Reader’s DigestG
LOBALIZATION has allowed
us to access exotic foods from
around the world, all year
round. For most people, if a prod-
uct is expensive, it must be superior.
What they don’t realize is that it may
cost more not because of its premium
quality but because of the massive
duty levied on imported food. A lot
of locally sourced produce is just
as good, and in some cases, even
better. What’s more, it is priced
far more reasonably. Also, eating
local foods can help you reduce
your carbon footprint by up to seven
per cent and show more love for
the planet. Here are some easy-to-
find local heroes.
AMLA v/s GOJI BERRIES
With lifestyle illnesses on the rise,
everyone wants to boost their immu-
nity, and vitamin C is essential for it.
We often end up ignoring local sources
of vitamin C such as amla [the Indian
gooseberry] and hanker for the fancier
goji berry. While goji berry may be la-
belled as a ‘miracle fruit’ because of its
many health benefits, the sour-tasting
amla offers similar—if not better—
benefits. Our daily requirement of vita-
min C is about 65 to 90 gm. One serving
of amla contains 600 mg of vitamin C,
and if juiced, its value increases. When
it is dehydrated, amla provides 2,428
to 3,470 mg of vitamin C. Even when
it’s dried and turned into powder, it
retains as much as 780 to 2,660 mg
of vitamin C. Easily available at most
local grocers and
vegetable vendors,
the immunity-
boosting fruit has
a bunch of other health
benefits: It balances stomach ac-
ids, strengthens the heart and lungs,
improves skin and hair texture and
is an anti-carcinogenic. Eat it fresh
and sprinkled with sea salt or chop it
into small pieces and toss it into your
favourite salad for a dash of tartness.AMARANTH v/s QUINOA
Did you know that amaranth [rajgira
in Hindi] is packed with manganese
and just one serving can fulfil your
daily need of this nutrient? Part of the
same plant family as quinoa, this pro-
vides comparable health benefits and
at a fraction of the cost. Amaranth is
also high in antioxidants, fibre, cal-
cium, phosphorous and iron. You can
add ground amaranth seed grains with
your flour to make rotis or bread. Or eat
amaranth puffs as a breakfast cereal.FLAXSEEDS v/s CHIA SEEDS
It is so much better to use flaxseeds
instead of chia seeds in your smooth-
ies and salads. Flaxseeds [alsi in Hindi]
not only contain anti-inflammatory
omega-3 fatty acids but also come
laden with monounsaturated fats,
which are essential for your overall
good health. High in fibre and low in
carbohydrates, these wonder seeds are
also packed with antioxidants that help
improve your skin and hair.readersdigest.co.in 39