The 10 Healthiest Ingredients in Indian Food

When it comes to geographic regions known for their healthy dietary habits, the Mediterranean diet is probably best known, and the Nordic diet has gotten some attention, too. But there’s another part of the world where the traditional cuisine has plenty of health benefits: India.

In India, the food can vary depending upon the specific area it originates from. But in general, Indian cuisine uses a lot of plant-based proteins, such as beans and lentils, whole grains, and fermented foods including yogurt. Many ingredients common to Indian cuisine, including millet (a whole grain), lentils, spices, and vegetables, aren’t as prevalent in other cuisines, according to research. It’s not surprising that Indian food includes so many good-for-you ingredients, because Ayurveda, the classic medicinal system of India, is rooted in the idea that food has nutritional as well as medicinal value.

Although Indian food is often associated with takeout, there’s much more to it than fried samosas and rich sauces. The ingredients below are some of the healthiest you’ll find in Indian cooking but can also be used in other recipes.

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