5 Shocking Mistakes You’re Making with Everyday Indian Foods!

Vedha GaneshanMarch 13, 2024

4 minutes read

Are you eating healthy but still feeling sluggish? You might be surprised to learn that some everyday Indian staples are secretly sabotaging your health! From bloating after dal to confusing your gut with mixed fruit chaat, this article reveals 5 common mistakes you might be making with your favorite foods.

Here’s how to unlock their true nutritional potential and finally feel the health benefits you deserve!

5 Daily Foods You’re Consuming Incorrectly

In this article, we will explore five everyday foods that you might be consuming incorrectly. This could be the reason why, despite having a balanced Indian diet, many of us are still facing health issues. We will also discuss the correct ways to consume these foods to maximize their benefits.

Dal (lentils): The Protein Powerhouse

Dal is an integral part of Indian cuisine, and for good reason. It is rich in protein, iron, folate, fiber, and many other essential micronutrients. Consuming dal can help maintain low blood sugar levels and a robust digestive system. However, some people experience gas and bloating after eating dal due to three common mistakes made during its preparation.

The Right Way to Prepare Dal

Firstly, all types of lentils, whether whole or split, should be soaked before cooking. Soaking lentils not only makes them easier to digest but also enhances the absorption of their nutrients. Whole lentils require a minimum of 4 to 6 hours of soaking, while split ones can be soaked for at least 2 to 3 hours.

Secondly, the water used for soaking the dal should not be discarded. When dal is soaked, it releases its nutrients into the water. Draining this water means losing out on these nutrients.

Lastly, consuming a variety of dals can help prevent nutritional deficiencies. If you experience gas after eating dal, consider adding carminative spices like asafoetida, ginger, and bay leaf during tempering. Combining dal with rice or roti makes the meal a complete source of protein, providing all the nine essential amino acids.

Cashews: The Nutrient-Dense Snack

Cashews are a popular choice in dry fruit trays. Regular consumption of cashews has been linked to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. However, many people consume cashews incorrectly, missing out on their amazing benefits.

The Correct Way to Consume Cashews

Cashews are nutritionally dense but contain high levels of antinutrients, which bind with other vital nutrients and prevent their absorption. To get rid of these antinutrients, cashews should either be soaked or roasted. After soaking, discard the water as it contains the released antinutrients.

Roasting cashews not only makes their nutrients easily absorbable by the body but also increases their antioxidant content.

However, consuming more than 7-8 cashews in one serving can lead to body fat, mouth ulcers, constipation, skin rashes, and other body heat problems. According to Ayurveda, dry roasted cashews without salt can aid in weight loss, while those roasted in oil or boiled in milk can contribute to weight gain.

Mixed Fruit Chaat: A Misunderstood Healthy Snack

Mixed fruit chaat may seem like a healthy snack, but our body secretes different enzymes for the digestion of different varieties of fruits. Mixing fruits can confuse the system and cause gas.

Ayurveda suggests that melons like watermelon and muskmelon are best eaten alone as they are digested faster than other fruits. To avoid complexity, it is best to eat one fruit at a time.

Rice: A Staple Food

Rice is a staple food for 50% of the Indian population. It is light on the system, gluten-free, and contains many essential micronutrients. However, one common mistake made while cooking rice is using extra water and then draining off the excess. The extra water that is drained off is the most nutrient-dense part of rice.

The Correct Way to Cook Rice

The right way to cook rice is to wash it thoroughly, add the required quantity of water for cooking, and then soak it for a few hours before cooking. Only in case you are diabetic, you can separate the extra starchy water and use it in another way.

5 Daily Foods You’re Consuming Incorrectly

Seeds: The Boon for Health

Seeds of flax, pumpkin, sesame, sunflower, and chia are all excellent sources of healthy fats. They are rich in fiber, protein, and antioxidants. However, two common mistakes made while consuming seeds can lead to allergic reactions like headaches, skin problems, and abdominal pain.

The Correct Way to Consume Seeds

Seeds should never be eaten raw. They should either be roasted or soaked, and the water in which they were soaked should be discarded. The recommended dose of seeds is not more than two tablespoons per day. Consuming too many seeds can cause severe allergic reactions. Roasted seeds can also be powdered and added to chapati dough, rice, oatmeal, and smoothies.

Final Thoughts

These were the five foods that a majority of us are consuming incorrectly on a daily basis. Knowing the benefits of a food is one thing, but eating it the way it is meant to be eaten is a different story altogether. If you found this article helpful, do share it with others.

Stop missing out on the full benefits of your favorite foods! Follow these simple tweaks to your daily diet and experience the difference a healthy gut and optimal nutrient absorption can make. Share this article with your friends and family – let’s spread the knowledge and get everyone on the path to true well-being!

Disclaimer:

Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine with a long history of use. However, many Ayurvedic practices lack clinical trials or rigorous scientific data to support their efficacy. The information presented in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Ayurveda emphasizes a holistic approach to wellness and may not be suitable for treating specific medical conditions. Always consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or licensed healthcare professional before implementing any Ayurvedic practices.

Sources: