4 Traditional North-East Indian Foods and Their Health Benefits

Indian food is well-known for its diversity, with each region offering unique crops and cuisines indigenous to their land. This diversity is particularly rich in the Northeastern part of India, also known as the Seven Sisters of North East. The region is a vibrant mix of various cultures, people, and of course, food.

During the Green Revolution, many traditional crops were replaced with high-yielding varieties. However, there's been a resurgence in recent years as people seek healthier lifestyles. These traditional North-East Indian foods offer numerous health benefits, from boosting the immune system to improving brain function. Here are four traditional foods from the Northeast that provide incredible health benefits:

1. Chak Hao (Black Rice) - Manipur

This beautiful purple-hued rice, grown in the hills of Manipur, is sticky, sweet, and slightly nutty in taste. A popular dish among the locals is the Manipuri Chak Hao kheer.

Research suggests that the antioxidants in black rice absorb harmful substances from the body, protecting the arteries and preventing DNA damage that could lead to cancer. Rich in heart-healthy anthocyanins, minerals, iron, vitamins, and fiber, incorporating black rice into your diet can help protect against heart disease, inflammation, obesity, and even cancer.

2. Karbi Anglong Ginger - Assam

Many people don’t know that the Karbi Anglong district in Assam produces some of the best organic ginger in the world. This nutrient-rich ginger offers several health benefits, including reducing nausea and muscle pain and improving cardiovascular health. These benefits are attributed to its main bioactive compound, Gingerol, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

3. Kachai Lemon - Manipur

Endemic to Kachai village in the Ukhrul district of Manipur, the Kachai Lemon has the highest amount of Vitamin C (15%) in any citrus fruit. It is consumed fresh or made into juices or pickles and has several health benefits—from curing constipation to reducing palpitations. The Kachai Lemon Festival is hosted annually in Ukhrul by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (Manipur), Small Farmers Agri-Business Consortium, and Manipur Organic Mission Agency to popularize and increase its production.

4. Lakadong Turmeric - Meghalaya

Lakadong turmeric, considered among the finest in the world, is indigenous to Meghalaya. Its roots and stems are crushed into a powder and sold in local markets of the Jaintia Hills. This turmeric contains a powerful antioxidant called curcumin, known for protecting the liver, lowering blood cholesterol, preventing diabetes, and maintaining brain health. Lakadong turmeric has a curcumin content of 6-7%, significantly higher than the 2-3% found in other turmeric varieties.

These traditional foods are not only rich in nutrients and antioxidants but also offer unique flavors that can easily be incorporated into your diet. If you’re usually not one to change your meals, don’t be afraid to try something new. The benefits are too significant to ignore!