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Sunday, June 20, 2010

Mangoes the King of Fruits

Mangoes are said to be the King of fruits. It is said so because of its beauty and its nutritional factors. mango trees are said to be the oldest cultivated tress especially in India and Malaya . A Mango fruit grows in 100 to 150 days of flowering. Mango leaves are considered toxic and can kill cattle or other grazing livestock.A mango generally contains proteins at about 1% , vitamins and that too majorly Vitamin A, Vitamin B and Vitamin C, fatty acids, carbohydrates and minerals.Vitamin C promotes healthy immune function and collagen formation. Vitamin A is important for vision and bone growth. Mangoes are a good source of dietary fiber. Diets low in fat and high in fiber-containing grain products, fruits, and vegetables may be associated with a reduced risk of some types of cancer.Not only does fiber lower cholesterol and promote healthy digestion, but fiber has also been shown to aid weight loss.The flesh is a mango also contains about 15% sugar.It is said by the health professionals that eating mangoes soothes the intestines as they are easy to digest and they also benefit the brain, and at times also used to stop bleeding and strengthen the heart.

Some of us have the notion that mangoes consumption will make us fat.  No, mangoes do not promote weight gain. What can promote weight gain are sugar loaded mango drinks like Maaza, Frooti, Slice, etc.Eat the fruit naturally, that will fill you up and you won't be adding those extra calories that you want to keep at bay.

 Receipies
Mango Cobbler

Ingredients:
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 cups sliced mangos
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons shortening
  • 1/2 cup milk

Preparation:

Mix sugar and cornstarch in saucepan , gradually stir in water and fruit and lemon juice.Heat, stirring well. Pour into 1 1/2qt. Baking dish; dot with margarine and sprinkle sugar cinnamon mixture over the top. Stir together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.Cut in shortening until mixture looks like meal. Now stir in milk. Mix well.
Drop by spoonfuls on to hot fruit. Bake at 375° for 20 to 30 minutes. Serve warm or cold, with ice cream or whipped topping. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Mango Delight

 Ingredients:
  • 5 cups ripe mangoes, peeled and thinly sliced, or mixture of sliced mangoes and apples
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup softened butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup flour

Preparation:

Mix sliced mangoes with 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon, the nutmeg, and lemon juice. Place in a buttered 10 x 6 x 2 inch glass baking dish. Set aside. Combine butter and brown sugar until well blended. Cut in flour and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix until crumbly. Sprinkle the topping evenly over mango slices. Cook in microwave oven 9 to 11 minutes on HIGH power, rotating a half turn after 5 minutes. Serve warm or cold, with whipped topping or ice cream, if desired.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Health Benefits Of Fig(Angir)

It is said in the holy Quran In SUratul-Tin [I swear] by the fig and the olive. (Qur'an, 95:1)

Figs are seasonal fruits that are found in the western parts of Asia. However, dried figs are always available. The figs tree is a member of mulberry family.Figs contain large amounts of fiber, natural sugars, and minerals. They are an excellent source of calcium, potassium,magnesium, copper, iron, and manganese. They have a high amount of fiber in comparison with any other fruit or vegetable.

Figs help in preventing constipation and reduce weight due to their high fiber content. Figs contain Pectin, a soluble fiber. When fiber goes through the digestive system, it mops up globes of cholesterol and carries them out of body.Because they are a good source ofpotassium, they are also effective in helping to control blood pressure. Dried figs contain phenol, Omega-3 and Omega-6. These fatty acids reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. It protects against breast cancer and hypertension and is also good for diabetic patients.Figs are rich in Calcium. Calcium helps to strengthen bones.Figs are also thought of as a medicine which gives strength and energy to long-term patients as they seek to recover.

Figs are sweet and soft and their paste is used as a replacement for sugar. Processed figs are used to make pies, pudding, cakes, other bakery products, jam, jellies and preserves.