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...

Quail and quail eggs: their nutritive value, benefits, and comparison with hen eggs

 Quail eggs are gaining popularity. In size, they are tiny but are nutrition-packed. Let us go into more details of this cute alternative to hen eggs. 

Quail

Quail is a middle-sized bird. It is a collective term used for birds of medium size. They are grown for their eggs and also for eating. 

Quail eggs


The eggs of quail are smaller than hen eggs. Roughly, they are 1/3rd the size of hen eggs. Hence, around 3 or 4 quail eggs would equate to one hen egg. But their taste is similar to hen eggs. They are cream-colored on the outside with brown blotches. They have deep yellow-colored yolk which is also larger in size. If we look at quail eggs nutrition-wise, it is as follows:


Weight=9 gms

Calories=14

Protein=1 gm

Fat=1 gm

Carbohydrates=0 gms

Fiber=Nil

Vitamin A=2% of daily value

Vitamin B12= 6% of daily value

Riboflavin=6% of daily value

Folic acid=2% of daily value

Pantothenic acid=3% of daily value

Choline=4% of daily value

Iron=2% of daily value

Phosphorous=2% of daily value

Selenium=5% of daily value


Hence despite their small size, they are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. All these are required for healthy living. Quail eggs also are rich in anti-oxidants. Hence they aid cell damage repair. They are also good for relief of allergy symptoms. A study was carried out in 77 allergic individuals over 7 days. Running nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion improved significantly after 1 hour of intake of quail egg and zinc. But it is not certain in this study whether zinc alone, quail egg alone, or both caused the improvement. 

Animal study in mouse showed improvement in eosinophilic esophagitis with quail eggs intake. But certainly more research is required in this direction. 

Precautions

Though nutritious, quail eggs are unpasteurized. Hence they might carry harmful bacteria within them. This is especially for pregnant women and those with immune system problem. The egg yolk should be cooked properly and solid before consumption. 

Also read https://healthfitnessnwellnessblog.blogspot.com/2021/11/MM3122-novel-drug-covid.html

People allergic to hen eggs may also have allergy to quail eggs. Hence they should be careful and test it before heartily taking it. Besides, people not allergic to hen eggs may still have quail egg allergy. 


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