Published By: Nomeeta

Birthday Spotlight: Know Malaika Arora's Favorite Indian Ingredients and What She Considers a Fitness Deal-breaker

Happy birthday to Bollywood actress Malaika Arora, celebrated for her fit and balanced lifestyle!

Malaika Arora, Bollywood’s ultimate fitness icon and style diva, celebrates her birthday today. Over the years, Malaika has become synonymous with health, wellness, and a balanced lifestyle. Her dedication to maintaining a fit body and a healthy mind has inspired countless fans across the globe. The actress frequently shares her workout routines on social media, inspiring her followers to embrace a fit and healthy lifestyle. Beyond her impressive fitness and yoga sessions, Malaika Arora’s take on nutrition is equally fascinating. Arora once revealed her fitness deal-breaker: while regular exercise is crucial for overall well-being, pushing the body too hard can be counterproductive. According to Malaika, the key to a successful fitness journey lies in balance—overtraining and ignoring the body's need for rest can hinder progress rather than enhance it. An all-or-nothing approach is a deal-breaker for her.

For diet, Malaika believes in eating healthy, nutritious food, and she especially loves using traditional Indian ingredients in her meals. She has talked about many common items found in Indian kitchens, sharing how they are great for health. Let’s take a closer look at these ingredients and how they help in keeping her fit.

Ginger

Ginger not only adds great flavor to dishes but also offers numerous health benefits. It supports gastrointestinal motility, helping food move more smoothly through the digestive system. This promotes efficient digestion, preventing food from staying in the stomach too long. As a result, eating ginger can reduce issues like fermentation, constipation, bloating, and gas. Additionally, ginger is rich in antioxidants, which help control free radicals—compounds that can harm cells when present in excess.

Turmeric

A relative of ginger, this vibrant yellow-orange spice is commonly used in Indian, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. For centuries, it has also been utilized as a natural remedy in places like India to address various health issues, including breathing problems. Its main active ingredient, curcumin, is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory compound. With its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, turmeric is great for the skin, helping to brighten the complexion, combat acne, and reduce signs of aging. Additionally, since curcumin can help fight inflammation and stabilize sugar levels, it may be beneficial for preventing or managing type 2 diabetes.

Amla

Amla, or Indian gooseberry, has long been used in traditional medicine for its health benefits, including supporting digestion, boosting immunity, and helping to manage blood sugar levels. This round, yellow-green fruit has a sour and tangy flavor, making it a popular ingredient in dried snacks, jams, and drinks, often sweetened with sugar. Amla berries are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. When it comes to hair care, amla promotes growth, prevents premature graying, and strengthens hair follicles. Its high antioxidant and vitamin C content also enhances skin radiance, reduces pigmentation, and fights signs of aging due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Berries

Many berries are small but mighty when it comes to nutrition. They are loaded with antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage and may lower your risk of various diseases. Studies suggest that blueberries, in particular, may help regulate blood sugar levels. Berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries, are also high in soluble fiber, which binds to cholesterol in the intestines and helps eliminate it from the body.