Haldi (turmeric) and desi ghee (clarified butter)… haven’t we all grown up listening to our mothers and elders telling us all about the benefits of these two “Desi Superfoods”? Well, today we shall delve deep into the 8 Indian Superfoods that are not mentioned as much as the above two, but are important and beneficial enough to be categorised as superfoods. Include these in your daily diet and read carefully as Diksha Sharma, the best dietitian in Patiala, explains these superfoods’ benefits! Let’s start with two superstars of every household, Ghee and Haldi!
GHEE (Clarified Butter):
The first advice given to every kid was about the immense benefits Ghee has! Ghee or clarified butter not only reduces the GI (Glycemic Index) of food, but also improves digestion and helps with constipation as well. The benefits for your skin are immense as well because Ghee has nourishing and moisturising properties.
HALDI (Turmeric):
The lead character in almost every Indian kitchen is Haldi or turmeric. Haldi is rich in antioxidants, helps fight off infection and plays a key role in boosting your body’s recovery system! Apart from detoxification, Haldi is of great benefit for your cardiovascular system too. Recent studies have pointed out that Turmeric has properties that are critical for fighting cancer and keeping it away.
AMLA (Indian Gooseberry):
Have it as a Murabba or eat it as a pickle.. Chomp on a tasty amla candy or eat it raw.. We at Healthy2Bfit have been huge advocates of the medical properties of Amla. It is your warrior against diabetes and cancer. Want to make your skin and hair shine and glow? Amla is the answer! Plus Amla has anti-aging properties also, so if you want to slow down that aging, grab an amla right now!
KELA (Banana):
When we were growing up and were always hungry, our parents used to hand us a banana because they knew what good this humble fruit would do to us. Bananas are extremely rich in potassium and that makes them good for our heart. High Fiber content also makes bananas important for anyone looking to improve their gut health. Magnesium, Anti Oxidants, Prebiotics, Tryptophan and Good sugars are just some of the other important elements that bananas are rich in.
JAMUN (JAVA PLUM/BLACK PLUM):
Jamuns are literally Amrit for people fighting against Diabetes. Found in abundance in the Indian Subcontinent, Jamuns are great for your immune system which we, the best dietitian in India always recommended during the COVID19 pandemic. Oral Hygiene, Weight Loss, a Glowing & Radiant Skin, a Healthy Heart..all of these are the advantages of consuming Jamuns. Here’s a little known benefit of Jamuns.. They help in increasing your libido as well..
KOKUM (MALABAR TAMARIND):
The killer cold drinks have little business in the tourist capital of Goa. The locals and the tourists have had a way to beat the summer sun and that is the famous Kokum drink consumed by almost everybody. Kokum is native to India’s Western Ghats and is a superfood on its own. Kokum is rich in antioxidants and provides relief from bloating and acidity. Kokum helps in fighting inflammation effectively and helps ward off chronic diseases like Cancer. Another wonder use of Kokum is in aiding weight loss owing to it reducing the production of fatty acids and secreting Serotonin which suppresses cravings and hunger.
MILLETS :
2023 was declared “the year of the millet” by the United Nations General Assembly. This in itself is enough to understand the immense benefits millets have. Known as the ancient grains, millets are naturally “gluten free” and have made a strong comeback into our kitchens! Jowar, Ragi, Nachni, Bajra… these are rich in antioxidants, fiber and minerals. Thinking about shedding that fat, improving your heart health or managing your sugar levels? Well this wonder grain is the answer you have been looking for! Ragi in particular is extremely rich in Calcium and you know how important that is!
KATHAL (JACKFRUIT):
The cult movie Gangs of Wasseypur had a very intense sequence about taking down Sultan Qureshi that featured a hilarious take on Kathal.. The scene features the actors discussing the various ways in which this superfood can be consumed.. Pickle it, make Kofta, dice it up and make a yum veggie,.. Do anything but do include this in your diet. Known commonly as the poor man’s meat, Kathal is rich in Vitamin C, and keeps inflammation away. It is low on the Glycemic Index and thus helps prevent your sugar levels from shooting up. Apart from boosting your immunity, Kathal also keeps your Blood Pressure in check owing to it being high in Flavonones. And how could we forget about how effective it is in keeping your skin glowing?
We hope you incorporate these 8 Desi Superfoods in your daily diet and we can promise you that the wonders these will do to your body and mind, are no less than finding the key to perfect health! For any of your diet related needs, remember to consult the best Dietitian in Punjab, Healthy2Bfit ! Call us at our number 98880 59000 and book a consultation and get the best diet plan today! “Sehatmand Raho, Sukhi Raho!” (Stay Healthy, Stay Happy)
