The trend of including superfoods in your diet has increased in the past few years. And why not?
Superfoods are packed with vitamin and minerals that helps body fight diseases and keep you forever young. With a balanced meal, you can find yourself with a healthier heart and reduced aging.
Some might think that it would be tough to find superfoods in India. But you can easily procure this from any local market, given that the demand for superfoods in India has skyrocketed. Thanks to the awareness for a healthier lifestyle. Here are 6 superfoods in India which are easily available-
1. Pumpkin seeds
Yes, the godawful pumpkin is an excellent source of magnesium and is known to promote a healthy heart. Some of you must hate this poor vegetable but, it is a superfood.
Pumpkin seeds contain natural antioxidants and help improve the health of your prostate and bladder. This also aids in flushing out the toxins. This superfood is also linked to keeping you away from a certain type of cancers and regulating your blood sugar levels.
Apart from this, it is an excellent source of fiber which helps keep your digestion and promotes healthy metabolism.
How to eat:
Take the outer layer off, and eat the seed inside it. Or you can toast them, sprinkle salt and pepper to enjoy it like a snack with (or without) the cover.
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2. Papaya seeds
Did you know that consuming papaya seeds can boost your liver health? The insect looking seeds inside papaya are in fact superfoods. These superfoods in India usually end up in a dustbin and are not even thought of as edible.
Which is why most people consume the fruit without knowing that its seed has amazing health benefits when consumed. Papaya seeds are rich in enzymes known as papain and chymopapain. These enzymes enhance digestion and make it easier to digest proteins.
It also makes your kidney function better and has anti-inflammatory properties.
How to eat:
Take a few fresh seeds and consume them whole. You can mix it with honey if you don’t like the taste. Dried version of the seeds can be grounded and used like pepper.
3. Flax seeds
This is the seed that you thought didn’t exist until you realized its Hindi name. Known widely as Alsi in India, flaxseeds are an excellent source of Omega-3 Fat and Dietary Fiber.
Flax seeds can not only improve your cholesterol but also lower down your blood pressure. You might have seen your grandmother using this seed but you never bothered to ask. This superfood in India can be easily found in local markets.
It is also known to be a rich source of lignans, which can reduce the risk of Cancer.
How to eat:
Grind a teaspoon normal (roasted ) flaxseeds and sprinkle in salads, sandwiches, yogurt, muffins, cookies, baked items. Add them whole to your breakfast cereal.
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4. Chia seeds
Containing very few calories, chia seeds are packed with nutrients and a whole lot of antioxidants. If you are trying to lose weight, it might a good option as it is one of the easily available superfoods in India.
Chia seeds mostly have fiber constituents and also contain high-quality protein. This helps you feel full, but don’t add up any extra weight. Also being rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, it helps keep your heart healthy.
The taste is nutty and it adds a beautiful crunch to your dishes.
How to eat:
You can add them whole or ground in smoothies and juices or mix it with your yogurt, oats, salads, and other snacks and breakfast items.
5. Sunflower seeds
There are several benefits of eating sunflower seeds. Starting from the fact that it is rich in the B complex vitamins, minerals, zinc, manganese, copper, chromium, and carotene, it keeps you healthy from top to toe.
It is also a rich source of phosphorus, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, protein and vitamin E. All this helps give you an excellent nervous system and keeps your reflexes strong.
Being rich in calcium and iron, it also aids in building strong bones.
How to eat:
You can just break off the outer layer and chew it. have a handful of seeds every day It tastes mild nutty.
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6. Ajwain seeds
Known as carom seeds, this is one superfood in India known more commonly by its other name. Usually, used to cure gastric issues, this seeds is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
This seed has an essential oil called thymol which promotes secretion of gastric juices. It also acts as a natural antioxidant which promotes weight loss by flushing out toxins. You can easily find it in Indian kitchens.
It also helps keep your metabolism healthy by promoting a stronger control on your digestive functions.
How to eat:
You can just take a few seeds in your palm and crush it with salt. Or you can make a powder of cumin and carom seeds in equal parts and consume with water for curing heartburns.
It’s easy to get superfoods in India
Thanks to the spread of awareness related to superfoods, even Indian market has started consuming a variety of superfoods. Though many of these items are easily available in your kitchen, there are some other superfoods which are a little bit difficult to procure.
You can either order them online or visit a supermarket to get them. These foods mostly include- buckwheat, millet, quinoa, sesame seeds, hemp seeds, sorghum, etc. However, these foods do not have a dedicated base of consumers as of now. Reason being, people don’t know about their health benefits yet.
It is just a matter of time, as I am sure these superfoods will also begin to expand its demand in India.
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In Conclusion:
Eating superfoods will not only boost your inner health but also improve your physical appearance. People who include superfoods in their diet on a regular basis have controlled weight, greater stamina and stay away from diseases.
Your heart health will improve and energy levels will be on an all-time high. These foods are also known to reduce the effects of aging. Full of antioxidants and all the nutritive elements your body needs, superfoods are the best resort for you if you want a healthy an long life.
Make exercise or yoga a part of your daily routine and cut out toxins (alcohol and smoking) for a better and healthier life.
Happy Superfoods to you!!
