Health Benefits of Masoor Dal- Red Lentil

Whole Masoor is one of the small and good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber from List of Indian Dals. Masoor dal or Red Lentil is very important part of vegetarian diet in Indian cuisine. Masoor is sold in all forms like with or without skin, whole or split. It is very soft and cooks quickly.

After cooking it turns into soft golden color. Masoor dal is considered as an important part of diet for the vegetarians in Indian subcontinent.Always check out its color and freshness before buying, also need to see the stones or insect damages in dal. Carefully make sure that the dal which you are purchasing is not cracked and is free from debris.

Masoor Dal is always cooked in form of curry in Indian Cooking and served with roti and rice.Masoor dal can be cooked in the combination of various other vegetables such as beans, cauliflower, green peas, etc.You can make delicious and healthy khichdi recipe by adding masoor dal, rice and spices.There are lots of Masoor Dal Recipes to refer.

Its Biological name is Lens culinary. Names in different languages are:

Hindi- Masoor Dal
Tamil -Mysore Paruppu 
Malayalam- Masur Parippu 
Telugu- Misur Pappu 
Gujarati -Masur Dal 
Marathi -Masur Dal 
Bengali- Masoor 
Oriya -Masura 
Punjabi -Masoor Dal 
Urdu -Masoor Dal 

Health Benefits of Masoor Dal 

1. Masoor Dal contain high levels of protein, including essential amino acids isoleucine and lysine and are an essential source of inexpensive protein diet.

2.It also contains fiber, folate, vitamin B1 and minerals.

3.It helps to lower the cholesterol and helps in managing blood sugar levels sinc their high fiber content prevents blood sugar levels from rising rapidly after a meal.

4.They are good source of potassium and iron.

5.Lentils are rich in flavones, a class of antioxidants with antioxidant properties. Studies have proved that regular consumption of lentils can reduce the risk of breast cancer.

How to Use Masoor Dal:

1.Masoor dal is highly served with rice and roti.
2.It is a delicious lentil made in tomato and spices.
3.Masoor dal can be cooked in the combination of various other vegetables such as beans, cauliflower, green peas, etc.
4.Masoor dal is highly served in form of soup by adding vegetables and non-veg such as fish, chicken or pork.

How to Store:

1.Masoor dal should be stored at cool and dry place.
2.A well sealed container is the best place to store it.
3.You can store it for many months in the refrigerator.
4.If buying in bulk, then definitely store in the refrigerator.

More from List of Indian Dals

Along with Dals/lentils, seeds like Chia seeds,sesame seeds,Pumkin seeds,Hemp seeds are also very healthy option to include in our diet.Healthy seeds are full of vitamins,minerals ,essential oils and enzymes.There is List of Healthy Seeds which gives broader information on how seeds will help to improve health.

Health Benefits of Seeds

 Health Benefits of Eating Seeds

 

Seeds are plant itself because it contains all the nutrients needed for growth of a new plant. Seeds are excellent package of nutrition because of its healthy minerals and their niacin and folic acid contents. They are very good sources of iron and zinc , as well as proteins. They are rich source of vitamin E. So it is not surprising that they are good source of complete food. And it is not just for birds, but include them in your shopping list. Refer Best Healthy Seeds List.

 Sesame seeds

In Hindu mythology the god Yama blessed the sesame seed and these tiny seeds are regarded throughout the East as symbols of immortality. On the Occasion of Sankranti in January, we make lot of sweets using sesame seeds because of its nutritional values, specially in winter.

• They are full of zinc, minerals and protein.
• They promotes skin health ,giving skin more elasticity. Sesame oil is also known to sooth burns.
• They are helpful in preventing diabetes, reducing blood pressure, heart health, preventing cancer, improving bone health, relieving constipation.

How to enjoy sesame seeds?

Add sesame seeds into batter of bread, muffins and cakes.
Combine toasted sesame seeds with rice vinegar, soy sauce and used as a dressing for salads, noodles and vegetables.
You can grind sesame seeds with some spices and make it a chutney as in Indian meals.

Buy Sesame Seeds Online.

10 Best Recipes of Sesame Seeds

 

Pumpkin seeds

• They are rich in amino acids alanine, glycine and glutamic acid.
• They are goo source of zinc and omega-3 essential fatty acids.
• They also contain protein, iron and phosphorus.
• Crunchy, delicious pumpkin seeds are high in calories, about 559 calories per 100 g.
• They are antioxidant support as it contents vitamin E.
• Reduce inflammation for arthritis without the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs
• Are good for prostate health! The oil in pumpkin seeds alleviates difficult urination that happens with an enlarged prostate.
• They are beneficial for stress relief, Osteoporosis, preventing cancer, Diabetes, Kidneys, relieving the pain and for heart health also.
• Pumpkin seeds are considered as super food, because it boosts your energy levels.

How to Enjoy Pumpkin seeds?

Add pumpkin seeds to vegetables, green salads, cereals.
Grind pumpkin seeds with dip or chutneys like mint chutney or coriander chutney.
Add ground pumpkin seeds to burger or cutlets.

Buy Pumpkin Seeds Online.

10 Best Recipes of Pumpkin Seeds

 

Sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds are a favorite snack for many; their mild nutty flavor and crunchy texture can be addictive.

• They contain vitamin E which is useful for anti-inflammatory diet.
• They are great source of proteins with fine quality of amino acids which are essential for growth of children.
• They are rich source of Calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, magnesium, selenium and copper.
• Sunflower seeds promote easy digestion because of its fiber content.
• Sunflower seeds are one of the finest sources of B-complex vitamins, such as niacin, folic acid, thiamin (vitamin B1), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), pantothenic acid and riboflavin

How to enjoy sunflower seeds?

Add seeds into chicken tuna salad recipes, cereals, vegetables.
Sprinkle on green salads.
You can sprinkle these seeds on scrambled eggs.
You can ground sunflower seeds and mix into flour.

Buy Sunflower Seeds Online.

10 Best Recipes of Sunflower Seeds

Quinoa

Quinoa is a Power food Vegetable Seed! A complete protein and fantastic wheat-free alternative, the demand for quinoa has risen sharply in recent years.

• They are good source of protein with 9 essential amino acids, the protein balance is same as milk.
• They are considered as super food as it improves stamina and quicker recovery time.
• They are antiseptic because of saponins from Quinoa are used to promote healing of skin injuries.
• It is widely used in gluten free recipes.
• It is complex carbohydrate with low glycemic index and won't increase your blood sugar.

How to enjoy Quinoa?

Add nuts and fruits to cooked quinoa as a cereal in breakfast.

Sprouted quinoa can be used in salads.

Ground quinoa flour can be mixed with other flours.

Buy Quinoa Grains Online.

10 Best Recipes of Quinoa

Hemp seeds 

• They are high quality, highly digestible protein
• They are perfect proportion of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids
• They contains all the essential fatty acids
• They are nutty like taste goes well with many foods
• They are included in gluten-free, vegan diet.
• They are good source of iron, phosphorus, magnesium and manganese
• They high amino acid content can beneficially affect muscle performance, stamina and recovery.
• They can help reduce inflammation.

How to enjoy Hemp seeds?

Add a tablespoon to the cereals in breakfast.
Sprinkle on salads, vegetables, soups or smoothies.
Add in any cooked grain like Quinoa, rice, etc.
Add in any snacks like popcorn.

Buy Hemp Seeds Online.

10 Best Recipes of Hemp Seeds

Flax seeds

• Flaxseed is one of the most concentrated plant sources of omega-3 fats. Flaxseeds contain 50 to 60 per cent omega-3 fatty acids in the form of alpha linoleic acid. Vegetarians and vegans often use this as a substitute for fish oil.
• Flaxseeds are a good source of magnesium.
• Flaxseeds have been shown to protect post-menopausal women from heart disease.
• Flaxseed intake can help in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protection.
• They are used in cancer prevention and good for digestive health because of its fiber content.

How to enjoy Flax seeds?

Sprinkle on cold or hot cereals in breakfast.
Add flaxseeds into bread, cake or muffin batter.
Sprinkle some ground flaxseed onto vegetables.
Add a tablespoon of flaxseed oil to smoothies.

Buy Flax Seeds Online.

10 Best Recipes of Flax Seeds

Chia seeds

The tiny, healthy seeds can be made to taste like whatever you want, and their unique gelling action keeps you feeling full for hours.

• They are used in wright loss and you don't have to starve and use any pills.
• They are helpful in maintaining blood sugar levels.
• Chia seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids.
• They are rich source of minerals, antioxidants and fiber.
• They are Egg replacer as its outer layer swells when mixed with liquids to form gel. This can be used in place of eggs to lower cholesterol and increase the nutrient content of foods and baked goods.
• They are considered as gluten free and very famous for gluten free diet.

How to enjoy chia seeds?

Add chia seeds into cereals for breakfast
Sprinkle chia seeds  on smoothies and yogurt.
They can be mixed in dressing for salads or vegetables.
Buy Chia Seeds Online.

10 Best Recipes With Chia Seeds

List of Healthy Seeds

  List of Best Healthy and powerful seeds 

Smart foods in small packages, Seeds, are nutritional powerhouses.Seeds are high in fiber, vitamin E and monounsaturated fats that can help keep our heart healthy and our body disease free.Supercharge your diet by snacking on these five seeds and sprinkling them into your dishes.Check for Benefits of Seeds.

1.Sesame seeds, also said as seeds of Immortality in Middle East, are a great source of protein, minerals, calcium, vitamin A,E and B. These tiny seeds need to be chewed really well to be digested. They can be added to salads, used as a garnish or as seasoning. They taste good cooked, roasted or blended.Check Recipes of Sesame Seeds to use in regular diet.

2.Pumpkin seeds are sweet and nutty with a chewy texture. These protein-rich seeds are good for treatment of intestinal worms and the treatment and prevention of male prostate problems. Pumpkin seeds can be consumed raw, roasted (with olive oil and salt) or blended in shakes.Check Recipes of Pumpkin Seeds of how to include in daily routine.

3.Sunflower seeds have always been used as medicine and energy boosters. Medicinally, it is used as a diuretic(expels excess water from body), laxative, to treat worms, soothe ulcers and to improve eyesight. Raw seeds are great for people with high BP since they are rich in potassium and low in sodium. They are best consumed raw and in small quantities.Check on more Recipes of Sunflower Seeds to include in regular diet.

4.Quinoa,Mother of all grains, is technically not a grain but a seed. It is complete protein food, high in iron, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and dietary fiber. It is also gluten-free. This amazingly nutritious grain is consumed cooked. The mildly nutty taste of Quinoa makes it easy to be used in sweet or savory foods.Read more Recipes of Quinoa to enjoy its healthy benefits.

5.Hemp seeds, one of the most nutritionally complete foods on our planet, they contain all the 9 essential amino acids and omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids. They strengthen the immune system and help burn excess fat. It's usually a good idea to soak them for a few hours before consuming to ease digestion. Hemp milk, made from seeds, is a great alternative to cow/buffalo milk.Recipes of Hemp Seeds will improve your health definitely.

6.Flax seeds, are very low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. It’s been known to assist with weight loss, helping dieters feel fuller for longer. You can buy whole flax seeds, milled flax seeds or just buy the oil . The whole flax seeds keep fresh the longest and you can grind a spoonful or two of seeds easily in a coffee grinder. Store flax seeds and flax seed oil in your refrigerator.Check more Recipes of Flax Seeds and enjoy its benefits.

7. Chia Seeds, these small-but-mighty seeds are a great source of omega-3 fats and fiber, and are believed to balance blood sugar, lower cholesterol and aid in digestion. They may help you lose weight or improve your heart health.Recipes of Chia Seeds definitely improve health picture.

How to Eat and Store Seeds

• Organic seeds are good in quality as well as nutrition values
• Store seeds in a cool ,dry place or refrigerate
• Most seeds are best consumed raw
• You need just about 2tablespoons of seeds every day to receive their nutritional benefits
• Chew them really well for easier digestion
• Some seeds have high fat or oil content and are prone to rancidity, so it is best to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator
  
  Benefits of Seeds

5 Ayurvedic Remedies To Wash Your Hair

Ayurvedic Shampoo Alternatives

 

Washing hair with shampoo is very harmful for health of hair. We are addicted to use of shampoo and doesn't want to live without it. But just give it a try and see how you will love shampoo free life.

 

1.Take a handful each of dry reetha, shikakai and amla.Add to one liter of water and soak overnight. Stew the blend on a low fire till the water reduces to half. Allow it to cool and then strain through a clean cloth. Use this homemade hair cleanser to wash your hair. Store the rest in a fridge. It will last you four washes. Always prepare it in small batches since it doesn't contain any preservatives.

 

 
 

2.Soak a cup of broken moong dal overnight. Grind it in an electric blender with some water to make a smooth paste. Part your hair in sections and apply, so that the entire scalp is covered. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then wash your mane with plain water.

 

 
 

 3.This cleanser is great for those who have only oily hair and dandruff. Add a handful of fresh or dried marigold flowers to 3 cups of hot water. Allow it to stand for an hour. Strain and let it cool. Use it to rinse your hair.

 

 

 

 4.Add 4 teaspoons each of lemon juice and coffee,2 raw eggs and some strained tea water to henna powder. Stir the mixture into a thick paste. Apply generously to hair strands and wash off after an hour. If you don't want to use eggs, increase the amount of tea water in the mix.

 

 

 5.Take used tea leaves and boil them in 5 to 6 cups of water. Strain and cool the liquid. Add the juice of one lemon and use it to wash your locks.

 

Why 'No Shampoo'?

Do You Want To Live Without Shampoo.....Why and How?

When it comes to changing life-long habits, some are harder to give up than others. New revolution is being stepped in world today, 'No Shampoo' movement is a new way to beat baldness and hair thinning. The real reason for the early onset of baldness and thin hair is over shampooing. Over a long period, shampoos damage your hair drastically.

 

 

Cleansing hair without a shampoo can give straight hair back its natural fullness and body, and maybe even a wavy texture that was being shampooed out. Most shampoos contain harsh, drying sulfates that are extremely damaging for curly hair (ammonium laureate sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureate sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, etc.). They are often foaming agents that make curly hair frizzy and uncooperative. Using conditioner, or another replacement such as baking soda in place of shampoo will cleanse the hair just as effectively without stripping it.

 

Before to go how to live with 'no shampoo', I will tell you why we should go 'no shampoo’. Reasons are very clear and most of us already know, but still we are so much busy in our routines we don't tend to look at our health of hair.

 

WHY?

 

1.Shampoo is Detergent: Shampoo cleans your hair and scalp, but it also removes the healthy oil which your body produces. These oil protect your hair and keep it strong and soft.

 

People before 20th century used soap to wash hair, which does not reduces the healthy oil. But these soap does not work in alkaline water like in city areas. So shampoos came in fashion and marketed as they can work in both hard and soft water.

 

2.Shampoo has all sorts of chemicals :Many shampoos have mineral oil, which is byproduct of gasoline distilled from crude oil. It is added to shampoo to thickly coat the strands to result in shiny hair. Since it can't absorb into skin, like the other ingredients, it acts as a barrier on our scalp, preventing oil from being released - thus requiring more shampoo to strip away the grease.

 

3.Shampoos have lot of cost: To use shampoo, we have to use other supporting products always like conditioners. And because our hair is coated with unnatural substances , we have to use lot of products like gels, waxes, mousses, detangles to make them look better and stylish. So we end up in shopping number of products which are really not necessary.

 

HOW?

 

1.Baking Soda :

 

Baking soda works very good on hair and help to clean our scalp. It is very gentle, it is lowest in alkaline and remove all chemicals from your hair. Generally, you should use 1 tbsp. of baking soda to 1 cup of warm water. Those having thick and long hair, might need more baking soda.

 First soak your hair with water and then apply baking soda mixture on your scalp and massage it from all sides. Then rinse off all with plain water.

 

2. Apple Cider Vinegar:

 

 Apple cider vinegar is mild acidic and it acts as a conditioner. It detangles hair follicles, seals the cuticle, and balances the hair's pH balance. Taking 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar into 1 cup of water is sufficient. It works as conditioner to your hair , so try to apply it on ends of hair. It will give nice shine to your hair.

It is difficult to get Apple cider vinegar in India, you could try at Zansaar. Check details of ACV on http://www.drpatkars.com/
 

Check here for how to wash hair with baking soda and ACV.

Life without shampoo, is it hard? It can be easy with some natural remedies. You could check
5 Ayurvedic Home Remedies To Wash Your Hair.