All About Life: Healthy Recipes, Family Wellness, Festival Traditions & Everyday Inspiration

Do you know that the orange colour in pumpkins comes from a pigment called beta carotene .Beta carotene has been known as an immunity booster especially in the elderly.Some studies have also shown that increased consumption of beta carotene can reduce the risk of cancer.It is also well known for it's anti-aging and antioxidants properties. Today's recipe is a very healthy and immunity boosting pumpkin dip.This dip has been made using curd which has numerous health benefits.I have mentioned about curd in my previous post. You will need Pumpkin-1/2 Curd -1.5 cups Water-3 cups Salt to taste For tempering Sesame seeds-1/2 teaspoon Green chillies-1 Curry leaves-3-4 Mustard seeds-1/4 teaspoon Oil-2 teaspoons Method -Peel the pumpkin and wash it and cut into small pieces. -Take a deep vessel and add 3 cups of water to it.Add the cut pumpkin pieces and salt.Let it boil till the pumpkin is cooked well.Drain the water and let the pumpkin cool completely. -In a sepa...

Capture the sunny taste of summer with some light and healthy vegetables and tangy fruits.The salad recipes that i will share with you today will delight your taste buds.These recipes are full of antioxidants,vitamins and calcium and are also easy to make. 1.Tangy Vegetable Salad Ingredients Cucumber-1 Onion-1/2 Carrot-1 Tomato-2 small Green chilli-1 Lime juice-2 teaspoons Peanuts- 7-8 roasted Cilantro- 1 teaspoon finely chopped Salt to taste Method -Finely chop the onion,green chilli and tomatoes. -Peel the cucumber and carrot and grate it. -Heat a pan and slightly roast the peanuts.Allow it to cool and pound it.Keep aside. -Take a bowl and add all the vegetables and salt.Toss it properly. -Cut the lime into half and squeeze the juice out and keep in a separate bowl. -Add lime juice to the tossed salad and mix well. -Sprinkle the roasted peanuts and chopped cilantro on top. 2.Chick Peas Salad  Ingredients White chick peas(kabuli chana)-1.5 cups Oni...

In my previous post I had mentioned about the several health benefits of banana. Today  I will give you a simple pancake recipe using banana. Basic Banana Pancake Ingredients Bananas-2 ripe medium size Sugar-3 tablespoon Honey-2 tablespoon Castor sugar/powdered sugar-1 teaspoon  For the Batter All purpose flour-2 cups Salt-a pinch Baking Powder-2 teaspoons Cardamoms-2 powdered Milk-1.5 cups Oil-2.5 tablespoon Method -Take a bowl and mix flour,sugar,salt,cardamom powder and banking powder and mix well. -Slowly add milk to the flour stirring it constantly to make a nice thick batter.Make sure there are no lumps in the batter. -Mash the ripe bananas to make a smooth consistency.Add this to the flour batter.Mix well again. -Heat a frying pan and add oil.Take a big spoon of batter and slowly spread it to make a circle on the pan. -Keep the flame on medium heat and let the pancake cook. -Carefully turn the pancake to the other side and let it cook for 2 minu...

Oatmeal is one of the healthiest foods known for its high nutritional values.Oatmeal has been approved as a heart friendly food as it lowers cholesterol and lowers the risk of heart diseases. Types of Oats and Oatmeal Oatmeal is a whole-grain cereal made from ground oat groats.It has very low fat content and is rich in soluble fibers called Beta-Glucan. Oatmeal comes in several forms: Instant Oatmeal -It is dried and precooked.It often contains sweeteners and other flavours as additive. Rolled Oats -This old fashioned oats is steam processed and rolled into flakes.This helps the oats to stay fresh for a longer time.Rolled oats are used as an ingredient in muesli and granola. Steel-cut Oats/Irish Oatmeal -The oat groats are chopped into small pieces using  large steel blades and are usually roasted. Nutrition Vitamins -Oatmeal is a good source of B-complex vitamin.Vitamin B is water soluble and is important for metabolic functions. Minerals- Oatmeal cereal is a ric...

Pakoras are a great choice for evening snacks.A cup of hot beverage with hot and crispy pakoras,a perfect way to enjoy a Sunday evening with family. Indians relish different kinds of pakoras.They can be made with almost any vegetable.The batter usually is made with gram flour,rice flour,corn flour and even chana dal and urad dal. I'm going to share some delicious and quick to make pakoras recipes.  1.Onion Pakora(Kanda Bhajia) Ingredients Onions-2 large Gram flour-4 tablespoons Rice flour-2 tablespoons Red chilli powder-1 teaspoon(optional) Salt -to taste Water-3-4 tablespoons Oil-2 cups for frying Method -Finely slice the onions.Add the above ingredients except water and mix well. -Now add 3-4 tablespoons of water and mix again.The mixture should should be a little hard and not watery. -Heat a pan and add oil to it.Wash your hands and take small amount of the mixture,gently press it between your thumb and four fingers and add it to the heated pan.Do not crowd t...

Turmeric – The Golden Spice with Powerful Healing Properties Turmeric ( Curcuma longa ) is much more than just a spice that adds a golden hue to our food. This powerful root has been used for centuries in Indian and Chinese traditional medicine for its wide-ranging health benefits. Often referred to as the “Golden Spice,” turmeric holds a special place in Ayurveda for its natural healing properties. With increasing interest in natural remedies and wellness, turmeric is now being recognized globally for its therapeutic value. In this article, we’ll explore turmeric’s nutritional benefits, healing properties, traditional uses, precautions, and how to incorporate it into your daily routine. What is Turmeric? Turmeric is a bright yellow-orange spice derived from the underground stem (rhizome) of the turmeric plant. It belongs to the ginger family and is native to South Asia, where it has been used for thousands of years in cooking, medicine, and rituals. The dried root is ground i...

When my son was a toddler,I had to go through some trial and error every single day.Mealtimes were like challenges for me but I slowly learned some important lessons.Today I'm going to share some ideas that really worked for me and I hope this will help you guide your kids to eat more veggies. Why Kids Should Eat Vegetables? Vegetables have high nutritional values which protect us from many diseases like cancer,diabetes and heart diseases.Vegetables are rich in vitamins,minerals,antioxidants,fibers,low in calories and fat free.They are essential for the development of children's brain and body. Instilling good eating habits in children at an early age can set up a lifelong habit of healthy eating.Getting kids eat more vegetables can sometimes be a battle.It can be intimidating but with a little effort and creativity you can surely do it. Make a schedule and be Consistent -Offer kids meals and snacks at the right time.Make veggies a part of your routine and serve ...

Filled with vitamins,minerals and fiber,bananas provide some important nutrients to the body. Bananas come as a versatile fruit and are loved by both adults and children.They are an excellent source of energy and can be eaten as whole,sliced to make fruit salad or mashed as baby food Nutritional Value Potassium- Bananas are rich in potassium, a mineral essential for healthy heart,muscle,kidney and digestive system. Vitamin C -Vitamin C is known for it's antioxidant properties.It is also required in the formation of collagen,absorption of iron and formation of hemoglobin. Vitamin B6 -It converts carbohydrates to glucose and thus maintains healthy levels of blood sugar in the body.It also helps in the formation of hemoglobin and metabolism of protein. Fiber- Bananas contain soluble fiber which lowers cholesterol.Soluble fibers also help in weight loss.     Health Benefits  Regulates Bowel Movements -Bananas contain pectin which is a soluble fiber that helps ...

Supermarkets today are flooded with several brands and varieties of cooking oils.All oils have different characteristics like nutritional properties,smoking point and culinary uses.Irrespective of your preference,it is always advisable to choose liquid fat over solid fats like butter and margarine. Oil Fats Saturated Fats- These fats increase the levels of total cholesterol and LDL which is the bad cholesterol.This allows fat to be deposited on the walls of the blood vessels thereby causing blood clots ,heart diseases and possibly type 2 diabetes. Unsaturated Fats -These fats are considered to be heart friendly.they are of two types. Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA) Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA) Both are healthy fatty acids and lower the total cholesterol and the bad cholesterol too. The Good and Bad Fats Good Fats Monounsaturated Fats- These oils are usually liquid at room temperature.They lower total cholesterol and LDL(Bad cholesterol)and increase HDL(goo...

In my last post I had mentioned about the benefits of curd.Curd is a part of Indian food culture and no meal is complete without a cup of curd.Today,I'll share some easy and quick to make raitas with curd.Please keep in mind that you need to use fresh curd in all the recipes.Raitas are usually used as dips or sauce and are often seasoned with fresh herbs. Vegetable Raita Ingredients : Finely chopped onion-3 teaspoons Grated cucumber-3 teaspoons Finely chopped tomatoes-1 Fresh Curd-1 cup Chopped green chillies-1(optional) Chopped coriander leaves-1 teaspoon Salt-to taste Roasted peanuts-7-8 Roasted cumin powder-1/2 teaspoon Method : Whisk the curd properly and add salt and all the above ingredients except roasted peanuts and cumin powder.Mix well.Crush the roasted peanuts and add it to the raita.Sprinkle roasted cumin powder on top.Garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Potato(Alu) Raita Ingredients : Fresh curd-1cup Boiled potato-1(medium) Chopped green chill...

Simple and Refreshing Curd Yogurt or curd is a dairy product which is made by lactic fermentation of milk.It is a therapeutic food known for its refreshing taste and smoothness.One should always consume fresh curd made from fresh and pure milk. Types of Curd Thick Curd Whisked Curd Sweet Curd  How to Store Always store curd in the fridge and not in the freezer.If kept below 5 degrees C,yogurt can stored for several weeks. Nutritional Value  Curd is very nutritious.150 grams of whole curd contains 7.7 gm of protein,240 mg calcium,163 calories and 23.8 gm carbohydrates. It also contains vitamins A,E,K, folate,vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. Apart from the important vitamins,curd also contains calcium,selenium,magnesium,zinc,phosphorus,copper and saturated and monounsaturated fats. Probiotic Curd Probiotics when added to curd help in digesting fats and protein. This helps to relieve constipation by improving intestinal mobility. Probiotics are also benefic...

 Irrespective of your religion and background,spirituality defines your values and is a source of inspiration and stability for you.   Children,Spirituality and Happiness Spirituality is the way we experience and relate to God.Though religion and spirituality are both different things we all need to remember that all living bodies belong to the spiritual world that is governed by spiritual laws. Spirituality is important for children because it brings them happiness.A recent study shows that children who are more spiritual(inner belief system) are more happier than those who report a certain level of religiousness.Developing a strong sense of personal worth in children will make them more happier. Help your Child grow Spiritually Parents should not limit their child's spirituality to visiting places of worship or just talking about God. Here are a few practical tips-  Be a supportive spiritual companion to your child by modelling love,kindness,compassion a...

According to psychologists parenting begins even before the child in unborn.A mother talking,reading and singing to the unborn child creates a mother-infant bond early on.Even after the child is born,parent's interaction plays a very very important role in child's brain development.This goes a long in shaping the child's brain and affecting his psychological state.Some studies have also shown that children who have received responsive and sensitive care from their parents in their early years grow up to be more confident and successful individuals in their lives.Recent advances in brain research has shown that the brain development in children is not only dependent on genetics but is also determined by the child's experience. Child's Developing Brain - A Miracle Research shows that the first three years are vital to the child's brain development.The child's brain responds to the continually changing experiences in different ways.These experi...

We have all read news reports about the negative influences of video games.It is true that these games can have some bad consequences on the child's behavior but there are also a lot of positive benefits.Video games engage children in many learning activities which help children learn certain skills.Computers are an important social tool in today's modern world and children should be given enough opportunities to play with them.Some studies have also shown that video games can teach children with attention deficit disorders to modulate their brain waves associated with focusing.With proper training these children have shown to improve their social and organizational skills. Positive Benefits for Children As Educational Tool -These games are fun and exciting for children so they stimulate learning. Spatial skills -It develops spatial abilities in children by helping them visualize objects in two and three dimensions. Goal Setting- Goals are set in every game and they ...

  How serious is Childhood Obesity? The increasing number of childhood obesity cases is a cause of concern in many families globally.A recent survey says that the number of childhood obesity cases have almost tripled in the last 30 years.Obese children and adolescents are at a high risk of developing long term health problems later in life.In addition to major health problems,obese or overweight children may also have problems with their emotional health like low self-confidence and self-esteem which can lead to diminished academic performance and sometimes depression. Parents must help children understand that just like food,our choice of beverage can affect our health and nutritional intake. Consuming healthy food and beverages in moderation can help children live a balanced lifestyle. Why are Beverages added with sugar Unhealthy? High intake of beverages sweetened with sugar not only causes obesity but it also lowers the intake of certain important nutrients like vitam...

  Developing number sense in children can help them excel in Maths  Why Maths is Important for Children? How do you respond when your child asks you why he needs to learn maths.Do you have a positive way to explain or is your approach negative? Just like reading skills,developing early math skills in children is equally important.Maths can help children solve real-life problems. Reasoning and Logic-Maths teaches children reasoning and connecting ideas logically. Maths in everyday life-While shopping we check the weight and size of food packets.This is where we apply maths.We use maths in our kitchen by the amount of ingredients we need to make a recipe. What is Number Sense? Number sense is the ability of a person to understand numbers, their operation and also the ability to use this understanding in various flexible ways.It is as important to maths learning as phonemic awareness has been to reading.Young children develop number sense by visualizing and explorin...

Pretend Play - An effective tool for cognitive development Let me first tell you what cognitive development in early childhood means and how it is associated with pretend play in children. Cognitive Development: It is the changing process of perception,thought and learning that starts from infancy to adulthood and thee abilities are associated with reasoning,problem-solving and memory. Young children discover new things by manipulating toys and various objects while playing and while doing so they are developing  mathematical thinking, language and social skills. Pretend Play and Child's Magical World of Imagination Parents know that play is a vital component for optimal development of children but most of them are unaware of the power of pretend play.Pretend play is the cornerstone of a child's world where he is free to explore numerous possible combinations of emotions and ideas.Science has confirmed that such type of play has important positive effects on child...

Teach Children Good Dental Hygiene Parents often have a tough time deciding how best they can encourage kids to maintain good dental hygiene.It is vitally important that parents assist children in understanding the importance of their teeth and gums health.Parents sometimes find it hard to judge when they should schedule their child's first trip to the dentist.We all know about plaque and cavities but don't know what is the best way to prevent it.A routine teeth-cleaning habit from an early age will help them develop a good dental hygiene. When to Start? For New born and  Infants - A child has only 20 primary teeth at birth but we cannot see them.Dental care should start even before the child's first tooth appears.Wipe your baby's gums with a soft and sterile cloth at least twice a day after feeding.This will prevent the build up of bacteria. At 6 months,you would notice teeth break the gum.Use a soft-bristled brush to clean your child's teeth.Brush with l...

Help your child have a Good and Sound sleep Sleep is the power source of our body.It recharges our brain and keeps our mind alert.Young children need to have enough sleep.It is  important for their growth and brain development.Good sleep restores energy in their little bodies and it also helps parents get some free time.With long working hours for  parents and packed schedules for school and other activities regular sleeping habit in children is pushed back.We often think that children missing naps and late bed times is no big deal but the consequences can greatly affect their psychological wellbeing. Children and Sleep Sound and good sleep is very important for growth and  development of children . There are a few things which are essential for healthy sleep.   Quality of sleep -This means uninterrupted sleep.It is essential for the development of child's nervous system. Length of sleep -Sufficient amount of sleep is important.This varies with the age of...

In one of my recent posts i had mentioned about Green Cilantro Dip(Green Dhania chutney).Today, I will share some more tasty Indian chutney recipes with you.You can have then with Idlis,Dosas or with your favorite tikkis.These chutneys are easy to make and you will need very few ingredients to make them. Coconut Chutney : You will Need Scraped coconut-1/2 cup Roasted chana dal-3 tablespoons Green chilli-1 Salt- to taste For Tempering Refined oil-2 teaspoons Red chilli-2 Curry leaves-4-5 Mustard seeds-1/2 teaspoon Urad dal-1/2 teaspoon     Method Put the scraped coconut,green chilli,roasted chana dal and salt in a blender and blend to make a fine paste.Take it out in a bowl. In a small pan add 2 teaspoons of oil and as the pan gets heated add the mustard seeds,curry leaves,urad dal and red chillies.Turn off the flame and pour the tempering on the chutney. ***If you do not have roasted chana dal, you can dry roast the chana dal in a pan for 3-4 minutes and us...

Music Lessons for Brain Development in Young Children Music is loved by people from all cultures and young children naturally love music.When my son was 14 months old he used to hum to the beat of the songs i played on my laptop.I'm not saying that all children who love music will grow up to be prodigies but as parents there is a lot we can do to stimulate different areas of the child's brain through music. Research says There is evidence that a child can respond to sound and music inside a mother's womb.Trillions of nerve cells are sprouting every day in an unborn child's brain.After birth,the child's brain is still not completely developed.The early years in a child's life are a period of incredible development. It has been discovered that music training can significantly improve brain development in young children.Several studies and research have also established the fact that music lessons can also help young children improve memory. Researchers ...

 Simple and Quick Summer Coolers It's summer time and the temperatures are considerably above normal.Summer is also the time for some refreshing and chilling coolers.How do you beat the scorching heat?Do you prefer aerated cold drinks or make fresh and healthy coolers at home? Come and explore some refreshing and healthy coolers that are all natural-yes,without any preservatives. Healthy Ragi Drink: You  will need- Ragi flour-2 tablespoons Water-1.5 cups Buttermilk-3Cups(See recipe below) Salt-1.5 teaspoons Green chilli-1finely chopped(optional) Onion-1/2 finely chopped Method- In a pan dry roast the ragi flour stirring it constantly for 2 minutes. Take another boil 1.5 cups of water and add salt and turn the flame off and add ragi flour.It is very important that you keep stirring the ragi flour after mixing it with water.Make sure there are no lumps formed.Cool it. Mix the buttermilk and add chopped green chillies and onion. Slowly pour the ragi mix int...