Corona virus Covid 19- The situation in Mumbai city is getting from bad to worse. With total number of cases having breached the 10,000 (10714) mark with death crossing the 400 (412) mark as of yesterday. The doubling from 5000 to 10,000 cases came in span of 11 days, with last 1000 taking less than 48 hours. Mumbai at present needs a stricter lock down, but on the contrary daily there is relaxations, it first started with liquor shops, with unprecedented crowd govt was forced to closed down the same within 2 days. Now from today they are opening up Hardware and Electric repair shops but with the rider that only one shop of a kind will be opened in each lane. If there are more than one shop of a kind in lane, who is going to decide which to open and which to close. It looks like Mumbai Municipal Corporation has lost the direction in handling this pandemic. Let us wait and watch.
Now coming to my other topic on health and food- today I am writing about a vegetable. I am talking about the vegetable known as Spinach or Palak in many Indian languages. Those who follow cartoons , will know how the American sailor Poppeye was getting strength by eating spinach. There are many health benefits which this vegetable can provide, and are listed below:
Protection from Iron deficiency– Palak is indeed a great source of iron, especially when cooked, and that too with lesser calories and is fat free. This is why it is extremely healthy, as compared to other foods rich in iron. Hence it is highly advisable to include Palak in our diet.
Relieves Constipation– It contains both soluble and insoluble fibres that can help relieve and protect from constipation, a big issue that most of elderly people face. It adds bulk to the stool and thus makes for smooth passage through the system, thus easing constipation. Besides this fibre also helps with heart health and protects many other organs as well. Since the fibre helps remove the toxin from the body, it is also said to protect against colon cancer.
Improves Vision– Research suggests that people who eat Lutein, ,Beta-carotene and Zeaxanthin will have a lower risk of developing cataract. Palak is fully loaded with all these anti oxidants, which can help in keeping cataract at bay.. Also these anti oxidants are believed to filter the UV rays that damage the eyes and skin through free radicals. It is also said to help in reducing the irritation and puffiness of the eyes.
Power of antioxidants– these help us fight many dreaded diseases like cancer, as they have anti inflammatory properties. Inflammation caused in the cells is responsible for many diseases. Palak is called an antioxidant super food because of the presence of Lutein, which is related to Vitamin A and Beta carotene. Antioxidants also help in in strengthening all the muscle, especially the heart muscles.
Diabetic friendly– Palak is called a diabetic super food, as it helps manage the blood sugar levels in the body. The fibre content in it makes it not so easy to digest, and hence it does not spike the sugar levels. It has no starch, which is enemy of diabetics and hence can be eaten in larger portions. It is one of the few foods with low glycemic index and can be recommended for people with diabetes.
Builds immunity– It is abundant in Vitamins and minerals, that help in boosting our immunity. High doses of Vitamin A, C and E present in Palak, help our body fight many infections, and also helps in replenish blood cells, which is possible because of folate or vitamin B9 present in it.
Good for bones– The calcium present in Palak can stave off osteoporosis and help in keeping the bones strong. Vitamin K presence help build bone density.
Brain health– Vitamin B6 and Potassium contained in Palak helps in maintaining a healthy nervous system. The potassium helps with brain health and maintaining healthy blood flow to part, thus improving the brain functions and memory.
One of the easiest and best ways to consume Palak is to prepare soup out of it. Which can be made interesting by adding some pepper and ginger. It should be taken hot, and can be consumed in any season. In region wise in India, there are many recipes of making Palak, that can be used to prepare variety of dishes using the same. It can be had with rotis or rice.
Hope this information will be useful to all of you.
Awaiting views/comments/feed backs.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
7th May 2020.
R. N. Mungale
Information about Palak is very useful.
Bobby
There are two ways to handle the virus; go out and face it or stay home and wait for the vaccine! The govt. is fluctuating between these two, but finally we ourselves will have to make our own decision, between the two forms of survival.