Coconut - the tropical wonder!

Found only in the tropics of mother earth, everything associated with the coconut has only been beneficial to humans since ancient civilization. The fibres became ropes, the leaves roofing material, husk gave coir, the hard shell became cooking fuel, the timber to build houses/boats and even the outer shell is used as activated carbon to purify water. And the fruit called coconut, its water & milk all give good health & cures ailments!

Benefits

• Anti-bacterial, Anti-viral, Anti-fungal & Anti-parasitic
• Basis of Siddha medicine - its water, milk, oil are all curative
• Helps diabetics (low Glycemic Index), beats cholesterol (high fiber)
• Highly nutritious and rich in fibre, vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6 and minerals including manganese, iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous

Coconut

• Super Food, source of quick energy
• Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS
• Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases
• Kills fungi and yeasts that cause ringworm, athlete’s foot, thrush, diaper rash
• Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, Giardia, and other parasites

Coconut Oil

• Possess Anti-Microbial properties, effective against indigestion
• Fights cholesterol as it contains Medium chain fatty acids, which gets burned immediately by the body
• Improves secretion of Insulin thus controlling blood sugar
• Contains Vit-E & aids in faster absorption of calcium - strengthens bones and teeth
• Cures wounds, burns and treats skin diseases

Top minerals found in Coconut

1. Manganese helps overcome weak bones, skin rashes and post-menopausal syndrome
2. Iron is the most common mineral in the body, much needed for oxygen transport & RBC production
3. Phosphorous fixes improper metabolism (quantum of hunger & food intake) & asthma
4. Zinc is needed for immune function, wound healing, blood clotting & thyroid function

How to include coconut in our diet?

1. Add coconut in chutneys, thovayals & upmas
2. Add coconut and its oil to all veg & non-veg preparations
3. 2 spoons each of Jaggery + Coconut each day fixes anemia in 30 days
4. Coconut kheer (ilaneer payasam), milk, burfi, kozhukattai (modhaks)
5. Add it to many other traditional sweets & savories (from appams to seedais)

Ref: www.coconutboard.nic.in/

Sesame for Eternity

Known in ancient India as the condiment for immortality, it is one of the super foods with immense health benefits. It is known to prevent, cure and attack several diseases and conditions that may occur in the young and the old. In this blog, let us understand its value and how best to use it!

Benefits

1. Attacks diabetes, blood pressure, cholestrol and is anti-cancerous.
2. Protects against anemia, arthritis & radiation damage against DNA.
3. Beneficial to hair, skin, eye, oral health (oil pulling) & liver

Nutrient       DRI/DV Dried cup (36gm)

 copper            163%
 manganese     45%
 calcium           35%
 magnesium     32%
 phosphorus     32%
 iron                 29%
 zinc                 25%
 molybdenum   24%
 selenium         23%
 vitamin B        123%
 fiber                17%

Top 5 minerals from Sesame & their functions

1. Copper is the much needed mineral for reducing arthritis.
2. Manganese helps overcome weak bones, skin rashes and post-menopausal syndrome.
3. Calcium helps make bones/teeth stronger and fix thyroid imbalance.
4. Magnesium aids in nerve/muscle function and alleviates headaches due to various causes.
5. Phosphorous fixes improper metabolism (quantum of hunger & food intake) & asthma.

How to use sesame?
Ellu urundai (Sesame balls)
Kozhukattai (Modhak / dim sum filling)
Ellu Idli podi (gun powder for idli)
Nallennai (Gingelly Oil)


Nutrition data source:http://www.whfoods.com/