Who can resist the aroma of pure ghee poured over hot rice and dal with a sprinkle of organic powdered sugar? And today, research-backed scientific proclamations are directing people to our grandmothers’ diet without any guilt. Busting myths and misconceptions about healthy and unhealthy eating habits, the “satvik” diet of ancient India is on the rise! Once considered “fatty foods”, today organic rice, ghee and sugar have been shown to provide us with an energy boost; they help regulate metabolism, slow down aging and are now essential in your daily diet.
Rice, Oryza Sativa is a species of grass, providing several essential minerals, Vitamin B, sodium, zinc etc. Full of fibre, this gluten-free cereal is a source of vital fatty acids. Brown rice is richer in nutrients because only the outermost layers or hull are removed; it helps to maintain a healthy body weight.
Rice is full of phenolic compounds which are packed with powerful antioxidants released during digestion. A cup of rice a day has several nutritional and health benefits. A few of them are listed below:
· Lowers cholesterol
Protects against heart disease
Balances the action of calcium to regulate muscle tone
Reduces metabolic syndrome
Reduces migraines and headaches
Reduces the frequency of asthma attacks
Reduces the risk of type II diabetes
This cereal is part of several cultural cuisines and is a staple food across 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 you with all their nutrients. Ghee made from the milk of cows that feed on organically grown grass and vegetables is most beneficial. Fats provide instant energy to the body and are essential to a balanced diet.
1 g of fat provides nearly 9 calories, nearly twice the energy provided by carbohydrates or protein.
So, about 2 tablespoons of ghee a day will give you all the nutritional benefits of this miracle food. The most misunderstood fat, ghee is a soothing ointment that not only gives skin a glow but has a host of other benefits, some of which are listed below:
It facilitates the absorption of essential vitamins
Helps form spongy tissues that cushion our joints
Dissolves waste from body tissues and flushes out toxins
Has a healing effect on the alimentary tract
Alleviates peptic ulcers or gastritis
Contains linoleic acid which fights fatty deposits
Increases memory
1 teaspoon of ghee mixed with hot water, taken at bedtime is the best known purgative. As ghee gains popularity in the West, we Indians should continue to consume this essential food as part of our daily diet.
Organic sugar is unrefined sugar made from raw sugar cane and contains more nutrients because it is less processed. Full of antioxidants, amino acids, several minerals and vitamins, organic sugar or raw sugar should be included in your diet in moderate amounts. Better than refined white sugar, small amounts of organic sugar in your diet will give you an energy boost.
Having rice, ghee, and moderate amounts of sugar in your diet will keep your body healthy, your mind alert, and all your organs in good working order. These foods reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s and protect you from free radical damage. Besides satisfying our cravings, these traditional foods provide our bodies with a host of health benefits and should therefore be included in our daily diet.
