As the pace of civilization is accelerated, more have we become prone to ills of the rapid growth. Changes in weather, diet patterns and lack of physical activities has led to more health issues and problems. What choices do we all have that can protect us from the tentacles of illness.
Maybe it’s time to go back to our own roots, with advent of social media more and more people are becoming aware of golds mine of our ancestors’ practices. As the famous saying goes what’s goes inside comes outside, Diet is one of the main pillars of our health. The advocates of good living would tell you if we can control what we eat or at least modify some food patterns it can go a long way in getting a better and long healthy life. Let’s try to dig around and find some superfoods that’s are already present in our parents’ kitchen.
Moringa powder:
Moringa or drumstick as it’s called in major part of India has been used for centuries due to its medicinal properties and health benefits. It has antifungal, antiviral, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Moringa is native to India but also grows in Asia and Africa. Moringa contains many healthful compounds such as: vitamin A, vitamin B1(thiamine), B2(riboflavin), B3 (niacin), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), Calcium, Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, phosphorus, zinc.
It is said to have many benefits like-nourishing skin and hair, protecting liver, preventing cancer, healthy bones, control asthma, diabetes, anti-ageing etc.
Recipes- Moringa powder can be added to lemon tea or can be added in cold ice tea. There are many Indian recipes to cook delicious items with moringa powder as an ingredient. Just google Or YouTube for all the yummy recipes
Jackfruit:
Jackfruit is again one of the vegetables (or fruits) which is native to India and part of Indian diet since ages. Its rich in nutrients like: Dietary fiber, Protein, Potassium, Calcium, Carbohydrate, Folate, Iron, Vitamin C
It’s considered to be low glycemic food and good source of anti-oxidants which helps improving immunity and fighting diseases. It’s recommended to regulate blood pressure, good heart health, better digestion, strengthen bone, control asthma, ulcer etc.
Recipes: As it’s common in many Indian household’s jackfruit can be made as a yummy vegetable dish. Many a places ripe jackfruit is eaten as a fruit and no doubt it tastes yummy
Bael:
It’s also known as wood apple or stone apple is native to India and southeast Asia. Bael has been part of Indian house for treating digestion related problems and especially recommended during summers. The ripe fruit is sweet, aromatic, and cooling. The tree’s wood is yellowish white and hard but not durable. Its considered to be rich in Protein, Fibre, Fat, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C etc.
Its recommend to improve digestion, reduce cholesterol, Diarrhoea, reducing diabetes, skin problems etc.
Recipes: Bael candies are one of my favorites, its also consumed as juice or sharbat drink during summers in most part of India. Lesser-known recipes are bael ice-cream or bael fruit burfi.
Elephant foot yam:
This tube-shaped vegetable better known as suran or jimikand is considered a specialty in many Indian houses. Its primarily grown in India, Southwest Asia and Africa. It’s considered a powerhouse of nutrients which includes – protein, zinc, phosphorous, potassium, Vitamin B6, Vitamin A and calcium. Its usage is recommended for controlling cholesterol, diabetes, weight control, arthritis, improving digestion, hypertension etc.
Recipes: Its mainly eaten as vegetables in Indian kitchen and almost all parts of the India has at least one delicious recipe made of suran. Pickle made of jimikand is also recommended as it tastes superb.
*Disclaimer: Please use your own discretion while using any of the above items and if on any medication consult your doctor before using any of these. All care has been taken to provide information present in public domain and references are listed. These should not be considered replacement for any medication.
Author or The Pink Journey won’t be responsible for any liabilities
References:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319916
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213453016300362
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324787
https://www.medindia.net/amp/patients/lifestyleandwellness/health-benefits-of-jackfruit.htm
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/aegle-marmelos
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32629328/
