Do you frequently find that in an attempt to keep up with your hectic schedules, you go for processed snacks and sugary drinks all the time, only to end up feeling bloated, lethargic, and sick? The detrimental effects of this fast-paced lifestyle on your health are becoming more and more obvious.
Customary eating plans, particularly those with roots in Indian culture, were intended to support mental and spiritual well-being in addition to physical health. These foods were easy to digest, easy on the stomach, and beneficial in preventing sickness, even though they occasionally required more preparation. Going back to these traditional eating practices may hold the secret to enhancing contemporary health in a time when lifestyle diseases are on the rise.
Indian traditional cuisine was created with a natural harmony of ingredients and an intuitive knowledge of the body’s requirements. These foods served as more than simply stomach fillers; they also gave the body the vital nutrition it required to survive.
Fermented foods: Indian diets have long included fermented foods such khaman dhokala, idli, dosa, and curd. Natural probiotics, these foods are high in good bacteria that promote intestinal health. Immunity, digestion, and even mental well-being are all impacted by a healthy gut. You may boost your immune system, avoid digestive problems, and improve nutrient absorption by include fermented foods in your diet.
Ghee: Known also as clarified butter, ghee has long been a staple in Indian cuisine. Ghee is highly valued in Ayurveda as a tonic that promotes healthy digestion, boosts immunity, and nourishes the body at the cellular level. Ghee, which is high in good fats, lubricates joints, improves skin health, and supports cognitive function. Ghee can help balance your doshas and provide you long-lasting energy throughout the day. Include it in your daily diet.
Jaggery: A traditional sugarcane sweetener, jaggery is rich in iron and other trace minerals. In contrast to refined sugar, which contains empty calories, jaggery is rich in antioxidants and releases energy gradually. It improves immunity, promotes healthy digestion, and avoids anaemia. By adding necessary nutrients and satiating your sweet tooth, substituting jaggery for processed sugar in tea, desserts, or snacks might help you feel better.
Millets: Once a mainstay in Indian kitchens, millets are returning as a superfood. These little grains were full of nutrients and were utilised in many different recipes, like porridge, upma, and even toasted puffs. Millets are easy to digest and can help control blood sugar levels since they are high in fibre, protein, and important minerals like magnesium. They are a great option for people with gluten sensitivity because they are also gluten-free. By incorporating millets into your diet, you can lower your chances of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Pickles: Traditionally, pickles that have undergone fermentation are high in probiotics, which are good bacteria that promote intestinal health. Your immunity, mental health, and digestion are all impacted by having a healthy gut. Pickles are a great way to improve nutrition absorption, avoid digestive problems, and boost your immune system—especially in the winter and monsoon seasons.
Turmeric: Known for its potent therapeutic qualities, turmeric is frequently referred to as the “golden spice” of India. Turmeric’s primary ingredient, curcumin, has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric was utilised in traditional Indian diets not just as a spice but also as a medicinal food, frequently in the form of golden milk or paste. Turmeric can help with inflammation reduction, cognitive function enhancement, and a decreased risk of chronic illnesses such as cancer when added to meals.
