Eat local, eat seasonal, eat traditional, and eat as much as your gut says you need.
The secret foods for health, vitality and weight loss lie in our own kitchens and backyards. Eating a locally available and seasonal food is more healthier than super foods from a remote land where geographical conditions are very different..
This post is about the the awesome book by Rujuta Diwekar on Indian super foods!
Page Contents:
What is the meaning of super food?
Author Rujuta defines super food very differently.
“Foods that, like true love, have stood the test of time.” – Rujuta Diwekar
As per the author, super foods have 5 things in common:
1. They grow naturally in the same land you live in.
2. They are rich in micronutrients and taste.
3. Every part of the plant can be used in unique ways.
4. They encourage diversity in your diet.
5. They lead to a sustainable lifestyle, help the local economy, and make sound ecological sense.
Which are the Best 10 Indian Super Foods ?
In her book, Rujuta analyzed 12 Indian superfoods. There are also additional details on how to use them and how they are time tested.
1. Ghee
Ghee is a class of clarified butter that originated in ancient India.
Ghee is made by melting regular butter. The butter separates into liquid fats and milk solids. Once separated, the milk solids are removed, which means that ghee has less lactose than butter. Traditionally, ghee has been used as cooking oil, an ingredient in dishes, and in Ayurveda therapies.
It breaks down fat, reduces cholesterol, eases distress, improves sleep, and helps you wake up fresher, gives you a healthy heart, and should be had 3-5 teaspoons a day to start with.
2. Kokum (Garcinia indica)
The kokum peel is rich in nutrients including anthocyanins, garcinol, and hydroxycitric acid.
Komum prevents cavities, dehydration, acidity, and nurtures and regenerates skin cells.
3. Banana
Banana has a low to medium glycemic index and doesn’t allow the blood pressure to shoot, enhances metabolism and prevents brain fatigue, soothes the stomach, strengthens the bones, and beats the blues.
4. Cashews (Kaju)
Kaju reduces LDL and improves HDL in your blood, works as an anti-ageing pill, improves heart health and metabolism, and is perfect for you if you are trying to reduce weight or are have diabetes.
Kaju has good fats, which are recommended for a healthy body. The fat present in cashew nuts are responsible for growth of good cholesterol and reduction of the bad cholesterol. Kaju gives a lot of energy and also keeps you satiated for a long time.
5. Ambadi (Gongura)
Ambadi commonly known as Gongura in Telugu is one of the popular green leafy vegetables among Telugu people. Be it marriage or house warming ceremony, no function is complete without Gongura cuisine in the meal of Telugu families.
Ambadi tea detoxes or removes a hangover and is an anti-carcinogen.
6. Rice
Rice promotes growth of probiotic bacteria, eases bowel movements, prevents premature wrinkling, has fat-burning and anti-anxiety qualities, allows better vitamin D and calcium assimilation, and is loaded with necessary amino acids.
7. Coconut
Coconut reduces risk of cholesterol, improves heart health, reduces glycemic index when garnished on other food, prevents yeast infection in the vaginal area so perfect during pregnancies, and helps control weight.
Also, coconut is rich in fiber and MCTs, it may offer a number of benefits, including improved heart health, weight loss, and digestion. Yet, it’s high in calories and saturated fat, so you should eat it in moderation. Overall, unsweetened coconut meat makes a great addition to a balanced diet
8. Aliv (Garden cress or Halim)
Rujuta calls it the miracle food that takes care of your hair and skin post-pregnancy, cures PCOD, is an aphrodisiac, and fights cancer very well.
Halim seeds are full nutrients like calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, protein, iron, folic acid and dietary fibre. The proteins present in halim seeds tends to increase the feeling of satiety and the hunger hormone ghrelin makes sure that you do not overeat
9. Jackfruit
Low in fat and rich in fibre, Jackfruit helps reduce cholesterol and menopausal pigmentation too; and of course, it boosts fertility and the health of the colon and gall bladder. Additionally, it fights carcinogens.
10. Sugar
Rujuta wholeheartedly recommends that sugar is obtained from sugarcane in any form. She says we have to be critical of the high-fructose corn syrup that’s available in most Western and store-bought, processed foods such as cakes, fizzy drinks, pastries, and cookies. However, sweet and yummy food is not unhealthy, she reasserts.
Over to You
In this book, Rujuta makes well detailed super food compilation most suited for Indian geographical conditions and tested over time. She emphasizes on “don’t reinvent the wheel”.
In summary ,if you want to eat healthy then keep it simple and search for superfoods from your traditions and locality!
