Health and Food

Was reading an article in Huffington Post regarding how Indian food scores so low on health while as general perception being that Indian food is healthy! In my view Article's heading should have been " is Indian food that is served in hotels and eateries a healthy Option "?  It doesn't mean that Indians always cook healthy food back home but this helps readers to understand that Indian food has many dimensions like any other cuisine. There are varied tastes that change from northern Himalayas to southern oceans. They change from north-eastern seven sisters to western ghats. However cooking methods are few and most common ones are either tandoor based(a well type structure where heat from firewood is used or from electricity) or pan based cooking method where pan gets heat from wood, kerosine stove, LPG or electric heater.

It is also very essential that we understand what Ayurveda says about cooking method. Ayurveda says that cooking should be done in low heat and less oil/ ghee. So in this type of cooking, cook or chef needs to move ladle frequently to avoid food from sticking to pan or getting burnt. Spices and vegetables should be cooked as per the Ayurvedic nature for whom food is being cooked ( pitta, Vatta, Kapha). This will lead to tastier food that is  easily digested and has less toxins once absorbed.

Check this link for more Information: http://www.jiva.com/ayurveda/about-ayurveda/463.html

So when we cook Maincourse meal we need to remember to use word "little less"! Of course it is a comparative term. 

 Use less oil/ ghee( oil is very important bt majority of Indians today have sedentary lifestyle so we need it less) combination. 

Cook on low flame

Adding adding spices in excess. 

Cooking vegetable and dals after knowing whether they are suitable for body type. ( body type changes with seasons as well as stress or illness)

Refraining from adding creams or cashew nuts for make thicker gravies. Start using fennel powder to get little thickness and relish thin water or veg broth based gravies rather than thick cream based. 

Now whether u live in India or outside India and depend on Restra s for food then ask. Ask through blogs, direct feedback.. Ask for adding healthy food list in the menu. Rather than ordering Shahi Paneer order Matar paneer without cream or Milk. ( cream or Milk are not bad they have calcium but then it is better to have glass of milk at bedtime rather than feel bloated and heavy after dinner or Lunch). For soups try without creams or butter, without tempering. Just a pinch of salt and pepper. They still taste yum. I think feedback is most important and that only can get lots of healthier, lighter options in market. 

In my next post I will talk about Indian Snacks and Starters. Where they rate on Health Chart.