printHealthy staple foods in Indian cuisine
[Image: Healthy-staple-foods-in-Ind.jpg |thumb] The traditional Indian meal varies across region and culture. However, there are some staple food which are an integral part of all Indian cuisines. Most of these food items have been a part of the Indian cuisine since early civilisation.
Experts are now discovering the benefits of these food items.
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Why should I be aware of this?
- The concept of [traditional Indian meal] has been slowly vanishing as people have less time; more globalised taste and many convenient options.
- There is a myth that Indian food is not very healthy.
- Most of these [healthy staple foods in Indian cuisine] are easy to include in your meal.
How does this affect me?
- A regular consumption of these staple food items has a beneficial impact on a person's overall health.
- It is inexpensive to include these items in your diet on a regular basis.
- It is in line with principles of [green living] and does not add [Fondue Forks to a person's [food miles] or [carbon footprint].
All about Healthy staple foods in Indian cuisine
Although many people believe that Indian cuisine is too spicy and full of [fat], the fact is that it is based on the principles of [Ayurveda] which seek to nurture the body both physically and spiritually. Some of the healthy staple food s in Indian cuisine are:
Curry
Contrary to popular belief, the famous Indian curry is healthy.
- The chilies in curry lower [blood pressure] and boost blood circulation.
- The chillies prevent [depression] by stimulating the production of the mood elevating substance endorphin, and open up nasal passages when a person has a cold.
- Some people find them helpful in [flu] because they make a person sweat and relieve [headache]s.
- Other spices used for makinng the traditional Indian curry also promote good health. These are
- [Garam masala] has anti-inflammatory properties and can lower cholesterol, provide iron, fight cancer and control blood sugar. The cinnamon in garam masala is thought to improve brain function.
- [Turmeric] powder has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial properties and helps fight [cancer] and [Alzheimer's] disease.
- [Ginger] along with [onion] and [garlic] is popular in Northern Indian cuisine. Ginger has warming properties
- [Mustard] Seeds is used as a flavoring for vegetables and lentils. It is a powerful anti-microbial agent (it can kill e. coli bacteria, listeria and other food-borne pathogens). Isothiocyanates, a compound in mustard seed, have also been found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and protect against cancer.
Seasonal vegetables
Seasonal vegetables either in the form of a curry or steamed with some [cooking herbs] and spices are an integral part of the diet. A combination of [Indian summer vegetables] such as bitter gourd; bottle gourd; Lady's finger are consumed in the months of April, May and June. Vegetables like [cauliflower], [carrot]s, [spinach], peas and [cabbage] are some of the popular vegetables eaten in the winter. With vegetables being a staple of lunch and dinner, Indians get Fondue Forks
Stainless Steel Fondue Forks to consume a wide variety of vegetables in a week.
Yogurt
- Yogurt is a favorite accompaniment across India for its cooling properties after a spicy meal, or just for settling the stomach.
- Yogurt with live bacteria (many pasteurized varieties donâÂÂt have live bacteria) boosts immunity, helps with [arthritis], soothes stomach ulcers, aids in digestion, and even promotes longevity.
Daal
- Daal, made from lentils, is a staple Indian food known for its high [protein] content.
- It also has iron which is good for the prevention of anemia.
- The high [fiber] content can help in [weight loss] and regulates [blood sugar] and [cholesterol].
Whole grains
Daal, seasonal vegetable curries are accompaniment to a [whole grain] [wheat] or [rice] product like whole wheat chappatis or steamed rice. There are fried variants of these, but they are rich in [fat] and cholesterol and not so healthy.
References
[Category:Food And Drinks]
