Benefits of Pomegranate

Health Benefits of Eating Pomegranate:


Pomegranate (botanical name is Punica granatum) is not just a delicious fruit, but is also high in nutrition. Rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, pomegranate is one of the most powerful, nutrient dense foods for overall good health.

Heart health: 

Pomegranate is packed with Polyphenols, tannins and other antioxidant properties which protects your heart. These compounds also lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol (LDL).

Cancer:

Various studies have shown that the antioxidants and polyphenols found in pomegranate can help prevent cancer cells from spreading and may even be competent of killing the cells.

Weight management:

Pomegranate seeds are low in calories and rich in fiber and vitamins. Pomegranate and other fiber-rich foods such as whole grains may help in weight management while reducing your risk of developing chronic diseases.

Skin health:

Eating pomegranate can keep your skin youthful, healthy and wrinkle-free. The antioxidants present in pomegranates can help delay the ageing process.

Dental health:

Pomegranate has been found to be beneficial for dental health as it has anti-bacterial effects. Drinking pomegranate juice can fight off dental plaque thus keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

 Aids digestion:

You need to consume at least 20-35g of fibre everyday according to dietary guidelines prescribed by Harvard School of Public Health. Pomegranate is a rich source of this vital nutrient that not only helps prevent constipation and keep your digestive system in good health, it also helps you absorb other nutrients more efficiently.

 Improves your immunity:

Eating pomegranates is a great way to boost your immunity as it is rich in Vitamin C. A healthy immune system will keep most diseases and infections at bay, as your body becomes strong enough to fight them. Here are some more foods that can help boost your immunity.

 Increases your libido:

According to a research conducted by researchers from Queen Margaret University, a glass of pomegranate juice consumed daily helped boost testosterone levels in both men and women. This makes pomegranate a natural aphrodisiac that is great for your sex life.

Keeps you looking younger:

Ever wondered why we grow old and our skin develops wrinkles and other signs of ageing? Well, it is because of free radical damage that affects your cells. Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants which help delay this process. Therefore, eating pomegranate keeps your skin glowing and radiant for a long time.

 Helps reduce stress:

According to a study conducted by Queen Margaret University, drinking pomegranate juice could help reduce stress levels significantly. The study concluded that people who drank pomegranate juice had lower levels of cortisol – also known as the stress hormone. Read our mega guide to deal with stress in our daily lives.

Keeps Alzheimer’s at bay:

Imagine being stuck on a road having forgotten where you live? Surely, you wouldn’t want it  to happen to you for real. According to a research conducted by Richard Hartman from Loma Linda University, a daily glass of antioxidant juice could help reduce the build-up of harmful proteins that can cause Alzheimer’s disease.

Bihari Kabab

                                                                                                     Cooking Time: 25-30 Mint
                                                                                                                  Serves: 6-7

Bihari kabab is one of the famous and delicious Pakistani dishes. It is commonly available in many Food Street of Pakistan. Here is an easy bihari kabab recipe without compromising its scrumptious taste so let’s try this bihari kabab recipe now and give your views.

Ingredients :

2.00 kilograms Beef pasanda (thin slIced)
2.00 Teaspoons Coriander powder
2.00 Teaspoon red pepper powder
2.00 Teaspoons Garam masala powder
2.00 medium Onions paste
4.00 tablespoon mustard Oil
1.00 cup yogurt
2.00 medium onion slIced
0.00 As per taste Salt
1.00 scopes Papaya (raw ) ground

 Method:

When you buy Pasandas get them thin sliced about 2- 3inches wide 4 inches in length.


Two medium onions that you have sliced should be fried brown and crushed by hand. Now mix well all the above ingredients and the beef with your hand.leave to marinate for about 6-8 hrs in the fridge.


Then put the meat in the skewers( folded in layers). Close held together.put the meat over heated charcoal turning it regularly till meat is barbecued from all the sides.


Serve it hot with paratha and raita.

Apple -Tips

Serving Suggestions and Tips:

Apples travel well, so they provide a healthy snack option, but the fruit can also contribute to a range of dishes. Top a piece of whole-grain toast with thinly-sliced apple, sharp cheddar shavings and cinnamon for a savory and sweet open-faced sandwich. Add apples to your salad -- the fruit pairs well with dried cranberries, spinach and a maple-balsamic vinaigrette. Try adding apples to your pureed soups -- butternut squash and apple soup or a carrot-ginger-apple soup make for comforting meals in cooler weather.

Tips for Usage (Cooking/Eating):

Apples are extremely versatile fruits that can be eaten alone or used as an ingredient in several recipes. The skin of an apple contains unusual amounts of nutrients and so it should be eaten with its skin on. Even if you are using the apples in a recipe, it is advisable to use them unpeeled to reap their full nutritional value.

Before using the apple, make sure to scrub its skin gently with a natural bristle brush for 10 to 15 minutes to remove the pest proof coating of wax. Processing of apples such as boiling or extraction of apple juices often results in the loss of polyphenols or other nutrients. Hence, consumption of raw apples is the best option to obtain all the nutrients. Given below are some of the tips to enjoy this delicious fruit.

1. Apples can be eaten directly. Besides satisfying your sweet tooth, they can be a nutritious treat. All you need to do is hold the unpeeled apple and take a bite. You will notice that the apple tastes sweeter near the core. Alternatively, you can also eat sliced apples.

2. Diced apples can be added to fruit and green salads. Beets and apples can be combined in a refreshing salad garnished with walnuts and endive and tossed in light vinaigrette.

3. Chopped apples can be braised with red cabbage. Pork chops can be braised with apple cider and served with tender red onions and sweet Granny Smith apples.

4. Apple juice is a refreshing drink and can be prepared at home by blending whole apples in a powerful blender. Commercial apple juices fall into two categories “clear” and “cloudy”. Clear apple juice does not contain the pulpy apple solids called apple pomace while the cloudy apple juice retains some of these pulpy solids.

5. Apple sauce can be prepared by mixing sliced peeled apples, water and sugar in a 2 quart microwave safe dish. This should be covered and microwaved on high power for 6 to 8 minutes. Now, the mixture can be processed or blended to make the sauce. You can also make chunky apple sauce by mashing with a potato masher or cutting with a pastry blender.

6. Apples can be used to make healthy desserts that satisfy your sweet tooth as well. For instance, you can bake apples and blackberries and serve it with crumbled sugar-cone topping.

Overall apples contain a great variety of everything you need, this little fruit is jam packed! You wouldn’t want to waste the golden benefits that apples provide. So grab an apple and start increasing your level of health one bite at a time. Let us know what else you love about apples in the comments!

Perfect Pie Tip : Choose Tart Apples:


You may think that picking the right apple for a pie is all about flavor, but there's another equally important element: pectin. Pectin is the biological glue that holds together plant cells, giving fruits and vegetables their shape and structure. When apples are cooked, this pectin breaks down, and the apples turn mushy.

However, there are ways to control this pectin breakdown, helping you to ensure that your apple slices are tender, but still hold their shape in the pie. The easiest first step is to pick the right apple. Pectin breakdown is inhibited by low pH levels (that is, it breaks down less when the environment is acidic). Thus the tarter the apple, the more likely it is to hold its shape upon baking.

Interestingly enough, tartness also prevents oxidation reactions that can turn apple slices brown. So by examining which apple slices turn the brownest after slicing, we get a pretty good gauge of their acid content.
As you can see, Red Delicious, McIntosh, and Braeburn brown the most and will tend to break down completely upon baking. Meanwhile, Granny Smith, Royal Gala, Empire, Cortland, and Golden Delicious will all fare far better. I like to use Golden Delicious because of their perfume-like aroma, but any tart apple will work.

Benefits of Apple Skin & Hair

Benefits of skin 

Vitamin C:

Apples benefit your health by boosting your intake of vitamin C, or ascorbic acid. Vitamin C helps you make collagen, a protein found abundantly in your skin. Collagen is a crucial structural component of skin and helps maintain your skin's waterproof barrier. Low collagen production caused by vitamin C deficiency affects your skin, leading to a re-opening of old wounds and skin tearing. A large apple contains 10.3 milligrams of vitamin C, 14 percent of the daily vitamin C requirements for women, according to the Linus Pauling Institute, or 11 percent for men.

Copper:

Apples also provide a source of copper, an essential mineral that contributes to healthy skin.Copper helps you make melanin, the brown-black pigment that colors your skin. Melanin in your skin protects you from the sun's ultraviolet rays, so being able to produce melanin provides natural sun protection. Melanin also makes up an essential part of other tissues, including your eyes and hair. Each large apple contains 60 micrograms of copper, or 7 percent of your daily copper requirements, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.

Vitamin A:

Apples provide a small amount of skin-friendly vitamin A, a family of chemicals called retinoids. Vitamin A plays an important role in skin development -- it helps immature skin develop into mature and functional skin tissue. Vitamin A might also reduce the risk of skin cancer, according to the Linus Pauling Institute, although more research is needed to know its exact role in cancer prevention. A large apple provides 120 international units of vitamin A. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, this makes up 5 percent of the daily vitamin A requirements for women or 4 percent for men

 Treatment of Acne, Blemishes and Dark Spots:

To get rid of acne, blemishes and dark spots, you can mash a quarter of an apple with milk cream and apply it on your face. Apple also provides relief from acne and sunburns, thanks to its cooling properties. For this purpose, place an apple slice in the refrigerator for an hour or so and apply it on sun burnt skin or acne prone skin for relief.

 Great Toner:

Apples are wonderful toners that help to tighten your skin and stimulate blood circulation to the skin surface. Raw apple pulp and apple cider vinegar are quite beneficial in this regard. Apple cider vinegar helps to clear the skin’s pores of pathogens and oil, which are responsible for causing acne and pimples. It also balances the skin’s pH levels, which enables the skin to restrict the overproduction of its own oils. Dip a cotton ball in a high value apple cider vinegar and apply it on your face. This will have the same effect as the toner. Besides, it will keep acne/pimples at bay.

 Treatment of Puffy Eyes:

Placing slices of apples under your eyes can reduce dark circles or puffy eyes. Alternatively, you can mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider with grated potatoes. Apply this on the eye puffiness and cover with a warm cloth. Leave this for 10 to 20 minutes and rinse off with warm water.

 Prevents Skin Cancer:

Apple contains a small amount of vitamin A, a family of chemicals known as retinoids. Vitamin A plays an important role in skin development, thus enabling immature skin develop into mature and functional skin tissue. Vitamin A also reduces the risk of skin cancer. One large apple provides about 120 international units of vitamin A which is equivalent to 5% and 4% of the daily vitamin A requirements for women and men respectively.

Apple Benefits For Hair

Besides being your skin’s best friend, regular consumption of apples provides you with a healthy mane. The plethora of nutrients found in this fruit can boost hair growth and provide numerous other benefits given below.

 Stimulates Hair Growth:

Apple belongs to the category of fruits that are known as hair growth boosters. This quality can be attributed to the presence of a nutrient called biotin which has been heralded as the natural growth steroids for hair and nails. People are often recommended biotin in their diet to combat hair loss. Research has indicated that biotin promotes hair growth and infuses strength and thickness into each strand. And needless to say, apple is one of the best natural ways of getting this vital nutrient.

Promotes Longer and Healthier hair:

Long and lustrous locks are everyone’s desire and this delicious fruit does possess the ability to fulfill it. This is because it contains a compound called procynidin B-2 which stimulates hair growth as well as thickens your hair. It also prevents hair thinning and male pattern baldness.

 Prevents Hair Loss:

Apple has the potential to prevent hair loss, thanks to the presence of soluble fiber, phenolic compounds in apple skin, antioxidants and vitamins. When eaten daily, apples also prevent hair fall. Antioxidants help in increasing circulation to the scalp, thus encouraging hair growth.

 Treatment of Dandruff:

Topical application of apple juice on your scalp helps to restore the normal balance of the scalp, thus preventing scalp problems such as dandruff. All you need to do is give a final rinse of apple juice to your hair after shampooing. This will eliminate dandruff and bring about an added shine.

Benefits of Apple

Apples are delicious fruits! They have striking colour and a rosy aroma as they belong to the rose family of plants, Rosaceae. They are scientifically known to be full of minerals and vitamins.

Do you know that Apples are a store house of fibres with about 4 grams of fibre enclosed in a medium-sized apple. That’s where the popular saying comes from – “An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away”


1. Get whiter, healthier teeth:

   An apple won’t replace your toothbrush, but biting and chewing an apple stimulates the production   of saliva in your mouth, reducing tooth decay by lowering the levels of bacteria.

2. Avoid Alzheimer’s:

   A new study performed on mice shows that drinking apple juice could keep Alzheimer’s away and     fight the effects of aging on the brain. Mice in the study that were fed an apple-enhanced diet        showed higher levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and did better in maze tests than those
  on a regular diet.

3. Protect against Parkinson’s:

   Research has shown that people who eat fruits and other high-fibre foods gain a certain amount of     protection against Parkinson’s, a disease characterized by a breakdown of the brain’s
 dopamine producing nerve cells. Scientists have linked this to the free radical-fighting power of the  antioxidants contained therein.

4. Curb all sorts of cancers:

   Scientists from the American Association for Cancer Research, among others, agree that the    consumption of flavonol-rich apples could help reduce your risk of developing pancreatic cancer by    up to 23 per cent. Researchers at Cornell University have identified several compounds—    triterpenoids—in apple peel that have potent anti-growth activities against cancer cells in the liver,  colon and breast. Their earlier research found that extracts from whole apples can reduce the number  and size of mammary tumours in rats. Meanwhile, the National Cancer Institute in the U.S. has  recommended a high fibre intake to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

5. Decrease your risk of diabetes:

   Top 20 flat tummy foods
  Our best healthy apple recipes
  6 reasons to eat more apples
  Women who eat at least one apple a day are 28 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than       those who don’t eat apples. Apples are loaded with soluble fibre, the key to blunting blood
  sugar swings.

6. Reduce cholesterol:

   The soluble fibre found in apples binds with fats in the intestine, which translates into lower    cholesterol levels and a healthier you.

7. Get a healthier heart:

  An extensive body of research has linked high soluble fibre intake with a slower buildup of    cholesterol-rich plaque in your arteries. The phenolic compound found in apple skins also prevents    the cholesterol that gets into your system from solidifying on your artery walls. When plaque builds    inside your arteries, it reduces blood flow to your heart, leading to coronary artery disease.

8. Prevent gallstones:

Gallstones form when there’s too much cholesterol in your bile for it to remain as a liquid, so it solidifies. They are particularly prevalent in the obese. To prevent gallstones, doctors recommend a diet high in fibre to help you control your weight and cholesterol levels.

9. Beat diarrhea and constipation:

Whether you can’t go to the bathroom or you just can’t stop, fibre found in apples can help. Fibre can either pull water out of your colon to keep things moving along when you’re backed up, or absorb excess water from your stool to slow your bowels down.

10. Neutralize irritable bowel syndrome:

Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain and bloating. To control these symptoms doctors recommend staying away from dairy and fatty foods while including a high intake of fibre in your diet.

11. Avert hemorrhoids:

Hemorrhoids are a swollen vein in the anal canal and while not life threatening, these veins can be very painful. They are caused by too much pressure in the pelvic and rectal areas. Part and parcel with controlling constipation, fibre can prevent you from straining too much when going to the bathroom and thereby help alleviate hemorrhoids.

12. Control your weight:

      Many health problems are associated with being overweight, among them heart disease,
     stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. To manage your weight and
     improve your overall health, doctors recommend a diet rich in fibre. Foods high in fibre will fill          you up without costing you too many calories.

13. Detoxify your liver:

     We’re constantly consuming toxins, whether it is from drinks or food, and your liver is                        responsible for clearing these toxins out of your body. Many doctors are skeptical of fad
     detox diets, saying they have the potential to do more harm than good. Luckily, one of the best           and easiest things you can eat to help detoxify your liver is fruits like apples.

14. Boost your immune system:

    Red apples contain an antioxidant called quercetin. Recent studies have found that quercetin
    can help boost and fortify your immune system, especially when you're stressed out.

15. Prevent cataracts:

    Though past studies have been divided on the issue, recent long-term studies suggest that
     people who have a diet rich in fruits that contain antioxidants like apples are 10 to 15 per
     cent less likely to develop cataracts

Fish -Tips

                                                     Tips to reduce fish oil side effects


1. Take only pharmaceutical grade fish oil:

    One pharmaceutical grade fish oil pill has as much Omega-3 as three regular fish oil pills.
   With pharmaceutical grade fish oil, you get more benefits with fewer pills. And fewer pills
   mean fewer side effects.

2. Shopping tip:

   How do you know if your fish oil is pharmaceutical grade?
  Look at the Omega-3 content. It should be above 75 or 80% Omega-3. Most fish oils sold in
  retail   stores are not pharmaceutical grade. Retail fish oils are usually only 30% Omega-3.
 The other 70% is miscellaneous fat that is not listed on the product label. Some retail fish oil
  can be as high as 50% Omega-3 but the other 50% is just fat.

3. Start small:

    If you are just starting to take fish oil, take one pill per day. After a few weeks, increase dosage
    to two per day to feel more benefits. If your body is not used to fish oil, taking too many pills
    at once can cause diarrhea.

4. Take with meals:

    This always helps with reducing side effects like burping and belching. Some people also find
    that freezing the pills reduces burps.

5. Buy Enteric-coated fish oil:

   Enteric coating prevents the pill from dissolving in the stomach. The pill stays intact well into
  the intestines. Once fish oil is in the intestine, you can’t belch it back up.

Benefits of Fish for Skin & Hair

Fish oils - beauty benefits:


Omega 3 Fish Oil supplements are widely used for a number of health benefits including disease prevention and cardiovascular health. However the fatty acids contained within these oils can also have a number of beauty benefits, having a particular effect on the appearance of hair skin and nails. In fact, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, dry and damaged hair, dry skin and brittle nails can all be signs of low levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, all the more reason to ensure that fish oils are added to your everyday beauty regime.



Skin health:

Essential fatty acids contained within fish oil are vital to skin health, providing a rich source of moisture and giving it that all important 'glow'. Other helpful mechanisms include protection against the sun and harmful rays.

Fish oil can be also considered as a potential treatment for, and as a preventative measure against, skin aging. This is because ultraviolet light, or UV rays from the sun causes the development of MMP chemicals within the skin, which in turn produce structural damage and wrinkles. Research from the 2005 issue of the Journal of Lipid Research demonstrated that supplementation of fish oil actually reduces the number of MMP's in UV-exposed skin, therefore combating the signs of aging.



Hair Health:

Hair care is an important part of most people's beauty regimes. Many men and women apply a whole host of hair care products on a daily basis, with the average British woman spending around £36,903 on her hair in a lifetime! Furthermore she will spend the equivalent of just under two years of her life washing, styling, cutting, colouring, crimping and straightening her hair either in salons or at home.

Omega-3 has recently gained attention for its ability to combat dry and brittle hair, hair loss, dry, flaky scalp and reduced circulation to the scalp. In addition,the benefits of Omega-3 essential fatty acids include adding luster, sheen and elasticity to your hair as both DHA and EPA (two specific types of fatty acids found within Omega 3) are vital for the nourishment of hair follicles. Omega-3 also can help restart hair growth, help hair grow quicker and stronger and even prevent or reverse hair loss.



Nail Health:

Nails provide an external sign of your health, with weak, brittle nails often signalling nutritional deficiencies within the body. Ensuring that you have enough Omega 3 in your diet can help to lubricate and moisturize your nails and prevent nail disorders. Therefore deficiencies in Omega-3 fatty acids can increase your risk of dry and brittle nails. Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation within your nail bed, nourishing and promoting the health of cells that give rise to your nail plate. It will take time to see the progress of this, since nails only grow about one-tenth of an inch per month, but the results should be well worth the wait.



Food Sources of Omega 3:

Cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring and sardines are all good sources of Omega-3 fatty acids as are a number of nuts: Brazilnuts, cashews, almonds, pistachios, pecans, peanuts and seeds: Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds and sesame seeds.

If you do not regularly consume any of these food groups then it may be necessary to take an Omega 3 supplement. There are a number of varieties available including: Omega 3, Super Omega 3, Omega 3 Balance and Omega 3,6,9.

 Fish oil capsules:

Fish oil capsules can be a useful addition to a healthy diet. Research has found that taking a single fish oil capsule daily could save the lives of 10,000 heart failure patients a year. That’s the claim from doctors following a review of studies into treatment with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Professor Martin Cowie says "The important point here is that a lot of people will have read about fish oil being good for you and think that they can go to their local shop and buy any old cod liver oil capsules. But the form of the medicine given in these studies is a highly concentrated, highly purified form of fish oil, called Omacor.

"I use it in my practice, lots of doctors do, but not all." You can ask your GP to prescribe it for you if you have heart problems. You can also ask your pharmacist, who will probably need to ask you a few questions about your medical history, to make sure this treatment is appropriate for you. If you do take this route, make sure to tell your doctor that you are taking it, and don’t stop taking existing medicines unless you have first discussed it with your doctor.

"This medication is a reasonable way of spending money in the Health Service," said Professor Cowie. "Not only is it effective clinically, it’s cost effective." Omacor capsules cost the NHS about 50p per patient per day. Bought from your local pharmacy they will probably cost around £15 for a month’s supply.

 Fish Oil Capsules Benefit Hair:

The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil capsules can also benefit your hair, making it shinier and stronger. Omega-3s are a healthy fat, helping to reduce skin dryness that can lead to dandruff or an itchy scalp. The natural oils that lubricate the scalp, hair and skin tend to lessen as we age. The omega-3s in fish oil capsules will help alleviate this dryness that leads to brittle hair and wrinkles. A study published in "Dermatologic Clinics" in 2013 reported that hair follicles can be impaired by a lack of essential fatty acids.

Fish Oil Capsules Benefit Skin:

In a study published in "The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology" in 2008, omega-3 fatty acids were found to reduce symptoms of rosacea, those red blotchy patches on your skin and inflamed capillaries on your face. Taking fish oil capsules can benefit the look and health of your skin, especially if you have a skin condition like rosacea or eczema, reports Dr. Perricone.
Fish Oil for Skin & Hair Health

Benefits of Fish

Benefits of eating fish


Fish is a superfood. Packed with vitamins and minerals, and a major source of omega-3 fatty acids, fish can help to protect against a range of diseases, from cancer to heart disease, depression to arthritis.

Asthma:

 Children who eat fish may be less likely to develop asthma.

Brain and eyes :

Fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids can contribute to the health of brain tissue and the retina (the light sensitive tissue lining the inner surface of the eye).

Cancer:

The omega 3 fatty acids in fish may reduce the risk of many types of cancers by 30 to 50 per cent, especially of the oral cavity, oesophagus, colon, breast, ovary and prostate.

Cardiovascular disease: 

Eating fish every week reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke by reducing blood clots and inflammation, improving blood vessel elasticity, lowering blood pressure, lowering blood fats and boosting 'good' cholesterol.

Dementia:

 Elderly people who eat fish or seafood at least once a week may have a lower risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

Depression:

 People who regularly eat fish have a lower incidence of depression (depression is linked to low levels of omega 3 fatty acids in the brain).

Diabetes:

 Fish may help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.

Eyesight:

 Breastfed babies of mothers who eat fish have better eyesight, perhaps due to the omega 3 fatty acids transmitted in breast milk.

Inflammatory conditions :

Regular fish consumption may relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and autoimmune disease.

Prematurity:

Eating fish during pregnancy may help reduce the risk of delivering a premature baby.

Social benefits:

According to research carried out in Mauritius, children given lots of fish from the age of three are less likely to have criminal records by the time they reach 23.

Skin:

According to dermatologist Nicholas Perricone, author of The Perricone Prescription, a salmon-packed diet can help smooth out age lines.

Heart disease:

No wonder the Government wants us all to eat more, with the Food Standards Agency recommending at least two portions a week of fresh, frozen, or tinned seafood (one of them of oily fish). The British Heart Foundation says eating oily fish can help to reduce the risk of heart disease and improve your chances of survival following a heart attack. Fish does this by lowering levels of fats called triglycerides in the blood - raised levels are associated with heart disease. Fish oils also appear to help reduce blood clotting and abnormal heart rhythms after a heart attack.

Kunna Gosht

                                                                                              Cooking Time:4 hour
                                                                                                  Serves: 1 medium
                                                                                                       sized bowl
A delicious mutton recipe from the traditions of Lahore.An exotic recipe with a spicy taste and richness of flavor.

Ingredients:

Mutton with bone (large pieces from the leg): 1 kg

Red chilli powder: 8 gm

Cardamom whole: 2

Black cardamom: 2

Coriander leaves: 5 gm

Crushed coriander seeds: 10 gm

Cinnamon: 1 stick

Zeera: 5 gm

Bay leaf: 2

Onion: 400 gm

Mace: 2

Mustard oil: 4 tbsp

Ginger-garlic paste: 50 gm

Curd: 150 gm

Haldi powder: 5 gm

Mutton stock: 2 cups

Salt to taste

 Method:

Heat the mustard oil in a heavy bottom pan and drop the whole spices. Cook till the spices start to crackle. Add the chopped onion and fry till golden brown.

Add the ginger-garlic paste and the mutton and cook for five to seven minutes. Then add the crushed coriander seeds, red chilli powder and the haldi powder. Cook further till the meat is half cooked.

Now add the beaten curd and cook till the gravy thickens.

Add the mutton stock and cover the lid and slow cook till the meat is tender. Add the shahi jeera and salt to taste.

Serve hot and garnish with shahi jeera and chopped coriander leaves. Best when served with khamiri roti.

Egg-Tips

Benefits for Skin Tips:

When applying the mixture, work upwards from your chin to your cheeks and then to your forehead using a gentle circular motion.

Avoid the sensitive areas around the eyes and mouth as skin around here is drier and if stretched by this tightening mask, can cause wrinkles.

This wonderful mask is potent in getting rid of excess oils in the skin. If you have dry skin, please refrain from using this drying and tightening facemask

Face Mask Tips:

Wear an old t-shirt over your clothes to prevent yellow stains from turmeric that can be quite hard to wash off.

This egg white mask can be quite drying so it’s best to apply olive oil to your skin after washing off the mask and patting dry your skin.

Refrain from talking or smiling with the mask on because stretching the tight skin may cause wrinkles to appear.


Use a ripe avocado so that it is easier to mash it into a lump free paste. You can also thaw or freeze it before mashing to make things easier. As an alternative to mashing with a fork, you can blend the avocado into a fine puree to efficiently remove all lumps.

Use plain unsweetened yogurt with live cultures when making this face mask.


To avoid a drippy mess, ensure that you apply the face mask over your bathroom or kitchen sink.

Benefits Egg for Skin & Hair

Benefits For Skin

Eggs have a lot of protein, and while that protein is great for nourishing your body, the nutrients in eggs are also great for nourishing skin as well. To reap the benefits of egg whites, separate the whites from the yolks of two eggs and then whisk the whites until they are frothy. Smooth in upward motions on the face, applying liberally. Allow to dry for about 15 or 20 minutes and then rinse off with warm water. You may add a few teaspoons of lemon juice if you want to add a cleansing effect to your mask. You will soon see many benefits from having the egg white on your face.

Egg White Face Mask

Egg White Homemade Face Masks:

While you can certainly apply egg white straight to your face without any other ingredients, you'll get much more out of the facial by including things like honey, apple, avocado and some essential oils. The egg white's pore tightening will help deliver the other ingredients right to the areas they are needed most.

Clean your face well and pat it dry before applying any mask to help keep the pores open and receptive.

Egg White and Honey Mask:

Honey soothes irritated skin, while softening it. Gently combine one the white from one, large egg with a tablespoon of honey. Before you apply it to your face, add one to two drops of tea tree oil to help build upon the egg white's astringent properties. Rub it gently into your skin using an upward motion with your finger tips. Do not apply around your eye area. Allow it to dry for 10 to 15 minutes as you feel the egg tighten. Wash your face with warm water to rinse.

Egg and Apple Mask:

Apple pulp is a great exfoliater, helping to lift away dead skin as the egg white tightens. Peel and core a medium sized apple and pulse through the food processor until reduced to a pulp. Combine the pulp with the whites from two eggs and a few drops of lavender oil to help soothe. Gently apply to the face and allow to dry. Rinse it off gently with warm water and a soft cloth.

Egg White and Avocado Mask:

Avocados are extremely nourishing to the skin. Mixed with egg white, the oils of the avocado penetrate deeply into the pores, leaving your skin soft and nourished. Blend an avocado until creamy and combine with two egg whites. Add two drops of chamomile essential oil to help soothe and soften the skin, smooth on and let dry. Rinse away with warm water.


Egg Whites and Potato Mask:

If you have eczema or troubled skin, consider trying grated potatoes in the mask with the egg whites. Potatoes can help to calm the skin, soothing any inflammation. Peel and grate one small potato and mix with one egg white and a few drops of carrot essential oil. Smooth onto the skin and let dry. Rinse with warm water.

The Benefits of an Egg White Mask:

While egg whites only give a temporary tightening to the skin, they do offer other excellent benefits. The greatest benefit of an egg white mask comes from its ability to deliver other ingredients to the skin without the use of chemicals or artificial ingredients. There is some speculation that the egg whites may be astringent and can therefore help with acne or oily skin. There is no denying that as the egg white mask tightens, any oils in the skin are pulled into the drying egg, therefore drying out the skin.

 Benefits For Hair:

Don’t just use eggs to make omelettes for breakfast. They can very well come in handy as a beauty product for your hair. Rich in protein, vitamins, essential fatty acids and antioxidants, these can repair various hair problems and give you silky and shiny locks.

The various components in eggs can combat problems like dry and brittle hair, hair loss, dry, flaky scalp, dandruff and also condition your hair. The essential fatty acids provide nourishment to the hair follicles. The xanthophylls or the antioxidants, which bring about the rich yellow colour, increase the oxygen supply in the scalp and help mend rough and easily breakable hair. The cholesterol helps in penetration and absorption of these vital components thus increasing the efficacy. 

Here are some home-made hair packs using eggs you can try:

To initiate hair growth

Take the white of one egg and mix in a teaspoon of olive oil. Beat to give a paste-like consistency and apply to the entire scalp and hair. Keep it on for about 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse with cool water and a mild shampoo. (Read: Home remedies for hair loss that actually work)

For silky hair

Take one cup of yoghurt you can change the quantity according to the length of your tresses) and add an egg yolk to it. Mix it well and apply to on your hair. Keep it for at least 20 minutes and then wash it with cold water which will help get rid of the smell.  

For well-conditioned hair

Pour egg yolk in a bowl and add one tablespoon of olive oil. Whisk this mixture until it is completely blended. Now, add lukewarm water to dilute this mixture. After hair wash, apply this conditioner against the length of the hair and on the bottom. Leave it on for some time and the wash it off

Cleanliness is important 

The most important reason for hair fall is dandruff and itchy scalp. Therefore, maintain good cleanliness for beautiful and healthy hair. 

Avoid hot water 

Skip hot water showers, because hot water will make your hair dry and brittle as it strips protective oils from your hair - says Dr. Suttar. Thus, prefer a temperature which is just a bit warmer than your body temperature. 

Bottle gourd treatment: 

Extract some bottle gourd juice and apply it into your hair. Keep this solution for half an hour and wash it off thoroughly. 

For that shiny soft hair :


Prepare a mixture of 1 cup of your daily conditioner and 2-3 tablespoons of honey. Apply this mixture evenly on your wet hair. Leave it for 30 minutes and wash it off thoroughly. This mixture will close down your hair's cuticle and give your hair that amazing shine. 

Make your conditioner :

For a protein packed conditioner, mix eggs and yogurt and rub it into your scalp. Leave on for five or 10 minutes, and then wash it off completely. 

Benefits of Egg

Health Benefits Egg:

Many people believe that eating eggs may be bad for your health. Here are some excellent reasons to justify why eating eggs can make you healthier, brainier, leaner and stronger.



1. Eggs help to improve performance;

Eggs have a high satiety index, meaning they make you feel full for longer. One large egg supplies 6g of high quality protein and a large variety of essential nutrients, with the exception of vitamin C. This is why teaming up a fruit or orange juice with an egg and whole-wheat/low GI bread provides the perfect breakfast to perform well in a challenging environment.

2. Eggs can help to iron out problems:

Many people with mild iron deficiency experience vague symptoms of tiredness, headaches and irritability. Iron is the carrier of oxygen in the blood and plays an important role in immunity, energy metabolism and many other functions in the body. The iron in egg yolk is in the form of heme iron, the most readily absorbable and usable form of iron in food and more absorbable than the form of iron in most supplements.



3. Eggs improve nutrient adequacy of the diet:

The nutrient density of eggs makes them a valuable contributor to a nutritious diet. A study among egg vs. non-egg consumers revealed that the diets of the non-egg consumers were more likely to fall short of vitamins A, E and B12. Eggs contributed 10-20% of folate and 20-30% of vitamins A, E and B12 among egg consumers. This study demonstrates the important role one food can play in ensuring nutrient adequacy.

4. Eggs do not increase blood cholesterol:

In the 1990s, eggs received a lot of bad publicity due to their cholesterol content of 210mg per egg yolk. Numerous studies have clearly demonstrated the lack of a relationship between egg intake and coronary heart disease.

To put things into perspective, it is important to realise that foods high in fat, especially saturated and trans fatty acids have a far greater impact on heart health than cholesterol in food. Eggs should be recognised as an inexpensive, versatile and easily digestible source of protein.

5. Eggs can help to promote weight loss:

Eggs with toast have a 50% higher satiety index than regular breakfast cereals. Several studies have reported that starting the day with an egg breakfast increases satiety in overweight people and may help with weight loss.

In one study where a breakfast of bagels, cream cheese and yoghurt were compared to a breakfast of two eggs, toast and jam (same amount of kilojoules), the latter group stayed fuller for longer and reduced their kilojoule intake at lunch by 29%.

At 315kJ per large egg, eggs actually add few kilojoules for all the nutrients they provide. When teamed up with whole grains (for example whole-wheat bread) and fruit or vegetables they are a complete meal, readily available, easy to prepare and inexpensive, making them a useful tool in weight-loss programmes.

6. Eggs help to promote brain health:

Choline is a nutrient that facilitates brain development in the foetus and newborn as well as memory function even into old age. Eggs are an excellent dietary source of choline, and one egg per day will provide 28% of a pregnant woman’s choline requirement.

Choline is of extreme importance during pregnancy and lactation when the reserves can be depleted. At the same time, it is the critical period for foetal brain development and lifelong memory enhancement. In experiments with rats, memory function in the aged rat was in part determined by what the mother ate. Mothers, the message is clear – make a lifelong investment and eat your eggs!

Mutton Sajji

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cooking Time: 4 hours
                                                                                                                          Serves: 6                              

Sajji is peshawar's special dish also eaten specialy in Arab. It's simple yet ambrosial dish. Bake on Eid-ul-Adha's special feast and serve as main dish with mint, tamarind chuttni and onion rings. You can make any rice dish with this to enjoy well.

Ingredients:

Whole leg 1 (2 to 2 2 1/2 kg)
Salt 6 tsp
Garlic paste 3 tsp
Sajji Masala:
Anardana 2 tbsp
Dry coriander 2 tbsp
Cumin 2 tsp
Black pepper 2 tsp
Cardamom seeds ½ tsp
Black salt ½ tsp
Salt ½ tsp

 Method:

First of all wash the whole leg and apply salt on it very well in all directions then refrigerate it over night.
Then next day dip the leg in water to rinse of the salt very well then marinate it with garlic and salt for 1 to 2 hours.
Pre-heat the oven and bake it at 180 to 250 C until both sides are brown and tenderize well.
For sajji masala grind all spices together.
Sprinkle masala on raan and serve with naan.

Cucumber-Tips

Storage:

Cucumbers can be stored in refrigerator for almost a week.
If you have peeled the cucumber, then you can store it in an airtight container to prevent moisture escape.
For optimum nutrition, cucumber should be eaten within 2 to 3 days of purchasing.

Consumption Tips:

Choose cucumbers that are dark green in color and firm to the touch. Avoid those that are yellowish or are wrinkled at either ends. Thinner cucumbers have fewer seeds than those that are thicker.
Store cucumbers in the fridge to retain its freshness. Cut cucumbers should be kept wrapped up or in an air-tight container and kept in the fridge. Consume within a day or two.

Benefits of Cucumber Skin & Hair

Skin Benefits of Cucumber

Cucumber is useful for oily skin:

If you do not like your oily skin and shiny complexion, option is here. Regular use of cucumber face mask will help to restore the skin's natural balance of moisture, which makes your skin look less oily and shiny. Cucumber acts as a mild astringent on face skin making it useful for oily skin.

Cucumber benefits to improve the complexion:

If you like the lighter skin tone and complexion, you can make use of cucumber face masks. Cucumber is helpful to improve the skin complexion. Cucumber face masks recipes can brighten the dull skin texture.

Cucumber around eyes beneficial in dark circles:

A cucumber slice on each eye will help you to reduce dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. Cucumber is good for areas around the eyes. It is a huge source of ascorbic and caffeic acid that prevents swelling.

Cucumber to get rid of sun tan and sun burns:

Cucumber facial mask is a well known natural remedy to treat any kind of discoloration of skin. Cucumber has cooling, soothing and hydrating properties. If a person gets sunburns or sun tanning due to excessive sun exposure, it can be cured easily at home with the aid of cucumber because of these properties. Rubbing cucumber on face skin twice a day will be useful to get rid of sun tan and sub burn.

Cucumber to fight acne and acne scars:

Cucumber is a good source of Vitamin C. Cucumber face masks is useful in variety of skin problems such as acne and pimples.

You can look and feel beautiful while using cucumber face masks recipes at home. They are natural, simple, easy to make and at the same time loaded with several skin benefits. Try cucumber facial masks in your skin regime and take advantage of numerous benefits it offers.

Cucumber Face Masks at Home

Cucumber and Yogurt face mask to hydrate dry skin:


Yogurt is an exfoliating agent which removes e dirt and dead skin cells from the face. When mixed with cucumber that has natural astringent and cleansing properties, it works great on skin. Cucumber and yogurt facial mask recipe is perfect for hydrating the skin.


Cucumber and Honey face mask help fight acne:


We all know honey has anti-bacterial properties; it moisturizes the skin while helping skin to fight acne, clogged pores, blemishes, excess oil and inflammation. If your face skin is acne prone, this cucumber and honey natural face mask is good for your skin.


Cucumber and lemon face masks for blemishes and scars:


Lemon and cucumber, both are full of vitamin C and antioxidants. This is a best combination to reduce scars and blemishes from face. It is easy to make homemade face mask that cleanses your skin better than any expensive commercial product.


Cucumber and mint face mask for oily skin:


Cucumber and mint face mask is ideal to clean and clear oily skin. It is an excellent face mask that will cool; refresh your skin, particularly during summer season. This facial mask will purify your skin, treating any kind of skin irritation and redness. The peppermint in this natural mask helps soothe inflammation and redness. Mint offers a cooling sensation to the skin.

Cucumber Benefits for Hair:

Stronger hair:

The most important benefit of cucumber for hair is its hair strengthening properties. Cucumber in the form of the juice contributes to the hair growth primarily due to its content of silicon, sulphur sodium, phosphorus and calcium which are some of the most needed nutrients required for hair growth. Drink cucumber juice daily to control hair fall.

 Silky smooth hair:

Cucumber juice can also be used as a hair rinse to get silky and shiny hair. It conditions the hair and makes it more manageable.

Other uses:

 Stain remover:

Cucumber can also be used to remove stubborn stains and tarnish from stainless steel tools in the house. It also restores the lost shine of the tools. Chemicals found in cucumber are also used in making shoe polishes to make them more their shiny.

 Control pests:

Place slices of cucumbers in containers around the garden to control slugs and pest of the area. The chemical in these vegetables releases a scent which wards of the pests and insects.

Benefits of Cucumber

                                         

Health Benefits:

Most people are unaware of the immense health benefits of cucumber and would avoid eating cucumber where possible. Fresh cucumber may taste “bland” to some but its thirst-quenching and cooling properties are refreshing. It acts as an anti-oxidant when taken together with fried and barbequed foods.
I like to mix cucumber juice with carrot or orange juices.
Here’s a list of health benefits of cool cucumber:

Acidity:

  The alkalinity of the minerals in cucumber juice effectively helps in regulating the body’s blood pH, neutralizing acidity. The juice is also soothing for the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Blood pressure:

 Like celery, this colorless drink can help regulate blood pressure because of its minerals and traces of sodium.

Connective tissues, building:

 The excellent source of silica contributes to the proper construction of connective tissues in our body as in the bones, muscles, cartilage, ligaments and tendons.

Cooling:

During dry and hot weather, drink a glass of cucumber + celery juice. It wonderfully helps to normalize body temperature.

Diuretic:

 Cucumber juice is diuretic, encouraging waste removal through urination. This also helps in the dissolution of kidney stones.

Fever:

 The temperature regulating properties in cucumber juice makes it a suitable drink when you have a fever.

Inflammation: 

 The Chinese think that cucumbers are too “cooling” and not suitable for people with rheumatism. But we know now that cucumber can help counter uric acids that are causing inflammation in joints. When cucumber is taken it does its cleaning work at the joints, thus stirring up pain as it eliminates the uric acid. This means it also help other inflamed conditions like arthritis, asthma, and gout.

Water retention: 

It supplies the necessary electrolytes and restores hydration of the body cells, thus reducing water retention.

Cucumber for Eyes:

It is believed that cucumber helps in reducing swelling around the eyes or the big dark circles under your eyes. This is world-wide treatment which is being used to its maximum extent.

Cucumbers are the most wonderful and natural eye pads you can find for yourself. The puffiness and the tiredness in your eyes may just leave you, if you do this in a relaxed fashion. These natural eye pads do wonders after a long days work.

Bhuni Kaleji

                                                                                               
                                                                                               Cooking Time: 25-30
                                                                                                         serves :4-5

Spicy Bhuni Kaleji is really healthy traditional cooking recipe. It is very easy to prepare and gives you unique taste of Beef & Mutton Recipes

 Ingredients:

 
1/2 kg kaleji / liver 
1 tsp ginger paste 
1 tsp garlic paste 
1/2 tsp kachri/tenderizer 
1/2 tsp coriander powder 
1/4 - 1/2 tsp turmeric 
1/4 - 1/2 tsp garam masala 
1 tsp chilli powder 
2 lemons 
Salt to taste

 Method:

Make a paste of all spices and lemon juice and marinate kaleji in it overnight. 

Put on skewer, brush with oil and grill for approximately 10 to 20 minutes on charcoal or gas flame. 

Kaleji should be slightly spongy when done. 

Serve with green chutney, mixed with a little yogurt.

Orange-Tips

Preparation and Serving tips:

It is simple to eat a fresh orange anytime or anywhere. Be sure to wash them under running water to remove surface dirt and any pesticide residues, then peel the skin and yum!

Making fresh orange juice at home is so easy and much better than those commercial drinks that may contain preservatives and artificial coloring. Oranges will produce more juice when warmer, so always juice them when they are at room temperature. You can roll the orange under the palm of your hand on a flat surface will also help to extract more juice. Also, it is best to drink the juice at room temperature.

The outermost part of the rind grated using zester to produce orange zest, which is tasty. It is important that you use an organic orange as this is where all the pesticides will be.

There is no orange waste because it is all biodegradable.

Tips:

1 . Keep a bowl on the kitchen table or counter stocked with fresh fruit from the season. Seeing
     the fruits readily available will likely cause you to choose them as a snack more often rather
     than raiding the cupboards for a less healthy snack.

2.  Make a fruit salad with strawberries, pineapple, mandarin oranges and grapes.

3.  Add some orange slices to your salad at lunch or dinner. Compliment the oranges with
     walnuts or pecans, a crumbled cheese and a light balsamic or citrus vinaigrette dressing.

4.  Make your own juice! Nothing tastes better than freshly squeezed orange juice in the morning.
    When you make your own, you can be sure there are no added preservatives or sweeteners.

5.  Sweet potatoes, winter squash and orange segments can be simmered in orange juice and
     sprinkled with walnuts while serving.

6.  Onion and ginger can be sauteed and then orange juice can be added to the pan. This
      liquid can be used as a sauce for salmon and tuna.

7. Dried orange blossoms and leaves are used in the preparation of herbal tea.

8. Orange juice is widely enjoyed all over the world. It is often added to mock tails and sodas.
    It is advisable to prepare orange juice at home instead of commercial drinks as they usually contain     added preservatives and artificial colorants.