In a move to fight the growing obesity problem in India, the Health Ministry has asked major institutions like AIIMS Nagpur to display warning boards about the harmful effects of eating too much oil and sugar, similar to cigarette warnings.
This initiative puts popular snacks like samosas and jalebis in the spotlight, as they are often eaten without much thought but can pose serious health risks if consumed regularly.
Dr. Sanjat Chiwane, a cardiologist at Fortis Hospital in Gurgaon, explains that both samosas and jalebis are unhealthy when eaten often. Samosas are usually deep-fried in oils that may be reused several times, which increases harmful trans fats. These trans fats raise bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower good cholesterol (HDL), leading to clogged arteries and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
They also cause inflammation in blood vessels, raise blood pressure, and the maida (refined flour) used in samosas can spike blood sugar levels, further increasing health risks.
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Jalebis are equally harmful due to their extremely high sugar content. They are deep-fried and soaked in sugar syrup, which causes blood sugar to rise rapidly. Over time, this can lead to insulin resistance, a major cause of type 2 diabetes. Excess sugar also raises the level of triglycerides in the blood, which can result in fatty liver disease and other heart-related problems.
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Additionally, high sugar intake leads to inflammation and can cause high blood pressure and stiffening of arteries.
Dr. Chiwane advises people to follow a heart-healthy diet that includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, healthy fats like olive oil, and lean protein. While eating samosas or jalebis occasionally is fine, making them a regular part of your diet can lead to long-term health issues. The key is to eat these foods in moderation and be aware of what you’re putting into your body.
