Who can resist the aroma of pure ghee poured over hot rice and dal with a sprinkle of organic powdered sugar? And today, scientific claims backed by research are directing people to the diet of our grandmothers without any guilt. Busting myths and misconceptions about healthy and unhealthy eating habits, the ‘satvik’ diet of ancient India is getting the thumbs up! Previously considered ‘fatty foods’, today rice, ghee and organic sugar have been shown to give us an energy boost; they help regulate metabolism, delay aging and are now essential in your daily diet.
Rice, Oryza Sativa is a kind of grass that provides various essential minerals, vitamin B, sodium, zinc, etc. Packed with fiber, this gluten-free cereal is a source of vital fatty acids. Brown rice is richer in nutrients as only the outermost layers or husk are removed; this helps maintain a healthy body weight.
Rice is packed with phenols which are packed with powerful antioxidants released during digestion. A cup of rice a day has various nutritional and health benefits. Some of them are listed below:
Reduce the cholesterol
Protects against heart disease
Balances the action of calcium to regulate muscle tone
Reduces metabolic syndrome
Reduces migraines and headaches
Less frequent asthmatic attacks
Reduces the risk of type II diabetes
This cereal crop is part of several cultural cuisines and is a staple food around the world.
Ghee or ‘gow gritha’ in Sanskrit, which means cow’s milk ghee should be included in a person’s daily meals. Pure cow ghee should preferably be poured over rice, dals and rotis to provide all of its nutrients. Ghee made from milk from cows that eat grass and organically grown vegetables is the most beneficial. Fats provide instant energy to the body and are essential for a balanced diet.
1 g of fat provides almost 9 calories, almost double the energy provided by carbohydrates or protein.
Therefore, about 2 tablespoons of ghee per day will give you all the nutritional benefits of this wonderful food. The most misunderstood fat, ghee is a soothing salve that not only brightens skin, but also has many other benefits, some of which are listed below:
Facilitates the absorption of essential vitamins.
It helps form spongy tissue that cushions our joints.
It dissolves waste from body tissues and carries away toxins.
It has a healing effect on the dietary tract.
Mitigates peptic ulcers or gastritis
Contains linoleic acid that fights fat deposits.
boost memory
1 teaspoon of ghee mixed with hot water, taken before going to bed, is the best known purgative. As ghee gains popularity in the West, we Indians must continue to consume this essential food as part of our daily diet.
Organic sugar is raw sugar made from unrefined sugar cane and has more nutrients since it is less processed. Packed with antioxidants, amino acids, various minerals and vitamins, organic sugar or raw sugar should be included in the diet in moderate amounts. Better than refined white sugar, small amounts of organic sugar in your diet will give you an energy spike.
Having rice, ghee, and moderate amounts of sugar as part of your diet will keep your body healthy, your mind alert, and all your organs working steadily. These foods reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s and protect you from free radical damage. In addition to satisfying our hunger cravings, these traditional foods provide our body with a host of health benefits and therefore should be incorporated into our daily diet.
