Idli and appam are hands down the most healthy breakfast. And even nutritionists agree (2024)

Whether you gorge on piping hot idlis or fluffy dosas, there’s nothing like South Indian cuisine. Yenna rascala, mind it!

Do you know what the trickiest meal of the day is? Breakfast, we’d say. Because if you kick-start your day with just the right meal, your entire day could go on smoothly and on a very healthy, energetic note too.

But that sleepy head in the morning can make it difficult for you to make a sensible breakfast choice. So, here’s making it easier for you.

Enter: South Indian food to the rescue. Yes, you read that right. It can actually make for a perfectly healthy, wholesome breakfast and the health experts agree. Check out what they have to say on the matter:

It’s great for the gut
“Many food items from the South Indian cuisine, such as idli are fermented and thus, rich in vitamin B12. They can be easily digested and are good for your gut,” points out Delhi-based nutritionist,” says Rashim Malhotra.

Hence, eating South Indian food for breakfast can make sure you don’t face any gastric problems like acidity or constipation, she adds.

It can boost your immunity and overall health
“Fresh and traditional ingredients used in making South Indian dishes include spices and condiments like turmeric, curry leaves, rai, etc., all of which have medicinal and healing properties,” according to Dr. Himanshi, senior dietitian, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.

Also, read: Trust these 5 desi superfoods to boost your immunity this winter

It can help you lose weight
“Pulses, nuts, and veggies used extensively in South Indian foods make for an excellent source of protein, fibre, and complex carbohydrates,” says Seema Singh, chief clinical nutritionist, Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, Delhi.

All this makes it a balanced, healthy breakfast, which is easy to digest, can keep you satiated and energetic for long, thus, avoiding unnecessary food cravings.

Idli and appam are hands down the most healthy breakfast. And even nutritionists agree (2)

In fact, most items from this cuisine are also low in calories, which further make it the perfect breakfast for the ones who are watching their weight.

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“Idli, for instance has only 39 calories and three to four idlis for breakfast can keep you full for a long time. Even appams are a great option as one appam contains only 120 calories and eating two of them can fill your stomach easily,” Malhotra adds.

Its cooking method makes it even better
Usually South Indian food is cooked in coconut oil, which is great for your skin, hair, and heart health, according to Malhotra.

Additionally, the steam cooking method used to cook many of the items of this cuisine can make sure your oil intake is under control too. Win, win we say.

But said and done, you’ve got to be cautious too…
When it comes to your diet, you’ve got to remember that moderation is key as eating the healthiest food in excess can make you exceed your required calorie intake and even give you acidity.

Secondly, you’ve got to be careful about the food options you choose from the cuisine as not all of them are healthy. While idlis, appams, uttapams, rawa dosa, poha, and upma can be great options; fried, high-cal ones like vada and masala dosa can backfire and how!

And finally, using less oil and more vegetables can simply enhance the goodness of your South Indian breakfast.

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Idli and appam are hands down the most healthy breakfast. And even nutritionists agree (2024)

FAQs

Idli and appam are hands down the most healthy breakfast. And even nutritionists agree? ›

“Idli, for instance has only 39 calories and three to four idlis for breakfast can keep you full for a long time. Even appams are a great option as one appam contains only 120 calories and eating two of them can fill your stomach easily,” Malhotra adds.

Is idli a healthy breakfast? ›

Yes, idli can be an excellent choice for breakfast during a weight loss journey. Its low-calorie content and protein make it a filling and nutritious option that can keep you satiated till lunch.

Is appam a healthy breakfast? ›

Eating as many healthy foods as possible can help you get the calories you need and can even cause stomach problems. Idli Uttapam, Rawa Dosa, Poha, and Upma are good for breakfast as is Appam. Less fried, higher in calories, and packed with nutrients.

What is the healthiest thing to eat for breakfast? ›

The healthiest breakfast foods include a protein, healthy fat and source of carbohydrates, according to Smolen. For a healthy breakfast, consider eating foods like oatmeal with nut butter, avocado toast with an egg, chia seed pudding or a greek yogurt parfait with nuts and berries.

What happens if we eat idli daily? ›

Moreover, since idli doesn't contain lipids, saturated fats, or cholesterol, it is very low on the calorie count. In fact, it only has 39 calories in each piece, against the recommended 2,000 calories per day. Idli is thus among the healthiest foods for your diet plan.

Can we eat idli 3 times a day? ›

It is light and has no fats or cholesterol, making it wholesome and healthy. However, this does not mean it should be consumed three times a day or in great amounts. You should not consume idli with more than 100 kcal in it. Also, to lose weight, the most suitable time to consume idli is in the morning for breakfast.

What is the difference between idli and appam? ›

Inspite of making appam and idli with the same batter ( suji + curd + pinch of baking soda or eno ) the basic difference is as follows…. # Idli is a steamed snack. It is prepared in the steam of water. While appam is a fried snack with the help of a very little oil or ghee.

Is appam good for gut? ›

The fermented rice batter in appam is good for your gut bacteria, which helps to promote digestion. Additionally, the use of freshly ground coconut in appam adds to its nutritional value, as it is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Is appam good for you? ›

Nutrition: Although an easy recipe, appam is a nutrient-dense dish that delivers fantastic health benefits. Rice is a rich source of carbohydrates for energy metabolism, while also supplying proteins for strong muscles.

What is the healthiest Indian breakfast? ›

What to eat in breakfast? Try these healthy Indian food ideas
  • PARATHA WITH CURD. ...
  • DOSA. ...
  • UPMA. ...
  • UTTAPAM. ...
  • METHI THEPLA. ...
  • MUESLI WITH YOGURT. ...
  • RAVA DHOKLA. Steamed semolina cakes garnished with mustard seeds & curry leaves.
  • BESAN CHILLA. Savory chickpea flour pancakes loaded with veggies & spices.
Sep 29, 2023

What do cardiologists eat for breakfast? ›

“As a cardiologist, I regularly incorporate fruit that is high in fiber and vitamins and low in sugar into my breakfast, including berries, apples and sometimes pineapple—often combined with low-fat yogurt and granola for added fiber content,” says Dr. West.

What do gastroenterologists eat for breakfast? ›

These include oats, yogurt and certain fruits—like bananas and raspberries. Gastroenterologists told Newsweek the types of breakfasts they eat for a healthy gut.

What do surgeons eat for breakfast? ›

Whole-grain toast with avocado

Another popular breakfast among medical professionals is whole-grain toast topped with nutritious, filling ingredients such as avocado or peanut butter.

Is eating idli good for weight loss? ›

Idli is a perfect combination of urad dal and rice which make it a complete protein. It additionally is without gluten, so if you need to go gluten free, Idli would be the best option for you. It is also a low calorie recipe, thus making it a good option for people on weight loss. One Idli has only 33 Calories.

Is idli dosa a junk food? ›

Each plain dosa contains approximately 120 calories, 2 grams protein, 1 gram dietary fiber, 17 grams carbohydrates and 3 grams fat. Idli and Dosa are not unhealthy, but the problem is that no one restricts themselves to 1 or 2 servings. People tend to overeat idlis and dosas.

Which is healthier, idli or dosa? ›

Dosa batter has less urad dal compared to an idli batter. One idli will provide 33 calories. Eating four idlis will give 132 calories which are still less than a plain dosa. Rice content in dosa batter is more, affecting your weight loss targets more than idlis.

Which is healthier poha or idli? ›

Poha or idli, which is healthier? As per the Ayurveda expert, between poha and rice idli, the former is a healthier choice for diabetic patients. But switching the ingredients in idli, can help you get health benefits of steamed foods without complex cooking process that supports the health of diabetic patients.

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