4 Superfoods that Indians Must Consume in 2021
The years beginning from 2020 will be a turning point in our lives. Covid has taught us an important lesson on nutrition. So is there any specific food that we should look to, including our diet for this year and ahead? Before we dwell on that, I would like to burst two myths?
Don’t call any food superfood
It is a term coined by the wellness industry to make money and make sales. Any food, even a superfood, must be consumed within limits and not excessive, thinking that it will bring in excessive benefits.
Foreign foods are not always the best choices for you
If you are residing in India, your chances to assimilate nutrition from a homegrown Amla are much higher than a foreign-grown Blueberry. I hope you are getting my point.
Now coming back to my top superfoods for the year.
Amla - I have always heard about the benefits of the humble Amla. But recently, about a month ago, I got the chance to experience its benefits, and that too within 1 hour of eating it. Sounds strange? Well, hear me out. Amla has the highest amounts of vitamin C along with a host of other benefits that it deserves the rightful place of an Indian superfood. But being so bitter to eat, almost all of us discard it and go for an orange instead. But recently, I was down with lethargy and a slight fever and decided to give the Amla a try. I won't lie, it is very bitter, and I managed to chew a few slices of the magical fruit with great difficulty. And in 1 hour or so, I felt as fit as a fiddle. Ever since then, I always try and include Amla in my diet. Do you want to know any tips on how to bite on an Amla without getting its bitter taste? One hack would be to have it along with your meals as a pickle substitute. For more tips like these, you can always follow my channel on Instagram @Perfectfitday.
Millet - There is a whole world out there for millet lovers. From the most popular ragi grain to the tastiest pearl millet, the benefits of millets are far superior to that of any other cereal. When I speak of Millets, I must mention Dr. Khadar, the millet man of India. Through Dr. Khadar's efforts to popularize the importance of millets that I got to know of this superfood and me and my family have started incorporating it into our diets. Any carbohydrate that breaks down slowly and steadily is the best. Rice takes about 45 minutes to break down, while millets take about 6 hours. This reduces the risk of insulin spikes and diabetes. He has even documented his entire research on this superfood in a book called Siri Lokam. Dr. Khadar goes on to explain how growing millets benefits both the environment and our bodies, as millets are a crop that requires the least amount of water (20cm rainfall is also enough) and thus can be grown in drought areas as well. Do check out this youtube link where Dr. Khadar shares his thoughts in an interview.
Pomegranate - A versatile fruit, Pomegranate can be used in multiple ways. Its seeds are eaten as fruits or in juices, its skin is dried and used as a medicinal powder in soups, and it is also dried and used as a face pack. I remember my mom used to make a thick hot soup with pomegranate when I showed the slightest symptoms of the flu. And in 2 days, the flu vanishes, thanks to the immunity bursting properties. The juice is good for heart patients as well, as it improves the blood flow and also helps to lower down the blood pressure. The list goes on; they have antioxidants and a rich source of fiber, vitamins B, C, and K, and potassium. Need I say more?
Ash Gourd - Everyone knows that having non-vegetarian meals can increase the risk of an acidic environment inside the body. But the taste of the food comes in between, and we all take our healths for granted. So the most practical solution would be to consume nonveg meals in moderation and try to include alkaline foods to neutralize the effects. I am not talking about Kengen water, but about our humble Indian vegetable, Ash Gourd. Drink a glass of ash gourd juice first thing in the morning, and you will be fit as a fiddle. It is tasteless, so you can drink it slowly, sip by sip.
The Indian kitchen and supermarkets are brimming with healthy foods which could easily be given the super-food status. But our minds and the media are always focusing on what the Western World does. That will definitely benefit their climate and their body type. As for us, let us stick to our desi foods and try to incorporate these foods in their right quantities. So that our immunity is at the peak, and nothing, not even coronavirus, can defeat us. Until next time, stay safe, stay fit, wear your masks, improve your immunity, and share this article with your friends and family, and encourage them to use these Indian superfoods in their diet too. Namaste.
References:
1. Mysuru doctor, the millet man of India
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