10 lesser-known Indian Superfoods
10 lesser-known Indian Superfoods | When you first heard the term “#superfoods,” what did you think of them? Whoa, capsicum with a cool mask? Or blueberries with red-coloured underwear of power? Well, there is nothing of the sort! “superfood” is a marketing word used to influence dietary trends and sell products. In actuality, the term essentially refers to a group of foods that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals and have several positive health effects.
When people think of superfoods, they frequently picture imported foods like broccoli or kale, among other things. However, you may find a wide variety of superfoods in your kitchen.
There are many various types of Indian superfoods, and here we’ll talk about some of the lesser-known ones that are high in vitamins and minerals and may serve as a motivator for us to start including them in our diets.
1. Amaranth
Amaranth has an excellent range of nutritional benefits. It is a gluten-free product that boosts immunity and helps with digestion. It is known as Rajgara in India and is also a vrat food.
Amarnath also helps normalize blood pressure, decreases the chance of developing cancer, has anti-inflammatory properties, and aids in lowering cholesterol levels. Moreover, It contains a lot of vitamins, protein, and fibre.
2. Wood apple
A wood apple is a summer fruit commonly known as bael in Hindi and kothu in Gujarati. Wood apples are famous for both their flavour and nutritional value. It gives you energy, promotes digestive health, detoxifies your body, and prevents respiratory conditions.
On top of all that, it lowers your risk of infection, helps you lose weight, manages diabetes, and helps treat piles and ulcers.
3. Ice apple
This rare coastal fruit, also known as tadgola, tadpadi, or nungu, is only found in parts of south and east India. This fruit resembles ice and is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, calcium, phytonutrients, and carbs. It is sweet, delectable, juicy, and transparent. In addition, this fruit is low in calories and rich in fibre, protein, vitamins A, C, E, and K, iron, zinc, phosphorus, and potassium, all of which contribute to a greater sense of immunity.
By including this fruit in your diet, you can increase metabolism, which also aids in better digestion, relieves constipation, and encourages weight loss. Water content, protein, and dietary fibre also assist in optimal weight management.
4. Giloy
Giloy is famous for its medicinal properties since ancient times and is a part of Indian traditional medicines. Giloy juice or tea helps manage diabetes, improve digestion, and boost immunity.
It helps fight off respiratory issues, reduces stress, and helps relieve anxiety. Moreover, it may only help women slow down the onset of osteoporosis.
5. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, often known as Indian ginseng, is a popular antioxidant known for increasing immunity and reducing stress. However, Ashwagandha has many more benefits, like it is perfect for heart health and cancer prevention.
In addition, Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory properties, helps lower blood sugar, and promotes body fat loss and muscle gain.
6. Star Fruit
Starfruit is commonly known as Kamrakh in India, which has a mild flavour and is a crisp and juicy fruit. Star fruit is an excellent fruit for dieters because it is low in calories, a good source of dietary fibre, and packed with minerals. It can help you feel fuller longer and speed up your metabolism.
7. Ramphal
Ramphal, often referred to as sonave or Kusum, is a microberry well-known for its beneficial effects on the skin. It and the custard apple are both connected to the sitaphal fruit. This superfood has a fantastic flavour and can aid in the treatment of diabetes. Due to its rich vitamin, iron, calcium, and fibre content, this fruit is good for your general health and can aid in weight loss. For stronger immunity and better hair care, you can also include it in your diet.
8. Fox nut
Fox nuts aka Makhanas, which are originally water lily seeds also known as phool-makhanas. While being low in fat and abundant in carbs, Makhana is extremely rich in proteins, fibre, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. In terms of sugar, protein, ascorbic acid, and phenol content, this makes it nutritionally unique from other nuts and better than dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, coconut, and cashews. Additionally, it has a substantially lower glycemic index and is gluten-free than the majority of high-carbohydrate foods like rice or bread. Moreover, Fox nuts work wonders for detoxification. They assist in the body’s detoxification process. That’s why they can be used in your diet or weight loss journey.
9. Drumsticks
Drumsticks are very popular in India, commonly known as ‘Moringa’, or ‘sahajan’ is riched with medicinal properties. It has lots of vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate etc. Moreover, it is filled with minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.
Additionally, it is a natural energy enhancer and is rich in powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation and free radicals. Most importantly it delivers all essential amino acids to the body, which is very rare as no other vegetable has all the amino acids. It is also useful in stressful conditions.
10. Kokum
On the Konkani Coast, kokum has been used for millennia to heal heat exhaustion, protect the liver, and improve digestion. To beat the sweltering summer heat, try some kokum sherbet. It’s refreshing and healthful. Additionally, you can use this tart fruit to brew tea, kadi, or rasam.
Read Ahead
Aren’t the benefits of these lesser-known Indian superfoods enough to incorporate into your diet? Try incorporating one, two, or all of the superfoods into your diet and observe the results! These Indian superfoods help with weight loss too!
10 lesser-known Indian superfoods / 10 lesser-known Indian superfoods /10 lesser-known Indian superfoods
