The term ‘superfoods’ entered our collective lexicon a few years ago, and has been thrown around by health and wellness experts. To put it simply, superfoods are rich in antioxidants, which reduce cell damage, and nutrients that boost overall health. It’s important to note that while your diet must consist of superfoods, they cannot replace a balanced diet which is necessary to fuel your body.
Take a look at 10 superfoods you must include in your diet plan:
Turmeric: This ancient Indian spice has excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. “The benefits have been attributed to the curcumin, which is the active ingredient in turmeric. Consumption of turmeric is very easily done in traditional Indian cooking,” says Dr Nithiya Palaniappan, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai. It would be considered beneficial if a small amount of turmeric can be consumed daily.
Methi seeds: Fenugreek seeds, famously known as methi seeds, are loaded with the goodness of soluble fibre (galactomannan). “It has various health benefits such as weight loss, helps in controlling blood pressure, high cholesterol and blood sugar. It also works well in PCOD, helps in breast milk secretion and in relieving constipation due to its fibre content,” says Ami Turakhia, dietician, diabetic educator, and founder, Diet Castle, Mumbai.
Berries: Berries are rich in Vitamin C and are considered to have powerful antioxidant properties. “Including a variety of berries in our daily diet would ensure a good dose of vitamin C, improve our immunity and aid in chronic conditions,” says Dr Palaniappan. While blueberries have shot to fame recently, they are not grown in India and can be incredibly pricey. “The humble Indian gooseberry is easily accessible and provides similar nutritional value, if not more,” adds Dr Palaniappan.