In the ancient times, the traditional Indian food included a diet that consisted of grains, lentils (dal), rice, fruits, vegetables, honey and dairy products. This diet was enriched in all the essential nutrients that your body requires for optimal health. Therefore, it is appropriate to say that a typical Indian meal comprises of good carbs, healthy natural protein, vitamins, minerals and resistant starch which is beneficial in weight loss. For today’s modern lifestyle as well we need to incorporate these traditional Indian foods into our diet for efficient functioning of our body and brain.
GRAINS – Eating whole grains is a easy way of making your diet healthy. Whole grains are loaded with nutrients including protein, fiber, B vitamins, antioxidants, and trace minerals (iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium). Diets rich in whole grains have shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some forms of cancer. Whole-grain diets also help to maintain regular bowel movements and promote growth of healthy bacteria in the colon. Some common Indian whole grains include: Whole Wheat Flour-Aata, Bengal-gram Flour-Chane ka Aata, Corn-meal Flour-Makke ka Aata, Pearl Millet-Bajra, Finger Millet-Raagi, Kutoo ka Aata, Sattu, Besan, White and Brown Rice, Samak rice, Sago-Sabudana, Oats.
LENTILS – Indian lentils, ranging from yellow and red to deep black, are members of the legume family that are usually eaten in some form at least once a day in any Indian household. India is the world’s largest producer as well as consumer of lentils. Lentils provide you with protein and cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber, as well as about twice as much iron as other legumes. They are higher in most B vitamins and folate, which is especially important for pregnant women. Some studies have discovered that the pigment in Beluga black lentils acts like an antioxidant and helps protect against heart disease, cancer, and the aging process in general. Lentils can be considered as the cheapest sources of protein. Some common lentils include Chickpeas-Kabuli Chane, Bengal gram-Kale Chane, Haricot Beans-Rajma, Black-eyed Beans-Lobhia, Soyabeans and its products, Urad or Moong Dal Mangori or Badi; Arhar Dal, Masoor Dal, Moong Dal, Urad Dal, Chana Dal.
INDIAN SPICES – Spices are among the most important ancient food products that make cuisines drool-worthy. India is known for its spices like cinnamon, turmeric, cloves, cumin, black pepper, black cardamom, saffron, nutmeg etc. These spices don’t just enhance the flavor and taste of any dish but also add a lot of nutritional value to it. For ex: Cinnamon is used to provide relief from indigestion, common cold, diarrhea, poor blood circulation and tension during menstruation, cloves are known for their anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, cumin relieves you from digestive problems and reduces your chances of anemia, black cardamom is known to relieve you from throat problems, chest congestion, and gum infection, saffron is known to treat depression, prevent loss of vision, and improve memory, turmeric is a powerful antioxidant with a number of medicinal properties.
DAIRY PRODUCTS – From ancient Vedic period, the benefits of milk and milk products are known to people. History proves that milk and its products were known to cure diseases especially those associated with mental disorder such as overexertion, irritability and restlessness. They are also known to relieve insomnia. Dairy products are a great source of protein which accounts for muscle building, energy production and body repair. They are also packed with important nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, B vitamins, potassium and vitamin D. Consuming dairy products would prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures. They are also really healthy for your teeth and gums. Some common dairy products include curd, paneer, ghee, khoa and butter.
HONEY – Since ancient times, honey has been used as both a medicine and food. It offers ample of health benefits for you to consume it on a regular basis. Honey is a natural sweetener and is a great replacement option for sugar in your tea, coffee, breakfast cereals. Honey is rich in antioxidants and minerals such as magnesium, iron and calcium. It enhances body’s natural defense system (immunity) and plays a vital role in maintaining optimum health. Honey is known to promote healing of wounds and burns, is an effective remedy for cough and cold, does wonders to your quality of skin and texture of hair. Honey is also known for its ability to reduce high levels of LDL cholesterols and triglycerides which are strong risk factors of heart diseases.
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES – Fruits and vegetables contain important vitamins, minerals and plant chemicals needed for optimal health. They are also rich in fiber. A diet high in fruit and vegetables can help protect you against various chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Some fruits and vegetables like spinach, broccoli, carrots, berries, papaya etc are really beneficial for people with diabetes for they are rich in fiber. It is advised to eat five kinds of vegetable and two kinds of fruit every day for good health.
ANCIENT FOODS FOR MODERN WELL-BEING
