According to proven nutrition studies, your diet is more important in your weight loss journey compared to the amount of exercise. While healthy exotic foods are expensive & difficult to available everywhere, Indian superfoods for weight loss tend to be easily accessible, nutrient-rich & cost-effective.
Here is a list of 21 Indian superfoods for weight loss that have low calories & loaded with essential vitamins, nutrients, micronutrients, minerals & antioxidants.
Moong Dal ( Mung Bean )
An excellent source of plant-based protein, Moong Dal is packed with essential minerals like Manganese, Magnesium, Folate (B9), Vitamin B1 & Phosphorus. High on fibers, moong dal helps to keep you full for long.
Ande ( Eggs )
The proven way to reduce weight is to reduce calorie intake. Adding boiled eggs in the meal plans reduces overall calorie consumption. Protein-rich eggs provide a feeling of fullness & enhance metabolism. Eggs also include various essential nutrients that are necessary for good health.
Amla ( Indian Gooseberry )
Popularly known as Amla, Indian gooseberry is one of the best superfoods for weight loss with tremendous health benefits. Amla has low calories, which means you can get more nourishment without worrying about calorie intake. Furthermore, It regulates cholesterol metabolism & its higher fiber consumption reduces hunger.
Lauki ( Bottle Gourd )
Bottle gourd or Lauki is an ideal superfood for weight loss diet due to its higher fiber & water percentage. Additionally, it has lower cholesterol levels, saturated fats & contains vital nutrients like Vitamin C, Potassium, and Sodium.
However, It is advisable to avoid raw & bitter bottle gourd as it can be dangerous to health.
Daliya ( Bulgur Wheat )
Daliya or Bulgur Wheat is a staple food in Indian households. It contains protein, fibers & complex carbohydrates which are mandatory for a weight loss diet. A good portion of Daliya can keep you full for a long time & also decrease the levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin.
Haldi ( Turmeric )
Adding Haldi or Turmeric to foods is a very standard practice in Indian kitchens. Admired by Ayurveda, Haldi has excellent weight-loss properties & reduces cholesterol levels. It also contains curcumin which increases digestion & metabolism.
Ajwain Seeds ( Carom Seeds )
Ajwain Seeds or Carom seeds facilitate healthy digestion by providing faster metabolism. The seeds contain thymol which increases the secretion of gastric juices, which makes digestion better.
Makhana ( Fox Nuts )
Makhana or fox nuts are usually commonly on fasting days in India. It is a good source of proteins & fibers that gives a feeling of fullness. Makhana is low in calories & has a low glycemic index. Furthermore, it is an excellent source of calcium & potassium.
Akhrot ( Walnut )
Nutritious walnut includes a good amount of healthy fats which keep cholesterol under control & helps the body speedily burn fat. Walnut reduces the level of ghrelin hormone that triggers hunger feeling in the body.
Palak ( Spinach )
Known as one of the healthiest green leafy vegetables, Spinach proves extremely useful for weight loss & maintaining good gut health. It has low calories & a higher amount of insoluble fiber, which keep the calorie count under control.
Ghee ( Clarified Butter )
Not expected ghee in this list?
Sadly, there are some serious misconceptions about ghee & its significance in weight loss. Desi ghee carries omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce fat levels by pushing fat molecules out of fat cells for energy production. Loaded with vitamin A, E, and K, Ghee speeds up metabolism & keeps the digestive system healthy.
Matar ( Peas )
Green peas induce the feeling of fullness due to the high levels of fiber and protein. Enriched with vitamin K, manganese, and vitamin C, Peas facilitate digestion by managing the flow of waste through your digestive tract and maintaining gut bacteria healthy.
Til ( Sesame Seeds )
Sesame Seeds are a good source of fiber which is well known for digestive health benefits & loaded with healthy fats, B vitamins, antioxidants, & other beneficial plant proteins. Regular consumption of sesame seeds has proven to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides levels.
Rajgira ( Amaranth Seeds )
Popularly known as Rajgira, Amaranth seeds include fiber & protein. The ancient grain helps reduce the levels of ghrelin – a hormone that stimulates appetite & gives a feeling of fullness.
Chole ( Chickpeas )
Our favorite Chole is high in fiber & increases the level of satiation. Eating chickpeas regularly lowers cholesterol levels & benefits digestive health. Chickpeas contain a high amount of protein which lessens hunger & thus reduces calorie consumption.
Shakarakand ( Sweet Potato )
Dietary fiber-rich sweet potato keeps you full for a long time & improves digestive health. High water content in Sweet Potato supports the body to stay hydrated. It has low calories & glycaemic index makes it an excellent superfoods For Weight Loss.
Mooli ( Radish )
Radish is a top source of fiber that facilitates weight loss & lowers cholesterol. Higher water content & low calories of radish make it very fulfilling. Radish further contains a good amount of vitamin C, Potassium & Sodium.
Chukandar ( Beets )
Beetroot juice is one of the best drinks for weight loss. Considered as a ideal superfoods for weight loss, Beets contain low calories and a high amount of vital nutrients. It is a good source of fiber which improves bowel movement & reduces hunger. Beet has Leucine – an amino acid that decreases body fat levels by boosting protein availability.
Jeera ( Cumin )
Additional to enhancing the taste, Recent studies have verified the traditional benefits of cumin which is improving digestion. Cumin can boost metabolism by increasing the action of digestive enzymes. It may help to keep hemoglobin & cholesterol levels under control.
Dahi ( Curd )
The curd has probiotic properties that improve digestion & speeds up metabolism. It is an excellent fat burner, loaded with vital nutrients like calcium, proteins, sodium, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B-2 & vitamin B-12.
Hari Mirch ( Green Chilies)
Enriched with essential vitamins & minerals, Green Chillies are one of the most used ingredients in Indian kitchens. Chillies contain ‘capsaicin’ that can burn excess body fat & lessen calorie consumption.
However, It is necessary to eat Chillies as per the owns tolerance level & those who have faced digestive discomfort should avoid them.
Disclaimer: This article has included generic information only. The website content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor, nutritionists, or registered dietitians before following any advice given on this page.