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Benefits of going Vegan

Vegan or plant-based diet is becoming a prevalent regime these days. It excludes all animal products or animal-based ingredients such as meat, eggs and even dairy products. A balanced vegan diet is highly beneficial, nutritious and also helps in weight loss. It is also considered as a sustainable diet. A suitable vegan diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds for right stability of vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and protein.

Though celebrities have been advocating the vegan life for years now, in the wake of conscience or responsibility towards the environment, it has gained popularity in recent years. Now, that you’re acquainted with vegan diet, let us explore the actual benefits of this plant-based diet.

Way of life 

Veganism is considered a way of life as people who choose this, not only opt for the diet but also eradicate the use of animal-based products such as clothes, makeup, medications, etc. Any material that exploits or nature and living organisms in any form is completely off-bound in veganism. 

Healthy Heart

Animal products such as meat, cheese, butter, etc have a high level of saturated fats, which increase cholesterol levels in our body. Also, animal products contain relatively very little or no fibre at all. It’s not a very healthy option for the heart.

Catalysis weight loss

Studies have revealed that vegan diet is more effective for weight loss than semi or pesco-vegetarian diet. Since animal-based diet is high in calories, it can lead to weight gain. Replacing them with plant-based diet gives your body the exact amount of nutrition with lesser amount of calories. 

Goodwill of animals and planet 

It’s been observed that the plant-based diet reduces water wastage, deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions and other negative side effects caused to the environment by meat productions. 

Diminishes the risk of diabetes Opting a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of growing diabetes and can also reverse the disease completely. Studies have proven that people consuming fruits, vegetables and nuts have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 60 per cent.

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The worth of a Red Bell Pepper

Incredibly succulent red peppers can make any dish look enticing and taste delicious.  It is one of the most flexible vegetables that you will find in gazillions of dishes worldwide. Salads, Pizzas, Pasta, and curries are incomplete without this colourful, delicious, non-spicy chilli. Being the smarter sibling of green pepper or capsicum, red bell pepper has double the amount of Vitamin C and ten times the Vitamin A comparatively.  

Red bell pepper belongs to the species Capsicum annuum and consists of 94 per cent water, 5 per cent carbohydrates and very little amounts of protein and fat. Besides vitamin A and C, it contains ample amount of niacin, folate, riboflavin, vitamins B2, B6 and E. High amount of iron, magnesium, potassium and manganese are also found in red bell pepper. 

Powerful antioxidants

Red bell peppers are full of antioxidants that fight cell damage and boost immunity along with anti-inflammatory properties. With a sufficient amount of Vitamin A and C, they make an excellent healthy choice. Lycopene present in red bell pepper prevents cancers of lung and prostrate among others.

Maintains a healthy heart

Red bell pepper is known to reduce the level of high cholesterol and triglycerides. It is also effective in regulating heart rate and blood pressure. Regular intake of this healthy vegetable improves platelet count and clotting. 

Deal with gastrointestinal issues

It can activate peristaltic movement in the intestine by flushing out waste and improving appetite. It is also helpful relieving the issues related to flatulence. 

Pumps immunity

With eradicating inflammation, presence of vitamin A, C and beta-carotene in red bell pepper helps in boosting immunity.  It is responsible for increasing body temperature and pushing metabolism. Along with that it also removes toxins from the body. 

Effective for Eye and Skin Health

The high amount of vitamin A and beta-carotene present in red bell pepper provides good support to our vision and overall eye health. It is also highly beneficial for healing wounds, supporting cells, etc.

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Food to Keep You Warm!

Warm soup, hot chocolate, sarso ka saag and beetroot kebabs, winter are here with its scrumptious gastronomic delights. This season is all about being a little more indulgent and delicious healthy set of choices. Along with the cold breeze and dew drops, winters bring along cold and flu, thus we have all the more reason to take care of our immunity system by eating a healthy diet. An array of colourful, flavoursome vegetables and fruits available in the season not only look good but are a rich source of vitamins and minerals.

Winters have a great variety of fresh produce available in abundance when it comes to vegetables and fruits. Keep reading ahead to know about the wholesome, vitamin-rich, best cold-weather food items you should stock up.

Dry fruits or Nuts

Dry fruits such as Cashews, pistachio, dates, almonds and walnuts are an essential cold weather diet. They will keep your body warm and provide your body the right amount of energy. Besides generating heat within the body, nuts have numerous health benefits such as ensuring an active nervous system, healthy heart functioning, improving sensitivity to insulin and much more.

Turnip and Its Leaves

An excellent anti-oxidant that helps in combating diseases and keeping your heart healthy, Turnip and its leaves are a rich source of vitamin K and Vitamin A. It helps in strengthening your bones and also improves your digestion. 

Honey

Considering honey is warm in nature, it helps in keeping our body warm too in the chilling weather. Use it in your drinks, desserts or simply add it in warm water, its highly beneficial for your healthy body and strengthening your immune system keeping cold and flu at bay.

Carrots

Packed with antioxidant beta-carotene, thiamine, vitamin B6 and Vitamin C, Carrot contains most of the minerals that our body requires to stay healthy and fit. Minerals such as fiber, manganese and potassium are found in abundance in carrots. The potassium in carrots maintains the moisture content in our skin during the dry winters. It’s considered great for eyes, heart, liver and particularly skin.

Beetroot

An extremely delicious vegetable that offers plenty of health benefits, Beetroot contains high amount of iron, vitamin A, B6 and other important minerals. These nutrients help in detoxification of liver, prevention from heart diseases and increases WBCs. So add it to your dips, salads or soups and enjoy the winter chills.

Spinach

Most popular among the leafy vegetables, Spinach is the powerhouse of nutrients. It contains crucial vitamins such as A, B, C, E, K and vital minerals such as zinc, magnesium and huge amounts of iron that is necessary for the RBCs in the body. It is highly beneficial for boosting immunity, vision, abdominal distress, cellular functions and weight loss.

These excellent choices of food will not only help you keep warm these winters but will also boost your energy and help you withstand common cold and flu so you can enjoy the cold weather without worrying about your health.

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Coconut- More than a Ritual Food

No religious affair or ceremony is possible in India without its presence. Yes! You guessed it right, it’s ‘Coconut’. It is often perceived as the holy fruit in Hindu culture, not only does coconut symbolise ‘cleansing’ but has plenty of health benefits as well, that do wonders to your body. Scientifically known as Cocosnucifera, it is found majorly in tropical regions in India such as Kerela, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It is highly popular because of its incredible properties and refreshing taste. 

With several significant proteins, minerals and some amount of vitamin B, Coconuts are rich in manganese, copper, selenium and iron. These are essential for bone health and the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and cholesterol. There are over hundred species of the fruit that are found in India, so let’s find out its marvellous properties:

Improves cholesterol:

It helps in maintaining blood cholesterol level in the body and reduces the risk of heart diseases. Coconut consists of saturated fats which develops good cholesterol and controls the LDL to a gentle sub type. 

Keeps the body hydrated: 

Coconut water has every potential electrolyte that your body requires and is considered the most important source of electrolytes. While replacing the lost electrolytes, it provides hydration and increases immune response. Thus, it is also an alternative to water as it is tastier and is loaded with nutrition. Along with keeping your body hydrated, it helps in optimal functioning of nerves and muscles.  

High in fibre:

With a high fibrous content amounting to almost 61%, coconut helps in conversion of glucose into energy. It comforts the functioning of pancreases and enzyme system, which further decreases the risk of developing diabetes. 

Controls diabetes:

Since coconut progresses insulin and functioning of blood glucose, it controls diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels in an appropriate manner. The slowdown further helps in decreasing glycaemic hunger. 

Good for digestion

Coconut helps in absorption of nutrients and minerals while providing dietetic fibre. It improves the working of the digestive system and also relieves bowel disorders. Since it is a rich source of various minerals and nutrients along with fibre, it decreases nausea as well. It is a natural treatment for urinary tract infections owing to its natural diuretic property. 

Powerhouse of Antioxidant:

As coconuts comprise potent antioxidants, it protects cells from oxidative destruction. Coconut meat has phenolic compounds which are considered highly antioxidant in nature. The phenolic compounds include gallic acid, caffeic acid, salicylic acid and p-coumaric acid.

Prevents skin cancer:

Coconut is extremely popular when it comes to skin and hair care. It is widely used as a moisturiser as it hydrates skin by refilling natural oils. At the same time, it protects our skin from the harsh ultraviolet rays.  Coconut oil is used as a cleanser as well. High concentration of antioxidants present in coconut slows the ageing process making you look more youthful and supple.  It helps in diminishing the outbreak of skin problems and rashes.

For order Coconut online visit the website : www.farmersfamily.in

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What’s cooked in our kitchen!

Over the last few weeks, Farmer’s Family have shared some of the best easy-to-achieve dishes from our in-house Chef. In our kitchen, we prepared some most healthy dishes and beverages that can be prepped in the comfort of our own house. Let’s have a look…

Lentil soup

The super comforting and delicious lentil soup doesn’t only make you calm but is also the healthiest soup that gives your body and soul the right kind of nourishment. Made from lentils that are rich in protein and have naturally anti-inflammatory properties, Lentil Soup is full of flavour and gives you nourishment of a whole new level.

Summer cooler

Sweet, tangy, bright and refreshing mint limeade is the perfect drink to keep you refresh the entire day. With only a few ingredients, this mint limeade is quick, easy and extremely revitalizing.

Green n fresh

Cucumber Ginger Lemonade is a super hydrating and is loaded with Vitamin B, C and K, potassium and copper. It helps in reducing some chronic diseases and is considered great for stomach.

Golden elixir

We call it golden elixir for some great reasons. This healing drink is prepared with turmeric, ginger and cinnamon, all immune boosting spices, and sweetened with a dash of honey. This comforting drink is used to speed up recovery and boost immunity.


All colour salad

We also made the super exotic colourful salad in our kitchen which was not only full of colours but was packed with best micronutrients as well. Diversify colours and nutrients at the same time. Vegetables are rich in antioxidants that protect us and also help prevent disease and make us healthier.

Chana kebab

This delicacy will fulfil all your cravings for something crunchy and delicious. Healthy Chana Kebab is a nutrient-dense snack filled with deep flavours and the right amount of spices. If you’re looking forward to trying something vegan and appetising go ahead and cookchana kebabs at home. 

Musk melon sorbet

Musk melon sorbet is super light and fruity dessert that your taste buds will love. With just two main ingredients, i.e the fruit and sweetener of your choice, you can prepare this delicious treat at home itself.

Spicy aubergine dip

If you like all things hot and zesty, you will love Spicy aubergine dip. Packed with flavours and the aroma of eggplant, it is super easy to make and big on the essence. Serve it with fresh crackers, raw carrots or sweet potato chips!

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Navratri Food – Ingredients and Custom

Navratri Food – Ingredients and Custom

Navratri, one of the most auspicious festivals in the Hindu calendar is celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm and observing fast is synonymous with the festival. Since ancient times, fasting has been a holistic spiritual practice in the Hindu mythology. Religiously, it has numerous beliefs, but scientifically, it is believed that during the change of season, you should indulge yourself into a natural and high nutritional diet.  Thus, it’s very essential that you consume the food that is nutrient-dense and also goes with your fasting customs. So remember, fasting for nine days, that too during a changing season, goes a long way towards good health.

During the nine sacred days of Navratri, we worship goddesses and fasting in symbolises sacrifice. Let’s worship of goddess Durga and her avatars while detoxifying your bodies at the same time. During Navratris, you certainly don’t have the vast pool of food option but still, there are plentiful to satisfy your hunger pangs in the healthiest way. Fasting detoxifies your body and fills it with the right amount of energy helping in strengthening your immune system. With eating in a balanced amount, the digestive system works in an upright manner. A perfect fasting diet should have an ideal balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Eating healthy and choosing the right kind of foods becomes really important even during the festival season. Let’s make your Navratri game strong with best healthy advice:

  • Navratri is dedicated to fruits; one can have any fruit in different forms. Since fruits are flooded in the market, they should also be flooding your house during this festive. So make sure your fruit intake is at its best.
  • Hydration is the key during fasting! So add revitalizing coconut water, buttermilk, lemonade or a colourful milkshake prepared from your favourite fruit such as Mango, strawberry, kiwi or banana.
  • Roasted and boil potatoes can be a filling snack while fasting.  At the times, they can be served as a hot pot meal too. However, in order to avoid immensity associated with fried Navratri foods, try and adopt healthier cooking alternatives such as roasting, boiling, steaming and grilling.
  • Why have simple curd when you can sizzle it with cucumber, bottle gourd, potato or tomato? With such literally two minute recipes, you can enhance any boring meal. Further, milk and curd can be used to prepare milkshakes, lassi, raitas, porridge and kheers.
  • Rock salt, which is used as a substitute of table salt, is another healthy move as helps in detoxification of the body and keeping a check on blood pressure levels.
  • Go for stuffed roti or plain roti made from kuttu or singhadekaaata instead of fried puri or fritters. Another delicious and healthy recipe you can try is kuttukadosa which tastes great and offers essential nutrients such as Vitamin B-complex, phosphorus, iron and zinc.

These healthy Navratri fasting food options bring a noticeable transformation in your body. Order Farmer’s family exotic fruit baskets to binge eat your favourite fruits and keep your family healthy.

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Catch up with Tomatoes!

Tomato

Loaded with surprising health benefits, Tomatoes are exceptionally versatile with extremely high nutrient density. Who doesn’t love this tangy fruit with plenty of noble qualities? Read on and cook up a batch of your tasty creamy tomato soup.

Known to be a fruit botanically, tomato is widely eaten and prepared like a vegetable. The antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reducing heart diseases and cancers is the major dietary source in tomatoes. Along with that, it’s a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate and vitamin K. With 95 per cent water content and 5 per cent carbohydrates and fibre, tomatoes contain vitamins and plant compounds that offer health-enhancing properties. The best part is tomatoes can be added easily into your diet year-round in numerous forms such as dried, sauce, puree and fresh. Let’s discover how the humble tomatoes show magic to your health.

Nutritional value:

Tomatoes are nutrient-dense. One cup of raw tomatoes contains:

Calories (Kcal)32 kcal
Water170.14 g
Carbohydrate5.8 g
Fibre2.2 g
Protein1.58 g
Cholesterol0 g

Blessing for skin and hair

The high level of lycopene found in tomatoes is used in fancy facial cleansers.Vitamin A in tomatoes helps in shiny and strong hair. In addition, it also does wonders for your bones and teeth. So, you know the secret now!

Packed with essential antioxidants

Full of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and beta-carotene, tomatoes work to stabilize harmful free radicals in the blood. They are considered dangerous because it may lead to cell damage. More redness in tomato means more beta-carotene.

Prevent several types of cancer

Studies have shown that lycopene reduces the probability of growing prostate, stomach, ovarian and colorectal cancer. Being an antioxidant, it works remarkably to reverse the development of cancer cells.

Help to repair the damage caused by smoking

No amount of medicines, fruits or vegetables can compensate for the damage caused by smoking. To control the damage the foremost cure is to quit smoking.  However, this fruit can help in reducing the harm done your body by cigarettes. The coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid protect the body from carcinogens produced from the smoke of a cigarette.

The secret to a healthy heart

Vitamin B and potassium found in tomatoes are effective in dropping cholesterol levels and lowering BP. Including tomatoes in your balanced diet can effectively prevent heart attacks, strokes as well as many other heart-related problems.

Better Digestion

Fluids and fibre found in tomatoes helps in relieving constipation. The hydration may help in normal bowel movements. They are often labelled as a laxative fruit.

Help with diabetes

Packed with the valuable mineral chromium, Tomatoes works effectively to keep blood sugar levels under control. They are believed to work for people with type 2 diabetes.

Good for your vision

Lycopene is an excellent compound for your eyes. Along with that, lutein and beta-carotene protect various eyes ailments such as cataract and macular degeneration. 

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6 Surprising Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet

An ingenious vegetarian meal is paramount to meet your nutritional needs. Remember your childhood days when parents would run after you to feed healthy greens? Not only certified nutritionists but even our Indian homemakers are ambassadors of a balanced vegetarian diet. With rich traditional delicacies and global cuisines enchanting us, vegetarian diet has become more eminent with gazillions of exotic recipes.

Vegetarian diet is a powerhouse of vitamins, proteins, fat and everything good. Plenty of health benefits such as reducing heart problems, fighting diabetes, obesity, few cancer treatments,etc. make it a very important component of our lives. The key is to be aware of your nutritional needs so that you plan a diet that meets them. Plan your diet adequately so it meets the dietetic essentials that you need in daily life.A lot of people are shifting towards vegetarianism as there are a lot of valid reasons to opt for it. It could well be their concern for sustainable use of resources, love for animals or ethical opposition but nonetheless it has met with striking results.

Leave health problems at the door

Vegetarian diet is a low-fat diet which is the most effective way to stop the movement of coronary artery disease and prevent it in the future. It helps in averting other heart ailments, reduces the risk of cancer and it refills our body with healthy vitamins, fats and protein. A balanced vegetarian diet contains less fat and cholesterol and more fiber and anti-oxidants which makes it inherently a healthier option.

Say bye to obesity

Over-weight leads to various indirect ailments such as heart diseases, diabetes, stroke, etc. Studies have shown that overweight people who followed a proper vegetarian diet lost weight at a faster rate without counting calories, carbs, measuring portions and satisfying their hunger at the same time.

Full of energy

Decent nutrition produces more operational energy to keep pace with life at work. Additional fat in our bloodstream disturbs our artery functioning and this further stops oxygen to enter appropriately in our muscles, making us feel lethargic. Vegetarian diets are cholesterol free; whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes are extremely high in complex carbohydrates and give plenty of revitalizing fuel to our body.

Better ingestion

Vegetable and fruits contain high amount of fiber which accelerates the process of digestion in our body. On the other hand, meat contains no fibre which leads to constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticulitis

Easily available

You’ll find fresh healthy and tasty vegetarian food options in every nook and corner of local, supermarkets and an increased distribution through online platforms off-lately. Even if you can’t cook, eat it raw or simply go on the internet and look for great recipes. It’s time to add those delicious salads, sandwiches, entrees to your diet now!

Sustainability

Along with health benefits, plant-based diet is more ecological, as it causes a reduced amount of harm to the environment than a meat-based diet.

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Turmeric-The golden root of all things good

Turmeric

Coined as the ‘golden spice’, turmeric has been the most powerful existing spice in our kitchens for centuries. As Indians, we don’t need to be convinced about the superpower of our very own ‘Haldi’ because its benefits are deeply ingrained.However, what are the elements that make this Indian yellow root so special? Let’s find out…

Turmeric essentially symbolises the colouryellow, just like orange! This bright yellow spice has an earthy-pungent fragrance and unique musky-peppery taste. The primary compound curcumin present in turmeric is responsible for that lovely yellow tinge in our dishes. Turmeric is used in avarietyofways in our Indian households and consumed in raw, dried, powdered form. It holds an imperative place in the ancient Indian Ayurveda. Call it Turmeric Latte or Golden Milk, ‘Haldidoodh’, has been a go-to drink for many diseases, injuries, ailment and even for regular consumptions. There are a lot of reasons for us to be friends with turmeric as it destroys all our foes. That’s right! It has incredible remedial properties such as-

  • Antioxidant
  • Anti-viral
  • Anti-bacterial
  • Anti-fungal
  • Anti-carcinogenic
  • Anti-mutagenic
  • Anti-inflammatory

Dry turmeric contains around 69 per cent carbohydrates, 6 per cent proteins, 5 per cent oils, 3.5 per cent minerals and other elements. The necessary preventive and alleged therapeutic properties of curcumin have also been considered antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It is used as folk medicines against various ailments, including hepatic, gynaecological, and other infectious diseases. Known for properties that purify blood eliminating toxins, turmeric regulates blood sugar levels too.  Here are such miraculous benefits that can change your life:

Natural healing properties

With significant anti-inflammatory properties, Curcumin is believed to have properties equal to ibuprofen and there are no side-effects. Being a prevailing antioxidant it protects healthy cells, predominantly found in the colon, from cancer-triggering agents. Studies have shown that it helps to destroy mutated cancer cells before they have a chance to spread to other areas.

Helps in digestion

Turmeric relieves digestive problems and decreases bloating and gastritis. Raw turmeric is believed to treat stomach ulcers and irritation and also helps in facilitating smoother digestion through the tracts.

Skin’s best friend

Because of its antioxidant properties, it helps in lighten dark spots, reduces ageing in the skin caused by sun damage. Hence, is used in many cosmetic products or DIY face packs. It is also used to treat skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis and balancing oily skin. Turmeric paste can be used for skin conditions such as smallpox and chickenpox to blemishes.

Fights depression

Curcumin compound in turmeric helps release depression. Though it’s not considered as an exclusive treatment for depression but curcumin has antidepressant properties that help in reversing the disorder.

Relieves cold and flu

The notable antiviral properties in turmeric battle a series of ailments from annoying cold to influenza. Curcumin minimizes viral reproduction of infected cells and protects us from flu and infections.

Provides relief from Arthritic Pain

When the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue, it leads to arthritis.  This causes inflammation and eventually leads to bone and joint damage in the affected areas. Given that curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory compound, it may help with arthritis.

Boost Immunity

Being a powerful herb with over 300 nutrients including beta-carotene, vitamin C, calcium, flavonoids, fibre, potassium, zinc and curcumin,  turmeric helps to enhance our immunity. So, what are you waiting for? You’re just a step away from adding this magical spice to your diet and witnessing its health benefits first hand. Visit https://www.farmersfamily.in/product/turmeric-powder-haldi/ for ordering your supply of fresh, organically grown turmeric.