My Experiences with Superfoods
Life impacting health complications in closest family members probed me to turn to research to understand the impact of being organic as a long term lifestyle choice. My Journey of Health was just beginning when I started to experiment with Supefoods. A little thing looking so benevolent could actually hold so much. The proof of the pudding was in eating. So I started to include these in my diet on a daily basis. Having fun with the recipes never had them like a spoonful of medicine. Superfoods are those foods that are extremely dense in vital nutrients and therefore provide incredible health benefits to the consumers. Tiny storehouses of energy vitamins and minerals, trace elements...
Superfoods I swear by and why we must include them as part of our diets
· Amaranth- our Indian quinoa equivalent, rich in calcium, protein and Omega 3s. A grain that traces its history back to the Aztecs, Incas and Mayans, Amaranth is an “ancient” supergrain which has rightly been rediscovered in contemporary times. Gluten-free, and high in calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more nutritiously dense grain. What’s more, it is a rare grain that is considered a “complete protein”, which means it contains all the essential amino acids! Add to that its anti-inflammatory properties and high concentration of antioxidants that improve immunity, and we’d bet on Amaranth being a new ‘staple’ Superfood in your pantry!
· Buckwheat- Another Superfood in the gluten-free grouping is Buckwheat - rich in fiber, helpful in weight management and an excellent source of complex carbohydrates that can help manage blood glucose levels and combat diabetes. It’s a pseudo grain like Amaranth and Quinoa. Easy on Digestion. A common feature of Indian diets, Buckwheat can be used in a variety of recipes and preparations for meals and even snacks. Buckwheat has become popular as a health food due to its high mineral and antioxidant content. Its benefits include improved blood sugar.
· Pumpkin seeds- richest source of plant protein, it’s delicious with salads, soups, almost anything comes crunchy alive with this green super seed.
· Walnuts - If you’re nuts about dried fruits but think it’s a guilty pleasure - think again! Walnuts in particular are considered a superfood and an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an Omega-3 fat that is known to improve focus, and memory, and thus overall healthy functioning of the brain. ALA can also contribute to the improvement of heart health, leading to lesser chances of coronary heart diseases. They also improve your skin, nails and hair due to the presence of biotin and vitamin E. These super nuts contain a certain amount of melatonin that regularizes your sleep cycle and helps you drift into a good night’s sleep
· Sunflower seeds- Rich source of essential fatty acids and selenium which are so important for female health.
· Turmeric has a long history of use as a medicine as well as a spice. It has long been used in Ayurveda as a treatment for a variety of ailments, and is an integral part of Indian cooking. Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects, is a very strong antioxidant and a natural immunity booster. If you suffer from menstrual cramps or other PMS symptoms such as back pain and headaches, turmeric may provide some much needed relief!
· Chia seeds- these super tiny black seeds swell up in liquid to 3 times their size, thus storing water that the ancient Mexican tribal’s consumed on their long runs. It’s such a powerhouse of Omega 3 fatty acids, fiber and minerals that it has been a must in my every morning smoothie.
I started to notice improved skin tone, and hair. My nails chipped lesser and my general immunity was pretty good. All these Superfoods are also very satisfying so they curb hunger pangs and helped me to keep my weight in check. Remember that wheat causes blood sugars to rise which leads to more energy crashes therefore making you crave sweet sugary things. It’s a vicious cycle. In today’s times it is imperative to focus on one’s health and build immunity by consuming organic ingredients that are wholesome, rich in fibre, high on plant based protein. I truly believe “We Are What We Eat”and would choose my Superfoods any day.
