Why South Indian food ranks high on the health meter!!!

Kick start your day with some steamed idlis, dosa’s, uttapa’s, or appams spruced up with coconut chutney and a bowl of piping hot sambar – simple, healthy and timeless.

One of the main secrets to this being a healthy food option is the process of fermentation.

Fermented food items have three really great advantages over other food items.

• Digestion & Absorption

As some of the sugars and starches in the food have been broken down through the process, fermented foods are easier to digest

Your body thus needs less energy to break down the food making you feel light and not heavy and uncomfortable for hours.

• Synthesis and availability of nutrients

Fermentation can also increase the availability of vitamins and minerals for our bodies to absorb. Additionally, by boosting the beneficial bacteria in your gut, you are promoting their ability to manufacture B vitamins and synthesize vitamin K.

• Boosts immune system and increases gut health

A large proportion of the immune system is housed in the gut. By consuming probiotic-rich foods, you are supporting the mucosa (gut lining) that acts as a natural barrier, making the immune system more robust. A lack of beneficial bacteria allows disease-causing microbes to grow to cause inflammation in the gut wall. If you have recently taken a course of antibiotics, probiotic foods are particularly helpful. Regular consumption of South Indian food improves your overall gut health.

Fermentation is not the only key ingredient in South Indian cuisine. Fermented food cooked in coconut oil is the real game-changer. Over the past few years, we have seen the increased use of coconut oil in cooking as opposed to the regular refined oil. However in South India, since they have a bountiful supply of fresh coconut, coconut oil is the main oil that is being used to make anything and everything!

The benefits of coconut oil in cooking are:

• Increases the good cholesterol in your body
• Helps preserve insulin sensitivity thus controlling blood sugar
• Improves the quality of your skin and hair.

Sambar also is made of pulses high in vegetarian protein. Traditional sambar preparations have veggies like drumsticks, pumpkin, brinjal, okra, tomatoes, and various other fiber-rich seasonal vegetables. Fiber takes the longest to digest. High-fiber foods are also good for the heart and cholesterol. The tamarind extract, turmeric, curry leaves, red pepper, and mustard seeds have a number of health benefits, ranging from good digestion, weight loss, and high immunity.

Now you can confidently indulge in some South Indian delicacies as they are not only tasty but extremely healthy!