All-in-one wonder

All-in-one wonder

    An extract from the pomegranate fruit makes for the biggest medical breakthrough since 1829, when Aspirin was discovered in willow trees, say scientists. Research scholars are describing it as the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of natural pharmaceuticals because it can do so many things – from improving heart health, lowering blood pressure, treating inflammation, reducing the risk of cancers to tackling sexual dysfunction. For the first time, scientists have been able to unlock the precious new extract from the seeds, skin and pith of pomegranates. They found that it contains concentrated punicalagins, a plant nutrient that is virtually unique to it.
    Punicalagins are mostly found in the pomegranate’s inedible husk, rind, seeds and inner yellow membranes, which until now we tended to throw away. There are some in the juicy arils too (capsules), but the concentrations are low and the processing methods frequently remove the benefits. “We have been throwing away the seeds, skin and the pith of pomegranates for thousands of years because they are inedible and we haven’t had the science to enable us to release the benefits,” said Dr Sergio Streitenberger, head of research about the breakthrough.

Shruti Seth’s Shahi paneer

Shruti Seth’s Shahi paneer

MY FAVOURITE DISH I “Shahi paneer cooked by my mother.
LIKE TO EAT I “I have a weakness for Chinese food and it’s either Royal China, Hakkasan or Golden Dragon for me. They serve the best Chinese in Mumbai.”
BEST MEAL I’VE EVER HAD I“It was at Zuma in Dubai. Their Japanese food is the best I've eaten.”
MY FAVOURITE CUISINE I “It’s Chinese.”
MY NON-FOOD PASSIONS I “Travel, music and interior designing.”
MY FAVOURITE RECIPE I “Shahi paneer. I can have it anytime if the paneer is fresh and soft.”
(As told to Norbert Rego)
Ingredients I Paneer : 500 gm I Cashewnuts: 40 gm I Tomatoes (chopped): 3 I Green chilli (chopped): 2 I Ginger chop: 1 1/2 tsp I Ghee: 50 ml I Cumin seeds (jeera): ½ tsp I Bay leaf: 1 I Coriander powder (dhania): 1 tsp I Turmeric (haldi): ½ tsp I Red chilli powder: ½ tsp I Yogurt: 1 tbs I Khoya: 1 tbs I Salt (adjust to taste): ½ tsp I Garam masala: ½ tbs I Raisin: 2 tsp I Almonds: 11/2 tbs I Charmagaz: 3 tsp
Method I Cut paneer into 3/4 inch cubes. I Puree of tomatoes, green chilli and ginger. I Boil cashewnut, almond and charmagaz in a separate pan and blend to a smooth paste. I Add ghee in a pan, over medium heat. Shallow fry paneer cubes till they turn golden brown. Remove from the pan and place over paper towels to absorb excess oil. I Increase heat to mediumhigh and test the oil by adding one cumin seed. If it cracks, the oil is ready. I Add cumin seeds to the oil and as they crackle, add bay leaves. Stir for a few seconds. I Add tomato puree, coriander powder, turmeric and red chilli powder. Cook the mixture, stirring for 2-3 minutes till the masala starts separating from the oil. I Add sugar, cashew, almond, charmagaz paste and yogurt. Cook for another minute, then add 1 cup of water and salt and bring to boil. I Add khoya and cook for some time. I Add paneer and cover the pan. I Remove from heat, add garam masala powder. I Garnish it with fried raisins and serve.

This, festive ,season, eat, healthy, and, raise, your, glass, these, fabulous, superfoods

This festive season, eat healthy and raise your glass to these fabulous superfoods

    Healthy food isn’t usually associated with good taste. Green vegetables might keep diseases at bay, however, they sure do end up traumatising your taste buds. But you’ll be surprised to know that not all healthy grub needs to be bland. We bring you a list of superfoods that delight your palate and keep your health in check too. Bon appetit.
EGGS Did you know that with their rich protein, vitamin and mineral content, eggs improve your concentration, maintain healthy weight, develop the brain, strengthen eyesight as well as prevent birth defects and breast cancer?
YOGHURT There’s such a thing as ‘good’ bacteria, and your dahi has an abundance of it. Additionally, yoghurt with active cultures helps treat gastrointestinal conditions like constipation, diarrhoea, lactose intolerance, colon cancer and bowel disease as well as in the prevention of osteoporosis and regulating blood pressure.
BLUEBERRIES Blueberries have the highest antioxidant content of all fruit, and are rich in Vitamins A, B Complex, C and E as well as in anthocyanin, copper, selenium, zinc and iron. It is one of the best sources of antioxidants known to fight against disease, ageing, heart ailments and belly fat.
BROCCOLI Nutrient-rich, this superfood helps those of you with blood pressure, osteoporosis, the common cold. It is believed to contribute to the control and prevention of cataracts, stomach and colon cancer, arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimers, tumours, diabetes and ageing.
OATS If you want a better chance at fighting high cholesterol, heart disease, regulating your blood sugar, blood pressure and bowel movements, reducing the risk of getting cancer or controlling your weight, eat more oats.
ORANGES Oranges are a wonderful source of Vitamin C. This simple fruit helps with asthma, kidney stones, high BP and arthritis and assists in the lowering of cholesterol and prevention of diseases like diabetes.
PUMPKIN Both the seeds and the flesh of this superfood are bursting with benefits. The fruit itself is high in antioxidants, Vitamins A, C, K and E and is a rich source of magnesium, potassium and iron. Pumpkin seeds have been associated with treating osteoporosis, prostate problems, depression and preventing cancer.
SALMON Salmon’s high Omega-3 fatty acid content make it an unbeatable superfood. Salmon has been known to fight heart disease, decrease cancer risk, protect joints, improve mood and cognition as well as treat eye problems like dry eyes.
SPINACH Spinach is a nutrient-dense food, loaded with not just iron but a whole host of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. This vegetable protects your heart, promotes gastrointestinal
    health and keeps your brain young
    and active.
GREEN TEA Give green tea the green light if you need help with lowering your risk of cancer, easing arthritis pain, regulating cholesterol, preventing heart disease, boosting immunity, losing weight, having healthier teeth, fending off allergies and infections and reducing or preventing acne.
TOMATOES This superfood derives its luscious red colour from lycopene, an antioxidant that does not occur naturally in the body and has to be derived from an external food source. Tomatoes are associated with the prevention of cancer and heart disease as well as the lowering of cholesterol.
WALNUTS This nut, which looks like a brain, is actually good for your brain! Walnuts have also been known to do wonders for your heart, mood, bone health and weight loss as well as help in fighting insomnia, gallstones, diabetes and even cancer.
BANANAS A rich source of potassium and fibre, go bananas if you want to work on lowering your blood pressure, maintaining the health of your bones, having a healthy digestive tract and preventing the development of cancer.
FLAXSEED Flaxseed is a wonderful source of fibre, Omega-3 fatty acid and is a natural laxative. It also helps with lowering bad cholesterol and prevents diabetes. It is also an all-natural moodlifter.
WHEATGRASS The wheatgrass is always
    greener! It has been known to cleanse the liver, boost production of haemoglobin, increase immunity, heal wounds, purify the blood and improve digestion.
STRAWBERRIES This is an antioxidant and has been associated with cardiovascular benefits, blood sugar regulation and fighting diseases like cancer.