Indian Superfoods: All You Need To Know

Superfood is a relatively recent phrase for foods that are very high in nutrients while being low in calories. They contain several beneficial nutrients. However, there are currently no legally defined standards for what constitutes a superfood.

Hence no food can be officially labelled as such. However, the majority of superfoods come from plants. Many superfoods aid in serious medical conditions, weight loss and detoxification. 

In this piece, we will discuss what superfood makes a perfect meal, present some examples and the associated advantages, and provide suggestions for incorporating them into your diet.

Table Of Contents

1. What Are Superfoods?

2. Reasons To Incorporate Superfoods

3. Specialities Of Superfoods

4. 8 Indian Superfoods To Keep You Fit

5. Dietitian’s Recommendation

6. The Final Say

7. FAQs

What Are Superfoods?

Superfoods are foods high in beneficial nutrients and antioxidants, often plant-based, but may also include fish and dairy. A few examples of foods designated as superfoods are blueberries, salmon, kale, and acai. However, the American Heart Association notes that there are no hard and fast rules for identifying what constitutes a superfood and what does not.

Dietitian Despina Hyde from NYU Langone's weight management department argued that "superfoods" should not be considered a dietary category. As a registered dietitian, she finds the phrase superfood to be more of a marketing word for foods that are good for you.

Some of the elements in superfoods include antioxidants, which have been linked to a reduced risk of cancer. Phytochemicals, the molecules in plants responsible for their vibrant colours and aromatic fragrances, have been related to various health advantages and are considered to protect against cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and digestive issues.

Hyde told Live Science that it is a good idea to eat foods rich in nutrients (as many so-called superfoods are). But, she emphasised, the key to a balanced diet is eating a wide range of nutritious foods in appropriate portions.

Reasons To Incorporate Superfoods

One of the significant factors in determining your dietary requirements is your intended level of physical fitness. To lose weight, you should follow the basic rule of consuming fewer calories than you burn. In addition to ensuring that you are getting enough calories, you also need to be sure that you are getting enough of the macronutrients you need.

Here is where the benefits of superfoods shine. Most superfoods are relatively low in calories and high in only one or two nutrients. Determining what constitutes a superfood improves as you gain experience doing so.

Specialities Of Superfoods

The oxygen you breathe and the chemical activities in your body that turn food into fuel provide this energy and boost metabolism. Simple activities in the background without attracting your notice produce free molecules. These molecules are volatile and accelerate cell ageing.

Consuming superfoods regularly may help prevent cell damage and premature ageing. Antioxidants are abundant in most superfoods; they neutralise cell-damaging free radicals by binding to them.

8 Indian Superfoods To Keep You Fit

Kale, broccoli, blueberries, acai berries, Greek yoghurt, and olive oil are not the kinds of foods most of us would think of when we hear the term superfood. However, new studies prove that traditional Indian foods also earn the superfood label.

Any day of the week, these 8 Indian treasures of nutrition are preferable to any foreign treat:

1. Amla Or Gooseberries

Amla, often called the Indian gooseberry, is a nutrient-dense meal that helps the body's defences stand up against infection. The natural substance has powerful antioxidant properties and promotes the growth of hair, skin, and nails due to its abundance of nutrients.

It is a naturally occurring remedy for the common cold and several persistent skin diseases and even controls glucose levels. In the form of juice or chutney, you may eat this excellent fruit just once daily and get all the benefits.

2. Turmeric

Recently, turmeric latte has been all the rage, but our grandmothers have praised haldi waala doodh for years. Haldi, extracted from the Curcuma longa plant's root, has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Detoxification is aided by turmeric; the spice also boosts liver function, prevents cancer, and is suitable for your heart.

3. Ghee

Ghee, formerly looked down upon for being "fat," is now considered a superfood worldwide. One tablespoon has 135 calories and 9 grams of saturated fat, or around 45 per cent of the RDI, making it a nutrient-dense food option. Sodium, sugar, fibre, and protein are all absent as well.

Regular use of ghee has been shown to have several health benefits, including a reduction in body fat, an increase in energy, and a decrease in the risk of developing cancer. So add some to your dal chawal right this second!

4. Coconut

Coconut is consumed uniquely. Coconut water, which is low in fat and rich in ascorbic acid, protein, and vitamin B, should kick things off. Chowing down on coconut water before becoming active is highly recommended to maximise the weight-loss effects of exercise. 

5. Makhana

Makhanas, also known as lotus seeds, are a fantastic healthy snack option to have on hand. They have a small amount of fat but are full of valuable nutrients, including protein, iron, zinc, and magnesium. It has also been shown that makhanas help people relax and have a better night's sleep. In addition, these superfoods have been shown to help slow down the ageing process and promote well-being.

6. Jackfruit

The popularity of jackfruit as a healthy meal is rising because of its versatility. It has recently risen to prominence as a replacement for rice and roti in the form of Chaka. What makes this option so desirable? Weight loss, control of diabetes, lowered cholesterol, protection from colon cancer, and extended life span are all possible benefits.

7. Sesame Seeds

These tiny seeds are a good food source since they include a good amount of copper, iron, zinc, vitamin E, and fibre. Considering the positive effect on health, it can no longer be ignored. A few sesame seeds sprinkled over a side of greens or mixed with roti have been shown to significantly reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.

It also has a high concentration of protein, calcium, and vitamin B minerals. In addition, it helps fight dangerous diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease because of its high concentration of cancer-preventing agents.

8. Curd

A summertime staple that provides health advantages throughout the year. Curd delivers 20 per cent of the calcium your body needs daily and has 100 to 150 calories per 3/4 cup serving. Consistent use has been shown to benefit immunity, digestion, cardiovascular health, bone and tooth health, weight loss, and stress management. One of the seven essential nutritious items in your refrigerator is this.

The Final Say

The most significant benefit of superfoods is that they make us more conscious of the importance of the nutritious value of our meals. When you have a firmer grasp of your dietary requirements, you will also develop a keen eye for identifying superfoods. The objective is to create a healthy eating plan that supports your exercise goals or aids you in managing a health problem. And any meal that helps you achieve this goal is a superfood.

FAQs

1. Why should superfoods be added to the diet?

Superfoods must be added to the diet because they are high in fibre, vitamins, and phytochemicals like indoles, thiocyanates, and nitriles.

2. Which drink is considered to be a superfood?

Water may replace high-calorie drinks. Therefore, it is considered to be a liquid superfood.

3. What is a weight-maintenance superfood?

As per the studies, yoghurt is a preferable superfood for weight loss. 

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