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New meaning of superfood

Nowadays the prevalence of the word 'superfood' has increased on social media and health websites. Foods like chia seeds, quinoa, avocados and blueberries have long been considered healthy, but now people are also turning to many of the traditional foods popular in India. It is worth noting that many of these things have been used in our homes since the time of our grandmothers, like millet, ragi, jowar, amla, makhana and drumstick leaves. This means that the world is now looking at the foods we eat every day from the perspective of nutrition and healthy eating.

Return of millet, ragi and jowar

Millet, ragi and jowar are not new things in India. In rural areas, roti, khichdi and other dishes have been made from it. Now they are getting global recognition in the name of Millets. According to FAO, millets contain fiber, protein, vitamins and many minerals. The amount of nutrients varies in different millets.

The glycemic index of many of these millets may be lower than that of typical refined grains. It is important for India that many types of millets are grown here. According to FAO, India is the largest producer of millets. That is, the millet roti which was once considered an ordinary food, is now being discussed as a healthy food item.

Amla: A treasure trove of nutrition

Amla is also an old food item in Indian households. It is eaten in pickles, chutneys, murabbas and other ways. Now Amla is also occupying an important place in the discussion of health and nutrition. It contains compounds like vitamin C and polyphenols. Some research done on Amla has shown positive effects on blood sugar and cholesterol, but this does not mean that Amla is a cure for diabetes or high cholesterol.

Drumstick leaves: Moringa

Drumstick pod curry is common in India, but now drumstick leaves, called moringa, are also in the news globally. In many places, its leaves are dried and made into powder, which is added to shakes, soups and other food items. According to FAO, Moringa is a plant found in India and parts of Africa. Its leaves and pods are used in food items.

Makhana: Healthy Snack

Makhana, also known as fox nuts, has been eaten in Indian households for a long time. During the fast, vegetables and kheer are made from it, and many people also eat it after roasting it. Now Makhana is becoming more popular as a healthy snack. One reason for this is that it can be easily roasted and eaten. It can be a good alternative to packaged snacks like chips, but it is important to note that how healthy makhana will be depends on how it is prepared.

Turmeric: 'Golden Spice'

Turmeric is an old ingredient in Indian kitchen, used in everything from vegetables to milk. Interest in turmeric and the curcumin present in it has increased in foreign countries also. Turmeric milk has also become popular in many places.

Growing popularity of desi foods

A major reason for the increasing popularity of these desi foods is that people are now looking for healthy food as well as things that are easily available. Grains like millets are considered beneficial for nutrition as well as the environment. According to FAO, millets can be grown even in areas where cultivation conditions are not ideal. They require less water as compared to other crops. Therefore, their importance is not limited to food only.

On the other hand, there is no shortage of these food items in India. Many items already in our kitchen contain fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Therefore, it is not necessary to buy expensive foreign things every time to have healthy food.