Cooking :Try these for difference and healthy taste.
Mint tea :To make tea, you must boil one mint spoon of leaves in 200ml of water. The tea must be drunk cold, three times a day.
Apple and Mint Mojito recipe :Squeeze the juice of one lime into the glass, add a couple of teaspoons of white sugar and a couple of teaspoons of apple puree. Add hand crushed mint leaves and then 1/4 of a cubed apple. Add crushed ice with 2 shots of white rum and a splash of soda on top.
Storage :
Mint Leaves are very cool by nature. So it can be kept outside and can be used for at least 2-3 days.
Fresh leaves should be used immediately or stored up to a few days in plastic bags in a refrigerator. Optionally, leaves can be frozen in ice cube trays. Dried mint leaves should be stored in an airtight container placed in a cool, dark, dry area
Usage :This vegetable is used in different ways of Cooking and even in more areas as a different substitute.
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Respiratory Disorders and Coughs :The strong aroma of mint is very effective in clearing up congestion of the nose, throat, bronchi and lungs, which gives relief for respiratory disorders that often result from asthma and the common cold. As mint cools and soothes the throat, nose and other respiratory channels, it relieves the irritation which causes chronic coughing. This is the main reason why so many balms are based on mint. Unlike the inhalers that are based on aerosols, those with mint as the fundamental component tend to be more effective and eco-friendly as well.
Cancer :Current research shows that certain enzymes that can be found in mint may help prevent and treat cancer.
Asthma :Regular use of mint is very beneficial for asthma patients, as it is a good relaxant and relieves congestion. That being said, using too much mint in this way can also irritate the nose and throat.
Digestion :
Mint is a great appetizer or palate cleanser, and it promotes digestion. It also soothes stomachs in cases of indigestion or inflammation. When you feel sick to your stomach, drinking a cup of mint tea can give you relief. Also, if you are someone who travels long distances via plane or boat, the menthol oil derived from mint can be very soothing for nausea and related motion sickness.
The aroma of mint activates the salivary glands in our mouth as well as glands which secrete digestive enzymes, thereby facilitating digestion. These attributes are why mint is extensively used in the culinary arts. Much of the western world includes mint as a part of appetizers or as an element of palate cleansers, to be eaten before the main course so the food will digest comfortably.
Breast Feeding :For many women, breastfeeding is a beautiful part of raising a child, but it can seriously damage your breasts and nipples. Studies have shown that mint oil can reduce the nipple cracks and nipple pain that so often accompany breastfeeding.
Treatments :
Because of its menthol, mint has a very good action over the digestive system, causing a small anaesthesia of the gastric mucous membrane. It also stimulates digestion.
Mint can treat diarrhoea, gastric fever or toxic infections. It stimulates the biliary secretion and helps the digestion of fats.
It is recommended in cases of asthma, bronchitis and the flu because of its antispasmodic and sedative properties. Sinusitis can be treated with mint also, because menthol is a vasodilatator of the nasal mucous membrane. It can be used as an inhalation in small amounts as well as for chest massages.
Mental fatigue, stress, depressive states and headaches can be ameliorated if mint oil is applied over the temples and backhead. Mint oil is a powerful stimulant and tonic. Mint is recommended for the treatment of rheumatism, for disinfection of the oral pocket and in cases of ear inflammation. Due to the fact that it has an antibacterial action it can cure acne and blackheads.
Headache : Again, the strong and refreshing aroma of mint is a quick and effective remedy for nausea. Even just the smell of mint oil or freshly crushed mint leaves or the use of any product with mint flavor, and your stomach issues will be alleviated. In fact, many people keep menthol oil or mint-flavored products with them at all time to avoid nausea. Balms with a mint base or basic mint oil, when rubbed on the forehead and nose, gives quick relief in case of headache. Mint is a naturally soothing substance, so it can alleviate the inflammation and temperature rise that is often associated with headaches and migraines.
Skin Care and Pimple : While mint oil is a good antiseptic and anti-pruritic material, mint juice is an excellent skin cleanser. It soothes skin, and helps to cure infections and itchiness, as well as being a good way to reduce pimples, and it can even relieve some of the symptoms of acne. Its anti-pruritic properties can be used for treating insect bites like those of mosquitoes, honeybees, hornets, wasps, and gnats. The cooling sensation will relieve you of the irritating sensation to scratch, and the anti-inflammatory nature of mint will bring down swelling! In that same vein, mint oil is often a basic component of bug repellent products like citronella candles, because the strong aroma is unappealing to most insects.
Depression and Fatigue : Mint is a natural stimulant, and the smell alone can be enough to charge your batteries and get your brain functioning on a high level again. If you are feeling sluggish, anxious, depressed, or simply exhausted, mint and its derivative essential oils can help. It can be ingested, applied topically in a salve form, or inhaled as a vapor, and all of those techniques can give you a much-needed boost! A popular way to get good results in an easy manner is to put a few drops of mint essential oil or menthol oil on your pillow at night and let it work on your body and mind while you sleep.
Allergies and Hay Fever :Season allergies and hay fever (also known as rhinitis) affect millions of people around the world at certain times of the year. Extracts from mint leaves have been shown to inhibit the release of histamines, which often spur on the severe nasal symptoms that are associated with hay fever and seasonal allergies.
Weight Loss :Aside from all the other health benefits of mint, it also can help in your efforts to lose weight in a healthy way! Mint is a stimulant, as we’ve already mentioned, but it also stimulates the digestive enzymes that absorb nutrients from food and consume fat and turn it into usable energy. Therefore, by adding mint to your diet, you are increasing the amount of fat that is being consumed and put to use, rather than being stored and contributing to your weight gain!
Female Sterility : There are mixed opinions regarding the role of mint in treating this condition. Some argue that prolonged use of menthol may cause sterility, reducing a woman’s ability to conceive by interfering with the production of ova and killing these gametes. This is due to the germicidal and insecticidal properties of mint, which are beneficial for so many other health concerns. Other research has claimed that men who smoke menthol cigarettes are more likely to suffer from impotency than those who smoke normal cigarettes. It is not certain whether this is due to the tobacco alone or if the mentholated aspect has anything do with it. Another group or researchers suggest that mint may actually be used to treat sterility in females. Suffice to say, a great deal of further research must be done on the effects of mint in both male impotency and female sterility.Improving the health of a person’s mouth is a well known benefit of mint. Since it has germicidal qualities and quickly freshens breath, it adds to oral health by inhibiting harmful bacterial growth inside the mouth and by cleaning the tongue and teeth. This is why mint used to be rubbed directly on the teeth and gums to refresh the mouth and eliminate dangerous forms of growth. In modern times, for the same reason, mint is one of the most common elements in toothpastes, mouthwashes, and other dental hygiene products. Of course, the easiest way to get these results is to simply chew on the leaves.
Memory Loss : A recent study explored the effects that mint has on alertness, retention, and cognitive function. It found that people who frequently use chewing gum, whose major active ingredient is mint, had higher levels of memory retention and mental alertness than those who did not. The stimulant qualities of mint, once again, have shown yet another reason to pop that stick of gum in your mouth, or chew some leaves when you’re feeling less than brilliant!
Irritable Bowel Syndrome :Mint leaves are widely used as a digestive aid. Peppermint leaf oil relaxes the muscular lining of the digestive tract, relieving cramps and gas and alleviating indigestion, according to naturopath Michael T. Murray, author of "The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods." A double-blind study published in the May 2010 issue of the journal "Digestive Diseases and Sciences" found that enteric-coated peppermint oil significantly reduced abdominal pain and improved the quality of life for patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Participants took one capsule of the mint supplement three times per day for eight weeks. .
Other Benefits :
Besides its wide industrial use in foods like ice-cream and chocolates, as well as in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, cosmetics, medicines, inhalers and breath fresheners, it is also used as a condiment and a decorative item in culinary preparation around the world. Drinks and foods containing mint cool you off in the summer, and it is often included in summer cocktails for a refreshing burst of flavor. It is also a good relaxant.
One peculiar property of mint that seems quite contrary to its traditional cooling and soothing effects is that it induces sweating if consumed during fever, thereby breaking the fever and speeding the rate of recovery. Mint juice can also be applied to heal and soothe burns. It is also beneficial in the treatment of rheumatism. Furthermore, mint is also said to improve the activity of the brain, although legitimate and consistent research on its neurological impact has yet to be completed.
Skin Care: Mash mint leaves and take a tea spoon of Mint leaves juice and apply on the black marks formed because of any injury. This will reduce black marks on your skin.
There are a few cautions regarding the use of mint oil: it is not recommended to use mint oil during pregnancy and lactation or to apply it on babies' skin. For external use, the mint oil must be diluted, no more then 30 drops of oil should be used in a skin cream.
Mint contains high levels of rosmarinic acid, an antioxidant that quenches free radicals and reduces allergy symptoms by inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. A study published in the 2004 issue of the journal "Biofactors" found that 50 milligrams of rosmarinic acid per day for 21 days reduced levels of allergy-related white blood cells, called eosinophils, and inflammatory molecules and decreased allergy symptoms significantly. In a laboratory animal section of the study, topical application of rosmarinic acid reduced skin inflammation within five hours. Researchers concluded that rosmarinic acid may offer benefits for the treatment of seasonal allergies due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Finally, when shopping for amaranth greens, look for relatively young bunches of the plant that don't display any budding flowers, an indication that the plant is already too mature.
Cooking :Amaranth Leaves are very palatable and is easy to cook and include in chapathi,Parota and in some other dishes for different flavour. Amaranth is grown and consumed as a leafy vegetable in many countries around the world. It is commonly boiled, steamed, or included in soups and stir-fries.
Storage :
It is advised to use them on the same day when bring you them , for fresh curry flavours. Otherwise wrap a polythene Paper and can be stored for one more day in the freezer.
Usage :This vegetable is used in different ways of Cooking.Look for more varieties of usage.
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Amaranth is highly vitamin-rich and is a good source of vitamin-A, vitamin-B6, vitamin-K, vitamin-C, folate and riboflavin.
Minerals
Amaranth includes numerous minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron, copper, magnesium, phosphorus and especially manganese.
Protein
Amaranth contains large amounts of protein, up to 30% more than wheat flour, rice and oats. The protein contained in amaranth is also unusually complete when compared to other plant sources, containing a complete set of amino acids. Therefore, different sources to obtain the daily recommended dose of protein is not needed. Also, amaranth lacks gluten, which is a problematic protein contained in many true grains.
Excellent gluten-free diet : Vegetarians with gluten-intolerance or those suffering from celiac diseases can meet daily recommended dose of protein from amaranth greens. Compared to other plant sources namely wheat, rye, rice and oats, Amaranth contains 30% more protein with complete set of amino acids.
Ayurvedic treatments :Juice extracted from fresh amaranth leaves are prescribed for treating diarrhoea, and hemorrhage conditions.
Fight-off cancer :Presence of lysine (an essential amino acid) along with vitamin E, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium and vitamin C helps to fight against free radicals responsible for ageing and formation of malignant cells.
Prevents electrolyte imbalance :Amaranth leaves are terrific source of manganese, iron, copper, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus necessary for maintaining proper mineral balance in the body.
Stop hair loss and greying :Besides regular consumption, applying juice from the leaves prevent brittle hair falling. This wonderful cosmetic benefit of amaranth leaves also retards the onset of premature greying.
Aids in weight management :Protein in the leaves help to reduce insulin levels in the blood and also release a hormone that lessen hunger pranks and prevent "binging catastrophe".
Prevents calcium-deficiency ailments :Calcium present in amaranth leaves reduce risk of osteoporosis and other calcium deficiencies because it has twice the calcium as milk. Indeed good news for lactose-intolerance!
Improves digestion :High dietary fibre content (3 times that of wheat) in the greens improve digestive health and reduces constipation. It is easily digestible and good for both young ones and elders.
Decreases risk of cardiovascular disease :Amaranth leaves are an excellent dietary source of phytosterols that lowers blood pressure and prevents heart ailments including stroke.
Reduces bad cholesterol : One of the key benefits of amaranth leaves is cholesterol-lowering ability. Being fibrous, this leafy vegetable is effective in reducing LDL levels in the blood and promotes weight loss. Presence of tocotrienols (a type of vitamin E) also aids in cholesterol-lowering activity.
Improves eyesight :Vitamin C found in the leaves contribute to towards healthy vision.
Provides energy :Highly packed with carbohydrates, proteins, vitamin K, folate, riboflavin, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, amaranth leaves boost energy in the body.
Good for anaemic patients: Iron-rich (5 times that of wheat) red amaranth leaves promote coagulation and increase haemoglobin content and red blood cell counts.
Amaranth seeds :
Cholesterol :The oils and phytosterols in amaranth help lower cholesterol levels, including LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides.
Inflammation :The anti-inflammatory properties in the peptides and oils of amaranth can ease pain and reduce inflammation. This is especially important for chronic conditions where inflammation erodes at health, such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Blood Pressure :The fibre and phyto-nutrients in amaranth lower blood pressure according to some recent studies. This grain tackles cholesterol, inflammation, and blood pressure, making it all around a good food for heart health.
Dietary Fibre and Amino Acids:Dietary fibre and essential amino acids, including lysine which has clinically shown potential for cancer treatment, are prominent in amaranth. It also contains relatively low cholesterol levels.
Disease Prevention:The oils in amaranth have been shown to help prevent and treat those with hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Regular consumption of amaranth can reduce cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure.
Immune Support :Amaranth has been noted to help boost the body's immune system.
Cooked amaranth shouldn't be reheated as the nitrates present in the leaves get converted to nitrites. This is particularly harmful for young children.
The grain can occasionally be difficult to digest. You can try soaking the grain overnight or toasting it before cooking the grain. Using amaranth flour might also be an easier switch to make.
Special Precautions & Warnings :
Pregnant or breast feeding mothers should ideally not make a switch to this grain during this time.
Not enough is known about the use of amaranth during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Cautionary Advice :Amaranth's moderately high content of oxalic acid inhibits much of the absorption of calcium and zinc. It should be avoided or eaten in moderation by those with gout, kidney disorders or rheumatoid arthritis. Reheating cooked amaranth is not recommended, particularly for consumption by young children, because the nitrates in the leaves can be converted to nitrites, as in spinach.
About the Vegetable :Mint Leaves have been been one of the popular herbs known since antiquity for its distinctive aroma and medicinal value. Botanically, the herb belongs to the Lamiaceae family, in the genus; Mentha. Mints are aromatic, almost exclusively perennial, rarely annual, herbs. It is actually a natural hybrid-cross between water-mint (Mentha aquatica) and spearmint (Mentha spicata).The herb has a characteristic refreshing cool breeze sensation on taste buds, palate and throat when eaten; and on nasal olfaction glands when inhaled. This unique quality of mint is due to the presence of menthol, an essential oil in its fresh leaves, and stem.They have wide-spreading underground and overground stolons and erect, square, branched stems. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, from oblong to lanceolate, often downy, and with a serrated margin. Leaf colours range from dark green and gray-green to purple, blue, and sometimes pale yellow.The flowers are white to purple and produced in false whorls called verticillasters. The corolla is two-lipped with four sub equal lobes, the upper lobe usually the largest. The fruit is a nutlet, containing one to four seeds.
Scientific / Binomial name : Mentha piperita
Popularly Known as :Pudina pata, kruizemunt, Minze, Pudina, Pudina yele, Daun Pudina Kodak, Daun Kesom, mynta, Pudhina
Usage :
The essential oils in the peppermint act on cold-sensitive receptors in the skin, mouth and throat; the property that is responsible for the well-known cooling sensation that it provokes when inhaled, eaten, or applied to the skin. This characteristic of mint can be employed in the preparation of cough/cold reliving remedies like syrups, lozenges and nasal inhalers.
Peppermint oil has analgesic, local anaesthetic and counter-irritant properties and has been used in the preparation of topical muscle relaxants, and analgesics.
It is also being used in oral hygiene products and bad-breath remedies like mouthwash, toothpaste, mouth and tongue-spray, and more generally as a food flavour agent; e.g. in chewing-gum, candy.
It is also being used in oral hygiene products and bad-breath remedies like mouthwash, toothpaste, mouth and tongue-spray, and more generally as a food flavour agent; for instance, in chewing gums, candy, etc...
About the Vegetable :Amaranthus, collectively known as Amaranth,is a cosmopolitan genus of annual or short-lived perennial plants. Some amaranth species are cultivated as leaf vegetables, cereals, and ornamental plants. Most of the species from Amaranthus are summer annual weeds and are commonly referred to as pig weed. Catkin-like cymes of densely packed flowers grow in summer or autumn. Approximately 60 species are recognized, with inflorescences and foliage ranging from purple and red to green or gold. Members of this genus share many characteristics and uses with members of the closely related genus Celosia.The root of mature amaranth is a popular vegetable. It is white and cooked with tomatoes or tamarind gravy. It has a milky taste and is alkaline.leaves and stems are used as a stir-fry vegetable, or in soups
Genus name : Amaranthus
Popularly Known as :Thotakuoora, Bonongwe, Minze,Rajgaro, Panipahl, Tikora, Bayam, Thantina, Dhantina Soppu, Harive, Cheera, Shravani Maath
Usage :
In Indonesia and Malaysia, leaf amaranth is called bayam. In the Philippines, the Ilocano word for the plant is "kalunay"; the Tagalog word for the plant is kilitis or "kulitis".
In the state of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in India, it is called Chaulai and is a popular green leafy vegetable (referred to in the class of vegetable preparations called saag).
It is called Chua in Kumaun area of Uttarakhand, where it is a popular red-green vegetable.
In Karnataka state in India, it is called Harive. It is used to prepare curries like Hulee, palya, Majjigay-hulee and so on.
In the state of Kerala, it is called 'Cheera' and is consumed by stir-frying the leaves with spices and red chillies to make 'Cheera Thoran'.
In Tamil Nadu State, it is regularly consumed as a favourite dish, where the greens are steamed, and mashed, with light seasoning of salt, red chillis and cumin.
It is called keerai masial. In Andhra Pradesh this leaf is added in preparation of a popular dal called thotakura pappu.
In Maharashtra, it is called "Shravani Maath" (literally grown in month of Shravan) and it is available in both red and white colour.
In Orissa, it is called "Khada saga", it is used to prepare 'Saga Bhaja', in which the leaf is fried with chillies and onions.
