14/08/2024
We all love to scan a restaurant menu, eagerly searching for that perfect dish. Often, our eyes are drawn to the tempting options featuring paneer, like a creamy paneer tikka masala. It's a vegetarian favorite, a comforting and flavorful meal. But have you ever wondered if our love for paneer is truly healthy?
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian healing system, presents an interesting perspective. While it praises milk, yogurt, and clarified butter (ghee) for their health benefits, paneer is curiously absent. Could there be a hidden side to this popular cheese?
Modern research adds to the puzzle. Studies suggest that paneer's protein can be difficult to digest, potentially causing stomach problems. There's also growing worry about the quality of paneer available, especially in street food. With suspiciously low prices, these dishes might contain fake or unhealthy paneer.
If you cannot do away with paneer (which I recommend) at least be careful. The next time you crave paneer, consider these points:
Source: When dining out, ask where the paneer comes from. If the price seems too good to be true, it might not be genuine.
Quality: Trust your senses. Real paneer is soft and crumbly. If it feels rubbery or tastes strange, it's best to avoid it.
Balance: Enjoy paneer in moderation as part of a varied and healthy diet.
Many of us undeniably love paneer, but making informed decisions can help us protect our health.
If you have more questions about food and Ayurveda, please feel free to contact me.
Dr. Priti Muramkar.
BAMS - Preventive Cardiologist
Ayurveda Practitioner.
