Some foods are deemed pure and should be consumed in accordance with religious and cultural customs during the nine-day Hindu holiday, during which devotees fast and refrain from particular foods. The following list of six fasting food kinds, along with their respective health advantages, is typical during Navratri.
Since the significance of fasting at regular intervals is stressed so heavily, the nine-day Navratri celebration provides plenty of opportunity to detoxify and cleanse the body while also eating meals that keep energy levels from dropping. Nutrient-dense foods designed for fasting are thought to compensate for the absence of a balanced diet during this time. The constituents of Sattvic cuisine, which is widely consumed, each have unique effects on the body’s general functioning. These are six common fasting foods and their nutritional value.
Buckwheat flour
Kuttu ka atta, or buckwheat flour, is a great source of important nutrients like antioxidants, fibre, and protein. This gluten-free component, which is used to produce rotis, puris, parathas, and other foods, can help control blood sugar levels and give you a sensation of fullness and energy.
Barnyard millet
Samo rice, also called barnyard millet, is well-known for being a high-carbohydrate food that gives you energy when you fast. It is suitable for people with gluten sensitivity because it is gluten-free, easy to digest, and helps to maintain blood sugar levels. Sama ke chawal is perfect for a substantial meal when used in recipes like pulao, khichdi, or simply served steaming with rajgira kadhi.
Singhara Flour
During Navratri, singhara flour is used to produce a variety of meals, including puris, halwa, kheer, and dosas. Indian water chestnut flour has a high carbohydrate content and is gluten-free, but it also gives you energy. Additionally high in potassium, which is necessary for heart health and preserving the body’s ideal fluid balance, is singara.
Potatoes
Despite what many people think, it’s normal to eat potatoes, which are high in carbohydrates, during the Navratri fast. They are an excellent source of fiber and important minerals including potassium and vitamin C. Potatoes offer prolonged energy and help avoid muscle cramps when they are used to make cutlets, in sabudana khichdi, or as French fries.
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Nuts and Fruits
During Navratri, dry fruits like almonds and walnuts are frequently eaten in addition to seasonal fruits like bananas, apples, and chikoo. Rich in natural sugars, healthy fats, vital vitamins, and minerals, these meals can offer a range of nutrients and help you feel full. Fruits and nuts both contribute to the body’s ability to stay hydrated, and nuts give sweetness and savory dishes body and substance.
Sendha Namak
During fasting, table salt is swapped out for mineral-rich rock salt, or sendha namak. Rock salt is thought to be purer and an excellent source of key minerals; it also helps keep the electrolyte balance in foods stable during fasting. A hint of sendha namak can also be used to give sherbets, buttermilk, or lemonade a richly savory flavor that table salt might not be able to deliver.
