It happens to most of us. Some day we wake up feeling great, sprightly and very positive. And then there are days that can safely called a wet-blanket. You don’t feel like doing anything, going anywhere or meeting anyone. You could give it to the season, what you encountered the day before and so on. While no-one can doubt these, one can’t help but look for the culprit, right there under your nose: to be precise, on your place!
Yes, what you eat can affect the way your brain functions, the way you behave, think and interact. Think about it this way: while most foods are an essential, like energy, essential fats, proteins and minerals, these together also affect our brains and influence everything from our energy levels to stress, anxiety, and even sleep. And where does it all start? Right there in your gut!
The gutsy feeling
Deep research over years now confirms that nearly 90% of our body’s serotonin (the “feel-good” chemical) is made in our gut making it vitally important to keep our gut in healthy condition for a healthy mind and thoughts. It’s here that smart eating enters the picture.
Most of us know the after-effects of consuming a heavy, oily meal. You feel slow, irritable and sometimes also very low. Why? Because you ate wrong and got the wrong signals going from the gut to the brain. Conversely, when you eat just right, meaning healthy and light, food itself uplifts your brains and sharpens your responses!
Indian Superfoods: Super for the gut…and the brain!
Millets are also called coarse grains but in reality, they are actually quite smooth for the body and only adds to it nutritionally, Rich in much-needed fibre and nutrients, and low on the glycaemic index, they help and support our digestion in the right way while keeping us feeling fuller and satiated for a longer period. You don’t get highs and lows of things like sugar and energy and don’t keep eating- all of which have a positive impact on our bodies- and also our minds.
Eat Smart, Not Less with Indian Superfoods
Eating less and cutting on calories is like taking your foot off the accelerator, a temporary phenomenon. The moment you go back, it just adds to weight, both to the mind and to the body.
Shifting to Indian Superfoods: Start small, win big!
Food by itself isn’t going to do the magic. What it needs as supplements are exercise, quality sleep, hydration, and a little going out in the sun.
The Final Bite
Next time you feel low, don’t reach for your phone to order the fries and chips. Instead, head for the kitchen for a bowl of Indian porridge, or a millet-based khichdi. It’s just as fast to cook, comforting and will keep your gut and brains functioning better
So, eat well, think smart, feel great…and it all starts with Indian Superfoods and Millets!
(Mr. Ajay Kangralkar, Founder, SkyRoots Ventures LLP)
