear to improve imaging of abdominal organs.

Insufficient Evidence for :

• Hemorrhoids.
• Irritable bowel disease.
• Losing weight.
• Other conditions
• More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of senna for these uses.

Senna Side Effects & Safety :

• Senna is Likely Safe for most adults and children over age 2 when taken by mouth, short-term. Senna is an FDA-approved nonprescription medicine. Senna can cause some side effects including stomach discomfort, cramps, and diarrhea.
• Senna is Possibly Unsafe when taken by mouth long-term or in high doses. Don't use senna for more than two weeks. Longer use can cause the bowels to stop functioning normally and might cause dependence on laxatives. Long-term use can also change the amount or balance of some chemicals in the blood (electrolytes) that can cause heart function disorders, muscle weakness, liver damage, and other harmful effects.

Special Precautions & Warnings :

• Pregnancy and breast-feeding :
  
  • Senna is Possibly safe  during pregnancy and breast-feeding when taken by mouth, short-term. It is Possibly Unsafe when taken by mouth long-term or in high doses. Long-term, frequent use, or use of high doses has been linked to serious side effects including laxative dependence and liver damage.
  • Although small amounts of senna cross into breast milk, it doesn’t seem to be a problem for nursing babies. As long as the mother uses senna in recommended amounts, senna does not cause changes in the frequency or consistency of babies’ stools.

• Electrolyte disturbances, potassium deficiency : Overuse of senna can make these conditions worse.
• Dehydration, diarrhea or loose stools : Senna should not be used in people with dehydration, diarrhea, or loose stools. It can make these conditions worse.
• Gastrointestinal (GI) conditions : Senna should not be used by people with abdominal pain (either diagnosed or undiagnosed), intestinal blockage, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis, stomach inflammation, anal prolapse, or hemorrhoids.
• Heart disease : Senna can cause electrolyte disturbances and might make heart disease worse.

Senna Interactions :

• Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with Senna
• Senna is a type of laxative called a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the risk of side effects of digoxin (Lanoxin).
• Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with Senna
• Senna can work as a laxative. In some people senna can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. If you take warfarin do not to take excessive amounts of senna.
• Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with Senna
• Senna is a laxative. Some laxatives can decrease potassium in the body. "Water pills" can also decrease potassium in the body. Taking senna along with "water pills" might decrease potassium in the body too much.
• Some "water pills" that can decrease potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Hydrodiuril, Microzide), and others.

Senna Dosing : The following doses have been studied in scientific research

• By Mouth : Senna is an FDA-approved nonprescription drug.
• For constipation in adults and children age 12 and over : the usual dose is 17.2 mg daily. Don't take more than 34.4 mg per day.
• For constipation in children : 8.5 mg daily increased just enough to cause one bowel movement daily has been used.
• For constipation in elderly people : 17 mg daily has been used.
• For constipation following pregnancy : 28 mg in 2 divided doses has been used.

Turmeric powder is a bright yellow powder made by dry grinding of mature turmeric rhizomes (underground stems). The use of turmeric for coloring and flavoring food, for cosmetic purposes and for medicinal properties dates back to the ancient Vedic culture of India.

Uses : Used in almost all Indian curries, this spice has almost no calories (1 tablespoon = 24 calories) and zero cholesterol. It is rich in dietary fiber, iron, potassium, magnesium and vitamin B6. Available whole, crushed, or ground into powder.

Health Benefits of Turmeric :

• The wide range of turmeric health benefits come mainly from its ingredient, curcumin. This widely researched component of turmeric is highly therapeutic and is used in various drugs and pharmaceutics mainly because of its immunity boosting and anti-oxidant properties.

Boosts Immunity : Curcumin has a huge therapeutic value and boosting immunity is one of the most important properties of curcumin.

Properties :

• Has Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidant Properties : Free radical causing oxidative damage to DNA and proteins are associated with a variety of chronic diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases. Curcumin plays an important role in curbing these conditions. Curcumin down-regulates certain inflammatory transcription factors such as kappaB, enzymes such as cyclooxygenase 2 and 5 lipoxygenase, and cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1 (IL-1) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) and hinders the development of these diseases.
• Protects Against Certain Liver Diseases : It is evident from various studies conducted in rats, and a Mexican study showed that curcumin prevents acute liver damage by at least two mechanisms: acting as an antioxidant and by inhibiting NF-kappaB activation and thus production of proinflammatory cytokines. Another study published in the Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology journal revealed that curcumin was effective in preventing and reversing cirrhosis, probably by its ability to reduce TGF-beta expression. These data suggest that curcumin could be an effective antifibrotic and fibrinolytic drug in the treatment of chronic hepatic diseases.
• Controls Development of Type 2 Diabetes : In people who have prediabetes, turmeric helps control development of type 2 diabetes. This has been shown in a Thai study published in the journal Diabetes Care where the researchers found that people with prediabetes who took capsules containing curcumin were less likely to go on to develop type 2 diabetes compared with people who didn't take the curcumin capsules. The reason, says Drew Tortoriello, an endocrinologist and research scientist at the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center at Columbia University Medical Center, is that turmeric lessens insulin resistance and prevents type 2 diabetes. Curcumin, however, is not readily bioavailable; it makes sense to regularly add turmeric powder to the food even for people who are not prediabetic.
• Helps Promote Weight Loss : Curcumin aids in weight loss and reduces the incidence of obesity-related diseases. The inflammation associated with obesity is due in part to the presence of immune cells called macrophages in fat tissues throughout the body. These cells produce cytokines that can cause inflammation in organs such as the heart, and islets of the pancreas, while also increase insulin resistance in muscle and liver. Scientists believe that turmeric suppresses the number and activity of these cells, and help reduce some of the adverse consequences of obesity.
• Improves Rheumatoid Arthritis : According to a study by Chandran and Goel at Nirmala Medical Center, Kerala, the researchers also found that curcumin treatment was safe and did not relate to any adverse events.
• Treats Sprains and Swellings : Treating prains and swellings with a pinch of turmeric powder, lime and salt is an age-old home remedy practiced throughout India.
• Home Remedy for Chronic Cough : Turmeric powder is an effective home remedy for chronic cough, cold and throat irritations.
• Prevents and Treats Alzheimer's Disease : Curcumin in turmeric has a potential role in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study published in the Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology. Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive deterioration together with declining activities of daily living and behavioral changes. Various effects of curcumin, such as decreased beta-amyloid plaques, delayed degradation of neurons, metal-chelation, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant property, improve overall memory in Alzheimer’s patients.
• Prevents and Treats Certain Cancers : Researchers from Cancer Biology Research Center, South Dakota, claim that curcumin may be an effective chemopreventive and therapeutic agent for cervical cancer prevention and treatment. They found that curcumin treatment suppresses cervical cancer cell growth by altering the HPV-associated molecular pathways in cervical cancer cells.

What are the Uses of Turmeric Powder?

• Apart from therapeutic uses, turmeric is also used as an important condiment, in beauty products and spiritual ceremonies.
• In India, turmeric is used in almost all curries and gravy dishes. It gives a rich color and a unique flavor to the food.
• Turmeric is a well-known preservative. Scientists from Gujarat found that adding turmeric to paneer (cottage cheese) extends the shelf life of paneer up to 12 days.
• Turmeric is a great pesticide. Sprinkle turmeric (powder) water near all the entry points of your house to ward of insects, ants, and termites.
• Turmeric has an important place in Indian weddings. Turmeric paste is applied to the bride and the groom as part of the haldi ceremony just before the wedding to give them fresh glowing skins and to ward off the evil eye.
• Turmeric is considered as a symbol of purity, prosperity, and fertility.
• Turmeric water is poured / offered to the Gods in the temples as a part of Hindu ritual called Abhishekam.
• The color yellow is considered sacred and auspicious in India. Any fabric dyed in turmeric is considered pure.
• Women in India use turmeric in skin products such as creams and body scrubs to boost the glow factor.
• Drinking turmeric tea daily may increase your life span, suggests Dr Andrew Weil. Adding one teaspoon of turmeric powder to 4 cups of boiling water, simmering it for 10 minutes and adding honey to taste can do the trick.
• Adding turmeric to meat can reduce the levels of cancer causing heterocyclic amines (HCAs) by up to 40 percent, according to researchers from Kansas State University.

What are the Side Effects of Turmeric?

• Turmeric is safe and has no side effects when used optimally. People with turmeric sensitivity can have mild stomach upset or diarrhea.
• Use turmeric with caution if you are pregnant.
• Turmeric can make gall bladder problems and GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disorder) worse.
• Turmeric can slow blood clotting and might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery.

Derived from dried ginger root, ginger powder is a versatile spice that can be used for medicinal or culinary purposes. For thousands of years, ginger has been used in traditional medicine, thanks to its rich supply of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as gingerol, beta-carotene, capsaicin, and curcumin.

Details : Scientifically known as Zingiber officinale, ginger root comes from a plant of the same name, which is grown primarily in Southern Asia. Ginger powder has been exported to other parts of the world from Southern Asia for roughly 2, 000 years and has been a valuable element of the spice trade. In modern times, it is highly valued for its role in herbal medicine. Ginger powder also provides a longer shelf life and more versatility than the pungent fresh form. Available whole, crushed, or ground into powder

Ginger Powder Health Benefits : The health benefits of ginger powder include aid in weight loss efforts, improving the appearance of the skin and reducing headaches, among others.

Promotes Weight Loss : Ginger has long been used as a way to slim down your waist, and the same is true of ginger powder as well. By mixing a half-teaspoon of ginger powder into hot water, you can brew a delicious tea that will kickstart your metabolism, reduce fat deposition, and increase passive fat burning.

Treats Migraines and Headaches : The anti-inflammatory compounds found in ginger powder are excellent for relieving headaches and migraines, which are often caused by inflammation in the small capillaries in the head. General inflammation can also lead to additional oxidative stress, which this powder can help to alleviate.

Boosts Immunity : Antioxidants like curcumin and capsaicin, which are found in ginger powder, are known to reduce the effects of free radicals, thus reducing strain on the immune system, so it can focus on potential pathogens and foreign agents.

Relieves Chest Pain : The soothing nature of this powder is ideal for relieving chest pain. You can enjoy this benefit by creating a ginger powder salve, or you can drink ginger powder tea.

Aids in Digestion : The ability to soothe inflammation in the gut is one of the best qualities of this spice; it is also able to re-balance acidity levels and the bacterial environment of your stomach for better digestion and nutrient uptake efficiency.

Uses of Ginger Powder : You can use this powder in a number of ways, including as a brewing agent for tea, as a ginger foot bath, salve, tinctures, and in the form of candy, among many others. The powder may need to be combined with other oils and binding agents, but the nutrient quality and active ingredients should be retained in the majority of different applications.

How to Make Ginger Powder?

• Step 1 – Soak the ginger for 4-5 minutes in water and then thoroughly wash.
• Step 2 – Slice the ginger root thinly and set the pieces in the hot sun (or a dehydrator).
• Step 3 – Once completely dry, grind the pieces in a dry mixer.
• Step 4 – Store in an airtight container before use. It should retain its potency for up to 12 months.

Aloe vera, sometimes described as a "wonder plant, " is a short-stemmed shrub. Primarily as a crop for "Aloe gel, " which comes from the leaf. It is approved by the FDA as a flavoring. Cosmetics, Food supplements, Herbal remedies. Available whole or gel.

Aloe vera is widely used today in :

• Food - it is approved by the FDA as a flavoring.
• Cosmetics.
• Food supplements.
• Herbal remedies.

Health benefits of Aloe vera :

• Teeth and gums
• Constipation
• Diabetes-induced foot ulcers
• Antioxidant and possible antimicrobial properties
• Protection from ultraviolet (UV) irradiation
• Protection from skin damage after radiation therapy
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Wounds from second-degree burns
• Depression, learning, and memory - an animal experiment

Coconut oil, or copra oil, is an edible oil extracted from the kernel or meat of mature coconuts harvested from the coconut palm. Coconut oil has a saturated fat content of 90 percent. Oils high in saturated fats have been found to increase the risk of cardiovascular and other diseases.

“Basmati” is long grain aromatic rice grown for many centuries in the specific geographical area, at the Himalayan foot hills of Indian sub-continent, blessed with characteristics extra- long slender grains that elongate at least twice of their original size with a characteristics soft and fluffy texture upon cooking, delicious taste, superior aroma and distinct flavor, Basmati rice is unique among other aromatic long grain rice varieties.

Details :

• Agro- climatic conditions of the specific geographical area as well as method of harvesting, processing and aging attribute these characteristic features to Basmati rice. Owning to its unique characteristics the “ scented Pearl” lends a touch of class that can transform even the most ordinary meal into a gourmet’s delight.
• Any rice other than Basmati Rice is named as Non- Basmati rice. In the world it has been reported that there are 10000 varieties of rice and out of which the maximum number are in India.

Varieties : So far 29 varieties of Basmati rice have been notified under the seeds Act, 1966. These are Basmati 217, Basmati 370, Type 3 (Dehraduni Basmati) Punjab Basmati 1 (Bauni Basmati), Pusa Basmati 1, Kasturi, Haryana Basmati 1, Mahi Sugandha, Taraori Basmati (HBC 19 / Karnal Local), Ranbir Basmati, Basmati 386, Improved Pusa Basmati 1 (Pusa 1460), Pusa Basmati 1121 (After amendment), Vallabh Basmati 22, Pusa Basmati 6 (Pusa 1401), Punjab Basmati 2, Basmati CSR 30 (After amendment), Malviya Basmati Dhan 10-9 (IET 21669), Vallabh Basmati 21 (IET 19493), Pusa Basmati 1509 (IET 21960), Basmati 564, Vallabh Basmati 23, Vallabh Basmati 24, Pusa Basmati 1609, Pant Basmati 1 (IET 21665), Pant Basmati 2 (IET 21953), Punjab Basmati 3, Pusa Basmati 1637, Pusa Basmati 1728.

Areas of Cultivation : The areas of Basmati Rice production in India are in the states of J & K, Himanchal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, uttarakhand and western Uttar Pradesh.

Tamarind is a hardwood tree known scientifically as Tamarindus indica. It's native to India, Pakistan and many other tropical regions. As it ripens, the juicy pulp becomes paste-like and more sweet-sour. The polyphenols in tamarind have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These can protect against diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Available whole, crushed, or ground into powder.

How Is It Used?
This fruit has many uses. It's used for cooking, health and household purposes.

Cooking Uses :

• Tamarind pulp is widely used for cooking in South and Southeast Asia, Mexico, the Middle East and the Caribbean. The seeds and leaves are also edible.
• It is used in sauces, marinades, chutneys, drinks and desserts. It's also one of the ingredients of Worcestershire sauce.

Medicinal Uses :

• Tamarind has played an important role in traditional medicine.
• In beverage form, it was commonly used to treat diarrhea, constipation, fever and peptic ulcers. The bark and leaves were also used to promote wound healing.
• Modern researchers are now studying this plant for potential medicinal uses.
• The polyphenols in tamarind have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These can protect against diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
• The seed extract may also help lower blood sugar, while the pulp extract may help you lose body weight and reverse fatty liver disease.

Home Uses : Tamarind pulp can also be used as a metal polish. It contains tartaric acid, which helps remove tarnish from copper and bronze.

It Is High in Nutrients : Tamarind is high in many nutrients. A single cup (120 grams) of the pulp contains

• Magnesium  -  28% of the RDI.
• Potassium  -  22% of the RDI.
• Iron  -  19% of the RDI.
• Calcium  -  9% of the RDI.
• Phosphorus  -  14% of the RDI.
• Vitamin B1 (thiamin)  -  34% of the RDI.
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)  -  11% of the RDI.
• Vitamin B3 (niacin)  -  12% of the RDI.
• Trace amounts of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), folate, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), copper and selenium.

Different Forms of Tamarind :

• Tamarind is available in prepared forms, such as candy and sweetened syrup.
• You can also find the pure fruit in three main forms   -
• Raw pods   -  These pods are the least processed form of tamarind. They're still intact and can be easily opened to remove the pulp.
• Pressed block   -  To make these, the shell and seeds are removed and the pulp is compressed into a block. These blocks are one step away from raw tamarind.
• Concentrate   -  Tamarind concentrate is pulp that has been boiled down. Preservatives may also be added.

Its Antioxidants May Boost Heart Health :

• This fruit may boost heart health in several ways.
• It contains polyphenols like flavonoids, some of which can help regulate cholesterol levels.
• One study in hamsters with high cholesterol found that tamarind fruit extract lowered total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides.
• The antioxidants in this fruit can help reduce oxidative damage to LDL cholesterol, which is a key driver of heart disease.

It's High in Beneficial Magnesium :

• Tamarind is also relatively high in magnesium.
• One ounce (28 grams), or a little less than 1/4 cup of pulp, delivers 6% of the RDI.
• Magnesium has many health benefits and plays a role in more than 600 body functions. It can also help lower blood pressure and has anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects.
• However, 48% of people in the US do not get enough magnesium.

It May Have Anti-fungal, Antiviral and Antibacterial Effects :

• Tamarind extract contains natural compounds that have antimicrobial effects.
• In fact, studies show that this plant may have anti-fungal, antiviral and antibacterial activity.
• It has also been used in traditional medicine to treat diseases like malaria.
• A compound called lupeol is credited with tamarind's antibacterial effects.
• Because antibiotic resistance is increasing these days, researchers are particularly interested in using medicinal plants to fight bacteria.

Moringa is an incredible nutrient-dense superfood! It has seven times the amount of vitamin C in oranges, four times as much calcium and double the amount of protein in milk, four times the vitamin A in carrots, and three times the potassium in bananas! In fact, moringa tree leaves registered a higher ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) score (157, 000!) than most anitoxidant superfoods that are traditionally talked about, including Acai berries, green tea, blueberries, dark chocolate, garlic, goji berries, pomegranates and red wine! In places where no one can afford fancy pharmaceuticals, moringa trees keep people healthy. One nickname for it is “vitamin tree” – with good reason! Available whole, crushed, or ground into powder.

Other Names : Miracle Moringa, The Never Die Tree, Tree of Life, the Vitamin Tree

Moringa Benefits :

• This tiny leaf has been used medicinally (and as food) for at least 4, 000 years. It is lives up to its nickname as “Miracle Moringa.”
• It contains glucose-modifying, anti-diabetic properties that can fight Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Tests have shown moringa leaves effectively lower blood sugar levels.
• It is a known agent for preventing hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia.
• The leaves have a high iron content and help prevent anemia.
• The leaves help protect your liver and promote cleansing of the body.
• Early studies have shown moringa to have anti-cancer properties.
• It is nutrient packed, full of protein, essential amino acids, antioxidants, and more.
• Moringa contains 18 of 20 amino acids with all 9 essential amino acids present, making it a great protein source.
• MOMtE (Methanolic extract of M. oleifera ) produces a significant reduction in serum glucose and nitric oxide with concomitant increase in serum insulin and protein levels.
• Moringa has a strong anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effect , so it helps fight skin infections or scurvy, as well as providing healing and relief for wounds or insect bites. It helps stop bleeding as well.
• It also is an anti-bacterial and cardio protective agent, providing antibiotic activity against H. Pylori.
• Moringa flowers are boiled in water and made into a tea, which is believed to fight colds.

Traditional Uses : Known as the tree of life, because every part of the tree is used. Seriously! The seeds, pods, flowers, are leaves are used as food, while the bark, roots, stems, and the rest of the tree are used for making tools or as folk medicine. Ayurvedic medicine uses part of the tree for treating various ailments. The leaves are eaten raw in salads, blended into drinks,   or steamed.

Jaggery is a sweetener that is made from sugarcane; it is also known as unrefined sugar, which is prepared without the separation of molasses and crystals and is mostly produced in India.

What is jaggery (gur)?

• Jaggery is a sweetener that is made from sugarcane; it is also known as unrefined sugar, which is prepared without the separation of molasses and crystals and is mostly produced in India and Africa.
• The colour of the gur ranges from golden brown to dark brown in colour. It is used to make several Indian desserts and is known as a healthy replacement of sugar, primarily because it is unprocessed. It may not look very appealing to some, but it does have various health benefits to look out for.

How is jaggery (gur) made?
Jaggery is commonly made from sugarcane, the process follows only three steps to prepare it. These are extraction, clarification and concentration. We give you a detailed explanation of how it is produced :

• The sugarcanes are pressed through machines in order to extract all the sweet juice or sap from them and this process is known as extraction.
• Now, the juice is allowed to stand in large containers so that any residue or sediment is settled at the bottom of the containers. The juice is then strained to produce a clear liquid. This process followed is known as clarification.
• The juice is now placed in huge flat bottomed pans and boiled for hours; this process is known as concentration. During this process the juice is stirred constantly.
• While stirring, impurities are skimmed off the top until only a yellow, dough-like thick paste remains in the pan.
• This paste is then transferred in huge moulds where it is left to cool, until it becomes hard and becomes what is eventually called jaggery. The colour of the jaggery may vary from light to dark brown, depending on the quality of sugarcane and the juice it produced.

Types of jaggery (gur)
Did you know jaggery is not just a result of sugarcane juice? But it is also made with date palm popularly known as nolen gur or patali gur and is very popular in the eastern parts of India, especially West Bengal. Nowadays, even the sap of Sago palm and coconut palm are used to make jaggery, but are rarely available or heard of. The process of making jaggery in all these cases may be almost the same; however the colours of the jaggery may vary; the colours may range from golden brown to dark brown, off-white to pale yellowish white and light brown.

How much jaggery should you consume in a day?
Jaggery contains carbohydrate and sugar content and is free from any chemical processing. Hence, according to expert nutritionist Dr. Rupali Datta, you can have six spoons of any form of sugar, be it refined or unrefined both; 10 grams of jaggery should be enough for daily consumption.
While jaggery is a healthier more nutritious form of sugar, it is still recommended that one should not go overboard and consume too much of it. Ensure a moderate consumption on a daily basis to attain it various health benefits.

Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is a flowering vine in the family Piperaceae, cultivated for its fruit which is usually dried and used as a spice and seasoning, known as a peppercorn. Dried ground pepper has been used since antiquity both for its flavour and as a traditional medicine. Black pepper is native to south India and is extensively cultivated there and elsewhere in tropical regions. Available whole, crushed, or ground into powder.