You may have heard that eating a balanced diet is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one component of that diet, dietary fibre, demands extra emphasis. Getting enough fibre in your diet is crucial for a number of reasons, including improved digestion, better control of weight, and a lower chance of developing certain chronic diseases. There is an abundance of fibre-rich products that can be easily incorporated into dishes from snacks to desserts. Let's know the importance of fibre and check out some fiber-packed Indian ingredients to prepare snacks to help you stay on track with your healthy lifestyle.
Chickpeas
Chickpeas are a versatile and fibre-rich ingredient widely used in Indian snacks. They provide a hearty dose of dietary fibre, which aids digestion, promotes fullness, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Roasted chickpeas, known as chana chaat, are a popular snack. They can also be used to make delicious chana masala, a spicy dry chickpea, or even a crunchy chana jor garam.
Oats
Oats are packed with soluble fibre, making them an excellent choice for healthy snacks. They help lower cholesterol levels and keep you feeling full. You can make oats upma, oats dosa, or even oat energy bars with nuts and dried fruits for a quick and nutritious snack.
Lentils
Lentils are a fantastic source of both protein and fibre. In Indian cuisine, they are used to prepare snacks like dal vada, which are deep-fried lentil patties. Dal can also be cooked with spices and served as a nutritious dip with whole wheat pita bread or vegetable sticks.
Whole Wheat
Whole wheat is fibre-rich and is commonly used to make snacks like whole wheat bread, chapati rolls, and stuffed parathas. You can fill them with a variety of vegetables and spices for a satisfying and fibre-packed treat.
Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are a powerhouse of fibre and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. They can be added to snacks like smoothies, yoghurt, or homemade granola bars for an extra boost of fibre and nutrients.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also fibre-rich. Baked or roasted sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to regular fries and provide dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
Spinach
Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that adds fiber to your diet while providing essential vitamins and minerals. You can use spinach to make healthy snacks like spinach pakoras or add it to sandwiches and wraps for an extra nutritional punch.