8 Underestimated health foods that you need to know

thama

04 Apr 2018

1/8
Beetroot
We admit it: this vegetable stains your food. But trust us, it’s so much better to consume natural colours harvested fresh from the earth than munch on some junk food that’s full of dangerous artificial food colouring. Beetroots are bursting with fiber which aids digestion, potassium needed for your nerves and muscles, as well as various vitamins like B-complex and C. If you don’t mind eating raw foods, try making a glass of beetroot juice for a change.
2/8
Black pepper
Surely you incorporate black pepper in your diet - but did you know that they are actually considered a superfood by many? Even though native to India, they spread fast to other parts of the world through trade as many countries depended on these little spices to season their food particularly during winter. Black pepper is traditionally used to prevent tummy bloating, expedite weight loss and clear out colds among many other things. They also make a great alternative to chili, especially if you suffer from digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome. In fact, they can even help stop diarrhoea!
3/8
Atta flour
If you’ve had chapati before, which is a traditional Indian flatbread, you would probably know of the many health benefits of atta flour. It is different from the white, all-purpose flour that we can usually find everywhere, and is so much more nutritious than that. While processed white flour can cause constipation, bloating and other more serious problems like cancer among many people, atta flour improves your overall health by providing you with vital nutrients like fibre, vitamins as well as minerals. The next time you crave for a snack or pizza, consider making it with this one instead.

Photo: Getty Images
4/8
Sesame seeds
Sesame seeds certainly do deserve as much attention as chia seeds for they are also ancient and are loaded with plenty of nutrients like essential fats, protein, minerals and vitamins important for the continuous functioning of your system. They can even help burn fat and fight off hypertension. Of course, they are more common than chia seeds but how many of us knew that these little ones are actually so mighty? Lesson: Don’t take things for granted.

Photo: Getty Images
5/8
Molasse
Who doesn’t like sweet food? But did you know that too much sugar can not only cause unnecessary weight gain that leads to diabetes, but is also one of the biggest cancer contributors? That is why you should check out molasse instead, which is a by-product of sugar production. This viscous syrup is both low in sugar content and rich with vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron and selenium. And if you’re looking to spice up your sex life, perhaps this one could do the trick.

Photo: Getty Images
6/8
Finger millet
These tiny seeds are not only packed with proteins and minerals, they are also capable of fighting off cancer cells and can even keep diabetes at bay. History tells us that finger millets were first cultivated in the African continent before spreading to India many thousands of years ago. Whether you include meat in your plate or are completely vegetarian or vegan, you could use the high protein content from these seeds. They are way more nutritious than other mainstream cereals as they contain amino acids that can be easily absorbed by your body. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to find them in the market.

Photo: @abdulrahmangasim, Instagram
7/8
Spirulina
Seriously, have we forgotten this? Spirulina used to be a huge trend some time ago if you can recall. So much so that we’d have it in our cereals, drinks and even eat it as a supplement. It is a shame that this power-packed algae has gone underappreciated because it contains so much vitamins, iron and protein needed by your body. In fact, did you know that spirulina has a much higher content of beta-carotene than carrots? It’s time to head to the store and grab a bottle of this superfood!
8/8
Miso
Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning that is derived from fermenting soybeans with salt and a kind of fungus known as kijo. Typically a paste, it has probiotic properties and is extremely good for your digestive health. If you take it in the right amount, miso can work wonders like preventing cancer, aiding digestion and strengthening your overall immune system. And in case you’re wondering, it is also full of protein.

Can we forget quinoa, goji berries and chia seeds for a second and take a look at these instead?

“Superfoods” has always been among the many buzzwords in the health industry. They refer to natural foods packed with nutrients that are believed to have various benefits to our wellness.

You might be familiar with the likes of chia seeds, quinoa, acai berries, moringa and goji berries, just to name a few. We think that it’s only normal for you to jump on the bandwagon and try them out since everyone’s talking about them but don’t you feel that hypes tend to push other ingredients off the radar?

Think of kale. Although there is no doubt that it is good for your health like any other vegetable, a quick search on the Net can show you just how many people are recommending it in your meals, overlooking other equally nutritious items. So, we thought we should tell you that there is an entire list of alternatives you should test out if you too are getting tired of hypes like us. Interested to know more? Check out these 8 terribly underestimated health foods.

Thamayanthy

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