Amla Aachaar with Saunf (Indian Gooseberry Pickle with Fennel Seeds)
Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a deliciously sour fruit that can be had in many ways. It can be eaten grated, cut into pieces, made into jams, added to smoothies, or dried and powdered. One of the most popular ways of getting the rich nutrients in it is through pickling it in oil, especially mustard oil. Amla is rich in vitamin C, which is a great antioxidant, and it retains this vitamin to a great extent even on cooking it. It is also rich in other vitamins and minerals that help maintain the shine in hair and makes your skin look radiant. It has numerous anti-ageing properties and is said to be a super food for cancer patients as it kills cancer cells but leaves normal cells alone. It helps in reducing cholesterol levels, inflammation and aids blood thinning as well as reduces artery stiffening. It also helps in reducing nausea, bloating, belching, and acidity, decreases the stress on the heart, and helps reverse diabetes. So, it is a great addition to your diet.
Ajwain, yellow mustard, methi seeds, and turmeric are all very beneficial for health as they are said to aid in relieving indigestion, help reduce cholesterol, fight bacteria and fungi, combat peptic ulcers and cough, and are anti-inflammatory.
Known for its strong flavor, pungent aroma, and high smoke point, it’s often used for sautéing and stir-frying vegetables in many parts of the world especially in West Bengal in India. Pure mustard oil has a high smoke point and comprises mostly of monounsaturated fats, which are more resistant to heat-induced degradation than polyunsaturated fats. Some studies have found that mustard oil possesses powerful antimicrobial properties and may help block the growth of certain types of harmful bacteria and fungus and is sometimes applied to the feet to help heal cracked skin on the heels. It may also slow cancer cell growth and is said to help heart health because of the high content of monounsaturated fatty acids in it, a type of unsaturated fat found in foods like nuts, seeds, and plant-based oils. But after all, it is still an oil and is not advised on a Whole-Food Plant-Based diet, so it is best to have it in very limited quantities and only occasionally.
