Chives is the smallest species of the onion family alliceae. They bloom in May and June. The pretty lavender-pink globular flower heads of chives not only beautify the garden, but they can also be used as a garnish for salad dishes. It grows in clumps rather than as individual plants. Its species name dervives from the Greek word skhoinos(sedge) and prason(onion). Its English name chive is derived from the French word cive derived from cepa being the Latin word for onion.
The Romans seem to have believed that chives could relieve a sore throat and sunburns. Chives are native to the cool regions of Europe and Asia. Now they grow wild in North America, especially around the Great Lakes region. They can even be found growing wild in your backyard lawn. Chives are a popular hardy garden plant that grows from 8 to 15 inches tall. Wednesday, 3 June 2009
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
Radish
rnishing or it is used as an ingredient in green salads. Radishes are root vegetables that resemble beets or turnips in appearance and texture, but have a distinct flavor. It is the root of a plant classified in the mustard family.
The flavor of radish varies from mild to peppery and pungent, depending on the variety. Radishes are available all year long, and are at their peak from June through September. There are five main varieties of radishes Red Glode, daikons, Black, white Icicles, California Mammoth White.
Radishes and their greens provide an excellent source of vitamin C and a powerful antioxidant. It has anti-inflammatory properties too. Radish leaves are a good source of calcium. Radishes contain cancer-protective properties. The sulphur based chemicals present in radish increase the flow of bile. This improves the health of gall bladder. Radish can protect as against ailments like Jaundice, piles, urinary disorders, weightloss cancer Leucoderma, skin disorders, kidney disorders and insect bites.
The flavor of radish varies from mild to peppery and pungent, depending on the variety. Radishes are available all year long, and are at their peak from June through September. There are five main varieties of radishes Red Glode, daikons, Black, white Icicles, California Mammoth White.
Radishes and their greens provide an excellent source of vitamin C and a powerful antioxidant. It has anti-inflammatory properties too. Radish leaves are a good source of calcium. Radishes contain cancer-protective properties. The sulphur based chemicals present in radish increase the flow of bile. This improves the health of gall bladder. Radish can protect as against ailments like Jaundice, piles, urinary disorders, weightloss cancer Leucoderma, skin disorders, kidney disorders and insect bites.
Apples for Health
The proverb "An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Apples come in all shades of reds, greens, yellows. Apples are fat, sodium, and cholesterol free. Apples are delicious and a natural mouth freshener. Apples are a source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber such as pectin actually helps to prevent cholesterol buildup in the lining of blood vessel walls, thus reducing the incident of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
It is a good to eat apples with their skin. Almost half of the vitamin C content is just underneath the skin. Most of apple's fragrance cells are also concentrated in the skin. Apple juice is good as a nutritious drink but excellent in overcoming a liverish feeling, in helping sort out digestive disturbances and for flushing the kidneys. Many of these health providing properties are retained in cider vinegar, so if you cannot obtain apples to prepare your juice you can use instead two teaspoonfuls of cider vinegar in a glass of water. Apples may reduce the risk of colon cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer apples contain relatively low amounts of Vitamin C as well as several other antioxidant compounds. The fiber content, while less than in most other fruits, helps regulate bowel movements and may thus reduce the risk of colon cancer. They also reduce the risk of heart disease, promote weight loss and controls cholesterol.
It is a good to eat apples with their skin. Almost half of the vitamin C content is just underneath the skin. Most of apple's fragrance cells are also concentrated in the skin. Apple juice is good as a nutritious drink but excellent in overcoming a liverish feeling, in helping sort out digestive disturbances and for flushing the kidneys. Many of these health providing properties are retained in cider vinegar, so if you cannot obtain apples to prepare your juice you can use instead two teaspoonfuls of cider vinegar in a glass of water. Apples may reduce the risk of colon cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer apples contain relatively low amounts of Vitamin C as well as several other antioxidant compounds. The fiber content, while less than in most other fruits, helps regulate bowel movements and may thus reduce the risk of colon cancer. They also reduce the risk of heart disease, promote weight loss and controls cholesterol.
Monday, 1 June 2009
Custard Apple
Custard Apple or Seethaphal is a tropical fruit tree that grows easily. It was first culivated in West Indies. Its botanical name is 'ANNONA SQUAMOSA'. It is very popular in India. The pulp of the fruit is mixed with milk to make custard. As it has the taste of custard it is called 'Custard Apple'. The fruit has a peculiar aroma. Custard Apple is used to make Jams, Jellies and sherbets.
The plant is propogated by grafting as well as through the seeds. CustardAppleGrafted plants produce fruits from the first year itself. The plant usually flowers between March and July. The fruits should be plucked before they are ripe and stored for ripening.
Custard apple promotes digestion and is used as a cure for vomiting, diarrhoea, dysentry and vertigo. The unripe fruit is dried and powdered and is used as a cure for treating lice. The fruit is low in calorie content and contains minerals like iron, phosphorous, calcium and riboflavin.
The plant is a evergreen shrub and reaches a maximum of 6 mts. The plant bears flowers in the mature branches and the fruits develop in the mature branches and are usually round. The flesh is white and creamy with a sugary taste. The seeds are black in colour with a shine. The seeds are not consumed for they are slightly poisonous.
The plant is propogated by grafting as well as through the seeds. CustardAppleGrafted plants produce fruits from the first year itself. The plant usually flowers between March and July. The fruits should be plucked before they are ripe and stored for ripening.
Custard apple promotes digestion and is used as a cure for vomiting, diarrhoea, dysentry and vertigo. The unripe fruit is dried and powdered and is used as a cure for treating lice. The fruit is low in calorie content and contains minerals like iron, phosphorous, calcium and riboflavin.
The plant is a evergreen shrub and reaches a maximum of 6 mts. The plant bears flowers in the mature branches and the fruits develop in the mature branches and are usually round. The flesh is white and creamy with a sugary taste. The seeds are black in colour with a shine. The seeds are not consumed for they are slightly poisonous.
Nutritious and Healthy food
Healthy and nutritious food is very important for maintaining a good health. Healthy food involves, regular and timely food, juices, nuts, snacks and much more. A balanced diet, good food habits are essential for a healthy life.
In the normal course of life, we forget to take necessary nutrition that is required for our body and hence we tend to get into many life style diseases. It is very essential for a person to know and understand the benefits of nature's creation like fruits, vegetables, nuts,etc.
You can find useful articles on nutrition and health benefits of various fruits and vegetables. Read on and add these to your daily life. The value of food is more when it is taken in a systematic manner and also by understanding the benefits of every bite we take.
In the normal course of life, we forget to take necessary nutrition that is required for our body and hence we tend to get into many life style diseases. It is very essential for a person to know and understand the benefits of nature's creation like fruits, vegetables, nuts,etc.
You can find useful articles on nutrition and health benefits of various fruits and vegetables. Read on and add these to your daily life. The value of food is more when it is taken in a systematic manner and also by understanding the benefits of every bite we take.
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