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India has always been rich in traditional food, which also packs potent health effects. However, many people are missing out on nutritional gold that the Indian soil has to offer. These superfoods are a powerhouse of nutrients, be it moringa, Kokum, Jamun or turmeric.
But how to incorporate Indian superfoods that can help you achieve higher immunity, improve digestion and energy levels? Fret not, below we have listed 7 Indian superfoods that should now be a staple in youe diet.
7 Super Foods to Add Are:
1. Moringa (Drumstick Leaves)
The Reason It Is a Superfood:
Moringa, aka the miracle tree, holds a lot of truth to its nickname. According to a Food Science and Human Wellness study, moringa is rich in vitamin C, calcium, iron and antioxidants in its leaves. One cup holds seven times more vitamin C than found in oranges and 15 times more potassium than that found in bananas. Moreover, it also contains vitamin B2, vitamin B6, calcium, iron, and zinc, in addition to its high vitamin C content.
How to Add It to Your Diet:
Put the leaves in dals or in soups, or fry with garlic and ghee. Moringa powder can be taken in smoothies and teas as well.
2. Amaranth (Rajgira)
The Reason It Is a Superfood:
Amaranth is one of the gluten-free grains that contains protein, fibre, magnesium, and iron. It is rich in lysine, which is an essential amino acid that is not common in grains and is therefore great for repair and the growth of muscle.
How to Add It to Your Diet:
Have it as porridge, as rotis or pop like popcorn to a make a crunchy snack. It can also be added by making Rajgira laddoos.
3. Kokum
The Reason It Is a Superfood:
This sour Konkan coast fruit is filled with an anti-inflammatory strong agent named garcinol. Kokum is also very digestible and a body coolant, especially in hot climates.
How to Add It to Your Diet:
Kokum sharbat is also refreshing and helpful against acidity. Kokum can also be added to curries or fish to serve as a souring agent.-1752233200882.jpg)
4. Black Chick-pea (Kala Chana)
The Reason It Is a Superfood:
Kala chana is very high in plant protein, iron and fibre. It keeps the blood sugar in balance and leaves you feeling full longer. It is the best thing that a vegetarian would want in terms of a protein booster.
How to Add It to Your Diet:
Salads or curries are boiled and then soaked. You can also use roasted kala chana as a snack on the go.
5. Turmeric (Haldi)
The Reason It Is a Superfood:
Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory agent derived from turmeric. It enhances the body's immunity, assists in the decrease of joint pain, and can even decrease the risk of chronic illnesses.
How to Add It to Your Diet:
Fresh turmeric can be used in pickles, whereas dried turmeric is used in curries. And, you can not forget golden milk (haldi doodh) at night to heal.
Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
The Reason It Is a Superfood:
Amla contains 20 times more vitamin C compared to oranges and is considered an antioxidant powerhouse. It is beneficial to the liver, enhances immunity and enhances the skin and the hair.
How to Add It to Your Diet:
You can eat it raw, make sweet pickle, use it to make juice or in powder form, combined with honey or hot water in the morning.
7. Horse Gram (Kulthi Dal)
The Reason It Is a Superfood:
Horse gram. In Ayurvedic medicine, Horse gram is a rich source of iron, calcium and polyphenols. It has been known to help when it comes to weight loss and the kidneys.
The Reason It Is a Superfood:
Make rasam, dal or sprout it as a salad. It is also consumed in South Indian homes in chutneys.
The Importance of These Superfoods Today![2 (43)]()
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Things have now changed with fad diets and globalisation of wellness fads in general so taking a moment to rediscover Indian superfoods is not just an act of tradition, but rather a step towards an economic, sustainable and scientifically-grounded way of eating. These are foods that occur naturally in our climatic conditions, which are pocket-friendly and are easily digestible by our systems.
How to Get Started
It is not necessary that you completely change your diet. Start small:
- Avoid snacking on refined flour products.
- Replaced refined flour with roasted chana (chickpea flour) or rice flour.
- Put moringa in your dal (in powder, chutneys and tadka).
- Replace your vinegar with amla or kokum in recipes.
ALSO READ: Can Some Superfoods Trigger Digestive Issues? We Asked A Dietician
Final Thought: Superfood for the Win
You do not have to travel to another country to eat clean and feel better. Numerous Indian superfoods, some of which are sitting on your kitchen shelf, are ready to revolutionise your diet and your health. It is now time to get them back to the limelight and give them a chance to heal you from the inside.