A nutrient-dense food that is beneficial to the body is called a superfood. We all know the famous western counterpart “Golden Latte” which we call ‘Haldi ka doodh in India’ Today Turmeric & many such superfoods are daily consumed in India & grown in abundance in our backyards are perhaps making the world healthy too!

Popping expensive multi-vitamin pills, protein powders, synthetic gummies, and vitamin powders might be the new trend but nothing can beat the superfoods sitting on our kitchen shelves. In this article, we talk about our favorite Indian superfoods that help boost immunity & that are loved by the world.

TURMERIC (HALDI)-
Coming from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, widely used superfoods in Asia; Haldi or Turmeric is found in every Indian home and community kitchen. Apart from adding vibrant color, aroma & texture to food; turmeric contains the chemical curcumin. Curcumin and other chemicals in turmeric help decrease swelling (inflammation). Because of this, turmeric might be beneficial for treating conditions that involve inflammation, swelling, joint pain. Turmeric also helps fight seasonal infections, sore throat, cough & cold if consumed in form of Tea or Golden milk.

DRUMSTICKS (MORINGA)-
Popular in south Indian dishes; moringa or drumsticks have gained huge popularity globally. Rich source of potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, vitamin A, C, D, essential Amino acids, fiber, and antioxidants such as beta-carotene and flavonoids; moringa is used in many ways today globally in the form of tea, smoothies etc.

FINGER MILLETS (RAGI)
Quinoa might be famous in the world of millets but nothing beats our wholesome finger millet! This super grain is extremely nutritious, rich in vitamin D & iron. Being gluten-free it’s your go-to grain if you are looking at weight loss or allergic to gluten. It’s great for diabetics as it’s low in GI & helps regulate blood sugar levels. Extremely nutritious for kids so much so as it’s introduced to babies as early food for strong bones & teeth.

COCONUT-
Consumed in various ways; coconut is super rich in many nutrients, protein & ascorbic acids. It neutralizes the pH balance by alkalizing the body. Coconut was detoxing & revitalized the body, the oil is used widely in India for cooking as well as topical application due to its rich moisturizing property.

Black Pepper (Kali Mirch)
It is the exposer spice of India. Earlier, it was used as a health booster, but nowadays it is used to garnish dishes. Also known as the black pepper it contains the piperine compound which helps in cleaning the harmful toxicants of the body. Kali Enriched with antioxidants which also have an anti-inflammatory effect on bacterial germs. For consuming the kali mirch, it’s best to mix a small spoon of it with the honey and eat it.

Indian Basil (Tulsi)
It’s the holy leaf that is used in worshipping God in Hindu mythology. Apart from being used in worship, it’s capable of healing fever, headaches, cold, sore throat, and cough because of its antiviral and antibacterial properties. Tulsi also helps in improving digestion and treating respiratory ailments. There is no need to spend any penny because it can be grown in the home with sunlight and water. Tulsi acts best when it’s added as a raw leaf to regular tea or a cup of green tea.

Indian Gooseberry (Amla)
Indian gooseberry; super-rich in vitamin C, has powerful antioxidant properties. Known for boosting immunity through increasing white blood cells in the body which helps in preventing infections, diseases, flu, and more. Amla is also helpful in improving digestive health, improve eye-sight, promote excellent hair & skin health. One can have it in raw form as fruit or consume it in powder form.

Black Plum (Jamun)
Not so palatable due to its sour taste; black plum is a seasonal fruit in India. Black Jamun is an excellent blood purifier, improves the digestive system, controls blood pressure, and also regulates sugar levels.

Easily available in your kitchen at home; incorporate these superfoods in your daily diet for better immunity & vitality.