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Indian Express
07-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
The benefits (and drawbacks) of consuming kadhi-chawal
Social media can leave you feeling bemused, one post at a time. That's exactly how we felt when we chanced upon a video by Sugandha Sharma, an ayurveda consultant, claiming that kadhi made with curd instead of buttermilk can lead to joint pains and aches later in life. 'Curd and gram flour (besan) combination is not good for health. Both these items increase inflammation in the body. Moreover, curd should not be heated. Instead, prepare kadhi authentically from buttermilk derived from butter rather than curd. It is more tasty and is better for health,' said Sharma. Since we could not digest this piece of information, we immediately reached out to Fauziya Ansari, dietitian, Apollo Spectra Mumbai, who said 'more concrete research' is needed to prove that having kadhi made with curd can potentially lead to joint and knee pain. 'There is no proven link between eating kadhi — an Indian delicacy — and knee pain. While it might cause discomfort for those with lactose intolerance or sensitive stomachs, it isn't always the case,' said Ansari. Instead of relying on social media, consult a nutritionist or dietician to weigh the possible consequences and benefits of different dishes for overall health, asserted Ansari. Concurring, Dr Haricharan G, senior consultant physician, HoD, internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi Ka Pul, Hyderabad, added that while it has no relation to knee pain, kadhi is 'rich in protein and probiotics due to its yogurt content, which supports gut health. However, it is often prepared with significant amounts of oil, which can increase its calorie content and make it less suitable for those managing weight or cholesterol levels,' he added. 'The addition of deep-fried pakoras in some versions further adds to the unhealthy fat content,' he continued. Should you have buttermilk-made kadhi? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock) Kadhi is usually paired with a type of rice with a high glycemic index, which can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. 'This may not be ideal for individuals with diabetes or those trying to manage their blood sugar levels,' stressed Dr Haricharan. For a healthier version, consider using less oil, avoiding deep-fried additions, and pairing the kadhi with brown or smaller portion of white rice. 'Including plenty of vegetables and balancing your overall diet with fibre-rich foods can help mitigate some of the less healthy aspects of this dish,' said Dr Haricharan. If you suffer from joint pain for an extended period, consider consulting an expert. 'After closely examining your lifestyle and dietary choices, your dietician may suggest a customised diet plan that meets your daily intake of essential nutrients and vitamins to strengthen your bones and joints,' said Ansari. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sugandha Sharma (@ This can effectively help combat knee pain while alleviating the symptoms. While it is natural to be curious about various health tips you see online it's vital to approach them with critical thinking.
Indian Express
05-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Meet Pantua, the Bengali cousin of Gulab Jamun
The soft and syrup-soaked Pantua is symptomatic of the Bengali palate's innate love for sweetness. But more than being a rich dessert, it's also a nostalgic bite of history, still served during pujo, Bengali weddings, and celebrations. Although often compared to the more widely known Gulab Jamun, Pantua is distinct in its own right, explained food historian and chef Sadaf Hussain, due to the ingredients used and its preparation method. The origins of Pantua can be traced back to the 12th-century Sanskrit text Manasollasa, compiled by King Someshvara III, which mentions a sweet resembling modern-day Pantua, Hussain explained. This early version was made from rice flour and cottage cheese, deep-fried in ghee, and then soaked in sugar syrup. Over time, the recipe evolved, with wheat flour replacing rice flour in Bengal, leading to the Pantua we know today. The term 'Pantua' is believed to have linguistic roots in Bengali. Some scholars suggest it derives from 'Panitua' or 'Panitoba,' with 'toba' meaning 'to sink,' referencing the sweets' tendency to settle at the bottom of the syrup. Pantua vs Gulab Jamun: What is the difference? Unlike gulab jamun, which is typically made from khoya (dried whole milk), pantua is made from chhena (fresh, moist curdled milk) and semolina, giving it a distinct texture and flavour, Hussain explained. Additionally, Pantua is darker in colour and has a more caramelised flavour with a dense texture, while gulab jamun is typically lighter and soaked in a more delicate syrup and has a spongy texture as it is hollow on the inside. The dessert symbolises festivity and joy in Bengal, often served during significant occasions, he explained. Gulab jamun and Pantua are not the same (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock) How is Pantua prepared? The process of making Pantua involves kneading chhena and semolina into a smooth dough, which is then shaped into small, round balls. Hussain explained that these balls are then deep-fried until they attain a rich, dark brown colour. The frying process gives Pantua a slightly crispy exterior, while the inside remains soft and moist. After frying, the Pantuas are soaked in a sugar syrup flavoured with cardamom, rose water, or saffron, which allows them to absorb the sweetness and aroma, making them incredibly flavourful. What are the varieties of Pantua? Over time, various regional and household variations of Pantua have emerged. Some newer versions use a filling of nuts or dried fruits, while others may incorporate flavors like saffron or rose essence into the syrup. Another popular variant is the 'Ledikeni,' a cylindrical version of Pantua named after Lady Canning, the wife of the Governor-General of India during British rule. However, the most famous is the traditional version of Pantua, which comes from Sirajganj in Bengal, Hussain said, and doesn't have a hollow centre. For those looking to explore Bengali cuisine or simply indulge in a delightful dessert, Pantua is a must-try. Its deep-rooted history and irresistible taste make it a timeless classic in the world of Indian sweets.
Indian Express
05-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Rubina Dilaik opens up about her life and food choices, says she is not a 2 am meal person: ‘The body is created in the kitchen'
Rubina Dilaik is enjoying a blissful life with her twins and her husband, Abhinav Shukla. The actor recently opened up about her life and food choices, adding that her all-time go-to breakfast is Pahadi food, which has lots of ghee. 'I can eat Pahadi food forever,' said Dilaik, adding that she loves to indulge in street foods like pani puri or samosa every 1.5 months. But does she enjoy 2 am meals? 'I am an early person, so no 2 am meals. Eat the right food at the right time. That's very important. The body is created in the kitchen. 80 per cent of the kitchen and 20 per cent in the gym,' she told India Forums. Taking a cue from her revelation, let's understand if the body is really made in the kitchen. She enjoys eating a balanced diet (/Thinkstock) Generally, it is best to avoid late-night meals as it can 'alter our circadian rhythms, which can reduce insulin sensitivity and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes over time,' said Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator. Eating late at night can also lead to poor sleep, which can ultimately affect mental health. 'The body's metabolism slows down during the night and cannot efficiently burn as many calories, leading to weight gain. Additionally, eating late at night can lead to digestion issues, increased acid secretion, etc,' shared Malhotra. According to Malhotra, the phrase, 'the kitchen is where your body is made' acknowledges the critical importance of nutrition to overall health and body composition. 'The foods we consume exert a powerful influence on our metabolism, gene expression, and hormones, which all impact our ability to manage our weight and prevent chronic disease. Nutrition is a central component of good health,' said Malhotra. However, we must remember genetics, physical activity, stress, and sleep all play key roles in an individual's overall health. So, while nutritious food choices are a priority, the concept of health includes other factors beyond diet too.
Indian Express
01-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Why you must never drink water from that plastic bottle lying in the car
After sipping water, many of us tend to leave plastic water bottles inside our cars. But this common practice can wreak havoc on your health and is 'risky,' say experts. Plastic bottles left in a hot car can potentially harm one's health because of chemical leaching, especially when the plastic is subjected to high temperatures. Health risks 'Leaving plastic water bottles inside cars under the scorching sun is a common habit and can be risky. When plastic bottles are exposed to high temperatures, mainly inside closed vehicles, they may carry harmful chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) and Antimony into the water. These substances lead to hormonal imbalance and raise the risk of cancer over prolonged exposure,' said Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant, internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospital Parel Mumbai. The majority of plastic bottles contain polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which, under heat stress, will leach dangerous chemicals such as antimony and bisphenol A (BPA) into the water,' added Dr Rituja Ugalmugle, internal medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central. Even at low doses, repeated exposures may underlie long-term health effects, asserted Dr Ugalmugle. 'BPA is one example, an endocrine disruptor with the potential to compromise hormone function, potentially affecting metabolism and cardiovascular status and enhancing the risk of insulin resistance. Antimony, a metalloid, has been implicated in some research as causing gastrointestinal irritation as well as even organ toxicity with long-term exposure,' said Dr Ugalmugle. Here's what you should consider (/Thinkstock) Moreover, heating can also release microplastics, which may enter the body and accumulate in organs, causing inflammation or other long-term issues, said Dr Agarwal. What to note? It's important to remember that most plastic bottles are meant for single use and are not designed to withstand repeated heat exposure. 'Hence, avoid drinking water from bottles left in hot environments for your health and safety. Replace those plastic bottles with stainless steel or glass bottles, which are safer alternatives and better for the environment and your health. Try to carry a bottle from your home to avoid drinking water from plastic bottles. Be mindful and avoid plastic usage,' said Dr Agarwal.
Indian Express
01-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
This is what happens inside the stomach when you eat very quickly
Some people eat too quickly, a habit that can be detrimental to health, leading to issues like bloating, gas, and digestion troubles. An Instagram video demonstrates exactly this with an experiment: In the video, the blogger puts baking soda in two separate zip-lock bags containing water. If baking soda is put in too quickly, the water may overflow, just like food in our stomachs. Conclusion: One must eat their food slowly to allow their stomach to digest it without discomfort. Why does it happen? Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant in internal medicine at Gleneagles Hospital Parel Mumbai, argued that it is mainly because you swallow excess air when eating quickly. 'Your stomach has to work harder to break down the food when it is not chewed properly. This can further lead to indigestion and acidity. It also prevents your brain from recognising whether you are full or not. This can increase the chances of overeating and weight gain,' explained Dr Agarwal. It's essential to not eat too fast (/Thinkstock) According to the expert, rapid eating can put extra strain on digestion, potentially leading to acid reflux and severe stomach cramps. 'It can also slow down your metabolism. This is why it becomes crucial to prioritise health and eat slowly,' said Dr Agarwal. Eating slowly, at a relaxed pace,, allows your digestive system to function smoothly and also helps you absorb the essential nutrients from the food more effectively. Tips Ensure that you chew your food slowly and take small bites. 'Avoid taking bigger bites. Eating in a calm setting without any distractions can be helpful,' said Dr Agarwal. A post shared by Emmie Keefe | Healthy Emmie (@healthyemmie) Also, do not drink water during the meal as it can quickly make you full. 'Instead, try drinking water 20 to 30 minutes before your meal to aid digestion,' shared Dr Agarwal. Simple changes in eating habits can have a significant impact on gut health and long-term health.
