Cooking in Clay pots

 The history and cultural significance of clay pots in various cuisines worldwide.

To begin researching the history and cultural significance of clay pots, we can start by looking at various cuisines worldwide. Clay pots have been used for cooking since ancient times, and their use can be found in many cultures.

In traditional Indian cuisine, clay pots known as "matkas" are commonly used to store and cook food. These pots are made of unglazed clay and are believed to add a unique flavor to the food. Clay pots are also used in Chinese and Korean cuisines, called "sand pots" and "ttukbaegi" respectively. These pots are trendy for cooking stews and soups.

In African cuisine, clay pots are used for cooking various dishes such as tagines, which are slow-cooked stews made with meat and vegetables. These pots are also used for cooking "umu" whi, “an additional dish made by the Maori people of New Zealand, where food is cooked in an underground pit lined with clay.

In Latin American cuisine, clay pots are used for cooking "olla podrida," a traditional Spanish stew made with meat, beans, and vegetables. These pots also cook "moqueca," a Brazilian seafood stew.
One advantage of using clay pots for cooking is that they distribute heat evenly, ensuring that food is cooked thoroughly. They also retain heat well, keeping food warm for a longer period of time. Additionally, clay pots are believed to add a unique flavor to the food.

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Scientific studies support the health benefits of cooking in clay pots, such as increased nutrient retention and reduced toxicity.

Some studies that demonstrate the benefits of using clay pots for cooking:

1. Increased nutrient retention: A study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology found that cooking food in clay pots can increase the levels of certain nutrients, including iron, calcium, and magnesium, in the food. This is because clay pots are porous, which allows for slow and even heat distribution, resulting in better nutrient retention.

2. Reduced toxicity: Another study published in the Journal of Environmental Science and Health found that cooking in clay pots can help reduce the levels of toxic chemicals in food. This is because clay can naturally absorb impurities and toxins that may be present in the food, which can help prevent health issues.

3. Improved taste: Besides the health benefits, cooking in clay pots can improve food flavor. The porous nature of clay pots allows for better moisture retention, which can result in more tender and flavorful meals.

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Lemon is Acid outside and Alkaline in Our Body

The pH of the lemons is very low which makes them as most acidic fruit. The limes are high in acid whose pH lies in between 1.8 to 2 and coming to lemon, its pH ranges between 2.2 to 2.4. So from this, we came to know that intake of lemon or lime will trigger heartburn and acid reflux. But when you mix this lemon or lime with water then it exhibit the alkaline property which helps to neutralize the acid level in the stomach and thus cures the acid reflux completely. So remember that lemons are not alkaline but they acts as alkalizing agents when they enter into the body.

Lemon Advantages

• With its citric acid nature, it creates calcium carbonate which helps to neutralize the digestive acids and thereby acid reflux.
• It will turn alkaline in the body and thus relieves pain and inflammation caused on the chest and esophageal tube. This also helps to balance the body pH levels by reducing the acidic levels in it.
• In certain times, the acid reflux is also caused due to lack of enough of acid and enzymes in the stomach. So the intake of lemon will neutralize the acid and alkaline levels in the stomach and thus helps for proper digestion to prevent acid reflux.
• It has an excellent source of potassium which helps to prevent or solve the acid reflux completely from the body. So it neutralizes the stomach acid effectively.
• It has very low sugar content and high in alkaline mineral, this exhibits alkalizing effect on the body that far exceeds its citric acid content.
• It has rich source of vitamin C, A, pectin fiber and anti – inflammatory properties that help to cure the acid reflux and also the pain and other symptoms caused by it. These all are essential for proper digestion of the food.
• All of its minerals like calcium, potassium, selenium and potassium exhibits alkaline nature. So use of this lemon will be more effective in curing the acid reflux.
• It also contain anti – bacterial property that helps to eliminate any other things which can cause this acid reflux and leads to digestive problems.
• They acts as great cleansing agents which help to clear the impurities and other things which disrupt the functioning of the kidneys and the intestinal organs as both of these are either directly or indirectly related to this acid reflux.
• It regularizes the hydrochloric acid production in the stomach which in turn helps to produce sufficient amount of bile in the liver for both digestion and assimilation of nutrients. So have this lemon water to clear all these digestive problems including acid reflux.

How to use Lemon Juice / Lemon Water for Acid Reflux:

Here are few methods that explain you on how to use this lemon either in water or juice form to neutralize the acid level in the stomach and also to prevent acid reflux.

Method – 1: (Lemon Juice)

This process helps to balance the acid levels naturally by acting as a great digestive aid. This is safe to use for all of us.

Ingredients:

• Lemon – 1
• Warm water – 1 glass
• Honey (optional) – 1/2 to 1 teaspoon

Process:

• First of all, take a fresh lemon and squeeze it to extract its juice.
• Then pour this in warm water and stir it well.
• Now add honey to sweeten up this water and mix it well.
• Drink this lemon water in the morning with an empty stomach of about 15 – 20 minutes before eating anything to get relief from the acid reflux.
• Daily intake of this lemon water in the morning with empty stomach will definitely help you to get cure from this acid reflux or heartburn.
• Or it would be more effective if you take this lemon water 45 minutes before taking the meals everyday will aid in proper digestion and to neutralize the stomach acid.

Method – 2: (Lemon Juice with Ginger)

Ginger also contains some digestive juices which help for better digestion and this ginger if mixed with lemon clears the acid reflux.

Ingredients:

• Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon
• Ginger – 1 inch piece

Process:

• Take ginger piece and crush them finely to extract its juice.
• Pour this crushed ginger juice in a small bowl.
• Then add lemon juice to it and stir it well.
• Drink this mixture to treat acid reflux.
• Regular intake of this lemon – ginger juice will help you to get complete relief from the acid reflux or heartburn.

Method – 3: (Lemonade)

Ingredients:

• Lemons – 3
• Water – 5 cups
• Sugar – 1/4 to 1 cup
• Ice cubes

Process:

• First of all take lemons and cut it into half pieces.
• Squeeze it to extract its juice thoroughly and pour this freshly taken lemon juice in a container.
• Then pour water in it and stir it well.
• Add sugar as per your requirements and mix them properly.
• Now place this container in refrigerator for about 10 – 15 minutes.
• Take it out from the refrigerator and mix it once again before drinking.
• Pour this lemon juice in a glass which has ice cubes in it.
• Enjoy this lemonade to beat the acid reflux and acidity in the body and to get well refreshed.

Method – 4: (Lemon, Ginger and Honey)

Ingredients:

• Lemon juice – 1/2 teaspoon
• Ginger – 1 inch piece
• Honey – 1/4 teaspoon
• Water – 12 ounces
• Saucepan
• Strainer
• Peeler

Process:

• First of all, take a saucepan and pour water in it.
• Place this on heat or stove over medium high flame.
• Then take ginger and peel it off the skin and cut it into thin slices.
• Add these ginger pieces into the boiling water.
• Now turn the heat down and allow it to simmer for about 8 – 10 minutes.
• Put off the flame and strain this water to discard ginger pieces.
• Let the ginger water to get cool down for few minutes.
• Now add lemon juice and honey to it.
• Stir it well and drink this lemon – ginger solution to get relief from acid reflux.
• Regular intake of this mixture at any point of time in a day will help to relieve the acid reflux along with its symptoms which you’re experiencing them.

Method – 5: (Lemon Juice in Water)

This process helps to keep the stomach acids to get neutralized and creates an alkaline state to it against the acid reflux.

Ingredients:

• Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon
• Water – 1/2 glass

Process:

• Take a small bowl and add freshly squeezed lemon juice in it.
• Then add clear water to it.
• Mix it well and drink this lemon water to cure acid reflux.
• Continue the intake of this lemon juice mixed water to get control over heartburn and acid reflux.

Method – 6: (Lemon in Cane Sugar)

This process is very beneficial for pregnant women who are suffering with heartburn or acid reflux.

Ingredients:

• Lemon – 1/2 piece
• Organic cane sugar

Process:

• Take a lemon piece and cut it into slices in such a way that it should be like lemon paper thin.
• Then take a lemon paper thin and dip it in small amount of organic cane sugar.
• Have this lemon slice to get relief from the acid reflux and also from the original lemon taste (which most of the people won’t like it to eat plain).
• Regularize the intake of this lemon slice to get relief from the acid reflux completely but make sure that not to take this lemon slices in too much quantity.

Method – 7: (Lemon Water)

Ingredients:

• Lemon juice – 1/2 to 1 teaspoon
• Water – 1 cup

Process:

• Take freshly squeezed lemon juice and pour this in water.
• Mix it well and drink this lemon water before taking meals.
• Repeat the same process daily before taking the meals to prevent the acid reflux completely from the body.

Method – 8: (Lemon Juice with Baking Soda)

This process is another effective remedy for treating the acid reflux. This lemon and baking soda combinational process helps to balance the acid and alkaline levels in the body to cure heartburn and acid reflux. Limonene is a compound that present in lemons which helps for the production of acid in the stomach and the baking soda has alkaline nature which helps to neutralize the acid – base reaction in the stomach and helps for better digestion and finally prevents the situation of facing acid reflux.

Ingredients:

• Lemon juice – from 1 lemon
• Baking soda – 1/2 teaspoon
• Warm water – 1/2 cup

Process:

• Take a cup and add baking soda in it.
• Then add freshly squeezed lemon juice to it.
• Stir it well till they both have combined well.
• Now place this baking soda – lemon mixture into warm water.
• Mix all these ingredients well.
• Drink this water to get quick relief not only from heartburn or acid reflux but also from all other stomach related problems.
• Continue the intake of this lemon – baking soda mixture whenever you suffer from this acid reflux to get complete cure from it.

Method – 8: (Lemon Juice with Warm Water)

Ingredients:

• Lemon – 1/2 piece
• Filtered warm water – 8 ounce

Process:

• First of all, take half a lemon piece and squeeze it to extract its juice.
• Then pour warm water in it and stir it well.
• Drink this all at once to neutralize the stomach acids and to reduce the acid reflux.
• But make sure that not to warm this in microwave oven.
• Don’t forget to drink this lemon mixture whenever you suffer from acid reflux to get control over it.

Method – 9: (Lemongrass – Ginger Tea)

Lemongrass helps to balance the acid levels and ginger is very effective for treating gastric disorders. This combinational tea is very popular and has been used from ancient times in curing the digestion related problems including this acid reflux.

Ingredients:

• Lemongrass (chopped) – 1 teaspoon
• Ginger root – 2 to 3 slices
• Boiled water – 2 cups
• Strainer

Process:

• Take a bowl and add ginger slices which was finely chopped from fresh ginger root.
• Then add chopped lemongrass or lemongrass tea leaves in it.
• Now pour boiled water in it and cover it.
• Allow it to steep for about 30 – 35 minutes and then strain by using a strainer.
• Take a cup of this tea and sip it slowly 30 minutes before each meal to relieve from acid reflux.
• It will be more effective if you drink this tea prior to breakfast and also for the people whose who are pregnant and suffering from this acid reflux and heartburn problems.
• Do this same process regularly until you get complete control over the acid reflux, heartburn and other digestive problems.

Method – 10: (Lemon Water for Acid Reflux)

Drinking lemon water regularly will act as nice alkalizing agent for the body and neutralizes the acid – alkaline levels in the stomach for proper digestion and also to prevent the heartburn or acid reflux problems.

Advantage of Desi Ghee

Desi ghee or clarified butter, has largely suffered in the last decade in light of researches that denounced it as unhealthy and harmful.

A source of saturated fat, it was said to cause blocked arteries and obesity. But how much should we trust these researches that painted in black a food which has been an essential part of the traditional Indian diet and also is an Ayurvedic medicine? 

Ghee or clarified butter made from cow's milk has been used to treat a number of ailments like cough and cold, weakness, skin diseases and pimples. It is said that aged cow's ghee when applied on chest loosens cough and when onions fried in it are eaten, they relieve sore throat. Ghee is an essential part of Chaywanprash, India's ancient super food which is a must have during winters. 

In fact in a recent research it was found that Cow ghee enhances the availability of enzymes responsible for detoxification of cancer-causing substances and decreases the availability of those responsible for activation of carcinogens, scientists from the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) have reported in the Indian Journal of Medical Research. 

According to celebrity nutritionist Sandhya Gugnani, winter is the best time to have ghee as it is easily digested and also provides the much needed warmth to the body. 

"Ghee being a fat soluble vitamin is rich in vitamin A, D, E,K. Ghee helps our body to absorb and make use of these vitamins. So basically it helps in digestion and enhances eyesight, keep muscles healthy and take out impurities from the body. Most importantly it has a softening effect and prevents dryness of skin which is quite common during winter season . 1/2 a tea spoon of ghee is good during morning followed by a hot beverage like green tea or regular tea / coffee." says Sandhya. 

In fact, there is an increased demand for desi ghee during winters. According to Sahil Gilani, Director, Sales & Marketing, Gits Food, which has recently forayed into its production, "We have increased our dairy production capacity this season to enable us to increase our national distribution footprint. Being a quality focused ghee maker we are benefiting from the rise of health conscious consumers looking for premium desi cow ghee during winters, not just for cooking but also for medicinal uses." 



However, this does not mean you can go ahead with liberal amount of ghee in your food. One must ensure that the intake of total fat (including ghee) should not exceed the prescribed limit of fat consumption. Also, those suffering from cholesterol problem must avoid it. 

Here are five reasons why you must have a tea-spoon of ghee daily. 

1. It prevents dryness of skin and keeps it well moisturized. Use some melted ghee as hair oil and see how it works wonders. 

2. It has vitamin A which is good for eyesight. It helps control eye pressure and is beneficial to glaucoma patients. 

3. It keeps joints healthy as it provides the desired lubrication. 

4. Ghee has stable saturated bonds and so is lot less likely to form the dangerous free radicals when cooking and hence is a safer cooking medium. 

5. Ghee is rich with antioxidants and acts as an aid in the absorption of vitamins and minerals from other foods, serving to strengthen the immune system. 

6. It helps in healing burns. According to Ayurveda, ghee is good for brain as it makes it sharper and increases memory retention.

Taken from:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food/food-features/Why-you-must-have-desi-ghee-in-winters/articleshow/50025764.cms