A Healthy Festive Meal Plan Has Arrived: Add Cooking Spices, Curds, Greens, And Fruits To Your Daily Diet – Vegetables, Spices And All That Is Nice

By Donald M. Cuadrado Last updated Oct 4, 2021

A Healthy Festive Meal Plan Has Arrived: Add Cooking Spices, Curds, Greens, And Fruits To Your Daily Diet – Veggies, Spices, and All That Nice | Economic times

Updated: 04 Oct 2021, 10:58 AM IST

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Vegetables, spices and all that is nice

The second year of the pandemic festivities is fast approaching.

It can be difficult to stop yourself from savoring the sweet and savory dishes during Dussehra and Diwali, but it is wise to be mindful every step of the way.

While abstaining from delicious treats altogether may be an impossible task, adding a few essentials to your plate can go a long way.

Fibrous vegetables and fruits, kitchen cupboard spices and meat foods will ensure strong immunity in your festive celebration.

In an interaction with Digital ETPanache, Ayurvedic Doctors and Consultants from the Kapiva Academy of Ayurveda, Dr Aswathy and Dr Anand Dwivedi, and Deepti Khatuja, Assistant Director and Clinical Nutritionist at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, shared much needed foods during this time.

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From the Organic Garden

People find it difficult to understand the key to finding a balanced diet that provides all of the macro and micro nutrients the body needs for good health.

Look no further. Vegetables hold the answer.

All seasonal vegetables have a rich source of micronutrients and multiple antioxidants that can help improve immune function, regulate the gut microbiota, and reduce inflammation.

Green leafy vegetables are rich sources of beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), vitamins C and E, antioxidants, and fiber.

Red peppers are also rich in vitamin C.

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Always try to add common and seasonal foods to your diet, as they can be a great source for boosting immunity.

Like its green counterparts, fruits like papaya, guava, apple, grape, mango and many more are also rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, 13 vitamins and folate which help in the overall maintenance of health and immunity.

Citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines, lemons, lime, and gooseberries (amla) are good sources of vitamin C.

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Try to add a lot of fish to your diet if you are not a vegetarian. They have a rich source of protein, vitamin A, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids.

When it comes to meat, go for lean cuts and red junk food. Meat foods are packed with nutrients like iron, zinc, and essential amino acids.

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The spices in your kitchen cabinet are herbal remedies that have been used for centuries in Indian homes.

These beneficial spices are packed with micronutrients and antioxidants that will give your body the strength it needs.

Turmeric (Haldi) is considered to be one of the best sources for solving cough problems and boosting immunity.

Clove and dry ginger (sunthi) are good for digestive disorders and for those who suffer from prolonged coughing.

Fenugreek (methi) shows immediate action on stomach related problems. Cinnamon has antiviral properties. It can aid digestion and regulate high cholesterol issues.

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Taking care of the gut during the festivities is of paramount importance.

Try adding fibrous millets to your diet as they are high in micronutrients.

A bowl of sour milk can also work wonders. It contains many nutrients and improves gut health by regulating gut bacteria. It also helps immune function and reduces inflammation.

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Try a decoction with heart-leaved moon seeds (giloy), basil leaves (tulsi), ginger and pepper. This mixture helps digestion and strengthens immunity.

Including more turmeric, ginger, garlic, and cilantro in your daily cooking can also speed up digestion.

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