Health Benefits of Cashews
Health benefits of cashews include healthy heart, strong nerve and muscle function, improved bone and oral health, relief from diabetes, anemia and gallstones. By offering antioxidant defenses, it also aids in formation of red blood cells and encourages better immune system.
Cashews – the super nut, belong to the family of Anacardiaceae which also includes mango and pistachio and are originally native to the coastal areas of northeastern Brazil. They are kidney shaped seeds and widely cultivated in places having tropical climates.
Health Benefits of Quinoa
Health benefits of quinoa include reduced risk of diabetes, cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases, control of appetite, supply of antioxidants and improved digestive system.
Quinoa is an ancient cereal that was cultivated along the Andes for last 7000 years. The plant was grown in the high altitudes ranging between 2000 to 4000 meters in the Andes, where every year the Incan emperor customarily sowed the first seeds. Quinoa was a very important agro plant for the Incas as it was one of their basic cereals apart from maize.
Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
Chia seeds impart many health benefits some of which include control of diabetes, lowering cholesterol levels, good for the digestive system, improved heart health, controlling hypertension and anti-inflammatory properties.
Chia seeds come from chia plant which is native to Mexico and Guatemala. The scientific names of the plant are salvia hispanica and salvia columbariae. It belongs to mint family (Lamiaceae). Chia seeds look similar to sesame seeds. They are very small and dark. This plant has been known to humans for a very long time.
Health Benefits of Peanut Butter
Health benefits of peanut butter include reduced risk of diabetes, heart diseases, cancers, degenerative nerve diseases and control of Alzheimer’s disease. It also helps in decreasing hypertension, blood pressure and risk of contracting viral and fungal infections.
What is Peanut Butter?
Peanut butter is a paste made from dry, roasted peanuts. This paste is generally used as a spread on toast or sandwich. Peanut butter is a healthy food which is full of nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, monounsaturated fatty acids, folates, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A, sodium, magnesium, calcium, manganese, phosphorous, selenium, copper, iron and zinc.
Health Benefits of Walnuts
Health benefits of walnuts include reduction of bad cholesterol in the body, improvement in metabolism and control of diabetes. Other important health benefits of walnuts stem from the fact that these nuts possess anti-inflammatory properties, aid in weight management and helps as a mood alleviator. They are also believed to slow down the spread of cancer.
What are Walnuts?
Walnuts are edible seeds from the trees of the Juglans genus. They are round, single-seeded fruits of the walnut tree. The fruit and the seed of the walnut are enclosed in a thick, inedible husk. The shell of the fruit that encloses the kernel is hard and two-halved. The seed of the walnut fruits contain significant amount of nutrients such as proteins, EFAs (essential fatty acids), carbohydrates, vitamins and essential minerals.
Health Benefits of Pistachio
Health benefits of pistachio include healthy heart, optimum weight, fight against diabetes, hypertension, supply of dietary fiber, etc. The vitamins, minerals, fats and protein found in pistachio are good for your health.
Pistachio is one of the oldest nuts to be used in the world. It is native to Asia, particularly in Iran and Iraq. Archeological evidence dates the association of pistachio and man as early as 6000 BC. It was cultivated in Iran, Iraq, and Syria and was introduced to the Romans only in 100 AD. Today, apart from Iran, Iraq and Syria it is being produced in many countries such as the United States, New Mexico, Australia, Turkey and China amongst others.
Health Benefits of Sunflower
Sunflower has abundant health benefits that ensure you a healthy living in the long run. You can reap the health benefits of sunflower in two different ways; one from sunflower seeds and the other from sunflower oil. Sunflower seeds improve digestion, brain power and cardiovascular system; it is rich in magnesium, potassium, selenium, zinc and iron. On the other hand, sunflower oil keeps away heart diseases and is a great skin moisture retainer.
The beautiful sunflower plant with its bright yellow petals is a great treat to the eyes. These petals have a seed-studded center. The grayish-green seeds are encased in tear-dropped shaped gray or black shells with black and white stripes. These seeds have high oil content and have been one of the primary sources used to yield polyunsaturated oil. The sunflower seeds with shell have mild nutty taste and tender texture.
Health Benefits of Flaxseed
Health benefits of flaxseed have made it a part of food in traditional cuisine of Asia, America and Africa. Its high nutritional and health benefits can outnumber those offered by any cereal. It is a rich source of alpha linolenic acid, omega-3 fatty acids and lignans. These components collectively fight many ailments and diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, arthritis, allergies, asthma and diabetes.
Flaxseed also reduces the risk of various cancers and improves reproductive health in females. It is also a rich source of vitamins and fibre, which keeps the heart and the intestine healthy. It also maintains healthy eyes, skin and hair.
Health Benefits of Castor Seed Oil
The health benefits of castor oil include relief from rheumatism, menstrual disorders, and constipation. It also helps in oral care, proper lactation, birth control, hair care, and skin care.
Even half a century ago, castor oil was a nightmare among children, and there were sufficient reasons behind that. It was extensively used as a purgative, and most peculiarly, as a medicine against almost all ailments in children (and olds too), ranging from cough and cold, fever, constipation, indigestion, ingestion of any poisonous stuff, tape worms and round worms, skin diseases and so on. The idea behind such a treatment was that malfunctions in the stomach were the roots to all other problems. So, whenever you have a problem, you need a thorough wash of your digestive system and the problem will be gone. Castor Oil was infamous due to other reasons too.
Health Benefits of Dill
The health benefits of dill include good digestion, relief from insomnia, hiccups, diarrhea, dysentery, menstrual disorders, respiratory disorders, cancer, etc. It is also good for oral care.
Dill, scientifically known as Anethum Graveolens, has been in use in culinary and in medicines since ages. Both seeds and the leaves can be used. Apart from giving a strong tangy, appetizing flavor and taste, dill has many medicinal properties, which mainly come from certain compounds called Monoterpenes, Flavonoids, minerals and certain amino acids. Let us see where we can use dill.
Health Benefits of Almonds
The health benefits of almonds include getting relief from constipation, respiratory disorders, cough, heart disorders, anemia, impotency, and diabetes. It also helps in hair care, skin care (psoriasis), and dental care.
Found in places like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Turkey, Syria, Jordan and Israel, almond is a very nutritious nut. It is a rich source of vitamin E, calcium, phosphorous, iron and magnesium. It also contains zinc, selenium, copper and niacin. Almonds contain the most nutrients in comparison to all other nuts.
Health Benefits of Cumin
The health benefits of cumin include its ability to aid in digestion, improving immunity and treating piles, insomnia, respiratory disorders, asthma, bronchitis, common cold, lactation, anemia, skin disorders, boils and cancer.
Many of you might remember having hated those curries and soups which had roasted or fried cumin seeds in them, when you were kids, because they looked like small black insects. However, you liked the taste. So your Moms would sort them out before she served you.
