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In the villages of India, mornings are mostly started with such food practices that have been inherited from the ancestors. These ways are not driven by trends or supplements but by the keen observation of nature, seasons, and the human body.
Practically, from soaking nuts overnight to drinking herbal decoctions at dawn, these habits are to energise the body, to harmonise the vital force and to get the body ready for a long day of physical work.Contemporary science is gradually acknowledging the worth of these age-old traditions, especially their contribution to digestive health, immunity, and stable energy levels. Though lifestyles have been altered, these ancient morning food rituals still stand as a testament to the times and continue to be effective in providing wholesome nourishment naturally without depending on processed foods, excessive sugar, or caffeine.
9 morning food habits Indian villages follow for steady health
These morning food rituals are based on tradition and local knowledge. They show how Indian villages have always put digestion, energy, and balance first. Each practice is simple, seasonal, and natural and is meant to get the body ready for the day ahead.
Morning Habits for Longevity and Health
Drinking warm water with gheeQuite a few families from Gujarat and Rajasthan have a custom of consuming warm water mixed with a spoon of ghee as the first thing in their day. According to these people, this concoction serves as a lubricant for joints, heats the digestive tract and makes bowel movements comfortable after one's sleep has been fasted.
Moreover, ghee is very beneficial for the gut lining and cooperates with the body in nutrient absorption, which makes it a comforting as well as an energising way of beginning the day.
Eating soaked grains or nutsIt is quite common for the people in villages to soak almonds, chana or makhana for the whole night. By doing this, the substances that are harmful to the body are reduced, and natural enzymes are activated, thus making the grains or nuts less indigestible.
Consumed in the morning, they become a source of slow-releasing energy, help the brain function and keep the stomach from grumbling without the need of sugar or caffeine.
Morning herbal decoctionsHerbal kadhas prepared from components such as tulsi, ginger, pepper, or neem leaves are common in the daily lives of people in many regions. These hot preparations help digestion to wake up, improve blood flow, and also immunise the body.
It is generally thought that taking these concoctions regularly is a good preventive measure against seasonal infections and a way to maintain one's body in a balanced state.
A pinch of rock salt or hing first thingThere are some villagers who commence their day with a mixture of a pinch of black salt or hing and water. This modest practice is very beneficial for the body, as it not only revives the electrolyte balance but also facilitates the secretion of digestive juices and relieves flatulence or abdominal distension.
Such a measure gains in utility when it is cold or is a day after a fast in connection with some religious practice.
Fresh cow milk with turmeric or gingerIn some areas of Maharashtra and Karnataka, one can often see usage of cow's milk with a pinch of turmeric or ginger in the morning. While turmeric adds anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is a great digestive helper. Gifted with these healings, the body will get stronger, the gut will calm, and there will be a light, sustained energy flow without any kind of stimulant.
Leftover rice fermented overnightIn Chhattisgarh, people eat rice that has been soaked overnight in curd, onion, or salt and is eaten cold. Such food that has been fermented naturally is a good source of beneficial bacteria that help the digestive system. Besides, it is a perfect remedy for heat, as it cools the body in hot climates and keeps the energy going for a long time if the work is physical.Raw garlic or onion with waterIn Punjab, as well as parts of Bihar, you will find that the older people take a clove of raw garlic or a piece of a raw onion and chew it with a glass of water early in the morning. This habit is considered to be very beneficial for the heart, to give a better blood flow and to strengthen the body against diseases. Allicin and quercetin are some of the compounds found in garlic and onion, which are known for their antimicrobial activities.
Coconut or jaggery as the first biteIn Tamil Nadu and Kerala, it is considered very auspicious to start the day with a small piece of coconut or jaggery. This practice gives the body instant natural glucose, supports stabilising blood sugar levels and gets the body ready for the day’s work without overloading the digestion process.
Early morning buttermilk or kanjiIn the villages of both Andhra and Bengal, it is common to consume buttermilk with jeera or fermented kanji that is made from mustard seeds and carrots. These are healthy probiotics which not only lessen the problem of acidity but also enhance digestion and the general health of the gut.Such refreshing drinks are the best solution to the problem of digestion on hotter and more humid days.
(Disclaimer: This publication is intended only to provide general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please talk to a healthcare provider about cancer therapy options.)
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