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Mustard Seeds- Nutrition Facts, Medicinal Properties & Health Benefits

Mustard seeds have been around for almost 5000 years now because of its numerous benefits. They are low in calories and high in nutritional value, and they also have a lot of antibacterial and antiseptic qualities. Continue reading to learn more about this magical spice- its nutrition facts, medicinal properties, health benefits & much more.

Mustard seeds are native to Asia Minor, but these days it is cultivated as one of the main commercial crops in Canada, India, China, and some temperate climates of the European region. They’re available in three different varieties in whole as well as in powdered form:

1- White Mustard: The white seeds are light straw-yellow and slightly larger than the other two varieties, and it exhibits mild pungency.

2- Black Mustards: The seeds commonly grow in South Asia. They have a sharp and more pungent flavor than the other two varieties.

3- Brown Mustards: The seeds are native to the sub-Himalayan plains of Northern India.

Health Benefits of Mustard Seeds:

The Mustard seeds plant possesses abundant amounts of nutrients that hinder the growth of cancers such as colon, bladder, and intestinal cancer.

They are effective for psoriasis and critical inflammatory autoimmune diseases.

Mustard seeds are effective for remedial healing in contact dermatitis.

Mustard seeds have calming impacts on the treatment of cold and flu problems.

Mustard seeds comprise several blooming properties, and when applied as a plaster, it provides pain relief effects in paralysis of limbs and other muscle problems.

They carry several preventative properties that aid to repel symptoms of toxic in the human body. 

Mustard seeds have anti-bacterial properties, which help treat laceration that is produced by ringworm.

Mustard seeds are really good as a natural scrub, it also hydrates the skin and slows aging process.

Mustard oil, which is obtained from mustard seeds, is a great source of Vitamin A.

Mustard seeds include protein, calcium, vitamin A and E, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, all these together helps strengthened hair.

Nutritional Value of Mustard Seeds: 

Every 100g of seeds contains 508 Calories & 36.24g fats. The remaining 100gs of nutrients are as follows:

Carbohydrate- 28g

Fibre- 12g

Sugar- 7g

Water- 5g

Protein- 26g

Calcium- 266mg

Iron- 9mg

Magnesium- 370mg

Phospurus- 828mg

Potassium- 738 mg

Sodium- 13mg

How to Store Mustard Seeds:

Store mustard seeds in a cool place.

Always store it in an air-tight container.

Check the container before pouring seeds into it, the container must be completely dry.

The shelf where you place the container should not be moist.

Whole mustard seeds can last up to one year and powdered or ground ones last for  six months, so make sure to store accordingly.

How to Use Mustard Seeds:

Mustard seeds are mostly used for tempering dishes.

It is used in non-vegetarian dishes to intensify the taste of meats and fishes.

It can also be used for pickling and in chutneys.

It can also be used in salad dressings.

Brown mustard seeds are used for garnishing,once sautéed in oil a little.

Note:

Make sure you don’t overcook mustard seeds or their taste may turn bitter.

Interesting fact about mustard seeds:

Mustard seeds are mention in the Bible around 5 times, it has once been mentioned as the greatest herb ever.

Mustard seeds are the second most popular spice, which is traded around the world.

If you do use this spice in your diet, start doing it today. It has numerous health benefits that can be beneficial to your loved ones. To buy 100% Authentic & fresh Mustard seeds, visit Vasant Masala's Online Masala Store.

[Source: Blogger.com]

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6 must-try Indian pickles during winters

Pickle is a condiment used in Indian dishes for ages. In this article, we talk about different kinds of pickles and their benefits one should try for sure during winters. To add more taste to your pickle you must try achar masalas from Vasant Masala.  

Winters are onboard, and vegetable markets are flooded with lots of green veggies. Take advantage of these nutritious veggies by consuming them in the form of pickles. Pickle or achar is used as a condiment in Indian cuisine for centuries. They have a spicy, sweet, tangy, and sour flavor which is a delight to gorge upon. A little amount of pickle alongside the meal helps give food a distinguished taste.

Here, based on my experience, I have listed down different kinds of pickles, which taste delicious and are must-try during winters. 

 Carrot Pickle

 Carrot Pickle possesses the power to pep up the taste of your not so exciting meal. Carrot pickle is the best combination of sweet and tangy flavor, which enhances your taste buds. You can also give a spicy flavor to carrot pickle, whichever is best suited. Carrots are rich in minerals, vitamins, and fibers, so have health benefits associated with them. It promotes losing weight, keeps blood pressure in check, improves eyesight, and prevents cancer. 

 Amla Pickle 

 Amla pickle is an all-time favorite! Amla is a fruit available in winters and is rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin C. The best choice for a spicy lover, Amla pickles tastes tangy, salty, and spicy. Amla is proven to be helpful in digestion, boosting immunity, and protection from disease.

 Ginger Pickle

 Ginger pickle is a famous accompaniment used along with Indian dishes, especially during winters. It tastes delicious and possesses a spicy and tangy flavor. You can pair ginger pickle with stuff parathas, rice, idli, and dosa for a good meal. Ginger has got an ample amount of health benefits associated with it, and it is known to all. It helps to cure joint-related problems, keeps cold away, and improves food digestion. 

 Gobi Shalgam Pickle

 Gobi shalgam pickle is a famous specialty from Punjab made using different kinds of spices and mustard oil. Initially, vegetables are kept under the sun for some days to dry out the moisture out of them, and then after spices and oil are added. Gobi Shalgam Pickle is rich in fibers and has a high amount of antioxidants. 

 Raw mango Pickle

 One of my favorite tastes is mango pickle, which is hot, sour, salty, and spicy everything at once. Mangoes come first to mind when you think of pickles, as mixed with any ingredient it enhances the taste of the dish. Mango pickles are high on citric acid, which help boost immunity, lose weight, cure heart and liver issues and improve digestion. Sweet mango pickle and spicy mango pickle both are loved all over India, while I am a spicy mango pickle lover. 

 Radish (Mooli) Pickle

 Radish (Mooli) pickle, a north Indian variety is made using thick-sliced radish, carrots, and green chilies. Radish and carrot add extra flavors to pickle, and the other ingredients used are traditional Indian spices and oil only. The fresh aroma of the pickle is enough to make you feel hungry. Radish pickle helps prevent diseases like blood pressure, cancer, and diabetes. 

 To add enticing taste to your pickles, use Vasant Achar Masala and Vasant Sweet Achar Masala. The blend of spices included in the masala increases the taste of every food dish. 

 To know more visit the website:  www.vasantmasala.com. 

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Turmeric for skin- Is it beneficial??

A healthy & glowing skin is the dream of everyone, be it men or women. And for thousands of years, we are relying on Ayurvedic techniques to achieve that. One of these techniques includes the use of turmeric powder (Haldi powder) in cosmetics. This bright, yellow-orange spice is miraculous when it comes to skin. Read this article to learn more about how turmeric is beneficial for your skin.

Turmeric gets its health benefits from a bioactive component called curcumin. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are very good for the skin. Many studies have proven that this humble spice can be used to treat skin problems, uneven skin tone, heal cracked feet, prevent hair fall, get rid of dandruff, to name a few. It is a lifesaver for patients who are suffering from psoriasis and eczema. This spice is now accepted by Western brands who have only recently noted something which Eastern cultures have known for hundreds of years. And that is why they've begun to include Turmeric in their cosmetics.   

Here are seven benefits of Turmeric on the skin, which convinced many to use it in makeup products:

1- Treats Acne: Acne is one of the most common skin concerns among youngsters, which requires special care and attention. A wrong product makes it worse & may sometimes cause irritation or inflammation, especially if you have sensitive skin. And so you must choose the skincare products carefully. With its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, Turmeric is one of the miracle ingredients that help fight acne. 

2- Eliminates Dark Circles: Dark circles can be caused because of the over-exposure to the sun, lack of sleep, pigmentation, stress, and even by scratching or rubbing the eyes. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and lightening agent which helps in reducing the appearance of dark circles & puffiness.

3- Reduces Scars: Turmeric is known to reduce scarring, and it also heals wounds faster because of its antiseptic qualities. The active ingredient in Turmeric, which is curcumin, helps reduce excess production of melanin that lightens scars and keeps even the skin tone.

4- Delays Signs of Aging: The harsh UV rays can deplete the skin's natural oil, which can make skin lose its elasticity and starts showing fine lines and wrinkles. The curcumin in turmeric is a strong antioxidant agent, which prevents the production of free radicals, which in turn controls aging by protecting skin cells from damage.

5- Heal Wounds: The curcumin present in turmeric can help heal wounds by lowering inflammation and oxidation. This results in your wounds healing more quickly. Studies have found that turmeric can positively affect tissue and collagen as well. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties work wonderfully in treating even the trickiest of skin conditions.

6- Reduces Stretch Marks: Turmeric has the antioxidative power, which can penetrate and improve the function of the skin membrane cells that help prevent and treat stretch marks. Those pesky little lines are difficult to treat but, turmeric can help you with those as well.

7- Soothe dry skin: When your skin is dry, it looks dull & dehydrated. Turmeric can help you alleviate that dryness. It deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin and speeds up the process of removing dead skin cells. You should definitely try turmeric if you have dry skin, especially during cold winter days.

All these benefits combine makes this spice popular among the skin conscious people. Apart from all these skin benefits, Turmeric also possesses numerous medicinal properties, which is highly regarded by Indians as a home remedy for treating liver and stomach related issues. Moreover, Haldi powder is considered as one of the sacred spices and used in many religious ceremonies. All in all, these above benefits of Turmeric make it a "Queen of Spices". 

Buy Natural Turmeric Powder online from Vasant Masala's e-store. 

[Source: Blogger.com]

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Spices That Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, commonly known as hypertension, increases your risk of stroke and other dangerous diseases. In this article, we'll have a look at some miraculous spices that can help lower your blood pressure level.

When your doctor tells you that your blood pressure (BP) is high, you will become concerned since you will be worrying about it and its medications. In contemporary science (Allopathy), there are numerous medications that can quickly lower your blood pressure. However, due to their efficiency, many individuals choose herbal medications. A number of herbal treatments have been proven to be effective in lowering high blood pressure with diet, exercise, stress management, and supplementation, according to research.

Herbs and spices can help you regulate your blood pressure by increasing the medicinal value of your diet. Including a few herbs in your diet can assist you in lowering your blood pressure without the use of medicines. These herbs operate by assisting the kidneys in excreting salt and fluids while also strengthening artery walls. According to research, several common spices can help protect against heart disease and the damage caused by ageing as well.

The following are some herbs and spices that can help decrease your blood pressure, as well as ideas for including them in a balanced diet.

Ginger:

Ginger has been found to increase blood circulation and relax the muscles around blood vessels, which may help regulate blood pressure. Ginger is a versatile ingredient that is commonly used in Asian cuisine. Fresh ginger may be chopped, minced, or shredded into stir-fries, soups, and noodle or vegetable dishes, or dry ginger powder can be added to desserts or tea for a pleasant flavour.

Garlic:

Garlic includes allicin, an antibacterial, antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and anti-hypertensive compound. Garlic has the capacity to decrease blood pressure by assisting blood vessels to relax and dilate, allowing blood to circulate more easily throughout the body. Fresh garlic may be used in a variety of dishes. If you can't consume it or don't like the flavour of garlic, use a 500 mg pill every day.

Turmeric:

Turmeric has long been used as a natural blood pressure lowering and cardiovascular spice. Curcumin is a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce blood pressure by reducing the excessive platelet aggregation that occurs in sticky, clot-forming blood. Try cooking with turmeric, or take 500 mg of curcumin daily as a nutritious supplement.

Black Pepper:

Black pepper contains antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, as well as aiding digestion and weight reduction. Piperine, the active component in black pepper, inhibits free radicals and thereby protects against oxidative damage. By mobilising fatty acids, black pepper affects lipid metabolism. Vanadium is found in black pepper, and it enhances cardiac functional recovery after a heart attack and in thickened heart muscles caused by blood pressure stress overload.

Red Pepper:

The active component in a number of over-the-counter "hot creams" for joint and muscular pain is a chemical called capsaicin, which is found in cayenne pepper. It is also a natural blood pressure reliever and a supplement for cardiovascular health. Cook with cayenne pepper once or twice a week to help reduce your blood pressure.

Thymol Seeds:

Thymol, also known as Ajwain, is an Indian spice that can be found throughout the country. It includes a flavouring ingredient called Rosmarinic acid, which is known to have several advantages, including decreased inflammation and blood sugar levels, improved blood flow, and aiding in the reduction of blood pressure.

To shop all these wondrous spices loaded with health benefits, check out the Online Masala Store of Vasant Masala. 

Source : [Medium]

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Are Spices Gluten-Free??

Is it possible to find gluten-free spices? There has long been speculation that spice manufacturers use wheat to stretch out their spices, as well as the plain false claim that silicon dioxide, which is used to keep spices from clumping, includes gluten. Well, we are not sure what is fact and what is fiction, so, in this article, we'll find out if spices are actually gluten-free or not. 

Many cultures have incorporated herbs and spices in meals and medicines for thousands of years, and they are treasured for their distinct smells and flavours. 

Herbs include fresh or dried leaves such as basil, dill, parsley, rosemary, and thyme. Spices are made from different dried plant parts such as the root (ginger), seed (caraway, cardamom, cumin), bark (cinnamon), bud (clove), berry (peppercorn), or flower (saffron).

As more individuals eliminate gluten from their diets for health or allergy reasons, many customers and potential consumers are unsure if spices and seasoning mixes include gluten. So, first, let's learn what is gluten.

What is Gluten?

Glutens are proteins that may be found in wheat, barley, malts, rye, and triticale. Glutens can also be present in food additives including, flavourings, stabilisers, and thickening agents. Because of cross-contamination, foods produced with or via the same machinery that handles wheat may include varying quantities of wheat and thus have gluten.

Do Spices Contain Gluten?

Generally, herbs and spices do not typically contain gluten, but a non-gluten anti-caking agent such as calcium silicate, silicon dioxide, or sodium aluminium silica may be used while manufacturing them. Individual spices and dried herbs do not contain gluten, however depending on how and where they are packed, they may not be gluten-free. They may be cross-contaminated with gluten if they're packed in the same facility as wheat or gluten-containing items. Herb and spice blends are occasionally mixed with gluten-containing substances such as wheat flour, wheat starch, wheat crumbs, or wheat protein. These components will be mentioned on the seasoning blend's label under the ingredients.

Celiac patients must become experts at reading labels and comprehending components to follow a gluten-free diet. Many gluten-free goods have not been enhanced or fortified with nutrients like fibre, folate, and iron, as traditional bread and cereals have been for most of the previous century. Those on a gluten-free diet should take special care to include these nutrients into their diets through other food sources.

Be extremely cautious when it comes to seasonings (a spice blend), such as taco seasoning, allspice, or curry powder. Some spices may contain wheat flour, wheat starch, or hydrolyzed wheat protein for increased volume, lowering seasoning costs. It is critical to read labels or verify with the manufacturer to ensure that products are gluten-free.

Where Can You Buy Gluten-Free Spices?

Spices and dry herbs should not be purchased in bulk bins since they are readily cross-contaminated with other bins that may contain gluten. I would suggest you buy your spices from well-reputed manufacturers, like Vasant Masala, who takes special care of their manufacturing process. The quality of Vasant Masala's products is compared with the Mother's love. The whole manufacturing process is looked after by expert technicians who ensure that only the finest quality of products are produced. The Cool Grinding technology, which is used for the process does not require any human touch, and that ensures that there is no contamination in the spices. 

So, if you want to buy gluten-free spices, shop from Vasant Masala's Online Masala Store. 

Source : [Medium] 

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Everything You Need to Know About Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds, often known as til, are frequently consumed, especially during the winter season. These small, crunchy seeds, which are packed with minerals, are used for many culinary dishes not just for flavour but also because of their incredible health advantages. In this post, we'll learn all about sesame seeds & it's health benefits.

Perhaps the oldest and most vital condiments in human history are sesame seeds. Numerous Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines benefit from the seeds' crunch. The sesame oil is also suitable for cooking and making sauces and salad dressings. Sesame seeds are also recognised for their ability to enhance the flavour of meals.

What are Sesame Seeds?

Tanzania, Myanmar, India, and Sudan grow sesame, or Sesamum indicum, a tropical flowering plant. Sesame is the world's oldest oil crop. Unlike many other crops, the sesame plant grows well in extreme heat and light and requires very little farming assistance. 

This plant is grown for its seeds, which are edible and used in cuisines throughout the world as a condiment and ingredient. To harvest sesame seeds, they're enclosed in seed pods that burst open when they're ready. Once they've been gathered, they're cleaned and stripped of their outer coating known as hulling. Toasted sesame seeds have a rich, nutty taste from the high oil content.

Types of Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are generally found in three colours:

Golden or brown sesame seeds

White sesame seeds

Black sesame seeds

Health Benefits of Sesame Seeds

In addition to being an excellent source of numerous B vitamins, sesame seeds are also a good source of vitamin E as well as iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.

In three tablespoons of sesame seeds without the shell, you'll get 3.5 grammes of fibre, which helps with digestion and may lower your risk of heart. Sesame seeds are a rich source of dietary fibre.

Sesame seeds are abundant in protein and healthy fats. These essential fatty acids and amino acids provide your body with energy.

Copper, found in sesame seeds, serves as an anti-inflammatory, reducing swelling and relieving pain.

Sesame seeds are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, both of which are helpful to cardiovascular health.

Because of their high-fat content, white sesame seeds are an excellent source of energy.

Sesame seeds are advised for those suffering from respiratory disorders such as asthma since they contain magnesium.

Zinc, which is essential in the production of collagen, which strengthens muscular tissue, hair, and skin, may be found in sesame seeds.

Sesame seeds may contain magnesium, an essential element that helps lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.

How to Roast Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are incredibly simple to roast. Spread the seeds out in a pan (no more than 1 cup at a time) and keep them moving so they don't burn. The seeds should have a lovely even brown hue. They've started to burn if you notice an acrid or strong odour. It's possible to bake them on a baking sheet at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes.

Where to Buy Sesame Seeds?

Sesame seeds may be found in all major supermarkets and natural health food stores. Basically, sesame seeds are available everywhere, as they are one of the most common varieties of seeds in the world. The most trusted spice brand for me is Vasant Masala. Sesame seeds can be ordered online through their e-store, Amazon, or Flipkart and get them delivered to your doorstep. 

 Source: Medium

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How to Make Delicious Masala Tea This Monsoon

What better way to appreciate India's monsoons than with a steaming hot cup of tea and a side of fried food? While the traditional tea and pakoda combination is a must-have this season, we think it's time to step it up a level and prepare masala chai with creamy textures, loads of aromas, and, of course, warmth. In this article, we'll show you to make the perfect masala tea this monsoon season. 

Monsoon season brings some relief from the scorching heat of summer, and we all love to soak up in the rain. As much as we enjoy getting soaked to the bone in a good downpour, the risk of catching a cold and cough cannot be overlooked. Masala Tea's therapeutic qualities are well known for boosting immunity, and when combined with spices & herbs, it may be quite beneficial to the immune system. 

In a country where spices flourish, it's difficult to find a dish that doesn't make the most of them. As a result, it's no wonder that our teas include a strong blend of these fragrant masalas. There are several varieties of tea to select from, including black tea, green tea, ginger tea and Indian kadak masala chai, and the best thing is that each of these monsoon chai's has numerous advantages.

But let's first see what masala tea is-

What is Masala Tea?

Masala chai is a milk-based spiced black tea. During the monsoon and winter, it is one of the most popular warm drinks. Chai keeps you warm and provides a variety of health benefits thanks to the spices it contains. It is enjoyed by millions of Indians every day, and every Indian family have their own chai ka masala recipe, which is the soul of masala tea. 

Chai ka Masala Recipe:

You can either prepare chai masala at home or buy it from the market. I prefer to make chai ka masala at home most of the time, but sometimes I buy Tea Masala powder online from Vasant Masala; it is my favourite; it has a strong flavour that I enjoy in my masala chai.

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup of Dry Ginger Powder

3/4 Cup of Chopped Lemon Grass

10 Grams Green Cardamon

5 Grams Cloves

5-6 Long Cinnamon Sticks

3 Tbsp Fennel Seeds

1 Tbsp Black Peppercorns

How to Make Best Tea Masala:

To make a fine chai ka masala powder, ground cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, fennel seeds, and black peppercorns in a bowl. 

In a separate bowl, combine the dried ginger powder and chopped lemongrass.

Mix everything together thoroughly and store in an airtight container.

When making Indian tea, use this chai masala.

Monsoon Chai Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 cups of Whole Milk

2 Cups of Water

1.5 Tbsp of Sugar

4 Tsp of Black Tea

1.5 Tsp of Chai Masala Mix

How to Make Masala Chai Tea:

Add water, black tea, and chai masala mix to a deep pan.

Allow it to simmer until the strong decoction is ready.

Now add the milk and sugar.

Allow it to boil twice.

Strain the masala tea and serve alongside some biscuits.

Try this recipe at home and stay healthy this monsoon!

 Source : Medium 

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7 Spices That Will Keep You Healthy in Winter

India has a variety of spices that will keep us healthy & warm in winter. They have many wonderful antimicrobial properties, which enhance their medicinal properties and provide resistance to fight against diseases.

Winter can be difficult for people who have a weaker immune system. With the constant change in weather and the COVID-19 pandemic going on, you never know what ailment you might catch. Some days it too foggy, windy, or rainy, or some days it gets extremely chilly, this change in weather can be tough during the ongoing situation. India has a variety of spices that will keep us healthy & warm in winter. They have many wonderful antimicrobial properties, which enhance their medicinal properties and provide resistance to fight against diseases. So here are seven spices, which can be found in every Indian household that will help prevent sickness during winter:

1- Turmeric: Turmeric AKA Haldi aids in making your immunity stronger and prevents colds & coughs, which an individual experiences during the constant climate change. People with chronic joint pain believe there is a link between cold weather and joint pain, turmeric can reduce joint inflammation by strengthening your body from within.

2- Ginger: Ginger is referred to as a winter food as it leaves a warming effect behind. As studies have shown that ginger can help you stay warm during the winter season. It will also boost digestion and help you fight stomach issues. Add a small amount of ginger to your daily diet and experience all its wonderful benefits.

3- Cinnamon: Cinnamon has been used since medieval times to treat sore throat, cough, and arthritis. It has more anti-oxidants than well-known spices like garlic and oregano. Cinnamon is a classic cold-weather spice, though it's favored year-round, its scent invokes thoughts of warmth and comfort.

4- Fenugreek: Fenugreek has been used as a spice, herb, medicine, and food for centuries and is advised in many conditions such as asthma, high cholesterol, diabetes, fevers, digestive problems, impotence, cancers, and externally for swellings, burns, and mastitis. It has also been advised to eat fenugreek in winters to improve immunity and to protect the heart, brain, and other vital organs inside the body through its medicinal properties.

5- Black Pepper: The Black Pepper has been a part of Ayurvedic medicines, which are known to alleviate cold, cough, and rev up your immunity naturally. This pungent spice mixed with honey is a trusted tonic across Indian households as a natural cough suppressant. 

6- Cloves: Cloves have an ample amount of anti-inflammatory compounds, which can come in handy during times of sore throat, cough, cold, and sinusitis. Many people opt for clove oil to clear blocked nasal passages too. It also has a cooling effect on the nasal cavity and throat.

7- Cardamon: Black cardamom are specifically known to alleviate colds and cough, and certain respiratory problems. They are also very effective in boosting immunity. It is rich in antioxidants that help in detoxification of the blood and also aids better digestion. You can add cardamom pods in tea, or have them with water, or chew them raw. 

Keeping mind the benefits of all these spices, Vasant Masala has introduced a special Immunity Kavach Kit, which will help you immensely during this pandemic and the upcoming winter. All these spices alone can be very beneficial to your body, but the concoction of all these can be even more beneficial to you and can help you combat unforgiving weather conditions. You can also buy these ingredients separately from our e-store, but we suggest you buy this kit as you will get honey free with it. 

Vasant Masala offers more than 50 different spice variants in  Basic, Blended, Specialty, Whole, and Powdered form, which you can buy at your nearest grocery store or buy spices online from our Website or Amazon or Flipkart.

[Source: Blogger.com]

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Post COVID-19 Nutritional Care

A rich diet full of proteins, fats, calcium, vitamin C, etc. can help to repair the damaged body tissues, make up for the muscle loss that happened while the infection lasted, and to boost the immune system. It is essential to take care of your diet and to meet the nutritional requirement of your body post-COVID-19 recovery, as it helps in replenishing your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing during this time. In this article, we'll share some insights on the most important food items you must include in your diet to meet your nutritional needs during the post-COVID-19 recovery period.

It is recommended that the patients who are recovering from the coronavirus need more building blocks like proteins, vitamins, calcium, etc. to repair their bodies and to help the recovery process along. This rich diet will not only help you get your strength back but also boost your immune system and keep other infections at bay until you’re fully recovered.

The following are the most important food items you must include in your diet to meet your nutritional needs during the post-COVID-19 recovery period:

1- Eat Plenty of Vegetables & Fruits: The goodies like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants present in fruits & vegetables help in speedy recovery. So, try to incorporate them into your daily menu.

2- Stay Hydrated: Your body would have lost a lot of fluids during the infection, so you must get plenty of them to speed up your recovery. Drink at least 3-4 Litres of water daily. You can keep a bottle handy with you to keep track of your water count daily.

3- Protein Rich Diet: Protein is one of the best sources of energy eating enough of it can help you overcome post-disease weakness. Food items like milk & milk products, nuts & seeds. Besan, sattu, lentils, peanut, paneer, cheese, mushrooms, white sesame seeds are the best options for vegetarians, while non-vegetarians can include all of these along with lean meat like eggs, chicken, fish in their diet.

4- Add Calcium to Your Diet: Don’t forget to add calcium to your diet. Food items like makhana, ragi, soybean, milk & milk products, figs, raisins, almonds, etc. all are excellent sources of calcium in an Indian diet.

5- Add Vitamin C: Vitamin C helps in boosting our immune system and fights off the infection in the body so, include citrus foods and vegetables like orange, lemon, sweet lime, guava, broccoli, bell peppers, tomato, and green leafy veggies in your diet.

6- Avoid Caffeine-Rich Beverages: Caffeine usually increases heart rate, dehydration, and blood pressure in the human body. So, to get speedy relief from the COVID-19 symptoms, try to avoid caffeine-rich drinks as much as possible.

7- Avoid Smoking and Drinking Alcohol: Smoking directly damages your lungs and lowers your immunity, making you prone to further infections. And alcohol consumption also suppresses the immune system so, Smoking and alcohol consumption both should be avoided at any cost.

Follow all the above steps for the speedy recovery from the aftereffects of COVID-19 infection. Moreover, stick with fresh, simple, home-cooked meals, which are prepared in sanitary conditions. And don't forget to add our magical Indian spices that will also support your recovery process. For your convenience, Vasant Masala has included all those spices in our Immunity Kavach Kit, which you can buy online from our e-store.

[Source: Blogger.com]

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A Quick Look Over My Personal Spice Box

Masala Dabba or Indian Spice box is a must-have item in practically every Indian household's kitchen. If you prepare Indian food regularly, you should have it. But, what should be included in this masala box of yours?? In this article, I'll share with you guys which Indian masala spices are included in my kitchen spice box and why, so read on. 

For those who are unfamiliar with an Indian spice box, it is stainless steel or wooden, flat container known as a Dabba with a tight-fitting cover of around 6-7 inches in diameter (sometimes 10-12 inch diameter). The box masala dabba contains seven little spherical containers into which you store spices. It also comes with one (or more) small spoons roughly the size of a teaspoon. I've seen my mom, my grandmother all use these spice storage masala box to keep the spices handy while cooking, and I've also used masala dabba since the beginning of my cooking journey. 

What Should You Put In Your Masala Dabba?

You should use the Indian spices that you regularly use in your cuisine on a regular basis. For example, if you generally make South Indian food, you should avoid using garam masala and amchur in your dabba. Instead, utilise the most generally used tempering lentils, urad dal and chana dal.

Keeping a traditional Indian spice box in the kitchen makes you more effective. It is far more handy than having to open each spice jar. Yes, putting spices in adorable looking little spice containers is stylish and visually appealing, but it is totally ineffective. Cooking Indian will be a snap now that you can get all of the spices you need in one spot.

What I Put In My Masala Dabba?

I'm Gujarati & so I mostly cook Gujarati food, and on the rare occasion North Indian food. And so, I put the spices that I need regularly in my spice box. Here are those spices:

Mustard     seeds

Cumin     seeds

Fenugreek     Seeds

Turmeric     powder

Red     chilli powder

Coriander-cumin     powder

Garam     Masala

I also keep a small container of strong Asafoetida on the side as I use that regularly as well. But when storing Asafoetida, make sure you are storing it in an airtight container because it has a very strong, overpowering smell.  

I believe that the Indian spice box is the key to mastering Indian-style cookery. Cooking Indian food is complicated, and time is everything, so having all of the required spices in one package makes it seem less frightening. The whole point of having a spice box is to have it next to your pot, so you don't have to scramble about hunting for different spice containers while tempering the food.

Most Indian cuisines start with heating oil, then adding tiny amounts of spices in rapid succession, so the mustard seeds burst, cumin seeds sizzle, and turmeric and red chilli powders lose their sharp edge without burning. And, in order for it to happen, the temperature of the oil must be correct, thus having a spice box on hand is the most effective and practical means of obtaining the necessary spices- Open one of the boxes, and everything you might need is right there.

You can buy spice box online from Amazon or Flipkart or even at a utensil shop. I bought one from Amazon and my spices from Vasant Masala. 

Source : [Medium]