Organic khichri, fresh salads, mixed nuts, sprouted mung beans, black bean hummus, salmon and organic protein bars – what do all these have in common? These are all foods that will boost your health and are packed with high levels of nutrients. We seem to have very little time to devote to our meals and superfoods are a great way to ensure that you are giving your body its deserved care.
Superfoods are mainly plant sources, (sometimes dairy or animal too) that are chock-full of nutrients. These nutrients could be minerals, vitamins, proteins, probiotics, calcium, iron and antioxidants.
Organic khichri or masala khichdi are delicious dishes that are combinations of a couple of superfoods and thereby ranks high on the health scale. There are some common food ingredients that we encounter on a daily basis but probably don’t recognize as superfoods; tamarind, cumin seeds, millets (sprouted millets), cinnamon and chia seeds to name a few.
Let’s meet a few superfood ingredients that you can make easy healthy dishes like organic khichri, curries, salads or even desserts with.
Goji Berry
This super fruit is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and with vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B2 and iron in it, it is a good antioxidant and boosts the immune system. Also known as wolfberries, you can add goji to yogurt, salads, dips and chutneys or even snack on a few by themselves. Eating them raw gives the maximum benefit.
Moringa
The Moringa tree is rich in antioxidants and has bioactive plant compounds. It is also known as drumstick tree, ben oil tree or horse radish tree. The leaves, pods and seeds of the tree are all packed with beneficial compounds and are edible. The benefits of Moringa are still being discovered and anti-inflammatory properties, ability to lower cholesterol and maintain blood sugar level are just a few that we know.
Tamarind
Tamarind is a superfood that is deliciously sweet and sour. Culinary experts love it for it its flavor and tang and health conscious eaters endorse it for its nutritional benefits. It is rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B, iron, phosphorous, potassium, manganese and is a good source of dietary fiber. It is also a known anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant. You can use it in salads or curries or to make delicious dips with it to make your favorite finger food healthier.
Holy Basil
These aromatic green leaves have been used in Ayurveda to treat multiple illnesses for thousands of years. More recently it has become a popular ingredient in organic teas, cough and cold remedies and immune system boosters. Holy basil is a flavorful herb that you can grow in a pot and use in your everyday cooking or infuse in hot water or tea.
Chia Seeds
These tiny seeds pack a nutritional punch! They deliver a high amount of energy. They are loaded with antioxidants, good carbohydrates, protein and dietary fiber. Getting their name from the ancient Mayan word for strength, these seeds have recently received their superfood status. They are known to assist in weight loss and small amounts of chia seeds in your diet will definitely boost your health.
Baobab
The icon of the African savannah, the Baobab tree is also known as the ‘Tree of Life’ on account of its highly nutritive fruit. Baobab powder is popular in the cosmetic world as an anti-aging agent and it encourages collages production, thereby making skin look radiant. It helps in digestion by aiding the good bacteria in your intestines and is a known energy booster.
Cinnamon and Cumin
Both these common food ingredients have only recently been given the importance they deserve by garnering the ‘superfood’ status. Cinnamon is popular in sweet and savory dishes and has antifungal, antibacterial and anti-carcinogenic properties. You can sprinkle it on your salad, dessert or add some to fresh fruit/vegetable juice. Cumin powder and seeds are often used in cooked Asian, African and Latin American dishes. Cumin’s health benefits overpower its taste; it is known to help with skin disorders, improves digestion, assists in weight loss and can help overcome insomnia. One teaspoon of cumin a day is a great way of boosting your health quotient.
Acai
Acai berries are a super fruit that is high is fiber, vitamin A and anthocyanin compounds that help the body against harmful free radicals and thereby detoxify your bodily systems. Acai berries contain 10 times more anthocyanin than a equivalent portion of red wine! This little purple berry has also become a popular ingredient in skin creams for its anti-ageing properties.
Quinoa
Quinoa boasts proud of having twice the protein content of barley and rice making it a good replacement to starchy grains in your diet. It is high in dietary fiber, vitamin B, vitamin E and calcium and magnesium. Both red and the creamy white varieties of quinoa are superfoods that can be used to make a number of different dishes. Salads, breads, a side with curries and meats or a vegetable casserole are a few examples of how quinoa can take its place on your plate.
Adopt a few superfoods in your everyday diet and you will surely notice a change. you will feel more energetic, be less prone to common infections and you will be slowing down the ageing process!
Author-bio- Sonal Khakhar is a founder of Aahana’s Naturals and continued with the heritage of preserving traditional family recipes, and tweaking the inherited recipes further with her knowledge as a Nutritionist.