Shivani travelled to Bhutan for a fortnight. When she returned, she had stories about the beauty and culture of the happiest country. But when it came to indigenous flavours, she tried none. Shivani is one of the many people who carry their regional foods to international destinations. This National Nutrition Week’s theme – Celebrate a World of Flavours – encourages such people to appreciate the nutritional value of different cuisines.
MAN IS WHAT HE EATS.
LUCRETIUS
Eating a nutritious and balanced diet, exercising, sleeping for 8 hrs, and avoiding intoxicants keep us healthy. Every year from 1st to 7th September, the Government launches programmes to increase awareness about the role of nutrition and good lifestyle practices in leading a healthy life. Keeping with the theme of National Nutrition Week 2022, we enlist the best healthy foods from around the world.
1. Teff Bread from Ethiopia
This tasty Ethiopian bread is gluten-free, rich in proteins, vitamins C and B1, and minerals like calcium, manganese, phosphorous, iron, copper, aluminium and barium.
2. Soba Noodles from Japan
Gluten-free Soba noodles, made from buckwheat, are richer in proteins than carbohydrates. They are good sources of soluble fibre, thiamine, and manganese. These low-fat ramens are good for blood sugar control and heart and gut health. Mostly, Soba noodles are served with a low-calorie and fibre-rich soup, which further improves gut health.
3. Tacos from Mexico
Tacos are delicious yet complete in nutrition. Baked corn flour provides more fibre than other white flour. Tacos, stuffed with grilled chicken, fish, or beans, are a good quantity of proteins. Additionally, stuffed veggies supply minerals and vitamins.
The small size of the Mexican dish helps in portion control. So, while enjoying the taste, you consume fewer calories. Many restaurants in India offer this nourishing Mexican dish. Follow the National Nutrition Week’s theme and treat yourself to tacos.
4. Lamb Tagine from Morocco
Along with the richness of protein, selenium, zinc, and vitamins B12 and B3, this flavourful Moroccan lamb dish offers much more. It is a nutritional powerhouse, prepared in tagine stew made of vegetables, chickpeas, almonds, and apricots.
5. Kasha from Russia
Simple to cook, buckwheat groats – Kasha – are cholesterol-free and rich in protein, fibre and minerals. They help with high blood pressure, weight, and diabetes.
6. Herring Platter from Sweden
The Swedish platter contains crispbread made of rye, cheese, white fish, vegetables, and herbs. It is a meal balanced in carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Rye bread leaves to full without much fluctuations in blood sugar. Herring fish has enormous lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins B12 and D. Its Swedish platter will make you slimmer and your heart healthier.
7. Garlicky Brocolli Rabe from Italy
A dark green, bitter, cabbage-like vegetable broccoli babe or rapini is found in Mediterranean cuisine. It has calcium, potassium, ascorbic acid, fibre, cancer-preventing indoles and isothiocyanates. In Italy, rapini is sauteed in olive oil with garlic and garnished with red pepper and cheese.
8. Andalusian Gazpacho from Spain
A cold and freshening appetizer in Spanish cuisine, Gazpacho, is a soup prepared from raw vegetables like tomato, bell pepper, and cucumber. Variants of chilled Gazpacho are made from watermelon or cherry.
After reading the above list, you will be enticed to give into the National Nutrition Week’s theme – Celebrate a World of Flavours. Digging into lip-smacking global cuisines can keep you in good shape.