In our race to match with the West, we often neglect the wonders of our homeland. A healthy lifestyle is not necessarily made up of expensive foods prevailing in the other half of the world. The Indian kitchen is full of highly underrated superfoods which help you with obesity, ageing, and skin care.
Here are some powerfoods that can change your notions of clean eating!
AMLA
The fact that almost all Ayurvedic preparations contain amla is not surprising. This humble fruit is known to be a rich source of Vitamin C, so much so, that one small amla has as much Vitamin C as 2 medium oranges. Packed with compounds like polyphenols, minerals like iron and zinc and vitamins like carotenes and vitamin B complex, amla can definitely keep a number of health issues at bay. Here is how you can incorporate this tiny package of health in your routine:
- A 30ml shot of Amla juice every morning can prove to be a lifesaver
- Amla juice mixed with a few pieces of chopped ginger and mixed with a tablespoon of honey has been proven to be an effective treatment for a cough and a sore throat.
- Amla juice can also be used as a face mask. Simply leave it on your skin for 30 minutes and wash it off.
- Mix some Amla paste with your face-packs to even out your skin tone.
- Amla paste applied regularly to your scalp can reduce the greys!
HONEY
Honey is one of the oldest sweeteners on earth. Lucky for us, it also has many health benefits and uses. People have been using honey for its antibacterial and antifungal properties since the ancient times. It contains vitamins, trace enzymes, amino acids, and minerals like calcium, iron, sodium chlorine, magnesium, phosphate, and potassium. So, read on for ways in which you can make most of this superfood:
- Use a tablespoon or two to counteract indigestion since it doesn’t ferment in the stomach.
- Mix honey with ginger and lemon juice to help counteract nausea.
- Consumption of raw honey can reduce risk of developing diabetes and help aid medication used to treat diabetes. Raw honey increases insulin and decreases hyperglycemia. Add a little at a time and see how your blood sugar reacts to it.
- Raw honey promotes restorative sleep. Add a tablespoon to warm milk to help increase melatonin and help you sleep.
- Substituting raw honey for white sugar can help in weight management.
TURMERIC
Turmeric is not merely an additive to your meals, it has a multitude of benefits. Turmeric is one of the most effective nutritional supplement in existence. Many high quality studies show that it has major benefits for your body and brain. Turmeric contains more than 300 antioxidants, which makes turmeric a powerful healer. It not just heals you from inside; it also makes you more beautiful! Here is how you can use it in your daily schedule:
- Adding a pinch of turmeric to your glass of milk aids your immune system and protects your body from actions of harmful microbes.
- It can be used as an antiseptic on cuts and wounds.
- Adding a pinch of turmeric to your skincare routine will even out skin tone and help remove tan.
CABBAGE
Cabbage, popularly called patta gobi in India, may be your least favourite vegetable but the benefits you can derive from this cruciferous vegetable will surely compel you to include it in your diet. Bursting with crucial micronutrients and loaded with powerful natural compounds, cabbage helps prevention and management of several conditions. Here is how you can make the most of this leafy delight:
- Add fresh cabbage leaves to your salads and increase your fibre intake.
- A bowl of cabbage soup can be your solution to weight woes.
YOGURT
Yogurt is a derivative of milk, so yogurt eaters will get a dose of animal protein, plus several other nutrients found in dairy foods, like calcium, vitamin B-2, vitamin B-12, potassium, and magnesium. With a plethora of benefits, here are a few ways to add yogurt to your daily schedule:
- Add yogurt to your skin routine as it gently exfoliates the top layers of the epidermis, which can clear up blemishes and discolorations, and may even reduce fine wrinkles.
- A cup of yogurt a day can keep digestion problems away! The probiotics in yogurts balance the microflora in your gut, which aids with digestion.
- Special proteins in dairy regulate BP, and high levels of calcium, magnesium, and potassium contribute to the blood pressure-lowering effect. Take 2-3 servings of yogurt.