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Honey Rules! Why you should never cook honey?

The fruit of bees is desired by all, and is equally sweet to kings and beggars and it is not only pleasing but profitable and healthful; it sweetens their mouths, cures their wounds, and conveys remedies to inward ulcers.” 
– Saint Ambrose

The above quote pretty much sums up the importance of honey in our lifestyle. It’s one of the many nature’s gift to mankind. It is a natural and a healthy substance that has been harvested by humans for over thousands of years to heal and provide natural source of energy. Across the globe our ancestors were well aware of its benefits. In India, honey is an important part of Siddha and Ayurveda – the ancient, traditional systems of medicine. In ancient Egypt, it was used in managing skin and eye diseases, and also as a natural bandage applied on wounds and burns.

In this post we will look at various health benefits of consuming honey regularly, how according to Ayurveda honey should be consumed and the kind of honey you should buy to derive maximum benefit from it.

Health Benefits of Honey

Honey is anti-microbial and antiseptic: Several clinical studies have demonstrated that application of honey to severely infected wounds rapidly clears infection from the wound and improves tissue healing. It has a synergistic effect when applied with antibiotics. Tissue repair is enhanced by the low pH of honey. The pH of honey is between 3.2 and 4.5. This acidity is low enough to inhibit the growth of most microorganisms.

It is anti-inflammatory: Suffering from pain and inflammation? Include honey in your lifestyle. It has the power to lower inflammation. Honey contains antioxidants like Vitamin C, flavonoids, and polyphenols which are highly anti-inflammatory. It helps repair damaged intestinal linings, and stimulates the growth of new tissues.

It is an energy food: Out of many vital uses of honey, one of the most important use is that, it is a brilliant energy booster. Honey contains 85% of sugar molecules, glucose and fructose. The remaining 15% is water, pollen and trace nutrients. Unlike white sugar which is 100% sugar with a GI of 65, honey has a GI of 30-50. This means honey will provide energy over a long period of time.

Helps in Digestion: Honey has a mild laxative properties which helps in giving relief from constipation. It is also a mild probiotic which is excellent for your gut. Regular consumption can help reduce bloating and gas problems.

Combat skin and scalp infections: Thanks to its anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, honey can give you relief from dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis rashes. It can strike down candida overgrowth that most people today struggle with. It can curb  infections like ringworms, athlete foot, itchy scalp and seborrheic dermatitis.

Why you should never cook it?

Honey is liquid gold but its effectiveness nullifies once you heat it, cook with it or add it to hot liquids. According to Ayurveda, honey when heated above 40 degree Celsius becomes toxic. Overtime it contributes to ill health. The reason behind this is when honey is cooked, it becomes like a glue and sticks to your digestive tract producing toxins and clogging body channels. In Ayurveda, this is called Ama, which is nothing but undigested matter that can’t be flushed out of your body because it is stuck to your digestive tract like a glue. This is considered as one of the most difficult forms to detoxify. Charaka, the ancient sage of Ayurveda wrote over 500 years ago that, “nothing is so troublesome as Ama caused by improper intake of honey.”

Even modern science confirms that, heating honey can damage its properties, deteriorates the quality by damaging all beneficial enzymes responsible for its numerous health benefits.

How you should consume honey?

  • The best way to consume honey is as it is in its raw form. You can add honey to slightly warm to room temperature liquids but never to hot liquids. If you are used to having honey water in the morning, make sure the water is not hot.
  • Do not bake or cook with honey. Find different alternatives to sweeten your dishes which are not harmful when cooked like maple syrup or jaggery.
  • Honey should not be consumed when you are working in a hot environment. Honey has qualities of being ‘hot’ in nature. It is best avoided on a hot summer day.
  • It should never be combined with hot, spicy foods and fermented beverages like whiskey, rum.
  • Avoid honey baked goods, snacks or cereals

Caution: Do not give honey to kids below 1 year of age. It can lead to botulism.

How to identify good quality honey?

All the benefits of honey go to waste if the honey you bought is substandard or is highly processed. Do not buy heated or pasteurised honey. Honey contains live enzymes and antioxidants which become completely dead once honey is heated during processing leaving you with nothing but sugar.

Do not fall for organic ones too. It’s is the biggest scam of food industries. Most of the commercial honey available in the market are nothing but fructose or corn syrups which can create a havoc with your blood sugar if consumed daily. Look for artisanal honey with terms like raw, unprocessed, unfiltered or unheated on the label. Raw honey is never heated above hive temperature and is strained but not filtered. They bear quite a price difference to commercial honey but investment in health and quality products will take you a long way.

Hope this article helped you. Let me know in the comments if you want to know how you can incorporate honey in your lifestyle. Enjoy good health! 🙂

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Introducing MacroTracker by MasalaMonk

When you look at the app store or all other apps that enable you to efficiently track your macros, most of them rely on some type ‘database’ of built in food products, values, names, dishes, data from some authority – maybe USDA, or any such reliable body. My problem with those apps it that it makes them highly unreliable, The data is pre-fed into the system and you are just estimating your diet hoping for the accuracy of the data. And most of these apps would not allow you to customise those values. And then there is a problem of nationalities, locations and types of food that we actually like to eat,

The main difference in MacroTracker by MasalaMonk is  that there is no database fed into the system at all. It comes blank out of the box, allowing you to make your own entries and database. As someone who has struggled with weight and keeping a track of his food and eating habits, I realised as big a ‘foodie’ I thought I was, I ended up eating items from the same catalogue of 30-50 dishes or food items max – depending on where I am living, weather, kind of food available etc.

Finding Macro content of anything is not a big deal these days, just do a quick google search for anything and you will have the values – pick one from the source you find most reliable and create your own entry in the database for your account. You can always come back and edit the item or delete the same and make any modifications you want.

What else? Though you enter 3 basic macros, Proteins, Carbs and Fats,  for the food item, the app gives you a sope to add 5% error, to account of things that might not be accounted for, a feature I believe can help people who are strictly trying to restrict their caloric intake for whatever reason.

Right now we have hosted the first cut of the application on MacroTracker.MasalaMonk.com or  http://macrotracker.masalamonk.com/ – its in early development stages, however I thought I will still put the word out there and start collecting some feedback.

If you are looking for a MacroTracker – do take this one for a spin and let me know the feedback on comments. Would love to improve and develop it further.

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Hummus Veggie Sandwich: A Nutritious and Delicious Delight

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a sandwich that’s not only packed with flavor but also brimming with nutrients. Enter the Hummus Veggie Sandwich, a perfect blend of creamy, flavorful hummus and a colorful medley of fresh vegetables. This sandwich is a fantastic option for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or even a light dinner.

Hummus, made from blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, is a staple in many kitchens for good reason. It’s rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a nourishing choice for any meal. Its creamy texture and savory taste complement a variety of veggies, enhancing the overall flavor of the sandwich.

Ingredients: For Hummus:

  • 1 cup boiled Chickpeas
  • 2-3 cloves of Garlic
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (Tahini)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt

For the Sandwich:

  • Hummus (prepared from the above ingredients)
  • 4 slices of Bread
  • 1/2 Cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 Onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 Tomato, thinly sliced

Instructions:

In a food processor or blender, add the boiled Chickpeas, garlic, olive oil, sesame seeds, and salt.

Blend the ingredients until you get a smooth and creamy consistency. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little water or more olive oil to achieve the desired texture. Taste the Hummus and adjust the salt or other seasonings to your preference.

Take two slices of bread and spread a generous amount of Hummus on each slice. Place the thinly sliced cucumber, onion, and tomato on one slice of bread, creating a layer of fresh veggies.

If you prefer a warm and toasty sandwich, you can grill it in a pan or sandwich press. Heat a non-stick pan or sandwich press over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwich on the hot pan or press and cook for a few minutes on each side until the bread turns golden brown and crispy.

Once the sandwich is ready, remove it from the pan or press (if you grilled it). Cut the sandwich in half or quarters, if desired, and serve immediately. You can enjoy the Hummus sandwich as it is, or pair it with a side salad or your favorite dipping sauce.

This Hummus sandwich is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option for any time of the day. Enjoy your tasty and nutritious creation!

Whether you’re packing it for lunch, serving it at a picnic, or enjoying it as a quick dinner at home, this sandwich is sure to satisfy. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and perfect for meal prep. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a variety of fresh, nutrient-dense vegetables in one tasty package.

Give this Hummus Veggie Sandwich a try, and discover a new favorite that’s as healthy as it is delicious. Your taste buds and your body will thank you!

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Spiced Plum and Dragon Fruit Compote with Jaggery

Welcome to my kitchen, where I am always experimenting with fresh and exciting flavors! Today, I’m thrilled to share a delightful recipe that combines the sweet and tangy taste of plums with the exotic flair of dragon fruit. Enhanced with the rich, caramel-like sweetness of jaggery and the warm spice of cinnamon, this compote is a versatile treat perfect for topping your favorite desserts, breakfast dishes, or simply enjoying by the spoonful. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just love to dabble in the kitchen, this Spiced Plum and Dragon Fruit Compote with Jaggery is sure to become a new favorite. The best part? You can store this compote in a jar and keep it in the fridge for a few days, making it a convenient and delicious addition to your meals throughout the week. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make, yet irresistibly delicious recipe!

Ingredients:

3 ripe plums, pitted and chopped
1 dragon fruit, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup jaggery powder
1 cinnamon stick

Instructions:

Start by chopping the plums and dragon fruit into small, bite-sized pieces. This will ensure they cook evenly and blend well in the compote.

In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped plums, dragon fruit and cinnamon stick and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Now add the jaggery powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruits begin to soften and the jaggery dissolves, about 5-7 minutes. You’ll notice the wonderful aroma of the fruits and jaggery blending together.

Continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes, until the mixture thickens to a compote-like consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the compote cool slightly. Once cooled, remove the cinnamon stick and transfer the compote to a clean jar. Seal the jar tightly and store it in the fridge. This compote will keep well for a few days, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.


Serve the compote warm or chilled. It’s a fantastic topping for yogurt, ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or toast.
You can also enjoy it on its own for a simple, satisfying treat.


Tips:
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less jaggery powder to suit your taste. For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a squeeze of lemon juice towards the end of cooking. This Spiced Plum and Dragon Fruit Compote with Jaggery is not only easy to make but also a wonderful way to incorporate unique flavors into your meals. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do! Happy cooking!

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Healthy Hung Curd Spinach Cheese Sandwich- Easy Vegetarian Protein Recipe

I normally avoid having commercial bread loaves on a regular basis. But once in every few days, we all crave for sandwiches. They are so versatile that everyone loves them. So, when that craving strikes, I try my best to add as much nutrition as I can.

I still remember when my child was 5 years old, he asked me before bedtime, if he can have cheese sandwich with 5 leaves of spinach for breakfast. 😄 The request was made so sweetly, I had to oblige. This was the time he tasted his first hung curd sandwich. He is 10 now and these are still his all time favourite.

This can be your easy peasy laid back weekend breakfast. Hung curd sandwiches are so easy to whip up. If you are looking for a veg sandwich recipe with high protein without mayonnaise, try these – a healthier take with the same creaminess level. These yogurt sandwiches are packed with probiotics from the curd & essential fiber, vitamins and minerals from spinach & herbs.

This recipe is very basic & is vegetarian but you can easily transform it to egg or chicken yogurt sandwich for more protein. 

Greek yogurt also known as Hung curd is nothing but strained yogurt. It is simply homemade yogurt that has been strained off the whey to get a thick and creamy product.

Hung curd can be a great healthy, low calorie substitute for mayonnaise, cream cheese or sour cream. 

I have made it using just spinach. You can use other finely chopped fresh vegetables like carrots, cabbage, onions, capsicum. Use herbs of your choice- mint, coriander, parsley, sweet basil. Sky is the limit! Customise this Yogurt Sandwich Recipe the way you want it.

Recipe

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes 
Serving: 5

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Hung curd
  • 1 cup tightly packed Spinach
  • 10 slices Bread (I used wholewheat bread)
  • 1 tbsp Butter 
  • 1 tsp Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 5 cloves, chopped of garlic
  • 1/4th tsp Oregano 
  • Red Chilli flakes to taste
  • 3/4th cup Mozzarella cheese (optional)

Instructions

  • In a pan, heat butter & olive oil.  Add chopped garlic. Sauté till rawness goes. Now add roughly chopped spinach leaves. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and cook till spinach shrinks and water evaporates. 
  • Allow it to cool a little. Add spinach in hung curd and mix well. Add black pepper, oregano, salt & chilli flakes. Give a good mix. 
  • Take 2 bread slices. Spread hung curd mix generously on one slice. Add some mozzarella cheese on it and top it with another slice. 
  • You can either grill it in a griller or cook it in a pan using a little butter. If cooking in a pan/griddle, cook on a low flame so that the cheese melts. 
  • If using an air fryer, place the prepared sandwich in the air fryer basket or rack. Brush it with some butter. Air fry for 2 to 3 mins at 360 F or 180 C.

Notes:

If you do not have Greek Yogurt/ hung curd, add regular curd to a cheese/ muslin cloth and squeeze it gently to remove excess whey. You can do this the previous night and also hang it in the refrigerator.

Enjoy 😊