10 natural foods that you should include in your diet
As we prepare to say goodbye to 2015 and head into 2016, it’s becoming clearer: Eating healthy shouldn’t be complicated.
If good health is your desire, there is no way around your diet. Remember that your physical health is a direct reflection of what you eat and how you live your life in general. Prepackaged and processed foods can be easy to cook, but preparing a nutritious and balanced meal from scratch with natural ingredients is an absolute must if you want to achieve optimal health. So why wait? Fill your kitchen with these natural foods that offer a range of essential nutrients for a balanced diet and add them to your diet daily to give your life a healthy boost:
- Lemon (Nimbu)
Lemon is not only a good flavor enhancer, but it is also packed with antioxidants and other health benefits that rejuvenate the body and mind. A daily dose of lemon as lemonade or squeezed raw at meals boosts immunity, cleanses the body and supports overall health. To get even more nutrition from this tart fruit, pair it with lip-smacking recipes for a refreshing taste and balanced diet.
- Almonds (Badam)
There are many benefits in a handful of almonds, popularly known as Badam in India. With energizing protein, hunger-fighting fiber, and many essential nutrients, almonds are the highest content of nuts in protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin E, riboflavin, and niacin. They are also one of the biggest sources of hard-to-get magnesium. Consuming these nuts daily has multiple benefits including helping you manage your weight, fight diabetes, and keep your heart healthy. Fortunately, these tasty and versatile nuts are available year-round to make a healthy and tasty addition to your meals. Try these incredibly delicious badam recipes for an easy, filling and healthy snack.
- organic eggs
A source of high-quality protein, organic eggs are relatively inexpensive and are a good source of quality nutrients that many people lack. Eggs are easy to cook and are great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can try Andae ka Halwa or Badam Cutlet for an ‘eggilicious’ snack.
- Broccoli
‘Eat your broccoli’ was a common phrase and your parents knew what was going on when they said it. This humble green vegetable is a source of multiple nutrients like fiber, calcium, potassium, folic acid, and polynutrients that help fight the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and other such ailments. Broccoli can be eaten in stir-fries, soups, salads, and stews.
- Oatmeal
What better way to start the day than with a bowl full of oatmeal mixed with nuts. Considered one of the healthiest health foods, oatmeal is not only well balanced but also tastes great. It is packed with dietary fibers and minerals like manganese, magnesium, thiamin, and phosphorous. Incorporate oatmeal along with dried fruit in your regular diet for multiple health benefits.
- Garlic
With its unique combination of flavonoids and nutrients, garlic is a must-have ingredient in your daily diet. It is a good seasoning to add aroma and flavor along with added nutrition to your dishes. Try these delicious Garlic seasoned recipes: Taimuri Shorba, Murg Badam Korma and Badami Murg Kheema
- Beans
High in fiber and antioxidants, beans are more than just meat substitutes. They provide countless health benefits and are readily available. Beans can be incorporated into a main dish (Rajma/Dal), side dish (baked beans), appetizer (soup – Moong Dal Badami) or snack (sauce). You can get creative in your meal planning when you have kidney beans, black beans, black peas, chickpeas, split peas, and lentils in your kitchen.
- Spinach
Leafy green spinach should be an essential component of your daily diet. Spinach contains lutein and zeaxanthin which boost immunity and improve eye health. Make your salads with spinach; add spinach to scrambled eggs; top it on pizza or cook up the incredibly delicious Palak Badam ki Subzi.
- Indian gooseberry
Deliciously tart and tart, Amla or Indian Gooseberry is a superfood that is the most commonly used ingredient in most Ayurvedic preparations. Amla is a rich source of vitamin C and contains many vital minerals essential for good metabolic health. To get the benefits of Amla in your diet, add a pinch of Amla powder in sweet and sour dishes, consume fresh Amla fruit or drink its juice to improve your overall well-being.
- Yogurt
It’s no accident that the yogurt section of most grocery stores has pretty much taken over the dairy aisle. Yogurt provides a healthy dose of bacteria that helps boost your immune system and provides protection against cancer. Yogurt topped with blueberries, almonds, flaxseed, and honey is the best breakfast or dessert. Yogurt is also a good base for salad dressings and sauces.