Health Benefits of Aloo Bukhara / Plum / Prune Fruit

About Aloo Bukhara/Plum/Prune

Aloo Bukhara is very famous, nutritious and summer season fruit looks very nice and attractive. It is very sweet and juicy fruit found in abundant amount during season and most loved by the people to keep their health strong and powerful. It is well known with many names such as plum, prune, damson (dried plum) and etc however, it is most famous by the name Aloo Bukhara.

Approximately 140 varieties of the Aloo Bukhara are found during the season in the market. It is a fruit of very old origin having no any particular country of origin. However it has been estimated that it was first originated in the Asia. Some of the leading cultivators of the plum are China, USA, Serbia, Turkey, Italy, Spain, Romania, France and etc all over the world. It belongs to the same family of cherries and peaches and found in many colors such as purple, red, bluish black, green and yellow. bold;C � o : ��� �� 28, 28); background: transparent;">Benefits of Aloo Bukhara for Men

• It provides relief from the semen leakage problem among men if the mixed water of soaked plum and 1 tsf aniseed (saunf) is taken regularly.

Other Health Benefits of Aloo Bukhara

• It is the richest source of iron and folates which are most required elements to enhance the blood haemoglobin count thus it is most beneficial to get prevented from the anemia.
• Aloo Bukhara contains high level of potassium which boosts the functioning of nerves and muscles thus prevents from many health problems related to the nerves and muscles during old age.
• Its high level of insoluble dietary fibers provides stomach the sense of fullness for longer period of time thus prevents from overeating and involves in the weight management.
• It contains vitamin A and beta carotene which helps in improving eye sight and preventing from the various eye disorders.
• It also helps in improving the appetite and normalizing the digestive system functioning as it is the best natural home remedy for all.
• It provides instant relief from the weakness and fatigue if taken on daily basis on empty stomach in the morning after routine walk.
• Its regular consumption is very effective home remedy to get relief from the problem of enlarged spleen and get normal sized spleen.
• It provides relief from the foot inflammations if plum is rubbed on the foot palm for around 15 mins.
• It helps in treating the sleeping disorders among people if it (6-8) is taken regularly before sleep time.
• Its antioxidants richness makes it able to boost weak memory power during old age.
• Plum also provides relief from the problems of throat swelling, soreness, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, scanty urination and prostate gland problem.
• It enhances metabolism by promoting the enzymatic actions in body.
• Its high level of antioxidants, carotenoids and phytonutrients helps in getting prevented from the diseases caused by free radicals.
• It contains good level of magnesium mineral which has ability to promote muscles, nerves and blood vessels relaxation. It also protects from the asthma, muscle soreness, migraine, headaches and etc.
• It naturally assists in treating the problem of constipation, irregular bowel movements and etc disorders of digestive tract due to the availability of insoluble dietary fibers.
• Its regular consumption prevents from the age-related macular degeneration, infections as well as enhances the iron synthesis and absorption in the body.
• Prune contains lutein, beta carotene, cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin and etc which actively help in fighting against the free radicals and early ageing problem.

Benefits of Aloo Bukhara Leaves

• It provides relief from the intestinal worm problem if paste of the plum leaves is applied to the lower abdominal area means below the belly point.
• Drinking water or tea prepared by boiling some plum or Aloo Bukhara leaves provides instant relief from the excessive running nose problem.

Nutritional Value of Dried Aloo Bukhara per 100 g

(Source: USDA Nutrient Database)

Energy: 240 kcal

Carbohydrate: 63.88 g

Sugar: 38.13 g

Dietary fibers: 7.1 g

Fat: 0.38 g

Protein: 2.18 g

Vitamins

Vitamin A: 148 μg

Thiamine: 0.051 mg

Riboflavin: 0.186 mg

Niacin: 1.882 mg

Pantothenic acid: 0.422 mg

Vitamin B6: 0.205 mg

Folate: 4 μg

Choline: 10.1 mg

Vitamin C: 0.6 mg

Vitamin E: 0.43 mg

Vitamin K: 59.5 μg

Electrolytes

Potassium: 732 mg

Sodium: 2 mg

Minerals

Calcium: 43 mg

Iron: 0.93 mg

Magnesium: 41 mg

Manganese: 0.299 mg

Phosphorus: 69 mg

Zinc: 0.44 mg

Selenium: 0.66 mcg

Copper: 150 mcg

Fluoride: 4 µg

Phytonutrients

Beta-carotene: 39 μg

Beta-crypto-xanthin: 35 μg

Lutein zeaxanthin: 394 μg

How to Select and Store

It is widely found in the summer season at every place in the market. Always select bright colored, reddish dark and deep colored, medium sized, even skinned, fresh, firm, juicy, well ripe and in small amount from the market. Avoid buying green or unripe, wrinkled, bruised, spotted, uneven size and large amount.

Unripe aloo bukhara can be stored at room temperature to get well ripe. However, well ripe aloo bukhara is stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in air tight poly bags after well wash under running water. Dried plums can also be purchased, used and stored at room temperature according to the need and requirement.

How to Enjoy

Aloo Bukhara can be enjoyed in many ways such as chatni, sharbat, jam, juice, dried, fresh and etc. It can be enjoyed as a fruit salad, added in ice-cream, fruit chat, mixed fruit cream, dessert, fruit soup, cake and etc.

Precautions, Side Effects and Disadvantages of Aloo Bukhara

In spite of its lots of health benefits, it is very necessary for the health that everyone must know it’s all the pros and cons before adding it to their daily diet plan. Some of its precautions, side effects and disadvantages are mentioned below:

• It should be avoided by the person already suffering kidney or gall bladder stone problems as it contains high oxalates content which may worsen the condition.
• Higher amount consumption of it should be avoided as it may lead to the stomach bloating, gas formation and etc digestive system problems.
• Generally, eating dried prunes or plums should be avoided as it contains a carcinogenic chemical called acrylamide (neurotoxin) which causes some toxic effects to the health like neuropathy, fertility and etc.

How Much Aloo Bukhara to Eat a Day

Aloo Bukhara should be eaten within limit and requirement of the body as I have already mentioned it’s all the disadvantages above. Its daily need to the individual body depends on the age, sex and health conditions of the person however; approximately 200-250 g of it can be eaten by the normal healthy person.

Benefits of Aloo Bukhara (Plum)

Aloo Bukhara is very attractive, healthy, tasty and antioxidants rich fruit packed with the vitamins (especially vitamin A), minerals, iron and etc. it boosts the mental and emotional health of the people as it contains all the essential properties of boosting the health if consumed on daily basis. It can be used as a wonderful vitamins capsule of boosting the health. It has been used for years for both health and beauty benefits by the people. Some of its benefits from both aspects are discussed below:

Benefits of Aloo Bukhara to Prevent Cancer

• Since I have mentioned already that it is rich source of antioxidants and vitamins thus it is very effective fruit which boosts the body immunity to get prevented from the cancer.
• Plum contains beta carotene in sufficient amount which is very essential phytonutrients required to fight against various types of cancer.

Benefits of Aloo Bukhara for Aging

• Aloo Bukhara is an anti-aging fruit boots the power of both body and mind thus enhances the brain capacity to function actively for long time.
• Plum also enhances the level of vitality among people if eaten on regular basis.
• Prune fights with aging by slowing down the process of aging such as lack of attention and focus, declining memory, problem to remember things and so many.

Benefits of Aloo Bukhara for Heart

• It is the healthiest fruit having capacity to keep heart healthy by reducing the bad blood cholesterol level, increasing good cholesterol level, boosting blood health, keeping arteries healthy and etc if consumed regularly.
• Plum helps in removing unnecessary bile from liver so that extra cholesterol can be used for addressing the bile deficiency. In this way it reduces the bad cholesterol level and prevents heart from the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Its high level potassium and low level sodium minerals plays vital role in normalizing the blood pressure level and lowering down the water retention in body.
• It is the good source of vitamin K which helps in protecting from the unnecessary blood clotting thus prevents from high blood pressure and stroke.

Benefits of Aloo Bukhara for Diabetes

• It contains proper amount of soluble dietary fibers which helps in maintaining the normal blood sugar level by regularizing the absorption of glucose in blood.
• Plum prevents from type-2 diabetes by boosting the insulin sensitivity in the body.

Benefits of Aloo Bukhara for Skin

• Aloo Bukhara is the rich source of vitamin A and beta-carotene which are the most essential elements for the skin health thus it helps in nourishing the proper skin health if eaten on regular basis.
• It prevents skin from various skin problems like blemishes, eczema, acne and etc.
• It provides skin a radiant glow, soft and supple touch.
• Prune prevents skin from the dryness and roughness including other facial skin problems by providing it a natural freshness.
• It also provides relief from the dark and black lips problem if fresh peeled plum is rubbed on the lips and gives lip a soft and pink look.
• Plum prevents skin cells damage by protecting it from the harmful UV sun rays.
• Vitamin C found in it protects skin from various seasonal infections.

Benefits of Aloo Bukhara for Women

• It reduces the risk of osteoporosis, bone demineralization and other problems among women after the menopause.
• Plum boosts the proper growth and development of the bones and joints (by enhancing the secretion of enzymes and growth factors for bone growth) among menopausal women if consumed in adequate amount.
• It is the rich source of iron and folic acid thus reduces the chance of early menopause by maintaining the proper flow of blood and hemoglobin count among women.

Benefits of Aloo Bukhara for Men

• It provides relief from the semen leakage problem among men if the mixed water of soaked plum and 1 tsf aniseed (saunf) is taken regularly.

Other Health Benefits of Aloo Bukhara

• It is the richest source of iron and folates which are most required elements to enhance the blood haemoglobin count thus it is most beneficial to get prevented from the anemia.
• Aloo Bukhara contains high level of potassium which boosts the functioning of nerves and muscles thus prevents from many health problems related to the nerves and muscles during old age.
• Its high level of insoluble dietary fibers provides stomach the sense of fullness for longer period of time thus prevents from overeating and involves in the weight management.
• It contains vitamin A and beta carotene which helps in improving eye sight and preventing from the various eye disorders.
• It also helps in improving the appetite and normalizing the digestive system functioning as it is the best natural home remedy for all.
• It provides instant relief from the weakness and fatigue if taken on daily basis on empty stomach in the morning after routine walk.
• Its regular consumption is very effective home remedy to get relief from the problem of enlarged spleen and get normal sized spleen.
• It provides relief from the foot inflammations if plum is rubbed on the foot palm for around 15 mins.
• It helps in treating the sleeping disorders among people if it (6-8) is taken regularly before sleep time.
• Its antioxidants richness makes it able to boost weak memory power during old age.
• Plum also provides relief from the problems of throat swelling, soreness, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, scanty urination and prostate gland problem.
• It enhances metabolism by promoting the enzymatic actions in body.
• Its high level of antioxidants, carotenoids and phytonutrients helps in getting prevented from the diseases caused by free radicals.
• It contains good level of magnesium mineral which has ability to promote muscles, nerves and blood vessels relaxation. It also protects from the asthma, muscle soreness, migraine, headaches and etc.
• It naturally assists in treating the problem of constipation, irregular bowel movements and etc disorders of digestive tract due to the availability of insoluble dietary fibers.
• Its regular consumption prevents from the age-related macular degeneration, infections as well as enhances the iron synthesis and absorption in the body.
• Prune contains lutein, beta carotene, cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin and etc which actively help in fighting against the free radicals and early ageing problem.

Benefits of Aloo Bukhara Leaves

• It provides relief from the intestinal worm problem if paste of the plum leaves is applied to the lower abdominal area means below the belly point.
• Drinking water or tea prepared by boiling some plum or Aloo Bukhara leaves provides instant relief from the excessive running nose problem.

Nutritional Value of Dried Aloo Bukhara per 100 g

(Source: USDA Nutrient Database)

Energy: 240 kcal

Carbohydrate: 63.88 g

Sugar: 38.13 g

Dietary fibers: 7.1 g

Fat: 0.38 g

Protein: 2.18 g

Vitamins

Vitamin A: 148 μg

Thiamine: 0.051 mg

Riboflavin: 0.186 mg

Niacin: 1.882 mg

Pantothenic acid: 0.422 mg

Vitamin B6: 0.205 mg

Folate: 4 μg

Choline: 10.1 mg

Vitamin C: 0.6 mg

Vitamin E: 0.43 mg

Vitamin K: 59.5 μg

Electrolytes

Potassium: 732 mg

Sodium: 2 mg

Minerals

Calcium: 43 mg

Iron: 0.93 mg

Magnesium: 41 mg

Manganese: 0.299 mg

Phosphorus: 69 mg

Zinc: 0.44 mg

Selenium: 0.66 mcg

Copper: 150 mcg

Fluoride: 4 µg

Phytonutrients

Beta-carotene: 39 μg

Beta-crypto-xanthin: 35 μg

Lutein zeaxanthin: 394 μg

How to Select and Store

It is widely found in the summer season at every place in the market. Always select bright colored, reddish dark and deep colored, medium sized, even skinned, fresh, firm, juicy, well ripe and in small amount from the market. Avoid buying green or unripe, wrinkled, bruised, spotted, uneven size and large amount.

Unripe aloo bukhara can be stored at room temperature to get well ripe. However, well ripe aloo bukhara is stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in air tight poly bags after well wash under running water. Dried plums can also be purchased, used and stored at room temperature according to the need and requirement.

How to Enjoy

Aloo Bukhara can be enjoyed in many ways such as chatni, sharbat, jam, juice, dried, fresh and etc. It can be enjoyed as a fruit salad, added in ice-cream, fruit chat, mixed fruit cream, dessert, fruit soup, cake and etc.

Precautions, Side Effects and Disadvantages of Aloo Bukhara

In spite of its lots of health benefits, it is very necessary for the health that everyone must know it’s all the pros and cons before adding it to their daily diet plan. Some of its precautions, side effects and disadvantages are mentioned below:

• It should be avoided by the person already suffering kidney or gall bladder stone problems as it contains high oxalates content which may worsen the condition.
• Higher amount consumption of it should be avoided as it may lead to the stomach bloating, gas formation and etc digestive system problems.
• Generally, eating dried prunes or plums should be avoided as it contains a carcinogenic chemical called acrylamide (neurotoxin) which causes some toxic effects to the health like neuropathy, fertility and etc.

How Much Aloo Bukhara to Eat a Day

Aloo Bukhara should be eaten within limit and requirement of the body as I have already mentioned it’s all the disadvantages above. Its daily need to the individual body depends on the age, sex and health conditions of the person however; approximately 200-250 g of it can be eaten by the normal healthy person.

15 Amazing Health Benefits Of Cashew Nuts Cashew nut nutrition facts

Health Benefits of  the Cashew Nut:

Below listed are the benefits of cashew nuts.

1. Prevents Cancer:

Proanthocyanidins are a class of flavonols which fight against tumor cells by stopping them to divide further. These proanthocyanidins and high copper content in cashew nuts help fight against cancerous cells and keeps you away from colon cancer. This is one of the major cashew nut benefits.

2. Healthy Heart:

Cashews contain low fat content when compared to other nuts and that too in the oleic acid form which is very healthy for heart. They are cholesterol free and the antioxidants present keeps you away from heart diseases.

3. Lowers High Blood Pressure:

Cashew nuts lower your blood pressure with the help of magnesium present in them.

4. Helps Hair:

Copper is the mineral which helps your hair get that color. So if you take cashews which are full of copper content, you can get that black hair that you always wished for.

5. Healthy Bones:

Like calcium, magnesium is also important for bone health which is the main content in cashew nuts.

6. Healthy Nerves:

Magnesium is stored on the bones surface which prevents calcium from entering the nerve cells and thus keeps the blood vessels and muscles relaxed. Insufficient amount of magnesium can lead calcium to enter the blood vessels leading them to contract. It also leads to high blood pressure, migraine headache etc.

7. Prevents Gallstones:

Daily intake of cashewnut can reduce the risk of developing gallstones up to 25%.

8. Helps in Weight Loss:

Even though cashew nuts are considered as fats, it contains good cholesterol. So contrary to popular belief, those who eat cashews at least twice a week gain less weight when compared to those who eat less.

9. Anti-oxidants:

Selenium, copper, magnesium etc. act as co-factors for many enzymes.

10. Helps Digestion:

Cashew nuts help in growth and development, nucleic acid synthesis and digestion.

11. High on Vitamins:

Cashew nuts are rich in vitamins like riboflavin, pantothenic acid, thiamin, niacin etc. These vitamins keep you safe from sideroblastic anemia, pellagra, etc.

12. Healthy Gums and Teeth:

As mentioned before, the magnesium content present in cashew nuts is very good for bones. So it gives healthy teeth as well as strong gums to hold them.

13. Pleasant sleep:

After menopause, these cashew nuts can give you relaxed and pleasant sleep during nights.

14. Free Radicals:

Cashew nuts help our body to utilize iron properly and eliminate free radicals which cause health problems.

15. Macular Degeneration:

Cashewnuts have the ability to filter Sun’s UV rays and protect us from macular degeneration.

Now that you know the health benefits of Cashew nuts, ensure that you eat a few once every week I am sure you already love them.

Delicately sweet yet crunchy and delicious cashew nut is packed with energy, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that are essential for robust health. Cashew, or “caju” in Portuguese, is one of the popular ingredients in sweet as well savory dishes worldwide.

Botanically, cashew is an average size tropical evergreen tree belonging in the Anacardiaceae family, in the genus: Anacardium. Scientific name: Anacardium occidentale.

The cashew tree is native to Brazil’s Amazon rain forest. It spread all over the world by Portuguese explorers and today, it is cultivated commercially in Brazil, Vietnam, India and in many African countries.

Cashew tree bears numerous, edible, pear shaped false fruits or “accessory fruits'” called "cashew apples." Cashew nut which actually is a “true-fruit”, firmly attaching to bottom end of cashew-apple, appearing like a clapper in the bell. Botanically, this tiny, bean shaped, grey “true fruit” is a drupe, featuring hard outer shell enclosing a single edible kernel known commercially as “cashew nut.” 

Its exterior shell composes a phenolic resin, urushiol, which is a potent caustic skin irritant toxin. In the processing units, this outer shell is roasted in order to destroy urushiol resin, and only then its edible cashew kernel is extracted.

Cashew nut measures about an inch in length, 1/2 inches in diameter, and kidney or bean shape, with smooth curvy pointed tip. Each nut splits into two equal halves as in legumes. Cashews featurec ream white color with the firm yet delicate texture and smooth surface.

Health benefits of Cashew nuts

• Cashews are high in calories. 100 g of nuts provide 553 calories. They are packed with soluble dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and numerous health-promoting phyto-chemicals that help protect us from diseases and cancers.
• They are rich in “heart-friendly” monounsaturated-fatty acids like oleic, and palmitoleic acids. These essential fatty acids help lower harmful LDL-cholesterol while increasing good HDL cholesterol. Research studies suggest that Mediterranean diet, which is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids help to prevent coronary artery disease and strokes by favoring healthy blood lipid profile.
• Cashew nuts are abundant source of essential minerals. Minerals, especially manganese, potassium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium are concentrated in these nuts. A handful of cashew nuts a day in the diet would provide enough of these minerals and may help prevent deficiency diseases.Selenium is an important micronutrient, which functions as a co-factor for antioxidant enzymes such asGlutathione peroxidases, one of the most powerful antioxidants in the body. Copper is a cofactor for many vital enzymes, including cytochrome c-oxidase and superoxide dismutase (other minerals function as co-factors for this enzyme are manganese and zinc). Zinc is a co-factor for many enzymes that regulategrowth and development, gonadal function, digestion, and DNA (nucleic acid) synthesis.
• Cashews are also good in many essential vitamins such as pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), riboflavin, and thiamin (vitamin B-1). 100 g nuts provide 0.147 mg or 32% of daily-recommended levels of pyridoxine. Pyridoxine reduces the risk of homocystinuria, and sideroblastic anemia. Niacin helps prevent "pellagra" or dermatitis. Additionally, these vitamins are essential for metabolism of protein, fat, and carbohydrates at the cellular level.
• Further, the nuts are also carry a small amount of zea-xanthin, an important pigment flavonoid antioxidant, which selectively absorbed into the retinal macula lutea in the eyes. It is thought to provide antioxidant and protective UV ray filtering functions and helps prevent age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) in the elderly.

• Cashews can be enjoyed as a snack as they are, salted or sweetened.
• Cashews are nutty yet pleasantly sweet in taste. They are relished as a garnish in various kinds of sweets and desserts.
• Cashews, along with almonds and other dry fruits, are being used in savory rice dishes hyderbadi-biriyani, rice-pulao...etc, and in curry (kaaju-shahi-paneer) preparations in Indian, Persian, Pakistani, and Middle-Eastern regions.
• Split or crushed cashew along with almonds, pistachio is often sprinkled over desserts, particularly sundaes, and other confectionary to enhance the flavor.
• The nuts are widely used in confectionery, as an addition to biscuits, sweets and cakes.
• "Cashew apples" are among popular fruits; eaten on their own in many regions around the world. They are also being used to prepare healthy drinks.

29 Amazing Benefits Of Peanuts For Skin, Hair And Health

The most common ways of using peanuts in India is in the form of oil and as roasted snack.

Peanuts are popularly used as seed oil in India. Since they are obtained from the ground, they are also sometimes called as groundnuts. They are easily available round the year and almost everywhere in India.

Peanuts are also taken as snacks in many households especially in India. In reality, peanuts are actually legumes. But since they have all the properties of nuts like almonds, cashew nuts, etc., these are also included in the family of nuts.

Health Benefits of Peanuts:

Here are some of the most well-known health benefits of Peanuts.

1. Rich in energy:

Peanuts contain vitamins, minerals, nutrients and anti-oxidants and thus are rich energy sources.

2. Cholesterol:

It lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol in the body. Peanuts contain mono-unsaturated fatty acids especially oleic acid that prevents coronary diseases.

3. Growth:

Peanuts are rich in proteins. The amino acids present in them are good for proper growth and development of body.

4. Fights stomach cancer:

Poly-phenolic anti-oxidants are present in the peanuts in high concentrations. P-Coumaric acid has the ability to reduce the risk of stomach cancer by reducing the productions of carcinogenic nitrous-amines.

5. Fights against heart diseases, nerves diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, and infections:

A poly-phenolic anti-oxidant, Resveratrol present in peanuts prevents heart diseases, cancers, nervous diseases and viral or fungal infections efficiently.

6. Reduces the chances of stroke:

The anti-oxidant, Resveratrol in peanuts prevents heart strokes by increasing the production of nitric oxide.

7. Anti-oxidants:

Peanuts contain anti-oxidants in high concentrations. These anti-oxidants become more active when peanuts are boiled. There is a 2-fold increase in Biochanin-A and 4-fold increase in Genistein content. These reduce the damage done by free radicals produced in the body.

8. Protects skin:

Vitamin E in peanuts helps in maintaining the integrity of cells of mucous membrane and the skin. This protects them from free radicals which cause great damage.

9. Vitamins:

Peanuts contain B complex, vitamins like niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, pantothenic acid etc.

10. Minerals:

Potassium, manganese, copper, calcium, magnesium, iron, selenium and zinc are some of the minerals present in peanuts. These play an important role in many different body functions.

11. Gall stones:

Just an ounce of peanuts or two tablespoons of peanut butter each week can save you from gall stones or gallbladder diseases with 25% reduced risk.

12. Low risk of weight gain:

Women who eat peanuts or peanut butter at least twice a week are less likely to be susceptible to obesity than those who don’t. If you eat peanut butter every morning with bread slices, you have less chances of gaining weight.

13. Colon cancer:

Peanuts can reduce colon cancer especially in women. Eating at least 2 spoons of peanut butter twice a week can reduce the risk of colon cancer in women by up to 58% and in men by up to 27%.

14. Helps in fertility:

If taken before and during early pregnancy, the folic acid lowers the risk of baby being born with serious neural tube defects reduced by up to 70%.

15. Regulates blood sugar:

Manganese in peanuts helps in calcium absorption, fats and carbohydrates metabolism and sugar level regulation in blood.

16. Fights depression:

Low Serotonin levels leads to depression. Tryptophan in peanuts increases the release of this chemical and thus helps you fight depression.

Eating peanut benefits health in many ways and you should make it a point to take in a minimum of two tablespoons of peanut butter each week in order to keep those dangerous diseases away and stay healthy!

Peanut Benefits Of Skin:

Apart from satisfying hunger pangs, consumption of peanuts also makes the skin smooth, supple and younger looking.

Some of the benefits of peanuts for skin include:

17. The anti-inflammatory properties of peanuts treat skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema. The fatty acids present in peanuts also reduce swelling and skin redness. Peanuts contain Vitamin E, zinc and magnesium, which keeps the skin glowing from within and fights the bacteria that lead to acne. The protein content in peanuts also helps with cell regeneration.

18. Peanuts contain a relatively good amount of fatty acids which is believed to be critical to the brain’s nerve cells. This brain friendly cell helps with stress management and mood swings to prevent various skin disorders like wrinkles, fine line and dullness.

19. Fiber in nuts is essential for the elimination of toxins and waste. Toxins inside the body reflect on our outside appearance, causing breakout, dullness and excess oil. Eating peanuts regularly helps flush out excess toxins from the body to give you a healthy skin.

20. Peanut is loaded with magnesium which calms our nerve, muscles and blood vessels to provide better blood flow to the skin. This, in turn, gives you a youthful and healthy skin.

21. Skin damage occurs as a result of oxidation, a chemical process in which unstable molecules called free radicals steal electrons from healthy cells. Vitamin E in peanuts defends our skin’s cells against the damage of oxidative stress. It guards our skin from the harsh UV rays of the sun to protect against sun burn and skin damage.

22. Signs of ageing like wrinkles, discoloration and decreased elasticity are one of our biggest beauty concerns. Peanut contains significant amount of Vitamin C which is required for the production of collagen. Collagen is required to sustain tendons, skin and cartilage. It provides firmness and elasticity to the skin to keep it young and supple.

23. Beta carotene, an antioxidant found in peanuts is very critical for skin’s health. It is converted into Vitamin A in the body which helps in the growth and repair of body tissues. Thus peanuts help to heal wounds and bruises at a faster pace.

24. Peanuts are packed with omega 3 fatty acids which help our skin in many ways. Omega 3 fatty acids reduce inflammation in the body to prevent skin eruptions. It lowers the risk of developing squamous cell skin cancer. It also moisturizes and hydrates the skin from within to treat dry and scaly skin.

25. Peanuts are very effective for treating skin problems like pustules, skin rashes and rosacea.

26. Peanut butter facial mask is gaining immense popularity these days. Applying natural peanut butter on the face clears away the dirt and impurities to give you a healthy looking skin. Wash your face with a cleanser and then apply peanut butter on your entire face. Allow the mask to dry and then wash it off by massaging your skin slowly in circular motions. Rinse your face with warm water and pat dry. Do a patch test first and then apply it to the entire face as allergic reactions are very common side effects of peanuts. Those who are allergic to peanuts should stay away from it.

Peanut Benefits Of Hair:

27. Peanuts contain several hair friendly nutrients that are beneficial for maintaining healthy hair. It contains a high level of omega 3 fatty acids which strengthens scalp health and hair follicles to promote hair growth.

28. Peanut is an excellent source of larginine, an amino acid which is very helpful for treating male pattern baldness and to encourage the growth of healthy hair. It also improves the health of artery walls and prevents blood clotting to improve blood flow. A proper blood flow throughout the body and hair is imperative to get healthy and strong hair.

29. Deficiency in vitamin E can lead to brittle and weak hair which can easily break. Including proper level of vitamin E in your diet ensures that the hair roots receive a rich supply of hair healthy vitamins to keep them strong and healthy.

Selection and Storage:

• Peanuts are available in the supermarkets and grocery stores all year round in airtight packets. It is available in different forms like shelled, unshelled, roasted, salted etc.
• Buying unshelled peanuts is any day better than the processed ones as processed nuts are treated with a number of chemicals to loosen their skins, making them unfit for consumption.

• When buying raw, unshelled peanuts, ensure that the pod of peanut is compact and cream in colour.
• Make sure there is no evidence of moisture or insect damage and they don’t rattle when you shake them.
• Avoid buying shriveled shelled nuts as this indicates the peanut’s age. Peanut’s shell should be brittle and should come off easily.
• Unshelled groundnuts can be placed in a cool and dark place for many months whereas shelled ones can be stored inside an airtight container for years.

• Since peanuts have high oil content, it can lead to quick breakdown when left at room temperature for a long time. You can store peanuts at room temperature but they are best stored in refrigerator to maintain its freshness and prolong its shelf life. The low water content in peanut will prevent it from freezing.
• Peanuts should not be chopped before storing.

• Peanuts turn chewy and soggy and eventually turn rancid with time if not stored properly.
• Ensure that they don’t have a distinctively “off” odour before using them as the odour indicates that they have become rancid.
• You can store peanuts in glass or plastic container and zip lock bags.
• Peanuts tend to absorb odour easily so keep them away from other pungent or smelly food.
• Roasting peanuts decrease their shelf life by bringing out their oil. So consume roasted peanuts as soon as possible.

Usage:

Peanuts are versatile nuts and with little imagination you can incorporate this healthy legume easily in your daily diet. Now that you the know the benefits of eating peanuts, here are plenty of ways in which you can utilize peanut in your cooking.

Boiling peanut is a method of peanut preparation which is prevalent in America.

• Wash the peanuts thoroughly and soak in water for 1 hour.
• Take 200 ml of water and add 1 teaspoon of salt to it.
• Add a handful of peanuts and let it boil for 1 hour.

Boiled peanuts taste extremely delicious and are quite addictive. These are very healthy as they boost the disease fighting compounds by almost four times. Moreover they contain just a little amount of saturated fat which makes them a perfect diet food.

Because of their high protein content peanuts are processed into a variety of forms including butter, oil, flour and flakes. Peanut oil is used extensively for cooking and for preparing margarine. It is extracted from shelled and crushed peanuts by applying hydraulic pressure.

Peanut flour is made from peanuts which are blanched and then electronically sorted to select the highest quality peanuts. The nuts are then roasted and are processed to obtain low fat flour. This flour is used in confectionary products, frostings, cereal bars and bakery mixes. It is also used for baking cooking and pies.

You can make peanut butter easily at home.

• Roast and blanch peanuts and grind it to get a creamy consistency.
• Add sweeteners or salt to enhance the flavour.
• You can also add chopped peanut to give it a creamy plus crunchy texture.

Roasted peanut is a very popular Indian snack and is very easy to prepare. The round, Spanish peanut has a rich taste and is usually used for roasting.

• Place shelled peanuts in a shallow baking pan and roast in 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and put it aside to let it cool.
• Season it with salt and pepper and it is ready to eat.

Whole and chopped peanuts are very popular in Asian cuisine and its paste is used to add thickness to sauce and soups. Peanut and tomato soup is very popular in Africa. Peanuts are sprinkled on tossed salads and are also used as a garnish in desserts and stir fries. You can also prepare peanut and yoghurt smoothie for your breakfast. This will keep you full till your lunch time.

5 powerful health benefits of asparagus you probably didn’t know

One of the first foods that signals the start of spring is the appearance of fresh asparagus at local farmers’ markets and grocery stores. Just as spring is a time of new beginnings, asparagus is one of those veggies that I love to experiment with during this time of year. 

Recipes to Try:
Lemony Asparagus Pasta and 19 More Dinners with Fresh Asparagus 
Asparagus with Curry Butter & More Simple Asparagus Side Dishes

And just as a spear is used as a weapon, asparagus’s javelin-shaped form could be viewed as symbolic for its age- and disease-fighting abilities. Asparagus is just packed with health benefits:

1. It’s loaded with nutrients: Asparagus is a very good source of fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as chromium, a trace mineral that enhances the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells.
2. This herbaceous plant—along with avocado, kale and Brussels sprouts—is a particularly rich source of glutathione, a detoxifying compound that helps break down carcinogens and other harmful compounds like free radicals. This is why eating asparagus may help protect against and fight certain forms of cancer, such as bone, breast, colon, larynx and lung cancers.
3. Asparagus is packed with antioxidants, ranking among the top fruits and vegetables for its ability to neutralize cell-damaging free radicals. This, according to preliminary research, may help slow the aging process. 
   
   Related: The 3 Colors You Really Need to Eat More Of
4. Another anti-aging property of this delicious spring veggie is that it may help our brains fight cognitive decline. Like leafy greens, asparagus delivers folate, which works with vitamin B12—found in fish, poultry, meat and dairy—to help prevent cognitive impairment. In a study from Tufts University, older adults with healthy levels of folate and B12 performed better on a test of response speed and mental flexibility. (If you’re 50-plus, be sure you’re getting enough B12: your ability to absorb it decreases with age.)
5. One more benefit of asparagus: It contains high levels of the amino acid asparagine, which serves as a natural diuretic, and increased urination not only releases fluid but helps rid the body of excess salts. This is especially beneficial for people who suffer from edema (an accumulation of fluids in the body's tissues) and those who have high blood pressure or other heart-related diseases.

Don’t Miss: Why Asparagus Is One of 15 Foods You Don’t Need to Buy Organic

And finally, to answer a question I often get regarding why eating asparagus causes a strong urinary odor: asparagus contains a unique compound that, when metabolized, gives off a distinctive smell in the urine. Young asparagus contains higher concentrations of the compound so the odor is stronger after eating these vernal shoots. There are, however, no harmful effects, either from the sulfuric compounds or the odor! While it is believed that most people produce these odorous compounds after eating asparagus, few people have the ability to detect the smell.

The most common type of asparagus is green, but you might see two others in supermarkets and restaurants: white, which is more delicate and difficult to harvest, and purple, which is smaller and fruitier in flavor. No matter the type you choose, asparagus is a tasty, versatile vegetable that can be cooked in myriad ways or enjoyed raw in salads.

Keep in mind these cooking tips to preserve antioxidants and keep your preparation healthy:

• Roast, grill or stir-fry your asparagus. These quick-cooking, waterless methods will preserve the fabulous nutritional content and antioxidant power of asparagus. (Click here for how-to details on the best asparagus prep and cooking directions.)

• Enjoy your asparagus without salt, butter or sauces to get the most out of its diuretic properties, as salt can cause water retention in some people.

Here’s an easy recipe to try:

Asparagus Spears with Smoked Salmon and Tangy Mustard Dressing            

This is a great last-minute appetizer idea. Thicker asparagus spears are easier to handle for wrapping. [Recipes reprinted with permission from “Positively Ageless: A 28-Day Plan for a Younger, Slimmer, Sexier You” by Cheryl Forberg, R.D. (Rodale).]

Makes 4 servings (4 spears each)

Ingredients:
1 pound asparagus, tough ends snapped (about 16 spears)
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
4 thin slices smoked salmon (about 4 ounces), each cut in 4 lengthwise strips
2 tablespoons Tangy Mustard Dressing (see recipe below)
Cilantro sprigs or toasted sesame seed, for garnish

Instructions:
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Lightly coat the asparagus with the oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Grill for 2 to 3 minutes, or until al dente but not soft. Remove from the grill. The asparagus will continue to cook as they cool. Do not overcook or the spears will be too soft and difficult to handle. When cool enough to handle, wrap each spear with a slice of the salmon. Arrange on a serving platter and drizzle with the dressing. Garnish with the cilantro or sesame seed and serve immediately, or chill to serve later. This recipe also works well with grilled asparagus spears.

Nutrient analysis for one serving: 92 calories, 8 g protein, 7 g carbohydrates, 4 g total fat, 1 g saturated fat, 2 g monounsaturated fat, 150 mg omega-3s, 3 g fiber, 3 g sugar, 661 mg sodium

Tangy Mustard Dressing     

This addictive dressing goes together in a flash. The best surprise is that there is no added oil. It’s great on salad or as a condiment for grilled salmon or chicken.

Makes 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients:
3/4 cup silken tofu
1/4 cup white miso
1/4 cup unseasoned rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon agave nectar or brown rice syrup
2 cloves garlic
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce  
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Green Gram and Mix Vegetables Curry - South Indian Style

 

Ingredients:
1/4 cup Green gram 
1 Cup mix vegetables chopped(Carrots, String Beans,Potatoes) You can add green peas or anyother less watery vegetables.
1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
Salt to taste 
Oil 

 

1 tsp Cumin seeds
1/4 tsp Black peppercorns 
1/2 tsp Poppy seeds 
2 red chilies 
4 tbsp grated coconut 
Tempering:
1/2 tsp Mustard seeds
1/2 tsp Bengal gram 
1 Red chili
Few curry Leaves 

Pressure cook the green gram and drain the excess water and keep aside
In a medium sauce pan, heat 1 tsp oil add cumin seeds, black peppercorns, red chilies and poppy seeds. fry for 2-3 mins or until it turns light golden and grind with coconut and little to fine paste. 
In a heavy saucepan, add 2 cups of water(depending on the quantity of vegetables) bring to boil, add vegetables, tumeric powder and cook until the vegetables are tender and soft. 
Add cooked green gram and cook for 3-4 mins. Now, add the ground paste and salt and cook until combine thoroughly. Lastly, Heat oil in a small sacuce pan, add mustard seeds, bengal gram , red chilies and asafoetida powder and curry leaves when mustard seeds splutters mix it with the curry. 
Serve with hot rice or even goes well with chapathis, rotis.