Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Water of Life (Coconut Water)

The Tree of Life

The scientific name for coconut is Cocos nucifera. Early Spanish explorers called it coco, which means "monkey face" because the three indentations (eyes) on the hairy nut resembles the head and face of a monkey. Nucifera means "nut-bearing."

The coconut provides a nutritious source of meat, juice, milk, and oil that has fed and nourished populations around the world for generations. On many islands coconut is a staple in the diet and provides the majority of the food eaten. Nearly one third of the world's population depends on coconut to some degree for their food and their economy. Among these cultures the coconut has a long and respected history.

Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is classified as a "functional food" because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content. Coconut oil is of special interest because it possesses healing properties far beyond that of any other dietary oil and is extensively used in traditional medicine among Asian and Pacific populations. Pacific Islanders consider coconut oil to be the cure for all illness. The coconut palm is so highly valued by them as both a source of food and medicine that it is called "The Tree of Life." Only recently has modern medical science unlocked the secrets to coconut's amazing healing powers.



Coconut In Traditional Medicine

People from many diverse cultures, languages, religions, and races scattered around the globe have revered the coconut as a valuable source of both food and medicine. Wherever the coconut palm grows the people have learned of its importance as a effective medicine. For thousands of years coconut products have held a respected and valuable place in local folk medicine.

In traditional medicine around the world coconut is used to treat a wide variety of health problems including the following: abscesses, asthma, baldness, bronchitis, bruises, burns, colds, constipation, cough, dropsy, dysentery, earache, fever, flu, gingivitis, gonorrhea, irregular or painful menstruation, jaundice, kidney stones, lice, malnutrition, nausea, rash, scabies, scurvy, skin infections, sore throat, swelling, syphilis, toothache, tuberculosis, tumors, typhoid, ulcers, upset stomach, weakness, and wounds.

Coconut In Modern Medicine

Modern medical science is now confirming the use of coconut in treating many of the above conditions. Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another, may provide a wide range of health benefits. Some of these are summarized below:


Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses.

Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.

Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.

Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.

Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.

Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance.

Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.

Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.

Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.

Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.

Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.

Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.

Helps protect against osteoporosis.

Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.

Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.

Improves digestion and bowel function.

Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.

Reduces inflammation.

Supports tissue healing and repair.

Supports and aids immune system function.

Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.

Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.

Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.

Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.

Functions as a protective antioxidant.

Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.

Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do.

Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.

Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement).

Reduces epileptic seizures.

Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.

Dissolves kidney stones.

Helps prevent liver disease.

Is lower in calories than all other fats.

Supports thyroid function.

Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.

Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats.

Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.

Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.

Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.

Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.

Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.

Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.

Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.

Provides protection form damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation form the sun.

Helps control dandruff.

Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do.

Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.

Is completely non-toxic to humans.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

The Fabulous Fourteen - 14 Super Foods

SuperFoods Rx is based on a very simple concept: Some foods are better than others for your health. We can all guess that an apple is better for you than a potato chip. But what about choosing between a couple of pretzels and a few walnuts? Did you know that eating a handful of nuts a few times a week can reduce your risk of getting a heart attack by at least 15% and perhaps as much as 51%? Even if you smoke, are overweight and never exercise. That’s how powerful certain foods are.

SuperFoods Rx presents the 14-known nutritional powerhouse foods that can help you extend your health span -- the extent of time that you have to be healthy, vigorous and vital -- as well as, perhaps, your life span. These are foods that have proved to help prevent and, in some cases, reverse the well-known scourges of aging, including cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, hypertension, certain cancers, and even dementia.

Many super foods may already be part of your diet, as most people already routinely enjoy broccoli, oranges and even spinach. Blueberries could possibly be everyone’s favorite super food, but most people only eat them as a treat when they’re in season. When you learn about the awesome power of this berry, and some other berries, to promote health I’m sure that, like me, you’ll try to eat berries every day. Other super foods, like pumpkin and turkey, only make occasional appearances in the average diet; you’ll soon see that they should be eaten more frequently. Some other super foods may be brand-new to you, like soy or perhaps yogurt, and I’ll show you how to enjoy them if you think you don’t like them.

Walnuts are the surprising super food. Surprising, because most people think nuts belong in the “avoid” category due to their fatty content. But the power of nuts is almost stunning. I try never to go a day without eating some nuts and seeds. Some super foods are less of a surprise; perhaps you’ve read about wild salmon recently. Wild salmon has so many health benefits that it seems foolish not to eat it regularly.

Learn more super foods and their benefits. Some super foods are so easy to incorporate into your diet that you’ll be able to begin your overall improvement in the time it takes to boil water for a cup of tea. Others will take a little more planning. Some super foods, such as pumpkin (or one of its sidekicks, like orange bell pepper), should be eaten a few times a week, while others, like yogurt, should be eaten more frequently, even if in small amounts. A couple of super foods cover a category -- for example, beans, which you may rarely think about -- but when you realize the power of humble pea or garbanzo to improve your health, you’ll make a point of eating them frequently. And when you discover the power of tomatoes, even in the form of ketchup or sauce, you’ll find yourself choosing pizza before other fast foods.

You may be surprised to learn from super-food shopping tips that dramatic improvement in your nutrition can be a simple matter of learning to read a label. For example, most of us eat bread every day and we serve it to our families. Unfortunately, many of us think that we’re eating whole-grain bread and would be surprised to learn that we’re not. Did you know that by checking the nutrition label on a loaf of bread and making sure it has at least 3 grams of fiber.

14 SUPER FOODS

Here are the 14 "superfoods" and the superpowers they bestow. That's the word from Steven G. Pratt, author of "SuperFoods Rx: Fourteen Foods That Will Change Your Life." His premise is that these vitamin-packed goodies have superpowers when it comes to keeping us healthy, improving our well-being, and helping us to live longer provided we do our part by eating them regularly.

Beans
They lower cholesterol, fight heart disease, stabilize blood sugar, reduce obesity, lessen cancer risk, and relieve hypertension. Eat four 1/2-cup servings a week. Don't like beans? Substitute green beans, sugar snap peas, green peas, or chick peas instead.

Blueberries
They lower the risk of heart disease and cancer and help maintain youthful, healthy skin. Eat 1 to 2 cups a day. When they aren't in season, eat cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, cherries, currants, and purple grapes.

Broccoli
It boosts your immune system, reduces the incidence of cataracts, builds bones, and fights birth defects and heart disease. Eat 1/2 to 1 cup a day. Can't stand broccoli? Eat brussels sprouts, red and green cabbage, cauliflower, bok choy, and kale.

Oats
Oats lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes, and are high in fiber and protein. Eat five to seven servings a week. Don't want it that often? Try wheat germ, brown rice, barley, wheat, buckwheat, rye, millet, and quinoa.

Oranges
They support heart health while preventing cancer, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic ailments. Eat one a day. Want more variety? Try lemons, grapefruit, kumquats, tangerines, or limes.

Pumpkin
It's not just for pie. Pumpkin lowers the risk of various cancers, while it promotes youthful, healthy skin. Eat 1/2 cup a day. Want an alternative? Try carrots, carrots, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and orange bell peppers.

Soy (Fermented Only)
Miso or any fermented soy is OK, but soy in general is not due to the glue like substances that clogs the duodenum villi.

Spinach
Popeye was on to something! Spinach lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases, a variety of cancers, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts. Eat 1 cup of steamed spinach or 2 cups of raw spinach a day. Don't like it? Then eat kale, collards, Swiss chard, bok choy, romaine lettuce, mustard, or turnip greens.

Tea (White, Green, Oolong or Black
Besides soothing the soul, tea boosts the immune system, helps prevent cancer and osteoporosis, lowers stroke risk, and promotes cardiovascular health. White, green, oolong, and black tea originate from the same leaves White tea is the least processed, highest in antioxidants and low in caffiene. Drink at least 3 cups a day.

Tomatoes
High in Lycopene especially when cooked. They lower prostate cancer risk, increase your skin's sun-protection factor, and play a role in preventing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Eat one tomato a day. Don't like them? Try watermelon, persimmons, or pink grapefruit instead.

Turkey (skinless breast)
It's not just for Thanksgiving. Turkey is not only the perfect healthy low-fat protein, but also builds a strong immune system. Eat three or four 3-ounce servings a week. Want something else? Skinless chicken breast is a great alternative.

Walnuts
How nutty is this? Walnuts reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Eat 1 ounce five times a week. Other options include almonds, pistachios, sesame seeds, peanuts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, macadamia nuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and cashews.

Wild salmon
It lowers risk of heart disease and cancer. Eat it two to four times a week. Don't like salmon? Go for Alaskan halibut, sardines, herring, or trout.

Goat Yogurt
In addition to being a great source of protein and calcium, goat yogurt has 13% more calcium than cow's milk and is more digestible. Eat 1 cup a day.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Foods That Lower High Blood Pressure...

With all the horrible news that pops up every other day about how this food and that is bad for your blood pressure, it may seem hard to believe that you can actually lower blood pressure with some nutritional foods. The truth of the matter is that you can. Some foods will naturally lower your blood pressure. This does not mean that you can use this to replace medication, but it does help immensely with those that are borderline high. Also, it can enhance the effects of medicines for high blood pressure.


Here are a number of different foods that can lower blood pressure naturally:

Some of the best foods to lower high blood pressure are those that are high in calcium. Calcium has always been known to be a good thing for high blood pressure, and no food is better than skim milk. Skim milk gives you the good (calcium and vitamin D) without giving you the bad (tons of fat) Any other foods that are high in calcium are also usually great for lowering high blood pressure. These include almonds, sardines, and most leafy green veggies.

Some more great foods for lowering blood pressure include yellow corn, grains, apples, and grapefruit. These foods are wonderful because they contain another fantastic enemy of high blood pressure…magnesium. Yet another reason to eat your spinach as well.

High blood pressure is one of the few reasons that your doctor might advise that you enjoy a little chocolate. Dark chocolate is said to lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. Not many people that I know would have a problem taking some chocolate now and then for their blood pressure. This is not for everyone so be sure to check with your doctor to see if the benefits are higher than the risks for your particular medical situation.

Another important food factor in lowering blood pressure is potassium. Most people are aware that bananas are high in potassium, but do not realize there are a number of other delicious foods that are as well. They include watermelon, oranges, baked potatoes, and even zucchini. Omega three foods are also great for high blood pressure and include most of the oily fishes including tuna. Finally, garlic is long considered to be one of the best natural enemies of high blood pressure.

By sampling each of these foods on a regular basis and keeping them in moderation, you can help to get control of that high blood pressure. Take your medicine and watch your diet, and you will find that your blood pressure will respond in kind.

Will eating Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate) hurt you?

Yes in exssesive amount baking soda can be very harmful and can block up your colons leading to infection
Baking Ssoda is sodium bicarbonate. a high intake of sodium can alter your bloods electrolytes & result in thirst, dizziness, mental confusion, muscle twitching, & seizures.

Tomatoes Cure Cancer, Scientists Say...

Scientists at a leading Patagonian university have revealed stunning new evidence that tomatoes may contain the cure for cancer.

They've conducted two years of detailed tests that show the colour pigment chemicals contained within the tomato's skin, known as 'red', have an amazing effect on cancer cells.

"These red chemicals, when digested in big enough quantities react with proteins in the body and gradually kill off the cancerous growth." says Professor Ivan Owidea.

Eating just 200 tomatoes a day for four years would give the average adult enough red chemicals to kill off 3 or 4 cancerous cells - providing a miracle cure for a disease that kills tens of thousands each year.

Washington, Aug 24 (ANI): Turning up the heat on red tomatoes while processing, can boost the garden staples disease-fighting power, say a group of researchers, who added that the effect may help fight cancer and other chronic diseases.

The research team found that turning up the heat while processing tomatoes increases the absorption of lycopene molecules found in the veggie, which are linked to the prevention of the deadly diseases.

Lycopene belongs to a family of antioxidants called carotenoids, which give certain fruits and vegetables their distinctive colours. Carotenoids antioxidant properties are associated with protecting cells and regulating cell growth and death, all of which play a role in multiple disease processes.

The average structure of molecule in the average red tomato seems to hinder its absorption through intestinal walls and into the blood.

Most of the lycopene that is found circulating in human blood is configured in a bent molecular form.

This means that either the human body somehow transforms lycopene molecules through reactions that have yet to be identified, or that the bent molecular structures of lycopene are much more likely to be absorbed into the blood and transported to tissue a necessary step in preventing disease.

During the study, the tem led by Steven Schwartz, an investigator in Ohio States Comprehensive Cancer Centre and a professor of food science and technology at Ohio State devised a way to process red tomatoes into a sauce that contains bent molecular forms of lycopene.

The study involved twelve people and all ate both kinds of sauce over the course of the study.

After each meal, researchers took samples of participants blood seven times during the following 9 1/2 hours to measure lycopene levels.

They used a special testing method to analyze lycopene levels in the blood associated only with the tomato sauce meal, avoiding any other possible sources of those compounds in the bloodstream.

The participants had a 55 percent increase in total lycopene absorption after eating the specially processed sauce when compared to their lycopene blood levels after eating the regular sauce.

Schwartz said this finding reinforced the expectation that the bent forms of lycopene are more easily absorbed into human blood,

The study is published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2007. (ANI)

Tomatoes Fight Cancer Best When Used With Broccoli...

A recent study suggested that eating tomatoes and broccoli together can enhance the anti-cancer potentency possessed by tomatoes and broccoli.

In the study, rats were injected with human prostate tumors. And they were fed powdered tomato and dried broccoli. Used also in the study was finasteride, a drug that shows to slow the benign growth of the prostate.

The study found that the rats use diets with tomatoes and or broccoli get the smaller tumors. The diet with both tomatoes and broccoli is most effective and finasteride is least effective in slowing the tumor growth.

Tomatoes are known for its anti-cancer properties. Lycopene is believed to be the major active component in tomatoes that is responsible for the anti-cancer activity.

Anti-cancer bioactivity has been reported in broccoli. It's believed that glucosinolates may be responsible.

The study was conducted by Dr. John Erdman and colleagues at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Curry Leaves - A Ayurvedic Herb

The colloquial name for curry leaves is curry patta and its botanical name is murraya koenigi. Curry leaves grow on a small shrub commonly found in backyards or gardens around Indian houses. The leaves are the edible part and they are shiny, dark green, aromatic and slightly bitter in taste. As the colloquial name suggests, these leaves are one of the ingredients of Indian curries, cooked vegetables, salads, chutneys and spices. They add to the smell and taste of food and in addition to the food value. Although the leaves are added to Indian dishes as a natural flavoring agent, it is well known that they have some medicinal value as well.

Curry leaves improve functioning of the stomach and small intestine and promote their action. They improve the quality of digestive juices secreted during digestion. Their action starts with intake. Their smell, taste and visual impression initiates salivary secretion and initiates the peristaltic wave, which is the first step in good digestion. They are mildly laxative and thus can tackle multiple digestive problems caused by food intake. They are directly added to food or an extract in the form of juice is added to buttermilk and consumed at the end of lunch/dinner. In case of a digestive upset, buttermilk enriched with the paste of curry leaves, common salt and cumin seed powder is recommended. This combination is also useful in problems such as loss of appetite, tastelessness of mouth as in case of fever etc. where food intake is a problem. Curry leaves are one of the important ingredients of herbal tonics and are parallel to digestive enzymatic tonics in allopathy.

A paste of these leaves with limejuice and honey/sugar/crystal sugar powder is a time-tested medicine in the treatment of hyperemesis graviderum. Nausea, dry vomiting, vomiting and food intolerance are few other conditions where this paste is used as a remedy. Curry leaves have some role in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery and idiopathic loose motions though they are not antidiarrheal in the true sense. Fresh juice/ a paste of fresh leaves/a teaspoonful of powdered dried leaves /a mixture of curry leaves, coriander, mint leaves, etc. is a commonly known home made remedy.

Certain ayurvedic research says that curry leaves have some role in controlling non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. People with DM due to obesity or heredity should try this treatment. A paste of about 8 to 10 fresh, fully-grown curry leaves is to be taken on an empty stomach in the morning for a minimum of 3 months for desired results. Many people have also reported weight loss, which is an additional benefit in diabetic people.

The bark or root of this plant also has medicinal properties. One ayurvedic school recommends powdered root/bark for relief from kidney/biliary pain. Traditional healers have observed some effects on premature graying of hair. Regular intake of these leaves with buttermilk is advised. Few have tried curry leaves for treatment of minor burns, bruises, abrasions, etc. and claim benefits of the treatment. More clinical trials are necessary to prove effectiveness. Traditional healers in villages use these leaves with a few other medicinal leaves for the treatment of insect bites and claim desired results. In this treatment, these are applied externally in poultice form.

In general, curry leaves are used confidently in daily cooking without the advice of a medical practitioner. They are food ingredients as well as medicinal ingredients. They add to taste and have digestive properties. They have some role in the management of diabetes, but this needs further research.

Curry Leaves - A Ayurvedic Herb

The colloquial name for curry leaves is curry patta and its botanical name is murraya koenigi. Curry leaves grow on a small shrub commonly found in backyards or gardens around Indian houses. The leaves are the edible part and they are shiny, dark green, aromatic and slightly bitter in taste. As the colloquial name suggests, these leaves are one of the ingredients of Indian curries, cooked vegetables, salads, chutneys and spices. They add to the smell and taste of food and in addition to the food value. Although the leaves are added to Indian dishes as a natural flavoring agent, it is well known that they have some medicinal value as well.

Curry leaves improve functioning of the stomach and small intestine and promote their action. They improve the quality of digestive juices secreted during digestion. Their action starts with intake. Their smell, taste and visual impression initiates salivary secretion and initiates the peristaltic wave, which is the first step in good digestion. They are mildly laxative and thus can tackle multiple digestive problems caused by food intake. They are directly added to food or an extract in the form of juice is added to buttermilk and consumed at the end of lunch/dinner. In case of a digestive upset, buttermilk enriched with the paste of curry leaves, common salt and cumin seed powder is recommended. This combination is also useful in problems such as loss of appetite, tastelessness of mouth as in case of fever etc. where food intake is a problem. Curry leaves are one of the important ingredients of herbal tonics and are parallel to digestive enzymatic tonics in allopathy.

A paste of these leaves with limejuice and honey/sugar/crystal sugar powder is a time-tested medicine in the treatment of hyperemesis graviderum. Nausea, dry vomiting, vomiting and food intolerance are few other conditions where this paste is used as a remedy. Curry leaves have some role in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery and idiopathic loose motions though they are not antidiarrheal in the true sense. Fresh juice/ a paste of fresh leaves/a teaspoonful of powdered dried leaves /a mixture of curry leaves, coriander, mint leaves, etc. is a commonly known home made remedy.

Certain ayurvedic research says that curry leaves have some role in controlling non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. People with DM due to obesity or heredity should try this treatment. A paste of about 8 to 10 fresh, fully-grown curry leaves is to be taken on an empty stomach in the morning for a minimum of 3 months for desired results. Many people have also reported weight loss, which is an additional benefit in diabetic people.

The bark or root of this plant also has medicinal properties. One ayurvedic school recommends powdered root/bark for relief from kidney/biliary pain. Traditional healers have observed some effects on premature graying of hair. Regular intake of these leaves with buttermilk is advised. Few have tried curry leaves for treatment of minor burns, bruises, abrasions, etc. and claim benefits of the treatment. More clinical trials are necessary to prove effectiveness. Traditional healers in villages use these leaves with a few other medicinal leaves for the treatment of insect bites and claim desired results. In this treatment, these are applied externally in poultice form.

In general, curry leaves are used confidently in daily cooking without the advice of a medical practitioner. They are food ingredients as well as medicinal ingredients. They add to taste and have digestive properties. They have some role in the management of diabetes, but this needs further research.

Health Benefits of Kokum (botanical name: Garcinia indica)

Kokum (botanical name: Garcinia indica), is a deep purple fruit that is very similar to Mangosteen. The tree is native to the Western Ghats and Konkan regions of India and the fruit is commonly used in west-Indian cuisines. Various parts of the tree such as the seeds and bark of the root are used in Ayurvedic preparations since they offer a myriad of health benefits.

Dried Kokum fruit rinds are widely used in cooking as they impart a sweetish-tangy flavor to the food. The fruits contain citric acid, acetic acid, malic acid, ascorbic acid, hydroxycitric acid and garcinol.

Medicinal Properties and Application:

· Kokum fruits contain rich amounts of anti-oxidants that bind with free radicals and prevent oxidative damage to body cells. They also promote cell regeneration and repair.

· Kokum juice is especially popular during scorching summer months as it has a cooling effect on the body and shields the body against dehydration and sunstroke. It also helps in bringing down fever and allergic reactions.

· Kokum seeds contain a high percentage of oil that freezes to form Kokum butter. Kokum butter is extensively used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry as it works wonders on dry, chapped, sensitive, irritated or burnt skin.

· Kokum butter is rapidly gaining popularity over cocoa butter as an intensive skin moisturizer.

· Due to its soothing and healing properties, it is also applied directly to wounds and infected areas on the skin.

· Kokum butter is rich in healthy fats like stearic and oleic acids and can also be used as edible oil.

· Extracts from the Kokum fruit are traditionally used to relieve gastric problems like acidity, flatulence, constipation and indigestion.

· Kokum juice is a healthier and far more refreshing option as compared to commercial bottled drinks. It acts as an appetite stimulant and also has anti-helmintic properties.

· Ayurvedic medicine also uses Kokum infusions to treat piles, dysentery and infections. Kokum is known to strengthen the cardio-vascular system and stabilize liver function.

· The hydroxycitric acid present in the fruit fights cholesterol and curbs lipogenesis, thus aiding weight loss.


Availability and Use:

Dried Kokum is easily available at most Indian food stores. The rinds may be soaked in hot water for a few hours to extract the juice which may be mixed with spices and consumed directly. Alternatively, you could add a few pieces of the dried rind to curries and gravies as a substitute for other souring agents like tamarind, vinegar and lemon juice.