Five Uncommon Fruits From Uttarakhand That Provide Remarkable Health Advantages

While a plethora of fruits can be found in the marketplace, certain exceptional varieties unique to the highlands of Uttarakhand deliver an extensive array of health perks. These fruits, abundant in vitamins, antioxidants, and vital minerals, are celebrated for their therapeutic qualities. Here’s a glimpse at five such fruits and how they can enhance your health.

1. Hisalu

Hisalu, a fruit indigenous to the elevated terrains of Uttarakhand, is brimming with medicinal benefits. As stated by Dr. Chauhan, a researcher at the High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre, Hisalu aids in easing digestive troubles like constipation, indigestion, and bloating. It is also high in Vitamin C, which bolsters the immune system, and its antioxidant characteristics promote general well-being.

 2. Ghigharu

Exclusively found in the hilly areas of Uttarakhand, Ghigharu is recognized for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This fruit is particularly advantageous for cardiovascular health due to its heart-strengthening properties. It can assist in minimizing the risk of heart ailments and reducing hypertension.

 3. Malta

A distinctive type of orange, Malta flourishes in the mountainous terrains of Uttarakhand. It contains anthocyanin, a robust antioxidant that imparts a deeper hue compared to conventional oranges. Malta is loaded with Vitamin C, Vitamin A, potassium, manganese, calcium, fiber, and antioxidants, rendering it an excellent selection for enhancing immunity and overall health.

 4. Kilmora

Kilmora, found in the woodlands of Uttarakhand, is highly prized for its anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial traits. These therapeutic advantages make it a significant fruit in both traditional healing and contemporary wellness practices.

 5. Bedu (Himalayan Fig)

Bedu, often referred to as Himalayan fig, grows naturally in the forests of Uttarakhand. This perennial fruit stands as an exceptional source of vitamins A, B1, B2, fiber, carbohydrates, and vital amino acids, making it a nutrient-dense addition to any meal plan.

 These fruits, with their impressive range of health advantages, not only provide unique tastes but also play a crucial role in promoting overall wellness.

Are Bananas harmful Due To Their Radioactive Nature? Understand The Truth

Bananas are incredibly popular due to their lovely flavor and health benefits. They are also adaptable and convenient to eat. However, were you aware that bananas have radioactive properties? As reported by BBC Science Focus, bananas consist of potassium-40, a radioactive isotope, which adds to their slight radioactivity. A truckload of bananas can set off radiation detectors because of their radioactivity. Does this imply they are unsafe for consumption? Let’s explore.

Radioactivity describes the transformation and disintegration of atoms over time. This can pose a risk if the substances involved are unstable. Regarding bananas, they contain approximately 0.012% of the radioactive isotope potassium-40, or K-40, which is a naturally occurring isotope contributing to the minimal radioactivity of bananas. Furthermore, consuming a banana exposes you to roughly 0.01 mrem from its K-40 content. This radiation level is quite low and poses no threat to life.

Curiously, humans are more radioactive than bananas based on their potassium levels. An average adult has around 140 grams of potassium, according to BBC Science Focus. This means we are about 280 times more radioactive than a single banana! When you eat a banana, your body sees a temporary increase in potassium-40 levels by 0.4 percent, which is swiftly eliminated.

According to these statistics, only a daily intake of up to 400 bananas could elevate your potassium levels to potentially dangerous proportions. A typical adult should aim for roughly 3,500 mg of potassium each day. Therefore, consuming 400 bananas would yield 168,800 mg of potassium, surpassing safe limits. Such an intake is virtually impossible for any healthy person. Thus, bananas can be regarded as safe and healthy.

Additionally, many other foods contain potassium-40 and various naturally occurring radioactive isotopes. These include potatoes, spinach, and Brazil nuts. Notably, Brazil nuts are recognized for having even higher levels of radium than bananas. Nonetheless, this does not render any of these foods dangerous to consume, as they only contribute negligibly small amounts of radiation exposure.

Despite bananas containing radioactive components like potassium-40, the amounts are exceedingly low, ensuring they are safe to eat. Conversely, bananas qualify as a superfood rich in antioxidants, which can help mitigate the risks of heart disease and macular degeneration. They also support weight management as they are low in calories yet rich in nutrients. 

Combat the Winter Flu with the Dynamic Duo: Black Tea and Tulsi

As winter descends, so does the wave of flu and colds, prompting many to seek natural methods to enhance their immunity and maintain wellness. One enduring remedy that has proven its effectiveness over the years is the pairing of black tea and tulsi. This formidable duo not only provides a warm and soothing drink but also brims with health advantages, making it a perfect choice for warding off seasonal ailments.

The Strength of Black Tea and Tulsi

Black tea, abundant in antioxidants, is famed for its capacity to tackle oxidative stress and diminish inflammation within the body. The antioxidants found in black tea, including catechins and theaflavins, play a crucial role in fortifying the body's natural defenses. This positions black tea as an exceptional choice for promoting overall wellness, especially during winter months when our immune systems require additional assistance.

Parimal Shah, Founder & CEO of Cherise India Pvt. Ltd., states, “Winter is when our immune systems need added support, and there’s no finer approach to enhance your health than with the dynamic combination of black tea and tulsi. At Cherise India, we focus on leveraging the natural advantages of these ingredients to combat seasonal flu and colds. Black tea is laden with antioxidants, while tulsi is celebrated for its healing properties, making this blend not only flavorful but also remarkably advantageous.”

Tulsi: The Healing Herb

Tulsi, often referred to as Holy Basil, is a highly regarded herb in Indian culture, known for its immune-enhancing, antiviral, and antibacterial qualities. It has been utilized for generations in Ayurvedic medicine to remedy various issues, from colds and coughs to stress and inflammation. When paired with black tea, tulsi acts in synergy to enhance circulation, alleviate the intensity of cold symptoms, and bolster respiratory health.

Bala Sarda, Founder and CEO of VAHDAM India, elaborates: “I hold that nature has gifted us potent ingredients to aid our immune systems, and that’s where the enduring values of traditional elements like black tea and tulsi enter the picture. Black tea, replete with antioxidants, helps counter oxidative stress and lessen inflammation, fortifying the body’s defenses. When mixed with Tulsi, a cherished herb recognized for its immune-boosting benefits, it collaborates to foster circulation, diminish cold symptoms' severity, and enrich respiratory health.”

A Comforting, Immunity-Enhancing Drink

Merging black tea and tulsi in a warm, comforting cup can help ease a sore throat, relieve nasal congestion, and offer comfort from the common cold. This fusion is a natural remedy that not only tastes delightful but also provides significant health benefits, rendering it an essential component of any wellness regimen throughout the brisk winter months.

Shah further highlights the significance of incorporating these elements into our daily lives: “Sipping a warm cup of this blend can soothe your throat, elevate your immunity, and provide comfort during the frosty season. As we embrace these traditional cures, let’s integrate them into our daily routines for a healthier winter.”

A Natural Solution for Winter Wellbeing

Together, black tea and tulsi create a powerful alliance that can notably enhance your body’s ability to combat the seasonal flu. They assist in bolstering the immune system, offering respiratory respite, and delivering a comforting, nourishing drink for the winter season. This combination transcends mere beverage status—it's a natural remedy that fortifies the body’s defenses, ensuring your vitality throughout the flu season.

Bala Sarda concludes, “This mix is not just a drink but a natural remedy that bolsters the body’s defenses, making it an indispensable element of any wellness practice this winter.”

So, as you revel in your winter evenings with a warm cup of black tea and tulsi, recognize that you’re not just enjoying a delightful beverage—you’re also providing your body with the finest natural assistance to fend off the winter flu.

7 Reasons To Add Black Carrots To Your Winter Diet

 

With the arrival of winter, markets are flooded with green vegetables. Fenugreek, bathua, mustard greens, and gram leaves become particularly popular for their incredible taste. Winter also brings carrots and radishes into season. Red carrots, whether eaten raw, cooked, or in desserts like halwa, offer numerous health benefits. However, this season also introduces a lesser-known yet highly beneficial vegetable — black carrots, often referred to as ‘desi carrots.’ While red carrots are common, black carrots are packed with essential nutrients like fiber, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C, making them highly beneficial for digestion, heart health, and overall well-being.

In traditional medicine, especially in India and parts of the Middle East, black carrots are valued for their medicinal properties. Including them in your diet can offer several health advantages:

1. Cancer Prevention: Black carrots contain anthocyanin, a powerful antioxidant that combats free radicals responsible for aging and cancer. These phytonutrients help inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

2. 1. Improved Digestion: Rich in fiber, black carrots promote healthy digestion and help alleviate constipation and other stomach issues.

   2. Heart Health: Black carrots can help control blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels, thereby lowering the risk of heart diseases. Even black carrot halwa can benefit your heart.

   3. Better Vision: Like red carrots, black carrots are high in vitamin A and beta-carotene, which support eye health and improve vision by keeping the retina in good condition.

   4. Blood Sugar Control: With a low glycemic index, black carrots help regulate blood sugar levels, making them suitable for diabetic patients.

   5. Glowing Skin: Black carrots enhance skin health by reducing wrinkles and providing anti-inflammatory benefits, which can help resolve skin problems.

   6. Stronger Immunity: Packed with vitamin C and other nutrients, black carrots boost the immune system, protecting against colds and infections.

   Incorporating black carrots into your winter diet can provide multiple health benefits, making them a valuable addition to seasonal nutrition.

Does Eating Too Much Sugar Speed Up Ageing?

 Sugar damages your skin through a process called glycation. Sugars in the bloodstream attach to proteins and produce harmful radicals known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These AGEs accumulate and damage the proteins around them. Dr Shilpa Patil, MD Dermatologist, Director, Ethoski Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. shares all you need to know.

Collagen and elastin, which are responsible for making your skin firm, elastic, and giving it a plump, healthy complexion, are particularly affected by AGEs. The glycation process damages collagen and elastin, making them stiff, dry, and brittle. This damage is visible on your skin in the form of fine lines and wrinkles.

Glycation also impacts the type of collagen in your skin. The skin contains three types of collagen: type I, type II, and type III. Type I is the weakest, and type III is the strongest. Due to glycation, type III collagen becomes as weak as type I, diminishing the overall strength and structure of the skin.

Additionally, glycation deactivates natural antioxidant enzymes, leaving the skin more vulnerable to oxidative stress.

Signs that sugar is aging your skin:

1. Discoloration
2. Hard and shiny skin surface
3. Crosshatch lines along the lip line
4. Crosshatch lines along the lip line
5. Prevention:
6. Reduce sugar intake
7. Increase water consumption
8. Ensure proper sleep
9. Include supplements rich in vitamin B1 (found in green peas, spinach) and vitamin B6 (found in chickpeas, sunflower seeds)
10. Incorporate antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E
11. Detoxify the skin regularly
12. Follow a consistent and healthy skincare routine

Bhagyashree Shares The Health Benefits Of Water Chestnuts, Three Ways To Include It In Your Diet

After a successful stint in movies, actor Bhagyashree has now dipped her toes into health and fitness. The 55-year-old actor often takes to her social media to share about healthy foods and why you should include them in your diet. Her social media offers a lot of tips and tricks on eating and staying healthy. Recently, the former actor took to her social media to talk about the benefits of water chestnuts.

Taking to her Instagram, Bhagyashree talked about the nutrients that are packed in water chestnuts, better known as paniphal. She wrote, “Water chestnuts are highly nutritious, even though they contain carbs. They have a low glycemic index, which means the carbs break down slowly, releasing glucose into the bloodstream gradually, as the body needs energy. This helps prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar. They’re also rich in fiber, potassium, manganese, copper, B6, riboflavin, and antioxidants."

As water chestnuts are in season, here is how you can incorporate them into your diet and enjoy this seasonal produce.

Eat Them Raw Or Boiled

Wash them well and peel off the skin. Use a knife or a vegetable peeler to take the skin off and munch on them as a hearty snack. Additionally, you can boil them as well and relish their goodness. Water chestnuts have a sweet and nutty flavour. They taste like raw fresh apples.

Add Them To Salads

Pair chopped or sliced water chestnuts with your salads. It pairs well with lettuce, carrots, and cucumbers.

Use Them In Stir Fries

Asian cuisine often uses water chestnuts in their recipes. You can slice or chop the fruit and stir-fry them with vegetables or even tofu for that extra crunch. They can also be added to noodles or fried rice for that authentic Asian flavour.

Keeping Diabetes Under Control To Boosting Immunity, Benefits Of Himalayan Strawberry

Do you know the fruit that is no less than an immunity booster and a boon for diabetic patients? This fruit is a precious gift extracted from the lap of the Himalayas known as Bhamora fruit, delicious in taste and is not only rich in nutrients but also a natural cure for many diseases. Bhamora fruit is a solution for numerous problems, ranging from diabetes to skin-related issues. Know about the medical properties of this amazing fruit which is a hidden treasure of the Himalayas.

Himalayan strawberry is a natural medicine that helps protect the body from many diseases. It is rich in nutrients like Vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium, and phosphorus. These elements increase the body’s immunity. Strengthen bones and provide energy to the muscles. It helps in improving the overall well-being of a person.

Bhamora fruit or Himalayan strawberry also treats digestive problems like gas, constipation, digestive problems, and abdominal pain. The fibre present in this food keeps the stomach clean and improves digestion. This fruit is considered a boon for diabetic patients as well. Regular consumption of this fruit helps in controlling the sugar level.

Bhamora fruit is also used in the treatment of urinary diseases. It has many natural properties that keep the urinary tract clean and provide relief from urinary tract problems. In the Himalayan regions, people use it as a traditional medicine for urinary diseases.

Bhamora fruit is also an antioxidant that helps in keeping diabetes under control, and has anti-nephrolithiasis properties.

Bhamora is found only in Himalayan regions with an altitude of 1200 to 2000 metres, such as Nepal, Bhutan, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. This fruit grows among the forests of oak and rhododendron and can also be found between the trees of the banyan and the buransh. Local people eat it after the fruit ripens in the month of November and also use it as medicine. This fruit is a unique wealth of and Himalayan regions, which is known as a natural gift.