There is a preconceived notion that most of the Indian foods are fattening and high in calories. That is the reason that almost all health conscious individuals are shifting to salads and other western foods these days. However, there are numerous ingredients used in Indian cooking that have great nutritional value and help in burning extra calories. It is wiser to incorporate these ingredients in your daily diet rather than moving on to low-fat continental diet.
Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the basic ingredients used in almost all Indian dishes. It is known to have anticancer, antiseptic and healthy weight loss properties. A compound called curcumin present in turmeric is known to help reduce insulin and leptin resistance levels, both of which are responsible for fat deposits. Turmeric also helps in maintaining desired blood pressure and helps in removing bad cholesterol from the body.
Garlic
Garlic, another vital ingredient of Indian cuisine is known for its medicinal properties. Allicin, a sulphur compound present in garlic has antibacterial properties. Garlic also has anti-inflammatory properties that help in burning fat deposits.
Cardamom
Another Indian spice that not only works in flavouring but also helps in burning calories is cardamom. This spice is full of digestive properties and helps in enhancing the metabolic activity.
Mustard oil
Mustard oil is indeed a healthy option. When compared to other cooking oils, mustard oil has very low quantity of saturated fat. It also has a host of other beneficial elements like fatty acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, erucic acid, essential vitamins and antioxidants which help in reducing the cholesterol level and maintaining an optimum body weight.
Honey
Most of us are aware of honey’s power in reducing calories. Honey dissolved in warm water consumed in the morning helps in cutting down fat within the body.
Curry leaves
Curry leaves not only provide flavour to our food, but they also help in removing harmful toxins and unwanted fat deposits from the body.
Chilies
Chilies are a staple ingredient in Indian cuisine. Powered with a key element called capsaicin, chilies help in increasing the metabolism activity and the heat generating property of capsaicin helps in burning additional fat within the body.
Bean sprouts
Bean sprouts are quite beneficial because they have loads of essential vitamins, minerals and fiber. They reduce hunger pangs and aid in weight reduction.
Cabbage
Cabbage is grown locally in almost all parts of India. It slows the process of transformation of carbohydrates and sugar content into fat, which in turn helps in maintaining the fat content.
Millets
Millets such as ragi, jowar and bajra are rich in dietary fibre and help in maintaining a good cholesterol level. Millets also enhance bile secretion which burns down the extra calories.
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