In a previous article, I mentioned 12 superfoods you must have in your kitchen to reap their health benefits for your overall well-being. Well, here are 12 more!
Strawberries
Strawberries contain enormous amounts of vitamin C, more than citrusy fruits like oranges or grapefruits. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which helps build and repairs the body’s tissues, boosts immunity, and fights the accumulation of free radicals, which damage other cells and cause pre-mature aging. Vitamin C in strawberries can also help with good eye health.
Ginger
Ginger, or adrak, has an aromatic and pungent taste. However, if you eat ginger in slices, you will benefit greatly. Not only can it enhance the flavoring of dishes, i.e. Nihari, but it is an all-natural remedy, especially if you have an upset stomach and if you feel nauseas. The next time you feel like you might vomit, try some ginger tea. Boil water, put some ginger in it and leave it for a few minutes so that the ginger juices get absorbed with the hot water.
Beets
This purple-reddish vegetable is packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can help fight disease and strengthen your organs. The purple color is due to betalains, which are the pigments found in beets, or chukandar. Studies have suggested that these betalains are what helps prevent cancer and other degenerative diseases.
Salmon
This fish is really great for your heart. It contains a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Salmon can also help protect skin from the sun and the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays.
Apples
Apples contain fiber and are a low-calorie food source, which is great for a mid-afternoon snack. It will digest slowly, keeping you feeling satisfied. And if you increase your apple consumption, you will have a reduced risk of any cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and diabetes.
Cranberries
Cranberries come out in the fall season, and are the freshest between September-November. They have great health benefits and fight many bacteria that cause diseases. Cranberries help fight inflammation, reduce the risk of heart disease, improve oral health, help prevent ulcers and yeast infections, help fight urinary tract infections, and may even inhibit the growth of some human cancer cells.
Cauliflower
While cauliflower, or phool gobi, contain many vitamins and minerals, they greatest benefit comes from glucosinolates. These are phytochemical compounds which help fight cancer, specifically damage to the lungs and stomach by carcinogens. Cauliflower may also help prevent other cancers such as of the breast, uterine, and cervical.
Garlic
Garlic, or lassan, might leave your breath with a strong smell, however, garlic can enhance the flavors of foods greatly, but more than that, garlic has been used for a very long time as a natural medicinal food. Garlic can help treat high blood pressure and heart disease as well as certain types of cancer.
Lentils
Lentil, or daal, is high in protein, iron and other essential nutrients. Iron helps fight anemia, which is a condition that decreases the number of red blood cells in the body. Protein is essential for repairing of muscles and tissues. Daal is also low on the glycemic index, which means that your blood sugar levels won’t go through the roof if you eat a bowl of daal. It is pretty easy to prepare also, so there’s no reason to have it as a substitute for meat at dinner time.
Leek
Leek, or if you like the term hari pyaaz, have great anti-cancer benefits. They contain organosulphur compounds, which are nutrients that help fight off cancer as well as boost your immunity. Studies have also suggested that leeks could help protect the digestive system from such cancers as stomach and gastric.
Avocado
Avocados are great heart-healthy superfoods. They contain vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin E, and monounsaturated fat, all of which help to promote good health of your heart and lower “bad” cholesterol while increasing “good” cholesterol. Avocados are great if you are diabetic, as they regulate blood sugar levels, and also great for skin health.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes, or shakar kand, are a delicious and nutritious substitute to regular potatoes. They have great amounts of vitamin A, calcium and potassium. Next time you go shopping, pick up some sweet potatoes and bake them as an extra portion for your meal.