Nirmala's Kitchen Nepal
Methi ko Laddu
Methi ko Laddu are considered a good diet for everybody. These laddus are prepared with khuwa, dried fruits and jaggery. It can be treated as snacks or appetizers and is believed to be edible by people with diabetes.
"Let food be thy medicine, thy medicine shall be thy food"
— Hippocrates
Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek is an herb long used in naturopathy and in the Nepali Kitchen. Fenugreek seeds contain fibers, protein, iron, manganese, and magnesium. Research suggests that fenugreek may increase breastmilk production and the rate of weight gain in breastfeeding babies.
Khuwa
Khuwa is made by reducing milk on low flame until it turns semi-solid. Like any other dairy product, it is better for strengthening the bones and teeth as it is rich in calcium. It is also a good source of vitamin D that helps optimize calcium metabolism and vitamin K that helps blood clot normally.
Ghee
Ghee or clarified butter is rich in important nutrients like vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, and conjugated linoleic acid. It may also help reduce gut inflammation and support heart health. Ghee can help boost the intake of vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that’s important for maintaining eye health, skin health, and immune function.
Jaggery
Ghee or clarified butter is rich in important nutrients like vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, and conjugated linoleic acid. It may also help reduce gut inflammation and support heart health. Ghee can help boost the intake of vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that’s important for maintaining eye health, skin health, and immune function.
Dates
Dried dates are basically dates that are sun-dried and have no moisture , which makes them dates nutrient-dense. They are packed with the goodness of fibers, vitamins, and minerals such as iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, copper, and manganese. Dates contain several types of antioxidants that are proven to promote heart health and may reduce the risk of eye-related disorders as well as reduce inflammation.
Almond
They are high in fiber, riboflavin, and minerals: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, and manganese. Almonds are also a source of protein, thiamin, niacin, and iron. They are highly nutritious and rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain a decent amount of copper, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), and phosphorus. The antioxidants in almonds help prevent aging and diseases.
Dried Coconut
Dried coconuts have several nutrients like manganese, selenium, iron, copper, calcium, and several vitamins. They are proven to strengthen skin, ligaments, bones, and tendons. It prevents anemia, helps lower blood cholesterol levels, and promotes brain function.
Cashew
The fat present in cashew nuts is responsible for the growth of good cholesterol and reduction of the bad cholesterol. Eating cashew nuts regularly will ensure a proper balance of magnesium and will prevent migraines and body pains in general. It is good for the gut and ensures healthy eyesight. The copper and antioxidants in cashew help in making skin look radiant and glowing. Different types of enzymes found in cashew are responsible for boosting immunity.
Raisins
Raisins are dried grapes, which are packed with several nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, polyphenols, and dietary fibers. Research shows that raisins can lower your risk of heart disease by reducing blood pressure and blood sugar. Raisins are also a good source of potassium which relaxes our blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and thus provides relief from hypertension. Raisins are helpful in providing pain relief caused by inflammatory problems such as arthritis and gout because of the presence of antioxidants and polyphenols.
Fennel Seeds
The fennel seeds offer a wide array of health benefits and may provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. Fennel seeds contain fiber, potassium, magnesium, and calcium which are essential for good heart health. Some studies suggest that fennel may increase breastmilk secretion and weight gain in breastfeeding infants.
Tragacanth Gum
This gum, also called Goond, is odorless, tasteless, and a water-soluble mixture obtained from the sap of the plant and then dried. It is effective for treating constipation due to its purgative properties. This gum helps to cool the body during summer and heat the body during winter. Goond has anti-aging properties as it delays the development of wrinkles and fine lines. Tragacanth gum is great for a new mother's health who becomes weak after delivery. It is said to be beneficial for both the mother and the baby.
Wheat Flour
Carom seeds have an important role to play in the field of Ayurveda as they can treat a lot of diseases and disorders. Carom seeds are believed to cure ulcers in the digestive parts of our body such as the stomach, intestines, and esophagus. Carom seeds often help with treating acidity, gas, and chronic indigestion. Carom seeds can help to prevent the untimely greying of hair and also cures hair fall.
Pista
Milk is a common energy drink in Nepal and a great source of calcium, protein, potassium, phosphorus, vitamins D, A & B12, riboflavin, and niacin. It is proven to improve bone health and is an excellent source of protein.
Lotus Seeds
Lotus seeds or Makhana are good sources of protein and fiber, along with micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus. As they are rich in antioxidants, they could protect against inflammation and chronic disease.
Black Pepper
Ghee or clarified butter is rich in important nutrients like vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, and conjugated linoleic acid. It may also help reduce gut inflammation and support heart health. Ghee can help boost the intake of vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that’s important for maintaining eye health, skin health, and immune function.
Cardamom
Ghee or clarified butter is rich in important nutrients like vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, and conjugated linoleic acid. It may also help reduce gut inflammation and support heart health. Ghee can help boost the intake of vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that’s important for maintaining eye health, skin health, and immune function.