PARSLEY

• It contains apigenin, a natural oil that has been anti-angiogenesis helps in reduction of growth that supplies cancerous tumors with nutrients.

TURMERIC

• This is named anti-cancer spices. Turmeric contains curcumin. And Curcumin has inhibit the expansion of cancer cells like bone, breast, brain tumors, colon, liver, pancreatic, stomach, bladder, kidney, prostate, leukemia, ovarian cancers and melanoma.
• Turmeric has antiseptic and antibacterial components to treat infection, inflammation and it’s also healing properties and also improve digestion power

GARLIC

• It has natural immune booster and garlic has medicinal properties. It lower the chance of developing all kinds of cancers especially colon, stomach, intestinal and prostatic adenocarcinoma.
• Garlic has strong antibacterial properties and has the power to dam formation of cancer causing substances

OREGANO:

• Oregano contains antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds.
• It contains the phytochemical quercetin, which is understood to slow cancer growth
• Its antimicrobial properties protect against colon and glandular carcinoma further as restrict the expansion of malignant cancer cells within the body.

CAYENNE PEPPER

• Antioxidant found in cayenne pepper, stifled the expansion of glandular carcinoma cells. In some instances, capsaicin may even be ready to kill cancer cells. Cayenne pepper comes with a kick but, for those that enjoy spice, is used on popcorn, dry rubs, or maybe eggs.
• Cayenne has anti-cancer ingredient and also promote apoptosis

GRAVIOLA (ANNONA MURICATA)

• It aids within the inhibition of energy production in cancer cells while also inhibiting the oxidative stress response. 
• Graviola has also been shown to cause apoptosis. Additionally to its positive effects, the herb may cause some side effects like low pressure level, low sugar levels, or maybe nerve damage

SAFFRON:

• Saffron can fight with cancer 
• This spice is also the foremost expensive, but it packs an honest punch. It contains crocins (water-soluble carotenoids) that will inhibit tumor growth and progression of cancer

THYME:

• Much like oregano, thyme also contains carvacrol. Thyme could be a welcome addition to potatoes, rice dishes, vegetables, soups, and sauces.
• It has also anti- bacterial properties 
• Helps prevent cardiovascular diseases 

Spinach is also known as super food as it is full with number of nutrients in a low-calorie food. Leafy green vegetables like spinach are very good for your skin, hair, and bone health. They also provide many protein, iron, vitamins, and minerals.

Adding spinach in your diet may benefit eye health, prevent cancer reduce oxidative stress, and maintain blood pressure levels.

Nutrition facts

The nutrition facts for 100 gm of raw spinach are-

• Calories: 23
• Water: 91%
• Protein: 2.8 grams
• Carbs: 3.7 grams
• Sugar: 0.3 grams
• Fiber: 2.3 grams
• Fat: 0.4 grams

Carbs

• Most of the carbs in spinach contains fiber, which is very good for your health.
• Spinach contains sugar in very small quantity, mainly  in the form of glucose and fructose. 

Vitamins and minerals

Spinach is great source of many vitamins and minerals, include 

• Vitamin A – Spinach contains carotenoids in high quantity, which turn into vitamin A by our body.
• Vitamin C – This acts as antioxidant agent that is good for your skin health and immune function.
• Vitamin K1 – This vitamin is necessary for clotting of blood.
• Vitamin B9/Folic acid – This vitamin is vital for pregnant women and prevents the spinal disorders in child and required for normal cellular function and tissue growth.
• Calcium – This mineral is essential for bone health and strengthening   your nervous system, cardio-vascular health and muscular system.
• Iron – Spinach is an excellent source of iron. Iron helps in formation of hemoglobin, that brings oxygen to your body’s tissues.

Spinach also contains many other vitamins and minerals like magnesium, potassium, and vitamins B6, B9and E.

Fiber

• Spinach contains insoluble fiber in high quantity, which may boost your immunity and health in many ways.
• It aids digestion and help to pass the food   through your digestive system. This may help to releive constipation.

Plant compounds

Spinach contains many plant compounds. Main compounds are

• Lutein & Zeaxanthin – These compounds are beneficial for your eye health.
• Kaempferol – This is antioxidant that reduces the risk of cancer and chronic diseases.
• Nitrates- Spinach contains high amounts of nitrates, which are good for heart health.
• Quercetin. This antioxidant may fight against infection and inflammation.  Spinach is one of the great sources of quercetin.

Benefits of spinach (Spinacia oleracea)

As we saw that spinach has great nutritional value that’s why there are many uses of spinacia oleracea. 

Control diabetes

• Spinach contains alpha-lipoic acid which acts as anti-oxidant agent that is used to lower blood sugar levels, increase insulin sensitivity and prevent oxidative, stress-induced changes in patients with diabetes.
• Studies also show that it decreases peripheral neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy in diabetics.

Cancer prevention

• Spinach and other green vegetables contain chlorophyll which is effective at blocking the carcinogenic effects
• This is effective to preventing the growth of cancer.

Asthma prevention

• Many studies showed that the risks for developing asthma are reduced among individuals in which intake of certain nutrients is high. Beta-carotene is one among them and spinach is an excellent source of beta-carotene.

Maintain blood pressure

• Due to high potassium content in spinach, it is recommended in people with high blood pressure.
• Potassium is   helpful to reduce the effects of sodium in the body. A low potassium intake in diet may become a risk factor for developing high blood pressure as a high sodium intake.

Good for Bone health

• Low intakes of vitamin K can become a higher risk of bone fracture.
• Taking vitamin K in required quantity is important for good health, as it improves calcium absorption and may decrease the amount of calcium that leaves the body in urine.

Promotes digestion

Fiber and water content is high in spinach, both of which aids digestion and prevent constipation.

Healthy skin and hair

• Spinach contains large amount of vitamin A, which also maintain the production of oil in the skin pores and hair follicles that will help to moisturize the skin and hairs.
• Vitamin A is known as growth promoting vitamin as it is essential for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair.
• Spinach and other leafy green vegetables are good source of vitamin C that helps in building and maintenance of collagen which provide structure to skin and hairs.
• It is one of the main sources of iron. Iron deficiency can leads to hair loss. So adding spinach in your food in adequate quantity can prevent the hair loss.

Spinach in diet

• Spinach is a versatile vegetable and can be taken raw or cooked. It is available fresh, frozen, or canned. Here are some ways or methods use more spinach into a daily routine:
• You can add spinach to pastas, soups, and casseroles.
• Take spinach by adding to a wrap, sandwich, or flatbread.
• You can make a dip using spinach, such as spinach and artichoke dip.

Risks

• If someone is taking blood-thinners, like warfarin, it is important that they should be careful while taking food they eat containing vitamin K that plays a role in blood clotting.
• Taking too much potassium can be harmful for people who are suffering from kidneys diseases. Because If kidneys are unable to remove out the excess potassium from the blood, then it could be fatal. 
• Spinach also contains both calcium and oxalates in high amount, so people who are at risk of developing kidney stones should be taken carefully or in limit.

What are carrots?

• Carrots (Daucus carota) are root vegetables that were cultivated in Afghanistan thousands of years ago. Orange may be best-known color for carrots, but they also come in other colors, including purple, yellow, red, and white. 
• The taste of this veggie may vary depending on the color, size, and where it’s grown. Carrots have slightly sweet flavor due to present of sugar, but they also can taste bitter or earthy.

Nutritional value in carrot

Half cup of carrots contains –

• 25 calories
• 6 grams of carbohydrates
• 2 grams of fiber
• 3 grams of sugar
• 0.5 grams of protein

Carrots are a source of many vitamins and minerals. A half-cup can give you up to:

• 73% of your daily requirement of vitamin A
• 8% of your daily vitamin K
• 8% of your daily potassium and fiber
• 5% of your daily vitamin C
• 2% of your daily calcium and iron

Health Benefits of Carrot ( Daucus Carota)

Carrots contain many antioxidants and have number of health benefits. Uses of Daucus carota are given below

For eye health / Vision 

• Carrots are very good for eyes. They’re good source of beta-carotene, a compound that further changes into vitamin A by the body, which helps keep your eyes healthy. Beta-carotene protects eyes from the sun and lowers your chances of eye problems including cataract.
• Yellow carrots contain lutein, which is also good for eye health. It can prevent age-related macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of vision loss.

Blood pressure and cardiovascular health

• Carrots are good for your heart health. All those antioxidants that are present in carrot are good for your heart. Secondly, the potassium present in carrots can help to maintain blood pressure in levels. And third, carrots have fiber, which can help to maintain healthy weight and lower your chances of heart disease.
• Red carrots also have lycopene, that is very good for heart and prevent heart disease.

Lower the risk of cancer

• They can lower your risk of cancer. Antioxidants that are present in carrots fight against harmful free radicals in the body and that decrease cancer. The two main antioxidants that are present in carrots include carotenoids and anthocyanins. Presence of free radicals in the body increases the risk of various types of cancer. The carotenoids like Lutein and zeaxanthin have antioxidant effects that reduce the risk of cancer.
• Prostate cancer: Many studies show that a diet rich in carotenoids lower risk of prostate cancer. 
• Leukemia: Nutrients present in carrot juice extract can destroy leukemia cells and slow down or stop their progression.
• Lung cancer: Having carrot juice help to prevent the type of damage that leads to lung cancer in smokers.

Strengthen Immunity

• Carrots help to boost your immune system. As carrots are source of vitamin C in that helps your body build antibodies that strengthen your immune system.  Vitamin C contributes to collagen production. Collagen is source of connective tissue and essential for wound healing and keeping the body healthy.
• A healthy immune system will help to prevent number of diseases. Taking additional vitamin C may boost the immune system’s function. 

Bone health

• Carrots possess vitamin K and small amounts of calcium and phosphorus. All of these are essential to keep your bones healthy and may help   many bone related disorders like osteoporosis.

Digestive health

• Taking more carotenoid-rich foods may decrease the risk of colon cancer. Studies suggest that who consumes a   more high-fiber diet have a lower risk of colorectal cancer than those who consume little fiber.
• Because of high fiber content carrots can help with constipation. If you are facing the problem of constipation then taking raw carrots can help to ease constipation and keep you regular.

Diabetes control

• Carrots can help to control diabetes. People who have diabetes are advised to take non-starchy vegetables, including carrots. The fiber presents in carrots help to keep blood sugar levels under control. 
• Carrot is a low calorie, rich in fiber and low in sugar. And because of presence of vitamin A and beta-carotene in carrots, these can lower your diabetes risk.

Carrots in the diet

As there are many uses of carrots so one must include them in diet. There are mainly two seasons for carrots — the spring and fall- but nowadays these are usually available all the year. 

How carrots can be used?

Carrots can be taken in many ways. It can be taken as raw, boiled, steamed, roasted, or as an ingredient in soups and stews.

First, peel and wash the carrots, then:

• Carrots can be used as salads, or in wraps
• Add carrots to juices, soups   and smoothies for a naturally sweet, mild flavor.
• Shredded carrots can be used in baked goods, like in cakes and muffins.
• Carrot sticks or baby carrots can be taken as snacks, maybe with a dip, such as hummus.

Boiling carrots can decrease some of the vitamin content. So it should be taken raw or steamed to get the most nutritional value.

Also, Absorption of carotenoids and vitamin A may occur better in the presence of fats. That’s why, people should eat carrots with a healthful source of fat, such as avocado, nuts, or seeds.

Risks

Over intake of vitamin A can be harmful. Also, it may cause a slight orange tint to the skin, though this not harmful to health.

An overdose of vitamin A is unlikely to happen because of diet alone, but it may result from supplement use.

Amaltas Known as “Golden Rain Tree” owing to its beautiful hanging yellow flowers, Amaltas has numerous health benefits. In Ayurveda, amaltas is known as “Sarvarogaprashamani” which means that cures all types of diseases and protect the body against various kind of microbial infections. It contains properties like purgative, carminative, anti-pruritic and anti-inflammatory and relief from many disorders.

Synonyms of Amaltas

Indian Laburnum, Sondal, Bahva, Garmalo, Aragvadha, Chaturangula, Rajvraksha, deerghavriksha

Taxonomical classification

Latin name: Cassia fistula

Family: Fabacea

Division: Mangoliophyta

Kingdom: Plantea

Sub-kingdom: Trachiobinota

Genus: Cassia

Species: Fistula

Class: Magnoiliopsida

Subclass: Rosidae

Names in different languages:

English: Indian Laburnum, Purging Fistula, Cassia, Golden Shower

Gujrati: Garmala

Hindi: Sonhali, Amultus Kannad Kakkemara

Tamil: Shrakkonnai, Konai, Irjviruttam

Telugu: Kondrakayi, Raelachettu, Aragvadhamu, Koelapenna

Sanskrit: Nripadruma

Arabic: Khiyar Shambar

Urdu: Amaltaas, Chamkani

Rasa Panchaka of Amaltas

Rasa (taste)- Madhura (sweet)

Guna (qualities)- Guru (heavy),  snigdha

Veerya (Potency)- Sheet

Vipaka- Madhura (undergoes sweet taste after digestion)

Effect on three doshas– Pacifies Pitta and kapha dosha and aggravates vata dosha

Chemical Components  of Amaltas

Amaltas comprises an array of bioactive constituents including Glycosides, Anthraquinones, Sennosides A And B,  Fistulic Acid, Sennosides, Emodin,  Sugars, Saccharose, Mucilage, Pectin, Anthraquinones, Rhein, Rheinglucoside,  Chrysophanic Acid, Phlobaphenes, Fistuacacidin, Lupeol, and Sterols like Beta-Sitosterol And Hexacosanol etc.

Amaltas Dosage

Dosage may vary from person to person. Acc. to different formulations dosage of amaltas is

Fruit Pulp: 5-10 gm

Flower Churna/powder: 5-10 gm

Decoction: 50-100 ml

Amaltas Avaleha: 1-2 teaspoons a day, once a day

Amaltas Vati: 1-2 capsules, twice a day

Therapeutic Benefits of Amaltas

• Promotes Digestion

Amaltas possess excellent digestive qualities. Due to anti-flatulent property of the root of amaltas , formation of gas in the alimentary canal reduces , that help in  reducing bloating, flatulence, and abdominal distension.

• Boosters Immunity

Many antioxidants and ascorbic acid presents in Amaltas. Amaltas improves the immune system, fighting microbes and shielding the body against various infections. Amaltas acts as strong anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and antifungal agent so very effective in preventing infections like fever, common cold, sore throat, and other respiratory anomalies.

• Aids In Cardiac Functioning

Amaltas helps to relax the cardiac system. Amaltas possess the chemical componuds that are beneficial for patients suffering from arrhythmias and palpitations. It helps in strengthening of the heart muscles, lower cholesterol levels in the blood and prevents lipid build-up, so help in reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, heart blocks, heart attacks, blood clots, etc.

• Prevents Infections

Due to presence of many biochemical compounds in this herb it has been used since ancient times to protect the body against various kinds of infections. It is very effective in reducing general debility, weakness, fatigue and strengthens immunity of the body.

• Treats Wounds And Ulcers

Due to the anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties of amaltas leaves it is useful in treating ulcers like ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcer, canker sores or mouth ulcers, etc.

• Protect From Intestinal Disorders

Anti-inflammatory and purgative properties of amaltas are effective to suppress the toxic bacteria H-pylori and also prevents its growth in the gut. Due to laxative nature, it helps in preventing constipation; piles .It also prevents the fluid from drying up in the colon and averts abdominal pain, abdominal distension, colic, etc.

• Remedies Pain And Inflammation

Amaltas contains anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties due to which it provides relief from pain and inflammation due to arthritis. It is also extremely effective in digestion of ama   that leads to many disorders thus effectively used in Rheumatoid arthritis that is  Amavata in ayurveda.

• In Diabetes

Amaltas has strong hypoglycaemic property which is important in decreasing blood sugar levels of the body. Amaltas activate the  β-pancreatic cells, which helps in the production of insulin .

• Skin Augmentation

Amaltas acts as antioxidant agent, so amaltas is also used in achieving spotless radiant skin. It helps in protecting the skin from damage caused by the harmful rays of UVA and UVB rays, and hence reduces the various signs of aging like wrinkles, spots, fine lines, dark circles, etc. Also helpful in many allergic conditions like acne,  pimples and prevents various other skin infections like

• Relieves Urinary Problems

Amaltas is effectively useful in various urinary disorders like urinary incontinence, painful micturition and burning sensation while micturition. Being a mild diuretic, it also treats dysuria. Due to its Anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties , amaltas significantly helpful in preventing urinary infections.

• Mange Respiratory Troubles

Amaltas has powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, and anti-asthmatic properties, due to which it is effective in all sorts of respiratory troubles.  It is effective in treating the common cold, sore throat, cough and flu symptoms. Helps in decreasing kapha , it actively thins and loosen mucus deposits within the chest and nasal cavities and hence treat breathing difficulties and helps the body to get rid of mucus. It is also beneficial for treating other respiratory disorders like asthma and bronchitis etc.

• Inhibits Liver Disorders

It has hepatoprotective and hepato-stimulative properties; So Amaltas is effectively used in treating various kinds of liver anomalies like jaundice, in which the liver gets mostly affected. The herb not only improves the liver functioning by secreting bile but also beneficial in maintaining normal level of  the liver enzymes . It helps in detoxification of the liver and improves liver functioning by cleansing.

• Cures Bleeding Disorders

Amaltas is extremely beneficial in treating bleeding disorders being a good antibiotic and antiseptic formulation. The fibrinolytic properties  of the amaltas helps in clot formation at the site of injury or wound and hence treats bleeding disorders and infections.