There are many factors that contribute towards our food choices. We enjoy certain items for their taste while some are consumed for their nutritive value. Additionally, the shape and smell of an herb, fruit or vegetable can steer someone’s preference too. One of the things that one must insist upon though is including different colours on the plate. Various natural colours of food items infuse them with different essential vitamins and minerals to make them nutritious.
Today’s food platter for E is a colourful blend of white, yellow, purple and green. As someone who loves to cook I’m truly tempted to put them all together. Um, not wise though.
Eggplant/Brinjal
Eggplant is under-utilised and moderately popular even though it’s versatile and has some amazing benefits. It is full of essential Vitamins B, K, B6, manganese, phosphorus, folic acid and many more. It aids in digestion and improves heart health. Its high level of antioxidants can help in preventing cancer. It can also help improve iron levels in the body.
They’re available in purple, white and green colour and used in cooking in many countries around the world. Baingan bharta or bharwa baingan are popular Indian dishes.
Eggs
‘Sunday ho ya Monday, roz khao ande’ went the famous jingle and kids and adults alike happily followed. Eggs are a powerhouse of nutrients and can suffice your nutrition needs for the entire day. They’re high in good quality protein and contain essential vitamins like A, D, E, B5, B12 and minerals in high amounts. Apart from being a good source of Omega 3 they also help raise the levels of good cholesterol. The best part is that they help in weight loss since they keep you full for longer durations.
Add them to your desserts, whip up yummy pancakes or omelettes, make a French Toast, Egg Benedict or whatever you like. One (or two) boiled egg(s) with a cup of milk everyday is the best nutritious breakfast to start your day too.
Elaichi/Cardamom
Elaichi has always been an extensive part of Indian cooking for its distinct aroma and flavour. Not only that, it has some great anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It boosts heart and liver health. Chewing on a pod of elaichi can rid you of bad breath, gum disease and cavities. Since it helps improve digestion it is extensively used in making mukhwaas and paans.
The pandemic has made people realise the goodness of this lovely spice like never before. Put it in your tea or kadha, add it whole to your biryani or gravies or make your mithais taste better with it. Its uses are endless!
There are more dishes with E than there are ingredients. Eggnog, Enchiladas, Egg salads and non-veg options like Eel, Escallop etc we can add to this list. Can you suggest some more nutritious food options?
This post is part of the #BlogchatterA2Z challenge by Blogchatter
I love that fact that you not only tell why a particular food is important but also suggest recipes that can be used for each.
Loving your series completely
Deepika Sharma
Hey, Deepika. I’m a foodie and love cooking. An ingredient sets both my mind and tastebuds on fire. 🙂
Thanks a lot for the support!
You know what? I can’t survive without elaichi!! You will find it in all my gravy based dishes, tea, porridge, kheer, pulav, biryani etc. Eggplants visit our home occasionally but I try to welcome them open heartedly whenever they do. Eggs do stay in my refrigerator as a quick meal for other members of the family as I am a vegetarian. Great nutritional information, Varsha.
Oh, I’m like you. Elaichi is a must at my place and I love to add it wherever I can. Luckily we all live eggplants and they’re around a lot. Eggs are mostly for kids to keep up with their physical activities and nutrition needs. I’m a vegetarian too. Thanks for reading!
I love elaichi chai. And eggs are such a great source of protein especially for people like me who don’t eat meat and fish. I am enjoying your series so much.
Eggs are a must for protein for both adults and kids. Thanks a lot, Purba. I’m enjoying your poetry too.
Eggs and eggplant both are my favourite
I like eggplants. Eggs, not so much. 🙂
I love egg plant a lot and my hubby always teases me. So when i clicked on your post title, I was half expecting that you would write about Egg Plant and here it comes. Thanks for highlighting the nutritous value of simple looking egg plant
That makes two of us, I love eggplant too. It is a highly underrated vegetable although it’s very nutritious. Thanks for reading!
Eggs are my favorite, except Tuesday and Thursday I prefer every day!! This list is perfect to maintain a healthy life!!
That’s good to know. Good girl you are to follow Tuesday and Thursday rule. 😉
Eggplants in any form are my favorite, baingan bharta or begun bhaja, even the bharwaan baingan I just love them all. Not a big egg fan but whenever I take egg, I do follow it up with an elaichi as a fragrant mouth freshener. I never forget elaichi in my tea and for sure to add in puddings too.
Elaichi is a must in my kitchen too. I love eggplants and esp bharta. The spicier, the better. Thanks for reading!
Excellent, loved it
Thank you!
so sorry for being late in visiting your blog for challenge. loved the theme idea dear and I am sure you will share great posts with the series. as “E” you suggested great options. all are super healthy and nutritious.
Thank you, Surbhi. Glad to see you here. 🙂
I love Eggs, I think they are yummy and healthy
Oh, indeed. My kids love them too.
Eggs.. Daily inclusion would do more good! Specially for kids.