Ways of eating idlis

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 During my trip down South, I had the opportunity to watch common people enjoy traditional southern foods. Idlis are one such popular food items that can be consumed anytime of the day. They can be had during breakfast, lunch, or dinner or anytime in between.  Idlis are traditionally South Indian delicacies. They are rice and lentil cakes that are steamed. They are usually salty but in Mauritius, you will find sweet varities as well in small shops and restaurants there.  Idlis are healthy food items and are a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. They have minerals and vitamins and have the goodness of fermented foods too. They are served with sambhar (curry made of dal) and chutney (coconut, tomato or the like). Some also savour them with yoghurt, ghee (clarified butter) or spice mix (podi).  Idli pizza A modern twist to idli dish has been as idli masala (idlis usually small-sized covered with spices), idli fry (idlis usually small-sized that are...
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Black pepper and its benefits for hypertension in adults! Know how to make a black pepper tea?

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 The normal adult blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. But when these values are elevated above 140 and 90 mm Hg persistently, it is hypertension of high blood pressure. Medicines are important to be started after medical consultation. The doctor will advise lifestyle changes and ways to control stress and anger. These usually help but one can also resort to some home remedies to put a check on the elevated levels of blood pressure. Black pepper tea is claimed to be effective in this condition.

STUDIES ON THE ROLE OF BLACK PEPPER IN HYPERTENSION

Lowering the salt intake is essential in hypertension. A 2010 study published in a journal from Slovakia revealed that in a rat model, piperine of black pepper (Piper guineense) helped to decrease the high blood pressure induced with chronic NO synthesis inhibition. Its essential oil has antioxidant properties and inhibits key enzymes that cause blood pressure. It is a good source of potassium and this could dilute the ill-effects of sodium on the arterial pressure.
Black pepper [Source: Sultan Spice]

There are some claims of an increase in immunity and anti-inflammation but these claims are not proven scientifically. Besides, it has a pungent flavor that many people find delicious and pleasing. Thus it is a superfood and can be used for this purpose under medical advice.

BLACK PEPPER AND FOOD

Thus one can use black pepper for patients of high blood pressure. You can sprinkle it on salads, soups, other food items and also use its powder in making of meals. It has an all-round good effect on the body but excesses should be avoided.

Black pepper on salad [Source: Kraft]

Besides, black pepper could be added to hot tea and consumed for that lightening effect on the arterial pressure. But one wonders on how to prepare black pepper tea. Scroll down for that great recipe for this wonder drink!

BLACK PEPPER TEA RECIPE

In order to make black pepper tea, you will need the following ingredients: Black pepper 1 tsp, grated ginger (0.5 inch), tea leaves powdered (1 tsp), and milk (whole, half-skimmed or full-skimmed 1 cup). That’s all.

Ginger black pepper tea [Source: Truweight]

To prepare the tea, take a vessel and add water into it. Add ginger and bring it to a boil. To this, add the tea leaves and let them infuse into the water with boiling. Add milk. Leave it to steep for some time. To this, add the black pepper and if you need sugar. Serve it hot. One can also add cinnamon and cardamom if one desires. The piperine is the active chemical of black pepper that seeps into the hot tea and soothes the body and mind.

Also, read on why yoga is still an unscientific and unproven exercise!

 

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