India’s love affair with biscuit
Biscuits have been a popular snack in India for many years and are still a favorite of many. This is due to several reasons, such as their convenience, affordability, and taste. In addition, cookies are often shared at teatime and can be considered a symbol of hospitality and generosity in Indian culture.
They come in a variety of flavors and textures, from sweet to savory, and come in both packaged and homemade versions. Some of the most popular biscuit brands in India include Parle, Britannia, Sunfeast, Unibic and Patanjali.
However, despite their popularity, many of these cookies are actually unhealthy and can contribute to a host of health problems. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why India’s best-selling cookies are unhealthy and explore the ingredients they contain and their impact on the body.
The Unhealthy Reality of Indian Biscuits
In recent years, many Indian biscuit brands have started to market their products as a “healthy” or “nutritious” but in reality, it could be misleading, raising concerns that these cookies may not be as healthy as expected.
One of the most popular biscuit brands that claims to healthy is Parle-G but in reality, Parle G biscuits are not necessarily a healthy food choice for a variety of reasons.
Firstly, they are high in carbohydrates and sugar. Although carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body, consuming too much carbohydrate can lead to weight gain and other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
Parle G cookies are made with refined wheat flour, which lacks the fiber and nutrients found in whole grains. Whole grains are an important source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and eating them regularly can help reduce your risk of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. However, refined flour has these important nutrients removed during processing, making it a less healthy option.
Lastly, Parle G cookies contain added preservatives and flavorings, which can be harmful to your health if consumed regularly. These additives are commonly used to extend the shelf life of cookies and enhance their flavor, but they can be harmful to health if consumed in large quantities over long periods of time.
In summary, while Parle G Biscuits can be a convenient and delicious snack option, they should not be considered a primary source of nutrition. It’s important to eat a varied and balanced diet that includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats to maintain good health.
Another popular “healthy” biscuit is NutriChoice, NutriChoice cookies are marketed as a healthier snack option because they contain ingredients like oats, ragi, and whole wheat flour. Although these ingredients may provide nutritional benefits, it is important to consider the overall composition and health effects of the cookie.
Additionally, some variations of NutriChoice cookies are high in carbohydrates, which can be a problem for people with certain health conditions, such as diabetes. They often contain preservatives and flavorings that can be harmful to your health if ingested. These additives are often used to extend the shelf life and improve the flavor of cookies, but they can be detrimental to your health when consumed in large amounts over an extended period.
Conclusion
Cookies, like any processed food, can be unhealthy if eaten in excess. In India, many biscuits are high in refined flour, sugar and unhealthy fats, and may lack important nutrients such as fibre, vitamins and minerals.
However, the amount of cookies that can be eaten without harm depends on various factors such as age, gender, activity level, and general health. The nutritional content of cookies also matters. Some cookies may contain more fiber and nutrients than others and can therefore be a healthier choice when eaten in moderation. It’s important to read nutrition labels and ingredient lists carefully to choose cookies that are low in added sugars and unhealthy fats, and high in fiber and nutrients.
In addition, it is essential to take into account diet and lifestyle in general. Eating cookies from time to time as a snack and in moderation may not have a significant impact on health if the rest of the diet is balanced and rich in nutrients. On the other hand, if eaten regularly and in large quantities, they can contribute to weight gain, chronic diseases and other health problems.
Overall, while biscuits may not be the healthiest food choice in India, consuming them in moderation and choosing varieties low in added sugars and unhealthy fats can be a treat. part of a balanced diet. However, it is essential to consider individual factors such as age, gender, activity level and general health, as well as the nutritional content of cookies, and avoid consuming them in excess.
