BENEFITS OF ALMONDS (BADAM)

Almonds are a quality protein source, an excellent source of vitamin E, a good source of dietary fiber, and offer a multitude of essential minerals, making them a smart choice as part of a healthy diet. Almonds are nutrient-dense.

Commonly known as Badam, almonds is loved by kids and elders and regular consumption improves health, memory and builds resistance to the body. Ayurveda recommends having almonds as a whole. Almonds should not be taken on an empty stomach , it should be accompanied with fruits or milk. Ideal for individuals with Vata dosha .

Almonds are a great cholesterol-lowering food

Nearly 70 per cent of the fat in almonds is monounsaturated – a suggested substitute to saturated fats to reduce the cholesterol levels. Research also shows that almonds and almond oil have similar cholesterol-lowering effects. In fact eating almonds consistently lowers total and LDL cholesterol respectively by four and five per cent. This cholesterol-lowering effect is similar to heart-healthy foods such as oats and soy.

Almonds help in fighting diabetes and heart diseases

The presence of powerful nutrients like proteins, dietary fiber, monounsaturated fatty acids [MUFA] and Vitamin E make almonds a rich diet source for combating degenerative diseases such as diabetes and heart diseases.

Almonds are ideal for Weight management

This aspect of almonds remains unknown to the consumers. People follow various diet plans and exercise regimes for weight management, ignorant of certain simple ways to shed those extra kilos. Weight management is a critical issue being faced by the Indian population, which can be attributed to the impact of an inactive lifestyle what with seating jobs and less limb movement that includes both adults as well as children these days. One of the most difficult tasks in the process of weight management is to control the type of food intake. There is a lack of information and awareness about the benefits and nutrient composition of the food we eat. Many essential and beneficial foods are avoided and Almonds is one of them.

Almonds are heart-friendly

In addition to offering “good” fat, nuts are packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a nutrient powerhouse. Just a handful of these versatile almonds [one ounce or about 23 almonds] offer vitamin E, protein, fiber, magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and iron in only 163 Kcal. Moreover, almonds contain phyto chemicals – plant chemicals that provide powerful protection against heart disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases. Like all plant-based foods, almonds are also cholesterol-free.

Almonds can prevent cancer

A great example of nutritional synergistic power can be seen with the vitamin E in almonds (vitamin E is one of the most important vitamins one can consume). It enhances selenium’s cancer-preventing capability, protects against pollution, protects against cardiovascular disease, boosts the immune system and protects against neurological disorders.

A healthy and nutritious snack

Almonds can make a healthy nutritious snack. You can carry nutritious almonds easily in small containers as ready-to-eat snack at work and schools or can easily prepare delicious low caloric snacks . Add almonds in breakfast recipes, coolers, sharbat and Thandai. From heart disease to cancer, almonds are fighting for our good health.

Almonds is ideal for hair and ideal for baby massage

The composition of fats and fatty acids is very beneficial for almost all types of hair as it proves to be very nourishing, and softens and strengthens the hair. Recommended for baby massages. Sweet almond oil removes dandruff flakes, promotes hair growth, moisturizes skin especially during winter.

Almonds can make a healthy nutritious snack. You can carry nutritious almonds easily in small containers as ready-to-eat snack at work and schools or can easily prepare delicious low caloric snacks . Add almonds in breakfast recipes, coolers, sharbat and Thandai. From heart disease to cancer, almonds are fighting for our good health.

You can make a good start for the day by opting for the powerhouse of nutrients. There are many advantages of having pre soaked almonds. There are many myths associated with presoaked almonds too. Do not give much importance to such references. Do not think twice , start the habit of consumption of badam in your morning schedule.

BENEFITS OF YAM – ELEPHANT FOOT

Yam is used in traditional medicine systems, and in Ayurveda it is used for numerous illnesses ranging from minor ailments such as coughs through to improving the quality of sperm and for liver and spleen disorders. As a vegetable the tuber is used to treat piles and hemorrhages.

The improved varieties of elephant-foot yam are non-acrid, and endowed with excellent cooking qualities. The tubers are prescribed as medicine in Ayurveda to treat piles, dysentery, asthma, swelling of lungs, vomiting and abdominal pain. It is used as a blood purifier. The paste of tubers is applied externally to reduce pain in arthritis.

In India, yams are eaten only as a supplement to cereals. The main edible species in India (especially South India) is the elephant foot yam. Each vegetable offers varied health benefits and has different cooking uses. In scarcity of different staple foods, yam is used. So it is also sometimes referred to as a ‘famine food’.

Medicinal values of Elephant foot yam

It has been proved that elephant foot yam has many medical benefits as its root is highly stomachic, restorative, carminative and tonic.

• The cooling effect of yam can be a cure for Hypertension.
• Yam is dried and often used as a treatment for piles and dysentery..
• Yam helps to reduce cholesterol levels in blood. So it can be used as slimming food because it lowers cholesterol levels and promotes weight loss and also has a high concentration of key minerals.
• Yam can even act as an anticoagulant.
• Elephant foot yam can be safely consumed by diabetic people.
• Elephant foot yam helps to maintain the hormonal balance by increasing the estrogen level in women. It can relieve the women from pre-menstrual syndrome as well.
• Hemorrhoids patients are also prescribed to have elephant yam.
• Powerful antioxidant Vitamin C is present which delays aging.
• It is also provided as a medicine for treatment to patients suffering from acute rheumatism.
• Irregular bowel movements and constipation can also be cured by consuming yam.
• Yam reduces muscle spasms.

However, it should be borne in mind that elephant yam is a cooling food. Hence patients suffering from cold, sinus infection or asthma should avoid its intake.

• The sap from the stem is fermented and used to treat diarrhea and dysentery.
• The inside of the stem is cut and eaten raw as an antidote for snakebites.

Nutritional  profile of Elephant foot yam

Elephant foot yam has a rich nutritional profile.

• It provides energy about 330KJ/100g (approximately).
• Potassium, Phosphorous and Magnesium are the key minerals found in elephant yam. It also contains trace minerals like zinc, copper and selenium.
• It also contains Calcium. 50-56mg/100g of its contents is Calcium.
• Its 18-24% is carbohydrate content.
• About 0.8% is fiber..
• Its water content is about 72-79%
• 1.7-5.0% of its content is protein.
• It has omega-3 fatty acids which are known to increase the good cholesterol levels in the blood.
• Diosgenin, a molecular hormone which has potential anticancer effects, is found in yam.
• Elephant foot yam is high on vitamin B6 content.
• It also contains Vitamin C and Vitamin A.

From its wide medicinal benefits and nutritional profile we can hereby conclude that elephant yam is very potent source of nutrition. So its consumption will prove beneficial to health. It can also be consumed by people looking for weight reduction as it is low on fat content (0.2-0.4%). Yam is a healthy low fat food.