6 Traditional Superfoods That Enhance Contemporary Health and have Their Roots in Ancient Dietary Practices
The following traditional foods can improve your current diets and help you stay healthy:
1. Fermented foods: foods that are fermented, such as khaman dhokala, idli, dosa, and curd. Natural probiotics, these foods are high in good bacteria that promote intestinal health. Immunity, digestion, and even mental well-being are all impacted by a healthy gut. You may boost your immune system, avoid digestive problems, and improve nutrient absorption by include fermented foods in your diet.
2. Ghee: For generations, clarified butter, or ghee, has been a staple in Indian cuisine. Ghee is highly valued in Ayurveda as a tonic that promotes healthy digestion, boosts immunity, and nourishes the body at the cellular level. Ghee, which is high in good fats, lubricates joints, improves skin health, and supports cognitive function. Ghee can help balance your doshas and provide you long-lasting energy throughout the day. Include it in your daily diet.
3. Jaggery: Powerful in iron and other trace elements, jaggery is a traditional sweetener prepared from sugarcane. In contrast to refined sugar, which contains empty calories, jaggery is rich in antioxidants and releases energy gradually. It improves immunity, promotes healthy digestion, and avoids anemia. By adding necessary nutrients and satiating your sweet tooth, substituting jaggery for processed sugar in tea, desserts, or snacks might help you feel better.
4. Millets: Millets, once a mainstay in Indian kitchens, are returning as superfoods. These little grains were full of nutrients and were utilized in many different recipes, like porridge, upma, and even toasted puffs. Millets are easy to digest and can help control blood sugar levels since they are high in fiber, protein, and important minerals like magnesium. They are a great option for people with gluten sensitivity because they are also gluten-free. By incorporating millets into your diet, you can lower your chances of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
5. Pickles: Pickles that have undergone fermentation are traditionally high in probiotics, which are good bacteria that promote intestinal health. Your immunity, mental health, and digestion are all impacted by having a healthy gut. Pickles are a great way to improve nutrition absorption, avoid digestive problems, and boost your immune system—especially in the winter and monsoon seasons.
6. Turmeric: Often referred to as the “golden spice of India,” turmeric possesses potent therapeutic qualities. Turmeric’s primary ingredient, curcumin, has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is used not only as a spice but also as a medicinal food; it’s frequently seen in the form of paste or golden milk. Turmeric can help with inflammation reduction, cognitive function enhancement, and a decreased risk of chronic illnesses such as cancer when added to meals.
