Your favourite snack with tea might be more harmful than you think

While pakodas often carry an unhealthy reputation on their own, pairing them with a cup of tea can be even worse for your health.

Whether it's morning or evening, every Indian home has an insatiable craving for chai and pakore. (Source: Freepik)

Whether it’s morning or evening, pairing a cup of tea with crispy pakoras is a beloved tradition in many Indian households. While fried foods already have a reputation for being unhealthy, consuming them with tea can further impact digestion and nutrient absorption.

So, should chai and pakoras be avoided?

Vedika Premani, clinical dietician at sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai tells indianexpress.com that although this combination is extremely unhealthy for your body, with alternative and healthier preparation methods. “The addition of functional foods like ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom will not only enhance the taste of the tea but also provide health benefits like boosting immunity and acting as anti-inflammatory. and pakoras can still be enjoyed if made in healthier oils and using other cooking techniques like baking or air frying.” She said.

What is the scientific reason behind these combos being unhealthy?

“Tea is known to have tannins and oxalates in them which reduces nutrient absorption such as iron and calcium when consumed with food sources rich in those nutrients. Further, consuming pakoras that have been fried in repeatedly heated oils leads to the production of trans fatty acids,” said Premani.

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Tea is known to have tannins and oxalates in them which reduces nutrient absorption. (Source: Freepik)

Are there any other pairings with tea that should be avoided?

-Tea is frequently enjoyed with biscuits and cookies, which are loaded with fat and sugar which can raise blood sugar levels.

-Another popular snack that goes well with tea is samosa which is also high in fat.

-Other bakery products like bread are also not advisable to consume with tea because they are high in sodium, sugar, and saturated fatty acids.

What are some healthy alternatives that can make your tea time tasty?

“Healthy snack alternatives include baked ragi chips with hummus, dhokla, makhana, chana chaat, and khakara with hung curd dip. Air-fried vegetables can also be a healthier alternative to regular pakoras.” said Premani

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She also recommends healthier tea options that could benefit you such as:

-Chamomile tea: This tea is very well known for its relaxing characteristics.

–Rosemary tea: It is thought to have antioxidant effects and has been linked to improved cognitive performance.

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-Turmeric and ginger tea: Another alternative to ordinary tea, as turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and improve immunity.

Regular tea can also be made healthier by adding crushed black pepper and cardamom powder. Black pepper has a bioactive ingredient called piperine, which aids in nutrient absorption, while cardamom adds freshness and promotes digestion.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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