Walnuts: The health benefits of walnuts rank it above the almonds, peanuts and other nuts. It is regarded as the "King of nuts." Walnuts are packed with protein, vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids, trace minerals, lecithin and oils. Antioxidants compounds in walnuts help to boost immune system. Walnuts are 15 times more effective for protecting the body against many diseases. It is good for the digestive system and reduces the symptoms hypertension. Walnuts enhance memory and brain function. Some dieticians claim that walnut is a good 'hair food' too. This is because walnut contains biotin (vitamin B7) that helps strengthen hair, reduce hair fall and improve hair growth to certain extent. Diabetes and obesity expert Dr David Katz recommends walnut as a nutritious food that must form an important component of a healthy diet.
Over consumption of walnuts may be dangerous for kidneys health. Walnut is high in oxalates and oxalates contribute to kidney stone formation.
Figs: Figs are nature's wonderful gift to humankind. Sweet, crunchy dried figs are nutritious, fibrous and packed with vitamin B6, copper, potassium, manganese. It helps to reduce high blood pressure. It stimulates the liver and expels the accumulated toxins thus helping in liver detox. They purify the blood and increase the hemoglobin level.
It boosts the body strength and immunity. They clean the mouth and remove foul taste. Figs are a natural tonic for energy and vitality. They are useful for renewal after childbirth. Figs help to gain weight when consumed with milk. Dried figs contain fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega -6. These reduce the risk of coronary heart diseases.
Their tiny seeds stimulate peristaltic movements of the intestines. Their emollient quality softens and soothes the inflamed skin lining the intestines. Figs reduce straining. Soak overnight in water then drink and consume figs in the morning.
Figs are also good for your skin. The high water content in fig helps to flush out the toxins and waste from the body, preventing pimples and acne. It also treats eczema and psoriasis, giving you a healthy and glowing skin. Application of fig pulp on the face helps to transport nutrients into the dermal layers of the skin, replenishing it from within. Make a face pack combining fig paste and yoghurt. Apply it on the face and massage your skin with it for a few minutes. Wash it off after 15 minutes with lukewarm water.
Jaggery: Nutritious values of the jaggery often underestimated. It adds flavour to every sweet dish, acts as a digestive agent, reduces constipation, cleanse respiratory tract, and provides warmth and energy during cold season. Jaggery is a more complex form of carbohydrate than plain sugar. It digests and absorbs slowly and releases energy over an extended period.
Jaggery helps cleansing stomach and intestines. It extracts unwanted particles from the body, while also giving relief from constipation.
Jaggery is rich in minerals, mainly iron with traces of other mineral salts. While most of the iron in jaggery comes through its processing in iron vessels, the other minerals come directly from the sugar cane juice, since the juice does not undergo refinement or bleaching of any kind. Here is a delicious recipe of chikki made with peanuts and jaggery. Roast peanuts in a pan (preferably heavy based pan) on medium flame for approx. 5-6 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Let roasted peanuts cool for 3-4 minutes. Remove its skin while they are little warm and break them into halves. Grease a big plate with little ghee.
Heat two tablespoon of ghee in a heavy bottomed pan over low flame. Add jaggery and stir continuously on low to medium flame. When jaggery dissolves, stir and cook for approx. 4-5 minutes on low flame. Turn off flame and add peanut halves. Mix until all peanut halves are coated with dissolved jaggery. Pour mixture over previously greased surface. Quickly roll the mixture flat using rolling pin. When cooled, break it into pieces and store in airtight container and enjoy it whenever you like.
Potatoes: Potatoes are world's favourite food. Mashed, baked, fried or stuffed form of potatoes are eaten everywhere. potatoes as a very good source of vitamin B6 and a good source of potassium, copper, vitamin C, manganese, phosphorus, niacin, dietary fiber, and pantothenic acid. It provides relief from rheumatism, stimulates brain function, reduces burning, prevents scurvy, prevent kidney stones.
Potatoes also contain a variety of phytonutrients that have antioxidant activity. Among these important health-promoting compounds are carotenoids, flavonoids, and caffeic acid, as well as unique tuber storage proteins, such as patatin, which exhibit activity against free radicals.
A medium size potato with skin contains even more potassium than a banana. Potatoes' high level of carbohydrates helps to provide quick and short energy boost. Scientific food research studies have indicated that potatoes contain blood-pressure lowering molecules known as "kukoamines". The best way to eat a potato is in its whole, unprocessed form. Baking a potato is the best way to prepare it, as baking, or microwaving, a potato causes the lowest amount of nutrients to be lost.
Potatoes contain Vitamin B6, which is required by our bodies for cellular renewal, maintaining a healthy nervous system and a balanced mood. 200 grams of baked potato contains 21 percent of the daily value of this vitamin.
Oranges: Juicy, pulpy, and bright colour Oranges one of the favourite fruits of winter. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, which rejuvenate dull and damaged skin. It maintains skin texture and ensures young looking healthy skin.
It contains antioxidants called beta cryptoxanthin, which according to studies may slow down the advancement of arthritis. Vitamin A in Oranges helps to protect age related eye weakness and ensures good eye health. Oranges is a good source of vitamin B9 that helps to enhance brain functions. Its regular use lowers cholesterol level and prevents the blockage of arteries.
Oranges are highly fibrous fruits, which contributes to its cancer-protecting effect.
Rose Petals: For centuries, roses are popular for their marvellous properties. Rose petals endow with vitamin C, carotene, and vitamin K, which offer good nutrition to your skin.
In South Asian countries, a delicious sweet known as Gulkand is made with rose petals. To make gulkand collect the fresh and fragrant rose petals. Gently wash the petals with water and let them dry on a paper or cloth. Put the petals into the mixie. Quickly pulse the petals one or two times to shred them. You can also chop the petals into pieces. Spread a layer of rose petals in a dry glass jar. Now spread a layer of sugar over the rose petals evenly. Then again, spread a layer of petals over the sugar layer. Repeat until all the petals are over. Close the jar with a lid and keep it in the sunlight for 7-10 days. Mix the gulkand every other day using a clean spoon. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate it.
Gulkand is a powerful antioxidant and a very good rejuvenator. Consuming 1 - 2 teaspoons of gulkand helps to reduce acidity and stomach heat. It also helps in treating ulcers and prevents swelling in the intestine. Gulkand helps to treat mouth ulcers strengthens teeth and gums. Gulkand helps to remove toxins from the body and purifies blood.
Thus, it helps in giving a clear complexion and prevents the occurrence of various skin problems such as acne, boils, whiteheads etc. Rose water extracted from the rose petals is the best natural skin toner for your skin. Its regular use rescue skin from winter sunburn, stubborn pigmentation, dark spots, dark circles, scars, tanning, blemishes, and wrinkles.