Top 5 Hidden Benefits of Chillies

Given the option, I like my food hot and drinks frozen to the point they’re just cold food, so it makes sense that I enjoy my meals spicy.  And in that regard, I know I’m not on my own, which in turn makes it quite awesome that spicy food can come with a slew of benefits.

First off, some spices such as chillies have capsaicin, which is a compound that causes a thermogenic effect that helps your body burn more calories that you would normally.  Unfortunately this isn’t to the point that you can just sit back on the couch and stream Netflix, but the boost is still worth mentioning!

Second, capsaicin has also been shown to be able to kill some cancer cells, as well as battle against common colds, stroke and obesity.

Third, chillies have been known it improve your heart health.  They can help lower incidences of heart attack and stroke, as well as lessen the harmful effects of LDL, or bad cholesterol.  Additionally, capsaicin has been said to aid in the fight against inflammation, which is a major cause in heart problems.

Fourth, studies have shown that there’s a compound in chillies that can help lower your blood pressure and helps your blood vessels relax.

Finally, spicy foods are said to boost production of serotonin, which is a feel-good hormones that can help ease depression!

For a continued reading on the matter, click here for Times of India’s article in its entirety.

Indian Cuisine: Simpler Than It Appears

Life is full of special moments.  Some of them we experience with our loved ones, others with strangers, and still others we accomplish on our own.  I think that whether you’re single or not, cooking can always be one of those moments.  Taking a blend of ingredients and crafting it into something succulent is always something to be proud of, but too often we get stuck in our comfort zones and new flavors can feel intimidating.

If that’s how you view Indian food however, you can breathe easy.  Most traditional Indian dishes are actually fairly easy, so long as you have the right ingredients.

Aloo Takki, for example is simply a dish made of potatoes, veggies and spices.

Momos is composed of flour, water and whatever filling you desire.

For vegetarians, Baingan Bharta would be a great choice.  It’s made up of roasted eggplant, veggies, chile powder and garlic, and is excellent when paired with toasted bread or jeera rice.

Finally, Samosas is a combination of flour, potatoes, carrots, cilantro, garlic and ginger, along with other fresh produce, and is best when paired with tangy mango chutney.

Are there any Indian meals you’ve been meaning to cook?

Health Facts about Indian Food

Sometimes it can be difficult to find food you like that’s healthy as well.  For example, I think candy is fantastic, but realistically, my dentist would cringe and spiral into a depression if he heard I planned on living off that.  Well as it turns out, Indian food is actually one of the most healthy cuisines world wide, or at least it is when it’s cooked with minimal oil and healthy methods, so if you’re worried about what you’re putting in your body, here are seven things you can eat without fear.

Roti/Chappati

This is typically made with wheat flour, but optimally, it should also have soy bean, black gram, and a little bit of bran.  They can all be ground together in equal amounts to make the four, and as an energy source, Roti is a great source of carbohydrates.  Ideally, 25 grams of it would amount to 60 calories.

White Rice

This polished form of brown rice is a cereal grain that is an excellent source of energy and fiber.  About 200 grams of it would only be about 420 calories, although brown rice would be a bit better of an option due to the fact that it has both fiber and carbohydrates.

Curries

The base to India’s curries is the most critical thing about it, not necessarily the oil.  If you have a recipe that calls for a lot of it, you can simply blend or roast the the spice to get a better flavor without using some of the less healthy ingredients.  Similarly, you can swap out the cream for yogurt or coconut milk and you should be set.

Curd

This is essentially a milk product made through the fermentation of milk and some bacteria.  Given the option, you should go with one made from a toned or less fat quality of milk.  Yogurt is good for your digestive system, and 250 grams of curd from toned milk would only be about 150 calories.    Additionally, it’s a good source of calcium and provides carbohydrates and proteins!

Lentils

To begin, a lentil is a bushy plant that comes from the legume family, and grows once a year from lens shaped seeds.  About a third of their calories are from proteins, which include essential amino acids such as isoleucine and lysine.  Furthermore, they contain dietary fiber, folate, vitamin B1, and minerals like iron.  All in all, lentils aid several of the major functions of our body, including regulating your blood sugar level, blood cholesterol.  230 grams of these would be only 240 calories.

Red Chillies

These are a fruit of the pod plant from the capscian family and are huge health heroes.  100 grams of them barely have 40 calories, but due to the capscian compound, it’s has anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, analgesic and anti-diabetic properties.  Additionally, they’re rich in Vitamins A, B & C, as well as several phytonutrients.

Paneer

Like some of the other things I’ve mentioned, an easy way to make this healthier would be making it with toned milk rather than full cream.  Regardless however, it has a wealth of proteins that help the body digest.  It’s high in calcium, which helps you build strong bones and teeth and can help you keep osteoporosis at bay while promoting weight loss.

For a continued reading on the matter, click here to view Times of India’s article in its entirety.