Superfoods are foods that are rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and other health benefits. They are often touted as the best foods to eat for optimal wellness and disease prevention. However, many superfoods are also exotic, expensive, and hard to find in local markets. Fortunately, there are many Indian alternatives that can provide similar or even better benefits at a fraction of the cost and with greater availability. Here are 10 Indian replacements for exotic superfoods that you can easily incorporate into your diet.
- Coconut instead of Avocado
Also Read: 5 natural foods that can replace artificial multivitamins
Avocado is a creamy fruit that is high in healthy fats, fiber, potassium, and vitamin K. It is often used as a spread, salad ingredient, or smoothie base. However, avocado is also expensive and perishable, and may not be easily available in India.
Coconut is a tropical fruit that is also high in healthy fats, fiber, potassium, and vitamin K. It has a distinct flavor and aroma that can enhance many dishes. Coconut can be used as a substitute for avocado in many ways, such as coconut butter, coconut milk, coconut cream, coconut yogurt, or coconut flakes. Coconut is also known to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cooling properties.
- Flaxseeds instead of Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are tiny seeds that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fiber, calcium, and antioxidants. They can absorb water and form a gel-like texture that can be used as an egg substitute, pudding base, or thickener. Chia seeds are also gluten-free and low in calories.
Flaxseeds are also tiny seeds that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fiber, calcium, and antioxidants. They can also absorb water and form a gel-like texture that can be used as an egg substitute, pudding base, or thickener. Flaxseeds are also gluten-free and low in calories. Flaxseeds are also known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and cholesterol-lowering effects.
- Spinach instead of Kale
Kale is a leafy green vegetable that is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, calcium, and antioxidants. It is often used as a salad ingredient, smoothie base, or chip alternative. Kale is also low in calories and high in fiber.
Spinach is another leafy green vegetable that is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, calcium, and antioxidants. It is also used as a salad ingredient, smoothie base, or chip alternative. Spinach is also low in calories and high in fiber. Spinach has more folate and vitamin A than kale, and may also help lower blood pressure and improve eye health.
- Coconut Oil instead of Olive Oil
Olive oil is a liquid fat that is high in monounsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, and vitamin E. It is often used as a cooking oil, salad dressing, or dip. Olive oil is also known to have anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, and skin benefits.
Coconut oil is another liquid fat that is high in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), lauric acid, and vitamin E. It is also used as a cooking oil, salad dressing, or dip. Coconut oil is also known to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, metabolic, and skin benefits.
- Amla instead of Goji Berry
Goji berry is a small red berry that is high in vitamin C, beta-carotene, iron, zinc, and antioxidants. It is often used as a snack, tea ingredient, or supplement. Goji berry is also known to have immune-boosting, anti-aging, and eye health benefits.
Amla is a small green fruit that is high in vitamin C, beta-carotene, iron, zinc, and antioxidants. It is also used as a snack, tea ingredient, or supplement. Amla is also known to have immune-boosting, anti-aging, and eye health benefits. Amla has more vitamin C than goji berry and may also help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
- Doodhi or Chow Chow instead of Zucchini
Zucchini is a summer squash that is high in water, fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. It is often used as a vegetable, noodle substitute, or baked good ingredient. Zucchini is also low in calories and carbs.
Doodhi or Chow Chow are also summer squashes that are high in water, fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. They are also used as vegetables, noodle substitutes, or baked good ingredients. Doodhi or Chow Chow are also low in calories and carbs. Doodhi or Chow Chow may also have anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects.
- Jamun instead of Goji Berry
Goji berry is a small red berry that is high in vitamin C, beta-carotene, iron, zinc, and antioxidants. It is often used as a snack, tea ingredient, or supplement. Goji berry is also known to have immune-boosting, anti-aging, and eye health benefits.
Jamun is a small purple-black fruit that is high in vitamin C, beta-carotene, iron, zinc, and antioxidants. It is also used as a snack, juice ingredient, or supplement. Jamun is also known to have immune-boosting, anti-aging, and eye health benefits. Jamun has more vitamin C than goji berry and may also help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
- Shatavari instead of Maca Root
Maca root is a tuber that is high in protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium, and phytochemicals. It is often used as a powder, capsule, or extract. Maca root is also known to have hormone-balancing, fertility-enhancing, and libido-boosting effects.
Shatavari is a root that is high in protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium, and phytochemicals. It is also used as a powder, capsule, or extract. Shatavari is also known to have hormone-balancing, fertility-enhancing, and libido-boosting effects. Shatavari is also considered an adaptogen that can help the body cope with stress.
- Ashwagandha instead of Ginseng
Ginseng is a root that is high in ginsenosides, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. It is often used as a tea, capsule, or extract. Ginseng is also known to have energy-boosting, cognitive-enhancing, and immune-modulating effects.
Ashwagandha is a root that is high in withanolides, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. It is also used as a tea, capsule, or extract. Ashwagandha is also known to have energy-boosting, cognitive-enhancing, and immune-modulating effects. Ashwagandha is also considered an adaptogen that can help the body cope with stress.
Conclusion
These are some of the Indian replacements for exotic superfoods that you can try today. They are not only cheaper and more accessible but also equally or more nutritious and beneficial for your health. So go ahead and enjoy these desi superfoods without breaking the bank or compromising on quality.
