Indian food is most popular for its diversity. In India, every state has it’s staple food that makes its way into everyday meals at homes. These staples are locally grown, natural and the food cooked is fresh. The variety of foods, spices and dishes native to India makes Indian cuisine one of the healthiest foods in the world. Recently, however, Indian cuisine has been deemed unhealthy because it is associated with high sugar and carbohydrate content, which can contribute to high cholesterol. However, traditional Indian food is not only healthy, but also incredibly tasty and has a lot of health benefits. Indian food supports the immune system, inflammation, brain function and various other functions in the human body.
The variety of nutrients in an Indian meal
A variety of foods and nutrients is needed for trillions of cells in the human body. Indian cuisine includes a variety of spices, where every spice has many health benefits. Including a variety of spices and vegetables in your diet is important for living healthy. Eating local and seasonal vegetables and fruits at the right time develops good health and strong immunity.
The wholesome Indian Thali
The traditional Indian thali is the quintessential example of a nutritionally balanced, delicious meal. It includes 2-3 varieties of dal (lentil), cooked vegetables and gravy, some rice or bread or both. The thali also includes a small amount of sweet dishes. This thali makes for a complete meal, including all essential nutrients in the right proportion.
Health benefits of variety of Indian oils and salts
A variety of cooking oils are available in India. From mustard oil and peanut oil to coconut oil and groundnut oil, many healthy varieties of cooking oil are present in India. But the way they were processed in earlier times was much healthier than they are processed today.
Black salt, pink salt and rock salt were native to India. These salts have immeasurable health benefits. Even the ingredients used in the lowest amount are healthy and well thought of.
The magic of Indian curry
Indian curry, when prepared with the right ingredients and the right amount of oil, is good for the immune system. It can help reduce inflammation, which is the cause of diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Prepared with curry leaves, tomatoes, onions, black pepper, garlic, turmeric and various other spices, Indian curry has many health benefits.
Pickles, Chutneys and Raitas
Pickles, and raitas when made with the right quality of salt (rock salt) and oil, it is one of the best probiotic foods that you can have. Made with locally sourced ingredients, the traditional Indian chutneys are not only the perfect accompaniment for every meal but also add a nutritious value to each meal.
Indian food has a lot of grains and pulses
Bajra, nachni, jowar along with different rice grains are grown in abundance in India. It is disappointing that in the age of low-carb diets, consumption of rice is denied for weight loss. There are also a variety of pulses in Indian food. Combinations like dal rice and rajma rice have been popular in India since ages. These combinations are perfect protein meals with all the essential amino acids.
Considering the importance of good health especially in today's times, Indian cuisine is one of the most nutritious cuisines that can be easily adapted by everyone. Cook your food with natural and traditional ingredients and there is probably no food as healthy as Indian food!
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