One can find diversity in our food like our culture and climate. There is no doubt that our food is rich and delicious. And Spice are at the heart of our food to enhance the appetite and test. Let's talk about some very special food- we should not ignore-
1. CINNAMON
Small amounts of cinnamon (darchini in bengali) have been used for a long time. Cinnamon oil is used mostly as a flavouring agent in medicine. This is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron and calcium. Some studies suggest that cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. It is a great way to help reduce the risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that patients given small amount of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month. It has also an anti-clotting effect on the blood. Please remember - Health risk can not be ruled out during high takes of cinnamon daily.
2. BLACK SEED
Black seed which is known as Kalo Jira in Bengali, Habbatul Barakah in Arabic and botanical name is Nigella Sativa L. Black seed is still known as one of 'all-time greatest source' of natural medicines. It has been used by million of people to promote health and fight disease. There are many nutrients found in black seed like vitamins, enzymes and traces of minerals including - calcium, potassium, iron and sodium. It contains 58% of essential fatty acids including omega 6 and 3 that are needed for balancing and strengthening the immune system. Besides its capacity to reduce inflammation and improve milk production in nursing mothers, it also strengthens the liver, kidney and increases the body's resistance against disease. Its capacity to lower excess blood pressure and improve the heart conditions is also known. Its role for the treatment of the bronchial asthma and other respiratory illnesses and its antimicrobial activities (especially disease causing organisms like E. Coli and Staphylococcus etc) are recently known.
3. GARLIC
Garlic has been cultivated for at least 5000 years. A herb lovingly called "the stinking rose" in light of its many therapeutic benefits. The French character for eating large quantities of garlic may account for them being so healthy. It is an effective detoxifier of blood and lymph in the body. It dilates the peripheral blood vessels, resulting in lowering the blood pressure. This is high in iodine. It sems that garlic increases the production of hydrogen sulfide in blood, which in the short term relaxes your blood vessels and increases blood flow. The power to boost hydrogen sulfide production may help explain why a garlic-rich diet appears to protect against various cancers. Then again, eating too much raw garlic could produce problems, for example irritation of or even damage to the digestive tract. Garlic is a proven broad-spectrum antibiotic that combats bacterial, intestinal parasites, and viruses.
4. FATTY FISH & OMEGA 3
Fish is a good source of protein and doesn't have the high saturated fat that fatty meat products do. Fatty fish like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon are high in two kinds of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid(DHA).
Omega-3 oils have been called "the miracle food of the 21st century." Research shows, it can help to prevent heart disease, maintain optimum blood pressure and cholesterol levels and gibe almost immediate relief from joint pain, migraines, depression, autoimmune diseases and many other conditions. And , by improving brain development and memory functioning, certain Omega-3 oils also provide the perfect brain food.
Omega-3 acids are found in fatty fish (Hilsa, Pangash, Katla, Carp, Salmon, Sardine). The predominant fatty acids found in fatty fish and fish oils are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid(DHA). They are most beneficial and active. More recent research has established that fish oils (EPA and DHA) play a crucial role in the management of depression. Clinical trials have shown that fish oil supplementation is helpful in the treatment of many disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and ulcerative colitis. Eat a variety of fish at least twice a week. Include oils and foods rich in alpha-linolenic acid (flaxseed, canola oils).
5. HONEY
The "superstar of drinks" is good for different diseases from cold to cardiac disease. There are three forms of honey, liquid, partially crystallized and granulated. Honey can be used as a food, preservative, or medicine. Honey diluted with water has been used to stomachs. Honey's anti- cough properties are related to its capacity to dilute bronchial secretions and improve function of the bronchial epithelium. Uncontaminated or pure honey is a natural, healthy, energy-rich and easily-digestible food. It is also effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It is found that a mixtute of honey and cinnamon or honey and apple cider vinegar of sometimes honey and ginger cures lots of diseases. I addition, honey isn't for everybody. It is not advisable for babies less than one year of age.