Do you often find yourself constantly reaching for processed snacks and sugary drinks to keep up with your busy lives, only to find yourself feeling sluggish, bloated, and unwell? It’s becoming increasingly clear that this instant lifestyle isn’t doing your health any favours. Perhaps it’s time to slow down, look back, and take a few lessons from the roots; the traditions.
Traditional diets, especially those rooted in Indian culture, were designed to nourish not just the body but the mind and spirit as well. These foods, while sometimes requiring more preparation, were gentle on the stomach, easy to digest, and effective in warding off illnesses. In an era where lifestyle diseases are rampant, revisiting these ancient diet habits could be the key to improving modern health.
Traditional Indian foods were crafted with an innate understanding of the body’s needs and the natural harmony of ingredients. These foods weren’t just about filling the stomach; they were about providing the body with the essential nutrients needed to thrive.
Here are some traditional foods and how they can help to your modern diets and make you healthy:
Fermented foods: Fermented foods like curd, idli, dosa, and khaman dhokala have been a part of Indian diets for ages. These foods are natural probiotics, rich in beneficial bacteria that support gut health. A healthy gut influences digestion, immunity, and even mental health. Including fermented foods in your diet can enrich nutrient absorption, prevent digestive issues, and strengthen your immune system.
Ghee: Ghee, or clarified butter, has been an important ingredient in Indian cooking for centuries. In Ayurveda, ghee is revered as a tonic that aids digestion, strengthens the immune system, and nourishes the body at a cellular level. Rich in healthy fats, ghee supports brain function, lubricates joints, and enhances skin health. Adding ghee into your daily diet can help balance your doshas and provide sustained energy throughout the day.
Jaggery: Jaggery, a traditional sweetener made from sugarcane, is a powerhouse of iron and other trace minerals. Unlike refined sugar, which offers empty calories, jaggery provides a slow release of energy and is packed with antioxidants. It aids digestion, prevents anemia, and boosts immunity. Replacing processed sugar with jaggery in your tea, desserts, or snacks can help improve your health by providing essential nutrients while satisfying your sweet tooth.
Millets: Once a staple in Indian households, millets are making a comeback as a superfood. These small, nutrient-packed grains were used in a variety of dishes, from porridge to upma and even roasted puffs. Rich in fibre, protein, and essential minerals like magnesium, millets are easy to digest and help regulate blood sugar levels. They are also gluten-free, making them an excellent choice for those with gluten sensitivities. Including millets into your diet can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Pickles: Traditionally fermented pickles are rich in probiotics, the beneficial bacteria that support gut health. A healthy gut is vital for your well-being, influencing digestion, immunity, and even mental health. Including pickles in your diet can enhance nutrient absorption, prevent digestive issues, and strengthen your immune system, especially during monsoon and winter seasons.
Turmeric: Turmeric, often called the golden spice of India, is known for its powerful medicinal properties. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Traditional Indian diets used turmeric not just as a spice but as a healing agent, often in the form of golden milk or turmeric paste. Adding turmeric to your meals can reduce inflammation, improve brain function, and lower the risk of chronic diseases like cancer.
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