Coriander chutney is a very versatile dish and is a great accompaniment to spice up any Indian meal. It’s high content of chlorophyll makes it a great food to have for good health. The coconut in it has a lot of fiber too and gives a feeling of satiety. Children also love this chutney.
This coriander chutney is delicious and filling and very versatile. It can be used as an accompaniment, a dip or a spread. The chutney lasts for a couple of days in the fridge but is bests eaten fresh. It can also be frozen for up to a couple of weeks.
One-vegetable salads are a common part of Indian meals. Carrots are rich in vitamin A and contain high amounts of vitamins C and K. Vitamin A supports eye health, and vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen, which strengthens skin. They also contain plant compounds called carotenoids, which act as antioxidants. Antioxidants protect your skin from damage by fighting unstable molecules called free radicals (which are responsible for aging.) The potassium and antioxidants in carrots help lower blood pressure and promote heart health. Compounds in carrot juice have even been shown to trigger cancer cell death in some test-tube studies. Apart from all these, as a rich source of vitamins A, B6, and C, carrots help strengthen your immune system.
Cucumbers are low in calories but high in many important vitamins and minerals and are a refreshing, nutritious and incredibly versatile addition to any meal. To maximize their nutrient content, cucumbers should be eaten unpeeled. Cucumbers are great eaten raw as a low-calorie snack. They contain antioxidants, including flavonoids and tannins, which prevent the accumulation of harmful free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic disease. The large amount of water in cucumbers can help keep you hydrated, and the fiber content in them helps prevent constipation and regulate bowel movement. They are also good for bone health because of the Vit K in them. The lignans in them may help prevent osteoporosis, heart disease, and some cancers.
Pineapple is a versatile fruit and though not easy to cut, it is delicious. The sweet and sour taste of the pineapple combined with coconut and spices is refreshingly different. This salad is best had fresh.
Mangoes are a great source of various nutrients, including vitamins A and C, folate, fiber, and copper. They are also relatively low in calories and fat. The body converts the beta-carotene in mangoes into vitamin A, which may help improve vision, skin health, and immune function. Vitamin C is a great antioxidant that may help reduce the rate of aging. The folate (a B vitamin) in mangoes assists cell growth and development, particularly during pregnancy. Mangoes also contain copper, a mineral that plays a role in energy production, nerve function, and immune health. The most ignored component in our nutrition is fibre which is very important for digestion and bowel movement. It also helps regulate blood sugar so is great for diabetics and mangoes are a good source of this dietary fiber. Coconut is high in fat and calories while moderate in carbs and protein. Most of the fats are medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are absorbed intact in the small intestine and used by the body to produce energy. It’s the high content of manganese in coconut that not only supports enzyme function but also fat metabolism. The copper in coconut helps bone formation and heart health. Apart from manganese and copper, coconut is also rich in other minerals like selenium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron. Coconut contains a very high amount of insoluble fibre that doesn’t get digested but works to move food through the digestive system and helps bowel health.
Recipe credit: Darshana Muzumdar Serves 4 as a part of an Indian meal. Ingredients ½ kg radish leaves ½ kg onions ¼ tsp cumin seeds
Recipe credit: Darshana Muzumdar Serves 4 as a part of an Indian meal. Ingredients ½ kg radish leaves ½ cup channa dal (Bengal gram) ½
Fenugreek leaves are very low in calories and fats, have a low glycemic index, are a rich source of dietary fiber and are an excellent source of several vital antioxidants and minerals like folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, carotenes, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium, and manganese. The soluble and insoluble dietary fiber content in the leaves aid in digestion and smooth bowel movements. Methi leaves contain certain chemicals that aid in insulin production. These leaves are an excellent sources of vitamin K, which is important to help strengthen bone mass and prevent osteoporosis. Fresh methi greens help prevent iron deficiency anemia and may help protect a person from cardiovascular diseases, asthma, and colon and prostate cancers. These greens work as an antibacterial and aid in the cure of Alzheimer’s disease. So all in all, it’s a good ingredient to have in your diet on a regular basis.
Fenugreek and fenugreek leaves are a common ingredient in Indian dishes. They have been used in alternative medicine for a long time because of their strong antioxidant qualities. Antioxidants help in removing free radicals that are the main cause for the damage of cells and aging. Regular consumption of fenugreek leaves helps in weight loss because they are low in calories and high in fibre content. The insoluble fibre in methi leaves also reduces the risk of constipation and promotes regular and healthy bowel movements. Methi leaves are rich in iron and help keep anemia at bay. They also contain high amounts of calcium, and vitamins A, K, and C, so are very good for bone health. These leaves are also rich in folate, which is required for the rapid growth and multiplication of RBCs and WBCs in the bone marrow.
Channa dal or Bengal gram is a staple in India. Bengal gram is rich in protein serving as a building block for our muscles. Chana dal is rich in folates, which is essential in the prevention of diseases like stroke, depression, dementia, among others. It is also rich in calcium and fibre, helping with bone health and keeping blood sugar levels steady respectively as well as with weight loss. One of the greatest benefits of chana dal is that it has no trans fats but has healthy fats instead, that are essential for treating inflammation.
