Amla – Acai Berry
BENGALURU: Superfoods are like the superheroes of the food world. Known for their extraordinary health benefits, these nutrient-dense foods are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can give you a major health boost, says Dr Jyoti Chhabria, nutritionist and founder of Nutriline.
“While premium superfoods are a great addition to a healthy diet, they can be expensive or difficult to access in India. It is important to prioritise local and regional products that can serve as alternatives.”
“Another important factor to consider is that the carbon footprint of the product will be quite high,” explains Sumithra, nutritionist at Qua Nutrition.To overcome these challenges, here are some expert-approved, lesser-known Indian superfoods that are equally nutritious and act as good local alternatives, all at a much lower cost.
Amla – Acai Berry
Both amla and acai berry are powerful superfoods with numerous health benefits. According to Dr. Chhabria, amla is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and essential nutrients, even surpassing acai berry in vitamin C content. Amla’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties make it a cost-effective, affordable alternative for chronic disease management, liver health, weight management and cognitive function.
Moringa – Matcha
This Indian alternative to matcha is growing in popularity due to its nutritious and sustainable properties. Dr Chhabria explains that while matcha is known for its high antioxidant content and energy boosting properties, moringa has similar benefits, plus it is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a powerful superfood that supports overall health and wellbeing.
Spinach – Kale
Kale is a superfood known for its health benefits and culinary versatility. But there’s a flavoursome, nutritious Indian alternative with a similar nutritional profile, says Dr Chhabria: none other than spinach. Rich in vitamins A, C, K, minerals like iron, calcium and magnesium, and powerful antioxidants, spinach serves as a great alternative to kale, offering similar health benefits and culinary versatility.
