All posts by HealthyLife

HealthyLife is a part of www.WeRIndia.com, an all India – centric website (https://healthylife.werindia.com) and is solely owned and operated by WeRIndia.com. It is a Indian nutritional portal providing educational articles.This nutritional port was launched on February 5th, 2015.
AVOCADO CHAPATI RECIPE

Avocado Chapati Recipe

Recipe by : Mamatha Anil  (http://bhakshyabhojana.blogspot.com)

Avocados are nutritious fruits  with Vitamin K, C, B5, B6 and Vitamin E. It is also rich in folate and potassium. Avocado has become popular and considered as another super food.  They contain more amount of potassium than banana and contain oleic acid which heart friendly.  They supply good soluble fiber. Research shows that avocado can reduce cholesterol levels and increases good cholesterol or HDL. If you are not a fan of bland taste of avocado then try adding avocado to salads and other foods. One can make avocado chapati

Avocado chapati recipe:

Ingredients:

  1. Multigrain flour 2-3 cups [I used DEEP multigrain flour which contains Wheat, Soyabean, Oat, Corn, Ragi, Barley, Jowar, Channa Dal and Psyllium Husk]
  2. Ripe Avocado- 2
  3. Water

Method:

  1. Cut the Avocado into half, scoop the pulp and place it in a bowl. [Discard the seed and the skin].
  1. Add multigrain flour into it. Mix well and add water little at a time and knead the dough until soft.
  1. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  1. Divide the dough into equal parts and make lemon size balls.
  1. Roll the balls in dry flour first and then roll them into thin discs using rolling pin.
  1. Heat the pan and place the rolled chapatis. Cook both the sides. Remove from heat.
  1. Serve healthy hot chapati with any sabzi/ curry
Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: February 24, 2016
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Health Benefits of Wheatgrass

Super food Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is nothing but the tender cotyledons or young leaves of wheat. Leaves in wheatgrass are longer than the malt and has a rich concentration of iron, contains good amount of fiber. vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, iron, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium, and has a negligible amount of protein. Wheatgrass is sold as dietary supplements as tablets, capsules or liquid forms.

Consumption of wheatgrass goes many centuries back – almost 5,000 years back to ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations. For Egyptians wheatgrass leafy blades were sacred and they honored them for their health benefits. Wheatgrass has also been used for thousands of years in India, as part of Ayurvedic medicine.  Wheatgrass can be grown indoors and it is very easy to sprout.

Wheatgrass proponent Charles Schnabel claimed in the 1940s “fifteen pounds of wheatgrass is equal in overall nutritional value to 350 pounds of ordinary garden vegetables”. One ounce of wheatgrass contains 120 calories, 8 grams of dietary fiber, 240% of the RDA of vitamin A, 93% of the RDA of vitamin C, 356% of the RDA of iron, and 12% of the RDA of calcium (Wikipidia) It also contains 8 grams of protein. The chlorophyll – green pigment content in wheatgrass is about 70%.  This content makes wheatgrass more powerful source of immune booster. Chlorophyll reverses aging, suppresses hunger, cleanses the blood, combats odor, and prevents cancer.  The benefit of wheatgrass is more when taken fresh and an empty stomach immediately after extraction.

How much wheatgrass is good? While consuming wheatgrass one need to be very careful because, too much consumption of wheatgrass can cause nausea, sickness or headache.  If you are incorporating wheatgrass juice into your diet, start with 1 ounce per day and slowly graduate to 2 ounces per day. Wheatgrass must be consumed in empty stomach or with other fresh fruits and vegetables.

Several reports and studies claims that wheatgrass is beneficial for our health in various ways.

  1. It is a source of good fiber for weight loss. Wheatgrass can provide the endurance and energy needed to burn of calories without getting fatigued. The nutrients in wheatgrass speeds up metabolism and this converts calories to energy.
  2. Reduces obesity – after consuming wheatgrass one will feel full stomach.
  3. It also believe to stimulates thyroid gland.
  4. It detoxifies and cleans liver. It helps in the movement of bowels.
  5. Improves Hemoglobin level because of high chlorophyll content.
  6. It is also a source beneficial enzymes and helps to heal the wounds fast. It helps to sooth the skin and acts as a soothing agent for damaged skin and scalp.
  7. Juice is a immune booster and reduces body pains. It has superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme that helps to reduce inflammation.
  8. Wheatgrass will cleanse your blood and help rejuvenate aging cells, slowing the aging process. It will help tighten loose and sagging skin.
  9. Wheatgrass has high potassium content and this improves skin quality and muscle tone.
  10. Wheatgrass’ alkalizing effect may, indeed, help to maintain strong bones.
  11. Wheatgrass also have some effect in reducing blood sugar level.

Try this juice to boost your day made with Kale, green apples, ginger and wheatgrass.

  • 2 bunches kale,
  • 4 green apples,
  • 1 box wheatgrass
  • 1 small piece of ginger

Grind all these together with two cups of water and sieve the content using a filter. Drink the green juice.

Disclaimer: Wheatgrass may cause nausea, headaches or swelling in the throat. Wheatgrass is usually grown in soil or water and consumed raw, might be contaminated with bacteria or fungus. It may not be good for breast feeding mother or during pregnancy period. If you are allergic to wheat, celiac disease, or gluten intolerance, check with your doctor before using wheatgrass. 

References:

  1. http://thebaremidriff.com/
  2. http://www.webmd.com/
  3. http://rockymountainwheatgrass.com/
  4. http://wholegreenlove.com/

Image credit: https://www.needpix.com/photo/323404/grass-green-wheat-in-wheat-field-barley-wheat-field-free-pictures-free-photos-free-images (Free for commercial use)

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: February 16, 2016
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BENEFITS OF GROUP FITNESS CLASSES

Benefits of Group Fitness Classes

When we want to reduce weight, we hit gym. Initially with enthusiasm- we run on treadmill, use elliptical, weights or cycle. After few days of work out if we don’t get the result that we wanted, we lose enthusiasm and even feel lethargic to go to gym. There is a solution for this – joining group classes.  This is like playing together with our friends when we were kids. Group exercise provides us with an opportunity to feel young again and be physically active with others.

Now a day’s most fitness centers and gyms offer group classes for all ages.  Group classes for body works, steps and abs, pilates, yoga, aqua, cycling, kick boxing, boot camping or zumba. Women especially love to attend these classes.  Some of the benefits of joining and participating in group fitness classes include exposure to a social and fun environment, a safe and effectively designed workout, a consistent exercise schedule, an accountability factor for participating in exercise, and a workout that requires no prior exercise knowledge or experience. You will work out with help of an instructor who will be inspiring everyone in the class!

1) Motivation: Whether the class is in the morning or in the evening – once you enter the class you feel motivated just by looking at others who are attending the class. Once the work out starts following the instructor and the upbeat music makes anybody re-energized. With a friendly, bubbling instructor working out will be more fun.

2) No more boredom: While on the machine often, as we feel bored, we have a tendency to look at the clock. In the process, calorie-burning process goes slow. Whereas in a cardio group while following the instructor in no time you will be energized, sweat and even burn good amount of calories.

3) Faster result: Many people do not know what exercise they need to do or how to do. In a group class with help of instructor, this problem does not exist. Instructor will help you and guide you with proper postures. When you join classes like zumba, body works etc. you will feel your heart rate going up soon & sweat a lot. Within few weeks of workouts, one can see good change in the body – body shapes well & some good amount of pounds you would have lost.

4) Happiness and fun: Working with friends and other gym mates will makes a person happy. While working smile is contagious. Fun does not stop here -buying accessories also gives motivation and happiness.Carrying water bottle, yoga mat, weights, hair & wristbands etc and wearing nice fitness clothes makes one happy and keeps motivated to hit the gym more regular.

5) Punctuality: Workout with best friends always has an advantage. If you have not attended class for 2-3 days, friends will check on you and, a good instructor will notice your absence. This makes you feel you are accountable for your action and you will be punctual.

6) New- gym friends: You will meet people repeatedly and will start getting to know them. You may develop new friendship with new people who have same interests as you. Soon you will start discussing about your health, your classes, and your interests with them. You all will work hard and play hard at gym! You can keep your friendship to gym and you may form your own group “gym buddies” who has similar interests.

These group classes help us to connect with people in a better old-fashioned way than just texting or emailing. It brings positive changes and happiness in one’s life.

Image & article: www.werindia.com

References:

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: February 9, 2016
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REGINA BRETT'S "50 LIFE LESSONS"

Regina Brett’s “50 Life Lessons”

Regina Brett (born May 31, 1956) is a New York Times bestselling author, newspaper columnist currently writing for The Plain Dealer and The Cleveland Jewish News, and an inspirational speaker. She was a Pulitzer Prize finalist for commentary in 2008 and 2009. Her first book, “God Never Blinks: 50 Lessons for Life’s Little Detours” was published in April, 2010 by Grand Central Publishing. It is now in 26 countries. Her second book, “Be the Miracle: 50 Lessons for Making the Impossible Possible”, was published in 2012. Her third book, “God is Always Hiring: 50 Life Lessons for Finding Fulfilling Work,” was published in 2015. All three books have been bestsellers in Poland.

Few years back an email with a topic “45 lesson life taught me” was circulated introducing Regina Brett in two sentences ! Interestingly, the email had mentioned that Regina Brett is 90 years old writes for The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio.  Yes, Regina Brett wrote 45 Lesson life taught me, but her age is not 90 !!. She is in her 50’s !!  When Regina turned 45, she wrote a column – 45 Lessons Life Taught Me. Later she added five more lessons when she turned 50. As Regina says, “My Life Lessons ended up e-mailed around the world. Then someone changed my age on one email to read  “Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old.” Another person attached a picture of lovely older woman older. No, that dear senior citizen isn’t me. It’s fashion designer Iris Apfel !! “

Here are 50 beautiful notes from Regina Brett’s “50 lesson life taught me”

  1. Life is not fair, but it’s still good.
  2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
  3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
  4. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
  5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
  6. You do not have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
  7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.
  8. It is OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
  9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
  10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
  11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.
  12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.
  13. Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
  14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.
  15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks.
  16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
  17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
  18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
  19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
  20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.
  21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
  22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.
  23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.
  24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
  25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
  26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: “In five years, will this matter?”
  27. Always choose life.
  28. Forgive everyone everything.
  29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
  30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
  31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
  32. Your job will not take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
  33. Believe in miracles.
  34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.
  35. Whatever does not kill you, really does make you stronger.
  36. Growing old beats the alternative – dying young.
  37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
  38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
  39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
  40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.
  41. Do not audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
  42. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
  43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
  44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
  45. The best is yet to come.
  46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
  47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
  48. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.
  49.  Yield
  50. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.

References:

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on:
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FIFTEEN (15) BEANS CURRY

Fifteen (15) Bean Curry Recipe

Recipe by: Mrs. Mamatha Anil @http://bhakshyabhojana.blogspot.com/

About author: Mamatha Anil lives in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Born and brought up in Sringeri, a beautiful place situated in Western Ghats – Mamatha is very much familiar with traditional and contemporary cooking. She has a MS degree in Applied Botany from Mangalore University and is very much interested in medicinal plants, gardening, cooking and interior decoration. She is also an expert in crochet work and is a very good painter. During her stay in USA, Mamatha has experimented with various ethnicity cooking and one can see her excellent recipes in her blog Bhakshya Bhojana. Expect more from Mamatha here in Healthylife columns. 

Beans are nutritional powerhouses packed with protein, fiber, B vitamins, iron, potassium, and are low in fat. Studies have shown that these legumes reduces risk of heart conditions, reduces cancer risk, lowers cholesterol and good for diabetic patients. Beans are rich source of proteins for vegetarians. Here is a curry recipe that has 15 different beans !

Serving size: 1 cup, Calories :120. Quantity mentioned below is sufficient for four people.

Ingredients:

15 bean 1 cup ( I got the 15 bean pack from Wal-Mart which contains 15 different varieties of beans- Northern bean, pinto bean, large lima bean, yellow bean, baby lima bean, garbanzo bean, green split pea, kidney bean, cranberry bean, small white bean, pink bean, small red bean, yellow split pea, white kidney bean, black bean)

1. Coconut (grated) ½ cup
2. Onion medium size 1
3. Tomato medium size 1
4. Red chilli powder ½ tsp
5. Coriander powder ½ tsp
6. Turmeric powder ¼ tsp
7. Green chillies 3-4
8. Tamarind grape size
9. Ginger small piece
10. Garlic 3-4 cloves
11. Cashew 3-4
12. Clove 2
13. Cinnamon small piece
14. Peppercorn 2-3
15. Poppy seeds ¼ tsp
16. Cumin seeds ¼ tsp
17. Mint leaves (chopped) ½ cup
18. Cilantro/Coriander leaves (chopped) ½ cup
19. Salt
20. Oil
21. Water

Method:

1. Wash and soak the beans overnight.

2. Soak the tamarind in little water and filter it.

3. Pressure cook the soaked beans with little salt and water. (4-5 whistle)

4. Heat oil in a frying pan and add cloves, cinnamon and peppercorns. Add cashews and cumin seeds fry them. Add split green chillies fry them. Add chopped ginger, garlic and onion fry them till transparent. Add poppy seeds. Add chopped mint. Add red chilli powder, coriander powder and turmeric powder. Add grated coconut and fry. Finally add chopped coriander leaves. Mix well and switch off the stove. Let it cool. Grind them into smooth paste with tamarind water.

5. Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds. Pour the ground paste; add ½-cup water and little salt. Let it boil. Once it starts boiling, add chopped tomato and cook for few minutes. Add cooked beans and cook for 5 minutes in low to medium heat.

6. 15 bean curry is ready. It goes well with Poori, Chapati, Roti and Rice.

Image and recipe: http://bhakshyabhojana.blogspot.com/

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: February 8, 2016
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What benefits we get by fasting (occasionally)?

What benefits we get by fasting (occasionally)?

Fasting is abstaining from all or some kinds of food or drink, especially as a religious observance or for the sake of health. . According to Hindu religion scriptures, fasting helps to create an attunement with the absolute by establishing harmonious relationship between the body and mind (soul). Why to fast? A wise quote says “When the stomach is full, the intellect begins to sleep. Wisdom becomes mute and the parts of the body restrain from acts of righteousness.”According to Hindu philosophy, food means gratification of the senses and to starve the senses is to elevate senses to contemplation.

Hindus fast on certain days of the month especially full moon and 11th day of the fortnight called Ekadasi. Certain days of the week is also marked for fasting, depending on individual choices and on one’s favorite god and goddess. In other religions also people fast on various occasions.

Is it good to fast? Answer is yes. Scientific studies have shown that fasting helps to achieve various goals related to body and mind. Fasting improves our body and cell structures in various ways. For instance, some people refrain from taking salt on particular days. It is common knowledge that excess salt and sodium causes hypertension or elevation of blood pressure.

Fasting in Sanskrit is upavaasa. Upa means “near” and vaasa means “to stay”. Upavaasa therefore means staying near (the Lord), meaning the attainment of close mental proximity with the Lord.

A lot of our time and energy is spent in procuring food items, preparing, cooking, eating and digesting food. Certain food types make our minds dull and agitated. According to Ayurveda, fasting helps to get rid of the toxic materials in the digestive system. By fasting, the digestive organs get relief from the work and results in body cleansing. To avoid feeling low energy or fatigue one can have warm lime juice during the period of fasting. Fasting also acts as antidote to emotional balance -as per Ayurveda, our body is composed of 80% of liquid and rest solid and the gravitational force from the moon affects the fluid contents of the body and can disturb the mind. Fasting helps to gain the balance.

What are the benefits of intermittent fasting?

1. Changes the way function of cells, hormones and genes:

• Blood levels of insulin drop significantly, which facilitates fat burning.
• It helps in production of good amount of hormones. Higher levels of this hormone facilitate fat burning and muscle gain, and have numerous other benefits. The body induces important cellular repair processes, such as removing waste material from cells.
• There are beneficial changes in several genes and molecules related to longevity and protection against disease.

2. It can help to lose weight and belly fat

• Intermittent fasting helps you eat fewer calories, while boosting metabolism slightly. It is a very effective tool to lose weight and belly fat.
• Intermittent fasting will make us eat fewer meals. Unless you compensate by eating much more during the other meals, you will end up taking in fewer calories. Additionally, intermittent fasting enhances hormone function to facilitate weight loss.
• Lower insulin levels, higher growth hormone levels and increased amounts of nor -epinephrine – this increase helps in the breakdown of body fat and facilitate its use for energy.

3. It can lower risk of Type 2 Diabetes

• Anything that reduces insulin resistance should help lower blood sugar levels and protect against type -2 diabetes. Interestingly, intermittent fasting has been shown to have major benefits for insulin resistance and lead to an impressive reduction in blood sugar levels.

4. Beneficial For Heart Health

• Studies show that intermittent fasting can improve numerous risk factors for heart disease such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglycerides and inflammatory markers.

5. Induces Various Cellular Repair Processes

• Fasting triggers a metabolic pathway called autophagy, which removes waste material from cells. Increased autophagy may provide protection against several diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

6. Help Prevent Cancer

• Intermittent fasting has been shown to help prevent cancer in animal studies. One paper in humans showed that it can reduce side effects caused by chemotherapy.. Fasting has been shown to have several beneficial effects on metabolism that may lead to reduced risk of cancer.

7. Fasting is Good For Your Brain

• Several studies in rats have shown that intermittent fasting may increase the growth of new nerve cells, which should have benefits for brain function. Intermittent fasting may have important benefits for brain health. It may increase growth of new neurons and protect the brain from damage. What is good for the body is often good for the brain as well.

8. Intermittent Fasting May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease

• Studies in animals suggest that intermittent fasting may be protective against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.

9. Intermittent Fasting May Extend Your Lifespan, Helping You Live Longer

• One of the most exciting applications of intermittent fasting may be its ability to extend lifespan. Although this is far from being proven in humans, intermittent fasting has become very popular among the anti-aging crowd. Given the known benefits for metabolism and all sorts of health markers, it makes sense that intermittent fasting could help you live a longer and healthier life.

How and when to fast?

It is not difficult to fast, one has to make up their mind and should have self -discipline to go through a day without much food. Try once or twice and then you will see how the body feels. Do not go overboard on fasting, as frequent fasting may cause acidity and ulcer. Talk to your physician. Select one or two days in a month or select one day a week to fast. You can consume fruits and vegetables and have tea, lemon juice or other fruit juices. Do not forget to drink water. Eat something that is meant for fasting (as per your religion), or eat something very light – preferably fruits. Do not eat meat, do not smoke or drink alcohol on fasting day. Select those days which you prefer to fast and make sure to eat good meal previous day of fasting.

Remember: Fasting is for cleansing the body and to keep both body and mind happy and healthy.

References:

Image credit: Photo by bongkarn thanyakij from Pexels (Free for commercial use)

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: February 3, 2016
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Must Read: Erin Brockovich: ‘Flint, Michigan Is the Tip of the Iceberg’

Must Read: Erin Brockovich: ‘Flint, Michigan Is the Tip of the Iceberg’

By:  John Vibes at www.trueactivist.com

Environmental activist Erin Brockovich has been speaking out about the lead contaminated water in Flint, Michigan, and saying that this is a widespread problem that exists across the country. Last week, Brockovich appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to share her thoughts on the issue, and explained what she learned when she sent a team to investigate the water in Flint.

Brockovich also spoke about how this crisis extends far beyond Flint.

“I can tell you that Flint, Michigan is the tip of the iceberg. I can tell you for certain that this is a national crisis that we are not getting ready to face. The crisis is already here. Even since Flint has hit the national stage, we’ve found out that Sebring, Ohio has the same problem … The same thing is happening in Louisiana, and we’re just now hearing rumors—I haven’t verified it before I came out—we’re having the same situation in Wisconsin,” Brockovich said.

Recent estimates have indicated that it could take up to 15 years and over $60 million to fix the problem, and the residents will be essentially forced to live there until the problem is solved. Despite the fact that the issue is obviously the government’s responsibility, they have made it illegal for people to sell their homes because of the fact that they are known to carry contaminated water. Meanwhile, residents are still left to purchase bottled water on their own, in addition to paying their water bill.

Brockovich is best known for building a case against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) of California in 1993. Since then she has been a world-renowned environmental activist, and has even had a movie made about her activism, starring Julia Roberts.

Just this week it was reported that the town of Sebring, Ohio is currently experiencing a crisis identical to what residents are facing in Flint. As with Flint, officials in Sebring are rushing to cover up their part in the situation, and there is extensive evidence that the local government had full knowlege of how dangerous the water was. The EPA has accused local officials of providing “misleading, inaccurate or false reports” about the quality of water in the city.

Watch the interview with Erin Brockovich here:

(John Vibes is an author and researcher who organizes a number of large events including the Free Your Mind Conference. He also has a publishing company where he offers a censorship free platform for both fiction and non-fiction writers. You can contact him and stay connected to his work at his Facebook page. You can purchase his books, or get your own book published at his website www.JohnVibes.com.)

Read More: http://www.trueactivist.com/erin-brockovich-tells-stephen-colbert-flint-michigan-is-the-tip-of-the-iceberg/

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on: February 2, 2016
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HEALTHY RECIPE : OKRA - BESAN CURRY

Healthy Recipe: OKRA – BESAN CURRY

Besides being low in calories, okra supplies vitamins of the category A, Thiamin, B6, C, folic acid, riboflavin, calcium, zinc and dietary fiber. It is good for pregnant women.

The other benefits of okra are – the mucilage and fiber present in okra helps to adjust blood sugar by regulating its absorption in the small intestine. It is a very good source of fiber and helps in gastro-intestinal conditions. It regulates cholesterol and good for diabetic people. Due to greater percentage of water in the bulk it thereby prevents constipation, gas and bloating in the abdomen. It also supports growth of probiotic bacteria in the gut. It also helps in hair growth and to maintain shiny texture of the hair.  It is enriched with amino acids on the likes of tryptophan, cystine and other sulfur amino acids.

If you are a okra fan and don’t know how to cook okra – here is a easy curry recipe for you.

Ingredients

  • Okra or bhendi – 1/4 kilogram / 250 grams
  • Vegetable oil – 3 Tbs
  • Aasafoetida– a pinch
  • Cumin seeds – 1/2 tsp
  • Mustard -1/2 tsp
  • Gram flour or besan – 4 Tbs
  • Red chili powder – 1/2  to 1 tsp
  • Coriander powder – 1 tsp
  • Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp
  • Ginger – 1 inch
  • Salt – to taste
  • Dry mango powder – 1 tsp
  • Garam masala powder – 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
  • Chopped coriander leaves – 1 Tbs

Preparation:

1. Roast besan : Under low flame roast besan in a dry pan. It should be roasted well and should give nice aroma. If you don’t roast the besan well, there will be a raw taste in the final dish.

2. Slit open okra: First, wash and dry okra. Then cut both ends. Make two slits in each okra without breaking or cutting it.

3. Saute okra: In a dry pan add two spoons of oil and saute okra till it becomes somewhat crispy by losing all sliminess.

4. Get seasoning ready with besan flour: In the pan take little oil, heat and add cumin and mustard seeds followed by little hing. Add roasted besan flour to this and sauté again to remove raw odor of the besan.

5. Add okra and other ingredients: To the sauted besan now add sauted okra followed by salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, ginger. Now sauté well under medium flame. Mix well sothat all the ingredients should stick to okra.

6. Cover the pan with a lid and allow it to cook for 3 minutes. In between, stir the okra and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes.

7. Open and make sure the okra cooked well. Now add dry mango or amchur powder and mix well. Cook again for couple of more minutes, add garam masala and mix well.

8. Add chopped coriander leaves.

9. Serve the okra curry with jeera rice, chapati, poori, or paratha or as a side dish with daal rice.

Recipe:www.werindia.com

Author: HealthyLife | Posted on:
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