5 Indian Superfoods You Must Include in Your Diet This Festive Season

It is that time of the year again when the festive cheer is in the air. Festivals call for unbridled, unchecked indulgence in all things delicious. On the occasion of Durga Puja, Dussehra and Diwali, ensure that you make the most of the festivities at the same time keeping your health in check. While the world of chia seeds and goji berries are all well for our strengthening our immunity and bolstering up our health, Indian culture is also full of natural ingredients that are inexpensive, widely available and know for their health benefiting properties. This celebratory season we turn to our roots bringing to you five common kitchen ingredients that are desi superfoods in their own right. We suggest you make these a part of your regular; let the festive season begin by altering your lifestyle for better health.

Ajwain Seeds

Alternatively known as carom seeds, ajwain is a powerhouse of nutrients. Ajwain oil is commonly used in balms and medicinal oils to relieve headache and nausea. Ajwain is great for digestion, take a tablespoon and add in litre of water, sip throughout the day to facilitate weight loss.

Turmeric

The humble, everyday spice is loaded with a bevy of health benefiting properties, from anti-inflammatory, antibacterial to antiseptic. Turmeric milk is suggested as one of the natural ways to boost immunity and rev up metabolism.

Sabja

Also known as basil seeds, these tiny seeds are packed with essential vitamins, dietary fibre, copper, calcium, iron, omega 3 fatty acids among other vital nutrients. Including sabja seeds in your daily diet will facilitate a natural way to detox. Add a teaspoon of seeds in your smoothies, shakes or even sprinkle atop salads.

Moringa

Interestingly, every part of the drumstick tree can be put to some use, from the roots, leaves and even the flower. Moringa features chiefly in South Indian cuisine. Moringa leaves are an excellent option to be added to your diet, these contain three times more iron than spinach.

Amla

There's no denying the fact that amla is loaded with properties that promote our overall well-being. It is rich in vitamin C. One of the best ways to include amla in your diet is by consuming fresh amla juice. It strengthens immunity, revs up metabolism, aids goods digestion, flushes out toxins, helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol level, and promotes liver health.