Indian SuperFoods You MUST Include In Your Diet.

indian superfoods

Food is probably the most vital aspect of our overall health and well-being. That is why doctors and experts always stress the importance of taking a balanced and nutrient-rich diet.

Whenever the word “superfood” crosses our mind, we get perplexed and items such as ginseng, broccoli, avocados, and kiwi strike our mind. But, have you ever thought of the Indian superfoods that are shaking up the Global Nutrition Scene. They are not only being talked about but are also included in the diet of people all over the world to maintain their health and reduce fat and toxins in their bodies. Nevertheless. long before the Western world started losing their minds over turmeric lattes, Indian parents were forcing their sick children to drink the medicinal ‘golden milk’.

Superfoods are the nutrient-rich foods that grow naturally in the same land you put up in, they are rich in micronutrients, every part of them can be used to serve different purposes adding up to diversity in your diet. These superfoods are extremely beneficial for your health and well-being.

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Spices:

Indian spices have been world-famous since ancient times. Aside from their incredible taste and flavors, many spices are also healthy for you.

Turmeric contains “curcumin”, a known antiseptic. It lowers cholesterol and prevents blood clots that lead to a heart attack. It detoxifies, enhances liver function, inhibits certain types of cancers, and improves cardiovascular health.

Cinnamon lowers blood sugar levels and has a powerful anti-diabetic effect.

Ginger can treat nausea and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Garlic contains a compound called Allicin, which has potent medicinal properties that protect the skin from the effect of free radicals and slow down the depletion of collagen which leads to loss of elasticity in aging skin.

Ghee/Clarified Butter:

indian superfoods, clarified butter, ghee

Once dismissed for its “fatty” nature, ghee today has acquired global superfood status. It is nutritionally dense with one tablespoon containing 135 calories and 9 grams of saturated fat – 45 percent of the recommended daily diet. It is also free of carbohydrates, sodium, sugar, fiber, and protein.
Consumed regularly, ghee can enhance brain function, improve digestion, boost immunity, help melt fat, prevent certain cancers, and reduce blood cholesterol. It is also rich in antioxidants and acts as an aid for the absorption of vitamins and minerals from other foods, thereby boosting digestive health. As a rich source of butyric acid, ghee also helps in lowering inflammation and boosts immunity.

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Dahi/Yogurt:

Yogurt, Curd, or “Dahi,” as it is commonly known in most parts of India is a staple of Indian kitchens. Curd acts as a great probiotic. The good bacteria present in curd helps to clear out the digestive system. It improves our gut activity and health and is great for treating an upset stomach.
The presence of good bacteria helps in boosting your overall health and creating a strong immunity against day-to-day airborne diseases.
Rich in calcium and phosphorus, curd helps in the development of strong bones and teeth.
Curd prevents the accumulation of cortisol in our body, which eventually leads to obesity and hypertension. Having curd on an everyday basis can help shed a few pounds.

Adaptogens:

indian superfoods, ashwagandha, ginseng, gokhru

AKA non-toxic plants that are known to lower down not just one but many kinds of stresses that our bodies go through which includes physical, chemical, or even biological. These herbs and roots have been a part of Indian Ayurveda for many ages and now is the time it makes a comeback in the forms of Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Ginseng, etc. these are available in powdered forms and can be added to your everyday food.

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Amla/ Indian Gooseberry:

Humble Indian gooseberry is the original superfood and it’s time to accord it the recognition it deserves. The translucent green fruit has eight times more vitamin C than an orange, twice the antioxidant power of acai berry, and around 17 times that of a pomegranate. Amla can help fight the common cold, burn fat, improve eyesight, build immunity, and manage chronic conditions and relieve pain. A powerful superfood, other than Vitamin-C, it also contains dietary fiber, essential vitamins like vitamins A and B-6. With all these nutrients in abundance, Amla aids in digestion, promoting healthy hair growth, and has many skin benefits as well.

Tulsi/ Holy Basil:

Having been titled the “queen of herbs”, the entire plant of holy basil is of nutritional and therapeutic value. Such is the importance of this plant in India that it is revered and prayed to every day in a regular Indian household. The leaves especially are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antifungal, and help reduce pain and fever. The plant is an excellent source of Vitamin A&C, Calcium, Zinc, Iron and Chlorophyll. The proper way of consuming it would be to gulp down a few leaves of Tulsi without chewing them, first thing in the morning.

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JackFruit:

Jackfruit is a rich source of carbohydrate, simple sugars, vitamins, protein, fiber, electrolytes, and phytonutrients. Jackfruit is also rich in dietary fats which helps in improved digestion and prevents constipation. Not only this, but it also has high antioxidant content. It helps in reducing weight and cholesterol, beat diabetes, and also prevent cologne cancer. It can be prepared in a myriad of ways and consumed either solo or paired with another carbohydrate.

Coconut Oil:

Coconut oil comes with an amazing nutrient profile that delivers holistic healing benefits. Right from improving heart health, alleviating the symptoms of infections, boosting skin and hair health, and treating Alzheimer’s disease and Epilepsy, including Coconut Oil in your diet is known to improve Levels Of HDL(good) Cholesterol, promote weight loss, improve digestion, and bolster immunity.

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indian superfoods

This List of Indian SuperFoods is by no means exhaustive. The availability of these foods is typically regional and methods and quantity of consumption also vary thereby. Prudently including these foods in your diet will ensure that you consume a vast array of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to a superhealthy you.