YIN AND YANG.....ANOTHER STORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

“PRORELISHER,A MULTIPURPOSE SNACKS BASE”

Protein, not long ago, the word would likely have conjured an image of thick steak. But in this fat and cholesterol conscious times, informed eaters are learning that proteins comes in varied form. The coming age of vegetarian cookery, coupled with ongoing passion for ethnic cuisines, has stretched the definition of protein sources.

 Whole grains, legumes, soy products and nuts and seeds are primary protein sources in a plant-based-diet. The benefits of plant-based-diets are numerous and include: weight control: It’s hard to get fat, or stay fat, on this diet. Grains, legumes and soy foods are bulky and filling, yet contain virtually litte or no fat. They provide a feeling of fullness that keeps the body fuelled and satisfied for hours. Plant based proteins sources are high in fibre and low in fat. In numerous studies high fibre, low fats diets have consistently been shown to lower the risk of heart disease and rates of certain cancers such as those of the colon, breast and prostate. In addition, this type of diet is believed to reduce the risk of diabetes, haemorrhoids and colitis. It’s hard to match the economic value of bulk grains and legumes supplemented, fresh produce carefully chosen in season. Even a ready-to-eat plant is food far less expensive than most meats and fish.

 Life cannot be sustained without adequate nourishment and food of different forms is consumed to fulfil the need. Consumers are much aware and expect better choices to be available. So, with the changing life styles, there is an increased demand for higher value added product which are beneficial to health. People, who want to boost energy, lose fat and gain lean muscles may turn to protein powders. Taking Protein in the morning is a healthy way to start the day, so using a protein powder with breakfast can keep you feeling fuller and more energetic throughout the day. Healthy eating is important for everyone, especially children, to ensure that they receive all the nutrients they need to grow and develop. Snacking has become a way of life for all age groups but with healthy portion and healthy food choices, snacking can enhance, rather than hurt our health. Healthy snacks can add fibre and nutrients to our diet and can give the energy especially to the children to keep them full of life and active through the day. Just take an example of most relishing snack, especially of monsoon- Pakora, which are a favourite tea- time snacks. Snacks include variety of preparations that can be served at mid-morning, late afternoon or in the evening time. If well planned and balanced with nutritious food materials they can be a source of valuable nutrients and not just empty calories.

Given their way, children would love to grow up on a diet of bread, biscuits and junk food which are often addictive and unhealthy. At such times, the challenge for a mother is, how to package healthy and nutritious foods, which kids often tend to avoid, in a sumptuous and tempting way that makes them ask, for more and more. The right or the best time to provide healthy snacks is after school for the children, in the evening after office work, when one is hungry and body demands energy and nutrition. Snack like cheela, puda or pudla, also referred as vegetarian omelette in some parts of India, is a traditional Indian breakfast and evening snack item which is quite easy to prepare. Various plant foods can be used to prepare healthy snacks which would provide health benefits with nutrients present in them and would be relished by all age groups. Various pulses can be used like chana dal powder; toor dal powder is a good source of cholesterol, lowering fibre which also prevents blood sugar levels from rising too rapidly after meal, making these an especially good choice for individuals with diabetes, insulin resistance or hyperglycaemia.

 Among the legume family the three most used are toor dal, chana dal and moong which are a good source of protein and fiber. Dal is versatile ingredients that offers a panorama of textures and flavor. Chana dal also referred to as gram lentils, this yellow dal with a strong nutty taste stands up well with longer cooking as well as base to make flour (also known as besan or gram flour). Toor dal is pale yellow lentils with an oily or non-oily surface. They are quick to cook and soft in texture. It forms a good combination with chana dal in order to make protein powder. Moong sprouts probably contain the largest amount of nutrients per unit of any food known. Enzymes that initiates and control most chemical reactions in our body are activated in the sprouting process. This helps convert protein into amino-acids, starch into glucose and increase the value of vitamins. So combinations of these three legumes are highly nutritious. Several herbs available in Indian garden are fruitful in both the terms of health and body. Herbs are medicinal plant having distinct odours and taste are used in the preparations of herbal and nutritious food products. Mint is one of the most simple to use of the natural herbs, and has a lot of medicinal uses, besides just tasting good. Coriander is a herb that is widely used in recipes, to give appetizing aroma to all dishes. Apart from giving a distinctive aroma to food, it also adds to health benefits, mainly because of its high nutritional value. Curry leaves are an essential part of Indian cuisines. It is widely used in south India. Curry leaves are mostly used as a natural flavouring substance. Infact these leaves give all the dishes a distinct taste and aroma. Onion has been used as an ingredient in various dishes for thousand of years by many cultures around the world. Coconut is also one of the nutritious ingredients that are used in healthy food. It is considered as a good source of energy and is used to improve physical performance. It also promotes weight loss by increasing the metabolic rate. Ginger has been renowned for its use in cooking and for its aromatic smell, but there are also many health benefits of ginger such as curing nausea and helping with digestion. Ginger is a natural spice and is known world wide for its smell and pungent taste. Ginger does not interact with any other nutrients or drugs in the body. Ginger in all forms is safe to take. Salt is essential to human life and the functioning of the human body. Black pepper is a hot, pungent spice. It is one of the earliest known and probably most widely used spices in the world today. By utilizing the nutritional and medicinal benefits of above listed food materials a new food product “Prorelisher, A Multipurpose Snacks Base” was developed.