Parwal / Pointed Gourd

English Name: Pointed Gourd

Common Indian Name (Hindi): Parwal

• Trichosanthes dioica is also known as the Pointed gourd, parwal (Hindi), or potol (from Assamese, Oriya or Bengali).
• It is widely cultivated in the eastern part of India, particularly in Orissa, Bengal, Assam, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.
• It is a dioecious (male and female plants) vine (creeper) plant. The plant remains dormant during the winter season and prefers a fertile, well-drained sandy loam soil due to its susceptibility to water-logging.
• The fruits are green with white or no stripes. Size can vary from small and round to thick and long — 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 cm)
• It is a good source of carbohydrate, vitamin A, and vitamin C. It also contains major nutrients and trace elements (magnesium, potassium, copper, sulfur, and chlorine) which are needed in small quantities, for playing essential roles in human physiology.

Melon seeds

• Seeds are viewed as being a powerhouse of various nutrients.
• These seeds are said to feature essential fatty acids that are believed to be important for maintaining a healthy heart. Melon Seeds contain high amounts of antioxidants and are viewed as an excellent source of Folic acid, calcium, magnesium, zinc and protein.
• These help in supporting both the immune and cardiovascular systems.
• They are believed to help in regulating healthy blood- fat levels and provide vital nutrients that are thought to be essential for promoting wound healing.
• The properties featured in melon seeds are believed to help sustain healthy skin, nails and nerves.

Sesame seeds

English Name: Sesame Seeds

Common Indian (Hindi) Name: Til

• Sesame is an ancient spice, one of the first recorded plants used for its seeds.
• They are tiny, flat ovals, measuring about 3 mm (1/8 in) long. Seed color can vary, though they are usually beige or creamy white when husked.
• Sesame seeds are reported to help in strengthening the heart and cardiovascular system and to be good for the nervous system.
• Sesame seeds feature lignans, which are said to be strong antioxidants.
• They are believed to be an excellent source of Omega- 3 and Omega- 6 essential fatty acids, seen as good for sustaining a healthy heart.
• They are often a great source of Calcium, iron, magnesium and Vitamin E.
• They also contain selenium which is said to help in enhancing moods.
• Non-culinary uses include its use as an ingredient in soap, cosmetics, lubricants and medicines. In southern India it is used to anoint the body and hair.

Pecans

• "Pecan" is a Native American word from the Algonquin language, which was used to describe "all nuts requiring a stone to crack."It is from the Hickory family.
• Pecans are available in a variety of sizes: mammoth, extra large, large, medium, small and midget. They are available in several forms including whole pecans, pecan halves, pieces, granules and meal.
• The buttery-rich kernel is golden-brown on the outside and beige inside.
• Pecans have a fat content of over 70 percent, which is more than any other nut.
• Pecans are a good source of protein and unsaturated fats. Pecans are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, although pecans contain about half as much omega-6 as walnuts.
• The antioxidants and plant sterols found in pecans reduce high cholesterol by reducing the "bad" LDL cholesterol levels.
• They’re a good source of potassium, thiamine, zinc, copper, magnesium, phosphorous, niacin, folic acid, iron, and vitamin B6, and also a good source of fiber.

Walnuts

English Name: Walnuts

Common Indian (Hindi) Name: Akhroat

• Walnuts are technically drupes or drupaceous nuts, and thus not true botanical nuts.
• These are one of the best plant sources of protein.
• They are rich in fiber, B vitamins, magnesium, and antioxidants such as Vitamins E.
• Nuts in general are also high in plant sterols and fat - but mostly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (omega 3 fatty acids - the good fats) that have been shown to lower LDL cholesterol.
• Walnuts, in particular, have significantly higher amounts of omega 3 fatty acids as compared to other nuts.
• More than a decade of scientific evidence shows that incorporating walnuts in a healthy diet reduces the risk of heart disease by improving blood vessel elasticity and plaque accumulation.
• Walnuts have also been shown to aid in the lowering LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) and the C-Reactive Protein (CRP). CRP was recently recognized as an independent marker and predictor of heart disease.

Chironji

English Name: Buchanania lanzan Seeds

Common Indian (Hindi) Name: Chironji / Charoli

• Chironji are tiny almond flavored dried seeds of a bush called Buchanania lanzan, which is cultivated across North West India. After the hard shell is cracked, the stubby seed within is as soft as a pine nuts.
• They are commonly used in sweets in India. However, they are also ground into powders for thickening savory sauces and flavoring batters, and stewed into rich, meaty kormas.
• Chironji seeds are used in the Ayurveda and Unani System of Medicine. According to Ayurveda, it removes biliousness, and cures blood disorders, fevers, thirst, ulcers, burning sensation of body. According to Unani system of medicine they are tonic to body and brain and useful in treatment of gleet, urinary concretions, fevers etc.

Carambola / Star Fruit

English Name: Carambola / Star Fruit

Common Hindi Name: Kamarak

· Carambola fruits are produced by ornamental evergreen tree (Averrhoa carambola), which is native to southeast Asia.

· Fruits are ovate to ellipsoid in shape. They are 6 to 13 cm long and have 5 (sometimes 4 or 6) longitudinal ribs.

· The fruit has a golden-yellow to green color. When cut across it shows a 5-pointed star shape, which is why it is also called "star fruit".

· The crunchy fruits have a slightly tart, acidic, sweet taste.

· The fruit starts out with a green color. As it ripens the color turns to yellow. The fruit cab be eaten in both the green and yellow stages.

· Carambola is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C and low in sugar, sodium and acid. It is also a potent source of both primary and secondary polyphenolic antioxidants.

· Like the grapefruit, carambola contains oxalic acid, which can be harmful to individuals suffering from kidney failure, kidney stones, or under kidney dialysis treatment. Consumption by those with kidney failure can produce hiccups, vomiting, nausea, and mental confusion. Fatal outcomes have been documented in some patients.