Tuck into these to power up your health
We are what we eat. No amount of gymming and yoga can cut the kilos or put that glow back, unless you eat right, too. If you have maxed out on green tea, kale and chia seeds, which were last year's superfoods, fret no further. A new list of foods is staking claim to the throne, with their own taste and immense benefits. Get a load of the new mega-healthy lineup...
DRUMSTICKS
Have you always looked down with disdain on the drumsticks in your soup or sambar? It's time to change that outlook. The humble green vegetable called drumsticks -known back home as muringakkai -is finding huge favour in the West. It has joined the rank of the big superfoods and is now being hailed as the new kale.BENEFITS: The flesh and seeds of drumsticks are high in protein and omega3 fatty acids. The leaves are also a rich source of iron, protein, calcium and vitamins A, B and C. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties.
KOHLRABI
You may have seen this uneven-looking veggie at the market and just walked away from it. Don't do that anymore. Studies also hail kohlrabi as the new kale. It can be had as a slaw, adds crunchiness to a stir fry, is used in soups or even roasted for its slightly sweet flavour.BENEFITS: The tuberous vegetable is a huge source of vitamin C -just 130 gms has close to 80 mg! It is also highly valued for its potassium levels and can regulate fluid levels in the body.
KOMBUCHA
Matcha tea is so 2015! Meet the new hipster drink -kombucha tea.Health lovers are chugging down the fermented tea that's said to reboot the immune system. Kombucha tea bars are also springing up around the world. Madonna, Halle Berry and Gwyneth Paltrow have all been spot ted sipping on it.
BENEFITS: To put it simply, the golden tea (it has a certain percent age of alcohol), is packed with antioxi dants, which can fight bad bacteria in the system and aid digestion.
A few studies also credit kombucha with lowering high blood pressure and curing kidney stones.
DONKEY'S MILK
Okay, don't make faces, already . A study by the UN'S Food and Agriculture Organisation has said that donkey's milk has “particular nutritional benefits“ with a protein profile that make it suit able for those allergic to cow's milk.
Once known as Cleopatra's bathing secret, of late, donkey milk soap, chocolate and cosmetics are becoming the new grab.
BENEFITS: Hailed as a supple ment for sportsmen, it's said to be vitamin-rich (it report edly has four times the amount of vitamin C than cow's milk). A report also mentions that those with eczema and other skin con ditions have reported posi tive results on drinking it.
BIRCH WATER
Thirsty? Health-conscious folks can now give smoothies or the neighbourhood nariyal pani wala a miss for a change and try birch water, available in a few health stores. This is the sap that comes out from birch trees and owing to its numerous health claims, it's also being used in skincare regimens.BENEFITS: Just like coconut water, birch water is packed with electrolytes like magnesium, calcium and potassium and is an apt a thirst-quencher. It also has antioxidant properties and can boost immunity .
BLACK RICE
Out goes red rice and brown rice. Now try black rice, also called `forbidden rice'.Once a native to China as well as Southeast Asia, this is a prized food ingredient as it has a staggering amount of antioxidants. It has a nutty flavour.BENEFITS: Its hull is said to have a huge amount of vitamin E that protects cells from damage. As per a study , it also has more anthocyanin antioxidants than blueberries. Black rice protects heart health, slows down sugar absorption in the blood and helps with weight loss.
TEFF
Meet the tiniest grain in the world -the Ethiopoian Teff. But don't go by it's size; it packs a punch, alright. Teff may not be new, but the world has been waking up to teff of late. With its grainy-texture, it can be used like a wheat-substitute in breads, pastas or even for rice.BENEFITS: Teff is gluten-free and is said to have more iron and zinc than wheat. It has a combination of almost eight essential amino acids, as well as fibre, and helps with managing blood sugar levels.
MACA ROOT
Known as the Peruvian equivalent to `ginseng', maca root comes from the radish family and is being called 2016's big superfood find. Available in the form of a powder, this contains close to 60 phytochemicals! Maca root can be added to soups, smoothies or salads.Supermodel Miranda Kerr is said to add it to her morning shake.BENEFITS: The ingredient is energising and has vitamins B, C and E. It is also said to be libido-boosting and can increase energy levels. It's of particular importance to women as it helps decrease menopause symptoms.
AMARANTH
Health buffs are getting excited over this ancient grain, and with good reason.Actually tiny seeds, amaranth -once eaten by the Aztecs -packs such a nutritional punch that it's coming into breads, salads, cakes and its flour is used to thicken soups.BENEFITS: The seeds are a powerhouse of fibre, vitamins and minerals like magnesium and are said to tackle cholesterol. It is also gluten-free.
BANANA FLOUR
You may have been baking with coconut flour, but there's a successor to it. This time around, try banana flour, an effective substitute. The flour has a pleasant, nutty flavour and is glutenfree. It can be easily added to smoothies, cakes and other baked desserts.BENEFITS: The flour is high in potassium as well as natural vitamins. It also has RS2, a resistant starch that has health benefits.
KEFIR
Say goodbye to fermented foods like kimchi. You now have kefir -another fermented food -that is rich in probiotics, an ingredient which aids healthy functioning of the gut. Coming from the Turkish word keif meaning good feeling, kefir is a cross between milk and yoghurt and can be added to lassis, smoothies and ice cream.BENEFITS: It builds bone density, boosts immunity , helps with inflammatory bowel disease and aids detox.
BENTONITE CLAY
After finding use in spa skin treatments, bentonite clay is also now being thought of as a cleanser for the body. Buzz is, one may add this to a glass of water to reduce symptoms of bloating and constipation. But it is advised to check with a doctor before doing so.BENEFITS: The clay has an abundance of minerals. It is said to be able to cleanse the body of toxic metals and been found in natural toothpastes. It also boosts the immune system and promotes `good bacteria' in the system.
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