Recipe For Holi – Gujiya With Groundnut Oil – Mesmara Recipes

Holi is coming up and we cannot keep calm! This is one of the most celebrated festivals in India and from youth to old, everyone eagerly awaits throughout the year for this festival of color. However, no celebration is complete without traditional food and delectable. Holi is no exception. Gujiya is one such dish that we all have grown up eating since our childhood days during Holi. No Holi celebration is complete without making this tasty dish. So, if your grand mom or mom is not around and you’re craving for those childhood memories of Gujiyas made by them, then here is for you a quick recipe for Holi. Eat it yourself or share it with your friends and family, live your childhood memories this Holi. And if you’re a health fanatic then there is a twist in this age-old Gujiya recipe, check it out.

Recipe for Holi – The secret behind a perfect Gujiya

Making a perfect gujiya like your mom and grandma is not so difficult job if you know the right proportions and knead the perfect dough. Along with all the ingredients that we have listed down below, add a dash of love to it and your perfect recipe for Holi 2019 will be ready in no time.

What is Gujiya?

In case you are from South India, you might not be aware of Gujiya. It is nothing but a traditional Holi sweet that is popular in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. It’s more or less similar to a dumpling where the crisp outer layer is made out of maida and the inner fillings are made out of Khoya, coconut and loaded with dry fruits. If you are creative enough, you can bring in variations in the fillings by using a combination of mawa, dry fruits, baked gujiyas etc. However, our favorite is the timeless classic gujiyas. The recipe of it is given below —

Traditional Gujiya Recipe

Ingredients

Flour – 2 cups

Butter – 1 cup

Water to knead the dough

Sugar or jaggery – 2 cups

Khoya – 1 cup

Dry fruits finely chopped – ½ cup

Cardamom powder – 1 teaspoon

Mesmara cold–pressed groundnut oil

Ghee – 1 tablespoon

Method

1.    Take the flour in a vessel, add the ghee and mix well.

2.    Pour water slowly and keep kneading.

3.    The crispness of the outer layer depends on how the dough is kneaded. So, remember to knead the dough nicely.

4.    Keep it aside.

5.    Saute the khoya over heat for a minute or two.

6.    Then add sugar or jaggery, cardamom powder, and all the chopped dry fruits.

7.    Cook for a minute and turn of the heat. Let it cool for a while.

8.    Take a small portion of the dough and roll it out.

9.    Put the fillings and then seal the edges of the covering. You can either make shapes at the edges with hand or use a fancy cookie cutter to make the designs.

10.    Make all the gujiyas this way and keep aside.

11.    In a deep bottom pan, heat the groundnut oil. Alternatively, you can use ghee as well.

12.    Deep fry all the gujiyas in it until the color changes to golden brown.

13.    Make sugar syrup by boiling sugar water. Once you get the desired consistency keep it aside.

14.    Take out the fried gujiyas and dip it in the sugar syrup once and take it out.

15.    Serve in a plate and garnish with some chopped dry fruits on top.

Do try it out and let us know how it turned out. From the team of Mesmara we wish all our readers a colorful Happy Holi.

Mesmara’s cold-pressed oils are made from pure ingredients without application of any heat or other chemicals. Mesmara also stocks Cold-pressed Sesame Oil, Virgin Coconut Oil, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Try our other healthy recipes. Click here.

Image courtesy – Wikimedia Commons

Top 5 Superfoods To Prevent Alzheimer’s

Nutrition is not just a diet, it is a way of life. Good nutrition can have a great impact on global health. Poor nutrition is the leading cause of many diseases like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, strokes, and certain types of cancers. Understanding ‘good nutrition’ is important in preventing many diseases and health conditions. One disease which takes a major toll on the patient as well as the caregiver is Alzheimer’s. It causes memory loss and disrupts cognitive abilities. In this article, we will discuss the 5 best superfoods to prevent Alzheimer’s, which are also easily available at any local supermarket.

Alzheimer’s Causes and Symptoms:

Alzheimer’s is serious enough to disrupt daily life. Though Alzheimer’s is generally seen in people who are 65 years or older, early-onset Alzheimer’s could occur in younger patients too. Individuals affected by Alzheimer’s lose the ability to respond properly to the environment. There is no current cure for the disease, but several medications are available to treat the symptoms. Several studies are being conducted worldwide to identify the causes of Alzheimer’s and symptom alleviation.

The most common causes of Alzheimer’s are aging, neuronal injury and loss, vascular compromise, amyloid deposition in the brain, inflammation, and compromised metabolism.

Superfoods to Prevent Alzheimer’s:

Scientists have identified certain foods as ‘brain boosters’. These are known as ‘superfoods’. Our brain requires a lot of essential nutrients to function properly. While some superfoods are available in the form of pills, it is always beneficial to take these in their natural form. These superfoods to prevent Alzheimer’s also protect against many other diseases too.

1. Healthy oils:

Two oils are particularly known to have preventative and protective effects against Alzheimer’s. They are easily the best superfoods to prevent Alzheimer’s.

• Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO): EVOO has several health-promoting effects. Studies have shown that EVOO is capable of protecting from and decreasing the risk of Alzheimer’s. One of the causes of Alzheimer’s is the accumulation of beta-amyloid in the brain. Long-term consumption of EVOO starting from an early age prevents beta-amyloid accumulation and provides a protective benefit against Alzheimer’s. Oleocanthal present in EVOO helps in the breakdown of the beta-amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s.

• Cold-pressed virgin coconut oil: Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides, also known as MCTs. Regular consumption of MCTs produces higher ketone levels in the blood. There is evidence that higher levels of ketones in the body are directly correlated to higher memory performance. Virgin coconut oil was also shown to improve the cognitive abilities of Alzheimer’s patients.

2. Leafy greens and other vegetables:

• Cruciferous vegetables are associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s. Cauliflower and broccoli are examples of such vegetables.

• Dark and leafy green vegetables such as spinach, turnip, and kale as well as tomatoes also fall under the same category.

3. Omega-3 fatty acids:

• A deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids causes deficits in neurotransmitter metabolism, altered learning, and cognitive skills.

• Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA is a brain booster . It is mainly found in fish oil.

• Plant oils chiefly contain alpha-linolenic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid.

• Flax seeds and nuts are also a rich source of omega-3.

• According to a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, the omega-3 present in fish, flax seeds and nuts helps in slowing the cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients. Making foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids a part of daily diet from a young age would be an excellent idea to prevent Alzheimer’s.

• All cold pressed oils are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. The original nutrients of the seeds are retained in the cold pressing process.

4. Berries:

• Berries such as grapes, mulberries, and raspberries have powerful antioxidant properties. The natural plant polyphenols present in the berries act as antioxidants. Laboratory studies have shown that these antioxidants decrease the amyloid plaque formation commonly seen in Alzheimer’s patients. They inhibit the inflammation which could otherwise lead to cell death.

• Resveratrol found in berries has been shown to improve health and survival. The resveratrol can also reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease and obesity.

• Antioxidants are also present in oranges and other dark-skinned fruits.

5. Coffee and spices:

• Some studies have indicated that caffeine present in coffee may slow down Alzheimer’s disease by inhibiting the acetylcholinesterase neurotransmitter.  A study shows that daily caffeine intake reverses memory impairment.

• The unique compounds present in spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, and turmeric have been the subject of several studies. The neuroprotective effects of spices may actually help in the improvement of cognitive function. The many different compounds present in spices have several benefits ranging from anti-inflammatory to antioxidant as well as anti-hypertensive.

• Indian Ayurveda has used Turmeric for a long time. It is an ingredient of many curries in India. It contains curcumin, which possess antioxidant properties. Several studies conducted on mice have pointed out that treatment with turmeric extract reduced the brain levels of beta-amyloid. Irrespective of any scientific study, it is a well-known fact that the incidence of Alzheimer’s is less in India compared to the Western countries. The regular consumption of turmeric in Indian diet, it might well be the ‘behind the scenes hero.’

Friends, the list of good foods or superfoods is extensive. The key point is to cultivate a healthy eating habit and make it a ‘way of life.’ Follow a regular exercise regimen and play memory games. This will help maintain a healthy mind and body in the long run.

Mesmara offers a range of cold pressed oils which form part of the superfoods to prevent Alzheimer’s. Check Mesmara’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Virgin Coconut Oil, Cold Pressed Sesame Oil, Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil. You can also check various herbal powders, essential oils, and more products at Mesmara’s website.

Greek-style Chicken Cutlets – Easy, Exotic Recipe To Cook For Your Wife

It may sound stereotypical, but in most of the houses its still the woman, who ensures the family is fed well every day, throughout the year so that others can focus on their work. If your house is also one such, don’t you feel lucky to have someone like her in your life? It’s that time of the year again when you want to make the lady in your life feel special. Women’s Day is the best time to make her feel special. Yes, international women’s day 2019 is just around the corner and you can’t miss this chance to woo your lady love with our delicious Greek-style chicken cutlets recipe.

For our non-veg lovers, we have a quick but delicious Greek-style chicken cutlets recipe for you to try out. It’s healthy, exotic and easy – to- cook. The dish is really quick and you’ll have almost all the ingredients readily available in your pantry. The best thing about this exotic recipe is it’s healthy and packed with the goodness of protein, carbs, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fat. To make it healthier, we have given a twist and used cold-pressed oil which means all the natural antioxidants are preserved in the oil with no residual harmful chemical present. It’s tasty and mouth watering and at the same time healthy too.

Let’s cook up this wonderful dish for her and don’t forget to tell us how it turned out!

Healthy Greek-style Chicken Cutlets Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 chicken breast, pounded
• 1 bell pepper(cubed)
• 2 eggs
• 1 large tomato (diced)
• 1 cucumber (cubed)
• Parsley (chopped)
• Feta cheese
• Bread crumbs
• 2 -3 cloves garlic
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh oregano
• Olives
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper as per taste

Method

• Take a skillet and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Add all the veggies, sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Give it a quick stir. Ensure the veggies do not lose their crunchiness. Set it aside.
• Next, in a bowl, beat the egg with salt. Deep the chicken breast in the egg. Take it out and roll the chicken in the bread crumbs. In a pan, shallow fry it until the color changes to golden brown.
• In an oven pan, arrange the fried chicken pieces, and layer with the veggies. Top it with the feta cheese. Bake it in a preheated oven until the chicken is tender.
• Serve them hot with mayo or tangy tomato ketchup.

If your wife is a vegetarian, we have got you covered too. If you’re looking for a healthy and exotic vegetarian recipe, then check out our Tomato and Basil Bruschetta. Cooking can’t be easier than this! And let us tell you a secret, this is one of our most loved and popular recipes!  Alternatively, you could also try our south indian style Vangi Bath recipe.

If you’re running out of ideas or time on what to gift to your wife then check out our wide range of cold pressed cooking oils, natural face packs, herbal powder, and essential oil. Get creative and make a gift hamper with her favorite flavors and fragrances. Find out more here.  

Vangi Bath With Groundnut Oil – Mesmara Recipes

Vangi Bath is a popular dish of Karnataka. The two main ingredients of this dish are brinjal (Vangi) or eggplant and rice (Bath). If you’re in this South Indian state then you must try this mouth-watering dish at least once. It is not only tasty but easy to cook too! Even if you have not cooked it ever in your life, you can make this quick and delicious dish in a few minutes.  To add extra flavor, try cooking Vangi Bath with cold pressed groundnut oil. To make your life a little bit easy, we have shared two quick Vangi bhaat recipes to help you get started.

Vangi Bath with homemade masalas

To make tasty Vangi Bath you can either use store-bought ready-to-use Vangi Bath powder or you can make it at home. Use the recipe below to make Vangi Bhath powder at home.

Vangi Bath Masala Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoon coriander seeds
• ½ tablespoon fenugreek seeds
• 4 cloves
• 4 red chilies
• 1 tablespoon chana dal
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ tablespoon urad dal
• 1 tablespoon dry coconut
• 1 small cinnamon

Preparation Instructions

Dry roast all the ingredients for Vangi Bath powder, let it cool and grind it to a dry powder. Store it in an airtight jar.

Alternatively, you can avoid this step and use any store – bought Vangi Bhath powder that is available in your local grocery store.

Vangi Bath Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 250 grams of brinjal
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 green cardamoms
• ½ tablespoon black mustard seeds
• 3 tablespoon cold pressed Mesmara groundnut oil
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• Lemon juice and salt (as per taste)
• 1 green chili slit

Instruction for making yummy Vangi Bath

Wash the brinjals and cut them into thin strips. Pour Mesmara cold pressed groundnut oil in a pan.Temper the oil with bay leaf, cardamoms, black mustard seeds, and green chili. To it, add the onions and saute it till it becomes translucent. Add the brinjals, stir fry and then cover and cook until the brinjals are tender.  Now add the powder masala and give a quick mix for a minute. Once the aroma starts coming, add the cooked rice. Turn off heat. Add lemon juice and serve hot with curd, pickle, and papad.

Vangi Bath from leftover rice

Having leftover rice and not sure what to do with it? Wait, don’t throw it away. Instead, try this quick Vangi Bhaat recipe. Not only you can utilize the leftover rice, but you can turn it into a delightful dish.

Healthy Ingredients

• Leftover rice
• Green brinjals cut into strips
• Vangi Bhath masala powder ( can be found in any grocery store)
• Mesmara cold pressed groundnut oil
• Lemon juice
• Roasted peanuts (optional)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

Take the oil in a pan, warm it and add the brinjals. Cook it until it becomes tender. Then, add the cooked rice. To it mix the Vangi Bhath masala powder and salt to taste. Mix well and turn off the heat. Garnish with roasted peanuts and sprinkle lemon juice. Your tasty Vangi Bhaat is ready in 10 minutes!

At Mesmara we always believe and promote healthy cooking.  Hence we bring your way cold pressed groundnut oil that is healthy, loaded with antioxidants and all the goodness of important vitamins and nutrients. At Mesmara we use Vagai wood press to extract oil from seeds in the traditional way. Since no heat is used the oil remains in its best form with all the healthy nutrients intact. Not to mention the added flavor, taste and texture that it brings to your dish. Cook this flavorful dish for your friends and family and don’t forget to let us know how it turned out!

Wondering where to buy authentic cold pressed groundnut oil? Look into our online store for different types of cold pressed oils. Mesmara offers a range of cold pressed oils including Cold Pressed Sesame Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Virgin Coconut Oil. Try these and enjoy their health benefits. To learn more about the health benefits of Cold Pressed Oils, click here.

5 Benefits of Cold Pressed Oils For Immune System

Cold-pressed oils are the most talked about in recent times. The media is abuzz with so much information about cold pressed oils and their health benefits. Reading and hearing too much at a time can create confusion. Have you ever thought of substituting your regular refined oil with cold-pressed oil and became indecisive? Many people must be wondering whether there is any good in making the switch to cold-pressed oils from refined oils. In this article, we will summarise the two methods of oil processing and list out 5 benefits of cold-pressed oils for immune system.

Cold-pressing process:

The extraction of vegetable oils via this process is quite simple. The mortar and pestle arrangement or Ghani is used to pulverize the oilseeds or coconut pieces (in case of coconut oil). Solid impurities are filtered away from the oil. This process does not make use of any chemicals or excess heat.  

Oil-refining process:

This method of oil processing involves the use of high temperature and chemical solvents for oil extraction. The resultant oil is balanced in color, texture, and taste, but loses several of its beneficial properties.

Benefits of cold-pressed oils for the immune system:

Since the cold-pressing process does not use chemicals or heat, it is quite obvious that the resultant oil retains the essential healthy nutrients. The immune system cells have a variety of roles and functions. These are boosted by the virgin oils.

Retain antioxidants:

Human body produces several free radicals during various biochemical processes. These free radicals can cause damage to cells. They play a major role in cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants are substances which help protect the body against the harmful effects of free radicals. Plant-based foods are the best source of antioxidants. Studies show that cold-pressed oils help retain the antioxidants in the oilseeds, thus preserving their nutritional quality. For example, the antioxidant Vitamin E is found in olive oil. However, it is preserved only in extra virgin olive oil

Anti-inflammatory effects:

Highly processed and overly greasy foods are not recommended for people suffering from inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. For example, lauric acid in coconut oil is responsible for its anti-inflammatory effects. This property is lost during the refining process. Olive, coconut, sesame, peanut, and sunflower oils are known for their anti-inflammatory effects with topical application. They help in wound healing and protect against premature skin aging. The cold-pressing process helps to retain anti-inflammatory properties.

Anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects:

Several oils like coconut, olive, and sesame oils have anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. For example, lauric acid in virgin coconut oil inhibits the growth of bacteria. Since the cold-pressed oils retain these properties, they help the body fight against multiple bacterial and viral diseases in a natural way.

Enzyme stimulation:

Cold-pressed oils retain antioxidants which stimulate the liver and pancreatic enzymes which aid in digestion. They also stimulate bile flow which is important for fat digestion.

Improve brain cell maturing and function:

Keto diet and VRK diet work best with Virgin Oils. These diets shift body metabolism to ketone-based metabolism. Studies proclaim that Virgin oils improve brain function and treat diseases like epilepsy. They also aid in fast weight loss.

Children’s health:

Children’s immune system is in the developing stage until the maturity age is attained. Given the above-mentioned benefits of virgin oils, regular use of cold pressed oils for building a healthy immune system.

Mesmara cares about holistic living and offers a wide range of cold-pressed oils, which you can purchase here.

Healthy Tomato And Basil Bruschetta With Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Meera’s daughter is turning 5 this summer and she wishes to host a perfect birthday party. Meera is a wonderful cook and loves to cook tasty yet healthy dishes for her guests. While finalizing the menu, Meera decides to make tomato and basil bruschetta as an appetizer for the guests. She has been cooking this antipasto for many years now, and she is confident that her guests will love this yummy Italian appetizer. To make it healthy as well, Meera has decided to use cold pressed olive oil. While bruschetta has many variations, Meera plans to stick to the most traditional combo of tomato and basil as most of her guests are vegetarian. Here is the simple and fast bruschetta recipe form Meera’s kitchen. However, if you’re creative enough you can make your own toppings using a combination of vegetables, meat, cheese, and beans. The options are endless.

When to Make Tomato and Basil Bruschetta?

Tomato and basil bruschetta serves well as appetiser or finger food at any party. If you’re going with an Italian cuisine then bruschetta has to be there in your menu. It is really easy to make and doesn’t take much of your time or ingredients. The best part is, you can prepare the topping well before your party and put it on the bread right before serving. Bruschetta is a big hit among kids too! If you have a fussy eater at home, just try out bruschetta. Your kid is definitely going to love it! And to tell you a secret, it’s a fantastic way to feed vegetables to your kids, in case he/she is not interested in eating vegetables.

All you need to make tasty tomato and basil bruschetta is fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and Mesmara Extra Virgin Olive Oil. So let’s get started!

Healthy Ingredients List:

1. 1 baguette French bread cut into 1/2 inch slices diagonally
2. 6 Ripe tomatoes will be needed for one baguette
3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
4.  1 tablespoon Mesmara Extra Virgin Olive Oil
5. 6 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
6. 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
7. Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

Take a big vessel filled with water and bring it to boil. Give a shallow cut to the tomatoes which will help you later to peel the tomato skin. Once the water starts boiling, remove the vessel from heat and put the tomatoes for a minute to blanch. Drain out the tomatoes and let it cool. Then gently remove the skin and cut the tomatoes into half. In the next step, preheat an oven to 230 degrees Celsius. Take a bowl and toss the tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Mix in basil, salt, and pepper. Brush Mesmara Extra Virgin olive oil on either side of the baguette slices and toast in the oven. Take them out and brush one more time with olive oil. Add the tomato mixture topping right before serving or serve the bread and the topping separately.

Pro Tip: The second coating of olive oil will work as a protective layer, preventing the bread from becoming soggy with the tomato mixture. Remember, the topping needs to be added right before serving to retain the crispness of the bread.

At Mesmara we’re obsessed with healthy cooking and healthy eating. Knowing the goodness of cold pressed oils, we are now offering Extra virgin olive oil, Cold Pressed Sesame Oil, Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil and Virgin Coconut Oil. Being extracted naturally (through a cold press) the extra virgin olive oil not only brings added flavour to your dish but retains all the vital nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants that are otherwise destroyed in the refined oils which are extracted through heat.  To learn more about the reasons to switch to cold pressed oils read this. Click here to buy.

Benefits of Cold Pressed Oils – 10 Reasons Why You Should Start Using Them Immediately

Whenever there is the talk of healthy food choices and which oil is good for health, you must have definitely come across the term cold-pressed or virgin or extra-virgin oils. Cold-pressed oils, also known as virgin, pure, or cold-drawn oils are considered to be the purest forms of edible oils and good for health. Chemical methods are used for the extraction of branded refined oils. They could have harmful effects on heart health. Today, we will talk about the benefits of cold-pressed oils and consider the top reasons why you should make a switch to these oils in your daily cooking.

The process of oil extraction:

It is easier to understand the benefits of cold-pressed oils by understanding the oil extraction process. This process is the key to preserving the nutrients in edible oils.

Extraction process of refined oils:

The typical industrial or commercial oil extraction process begins by using a mechanical extractor for pressing the constituents followed by chemical extraction.

1. The mechanical extractor presses the oilseeds (sesame, groundnut, sunflower, mustard, or rapeseed) or coconut pieces to make a ‘meal’ or ‘cake.’
2. The ‘meal’ is subjected to very high temperatures (up to 270°C) to start the oil extraction process.
3. Solvents such as hexane and petroleum ether are used to extract oil from this ‘meal’.
4. The edible oil dissolves in the solvent passed through the ‘meal.’
5. The oil plus solvent mixture is then subjected to degumming/neutralization/washing procedures.
6. The resultant oil is bleached to attain uniformity in color.
7. It is finally deodorized to remove any odours.

Cold-pressing process:

The process of cold-pressing to obtain oils is very simple.

1. Oil is extracted by using a ‘Ghani.’ It has a mortar and pestle kind of arrangement. The oilseeds or coconut pieces are ground or pressed without application of heat. Hence the method is known as ‘cold pressing.’
2. The resultant oil is filtered and ready to use.

Top 10 reasons why you should switch to cold-pressed oils:

Taking into consideration the harmful effects of the commercial extraction process and the benefits of cold-pressed oils, here are the top 10 reasons for switching to cold-pressed oil:

1. Commercial processes make use of very high temperatures, which results in the loss of antioxidants like tocopherols and sterols. This process also produces free radicals and trans fatty acids (TFA), and polymeric components. All of these are potentially carcinogenic (cancer-causing) agents. The free radicals can cause other illnesses like Alzheimer’s. Cold-pressed oils are devoid of free radicals. The cold pressing process doesn’t produce any free radicals as heat is neither applied externally nor generated.
2. High temperatures used to produce refined oils destroy Vitamin E and beta-carotene in the oil. Cold pressed oils retain all the healthy qualities of the oilseeds. Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
3. Solvents like hexane and petroleum ether can have deleterious effects on the human body if the solvent plus oil mixture is not properly processed. Hexane can cause depression of the central nervous system and dermatitis. Cold-pressed oils do not need such harmful chemicals for production.
4. Sometimes for the commercial production of palm oil and coconut oil, a process of degumming involving the addition of phosphoric acid is required. Degumming removes the calcium and magnesium salts of phosphatidic acid. Virgin Coconut oil is made from the first-pressed milk extracted by cold pressing coconuts. This milk is then fermented for 2 days to turn into oil which is then filtered. No degumming or any other process which results in the removal of healthy vitamins and minerals is used to obtain cold pressed oils.
5. Caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) is used for the neutralisation process of refined oils for removing free fatty acids.
6. Acid-activated bleaching earth or bentonite is used for the bleaching process in manufacturing refined oils.
7. The cold-pressing method retains the natural healthy antioxidants in the oil, which are otherwise destroyed by heat.
8. Cold-pressed oils are a rich source of oleic acid and lauric acid, which are great immune system boosters.
9. Cold-pressed oils improve the good cholesterol or the HDL in our body and act as carriers to aid in the removal of the bad cholesterol or the LDL from our body. Refined oils leave our body with no cholesterol.
10. Cold-pressed oils help in energizing the body. After regular consumption of cold-pressed oils, users have seen an uprise in their overall energy levels.

A discussion about the benefits of cold-pressed oils cannot end without talking about the benefits of cold-pressed virgin coconut oil for weight loss. Much has been said about this oil in recent times through the Veeramachaneni diet (VRK diet). You can refer to our article on the VRK diet here.

Benefits of cold-pressed coconut oil for weight loss:

1. The cold pressing process retains the essential antioxidants and vitamins.
2. Lauric acid present in coconut oil helps to kill harmful pathogens like bacteria and viruses. This essential component is lost in the commercial oil extraction process and retained during cold pressing.
3. Coconut oil contains a type of fat known as medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). These fats are converted to ketones in the liver.
4. Ketones have a powerful effect on the brain, therefore their long-term use can help treat conditions like epilepsy.
5. When the body goes into ketone metabolism, weight loss becomes easier because appetite is reduced on a ketone diet.
6. Studies have shown that MCTs can help boost brain function in Alzheimer’s patients.
7. Several studies have shown that coconut oil consumption is good for heart health since it helps raise the HDL (good cholesterol) levels in the body.
8. Indian cooking processes subject oils to very high temperatures. Coconut oil is very stable when heated to high temperatures due to the presence of short and medium chain fatty acids. Hence it is recommended for deep frying.
9. Cold-pressed virgin coconut oil retains all the essential nutrients and is healthy for the skin, hair, and teeth.
10. The cold pressing process retains the antioxidants and essential vitamins in the oil.

Mesmara offers an impressive collection of cold-pressed oils, including cold-pressed sesame oil, extra virgin olive oil, virgin coconut oil, and cold-pressed groundnut oil. Reap the immense benefits of cold pressed oils without losing the taste. SWITCH TO A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE by using cold-pressed oils in your daily cooking!!

Mini Pizza Muffins – Healthy and Tasty Valentine’s Day Snack

Muffins – this mouth-watering dish never fails to bring back childhood memories. Add pizza flavour twist to it, and it becomes everyone’s favourite savory. Kids just love Mini Pizza Muffins, and adults can polish the dish within minutes. Since its Valentine’s Day, why not make the celebration memorable by baking these bite-sized treats in their healthier version for your loved ones?

Mini Pizza Muffins Preparation:

Preparation Time – 50 mins.

Dry Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup whole-wheat pastry flour
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (Maida)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp brown sugar
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp dried basil

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Mesmara Extra Virgin Olive oil
• ¼ cup low-fat milk
• ⅓ cup crumbled ricotta cheese
• 2 finely chopped medium sized onions
• 2 finely chopped red bell pepper
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp chopped olives

Method for Preparation:

Step 1: Clean all the vegetables  properly and chop them as suggested in the list of ingredients.

Step 2: Begin with the heating the oil in a large pan  over medium heat. Stir fry onions and bell-peppers in the pan, till onions turn golden brown and bell-peppers are softened.

Step 3: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400^oF and take a mini-muffin pan and coat it evenly with cooking oil spray. You can use extra virgin olive oil as a healthy option..

Step 4: Take a medium size glass bowl and quickly whisk into it all the dry ingredients.  In a separate bowl beat the egg and stir in milk, crumbled ricotta cheese, tomato paste, and olives.

Step 5: Now it is time to mix the wet and dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the center of the wet ingredients and mix them until they are all combined together.

Step 6: Pour the mixture into mini muffins tray. Fill the muffin cups to two-thirds of their capacity and place the tray in the preheated oven.

Step 7: Check the status after 13 to 15 minutes. If you find them in light brownish color, it is the sign of a perfectly baked batch. Bring them out of the oven and place them on a wire rack for cooling.

Your Mini Pizza Muffins are ready. Serve them with the evening tea and watch them being devoured and see the love returned to you.

Health Tips:

Mesmara believes in holistic approach to living. Its newly launched Cold-Pressed oils are prepared using age old techniques of pressing the oil seeds in the Vagai wood press. The oils retain the natural health benefits of the seeds, unlike refined oils which lose their potent benefits with the high amounts of heat they are subjected to. Refined oils also contain preservatives to improve shelf life.

Mesmara’s Extra virgin olive oil helps in improving the good cholesterol or the HDL in the body and also helps in cleaning up the bad cholesterol or the LDL from the body. The benefits of regular usage of Cold-pressed oils are many. Incorporating Cold-pressed oils into your regular diet can bring about lot of healthy changes in you and your family.

This Valentine’s Day, protect the heart that loves you.

Check our store for Cold Pressed Sesame Oil, Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil and Virgin Coconut Oil. They are also available on Amazon. Check our other products on Flipkart too.

Veeramachaneni Diet Plan – ‘A Perspective’

What is Veeramachaneni Diet (VRK Diet)?

Veeramachaneni Ramakrishna Rao introduced a diet plan in 2017, simply referred to as  Veeramachaneni Diet Plan. It is being followed by thousands of people in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. He claims that he lost 30 kg within a span of 2 months on this diet and his friend had recovered from type 2 diabetes. In this article, we will review the diet plan and the pros and cons associated with it.

The VRK diet plan is an Indianized version of the Keto diet plan. By restricting the carbs and increasing fats in the diet, the body burns fats for energy and fats are converted to ketones (fat metabolism). This process is known as ketosis. These ketones are now used as a source of energy by the whole body including the brain. You can refer our blog on the Keto diet here.

Veeramachaneni diet has two plans – the liquid-diet plan and the solid-diet plan.

The liquid-diet plan:

The plan follows 4 important pillars:

Pillar #1: Consume 70 to 100 g of fat every day. The fats should be consumed directly (apart from the oils used in cooking). Only the below-mentioned fats should be used

1. Coconut oil.
2. Olive oil.
3. Ghee.
4. The creamy layer of curd/yogurt.
5. Butter.

Only pure forms of oils and butter should be used. Take only 10 g of fat at a time, preferably added to soups.

Pillar #2: Consume the juice of 3 lemons daily. This can be taken with water, soda or very dilute buttermilk.

Pillar #3: Drink 4 litres of water daily.

Pillar #4: Take 2 multivitamin tablets daily.

Green tea, black tea, black coffee, lemon tea without sugar and honey, veg soup, and non-veg soup can be consumed.

Follow this plan for approximately 5 days and alternate with a low-glycemic index, low-carb diet for 3 or 4 days until you reach your target weight. It is recommended for morbidly obese people.

The solid-diet plan:

This plan also follows the 4 pillars as the liquid-diet plan. The foods which are allowed in this diet are as follows:

1. 1. Eggs – up to 6 eggs daily.
   2. All non-vegetarian food – 250g for women and 300g for men per day.
   3. All vegetables except the ones listed below.

Veggies which are NOT allowed:

1. 1. Potatoes.
   2. Colocasia.
   3. Yam.
   4. Tapioca.
   5. Sweet potato.
   6. Beetroot.
   7. Plantain.
   8. Cluster beans, broad beans, and other legumes.
   9. Peas.

 

 Other Foods to avoid:

1. 1. Rice
   2. Wheat
   3. Cereals
   4. Milk.
   5. Curd.
   6. Honey.
   7. Sugar.
   8. Coconut water.
   9. Tender coconut.

Follow this diet until the target weight is reached. Come out of these diets by consuming low-glycemic index carbs with portion control. Do not consume solids after 7 pm. Eat 2 solid meals per day interspersed with water and other liquids.

Pros of Veeramachaneni Diet Plan:

1. 1. The Veeramachaneni diet plan is one of the few free weight loss programs available.
   2. You can follow this plan without visiting a weight loss centre and without spending any money.
   3. It is touted to be the best weight loss plan for women.
   4. Weight loss occurs quickly due to complete carb restriction.
   5. Diabetics experience better blood sugar control since insulin-resistance improves.
   6. Mental focus increases.
   7. Fewer hunger pangs and craving compared to other diets.
   8. People report increased energy levels.

Cons of Veeramachaneni Diet Plan:

1. 1. Ketosis has a diuretic effect on the body. So consuming adequate water is very essential.
   2. Since some important vitamins and minerals are depleted, one should take vitamin and mineral supplements.
   3. Can cause constipation if vegetables are not consumed.
   4. People on this diet experience headache, mental fogginess, drowsiness, vomiting, nausea, and decreased energy levels in the beginning.
   5. Some people develop a rash on the body.
   6. A kind of fruity smell is emitted from the body due to ketosis.
   7. Women can experience irregular menstrual periods.
   8. Increased acne and pimples.

Analysis of the Veeramachaneni diet plan:

This plan looks to be ideal for those who wish to achieve fast weight loss and have morbid obesity. Since cravings and hunger pangs will be less on this diet, people can follow it for a longer time. In order to successfully complete the diet, one should be able to overcome the associated side effects of a high-fat diet. The diet is not recommended for children. Prolonged dieting might have bad effects on heart health and kidneys, gallbladder, and bones. For those who wish to try a new diet and can follow the instructions to the ‘T’ can try this diet for a couple of months and check for themselves.

Those who wish to follow this diet plan should avoid taking refined oils and use only virgin coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil.

Virgin coconut oil

Virgin coconut oil is chemical free and un-hydrogenated. It is unfermented and unbleached. The extraction process does not involve heat application. Consuming virgin coconut oil is good for health as the extraction process retains the antioxidants and vitamins. Mesmara offers pure virgin coconut oil which can be consumed without any side effects. You can find it here.

Extra virgin olive oil

The extraction process of extra virgin olive oil does not employ heat or chemicals. The cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil offered by Mesmara has a very good taste and rich flavor. It can aid in weight loss while following the VRK diet plan. Extra virgin olive oil helps to maintain heart health since it retains antioxidants and essential fats. It can also be used for cooking since it maintains a high smoke point (around 200-210˚C).

Use Mesmara’s range of cold-pressed oils in everyday cooking for a healthier you.