Cowpea

 Cowpea is a nutritious legume that provides a balanced source of carbohydrates and protein essential for nutritional security. 

It contains about 61.8 g of carbohydrates, 23.8 g of protein, and 2.07 g of fat per 100 grams of seeds . 

Cowpeas' high dietary fiber content (34 g, of which 29.8 g is insoluble fiber) supports blood glucose control and gut health . 

Cowpeas are primarily composed of starch and contain a lower lipid profile, in which approximately 70.7% of the total fat is unsaturated, contributing to heart health. 

Additionally, resistant starch and amylose aid digestion by slowing glucose release into the bloodstream, which helps decrease glucose absorption in the intestines . 

Compared with other starch sources, cowpeas offer a glycemic index, thus lower digestibility, which can help reduce insulin responses and hunger . In addition, they are also rich in essential nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and vitamins A and C and folate . 

Cowpea also contains beneficial phytochemicals, including phenolic compounds and flavonoids, that support various health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties . 

Medicinally, the leaves and pods are used for ailments like measles while the seeds have diuretic properties.

Seabuckthorn :

 Seabuckthorn (soil binding, rich in vitamins): 

• It’s a shrub which produces an orange- yellow coloured edible berry.
• It can be found in India above treeline in the Himalayan region, usually in arid places like the cold deserts of Ladakh and Spiti.
• It grows naturally in Lahaul, Spiti, and some regions of Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh where it is known as chharma.

 Seabuckthorn is a soil-binding plant which prevents soil-erosion

It  also has commercial value, as its  fruits are used in making juices, jams, nutritional capsules etc.

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is a deciduous shrub or tree that is also known as Siberian pineapple, sand thorn, sea berry, and sallow thorn . 

Hippophae L. originated in the Hengduan Mountains and East Himalayas area and is widely distributed in the temperate regions of Eurasia. 

Every part of this plant (fruits, leaves, stems, branches, roots, and thorns) has been traditionally used in medicine, nutritional supplement, soil and moisture conservation, and the establishment of wildlife habitats. 

Therefore, sea buckthorn is popularly known as “Wonder Plant,” “Golden Bush,” or “Gold Mine”

Sea buckthorn contains nearly 200 nutrients and bioactive components. Many of the components are well known for their health benefits. Vitamin C is a very important nutrient in sea buckthorn. 

Carotenoids and polyphenolic compounds, especially phenolic acids and flavonoids, are the main bioactive and antioxidant components of sea buckthorn . The fatty acids, phytosterols, organic acids, amino acids, and minerals contained in sea buckthorn also play an important role. The nutrients and bioactive composition content of sea buckthorn influence its health value . 

The nutritional and bioactive composition of sea buckthorn fruit varies considerably depending on genetic variation, the part analyzed, climatic, and growth conditions, year of harvest, degree of maturity, storage conditions, harvest time, and processing and analytic methods.

The quality of sea buckthorn fruit is often based on its nutritional value . Known as a “natural treasure trove of vitamins,” sea buckthorn is undoubtedly rich in vitamins. 

Vitamin C: 

The vitamin C content of sea buckthorn fruits ranges from 52.86 to 896 mg/100 g . It has been showed that the vitamin C content of 100 g of sea buckthorn berries (275 mg) is much higher than the equivalent quantity of mango (27.7 mg), apricot (10 mg), banana (8.7 mg), orange (50 mg), and peach (6.6 mg) . 

In addition, sea buckthorn berries contain vitamin A, vitamin E, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. 

Mineral elements are involved in the formation of human tissues and the maintenance of normal physiological functions. 

Sea buckthorn berries contain many minerals, e.g., phosphorus, iron, magnesium, boron, calcium, aluminum, potassium and others. 

Significant differences in the mineral content of sea buckthorn fruits have been reported at its different stages of maturity. 

The highest content of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus was found in ripe sea buckthorn fruits with 68.28, 145.67, and 457.7 mg/kg, respective

Carotenoids : 

Sea buckthorn fruits contain high levels of carotenoids, which give sea buckthorn its characteristic orange-yellow color. Carotenoids mainly act as antioxidants, although they also have other roles. For example, β-carotene is the precursor of vitamin A, and lutein/zeaxanthin constitutes the macular pigment of the eye

Polyphenols :

Polyphenols are the main compounds with antioxidant activity in sea buckthorn. It has been reported that the polyphenol content in the fruit ranges from 12.36 to 34.6 mg GAE/g (GAE, gallic acid equivalents), higher than that in oranges (1.27 mg GAE/g) mandarins (1.16 mg GAE/g), blueberries (2.19 mg GAE/g), sour cherries (2.56 mg GAE/g), and strawberries (1.12 mg GAE/g)

Flavanoids :-

Flavonoids may have potential roles in the prevention of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer

Fatty Acids :

Sea buckthorn is rich in a variety of fatty acids that play an important role in human health, such as treating skin and mucous membrane disorders and dry eyes syndrome and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease

Phytosterols :

Phytosterols, as a bioactive component, can prevent cardiovascular diseases. A recent study found that the total phytosterol content of berry lipids from eight Russian sea buckthorn species ranged from 6168.24 to 13378.22 μg/100 mL

Anti-psoriasis effects of sea buckthron:

Sea buckthorn has been reported to have a wide range of dermatological effects. Clinical trials have demonstrated the anti-psoriasis effects of sea buckthorn. A doctor treated 10 patients diagnosed with mild to moderate psoriasis with topical sea buckthorn fruit extract. When compared with placebo-treated patients, the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores in the treatment group were improved at both the fourth and eighth weeks of treatment. 

Sea buckthorn also exhibits anti-psoriatic and anti-atopic dermatitis activities in animal models. In the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced psoriasis-like lesion CD-1 mouse model, simultaneous oral (100 and 200 mg/kg) and topical (20 μL) application of sea buckthorn oil significantly inhibited ear edema (34.05 ± 7.65%, and 30.45 ± 8.90%, respectively) and reduced ear biopsy weights.

 Sea buckthorn oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-psoriatic properties. The possible mechanism for these effects may be that the high levels of fatty acids in sea buckthorn oil acts to inhibit reactive nitrogen and down-regulate nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) protein and pro-inflammatory cytokines . 

Studies have suggested that 4 weeks of consecutive use of sea buckthorn oil decreases 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD) severity in mice. This effect was due to inhibition of the thymus activation regulated chemokine (TARC) and macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) in Interferon-γ (IFN-γ)/tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-stimulated HaCaT cells, which occurred by blocking activation of the NF-κB/signal transducerand activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the development of AD-like skin lesions. Sea buckthorn oil may be an effective therapeutic agent in the treatment of patients with AD.

Native Indian rice varieties : Govind Bhog Rice from West Bengal

 

Native  Indian rice varieties : -

1)Kala Namak from Uttar Pradesh, 

2)Joha from Assam,

3)Boka Chaul from Assam,

 4)Nagri Dubraj from Chhattisgarh, 

5)Jeeraphool from Odisha, 

6)Ambemohar from Maharashtra, 

7)Gobind Bhog rice from West Bengal:- 

i)Gobindo Bhog rice is high in vitamins like niacin and thiamine, as well as minerals like magnesium and phosphorus. These nutrients help to regulate metabolism, neuron function, and general energy production in the body.

ii)Gobindo Bhog rice is a healthy and nutritious alternative for people who are gluten intolerant or follow gluten-free diets. Its natural qualities make it easy to digest, making it suited for a wide range of dietary preferences and digestive sensitivities.

iii)This rice type contains antioxidants such as phenolic compounds, which are known for their ability to counteract free radicals in the body. Antioxidants help to reduce oxidative stress, which may help to prevent some chronic diseases and improve general health

iv)Gobindo Bhog rice has a low glycemic index (GI), which means it digests slowly and releases sugars gradually into the bloodstream. This feature may help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a good choice for people who have diabetes.

8)Mushqbudji from Jammu and Kashmir,

 9)Katarni from Bihar, 

10)Chak Hao Black Rice from Manipur,

11)Basmati rice

GOKHRU (TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS)

 GOKHRU (TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS) 

A spreading herb, densely covered with minute hair.

Flowers are pale yellow.

Fruits are very characteristic and easily known by numerous spines on it. 

Fruits often cling to cloths, bodies of animals and wheels of vehicles. 

The plant occurs throughout India .

The fruits of the plant constitute the Ayurvedic drug.

The fruits are useful in the urinary complaints and sexual weakness.

It is cooling. An infusion of the fruits is useful in gout and diseases of kidney. It promotes urination.  

Alternanthera Sessilis (Telugu: Ponnaganti koora )

 

Althernanthra sessilis (Telugu : Ponnaganti koora ) is an annual or perennial herb 0.2-1 m high, with strong taproots. The leaves are simple, opposite, shortly petiolate or sessile, broadly lanceolate or spatulate to almost linear, 0.6-5 cm long, and 0.3-1 cm wide

Herb contains hydrocarbons, ester, and sterols, such as stigmasterol, campesterol, ß-sitosterol, a- & ßspinasterol, a-stigmasteanol and palmitates of sterol; it also contains 24-methylenecycloartanol and cycloeucalenol. 

 Roots contain lupeol. 

Young shoots contain protein and iron. It also contains 5-a -stigmasta-7- enol

A.sessilis contains bioactive components especially in the leaves. Different phytochemicals have been found to possess a wide range of activities, which may help in protection against chronic diseases.

 For example, alkaloids protect against chronic diseases. 

Saponins protect against hypercholesterolemia and antibiotic properties. 

Joha Rice (from Assam)

Joha is a short-grain winter paddy known for its significant aroma and noteworthy taste. The traditional claims are that the consumers of Joha rice have low incidence of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, but these needed scientific validation.

 Joha rice is also rich in several antioxidants, flavonoids, and phenolics. 

Some of the reported bioactive compounds are oryzanol, ferulic acid, tocotrienol, caffeic acid, catechuic acid, gallic acid, tricin, and so on, each with reported antioxidant, hypoglycaemic and cardio-protective effects. 

In the research it is detected that  two unsaturated fatty acids viz., linoleic acid (omega-6) and linolenic (omega-3) acid. 

These essential fatty acids (which human cannot produce) can help maintain various physiological conditions.

Omega-3 fatty acid prevents several metabolic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. 

Joha has also proved to be effective in lowering the blood glucose and preventing diabetes onset in diabetic rats.

Lac Dye (Laccaic Acid) for Natural Food Colour

 

Lac Dye (Laccaic Acid) for Natiural Food Colour :

Lac Dye (Laccaic Acid): known as “Lakh Dye”, is one of the oldest insect dyes. 

It is secreted by lac insects (Kerria lacca) to protect themselves from harmful ultraviolet radiation. 

This dye is obtained during Seedlac (Chouri Lakh) preparation by washing Sticklac (Chili Lakh). 

Lac Dye is used as a natural food colourant, cosmetic colourant, and fabric dye

Carmine: is a derivative of carminic acid obtained from the cochineal insect, namely Dactylopius coccus. These insects mainly thrive in cactus plants found in the American continent. Around 20% of their body weight consists of carminic acid. Carmine finds its major food applications in processed meats (sausages), red-coloured beverages, cakes, pastries, yoghurts, and alcoholic beverages

Name                    Source                                        Colours 

Anthocyanin     Fruits, Flowers & Vegetables        Red, Purple, Blue

Betalain            Beetroots                                         Pink, Red 

Chlorophyll        Leaves                                            Green

Carotenoids         Carrots                                         Orange

Curcumin             Turmeric                                     Yellow

Carminic acid        Cochineal insect                         Red 

Lac Dye                 Lac insect                                    Red

Anthocyanins: are water-soluble pigments belonging to the flavonoid family. They give attractive red, purple, violet and blue colours in many flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Anthocyanins show unique properties with the change in pH; their colour changes to red in acidic conditions and blue in alkaline conditions. They are mainly used in beverages, jams, and confectionery.

Betalains: are water-soluble nitrogen-containing heterocyclic pigments, which can further be categorised into betacyanins (red-violet) and betaxanthins (yellow-orange). Their major sources include red beetroot, dragon fruit, red amaranth, opuntia, bougainvillaea, etc. Extracted pigments lose stability in light, heat, and oxygen. However, they are structurally stable between pH 3-7, making them particularly suitable for frozen products with a low shelf life, such as ice cream and yoghurt.

Chlorophyll: is one of nature’s most widely distributed natural pigments that is a major component in light absorption. It is a fat-soluble natural pigment. It is used in various applications, including confectionery, baked foods, dairy products, and beverages.

Carotenoids: are fat-soluble natural pigments responsible for the orange, yellow, and red colouration of many fruits and vegetables. They can be further categorised into carotenes and xanthophylls. Major sources include tomatoes, carrots, pumpkins, papaya, melons, bell peppers, marigolds, etc. Carotenoids are used in meat products (sausages), vegetable oils, and butter.

Apocarotenoids: these pigments are derived from carotenoids and are responsible for the colouration of many plant parts. One of the major apocarotenoids is bixin, which is found in the seeds of achiote (Bixa orellana) and extracted commercially to form annatto, a natural food colourant used in different cuisines and cheese, yoghurt, deserts, etc. Crocetin is another apocarotenoid found in the stamens of saffron. Commercially, it is extracted from the fruits of gardenia

Curcumin: is extracted from the rhizomes of turmeric. It is also a fat-soluble natural pigment used for centuries in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. It is used in various food items such as dairy and bakery products, beverages, pickles, confectionery, ice cream, meat and fish products, etc.