Tomato Sauce VS Mustard Sauce

*Tomato sauce*

Facts:

1. 1 tbsp = 15 calories

2. Tomato ketchup is one of the most versatile condiments worldwide and is used as an accompaniment with number of food items like fries,sandwiches, burgers and even on the side of steaks with veggies.

3. The sauce is packed with tomatoes, which are high in antioxidants that have been scientifically proven to protect against various types of cancers.

4. The unique flavonoid lycopene prevents skin damage from UV rays, and Zea-Xanthin, another flavonoid compound, protects the eyes from harmful ultra-violet rays.

5. Tomatoes are also a rich source of Vitamins A and C.

*Mustard sauce*

Facts:

1. 1 tbsp = 37 calories

2. The mustard seed is itself an excellent source of essential B-complex vitamins, which help regulates metabolism, enzyme synthesis and nervous system function. 

3. The vitamin B3 helps lower cholesterol. Mustard sauce is source of calcium, copper and iron.

4. American yellow mustard is pungent and is best used in dishes like hot dog or potato salad, the more mild Dijon mustard is ideal for delicate fish and salads, coarse wholegrain mustard is best to marinades and gravy 
for lamb or chicken dishes, and spicy English mustard compliments sausages.    

Nutritionist's pick

-" Anything that is commercially made, processed and uses additives or preservatives is never good for you". 

- When both tomato sauce and mustard sauce are user in small amounts, they offer neither nutritive value in that amount, nor pose a health threat. 

- TOMATO SAUCE is healthier, simply because it has vitamin C and other nutrients. 

Simple Amla/ Gooseberry Raita

Ingredients:

* 3 Amlas
* 2 Green chillies
* 1 small cup of grated coconut 
* 1 Cup curd, beaten.
* Salt to taste

For Seasoning:

* 1 tsp cooking oil
* 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
* 1 red chilli
* A pinch of asafoetida
* A few curry leaves & coriander chopped finely.

Method:

1. Boil amlas till they are soft. Allow them to cool and de-seed them.

2. Grind the de-seeded amla with green chillies and grated coconut.

3. Add beaten curd and salt. Mix it well. 

4. Prepare seasoning by heating oil in a pan and adding all the other ingredients. 

5. Add the seasoning to the curd mix. Serve cold

Goodness of Amla: 

1. It is packed with vitamin C, amla increases immunity and guards against common cold and nausea.

2. Several studies on cancer have indicated that amla slows down tumor growth.

3. Weight-watchers should love amla, as it helps burn fat, and, when mixed with turmeric can even help lower blood sugar. 

Simple Punjabi lassi (sweet yogurt drink).

Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 cup fresh thick creamy yogurt / curd chilled
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chilled water
- 2-3 tbsp sugar
- 1 cardamom (only seeds)
- ice cubes optional
- Blend all the ingredients in a blender for 10 -15 sec .
- Add more sugar if required.
- Serve chilled

Using the same ingredients you can make lassi with fresh fruits

Facts about LASSI:(For 200 ML - 158 calories)

1. Yogurt based drink is probiotic, and good bacteria that helps absorb vitamins, break down sugar and support immune system.

2. It helps boost immunity, and fight infection and fatigue.

3. It has cooling properties and thereby makes it easy to digest spicy food.

4. If you are LACTOSE-INTOLERANT( inability to digest lactose, it is a sugar found in milk), AVOID LASSI.

Natural Homemade Amla oil.

Ingredients

Amla/Gooseberry -15 nos (Cut and Deseed them)
Curry leaves - 1 cup
Coconut oil -250 ml
Gingerly oil/Sesame oil - 250 ml

Preparation:
Take a iron wok / heavy bottom kadai and pour both the oils in it.
Finely grind the Amla and Curry leaves into a paste.
When the oil becomes hot add the paste into the oil.
Let the paste be inside the oil for sometime(40-50 mins simmer the stove heat).
Cool the oil.
Filter the oil after 1 day and store it in a glass bottle or in an air tight container.

-You can apply this oil every day. 
Your Oil will look like this.

Health benefits of Amla:

Enriches hair growth
Good for anemia
Reduces blood sugar
Rich in vitamin C
Low calorie
Anti bacterial
Anti inflammation