Moong dal chaat.... healthy snack on Delhi roadsides..

This moong dal chaat is a healthy snack found on Delhi roadsides and elsewhere... I know that there are so many ways to prepare moong dal.... I found over 300 recipes on the internet from all over India... this moong bean is a versatile legume... namaskar friends...

Moong beans... Asian superfood...

According to Ayurveda and Chinese medicine,  moong beans are considered a cooling food, with sweet and astringent tastes and have a nourishing and cleansing effect.  They are considered very easy to digest,  especially if prepared with digestive herbs and spices.  They are pacifying to the body and mind (ie: a SATTVIC food) and are considered the most balancing legume for all of the mind/body constitutions (doshas-- vata, pitta, kapha). They are best prepared accompanied with digestive herbs and spices such as ginger, cumin, black mustard seeds, coriander, turmeric, basil, rosemary, sage, tarragon, black pepper and bay leaf.  The beans have a mild flavor and very much absorb whatever flavor you cook them in, so spice away.  I prepared a moong bean soup with Indian vegetables and added curry powder for spice.  It is so delicious and nutritious.  They are an excellent source of protein and dietary soluble fiber, and also contain vitamins A, C, and E, folacin, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and calcium.  They are also a source of phytoestrogens. (The photo shows a traditional  Indian moong bean curry)

Hemp... the super plant for health...

http://hempindia.com   In India,  the hemp revolution is being spearheaded by this group...

JOIN THE HEMP REVOLUTION.... hemp is now considered the super plant for health... .even exceeding the health benefits of soy.  I have been using hemp protein powder and also hemp "milk" (substitute) and have found it a wonderful way to get protein.  Did you know the average 160 pound person requires at least 50 grams of protein per day (according to experts at the Mary Greeley Hospital here in Ames, Iowa USA).
When I make my hemp protein smoothie for breakfast every morning,  I know I am getting high quality plant protein in the 4 tablespoon serving. I am using the TEMPT brand from Living Harvest company headquartered in Portland, Oregon which is the leader in the USA for hemp products.  There are also hemp oils, hemp ice cream (substitutes) and many other products you can find on their website: (http://www.livingharvest.com ).

Ashwagandha (India winter cherry) .... relieves stress and builds vitality...

Ashwagandha (India winter cherry) is a natural source of energy and vitality,  according to ORGANIC INDIA,  one of  the companies I purchase my supplements from.  It allows for the body to successfully adapt to stress and builds stamina and supports adrenal health.  In men,  this herb is well-noted for male sexual endurance.Ashwagandha soothes the nervous system and supports restful sleep.

Ashwagandha is also considered by many to be an anti-aging supplement, and it traditionally was known for its ability to provide nourishment to bones and muscles. Studies have also shown that the orange berries from the ashwagandha can be used topically to aid carbuncles, skin ulcers, and tumors. Further research looks to determine its effectiveness as a treatment for bone cancer, diabetes, bipolar disorder, constipation, impotency, rheumatism, nerve problems, memory loss, arthritis, and many other physical ailments.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/030618_Ashwagandha_health.html#ixzz2O5gYs3gY

(further info from the herb wisdom website:
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-ashwagandha.html 
Ashwagandha root is an herb of the ages. It is the 'ginseng' of Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional medicine of India and is considered an 'adaptogen', a term used to describe herbs that improve physical energy and athletic ability, increase immunity to colds and infections and increase sexual capacity and fertility.
One reason for ashwagandha's reputation as a general energy-promoting, disease-preventing tonic may be its effect on the immune system. A number of studies have shown significant increases in white blood cell counts and other measures of strengthened immunity in rodents given ashwagandha or certain chemicals extracted from the herb. Ashwagandha may also have a mild sedative effect on the central nervous system and in animal studies it has been shown to be a muscle relaxant. It is commonly used to increase vitality, particularly when recovering from chronic illnesses and pain management for arthritic conditions. Ashwagandha may also help regulate blood sugar which aids in suppressing sugar cravings. Research shows ashwagandha may be a promising alternative for cancer treatment and prevention. Ashwagandha seems to show positive effects on the endocrine, cardio, and central nervous systems. It is one herb that could help your body produce it's own thyroid hormones.
Ashwagandha is used to restore male libido, cure impotence and increase male fertility. It is widely used in southern Asia as a male sexuality tonic.
Preliminary studies indicate that the herb helps to reduce the negative effects of stress, slow tumour growth, treat anxiety and insomnia, and reduce cholesterol in addition to increasing sexual performance. )

Guggul... versatile ayurvedic herb for many remedies..

LATIN NAME:

Commiphora mukul

The Guggul herb has other names that it is known by such as, Gum guggulu, Gugulipid and Indian bedellium.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS:

* helps liver to process cholesterol

* boost the functioning of the thyroid gland

* prevents buildup of plaque on artery walls

* raises the good cholesterol (HDL)

* lowers the bad cholesterol (LDL)

* cleanse blood vessels 

Traditional Uses of Guggul

• For cardiovascular system


• For cholesterol and triglycerides


• For rheumatism and osteoarthritis


• For cystic acne


• For sense of well-being


• For weight loss

Read more: http://www.natural-herbal-remedies.net/guggul-herb.html#ixzz2O1ZliXOo

Vegetable curry... one of my favorite Indian dishes...

One of my favorite Indian dishes is vegetable curry.... of course,  I also enjoy many other curry dishes.  Savor the flavor!! (commentary by Dr. Carolyn D. Heising, Ames, Iowa USA)

Indian tableware.. copper and stainless steel designs..

Indian tableware is commonly stainless steel and/or copper,  but magnificent china also is manufactured in India.  I became aware of the utility of the common stainless steel variety wherever I went.  I am displaying a variety here for you to relish!  One set has food served on it,  so savor the flavor !!  (commentary by Dr. Carolyn D. Heising, Ames, Iowa USA)