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Spices to Aid Digestive Health

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Having a properly functioning digestive system is critical for maintaining good health. One of the many things we can do ourselves to maintain and even improve the functioning of our digestive system is using the power of digestive spices. There are many spices with differing helpful properties, especially when it comes to our digestive system. Easy homemade dishes using spices can often be a simple yet effective way that we maintain our digestive health. Here are some of the best spices good for digestion: Coriander Seeds Coriander seeds are commonly used in herbal remedies for a variety of ailments. Coriander seeds contain natural carminative properties that reduce or prevent gas in the gastrointestinal tract and help relieve numerous digestive disorders caused by heat. This is why they are also known to help improve ailments such as heartburn. The liver and pancreas are also shown to produce more natural bile and digestive enzymes when consuming these seeds. Cumin Seeds Cumin seeds ...

Dill Seeds: Unique Flavors and Recipe

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The dill plant is renowned as a culinary spice whose herbal properties have made it a popular medicine for centuries. These plants are found in Northern Europe and Russia, originating from the Parsley Umbelliferae plant family. In Europe, they’re known as Anethum graveolen, and in India, Anethum sowa. The dill plant does not actually produce any seeds; dill ‘seeds’ are just the dried fruit of the plant.  Dill seeds have a sweet and aromatic flavor: somewhere between anise and caraway. Dill is also used to prepare cakes and bread. The flavor grows stronger the more you use it, especially in sour cream and yogurt sauces. Dill seeds are considered to be especially effective in relieving flatulence. It’s a key component of pickling spice. Let’s delve into some of the dill seeds health benefits: Health Benefits of Dill Seeds: Helps Better Sleep: Dill seeds are rich in enzymes and vitamin B, which helps ease stress and aids sleep. Helps Enhance Bone Strength: Dill contains a large amou...

Methi Seeds: Unique Properties & Recipes

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Fenugreek seeds are one of the most popular spices in India and give lentil stews and vegetable subzis their distinctive flavor. Their distinctive aroma and taste can transform the taste of savory as well as sweet meals. They are small-sized seeds with a beige color and a faintly sweet aroma. Fenugreek is native to southern Europe, the Mediterranean region, and parts of Western Asia, India, and North Africa. Both the leaves and seeds are used in a wide range of local cuisines and herbal medicines. Methi seeds have a sweet and nutty flavor, reminiscent of maple syrup and burnt sugar. They are bitter when eaten raw, but when cooked with aromatics and spices, they add sweetness and depth to saucy dishes. Here are a few recipes that bring out the best of the fenugreek flavors:   Fenugreek Tea   The flavor of fenugreek seeds pairs best with black tea, and this tea recipe is easy to make.   Ingredients: 1 tbsp methi seeds 2 tsp any tea leaves A tsp of honey  5 cups water I...

Chatpata Chaats Using Pani Puris

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Pani Puri is an Indian chaat that always appeals to all flavor palettes. It is called by different names across the country, but most popularly known as Pani Puri. The puris are small semolina/wheat flour spheres that are rolled into small sheets and deep fried until crisp. They are then stuffed with mashed potatoes, boiled chickpeas, chopped veggies, and then dipped in chilled mint tamarind water (the pani) and eaten whole. The flavor of Pani Puri relies on authenticity. The puris available in the market these days are chemically processed and do not have the same authentic flavor. This is why Danfe’s Uncooked Pani Puri is the best ingredient for homemade pani puri - it is made without chemicals and results in some airy and crispy puris. Try out some of these chaat recipes: Classic Pani Puri Chaat This recipe is to make classic pani puri at home with your choice of fillings. Ingredients: Uncooked Pani Puri 10 nos 1 cup chopped potato (boiled) ¼ cup chopped onion ½ cup curd (well beat...

Cracked Wheat: A Fiber-Rich Food

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Cracked wheat or bulgur is a food that is rich in fiber, easy to digest, and considered to be helpful in weight management. There are many ways to prepare this food and it can be consumed any time of day.  What is Cracked Wheat Flour?  Cracked wheat is a whole grain flour product that is the result of grinding wheat berries into coarse particles. It is very popular in Mediterranean dishes, North African cuisine, and Western baked goods as it has a distinct nutty flavor and a coarse, unique texture. It can be enjoyed by people of all ages and flavor preferences when prepared in the right way. Cracked wheat undergoes fewer refinery processes than most flours and thus retains a lot more nutrients. 1 cup (or 180g) of cracked wheat provides up to 8g of fiber, 6g of protein and contains large amounts of vitamin B6, Magnesium, Manganese, and Iron. This nutritional content makes cracked wheat an ideal replacement for wheat/flour. Here are some of its health benefits. Health Benefits o...

Masoor Dal: The Red Treasure

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Masoor dal, or red lentil, is a popular type of lentil that is cultivated and consumed extensively in India. It has a bright orange color when uncooked and consists of small, split lentils. The name ‘Masoor’ was given by Queen Victoria who loved it in her soups so she named it ‘Malika Masoor’. Masoor dal is easy to cook and has a mildly sweet and earthy flavor that blends well with spices in any dish. Nutritional Content of Masoor Dal Masoor dal is one of the most nutritious lentils out there. A 120g serving of masoor dal contains 14g of protein, 8g of dietary fiber, 44.5g of carbohydrates, and 6mg of iron. It is also a great source of folic acid and calcium and is also naturally gluten-free and vegan. It also contains a considerable amount of vitamin C, B6, B2, and magnesium. Health Benefits of Masoor Dal Regulates Blood Sugar Levels: Masoor dal is high in fiber and has a low glycemic index. These two factors help the prevention of sudden spikes in blood sugar which makes it good for ...

Cracked Wheat- Nutrition & Benefits

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Bulgur originated in the Mediterranean and can be traced back thousands of years. To this day, it’s a staple ingredient in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes. Bulgur is an edible cereal grain made from dried, cracked wheat. It is generally partially cooked so that it can be prepared relatively quickly. When cooked, it looks similar to quinoa. It is a whole grain because the entire wheat kernel is consumed which includes the germ, endosperm, and bran.   As an ingredient, Bulgur wheat is used in several traditional Middle Eastern dishes. It is a nutritious cereal grain that is easy to prepare and consists of several potential health benefits.   Some of its benefits are: Aids in weight management Helps control blood sugar levels Reduces the risk of heart diseases Promotes a healthy gut Bulgur wheat is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Fiber-rich foods may reduce chronic disease risk, promote weight loss and improve digestion and gut health. It can be...