Sunflower seeds :

 

Sunflower Seeds: - 

• Sunflower seeds are rich in calories. 100 grams of these seeds give around 585 calories of energy. They have a good amount of fibre (8.5 g) and fats (51.5 g). Fats present are mostly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated, which are good fats. They are also rich in protein (20.77 g).
• They are loaded with vitamins like Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, Folate, Choline, vitamin B6, vitamin C and vitamin E.
• They contain minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, etc.
• Sunflower seeds, when consumed, also provide us with plant compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids that are strong antioxidants.
• Sunflower seeds’ nutrition is a well-rounded package, providing essential vitamins, minerals and healthy fats, making them a nutritious and versatile snack.
• Sunflower seeds’ protein content helps in muscle building, making them a valuable addition to our diet.

Probiotic :

 

Probiotic:- 

A prebiotic may stimulate the immune system, decrease the levels of pathogenic bacteria in the intestine, relieve constipation, decrease the risk of osteoporosis by increasing essential mineral absorption especially calcium, and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by lowering the synthesis of triglycerides and fatty acids in the liver as well as lowering their serum levels 

 

Nutritive Benefits of Chicory (Cichorium intybus): 

Chicory root contains some phytochemicals such as inulin (starch-like polysaccharide), coumarins, flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones (lactucin and lactucopicrin), tannins, alkaloids, vitamins, minerals, and volatile oils.

The secondary metabolites (flavonoids, tannins, and coumarins) found in chicory have been reported to demonstrate some biological activities such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antihepatotoxic, which impact positive health effect on humans and livestock.

Inulin (starch-like polysaccharide)found in Chicoery roots :- 

Inulin is a polymer of fructose with β-(2-1)-glycosidic-linkage which accounts for up to 68% of the total compounds present in fresh chicory roots.

As a prebiotic, inulin is low in calorie and dietary fiber, making it a good replacement for sugar and an ideal component for diabetic nutrition

 Fresh chicory roots contain, by dry weight, 68% of inulin (a polysaccharide similar to starch), 14% sucrose, 5% cellulose, 6% protein, 4% ash, and 3% other compounds.

Dry chicory root extract contains, by weight, approximately 98% inulin and 2% of other compounds

Various studies have reported that prebiotics stimulates the growth of host-beneficial gut bacteria, such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria for overall beneficial health

Probiotic:- 

A prebiotic may stimulate the immune system, decrease the levels of pathogenic bacteria in the intestine, relieve constipation, decrease the risk of osteoporosis by increasing essential mineral absorption especially calcium, and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by lowering the synthesis of triglycerides and fatty acids in the liver as well as lowering their serum levels 

Mixing of Coffee powder : Chicory powder  ( in 70: 30  or  60:40 ): 

It is  reported that moderate caffeine intake, especially through coffee, may lower the risks of type-2 diabetes, stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. 

But, high doses, especially from energy drinks, may harm cardiovascular health, and unfiltered coffee can also raise LDL cholesterol levels.

As per one opinion,   drinking four cups of coffee a day may lower the risk of developing cancer, type-2 diabetes, heart diseases, and age-related disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. 

But it is  suggested that it would be prudent for pregnant and lactating women to limit their coffee intake to three cups a day.

Drinking hot black coffee is recommended, with little or no additives like sugar or milk. 

Adding milk to black coffee can be good, as milk contains antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins and allays the bitter taste.

Some people add   chicory, which comes from a perennial herbal plant with coloured flowers. This herb contains no caffeine but a polysaccharide called inulin, which supports digestion and can help control blood sugar.

 Chicory contains several compounds that help protect the liver from inflammation, shield the stomach from damage, and may help defend against cancer. Adding chicory to coffee also improves coffee’s fragrance and taste.

The optimal blend of coffee and chicory was suggested to be 70:30 or 60:40, coffee to chicory, to strike a balance between taste and benefits. In fact, most coffee sellers across India have these ratios, unless of course, a customer asks for ‘pure’ coffee. 

Makhana, scientifically known as Euryale ferox Salisb (Fox nut ) [Global siuperfood ]

 

  Makhana, scientifically known as Euryale ferox Salisb, is an aquatic crop grown mainly in shallow ponds, lakes, and wetlands. The edible part of the plant is its seed. After roasting or processing, the seed is popped and consumed as a fox nut.

Makhana is nutrient-rich, containing carbohydrates, high-quality protein, dietary fibre, and essential micronutrients such as magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron. Its low-sodium and cholesterol-free composition makes it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.

Makhana is valued for its nutritional and health benefits and is increasingly recognized as a global superfood. It has a low glycaemic load, making it suitable for people managing diabetes. It also supports heart health, aids digestion, and is known for its anti-aging properties. Studies indicate that makhana’s nutrient profile is superior to that of many commonly consumed nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews.

It contains very little fat (0.33 g per 100 g), is rich in fibre, provides various essential amino acids and has about 95 percent protein digestibility. Its essential amino acid index and chemical score are comparable to those of fish.

Nutritional  (approximate )  values in popped up Makhana : 

Protein: 11.3

Fibre:3.26

Fats: 0.33

Carbohydrates: 84.87

Sodium: 4.06

Potassium: 48.39

Magnesium: 12.71

Phosphorous: 124.01

Iron: 2.67

Calcium : 20.94

 

Health benefits:- 

1)Beneficial for rheumatic and bile disorders 

2)Used for treatment of leucorrhoea and have good immuno-stimulant property

3)Used in controlling heart disease because of high amounts of 

  Theoridoxin-1 (Trx-1) and Theoridoxin-1 related protein - 32 (TRP-32 ) content

4)The rhizome of the makhana plant is used as diuretic and in the treatment of dropsy, jaundice , anti-inflammatory, scabies and gonorrhoea

5)Ripe seeds are used in the treatment of  chronic diarrhoea

6)Makhana contains flavonoids which are helpful in reversing the effects of free radicals produced in the body

7)Makhana is known as anti-aging foods because of high content of powerful anti-oxidants, besides aphrodisiac properties  

Gymnema sylvestre

 Scientists have developed a phytopharmaceutical derived from the medicinal plant Gymnema sylvestre for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.

 The therapy also shows potential for managing other chronic wounds and inflammatory skin disorders.

Gymnemic acids have antidiabetic, antisweetener and anti-inflammatory activities. The antidiabetic array of molecules has been identified as a group of closely related gymnemic acids after it was successfully isolated and purified from the leaves of G. sylvestre

G. sylvestre leaves have been found to cause hypoglycemia in laboratory tests and have found a use in herbal medicine to help treat adult onset diabetes mellitus. When Gymnema leaf extract is administered to a diabetic patient, there is stimulation of the pancreas by virtue of which there is an increase in insulin release 

Gymnema leaf extract, notably the peptide ‘Gurmarin’, has been found to interfere with the ability of the taste buds on the tongue to taste sweet and bitter. Gymnemic acid has a similar effect. It is believed that by inhibiting the sweet taste sensation, people taking it will limit their intake of sweet foods, and this activity may be partially responsible for its hypoglycemic effec

Bifidobacterium bacteria :

 

Please Note: It is just for information :   

Bifidobacterium bacteria convert dietary carbohydrates into short-chain fatty acids.

 In infants, the enzyme lactase converts lactose in milk to glucose and galactose. However, in adults, bacteria like Bifidobacterium take over and help ferment lactose.

Bifidobacterium bacteria are known to improve gut health and are a major component of commercial probiotics.

Bifidobacteria are members of the intestinal microbiota of mammals and other animals, and some strains are able to exert health-promoting effects. The genus Bifidobacterium belongs to the Actinobacteria phylum.

Bifidobacteria are among the dominant bacterial populations in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of humans.

Recently, it is found that traditional and home made  food prepared from milk, curd,   fish, fruits, and/or greens and stems, fermented food items  etc., improve such healthy bacteria.  

Nutmeg ( Jajikaya)

 

Nutmeg ( Jajiokaya) 

Botanical Name: Myristica fragrans Houtt

Family: Myristicaceae

Benefits of Nutmeg (Jaiphal)

• Regulate blood pressure
• Heal pain and inflammation
• Improve digestion
• Prevents bad breath
• Boost memory power
• Control blood sugar