10 ingredients in bhel that make it the ultimate healthy snack!

Bhel makes for a healthy snack when made the right way. Here's why.

By: Naini Setalvad | | Updated: April 3, 2014 2:39 pm

Who has not heard of the famous Mumbai roadside snack bhel? From the delicious chutneys to the mystifying masalas, there is a burst of flavour in every spoonful. You will be surprised to know that this tasty dish doubles up as a hale and hearty wholesome snack if one avoids the puri and sev or just adds them a little as garnish. Still don’t believe that bhel is healthy, keep reading till you are convinced.

The reason bhel is a quick and healthy snack option is because of the ingredients that go into it. Since it is a street food, it has a bad reputation as it is not always made in a hygienic way and people are prone to fall sick. But if you make it at home, you can easily solve this problem. Let’s take a look at its ingredients to understand learn its health benefits.

Puffed rice – This is healthy, as puffed rice is a gluten-free grain. It contains some B vitamins as well. However, if you are battling diabetes or blood sugar level problems, then you should be wary of your puffed rice quantities in general.

Onions – Onions are what add the crunch in the bhel. They contain minerals like sulphur which contribute to healthy skin. Onions are also excellent for fighting cancer and high blood pressure. They contain fibre as well thus being excellent for digestion. In the summer, they help prevent sun stokes and in winter, they fight cold and cough.

Tomatoes – Unfortunately, only very few people add tomatoes to their bhel. It is a good idea to add it, since tomatoes contain vitamin C and are great for keeping blood pressure in control. They are good for digestion as they are high in fibre. Lycopene in tomatoes is a very powerful antioxidant and one of the reasons why there are less cases of cancer in the Mediterranean region. Tomatoes are great for prostrate health too.

Potatoes – Many believe that potatoes are their enemy and should stay away from them. But they balance out the spice levels in the bhel. Potatoes contain potassium which lowers blood pressure thus being an excellent de-stresser and a feel-good food. They also contain vitamin C.

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Raw mango – This sweet and sour fruit adds a zing to your bhel. It contains vitamin A and vitamin C and works great for refreshing you from the heat and preventing sun strokes.

Green chutney – Green chutney is full of coriander, mint leaves and green chillies. All these are extremely healthy! Mint is cooling to the body, coriander is full of vitamins, including iron and calcium and chillies help increase immunity.

Sweet chutney – Most often, this chutney is made of tamarind and jaggery. Tamarind is a rich source of vitamin C and jaggery is a lesser refined version of white sugar. Jaggery also contains minerals, including iron. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant which helps keep your hair and skin healthy in addition to other benefits.

Masala – Masalas or spices used vary from person to person. However, a favourite bhel masala component is the cumin (jeera). This adds an interesting twist to the flavour. It is also rather cooling to the body. In addition, rock salt is a better substitute for table salt in the bhel as it contains more minerals and is less refined.

Sev – This is fried and completely synthetic. It gets soggy as soon as the bhel is served to you. Sev is a rather pointless addition of calories and fried food to your platter. Add very little of this or instead, add more onions.

Puri – Puris are also fried and therefore best avoided. For the crunch, you could choose baked alternatives, or simply add more onion. Puris add unneeded calories and oil to your bhel.

So the next time you want to eat something fun and tangy, go for a healthy and delicious bhel!

Image source: www.247waiter.com

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Published : April 3, 2014 12:25 pm | Updated:April 3, 2014 2:39 pm

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