PC:(Indian tv)
On the first day of Navratri, celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, renowned for her seamless integration of traditional dietary wisdom with modern nutritional science, shared her insights on Instagram. She challenges the popular notion of fasting as a mere “detox” and instead emphasizes its role in enhancing digestion, diversifying diets, and promoting mental and physical relaxation. Here’s a closer look at her recommended foods to make your Navratri fast both nourishing and meaningful.
Rajgira (Amaranth): The Iron-Rich Powerhouse
Rajgira, commonly known as amaranth, is a nutrient-packed grain that Diwekar highlights for its versatility and health benefits.
Boosts Oxygen Flow high in iron, rajgira supports healthy hemoglobin levels, ensuring efficient oxygen transport in the body. Enhances Hair Vitality Rich in lysine, an essential amino acid, it promotes hair growth and adds natural shine. Strengthens Mind and Body adequate iron intake from rajgira sustains physical energy and mental clarity, perfect for fasting.
Whether enjoyed as flour-based dishes or puffed grains, rajgira is a cornerstone of a balanced Navratri diet.
Cashews: The Magnesium-Packed Soother
A handful of cashews can transform your fasting experience, thanks to their high magnesium content. Promotes Restful Sleep magnesium’s sedative properties help relax muscles and calm nerves, improving sleep quality. Alleviates Discomfort cashews can ease nighttime foot pain and evening bloating, offering comfort during fasting.
Adding cashews to your Navratri menu brings both nourishment and calm to your festive days.
Bananas: The Mood and Gut Booster
Bananas, a fasting staple, are celebrated by Diwekar for their Vitamin B6 content, which supports emotional and digestive health.
Elevates Mood vitamin B6 aids serotonin production, fostering emotional stability and a sense of well-being. Eases Premenstrual Symptoms for women, bananas can reduce breast tenderness before periods.
Supports Digestion the prebiotics in bananas promote healthy gut bacteria, enhancing digestive function.
Legumes (Sundal): The Protein-Rich Tradition
Drawing from South Indian culinary heritage, Diwekar recommends legumes like chana, lobia, or rajma, prepared as sundal—a sprouted, cooked vegetable dish.Builds and Repairs Tissues: Legumes are rich in protein and amino acids, essential for tissue repair and muscle health. Fortifies Bones these amino acids also strengthen bones, supporting long-term skeletal health. Nourishes Brain Function: Regular legume consumption enhances cognitive health, keeping the mind sharp. Sundal offers a delicious way to incorporate protein and tradition into your fasting routine.
A Universal Approach to Fasting & Fasting with Purpose
While Diwekar underscores the benefits of these foods for women, she emphasizes their inclusivity. Men can equally benefit from adding rajgira, cashews, bananas, and legumes to their Navratri diet, making fasting a nourishing experience for all.
Rujuta Diwekar’s Navratri nutrition guide reimagines fasting as an opportunity to nurture the body and mind while staying rooted in tradition. By incorporating nutrient-dense foods like rajgira, cashews, bananas, and legumes, you can enhance digestion, reduce stress, and embrace dietary diversity. This Navratri, let’s fast with purpose, celebrating health, inclusivity, and the timeless wisdom of balanced nutritio