Cup of health
Make wellness a way of life in the new year. Nutritionist Lovneet Batra shares some recipes for homemade elixirs to set us on track for sound health
Diet trends changing practically every day, fancy ingredients, fastpaced urban lifestyles... it is a confusing mix for all of us. Add to that the hype about the ‘magical’ ability of various exotic ingredients to make and keep us fit, and the confusion increases. Delhi-based clinical nutritionist Lovneet Batra throws fresh light on the subject.
“Nothing that is exotic is sustainable to the pocket for long,” she asserts, vouching for the treasure trove of indigenous, inexpensive ingredients found in Indian kitchens. “I have always believed in going back to the basics and appreciating the benefits of the food we have grown up on,” she adds with a smile, as she celebrates the resoundingly positive feedback for her latest book, 50 Desi
Super Drinks. It’s a bounty of easyto-make recipes, using ingredients you can virtually find in your backyard.
“The book is an attempt to bring back forgotten foods that nurture health in a cup,” says Lovneet. “Honestly, there is an information overload, with most people aping celeb diets and hankering after express results and weight loss. But now a growing number of people are aware of, and focussed on holistic health and eating right,” she notes.
“I believe in keeping health and fitness simple by drawing from our indigenous fruits, vegetables, spices and herbs that are bursting with superpowers,” says Lovneet. These must be consumed to strengthen our immunity, and be able to handle the pressures of the unique environment of our country,” she explains.
In her book, Lovneet has distilled the nutrient and healing powers of local ingredients into ten-minute recipes.
There are curious, uncommon inclusions in her bouquet of preparations,
I believe in keeping health and fitness simple by drawing from our indigenous fruits, vegetables, spices and herbs that are bursting with superpowers. These must be consumed to strengthen our immunity
— Lovneet Batra
each of which comes with a carefully-calculated nutritional value. Take for instance buckwheat tea, made of ‘vrat’friendly kuttu flour. “This drink is full of amino acids like lysine and arginine, and has soluble carbs that work wonders for those who are diabetic,” says Lovneet. “Buckwheat tea contains manganese that improves metabolism, and boosts haemoglobin naturally,” she explains. She calls it a ‘mega fatigue-fighting tonic’, as it even props up oxygen levels and kidney function. “For those fighting PCOS, buckwheat is a blessing as it i mproves o v a r y f unctions and boosts f e r t i l i t y, "she adds. Listen up, ladies.
A jwa in Gur Kahra is her top recommendation for w in te r . Because of its antiinflammatory properties, this hot drink cleanses the liver and detoxes the gut and lungs effectively. “It is a digestion-booster superstar, and counters allergic cough, cold, and asthma,” she points out. “For women, this spice is a godsend as it manages bloating and PMS symptoms, keeping cramping, hormone fluctuations and nausea away” she adds. Similarly, the delicious Bamboo Shoot and Lotus Stem Sherbet, loaded with silica, is great for skin and hair, as well as for nails and teeth. “This copper-rich drink is recommended as a preventive for Alzheimer’s Disease, to manage stress and mood disorders,” explains Lovneet. “A vitamin cocktail, this low-calorie drink is rich in fibre and cellulose. The sherbet manages digestive issues, blood pressure and lowers bad cholesterol.” A perfect pick to counteract the fallout of our pressure-cooker urban lifestyle! “Papaya trees are common in home gardens, and are the richest source of folic acid when you mix in halim (garden cress) seeds. It’s great for heart health. It is also the cheapest beauty drink as it lends an unbeatable sheen to your skin and hair, and keeps urinary tract infections at bay,” says Lovneet. Talking of yet another concoction — Neem Tea — she says its anti-microbial punch fobs off severe acne, dandruff, and skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema. Make it your first pick to deal with the skin dryness in winter! Shatavery Water is a perfect drink, particularly for anxious souls. It detoxes through its diuretic properties, and for newbie moms, boosts lactation.
There is more. Lovneet recommends the iron punch of the humble yet strong ragi ambali to ward off anaemia, a common issue in menarche and pre-menopause years. “Mixed with buttermilk, ragi strengthens muscles, and improves body flexibility.” It is also a nourishing weaning food (calcium and iron- rich), she says. Noni juice beats fatigue and builds endurance. “This natural energy-booster improves performance by 21 percent if taken during exercise sessions,” says Lovneet. “It is especially therapeutic for those suffering from degenerative arthritis of the spine.”
“My biggest challenge is to get people to understand that a simple lifestyle change goes a long way in improving overall health,” says Lovneet, adding, “Everything in our body is interconnected, and this makes investing in our health more important than investing in anything else,” she concludes. Clearly, good health is within arm’s reach. One doesn’t have to go looking for it in costly, exotic produce.
“My biggest challenge is to get people to understand that a simple lifestyle change goes a long way in improving overall health. People were aping celeb diets and hankering after express results and weight loss. But now a growing number of people are aware of, and focussed on holistic health and eating right.”