Importance of Khichdi (Pongal) in Indian diet and lifestyle.

Our health is affected by many factors. Along with food and exercise, our habits, interests, moral values, economic status, and cultural environment form our entire lifestyle. To achieve a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet plan is required, which can fulfill all the necessary nutrients for the body.

in this blog we will tell you about food that destroys Tridosahas as said in Ayurveda-

As we age, diseases like metabolic syndrome, heart attack, hypertension, arthritis, and anxiety-related ailments make our lives dull and constricted. In such a situation, the need to remain physically active and get proper nutrition increases. Many health problems can be prevented by just proper diet and mental health improves with the reduction of stress, depression, and pain. A balanced diet and regular exercise are integral parts of a healthy lifestyle. 

[Makar Sankranti - Kichadi]

A wide variety of dietary options should be chosen from the recommended amounts in each of the five food groups. These food sources from each food group provide an equal amount of major micro and macronutrients to meet the body's requirements. A balanced diet usually consists of 50 percent carbohydrates, 20 percent protein, and about 30 percent fat. The body needs quality carbohydrates, lean protein, essential fats, and fluids along with regular exercise to achieve a healthy lifestyle.

Khichdi or Pongal is of special importance in India's traditional culture and lifestyle as a food. It is prepared by cooking lentils and rice along with all the vegetables. It is a light and easily digestible food. This combination of lentils and rice is also very easy to digest. All the nutrients are found in the right balance in khichdi. It is a rich source of carbohydrates, and proteins and provides fiber, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Along with protecting the body's digestive system, it easily removes all toxins. Khichdi is helpful in the treatment of many stomach-related diseases.

In Indian history, there is mention of Khichdi from the journey of Jean Baptiste Tavernier in the seventeenth century to the kitchens of the Mughal period. In Ayurveda, it is called Tridosha-destroyer food, it is believed that Khichdi is a food that creates physical, mental, and spiritual bonding. The importance of Khichdi in the Indian lifestyle has been considered especially during the festival of Makar Sankranti. From a cultural point of view, mixing different food items and preparing them in the same vessel is a symbol of uniformity in life. 

New rice is used to prepare Khichdi in the festival of Makar Sankranti, it also represents the process of regeneration of life. Khichdi is prepared in many ways in India, it is popular by different names in different regions of India. 

From a health point of view, Khichdi is a very low-fat food. It is a complete diet, which nourishes the gross and subtle elements. It creates a simple and spiritual bonding in a satisfied and desire-free life. It is often seen that Khichdi is considered the food of poor and sick people. People have a sense of neglect towards it, which is not right considering its qualities and types. 

We have to get away from this mentality and give it more importance than the so-called superfoods that are called health enhancers in the flashy advertisements of today. This food that gives a sense of simplicity and harmony has also been given more importance by sages and saints in the Indian lifestyle.