Natural calamities and ways to avoid them...

At present, almost all countries are facing natural calamities. There are so many hazards like famine, flood, storm, etc. In India, floods occur in many places of Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Bengal, Bihar, Punjab, Kashmir, and Rajasthan. There is a fear of famine in Gujarat. New diseases are spreading. Apart from these, small incidents like lightning strikes, sinking of boats, etc., occur almost daily. Unemployment is also there. In short, people are suffering everywhere. What is all this, and why is it happening? The real answer to this can only be given by those who know the secrets of karma who know the state of the inner world, however, based on the scriptures and the experience of saints, it can be said that all this is the result of our bad deeds and we are getting it by the grace of God to purify us. The light of God's grace comes in various forms; sometimes it appears in a very gentle form, and sometimes in a very fierce form. Those who recognize Him can see His peaceful and sweet image, which destroys the three troubles even in that horrifying form. He experiences the grace of God in all situations. He feels thrilled to receive the soft touch of his only beloved in every stroke and considers himself extremely fortunate and happy. But those who do not recognize Him, cry and feel sad; but they too find wealth in adversity, and call out to God with a much more sincere heart in sorrow!

Nothing is irregular in this world. Everything is governed by the rule of Bhagwati Shakti, which is full of truth, justice and mercy. She creates, nurtures, and destroys the bodies of living beings in various ways based on their karma and wants to lead them on the path of eternal welfare. Just as the work of creation and sustenance is done everywhere,

But when, according to some unknown law, a lot of destruction takes place at one place at the same time, we shudder as if it is some extraordinary event, and think that everything has been destroyed. But this is not the case. When lightning flashes repeatedly, clouds thunder, storms come and torrential rain starts pouring down, then the traveler of the wet planet, shivering with cold, wonders whether this torrential downpour will stop or not; but in a short while the clouds disappear, the sky becomes clear, the rays of the sun spread their light everywhere and the traveler happily moves towards his destination. This is the nature of the world. There are always ups and downs in it; every moment there is change, transformation, death, and creation. In fact, only one playful person plays in this whole play, and that creator himself assumes the role of the law. His grace is inseparable from him. We do not recognize him; this is our delusion. The devotees and the wise know Him; that is why they are always happy; even the greatest sorrow cannot shake them from that happy state.

However, all the characters have to act and should act according to the nature of the play. That is why the wise and the devotees cry on seeing the pain of the suffering people and try to remove their pain with their body, mind, and wealth. In fact, only the wise and the devotees want to remove the pain of everyone, because the nature of their inner self is to remain engaged in the welfare of all beings and to be 'without any hatred towards everyone and to be everyone's unconditional friend and kind.

Those whose hearts are not moved by the pain of the suffering, those who are not moved by the pitiful cries of the afflicted, let alone becoming wise and devotees, such people have not even reached the state of humanity yet. Those who remain indifferent to any suffering creature by pretending to be the result of sins, those who do not get the opportunity to be moved by the pain of the suffering in the pride of their wealth and position, such people are unfortunate, and they usually accumulate sins. Therefore, everyone should always be ready to serve the suffering beings with body, mind, and wealth as far as possible. One should serve according to his strength. One should never become proud after serving and should not think that I have shown some kindness to those whom I have served, they are below me, I have done them a favour, they should be grateful to me, or they should be grateful to me. Rather, one should understand that God has shown me great kindness by giving me the fortune and strength to serve; If someone has received some happiness through me, it is his fate, this thing has come for him, and God has provided him with that thing through me; I do not own anything, I am just an instrument. There is no reason for me to be proud. The fact is that whatever we have- knowledge, intelligence, body, mind, wealth- all is God's inheritance, His thing. Wherever He needs something, it is our duty to surrender that thing to Him with respect and a happy mind. Wherever there is famine, He asks for food; where there is drought, He wants water; where everything has been washed away in the flood, He wants food, clothes, and shelter. In such a situation, whatever we have of His, we should immediately give it to Him to please Him. We should worship Him with His things. In this way, one who serves distressed beings with the feeling of worshipping God attains God's presence or God's love, which is rare even for sages. And the wise should serve in this spirit. One who gets the highest results from their actions. Only he who can do so is intelligent.

Here, a question arises that can't the coming of divine calamities be stopped in any way in the world? The answer to this is that as long as the world exists, they can't be completely destroyed, but they can certainly be reduced. The period in which divine calamities are less is called Satyuga, and the reason for this is our own actions. The great sages have said that 'when the rulers of the country, city and village and the people following them get involved in adharma, under the influence of lust, anger, greed and pride, they start lying, violence, theft, adultery, insulting the cultured and ignoring the scriptures, then the gods instead of protecting them abandon them. This is why rain does not occur at the right time; if it occurs, then it is less rain at some places and excessive rain at others. The air does not flow properly, the land becomes polluted, water dries up, and medicine loses its nature. Due to the increase of greed and anger, terrible wars break out, people lose their livelihood, and earthquakes, thunder, and floods start. People without religion become corrupt and insult their Guru, elders, Siddhas, Rishi, and revered people, and do harm to the,m and finally get destroyed by the curse of those Gurus!' If truth be told, this is what is happening nowadays. The following ten things are the essence of the remedies given in the scriptures to avoid such a crisis:

1-Adherence to truth. 

2-Kindness towards unhappy creatures. 

3- Satvik donation from body, mind, and money.

4- Worship of the gods in the proper manner.

5- Good conduct.

6- Observing celibacy.

7- Obeying the orders of the scriptures and Jitatma Maharshi.

8- Company of religious and virtuous people.

9- Cow service, making arrangements for grazing land for cows.

10- Self-defense through mantras in the name of God.

Raw Jack-fruit – A hero of the seasonal green vegetable...

Eat medicines as food OR eat food as medicines; choice is yours. I say this because many people do not know the contradictory action of the food and will enjoy their food as their own wish, which ultimately causes problems for their health. Very small attention to what to eat may save a person from many unwanted health issues. The baby jackfruits or immature jackfruits or Batiya kathal or immature and green jack fruits or raw jackfruits is referred as the hero of the seasonal vegetable in the India because of its variety of recipes like kathal ke kofte (jackfruits kofta), kathal ki pakaudi (jackfruits dumplings), kathal ki sabji (jackfruit vegetable), kathal ke bade and many more. Any form of eating jackfruit has plenty of health benefits, but remember, some vegetables and food items are strictly restricted to be taken along with jackfruits, like jackfruit pakade and coffee, jackfruit vegetable and curd or milk, jackfruit and banana milk shake or banana fruits, etc. In this blog, I will cover the entire part of the jackfruit, including its eating benefits, contradictions, harmfulness, etc. 

{Raw Jackfruit image with slices}

Eating raw jackfruit and its health benefits:

1. Nutrient-Rich Superfood-

Raw jackfruit is a powerhouse of essential nutrients:
✔ Vitamins: A, C, B-complex (B6, niacin, riboflavin, folate)
✔ Minerals: Potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, phosphorus
✔ Fiber: High in soluble and insoluble fiber
✔ Protein: Higher than many other fruits, making it a great plant-based protein source
✔ Antioxidants: Flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds that fight oxidative stress

2. Aids in Digestion and Gut Health-

·  High fiber content adds bulk to stool, preventing constipation.

·  Helps feed gut-friendly bacteria, improving digestion and gut microbiome balance.

·  Reduces acid reflux and stomach ulcers due to its alkaline nature.

3. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels-

·  Low glycemic index (GI): Unlike ripe jackfruit, raw jackfruit doesn’t spike blood sugar levels.

·  Rich in soluble fiber, which slows down glucose absorption.

·  Natural insulin sensitizer: Helps improve insulin function in diabetic patients.

·  Research Suggestion: Studies indicate that raw jackfruit flour can be used as a healthier alternative to rice or wheat for people with diabetes.

4. Supports Heart Health-

High potassium content helps regulate blood pressure and reduces the risk of hypertension.

·  Antioxidants prevent cholesterol oxidation, reducing plaque buildup in arteries.

·  Fiber content lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases good cholesterol (HDL).

·  5. Boosts Immunity-

·   Vitamin C & antioxidants strengthen the immune system, making the body more resistant to infections.

·   Antiviral & antimicrobial properties help fight seasonal colds, flu, and infections.

·   Strengthens white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting pathogens.

6. Aids in Weight Management-

·   Low-calorie and high-fiber food that keeps you full for longer, reducing unnecessary snacking.

·   Supports metabolism by aiding in the digestion of proteins and fats.

·   Zero cholesterol and unhealthy fats, making it an excellent alternative to meat in vegetarian diets.

·   Weight-Loss Tip: Substitute raw jackfruit for high-carb foods like rice or potatoes to promote weight loss.

7. Enhances Skin and Hair Health-

·   Vitamin A & C boost collagen production, keeping skin youthful and preventing wrinkles.

    Antioxidants protect skin from sun damage and premature aging.

·   Rich in iron: Prevents hair fall and promotes hair growth by improving blood circulation in the scalp.

·   8. Strengthens Bones-

·    Calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus contribute to bone density and prevent osteoporosis.

     Vitamin C enhances collagen formation, which strengthens bones and joints.

·    Helps in faster bone healing in case of fractures.

·    9. Detoxifies the Body-

·       High fiber content aids in the elimination of toxins from the colon and liver.

·      Antioxidants neutralize harmful free radicals, preventing chronic diseases.

·      Boosts liver function, supporting the body’s natural detox process.

·    10. Supports Eye Health-

·      Vitamin A & carotenoids improve vision and reduce the risk of night blindness.

·      Protects against cataracts and macular degeneration, which are common age-related eye issues.

·      Antioxidants protect retinal cells from oxidative damage.

·    Jackfruit should not be eaten in these conditions: 

• Diabetic patients should not eat jackfruit. 

• People with digestive problems should not eat jackfruit. 

• People with sensitive skin should not eat jackfruit. 

• Pregnant women should not eat jackfruit. 

• Jackfruit should not be eaten before or after surgery.

• People with blood-related problems should not eat jackfruit. 

• People allergic to latex or birch pollen should not eat jackfruit. 

• People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or acute kidney failure should not eat jackfruit.

Harmful effects of eating jackfruit (consult a Physican

if the folowing condition observed): 

• Vomiting, stomach ache, and indigestion may occur. 

• Skin rashes may occur. 

• Bloating and acidity problems may occur. 

• There may also be difficulty in digesting food.

• Problems like stomach ache, swelling, digestive problems 

start occurring. 

• Respiratory system is greatly affected due to allergy and

some people may have trouble breathing or may stop breathing.

One should avoid drinking milk after eating jackfruit. Doing 

so can cause white spots on the skin and other problems. 

The reason is that the oxalate present in jackfruit reacts with

 the calcium found in milk. Therefore, one should never drink 

milk after eating jackfruit.

Here are some contradictions of jackfruit with other vegetables and food items:

1. Jackfruit & Milk

Reason: Combining jackfruit with milk may cause indigestion, bloating, and stomach discomfort. Ayurveda suggests avoiding this combination due to possible toxin formation in the body.

2. Jackfruit & Seafood

Reason: The combination of jackfruit and seafood may lead to digestive issues and allergic reactions in some individuals. The heavy nature of both foods can strain digestion.

3. Jackfruit & Carbonated Drinks

Reason: Jackfruit is naturally sweet, and when consumed with soda or carbonated drinks, it may cause excessive fermentation in the stomach, leading to bloating and acidity.

4. Jackfruit & Spicy Foods

Reason: Spicy foods can increase body heat, and consuming jackfruit alongside may lead to excessive bloating, discomfort, or digestive issues.

5. Jackfruit & Bitter Vegetables (e.g., Bitter Gourd/Karela)

Reason: Jackfruit is naturally sweet, while bitter vegetables like karela have detoxifying properties. Combining them may reduce the effectiveness of their individual benefits and cause stomach discomfort.

6. Jackfruit & Alcohol 

Reason: The natural sugars in jackfruit can react with alcohol, potentially leading to excessive fermentation, bloating, or liver strain.

7. Jackfruit & Radish

Reason: Both jackfruit and radish are hard to digest when eaten together and may cause gas or bloating.

Here are some safe and healthy food combinations with jackfruit that enhance its nutritional benefits and support digestion:

1. Jackfruit & Coconut

✔ Why it Works:

• Coconut enhances digestion and adds healthy fats, which improve nutrient absorption.
• This combination is often used in South Indian and Thai cuisines.

Best Way to Eat: Jackfruit curry with coconut milk or jackfruit smoothies with coconut water.

2. Jackfruit & Turmeric

✔ Why it Works:

• Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and aids digestion.
• It prevents bloating and supports gut health when combined with jackfruit.

Best Way to Eat: Jackfruit vegetable stir-fry with turmeric seasoning.

3. Jackfruit & Black Pepper ️

✔ Why it Works:

• Black pepper improves digestion and enhances the absorption of nutrients in jackfruit.
• Helps prevent bloating and heaviness.

Best Way to Eat: Jackfruit curry or jackfruit soup with black pepper seasoning.

4. Jackfruit & Leafy Greens (e.g., Spinach, Moringa)

✔ Why it Works:

• Leafy greens provide iron, while jackfruit has vitamin C, which helps with iron absorption.
• This combination boosts immunity and prevents anemia.

Best Way to Eat: Jackfruit salad or stir-fried jackfruit with spinach/moringa leaves.

5. Jackfruit & Lentils/Legumes (e.g., Chickpeas, Moong       Dal)

✔ Why it Works:

• Both are rich in protein and fiber, making them excellent for muscle growth and digestion.
• A balanced meal for vegetarians.

Best Way to Eat: Jackfruit dal curry or jackfruit with chickpea stew.

6. Jackfruit & Yogurt (Curd)

✔ Why it Works:

• Yogurt contains probiotics that aid digestion and prevent bloating.
• The combination balances the heavy fiber content of jackfruit.

Best Way to Eat: Jackfruit raita (curd-based dish) or a smoothie with yogurt.

 

7. Jackfruit & Nuts (e.g., Almonds, Cashews, Walnuts)

✔ Why it Works:

• Nuts add healthy fats and protein, making jackfruit a more complete meal.
• Enhances energy levels and improves skin health.

Best Way to Eat: Jackfruit smoothie with nuts or jackfruit-based desserts with cashews.

8. Jackfruit & Lemon/Lime

✔ Why it Works:

• Lemon enhances iron absorption from jackfruit.
• It prevents post-meal bloating and acidity.

Best Way to Eat: Jackfruit salad with lemon dressing or jackfruit juice with a squeeze of lime.

North Indian-Style Raw Jackfruit Curry (Kathal Ki Sabzi):

A traditional North Indian dish, Kathal Ki Sabzi is a flavorful

and mildly spiced curry made from raw jackfruit. It pairs well

with rice or roti.

Ingredients:

✅ 250g raw jackfruit (peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces)
✅ 2 tbsp mustard oil (or any cooking oil)
✅ 1 onion (finely chopped)
✅ 2 tomatoes (pureed)
✅ 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
✅ 2 green chilies (slit)
✅ ½ tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
✅ ½ tsp turmeric powder (haldi)
✅ 1 tsp coriander powder (dhania powder)
✅ ½ tsp red chili powder
✅ 1 tsp garam masala
✅ 1 tsp dry mango powder (amchur) (optional)
✅ 1 cup water
✅ Salt to taste
✅ Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)

Preparation Steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Raw Jackfruit 

1 . Apply oil on your hands and knife (to prevent the jackfruit’s sticky sap from sticking).

2. Peel the outer skin, remove the hard core, and cut the jackfruit into small cubes.

3. Boil or pressure cook the jackfruit with salt and a pinch of

 turmeric for 2 whistles (or boil for 15 minutes). Drain and set

 aside.  

Step 2: Prepare the Masala Base-

4. Heat mustard oil in a pan until it reaches the smoking point.

 Let it cool slightly, then reheat.

5. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

6. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

7. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, sauté for a

 minute.

8. Add tomato puree and cook until oil separates from the

 mixture.

9. Add turmeric, coriander powder, red chili powder, and

 salt, then cook for another 2 minutes. 

Serving Suggestions:

With Roti/Paratha – Serve as a dry sabzi.

With Rice – Add extra water for a semi-gravy consistency.

South Indian-Style Raw Jackfruit Curry (Kathal Poriyal / Jackfruit Thoran)

This South Indian version of jackfruit curry is lightly spiced, coconut-flavored, and pairs well with rice.

Ingredients:

✅ 250g raw jackfruit (peeled & chopped into small cubes)
✅ ½ cup grated coconut
✅ 1 onion (finely chopped)
✅ 2 green chilies (slit)
✅ 1 tsp mustard seeds
✅ 1 tsp cumin seeds
✅ 1 sprig of curry leaves
✅ ½ tsp turmeric powder
✅ 1 tsp sambar powder (or red chili powder)
✅ ½ tsp black pepper powder (optional)
✅ 1 tbsp coconut oil
✅ Salt to taste

Preparation Steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Jackfruit

1. Grease your hands & knife with oil to prevent the jackfruit

 from sticking.

2. Peel, cut into small cubes, and boil or pressure cook the

 jackfruit with turmeric & salt for 2 whistles (or boil for 15

 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Masala

3. In a small bowl, mix grated coconut, turmeric, and black

 pepper powder. Set aside.

Step 3: Tempering & Cooking the Curry

4. Heat coconut oil in a pan.

5. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

6. Add cumin seeds, green chilies, curry leaves, and chopped

 onions. Sauté until onions turn golden.

7. Add the cooked jackfruit pieces and stir well.

8. Sprinkle sambar powder (or red chili powder) and salt.

 Cook for 5 minutes.

9. Add the coconut masala and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.

10. Serve hot with steamed rice and sambar.

Serving Suggestions:

With Rice & Sambar – A classic South Indian combo.

With Curd Rice – A cooling, balanced meal.

With Rasam – A light and flavorful pairing.