As Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrates his 76th birthday today, his healthy food habits have once again come into the limelight. Over the years, he has developed a habit of incorporating ordinary-looking Indian foods, and often takes to social media and his speeches to discuss the same.From a Himalayan berry most people have never heard of to an avocado that’s suddenly trendy in Indian kitchens. Here are some of the foods PM Modi has spoken about over time
Sea buckthorn
Earlier this year, PM Modi spoke about sea buckthorn at a convocation ceremony, mentioning the international medicinal research associating parts of the plant with lower blood pressure, fever relief, and help with tumours, stones, and seasonal coughs and colds. According to him, the plant “has sufficient vitamin C content that can fulfil the requirement of all mankind.” Health experts note the berry’s benefits are still backed mostly by early-stage research.
Makhana is the new ‘supersnack’
PM Modi has repeatedly called makhana a “supersnack”. Foxnut sor Makhanas are high in protein, low in calories, and easy on the kidneys and heart. It’s also rich in calcium, making it a genuinely healthy alternative to processed snacks. Beyond nutrition, makhana was also given place in this year’s budget, pushing economic weight and supporting Bihar’s makhana farmers, whose crop makes up nearly 90% of India’s total production.
Millets
The United Nations declared 2023 the International Year of Millets, a campaign PM Modi actively took ahead at the G20 and other global platforms. Grown across India for more than 4,000 years, these ancient grains, including ragi, jowar, and bajra among them, remain staples in Indian households, prized for their fibre content and resilience as climate-friendly crops.
Moringa
PM Modi has spoken about his fondness for drumstick parathas, describing them as a regular part of his diet. In one of his social media posts, he talked about the vitamins and minerals packed in the veggie and also expressed his love for these that make a place on his plate.Moringa leaves are packed with iron, calcium, and antioxidants, making the parathas a genuinely nutrient-dense meal.
Black rice and bhakri dal
PM Modi has often praised black rice growers in Manipur and Odisha, talking about the grain’s anthocyanin content, which supports digestion, blood sugar regulation, and heart health.
Indian avocados
On September 2, PM Modi posted an Instagram video captioned, “Indian avocados are clearly getting more popular.” He noted that the fruit was once largely unknown in India, with little value or demand, but is now a regular part of dining tables and a rising favourite in health-conscious and premium food markets.
