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Want to stay healthy? 9 things from traditional Indian kitchen you must bring back NOW!

Last updated on - Feb 26, 2019, 17:22 IST

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Easy ways to stay fit and healthy!

Indian kitchen is rich, not just in terms of flavours, but also otherwise. From kitchenware to habits, it offers so many means to stay healthy and rejuvenated that you can never imagine. These things have been a part of the daily lifestyle of our ancestors and research shows that they lived a healthy lifestyle with these small practices. It is the need of the hour to bring back these practices because they are no less than a ‘blessing’ for us. They might not look effective in the first go but are actually magical in the long run. From improving the functioning of the digestive system to cleaning the internal organs, they are good in every way possible. If you are not aware, read this piece of information that will help you understand the rich offerings of the Indian kitchen and also help you stay fit. Read to know more...

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Homegrown veggies

The best part of growing veggies and fruits at home is that you can reduce the amount of pesticides and increase the amount of nutrients. According to experts, veggies and fruits grown naturally in healthy conditions are 75 percent healthier than the ones bought from grocery store. Also, it increases your physical activity making your heart healthy and increases the body strength. Gardening is also a way of giving back to the nature and environment. In case you don’t have open space for gardening, you can even grow herbs and spices in pot (gamla) and enjoy the benefits.

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Mortar and pestle

Readymade spices are good, but homemade spices are the healthiest. According to experts, the credit goes to mortar and pestle made of natural stone. The spices prepared in mortar and pestle not only stimulates the aroma of the dish but also increase the health quotient, as they have no added artificial flavours. The spices are washed, dried and then grinded, so there is no scope of impurity as well.

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Earthen matka

Clay pots or earthen pots (matka) are porous in nature which helps in cooling water and also provides the healing attribute of the clay that implicitly benefits the human body. According to health experts, clay pots have the USP to reduce the temperature of water in accordance with the climate and are also pocket-friendly as compared to refrigerators.

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Kansa utensils

Bronze or Kansa mental is another ideal option for healthy cooking and serving purpose. In early times, it was used by the royal families to cook and eat as it retains nearly 97 percent nutrients. With the change in time, new-age restaurants and cafes have also started serving food in bronze utensils.

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Iron kadhai

Cooking food in cast iron is a healthy practice because it involves slow and even cooking that helps maintain the nutritional value of the food. It is considered as one of the safest cooking ware and according to a study, food cooked in iron ware fortifies them with iron. It is specifically good for acidic food, as the chemical reactions curb the harmful effects and make the food good for the body.

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Eating with hands

According to Ayurveda, as the fingers put the food in the mouth, you unknowingly, curve them to form a yogic mudra, that activates the sensory organs that keep prana in balance. The food is digested well because when the hand touches the food, the nerves on the finger tips experience it and then send signals to the brain which instructs the body to release digestive juices. Perhaps this is why food tastes better when eaten with hands.

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Steel and glass jar

Glass is the purest and most natural and infinitely recyclable material. Considered as the safest container for food, it is impermeable, non-porous and doesn’t transmit any stains or chemicals into food. Also, glass storage never takes on the smell or colour of the food. Steel, as a non-breakable metal, keeps the food fresh and there are no chemical leaching concerns.

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Chakki ka atta

According to Ayurveda, chakki ka atta is the healthiest way of consuming carbs. The difference between chakki ka atta and packaged flour is of the quality of wheat, gluten content and colour. The chakki ka atta is darker in colour and has zero refined flour content. It is coarsely ground and is easy to digest, whereas packaged one contains 20-30 percent refined flour that increases the pressure of digestive system.

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Copper container for water

According to Ayurveda, water stored in a copper vessel has the ability to balance all the three doshas (vata, kapha and pitta). The water stored in a copper vessel is known as ‘Tamara Jal’ and is meant to be consumed only after at least eight hours. It helps in cleansing and detoxifying stomach and also regulates the working of liver and kidneys. According to the American Cancer Society, copper has been found to help regulate blood pressure, heart rate and lowers one’s cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

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