Over the course of the last decade, the word "superfoods" has been increasingly popular on social media, but what exactly does it mean? Foods that have an extremely high nutritional density are referred to as "superfoods." This indicates that they supply a significant quantity of nutrients despite having an extremely low-calorie content. They have a significant amount of various minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants in their composition. Antioxidants are naturally occurring compounds that can be found in a variety of foods. They contribute to the body's effort to quell the effects of free radicals. The generation of energy results in the production of free radicals, which are harmful byproducts that can damage the body. Due to the rapid pace at which information is disseminated, it may be challenging to keep up with the latest information regarding which superfoods should be included in a healthy diet, despite the fact that including them may be beneficial. The second issue is that imported superfoods might either be too expensive for Indian consumers or just not be found there.
If this is something you struggle with, don't worry; here is a list of Indian superfood substitutes you may incorporate into your diet.
Jamun For Blueberries
Blueberries are healthy and delicious, but you only eat them sometimes because they are expensive and hard to come by. Therefore, it can be somewhat difficult to always look for blueberries. Don’t worry, we have Jamun! A delicious and nutritious 'desi' alternative to blueberries during their peak season. According to the findings of a study that was published in PLoS One, consuming dry and powdered jamun on a regular basis may assist you in maintaining healthy levels of blood sugar. Another study that was just published in the journal Molecules states that not only can it aid with diabetes, but it can also help with heart disease and gastrointestinal disorders.
Amaranth with Quinoa
Quinoa is a popular breakfast option for many people and for all the right reasons. It is one of the healthiest ingredients and also one of the most adaptable components, so you can use it in a variety of different meals. However, this may not be an option for everyone. If you want to switch to an Indian alternative, Amarnath is an excellent substitute that not only has a respectable amount of protein in it but also "outperforms quinoa with regard to the amount of iron that it contains. Amaranth contains 5 g of iron per 100 grams, but quinoa only contains 3 g of iron per 100 grams.
Moringa with Matcha Tea
The current trend towards consuming superfoods includes matcha, which is widely considered to be one of the most significant components of this trend. You should consider switching to moringa powder if you are familiar with the product but found that it did not meet your expectations when you tried to use it previously. Whether you enjoy the flavour or find it to be too pricey for your budget, this alternative is something you should consider trying because moringa powder has a variety of useful properties. Every component of the moringa tree, from the roots to the leaves, is loaded with beneficial properties for one's health. Regardless of whether you consume its leaves, roots, or fruits, it gives more fibre, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and E than Matcha does. Additionally, it includes all nine of the important amino acids.
Sabja With Chia Seeds
We are sure that you have heard that starting your day off by consuming water infused with chia seeds can do amazing things for your health. They are beneficial to your health but can be rather pricey. Chia seeds were first cultivated in Mexico, whereas basil or sabja seeds are considered to be shudh desi for Indians. Because they are so rich in a wide variety of nutrients, basil seeds are widely regarded as one of the healthiest meals available. According to the findings of a number of studies, having basil seeds in your diet can help prevent type-2 diabetes, reduce the risk of cardiovascular illnesses, ward off melancholy, protect you from bacterial infection, and a number of other health problems.Sabja seeds, in contrast to chia seeds, are an excellent source of iron. Chia seeds are a good source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids.
Cabbage For Kale, Bokchoy Or Asparagus
How frequently have you come across kale when shopping at the grocery store or at a nearby vendor? Because kale is difficult to find, particularly at roadside stands, opt for cabbage instead. This makes cabbage the more convenient option. Choose cabbage as your vegetable of choice if you want to avoid spending three times as much money on veggies. It has been discovered that cabbage is exceptionally good for one's health due to the fact that it is rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and K, phytosterols, and insoluble fibre.
You can use the superfoods that were discussed above as a quick replacement for international superfoods if you want to use some desi options instead. However, in order to prevent any health issues from occurring, you should be sure to see your physician or nutritionist.