6 Healthy Indian Foods You Should Start Eating Today!

When you think of healthy food, cornflakes and oatmeal are probably the first things that come to mind. For most people, eating healthy translates into eating boring, bland food. So, if you're on a diet, here's some good news for you. Healthy food does not have to be bland or expensive.

Here are 6 indigenous Indian healthy foods that are ideal for you:

1. Idli: This south Indian steamed dish is free from oil and fats and is rich in carbohydrates and proteins. Having a low fat content makes idlis very easy to digest. Idlis are prepared using a combination of rice and dal. Their amino acids complement each other and the fermentation process enhances the vitamin B and protein levels in the dish.
2. Roasted grams: Roasted grams is a staple dish in Bihar that is made primarily from roasted gram flour along with barley and wheat flour. Roasted grams is rich in fiber, has cooling properties and has a low glycaemic index. Roasting the flour also helps retain all the nutrients in the flour. Roasted grams can be made in a number of ways including paranthas and ladoos.
3. Dhokla: Dhoklas are steamed Gujarati snacks made using gram flour. As with idlis, the flour is allowed to ferment before steaming. This helps enhance its nutrient value. Dhoklas also have a very low glycaemic index and is easy to digest.
4. Pearl millets: Pearl millets is a very humble grain that is commonly eaten in Rajasthan. Pearl millets is a rich source of energy and aids digestion. It has an anti diabetic effect and is also said to promote a healthy heart. The lignin in grains is also said to have cancer protecting properties. Pearl millets is a winter food that is usually made into rotis or khichadi.
5. Oat meal: Oat meal is also known as broken wheat. Oat meal recipes can be sweet and savoury. Oat meal is a complex carbohydrate that is slow to digest and hence releases energy at a slow, sustained rate. This makes it an ideal food for people suffering from high cholesterol or diabetes. The high fiber content also makes oat meal easy to digest.
6. Sprouts: Almost every guide to healthy eating promotes sprouts. As the name suggests, sprouts are lentils that have been germinated till they 'sprout' a root. This germination process makes them easy to digest by breaking down the nutrients into simple forms. Sprouts are rich in fiber, vitamin, minerals and proteins. They can be eaten raw or cooked depending on your preference.