Are Indian Meals Healthy?

Have you ever wondered why Indian meals taste so unique? Besides being unique, they`re also delicious. It would be great to explore some of these lovely dishes. We`ve put together some lovely and healthy Indian foods and spices you would love. Let`s get into the Indian kitchen already.

10 Nutritious and Sumptuous Indian Meals

Dal

Dals or pulses are a great source of vitamins and minerals. They are rich in Vitamins A, B, C and E, as well as in minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium. Did we mention they are also a rich source of amino acids? If you`re considering a weight loss diet, you should dal more frequently – this is because it is low in fat content. Dal is also packed with protein and dietary fiber that aid the regulation of blood sugar levels. They also aid digestion and control high blood cholesterol.

Paneer

Everyone knows this as the vegetarian’s favorite chicken. The softness and taste of paneer make it appealing to both old and young alike. Paneer is made from milk, however, it is low in calories. It is particularly rich in proteins and calcium. Studies show that paneer prevents osteoporosis.

Curd

Curd is a dairy product that is great for weight loss. Some persons use curd to replace milk, as a result of its creamy texture. It’s great if you use curd made from low-fat milk, and even better to make it at home. The lower the fat, the healthier the content!

Daal Makhni

This meal from Northern India has various flavors that make it super tasty. It is made from whole black lentils and kidney beans, and has some butter and cream in its decoration. You may eat daal makhni with rotis, nana, or steaming hot rice. Daal makhni contains some amount of calories and is quite filling.

Rice

Rice is a staple diet of the Indians. They have an affinity for these grains, especially the white variety. White rice is a polished form that supplements our taste buds; they are however high in calories. Dieticians recommend brown rice which is richer in fiber. If you choose to eat white rice, remember to have it in moderate proportions.

Idly

Prepared by steaming, idly is made from fermented rice mixed with dal. It is a rich source of proteins and carbohydrates. It is also low in fat and easily digestible. Idly is a perfect meal for weight loss. Idly is most suitable for breakfast. If you don`t like oats, idly may be a good choice for you.

Dhokla

Dhokla is a fermented and steamed dish from India. It is made from fermented dal, hence it’s rich in protein and fiber content. Dhokla is great for diabetic patients. Since it is steamed and not fried, dhokla has oil content. What`s more? Its low-calorie content makes it suitable for weight loss.

Indian Curries

All over the world, chefs acknowledge Indian curries for their texture, spice and rich oil. The oil afloat, with its creamy texture, gives an instant appetite to food lovers. On a weight loss diet, yeah? Simply cook in non-stick pans with less oil and roasted whole spices; whole spices provide an appealing flavor to Indian dishes. For its creamy texture, avoid cream, simply use yogurt.

Keema

Keema is minced meat or chicken that is cooked in Indian masalas and on low fire till it gets dry. You may have keema with hot chapattis or naan. Keema is a breakfast delight in India.

Roti

Traditionally, roti is made out of wheat. These days, people use multigrain flour in making it. Roti is rich in fiber and carbohydrates, helping you add some good nutrition to your body.

4 Healthy Spices Used in Indian Recipes

Having discussed some amazing Indian meals, let’s talk about some fantastic spices in Indian dishes. These spices do not only form the pillars of great taste; they also serve some health purposes such as prevention and cure of diseases.

Curry Leaves

Curry leaves are a cooking force to reckon with. They enhance weight loss and eliminate toxins from the body. They also improve hair growth and prevent premature graying of hair.

Turmeric

Turmeric has an intoxicating aroma and adds color and flavor to dishes. Its got numerous healing properties. Its curcumin content shuts down the genes responsible for heart enlargement. It also reduces cholesterol and high blood pressure. Turmeric also increases proper blood circulation throughout the body and prevents blood clotting. Daily consumption of turmeric reduces the risk of heart attacks.

Cardamom

Cardamom is a flavor-filled Indian spice that has a great aroma. It is used in richly flavored dishes and dessert. Cardamom aids digestion, increases metabolism, and is also beneficial for weight loss.

Chilli

Chilies play a pivotal role in complementing spicy Indian dishes. They are a strongly recommended herb for burning fat. What’s more? They contain a special ingredient, capsaicin, which improves metabolism.

7 Facts about Indian Foods

• There`s more to know about Indian foods. Let`s explore some amazing facts that will get you eating these meals real quick.
• The Indian Food Theory says that food has six flavors: sweet, salty, bitter, sour, astringent and spicy. Indian meals have a perfect balance of all six flavors, with one or two of them being more prominent in each meal.
• The Indian food system classifies food into three categories: Sattvic (fresh vegetables and juice), Rajasic (oily and spicy food) and Tamasic (meat and liquor).
• Indians believe that sattvic foods lead to higher states of consciousness; rajasic foods are the foundation of activity and motion, while tamasic foods eliminate negative feelings.
• Before the Portuguese introduced refined sugar to India, they used fruits and honey as sweeteners in Indian foods.
• The first Indian restaurant in the US was opened in the mid-1960s. Today, there are over 80,000 Indian restaurants in America.
• There is only a little knowledge about the food and eating habits of the earliest Indian civilization — Indus Valley Civilization. This is because the ancient language is yet to be deciphered.

10 Facts about Spices

• India is called the Land of Spices because it is one of the world’s largest producers of spice.
• Red peppers have a rich amount of vitamin C, and paprika made from red peppers has more vitamin C than lemon juice. Paprika is also bursting with some other antioxidants.
• Red bell peppers are fully ripened green bell peppers, while yellow bell peppers are different cultivars.
• Trinidad Moruga Scorpion chili, which is the world’s hottest chili pepper, can burn its way through protective latex gloves.
• Ancient Greeks and Romans believed that basil would only grow if they screamed wild curses and shouted while sowing the seeds.
• Earthworms are 82% protein, packed with Omega 3, and pair well with cumin and curry.
• Nutmeg is psychotropic. It could cause hallucinations, delusions, and an impending sense of doom if you consume it in high quantities.
• Vanilla is one of the most complex spices in the world, and the second most expensive, next to Saffron.
• Turmeric, found in curry powder, combats Alzheimer’s symptoms, and out-performs many Alzheimer’s medications.
• People of certain genes can’t stand coriander — it smells like soap and tastes like crushed bugs to them.

Now that you Know…

When will you find the nearest Indian restaurant? Don`t you just want to relish these amazing meal options already? You`ve got enough to choose from. Give yourself a treat already, and enjoy the taste and nourishment.