Traditional Indian foods that are back on the table and for the right reasons
ETimes October 24, 2025 01:39 PM
There were a number of traditional Indian foods that were considered unhealthy and were struck off from the list of healthy foods. These foods were looked down upon by the health experts and doctors for a very long time as they were believed to be unhealthy. But with the increasing inclination towards health and fitness, these traditional Indian foods are back on the table. But this time health experts are swearing by the umpteen benefits of these foods, which were once believed to be unhealthy. Here are 7 traditional Indian foods that made a comeback after a long time.

Ghee
It is impossible to imagine classic Indian delicacies without Ghee, but for a long time Ghee was deemed to be unhealthy for its high fat content. Ghee is rich in saturated fats and for a long time health experts believed that daily consumption of Ghee led to clogging up of arteries. But research shows that Ghee is loaded with health enriching milk proteins and healthy fats, which help in boosting bone health, brain functioning and boosts immunity naturally. In fact, studies have observed that a moderate consumption of vitamin E rich Ghee can significantly reduce the help in reducing cholesterol level and boost heart health.



Coconut Oil
Traditionally used in South Indian cooking, experts believed that Coconut oil was rich in saturated fat, which led to clogging up of arteries. But studies have found that the presence of healthy fats in this oil can be less harmful as compared to other forms of cooking oils. However, experts still suggest that moderation is the key to keep the heart and body healthy.

Pickle
Rich in oil, spices and salt, pickles are an essential part of Indian cuisine. But many health experts believed that pickles were unhealthy due to their rich taste and high sodium content. However, over the years the narrative has changed as studies have found that pickles have probiotic properties, which makes them good for digestion. This was the reason why a small portion of pickle was added to every traditional Indian thali.

Millets
Millets were one of the ancient foods that were consumed, but over a period of time there was a shift from Millets to Polished grains and pulses as they were believed to be healthy. But studies have found that the presence of insoluble fiber in Millets have good Prebiotic properties, which help in improving the gut and digestive health naturally. Millets are rich in both soluble and insoluble dietary fibers, which works as a natural laxative and relife ailments like constipation.



Seeds
Seeds like Pumpkin seeds, Flaxseeds, Melon seeds and Jackfruit seeds were traditionally used in Indian curries and subzis, but over the period of time the use of these seeds in Indian culinary culture faded away. However, with a shift towards healthy eating, these healthy seeds have made a comeback. This is simply because of the health enriching components like protein, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that make these seeds a powerhouse of nutrition.


Chutney
Chutneys were always a part of the classic Indian Thali, but there was a time when health experts believed that chutneys were considered not so good for health. Of late, experts have been talking about the importance of adding chutneys to your daily diet. Homemade chutneys made with herbs, nuts, veggies or fruits can not only give your meals a delicious twist, but at the same time these chutneys can improve digestion, metabolism and cure several stomach ailments.
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