The Indian food is generally noted for its inclusion of a variety of spices, pulses and rice, also not forgetting the variety of flavours and colours which it employs are what makes this cuisine so unique. Generally, the diet is low in fat, high in vegetables, fruit and lean meat, giving the Indian diet many added health benefits.
Living in New Zealand, in this fast-paced world can definitely take a toll on the health with all the consumption of unhealthy fried fast foods causing enormous rife to the ultimate physical health of a person. Suburbs in New Zealand are teaming with Indian Restaurants offering a wide range of healthy food items. If your hands are full you can always order Affordable Indian cuisine in Whakatane and other such suburbs. Generally, these Indian restaurants in Howick and other suburbs serve very good quality food, whether you are dining in or ordering a takeaway.
So, what makes it healthy?
To understand this let’s take a look at typical ingredients used in the diet.
- A wide variety of vegetables and fruit, such as spinach, brinjal and mango
- A huge variety of spices and herbs, such as ginger, turmeric and coriander
- The dishes are very low in saturated fat
- High in fibre
Specific ingredients of the Indian diet have a range of health benefits.
For example, Chickpeas, often used in vegetarian curries, are a great source of fibre, zinc and protein, making it a very healthy addition in a vegetarian Indian diet. Tomatoes and spinach, are also known superfoods and plays a major role in the Indian diet, as it contains high levels of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Likewise, many Indian sauces are vegetable-based, such as “Sag aloo” (spinach) and “Gobhi Aloo” (cauliflower with potatoes) making them a healthy choice as most of them don’t require to use cream or cheese.
The minty yoghurt dip “raita”, made from natural curd, cucumber and mint, is a revitalizing source of calcium and is low in fat as opposed to sauces such as mayonnaise. Natural yoghurt is also often used in the kitchen to create the curry sauces without the use of cream or coconut milk.
Garlic features greatly in the Indian cuisine, which is good for the health of the heart, as do chillies, which are good for the immune system and metabolism of the human body.
Employment of vegetables, sesame and peanut oil rather than the use of butter keeps the food lower in saturated fat.
Finally, as Indian dishes have such an impacting taste on your tastebuds often small portions can satisfy your hunger, helping you to consume even fewer calories. The Indian diet’s variety and vibrancy make it interesting, which is a healthy component to any cuisine as the variety can spice up the boredom and overeating.
So next time you wish for a burger try a takeaway in any Indian restaurant Whakatane or your local area.