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

by

03 December 2024

Food

Is Indian Food Healthy

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?

healthy Indian food

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 ItemsBalanced Dietary Profile
Fruits and VegetablesGenerally, an everyday Indian diet includes 400 grams of vegetables and 100 grams of fruits.
Cereals and PulsesEach day, a balanced diet consists of 250 grams of cereals.
DiaryA balanced Indian diet consists of 200-250 ml of milk and milk products daily.
ProteinIndian food contains 85 grams of protein in the form of eggs, animal protein, and pulses daily.
Nuts and Seeds35 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

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:

  1. Turmeric: It contains curcumin. This item has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  2. Cumin Seeds: They help in the digestion process and boost the immune system of your body.
  3. Coriander Seeds: These help you to regulate your blood sugar levels.
  4. Cardamom: It helps you to lower blood pressure levels.
  5. 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

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?

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

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

Common Myths About Indian Food Being Unhealthy

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Read Also:

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.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

types of Coffee

All you Need to Know About the Different Types of Coffee

Coffee lovers would want to try different types of coffee to find their perfect match. A tasty cup of coffee in the morning would brighten your day. If you are working in the office you would want to have a cup of coffee at lunchtime. Whenever you visit a cafe or a coffee shop, you are likely to see an ad of a newly launched taste or flavor. You would love to give it a try, right? Below is a discussion of different types of coffee. Read on for more information Different Types of Coffee: You must be willing to know how many types of coffee are out there in the market, for example, Kimbo coffee. However, you would be interested to know that there are more than thirty different types of coffee. Let’s discuss a few of them. 1. Cappucino: This kind of coffee is quite common and whenever you would visit a cafe or coffee shop you are likely to see this particular type in the menu. You can enjoy it at breakfast or it would depend on your preference. It has three layers for you to enjoy the flavor. Enjoy cappuccino! 2. Espresso: Who is not familiar with this type of coffee! You can see it around quite often. Some people enjoy espresso a lot and making a good one is truly an art. Not everyone is great at making espresso. It falls under the category of black coffee. Thus, if you prefer no milk in the coffee this is what you are going to try for sure. Enjoy espresso! 3. Ristretto: It is a regular espresso but it is made with half the amount of water. It is a type that falls under black coffee. Thus, if you are among the ones who enjoy coffee without milk, you can try this particular one. Due to the difference in the amount of water, this particular coffee has a different taste than the regular espresso. Enjoy ristretto! 4. Americano: This type of coffee is said to be common with the soldiers of the second world war. Later on, it gained popularity. However, espresso is the main base of this particular type of coffee. Actually, in this type, a small espresso shot involves a large amount of water. Maybe this is the way American soldiers had been trying to keep their coffee for a longer period! Enjoy americano! 5. Long Black: You can consider long black as a type of coffee, which is similar to Americano, but instead of one, there are two espresso shots in it. The amount of water in this type would remain the same, though. This type of coffee could also be made with ristretto as well. Whatever you like the most. It is quite rare to find good-tasting premium coffee. However, with the right cafe, person, or equipment, you can find an amazing cup. Enjoy long black! 6. Instant Coffee: You must be quite familiar with this type of coffee as it is the simplest one to make. All you need is hot water and the coffee powder. Mix the two and you would get your instant coffee. It is interesting to note that this kind of coffee has a longer shelf life. Enjoy instant coffee! 7. Flat White: For those who like milk-based coffee would like to try the flat white. It has espresso but the amount of steam milk in this particular coffee type is lower. You can still feel the amazing espresso aroma but you can still enjoy the milky base. This would be great for milk coffee lovers. Enjoy flat white! 8. Latte: This kind of coffee would have a lot of milk in it. So, the milk lovers are definitely going to enjoy the taste, flavor, and aroma. It is different from the Capuccino and Flat White. It would be a good idea to try all the milk-based coffee types and decide for yourself which one you like the most. In fact, learn to make some good coffee as well. It would be great to make a cup of coffee for someone and yourself. Enjoy latte! Above are some of the types of coffee that you can commonly find. There is a huge variety available out there. However, here only a few are discussed especially the common ones. What you can do is try a few of these and see for yourself which one you like the most. You can also order the home use coffee equipment online too! Finding The Best Coffee Equipment: You can make great coffee if you have the right beans and equipment. Not everyone is a great coffee maker, which is why people rush to their favorite cafe in the morning. People love to have some coffee at breakfast as their day is incomplete without a good cup of coffee. Life is short, enjoy simple moments. One of which is savoring a great cup of coffee at your favorite place in the world. Try different flavors and make sure you find the one that suits your style statement and your taste. Learn to make some good coffee as well so that you can be a proud host! Get home use coffee equipment and beans in Kuwait from the Qavashop Kuwait. Visit the official website for more information. Final Words: In order to understand how many different types of coffee are out there in the market, you can simply visit a coffee shop or a cafe. In that cafe or coffee shop, you would be able to take a glance at the menu and you would know what is available. It is a great idea to learn about the most common types of coffee. But, it would depend on you what type or kind you enjoy the most. Not everyone serves great coffee, which is why it is important for you to find your signature style and invest in good equipment that can make great coffee for you. Find your best! Enjoy Coffee! Read Also: Monthly Best Coffee Subscription How To Make Coffee With Aeropress Machine 7 Fantastically Unusual Uses Of Old Coffee Beans  

READ MOREDetails
Vape Juice Flavors

Trending Vape Juice Flavors That You Can Try With Your Family

Vaping is a popular hobby among many people, but keeping up with the latest trends and flavors can be tricky. Whether you're an experienced vaper or just starting, plenty of unique and delicious vape juice flavors can please any palate. Lately, people are also searching for “salt vape juice flavors sold here”. In this article, we'll outline six trending vape juice flavors that you won't want to miss – so gather your family around for a taste test so they can see what all of the fuss is about! Here Are The Trending Vape Juice Flavors That You Can Try With Your Family 1. Blue raspberry blast If you're a fan of vaping and are looking for a refreshing flavor to try, you may want to check out the Blue Raspberry Blast. This popular flavor trend is gaining popularity amongst vapers, especially those who love fruity and sweet tastes. The Blue Raspberry Blast is a flavor that is both tangy and sweet, making it a pleasant experience for your taste buds. It is perfect for enjoying with your family and friends, as it is a flavor most people will likely enjoy. Whether you're new to vaping or a seasoned pro, the Blue Raspberry Blast is worth trying out if you want something enticing and enjoyable. You can find great blue raspberry taste with Breeze Smoke Pro. Or you can suggest a similar sentence with the same anchor. 2. Vanilla bean dream Vanilla Bean Dream is a top choice for those seeking a sweet, creamy vape juice flavor. This trending flavor combines the classic taste of vanilla with a dreamy creaminess to create a vaping experience that is both smooth and satisfying. Vanilla Bean Dream is a great choice for those who don't want a strong or overpowering taste, and it is perfect for sharing with family and friends. With its buttery smoothness, this vape juice is a real crowd-pleaser. Whether new to vaping or a seasoned pro, Vanilla Bean Dream is a must-try flavor that will surely delight you. 3. Juicy watermelon burst Looking for a new vape juice flavor that you and your family can enjoy? Look no further than Juicy Watermelon Burst! This trending flavor is bursting with sweet and juicy watermelon notes that are perfect for summertime. Whether relaxing by the pool or enjoying a BBQ with loved ones, Juicy Watermelon Burst will surely be a hit. Its crisp and refreshing taste makes this flavor perfect for those looking for something delicious and easy to vape. Give it a try and see what all the fuss is about - you won't be disappointed! 4. Caramel swirl delight If you're on the hunt for a vape juice flavor that is both sweet and irresistible, the Caramel Swirl Delight is worth a try. This trending flavor has been gaining popularity for its unique blend of rich caramel and smooth cream that explodes with flavor in every puff. Whether you're new to vaping or a seasoned pro, this flavor is a must-try that will leave you wanting more. Plus, the Caramel Swirl Delight is a great option to share with your family and friends, as it is sure to impress even the pickiest of taste buds. So go ahead and indulge in this delicious vape juice flavor today! 5. Sweet and sour cherry bomb If you're looking for a new e-juice flavor with your family, the Sweet and Sour Cherry Bomb is a trending option worth a taste test. This flavor features the perfect blend of sweetness and tartness, making it a deliciously unique experience that will tantalize your taste buds. Every puff will deliver a burst of cherry flavor complemented by a tangy aftertaste, creating a complex and satisfying vaping experience. Whether you're a vape enthusiast looking to switch things up or just starting with vaping, the Sweet and Sour Cherry Bomb is a must-try flavor that's sure to impress. 6. Tangy lemon twist If you're a fan of tangy flavors, then the Tangy Lemon Twist vape juice is worth a try! Perfect for those who aren't fans of overly sweet flavors, this juice offers a refreshing blend of tartness and sweetness that will tantalize your taste buds. Additionally, this flavor isn't heavy or overpowering, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a lighter vape experience. Whether you're looking to switch up your usual vape flavor routine or want to try something new with your family, the Tangy Lemon Twist vape juice is a great option to consider. How To Choose The Perfect Vape Juice Flavor To Enjoy With Your Family? Choosing the perfect vape juice flavor to enjoy with your family can be an exciting adventure. First and foremost, it's essential to consider the preferences of each member of your household. Tasting different flavors together can also be a fun activity to help you find the perfect vape mood. When selecting vape juice flavors, consider a variety of flavor categories such as fruity, candy, dessert, and menthol. Take your time to try different combinations and find a favorite that everyone in your family can enjoy. Importantly, ensure the vape juice flavors you pick are high quality and produced by a reputable company. With a vast selection of vape juice flavors available, choosing the perfect one may take time and patience, but it'll ultimately be worthwhile. Factors To Ensure While Trying Different Vape Juice Flavors With Your FamilyWhen trying different vape juice flavors with your family, there are a few critical factors to keep in mind for a satisfying and safe experience: Consider the nicotine level and opt for lower concentrations if possible. This is particularly important if anyone in your family is new to vaping or sensitive to nicotine. Be mindful of any flavor allergies or preferences and choose accordingly. Be open to trying different flavor profiles and experimenting with combinations, but always prioritize safety and comfort for everyone involved. Always store your vape juice properly and keep it out of reach of children and pets. Following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy trying different vape juice flavors with your family while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Bottom Line Vaping has become a popular pastime for adults across all age groups. With increasingly diverse flavors, settling on the perfect mix can be hard. From Twisted Tobacco to Caramel Mint, there is something for everyone’s palate! In addition, this can be a great way for families to spend quality time together, whether inside or out. All you need is an e-cigarette starter kit, and you’re ready to go! Whatever flavor tickles your fancy, always remember to vape responsibly and take safety precautions when testing different flavors. Read Also: Top 5 Best Types of Vape Juice How to Solve Some Problems of The Vapes Benefits of Buying Your E Juice in NZ Online

READ MOREDetails
What Fast Food Is Open on Christmas

What Fast Food Is Open On Christmas? – Stores And Restaurants To Visit

Christmas is just a couple of weeks away, and it gets busy at this time of the year. Moreover, with all the festive celebrations, you will definitely want some fast food. But, what fast food is open on Christmas? The answer is many fast-food restaurants, and food stalls are open on 25 December to fulfill your cravings. In this article, you will learn about what fast food chain is open on Christmas. Apart from that, this article will also give you details about the types of fast-food chains open on Christmas. Moreover, you will also get tips on finding open fast-food locations. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article. The Popularity Of Fast Food On Christmas Recently, more fast-food chains have been choosing to operate on Christmas Day. This is great news for people who do not celebrate by going out or who just want to take a break on Christmas. This is also helpful for people who are just looking for a convenient option for lunch and dinner. Generally, in the United States, unlike many other countries across the world, fast-food chains are quite popular. This is because of the following reasons: It is easy to get quick and easy fast food. Also, you will find it cheaper than preparing a meal at home. If you live in a city, the fast-paced city life and professional commitments make fast food an easy-to-get option. Generally, fast food is more affordable than healthy meals, organic food, and fresh food alternatives. Convenience is the biggest reason for the popularity of fast-food chains. Moreover, since Americans value time and money a lot, it makes fast food easy on the pocket as well as on time-savings. In fact, you can order cheeseburgers, sodas, and supersize items, each within a dollar. Basically, when it comes to Christmas, people want to take a break from making food and spend more time with their families. Hence, fast food has become the go-to alternative. On the other hand, many fast food chains use marketing campaigns to promote their food during holidays. Apart from that, fast food items also contain some ingredients that make people feel good, like saturated fats, sugar, trans fats, high calories, etc. Types Of Fast-Food Chains Open On Christmas The following are the major types of fast-food chains that are open on Christmas: Snacks Generally, these fast-food chains include a snack bar, beverage establishments, and simple meals like sandwiches, burgers, and hotdogs. Here, the serving person will serve you at the counter or on the table. Burger Shops This is a popular option in some places. In those shops, you will find upscale burgers and a variety of cheeseburgers. Moreover, you will find different types of concept burgers that emphasize variety and freshness. Generally, these are takeaway counters. Food Court These places are full of different small takeaway counters. Here, each customer pays independently and eats in a common room. In these places, each owner of the food island contributes to the dining room rental. Healthy Fast Food Healthy fast food options are also common in some places. For example, you will get nutritious wraps, vegetarian food, and a variety of vegan options. Basically, if you want a balanced diet, this is a great option. Also, it helps you a lot, even when you are on the move. Hence, if you are health-conscious, this can be a great alternative. Niche Fast Food Many new themed and niche fast food restaurants are opening up. Here, you can personalize your fast food. Here, the restaurant fuses fast food with many other food options to create something new. What Fast Food Chain Is Open On Christmas? The following are some of the fast food chains that are open on Christmas: 1. McDonalds The Golden Arches are the most popular fast-food options during Christmas. Yes, McDonald’s is open on Christmas and throughout the festive season. No matter which state you are from, you will find many locations open on Christmas Day and even on Christmas Eve. However, the hours may change depending on the location you are from. 2. Starbucks Sipping a Cafe Mocha on the evening of Christmas with a book in hand. This is heaven for people who like to celebrate Christmas alone. However, even if you have your family and friends with you on Christmas day, Starbucks is always a go-to option. Generally, you will find most Starbucks locations open on Christmas. However, individual store hours may differ depending on the place you stay. Basically, it depends on the cultural and climatic conditions of the place. Hence, before you visit the nearest Starbucks, make sure to call. 3. Burger King A juicy burger on a Christmas day is like heaven to many. Head to the nearest Burger King to get your burger. However, you might find some locations closed on Christmas Day. Hence, it is better to call beforehand. This is because the holiday hours are different in every location. 4. Dunkin’ Donuts If you have a sweet tooth, Dunkin’ Donuts is there to satisfy your needs. In fact, most of the Dunkin’ Donuts locations stay open on Christmas Day. Hence, if you are looking for a quick breakfast or an afternoon treat, order something from Dunkin’ Donuts. However, make sure to confirm the timings of your local store by calling them beforehand. Tips For Finding Open Fast-Food Locations The following are the steps you must follow if you want to find an open fast-food location near you: Open your smartphone. Tap on the Google Maps app to open it. Make sure your GPS is on. Tap the name of the shop and add “near me” after that. You will find all the locations of that shop near you. Check the opening and closing times of the shop. Also, note down the phone number of the shop. Call that shop and ask whether they are open within the time frame within which you will visit. If the storekeeper confirms that they are open, head on to that fast-food shop quickly. This way, you can visit a fast-food store near you and try out your favorite meal. Alternatives To Fast Food On Christmas A good home-cooked meal is always the better option if you want to compare it with fast food. Whether you are alone or with your family, spending some time cooking something you like is a great way to spend your Christmas in an amazing manner. Depending on how much time you have, you can also try out a new recipe. All you need to do is open YouTube and check out a cooking recipe. If possible, you can even involve your family members in the preparation. Basically, if there are many hands, the workload will be less. Moreover, this will strengthen the family bonding. Summing Up What fast food chain is open on Christmas? You can see that the popular fast food chains that are open on Christmas are McDonald’s, Burger King, Starbucks, and Dunkin’ Donuts. Apart from that, if you have any other local fast-food shop open, you can visit there. Do you have more suggestions on how to find a fast-food shop nearby? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below. Read Also: Is Walmart Open On Christmas? Get To Know What Is Open And What Is Not Best Bulking Foods That You Need For Fast Muscle Gains All you need to know about kashkaval cheese Unveiling home décor ideas for Christmas

READ MOREDetails