Indian Super foods can help curb malnutrition

Indian Super foods can help curb malnutrition

The Article 47 of the Constitution of India is a Directive Principle of State Policy that directs the State to improve the level of nutrition and standards of living of its people and to improve public health as its duty. The National Nutrition Mission (NNM) that received government nod last year follows this directive and aims to reduce stunting, under-nutrition, anemia (among young children, women and adolescent girls) and reduce low birth weight by 2%, 2%, 3% and 2% per annum respectively. For this purpose, the government has promoted the use of Indian super foods. These super foods are rich in micronutrients, boost immunity, rejuvenate and help absorb other nutrients well into the body. They are as follows-

Food item	Health Benefits	Picture
Indian gooseberry (amla)	Slows down ageing Cures a sore throat Fights against heart disease Increases diuretic activity Increases metabolic activity Reduces blood sugar High in digestive fiber Boosts immunity Prevents formation of gall bladder stones Prevents ulcers Anti-inflammatory Improves eyesight Purifies blood Strengthens bones Cools the body Prevents constipation Prevents jaundice Reduces the risk of cancer Protects liver Makes skin glow Brightens skin Reduces pigmentation Prevents lice Prevents greying of hair Helps increase hair growth
Indian ginseng (ashwagandha)	Reduces blood sugar Increased stamina and endurance Improved thyroid and adrenal gland function Reduced stress and fatigue Protection against gastric ulcers Enhanced memory and cognition Increased mitochondrial function and energy levels Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects Anti-tumor and anti-cancer effects Improved immunity Better sleep and decreased anxiety Central nervous system support
Dry ginger powder (sonth)	Skin toner Improves digestion Headache Chest pain Anti-inflammatory Common cold Metabolism Weight loss Flatulence Urinary infections Acne
Heart-leaved moonseed (giloy)	Boosts immunity Boosts digestion Treats asthma Treats eye disorders Acts as aphrodisiac Treats chronic fever Treats diabetes Treats gouty arthritis Reduces anxiety and improves metal health Anti-ageing property
Drumstick (moringa)	Prevents inflammation Helps prevent cancer Good for brain Helps to improve immunity Helps prevent kidney problems Good for your bone Antibacterial property Helps protect the liver Reduces symptoms of diabetes Prevents respiratory problems
Fresh turmeric (kacchi haldi)	Anti-inflammatory Strong antioxidant Boosts digestion Anti-microbial agent Protects tooth decay Heals wounds faster Natural painkiller Spreads the healing of bone fracture Protects skin Great anti-allergic Treats asthma Boosts immunity
Garlic (lehsun)	Blood clot activator Relieves stress and fatigue Rejuvenates skin Cures respiratory problems Dementia averter Boosts metabolism Assists detoxification Cures athlete’s foot Anti-inflammatory property Painkiller