Say Hello To Indian Alternatives To Hyped Western Food Items

Picture this, mate. Your first cousin from the USA visits you and cannot stop talking about all the modern and fancy food items. And you start wondering, where is all the fun in the Indian food list? Are we really lagging behind the western world in terms of nutrition? 

Well, worry not! Nutrition Expert, Chandni Haldurai, has brought to us some really fantastic and equally nutrition-dense Indian alternatives to some of the most hyped western food items. 

Indian Amla versus Acai Berry

Though Acai Berry is renowned for its properties such as anti-aging and weight loss, Indian Amla does not lag behind. This Indian gold fruit has many more benefits to offer. For example, Amla can keep your immune system hale and hearty and has a strong quotient of Vitamin C, 20x more than Acai Berry.

Of course, who can forget the high percentage of antioxidants Amla possesses as compared to Acai Berries? Definitely, our green color prince wins the challenge when it comes to nutritional value!

Recommended intake: 1-2 amlas daily

Traditional Oil versus Olive Oil

How many times has your grandmother told you to include Indian traditional oil in your diet? Though options like olive oil are not bad, you wouldn't leave Indian traditional oil if you get to know about its nutritional value. 

Coconut oil, which is the most famous Indian traditional oil, is renowned for its antimicrobial properties. This implies that by consuming coconut oil, you are making sure that dangerous microorganisms cannot bring your immune system down from time to time. 

Virgin coconut oil can also convert that bad cholesterol into good cholesterol. Mustard oil on the other hand also offers you ample minerals. Last but not least, peanut oil is not only rich in Vitamin E but is also free from trans fats and cholesterol.

Recommended intake: ½ litre per person per month

Buckwheat versus Oats

Your visit to Gujarat is incomplete if you did not eat their famous fasting food, Buckwheat or Kuttu. The best aspect about Buckwheat is that it contains all the major amino acids, which makes it all the more beneficial. 

In fact, your gut system and improved blood circulation will only thank you if you start eating Buckwheat from today! Though oats are also really good for your digestive system, Buckwheat is richer in magnesium and potassium than oats. 

Recommended intake: 70-100g per day 

Beet Leaves versus Kale

Kale has not only made fans in the western world but even in many parts of urban India. Look at any popular salad or a trending-on-Instagram-reels ‘Green Smoothie’ and you’ll find Kale as one of the prime ingredients. 

This is because Kale has a super high percentage of Vitamin A and Vitamin K as compared to other green vegetables, leading to it being considered the powerhouse of all greens. 

However, in our Indian terrain, Beet leaf is the uncrowned queen of the leafy world when it comes to high nutritional value, trumping Kale in many categories. Beet leaves are low in calories and not only super rich in potassium but have a high Vitamin E percentage as well.

Recommended intake: Try to add in meals for 2-3 times a week at least

Indian Jamun versus Goji Berry

Now, this gets interesting. Both these berries are Asian-born, but Goji Berry migrated to the western world. While Goji Berry is produced in China, Jamun is a product of Indian soil. Both these berries are beneficial for diabetic patients but the Indian Jamun has much more in its wagon of nutrients. 

Jamun offers relief from numerous health issues, such as throat pain, tiredness, high blood sugar levels and low immunity. Also, Jamun has a high quotient of potassium, calcium, iron and Vitamin C. 

So, next time the doctor advises you to consume a fruit that is rich in all these above-mentioned vitamins, you can undoubtedly reach for an Indian Jamun any time. Oh also, they’re much more affordable than Goji Berries.

Recommended intake: Handful of jamuns regularly

Basil Seeds versus Chia Seeds

Chia and Basil's seeds are first cousins who hail from the same mint family. The only difference is that these Basil seeds contain cooling properties and are thus really beneficial in the scorching Indian summers. 

Indian Basil seeds are a rich source of iron and vitamins. In addition, if you face digestion issues, unmanageable blood sugar levels or constipation and bloating issues, they can lend you a helping hand there as well. 

Remember, the only difference between Basil seeds and Chia seeds is that you cannot consume these seeds without soaking them overnight.

Recommended intake: 1-2 teaspoons a day

Final Words

Well, here are your Indian alternatives to the much-hyped western food items. So, next time your cousin boasts about western food items, you do not have to remain silent! If you are seeking more information on Indian food alternatives, book a consultation with a certified nutritionist on cult.fit today.