Benefits of Honey

The Predigested Natural Food Since ancient times, humans have used honey as a natural food, as a sweetener, for medical use, for beautification and for many other purposes.

Benefits of Honey

• Eyesight
  Regular use of honey mixed with the carrot juice helps to improve the eyesight. It should be taken one hour before meals in the morning.
  
  
  
• Cough
  Mixture of equal quantities of honey and ginger juice is a good expectorant. It gives immediate relief in symptoms like cold, cough, sore throat, congestion of chest and runny nose.
  
  
  
• Asthma
  Mix half a gram of black pepper powder with honey and ginger juice mixture (equal quantity). Take this mixture at least three times a day. It helps to cure asthma.
  
  
  
• Blood Pressure
  Take one teaspoonful of garlic juice mixed with two teaspoonful of honey. It can be taken twice a day in the morning and evening. Regular use of this mixture is beneficial for high blood pressure.
  
  
  
• Blood Purification and Fat Reduction
  Take one glass of warm water and mix 1-2 teaspoonful of honey and one teaspoonful of lemon juice. Take this preparation daily before evacuation. It helps to purify the blood. It also helps to reduce fat and to clean the bowels.
  
  
  
• Heart Tonic
  One teaspoonful of anise powder mixed with one or two teaspoonful of honey acts a very nice tonic for the heart. It strengthens the heart muscles and improves its functions.

Kitchen Items

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Uses of Asafoetida
Botanical Name: Ferula fetid, Ferula northex Indian Name: Hing Origin, Distribution and Composition, Asafoetida is a resinous gum of a tall perennial herb, with robust carrot-shaped roots. It is dirty yellow in colour with a pungent smell. It is used as a flavouring agent and forms a constituent of many spice mixtures.

Trachyspermum ammi (Ajwain)
English: Ajowan, omum, bishop's weed, Hindi: Ajwain, Sanskrit: Yavanika, agnivardhana, The name agnivardhana implies stimulation of the digestive fire or agni. It has been employed

EMBLIC MYROBALAN (AMLA)
Botanically it is known as Emblica officinalis. It contains vitamin C, amino acid, tannin, polyphenolic compounds, fixed oil, lipids and essential oils. It may be compared to 'Amrita' of heaven because of its magical healing powers. It is also known as 'Long-life Elixir'

JACK FRUIT (Kanthal, Inchar)
Botanically, it is called Artocarpus heterophylla. It is an attractive tropical tree valued for its immense fruits and its timber. It grows to 60 ft high and bears variable shaped evergreen leaves. The Jack-fruit, a member of the mulberry family (Moraceae), is native to eastern India and is extensively grown in tropical Asia.

KUMQUAT
It is a citrus fruit looking like small orange. Four species are known, all originating in China and Japan. Kumquats reach maximum height of about 5 ft. They have pointed elliptical leaves; small white, star-shaped flower, arid sometimes thorns. The orange coloured fruit is usually round to oblong and often less than 2 inches in length

Turmeric - HALDI
A knife cut. Blood. Dripping incessantly. Unflustered, the Indian housewife reaches for the closest and safest remedy at hand–Haldi. Bodies responding to seasonal changes with the flu, coughs, and running noses, are immediately administered with honey mixed with turmeric, or turmeric mixed in milk by the homemaker, to soothe and to cure.

DATES - Khajoor
Date-palm is a tree of the Phoenix dactylifera of the palm family. The date-palm grows about 23 metres (75 ft) tall and its stem is strongly marked with pruned stubs of old leaf bases, terminates in a crown of graceful, shining, pinnate leaves about 5 metres long. Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants.

DATES - Khajoor

Date-palm is a tree of the Phoenix dactylifera of the palm family. The date-palm grows about 23 metres (75 ft) tall and its stem is strongly marked with pruned stubs of old leaf bases, terminates in a crown of graceful, shining, pinnate leaves about 5 metres long. Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. Under cultivation, the female flowers are artificially pollinated. The date is a one-seeded fruit or berry usually oblong but varying in shape, size,colour, quality and consistency of flesh according to the condition of culture. More than 1000 dates may appear in a single bunch weighing 8 kg or more. The dried fruit is more than 50% sugar by weight and contains about 2% each of protein, fat and mineral water. Syrup, alcohol, vinegar and strong liquor are derived from the fruit. The sap is also used as a beverage either fresh or fermented but because the method of 'extraction seriously injures the palm, only those trees that produce little fruit are used for sap. When a palm is cut down, the tender terminal bud is eaten as salad. Date-sugar, a commercial product of India, is obtained from the sap of a closely related species Phoenix sylvestris.

The fresh fruit is nutritious, tonic and mild laxative. It contains vitamins A and B, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus and alkaloids. Its infusion with milk is nourishing and restorative tonic; for this reason it is given during convalescence from fevers and small-pox. The fruit is very good for cough and cold, asthma, laryngitis, chest complaints, fevers, dysentery and liver complaints. Taking dates with milk early in the morning during winter months is found to be a better tonic than other ordinary tonics and is very easily available at that time. Syrup prepared from dates is also useful in cases of diarrhoea, marasmus, diabetes insipidus.

Benefit and uses of Dates.

• A gum that exudes from the wounded trunk is employed in India for treating diarrhea and genito-urinary ailments.
  
• High-energy date fruits have been placed high on the diets of the health conscious.
  
• Dates are also recommended for women in the post-partum period and lactating due to its value as a nutritious, high-energy food.
  
• In the form of an infusion, decoction, sirup or paste, is administered as a treatment for sore throat, colds, bronchial catarrh. It is taken to relieve fever, cystisis, gonorrhea, edema, liver and abdominal troubles.
  
• Bedouin Arabs, who eat them on a regular basis, show an extremely low incidence rate of cancer and heart disease.

Turmeric - HALDI

A knife cut. Blood. Dripping incessantly. Unflustered, the Indian housewife reaches for the closest and safest remedy at hand–Haldi.

Bodies responding to seasonal changes with the flu, coughs, and running noses, are immediately administered with honey mixed with turmeric, or turmeric mixed in milk by the homemaker, to soothe and to cure.

 

The Friday oil bath routines with the application of Haldi is almost sacrosanct with the South Indian women, resulting in beautiful skin, and hairless bodies! In fact, in South India, it is considered very auspicious and therefore, is the first item on the grocery list. The turmeric plant is tied around the vessel used to make Sweet pongal on the harvest festival, which is celebrated on the Makarshankranti Day, universally celebrated on 14th of January, every year.


In many North Indian traditional wedding ceremonies, haldi is applied to both, the groom and the bride, not only to make them look good with fresh glowing skins, but to ward off the evil eye. It is considered by the Hindus as a symbol of prosperity and as a cleansing herb for the whole body. Pieces of crushed roots mixed with seawater are sprinkled to remove the negative influences from places, persons, and things during ceremonies.

Indians therefore, are no strangers to the multiple uses of Turmeric (Curcuma longa). It is well recognized as the best anti-oxidant, hypoglycemic, colorant, antiseptic and wound healer. Used in cooking as a spice for over 2,500 years, turmeric has a bitter, musty flavor similar to mustard. It is this spice that gives Indian curries their characteristic bright yellow-orange color.

The healing properties of turmeric have made it a most sought after ingredient in cosmetics and drugs, as the leaf oil and extract can also be used as sunscreens and bio-pesticides.


In fact, Turmeric has been in the global limelight for the granting of the controversial patent on it!

Its modern approved applications in European medicine, stem from its traditional uses in Asia. Turmeric is used extensively in the Indian systems of medicine (Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha). It is used as a carminative and stomachic in the treatment of digestive disorders such as flatulence, bloating, and appetite loss. Turmeric is used internally as boiled powder, fresh juice, and confection and externally as paste, oil, ointment, and lotion. It is also applied topically for ulcers, wounds, eczema, and inflammations. In both the Ayurvedic and Siddha systems of medicine, a turmeric paste is used topically to treat ulcers and scabies.

Turmeric, with its antibacterial action, prevents bacterial infections on wounds. Turmeric also has a long history of use for its anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic effects. As in India, it is used in China, Japan, and Korea for a range of indications including, Amenorrhea. Turmeric has been investigated for its cholagogous influence on the secretion of bile, pancreatic, and gastric juices. It is currently being evaluated for its anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic properties.


The roots are pounded and pressed to extract a juice that, when mixed with water, is helpful in earaches and to clear the sinuses through nasal application. The astringent qualities of turmeric are also useful in cases of consumption, tuberculosis, bronchitis, colds and asthma, the root being lightly cooked and eaten. At times, turmeric has been taken as a diuretic, and topically it can be helpful with pimples or to stop bleeding.

The active constituent of turmeric is curcumin, which has been shown to have a wide range of therapeutic effects. It protects against free radical damage, as it is a strong antioxidant and reduces inflammation by reducing histamine levels. Curcumin has a protective effect on liver tissue exposed to liver damaging drugs and is traditionally used for liver ailments. Liver damage resulting from excessive consumption of alcohol or prolonged use of painkillers like paracetemol may be minimized to some extent.

Turmeric also protects the liver from a number of toxic compounds. Studies have shown that turmeric may help reduce cholesterol and also prevent the internal blood clots that trigger heart attack and strokes. There are promising results on the use of turmeric to treat cancer, as it is believed to inhibit the growth of lymphoma tumor cells.


Turmeric is extremely safe. It has been used in large quantities as a food, with no adverse reactions. However, persons with symptoms from gallstones should avoid turmeric. Turmeric’s potential anti-clotting effect might cause problems for those with clotting disorders. Unusually large amounts of turmeric consumption, may result in an upset stomach. Turmeric is best avoided during pregnancy, obstructive jaundice, hepatitis and acute bilious colic and should not be administered to people who suffer from stomach ulcers or hyperacidity.

Growing Turmeric

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a plant of the ginger family, native to India and Southeast Asia. It is a perennial plant with pulpy, orange, tuberous roots that grow to about 2 feet in length. The aerial parts include large, lily-like leaves, a thick, squat, central flower spike, and funnel-shaped yellow flowers. It is largely cultivated in all parts of India, mainly in Chennai, Bengal, and Mumbai. It is also cultivated in China, Taiwan, Japan, Burma, Indonesia, and throughout the African continent.

Turmeric is without a stem, yet the overlapping clustered leaves appear to be growing out of a stem above the ground. The leaves are blade-like, 8 inches long by 3 inches wide, and rise to about 20 inches high, directly from the underground root. This root/rhizome grows its leaves much as the banana does.

Soil rich in humus, which is sandy in nature, is ideal for growing turmeric. The mother rhizome is kept beneath river sand, till the hot summer is over and is planted in June. Each germinating rhizome is planted at the distance of one, to one and half feet and watered in such a way, that there is no stagnation leading to root destruction.

After the rhizomes are planted, turmeric hides in the garden for three or more months, before it sprouts from the ground. The rhizomes are collected, leaving some, at the end of six months, so that the plant is perennial. This plant is usually dormant from about September to March, but the roots do survive and will revive to come up with green leaves once again. This plant can also be grown at home, in wide mouth pots of 2-ft height as the underground part is of use.

Body Massage

AYURVEDIC TIPS

Massage (Abhyanga)

It is a type of passive exercise. It is especially good for weak people, who are unable to exercise. Regular massage is the key to good health, and is necessary both for prevention and cure of diseases.

An Easy Way to Stay Healthy

Oil massage is the most common type of massage. Oil should be chosen according to the season and the personal constitution. Sesame oil is the best for massaging according to Ayurveda. In the winter one can also use mustard oil, though it should not be used in summer. However, those in the habit of constant internal use of mustard oil can massage with it in all seasons. Coconut oil and sunflower oil are also good for massaging in hot climate. Olive oil can be used in the winter as it is heating in nature. People with a vata type of body should use warming oils, and those with pitta type will benefit from cooling oils. The kapha types should have dry massage or should use mustard oil after warming. In order to determine what type you are take a constitution test.

Method of Massaging

One can either start massage from the feet or from head. In self massage one generally starts from feet, then the legs, hands, abdomen, back, chest, neck, shoulders, face and head. While receiving massage from some one it is generally started from head. There are no specific reasons for this.

First apply the oil on the part which is to be massaged. Then massage the part gently with palms till the oil penetrates the body. When massaging, upward strokes should be employed. The motion should be uniform (not too fast and not too slow) and pressure should be applied only on the muscles, not the bones. Different types of actions of fingers and hands are used for massaging different organs.

One should receive a massage on an empty stomach. The best time for massaging is early morning or evening. One may wash the oil off after massage. Wait for 20-30 minutes before washing. There should be no anxiety, stress, anger, and worry. The person should concentrate fully on the part being massaged. It is better to get massage from an expert but you can do it yourself too.

One should avoid taking a massage when there is too much mucus in the body (aggravation of Kapha), when suffering from fever, and after one has undertaken cleansing therapies like vomiting (emesis) and purgation.

Benefits of Massage

Massage stimulates the internal functions of the body and provides nourishment to various body tissues. It helps in cleansing the toxins from channels. Massaging with oil provides lubrication to various body mechanisms. It stimulates the different agni (enzymes), increases assimilation of food and increases the vital body fluid called the Ojas. It works at both mental and physical levels of the body. It is beneficial in the case of insomnia, weakness of nerves, laziness, exhaustion, general debility, dry and unhealthy skin.

VITAMIN E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin. This means that it is dissolved in fat. Vitamin E attaches to fat. This is how it is carried through the body. This is one reason why moderate amounts of fat are needed in the diet. The body can store fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamin E has strong antioxidant properties. The vitamin may protect against heart disease and cancer. Its protective role has been widely studied. Vitamin E is part of a group of substances called tocopherols. Each group has different potencies.

What food source is the nutrient found in?

Vitamin E is found in the fatty parts of foods. The best sources of vitamin E are unsaturated fats, such as vegetable oils. These include
sunflower, safflower, canola, olive, and wheat germ oils.
avocados, nuts, seeds, wheat germ, and whole grain, or unrefined, products.
Green leafy vegetables have smaller amounts.
Soybean oil has a form of vitamin E that has little influence on health. This oil is not a good source of vitamin E. Soybean oil is the most common oil used in products like salad dressing and mayonnaise.
Heating oils to high temperatures, such as in frying, can destroy vitamin E. Storage and freezing foods for a long time can also destroy vitamin E.

Vitamin E is found in the germ of a seed or grain. Most of the nutrients are concentrated there. Whole-wheat flour contains much of the original germ, so it has vitamin E. Refined flour, or white flour, has been stripped of many of its nutrients, including vitamin E.

How does the nutrient affect the body?

Vitamin E is an important antioxidant. Antioxidants protect cells from oxidation. Oxidation can lead to cell damage. Cell damage can lead to chronic health problems, such as heart disease and cancer. Vitamin E works closely with other antioxidants, like vitamin C and selenium, to help protect the body. Vitamin E improves the way the body uses vitamin A. It may help protect against ion the toxic effects of some metals, such as lead.

Information

The recommended dietary allowances, or RDAs, for vitamin E were recently changed. They were increased to provide maximum health benefits. Levels were raised from 10 milligrams (mg) daily to 15 mg daily for adult men and women. Pregnancy increases the recommendations slightly. It is difficult to get enough vitamin E from food alone. To get the full benefit of vitamin E, a supplement is recommended. The government estimates that 68 percent of men and 71 percent of women do not get enough vitamin E daily.

An upper level, based only on intake from vitamin supplements has been set at 1,000 mg of alpha-tocopherol. This is the most potent form of vitamin E. The upper level is not the recommended amount to take. The upper level is the maximum intake of a vitamin or mineral that is likely to cause no health risks. People should not routinely go above the set upper levels for vitamins and minerals. Taking too much vitamin E puts people at risk for prolonged bleeding time. This is because large doses can interfere with vitamin K. Vitamin K helps the blood to clot when a person is bleeding. Not enough is known about vitamin E to make positive claims on mega doses, or extremely high doses of the vitamin. The question is if mega doses of antioxidants, such as vitamin E, can decrease the risk for chronic diseases. More research is needed.

Severe vitamin E deficiency is rare. Conditions where it may occur include people who don't absorb fat normally, premature infants, people with red blood cell disorders, and people on kidney dialysis. Symptoms of vitamin E deficiency include nerve damage and anemia in infants.

To maximize vitamin E intake, healthy vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and unrefined whole-grain products should be a regular part of the diet.

KUMQUAT

KUMQUAT

It is a citrus fruit looking like small orange. Four species are known, all originating in China and Japan. Kumquats reach maximum height of about 5 ft. They have pointed elliptical leaves; small white, star-shaped flower, arid sometimes thorns. The orange coloured fruit is usually round to oblong and often less than 2 inches in length. It has a sweet or acid taste and may be eaten raw or as marmalade. Kumquats are also ornamentals. Kumquats are very rich in vitamins A, B and C. It also contains minerals. This fruit is very useful in bronchitis, cough and cold, laryngitis, pharyngitis, sore throat, fevers, diarrhoea, dysentery, spleen disorders etc.

Benefit and uses of Kumquat.

• The kumquat leaves and fruit contain an essential oil, whilst the fruit also contains sugars and organic acids. The fresh fruit is antitussive and expectorant - in Vitamin it is steamed with sugar candy and used in the treatment of sore throats.
  
• The plant is antiphlogistic, antivinous, carminative, deodorant, stimulant.
  
• Kumquat are cholesterol, fat, and sodium free and provide a good source of fiber and of the vitamins A and C. Kumquats contain traces of calcium and iron. For those on a diet, approximately eight kumquats contain 100 calories.

JACK FRUIT (Kanthal, Inchar)

Botanically, it is called Artocarpus heterophylla. It is an attractive tropical tree valued for its immense fruits and its timber. It grows to 60 ft high and bears variable shaped evergreen leaves. The Jack-fruit, a member of the mulberry family (Moraceae), is native to eastern India and is extensively grown in tropical Asia. It has also been widely introduced into the American tropics.
Its fruit resembles bread-fruit but are of inferior quality. It is a staple food of tropical Asia. Jack-fruits are 12 to 20 inches long and 8 to 10 inches thick and commonly weigh 18 kg or more. The pulp of the ripe fruit is eaten raw. Green fruits, are very nutritious vegetable which is called inchar and is usually eaten in soups and stews. The ripe fruit is not very good for health as it may cause diarrhoea and even cholera. The ripe fruit is very dangerous and should not be taken more than 3 to 4 bulbs at a time during summer months. Its wood is valued for cabinet work.

Benefit and uses of Jack-fruit.

• The jackfruit root is a remedy for skin diseases and asthma. An extract of the root is taken in cases of fever and diarrhea.
  
• Jackfruit provided a good supply of proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins. Delicacies can be prepared from every part of the fruit.
  
• They contain 38% carbohydrates, 6.6% proteins and 0.4 g fats, vitamins like vitamin A, C and certain B vitamins, and minerals like calcium, zinc, and phosphorous.
  
• Their health benefits are wide-ranging from anti-cancer to antihypertensive, anti-ageing, antioxidant, anti-ulcer.
  
  
  
  
  
  

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. This means that it can be dissolved in water. Water-soluble vitamins are carried throughout the body in the bloodstream. They are, for the most part, not stored in the body. The body uses what it needs and the rest is passed in the urine.

Vitamin C is essential for the manufacturing of collagen, that are necessary for tissue repair. It is needed for metabolism of phenylalanine, tyrosine, folic acid, iron. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin needed for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of the body. Vitamin C is essential for the healing of wounds, and for the repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.

Functions and benefits of Vitamin C

Vitamin C has a number of important functions and benefits. For example it:

· It help improve male fertility

· Reduce toxic effect of alcohol and drugs

· Reduce symptoms of arthritis, skin ulcers, allergic reactions

· It also helps produce anti-stress hormones

· Help in production of red blood cells

Recommended Dosage for Vitamin C

· For adults, the usual dose of Vitamin C is 60 mg.

· For Pregnant women, the usual dose is 70 mg.

What food source is the nutrient found in?
The best sources of vitamin C are fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruits such as:

• oranges
• orange juice
• grapefruit
• and tangerines
• melons
• kiwi
• strawberries

Vegetables such as:

• broccoli
• sweet green and red peppers
• potatoes (with skin)
• tomatoes
• brussels sprouts

Cabbage and many dark green leafy vegetables are all good sources of vitamin C. Vitamin C can be easily lost in foods when they are cooked or handled improperly.

Fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables are the best choices for getting vitamin C. Canned vegetables lose vitamin C during processing. If the canning water is thrown out, even more is lost. Freezing has little effect on Vitamin C. Cooking vegetables too long at high heats, for example boiling, can destroy vitamin C.

Most of the vitamin C is left in the cooking water, which is usually thrown away. Cutting and slicing fruits and vegetables leaves a greater surface exposed to air and light, which will also destroy vitamin C. Raw fruits and vegetables should be eaten shortly after they were cut. They should be cooked only for a short time in a small amount of water or by steaming. Aging and leaving fruits and vegetables at room temperature too long can also destroy vitamin C.

How does the nutrient affect the body?
Vitamin C is important to many body functions. It helps the body:

• build and maintain collagen, which are fibers that make up the tissue between tendons, ligaments, bones, and cartilage.
• maintain healthy bones, teeth, gums, red blood cells, and blood vessels.
• heal wounds, bruises, and fractures.
• absorb iron from plant food sources.
• protect from infection by keeping the immune system healthy.
• reduce some of the risk of certain chronic diseases by acting as an antioxidant. Antioxidants help the body fight the effects of free radicals, which can damage the body.

Deficiency Symptoms of Vitamin C

· Beneath the skin

· Swollen or painful joints

· Nosebleeds

· Splitting hair

· Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)

· Bleeding gums

· Depression

· Easy bruising

· Impaired wound healing

· Tiredness

Information
Vitamin C has a long history. It was used as a cure for scurvy. Scurvy is a disease that causes open sores in the mouth, loosening of teeth, and soft gums. In the 1700s, it was discovered that sailors who often consumed lime juice did not get scurvy. Sailors who did not consume lime juice had a 50 percent chance of dying from scurvy. It was not until 200 years later that vitamin C was found to prevent the disease.

Severe deficiency, going for a very long time without vitamin C, can lead to scurvy.

Severe deficiency and scurvy are rare in the United States . Poor vitamin C intake is more common. Alcohol intake, stress, smoking, poor intake of fruits and vegetables, and chronic illness can contribute to vitamin C deficiency. Signs of deficiency include:

• inflamed gums.
• slow wound healing.
• stomach disorders.
• reduced resistance to colds and infections.
• skin problems.

Large doses of vitamin C can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, or kidney stones. The upper levels for vitamin C is 2,000 milligrams (mg) per day for adults. People should not routinely go above the set upper levels for vitamins and minerals. An upper level is not the recommended amount to take. It is the maximum amount of a vitamin or mineral that is likely to cause no health risks. Some scientists think not enough is known about mega dosing, or taking extremely high doses of vitamins, to claim that it has health benefits. There is debate if mega doses of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, can help decrease the risk for chronic diseases. Much of the current information is conflicting, therefore, more research is needed.

The recommended dietary allowances, or RDAs, for vitamin C were recently increased. Levels were increased to provide maximum health benefits. Levels were raised from 60 mg daily to 75 mg per day for women and 90 mg per day for men. Smokers are advised to take an extra 35 mg daily. This is because smoking depletes the body of some vitamin C. Pregnant and nursing women need slightly more, too. Many people do not get enough vitamin C. Thirty-nine percent of men and 43 percent of women fall short of the recommended amount.

Because vitamin C cannot be stored in the body; it is important to eat foods high in vitamin C. Eating a well-balanced diet, including at least five servings of fruit and vegetables every day, should provide all the body needs.

Proteins

Learning about PROTEINS

You probably know you need to eat protein, but what is it? Many foods contain protein (say: pro-teen), but the best sources are beef, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, seeds, and legumes like black beans and lentils. Protein builds up, maintains, and replaces the tissues in your body. (Not the tissues you blow your nose in! We mean the stuff your body's made up of.) Your muscles, your organs, and your immune system are made up mostly of protein.



Your body uses the protein you eat to make lots of specialized protein molecules that have specific jobs. For instance, your body uses protein to make hemoglobin (say: hee-muh-glow-bin) , the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen to every part of your body. Other proteins are used to build cardiac muscle. What's that? Your heart! In fact, whether you're running or just hanging out, protein is doing important work like moving your legs, moving your lungs, and protecting you from disease.

All About Amino Acids

When you eat foods that contain protein, the digestive juices in your stomach and intestine go to work. They break down the protein in food into basic units, called amino acids (say uh-mee-no a-sids). The amino acids then can be reused to make the proteins your body needs to maintain muscles, bones, blood, and body organs.



Proteins are sometimes described as long necklaces with differently shaped beads. Each bead is a small amino acid. These amino acids can join together to make thousands of different proteins. Scientists have found many different amino acids in protein, but 22 of them are very important to human health.



Of those 22 amino acids, your body can make 13 of them without you ever thinking about it. Your body can't make the other nine amino acids, but you can get them by eating protein-rich foods. They are called essential amino acids because it's essential that you get them from the foods you eat.

Different Kinds of Protein

Protein from animal sources, such as meat and milk, is called complete, because it contains all nine of the essential amino acids. Most vegetable protein is considered incomplete because it lacks one or more of the essential amino acids. This can be a concern for someone who doesn't eat meat or milk products. But people who eat a vegetarian diet can still get all their essential amino acids by eating a wide variety of protein-rich vegetable foods.



For instance, you can't get all the amino acids you need from peanuts alone, but if you have peanut butter on whole-grain bread you're set. Likewise, red beans won't give you everything you need, but red beans and rice will do the trick. The good news is that you don't have to eat all the essential amino acids in every meal. As long as you have a variety of protein sources throughout the day, your body will grab what it needs from each meal.

How Much Is Enough?

You can figure out how much protein you need if you know how much you weigh. Each day, kids need to eat about 0.5 grams of protein for every pound (0.5 kilograms) they weigh. That's a gram for every 2 pounds (1 kilogram) you weigh. Your protein needs will grow as you get bigger, but then they will level off when you reach adult size. Adults, for instance, need about 60 grams per day.



To figure out your protein needs, multiply your weight in pounds times 0.5 or you can just take your weight and divide by 2. For instance, a 70-pound (or 32-kilogram) kid should have about 35 grams of protein every day. If you only know your weight in kilograms, you need about 1 gram of protein each day for every kilogram you weigh.

You can look at a food label to find out how many protein grams are in a serving. But if you're eating a balanced diet, you don't need to keep track of it. It's pretty easy to get enough protein. Here's an example of how a kid might get about 35 grams of protein in a day:

• 2 tablespoons (15 milliliters) peanut butter (7 grams protein)
  
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) low-fat milk (8 grams protein)
  
• 1 ounce (30 grams) or two domino-size pieces of cheddar cheese (7 grams protein)
  
• 1.5 ounces (90 grams) chicken breast (10.5 grams protein)
  
• ½ cup (80 grams) broccoli (2 grams protein)

Of course, you can choose your own favorite combination of protein-rich foods — now that you're a pro at protein!



Function of proteins



Proteins have many functions. They serve as enzymatic catalysts, are used as
transport molecules (hemoglobin transports oxygen) and storage molecules (iron is stored in the liver as a complex with the protein ferritin); they are used in movement (proteins are the major component of muscles); they are needed for mechanical support (skin and bone contain collagen-a fibrous protein); they mediate cell responses (rhodopsin is a protein in the eye which is used for vision); antibody proteins are needed for immune protection; control of growth and cell differentiation uses proteins (hormones). These are just a few examples of the many, many functions of proteins.

Protein Requirements

Protein requirements depend on a child's age and weight. For example, the average 4-6 year old preschooler requires about 22 grams of protein a day, while an older 7-10 year old requires about 28 grams of protein a day.



Making things a little more complicated, protein requirements also depend on the 'quality' of protein your child eats and how easily digestible it is. In general, animal proteins, such as from milk, eggs, and meats, are considered highly digestible and higher quality than plant sources of protein. You don't have to worry about this though, as long as you vary which protein foods your child eats. Even if your child only eats plant sources of protein, as long as you pair them, such as by eating grains and legumes, you can get the right amounts of proteins in your child's diet.

Protein Rich Foods

I think that one of the reasons that parents don't think that their kids get enough protein in their diets is that they simply aren't aware that protein is in so many different foods! Many foods besides red meat are high in protein, which means that your kids are likely getting much more protein in their diet than you think.

Common protein rich foods can include:

• Milk
  
• Soy Milk
  
• Eggs
  
• Cheese
  
• Yogurt
  
• Peanut Butter
  
• Lean Meats, Fish, and Poultry
  
• Beans, Tofu, Lentils, and other Legumes
  
• Grains, including bread and pasta
  
• Nuts and Seeds

It can also be easy to find high protein foods by reading food labels and looking for foods with a higher protein number than other foods, such as from 6 to 10g or more.

Protein Fortified Foods

In addition to foods that naturally have a lot of protein in them, parents can also buy protein supplements, such as:

• Protein fortified drink mixes, including Pediasure or Carnation Instant Breakfast.

Protein Foods Kids Like

Some ideas for high protein foods that can combine more than one protein rich food, such as a cheeseburger, which includes meat, cheese, and a bun, include:

• Tuna Fish Sandwich
  
• Cheeseburger
  
• Cheese Pizza
  
• Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
  
• Macaroni and Cheese
  
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich

LIQUORICE or Jastimadhu

LIQUORICE (Jastimadhu)

Botanically it is called Glycyrrhiza glabra. It is a tall erect herb that may rise up to 1.5 m high. Leaves are compound containing leaflets in 4 to 7 pairs. The flowers are like lilac, small the fruits are 1.3 cm long, flat, densely covered allover with small spinous outgrowths. The rootstock gives numerous additional roots. The plant is grown in Kashmir, Debra Dun, Delhi etc.

The dried roots and underground stems of this plant constitute the drug. Liquorice is a house-hold remedy for coughs and cold, bronchitis, fevers, abdominal pains, consumption and epilepsy. It is also given in urinary and kidney disorders. The powder or small pieces of the drug are commonly taken with betel leaves. Liquorice is largely used in making syrup. It is also useful in gastric or peptic ulcers.

Benefit and uses of Liquorice.

• The liquorice root as beneficial in the treatment of coughs, colds, and other bronchial irritations.
  
• It is suggested for treatment of the spleen, liver and kidney. The use a licorice preparation to treat hepatitis.
  
• Creams containing whole liquorice can be used to treat Eczema, Psoriasis, and Herpes.
  
• Liquorice is used in allopathic medicine as a treatment for peptic ulceration, a similar use to its herbal use in gastritis and ulcers. It can be used in the relief of abdominal colic.
  
• It is especially beneficial to smokers because of the anti-inflammatory action.
  
• It can help fight inflammation, viruses, ulcers and even cancer.

EMBLIC MYROBALAN (AMLA)

EMBLIC MYROBALAN / AMLA

Botanically it is known as Emblica officinalis. It contains vitamin C, amino acid, tannin, polyphenolic compounds, fixed oil, lipids and essential oils. It may be compared to 'Amrita' of heaven because of its magical healing powers. It is also known as 'Long-life Elixir'. It is a tonic, laxative, and rejuvenative and it increases longevity. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, has said, 'If one bites a piece of amlaki and swallows its juice everyday, he will remain free from all sorts of diseases and he will be ever young'. Emblic myrobalan cures many ailments like acidity, septic fever, biliary colic, vomiting, insomnia, defective vision etc.

The fruit is one of the richest sources of vitamin C; the fresh fruit is refrigerant, tonic, antiscorbutic, diuretic and laxative; it is used in fevers, hiccup, vomiting, indigestion, habitual constipation and other disorders of the digestive system. A decoction of the dried fruits is an efficacious douche in gonorrhoea; and an eye-wash in ophthalmia.

It is good liver tonic; raw fruits are cooling and mild laxatives. A fermented liquor made from the fruits is considered useful in indigestion anaemia, jaundice, certain heart complaints, cold in nose and for promoting urination. It is a very rich source of vitamin C. Certain experiments on patients of pulmonary tuberculosis showed that vitamin C of emblic fruits is more quickly assimilated in the human system than synthetic vitamin C; perhaps there certain unknown factors in the fruits responsible for this advantage. Dried fruits are useful in diarrhoea and dysentery.

Benefit and uses of amlaki:

• Its juice is highly effective in reducing blood pressure and keeping it normal.
  
• It juice is highly effective in curing acidity permanently, if taken daily for a month.
  
• Dim of vision can be restored to normal if its juice is taken daily after all principal meals.
  
• Its juice is a household remedy for septic fever.
  
• Its juice is an age-old remedy for biliary colic.
  
• It is very good for inducing sleep if its juice is taken before retiring to bed at night.
  
• Juice of Emblic myrobalan mixed with cocoanut oil may be applied on the hair-roots at night. It may stop further falling of hair and make the hair roots strong.
  
• Its juice is very effective in curing all sorts of vomiting, nausea, car-sickness, travel­sickness and sea-sickness.
  
• The juice of amlaki is a very powerful remedy for leucorrhoea.
  
• It can be cured by taking amlaki juice with honey twice or thrice daily.
  
• Its Juice is highly effective in curing all sorts of urinary and prostate gland disorders.
  
• It is also beneficial in leprocy and in checking the emanation of sperm and other vital humors thorough urine. It also cures constipation and develops the power of sight.
  
• If 20-25 grams of raw amla juice is taken midway during the lunch and dinner mixed with water, it strengthens the mind as well as the heart.
  
• A liquor made from the fermented fruits is prescribed as a treatment for indigestion, anemia, jaundice, some cardiac problems, nasal congestion and retention of urine.
  
• Amblic enhances production of Red Blood Cells. Strengthens teeth, hair and nails.
  
• Amblic very Powerful anti-inflammatory herb. Useful in hemorrhoids, gastritis and colitis.
  
• The regular use of Amla-Berry tablets can strengthen digestion, absorption and assimilation of food.
  
• It helps sharpen the intellect and mental functioning. It supports the nervous system and strengthens the senses.

Trachyspermum ammi (Ajwain)

Trachyspermum ammi

English: Ajowan, omum, bishop's weed
Hindi: Ajwain
Sanskrit: Yavanika, agnivardhana

The name agnivardhana implies stimulation of the digestive fire or agni. It has been employed medicinally since ancient times and was described by the seer Charaka as useful in urticaria and as an antiflatulent and anticolic drug. Ajowan, with its characteristic aromatic smell and pungent taste, is widely used as a spice in curries, pickles, biscuits, confectionery and beverages. The crushed seeds are also dried for use in scented powders and pot pourri.

Habitat

The herb originated in the Mediterranean region and is now cultivated in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Commercial ajowan is mainly produced in India and grown throughout the country, mainly in the plains but also at higher altitudes. Under irrigation, it is grown extensively as a garden crop or in small fields. The plant also grows in Africa, China and other countries of central Asia.

Botanical description

An erect, glabrous or minutely pubescent, branched annual up to 30-90 cm tall (Plate 65). Stems striate; leaves rather distant, 2-3 pinnately divided, segments linear, ultimate segments 1-2.5 cm long. The flowers are white and small, occurring in terminal or lateral pedunculate, compound umbels. Fruits ovoid, muricate, cremocarps, 2-3 mm long, greyish brown; mericarps compressed, with distinct ridges and tubercular surface. The essential oil obtained from the seed is a yellowish-orange or reddish liquid with a herbaceous-spicy medicinal odour, much like thyme.

Parts used

Seed, oil.

Traditional and modern use

The seeds are carminative, stimulant and antispasmodic and are given in colic and diarrhoea. For the relief of flatulence andx dyspepsia, they may be eaten with betel leaves or rock salt and a mixture of the seeds and buttermilk is a commonly used expectorant. They are considered efficacious in sore throats, bronchitis and for habitual drunkenness and as a stimulating decongestant for the respiratory and digestive tracts. Internally the seeds are given for colds, coughs, influenza, asthma, arthritis and rheumatism and are a component of many important Ayurvedic formulations. Crude crystals from the oil, known as Ajwain-ka­phool, are used in stomach ache. In Unani medicine ajowan is used as a liver tonic, an antiinflammatory agent and for paralysis. The tincture, essential oil and extracted thymol have been used in Indian medicine to treat cholera. The distilled oil in water, sometimes known as 'omum water', is used as an antiseptic, to aid digestion and applied externally for relief of rheumatic and neuralgic pains. A paste of the seeds may be applied topically to relieve colic pains and a hot dry fomentation of the seeds is a household remedy for asthma. For relief of migraine and delirium the seeds are sometimes smoked or taken as snuff.

Ethnoveterinary usage

The seeds are used in stoppage of rumination and chewing the cud, pox, fever, mastitis, tympanitis, haematuria, ascites and indigestion.

Major chemical constituents

Monoterpenoids

The essential oil contains thymol as the major component, with p-cymene, dipentene, a-pinene, â-pinene, y-terpinene, camphene, myrcene, b-3-carene, limonene, carvacrol and others.

Glycosides

The seed contains 6-0-â-D­glucopyranosyloxyth ymol.

Fatty acids

Fixed oil extracted from the seeds was found to contain resin acids, palmitic acid, petroselenic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid.

Vitamins and trace elements

The fruit contains riboflavin, thiamin, nicotinic acid, carotene, calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, phosphorus and zinc.

Medicinal and pharmacological activities

Antiplatelet activity: An ether extract of Trachyspermum ammi inhibited platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid (AA), epinephrine and collagen. It reduced thromboxane B2 formation from added arachidonate in intact platelet preparations and also after stimulation with Ca2+ ionophore A23187. A direct action on cyclooxygenase was indicated as there was no effect on the release of AA from labelled platelets. An increased formation of lipoxygenase- derived products from exogenous AA in treated platelets was also observed, apparently due to the redirection of AA metabolism from the cyclooxygenase to the lipoxygenase pathway.

Hypotensive activity: In anaesthetised rats, thymol (1-10 mglkg) produced a dose­dependent fall in blood pressure and heart rate. These effects were not blocked by atropine (1 mg/kg) and thymol did not modify the presser response of norepinephrine, eliminating the possibility of cholinergic stimulation or adrenergic blockade. In spontaneously beating atria, thymol caused a decrease in force and rate of atrial contractions which remained unaltered in the presence of atropine. In rabbit aorta, thymol caused relaxation of norepinephrine­and potassium-induced contractions in a concentration- dependent manner. These relaxant effects remained unchanged after the removal of the endothelium. Moreover, atropine, propranolol, indomethacin and glibenclamide did not alter vasorelaxation, suggesting that thymol exhibits calcium channel blocking activity, which may explain the hypotensive and bradycardiac effects.

Inhibition of the hepatitis C virus: The methanol extract of Trachyspermum ammi showed inhibitory effects on hepatitis C virus protease, using in vitro assay methods. It showed 90% inhibition at 100 Ilglml.

Insecticidal activity: The oil of Trachyspermum spp. exhibited significant larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. It also produced significant metamorphic inhibition against Dysdercus koenigii, oviposition deterrence against Phthorimaea operculella and antifeedant effects against Spodoptera litura and Achoea
janata.

Uses of Asafoetida

Asafoetida

Botanical Name: Ferula fetid, Ferula northex
Indian Name: Hing

Origin, Distribution and Composition

Asafoetida is a resinous gum of a tall perennial herb, with robust carrot-shaped roots. It is dirty yellow in colour with a pungent smell. It is used as a flavouring agent and forms a constituent of many spice mixtures. Asafoetida has several varieties which are distributed from the Mediterranean region to Central Asia. It is grown in Iran and Afghanistan. The other species, known botanically as Ferula northex, grow abundantly in Kashmir, Western Tibet and Afghanistan. It forms a good substitute for asafoetida.

An analysis of asafoetida shows it to consist of carbohydrates 67.8 per cent per 100 gms, moisture 16.0 per cent, protein 4.0 per cent, fat 1.1 per cent, minerals 7.0 per cent and fibre 4.1 per cent. Its mineral and vitamin contents include substantial calcium besides phosphorus, iron, carotene, riboflavin and niacin. Its calorific value is 297.
Asafoetida contains resin, gum, volatile oil and ash. The resin consists Chiefly of asaresinotennol, free or combined with ferulic acid. Umbelliferone seems to be present in the combined state.

Healing Power and Curative Properties

Asafoetida has been held in great esteem amongst indigenous medicines from the earliest times in India. It is reputed as a drug which expels wind from the stomach and counteracts any spasmodic disorders. It is also a nervine stimulant, digestive agent and a sedative.

Respiratory Disorders

Asafoetida is useful in the treatment of respiratory disorders like whooping cough, asthma and bronchitis. About 3 to 6 centigrams of this gum, mixed with 2 teaspoons of honey, a quarter teaspoon of white onion juice and I teaspoon of betel leaf juice, taken thrice daily would keep the patient away from such disorders.

Hysteria

The herb is an effective remedy for hysteria. Inhaling this gum prevents hysterical attacks. An emulsion made by 2 grams of the gum with 120 mI of water is a valuable enema per rectum in treating hysteria, when oral dosage not advisable.

Impotency

The herb is beneficial in the treatment of impotency. Aboaut 6 centigrams of asafoetida should be fried in ghee and mixed with honey and a teaspoon of fresh latex of banyan tree. This mixture should be taken once daily for 40 days before sunrise. It is also considered a specific medicine for spennatorrhoea and premature ejaculation.

Children's Disorders

The herb is extensively used in the treatment of nervous disorders of children. There is an old European belief that a small piece of this gum, hung around a child's neck, would protect it from many diseases, especially germs which are sensitive to its particular odour.

Women's Ailments

The herb is considered useful in the treatment of several problems concerning women such as sterility, unwanted abortion, pre-mature labour, unusually painful, difficult and excessive menstruation and leucorrhoea. About 12 centigrams of gum fried in ghee mixed with 120 grams of goat's fresh milk and a tablespoon of honey, should be given thrice daily for a month. It excites the secretion of progestrone hormone.

Asafoetida is also useful for women after childbirth. Owing to its antiflatulent and digestive properties, the herb can be taken with beneficial results during the post-delivery period. In southern India, the powder of the herb mixed with rice is given to women after delivery.

Stomach Disorders

The herb is an effective remedy for several diseases of the stomach. It is one of the best remedies available for flatulence and is an essential ingredient for most of the digestive powders.

In case of flatulence and distension of the stomach, asafoetida should be dissolved in hot water and a pad of cloth steeped in it may be used for fomenting the abdomen.

Toothache

Asafoetida is useful in alleviating toothache. After being pestled in lemon juice, it is slightly heated. A cotton piece, soaked in the lotion and placed in the cavity of the tooth, relieves pain quickly.

Preparation and Doses: Asafoetida fried in ghee is administered either as a solution, emulsion or pills. The dose is 30 to 90 centigrams. The solution is made by thoroughly mixing 20 grams of the gum with half a liter of hot water. The dosage for adults is one to two tablespoons and one-fourth to half for children.

Other Uses

Antidote of Opium: The herb is used as an antidote of opium. Given in the same quantity as opium ingested by the patient, it will counteract the effect of the drug.

The gum resin is relished as a condiment in India and Iran where it is used to flavour curries, meatballs, daI and pickles. It is used in Europe and the United States in perfumes and for flavouring. The whole plant is used as a fresh vegetable.

VITAMIN K

VITAMIN K

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin. It can be dissolved in fat. Vitamin K is carried through the body by fat and is stored in fat tissue. There are three forms of Vitamin K:

• phylloquinone, which is found in food
  
  
• menadione, which is man-made
  
  
• menaquinone, which is produced by the body
  

What food source is the nutrient found in?


Vitamin K can be found in the following foods:

• collards, kale, and other green leafy vegetables
  
  
• members of the cabbage family including broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts
  
  
• liver
  
  
• cheese
  
  
• milk
  
  
• egg yolk
  
  
• some fruits
  

Intestinal bacteria produce some vitamin K in the body.



How does the nutrient affect the body?
Vitamin K makes several proteins that help blood to clot when bleeding. It also makes other proteins for blood, bones, and kidneys. Along with vitamins A and D, vitamin K is important for strong bone development.



Information
The Recommended Dietary Allowance, called RDA, for vitamin K for adult males, age 25 years and older, is 80 micrograms (mcg) per day. For women, age 25 years and older, it is 65 mcg per day. For pregnant and lactating women, the RDA is also 65 mcg.

Vitamin K deficiency is rare. It is often the result of impaired absorption rather than not getting enough in the diet. Newborns are at risk for vitamin K deficiency. This is because their digestive tracts contain no vitamin K-producing bacteria. For this reason, doctors often give injections of vitamin K to newborns. The main symptom of vitamin K deficiency is blood that's slow to clot. Prolonged use of antibiotics can also cause a low level of this vitamin because they destroy some of the bacteria in the gut that help to produce vitamin K.



No symptoms are known to result from consuming too much vitamin K. Moderation is always the best approach. The most toxic form is supplements. People taking blood thinning medicines, such as aspirin or warfarin, may need to limit their intake of vitamin K-rich foods. This is because the vitamin's pro-clotting actions can work against this type of medicine.