Thread by @RujutaDiwekar

The "Monsoon superfoods" - A quick list

1. Desi corn-

-Vit B and folic acid to give you good hair & prevent greying
-fibre to rid you off constipation

Have it roasted, boiled, turn them into pattice or rotis and enjoy them in their full glory. American corn, please excuse.

2. Sattu

A delicious, intelligent mix of chana dal, gehu and rice flour (depending on the region you come from).

- reduces menstrual cramps and clots
- reduces dark circles under the eyes
- reduces pigmentation and hair loss

3. Alu – For a glowing skin

This big green leafy vegetable is one of the many wild and uncultivated vegetables that grow during the rains, across India.

A treasure trove of micronutrients, especially the lesser known ones like Hyaluronic acid (HA, used in many Derma products).

4. Desi dates/ khajoor

- improves Hb levels

- used in treating sleep disorders
- fights most infections & allergies

- boosts exercise performance

Eat it-
- first thing in the morning

- post lunch if Hb levels are low

- kids dabba, especially if they are around puberty

5. Ragi/ Nachni –

This grain will bring you not just minerals that strengthen the spine but add to bio-diversity of the farmland too.

- Cook it with milk as a porridge
- Roll it into steamed balls and have it with peanut chutney,
- As laddoos, ragi dosa, bhakri, and more....

6. Jackfruit seeds / Athalya –

Can be cooked as a sabzi/ curry and eaten with rice, or steamed/ roasted with some salt & pepper.

Monsoon is a great time for them. Most of the green veggies are off the menu, but the seeds ensure a steady supply of vitamins, fibre & minerals.

7. Pulses-

Are so rich in amino acids, vitamins, minerals and fibre, that the latest International food guides identify it as both a vegetable and a protein source.

-soak & sprout before cooking
-eat 5 different varieties/ week in 5 different ways (dal, idli, papad, wada, etc)

Essentially, we are living in interesting times. Even as our native practices get scientific validation, we must remember that the fine balance between humans & nature comes from this link of food & culture, and our grandmoms & farmers are the wisdom holders.

#food #health