Indian Superfoods You Probably Ignore But Shouldn't

In a world obsessed with quinoa, kale, and chia seeds, it's easy to forget that India is a treasure trove of nutrient-dense, healing, and affordable superfoods. Often hiding in plain sight — in our kitchens, markets, and even temple offerings — these traditional foods offer potent health benefits rooted in both Ayurveda and modern nutritional science. Let's rediscover the Indian superfoods you might be overlooking and why they deserve a permanent spot in your plate.

🌾 1. Moringa (Drumstick Leaves)

• Why it’s super: Packed with iron, calcium, vitamin C, and antioxidants

• Benefits: Fights inflammation, boosts immunity, enhances energy

• How to use: Add to dals, stir-fries, soups, or make moringa chutney

🌱 Ayurvedic Wisdom: Known as Shigru, it's used to balance Vata and Kapha doshas.

🌰 2. Gond (Edible Gum)

• Why it’s super: High in collagen-building compounds, supports joints and postpartum recovery

• Benefits: Strengthens bones, promotes skin health, improves stamina

• How to use: Popular in winter laddoos (e.g., gondh ke laddoo)

🧘 Ideal for people over 40, women post-delivery, or those with joint issues.

🍇 3. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

• Why it’s super: Contains 20x more Vitamin C than oranges, powerful antioxidant

• Benefits: Boosts immunity, supports digestion, controls blood sugar

• How to use: Eat raw with salt, pickle it, or take as murabba or amla powder

🧪 Modern Proof: Shown to reduce oxidative stress and support cholesterol balance.

🌾 4. Ragi (Finger Millet)

• Why it’s super: Rich in calcium, iron, fiber, and amino acids

• Benefits: Strengthens bones, controls blood sugar, keeps you full

• How to use: Make ragi dosa, porridge, or even ragi-based cookies

🍽️ Gluten-free and excellent for growing children, diabetics, and seniors.

🍂 5. Curry Leaves

• Why it’s super: More than just a tempering agent — loaded with iron, folate, and vitamin A

• Benefits: Improves hemoglobin, digestion, and hair health

• How to use: Chew raw in the morning or powder them into chutneys and spice mixes

🌿 Tip: Make dry curry leaf chutney powder to sprinkle on rice or rotis.

🫘 6. Horse Gram (Kulthi Dal)

• Why it’s super: India’s most protein-rich lentil with excellent thermogenic properties

• Benefits: Supports fat loss, kidney health, and metabolism

• How to use: Kulthi rasam, sundal, or sprouted horse gram salads

🔥 Traditionally used in winters and for weight management in Ayurveda.

🌻 7. Sesame Seeds (Til)

• Why it’s super: Dense in healthy fats, calcium, zinc, and fiber

• Benefits: Supports heart health, skin glow, and hormonal balance

• How to use: Til laddoos, dry chutney powders, til oil in cooking

🕯️ Commonly used during Makar Sankranti for its warming properties.

🧄 8. Raw Garlic (Lasun)

• Why it’s super: Natural antibiotic and anti-inflammatory powerhouse

• Benefits: Supports heart health, lowers cholesterol, strengthens immunity

• How to use: Chew a clove with warm water in the morning or use in chutneys

⚠️ Best eaten raw on an empty stomach for medicinal benefit.

🍵 9. Ajwain (Carom Seeds)

• Why it’s super: Digestive stimulant and anti-flatulent

• Benefits: Relieves bloating, menstrual pain, and boosts metabolism

• How to use: Chew raw, make ajwain water, or add to paratha dough

🧂 Excellent post-heavy meal remedy, often combined with kala namak.

✅ Conclusion: Superfood, Desi-Style

India’s superfoods aren’t flown from faraway lands — they’re grown in your backyard, sold by your sabziwala, and passed down through grandma’s recipes. Reclaiming these nutrient-rich ingredients not only supports your health but also promotes local farming, traditional knowledge, and seasonal eating.

Start simple: one new food each week. Watch your energy, immunity, and wellness thrive — the Indian way.