Be Vegetarian

Lemon has found special mention in Ayurveda as a fruit that has many healing properties. It is sour, acidic, and promotes digestion. It is indigenous to India, though now grown abundantly in other countries such as Sri Lanka, West Indies, Mexico, and Malaysia. 

Constituents
Water                          85.0%
Carbohydrates              11.1%  
Protein                           1.0%
Fat                                0.9%  
Phosphorus                    0.03% 
Calcium                          0.07%          
Iron                               2.3 mg / 100 gm
Vitamin C                      39.0 mg / 100 gm 
Fiber                              1.8%

Benefits
· It removes stubborn phlegm
· Helps in flatulence by expelling wind from the abdomen
· Controls excessive bile production
· It acts as a good skin astringent
· Helps people with constipation
· Though acidic, it leaves alkaline residue in the body
· Lemon is a known intestinal worms destroyer
· It prevents rheumatism and acidity
· Helps curtail nausea and acidity
· It soothes the nerves and is a good diuretic
· Helps people with palpitation problem

Lemon juice destroys bacteria related to malaria, diphtheria, cholera, typhoid and other such disease. The Vitamin C it contains is more effective than synthetic tablets because of bioflavonoids (Vitamin P). The small traces of Vitamin A makes lemon good for vision. The Vitamin C helps in calcium metabolism, which is good for the bones and teeth. Being diuretic, it helps in all kinds of kidney related problems. Mountaineers find lemon beneficial in areas where there is less oxygen, as it helps in restoring normal breathing. Sir Edmund Hilary, the first person to conquer Mount Everest has said, “My success in climbing Mt. Everest, the highest summit in the world, is greatly due to lemon.”

Lemon juice should never be taken in concentrated form. The extract of one lemon should be diluted with one glass of cold water. Add a cube or two of ice to make a refreshing summer drink. Lemon juice with honey first thing in the morning is good for people suffering from constipation.

Here is an interesting vegetarian recipe keeping in mind the needs of diabetics. It is just as well good for perfectly healthy people.

Ingredients
· Asparagus – 2 lbs
· Fresh ginger (grated) – 1½ tablespoon
· Low fat mayonnaise – ¾ cup
· Distilled vinegar – 1 tablespoon
· Orange juice – 1 tablespoon
· Light sour cream – ¾ cup
· Soy sauce – 1 teaspoon
· Orange Zest (grated) – 1 teaspoon
· Garlic clove (peeled and crushed) – 1
· Dijon-style mustard – 1 tablespoon
· Sugar – ½ teaspoon
· Salt & pepper (to taste)

Method of Preparation
To zest the orange, peel off thin layers from the outer surface of the skin. Make sure not to include the white on the underneath of the skin, which can be bitter.  Take the asparagus and chop off the tough ends. Next, peel the stalks. Take a large skillet and fill water until it is about 1 inch from the base. Place it on a stove and boil it. Add the asparagus and allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes or when the asparagus just about goes tender, whichever is earlier. Do not place the lid while the asparagus is simmering. Drain the water and place the asparagus in ice water to cool it. 
Drain the excess water and refrigerate to chill.

Take the other ingredients and mix them well in a medium size bowl. Add this mixture to the bowl containing the asparagus and chill before serving.

It is enough to serve 8. Each serving contains:

· Calories – 127
· Protein – 5 gm
· Fat – 8 gm
· Carb – 10 gm
· Sodium - 235 mg
· Calcium – 50 mg

The ginkgo biloba herb is native to China and Japan. It is known for its medicinal properties. It has been used by  royalty since ages and was a revered plant. Recent scientific research has shown that ginkgo biloba possesses some valuable healing properties.

Benefits
Ginkgo biloba helps increase memory and mental concentration. Europeans are enamored by the herb as millions of daily doses are reported to be consumed in Europe. It also helps improve circulation in the brain thus, resulting in increased oxygenation of the brain cells. Research has shown that its extract not only improves memory considerably, but also enhances activity of neurons in the brain. Ginkgo has helped many patients with asthma for its bronchodilating property.

Patients of migraine were subject to ginkgo biloba extract, where researchers found marked improvement in their condition owing to its effect on the arteries. Due to its circulatory effects, the herb has shown improved results in loss of hearing problems, impotence, and brain and heart related problems. As ginkgo helps in dilating the blood vessels, the resultant improvement in circulation of blood and oxygen help many organs revitalize. Ginkgo biloba is an excellent antioxidant, which helps prevent deterioration of the body organs.

Ginseng is an oriental herb that is considered highly nutritional. It has been known to ancient cultures since 3000 BC. Europe got a taste of the herb in 1610 AD through Dutch traders and merchants. Ginseng has highly effective adapting properties that help normalize body functions. It has a most telling effect on the nervous system and hormones.

Benefits
· It strengthens the human body after it is subject to prolonged physical exertion. Ginseng is known to provide energy.
· In weak and recuperating patients, it starts the process of stimulating the physical and mental faculties. It is just as beneficial for old people.
· It helps stimulate the nerve cells of the brain, in the process rectifying illness related to the nervous system. Ginseng is good for psychosomatic, memory and intelligence related problems.
· It promotes healthy functioning of the endocrine system – especially related to the sexual and suprarenal glands.

In research conducted at the University of Osaka Japan, ginseng was found to help improve memory, blood circulation, nervous system, and metabolism. It was also seen to normalize sugar levels in the blood. Australians use ginseng to normalize blood pressure and prevent heart ailments. According to the National Cancer Research Institute of Maryland, ginseng (eleutherococcus) helps in the treatment of cancer.

Garlic lends its unique flavor to whatever dish it is introduced to. Besides, you can enjoy the health benefits that it offers. Making your own garlic bread can be fun. Just follow the instructions

Ingredients
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 Vegan pre-sliced bread
Parsley (for garnishing)
Red pepper flakes

Directions
You may even use garlic powder if that suits you. But, using chopped garlic is highly recommended for that fresh garlic flavor.

Place the frying pan on moderate heat and add the oil and garlic. When the oil heats up add the red pepper to taste. If spicy food is not your cup of tea, avoid it. Put a slice of bread in the pan, and flip it when it browns. Take care not to burn the garlic. Your garlic bread is ready. 

Schizandra (Schizandra chinensis) is a plant native to China and Russia. Known as wu wei zi in China, this versatile plant helps protect the liver, regenerates it, and ensures proper liver function. Schizandra is a body toner, sedative, expectorant, and adaptogenic. It also provides vigor to the body and fights hepatitis.

Major Constituents
Fat                                  11.4%
Chromium                          0.18 mg / 100 gm
Phosphorous                  420.0 mg / 100 gm
Magnesium                     270.0 mg / 100 gm
Silica                                  0.34 mg / 100 gm
Vitamin A                   10,000.0 IU /100 gm
Vitamin C                        105.0 mg / 100 gm
Lignins (Schizandra, gomisin, deoxyschizandrin)
Phytosteroles (Beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol)
Volatile oils

Benefits
Schizandra is an effective immune system stimulant. It also has a positive effect on the lungs and helps people suffering from asthma and bronchitis. This wonder plant has over 30 types of lignins that are responsible for the protective ring it throws around the liver. Studies conducted on the plant reveal that patients suffering from hepatitis showed a 76% improvement in their condition with no side effects. It is known to encourage the production of enzymes in the digestive system, including the liver, and help detoxify the body.

Being an effective body toner, it provides and maintains energy levels and helps in stressful conditions. It has a stimulating effect on the nervous system providing a soothing effect on the mind. It also helps in cases of depression and neurosis. Mental concentration too has been seen to improve in people taking schizandra. It helps the kidneys by balancing the water content in the body. In a nutshell, Schizandra helps strengthen the nervous, immune, respiratory, and digestive systems, besides stimulating sexual function.

Garlic belongs to the family of lilacs and is known for its medicinal properties since ages. This bulbous plant is rich in proteins, sugars, potassium, calcium, phosphorous, iodine, sulfur and silicone besides, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 and C. Garlic is anthelmintic, a muscle relaxant, anti-rheumatic, and anti-diabetic. It helps proper digestion, and checks hyperthyroidism and hypertension. Garlic is also a known antibiotic, and helps lower cholesterol and fat.

Major Constituents
Ajoene – It helps in slowing the process of blood clot formation in the arteries and controls cholesterol levels in blood.
Allicin – it is a strong natural antibiotic
Selenium – Found in rich quantities, selenium neutralizes free radicals, thus preventing ailments. It is an anti-oxidant that helps organs from aging. Garlic in combination with Vitamins A and E accentuates their properties.
Fructose – It stimulates the immune system. 

Benefits
· Helps decongesting the lungs, prevents colds and flu
· An antibiotic, it fights bacteria such as staphylococcus, streptococcus, and salmonella.
· Ground garlic and aloe vera lotion applied on inflamed areas relieves pain.
· Good for children with intestinal worms
· As it is rich in iodine, people suffering from hyperthyroidism benefit from garlic
· It is an effective diuretic, hence helpful to people with urinary problems
· It is a muscle relaxant and muscle toner
· Its ability to lower glucose levels in the body by increasing insulin production helps diabetics
· Due to its vasodilator property, it reduces blood pressure.
· Relaxes the heart and helps reduce accelerated heart rate

Studies show that garlic helps in decreasing LDP (bad cholesterol) and increasing HDP (good cholesterol). It was found to lower LDP ranging from about 7 - 22% and raising HDP ranging from 15 – 31%. According to studies conducted by Chitani and Bordia, daily garlic intake during a month reduces coagulation and clots ranging from 72 – 85%.

Thyme is wonderful plant that has medicinal properties, and is used for seasoning food as well. Belonging to the labiate family, thyme is ingested for its digestive properties - when taken as a condiment. A teaspoon mixed with a pinch of salt helps relieve abdominal pain and flatulence. It is known to improve circulation, as also strengthen the lungs.

Major Constituents
· Tannin
· Triterpene,
· Aliphatic Resins
· Flavenoids

Benefits
· It helps in reducing colic pains and spasms
· It has anti-inflammatory properties
· Acts as a vasoconstrictor, and helps reduce phlegm
· Used in food to improve digestion
· Has antiseptic properties
· Strengthens the immune system

Its therapeutic properties are enhanced when taken with garlic. It is a natural bad breath remover, helps in cases of dental pain, and is used to clean stained teeth, as well.

Fenugreek, a green leafy vegetable, is known for its healing and recuperative properties. Besides, its pungent taste makes a tasty cooked dish. It supports the heart, promotes bile, and expels accumulated abdominal wind.

Constituents
Water                    81.8%
Carbohydrates         9.8%  
Protein                    4.9%
Minerals                   1.6%
Fat                          0.9%  
Phosphorus              0.05% 
Calcium                    0.47%          
Iron                       16.9 mg/100gm
Vitamin A            3900.0 IU/100gm 
Vitamin B                70.0 IU/100gm

Benefits
· Helps people suffering from dyspepsia and fever
· Recommended for pregnant women for its intestine cleansing properties
· Known to help provide relief in case of piles
· The heavy iron content helps people suffering from anemia

If you are suffering from indigestion, just take two tablespoonfuls of fenugreek juice.  You may even consume it in the form of soup. It is also beneficial in case of cough, vomiting, and rheumatism. Fenugreek juice is a good way to improve iron content in the body.

Cabbage is a green leafy vegetable that has many health benefits including revitalizing the heart and digestive system. It is consumed both in the form of salad and cooked vegetable. However, cabbage is known to produce wind in the tummy.

Constituents
Water                  90.2%
Carbohydrates       6.3%  
Protein                  1.8%
Minerals                 0.6%
Fat                        0.1%  
Phosphorus           0.05% 
Calcium                 0.03%
Iron                      0.8 mg/100gm         
Vitamin A         2000.0 IU/100gm
Vitamin B1           60.0 micrograms/100gm
Vitamin B2           30.0 micrograms/100gm
Niacin                    0.4 mg/100 gm
Vitamin C           124.0 mg/100 gm

Benefits
· According to Dr.Garneth Cheney, California, cabbage is a sure remedy for duodenal     and gastric ulcers.
· The iron in cabbage is easily assimilated and, hence, helpful for anemic patients
· Helpful in arthritis and obesity
· Improves defective vision, pyorrhea, and chronic digestion problems

The vitamin A content is only found in the outer leaves of cabbage, and so is the percentage of iron. So, the outer leaves should not be discarded in favor of the tender inner leaves. Dr.Cheney had suggested drinking 450 ml of cabbage juice to 65 patients of ulcer at intervals of a few hours everyday. Those who underwent the treatment reported marked reduction in pain within five days, and were healed in the second week.