Superfoods your grandma swears by!

Dadima Ke nuskhe

Do you live by Daadi Maa/Naani Maa ke nuskhey? In grandma’s wisdom, we trust!

Hi moms! We are here with a much-awaited topic. We do know you have found yourself constantly torn apart in deciding which foods to trust for your baby. So we decided to save the day and go back to our most trusted sources from decades ago: The grandma’s! Daadi maa/Naani Maa ke nuskhey are without a doubt a go-to solution in any problems we can't trust anyone to solve. We got these good ladies talking and compiled a list of superfoods that top the charts of these experienced minds, who have been there, done that. Let's get started, shall we?

What are superfoods?

These wholesome foods are the ones that are extremely beneficial to our body by being rich in nutrients, aptly termed as superfoods. They are very advantageous in maintaining health and reducing unnecessary body fat and toxins in the body. Indian superfoods for healthy living come from our very own grandmom's kitchen, which is why India has always had that superpower when it comes to food.

Here's a list of Indian Superfoods that should consist a portion of your child's (and yours because you need that strength equally, mom) daily diet:

1. Finger Millet:

Commonly Known as Ragi or Nachni is a rich source of calcium, protein, fibre, and other minerals. People who are sensitive to gluten can easily consume it as it is a gluten-free food. Ragi cookies and Ragi noodles are some modern spins on finger millets that are quite easy to cook and are healthy snacks. Ragi is the staple food of South India. Apart from these benefits, it helps in controlling diabetes, relaxes the body, and helps in weight loss.

2. Coconut:

Coconut is fibrous one-seeded druplet with multiple advantages. It can be consumed in various ways. Coconut water contains high ascorbic acid, vitamin B and proteins. Its fat-free property makes it a perfect drink to be had during the day to detoxify your body. It is an excellent natural moisturizer too. You can cook with it, eat it raw, use it as skincare, there's no limit to what it can do. Coconut is therefore called more of a miracle food than a superfood.

*flashback to childhood memories of having nariyal pani every single day.* It all makes sense now, right?

3. Moringa:

Moringa goes by a variety of names like drumstick tree, horseradish tree, or ben oil tree. It has many vital nutrients like protein, vitamin B6, vitamin C, iron, etc. Drumsticks have a powerful antioxidant that helps lower the blood pressure. It can be used in curries, veggies, soups with your favourite spices to add a dash of goodness with the promise of good health.

4. Turmeric:

Apart from being used in Indian cuisine to spice up the food, turmeric has been recognized for its copious health benefits. It is known to help with inflammatory disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis. Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and an antibacterial agent that can be used to fight infections. Very effective treatment for the common cold is to have turmeric latte, i.e mix a pinch of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk and have it before going to bed. Lately, turmeric has been touted as a superfood that can fight cancer, ease depression, and much more.

5. Amla:

Amla, 'The Indian Gooseberry' is the powerhouse of nutrients. It acts as a natural hair conditioner and beautifies hair. It slows down greying, prevents dandruff, increases blood circulation to the scalp thereby improving hair growth.

6. Yoghurt:

Yoghurt provides almost every nutrient that your body needs. It is high in calcium, vitamins, and minerals. Yoghurt contains probiotics, which boost the digestive health by reducing the symptoms of common gastrointestinal disorders, like bloating, diarrhoea and constipation.

7. Lotus seeds:

Ordinarily known as 'Makhana' in India, lotus seeds have low fat and sodium and are high in protein, magnesium, fibre, potassium, zinc and, iron. Puffed up like cotton balls makhanas own several health benefits and are considered to heal the stressed mind, help in curing insomnia. This superfood from your grandmom's kitchen also contributes to improving urination and possesses anti-ageing properties.

8. Ghee:

Ghee, the most sought-after superfood by Indian grandmom's, is not favoured by fat-conscious youth because of its 'fatty' nature. However, ghee has earned the superfood status all over the world because of its diverse benefits. If consumed daily, it not only aids digestion but also boosts the functioning of the brain and immunity.

9. Barley:

Barley, also known as Jau, has cholesterol-lowering potential. Barley benefits in detoxification of the body, and also serves as a home remedy for UTI (Urinary Tract Infections). Barley water favours weight loss. It has proteins, calcium, and Vitamin E and can be eaten as cereals or can be made into flour to make Rotis.

10. Daliya:

Daliya, which is also so it is one of the best foods to start your day with. It renders multiple nutrients without piling extra pounds of fat. This reason is enough to add Daliya to your child's daily diet.

Aren’t these reasons enough for you to fall in love with the foods listed above? We sure are convinced that adding these superfoods to your child's diet will result in appropriate nutrition aiding to the swift growth of your little one.

Share with us in the comments below the superfood wisdom passed onto you by your grandma as your family heirloom.