Healthy Food: Cardamom

It’s been a little while since we’ve done this, huh?  Well brining it back is cardamom, a spice natural to the evergreen forests of India and commonly used in the cuisine, and for good reason!  In addition to the strong flavor and pleasant aroma it boasts, there’s a full list of reasons why it’s so good for you!

(1) It aids in the digestive process, combating nausea, acidity, gas, constipation, heartburn, bloating, gas, loss of appetite and more!

(2) It can act as a detoxifier by ridding your body of waste though your kidneys.

(3) This is because it’s a diuretic, which cleans out the urinary tract, bladder and kidneys, specifically by removing waste, salt, toxins, excess water in addition to fighting infections.

(4) In line with being a diuretic as well as being rich in fiber, cardamon can significantly lower blood pressure.

(5) Keeping with blood, it can also prevent dangerous clotting by stopping platelets from sticking to the artery walls.

(6) Not only used as a spice, cardamom is also chewed after meals to freshen breath.

(7) Cardamon is also used for mouth ulcers as well as infections of the mouth and throat.

(8) Similarly, it can be used to stop or even prevent the cold or flu, even going as far as to battle bronchitis and coughs.

(9) According to animal studies, cardamom defends against cancer, and may even be able to kill some kinds of it, or even prevent its growth.

(10) Although science hasn’t pinpointed the why yet, Ayurvedic medicine uses it for its antidepressant capabilities.

(11) Many of the essential oils, vitamins, and phytonutrients act as antioxidants.

(12) Also contained in cardamon are pathogens, which prevent viruses, bacteria, fungus and fold from growing.

(13) Cardamom also has anti-inflammatory properties that limit pain and swelling, specifically in mucus membranes such as the mouth and throat.

And (14) If you don’t want to have to ask a friend to terrify you, it’s been shown to help get rid of the hiccups!

For a continued reading on the matter, click here to read Sun Warrior’s article.

6 Indian Foods to Lose Weight

Well it’s officially the new year everyone!  How many of us had a resolution to lose weight?  Last year it was the number 1 resolution in America, and it usually consists of “How can I work out more?” and “What do I have to cut out of my diet?”

Well as someone who’s a bit of a picky eater, that second one can be a bit difficult for me.  There are always certain things you like, and specific cravings that just hit you, so to speak.  Anyone who’s ever dieted can tell you that it’s hard, but if you’re worried you’ll have to cut out some indian food, don’t be!  Indian food has all kinds of healthy alternatives, but here are six to get you started!

1) Dhokla

Dhokla is a snack from Gujarat, crafted with fermented batter of gram and isn’t fried.  Instead, it’s steamed, which preserves nutrient content as well as uses less oil, and a good source of carbohydrates and protein.

2) Besan ka cheela

This is a great low calorie protein rich meal made of gram flour and typically eaten with curd.  A vegetation dish, it can be made with things like carrots, spinach, and beetroot to be even more nutritious.

3) Chhola/chickpea chaat

A complete meal of this is a mere 280 calories and is jam packed with nutrition.  Boiled chholas are flavored with salt, red chilly, pepper, raw onions, cucumbers, tomatoes and fresh lemons for a great blend of natural ingredients.

4) Moong Dal/Sprout chaat

This one is typically a breakfast but always rich in vitamin C!  It’s versatile in that it can be consumed either raw or slightly cooked in a non-stick vessel with just a half tea spoon of oil, and can be easily modified to add in more fresh vegetables.  Moong Dal can be prepared in under ten minutes and strengthens your immunity.

5) Tandoori Paneer

About a quarter pound is right around a hundred calories for this one!  A dish that’s high in protein and calcium, Tandoori Paneer is not only delicious, but keeps you fuller longer!

6) Mixed vegetable daliya

Our last one if full of fibre, a good source of magnesium, high in nutrition and low in calories, so you know we’re not skimping at that end!  It makes a great breakfast, or any meal for that matter, and contains a variety of seasonal vegetables!

Let’s start the New Year right everyone!