Think Global, Eat Local For Better Immunity

As the world's nutritionists and dietitians are encouraging you to add more nutrition to your diet, our experts are targeting the agenda of "think global, eat local". Can you really stay fit while eating the local food? Well, the answer is yes! The local food contains all the required nutrients that you need to make each meal healthy and balanced while improving your metabolism. No doubt that fruits, veggies and grains are not only nutritious but also delicious when it comes to local Indian foods. But first, you need to know what it is really about.

The Origin of The Concept

You remember growing up eating a variety of foods including parathas, idlis or poha, khichadi, snacks, curd rice, and rotis. Yes! this still fills your mouth with water. However, the new western trends tend to make you believe that adding imported or exotic fruits or foods will help build your immunity.

The "local" food definition diversifies considerably as per the geographical area. Conventional food systems depend mostly on transportation vehicles, packaging, refrigeration facilities, and processing units that consume a huge amount of energy and fuel creating an avoidable resource expenditure. On the other hand, local food systems perform on removing the middleman while flourishing on the available surrounding environment.

Our experts believe that adding imported foods, veggies or fruits is not the only way to improve your digestion as you can boost your gut health with the local food you have been eating for a long time. This new strategic thinking not only promotes local foods but also assists you to stick to your local roots and culture.

Local Recipes To Improve Immunity

'Think global, eat local' idea talks about preferring locally produced sources and making interesting recipes to stay healthy. We're gonna recommend recipes or foods that can improve your gut health and improve your metabolism while keeping your food interesting and connected to your culture. There are many local dishes that you can add to your meal if you're aiming to boost your immunity. Here are enlisted few:

#1. Tomato Pepper Rasam

Also consumed as soup, it is one of the known South Indian dishes that is often eaten with steamed rice. The key ingredients include tamarind, tomato, black pepper, cumin seeds, turmeric, asafoetida, curry leaves, ginger, and garlic. Rich in potent antioxidants, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, this dish helps you improve gut health while relieving colds and coughs.

#2. Sarso da Saag

One of the very popular dishes in North India, especially in Punjab, which is traditionally served with makkhan on Makki ki roti. The key ingredients include radish leaves, spinach, mustard greens, chilies, garlic, and ginger. Infused with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, this helps boost your immunity.

#3. Bajra Khichadi

It is one of the popular pot dishes of Rajasthan which is also popular in Haryana, UP, Gujarat, etc. Full of protein, insoluble fiber, prebiotic and probiotic, it helps improve your overall digestive health.

#4. Undhiyu

The combination of vegetables, is a specialty of Gujarat. Rich in fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, this recipe involves all types of vegetables that directly affect your overall gut health.

#5. Saunth Makhana Laddu

Most often consumed in winter, these laddu consists of foxnuts, dry coconut, dry ginger powder, seeds, ghee, and jaggery. They are rich in calcium, protein, fiber, magnesium, etc. which help combat infection while improving your immune system.

In A Nutshell

The agenda behind "think global, eat local" assists you to connect with your local farmers and the culture in which you are rooted. Getting the best out of our resources is important to help keep the world green while supporting your local market. If you can't understand what's best for you, connect with our expert dietitian for a personalized meal plan with The Wellness Corner. Stay fit by accessing our Yoga Corner - Wellness TV to promote a healthy lifestyle.