Superfoods go desi

The word 'superfoods' has become an integral part of our lexicon. We hear talks about exotic grains, fruits and vegetables that promise to bring good health when consumed. Put simply, superfoods refer to nutrient-rich foods that are considered to be especially beneficial for health and overall well-being. They have a huge dose of nutrients: antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, which boosts immunity and lowers the risk of diseases.Kale, blueberries and kiwis are a few popular superfoods, leading to the confusion that superfoods are the only ons that are imported and expensive. Thankfully, there has been a lot of focus recently on the great Indian superfoods that deliver on their nutritional promises without costing big bucks and are also grown locally. They are the foods we have always had around us, but ones we've paid attention to.

Pave the way to great health with local superfoods! We asked two celebrated nutritionists, Pooja Makhija and Shwetha Bhatia, for their choice of local Indian superfoods. See what makes it to the list.

Coconut: Both Makhija and Bhatia swear by the most popular nut in town! "Coconut is rich in fibre. Its water is ideal for rehydration and the flesh is a perfect snack," says Bhatia. "Coconuts are ideal for the health of the heart and skin. Coconut oil too is beneficial. In fact, even the west is waking up to its benefits," explains Makhija.

Guava: Makhija asserts that the humble guava has never been given the true nutritional status it deserves. "It is very high in vitamin C and one of the most economical sources for the same," she says. In fact, guava is said to have more vitamin C than any other fruit. Its vitamin A content is five times that of an orange, and it also has huge amounts of protein, fibre and folate.

Ginger: The Chinese and Indians have used ginger tonics to treat ailments since time immemorial. "It is anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective. Moreover, it alleviates nausea and digestive issues," states Bhatia. One of the main components of ginger is Gingerol, an oily resin that harbours these strong anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, that make it a multifaceted superfood!

Amaranth (Rajgira): "I would put this as the twin brother of Quinoa," says Makhija. She explains that the humble rajgira is one of the most economical low-carb high-protein foods that can be consumed in a variety of ways such as being cooked as poha or khichdi for instance.

Spinach: Bhatia considers the green leafy spinach to be nothing short of a superfood. "It is rich in folic acid, fibre, calcium and vitamin A. It could be taken as a soup, vegetable or even in the form of a smoothie," she states.

The best part about these superfoods is that they are available locally and are not sold at exorbitant price. They have always been around and silently but surely put you on the journey to good health!