Health Fitness Food

 Curry leaves offer a wide range of health benefits backed by both traditional knowledge and modern studies. One of their most well-known benefits is their ability to improve digestion. They stimulate digestive enzymes and help in relieving issues like bloating, gas, and constipation. The natural fiber in curry leaves supports regular bowel movements and gut health. They are rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds, which help fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body. This can lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Curry leaves are also a good source of vitamin A, which supports eye health and helps prevent early signs of cataracts and night blindness. Curry leaves help regulate blood sugar levels. Studies suggest that they may improve insulin function and reduce blood glucose spikes, making them beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. Their cholesterol-lowering properties a...

Making yeast at home may seem unnecessary when it's readily available in stores, but there are some meaningful differences between homemade wild yeast and commercial market yeast, especially for those focused on health, fermentation purity, sustainability, or artisanal baking. Pros of Homemade Yeast Chemical-free and additive-free Homemade yeast, often made from fermented flour, fruit peels, or rice, is completely natural. It avoids preservatives, emulsifiers, stabilizers, and anti-caking agents that are sometimes added to commercial dry yeast for shelf stability. Richer microbial diversity Wild yeast often includes both yeast and lactobacillus bacteria, promoting better flavor and gut health. This gives naturally fermented breads like sourdough more complex taste, improved digestion, and a lower glycemic index. Cost-effective and sustainable Once established, a wild yeast starter can be maintained for years at zero cost. There’s no packaging waste and no repeated purchases, making...

You run after protein powders and supplements without thinking about your desi food. Yes, you have forgotten desi recipes that are nutritionally dense and help with protein absorption and synthesis. Take for example, this dosa premix recipe. Multi mix fermented dosa batter is made by combining equal weights of homemade moong dal atta, rice premix powder and ragi atta. For example, use 100 g of each flour (total 300 g), add 300 ml of water and blend to a smooth batter. Transfer the batter to a clean container, cover loosely and ferment at around 25 °C for 6–7 hours or until it rises and shows small air pockets. Once fermented, stir in 5 g of salt. Use the batter immediately to steam idlis or dilute with an additional 120 ml of water to a pouring consistency for dosas. Ingredients 1/2 cup- homemade moong dal atta 1/2 cup ragi atta 1/2 cup-homemade rice dosa premix 1.5 cups- water (for idlis) +1/2 cup extra water for dosa Fermentation Benefits The health benefits of fermented dosa include...

Instant dosa saves time but lacks the digestive, nutritional, and gut-health benefits of fermented dosa. Learn why fermentation matters and how it impacts health. Fermented dosa batter undergoes several biochemical changes that offer significant health benefits. During fermentation, lactic acid bacteria and other microbes break down complex starches into smaller fragments, making them easier to digest. Phytic acid, which inhibits mineral absorption, is reduced, and gas-producing oligosaccharides are leached out. As a result, the risk of gas or bloating after eating dosa is greatly lowered. The proteins in urad dal and rice are partially pre-digested by enzymes produced by lactic acid bacteria. This process releases amino acids, making them more readily available. When you eat fermented dosa, your body absorbs essential amino acids more easily, supporting muscle repair and overall metabolism. Fermentation partially hydrolyzes starches into simpler sugars. Lactic acid and acetic acid for...

Shaping gluten-free rotis, especially ragi roti, can be quite challenging due to the lack of gluten, which provides elasticity and structure to dough. Many beginners, and even experienced cooks, struggle to get them perfectly round. My hack using a round, heavy-duty hot pot stand (or matka stand) is ingenious. It’s a clever way to repurpose kitchen items for a specific task. Mastering Gluten-Free Roti: The Challenge of Shaping Ragi Roti Crafting perfectly round rotis can be a significant hurdle for many home cooks, a challenge compounded exponentially when working with gluten-free flours. Unlike their wheat-based counterparts, gluten-free flours such as ragi flour lack the elastic protein network that gluten provides. This absence makes gluten-free doughs inherently more crumbly, less pliable, and notoriously difficult to roll out into uniform circles. Achieving a consistent, round shape in a ragi roti or other gluten-free chapati often demands considerable experience and a nuanced und...

 Instead of consistently purchasing dosa batter, consider preparing your own dosa premix powder at home. This approach ensures a healthier, more controlled product and offers significant convenience. Crafting Your Own Healthy Dosa Premix Making your own dosa premix is straightforward, requiring just three core ingredients. This homemade alternative eliminates concerns about additives often found in store-bought batters, offering a pure and wholesome option. Ingredients: Rice Flour 1 cup Homemade Urad Dal Atta (Black Gram Flour) 1/4 cup Methi Dana Powder (Fenugreek Seed Powder) 1 tsp Instructions for Premix: you can scale the ingredients accordingly but avoid adding too much of methi powder. Combine Ingredients: Measure out your desired proportions of rice flour, homemade urad dal atta, and methi dana powder. While specific ratios can vary based on preference, a common starting point might be 3-4 parts rice flour to 1 part urad dal atta, with a small amount (e.g., 1-2 teaspoons per ...

A snack made with ridge gourd and green peas that’s not only delicious but also surprisingly healthy—this dish is guaranteed to have everyone licking their fingers. Whether it's a chilly morning or a light dinner craving, this ridge gourd upma fits the bill. It’s satisfying, nutritious, and bursting with authentic, home-cooked flavor. To prepare this wholesome dish, begin by dry roasting brown semolina (sooji) and vermicelli (semi) in a little oil. This step is important because roasting brings out the nutty aroma and helps keep the final texture fluffy, preventing the mixture from turning sticky or clumpy during cooking. Ingredients: Brown semolina (sooji) – ½ cup Vermicelli (semi) – ½ cup Ridge gourd (turai), peeled and chopped – 1 cup Green peas (matar) – ½ cup Onion – 1 large, finely chopped Panch phoron (five-spice mix) – 1 tsp Green chilies – 2, slit curry leaves – a few Chana dal – 1 tbsp Urad dal – 1 tbsp Peanuts – 2 tbsp Turmeric – ½ tsp Salt – to taste homemade magic masa...

 You’re often faced with two types of semolina—white and brown. When it comes to making a healthier choice, brown semolina is the better option. White semolina is made mostly from the endosperm and sometimes a small part of the germ. However, it lacks dietary fiber because the bran—the outer layer of the grain—is removed during processing. Brown semolina, on the other hand, retains the bran, along with the endosperm and germ, making it a whole grain option. Brown semolina is rich in insoluble fiber, which promotes better digestion, supports regular bowel movements, and may reduce the risk of constipation. Diets high in whole grains are associated with a reduced risk of gastrointestinal disorders. The fiber in brown semolina slows down the absorption of carbohydrates, leading to a more gradual rise in blood sugar levels. This makes it a better option for people with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. Whole grain intake is linked to improved glycemic control. Whole grains like br...

Amaranth, popularly known as rajgira in India, is an ancient grain-like seed that has been consumed for centuries for its nutritional and therapeutic value. As temperatures rise, many look for foods that not only nourish but also help cool the body. In this context, amaranth emerges as a scientifically backed and traditionally trusted option, offering both cooling properties and numerous health benefits. Cooling Nature of Amaranth In traditional Indian practices such as Ayurveda, foods are often classified based on their effect on the body’s internal temperature. Amaranth is considered a sheetal food, meaning it has a cooling influence. This makes it an ideal addition to a summer diet, especially when the body is prone to dehydration and heat-induced stress. From a modern nutritional standpoint, the cooling effect of amaranth can be attributed to its hydrating qualities and mineral composition. Rich in electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium, it supports thermoregulation and fluid...

Commercial condensed milk often contains extra sugar and preservatives. Making it at home from fresh milk gives you better taste and a healthier option. Ingredients milk (I use 4% fat milk) Optional flavor: ¼ tsp vanilla extract or ground cardamom How to make condensed milk at home It's very easy to make condensed milk at home. Your nanis and dadis used to make kheer this way. My nani used to make khoya for us the same way. 1. Pour the milk into a heavy-bottomed pan and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.  2. Reduce the flame to low and stir continuously so the milk doesn’t stick or burn. Cook for 45–60 minutes, until the volume is about half and the milk has thickened. 3. Add jaggery or sugar and stir until fully dissolved. I don't add any sweetener here as I use it for multiple recipes that often demand a sugar-free (stevia). 4. If you like, stir in vanilla extract or cardamom for extra aroma. 5. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then blend for 20–30 seconds unti...