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With the alarming rise in lifestyle-related diseases in India, it’s time to rethink our dietary choices and find balance between cultural enjoyment and long-term health
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in collaboration with the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), has released updated dietary recommendations that officially caution against the regular intake of ultra-processed and high-fat traditional foods, including these festive favourites. (News18 Hindi)
Indians need to be more alert now, as some of their favourite snacks like samosas, jalebis, and kachoris have been identified as unsafe for frequent consumption, according to recent dietary guidelines. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in collaboration with the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), has released updated dietary recommendations that officially caution against the regular intake of ultra-processed and high-fat traditional foods, including these festive favourites.
What’s the issue?
Dr. Shubham Vatsya, Senior Consultant of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Fortis Hospital Vasant Kunj, explains:
The primary concern with these fried snacks is their high content of trans fats, refined grains, and added sugars. For instance, a single serving of jalebi can pack around 200–300 calories, yet offers minimal nutritional value. Samosas, particularly those prepared with reused oil, are loaded with saturated and trans fats, major contributors to cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes.
Additionally, many of these beloved snacks are now categorized as ultra-processed foods, especially when produced commercially using preservatives, artificial flavourings, and colourings. The ICMR warns that such foods not only raise the risk of non-communicable diseases but also possess addictive qualities that may lead to overconsumption.
When culture meets caution
While these foods are deeply embedded in Indian culinary tradition, health experts are now stressing the importance of portion control and moderation. The goal isn’t to completely eliminate jalebis or samosas from our lives—but to view them as occasional indulgences rather than daily staples.
The new dietary guidelines recommend limiting fried and sugar-heavy foods to rare occasions ideally no more than once a week and in small portions. For regular meals, the focus should shift to home-cooked, whole, and unprocessed foods that are rich in fibre, protein, and healthy fats.
Simple shifts to make
Don’t treat them as weekly indulgences; reserve them for festivals or special occasions.
Opt for healthier home-made versions—like baking samosas instead of frying them, or choosing desserts sweetened with fruits rather than refined sugar.
Watch your portion sizes. Ask yourself: is one jalebi enough, or do you really need a whole plate?
Learn to read food labels. Most packaged traditional snacks are full of preservatives and low-quality oils.
The inclusion of samosas and jalebis on the health alert list serves as a wake-up call. It’s not a cultural condemnation, but a call to adapt our food habits to modern health realities.
With the alarming rise in lifestyle-related diseases in India, it’s time to rethink our dietary choices and find balance between cultural enjoyment and long-term health. After all, the future of food lies not in nostalgia alone but in conscious nourishment.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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