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14 Reasons to have Raw Turmeric in your daily diet

Turmeric has long been an integral part of the Indian diet and culture. Its vibrant yellow hue and distinct flavor have made it a staple spice in various culinary dishes. However, beyond its culinary uses, raw turmeric itself is considered a super therapeutic ingredient, packed with numerous health benefits. 🌿🌟

In this post, we will explore the incredible advantages of incorporating raw turmeric into your daily routine. From boosting digestion to relieving pain, from promoting skin health to potentially preventing diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer, raw turmeric has gained recognition for its powerful properties. So let’s dive into the wonderful world of raw turmeric and discover how it can enhance your well-being! 💪💛

1. Boosts Digestion

  • The most famous component of raw turmeric, curcumin, is said to trigger bile production, aiding smoother movement through the digestive tracts.
  • Curcumin’s digestive benefits may help alleviate issues such as indigestion, heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), stomach ulcers, and general irritation.

2. Stomach Issues

  • As per Ayurveda, many health issues stem from the stomach, and curcumin is believed to work wonders in situations like indigestion, heartburn, IBS, stomach ulcers, and general gastric discomfort.

3. Anti-inflammatory Properties

  • Raw turmeric is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
  • It is also used to treat inflammation caused by eye infections.

4. Skin-Friendly

  • For centuries, raw turmeric has been utilized to address various skin issues, thanks to its potential healing and rejuvenating properties.
  • It not only helps in treating specific skin conditions but also promotes overall skin health, leaving you with a radiant and glowing complexion.

5. Excellent Antiseptic

  • While your favorite turmeric pickle may serve this purpose, raw turmeric has a long history of traditional use as an ointment for cuts and injuries.
  • So, just in case, raw turmeric can come to the rescue as a natural antiseptic when needed! 😄

6. Pain Reliever

  • Apart from its culinary and medicinal uses, raw turmeric is also consumed as a pain reliever.
  • For best effects, it is recommended to consume it with warm milk or apply it as a paste on the affected area.

7. Blood Purifier

  • Raw turmeric is believed to regulate blood clot formation and has been praised for its blood-cleansing abilities.
  • Several studies and experts have vouched for the potential of raw turmeric to purify the blood and maintain its health.

Curcumin’s Incredible Benefits Against Depression 😊

Depression is a challenging condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has shown promising results in treating depression. Let’s delve into the research on curcumin and its potential benefits:

– Curcumin and Antidepressant Effects

  • In a controlled trial, 60 patients were randomized into three groups: one group took prozac, another group took a gram of curcumin, and the third group took both prozac and curcumin.
  • After six weeks, curcumin led to improvements similar to prozac, and the group that took both prozac and curcumin experienced the best results.
  • According to this small-scale study, curcumin exhibits comparable efficacy to an antidepressant.

– Boosting Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)

  • Depression has been linked to reduced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and a shrinking hippocampus, a brain area associated with learning and memory.
  • Curcumin has been found to increase BDNF levels, potentially reversing some of these changes.
  • Additionally, curcumin may boost brain neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, further contributing to its potential antidepressant effects.

Curcumin’s Potential in Preventing and Treating Alzheimer’s Disease 😊

Alzheimer’s disease, the most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, is a leading cause of dementia. While no definitive treatment for Alzheimer’s exists, curcumin has shown promise in this field. Here’s what research suggests:

– Crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier

  • Curcumin has the remarkable ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, which is crucial for any potential therapeutic intervention against Alzheimer’s.
  • By reaching the brain, curcumin can exert its effects and target the underlying mechanisms of the disease.

– Combating Inflammation, Oxidative Damage, and Amyloid Plaques

  • Inflammation and oxidative damage play significant roles in Alzheimer’s disease progression.
  • Curcumin exhibits beneficial effects on both inflammation and oxidation, which are vital in combating the disease.
  • Moreover, studies have shown that curcumin can help clear amyloid plaques, protein tangles that contribute to Alzheimer’s pathology.

Curcumin Leads to Various Improvements That Should Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease 😊

Heart disease remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide. The complex nature of heart disease involves multiple contributing factors, and curcumin has shown potential in various aspects of cardiovascular health. Let’s explore how curcumin can promote a healthy heart:

– Improving Endothelial Function

  • One of the key benefits of curcumin for heart health is its ability to improve endothelial function.
  • The endothelium is the lining of blood vessels, and endothelial dysfunction is a major driver of heart disease.
  • Curcumin has been shown to enhance endothelial function, regulating blood pressure, blood clotting, and other important factors.
  • In fact, some studies suggest that curcumin’s effect on endothelial function is comparable to exercise or certain medications.

– Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

  • In addition to improving endothelial function, curcumin also reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are closely linked to heart disease.
  • Laboratory studies and clinical trials have demonstrated curcumin’s potential in lowering markers of inflammation and oxidative damage in the cardiovascular system.

– Decreasing the Risk of Heart Attack

  • In a study involving patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery, those who received curcumin supplementation had a 65% decreased risk of experiencing a heart attack in the hospital.
  • This finding highlights the potential protective effects of curcumin against acute cardiovascular events.

Reduces Menstrual Pain 😊

For women experiencing menstrual pain, curcumin in turmeric can provide relief. It has been found to reduce the severity of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. This effect is attributed to its anti-inflammatory properties. Ancient Chinese and Indian healers have historically used turmeric to treat menstrual pains, and its effectiveness is recognized even today.

Other Possibilities and Usage of Raw Turmeric 😊

  • Turmeric stimulates the gallbladder to release bile, aiding the digestion of fatty nutrients.
  • It might lower the risk of heart disease by preventing platelet clumping, a process involved in clot formation.
  • Laboratory research suggests turmeric’s potential in killing bacteria and viruses, although further clinical studies are needed for confirmation.

How Much Raw Turmeric to Take? 😊

If you want to include raw turmeric in your daily diet,6-7 grams, which is approximately 1.5 to 2 teaspoons, is a good amount. It is important to note that the standard precautions applied to turmeric powder also apply to raw turmeric. For instance, it is advised to stop consuming turmeric two weeks before surgeries, avoid excessive intake during pregnancy, and consult a doctor if you have any concerns or doubts. Additionally, it is recommended to start with a lower dosage and gradually increase it to assess your tolerance and response.

Why Raw Turmeric is Better than Powdered One 😊

Raw turmeric offers distinct advantages over powdered turmeric. Firstly, it is made using raw turmeric, which retains more of its beneficial constituents compared to processed powder. The processing involved in making powdered turmeric can result in the loss of certain constituents. Secondly, by using raw turmeric, you eliminate the processing cycle required to create a powder. This eliminates potential issues such as adulteration, irradiation, additives, artificial colors, and other undesirable elements that may be present in powdered turmeric.

How Much Turmeric Pickle Can I Eat? 😊

Since raw turmeric is used in the preparation of turmeric pickle, you can easily include 10-15 grams of turmeric pickle in your diet. The great thing about turmeric pickle is that it becomes an integral part of your meals. In fact, it is a common addition to lunch and dinner for many people in India. Once you try incorporating turmeric pickle into your diet, it may become a regular feature in your household as well. So don’t hesitate to give it a try and enjoy the delightful flavor and health benefits of turmeric pickle!

Conclusion 😊

Raw turmeric, with its plethora of health benefits, has rightfully earned its place as a superfood. From aiding digestion and relieving pain to promoting brain health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases, its potential is truly remarkable. Whether consumed in its raw form, as a pickle, or added to various dishes, raw turmeric offers a natural and potent way to support your overall well-being. So why wait? Embrace the power of raw turmeric and experience its transformative effects on your health and happiness!

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4 Benefits of Coriander Seeds for Diabetes

Enhance flavors, relish the aroma, and garnish your BBQs and curries; the more the better. If you are a diabetic, coriander seeds for diabetes should be your new best friend.

Coriander or Cilantro whatever you may call it, comes from the Coriandrum sativum plant, a cousin of parsley, celery, and carrots.

Before unraveling the benefits, here’s a fun fact: Coriander is the dried powdered or seed variety of the plant, while Cilantro is the fresh leaves and stem part of the plant.

Diabetes is a condition where the pancreas does not produce adequate insulin, a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. So, you experience a spike in blood sugar levels. If it remains uncontrolled, it can lead to further fatal health conditions.

But your favorite aromatic spice coriander seeds can improve your diabetic health.

Nutritional Value of Coriander

Only 10 grams of coriander seeds or fresh cilantro can do wonders for your health. Fresh cilantro contains 92% water while coriander seeds contain 8.9% water. That’s why cilantro has a low mineral count per 10 grams.

Cilantro is full of vitamins (vitamins A, E, and K). Whereas coriander seeds for diabetes are rich in minerals (iron, magnesium, manganese, riboflavin, thiamine, and calcium). Making coriander seeds is helpful in managing diabetes.

With so much to offer, lets dive into the benefits of coriander seeds for diabetes:

1. Delivers Anti-Hyperglycemic Compounds

Coriander seeds for diabetes are most effective in lowering blood sugar levels. As per a study published in The British Journal of Nutrition¸, coriander seed extracts have several compounds that are anti-hyperglycemic in effect. These compounds are discharged into the bloodstream and mimic insulin to control your blood sugar levels.

Several animal studies also suggest that coriander seeds lower blood sugar by increasing enzyme activity helping in the removal of sugar from the blood.

2. Controls Insulin Release

Coriander seeds aid in managing insulin activity and keeping blood sugar levels within limits. A rat study published in the US National Library of Medicine found that coriander seeds managed the release of insulin from pancreatic beta-cells in diabetic rats induced with streptozotocin.

Moreover, the ethanol found in coriander seeds for diabetes is effective in lowering glucose serum. It’s well-known for boosting insulin production from beta-cells of the pancreas. This is helpful for diabetics suffering from type-2 diabetes with minimal insulin production.

3. Similar Effect as Diabetic Medicine

A few lab studies have found coriander seeds for diabetes to be as effective as diabetic medicines. A study conducted on obese and diabetic rats found that a single dose (20mg/kg) of coriander seed extract lowered blood sugar in 6 hours as much as diabetic medicine glibenclamide does.

A similar study on rats found coriander seeds to lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin production compared to the controlled group.

4. Improve Digestion

Coriander seeds are being used for ages for their digestive benefits. Coriander seeds have potent antioxidant properties and are rich in dietary fiber that aid in better bowel movement. Thus, with improved digestion, you will experience balanced blood sugar levels.

How Coriander Seeds Help Control Diabetes?

Apart from the benefits listed, there’s still more to coriander seeds for diabetes. A diabetic diet only consists of foods with a most of 55 glycemic indexes (GI). The reason is that foods with a low GI are digested and absorbed easily compared to high GI foods. Where coriander seeds only have a GI of 33.

Furthermore, coriander seeds are full of fiber. Thus, it gives you a feeling of fullness for longer preventing binge eating—a common reason for sugar spikes. For type-2 diabetes patients, this helps them manage weight.

How to Use Coriander Seeds to Control Diabetes?

To extract the most benefits, the best practice is to soak 10g of coriander seeds in 2-liter water overnight. Drink the water on an empty stomach to keep your diabetes in check the entire day. You can continue to drink the water throughout the day.

Final Verdict

The use of coriander seeds for diabetes can prevent excess sugar spikes. It works as an inexpensive anti-diabetic drug to keep you from overeating and manage your blood glucose levels. Moreover, regular intake of coriander seeds also reduces the risk of cardiac diseases, prediabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Head to your pantry and prepare the magic potion now.

—————————————- Also Check Out ————————————-

To know how Coriander Seeds can be used and to see some examples of food products that are made using it, Click here

For videos related to Health and Wellness, Subscribe to our YouTube Channel:
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8 Unbelievable Health Benefits of Rhododendron

The petals are natural painkillers. One of the best examples of this is the amazing health benefits of the rhododendron flower.

The national flower of Nepal and the state flower of Himachal Pradesh in India, the flower is not only an attraction in springtime but a natural cure for diarrhea, inflammations, headaches, and bacterial and fungal infections.

According to WHO (2000), about 65% of the global population utilizes the medicinal properties of the plant for treatment and up to 80% of the Indian population uses it for curing several diseases.

Rhododendron flowers

Traditionally, rhododendron flowers are used to make dried powders, pastes, pickles, and chutneys (dips mixed with mint leaves, salt, and anardana).

A mine of phytochemicals, the health benefits of Rhododendron are due to its antifungal, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, especially the Rhododendron honey.

Depending on the season you might get your hands on a drink made from this legendary stock, it’s mostly made in small batches and is available for a limited time only. To know more about it, please Click Here.

For ages, the homeopathic medicine system use rhododendron flowers and leaves to make medicines to cure various diseases. To know what wonders it does to your body, read on:

1. A Natural Pain Killer

Applying the leave paste of the rhododendron tree on the forehead cures the headaches. On top of that, the paste is used as a poultice on wounds and inflamed skin due to its potent astringent properties.

And juice extract from the flowers of the tree helps relieve stomach aches. Animal studies found that rhododendron extracts pacify stimuli of pain in rats.

2. Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Numerous homeopathic and Ayurveda medicines utilize rhododendron petals and leave them to cure inflammations, especially gout, arthritis, and bronchitis.

Packed with phytochemicals such as saponin, flavonoid, tannins, and more, the plant extract soothes inflammation immediately.

Moreover, rhododendron flowers contain two anti-inflammatory chemicals ‘Quercetin’ and ‘Rutin’. Where quercetin provides effective relief from inflammation in the kidney, prostate and urinary bladder and Rutin treats mouth ulcers, gastrointestinal tract infections, and osteoarthritis.

3. Heart-Healthy Petals

The juice of rhododendron flowers lowers blood pressure and bad cholesterol. Its antioxidant properties reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.

Quercetin is highly effective in treating hypertension, atherosclerosis, and other factors leading to heart ailments. Whereas Rutin prevents the formation of blood clots increasing the chances of a heart attack.

Know more about Rhododendron Chutney (Buransh)

4. Anti-Diabetic Properties

Rhododendron’s petals contain an antioxidant ‘hyper in’ that inhibits action of various glucose enzymes, causing a drop in blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

In an animal study on rats with diabetes mellitus, Rhododendron honey effectively helped in lowering blood glucose and lipid levels.

In fact, rhododendron honey (also known as wild, mad, and toxic honey) is being used since ancient times to treat several disorders. However, beware that it’s may be toxic because an excess of this honey can cause vertigo and arterial hypotension.

5. Antimicrobial Properties

Rhododendrons contain bioactive steroids and phytochemicals that have antimicrobial properties. Lab studies of the flowers concluded their effectiveness against different strains of bacteria.

Moreover, it contains two powerful flavonoids ‘Quercetin’ and ‘P-coumaric’ that maintain healthy gut flora against the foreign microbial activity.

6. Boosts Immunity

Locals consume rhododendron petals as it strengthens their immune response preventing allergic responses due to changes in weather. They experience a lower risk of asthma, allergies, hives, and hay fever, thanks again to Quercetin.

Moreover, if you mix these dried leaves with tobacco and inhale the smoke, it helps cure respiratory diseases naturally.

Blooming Rhododendron
Processing Rhododendron petals
Petals
Benefits of Rhododendron flowers

7. Liver-Healthy

Used in Ayurveda medicine as a liver tonic, it reduces the risk of liver damage. The hepatoprotective properties of rhododendron flowers comes from Quercetin and other phytochemicals which have powerful antioxidant properties.

Have a look at Rhododendron Squash (Buransh ka Sharbat)

8. Prevents Cancer

Quercetin and Rutin in rhododendron prevent oxidative damage to normal cells that leads to mutation and then cancer. Moreover, these antioxidants also inhibit the growth of existing cancer cells and, ultimately, lower the risk of cancer.

Final Verdict

The ayurvedic medicine system has been using rhododendron flowers since ancient times to make medicine. But nowadays, several studies are being done proving the benefits of these seasonal flowers that are not just a treat for the eyes but for the body too.

They make amazing Chutnies out of it in the Himalayas, one of the variants made from fresh batches every year is listed on Masala Monk’s store, availability might vary on stock, to check the current status, Click Here.

Interested in a drink made out of Rhodo – Click Here.

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5 Benefits of Jaggery for Skin

Jaggery is not just for the kitchen. Your skin can also benefit from jaggery. The health benefits of jaggery include its antioxidants and many different nutrients, which help fight free radicals and slow the aging process. The use of jaggery for skin care and hair care have led to many secret ingredients that we would have never thought of in the past. This is good, since natural remedies, as well as home remedies, always surpass modern cosmetic solutions in terms of durability and effectiveness.

The jaggery or gur popularly known as ‘medicinal sugar’ can be beneficial when it comes to treating infections. In addition to being your first resort for overall wellness, you can use jaggery, the pure unrefined sugar as a substitute for your dessert.

Please do have a look at our collection of products prepared using Jaggery:

Gur Mirch Pickle-Sweetness for the Bravehearts
Galgal-Gur Pickle (Khatte ka achaar)
Amla ki Khatti Meethi Launji
Almond and Dates Milk Mix
Homemade Khatta Aampapad
Homemade Meetha Aam Papad

There are a lot of countries in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and elsewhere that use jaggery as a sweetener. Various cultures have been using sugar for different purposes for thousands of years, but the earliest form of indigenous jaggery can be found among India’s Indus Valley Civilization (3200 BC – 1700 BC). It is a type of non-centrifugal cane sugar that is consumed in the Indian subcontinent. It is made by concentrating freshly extracted sugarcane juice to form a sticky, viscous liquid with hints of caramel flavor in the background.

Traditionally, jaggery concentrated form of sugarcane syrup or date or palm sap with molasses and crystals which is golden brown to dark brown in color. They are solid or semi-solid in form and contains 20% moisture content.

Sugarcane for jaggery
Jaggery – Crystals & Powdered
Date Palm for jaggery

Top 5 Beauty Benefits of Jaggery

Jaggery is a 100% natural ingredient without any side effects. Below are 5 ways it can be beneficial for your skin:

1.    Treats acne and pimples

A tasty way to stay young and beautiful is to drink jaggery, the cousin of sugar. You can reduce the appearance of dark spots, acne, and pimples by consuming a medium-sized ball of jaggery every day. Moreover, jaggery can also prevent impurities from accumulating and can give you blemish-free skin. Overall, it’s a good treatment for many skin problems.

Please do have a look at our collection of products prepared using Jaggery:

Gur Mirch Pickle-Sweetness for the Bravehearts
Galgal-Gur Pickle (Khatte ka achaar)
Amla ki Khatti Meethi Launji
Almond and Dates Milk Mix
Homemade Khatta Aampapad
Homemade Meetha Aam Papad

2.    Prevent hair loss

Iron in jaggery helps prevent hair loss. Having enough iron in your body stimulates the production of hemoglobin, which, in turn, promotes better blood circulation to the roots of your scalp, reducing hair fall and promoting hair growth. Jaggery’s iron content also makes hair smooth and shiny when used as a hair mask.

The average amount of hair that grows per month is an inch. deficiency of iron can slow this growth. As gur contains significant amounts of iron, regular consumption of jaggery promotes hair growth. If you want to see the difference, you should do it every week.

3.    Reduces skin wrinkles

The anti-aging properties of jaggery helps to prevent wrinkles. Sesame seeds and essential herbs are often mixed in jaggery to treat premature aging in Ayurveda. With its antioxidant properties (selenium found in jaggery), jaggery fights free radicals in the body and helps delay the aging process. In addition to protecting the cells from aging, jaggery contains other essential nutrients that are effective against many age-related ailments.

4.    Moisturizes skin

The moisturizing effects of jaggery are attributed to glycolic acid. All you need to do is make a paste of two teaspoons of honey, lemon juice, and a tablespoon of jaggery. You can apply the mixture to your face and let it dry. Once it has dried, rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Please do have a look at our collection of products prepared using Jaggery:

Gur Mirch Pickle-Sweetness for the Bravehearts
Galgal-Gur Pickle (Khatte ka achaar)
Amla ki Khatti Meethi Launji
Almond and Dates Milk Mix
Homemade Khatta Aampapad
Homemade Meetha Aam Papad

5.    Acts as natural cleanser

Jaggery contains a range of minerals and vitamins that act as a natural cleanser for your skin and body. It removes toxins from your body and keeps it glowing, hydrated and healthy. Due to its high antioxidant content, it helps remove harmful toxins and impurities from the blood, giving the skin a radiant appearance.

Jaggery

Final verdict

In addition to its health benefits, jaggery offers beauty benefits. It adds up a lot of benefits to your skin. With the bundle of nutrients and medicinal properties, it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar to keep your skin healthy and glowing. Jaggery is cheaper and easily available in the supermarkets near you. So, feed your sugar craving by replacing sugar with jaggery to add sweetness to your skin and health.

7 Benefits of Jaggery (Gur), click here

For benefits of Amla for Hair, click here

Read 5 Benefits of Apple for the Skin, click here

4 Benefits of Cinnamon for Weight Loss, click here

eos related to Health and Wellness, Subscribe to our YouTube Channel:
Masala Monk – The Gourmet Store

Please do have a look at our collection of products prepared using Jaggery:

Gur Mirch Pickle-Sweetness for the Bravehearts
Galgal-Gur Pickle (Khatte ka achaar)
Amla ki Khatti Meethi Launji
Almond and Dates Milk Mix
Homemade Khatta Aampapad
Homemade Meetha Aam Papad

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Festive Season Gift Boxes – Choose it Wisely

MM_Blog_Festive Season GB

It’s that time of the year!

Whether it’s for someone close or for someone who you employ, a present always matters. It expresses your compassion and gratitude. It makes them feel loved and valued. Every year as the festive season knocks on our door, choosing a perfect gift becomes an ever more daunting task. We scratch our head and start daydreaming, secretly hoping to close this task as soon as possible and tick off this yearly tradition without going into an endless search.

We understand that not everyone is a diamond merchant from Gujrat who gifts a car to all his employees. Yes, all of us have a big heart but our pocket doesn’t allow us to do so. Keeping in mind your love and affection for your close ones, we at Masala Monk bring you a wide collection of personal, meaningful, handpicked, pocket-friendly, and thoughtful Homemade Gift Boxes. Choose the perfect gift for this festive celebration in a couple of minutes. Share your personal favorite Masala Monk delicacies with all loved ones around you!

This Diwali keeps aside the thought of that Sohan Papdi or Dry Fruit ka dabba. And check out our wide range of festive gift boxes at
http://masalamonk.com/product-category/gift-boxes/

Choose wisely, the less pricey gifts for your loved ones.