A nice spice

Fenugreek is an ancient spice and is mostly used in the middle east, Northern-eastern Africa and India. In egyptian papyri, this spice finds mention as food, medicine and an embalming agent. Fenugreek has a strong, pleasant smell and grows best in well drained soils with low rainfall.

The fresh leaves are eaten as a tasty vegetable and prepared like spinach. Commercially known as 'Methi' Indian fenugreek comes in several wll known varieties such as 'Desi' and 'champa' and is grwon in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The small stony seeds from the pod of a bean like plant are called fenugreek. The seeds are hard, yellowish brown and angular. Some are oblong, some rhombic, others virtually cubic, with a side of about 3mm. A deep furrow all but splits them into two. They are available whole and dried, or as a dull yellow powder, ground from the roasted seeds.

Culinary uses

Dried seeds should be lightly roasted before using. After roasting, they can be easily ground. A small amount will complement many other spices, but too much can be over powering. If the seeds are required as part of a curry paste, they can be soaked overnight to swell and soften, and mixed with the other ingredients.

The major use of fenugreek is in curry powders. It figures in many mixtures, especially vindaloo, and the hot curries of Sri Lanka. It is an ingredient of panchpuran, the Indian five spice mixture. When fish is curried, particularly strong-tasting fish such as tuna and Mackerek, fenugreek is frequently included in the spice mixture. Many chutneys and pickles incorporate it and it gives a tangy aroma to vegetables. The leaves, both fresh and dried, are used in ,eat curries, dhal and vegetable dishes.

Medicinal Properties

Frenugreek is a digestive aid. It is used in poultices for boils, cysts and other complaints. It is used in treating diabetes. It lowers high blood pressure. Fenugreek relieves congestion, reduces inflammation and fights infection. Fenugrek contains natural expectorant properties ideal for treating sinus and lung congestion, it losens and removes excess mucus and phlegm. Fenugreek is a naural source of iron, silicon, sodium and thiamine.

For more health tips with herbs and spices click here

Diet Do

If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, you must be very careful about your diet. Eat foods that will keep your digestive system healthy.

• IBS is triggered by the intake of foods with high caffeine content, such as coffee, carbonated drinks and chocolate. Avoid them!
• Cut down on sugar
• Avoid foods with yeast.
• Reduce intake of dairy products. However, you can have probiotic yoghurt without sugar.
• Have soups with meat, beans and non-starchy vegetables. Avoid grains, corn and rice.
  

The Chennai times February 27 2009

Asthma is more generally common in small boys when compared to small girls. But, after puberty, this trend gets reversed. Typically after the age of 20, women are more likely to have asthma than men for the first time. Women are prone to have more problems with asthma, when compared to men. This is primarily due to the hormonal changes during the time of the periods, where women may find an exacerbation of the diseases. Pregnancy also, can worsen asthma, and moreover it can complicate the pregnancy. Between the ages of 20 and 50 women are around three times more likely than men to be admitted for asthma.
Not suffering from asthma during childhood is no guarantee against getting it as an adult. 30 to 40 per cent of people suffering from asthma will get it as adults.

Find more information on Asthma in women
WHAT CAUSES ASTMA?

Tulsi - Health Facts

Tulsi is most commonly used as a seasoning in food and in herbal medicines. Tulsi is rich in calcium, iron and vitamins K and A. It promotes cardiovascular health, protects the body at the cellular level and against unwanted bacterial growth, and cures respiratory diseases like cold, cough, congestion and asthma.

Diabetes and Nutrition

Food and Nutrition are the most interesting things in our life. A large portion of our waking hours is spent on planning, buying, cooking and eating food. Of course, food alone is not the key to a healthier life, but good nutrition should become a part of overall healthy life style. Back in 400 B.C., Hipocrates said, “Let food be your medicine and medicine by your food”. They were emphasizing the link between nutrition and diseases.

Good and proper nutrition is very important in managing diabetes and ensures better control and reduction in medicines.Diabetics don’t need a special diet. Interestingly our traditional Indian diets with slight modification in the sugar and fat intake is ideal for a diabetic. But an occasional intake of these foods is permitted only after making necessary adjustments and also avoiding over indulgence, which can create problem. The daily intake should be spaced into three principal meals and two snacks.A diabetic can make his diet flexible to match his customs, likes, dislikes and health condition by adopting food exchange system.

The food exchanges are:

1. Fruits
2. Vegetables
3. Milk and Milk products
4. Oil, fats and nuts
5. Cereals
6. Meat, fish and pulses

7 steps to healthy eating

1. Avoid visible and invisible
2. Fill up with starchy food
3. Eat at least 3 servings of vegetables a day
4. Get rid of the sugar habit but use
5. Eat enough protein
6. Avoid fasting and
7. Quit smoking and alchol
8. Hence “Eat for Health; Not for Taste”.

The Hindu November 14 2006