culinary food eat
Food, the most integral part of human existence is available in many distinct forms. We consume it not just to satisfy hunger, but to sustain life itself. Coming directly from nature the fruits, vegetables, grains, and meat . Food provides a wide range of qualities and nutrients essential for the human body. These include vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbs and healthy fats, all of which play unique roles in maintaining health. For example, carrots and spinach are rich in Vitamin-A which supports good eyesight , citrus fruits like oranges and guavas provide Vitamin C for strong immunity , dairy products and leafy greens plants & vegetables provide Calcium for healthy bones and teeth, lentils and spinach are rich in Iron for proper blood circulation and staple foods such as rice, wheat, and potatoes offer Carbohydrates, the body’s main source of energy.
Having understood the basics of nutrition it is equally important to recognize that food is more than just fuel for survival. Access to safe and nourishing food is a fundamental need and in many ways a basic human right. Without it, societies face problems like weakened immunity and lifestyle diseases. But when this right is fulfilled , food does more than keep us alive, it becomes a tool to preserve health, prevent illness and strengthen the body from within.
From ancient traditions to modern research many plants we use in daily life carry healing properties.
Turmeric and its healty benefits
curcumin supports joint health.
Ginger is widely trusted for easing digestion, relieving nausea, and soothing sore throats
Garlic beyond its role in cooking , it strengthens the heart, lowers cholesterol, and fights infections.
Tulsi (holy basil) is valued for boosting immunity and helping with colds and respiratory issues.
Aloe vera often applied to the skin, cools burns, heals wounds, and also aids digestion when taken in small amounts.
Neem known as a natural purifier, is used to maintain healthy skin, fight bacteria and cleanse the body. These plants show how nature provides remedies that not only flavor our meals but also protect and heal the body.
In India, the idea of food as medicine has always been woven into everyday life. Spices and herbs like turmeric, ginger, tulsi, and neem have been part of kitchens and home remedies for centuries, not only as ingredients but as natural healers. These practices are rooted in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of health which emphasizes balance through diet, lifestyle and natural remedies. In recent decades, much of this wisdom has found recognition worldwide. For example, turmeric lattes once a simple Indian haldi doodh ( turmeric milk ) are now popular in cafés across America and in Europe . Yoga and herbal teas inspired by Indian traditions are embraced globally for wellness. This shows how ancient Indian knowledge has guided modern health trends and how integrating such natural practices into daily life can benefit people everywhere.
Many of the medicines we see in pharmacies today have their roots in plants that were once only part of diets or home remedies. For example aspirin, one of the most widely used pain relievers in the world was originally derived from salicylic acid found in the bark of the willow tree. Similarly, quinine used to treat malaria, comes from the bark of the cinchona tree. These examples show that plants which once entered the body through food or simple herbal drinks are now the foundation of recognized medical treatments.
Indian plants in particular have played a crucial role in shaping modern medicine. Turmeric, beyond being a cooking spice is studied worldwide for curcumin , which has anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Research is ongoing into developing curcumin-based drugs that can aid in treating arthritis and even slowing tumor growth. Neem extracts are used in pharmaceuticals and personal care products for their antibacterial and antifungal properties. Aloe vera, once applied as fresh gel on burns is now processed into creams, ointments and capsules that are sold across the globe.
In fact, the global pharmaceutical industry increasingly acknowledges the value of plant-based medicine. The World Health Organization has estimated that nearly 25% of modern medicines are directly derived from plants. This shows how deeply food and natural products are intertwined with the very medicines prescribed in hospitals today.
In today’s world however, many people have drifted away from these natural practices and instead depend heavily on processed foods, oily snacks and fast food. While convenient such diets are loaded with unhealthy fats, excess sugar and artificial preservatives, which over time lead to obesity, diabetes, heart problems and weakened immunity. The shift from home-cooked, wholesome meals to packaged and instant foods has slowly replaced the healing power of traditional diets. The solution lies in making conscious choices. Cooking more at home with fresh vegetables and spices, limiting processed snacks, reading food labels carefully and returning to simple practices like drinking herbal teas or adding turmeric and ginger to daily meals. By choosing fresh and natural foods over junk, people can protect their health and bring back the balance that earlier generations maintained with ease.
To bring the idea of food as medicine back into daily life, small but steady steps can make a big difference. Let me suggest / share with you few ways of how my mom does it .
First try to include at least one healing spice or herb like turmeric, ginger or tulsi in everyday meals or drinks.
Second replace one processed snack with a natural option such as fruits, nuts or roasted seeds to cut down on hidden sugars and unhealthy fats.
Third make it a habit to cook fresh food at home whenever possible, since simple balanced meals are far more nourishing than packaged alternatives. These small choices practiced consistently can help people reconnect with traditional wisdom, protect their health and build a lifestyle where food itself becomes the medicine for long and happy living.
By: Gauri Singh
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