As the festive season hits in India, the sale and consumption of Indian sweets soar high. The association of sweets with Indian tradition and culture has been deep-rooted. However, it is a known fact that these mouth-watering sweets are high in saturated fats and carbohydrates. As a result of the high consumption of these sweets, one often ends up gaining a few pounds during
the festive days and all the hard work to keep the body healthy throughout the year goes down the drain. So, is the failure due to celebrations a wise outcome?
To avoid the over-consumption of fats in this festive season, here are 5 superfoods that be included in the diet during this festive season. These are surely not going to make you regret after the festive season gets over:
Quinoa: This ancient superfood with majestic history, is gluten-free and have High-protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a kind of seed which can be black, red, white, pink, purple, yellow, grey, orange or green. Some of its basic health benefits include protection from heart diseases or weight-loss. Quinoa can be used in salads, sandwiches, soups or it can also be used in the making
of oatmeals by adding blueberries for a delicious taste.
Kale: Kale is known as the powerhouse of antioxidants including vitamin C, Beta-Carotene, Kaemferol, and Quercetin. Due to high-antioxidant value, this vegetable has the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) Rating. This festive season, Blend wheat pasta with Kale and pistachios and serve the guilt-free yet tasty food to your friends and family.
Pistachios: They are one of the most delicious superfoods which are one of the oldest nuts with high-protein, mineral phosphorus, vitamin B6 beneficial fatty acids, and antioxidants. Due to its amazing taste, you can make sweets with it by blending it with Cranberries and Goji Berries or this superfood can be eaten alone.
Black Raspberries: Botanically known as Rubus Occidentalis, Black Raspberries are being hailed as “the king of berries”. These berries are generally available during the three weeks of July and in the off-season, you can find them as freeze-dried or Black Raspberry Jam. It helps in losing weight due to its perfect nutritional value. It has only 60 calories in one cup, they have
two grams of proteins and are high in fibres. Due to its health beneficial properties like rich in antioxidants, minerals, and polyphenols, Black raspberries builds the immune system. This superfood can be blended with a butter bread, vanilla ice-cream, and brown sugar in order to make a perfect Raspberry-filled sweet.
Avocado: They are stone fruits with a creamy texture that grow in Mediterranean regions and are also known as an Alligator Pear or Butter fruit. It is the only food which provides healthy monosaturated fatty acids (MUFA). Avocados are naturally high in nutritional value containing nearly 20 vitamins and minerals. Some of its health benefits are osteoporosis prevention, improvement in digestion, natural detoxification, protection from chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, heart diseases etc. Avocadoes can be added in salads for easy and quick consumption or a blend of Avacado with raw cocoa and banana for making a perfect dessert.
(The author Rishabh Chokhani is CEO & Founder, Naturevibe Botanicals)