Journalism of Courage
Trust Pilates coach Yasmin Karachiwala to always whip up something healthy. It was no different recently when she shared a lip-smacking recipe of high-fibre, low calorie chips. The fitness coach, who trains celebrities like Helen, Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt, shared the recipe of lotus stem chips. "These are not just seasonal and fun, but also high in fibre, low in calories, and oh-so-addictive," said Karachiwala in a post on Instagram. (Photo: Yasmin Karachiwala/Instagram)
In a caption of the video post, she wrote, "Craving fried chips? Crispy, crunchy and guilt-free – that’s how I like my snacks." (Photo: Pexels)
How to make the chips? Ingredients: 1 fresh lotus stem Ice cold water (enough to soak) ½ tsp turmeric 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder ½ tsp chaat masala Salt to taste 1–1½ tsp olive oil Method *Wash and peel the lotus stem well. *Slice thin and soak in ice-cold water for 2–3 minutes. *Pat dry completely. *Toss in a bowl with turmeric, chilli powder, salt, chaat masala and olive oil. *Air fry at 160°C for ~15 mins, shaking once in between. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
"Golden, crispy, and ready in minutes – snack smarter this season," she said. Taking a cue from her, let's understand if there are any benefits of these chips for your gut health (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
Lotus stem chips present a healthy alternative to conventional fried snacks, offering a crunchy, fibre-rich treat that supports digestion, immunity, heart health, and weight management, said consultant dietitian Kanikka Malhotra. (Photo: Freepik)
"Prepared with minimal oil, such as air frying, they retain much of the lotus stem’s natural nutrients while being relatively low in calories," said Malhotra. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
However, caution is needed. According to Malhotra, people with hypertension or cardiovascular disease should be mindful of the salt content in lotus stem chips. "High salt intake in these chips (even homemade) can raise blood pressure and counteract the vegetable’s natural potassium benefits. For those managing blood pressure, it is advisable to limit added salt and choose low sodium spices for flavour," said Malhotra. (Photo: Freepik)
Certain groups should avoid or limit lotus stem chips altogether, said Malhotra. "Individuals with lotus allergies and people with sensitive digestion might experience bloating or gas if consuming high-fiber foods like lotus stem chips in excess," elucidated Malhotra. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
While lotus stem chips offer a guilt-free, nutrient-dense snack option, moderation is key, especially regarding salt intake for those with hypertension. "Pregnant women, individuals with allergies, and those with digestive sensitivities should exercise caution," said Malhotra. (Photo: Freepik)
