Ten Foods for Longlife

Tomatoes. A major source of the antioxidant lycopene that reduces the risk of cancer by 40% -- notably prostate, lung and stomach cancers -- and increases cancer survival. Tomato eaters function better mentally in old age and suffer half as much heart disease. Concentrated tomato sauces have 5 times more lycopene than fresh tomatoes, and canned tomatoes have three times more than fresh.

Olive Oil. Shown to help reduce death from heart disease and cancer. Recent research shows that heart-attack survivors on a Mediterranean diet had half the death rates of those on an ordinary low-fat diet. Olive oil is also high in antioxidant activity.

Red Grapes, including red grape juice and red wine. Red grapes have moderate antioxidant power, while purple grape juice has four times more antioxidant activity than orange or tomato juice. Red wine (not white) has about the same antioxidant capacity as purple grape juice or tea. French research show that drinking red wine in moderation increases longevity, but excessive drinking has the opposite effect, so limit to two glasses per day. Drink grape juice.

Garlic. German researchers have found that garlic is packed with antioxidants know to help fend off cancer, heart disease and all-over aging, and prolong cancer survival time. Let crushed garlic "rest" about 10 minutes before cooking to preserve disease-fighting agents.

Spinach. Second among vegetables only to garlic in antioxidant capacity and is also rich in folic acid, which helps fight cancer, heart disease and mental disorders. New University of Kentucky research shows folic acid may help prevent Alzheimer's disease. Eat both raw and steamed for best benefit.

Whole grains. A University of Minnesota study suggests the more whole grains you eat, the lower your odds of death by 15%. Whole grains contain anticancer agents and help stabilize blood sugar and insulin, which may promote longevity. Whole-grain "dark" breads, cereals such as All Bran, and "old fashioned" oatmeal are an excellent source.

Salmon, and other fatty fish. Contains high amounts of omega-3 fat that performs miracles throughout the body, fighting virtually every chronic disease known. Without it, your brain can't think, your heart can't beat, your arteries clog, and joints become inflamed. You need one ounce a day, or two servings of salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring or tuna per week.

Nuts. Eating more than 5 ounces a week can cut heart-attack deaths in women by 40% and help prevent deadly irregular heart beats in men a Harvard University study found. Almonds and walnuts lower blood cholesterol. Most of the fat in nuts is the good-type monounsaturated and/or omega-3. Unsalted nuts are best.

Blueberries. High in antioxidants, Tufts University researchers say a half-cup of blueberries a day can retard aging and can block brain changes leading to decline and even reverse failing memory.

Tea. Green or black tea has equal antioxidant benefit. One cup a day can cut heart disease risk in half Harvard researchers found. Make from loose tea or tea bags, instant and bottled tea has little effect Tufts University shows.

The recipe of Shahi Pulao

There are different kinds of Pulao. But Shahi Pulao is really rich in taste.

Ingredients
3 cups basmati rice, wash & soaked for 30 minutes.

Layer 1
Grind to a paste

1" piece ginger
3 green chilies
2 tbsp. coconut grated
2 sprigs mint leaves
½ cup coriander leaves
4 flakes garlic
1 carrot
1 capsicum
6-7 french beans
1-sprig sping onions greens chopped


Layer 2
Grind to a paste

1 tbsp. sesame seeds
1 tsp. soaked khuskhus seeds
1 onion
5-6 blanched green chilies or white pepper
1 cardamom
1 clove
1 bay leaf
1/2" piece cinnamon
1 potato
1 onion

Other ingredients

6-7 whole shelled walnuts
15 cashew nuts halved
15 almonds, blanched and halved
1 tbsp. raisins
1 tbsp. cheese or paneer grated
1 tbsp. coriander leaves finely chopped
2 bay leaves
1-cup milk
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
3 tbsp. ghee or oil

Method
  • Put plenty of water to boil, add salt and bay leaves, bring to boil.
  • Add rice and cook till done but not mushy.
  • Drain water, cool in large plate.
  • Heat half ghee in a heavy pan , add carrots.
  • Fry till tender, drain, add French beans to same fat.
  • Repeat frying till tender, drain, add capsicum.
  • Fry, drain, add paste for layer 1.
  • Fry paste for 3 minutes, add salt, spring onions, stir.
  • Take off fire, add fried vegetables back, and keep aside.
  • Heat remaining ghee in another pan.
  • Fry and drain cashews, almonds, potato slices.
  • Add onions , stir fry till light golden.
  • Add raisins, salt, half the milk, and paste for layer 2.
  • Add fried dry fruit, stir and cook for 3 minutes,
  • Take off fire , keep aside.

To proceed
  • Take a deep casserole about 6-8 inches wide.
  • Divide rice into 3 parts.
  • Grease insides of casserole; spread one part of rice at bottom.
  • Spread layer 1 mixture evenly over the rice.
  • Spread second layer of rice over mixture.
  • Mix layer 2 mixtures with the remaining rice.
  • Spread evenly over 2nd rice layer.
  • Sprinkle milk over layers.
  • Sprinkle cheese evenly to cover casserole.
  • Cover the casserole with a lid or clingfilm, making cuts for steam to escape.
  • Bake in preheated oven at 250°C for 9-10 minutes.
  • Garnish with fresh ground pepper, coriander and walnuts before serving.
  • Serve hot with pakodi kadhi or raitha