Health Benefitting Postpartum Care Ethnic/Traditional Super Foods of Karnataka

Abstract

Nutrition plays a major role in lactating women to strengthen the foundation for long-term health for both mother and infant. From aegis, it is a known fact that, all cultures in India and across the world follow certain beliefs and practices including ethnic special/super foods and food taboos during confinement. Our rich traditional knowledge is losing its significance. As an eye opener, a comprehensive view on the traditions with special prominence of selected health benefitting ethnic/traditional super foods given to lactating women across Karnataka, obtained through Focus Group Discussions and Key informants is emphasized. Understanding our ethnic or traditional super foods aids to do further research on traditional superfoods and in turn can contribute in formulating a balanced diet for the modern-day Lactating women without losing our rich traditions. Key Words: Traditional Knowledge, Lactation, Traditional/Ethnic Super Foods, Postpartum, Confinement