Superfoods have been dominating the social media feeds of Instagram-friendly hipsters and influencing global dietary trends. For those of us in India, all we need to do is look out at our backyards and listen to our grandmothers, even though new fads are added every year. Here are several affordable and superior local substitutes for popular international foods like chia, quinoa, and kale.
Nutrient-rich foods that are thought to offer considerable health advantages are referred to as superfoods. These foods often contain high levels of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other healthy substances. Although it is not a scientific categorization, the word "superfood" is frequently used to highlight particular foods that are thought to be especially nutritious. Superfoods can be included in a balanced diet, but it's vital to remember that they do not have miraculous healing properties. The key to general health and well-being is a balanced, diverse diet that contains a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods. Indian food offers a wide variety of frequently ignored superfoods that should be acknowledged.
Coconuts For Avocado:
There is no denying that avocados provide a wealth of health advantages. They are, however, too pricey in India for many people to eat every day. But don't worry, you can easily substitute avocado with coconut. Because of its great nutritional density, coconut is frequently referred to as a miracle fruit. This tropical fruit provides a good source of insoluble fibre, manganese, carbohydrates, fat, and protein, as well as a moderate quantity of B vitamins.
Numerous skin and health therapies contain coconut. It maintains digestion, aids in reducing skin inflammation, keeps the body cool, enhances heart health, and even aids in weight loss.
Moringa Powder For Matcha:
Even though it is a fantastic source of carbs, Indian moringa has a superior nutritional profile to matcha. Compared to its Japanese relative, moringa boasts nearly 10 times as much fibre, 30 times as much protein, and 100 times as much calcium. It doesn't get more native than moringa. It is a supertree with nutrient-rich leaves, fruits, blossoms, and seeds, not just a superfood when powdered. Be aware that the flavour profiles are different; matcha has a somewhat sweeter aftertaste than moringa, which has an aftertaste of asparagus.
Cabbage For Kale:
How frequently have you spotted kale at your neighbourhood store or grocery store? Since kale is difficult to find, especially at roadside stands, cabbage is a better option. Choose cabbage if you don't want to spend three times as much on vegetables. The health benefits of cabbage, which is rich in phytosterols, insoluble fibre, vitamins C and K, antioxidants, and other nutrients, have been well documented.
Jamun For Blueberries:
Blueberries are, without a doubt, one of the most sought-after fruits. They can be found in anything from smoothie bowls to jams and pancakes, but because of their high cost, many people frequently choose to forgo them. Jamun, an Indian superfood, accomplishes the task flawlessly and without exerting much effort. Antioxidants, which help prevent oxidative stress and cellular damage, are abundant in both jamun and blueberries. Jamun has antioxidant effects since it contains substances including polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. In Indian cuisine, jamun is either eaten fresh or used to make jams, jellies, juices, and sweets. It has a distinctive sweet and tangy flavour that is frequently described as a combination of flavours.
Amaranth For Quinoa:
Quinoa was named the super grain of the century as the gluten-free diet gained popularity, whereas Amaranth, a native grain that is similar to quinoa, has received less attention. It is also known as Rajgira or Ramdana, and according to Ayurveda, it is one of the more significant foods in India. In terms of calcium, zinc, iron, and fibre, amaranth outperforms quinoa. Additionally, it is far more cost-effective.