Read interview & watch video @ Times of India Photo Credit: TOI
“The most ignored Indian superfood, according to me, are the millets” says Celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor
The polite demeanour and beaming smile of celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor need no introduction. His culinary expertise has put India on the global culinary map and he is easily one of the most recognizable faces in the Indian food history.
In an interview with the Times of India, the master chef spoke at length about the most ignored Indian superfood, his actual preference between green tea and adrak wali chai and the importance of western superfoods. He also doled out the ultimate advice for anyone who is looking to shed those stubborn kilos and get back in shape.
The celebrated chef also shed light on the three ingredients you should always have in your kitchen. Here are the major takeaways from the interview:
Question 1. An apple a day keeps the doctor away, does the saying still hold true?
It has held true for so many years– an apple a day keeps the doctor away. I think it’s a statement forever
2. What is the ultimate health food?
I think there cannot be a single health food. It is the balance of everything in life and food is a part of it, including the way you think, the way you sleep, the way you exercise, it all matters. Good health is a combination of everything. If anyone says that there is one food that can solve everything, it is a mistake. It has a lot to do with balance, moderation, stress-free life and regular exercise
3. What should be one’s ideal fruit intake?
As everyone knows, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. So if you snack on apples, you are getting enough fibre for the day. You are not only having something fat-free but are also getting a good quantity of other nutrients. I think fruits and vegetables, we can have about four to five servings a day and that would be the perfect combination.
4. Which is the most ignored Indian superfood?
The most ignored Indian superfood, according to me, are the millets. We have forgotten all the goodness and nutrients it contains and started feeding it to the animals. I say let’s become animals again and start focusing on the things we forgot.
5. What is your take on the western superfoods like chia and flaxseeds?
Overall I think that any information that is present in the market is good because people are actually starting these conversations. There is an increasing need for these conversations as it will lead to an increase in consumption. I believe there is no better way to focus more on fruits and vegetables.
6. What is the best way to begin the day according to you?
Our whole household–my wife, my daughters and my mom–we actually start our day with an apple
7. Answer in one word
i) Iron pressure cooker or aluminium pressure cooker?
Iron pressure cooker
ii) Green tea or adrak wali chai?
Adrak wali chai
iii) Chia seeds or millets?
Millets
iv) Sugar or jaggery?
Sugar-free
8. Three food items which should always be in your kitchen?
I would say fruits, vegetables and a big smile. For fruits, I would stick with apples and for vegetables, I would say the gourd family is really good for health. It includes Lauki, Tauri, Ghiya, squashes and petha.
9. What is your advice for someone who is trying to lose weight?
So, if you are trying to lose weight, start throwing your weight around. Jokes apart. Any fruit or vegetable which has a lot of water content and good quality fibre would work. You also need to stay away from oily, spicy foods, do regular exercise (by exercise I don’t mean that you have to go to the gym), you need to sleep well and keep a positive approach towards life. Weight loss is not difficult and you need to control your intake and focus more on the output.
10. Why should you have an apple every day?
See, if something has stayed true for so long and it is something which has worked for so long, then why change it? Right from childhood, we have heard the benefits of eating apples. I believe don’t fix it if it ain’t broke. So, start your day with an apple and you can continue snacking on it throughout the day. It is nice, tasty, crisp and fresh. What else do you want?
