Kwaati eating habits and their benefit on health

In Nepali society, while following different cultures, it is a tradition to eat Kwaati mainly on Janai Purnima day. It is not possible to say when its practice started, but it came especially from the Newar community and now in most parts of Nepal, all the tribes eat Kwaati and its soup. In Newari language, kwaa means hot and ti means soup. Therefore, Kwaati means a hot soup made from a mixture of different vegetables.

A mixture of nine types of legumes is found in Kwaati. In the Nepalese community, the Janaipurnima festival occurs when the time for working in the fields, the time for the change of weather and the beginning of winter is approaching. And, at that time, behind the trend of eating different vegetable juices, various truths and scientific reasons are hidden.

In order to strengthen the body, in case of weak physical ability, to prevent diseases such as cold or to increase the body's ability to fight disease, various nutrients such as Kwaati are eaten knowingly or unknowingly. The various nutrients found in it can increase the immunity of a person and protect them from disease, which is also a scientific concept. Therefore, eating Kwaati is not only influenced by cultural values ​​but also has various benefits.

To get more benefit from this while making Kwaati, keep it soaked in water for 3 to 4 days, until the tusa grows in it. Then it should be cooked well in a pressure cooker and using turmeric, chili powder, salt, mustard and cumin seeds, tomato, onion, garlic and ginger paste and various spices, it can be cooked again by adding water and made into a delicious thick soup.

As many as nine pulses are mixed together and eaten. Each of those vegetables and their benefits are as follows:

1. Rajma (Red Kidney Beans)

Rajma, which looks like the shape of a kidney, is full of various nutrients. Its main benefit is that it reduces the level of fat that accumulates in the blood vessels of the heart or controls bad cholesterol.

In addition, it also benefits diabetics as it improves brain function and keeps the overall health of the heart good. Due to the protein found in it, it is healthier. Similarly, since it contains a lot of fiber, stomach problems and indigestion are also solved. It contains elements such as energy, protein, negligible fat, carbohydrates, sugar, calcium, potassium and sodium.

2. Bodi (black-eyed beans)

Legumes of Bodi species are also known as protein powerhouses. Body food can control heart disease, control sugar and blood pressure, treat anemia, help to lose weight and even prevent cancer that may occur in the pancreas. It contains high amount of protein and various other nutrients.

3. Grams

Like other legumes, gram is also a storehouse of various nutrients including protein. Consuming it reduces weight, balances blood pressure, balances the production of hormones and is also beneficial for diabetic patients.

4. soybeans

Soybean is also a storehouse of protein, fiber and various nutrients and is a super food. Cholesterol is also controlled by its consumption. It is rich in antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids that reduce harmful fats.

5. mung (peanuts)

It is a legume rich in potassium, magnesium and fiber. Its consumption controls heart diseases, blood pressure and cholesterol.

6. Mass (black gram seeds)

Just like other legumes, there are many different nutrients in mas. Its consumption increases the function of the digestive system, bones, reproductive system, heart and kidneys. It can also be consumed to strengthen the liver, reduce high blood pressure, reduce the amount of sugar in the blood and increase the capacity of the nervous system. Also, it can be used in the treatment of diseases such as stomach ache, piles, constipation.

7. (Bakulla) Broad bean

Broad bean is a beneficial legume for improving bone health and immunity. In addition to this, its consumption is beneficial in Parkinson's disease by increasing nerve function, reducing anemia, reducing weight, regulating blood pressure and lowering cholesterol.

8. Pea

Consuming Pea improves the functioning of the digestive system, increases metabolism, improves the health of the heart and also controls the amount of sugar.

9. White beans/peanuts

It is beneficial for building a healthy body weight, strengthening muscles and improving the digestive system.

Although Kwaati is beneficial for health, there is no point in eating it only on the day of Janaipurnima. Our daily food must have some kind of vegetables. And only such food is beneficial. If possible, it is beneficial to eat a variety of legumes, if not, at least one legume-based item every day.

Therefore, our body should include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water in each meal as a balanced diet. If you can eat these six types of food daily, it will be a balanced meal. By eating such food, we get the calories or energy we need throughout the day. Physical growth and development or regular maintenance of body cells and tissues. The body gets the ability to fight against diseases. We can go about our work with energy throughout the day and feel refreshed.

If we can't eat balanced food, then our body will spend some or the other substance stored in the body due to lack of one or the other nutrient. And, if there is a lack of such elements in the body for a long time, the accumulated elements are also depleted. Physical and mental activity does not come because of the lack of work done by that element. As a result, there is a possibility of various types of diseases.

Therefore, the six types of nutrients mentioned above should be included in daily food. In the case of children, the food eaten in this way may not be liked by the child. Because their tongues have many times more taste buds than adults and children may not like food that adults like. Therefore, while giving balanced food to the child, one should give the food that the child likes according to the taste of the child.

Most of the children do not like and do not eat vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds. In such a case, greens can be dissolved in the mixture and made into jholi and mixed with it while cooking litho or jowlo. Some children like salty and some like sweet, food can be given according to their taste. When feeding vegetables, you can add various flavors to the vegetables that have been softened by kneading them or you can fry them and sweeten them. Otherwise, it is appropriate to make a soup of green beans according to the age of the child. In this way, even a child can be fed a balanced diet.

Legumes contain a lot of protein and it may take a long time for our stomach to digest protein, so some people may experience indigestion, flatulence, flatulence, abdominal pain, diarrhea or even vomiting when consuming legumes. Therefore, when consuming pulses, one should not eat such food in the evening meal as it causes problems in digestion and eating without eating too much.

Children and elderly people are among those who cannot digest legumes. Even some adults cannot digest it. In such a situation, you should adjust the amount and make a habit of eating according to the condition of your body and stomach so as not to get sick. If you regularly eat such foods, even a person with common problems will gradually recover or start digesting.

Finally, the habit of eating Kwaati is very good. However, it should not be eaten only on the full moon day but should be eaten every day. While taking it, you should take care of your health and not eat too much at once. On the occasion of today's Janaipurnima festival, I would like to convey the message that we should improve our daily eating habits while continuing the trend of eating Kwaati.