Paan (Betel Leaf) for the soul

Paan (Betel Leaf) for the soul

Betel leaf is one of the healthiest things around but has earned a bad rep because what it has evolved into over the years. Here’s looking at healthy ways of eating this leaf as an appetizer or a dessert. But first, let’s go through some of its health benefits:

Health Benefits of Betel Leaf

Calcium rich

Contains Vitamins A, C, B1, B2 and B3

Improves appetite

Improves digestion

Reduces acidity

Has a component that reduces blood sugar

Said to increase metabolism

Helps in weight loss

Mouth freshener

Good for oral health

Note: You can substitute betel leaves with spinach leaf for children

Recipes for paan

Papaya Surprise

Toasted sesame seeds

Roasted peanuts

Carrot powder

Green Papaya stir-fry

Health Benefits

Toasted sesame seeds – vitamins, minerals, restful sleep

Roasted peanuts – good fats

Carrot powder - fibre

Green Papaya - digestive

Nutty Delight

Mixed nuts

Raisins

Dried cranberries

Grated carrot in honey

Raw sugar

Health Benefits

Mixed nuts – Heart healthy Omega-3

Raisins - fibre

Dried cranberries - antioxidants

Grated carrot in honey – Vitamin A, reduces gastro-intestinal disorders

Raw sugar – instant energy

Chocolate Love

Pumpkin seeds

Flaxseeds

Grated carrot in liquid jaggery

Chocolate sauce

Health Benefits

Pumpkin seeds – Heart healthy Omega-3, restful sleep

Flaxseeds – Heart healthy Omega-3

Grated carrot in liquid jaggery - Vitamin A, Iron

Chocolate sauce – lowers blood pressure

Appetizer Paan

Tahini paste

Date and tamarind chutney

Finely cut tomatoes

Finely cut onions

Finely cut green chilies

Pomegranate

Toasted sesame seeds

Health Benefits

Tahini paste - vitamins, minerals, restful sleep

Date and tamarind chutney - digestive

Finely cut tomatoes – vitamin C

Finely cut onions – Regulates blood sugar

Finely cut green chilies – mood enhancer

Pomegranates - Antioxidants

Toasted sesame seeds - vitamins, minerals, restful sleep

Tahini Paste

Ingredients

Sesame seeds – 4 tbsp

Til oil – ½ tsp

Salt – a pinch

Warm water

Method

Dry grind the sesame seeds with salt and oil

Slowly add water and run the mixie to get a smooth paste