The healthiest Indian curry options are low in calories and saturated fats, such as tandoori chicken curry, chana masala, palak paneer, and daal. By choosing these healthier options, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of Indian curry while also reaping the health benefits.
Any Indian curries that are tomato-based, like tandoori, madras, jalfrezi, rogan and bhuna, are the lowest in calories. They average around 200-300 calories. If you want an even healthier option, consider a sauce-free dish like fish tikka (which is only 180 calories).
In curry recipes that contain white sugar, it is on average, 0.5% by weight. In recipes for curry, white sugar is often used with onion, turmeric, salt, garlic and cinnamon.
Made up of meat and vegetables in a spiced sauce, usually accompanied by rice, curry can potentially claim 'good for you' status. The vegetables contain lots of minerals and nutrients, and turmeric – the main spice in most curry powders – has anti-inflammatory effects.
The right dietary choices help manage the blood sugar and cholesterol levels while keeping one's weight in check. The best Indian Food options that are good for people with Type 2 Diabetes are: Lentil soup, also known as the famous Indian Yellow Dal, Mixed Vegetables and Vegetable curries.
1.Add Lime Juice
Adding a sour tasting ingredient such as lime juice helps add another layer of flavour to the dish. It balances out the sweetness and gives it a sweet and sour taste instead. You can also use tamarind or white vinegar if you do not wish to add lime juice to your curry.
“Curry is a great meal choice for diabetes patients to avoid blood sugar spikes,” reveals Dr Sarah Brewer, CuraLin nutritionist in a report. “Home-made curry makes a great winter warmer, and curry spices such as cinnamon, fenugreek, chilli and turmeric have beneficial effects on glucose control,” said Dr Brewer.
The health benefits of Thai food
Thai also tends to have fewer carbohydrates than other ethnic cuisines like Indian or Chinese. This makes Thai a great choice for those who are trying to lose weight! Thai is most often cooked with coconut oil, which is high in MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides).
“Curries like tikka masala cooked in creamy sauces are the highest in calories. “Masala is usually made with cream and ground almonds, so consuming large portions can ramp up your calorie intake.
Massaman Curry was known as the "King of the Curries", it would be fair to say that it became the "King of All Food" now. Massaman Curry, Thailand's national dish; is spicy, tangy and unique like all Thai dishes.
“Go for grilled dishes over fried; chicken and fish over fattier meats, like lamb; tomato or veggie sauces rather than creamy ones; and steamed rice over fried,” advises Laura. She also suggests avoiding sides and other add ons unless they're vegetables as well as eating mindfully and being aware of portion sizes.
Spicy: Whether it's a hot sauce, chile peppers, or ground dried chiles, adding something with a kick may do the trick.
Swap your carbonated sweetened beverages with coconut water, buttermilk and fruit smoothies or fruit juices. Consume fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables over canned ones. Add dates, raisins and figs or even yoghurt to your breakfast porridge instead of adding sugars or sweeteners. How much sugar are you consuming?
Flush out all that sweet stuff from your system by hydrating ASAP with water or other low-sugar fluids, and foods high in water content. "Drink plenty of water and go for foods like watermelon, cucumbers, strawberries and yogurt," Seaver says.
"Curry leaves are known to naturally boost insulin activity, an important action to control high blood sugar levels. Moreover, regular consumption of curry leaves can effectively reduce high cholesterol levels which is one of the side effects of diabetes," informs Nmami.
Used as a spice in Indian kitchens, cinnamon is a magic remedy for diabetic patients. Also known as dalchini, the spice improves insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels.
Skip: Chicken Tikka Masala
It's one of the most-ordered entrees at Indian joints. But like many Indian dishes that were originally low fat, the modern recipe for chicken tikka masala is anything but. An average portion has whopping 1,249 calories and 90.8 grams of fat. A lot of that comes from the ghee and heavy cream.
Korma has a variety of health benefits that you may not expect. Most obviously, it is a great source of protein. Protein is essential for repairing cell and muscle tissue damage. It also helps recover from muscle fatigue, so this dish is great for active people like athletes and energetic children.