Are you a fan of parathas but want to make them a healthier choice? Look no further! Let's explore how parathas, a popular Indian flatbread, can be a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. By making a few simple adjustments to the ingredients and cooking methods, you can create healthier versions of parathas that are packed with flavour and beneficial nutrients. Here are a few tips and tricks to transform your beloved parathas into a more nutritious option without compromising on taste.
Why Are Parathas Considered Unsuitable For Summer?
During the summer, parathas are often considered unsuitable due to their heaviness, richness, and high-calorie content. Traditional parathas, made with layered dough and ghee or oil, resulting in a dense and calorie-dense final product. Consuming such heavy foods can leave you feeling lethargic, uncomfortable, and bloated as your body exerts extra energy to digest them. Moreover, the greasiness of parathas can contribute to a feeling of discomfort and increase body heat, which is less desirable in hot weather. As a result, people may prefer lighter alternatives that provide energy without weighing them down and opt for fresher, cooler meals instead.
Tips And Tricks To Make Parathas Healthier This Summer
Use Atta Instead Of Maida
Swapping maida (all-purpose flour) with atta (whole wheat flour) can make parathas healthier. Whole wheat flour is rich in dietary fibre compared to maida, thanks to the bran and germ layers it contains. Fibre promotes a healthy digestive system, preventing constipation and supporting gut health. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels and promotes satiety by slowing down sugar absorption. Additionally, atta retains valuable nutrients like vitamins E and B, iron, magnesium, and zinc, which are essential for overall well-being. By using atta in your parathas, you preserve these nutrients, making them a nutritious choice over maida-based parathas.
Add Seasonal Vegetable Fillings
Adding seasonal summer vegetables to parathas during the summer months can be a delightful and nutritious choice. In contrast to traditional filling options like aloo (potato) and gobhi (cauliflower), summer vegetables offer unique benefits that are well-suited for the season.
Elevate your parathas during the summer by incorporating seasonal vegetables for both taste and nutrition. Summer veggies like cucumbers, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes offer unique advantages for the season. Their high-water content keeps you hydrated and refreshed, combating dehydration in the heat. These vegetables are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Bell peppers provide vitamin C for immune support and skin health, while tomatoes offer lycopene, a powerful antioxidant with numerous health benefits. By adding these nutrient-rich veggies, you enhance the flavour and nutritional value of your parathas.
Use Less Ghee
Opting for a reduction in ghee when cooking parathas can yield several health benefits. Ghee, although flavourful, is high in calories and saturated fat. By using less ghee, you can make the parathas lighter and healthier, reducing their calorie content. Moderation is key when consuming ghee, as excess saturated fat can raise cholesterol levels and pose a risk to heart health. Moreover, cutting back on ghee results in a lighter texture, making the parathas easier to digest, which is especially advantageous during the summer when heavy foods may be less desirable.
Avoid The Use Of Excess Butter
Minimising the use of butter in parathas can have significant benefits for your health. While butter adds a delightful richness and flavour to parathas, it is important to exercise moderation due to its high calorie and saturated fat content. Butter is calorie-dense, meaning it can contribute to weight gain when consumed in excess. By reducing the amount of butter used in parathas, you can lower the overall calorie intake without compromising on taste. This is especially beneficial if you are watching your calorie intake or trying to maintain a healthy weight.
Eat In Moderation
Maintaining control over portion sizes is crucial when enjoying parathas. While they can be tasty and fulfilling, parathas can also be calorie-dense and high in carbohydrates, depending on their size and ingredients. One key reason for portion control is to manage your calorie intake. Parathas are typically cooked with oil or ghee, adding extra calories. Being mindful of this fat content is important.
Regularly consuming excess calories can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Moreover, the choice of fillings or accompaniments can contribute to the overall calorie count. Ingredients like cheese, potatoes, or meat significantly raise the paratha's calorie content. Controlling the amount of filling used and considering additional ingredients helps manage calorie intake and make healthier choices.
Portion control also aids digestion. Parathas can be heavy on the stomach, causing discomfort, bloating, and sluggishness when consumed excessively. By controlling portions, you allow your digestive system to function optimally and avoid overloading it.