The term super food has recently gained momentum as the fitness and health industry became more prominent in the last few years. As inculcation of healthy lifestyle became more rigorous, people’s attention towards eating right became more prominent. Super foods or power foods are products whose nutritional values are in abundance and inducing these products in your diet have a number of advantages. Its low-calorie count and maximum benefits are the prime reason for its popularity amongst people trying to navigate through healthy eating.
Popular super foods like Avocado, chia seeds, berries, salmon, oats, dark chocolate, and honey are not just good healthy food but are pleasant on the taste buds. While avocados are packed with fiber and get voted as good fat, berries are the best anti-oxidants. Salmon is rich in protein, mineral and vitamin and honey works as a natural agent for your skin and body. To sooth that sugar craving, you can indulge in one or two pieces of dark chocolate as apart from being nutritional it lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease. In a detailed conversation with health and wellness influencer Shagun Khanna, we asked her about the alternative Indian super foods along with the advantages of infusing them in your day-to-day life.
1) WITH THE RECENT GROWTH OF SUPER FOODS, HAS THE MYTH OF HEALTHY FOOD BEING BAD IN TASTE FINALLY CHANGING?
“A-Healthy food doesn’t taste bad if cooked/prepared correctly. The trick is in the recipes! To start with, season your dishes well. With the health benefits that come through, trust me, you won’t regret having any of the super foods.”
2) WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SUPER FOODS?
“A-avocado, chia seeds, organic ghee, wheatgrass powder, walnuts, quinoa, blueberries, green tea, beets, pumpkin seeds, organic raw dark chocolate, ginger, turmeric, manuka honey, salmon, oats are a few which I include very often in my diet.”
3) WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES FOR EXPENSIVE SUPER FOODS LIKE QUINOA AND KALE?
“A-millet (bajra), spinach”
4) WHAT ARE THE EVERYDAY SUPER FOODS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR DIET?
“A– Organic ghee, wheatgrass powder, green tea, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, manuka honey, turmeric, and ginger are some to include in one’s daily diet.”
5) THE FOOD MYTH YOU WOULD LIKE TO BUST?
“A-Carbohydrates make you gain weight. Carbs are the body’s main source of fuel. By consuming the right kind and amount of carbohydrates, such as whole grains, legumes, lentils, fruits (which are also packed with nutrients), will provide your body with a good amount of energy. Besides, they provide restful sleep, keep your gut healthy, reduce acne, boost your mood, keep your heart healthy, reduce muscle cramps and improve brain function. Do stay away from refined carbohydrates like white bread, pizzas, pasta etc. which come under the junk food category. ”
6) DO LOCAL SUPER FOODS AFFECT OUR BODY BETTER THAN INTERNATIONAL PRODUCE?
“A-I do believe in eating seasonal and local. But, consuming international produce, like manuka honey or goji berries is not bad for you either.”
7) A HEALTH TIP FOR PEOPLE TRANSITIONING INTO EATING RIGHT?
“A-Just go slow. Don’t give up everything or add everything too quickly. Let your body get used to the changes, and new foods slowly and steadily. It works best that way. ”