"Superfoods" is a term that came in the fitness world as a buzzword but never left. Superfoods, as the name suggests, are foods packed with multiple powerful nutrients and are touted to be included in your diet for better health. Some of the very popular superfoods are berries, coconut, Salmon, etc. However, somehow the notion around the word superfoods remained that they were super expensive and difficult to find, which is not entirely true. This false notion caused the rates of some of the superfoods to increase a lot in the market. Best Foods for Clear Skin: 8 Nutrient-Rich Superfoods for Glowing Skin.

Moreover, another myth that exists in India is that all overpriced foods are very healthy, which is not the case. At least in India, many such over-rated superfoods, fortunately, have desi and inexpensive alternatives. Some people also get carried away with the term "imported" and end up paying way too much for a food product can easily be substituted by Indian alternatives. Popular celebrity nutritionist, Rujuta Divekar, always says, that one must refrain from run behind fancy and terribly expensive imported foods and should instead eat locally grown foods for good health.

Here are a few Cheap & Easily Available Indian Alternatives to Expensive & Overrated Superfoods

Indian Amaranth instead of Aztec Quinoa

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Amaranth also known as Rajgira or Ramdana is rich in calcium, iron, fibre and zinc is almost equal or even better than the now popular Aztec Quinoa. According to Ayurveda, Amaranth is considered one of the healthiest foods in India. This local and gluten-free alternative of Quinoa should definitely make it to your plate.

Indian Gooseberries or Amla instead of Acai berries

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Berries are almost synonymous to superfoods because of the dense nutrient content. However, amla or avla- the Indian gooseberries have always been underrated and sidelined. While we agree that Acai berry extremely healthy and induces weight loss, Amla is a way cheaper alternative that also ranks higher in terms of its benefit. Apart from being a significant weight loss food and having anti-ageing properties like acai berries, amla also boosts the immune system and has 20 times more vitamin C and two times powerful antioxidants.

Jamun instead of Chinese Goji Berry

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Goji berry is both expensive and sometimes even difficult to find. Why not opt for Indian Jamuns instead? They are both great for people having diabetes and have tonnes of similar health benefit with a huge difference in the price. Moreover, Jamun is known to boost immunity, help deal with pains and control blood sugar. Jamuns are rich in calcium, iron, vitamin, potassium etc.

Sunflower Seeds instead of Brazil nuts

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Sunflower seeds are highly underrated. While Brazil nuts from the Amazon region are one of the most excellent sources of trace mineral selenium and are packed with immunity-boosting nutrients, we have a way cheaper and readily available substitute. Sunflower seeds are rich in selenium and antioxidant that can improve your metabolism and thyroid functions. Moreover, they are also great for the heart and rich in vitamin E.

 Spinach instead of Asparagus

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Another expensive superfood is asparagus that is also not very easily available in the nearby market. Why not opt for Spinach that has more or less or maybe more nutrients that asparagus? Just like Asparagus, Spinach is rich in Vitamin K, helps the absorption of calcium and has the right amount of folate.

These are just a few of many such cheaper, more readily available alternatives for the fancy, pocket- burning superfoods that are only available in the supermarkets.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 02, 2019 05:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).