Yes! I totally agree, For me, it’s Ambali — a fermented ragi drink my grandma used to make in summers. Super cooling, rich in calcium, and great for gut health. We didn’t need fancy smoothies back then.
From the household that I come from, there’s a traditional dish that I really like which is “Horse gram dal”. It is not much widely known for several benefits it provides such as mostly it can be eaten for strength building in case of people who are prone to fatigue and tiredness. It has high protein, iron, as well as crucial antioxidants. It can be eaten by people who are working on fat metabolism and weight management, also can be eaten safely by people with Diabetes due to its high fiber content. Traditionally, it is used as a part of diet in people with kidney stone issues and joint pain because of it’s both anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. Besides, the taste is so good in comparison with other regular lentils/pulses/legumes I mostly eat.
Millets are incredibly healthy, yet slowly fading from our plates.
Somewhere along the way, we started believing that only expensive, exotic foods are nutritious when our own traditional staples have been doing wonders for generations.
These are the conversations we need to have. Desi superfoods deserve way more recognition.
Drumstick (Moringa) is a nutrient-rich vegetable known for boosting immunity, improving digestion, and supporting heart, bone, and skin health. Its leaves, pods, and seeds offer powerful medicinal benefits and are widely used in traditional Indian cooking.
Yes, there are underrated desi superfoods. As I belong to Odisha, Fermented Curd Rice Bowl, known as Dahi pakhala in Odia, is a superfood during summers as it is good for our gut health and keeps us energetic.
Methi seeds for blood sugar
Ragi for bones
Bananas for gut health
Lemon + rock salt for digestion
Coconut water for hydration