Asafoetida or hing is an indispensable part of the Indian cuisine, especially in curries and dals. It is a latex gum extracted from various species of a perennial herb known as ferula. Its distinct flavor and aroma can transform any boring dish. Moreover, it has long been known for the health benefits it has to offer. It has a prominent place in traditional medicine; thanks to its carminative, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, sedative and diuretic properties.
Health benefits:
Helps Reduce Bloating And Other Stomach Problems
Asafoetida or hing is an age-old medicine for stomach problems including gas, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), intestinal worms and flatulence; thanks to its anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate such health issues.
Respiratory ailments:
Asafoetida helps to relieve symptoms like asthma, bronchitis and dry cough due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and antibiotic effects. It also helps in relieving chest congestion and releasing phlegm.
May Lower Blood Pressure Levels:
Asafoetida is known to be a natural blood thinner and may help in lowering blood pressure levels. It is power-packed with coumarin, a compound that aids in improving blood flow, thereby preventing the formation of clots.
May Relieve Menstrual Pain:
Asafoetida may come to your rescue by alleviating the menstrual pain and cramps in the lower abdomen and back. Being a natural blood thinner, it helps blood flow smoothly without hampering any part of your body. It also boosts progesterone secretion that promotes easy blood flow,
Reduces Headaches:
Asafoetida has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation in the brain vessels.
Can Heal Insect Bites And Stings:
Asafoetida acts as a natural antidote for insect bites and stings.
It May Help Reduce Acne:
It has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce acne production. Whereas, it’s anti-bacterial properties inhibit the growth of pimples and rashes
Acts As A Good Hair Conditioner:
Asafoetida can do wonders for dry and frizzy hair; thanks to its moisturizing properties.
Conclusion:
Asafoetida is a dried plant sap that has been used for centuries for its potential health benefits and unique flavor. It has been shown to be a good source of antioxidants. While limited research suggests multiple benefits, particularly for digestive health — much more human research is needed.
Licorice, scientifically known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, is one of the most popular medicinal plants belonging to the Fabaceae family.
Licorice is the source of polysaccharides, simple sugars, proteins, amino acids, and mineral salts like calcium, sodium, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, phosphorous, magnesium, manganese, silicon, and selenium. It also contains vitamins like B1, B2, B3, B5, E and C. Pectins, starches, resins, and gums.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF MULETHI
So here are some benefits of mulethi, and ways to use it.
1 . Boosts Immunity
Daily use of Mulethi is known to boost immunity. The enzymes present in the roots of Licorice plant, help the body produce lymphocytes and macrophages which are the body’s natural defense against microbes, pollutants, allergens and cells which cause autoimmune diseases..
2 . Controls Cholesterol Levels
Anti-oxidants present in licorice root are responsible for dilating blood vessels, avoid accumulation of plaque in arteries and veins, and regulate the quantity of fat in the blood. Drink mulethi tea everyday to reap its benefits.
3 . Cures Cough and Cold
Chewing on mulethi sticks is an age old remedy for sore throat. Its expectorant and bronchodilator properties help with conditions like whooping cough, asthma, dry cough and bronchitis..
4 . Increases Fertility in Women
Mulethi reduces testosterone levels in women suffering from PCOD, thereby increases chances of conception. The estrogen like properties of mulethi combined with its anti-spasmodic properties makes it a remedy for menstrual cramps.
5 . Maintains Digestive Health
Mulethi has anti-viral, anti-inflammatory & anti-bacterial properties; it maintains mucosal health of the digestive tract, relieves constipation, prevents gastric and peptic ulcers.
6 . Cures Skin Ailments
Mulethi is an emollient which helps maintain skin health. Mix powdered mulethi with rose water for oily skin, or with milk for dry skin, to combat de-pigmentation. Mix powdered mulethi in bathing water to soothe skin rashes.
Conclusion:
Mulethi has many more benefits than just the ones listed above. And just as with everything that’s good for you, there are precautions one must take with mulethi.
-Restrict consumption of mulethi tea to not more than 2 cups a day.
-Patients suffering with liver ailments and diabetes must not consume it regularly.
-Heart patients on medication must consult their physicians before using mulethi regularly.
-Pregnant women and those suffering from high blood pressure problems must not use mulethi.
A single hair strand can give a lot of information about you. The hair on your head grows 2-6 years before falling out. Many tiny blood vessels feed the base of each strand. During that time, your hair shaft absorbs chemicals from any drugs you take. It also contains sweat, your body’s natural oils, and any toxins around you.
What It Can Check For:
Drug use: As your hair grows, some drugs will “stick” to the strands. You can’t wash them out. Because of that, your hair can reveal if you’ve been using drugs like opiods, cocaine amphetamines, and cannabis. While a urine test will reveal if you’ve used drugs in the last several days, hair testing can show if you’ve done drugs over the past 3 months.
Heavy metals: If your hair has toxins like mercury and arsenic, you could be more likely to get certain health problems.
Some genetic disorders: For example, a hair sample can help diagnose Fragile X syndrome. This is a common disorder that’s passed down in families.
Family links: Analyzing hair follicles side by side sometimes can show if people are blood relatives.
Alopecia: If you’re losing hair or your hair doesn’t grow like it should, a close-up look can help your doctor figure out the best treatment.
Police evidence: Hair samples can help police identify suspects or victims after a crime.
Types of Hair analysis:
Forensic scientists perform 3 major types of hair analysis:
(1) Testing the hair shaft for drugs or nutritional deficiencies in a person’s system,
(2) Analyzing DNA collected from the root of the hair.
(3) Viewing hair under a microscope to determine if it’s from a particular person or animal.
What Affects the Test?
Things that can interfere with your test and the accuracy of the results include:
The area of the body from which the hair sample was taken.
Your age.
Your hair color.
Your race.
The rate of your hair growth.
Your use of hair products, such as hair colors and sprays.
External environmental factors, such as where you live and work.
Conclusion:
Hair analysis has become more reliable and acceptable over the past 20 years. But there are still issues that raise legal and ethical questions about its use, including possible false positives and different results for people with different hair colors or ethnic backgrounds.
Dill (Anethum graveolens) is an herb that’s found throughout European and Asian cuisines.
Also called dill weed, the plant has slender stems with alternating soft leaves and brown, flat, oval seeds. While the leaves have a sweet, grassy flavor, dill seeds are more aromatic. In addition to culinary uses, dill is rich in several nutrients and has traditionally been used to treat various ailments, including digestive issues, colic in infants, and bad breath.
Nutritional profile
One cup (9 grams) of fresh dill sprigs provides approximately:
Calories: 4
Vitamin C: 8% of the Daily Value (DV)
Manganese: 5% of the DV
Vitamin A: 4% of the DV
Folate: 3% of the DV
Iron: 3% of the DV
Fresh dill is very low in calories, yet a surprisingly good source of several essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, manganese, and vitamin A
Potential benefits of Dill:
With its name derived from the Old Norse word “dilla,” which means to soothe, dill has been used since ancient times to treat colic in infants and digestive diseases, as well as to help with breastfeeding.
Rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants are naturally occurring compounds that help protect cells against damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals
As a result, consuming foods rich in antioxidants may help reduce chronic inflammation and prevent or even treat certain conditions, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain forms of cancer
Both the seeds and leaves of the dill plant have been found to be rich in several plant compounds with antioxidant properties, including:
Flavonoids. These plant compounds have been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and some forms of cancer.
Terpenoids. These compounds are found in essential oils and may protect against liver, heart, kidney, and brain diseases
Tannins. Tannins have been shown to have potent antioxidant properties, as well as antimicrobial effects
Vitamin C Dill is a good source of vitamin C, which has also been shown to have powerful antioxidant properties
May benefit heart health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. However, the World Health Organization estimates that nearly 75% of heart disease cases could be prevented by reducing risk factors like poor diet, smoking, and lack of exercise. Additional risk factors for heart disease include elevated blood pressure, triglyceride, and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, as well as chronic inflammation
Flavonoids, like those found in dill, have been shown to protect the heart due to their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Furthermore, animal studies have suggested that dill extract may have cholesterol- and triglyceride-lowering effects. However, research in humans in more mixed.
People with high total cholesterol and triglyceride levels found that taking 6 dill extract tablets daily for 2 months significantly improved total cholesterol and triglyceride levels but did not change HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
Overall, while the antioxidants in dill extracts may benefit overall heart health.
May help lower blood sugar levels
Dill has been suggested to have blood-sugar-lowering effects,
May have anticancer properties
Monoterpenes are a class of terpenes, which are naturally occurring plant compounds that are linked to anticancer, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. They’re commonly found in essential oils of plants like dill and have been associated with anticancer properties.
As dill is high in monoterpenes, particularly d-limonene, it may have anticancer properties. However, there’s currently no research on the effectiveness of dill or dill extract on the risk or treatment of cancer.
Other potential benefits
Dill may benefit your health in the following ways as well:
Antibacterial properties. Essential oils in dill have antibacterial effects which fight potentially harmful bacteria, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus
Bone health. Dill contains calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus — all of which are important for bone health
Menstrual cramps. Essential oils in dill may help relieve pain from cramps during your period. However, research about this is currently limited and mixed
Conclusion:
Dill is rich in a variety of plant compounds that may have numerous benefits for health, including protection against heart disease and certain forms of cancer. Additionally, dill may help lower blood sugar levels, but more human studies are needed.
Methi’ is the Indian name for Fenugreek and ‘Kasuri Methi‘ in English translates to ‘Dried fenugreek leaves’. Fenugreek leaves are one of the healthiest green leafy vegetables. This versatile herb is from the legume family. It has been used in cuisines as a flavoring agent for decades. In addition, it is a widely used spice in multiple cuisines globally. They add a mild and aromatic bitter-nutty flavor to curries and stir-fries.
Nutritional Value of Fenugreek:
100g of fenugreek leaves contain
Energy: 323 kcals
Fat: 6.41g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Dietary fiber: 24.6g
Protein: 23g
Vitamin and Minerals
Fenugreek leaves contain minerals in reasonable quantities. They also have reasonable amounts of vitamin A, C and B.
Iron: 33.53 mg
Calcium: 176 mg
Sodium: 67 mg
Potassium: 770 mg
Copper: 1.11 mg
Magnesium: 191 mg
Phosphorous: 296 mg
Zinc: 2.50 mg
Health Benefits of Fenugreek Leaves:
Helps Control Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels cause diseases like atherosclerosis. It occurs due to the build-up of fat deposits within the arteries, obstructing blood circulation. As a result, it leads to stroke, high blood pressure and heart failure.
Weight Management
Obesity and unhealthy weight gain leads to many diseases. Such as; diabetes and heart diseases. In many cases, obesity occurs due to overeating. Since fenugreek is high in fiber, it is known for its satiating properties. As a result, it ultimately helps control cravings. It thus keeps you from overeating and helps you lose weight.
High in Antioxidants
Fenugreek is a rich source of antioxidants. They contain Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and beta carotene. Free radicals in the body result from poor metabolism, which unfortunately damages cells and organs in the human anatomy
Prevents Gastric Disorders
Research shows that fiber in fenugreek works as food to the friendly gut microbes. They absorb water from the intestines and soften the bowel. Therefore, this makes it easier to excrete them. Fenugreek leaves also help in preventing indigestion. In addition, it reduces the risk of constipation and inflammation.
Beneficial for Diabetes
Fenugreek leaves are useful in controlling Diabetes. Diabetes is a prevalent lifestyle disease that occurs due to various factors. Some common causes are genetic and improper diet. If it worsens, it results in many adverse outcomes—delayed wound healing, nephropathy, neuropathy, to name a few.
Prevents Clotting Disorders
Fenugreek contains phenols. It is a potent antioxidant that helps in preventing blood clot formation. Blood clots obstruct blood circulation, interrupting the blood supply to the vital organs.
Skin and Hair Health
Fenugreek leaves contain vitamin C. It possesses antioxidant properties that prevent inflammatory disease. Vitamin C also stimulates collagen synthesis that gives firmness to your skin. Thus, it prevents wrinkles and also delays the signs of ageing. It also has healing properties. It contains mucilage and can even moisturize dry skin.
Anti Cancer Properties
Several factors cause cancer. It involves the multiplication of cells beyond normal levels, which can occur due to oxidative stress, genetics, etc. Fenugreek may have potential anti-carcinogenic qualities. The saponins in fenugreek inhibit cancer cell growth
Improves Kidney Function
Kidney stones result from improper dietary habits. It also occurs due to other factors like oxalic acid and calcium hydroxyproline. Studies show that antioxidants prevent kidney stones. The antioxidants in fenugreek can help reduce their level and to avoid kidney stones from forming.
Protects Liver
Fenugreek may reduce the radical cell injury in the liver. Alcohol and an unhealthy diet may worsen liver damage. The resultant damage may be liver cirrhosis
Antimicrobial Activity
Fenugreek extracts have antimicrobial properties and thus, limit the multiplication of bacteria. Therefore, it offers protection against high potent bacteria. Studies show that defensin is another helpful component in fenugreek. It inhibits the proliferation of fungus. The antibacterial effects also improve wound healing.
Bone Health
Fenugreek is a rich source of calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D. They are essential for bone health. They strengthen the bones and stimulate bone healing. Therefore, they can prevent bone disorders. As a result, this includes fractures and osteoporosis.
Female Reproductive health
Studies show that fenugreek can ease the menstrual cycle during irregular periods. It helps in uterine contractions and regulates your menstrual periods. In addition, they may improve the symptoms related to menstrual issues such as fatigue.
Improves Male Fertility
Research has shown that fenugreek extracts improve fertility. It helps improve the secretion of testosterone that is essential for sperm synthesis. Therefore, fenugreek compounds improve sperm count and quality.
Lactation
Fenugreek contains diosgenin and phytoestrogen, which mimic the female hormone oestrogen. However, the exact mechanism is unknown. Also, several studies have found fenugreek to improve breast milk production.
Conclusion:
You can use the fenugreek leaves to treat indigestion, gastritis and constipation. In addition, it is effective in managing cholesterol, liver disorders, reproductive disorders and many more. It also helps in bone, skin and hair health.
