The must have’s in your kitchen

Here is a list of the healthy items that you must have in your kitchen for a hale and hearty life

Cow’s ghee/Extra virgin olive oil
Ghee protects against heart diseases, cancer, regulates thyroid, strengthens the immune system, and prevents premature aging of skin. Extra virgin olive oil regulates the cholesterol control mechanism, contains an abundance of natural antioxidants and is well tolerated by infants and adults as well.

Spices
Your kitchen spice box is your immunity box. It can help save your life. Do you know that these consist of phytochemical, which is one of the most exciting areas in which studies are done in preventive medicine? They help prevent cancer, degenerative diseases, infections, skin disorders, elevated cholesterol, blood pressure and cardio vascular diseases.

They are actually your magic bullets. Phytochemical’s may sound complicated but phyto means plant so it simply means chemicals found in plants. A pinch of asafoetida in 30 ml water removes flatulence, ½ tsp of turmeric in 60 ml water suits the sour throat and jeera added to your food aids digestion.

Nuts
Nuts are good for you—they are cholesterol-free and contain healthy, unsaturated fats which can help lower the risk of heart disease. Nuts also provide magnesium, which helps maintain bone structure; and chromium, which helps to ensure proper insulin function. They contain zinc for growth and wound healing, and manganese, which protects against free radicals. All nuts are a good source of vitamin E, an important antioxidant excellent for hair and skin.

Rocksalt / Sea salt
Sabras are what salt was called by my grandfather and he explained to me how vital salt was for the body. Unfortunately we no longer use rock salt and sea salt but the common table salt which is just made of chemicals. Let’s all switch back to the age old use of rock salt (sindhala ) and sea salt (jada namak ). Some important functions of salt include: Rock salt and sea salt has 83 trace minerals that are not present in table salt plus it is vital to nerve cells communication and information processing .

Fresh herbs
Coriander, curry leaves, mint – Coriander contains excellent antioxidant qualities and fights liver and breast cancer. Chewing the mint leaves aids digestion prevents flatulence and is a mouth freshener

Vegetables and leafy greens
Contain Fiber cleanses the digestive system prevent cancers, lower cholesterol, increase immunity good for hair, skin and eyes are zero fat making vegetables a dieter’s delight! Always keep a lemon handy rich in vitamin C and squeezed on any food enhances the flavor and helps absorb the iron from the food and makes protein easy to digest. Greens – are a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals increases the iron as well as calcium plus are high in protein

Fruits
Antioxidants – contain natural sugar instant energy full of fiber vitamins and minerals these are our body’s little soldiers which help fight against cholesterol and cancer and they boost the health of our skin, hair and eyes.

Jaggery
According to Ayurveda, Jaggery is a healthy sweetener and is useful in combating various health related problems. It contains a plethora of nutrients It is high in potassium, lowering your blood pressure reduces the formation of gall stones gall stones. Contains calcium iron in small amounts plus magnesium which is goo d for mood and one’s sleep cycle.

Dry fruit
Dry fruits are prunes, figs, dates, raisins and apricot. They are rich in natural sugar, a powerful anti-oxidants, high in vitamins and minerals, high in fiber, contains no fat, prevents constipation, protects your heart, controls blood pressure, slows down aging, god for protection against cancer.

Seeds
A Rich Source minerals and good quality fat god brain food lowers cholesterol strengthens bones prevents joint pains promotes healthy prostrate may it be pumpkin, sesames ,flax, melon, poppy seeds Sprinkle in salads add it in rotis toss it in vegetables or just roast it add salt and lemon.

By:Naini Setalvad