The Indian diet is noted for its inclusion of many spices, pulses and rice, not forgetting its variety of flavours and colours which are what make this cuisine so unique. Being generally low in fat, high in vegetables and fruit,an Indian diet has many health benefits.

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So, what makes an Indian diet so healthy? In answer to this, let’s take a look at the typical components of an Indian diet:

• High in a wide variety of vegetables, spinach and fruit

• High in a variety of spices and herbs, such as ginger and coriander

• Low in saturated fat

• Widely accepted

• High in fibre

There are specific components of an Indian diet which have a range of health benefits.

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Chickpeas, for example, which are often used in vegetarian curries, are a great source of fibre, zinc, folate and protein, which makes them a healthy factor in a vegetarian Indian diet. Spinach and tomatoes, which are widely used in Indian cuisine, are also known superfoods, containing high levels of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Likewise, many Indian sauces and accompaniments are vegetable based, such as Sag aloo (spinach) and Gobhi Aloo (cauliflower with potatoes) making them a healthy choice as the majority do not use cream or cheese.

The minty yoghurt dip raita, made from natural yoghurt, cucumber and mint, is a source of calcium and is a low fat alternative to sauces such as mayonnaise. Natural yoghurt is also often used to form curry sauces instead of cream or coconut milk.

Garlic features greatly in Indian cooking, which is said to be good for the heart, as do chillies, which are good for the immune system and metabolism.

Indian dishes often use vegetable, sesame and oil rather than butter, which keeps them lower in saturated fat.

Adopting a vegetarian diet can be a sure shot if one wants to lose weight and stay healthy. For a better health experience, there is no harm in adopting a vegetarian diet. As the vegetarian diet is associated with higher fibre, vitamins, folic acid, magnesium, and phytochemicals, vegetarians tend to stay fitter and have several health benefits over non-vegetarians.

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Some of them are:

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Lowers the risk of diabetes – As per the research of George Washington University School of Medicine, it has been confirmed that a vegetarian diet is easy to digest and is highly nutritious. It has less fatty acids which keep the blood sugar controlled hence reducing the risk of diabetes.

 

It also provides important benefits for the management of diabetes and reduces the risk of its development

High fibre content – Fiber is essential for proper digestion of food. It is present in high amount in fruits and vegetables. Apart from improving the metabolism of the body, it helps in the speedy elimination of toxins and chemicals which hinder the growth. As vegetarian foods are usually water-based they also help in maintaining the liquid contents in the body.

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Helps in maintaining blood pressure – Vegetarian diet has low sodium and less fatty acids. The vegetarian food is also cooked in less oil which ultimately helps in maintaining lower blood pressure. In comparison, non-vegetarian food has to be cooked in more oil, has more sodium and high amount of fatty acids which results in high blood pressure.

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Promotes skin health – Vegetarian food, specifically fruits, and vegetables, is rich in vitamins, minerals, and also antioxidants. As vegetarian food is water-based, it removes the toxins from the body. Moreover, some items can be consumed raw which ultimately improve the intake of nutrients leading to healthier skin.

May help in improving psoriasis – Psoriasis is a skin disease which causes redness and irritation. It can be debilitating for those who suffer from it. As per the research of the Federal University of Pernambuco, it has been found that those who consume a vegetarian diet have experienced positive effects.

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Improves mood – Vegetarian diet lacks a substance named Arachidonic acid which is linked with mood swings and agitation. It can be found in meat and fish. As per Croatia’s Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, vegetarians have lower levels of neuroticism and they tend to have fewer mood swings.

Vegetarians have lower cholesterol – After carrying extensive research it has been found that cholesterol level in the vegetarian diet was much lower when compared to non-vegetarian diet because of which vegetarians have a comparatively lower cholesterol level.

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Improves mood – Vegetarian diet lacks a substance named Arachidonic acid which is linked with mood swings and agitation. It can be found in meat and fish. As per Croatia’s Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, vegetarians have lower levels of neuroticism and they tend to have fewer mood swings.

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Vegetarians have lower cholesterol – After carrying extensive research it has been found that cholesterol level in the vegetarian diet was much lower when compared to non-vegetarian diet because of which vegetarians have a comparatively lower cholesterol level.

 

Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases – Non-vegetarian food is a source of saturated fatty acids which often lead to blockage in arteries. On the other hand, vegetarian food which is high in fibre and has a negligible quantity of unhealthy fat which ultimately contributes to reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases.

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PROUD TO BE AN INDIAN

PROUD TO BE VEGETARIAN