Is Indian Food Healthy? – Major Nutritional Benefits of Indian Cuisine

03 December 2024

Is Indian food healthy? – Of course, they are. There are plenty of Indian dishes that are rich in nutrients, spices, and whole foods.

Although there are innumerable gastronomic options, there are many healthier options. In fact, some food recipes are based on Ayurveda, which is Ancient India’s system of medicine.

In this article, you will learn about the nutritional benefits of Indian food and the balanced dietary profile of Indian food. Also, you will learn about the health benefits of Indian food and healthy Indian cooking techniques.

Moreover, you will also learn about common myths about Indian food. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article.

Is Indian Food Healthy?

Indian cuisine has a variety of food options consisting of both healthy and unhealthy options. Here, this article aims to consider only healthy Indian food.

Generally, in Indian food, you will find a blend of diverse flavors and healthy food traditions. In fact, apart from satisfying your taste buds, Indian food will improve your health.

One of the most notable aspects of Indian food is that you will find a rich array of ingredients. Traditionally, the Indian diet uses a variety of whole grains, fruits, legumes, and vegetables.

Interestingly, each of them contributes significantly to health benefits. Whole grains like whole wheat, brown rice, and millet play a significant part in Indian meals.

Apart from that, Indian food items are rich in antioxidants. This is because they have many spices that are full of antioxidants. For example, antioxidants in cloves and ginger contain anti-inflammatory properties. Apart from that, cardamom also contains antioxidants.

Basically, antioxidants are molecules that prevent oxidation damage in your body cells. Moreover, it also reduces when damage is done. Hence, Indians mostly follow a diet that is high in antioxidants. As a result, there are fewer risks of diseases like heart disease and cancer.

Balanced Dietary Profile Of Indian Food

Here is a balanced dietary profile of Indian food that you need to know about:

Food Items	Balanced Dietary Profile
Fruits and Vegetables	Generally, an everyday Indian diet includes 400 grams of vegetables and 100 grams of fruits.
Cereals and Pulses	Each day, a balanced diet consists of 250 grams of cereals.
Diary	A balanced Indian diet consists of 200-250 ml of milk and milk products daily.
Protein	Indian food contains 85 grams of protein in the form of eggs, animal protein, and pulses daily.
Nuts and Seeds	35 grams of nuts and seeds daily also fall under a balanced diet.

To ensure a balanced diet, you must cook your food well and make sure that the food is soft and less salty and spicy. Although Indian food has a lot of spices, the healthy options contain multiple healthy spices in the right amount.

Moreover, when consuming meat, milk, poultry, or any animal protein, make sure they are moderate in number. Furthermore, when you have a balanced diet, you must drink plenty of water and take fewer beverages.

Health Benefits Of Common Indian Ingredients

The following are the health benefits of common Indian food ingredients:

1. Spices

Since ancient times, India is known as the land of spices. Even today, India is the biggest exporter of spices in the world. Moreover, Indian food contains a variety of spices.

Here are some spices and their benefits:

Turmeric: It contains curcumin. This item has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cumin Seeds: They help in the digestion process and boost the immune system of your body.
Coriander Seeds: These help you to regulate your blood sugar levels.
Cardamom: It helps you to lower blood pressure levels.
Cinnamon: This spice can reduce heart risks.

2. Vegetables, Pulses, And Lentils

Indian foods contain vegetables in food items. These vegetables provide vitamins inside your body. Also, vegetables lower cholesterol and improve vision. Moreover, many pulses contain vitamins A, B, C, and E. Apart from that, they also contain minerals like iron, potassium, and zinc.

On the other hand, lentils and vegetables also promote heart health. This is because they have less saturated fat and high fiber.

3. Whole Grains And High Fiber Foods

Healthy Indian food items contain whole grains like wheat flour and brown rice. These items provide fiber, carbohydrates, and protein.

On the other hand, chickpeas, and other fruits and vegetables help you in the digestion process. Thereby, you can maintain a healthy weight and ensure there are no risks of chronic diseases.

Indian Cooking Techniques And Their Impact On Health

Generally, Indian cooking techniques preserve nutrients in the food items (vegetables, seafood, and meat). On the other hand, there are tempering methods and slow-cooking techniques, with the help of which you can ensure you get all the nutrients in your body.

Here are some of the major Indian healthy cooking techniques that you must know about:

1. Steaming

This is one of the healthiest cooking methods, where you ensure all nutrients in the food stay. Here, you cook the food with minimum water and little to no oil. In this case, you preserve all the vitamins and minerals in vegetables, fish, and meat.

2. Tadka

In this technique, you have to heat spices quickly in a little oil. Then, you have to add them to the main dish. Thereby, you add flavor without increasing the fat content in the food.

3. Dum Cooking

Dum is a slow-cooking method. Basically, you have to seal food in a pot-shaped cooker and add a small amount of liquid. Hence, you can allow flavors to develop inside the food. As a result, there is no need for excessive oil in the food.

4. Grilling

As you might already know, grilling is a simple way to cook vegetables and meat. Meanwhile, with this process, you can retain all the nutrients in the food. Also, you can add a nice-looking character to the food.

5. Pressure Cooking

In this way, you can cook food quickly with a low amount of water. As a result, you preserve most of the nutrients in the food item. Apart from that, this process also helps you to reduce your cooking time.

Why Is Indian Food One of the Healthiest Cuisines in the World?

Indian food is one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. This is because of good reasons. One of the major reasons is that it relies heavily on lentils, whole grains, vegetables, and diverse spices with low health benefits and saturated fats.

As a result, these food items are rich in nutrients and are dense with fibers when prepared with traditional techniques.

The following are some of the major reasons why Indian food items are healthy:

Stable ingredients in Indian food are high in fiber.
Due to India being a large and diverse country, a wide variety of vegetables are available. As a result, all the essential vitamins and minerals are available through food.
Moreover, a variety of spices available in India come with potential health benefits.
Traditional Indian food items use less amount of oil in cooking. Also, they focus mostly on healthy fats like ghee (moderate amount, of course).
Lentils are common in Indian cuisine and offer a complete profile of amino acids.
Many Indian foods feature fermented items like yogurt, which improve your gut health.

The Vegetarian Advantage of Indian Cuisine

India has an extensive variety of dishes full of flavors and delicacies. However, most consist primarily of lentils, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.

This provides a nutritious, high-fiber, and well-rounded diet for vegetarians. Apart from that, these food items are full of diverse vitamins and many protein sources.

There is a vast array of vegetarian dishes in Indian cuisine. Moreover, due to the high range of species, it enhances the taste and offers potential benefits.

Common Myths About Indian Food Being Unhealthy

Here are some myths about Indian food that you will find common (however, they are just myths):

“Indian food is unhealthy and fatty”: This is a common misconception in the West because most Indian restaurants in Western Countries add a lot of oil and ghee to food items. However, this is not the case in Indian households.
“Indian foods are spicy”: When people think of spices, they align it with the word hot. Actually, India produces a lot of healthy spices. By adding those spices to food, you can make your food healthy.
“Indian desserts are too sweet”: Again, this is a myth as desserts differ with changing regions. Some regions in India create homemade desserts which are actually healthy.

Try Indian Food Now

Is Indian food healthy? – Now you know the answer to this question. You can see that there are multiple myths about Indian food, and they multiply with misinformation on social media.

India is the land of Yoga and Ayurveda. Hence, multiple healthy food options are available if you cook with the right ingredients.

Do you have more information about healthy Indian foods? Please share your opinions in the comments section below.

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Soumava Goswami

A passionate writer and an avid reader, Soumava is academically inclined and loves writing on topics requiring deep research. Having 3+ years of experience, Soumava also loves writing blogs in other domains, including digital marketing, business, technology, travel, and sports.

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How to Get Your Baby Started on Solid Foods

From the first time they smile to their first tooth, everything that happens to your baby should be documented as a milestone. Getting your baby off exclusive breastfeeding, and started on solids is a feat that you should get right at the first go. The fact is solid food is not breast-milk. It has to contain all the elements that will make it nutritious, delicious and palatable for your baby. Another thing you need to know is if your baby is ready for it. While doctors recommend that you feed your baby breast-milk for six months, some babies are ready to take solids sooner than that. So, how do you know when your baby is ready? There are some tell-tale signs that will give you an incline whether to start solid foods or not. Some Signs your Baby is Ready Good head and neck control When the baby is able to sit up in a chair They reach out for food When they weigh twice their birth weight Normally, when babies are not ready for solids, they do not have the ability to swallow. At this point, you see them push the baby cereal back with their tongues. When your baby is ready for solids, they gradually start to lose this tongue-thrusting reflex. The moment you see these signs, you should know that your baby is ready for more than breast-milk. How do you start? One thing you need to remember is your baby’s health and nutrition are the priority. You can start out with iron-rich baby cereal. It is best you feed your baby the cereal with a baby spoon, rather than in a bottle. No matter what, solid foods, or, cereal, should be fed after you breastfeed your baby. This way your baby still enjoys the goodies of breast-milk and at the same time, can get acquainted with solids. You may be tempted to introduce veggies and other foods immediately after the first success. But, you need to wait and give these foods gradually. Sometimes your baby may be allergic to these new foods, and giving them all at once will not help you identify the allergen. Another thing about giving your baby solid foods is you may need to serve it in small forms. There are a lot of great and nutritious recipes for your baby you can try. You may be itching to ask if you can give your baby fresh fruit juices. Fruit juices are an absolute big no for babies. The reason is that they pose to be more harmful than good. Juices add extra calories and sugars without giving your baby the needed balanced nutrition. In addition, drinking too much will cause diarrhea in babies, lead to tooth decay, and excess weight. It’s That Simple Breastfeeding your baby, although very beneficial, is tiring, especially if your baby nurses a lot at short intervals. If your baby is between 4-6 months, and 6 months to 1 year, giving solids is only meant to supplement breast-milk, not replace it. Read Also: You Need To Avoid These Foods For Breakfast 7 Surprising Benefits Of Alkaline Foods Eating Good Quality Foods For Diet

What dressings Are Good For Vegans – Mimi’s Laphet

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Positive And Negative Effects Of Portobello Mushrooms: Tasty Treat Or Health Hazard?

Although mushrooms have been used in cooking and customs for over a millennia, their popularity has increased recently. Previously unfashionable and difficult to market, portobello mushrooms are now in high demand all across the world. These big, meaty mushrooms taste fantastic when grilled, stuffed, or used as a meat substitute in burgers and sandwiches. They also have a delightfully rich flavor. But do portobello mushrooms have any health benefits over other foods? What are the negative effects of portobello mushrooms? Here we will talk about different methods to incorporate portobello mushrooms into your diet and their positive and negative aspects. What Are Portobello Mushrooms? Image Source: tastingtable.com The delicious Agaricus bisporus fungus, which also produces cremini and button mushrooms, is the source of these large mushrooms. Actually, despite being in various stages of development, all of these mushrooms are the same. The biggest and darkest of the three mushrooms, portobellos are the most mature. They can occasionally reach a width of around 6 inches and have a deep brown color. Large-scale portobello mushroom cultivation is famous all over the world. These mushrooms, however, are from the meadows of Eurasia and North America in the wild. They have a less spongy texture than other mushrooms. These mushrooms have a meatier texture which makes them a good substitute in vegan and vegetarian meals. Portobello mushrooms are generally thought to be a fantastic source of important nutrients that are good for your body. It is believed that portobello mushrooms are rich in beneficial plant-derived nutrients like B vitamins, selenium, potassium, copper, and selenium. If they are exposed to UV radiation while developing, they can also be a rich source of vitamin D. Mushrooms were initially not acceptable to the general public and to persuade people to add them to their shopping baskets- voluntarily. In order to make that happen they were given the rather glitzy-sounding name Portabella in the 1980s. Today, 90% of all mushrooms produced in the USA are portobello mushrooms. They are also a common addition to recipes by professional chefs at restaurants and for recipes cooked at home. Next time you see these delectable mushrooms you're shopping and they're labeled portabella rather than portobello, don't worry—they're the same! Many people think that mushrooms, in general, offer a number of health advantages. The same is true of portobello mushrooms, which are a rich source of protein, fiber, and important vitamins and minerals. However, it is important to remember that there has been little research on the health advantages of portobello mushrooms. It cannot be suggested for consumption without necessary caution. Benefits Of Portobello Mushrooms Image Source: a-z-animals.com Here are three positive health benefits of having portobello mushrooms based on popular research: Portobello mushrooms are an excellent addition to any diet because they lower fat and calories, like all mushrooms. Portobello mushrooms have a low calorie and fat content of 22 per 100 grams. They also contain 2.11 and 1.3 grams of protein and fiber. High concentrations of B vitamins riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid enrich portobello mushrooms. They are essential for many bodily functions, like energy production and the metabolism of macronutrients. According to research, portobello mushrooms are rich in potassium, which is essential for maintaining muscle health and strength. 128g of cooked portobello mushrooms contain 440mg of potassium. It is roughly 9% of the daily adult intake. Negative Effects Of Portobello Mushrooms Image Source: cdn.britannica.com Like any meal, portobello mushrooms may not be suitable for everyone. The following are a few possible drawbacks of portobello mushrooms: Allergic Reactions Portobellos and other mushrooms may cause an allergic reaction in certain people. The degree of allergic reactions can vary. It can range from minor symptoms like irritation and hives to more serious ones like breathing difficulties or anaphylaxis. Consumption of portobello mushrooms can cause a severe reaction if you have a mushroom allergy. Digestive Problems Portobellos and other mushrooms contain chitin, a form of carbohydrate. Humans find chitin difficult to digest, and for some people, it can be uncomfortable. If ingested in large numbers or not cooked well, mushrooms can cause symptoms like bloating, gas, or upset stomach. Risks Of Contamination If you don't handle, preserve, and prepare portobello mushrooms correctly, they may become contaminated with bacteria, molds, and other hazardous germs. In this regard, they are much like other mushrooms. Food poisoning from eating contaminated mushrooms can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Medication Interactions Portobello mushrooms, like several other foods, may have an effect on how some medicines work. For instance, they might impact how some medications and anticoagulants work. To be certain. There are no reported interactions. However, you can talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are taking drugs. How To Cook Portobello Mushrooms? Image Source: zardyplants.com Portobello mushrooms are ideal veggies in a variety of ways, including grilled, stuffed, and fried. However, you can also serve them on their own. They are very popular in Italian recipes like spaghetti and even as toppings on pizza. In a variety of vegetarian and vegan meals, including burgers and steaks, portobello mushrooms' are an ideal meat substitute. Here are a few of our favorite methods for preparing delicious portobello mushrooms: You may substitute a grilled portobello mushroom for a traditional meat burger or eat it alone as a plant-based steak. To prepare portobello mushrooms for pasta dishes and sauces, put them in a skillet and cook briefly until fork-tender. Portobello mushroom stuffing is an all-time favorite! Load a generous amount of cheese into the mushroom's center before baking it in an oven until it turns golden. Slice up a few of these chewy deliciousnesses. Put them on toast or toss them over for a savory stir fry! How To Choose The Right Portobello Mushrooms? Image Source: boomieskitchen.com Pick fresh, firm portobello mushrooms when you're shopping. Avoid portobello mushrooms that have bruises, or that have soft patches, as they are not suitable for consumption. You must consume fresh mushrooms right away because they are bad for your health when old. Fresh portobello mushrooms are best when in a paper bag or their original container in the refrigerator. These fresh mushrooms should be kept in an airtight container and kept at room temperature. It will prevent the formation of dangerous bacteria that could cause botulism. To help avoid cross-contamination, wash your hands both before and after handling portobello mushrooms. Before preparing and eating, immediately wash mushrooms under running water. Other than water, there is nothing else you need to use to clean your mushrooms. Never pre-wash mushrooms since the dampness will hasten their deterioration. Wrapping Up So it appears that portobello mushrooms may be more than we originally thought! There are so many good reasons to include portobello mushrooms in your diet. The possible health advantages and their distinctive texture and flavor make them super palatable. Remember that the negative consequences are not all-encompassing and might not be relevant for everyone. When included in a balanced diet, portobello mushrooms are a generally healthy and safe food option. However, it is advised to speak with a healthcare provider or allergist for specialized guidance if you have known allergies. Learn More About: 7 Benefits Of Eating Protein Rich Snacks 5 Ways To Use Medicinal Mushroom Extracts Great Health Benefits You Get From A Protein Coconut Bar

Is Indian Food Healthy? – Major Nutritional Benefits of Indian Cuisine

Is Indian Food Healthy?

Balanced Dietary Profile Of Indian Food