- Habit of eating ragi with greens is again very healthy and prevents many diseases.
- Vegetables are usually incorporated in dal preparations e.g. sambhar, kootu. This also increases the glycemic index of food and provides variety of nutrients and anti-oxidants. This also ensures that a variety of vegetables get consumed everyday, as sambhar is an essential food item consumed by most house holds.
- Variety of greens e.g. drumstick leaves, amranthus, gongu, agathi, curry leaves, manathakali leaves etc are used. These are cheap and easily available, many grown in the kitchen gardens which don't impose an extra expenditure on the family. Vegetable preparations are made with less oil which provide greater nutrition with less calories.
- Fish is being consumed regularly in the coastal areas. Consumption of sweet preparation was only for special occasions instead of being a part of daily menu preventing obesity and other related diseases. Consumption of traditional chutneys and thovials made with spices provided many health benefits through micronutrients, anti-oxidants and vitamins. Butter milk, coconut water is commonly used as thirst quencher, which again is very nutrients and gives the body vitality, vitamins and vigour. Masalas are made at home , like sambhar masala, rasam powder etc. which protect against cancer and other diseases and strengthens the immune system.
- Eating on the banana leaf is healthy and bio-friendly.
The culture and tradition of pursuing classical arts in the form of classical dance and music provided much relaxation, stress relieving and bonding between the family and the community. It provides immense physical activity and fitness with a large proportion of muscles of the body being used. It also helped individuals and families to be closer to their own tradition and cultural values. Classical arts is also a medium through which training in morals and character are provided much of which is done through mythological stories and narrations
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