Indian food is generally good for health.
From the spice-laden dishes of the north to the coconut-infused delicacies of the south, there’s no shortage of delicious and nutritious options to choose from.
Indian cuisine, with several regional cuisines, offers a plethora of healthy eating options. The good news is that many traditional dishes are also packed with healthy ingredients. From the spice-laden dishes of the north to the coconut-infused delicacies of the south, there’s no shortage of delicious and nutritious options to choose from. In this article, we take a closer look at six healthy and flavorful Indian dishes and foods that are sure to tantalize your taste buds while also providing your body with the nutrition it needs.
chapati
Chapati, a type of unleavened flatbread made from whole wheat flour, is a staple in Indian cuisine. It is low in fat, high in fiber and is an excellent option for those looking to maintain stable blood sugar levels. It is also a great source of complex carbohydrates and essential nutrients such as vitamins B and E, iron and magnesium. Chapatis are also versatile and can be paired with a variety of healthy and flavorful dishes such as lentil dal and vegetable curries.
Rice preparations
Rice is packed with carbohydrates: the body’s primary source of fuel. It fills and energizes. Brown rice is even healthier. It is rich in nutrients, such as fiber, selenium, manganese and B-group vitamins. You can combine the dish with lentils, curd or vegetable gravy.
Idli Sambar
This rice cake is a staple in South India. Since the cooking process relies on steaming, the oil quotient is quite low. While idli offers the benefits of rice, sambar offers the health benefits of lentils and vegetables. The whole combination is easily digestible. The fact that the batter lasts for several days and can be used to make a variety of dishes (think dosa and uttaappam) adds to its benefits.
Valley
Indian cuisine focuses on a variety of dals. These are rich in protein and serve as a good source of nutrients for vegetarians and vegans. Legumes are also high in antioxidants that keep the immune system healthy and prevent various diseases. Consuming legumes also helps keep the digestive tract clean, thanks to its high fiber content.
Bread
Paneer, or Indian cottage cheese, is rich in calcium, iron and manganese. Raw paneer is low in calories and can be especially helpful for people trying to control their weight. It is known to regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Having paneer raw is healthiest. However, if you prefer the taste of cooked paneer, make it with lots of vegetables and minimal heat.
Chicken tandoori
This dish consists of chicken marinated in a mix of spices, yogurt and lemon juice, then baked or grilled in a clay oven. Tandoori chicken is a good source of protein and contains less fat than many other meat dishes.
The preparation of tandoori chicken does not involve frying, so there is no excessive oil consumption.
Read all the Latest Lifestyle News here