Most of us have heard facts about different food items, which we actually believed, but later realized that they were inaccurate. There are plenty of misconceptions and myths when it comes to food and nutrition. So, when you are planning to switch to a healthy and balanced lifestyle, it is best to debunk these Indian food myths. This is because it will give you a better idea on what healthy foods are & what food items need to be included in your diet.
Since our country is home to different & diverse cultures, cultural values are often confused with facts. This has in fact resulted in the spread of several myths and misconceptions regarding Indian food. However, do not worry because in this article, we are debunking popular Indian food myths.
Desi Ghee Is Unhealthy
We might have heard several people saying desi ghee is not good for our health. However, the reality is that desi ghee is comparatively a lot healthier when compared to cottonseed, sunflower, safflower, and corn oils.
Desi ghee contains 65 Percent Saturated Acids and 32 percent Monounsaturated Fatty Acids. They do not reduce the good cholesterol in our body. Studies have also revealed that cow’s ghee may also protect us from cancer.
Avoid Eggs
Eggs are a healthy source of proteins, but we are often told to avoid eggs because they are high in cholesterol. It is true that there is 215mg Cholesterol in a single chicken egg. And, the daily intake limit is 300 mg. That said, several studies have found out that the impact of egg cholesterol on our blood cholesterol level is minimal.
A 2012 study that was published by the National Center For Biotechnology Information revealed that long-term egg consumption does not have any harmful effect on our health.
Suji Is Very Nutritious
Another common misconception around Indian food that is believed by several people is that the whole grain, Semolina or Suji is very nutritious. It is important to note that suji is actually maida’s granular form. And the nutritional content in it is pretty similar to that of refined wheat flour or polished rice.
Most whole grains are very rich in nutrients and fiber, but that’s not the case with Semolina or Suji. Suji is actually the starch-rich component, which is left behind after the whole grain is stripped off from the nutrients.
Extra Virgin Oil Is Not Suitable For Cooking
We have heard so many questions regarding the use of extra virgin oils when cooking. Some people often ask can I use extra virgin oil for garnish while others wonder will the oil lose nutrients when it is heated. The first thing you need to understand is that extra virgin oil is a heat-stable oil and it can be used for cooking.
However, heating oil ( any type of oil) to a higher temperature will result in the loss of nutrients. In fact, it may even produce undesirable compounds. So, it is best to minimize the heating to get most out of the oil.
Apples & Bananas Are Rich In Iron
Apples and bananas are excellent sources of iron. A large percent of the Indian population continues to believe this popular Indian food myth. It is high time you realize the fact that apples and bananas are not rich sources of iron. Instead, they are excellent sources of fiber.
Several people believe this Indian food myth because apples and bananas turn brown in color. However, the color change is not due to the presence of iron, but due to an enzymatic reaction. And, it has nothing to do with Iron.
Conclusion
There are also several other popular Indian food myths like eating nuts can lead to obesity and cholesterol-related issues. However, it is important to talk to a dietician if you really want to know what food items are healthy for you and what’s not.
If you do not do that, you will end up believing some of these common misconceptions. And, cut down healthy food from your diet.
There is a wide range of Indian superfoods and immunity-boosting foods out there. It is best to try to include these food items in your daily diet if you are planning to start eating healthily.
