On your plate

Wondering whether you are eating well enough? Certain basic rules about healthy eating have evaded us in our mad rush towards security and comfort. Here are some food items that you should include in your diet right away:

Jaggery
Jaggery prevents rheumatic afflictions and disorders of bile and possesses nutritive properties of high order. Most significantly, it purifies the blood stream by absorbing the toxins from it. Moreover, it is the unrefined form of glucose and sucrose, which makes it any day better than refined sugar.



Garlic
This humble herb may be accused of ruining your social image because of the pungent aroma it lets out, but there's nothing that is richer in a group of heart-protective compounds known as thiosuphinates. It improves digestion; so include lots of fresh garlic in your pulses and veggies. The smaller you chop them, the more pungent it gets. Raw garlic, when crushed releases allicin, which has been found to be a more potent antibiotic than penicillin.

Lemongrass tea
Lightly brewed tea made with lemon grass leaves is the best way to punctuate your day. The lemongrass is a good cleanser that helps to detoxify the liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder and the digestive tract. It cuts down uric acid, cholesterol, excess fats and other toxins in the body while stimulating digestion, blood circulation, and lactation; it also alleviates indigestion and gastroenteritis. It is said that lemongrass also helps improve the skin by reducing acne and pimples and acts as a muscle and tissue toner.

Sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of vitamin E, the body's primary fat-soluble antioxidant. It is a rich source of magnesium, which is necessary for healthy bones and energy production. About two-thirds of the magnesium in the human body is found in our bones.