// Mehreen Khan In Pakistan, dried pomegranate seeds, commonly known as anardana, have been used for centuries as both a culinary ingredient and a traditional household remedy. Their pleasantly sour flavour makes them a favourite addition to chutneys, curries, vegetable dishes, lentils, kebabs, fruit chaat and spice blends such as chaat masala. Beyond their distinctive taste, anardana has long been appreciated for supporting digestion and adding natural flavour without relyin

// Mehreen Khan In Pakistan, achhar is more than a side dish. It is part of the taste memory of home. A small spoon of mango achhar, lemon achhar, mixed vegetable achhar, carrot achhar, or green chilli achhar can make a simple meal of daal, rice, roti, or khichri feel complete. Many families also see achhar as a digestive helper because its sour, salty, spicy flavour can stimulate appetite, especially in hot months when heavy meals feel difficult. Achhar deserves appreciati

// Mehreen Khan In Pakistan, papaya is one of the most practical “health foods” because it is familiar, affordable in many markets, and easy to eat during hot months when heavy meals feel difficult. Papaya is naturally sweet, soft, and hydrating, and many families already use it for digestion. What often gets missed is that papaya is not only a folk remedy. It has a nutrition profile that modern dietitians repeatedly highlight, especially for vitamin C, vitamin A compounds

// Mehreen Khan Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), locally known as chash e guno in Burushaski, grows wild across Pakistan’s northern Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral regions. Locally it is often seen as a hardy, thorny shrub used for fencing and boundary protection, yet globally it is increasingly recognised as a nutrient-dense fruit with a unique profile of vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats. What makes sea buckthorn special is that it is not only “vitamin rich” in a v

// Mehreen Khan Bajra, or pearl millet, is not new to Pakistan. It has long been part of rural food culture, especially in drier regions where wheat can be harder to grow and where people value foods that keep the body warm and satisfied. What is new is the modern health conversation around bajra. As Pakistan faces rising diabetes, heart disease, and micronutrient deficiencies, pearl millet is being re-discovered as a nutrient-dense grain that can support better everyday ea

// Mehreen Khan Buckwheat atta (buckwheat flour) has quietly moved from health shops into ordinary kitchens. It appears in rotis, pancakes, porridge, and mixed flours, often promoted as “gluten free” and “diabetic friendly.” Behind the marketing, there is real science worth knowing. Buckwheat is not actually a wheat at all, but a pseudocereal seed that is naturally gluten free, rich in fibre, minerals, and plant compounds such as rutin and other flavonoids. For families tryi

// Mehreen Khan Ginseng is one of the world’s most famous herbal remedies. In many households it is associated with energy, stamina, and “tonic” strength, and it appears in teas, capsules, powders, and traditional formulations. Yet ginseng is not a single product, while its name commonly refers to plants in the Panax family, especially Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Their effects can vary depending on the species, dose, quality, and

// Dr. Farrukh A. Chishtie Stress is everywhere in modern-day Pakistan. Whether it is the weight of household responsibilities, long hours in school and work, financial anxiety, or rising uncertainty in our cities, many people feel emotionally and mentally stretched thin. Yet despite all these challenges, rather than merely offering relief, a powerful new science is offering something deeper, renewal, growth, and self-discovery. That science is Positive Psychology. Unlike ma

// Mahvish Chishtie In Pakistan, winter brings its own quiet gifts, including seasonal foods that feel both traditional and timely. One of the most loved is singhara, the water chestnut, sold fresh in heaps at markets and often enjoyed boiled, lightly salted, or added to familiar winter snacks. While many of us grew up eating it simply because it tastes good, singhara also deserves attention as a nourishing, water wise food that fits naturally into healthier winter eating. Wa

// Mahvish Chishtie Known in herbal medicine as Tukhme-e-Kahū (تخم کاهو), lettuce seeds are a traditional remedy quietly passed down through generations. Extracted from mature lettuce plants ( Lactuca sativa ), these tiny seeds may not be common in everyday kitchens, but they hold a special place in Unani and Ayurvedic systems for their cooling, sedative, and heart-calming properties. In a world of constant stress, sleeplessness, and digestive woes, this humble seed could be

// Mahvish Chishtie Sabudana, also known as sago or tapioca pearls, is a starchy, white, round food item made from the root of the cassava plant (Manihot esculenta). Commonly used during fasting days across South Asia, sabudana is a staple in many kitchens. It is popular for its versatility — it can be used in puddings ( kheer ), khichdi , vada , and even fritters. But sabudana is more than just a light snack or fasting food. Let us explore its nutritional value and how it fi

// Mahvish Chishtie Ashwagandha, known locally as Asgand Nagori, is a powerful adaptogenic herb long used in Unani and Ayurvedic...

// Mahvish Chishtie Peanuts, locally known as moong phali, are a staple of winter street corners across Pakistan. Vendors roast them over...

// Dr. Mahjabeen Iqbal Licorice, known locally as Mulethi, is a well-known herb in Pakistan’s traditional Unani and Ayurvedic medicine....

// Samreen Wasif With its bumpy red skin and juicy, translucent flesh, lychee (locally known as leechi) is one of the most beloved fruits...

// Sultana Aziz Cherries have delighted palates for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations in Asia Minor. They are...

// Bushra Zaidi As summer arrives in Pakistan, markets brim with vibrant colors and intoxicating aromas, heralding the much-awaited mango...

// Dr. Mahjabeen As the winter chill dissipates, Pakistan welcomes the warmth of spring. But for millions of Pakistanis, this seasonal...

// Dr. Jawad A. Chishtie Dried channay, also known as roasted grams or bhunay channay , are a staple snack in Pakistan, loved for their...

// Dr. Jawad A. Chishtie Sesame seeds may be small, but they pack a powerful punch of nutrients and health benefits. Used for centuries...