8 Indian superfoods you NEED to try

Bidding winter good bye and greeting the springtime is best done when you’re full of energy. In addition to proper amounts of sleep and exercise, our diet accounts for our energy and health. Local superfoods like blueberries are good for this, but why not try something different? India is a country blessed with an abundance of superfoods, from wholesome grains to refreshing fruits. Adding these foods, notes Food.NDTV.com, are great ways to add variety, nutrition and flavor to your diet. Some of these are foods you may have encountered before; others are new and well worth trying.

Ragi: Also known as finger millet, this is a fiber-rich, gluten-free superfood that’s perfect for vegetarians. The generous amounts of protein and calcium make it a good substitute for meat and milk. With its abundance of other vitamins and minerals, this super cereal can also reduce your risk of stroke and regulate blood sugar levels, according to HealthifyMe.com. Weight watchers and diabetics can truly enjoy this grain because of its low glycemic index.

Ghee: Once considered a cause of obesity, clarified butter has made a comeback as a global superfood. Though dense with calories and saturated fats, ghee is also free of sugar, protein, and carbohydrates. A healthy drizzling of ghee over your meals will allow you to enjoy its many vitamins, including conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), an antioxidant containing anti-viral properties.

Black rice: A nutty and fragrant must-try for rice lovers. This grain is high in fiber, iron, thiamine, and antioxidants, especially anthocyanin, which has been shown to reduce cholesterol and improve liver function. If you’ve grown tired of quinoa or brown rice, then consider giving black rice a try.

Alphonso mango: A cup of this seasonal fruit will give you 76 percent of your daily vitamin C requirement. The potassium and vitamin C in this tropical treat can also lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Eating this when you can will help you feel full longer while also boosting your digestive system’s ability to burn calories.

Figs: The high amounts of fiber in figs have made them a treatment for constipation and skin infections. Figs are also known to be more nutritious than raisins, dates, and even apples. The proteins, calcium, iron, and potassium in this super fruit make it a healthy addition to salads and desserts.

Apricots: A fruit that’s delicious and healthy both dried and fresh. The nutrient-dense apricot has been known to aid in digestive health and lift up energy levels. Whether you choose to have it fresh or dried, you can enjoy your apricot knowing it’s packed with good stuff like vitamin A, phosphorous, and fiber.

Walnuts: These nuts don’t just add crunch and flavor to your meals. Walnuts also have a wide array of nutrients and polyunsaturated fats to offer you. From tryptophan to omega-3 fatty acids to antioxidants, the “king of nuts” has earned its name.

Chia seeds: A classic superfood that’s got so much offer. Even just a tablespoon of chia seeds is full of calcium, protein, and micronutrients. Your heart, joints, and digestive system will thank you for making chia seeds a part of your daily diet.

From the obvious— like chia seeds — to the unusual— like ghee — these superfoods are exceptional choices to add to your pantry. When strawberries and spinach just aren’t doing it for you anymore, switch it up. Take a break from your norm and take a walk through the other sections of your local healthy grocer. If you can find yourself some black rice or ragi then you really should try them out.

Sources:
Food.NDTV.com
HealthifyMe.com