Let’s face it: Healthy eating is a new luxury.
You are not left alone.
Hectic schedules, rolling over work deadlines, and chaotic commutes are always keeping you occupied.
It rarely allows you to do something healthy for yourself. Even though it does, we fail to do it as we usually equate healthy with extensive meal preparation.
What if we tell you that it’s no longer the case?
What if we spill a secret? The immunity, metabolism, and overall well-being you require is probably hiding in that tiny spice box lying in your kitchen.
The list of Indian superfoods is lengthy, and they reside in the humblest states of matter so that it is easy for consumption.
Given below is the list of 7 Indian superfoods to seal your deal with the utmost health benefits.
1. Turmeric
Immunity booster is more than a flavouring agent.
The one ingredient that is still ruling over every Indian kitchen is turmeric (Haldi). Beyond cooking, it is a magical healing agent that you get to apply for your cuts and bruises too considering the star compound named curcumin.
Benefits
- Aids with gut health and digestion
- Used as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic agent too.
- Helps with joint pain and muscle recovery.
How to consume it?
Drinking Haldi water every morning on an empty stomach is regarded to improve your immunity level. Add a pinch of it into your dhal and sabzi for its flavour and colour. Stirring a small teaspoon of turmeric into hot milk during your bedtime acts as a relaxing agent.
2. Amla (Gooseberry)
Tangy zest and yet the powerhouse of Vitamin C
Biting that little amla is an experience to withhold. The sourness at first and the sweetness second it is a welcoming treat for your overall well-being.
Benefits
- Enhances overall metabolism.
- Aids with glowing skin and hair.
- Improved digestion and immunity levels.
How to consume it?
Eating it raw has its trail of benefits. However, squeezing the juice extract or making it as a chutney can also work wonders for your health. Some of the authentic Indian Tiffen services in Canada often integrate amla pickles as an accompaniment to the main dishes.
3. Moringa (Drumstick leaves)
Nature’s multivitamin in its more edible form.
It may not be considered a pantry staple, yet it is recalled being ingrained with the oldest and richest source of many essential nutrients. Having packed with iron, calcium and antioxidants, Moringa is a must-have item for vitality.
Benefits
- Rich in calcium and Vitamin C
- Regulating your blood sugar level
- Enhances immunity and metabolism
How to consume it?
Sip it as a hot tea by tossing the moringa leaves powder into a hot cup of water. You can also infuse it into the dosa batter making sure every dosa is not only crispy but also healthy. Stir the powder into the soups and smoothies to avail the most health benefits.
4. Ragi (Finger millet)
The grain that glows up your energy levels.
Gluten-free millet has been graded the top ranking on the list of staple food items in the South Indian community. It is a lifesaver for the ones who are looking for plant-based calcium and slow-digesting carbohydrates.
Benefits
- Supports muscle gain & strength for the ones who are dealing with weight loss.
- Since it’s gluten-free, it enhances digestion and improves gut health.
- Regulate your blood sugar level and therefore it is a diabetes-friendly diet.
How to consume it?
If you are looking for a healthy alternative to rice, you must try ragi porridge, roti or dosa. It is one of the best-selling varieties in the homefood delivery services across Canada.
5. Lentils (Dal)
The right quantity of protein accounts for each day’s intake.
It is one of the vital plant-based protein sources which is filled with the right amount of protein, fibre and other essential nutrients. More than serving as a comfort food, it is an everyday essential.
Benefits
- Helps with muscle impairment and promotes growth.
- Supports with gut health due to the higher source of fibres present.
- Rich in vitamins, potassium and magnesium
How to consume it?
Make it as a simple tadka and pair it up with roti or steamed rice. You can also help yourself by making a simple and easily digestible khichdi.
6. Makhana (Fox Nuts)
Can’t say ‘No’ to a healthy snack indulgence
If you haven’t ever popped at least one Makhana nut in your lifetime, you are missing a great snacking experience. These lotus seeds are crunchy and perfect as an evening snack.
Benefits
- Rich in antioxidants to relieve you from oxidative stress.
- Having a low glycaemic index, makes it a diabetic-friendly snack.
- A plant-based protein snack, making it ideal for fitness enthusiasts.
How to consume it?
Give it a roast with a mild sprinkle of salt and pepper, which helps in fuelling you on a busy mid-day or evening. You can even toss it into the curries or make it your companion for the main dish to crunch it over.
7. Ghee (Clarified butter)
There is goodness in everything.
Contrary to the old-school myth of equating ghee with cholesterol, Ayurvedic teachings have enlightened ghee as one of the sources of healthy fats. It helps with the easy absorption of nutrients.
Benefits
- Improved digestion and enhanced gut health
- It supports activating the brain’s function
- It helps reduce inflammation
How to consume it?
Taking one spoonful of ghee on an empty stomach favours cleansing your stomach and adds to the digestion process.
Also, leave a few drops of ghee on top of the steamed rice or sprinkle it slightly over the khichdi to experience more comfort food.
With some of the promising homemade delivery services like Meal Maven, customisation options are broadened to include options of ghee inclusion alongside salt, sugar & pepper.
Wrap Up
Indian foods are incredible from a health point of view.
Many times, the superfoods you seek are hidden right in the kitchen. From becoming aware of such foods given in the above list, you can easily integrate them into smaller portions serving and stabilising your health in multiple ways.
This is your calling to impart these superfood foods in your everyday food menu.
