Quinoa ..

Quinoa is one of the world's most popular health foods.Quinoa is gluten-free, high in protein and one of the few plant foods that contain all nine essential amino acids.

It is also high in fiber, magnesium, B-vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin E and various beneficial antioxidants.

Quinoa contains small amounts of the heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids and, in comparison to common cereal grasses has a higher content of monounsaturated fat. As a complete protein, quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids – including the elusive lysine and isoleucine acids, which most other grains lack.

Quinoa is delicious, with a nutty flavor that complements many other ingredients. Quinoa can be cooked like rice and adds wonderful texture to soups and salads. It makes a crunchy breading for fried chicken or fish.

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Benefits Of Black Spot Banana.

The black spots on bananas are caused by an enzyme called tyrosinase  . The enzyme is also present in human skin and in greater quantities in people suffering from melanoma - the deadliest form of skin cancer. Scientists in Switzerland built a cancer scanner, which they tested and refined on banana peels before using on humans.

Human skin and banana peels have something in common: they produce the same enzyme when attacked. By studying fruit, researchers have come up with an accurate method for diagnosing the stages of this form of skin cancer. When bananas age they become covered in black spots caused by the enzyme tyrosinase.

The black spots on old banana peels may unlock  faster,easier diagnosis of human skin cancer,boosting survival chances,scientists revealed.

When bananas ripen,their skin is covered in small,round black spots caused by an enzyme known as tyrosinase.

The same enzyme is present in human skin,and in greater quantities in people suffering from melanoma-the deadliest from of skin cancer.

Nila River.....

BASIL SEEDS ...

Basil seeds are reported to have antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, antispasmodic and antifungal properties.Basil is native to India and other tropical areas of Asia.

Tukmaria (Basil seeds) exerts anti-inflammatory effect by virtue of essential fatty acids present in its fixed oil. This can benefit in various inflammatory conditions like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, pelvic inflammatory disease etc.

Basil seeds are loaded with very important nutrients. they have similar property as chia seeds and they come to use in the summertime for drinks that reduce body heat.

These seeds are also called sabja seeds, Arabic falooda seeds, Thai holy basil (which is apparently different from holy basil), Tulsi, selashi and turmaria. And are best known around the world for being the main ingredient in many sweet Asian drinks.

It is used to treat digestive disorders, muscle cramps, migraine, nausea, paralysis, Helps in Weight Loss,Reduces Body Heat,Controls Blood Sugar Levels,Relieves Constipation and Bloating,Treats Acidity and Heartburn, For Healthy Skin and Hair,Cures Cough and Flu fever,respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disorders, blood related disorders, kidney ailments etc.It’s essential oil remedies snakes bites and insect stings..

The basil seeds that are used for eating are the seeds from the sweet basil plant , Ocimum basilicum.

This is different from the holy basil plant, Ocimum tenuiflorum, which is also called tulsi.

The leaves and oil of holy basil are used in Ayurvedic medicine for many purposes, but typically not the seeds.

CHIA Seeds....

Chia seeds contain a large amount of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fiber.

Chia" means strength, and folklore has it that these cultures used the tiny black and white seeds as an energy booster.

Researchers think omega-3 fatty acids and fiber help reduce risk factors for heart disease.

It originated in Mexico and was cultivated by the Aztecs.

It is grown mainly for its seed, which is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Chia seeds are members of the mint family.

The amount of calcium found in chia seeds is considered to be higher than what is found in skimmed milk. Therefore, having a handful of chia seeds daily is recommended to eliminate calcium deficiency. Calcium is needed for improved bodily functions and for bone and dental health as well, helping to reduce osteoporosis, joint weakness, and general body flexibility.

Chia seeds are good sources of antioxidants as well.  The antioxidants present in chia seeds include flavonol glycosides, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin and linolenic acid. These antioxidants help in curbing the levels of free radicals in the body.

Eating chia seeds is perhaps the easiest way to get omega-3 fatty acids, which are super important to brain health.

People use chia seed for diabetes, high blood pressure, and for generally reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke (cardiovascular disease).Food companies are adding the seeds to cereals, breads, drinks, puddings, bars and many other foods.

• Balancing immune function

• Protecting joints and ligaments

• Reducing pain

• Decreasing nervousness

• Improving heart and blood vessel integrity

• Reducing allergic reactions to insect bites

• Diminishing respiratory inflammation

• Supporting normal gastrointestinal function

• Maintaining hair and hoof health

• Healing damaged skin

• Hydrating intestinal contents

• Lowering circulating insulin and glucose

• Add to a smoothie
• Sprinkle on top of yogurt
• Add to stir-fry
• Add to your salad
• Bake seeds in breads, cakes and cookies
• Use as a crispy coating for meat or fish
• Use as a replacement for flour in gravies and when thickening soups
• Add to dips

Do you know Sugar ?

Sugar – sucrose – is a carbohydrate that is present naturally in fruits and vegetables. All plants use a natural process called photosynthesis to turn sunlight into the nourishment they need for growth.

Sucrose occurs in greatest quantities in sugar cane and sugar beets from which it is separated for our use. The sugar in your sugar bowl is exactly the same sugar that is in a peach or watermelon.

Sugar is the generic name for sweet, soluble carbohydrates , many of which are used in food. There are various types of sugar derived from different sources. Simple sugars are called monosaccharides, and include glucose (also known as dextrose), fructose, and galactose . The "table sugar" or "granulated sugar" most customarily used as food is sucrose  a disaccharide of glucose and fructose. Sugar is used in prepared foods (e.g., cookies  and cakes) and it is added to some foods and beverages (e.g., coffee and tea).

Sugar is a very low moisture food. Bacteria and other microorganisms cannot grow in this dry environment. In foods such as preserves and jams, sugar removes the water required by bacteria for growth.

Over-consumption of sugar has been implicated in the occurrence of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and tooth decay.

Sugar is produced in 120 countries. Global production now at around 180 million tonnes a year. Approximately 80% is produced from sugar cane, which is largely grown in tropical countries.. Brazil alone accounts for almost 25% of the world's sugar

The quality of sugar is related to its purity. You can make a solution of 100 g sugar in a cup of water, add beaten egg white and boil. The dirt in the sugar will come up with the egg white. You can test likewise with different sugars and compare the quality. Sugar so purified has not much extra chemicals in it. However sugar or any high glycemic food is not good for the body.

The term “refined” has lost its original meaning – “to purify” .

The thick molasses syrup is spun in a centrifuge like the one shown here. This process is similar to your washing machine spin cycle. The heavier molasses is spun out leaving behind the naturally white sugar crystals.

Fruits get their natural sweetness from sucrose and other sugars.  Vegetables such as carrots taste best when their sugar content is at its highest. Sugar provides a balanced sweet taste that other sweeteners attempt to imitate. Sugar is not hidden in food. In fact, sugar has always provided many necessary functional properties in cooking and baking.

Types Of Sugar :

There are many types of sugar.  Powdered sugar is just white sugar that is ground into powder. And, depending on the amount of molasses left on the sucrose crystal, there are many types of brown sugars that add special flavors as well as important functional purposes. For instance, soft chewy cookies get their moistness from brown sugar.

Raw Sugar :Raw sugar is an intermediate product in cane sugar production.

Granulated sugar : It is a highly refined, multi-purpose sugar. It's also sometimes called refined, table, or white sugar. Granulated sugar is made from sugarcane and sugar beets. It's also the most common type of sugar used in baking and cooking.

Turbinado Sugar : Turbinado sugar is raw sugar that has been refined to a light tan color by washing in a centrifuge to remove surface molasses.

Caster sugar  : It is superfine granulated white sugar. Because the crystals are so fine, they dissolve much quicker than standard granulated white sugar, which makes it ideal for making meringues,, syrups, and cocktails.

Confectioners Sugar :  This is a type of white sugar that has been ground into a fine powder.

Confectioners sugar easily dissolves in liquid, and is ideal for making icing and frosting, as well as decorating baked goods.

Sanding sugar : It is used mainly for decorating. It has large crystals, which are fairly resistant to heat and add extra texture and crunch to cookies and other baked goods.

Brown Sugar : Brown sugar consists of sugar crystals coated in a molasses syrup with natural flavor and color. Many sugar refiners produce brown sugar by boiling a special molasses syrup until brown sugar crystals form.

Demerara Sugar :Demerara sugar is a light brown sugar with large golden crystals, which are slightly sticky from the adhering molasses. It is often used in tea, coffee, or on top of hot cereals.

Muscovado or Barbados sugar:dark brown and has a particularly strong molasses flavor. 

Kerala Piravi - Birthday of Kerala

The birthday of Kerala, and Keralites celebrate this day on November 1. The state was formed on November 1, 1956 after India got independence from British.

The name Kerala was formed from the term 'Kera' means coconut tree, and 'alam' means land. Keralam- means, the Land of Coconut trees. In the beginning Kerala consisted of three provinces, Travancore, Cochin and Malabar.

Prior to 1956, Kerala was made up of three distinct areas. Malabar, Cochin and Travancore.

Malabar forms the northern territories with Thalassery, Cannanore and Kasaragod with a tiny pocket-handkerchief French possession of Mahe.

On Kerala piravi day, the spirit of Malayalam is dawned in the heart of every Malayalee. It is a proud moment since it is a commemoration of God's own Country.

Kerala is known for its sun-kissed beach and the misty hill stations. The Kerala state is surrounded by Karnataka to the north and northeast, Tamil Nadu to the south and southeast, Arabian Sea towards the west and Western Ghats on the East. Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of the great place Kerala. Kochi and Kozhikode are other major cities in Gods Own Counrty.

Kerala is truly the undiscovered India. It is God's own country and an enchantingly beautiful, emerald-green sliver of land. It is a tropical paradise far from the tourist trial at the southwestern peninsular tip, sandwiched between the tall mountains and the deep sea. Kerala is a long stretch of enchanting greenery. The tall exotic coconut palm dominates the landscape.

Kerala is a 560-km long narrow stretch of land. On one side of Kerala, are the mountains ranging high and on the other side the land is washed by the blue Arabian Sea waters. The land is covered with dense tropical forest, fertile plains, beautiful beaches, cliffs, rocky coasts, an intricate maze of backwaters, still bays and an astounding 44 glimmering rivers. Kerala's exotic spices have lured foreigners to her coast from time immemorial.Kerala now is divided into fourteen Districts with Trivandrum as the State Capital.