Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
Benefits of Asafoetida (Hing) That Everyone Should Know
Asafoetida or Hing is dried latex which is extracted from the taproot of many species of Ferula, a perennial herb native to the East Mediterranean and Central Asian regions. The asafoetida resin is usually crushed using a mortar and pestle due to its hard surface. Asafoetida is a common ingredient found in most of the Indian households and is used for cooking purposes. It has medicinal uses as well. The most common problems of the stomach like gas, irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, intestinal worm infection, and flatulence can all be treated with this magical ingredient. It has both anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties that help in alleviating these kinds of health issues. Uses of 'hing' for weight loss are quite common, too.
Nutritional Profile of Hing
Mentioned below are the nutritional properties of hing for a serving size of 100 gms.
Type of Nutrient
Value
Calorie content
297.1
Fat content
1.1g
Cholesterol
0
Sodium
0
Potassium
0
Carbohydrate
67.8 g
Fibre
4.1g
Proteins
4g
Calcium
.69g
Iron
.0394g
Magnesium
0.08g
Phosphorus
0.05g
Vitamin B3
.0003g
Source: https://www.eatthismuch.com/food/nutrition/asafoetida,6382/
Benefits of Asafoetida for Your Body
Asafoetida holds its very own place in the Indian kitchen. It is generously used for tempering various dals and other vegetarian dishes. Let us look at the many benefits of hing:
For Health
The health benefits of hing have made it a prominent fixture in the Indian kitchens.
1. Reduces Bloating
Asafoetida has been used as a home remedy for stomach problems since ages. It is loaded with anti-spasmodic along with anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in reducing bloating, flatulence, gas and irritable bowel syndrome. It is also known to fight intestinal worms.
2. Helps Relieve Asthma
Asafoetida helps in relieving some of the respiratory disorders namely asthma, dry cough, and bronchitis through its anti-inflammatory properties. It can also be used to relieve chest congestion and phlegm. Asafoetida is also known to contain anti-viral and antibiotic properties. Mix a little bit of hing and dry ginger powder with honey for a magical solution to your respiratory issues especially during the seasonal changes.
3. Helps Lower Blood Pressure
Asafoetida is a very good blood thinner and may assist in lowering your blood pressure levels. It contains the vital compound Coumarin that improves blood flow in the body thereby reducing the chances of clot formation.
4. Helps Reduce Menstrual Pain
Asafoetida can provide relief from menstrual pain. With its natural ability to thin blood, it aids in smoothening the process of blood flow to various parts of the body. This helps in reducing cramps during menstruation and also reduces cramps in the lower abdomen and back. It also promotes the secretion of the hormone progesterone in the body which helps in easy blood flow thereby providing relief from menstrual pains.
5. Treats Headaches Naturally
The anti-inflammatory properties of hing reduce the inflammation of the blood vessels in the head thereby taking off the pressure on them and helping in reducing your headache. The anti-viral properties of hing can also cure the common flu.
6. Cures Insect Bites
Asafoetida is known to be a natural antidote for various insect bites and painful stings.
7. Helps Cure Indigestion
The antioxidant properties of asafoetida can help in overcoming indigestion problems. Drinking water with a pinch of hing can also provide immediate relief from heartburn.
8. Acts as a Laxative
Hing is known for its laxative properties and helps in preventing constipation.
10. Good for Diabetic People
Asafoetida has been known to assist the pancreatic cells in secreting more insulin in the body which results in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
11. Treats Nerve Disorders
Asafoetida has properties that stimulate the nerves in the body. It is especially recommended in the case of convulsion, hysteria, and other types of nerve disorders.
12. Helps Fight Free Radicals
The powerful antioxidant properties of hing protect the cells in the body from the harmful free radicals. They are known to assist in reducing the malignant cells in the body with their anti-carcinogenic property.
For Skin
Apart from health benefits, asafoetida has many uses that benefit our skin as well.
1. Aids in Reducing Acne
Acne is a common skin problem that we all deal with every now and then. Applying asafoetida on the infected part mixed with fuller earth and rose water can help in reducing acne. Its anti-inflammatory properties help in combating acne production while its anti-bacterial properties help in reducing the growth of rashes as well as pimples on the skin.
2. Gives You Glowing Face
Asafoetida helps in increasing the supply of oxygen to the facial tissues which add a glow to your face.
3. Treat Corns and Calluses
Known for its moisturising properties; asafoetida can be used to treat corns and calluses.
4. Makes the Skin Colour Lighter
Tyrosine is responsible for the dark patches and premature ageing of the skin. Asafoetida limits the production of Tyrosine in our body making the skin look fairer and brighter.
5. Moisturises the Skin
The moisturising properties in asafoetida are excellent for dry skin. It reduces dullness and pigmentation in the skin to a visible extent.
6. Anti-ageing Properties
The anti-ageing properties of asafoetida make it a perfect choice to use as the main ingredient for a face mask that fights wrinkles.
For Hair
The amazing properties of asafoetida help in maintaining a healthy scalp which in turn improves the strength of the hair and its texture.
1. Acts as a Good conditioner
Experiencing trouble with dry and frizzy hair? Mix asafoetida, yoghurt, and almond oil and apply it on your hair as a hair conditioner. Its moisturising properties act an excellent hair conditioner agent.
2. Restores the pH Balance in the Scalp
Asafoetida has properties that help in restoring and replenishing the pH balance in your hair and makes it healthy and strong.
3. Reduces Hair Fall
Asafoetida is also known to reduce hair fall.
How to Use Hing for Cooking Purposes
Hing has various benefits including being able to reduce ailments of the stomach. Let us look at how to use hing in the cooking process.
If you are using hing in the form of lumps, crush it using a crusher and mix it with water to form a paste and then add it to your recipe. This way you can get a fresher taste with a rich aroma. Use only a little of this powder as it would be much stronger than the already powdered forms.
For those of you who like the strong aroma, roast the hing in hot oil for a few seconds and then add the vegetables or the dal. Remember to be quick in the roasting process as hing can burn very easily.
Uses of asafoetida can be seen while making many soup and meat dishes. Steep a pinch of hing in a cup of hot water and add it to your dish towards the end to retain that unique flavour.
Precautionary Tips
Asafoetida is a safe ingredient to consume for most of us. But people with the following history should be cautious about their intake of asafoetida in their food.
1. Avoid it Before a Surgery
Asafoetida has blood thinning properties and should be avoided if you are about to undergo surgery. It may increase the chances of bleeding during and post surgery.
2. Stomach Issues
Asafoetida can be a cause of irritation to your GI tract if you already have an infection or any other GI issue.
3. Hypertension
If you are already under medication for your high blood pressure then consuming asafoetida might interfere in controlling your BP.
FAQs
Asafoetida is a magical ingredient that can work wonders for your body. Here are some Faqs for you know when to exercise caution or avoid the consumption of asafoetida:
1. Are There Any Side Effects of Asafoetida?
While asafoetida powder benefits have been known to us for a long time, it comes with its own share of side effects. Following are the side effects of asafoetida.
Swollen lips
Swelling of lips has been noticed in few people after they consumed asafoetida. This usually goes away on its own after a few hours.
Causes gas or even diarrhoea
Increased intake of asafoetida is linked to causing gas and even diarrhoea in some cases.
Skin rashes
It has been noticed that few people develop skin rashes or bumps as a result of using too much hing in their foods.
Causes headaches and dizziness
Some people have complained of headaches and dizziness after consuming hing. These are temporary reactions and go away in a few hours.
Most of the side effects of hing subside in a few hours, but if you still see the symptoms persisting reach out to your doctor for further assistance.
2. Is It Safe to Give Asafoetida to Babies and Kids?
Asafoetida should not be given orally to any child below the age of 8 months. You can massage the baby’s stomach with asafoetida and plain water to release gas or ease his colic pain. For toddlers, you can introduce a pinch of asafoetida in their diet while tempering dals. You can also add them to various vegetable dishes.
3. Should Pregnant and Breastfeeding Moms Consume Hing?
Asafoetida should be avoided when you are pregnant or if you are breastfeeding your infant. Asafoetida in pregnancy can cause a miscarriage. If you consume asafoetida while breastfeeding, the chemical properties of asafoetida might get passed to your infant through your breast milk causing bleeding disorders.
Adding a small pinch of asafoetida in your food can help you reap its benefits immensely. Asafoetida suits most people, but bear in mind that you should follow the precautionary tips mentioned in the article and consult a doctor if you feel unwell.
Also Read:
Health Benefits of Prunes Intake in Diet
Protein Vegan Sources to Include in Diet
Seasonal Fruits to Eat during Winter Read more
Suggested for you
Nipple Confusion in Babies
Nipple confusion is not uncommon, and it happens when a baby struggles to get adjusted to sucking from nipples after having learnt how to suck on a bottle or a dummy.
From the baby’s point of view, sucking on the nipples or the sucking that is needed for breastfeeding is different from sucking on a teat or dummy. This means that your baby finds it difficult to latch on (hold on) to your breasts and suck milk. This causes confusion. However, it isn’t something that should alarm the mother since there are ways to resolve it.
Video: Nipple Confusion in Babies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDnc0833Iu8
What is Nipple Confusion
In most bottles, the teats are rigid, and the flow of milk is also constant. This means, your baby does not need to work much in order to get the milk.
On the other hand, when it comes to feeding on your breast, your baby needs to open his mouth to latch on. Along with it, he also needs to use around 40 muscles in his mouth to suck the milk.
There are multiple reasons many babies don’t learn how to breastfeed right from day one. One of the main reasons they do not get the hang of the process is because they find it difficult to latch on. However, that should not disappoint you. If your baby is not able to latch on and is reluctant to breastfeed, this does not mean that your baby is rejecting you.
My Baby is Not Drinking Breast Milk But Prefers a Bottle, What Should I Do?
The first thing that you need to find out is why your baby is giving the teats of the bottles more preference when naturally he should prefer your nipples. You can also consult a lactation expert and seek help about the best latching positions to help your baby breastfeed.
Till your baby gets comfortable with latching, you can try to find a way to feed him breastmilk that is poured into a bottle instead of from the nipple. This will ensure he is still being fed breastmilk and can enjoy all the benefits of mother’s milk.
Does a Breastfed Baby Get Confused with a Bottle of Expressed Milk?
The answer to this question is still unclear. According to some experts, giving your baby milk in bottles can lead to breastfeeding issues. However, it is hard to say whether the bottles are the cause of the problem, or there are existing breastfeeding problems that force mothers to try bottle milk.
While trying to establish breastfeeding, you can consider introducing a bottle of expressed milk. Feeding expressed milk ensures your baby gets all the benefits of breastmilk while allowing you the luxury of delegating the job of feeding. Try out different bottles and see which is the one your child responds to best, to figure out the best bottle to avoid nipple confusion.
When expressing, keep in mind your baby’s 24-hour feeding routine. Your breasts will be able to produce the same amount of milk every day, and you will not have the feeling of becoming uncomfortably full (breast engorgement).
What Are the Causes of Nipple Preference?
As a general rule, all babies are born with the knowledge of how to suck, and their brains are hardwired to suck from their mother’s breasts. However, at times, they develop a preference for the teat of a bottle and find it difficult to suck from the breasts, and there are several reasons for this.
Many people think that the cause of nipple confusion or nipple preference is the fact that it is easier for a baby to suck milk from a bottle compared to breasts. Others think that the baby forgets how to latch on after learning how to drink from the bottle.
However, sucking milk from the breasts is something that the baby knows instinctively right from his birth. A baby will not prefer to suck milk from a bottle unless he finds it troublesome to get enough milk from his mother’s breasts.
Signs of Nipple Confusion
Your baby finding it difficult, or simply refusing to latch on, is the earliest sign of nipple confusion and may happen when your baby is not getting enough milk from your breasts.
Some signs that your baby is not getting the required amount of milk from your breasts are as follows:
when the baby refuses to nurse
when you experience breast engorgement. If your breasts are engorged with milk or your breasts have firm tissues, then it indicates your baby will not be able to get a good mouthful of your breasts and refuse to latch on
sore nipples
slowdown in the increase of the baby’s weight
signs of a tongue-tie in the baby. This can make it difficult for them to breastfeed
While these issues add to the problem, they should not be confused with nipple confusion. These are breastfeeding problems, and by getting rid of these, you can get rid of nipple confusion too.
How Can I Prevent Nipple Confusion?
How to overcome nipple confusion is a common question that many nursing moms ask. Here are some of the tips that can help:
Go back to the basics: You need to go back to the basics of latching on to make your baby realise how soothing breastfeeding is by cuddling him skin to skin. Typically, you will need a few sessions when your baby is fumbling with your breasts, but these sessions will help the baby root for and latch on to your breast.
Make the milk flow smoother: You can do so manually, or you can even pump your breasts before your baby latches on. This will reduce the effort on the baby’s part.
Timing is important: The baby needs to be hungry to latch on, and that is the only way by which you can motivate him to give it a try. However, that does not mean that the baby should starve as that will make him lose his patience to suck hard and get the milk.
Keep faux nipples at bay: With babies frequently experiencing nipple confusion, it is best to keep bottles away. Stick to breastfeeding till you start giving him solid food. Make sure to keep away the pacifier too, if your baby has got too attached to sucking it.
Difference Between Breastfeeding Vs. Bottle Feeding
As per experts, breastfeeding is always a better option than bottle feeding. The mother’s milk is always at the right temperature, and it has the right balance of all the nutrients. However, breast engorgement, lack of time, etc., make bottle feeding the preferable option if direct breastfeeding is not possible.
How to Fix Nipple Confusion In Babies?
If you think that nipple confusion is causing a lot of problems for both you and your baby, you can seek professional help.
You can visit a breastfeeding counsellor or a breastfeeding clinic and learn the techniques of how to avoid nipple confusion. A counsellor will help you with the right techniques that might eliminate the problem immediately, or they will help you in finding out the problem that is making breastfeeding difficult for your child.
Can I Continue to Breastfeed My Child?
Yes. Exclusively breastfeeding your baby is probably the only way to deal with nipple confusion. If there are breastfeeding problems, then you should talk to professionals and find solutions to them.
Will Nipple Confusion Affect My Baby?
Breastfeeding is important as the mother’s milk is packed with all the nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that a baby needs. It is easily digestible as well. Giving your baby expressed milk is the second best alternative to breastfeeding and often the best option when breastfeeding is not possible. Nipple confusion will not affect your baby as long as he is getting breast milk in some form.
Conclusion: Remember that nipple confusion does not affect your baby directly. However, b If the above guidelines don’t resolve the problem of nipple confusion in your baby, consult an expert. Read more
Suggested for you
Check out this new Memory
sanchit kumar
Father of a 7 m old girl
11 mins ago
#stylishbaby
1 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Tarika
Guardian of a 11 m old girl
18 mins ago
1 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Tarika
Guardian of a 11 m old girl
20 mins ago
1 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Tarika
Guardian of a 11 m old girl
21 mins ago
#stylishbaby
1 Likes
0 Comment
Suggested for you
8 Things That Your Baby Knows About You Right From The Beginning!
When your baby is hungry, when he wants a nap, what is irritating him – you know your baby inside out. But have you ever thought whether he knows you at all? Are you just some person who takes care of him every day or does he know things about you?
Here’s the good news – your baby knows quite a bit about you! His knowledge only goes up as he grows older, but even at the outset, there’s quite a bit of information he has about Mamma.
Check Out the Complete List of Things Your Baby knows About You. It’s Extremely Heartening
1. He knows Your Voice
He could hear you even when he was in the womb. Now, when you talk and sing to him, he instantly makes the connect
2. He Even knows Your Smell
We all have a distinctive smell – did you know that? Well, your baby does. He can not only identify your smell (as well as the smell of delicious milk) but he loves it as well.
3. He Can Recognize Your Face
This may seem a bit odd but yes, your baby can actually see what you look like. His eyesight is still hazy and short-ranged, but when you’re feeding him, for instance, and your faces are close to each other, bingo! He knows it’s Mamma – or at least some nice person who’s always there for him.
4. He knows You Won’t Let Him Go Hungry
Newborn babies require frequent feeding and get cranky if that doesn’t happen. But every time your baby gets hungry, you are there. He knows you will not let him go without his food. In fact, he can get so possessive about you that he won’t let anyone feed him!
5. He knows You Will Come Back – Always
This will take some time to develop, but usually around 6 months to 1 year of age, your baby learns this about you. Just because you have gone to the other room or the bathroom, it doesn’t mean you aren’t going to come back.
6. He Can Figure Out That You Love Seeing Him Happy
When he plays with his toys, grins, attempts to hold your hand, or makes funny sounds, you look happy. In fact, anything that delights him makes you happy too. This holds at least till toddlerhood when some antics may drive you up the wall!
7. He Understands When You are Feeling Upset
Your baby is there for you when you are blue. Even though he cannot talk or understand your problem, he can discriminate between different facial expressions. If he thinks you look sad, he will even smile and coo to make you happy.
8. He knows You Will Always Protect Him
That scary thunderstorm, sudden darkness or a weird noise in the room – there’s no fear as long as you’re here! Your baby knows that you will always protect him. This thought soothes and comforts him all day.
Isn’t this amazing? Your little angel not only loves and knows so much about you, his world of exploration is only just starting. You can look forward to making beautiful memories with him in the future – all the best! Read more
Suggested for you
Eggplant salad with tomato and feta cheese
This Italian dish is easy to make and is a flavourful recipe that makes good use of fresh vegetables and summer herbs. Roasted eggplant with a garlicky kick makes up a superb healthy salad with tomatoes and feta cheese. All those who run away from an eggplant will surely find this lip-smacking.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
4 People
5 Minutes
20 Minutes
Ingredients
2 medium eggplants, cut into thin slices.
2 tbsp (tablespoons) rosemary, minced.
3 clove garlic, crushed.
2 large tomatoes, sliced.
¼ cup chopped fresh basil.
1 tbsp olive oil.
1 squeeze lemon juice.
4 tbsp low fat feta cheese cubes.
salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step 1
Combine rosemary, two cloves garlic and olive oil in a bowl.
Step 2
Spread over eggplant slices.
Step 3
In a frying pan, roast eggplant for 15 - 20 minutes until just tender. Flip halfway through to brown both sides. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
Step 4
On a plate, add the eggplant slice with the remaining ingredients.
Step 5
Garnish with basil leaves.
Step 6
Chill for 20 minutes, then serve. You can serve it at room temperature also.
Nutritional Information
Calories
145 k cal
Saturated fatty acids
1.16 g
Monounsaturated fatty acids:
5.04 g
Polyunsaturated fatty acids:
1.00 g
Total fat:
7.20 g
Calories from fat:
64
Cholesterol:
--
Carbohydrate, by difference:
20.06 g
Total dietary fiber:
9.82 g
Protein:
3.51 g
Total lipid (fat)
7.65 g
Water:
319.34 g
Ash
2.27 g
Total sugars
8.87 g
Calcium
58 mg
Iron
1.41 mg
Magnesium
47 mg
Phosphorus:
88 mg
Potassium:
792 mg
Sodium:
11 mg
Read more
Suggested for you
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
10 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
At which day should I take pregnancy test
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
7 hours ago
A. after 2 weeks. do ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
9 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
when should I take pregnancy test?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
8 hours ago
A. after missed your periods you can wait for one week more ,then you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
9 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
but having regular cycles below 35 days. some time it will extended upto 40 days.
so when should I take pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
8 hours ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more or else you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication.
The best treatment to have Regular periods is by having a healthy lifestyle with regular daily walking or jogging along with mild exercise and meditation whenever possible. as medications will only act till you are taking them
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
6 hours ago
Q. Done my first routine blood test ..it shows thyroid border line.its my 6 week running as per USG.
but prior to that my thyroid level was always normal I did check up every year and got it normal .this time it shows borderline high in 6 week pregnancy.
is it something to worry.plz guide
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. it is better to follow your doctors advice for treating the thyroid deficiency. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexperts
Best activity toys for 15 month old baby
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. Toys which have light and also sounds so that is going to be a good option for you to use apart from the different kids have different interest some kids like to play with cars some like to play with something else so just have to try to figure out what your child likes to eat just check what your child is more inclined towards
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. how to gain weight 32weeks
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. You need to have a lot of good proteins and that is what is going to be helpful have a balanced diet and good have good amount of proteins as well which is what is going to be beneficial and good weight gain for your child as well
Check out this new Memory
Aseem Sulaiman
Guardian of a 2 m old girl
5 mins ago
#stylishbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive