As evening approaches, there is a strong desire to eat something delicious. Taste buds crave something crunchy, salty or spicy to make the long day feel lighter. But not all snacks are healthy. Even if you think it’s just for a day, it soon becomes a habit, and every other day you unconsciously reach for the snack.
California-based gastroenterologist Dr. Pal Manickam, in his November 1 Instagram post, ranked 10 Indian snacks, from 10 most unhealthy to 1 most healthy.
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10. Golgappa
Despite being a fan favorite, Golgappa comes last in the doctor’s ranking list. Apart from the hygiene factor, Dr Manickam said, “As Panipuri is deep fried, the spicy water can trigger acidity, bloating and gas.”
9. Bhujia
Bhujia is often paired with tea and is the main dish of the evening. But it brings trouble to gut health. “Highly processed foods are loaded with emulsifiers and bad for your gut microbiome,” said Dr. Manickam. Often, many people eat Bhujia to reduce their evening hunger, but this comes at a huge cost in disturbing the balance of their stomach.
8. Pakoras
Pakora is a hero snack during the rainy season. This is another snack that is often paired with tea. The delicious crispiness of pakodas may seem comforting, but it wreaks havoc on your stomach health. “Deep-fried snacks are heavy on the stomach,” said Dr Manickam. They may improve mood for a moment, but not for long, because the gut-brain axis links gut balance with mood.
7. Samosa
Another classic snack that is widely loved, but samosa is also high on the danger scale. According to gastroenterologists, it is deep fried, which is a big danger sign. Samosa is also made from flour, which dissolves in the flour and causes flatulence.
6. Pav Bhaji
You might think that this is healthy since bhaji is basically a mashed vegetable made from potatoes, onions and tomatoes, but it also has risks. Dr. Manickam revealed that while vegetables are good, butter makes this food unhealthy. While making bhaji, a lot of butter is added to it. And even pav is a refined carb.
5. Momo
Whether momo is healthy or not depends on the type of momo you are eating. There are many varieties of momo available in the market, from boiled to fried. Gastroenterologist advised to stay away from fried momos, saying that it is a ‘big taboo’. If anyone wanted to eat momos, he suggested eating boiled momos. He also urged to be mindful of sauces as they can irritate the gut.
4. Masala Khakhra
“If it is made from whole wheat and baked, it is a good snack in small quantities,” said Dr Manickam. It makes a delicious breakfast as it is tasty and does not upset the stomach when eaten in small quantities.
3. Corn on the cob
While corn on the cob, cooked with lemon and chilli, is gut-friendly, it may cause bloating in some people, gastroenterologists point out.
2. Makhana
The gastroenterologist said that makhana is his favorite snack and he eats it regularly. Talking about the benefits, he shared, “It is low in fat, gentle on the stomach and relatively rich in protein.”
1. Boiled Sundal
Boiled Sundaal tops the list of gastroenterologists as it is very valuable for the intestine. “The most stomach-friendly, rich in protein and easy to digest for most people,” he said.
Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
