4 excellent benefits of Moong Sprouts

Have you tried the sprouted moong salad? It’s an easy-to-make recipe and beneficial for our health in a varied ways.

The moong beans are a type of legumes that are native to India. These are not only used in salads, but also curries, dosas and chillas. 

So, what is it about these tiny beans that brings not just taste to our recipes, but also increases their nutritional value?

Benefits of eating sprouted moong

Moong sprouts are packed with nutrients which help our body fight ailments.

The sprouting enhances the nutritional value, provides antioxidants and thus helps detoxify our body.

These are also used to help tackle weight issues.

Let us take a look at their benefits.

BENEFITS OF EATING SPROUTED MOONG:

BEST PLANT-BASED PROTEINS:

The protein content–14.2 grams/cup–of sprouted moong are perfect for those who follow a strictly vegetarian diet.

Proteins are called the building blocks of our bones, muscles and skin.

Proteins play an important role in creating and maintaining the cells of our body.

They are needed for building and repairing of tissues.

They help in supplying nutrients to our body,

They help in recovery after an injury.

They build lean muscles and reduce muscle loss.

Proteins are also required for digestion, and hormone regulation

Proteins, in combination with fibre, keep you feeling fuller for longer which helps in weight loss, too. And, moong sprouts which are rich in proteins and fibre do just that!

Benefits of eating moong sprouts

Isn’t this the number one reason why we need to include sprouted moong to our daily diet?

A moong salad made with a cup of raw or steamed sprouted moong, chopped tomatoes and onions, freshly grated coconut, some green chillies, coriander and lemon juice is a healthy way to begin your day.

It will keep you feeling full right till your lunch time. And, that means, you won’t reach for those calorie-dense fried snacks to ruin your health.

Try this salad today!

HIGH FIBRE CONTENT AIDS DIGESTIVE HEALTH:

Moong sprouts are high in fibre–15.4 gms/cup. These contain a soluble fibre called Pectin that helps regulate our bowel movements. It assists in smooth and faster movement of food through our gut, and this in turn, helps keep our digestive health in excellent condition.

Moong sprouts are also high in resistant starch. This is similar to the soluble fibre in function. It nourishes the healthy gut bacteria and promotes digestive health.

The carbs in moong sprouts are easier to digest, which means lower chances of flatulence, as opposed to other sprouts.

IMPROVES RESISTANCE AGAINST INFECTIONS:

Regular consumption of moong sprouts strengthens the immune system.

Its Vitamin B 1, Vitamin C and Vitamin B 6 content helps the body develop resistance against infections and diseases.

The antioxidant from Vitamin C helps protect our body from free radicals, which could otherwise attach to healthy cells and cause disease and damage to our body.

MOONG SPROUTS FOR EYE HEALTH:

Vitamin A is required for healthy eyes. And to assist this nutrient in its function, our body requires proteins. Moong sprouts being high in proteins work with the Vitamin A for healthier eyes and better eye sight.

The high content of the B vitamins in moong sprouts ensures proper functioning of our eyes.

 

HOW TO SPROUT MOONG BEANS:

Sprouting moong is very simple.

Thoroughly wash the moong, and leave it to soak in enough water overnight.

Strain through a sieve or a colander the next morning, wash it again, and drain the water.

Tie the moong in a clean, cotton cloth or place them in a colander. Place the colander on top of a vessel so that any remaining water can drain away.

Benefits of eating sprouted moong

Keep it covered for a day so that it gets the warmth it requires to sprout.

Place it in a clean, dry area in your kitchen.

Once the shoots appear, tie the sprouts in a clean, dry cloth and place it in an air tight container. You can refrigerate it for a few days. Consume it within few days as long as they are fresh.

CONCLUSION

If you are averse to eggs or poultry which contains high amounts of proteins, you can switch over to moong sprouts for the best plant-based protein source.

If you wish to reduce excess weight, switch over to moong sprouts instead of store-bought diet snacks. Reduce your weight the healthier way.

If you wish to maintain good health, start having sprouted moong every day!

 

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Benefits of eating sprouted moong

 

Edhaa Essentia – The Natural Way to a Beautiful You!

Disclaimer: This is a Sponsored Post. I received the Edhaa Essentia skin care merchandise in return for an honest review. 

Diwali, the festival of lights, is just around the corner. I am sure you all must have started making the preparations. True, 2020 has been a difficult year, but we need to find moments of joy, however tiny, to light up our world and drive away the darkness, isn’t it?

Keeping that in mind, Edhaa Essentia brings for you a beautiful skin care package that contains handmade skin care products especially for the festive season. 

Formulated by an Ayurvedic practitioner, every product from Edhaa has been created with precision, using the best of nature-derived ingredients that do not harm or damage the skin.

With the arrival of winter, our skin care routine gets added help from Edhaa. All the products from Edhaa can be used on a daily basis to get that soft, pampered skin of your dreams.

Let’s take a look at the goodies, shall we?

Edhaa Essentia Soaps  Edhaa Essentia Skin Care

 

EDHAA ESSENTIA: SKIN CARE FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON:

EDHAA UBTAN & ABHYANGA OIL:

Right since our childhood, we have followed the ritual of waking up early in the morning on Narak Chaturdashi, and having the Abhyanga Snan. The utna, or UBTAN, with its soothing aroma, and the calming effects of the Abhyanga oil, enhances the joy of the festival. 

Edhaa Essentia Ubtan  Edhaa Essentia Abhyanga Oil

Edhaa’s ubtan and the oil make for a perfect body cleanser and softener.

These help get rid of toxins without harming your gentle skin.

The Abhyanga oil rejuvenates and nourishes the skin and gives it a healthy glow. 

The ubtan is completely herbal and contains rose oil which nourishes the skin and prevents it from getting dry.

Massage with the oil and then use the ubtan mixed either with the Abhyanga oil, or Coconut oil for a rejuvenating and refreshing face and body scrub this Diwali. 

The aroma is simply mesmerising. You just need to open the package and you are sure to fall in love with it all!

 

KUMKUMADI OIL:

Edhaa also brings the Kumkumadi Oil–an elixir for our skin–created from 21 herbs and oils that acts as a cleanser and a moisturiser. 

Edhaa Kumkumadi Oil

The saffron in the oil helps in skin lightening and improving the skin tone. 

It also helps get rid of dark spots as well as any blemishes thanks to its anti fungal and antibacterial properties. 

The oil also helps reduce wrinkles.

It gives a freshness to your face, a kind of glow that brightens up your day!

 

APPLICATION:

At bedtime, wash your face, pat it dry, and apply only a few drops of the oil to your face in circular motion. Massage it gently and leave it overnight.

Wash it with your everyday cleanser in the morning.

Regular use will show a marked improvement in the texture and tone of your skin. 

 

EDHAA ALOE MAGIC BODY LOTION:

The Edhaa body lotion moisturizes, nourishes and rejuvenates the skin. It is perfect for the winters when our skin dries and feels itchy. 

Edhaa Essentia Body Lotion

I have been using it and can vouch for its effectiveness.

The itchy feeling I experienced on my face reduced greatly in the very first application.

It contains almond oil, olive oil and cetyl alcohol, distilled water, and glycerine. Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient in body lotions and cosmetics. (Google). 

 

EDHAA BEAUTY SOAPS:

Edhaa introduces a range of beauty soaps created from natural ingredients. I am sharing the list of soaps here which are being sold at competitive rates. 

As they are made using natural ingredients, they don’t leave your skin feeling dry, like other soaps. 

SOAPS:

Kesar Chandan

Ubtan 

Red wine

Calamine

Charcoal

Chocolate

Coffee

Goat milk

Almond oil

Shea butter

Honey

Coconut milk

Multani mitti

Black grapes

Kasturi Manjal (Wild turmeric) soap

Pomegranate

Glycerine

Pink salt

Papaya

Lemon

Menthol

They will introduce the Kumkumadi Soap after Diwali. 

 

The proprietors of Edhaa have shared this extensive list of face and body scrubs, body wash, shampoos, gels and face wash, lip balms, creams, and face masks for your information.

All the shampoos and face washes are organic. 

To place your orders, please call or Whatsapp at 8355880464 to Ms. Rupa Chapalgaonkar/Ms. Sailee Pokharkar.

 

FACE MASKS – FACE PACKS:

Clay Mask

Rose and Red wine mask

Chocolate clay mask

Golden glow mask

Mix fruit mask

Anti-acne face pack

Anti-pigmentation face pack

 

FACE WASH:

Anti acne face wash

Daily care face wash

AHA face wash

 

CREAMS:

Kesar-chandan cream

Collagen cream

Anti-oxidant cream

Creams suitable for different skin types.

 

SCRUBS:

Red wine gel scrub

Chocolate, coffee scrub

Green tea scrub

Mix fruit scrub

Customised scrubs

 

BODY WASH:

Red wine body wash

Lemon body wash

Aqua splash body wash

Cucumber-Kiwi body wash

Feel fresh body wash

 

GELS:

Kesar-chandan day gel

Anti ageing night gel

Aloe Vera-cucumber gel

Coffee gel

Lemon gel

Anti acne gel

Anti ageing red wine-rose gel

 

OILS:

Kumkumadi oil

Nalparmadi oil

 

SHAMPOOS:

Aloe vera shampoo (for regular use) – For hair strengthening and lustre

Coconut milk shampoo – For managing curly hair

LIP BALMS:

Strawberry lip balm

Chocolate lip balm

Butterscotch lip balm

Blueberry lip balm

 

Isn’t that quite an impressive array of skin and hair care products to pamper yourself this festive season? In fact, all of these can be made a part of your everyday grooming session.

The natural ingredients ensure no harm done to your skin and hair.

The fact that all of these have been formulated and created by an Ayurvedic doctor ensures the quality of the products and their efficiency. 

Try it to believe it!

Do give a call at  8355880464 to enquire and place your orders with Ms. Rupa Chapalgaokar/Ms. Sailee Pokharkar.

The products are set at competitive prices, and are delivered all over India.

The packaging is perfect and is done with utmost care so as to avoid any spillage or damage. 

 

Why use chemical products for our fragile skin and hair when we can use products created from nature-derived ingredients? Do give these a try. I am sure you will come to trust these, soon!

 

Edhaa Essentia

 

 

 

 

Savoury Aloo Puri – Recipe

During the lockdown, hubby would hunt for simple recipes on YouTube that could be had for a brunch, a lunch, or even a dinner. With just the two of us at home, cooking elaborate meals three times a day felt like a task. And, during one such hunt, he came across this recipe.

It doesn’t need too many ingredients. In fact, it tastes equally good even if you missed out on a few ingredients or added some of your own. But, you get a dish that is tasty and satisfying.

Sharing with you all the recipe today. I can’t remember where hubby found the recipe, but I would like to thank whoever shared it. I love it!

 

SAVOURY ALOO PURI

INGREDIENTS:

Savoury Aloo Puri Savoury Aloo PuriSavoury Aloo Puri

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wheat flour – 3 cups

Potatoes – 2 medium, boiled and mashed.

Turmeric – half tsp

Red chilli powder – 1 tsp

Garam Masala – 1 tsp

Ajwain – 1/2 tsp

Ginger-Garlic paste – 1 tsp

Green chilli paste – Optional – 1 tsp

Kasuri methi – 1 tablespoon

Ghee – 1 tablespoon

Salt – to taste

Oil – for frying.

 

METHOD:

In a mixing bowl, take the wheat flour and mix all the masala, Kasuri methi and mashed potatoes.

Heat the ghee in a tadka pan and then pour it in the above mixture (ghee gives a distinct flavour to the puri).

Mix it all well and prepare a dough.

Savoury Aloo Puri

Heat oil in a kadhai and deep fry the puris till golden brown. 

Savoury Aloo Puri

You can have these with your favourite pickle, or dal, or just like that. With the kind of taste-makers we have added, these really don’t need any accompaniments! 🙂

Do try these out and let me know how you liked it. 

 

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Savoury Aloo Puri - Recipe

 

As The Stars Fall – Book Review

As the Stars Fall.

Author: Steve N. Lee

Genre: Fiction

Format: Kindle

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Apart from animals and writing, Steve Lee’s passion is travel. He’s visited 58 countries and enjoyed some amazing experiences, including cage-diving with great white sharks, sparring with a monk at a Shaolin temple, and watching a turtle lay eggs on a moonlit beach. He’s explored Machu Picchu, Pompeii, and the Great Wall of China, yet for all that, he’s a man of simple tastes — give him an egg sandwich and the TV remote control, and he’ll be happy for hours!

He lives in the North of England with his partner, Ania, and two black cats who graciously allow Steve and Ania to stay in their house.

SYNOPSIS:

When a young girl suffering with her own tragedy comes across an injured young dog, she can’t resist helping him. Both having braved the worst the world had to throw at them, the pair quickly form an unbreakable bond. They picture their future as an endless stream of adventures filled with love, laughter, and good times.

But life has one last cruel trick to play…

At one moment heart-warming, the next heart-breaking, this is the story of a devoted dog’s roller coaster journey to be the one thing every good dog dreams of being — a best friend. Through a touching tale, As The Stars Fall explores how compassion can make us whole again and friendship can heal even the most broken of hearts.

MY REVIEW:

The story begins with a scene many of us may have witnessed on our streets, of stray dogs fighting to survive in a world that does not welcome the idea of having these creatures around. A scene that’s sure to bring on the waterworks, if you are an ardent dog lover, like yours truly.

It’s a moving story of a dog, his life on the streets, how it changes when he meets a friend who puts him before everything, and how he touches the life of those he spends his time with.

If you have read and enjoyed books like ‘Marley and Me’, or, ‘The art of racing in the rain’, you will find this book equally fascinating and enjoyable.

There are moments of joy and laughter, and then there are moments when your eyes tear up at the life lead by the hero of this book and his little friend.

In short, this story is a dog’s journey on this planet amid people who love him, hate him, are crazy about him, and also who are disgusted by him. Frankly, though, I will never understand how someone can not like dogs!

WHAT I LIKED:

The story looks at the world through a dog’s eyes. How a dog views the world, its people, the life of these people, and why they do things the way they do.

The words used could very well be those of a dog, that is, if he could talk!

There are moments of hope for the canines; moments when you feel that there are people who may not appear to be so, but who do, indeed, care for animals. It’s just that their way of expressing love is slightly different.

The moments between the little girl and the dog are proof how caring and understanding children are towards animals, how very pure of heart and loving they can be, if given the chance to be so.

In fact, this book would make for an amazing children’s book! Kids in the 9 to 12 age group will love it. The language is easy-to-understand and very relatable for kids. It could, actually, ignite in them a love for, and an understanding about dogs.

WHAT I DID NOT LIKE:

There is not much to nitpick about this book, except that the initial chapters seem to ramble on about the everyday life of the dog and his friend. It tends to get a bit tedious and I did skip a few pages every now and then.

And, the chapters that contain the most happening parts are too little. Maybe the author could have done away with the excess elaboration of the dog’s new life after getting adopted. But, that’s my honest opinion; no offence meant.

MY RATING:

Being a dog lover, I would give every book on dogs a 5 star rating. However, considering the parts that I found dull and monotonous, I would give this book 3.5 stars.

Having said that, I would urge you to get this book, at least for your little ones. It’s written in a language kids will understand, and will, thus, get them into the habit of reading–which seems to be losing its charm these days. It could also make them aware of how dogs live, think, and feel!

As the stars fall

Sweet Pumpkin Puri – Recipe

Pumpkin can be used in a variety of ways. Not just the simple pumpkin sabji with methi seeds, but raita and sambhar, too, turn out tasty and nutritious when prepared using this humble vegetable.

Today, I am sharing another recipe that has pumpkin as the main ingredient.

It’s sweet to taste, but can also be made savoury with a little change in the ingredients used. Pumpkin, though, remains a constant, as does the method of preparation — deep frying.

 SWEET PUMPKIN PURI

The sweet pumpkin puri, or vada, if you wish to call it that, has jaggery as the sweetener and not sugar, so this makes it healthy, too, and you don’t need to worry too much about cholesterol because we will use ghee to deep fry the puri.

INGREDIENTS:

Sweet pumpkin puri - recipe

 

Pumpkin – 250 gms

Jaggery – 1 small bowl

Wheat Flour – 2 cups

Sweet pumpkin puri - recipe

Rava (Sooji) – 1 tablespoon

Salt – a pinch

Ghee – to fry

 

METHOD:

Wash and peel the pumpkin and chop it into medium-sized pieces.

Pressure cook the pumpkin pieces for 5 to 10 minutes, or one whistle.

Bring it out, and once cool, mash it well.

Place a pan on the gas and put in the mashed pumpkin and then the jaggery.

Allow the jaggery to melt on low flame. Make sure the pumpkin paste and jaggery don’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

Sweet pumpkin puri - recipe

Once the jaggery has melted, switch off the gas and take the pan off.

In a large bowl, take the wheat flour, the rava, salt, and mix well.

Then, add in the cool pumpkin+jaggery paste.

Do not add water.

Sweet pumpkin puri - recipe

Mix all these ingredients very well to form a dough.

If it feels sticky, use oil to grease the palms while kneading the dough.

Sweet pumpkin puri - recipe

Once the dough is made, leave it aside for 10 to 15 minutes.

In a kadhai, take some ghee–either homemade ghee, or store-bought.

Heat the ghee well.

In the mean time, make small balls of the puri dough.

Then, place a ball on your greased palm, pat it flat into a thick puri and slowly slide it into the kadhai.

Fry well from both sides till golden brown and remove it on a paper napkin.

Serve hot.

Sweet pumpkin puri - Recipe

 

FOR SAVOURY PUMPKIN PURI:

Instead of jaggery, add turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, coriander powder, and deep fry in oil.

You can have these savoury puris either as is, or with your favourite pickle.

 

PUMPKIN FACTS:

A cup of cooked pumpkin – the quantity we used in the recipe above – provides us with an array of nutrients: proteins, fibre, vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, manganese, copper, vitamin B2, and iron.

Being bright yellow-orange in colour, pumpkin provides us with beta carotene that’s necessary for strengthening our immune system to fight off infections.

It also makes pumpkin good for our eyes.

The beta carotene in the pumpkin makes it a good skin-food, keeping our skin healthy and protecting it from UV rays.

It is rich in fibre and low in calories which makes this veggie the perfect choice for weight-loss.

 

TWO FUN PUMPKIN RECIPES:

While chopping pumpkin, keep aside the peel. It comes in handy for preparing a chutney that’s way different from the usual ones we make.

Here’s the recipe:

Do not throw away the pumpkin peels!

 

Pumpkin can also be used to prepare raita, especially during the summers. It’s an easy-to-prepare recipe that doesn’t need a lot of time or ingredients.

Check out this recipe:

A cool recipe for hot summers

 

Do try out these recipes to reap the benefits of this squash vegetable. They are good for the health, and fun to make when running low on time and energy.

 

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Sweet pumpkin puri - Recipe

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