Superfoods – the westerners have a different idea about them. For them, superfoods are miraculous foods that will cure cancer and the likes. Us Indians, have a different perception altogether. Since the trend of ‘superfoods’ is primarily western, we began eating broccoli and quinoa, thinking they’re the only superfoods out there. Hence, for us, superfoods became synonymous with expensive, exotic fruits and vegetables. But our country has its own, humble version of these. Read on to find out what they are.

It is a whole grain that is gluten free. It manages blood sugar levels because it is rich in Vitamin D and iron, which can reduce the risk of stroke. It is also great for the skin as the amino acids like Methionine and Lysine present it contains, makes the skin tissues less prone to wrinkles. Antioxidants found in Ragi helps reduce the risk of mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

You can get almost 20% of the calcium you require daily by incorporating curd into your diet. This can do wonders to your body by improving heart health and give your immunity a boost.

From tackling the flu to burning fat, the Indian gooseberry has immense benefits. It is also packed with vitamins and helps manage your blood sugar levels. Because it is rich in antioxidants it strengthens hair and prevents damage. Regular consumption of amla juice keeps you active and energised.

Believe it or not, the Westerners call our good ol’ haldi ka doodh ‘golden milk.’ Why? Because they finally found out about its healing properties.Turmeric milk is great to warm up the body when it gets cold or to recover from a fever. We don’t just sprinkle turmeric in every other Indian dish for its flavour, it’s also because it’s antiseptic and boosts immunity.

There’s a running joke that goes something like this - “Frizzy hair? Coconut oil. No shaving cream? Coconut oil. Dry skin? Coconut oil. Bad credit? Coconut oil. Boyfriend acting up? Coconut oil.”Jokes apart, but coconut oil is infact the solution to all your problems. It is anti-bacterial and non- comedogenic (this stands true only for distilled coconut oil.) You can use it to cook your food, as a moisturiser for body and hair and oil pulling.

Don’t you remember your mother insisting you ate the drumsticks from the sambaar she occasionally made for you? It was for good reason. They are rich in a bundle of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, they’re also a good source of fiber. While the west is has just started their obsession with them by making ‘moringa teas,’ we’d personally recommend consuming them just as you usually did.

Who knew those puffed up balls of cotton you called makhana is actually a super food? It’s super low in fat and sodium and has a high content of protein, magnesium, fibre, potassium, zinc and iron. Which is why it’s the perfect snack!