7 Indian Superfoods That Will Keep Your Health in Check!

When it comes to healthy eating today, kale, blueberries, acai berries and quinoa are the metaphorical jocks, the nutritional trendsetters. The conventional Indian superfoods (aka the geeks) lie low, secure in their years of consistent experience regardless of these newbie imports.

How many pay any real heed to the humble drumstick, those little puffy makhana (lotus seeds) or even infamously pungent jackfruit? However, these local victuals pack quite the potent punch when incorporated into your diet. So, without further ado, there are the lesser-known food immortals that actually rule the nutritional roost.

#1. Amla

Amla helps remove acne marks and blemishes in a natural way. Apply amla juice on your face, and leave it for 30 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water. If you have a sensitive skin, dilute the juice with water and apply. Be consistent with this treatment for better results. Amla juice can be used as a face scrub as it helps exfoliate the skin well.

The antioxidants and Vitamin C in amla help to tone, tighten the skin, and make it firm. Take a spoonful of amla powder and mix it with hot water. Use this paste to scrub your face, rinse it off after five minutes. You can add a little turmeric in the paste, if you wish

#2. Ashwagandha

Stress affects fertility the mosst and men with high stress have low testosterone and a low sperm count. Whether it directly affects the reproductive system or if it’s powerful to bring down stress levels that causes the improvement is unknown but a strong co-relation has been found between ashwagndha and improvement in testosterone production and sperm health.

A study found that men who received ashwagandha for stress experienced higher antioxidant levels and better sperm quality. After 3 months of treatment, 14 per cent of the men’s partners had become pregnant.

#3. Haldi 

Turmeric, which belongs to the ginger family, is predominantly found in tropical South Asia and is known for its slightly bitter, peppery flavour. It is a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine and is also used as a dye. Turmeric or manjal in Tamil has a host of health properties...Packed with anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is a natural antiseptic and anti-bacterial agent, which is why it is excellent to apply on cuts, burns and wounds. Down with a cold? Mix some turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk and have it at night.

Experts say it is a natural liver detoxifier and painkiller. Some studies have shown that it is also known to prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. Trying to lose weight? It is known to boost metabolism. Certain inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis can be treated using turmeric.

#4. Desi Ghee

Lab studies have shown ghee to reduce cholesterol both in the serum and intestine. It does it by triggering an increased secretion of biliary lipids. Ghee is also good for nerves and brain. It helps control eye pressure and is beneficial to glaucoma patients. Ghee is most notably said to stimulate the secretion of stomach acids to help with digestion, while other fats, such as butter and oils, slow down the digestive process and can sit heavy in the stomach. Ghee is rich with antioxidants and acts as an aid in the absorption of vitamins and minerals from other foods, serving to strengthen the immune system.

A high concentration of butyric acid, a fatty acid that contains anti-viral properties, is believed to inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors. It is good for treatment of burns. According to Ayurveda ghee promotes learning and increased memory retention. While in a healthy person consuming ghee may reduce your cholesterol or not affect it, it is not advised for people already suffering from high cholesterol.

#5. Makhana

‘Makhana’ or the popped seeds of the lotus plant, or the fox/gorgon nut are a potent source of protein, carbohydrates, fibre, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous (phew!!!), iron and zinc. These unpretentious seeds that look more like light cotton puffs are also low in fat and sodium. Their magnesium content makes them useful for those suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.

If that wasn't enough, these lotus seeds are also known to contain an anti-aging enzyme which helps in repairing damaged proteins. So the next time you feel hungry, instead of that fancy—read expensive—pack of garden nuts, choose this desi nutrient.

#6. Drumsticks

If you’ve spooned your way through enough South Indian thalis and bowls of sambhar you’re already familiar with this fibrous vegetable. It comes from what is known as the ‘Miracle Tree’, ‘Tree of Life’, or more prosaically, the Moringa Oleifera. This little genius has an envious range of medicinal properties other than being power-packed with nutrients. The drumstick is a rich source of potassium, calcium, phosphorous, iron, magnesium, vitamins A,C and D, essential amino acids (hold on, hold on), fibre and antioxidants such as ß-carotene and flavonoids.

Studies the world over have also shown that the phyto-chemicals and fibre present in Moringa Oleifera leaves also play an important role in reducing blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels (see for example here and here). Let’s face it, the Indian tropical summer sun isn’t the most appealing way to soak up some vitamin D. Instead just indulge in those sambhar-doused drumsticks — more drumsticks, less sambhar of course.

#7. Jackfruit

People often turn up their noses at its pungent odour, but the jackfruit is a classic case of why first impressions should be forgone. Also known as the food of the orangutans, the jackfruit is often termed as the Indian veggie substitute for meat: basically, when cooked, its texture resembles that of soft meat. Rich in protein and starch, calcium, vitamin A, B, C, copper and potassium, the jackfruit does stock up on carbohydrates (80%). However, this high rate can be ignored considering it possesses a low glycemic index owing to its high fibre (11%) and nature of 

Let’s look into this a bit more: high fibre content is an excellent digestion aid — read regular loo movements — and the mucilaginous pulp helps boost your immune system too, not to mention its role in improving thyroid function, skin and vision. It also has anti-cancer benefits and lowers blood pressure. Lastly, men, it’ll put the jack in your fruit — as it helps increase the sperm count.