If you’re unable to resist the crispy allure of samosas or syrupy sweetness of jalebis, you’re not alone. The popular Indian snacks are a teatime and festival favorite in the country. But do you know what one serving actually does to your heart and blood sugar levels?
Recent health advisories and expert views uncover some disturbing facts about these snacks that will make you think twice before your next snack.
Why Samosas and Jalebis Should Carry a Health Warning
The Union Health Ministry is making a demand for cigarette style warnings on foods such as samosas and jalebis due to their subtle risks. These food items are packed with trans fats and refined sugars , which have been associated with higher risks of heart disease and diabetes.
What Makes Samosas Hazardous for Your Heart?
Samosas are fried snacks filled with maida (refined flour) and usually fried in recycled oil with trans fatty acids. This is quite a toxic combination:
Rich in Trans Fats: The process of hydrogenation that occurs with multiple frying generates trans fats, which increase LDL (bad) cholesterol and decrease HDL (good) cholesterol, causing blocked arteries and higher risk of heart disease.
Excess Saturated Fat and Calories: A single samosa contains approximately 240 calories, primarily from carbs and fat, with minimal nutritional value. Frequent indulgence can cause abnormal cholesterol levels, belly fat, and cardiovascular issues.
Refined Flour Issues: Maida has zero fiber or nutrients and can be bleached with toxic chemicals on pancreas and insulin functioning and thus worsen metabolic health and raise diabetes risk.
Also Read: 5 Homemade Drinks to Naturally Lower Blood Sugar | Medstown
The Sweet Danger of Jalebis
Jalebis, those crunchy spirals of sweetness, have their own share of issues:
Packed with Refinement Sugar: Jalebis have a high sugar content leading to blood sugar spikes, taxing the pancreas and leading to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
High Calorie Rating: Similar to samosas, jalebis are calorie rich but nutritionally weak, leading to weight gain and blood sugar disturbances.
Addictive and Harmful: As per WHO reports, ultraprocessed sweets such as jalebis have the ability to bring about addictive food patterns and chronic inflammation that also lead to heart disease and diabetes.
Street Food, Heart Disease, and What the Experts Say
Consumption of samosas and jalebis bought from street stalls usually worsens health risks since street vendors may reuse or use stale oils, leading to more trans fat content. Cardiologists advise that daily consumption of such fried and sweet street foods is strongly associated with lifestyle diseases such as:
Cardiovascular disease through higher cholesterol and inflammation.
Blood sugar elevation and risk of diabetes.
Complications due to obesity.
Dr. Sanjat Chiwane of Fortis Hospital highlights how these snacks “pose significant health risks when consumed regularly, primarily due to their high content of trans fats and refined sugars”.
Also Read: Why Cardiologists Recommend This Rare Sugar That Doesn’t Spike Blood Sugar | Medstown
How to Protect Your Heart and Sugar Levels Without Giving Up Taste
You don’t have to completely give up your favourite snacks but here are some ways to enjoy them cautiously:
Restrict Quantity and Frequency: Make samosas and jalebis once in a while, not everyday treats.
Select Healthier Options: Have baked or homemade ones made with healthier oils, whole wheat flour, and managed sugar.
Snack Wisely: Swap fried snacks with nuts or seeds to curb your hunger while helping to stabilize your heart.
Read Nutrition Labels: For packaged foods, look for trans fat levels and sugar content to make intelligent choices.
The Cons: What Happens If You Ignore These Warnings
Forgetting the health warnings accompanying samosas and jalebis can result in:
More chance of heart attacks and stroke due to high cholesterol and arterial injury.
Chronic high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and full blown diabetes.
Weight gain and accompanying metabolic disorders.
Chronic inflammation over the long term that damages several organs.
Conclusion
Samosas and jalebis are irreversibly tasty, but their effect on your heart and blood sugar is a cause for worry. Chockfull of trans fats, white flour, and sugar, one serving can trigger detrimental changes within your body. Being aware of these dangers and portion controlling your consumption, you can safeguard your health without giving up your favorite treats altogether. Think consciously, because responsible enjoyment is the essence of balancing flavour with wellbeing.
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