Here are Some Forgotten Foods That You Should Really Consume

Do you know there are varieties of crops that are neglected or forgotten? Yes! If we start consuming these forgotten foods they will provide us more well-balanced and nutritious diets, safeguard our agriculture, and beat climate change in its style.

By relying on some crops to feed the majority of the world, we leave ourselves vulnerable to one disease or pest destroying a large part of our food systems. Relying on a wide variety of crops that are valued and appreciated on the global market, means that farmers have more options of what to grow and how to inter-plant their fields. These make for more sustainable food production systems so let us talk about those foods and start including them again in our diet.

• Phalsa (Indian Berries): A tiny dark purple fruit that beautifully balances sweet and sour flavours, phalsa will remind you of blueberries. Extremely rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, and vitamin C, phalsa is a super fruit with an effective cooling effect that is perfect especially for summers. It is mostly eaten ripe and fresh, with a sprinkling of salt and black pepper along with it. However, syrup or squash of the fruit is also prepared, so that one can enjoy benefit of this healthy fruit for a longer time.
• Amaranth: Amaranth or amaranthus caudatus is considered a weed by much of the world, but it has been grown as a grain-like seed and vegetable for thousands of years. It has many health benefits like lowers cholesterol levels, reduces the risk of cancer, fights inflammation, provides a boost of protein, and improves digestion too. Start including this grain in your routine and add a variety to your diet.
• Brussel Sprouts: They are often considered smelly, mushy, and bitter if over-cooked and for this reason, they have a bad rap but it has numerous health benefits along with it. Loaded with fibre content, rich in antioxidants, and improves skin condition. They contain plenty of vitamins and nutrients including vitamin K which helps the blood to clot, vitamin C for growth and repair, and vitamin A which maintains good eye health.
• Coconut flesh: Coconut often gets forgotten on its significant health benefits. Coconut is packed with a lot of vitamins and minerals including manganese, potassium, copper, iron, and zinc among others which are essential for your overall health. It is high in insoluble fibre which helps to keep your bowel movements intact. Also, coconut flesh has coconut oil present in it which helps in boosting the good cholesterol in the body and reduces the bad cholesterol. Aids in weight loss too.
• Turnips: With a high water content and low-calorie count, the consumption of this non-starchy vegetable makes people fuller for a longer period, aiding in weight loss. Turnips are easily available in the markets and help reduce pressure and inflammation in the colon due to their high fibre content. Besides many health benefits, consuming an adequate amount of turnips can benefit the immune system and also help in reducing hair loss prompted by iron deficiency.

Over to you:

Now you must know these hidden gems present around us! Start consuming these wonderful foods in your diets again and enjoy their health benefits.