While a warm plate of chole bhature or luchi torkari (Bengali poori and potato curry) for breakfast may make you break into a happy dance, are you certain your stomach and heart are joining in the celebration too?
When it comes to breakfast options, be it in Delhi or Mumbai or Kolkata, most people want to opt for something that is filling as well as healthy and South Indian breakfast fits in just right.
So, what comes to your mind when you think of a scrumptious South Indian breakfast? Of course, hot fluffy white idli and dosa with piping hot sambhar and coconut chutney. That's iconic, there's no denying that. Even a five-star hotel breakfast buffet in India is incomplete without a South Indian spread.
When it comes to healthy South Indian spread, the options are too many. However, upma, idiyappam, pongal, uttapam, appam and vegetable stew are some of the dishes typical of a South Indian breakfast.
The cuisine celebrates the use of ingredients like coconut, curry leaves, and various lentils, which not only add depth to the dishes but also boost their nutritional profile.
Sweedal Trinidade, chief dietician at Mumbai's PD Hinduja Hospital and MRC, told India Today, "I recommend South Indian breakfast to most of my patients and clients because it is not only easy to digest but has immense nutritional benefits."
"It also contributes to good metabolism and aids in maintaining healthy weight, preventing metabolic syndrome or comorbidities," she added.
The ingredients and fermentation process involved in South Indian food make it beneficial for your gut health, indirectly aiding in weight loss. If your goal is not weight loss but overall health, we bet you won't find a better breakfast option that is easy to make, tasty, and sustainable.
What makes the fare healthy?
Lentils, on the other hand, are a great source of plant-based protein, vital for muscle repair and growth. This combination ensures a balanced intake of proteins and carbohydrates, making it an ideal breakfast choice.
When on a weight-loss journey, it is recommended to control portions and consume foods that are low in calories and use minimal oil. Interestingly, South Indian breakfast items provide a combination of low-calorie options with an extra punch of flavour, making them ideal for weight loss or maintenance.
"One of the hallmarks of South Indian breakfast items is their fermentation process. Fermentation enhances the bioavailability of nutrients, making these foods not only easier to digest but also beneficial for gut health," Delhi-based dietician Anita Aggrawal told India Today.
"Additionally, these breakfast options are predominantly low in fat and calories yet high in essential nutrients, providing a balanced meal that can aid in weight management and weight loss. For instance, dishes like ragi dosa and oats uttapam offer a lower glycemic index, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, preventing spikes and crashes that can lead to overeating," she added.
Down south, coconut oil is used for cooking which is a good source of antioxidants, providing anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and brain-protective effects.
Not just breakfast, but if someone wants to make a diet change and stick to the South Indian diet for a while to check if it aids weight loss, it can be a good proposition. The combination of complex carbohydrates, protein, and dietary fibre makes this cuisine a good option.
It also helps you regulate blood sugar levels, provides a sustained feeling of fullness, and prevents overeating.
For people on a vegan or vegetarian diet, it's an excellent choice as you can enjoy a delicious meal that supports digestive health, aids in weight loss, and provides essential nutrients.
The magic of South Indian breakfast extends beyond its immediate taste and nutritional value. It's a silent warrior in the battle against the bulge, offering dishes that are high in fibre, low in calories, and packed with essential nutrients, all of which play a crucial role in weight management.Â
2024-03-20T05:52:00Z dg43tfdfdgfd