More Indian Diet Plans
Continued from Indian Diet Plan
Dairy Food : A large number of Indian dishes (eg. cheese, ghee and curds) are made from milk products, and both milk and yogurt is eaten throughout India. Yogurt is used in curries for a milder flavor and to reduce use of fat. It is also used in a variety of other sauces as well as in dressing Indian style salads like chaat papri. It also adds protein to Indian vegetarian meals. Yogurt with added sugar is often used as a dessert. Buttermilk, cow’s milk, and goat’s milk, are also common staples in the Indian diet, especially in western regions of the country.
Fruit : Fruits play a very important part in the Indian diet plan. Varieties like, mango, oranges, guavas, figs, plantains, berries and pineapple, as well as cantaloupe, grapes and pomegranates are quite common. In addition, in cooler northern regions, the Indian diet includes fruits such as: cherries, plums and strawberries.
Vegetables : The majority of people in India are vegetarians, or semi-vegetarians who eat fish. Not surprisingly therefore, Indian cuisine uses a wide range of vegetables, especially in the south which enjoys a heavy rainfall.
Healthy Spices in Indian Cuisine : Spices, like aniseed, cardamon, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, ginger, garlic and chilies, play a major role in Indian cooking. Many of the spices used to prepare Indian food are chosen for their health properties as well as their aromatic smell and taste. For example, ginger is believed to relieve colds and sore throats, while turmeric is highly regarded as an antiseptic. In fact, turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which may halt the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) and possibly Alzheimer’s disease.
Most Popular Indian Beverage : The main beverage in India is black tea. Indian tea supplies important amounts of the mineral manganese, vitamins E and K, as well as small amounts of vitamin B-complex. In addition, it contains phytochemicals like phenols and flavonoids (eg. epigallocatechin), reputed to improve immunity and protect against cancer and circulatory disease. Assam, and Darjeeling are two famous varieties of Indian tea.