Traditional Foods: The Reinvented Superfoods

Traditional foods can be defined as foods that have been consumed for several generations by a specific community in a particular locality, region or country. Many of these plant- and animal-based foods have traditionally been consumed for generations in different corners of the world, without proper understanding or knowledge of their beneficial properties. Apart from the basic nutritional attributes provided by these foods, they contribute to the prevention of several diseases, including hypertension, hyperglycemia and gastrointestinal disorders. The way traditional foods are prepared also plays a key role in naturally preserving the therapeutic potential of the food ingredients. In the present age of globalization, where food habits and food preferences are constantly being challenged, the reinvention of the therapeutic potential of traditional foods can provide a viable alternative. Measures have been initiated to gain an understanding of the beneficial attributes of traditional foods.