Healthy Alternatives To Sugar And Artificial Sweeteners

Source Taken From Here

Healthy Sweetener Options

Refined sugar is incredibly harmful, and artificial sweeteners are just as bad if not WORSE for humans depending on who you talk to. For this reason, clean eaters are looking for healthy alternatives, and the GOOD NEWS is that there are many low-calorie, low glycemic, whole, organic, nutrient dense sweeteners on the market that taste just as good.

Pure Raw Honey 

Honey will not spoil or rot, it can crystallize overtime, but do not mistake this for it going bad. If honey does crystallize, simply loosen the lid and let the  jar sit in hot water, as this will allow the honey to liquefy naturally. It is important not to heat honey in a microwave as it will kill the beneficial enzymes. It also stops the growth of bacteria, and when used topically, it heals wounds & minor burns. It relieves sore throats, and is touted for it’s ability to treat high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Pure Maple Syrup  

Pure Maple Syrup is the product of the sap from sugar maple, red maple or black maple trees, and should not be confused with ordinary syrup made with high fructose corn syrup and imitation maple flavorings. Healthy sweetening foods can be tricky to find if you’re trying to clean up your diet, but researchers have found that the compounds contained in pure maple syrup offer cancer prevention benefits, and the ability to prevent the proliferation of cancer cells. These cancer fighting properties are greater if the syrup is dark in color.  Another benefit of pure maple syrup is that it has been found effective in lowering blood glucose levels.

Blackstrap Molasses 

Blackstrap Molasses is a sweetener that is a healthful sweetener that contains significant amounts of a variety of minerals that promote your health. Unlike refined white sugar and corn syrup, which are stripped of virtually all nutrients except simple carbohydrates. It is also much better than artificial sweeteners like saccharine or aspartame, which not only provide no useful nutrients, but have been shown to cause health problems in sensitive individuals. Blackstrap is darker than other versions and adds a distinct flavor into foods.  Molasses supplies energy to your body in the form of simple sugars, or carbohydrates that are readily absorbed by your digestive system providing a quick burst of energy to fuel your activities. Consuming decent amounts of the correct carbohydrates spares your dietary protein, so it can support the maintenance of muscle mass as well as other protein needs. The carbohydrates in molasses also help your body during strenuous physical exertion. Some people have even said that taking blackstrap molasses regularly can prevent your hair from going gray too early, and that it can change graying hair back to it’s original color.

Coconut Palm Sugar

Navitas Naturals Coconut Palm Sugar is an ideal replacement for regular sugar. It’s low-glycemic, has a wonderful brown sugar flavor, that works well for baking. It also dissolves easily in hot and cold liquids. A sweet bonus: coconut sugar’s nutritional profile includes amino acids, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron and B vitamins, and it is low on the gycemic index so it enters the blood stream more slowly to help curb blood sugar spikes!

Lucuma Powder

Lucuma Powder offers an abundance of healthy benefits when added to your favorite food or beverage. In addition to satisfying your sweet tooth, this powdered all natural, organic sweetener is also gluten-free and an amazing source of antioxidants to boost the immune system, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals necessary for bodily functions. I use Navitas Naturals Lucuma Powder, that is made from whole Peruvian lucuma fruit that they dry at low temperatures and mill into a fine powder. It is also a is low-glycemic sweetener like Coconut Palm Sugar, contains many nutrients including beta-carotene, iron, zinc, vitamin B3, calcium and protein, and has a unique, maple-like taste that’s perfect for a variety of recipes. Lucuma provides 14 essential trace elements, including a considerable amount of potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Studies has shown it has anti-inflammatory effects and is wonderful for wound healing, promoting tissue regeneration and skin aging.

Monk Fruit 

Apart from being a healthy and safe sugar substitute, Monk Fruit is widely used for the treatments of whooping cough, constipation, acute bronchitis, acute tonsillitis, sore throats, cute gastritis, etc. Different parts of Monk Fruit have different medicinal uses. The mashed root is able to help psoriasis & boils, while external use of the fruit hair can be used for wounds. Monk Fruit tea can be a cool refreshing drink that can prevent respiratory infections, and provide longevity if used on a daily basis. In addition, the monk fruit concentrate and extract are often utilized as a condiment to make nourishing stew, broth, cakes, candy, cookies, granules, syrups, fruit essence, cough syrup, and so on.

Stevia 

Stevia is a sweetener that has become immensely popular in recent years. Stevia is a 100% natural, zero calorie sweetener with a number of health benefits that have been confirmed in human studies. It is a green, leafy plant that is native to South America, and has been used for medicinal purposes for many centuries. The plant has also been bred for its strong, sweet flavor and used as a sweetener. Stevia comes in either liquid or a powder, or a version of the plant’s isolated sweet compounds, that are hundreds of times sweeter than sugar.

The Amazing Health Benefits of Dates

Source Taken From Here

Dates are a great addition to any diet: read on to learn the amazing health benefits of dates.

Dates are usually eaten dried, so they look similar to a prune or a raisin. However, the interesting fact about dates is that the health benefits are the same if they are eaten fresh or dried. This is great news for those who prefer fresh dates, and those who like dried dates can breathe a sigh of relief that the date does not lose benefits while drying.

Eating dates as part of your diet provides fiber, magnesium, copper, Vitamin B6, p[otassium and manganese. All of these vitamins and minerals are important to a person’s diet. Dates also have multiple benefits to your overall health.

Eat Dates to Help with the Following Conditions

The first issue worth mentioning is constipation. Eating dates regularly, due to their fiber content, allows a person to deal with constipation issues. Dates also help with digestive health and heart health.

Dates act as an anti-inflammatory, so people with conditions like arthritis, cardiovascular disease and even Alzheimer’s Disease find a significant improvement after adding dates to their diet as a regular item.

For those with high blood pressure or a risk of stroke, it is a wise idea to simply add dates to your diet as a snack. This helps lower the risk of both of these conditions.

Dates Help Brain Health and to Prepare for a Baby’s Birth

For people in general, brain health is boosted with a regular ingestion of dates. This is good news for those in their advanced years who are hoping to remember things better and think more clearly on a regular basis.

For any woman who is pregnant, eating dates can provide help to the body when it is preparing for labor. Eating dates in the last four weeks leading up to your due date helps your body get the right nutrients to prepare for labor and prevent the need for outside assistance in the birth process, like induction.

Other circumstances that can be helped by eating dates include efforts for weight loss, issues with impotence and suffering from anemia. This means dates are a great overall food source for those vitamins and minerals and a great preventative measure for those who may be susceptible to many health issues. In particular, dates seem like a good meal additive for those over the age of 40, who may be more at risk for some of the various conditions listed above.

Eating dates can be a measure you take after you have begun suffering from numerous conditions, like arthritis, high blood pressure or Alzheimer’s Disease. However, it can also be a good idea to start eating dates when you have yet to be diagnosed with any of these conditions, since it can greatly lower your chances of getting them in the first place, as it lowers your risk for colon cancer by eating dates regularly. So add dates to your diet now and maintain good health for the long-term.

Source: http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/the-amazing-health-benefits-of-dates/

This Is What Happens When You Eat Garlic In The Morning On An Empty Stomach. I NEVER Would Have Guessed!

Source Taken From Here

Nature is the way to go these days. If you want to make a change and get healthier, supplements are an option, but do you really know what's in those? Probably not. They are often full of fillers and artificial stuff that may have ingredients you may not want in your body or, worse, you may be allergic! Finding a natural way to improve your health is the most sustainable and least risky option. Garlic is kind of a one-stop shop for health and happiness.

Garlic is full of amazing health benefits and many of us know some of them. These, however, I've never heard of. They are pretty unbelievable, but when you think of the benefits, garlic is definitely worth a try.

41 FOODS EVERYONE SHOULD EAT TO REVERSE INSULIN RESISTANCE

Source Taken From Here



A healthy diet is extremely important for anyone, but it’s especially important for diabetics. Many foods we consume are turned into glucose (sugar), which the body uses for energy during the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

When the pancreas fails to produce the hormone insulin, blood sugar cannot get into the body’s cells. (Fortunately, you can help to prevent and even reverse this condition with the diabetes-fighting foods listed below! Plus, you’ll find a helpful summary you can keep referring back to at the end of the article.)

According to the annual National Diabetes Statistics Report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 9.3% of Americans suffer from type 1 or type 2 diabetes—that’s more than 29 million people!

In fact, it is the seventh most common cause of death in the U.S. The disease can also snowball, and lead to many other serious health conditions, including blindness, nerve disorders, stroke, kidney disease, and heart disease.

Natural Foods That Reverse Diabetes

Luckily, diabetics can help reverse the condition with simple dietary changes. Food is definitely an important medicine for people with diabetes. What you eat can make all the difference between reversing the disease or making the condition even worse.

What foods should diabetics avoid?

They are likely some former favorites, such as bacon, French fries, and dairy products. A person with diabetes should stay away from processed foods, especially refined carbohydrates. For instance, pizza night should likely be canceled.

Other high-glycemic-index foods diabetics should avoid include many wheat flour products, white potatoes, white rice, candy, sodas, many cereal products, and especially sugar itself. Alcohol and caffeine consumption should also be limited. Fruits high in natural sugar, such as bananas, peaches, and nectarines, should also be avoided.

Instead, you should focus on low-glycemic-load foods that reverse diabetes and control your blood sugar levels. The best anti-diabetes diet should mainly include whole, nutrient-dense, and natural foods that contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, and also help to detoxify the body.

So what foods are appropriate for a natural diabetes treatment?

9 Leafy Greens: Superheroes of the Diabetic’s Plate

Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. They are also foods that rank low on the glycemic index, which means that they help to stabilize blood sugar levels. Researchers believe that a deficiency in magnesium reduces insulin production and increases insulin resistance.

Broccoli, spinach, collard greens, and other leafy green vegetables are high sources of magnesium, and can help combat magnesium deficiency complications. These green vegetables are also good sources of dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc.

Evidence also shows leafy greens are among the top foods that reverse diabetes. In a 2014 meta-analysis published in the journal BMJ Open, researchers found that the consumption of green leafy vegetables can drastically lower type 2 diabetes risk.

Broccoli, in particular, contains specific chemicals that may help prevent damaged blood vessels in diabetics. In a study published in the journal Diabetes in 2008, researchers found that the sulforaphanes in broccoli promote the production of the protective enzymes that limit diabetes-induced cell damage.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death for diabetics, and conditions such as strokes and heart attacks are largely associated with blood vessel damage. The increased consumption of cruciferous vegetables therefore reduces cardiovascular disease risk in diabetics.

Broccoli sprouts are also important foods that reverse diabetes. The sulforaphanes in broccoli sprouts are actually 20-times more potent than broccoli. In a 2012 randomized double-blind study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, broccoli sprout powder significantly improved insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients. The study observed 63 diabetics during the month-long trial. Another four-week trial from 2011 found that broccoli sprout powder reduced oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Sulforaphanes also play an important role in the body’s natural detoxification processes. The phytochemicals help enzymes transform destructive cancerous chemicals into easy-to-eliminate substances.

Swiss chard, kale, green cabbage, arugula, and romaine lettuce are other nutrient-dense leafy greens that can help you reverse diabetes naturally.

9 Spices and Herbs to Reduce Diabetes in a Healthier Way

What spices and herbs can benefit diabetes patients? You can still enjoy eating without high-glycemic and sugary condiments. There are two spices that are especially excellent herbal remedies for diabetes. They are cinnamon and turmeric.

Heavy research supports that cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) is an important spice to help reduce blood sugar levels. In a 2013 meta-analysis published in the journal Annals of Family Medicine, researchers found that cinnamon reduced fasting blood sugar. The cinnamon also displayed cardiovascular effects.

It reduced total cholesterol, “bad” LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, and it increased “good” HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol. The meta-analysis included 10 randomized controlled trials with 543 diabetic patients, taking between 120 milligrams to six grams per dose of cinnamon for a four- to 18-week duration.

What about turmeric (Curcuma longa)? It has been used in Ayurvedic herbal medicine and traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is known as a detoxification herb for liver protection, and it also famously contains potent anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric contains a bioactive compound, curcumin, which is responsible for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ability.

According to research published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research in 2013, curcumin reduces inflammation and prevents insulin resistance–associated problems like liver disease and atherosclerosis. Curcumin and turmeric supplementation have also lowered oxidative stress in diabetic rats within other studies.

How can you incorporate turmeric and cinnamon into your anti-diabetic meals? The spice is perfect for many Indian-oriented dishes, scrambled eggs or tofu, brown rice dishes, and vegetable soups, or you can sauté them with some vegetables. Cinnamon is a great breakfast spice to sprinkle over fruits or low-glycemic buckwheat and blueberry pancakes. Turmeric or cinnamon are also ideal spices for great anti-diabetic tea or smoothie options.

Want to add other anti-diabetic spices to your meal? Fenugreek, ginger, garlic, cumin,ginseng,bilberry, and cayenne pepper are other herbal remedies for diabetes.

11 Fruits and Vegetables to Reverse Diabetes

It is well established that a wide variety of fruits and vegetables are important for a natural diabetes treatment. They are rich in antioxidants and fiber, which help reverse diabetes naturally. In a prospective study published in the journal Diabetes Care in 2012, researchers found that a diet with high amounts of vegetables and a variety of veggies and fruits helped reduce type 2 diabetes risk.

More specifically, blueberries, Indian gooseberries, and mango leaves are some fruits that are proven to help reverse diabetes.

Blueberries contain the natural chemical anthocyanins, which stimulate the release of the hormone adiponectin. As a result, heightened adiponectin levels help regulate blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity. Blueberries are also high in fiber, which can help you lose weight and reverse diabetes naturally.

The Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) is also known as amla or amalaki fruit. It is considered one of the strongest rejuvenative herbs within Ayurvedic medicine. The fruit can hel:

• Regulate blood sugar levels
• Reduce hyperglycemia
• Cardiac complications
• Diabetic nephropathy
• and promote proper pancreas function

Amla fruit is high in vitamin C and contains other important antioxidants, such as gallic acid, ellagic acid, corilagin, and gallotanin. Indian gooseberry powder may also increase HDL cholesterol and reduce LDL cholesterol levels.

Mango leaves are one of the great foods that reverse diabetes. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for many years. They help with insulin regulation in the blood and the reduction of blood sugar levels. Mango leaf tea is also easy to prepare; just boil three or four mango leaves in a cup of water and enjoy!

Other low-glycemic-index fruits and vegetables that can help prevent or reverse diabetes areapples, grapes, grapefruit, strawberries, oranges, tomatoes, onions, and mushrooms.

9 Nuts, Grains, and Beans That Fight Diabetes

Certain nuts, grains, and beans are low in glycemic load and are essential foods that reverse diabetes.

Nuts, such as walnuts, are welcome additions to an anti-diabetic diet. They can reduce inflammation with the polyunsaturated fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid. They also contain antioxidant, antiviral, anti-high cholesterol, and anti-cancer properties, which reverse diabetes progression. In a study published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2013, researchers suggested that high walnut consumption may lower the risk in type 2 diabetes in women. The researchers observed 58,063 women between the ages 52 and 77, and 79,893 women ages 35 to 52 within two large cohort studies. There were 5,930 type 2 diabetes cases after a 10-year follow-up.

Fibrous whole grains are considered a good anti-diabetic option and refined grain alternative.Quinoa is a nutritious seed that contains phytochemicals, which can help balance your blood sugar. Some studies also link quinoa consumption to the reduction of other factors associated with diabetics, such as total cholesterol levels and triglycerides levels. Quinoa, and other whole grains like oats, amaranth, barley, brown and wild rice, and buckwheat, may also help diabetic patients control their appetite and reverse diabetes.

Cannellini beans are also considered a good legume option that won’t raise your blood sugar levels. They also contain large amounts of soluble fiber and protein. In general, legumes are considered low-glycemic-index foods that reverse diabetes naturally. In a 2012 randomized, controlled study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, daily low-glycemic bean consumption dropped average blood sugar levels twice as much as whole grains. The study observed 121 type 2 diabetic patients for a three-month period.

3 Protein-Rich Anti-Diabetic Foods for Your Daily Breakfast

Protein breakfasts will give you energy to start the day. Organic eggs, brown rice protein powder, and nut butters are good options.

How to Plan Your Anti-Diabetes Diet

It is smart to plan ahead for a natural treatment for diabetes. Here are a few tips:

• Eat every four hours. This will help normalize glucose and insulin levels.
• Stop eating at least two or three hours before bedtime.
• You can improve insulin sensitivity and sugar metabolism with a daily exercise regimen. Simple exercises like walking can help reverse diabetes naturally and are a great complement to your anti-diabetes diet.
• Finally, it is also best to work with a holistic nutritionist or registered dietitian to develop the most appropriate anti-diabetes diet for you.

Anti-Diabetes Foods Table: 41 Foods that Reverse Diabetes

Food Group	Superfood	Anti-diabetic Properties
Leafy Greens	Broccoli	Sulforaphanes, minerals, antioxidants, essential fats, and vitamins that reverse diabetes
	Broccoli Sprouts
	Spinach	Rich in magnesium, dietary fiber, quality calories, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals
	Collard Greens	Loaded with phytochemicals, nutrients, and vitamins that improve disease resistance
	Swiss Chard	Highly nutritious and an excellent source of vitamins C, A, E, and K, zinc, and calcium; helps regenerate pancreatic cells that are responsible for insulin production
	Kale	Low GI and excellent source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants
	Green Cabbage	Antihyperglycemic and contains powerful antioxidants; it’s also a great source of fiber
	Arugula	Low-calorie food and rich source of vitamins A, C, and K
	Romaine Lettuce	Contains high concentration of chromium that helps control your blood sugar levels
Spices and Herbs	Cinnamon	Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and a rich source of curcumin
	Turmeric	A powerful antioxidant; contains active diabetes-fighting compound curcumin
	Fenugreek	Contains high concentration of soluble fiber, which slows down the absorption of carbohydrates and lowers blood sugar levels
	Ginger	Very low GI; inhibits production of enzymes that contribute to diabetes
	Garlic	High antioxidant properties, low GI, and high concentration of phytonutrients
	Cumin
	Ginseng
	Bilberry
	Cayenne pepper
Fruits and Vegetables	Blueberries	Excellent sources of antioxidants; contain anthocyanins that regulate blood sugar levels
	Strawberries
	Indian gooseberries	High in vitamin C, good source of antioxidants like gallic acid, ellagic acid, corilagin, and gallotanin
	Mango leaves	Good source of vitamins A, B, B6, and C, probiotic fiber, and magnesium
	Apples	Loaded with soluble fiber
	Grapes	Good sources of vitamins A and C, potassium, iron, folate, lycopene, and magnesium, which are all helpful to reverse diabetes naturally
	Grapefruit
	Mushrooms
	Oranges
	Tomatoes
	Onions
Nuts, Grains, and Beans	Walnuts	Contain polyunsaturated fatty acids, high in antioxidants, and have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that reverse diabetes progression
	Quinoa
	Oats	Low GI, high amount of soluble fiber, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, important vitamins, folic acid, zinc, and protein
	Amaranth
	Barley
	Brown Rice	Full of antioxidants and fiber, B vitamins, complex carbohydrates, iron, and protein that metabolize fats and stabilize blood sugar levels
	Wild Rice
	Buckwheat
	Cannellini Beans	Contain protein and fiber; and deliver essential anti-diabetic minerals like potassium and magnesium
Protein-Rich Foods	Organic Eggs	Rich sources of protein; low in calories and carbohydrates
	Brown Rice Protein Powder
	Nut Butters

This article was republished with permission from doctorshealthpress.com.

How To Consume Garlic But Avoid The “Inevitable” Bad Breath

Source Taken from here

After many years spent on studying the natural medicines, both the herbalists and the doctors agree that garlic is one of the healthiest remedies, because it has many benefits for our health.

The garlic is used as an excellent natural remedy almost in all the countries around the world.
Nevertheless many people do not eat garlic at all because of the bad smell that remains after the consumption of raw garlic.

Some tend to eat it only during the weekend when they are at home, but most people avoid eating it even then. They even change their mind about trying some delicious tzatziki that includes garlic, because of the fear that people might judge them for the characteristic odor caused by garlic.

Garlic is healthiest when it is raw and if it`s chopped and crushed several minutes before consumption. And left like that on the air in order for it to create the corresponding chemical elements primary allicin. The garlic prepared like this is healthiest but at the same time creates maximum unpleasant odor.

But don’t worry!!! There is a way to consume garlic and enjoy its benefits without smelling bad. Follow carefully our instructions:

You will have to find smaller garlic. After the invasion of Chinese garlic started in our markets many people have tried to plant garlic in their gardens. The Chinese garlic has large heads and cloves and what is most important it can be easily peeled.

However those who consume it raw soon became aware that this garlic makes them feel sick and cause them some gastric problems.

Unlike the Chinese garlic the garlic planted in our gardens, especially if it is an old variety, has twice smaller head with very little cloves whish are difficult to peal. Many of the people who started planting garlic soon gave up. But, that`s a huge mistake.

Although it`s small and difficult to peel the this garlic is far more healthier and do not cause any stomach problems.

Provide small garlic like this.
2.Take the head between your palms and rub roughly.
3.Take 2-3 cloves and soak them in a water for ten minutes

After that take them out of the water and very carefully with your fingers peel the thin shell. You will easily peel the wet and humid garlic.

Do not use a knife!! It is really important not to damage or cut the cloves. Only the undamaged garlic won`t cause unpleasant odor in your body.

Ater you have done this drink the garlics with a glass of water as if you were drinking tablets or capsules. That’s way it is important the cloves to be in the same size as capsules.

Do this on empty stomach at least 45 minutes before breakfast.
That`s all

If you consume the onion in this way, you won`t have problems with the unpleasant odor, the onion will dissolve in your body and you will get the greatest part of its beneficial components. Not only that the odor won`t appear during the day but the same will happen the following day.

If you`re not sure about the procedure you can easily check it by asking people around you whether they can feel the unpleasant odor of garlic. It is important to remember that the cloves should not be cut or damaged by peeling.

Garlic can help you for almost any pain that you have, and even if you are completely healthy, regular consumption of garlic will extend your life and improve your health in all its aspects

Garlic regulates the toxins in the body, eliminates bacteria from the digestive tract and the body, has anti-inflammatory effect, reduces blood pressure, cleanses the blood vessels, lowers blood fats, has beneficial effect on the heart and the brain, improves circulation, cleanses the liver, kidneys and intestines, helps with fatigue, irritability and nervousness, prevents almost all types of cancer, effects positively on vision, hearing, memory, peripheral circulation, provides energy and strength. And there is no body or disease on which it won`t have positive effect

We recommend you to consume the garlic in this way, everyday and in a short period of time you will notice the improvement of your health and life.

One or two small cloves garlic everyday will be enough, and you can consume it in any period of the day depending of your lifestyle.
Source: worldhealthinfo.net

Get smart, dump the quinoa: 4 Indian superfoods you should know

Source Taken from here

What are superfoods

• Low-calorie, high-nutrient foods that are all the rage with fitness freaks
• People are spending thousands of rupees on imported kale, quinoa and chia seeds

Why not go local

• Equally fortifying options abound in India
• From cabbage to amla, India's had superfoods long before the term was coined
• Bonus: they're usually dirt cheap compared to the imports

Final word

• Our grandmothers have been ahead of the health trend all along
• Perhaps it's time to make Indian superfoods fashionable

Over the last year, across the world, the wealthy seeking to be healthy have had a new obsession: superfoods.

Typically these foods are exotic, low on calorie, high on nutrients and cost the sky. Enthusiastic endorsements by people like Julia Robertsand Gwyneth Paltrow have reinforced the craze.

A tiny bag of quinoa could cost Rs 2,000. A kilo of kale leaves Rs 700. And 100 grams of chia seeds could hit you for Rs 400. But the costs have not proved a deterrent for those seeking healthier lifestyles.

While Indians are emptying their wallets chasing these fads, India has a fascinating homegrown range of superfoods

In fact, quinoa - a gluten-free, high-protein grain - has become so popular, its global prices have put it out of the reach of those who grow it.

This is super ironic because, while rich Indians are emptying their wallets chasing these fads, India itself has a fascinating homegrown range of superfoods. They are cheap, easily available and have exactly the same health benefits.

Unfortunately, no one seems to know of them. Our grandmothers have probably eaten these superfoods all our lives. All they need is someone smart to rebrand them and they would become the rage.

In the meantime, if you are smart, you'd already make the switch. Here's a list of exotic superfoods and their very cheap, very available and very cool Indian stand-ins:

Choose your 'complete protein': Quinoa vs Amaranth

Stop at an upscale market like Modern Bazaar in Delhi, and you are bound to find tiny packets of quinoa flying off the shelves.

Quinoa has that elusive 'complete protein' cred to its name, but that's not all; it also has high levels of fibre, calcium, phosphorous and iron.

With the highest overall antioxidant activity, you can imagine why quinoa is all the rage. Antioxidants neutralise those unstable molecules in your body that can lead over time to diseases such as heart and liver disease as well as cancer.

But the Indian alternative is just as good, at a fraction of the cost.

It's called Amaranth, it's part of the same plant family, and is known for providing the exact same nutritional properties. According toresearch, both quinoa and amaranth have an equal amount of protein. The two have so much in common, in fact, that they are often confused with each other.

Unlike quinoa, amaranth can be added to a variety of Indian dishes, from halwa and kheer to rotis and chikki.

Amaranth greens can also be used instead of spinach in many dishes, and it makes for a delicious addition to raita.

Kale-ing you with kindness: Cabbage

At high-end dining tables, the vegetable kale is the new multivitamin wonder.

"People have starting asking for kale recently, because it is considered nutritious," says a supervisor at Basant Lok's Le Marche, another high-end chain of grocery stores.

"Oddly though, most people who buy these foods aren't quite sure how to cook with them," says Rohit Sachdeva of Evergreen in INA Market, a Delhi hub for exotic fruit and vegetables.

America's new favourite four-letter word, kale is a green leafy vegetable that contains cancer preventive nutrients. If 'cancer-preventive' isn't good enough for you, then consider kale's crazy high amounts of micronutrients - Vitamin A (98% of the body's daily requirement in a 150 gm serving), Vitamin C (71%), Vitamin K (1180%) and manganese (27%).

These micronutrients are typically low or simply missing in the food we eat, especially in the cities, which makes kale all the more attractive.

At Rs 500-700 per kg in Delhi supermarkets, and a more modest Rs 200-300 at INA Market, kale comes in two varieties - curly and local (the latter variant is now grown to cash in on the obsession).

Its popularity notwithstanding, it is an acquired taste, slightly bitter and is hard to use in Indian cooking. In the west, it largely eaten sauteed, steamed or boiled, dehydrated as chips, and, of course, in salads and juices.

So it's curious that kale's excellent alternative isn't talked about more.Cabbage - yes, cabbage - belongs to the same cruciferous family as kale and offers many of the same benefits for which kale has become iconic.

As a bonus, cabbage's high potassium content helps reduce cholesterol. Ayurveda, it turns out, ratifies this claim; cabbage is frequently referenced for its ability to draw out toxins from the body.

Cabbage - yes, cabbage - offers many of the same benefits for which kale has become iconic

While no single vegetable may match kale's flavonoid counts - flavonoids have excellent antioxidant effects - a few common veggies or fruit are all you need to absorb these benefits as well.

Fruits such as plums and vegetables like tomatoes, okra, green onions and eggplant contain healthy doses of flavonoids.

Battle of the seeds: Chia vs Alsi

The unexpected star of the mint family that people can't stop talking about and eating is the chia seed.

The seed is notable for its high Omega 3 fatty acid content, otherwise sourced most commonly from fish. Omega 3 plays a huge role in overall health - especially brain function, the heart, joints and the immune system.

Chia has been a staple in Mexico's diet for decades, but has now found cult global favour, appearing in smoothies, on salads and yogurts, baked into breads and health bars, as well as in breakfast cereals.

There's only one plant source in the world that beats chia on the Omega 3 fatty acids scale, and your grandmother probably ate it every day.

Flaxseeds - local name alsi - has higher quantities of poly-unsaturated fatty acids and mono-unsaturated fats, than chia. Both these fats are considered great for controlling cholesterol and for the heart.

What's common to both seeds are their high protein and fibre content - helpful in preventing colon cancer - but flax has the additional benefit of phytoestrogens, making it nature's answer to hormone replacement therapy. Phytoestrogens are also said to ease the unpleasant effects of menopause, such as flushing and night sweats.

As opposed to paying Rs 400 for 100 gm of chia, half a kilo of flaxseeds go for as little as Rs 120. Flaxseed can be used much the same way as chia, i.e. in puddings, salads, muffins and smoothies.

You could also use it in an au naturel mouth freshener with sesame and fennel seeds, in chutneys as well as roasted and ground up in roti flour.

Berry good: Goji vs Amla

Possibly the most dubious aspirant to the 'superfood' label, Goji berries are nevertheless now famous the world over. Touted as the 'fountain of youth', the Chinese have eaten goji berries for centuries in a bid for longevity.

The berry is certainly an excellent source of Vitamin C, beta-carotene and antioxidants, and studies show that it does everything from slowing the growth of cancer cells to countering diabetes, high blood pressure, fever and age-related eye problems.

Normally sold in dried form, a 300-500 gm packet of Goji berries can cost anywhere between Rs 1,000-2,000. They are typically soaked in water, then added to cereals, salads and yogurts or processed into juice.

There are, however, quite a few local alternatives that offer similar benefits, of which the amla is the clear winner.

Amla, or the Indian gooseberry, is one of the world's cheapest and richest sources of Vitamin C; according to a 2011 study, amla has 600 mg Vitamin C per 100 gm - about 20 times higher than orange juice.

The study also shows that amla enhances food absorption, balances stomach acids, helps the urinary system, strengthens the heart and lungs, regulates digestion, enhances fertility and is anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant in nature.

Essentially, why aren't we all eating amla and shipping it globally as the next big superfood?

Using amla in Indian cooking is fairly easy; it can be added to chutneys, pickled or made into murabba. Grating a bit of the berry into dal and vegetables adds all the benefits it offers without overwhelming you with sourness.

Food vs. Medicine

Avocado may be the only imported superfood that may not have an equal counterpart in India. Avocado lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels while also increasing the levels of good cholesterol (HDL) - all important for preventing heart disease.

According to World's Healthiest Foods, avocado has high-fibre content (40% fibre in one 150-gm serving). It also has 21% potassium (helpful in controlling blood pressure), 35% Vitamin K (for blood clotting and strong bones) and 30% folate (crucial for cell repair).

It also contains antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin that are good for the eyes.

While there's no shortage of Indian herbs and foods known to lower cholesterol-including aloe vera and camphor - they're typically used as medicines, though aloe vera is pickled in parts of the country.

Camphor, interestingly, belongs to the same plant family as avocado and improves blood circulation while decreasing cholesterol levels.

Other potassium-rich foods like apricots (33%), bananas (10%), spinach (16%) and potato (15%) can be subbed on the protein front, while walnuts, guavas, pears and many beans offer a combination of high-fibre cholesterol-fighting abilities that the pricey import does.

So before you're tempted to overspend on glitzy superfood imports, try the timeless Indian alternatives that are equally delicious and fortifying.

17 Reasons Why Ghee Is The Ultimate Ayurvedic Superfood

Source Taken from here

Modern science has finally gotten around to proving the physical and mental health benefits of eating ghee that our ancestors figured out centuries ago. There is an ancient proverb in Sindhi that goes “Jeko kare ghee, so na kare ma-pii!” Translated, it means – what ghee can do for you, even your mother and father can’t! You may not believe us now, but by the end of this article you’ll know what we mean.  

What exactly is ghee?

Also known as clarified butter, ghee is formed when butter is boiled and the milk solids are removed, leaving a concentrated residue of pure fats. Like butter, it can be dangerous to your health if consumed in large quantities because of the high concentration of fat, but in small quantities it can do wonders. 

Check out the health benefits of ghee:

1. Enables weight loss

via Suddenlyslimmer

Like olive oil and coconut oil, ghee contains healthy fats that help you burn fat and lose weight. 

2. Provides energy

via Markmorillo

Ghee contains medium chain fatty acids which the liver can absorb directly and burn immediately, making it a healthier source of energy than most of the carbs we eat today.

3. Reduces the risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes

via Thinkpharmacy

Ghee is rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid that protects against plaque, cancer and diabetes. 

4. Lowers cholesterol

via Shutterstock

Ghee is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which lower cholesterol and boost heart health.

5. Boosts digestion 

via Yatan-ayur

Ghee is packed with butyric acid, a short chain fatty acid that has several benefits, one of which is better digestion. Our bodies actually convert fibre into butyric acid, so eating it makes the body’s job easier. Butyric acid helps heal the digestive tract and keeps it healthy. 

6. Improves immunity

via Zeroways

The butyric acid in ghee also promotes immunity, by increasing the production of killer T cells in the gut.

7. Fights inflammation

via Wikihow

Doctors are now using butyrate supplements to treat inflammatory conditions, soghee is a better option, since it is natural.

8. Increases appetite

via Amazonaws

Ghee triggers the release of gastric acid, which results in better digestion and increased appetite. 

9. Promotes flexibility

via Purityhealthandwellness

It’s no wonder that yogis cooked their food in ghee; it lubricates the joints and connective tissues and promotes flexibility.  

10. Improves eye health

via Photography-tips-forum

Ghee is rich in Vitamin A, which prevents macular degeneration and cataract development.

11. Gives you beautiful babies

via Mdspa

Loaded with Vitamin K2, ghee plays an important role in the development of the baby’s facial features and teeth. 

12. Promotes positivity

via Wordsmith

According to Ayurveda, ghee is considered a satvic food. Satvic foods promote good health, positivity and personal growth.

13. Removes emotional toxins

via Webantino

Research is showing that negative emotions have a chemical composition, and that these chemicals get stored in unhealthy fats. Ghee is a healthy fat that does not harbour these emotions; instead it can be used to flush them out. 

14. Absorbs the nutrients in herbs and spices

via Iptcindia

Indian food contains several herbs and spices, each of which is loaded with numerous nutrients. Ghee absorbs these nutrients and helps them reach the correct part of the body, where they are most required.

15. Does not break down into free radicals

via Shutterstock

Many oils have a low smoke point, at which they break down and form free radicals. Free radicals are harmful agents that cause all sorts of disease and deterioration in the body, right from ageing to cancer. Ghee has a high smoke point (250 °C), so it doesn’t break down into free radicals while cooking.

16. Can be stored without refrigeration

via Justhomemade

The milk solids from the butter are removed during the clarification process, and since only pure fat remains, it can be stored without refrigeration for years at a time without going bad. 

17. Does not trigger lactose intolerance

via Hailmerry

Since the milk solids have been removed, ghee usually doesn’t bother people who are lactose intolerant.

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