Affordable and Healthy: Nutritionist Suggests 5 Desi Swaps for Western Ingredients

Affordable and Healthy: Nutritionist Suggests 5 Desi Swaps for Western Ingredients

Admit it, browsing through online recipes often leaves us feeling discouraged. Many call for ingredients that are either too pricey or hard to come by. In today’s health-conscious world, we’re all about finding fruits and veggies that are delicious. While avocados have taken the internet by storm in India, not everyone has easy access to them. But fear not! Just because avocados are out of reach doesn’t mean our local produce lacks flavor or nutrients. If you often find yourself in this situation, you’re not alone.

Thankfully, nutritionist Deepsikha Jain has your back now. She recently uploaded a video on her Instagram page, offering desi swaps for those elusive Western ingredients. In the caption, she wrote, “Here are some swaps for you which are easily affordable, equally healthy, and tasty. I have used lettuce but it can replace kale or any other cruciferous vegetable.”

Let’s check out these healthy and pocket-friendly swaps in detail:

Kale to Cabbage

Kale, with its vibrant green color and crisp texture, has gained popularity for its numerous health benefits. However, it can be pricey and not easily available everywhere. Enter cabbage, a vegetable that is equally nutritious and more budget-friendly. Both kale and cabbage belong to the cruciferous family and offer similar health benefits.

Avocado to Coconut

Avocados are renowned for their creamy texture and healthy fats, making them a popular choice for salads and smoothies. However, if avocados are not within your reach, coconut can be a great alternative. Both are rich in fats, potassium, and fiber, offering similar health benefits. Coconut, with its sweet and nutty flavor, can add a tropical twist to your dishes.

Olive Oil to Ghee

Olive oil is often touted as a healthier choice than other cooking oils. However, if you’re looking for a desi alternative, consider ghee. Made from clarified butter, ghee has been used in Indian cooking for centuries and is known for its rich flavor and numerous health benefits.

Quinoa to Jowar/Rajgira Puffs

Quinoa, with its high protein content and nutty flavor, has become a popular choice for health-conscious individuals. However, if quinoa is not readily available or too expensive, consider jowar or rajgira puffs. Jowar and rajgira puffs contain almost the same nutrients but are twice as rich in fiber as quinoa, making them a healthier and more affordable alternative.

Blueberries to Jamun

Blueberries are known for their antioxidant properties and sweet-tart flavor. However, if blueberries are too expensive or not in season, consider jamun. Also known as Indian blackberry, jamun is a native fruit of India and is known for its deep purple color and unique flavor. Jamun is rich in antioxidants and is much more cost-effective compared to blueberries, making it a great alternative for your antioxidant fix.