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In the past few years, human beings have become increasingly aware of what they are consuming while trying to understand what the food they eat does to their body. This paradigm shift has happened because people have now realized that food has a direct impact on our mental and physical health. So, if you are also health conscious, you can try superfoods which are bite-sized consumables loaded with concentrated doses of vitamins and minerals. As the name suggests, they help us improve our overall health.
The list of superfoods is huge and sometimes, it makes it confusing to choose among them while keeping a tab on their nutrition and the total calorie intake in a day. While every superfood has some amount of goodness, most of them are forgotten or not really appreciated as their benefits are not known to all.
The juicy fruit has a sweet flavour, which not only keeps one hydrated in summers but is also refreshing. It makes a good alternative for snacking on weight loss regime. Just like the fruit, its seeds have numerous benefits. They are loaded with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A,C, E, K, niacin, zinc, and magnesium.
“Regular use of these seeds helps in lowering blood pressure, making the heart healthy too. Calcium and protein found in these seeds make the bones and nails healthy, improves gut mobility and lowers acidity. It can be blended with water and mint leaves to make a summer cooler. It also helps fight anxiety and stress,” Rashi Chahal, Nutritionist, Rosewalk Healthcare, told Health Shots.
Also called singhara, it is a non starchy, water vegetable which offers high amounts of dietary fibre, potassium, manganese, Vitamin B6, riboflavin, and copper. Vitamin B6 helps maintain normal amounts of protein (amino acids) in your blood, which results in strengthening of the immune system and helps fight infection better.
In Ayurveda, it is said that 1 spoon of singhara flour with warm water can give relief to asthma. Moreover, mixing 1 spoon of flour with lemon juice can help eczema heal.
Also, read: 5 reasons why superfoods must be included in your diet
The roasted gram flour provides instant energy and makes a very good source of vegetarian protein. “Sattu enhances metabolic rate and helps one burn extra calories. It provides a lot of fibre, mostly insoluble fibre, which is great for the gut and helps cleanse and detox the body. It alleviates burning sensation and irritability in the stomach as well,” Chahal added.
Amla was in fact one of the few that made it to the superfood list. It is packed with concentrated amounts of vitamin C, which acts like a scavenger against infections in our body. It boosts our immunity by keeping various viruses, cold, cough and flu at bay. It helps improve iron and calcium absorption from food. Amla also contains chromium, a micronutrient that helps enhance insulin secretion and aids in maintaining regular blood sugar levels.
The crunchy and aromatic nuts have always been an essential part of Indian cooking. But over the years, it has more or less vanished from our kitchens. Peanuts have a high amount of good fats, and are abundant in proteins and fibre. It is also a good source of calcium phosphorus and B vitamins. Small quantities of peanuts can curb your appetite and regulate blood glucose levels.
Switching to a fortified salt from regular salt with right compounds, like the much needed zinc, is a good choice. Zinc helps in fighting respiratory infections and also helps improve overall immunity by fighting inflammation or any infection in the body.
So what superfoods have you already added in your diet?
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