Guava - Tips

Selection and storage:

In the tropical region, guavas can be readily available year around. Red flesh variety such as "Thai maroon" flesh guavas are rich in nutrition than green-apple guavas. Oftentimes, the fruits are left to ripen on the tree to experience their intense, natural flavor. They can also be picked while green but mature, and later allowed to ripen at room temperature. Ripe guavas have a characteristic color and pleasant aroma.

In the stores, buy fresh fruits featuring intact skin without any cuts, bruises, or patches. Placing the fruit wrapped in a paper with a banana or apple will hasten their ripening process.

Mature, yet green fruits may be stored for two to five weeks under ideal, regulated temperature between 46°F and 55°F, and relative humidity of 85 to 95 percent. Over-ripe fruits may keep well inside the refrigerator only for few days.


Preparation and serving methods:

Wash them in cold running water in order to remove any dust or insecticide residues. Fresh ripe guava is best enjoyed with its skin. Remove any floral remnants (sepals) at the apex, and then trim either ends with a sharp knife. It can be cubed, or sliced into, as in apples.

Here are some serving tips:

guava fruit:

Guava fruits, pink-flesh variety.
Eat fresh guava as it is, to enjoy its natural flavor and unique taste.

Guava fruit juice is a popular delicious drink in many parts.

Sliced guava-cubes are a great addition to fruit salads.

It is also often used in dessert preparations.

The fruit is also extensively used to make candies, preserves, jellies, jams, marmalade, etc.

Guava Benefits For Skin & Hair

Guava Leaves Benefits For Skin:

When it comes to natural treatment for skin, guava leaves can greatly help in improving your skin and treatment of various skin disorders. Following are the benefits of guava leaves for skin.

 Treatment of Acne and Black spots:

Acne and black spots are quite annoying as they adversely affect the appearance of your skin. Guava leaves are effective in eliminating acne and black spots from the skin. They contain an antiseptic that can kill acne causing bacteria. For this purpose, mash some guava leaves and apply it on the acne and dark spots. Rinse with water after sometime. This should be done daily until the skin is clear.

 Removal of Blackheads:

For the treatment of blackheads, blend the guava leaves with little water and use it as a scrub on your nose to remove blackheads.

 Anti-ageing Benefits:

Guava leaves contain antioxidants which destroy the free radicals that damage your skin, thus protecting your skin from ageing as well as improving skin tone and texture. A decoction of mature guava leaves can be applied on the skin for tightening it.

Relieves Itching:

Skin itching can lead to serious problem if not treated immediately. Guava leaves are an instant cure for getting rid of itchiness as they contain allergy blocking compounds.

Guava Leaves Benefits For Hair

Being rich in nutrients and antioxidants, guava leaves help in promoting healthy hair growth.



Guava Leaves Benefits For Hair

Being rich in nutrients and antioxidants, guava leaves help in promoting healthy hair growth.

Natural remedy for Hair Loss:

To stop hair loss, boil a handful of guava leaves in a liter of water for around 20 minutes. After cooling, apply it on your scalp and massage rigorously.

Health Benefits of Guava

Health Benefits

The high content of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in guava makes it a powerhouse in combating free radicals and oxidation that are key enemies that cause many degenerative diseases.

Cancer:

 The anti-oxidant virtue in guavas are believed to help reduce the risk of cancers of the stomach, esophagus, larynx, oral cavity and pancreas.

Cholesterol:

 The vitamin C in guava makes absorption of vitamin E much more effective in reducing the oxidation of the LDL cholesterol and increasing the (good) HDL cholesterol.

Constipation:

  The fiber in guavas promote digestion and ease bowel movements.

Diverticulitis:

 The insoluble fiber is beneficial in preventing and treating diverticulities.

Heart disease:

 Eating guava or drinking guava juice regularly helps keep heart disease at bay.

Vision: 

 The high content of vitamin A in guava plays an important role in maintaining the quality and health of eyesight, skin, teeth, bones and the mucus membranes.

Brain Health:

Another of the tremendous positive benefits of guavas is the presence of B3 and B6 vitamins. B3 (also known as niacin) can increase blood flow and stimulates cognitive function. B6 is a great nutrient for brain and nerve function. Therefore, eating guava can help you increase brain function and sharpen you focus.

Cough & cold:

Juice of raw and immature guavas or a decoction of guava-leaves is very helpful in relieving coughs and colds by  reducing mucus, disinfecting the respiratory tract, throat and lungs, and inhibiting microbial activity with its astringent properties. Guava has one of the highest quantities of vitamin-C and iron among fruits, and both are proven to be preventive against colds and viral infections. In some areas of India, roasted ripe guava is used as a remedy against extreme cases of cough, cold, and congestion. Ripe guava should be avoided by people who are suffering from cough and cold, as it can exacerbate the problem, and one should also avoid drinking water immedaitely after eating guava as it can lead to a soar throat.

Skin care:

Guavas can improve the texture of your skin and help you to avoid skin problems more than even the highest ranked beauty creams or skin toner gels. This is chiefly due to the abundance of astringents in the fruit (more astringent is present in immature guavas) and in its leaves. Your skin can benefit from either eating the fruits (this helps tighten your muscles apart from your skin) or by rinsing your skin with a decoction of its immature fruit and leaves. It will tone up and tighten the area of loosened skin where you apply it. In addition to the astringents, guava is very rich in vitamin-A, B, C and potassium which are  good antioxidants and detoxifiers, which keep your skin glowing and free from signs of premature aging, wrinkles and other dermal disorders.

High blood pressure:

 Guava helps reduce cholesterol in the blood and prevents it from thickening, thereby maintaining the fluidity of blood and reducing blood pressure. Studies have shown that food lacking fiber (such as refined flour) add to blood pressure, due to its quick conversion to sugar. Guava, being very rich in fiber and hypoglycemic in nature, helps reduce blood pressure.

Weight Loss:

 Guava is very helpful for those who want to lose weight without compromising with their intake of proteins, vitamins and fiber. Guava, being very high in roughage and very rich in vitamins, proteins and minerals, but with no cholesterol and less digestible carbohydrates, is very filling and satisfies appetite very easily. Just have a medium sized guava in the lunch and you will not feel hungry till night. But ironically, it helps gaining weight in lean and thin people. This is probably due to its richness in nutrients, which keeps your metabolism right helping proper absorption of nutrients.

Shami Kabab

                                                                                                         Cooking Time: 25 mint
                                                                                                     Serves: Makes 25-30 kababs

One of the best versions of kababs out there! Shami kababs are a popular Afghan and Indian variety of kabab, also found in Pakistani cuisine. They are often garnished with lemon juice and/or sliced raw onions, and may be eaten with chutney made from mint or coriander.

Ingredients:

1 kilogram Beef
1 cup Gram Lentils
½ tsp. Cumin Seeds (Sufaid Zeera)
10 Red Chilli Pods (Saabut Lal Mirch)
4 Black Cardamoms (Bari Kaali Ilaichi)
12 Black Peppercorns (Kaali Mirch)
12 cloves of Garlic (Lehsan)
1" piece of Cinnamon Stick (Dal Cheeni)
1 small piece of Ginger Root (Adrak)
½ tsp. Coriander Seeds (Saabut Dhania)
1 tbsp. Plain Yogurt
1 Egg (beaten)
Salt (to taste)
Dalda Oil or any Cooking Oil (as needed - for frying)

Ingredients of Filling:

1 bunch of Fresh Coriander Leaves (Hara Dhania) (finely chopped)
1 small piece of Ginger Root (Adrak) (finely chopped)
1 bunch of Fresh Mint (Podina) (finely chopped)
1 large Onion (finely chopped)

Method:

Pour 5 cups of water in a pan, add beef, washed lentils, all of the dry spices, plain yogurt, ginger, and garlic. Boil mixture on medium heat until the meat becomes tender. Remove from heat. Let it cool.

Meanwhile prepare the stuffing. Mix all of the chopped ingredients, onion, ginger, coriander leaves, and mint leaves together. Shape it in to a smooth  flat round shape. Heat a pan and add just enough oil to cover the surface. Add  6-7 kababs at a time and fry on low heat to a crisp golden colour .

Potato - Tips

Selection and storage

Fresh potatoes are readily available in the stores everywhere. Look for tubers that feature firm in texture and have smooth waxy surface. They normally have numerous "eyes" on their surface. Avoid those that feature soft in hand, have slumpy appearance, with cuts, patches and bruises.

Oftentimes, you may come across greenish discoloration with sprouts over their surface. Do not buy them since the discoloration is an indication of outdated stock and a sign of formation of toxic alkaloid, solanine.

At home, they should be stored in cool, dry and dark place. Exposure to sunlight and excess moisture will cause potatoes to sprout and produce toxic solanine alkaloid.


Preparation and serving methods


Being a root vegetable potatoes often being subjected to infestation, and therefor, should be washed thoroughly before use in cooking. Fresh, cleaned tubers can be enjoyed with skin to get benefits of fiber and vitamins.

Potato dishes are prepared in many ways:

1. Skin-on or peeled, whole or chopped, with or without seasonings.

2. Mashed- Here potatoes rae boiled and peeled, and then mashed with addition of milk, cream,
    and butter.

3. Whole baked, boiled or steamed.

4. Fried in oil or chips.

5. Prepare delicious soup/chowder with leeks, corn, onion and seasoning with salt and pepper.

6. Cut into cubes and roasted; scalloped, diced, or sliced and fried.

7. Grated and prepare dumplings, and pancakes.

Benefits Of Potato for Skin &Hair

Skin Benefits Of Potato:

Apart from being used as a food source, potatoes have an important role to play in skincare as well. As pointed out earlier, they are rich in vitamin C which is vital for maintaining skin health. Thus, this starchy vegetable is beneficial for your skin in the following ways.

1. Removal of Dark Circles:

Potatoes are a natural under eye brightener and so, applying potato juice or potatoes directly on the affected area can banish dark eye rings.

Peel and slice a raw potato into large pieces.
Placing them in a cloth or handkerchief, stick them on your eyes for 15-20 minutes.
Wash off with warm water.
Doing this regularly will reduce your dark circles considerably.
You can also apply potato juice under your eyes with a cotton ball to fade away dark circles.

2. Treatment of Wrinkles:

Potato is considered as an effective anti-ageing beauty agent, particularly in warding off wrinkles.

Regular application of potato juice imparts a healthy glow to your skin
It also helps to soften your skin as well as keep wrinkles at bay.

3. Treatment of Dark Spots:

Potatoes are a natural way of fading away those dark spots.

If you have black spots on your face, you can blend peeled potatoes in a blender
Next, apply them on your face.
Give a gentle massage
Then do peeling for 5 minutes
Once done, rinse off with clean water.

4. Removal of Facial Blemishes:

Facial blemishes adversely affect your appearance and potato juice is a great natural way to get rid of them.

Use cold potato juice as a daily facial rinse
This can help you get rid of your blemishes
It will help reveal clear and perfect skin.

5. Treatment of Sunburns:

Potatoes are wonderful for treating sun burnt skin.

All you need to do is place cold potato slices on the affected areas
Alternatively, you can simply dab potato juice on the spot.
This will give you a soothing and cooling sensation as well as diminish your suntan.

6. Skin Lightening:

Potatoes are a natural skin lightening agent.

Apply a mask of grated raw potato on your face and rinse off with water after 30 minutes.
Using this on a regular basis will make your face smooth, clean and bright as well as reduce facial swelling.
You can also apply a mixture of lemon and potato juices to lighten your skin naturally.
This acts as mild bleach for your skin and yields quick results.

7. Potato for Dry Skin:

If you have dry skin, potatoes will help give you that smooth skin feeling in minutes.

Make a face mask by mixing a grated potato with half a teaspoon of curd.
Apply it on your face for 20 minutes and then wash it off.
This will act as an anti-ageing mask to hydrate your skin from within
It will also help to replenish moisture into dry skin to iron out fine lines effectively.

8. Lifting of Dead Skin Cells:

Potatoes can also remove dead skin cells on the face.

You can apply grated peeled potatoes on your face for 10 minutes
Once done, rinse with clean water.
Doing this regularly will rejuvenate your skin.

Other benefits of Potato Juice for your skin:

1. Applying potato juice gives a natural bleaching effect to your face and also reduces any
     swelling on your face.

2. Treat blemishes by applying cold potato juice on your skin.

3. Keep away wrinkles and get a glowing soft skin by applying potato juice on your face daily.

4. Treat sunburn skin by applying cold potato juice. It soothes and cools your skin.

5. To reduce dark circles, dip cotton balls in potato juice and put under your eyes for a while.

6. A mixture of lemon juice and potato juice acts as a natural skin lightener
.
7. To rejuvenate your face and eyes, dip a cotton ball in potato juice and rub your face with it.

8. When mixed with olive oil, potato juice helps in controlling dark circles, wrinkles, and crow’s
    feet.

9. For flawless skin, make a mixture of potato juice, lemon juice and multani mitti, and apply on
     your face.

10. To lighten your skin tone and control any puffiness under your eyes, use cucumber and
       potato juice to apply on your face.

11. Make a potato mask by adding curd to potato juice. It helps keep your face hydrated, reduces
      the lines and also acts as an anti-ageing mask.

Hair Benefits Of Potato:

Besides being wonderful for your skin, potatoes used along with other ingredients can benefit your hair. Some of the ways in which potato can be beneficial for hair are the following.

Potato Juice Benefits on your Dry And Grey Hair:

A hair mask using potato juice is very effective for healthy hair. Hair loss is controlled, hair grows faster and thicker, and your hair is also protected from external agents. Since it is natural, you need not worry about chemicals too. Follow these steps to use a potato juice mask:

First of all, squeeze out the potato juice from a potato.
Add a little honey and the white of an egg to it.
Apply the mixture on your hair. Make sure you cover all parts well.
Let it stay on your hair for about 2 hours or so.
After 2 hours, wash off your hair using a mild shampoo and a conditioner.
Your hair becomes soft, silky and smooth after this treatment. It boosts the health of your hair and makes your hair beautiful from inside and outside.

a) Dry Hair: If you are having dry hair mix potato juice with aloe vera and apply that on your hair to give a shiny look to your hair

b) Grey Hair: Instead of applying shampoo on your hair, try applying potato juice which will darken your hair by giving it that beautiful glow you want.

Gout:

Potato juice gives a soothing effect to your GI tract, and also cures excess acidity and indigestion. This is due to the alkaline nature of potato juice. Beans and fats can cause a terrible disease called gout. This disease is also cured by potato juice. For treating gastric disorders and gout, it is very effective to drink a glass of potato juice on a daily basis

Health Benefits of Potatoes

Health Benefits of Potatoes

1.Weight Gain:

Potatoes are primarily made of carbohydrates and contain very little protein. This makes it an ideal diet for those excessively lean or thin people who desperately want to put on weight. The vitamin content includes vitamin-C and B-complex, which also help in proper absorption of carbohydrates. That is one of the reasons that potatoes make up a large part of the diet of sumo wrestlers, as well as many other athletes who need large energy reserves to burn off in order to compete!

2.Skin Care:

 Vitamin-C and B-complex as well as minerals like potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc are good for the skin. Apart from that, pulp obtained from crushed raw potatoes, mixed with honey, can work well in skin and face packs. This even helps to cure pimples and spots on the skin. Again, this pulp, if applied externally on burns, provides quick relief and faster healing. Smashed potatoes, and even water in which potatoes have been washed, are very good for softening and cleaning skin, especially around the elbows, and the back of the hands.

 3.Great Source of Fibre:

Potatoes are great as they contain good amounts of fibre. Fibre helps in a healthy bowel movement and keeps your digestive system happy. If you suffer from bad bowel movement, try eating cooked potatoes that are left to cool. This helps to increase the indigestible starch in the potato, helping in good bowel movements.

4. Get A Vitamin Boost:

Potatoes were eaten by 19th Century English and Spanish sailors to protect themselves from scurvy. Potatoes are rich in Vitamin C, a needed vitamin to boost immunity. A medium potato (150g) with the skin intact provides 27mg, almost half of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C. Potato benefits include good amount of Vitamin B, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium phosphorus, zinc and iron.

5. Good for The Digestive System:

Potatoes mostly contain carbohydrates and do not contain fat or proteins which make it a good choice for those who cannot digest hard foods. Be careful as too much intake of potatoes can lead to acidity.

6. For Cardiovascular Diseases:

Potatoes are a great source of carbohydrates, protein, calcium, niacin and Vitamins C and B-complex. These help to fight heart diseases and keep blood pressure at normal. Potatoes contain carotenoids, which play a key role in keeping you fit and healthy. It also contains Flavonoids which keep bad cholesterol levels low.

7.Cancer Prevention:

 Certain types of potatoes, particularly red and russet potatoes, contain high levels of flavonoid antioxidants and vitamin A like zeaxanthin and carotenes, they can protect you against many
types of cancer. Also, research at the Agricultural Research service has shown that potatoes
contain a compound called quercetin, which has been proven to have anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties. Finally, the high levels of vitamin A and C both have antioxidant qualities that can
protect your body from the devastating effects of cancer.

8.Brain Function:

 Proper functioning of the brain depends largely on the glucose level, oxygen supply, various components of the vitamin-B complex and certain hormones, amino acids and fatty acids like
omega-3. Potatoes cater to almost all the needs mentioned above. They are high in
carbohydrates,and thereby maintain good levels of glucose in the blood. This prevents the
brain from letting fatigue creep in and it keeps your cognitive activity and performance high.
Next, the brain needs oxygen, which is carried to the brain by the hemoglobin in the blood; its
main constituent is iron. Potatoes contain iron as well. Therefore, potatoes help deliver oxygen
to the brain as well. There are a wide variety of vitamins and minerals in potatoes that positively affect the function of the brain, including phosphorus, zinc, and the B complex vitamins. The vasodilating properties of potassium have also been connected to stimulation of brain function
due to increased blood flow to that essential organ.

9.Kidney issues:

Pancreatitis and kidney diseases are cured by using potato juice. It is used to prevent calcium stones from forming in your urinary tract and kidneys. Moreover, diabetes and high blood pressure is also effectively treated by potato juice.