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Natural foods have been a part of the human diet since time immemorial. But it is only in recent years we have seen a spike in people getting health conscious and leaning towards healthier food alternatives.
And it’s not like these natural food products and their nutritious values were hidden all this while. Recent research keeps revealing the benefits of various natural foods for our health and body weight. Being said that, there is no doubt about the many reasons to consume natural foods daily.
If you’re reading this, chances are you already know the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. But if you need a few reminders, we’ve got them for you.
At times, we give in to convenience and go for fast food or take-out when it’s late or we’re too tired to cook. But that can be balanced with some of the quick and easy-to-eat foods that are natural.
Eating a healthy diet is one of the most important ways to have a healthier and happier lifestyle. And it certainly does not needs to be hard to get the right balance of nutrients without paying close attention to what you’re eating.
We have six such superfoods in this blog article that are all-natural and provide your body with all the nutrients it needs without the added preservatives and artificial flavours.
How is Natural Food Different From Processed Food?
To understand how is it different and better, you need to hear the truth which is nearly all foods are processed. It is important to make it safer and more consumable for consumers like us.
This minimal processing does not affect the pure and healthy standards of a natural food product. Unlikely there are highly processed foods which are not acceptable for some people or products. Processed food, is food that has been changed from its natural state.
This can be done through methods such as canning, freezing, or drying. Processed food often has additives, such as salt, sugar, or fat, added to it to enhance the taste, texture and longevity.
On the other hand, natural food is food that has not been processed or altered in any way. Food that is kept in its natural state e.g. fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Natural food is generally considered to be healthier than processed food. This is because even after extracting or harvesting any natural product, it still contains all of the nutrients that are found in its unprocessed state.
These nutrients are essential for maintaining a healthy body and are the reason we are consuming them in the first place.
Processed food often loses some of these essential nutrients during the machinery processes. To give you a simplified idea, here’s a classification of the extent of food processing:
Group 1:
These are minimally or unprocessed foods like veggies, fruits, beans, lentils, seeds and nuts
Group 2:
In this group, we have processed culinary ingredients that are directly obtained from group 1 foods or nature. Basically, foods that are mainly used in the preparation and cooking
Group 3:
Has food products that are processed by adding ingredients from groups 1 and 2
Group 4:
The last group with the most processed foods. Processed in order to make them convenient, and low cost and they are high in sugars, fats, preservatives and salt.
So if you’re looking to improve your health, it’s a good idea to focus on eating more natural foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources are all great choices.
Read further to know about quick and easy natural foods you can include in your healthy eating habits today.
What Are the Top 6 Natural Foods to Eat?
Desi Cow Ghee
It is the purest form of ghee made from ethically sourced A2 milk from cows that are grass feds around different regions of India. Considered a healthy alternative to regular ghee, with a thick yellowish grainy texture. Health benefits are:
-
- Great source of antioxidants, vitamins & minerals
- Helps in digestion
- Boosts immunity
- Reduces inflammation
- A great skin nourisher
- Higher smoke point
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Not only this is unprocessed and natural, but people have also been using it as a popular home remedy for cooking and medicines for centuries. Because it is natural it possesses antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar is made by exposing crushed apples to yeast, fermenting the sugar and turning it into alcohol.
Later, this alcohol is further bacteria fermented and turned into acetic acid, a main active ingredient which is believed to be responsible for its incredible health benefits including
- Aiding weight loss
- Reducing cholesterol
- Lowering blood sugar levels
Jaggery Powder
Gur choorn as we all know it is made either from sugarcane or palm juice. The juice is stirred continuously over the fire for quite a long time in order to reduce it.
Later pounded accordingly to get the golden-hued powder packed with nature’s goodness and taste. If natural, gur powder can be an alternative to sugar in many recipes and help your overall health like
- Prevent and relieve constipation
- Detoxifies liver
- Purifies blood
- Fights common cold and cough
- Great source of carbs
Dry fruits and nuts
Naturally harvested, dried fruits and nuts are a powerhouse of nutrients providing a number of health benefits.
Treat them as a healthy quick snack for your hunger cravings in between meals. They are highly nutritious and rich in protein, vitamins, dietary fibres and minerals. Health benefits include:
-
- Boosts immunity
- Helps lose weight
- Keeps your skin healthy
- Fights constipation
Brown Rice
A rich source of dietary fibre, farmed and harvested naturally with vital nutrients that keep your heart healthy. Also high in magnesium which keeps your blood sugar levels in check. Following are some jaw-dropping health benefits of this super grain:
-
- Better weight control
- Improved heart health
- Reduced risk of diabetes
Himalayan Salt
Harvested from Himalayan salt mines, the salt is hand-extracted and processed as minimally to get the purest and unrefined salt product.
Possesses many other minerals and nutrients than regular table salt. The pink colour of this special salt is due to these extra minerals and iron content. Some of the promoted health benefits are:
-
- Balances our body’s pH
- Improves sleep quality
- Regulates blood sugar
- Improves respiration
Summary
Why Should We Eat Natural Foods?
All the more reasons why should we eat natural foods. They are typically more nutritious than processed foods, they taste better, and they are better for the environment. Natural foods are also generally less expensive than processed foods, so eating them is a great way to save money.
Of course! It’s not always possible to eat 100% natural foods but what matters is you doing your part and start eating more natural foods today! Make an effort with Himalayan Natives to incorporate more natural foods into your diet and you will be doing yourself a favour in many ways and your body will thank you for it!
