5 reasons dosas are a healthy option

Dosa has several health benefits. Here are 5 of them.

By: Kriti Saraswat | | Updated: November 12, 2014 11:40 am

A staple of south India, dosa makes for a yummy breakfast item. It is enjoyed by people all over the country, making it available in almost all restaurants. It is known as the Indian pancake and is thin like a crepe. But is it really healthy? Let s find out. According to nutritionist Neha Chandna, Dosa is a great source of complete protein for vegetarians as it is made of rice batter and urad dal (black gram lentil) and completes the amino acids in them. Here are some more benefits of this much-loved dish. Also Read - Education led interventions may help combat protein deficiency, secure a healthy future: Pooja Makhija

Also Read - Eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day: Live a longer and healthier life

Can be eaten as lunch, breakfast or dinner: Dosa is a versatile dish. It can be a breakfast item, can be served for lunch or dinner. It is easy to digest and even one dosa can keep you adequately full. In case you wish to eat a heavy meal, you can add stuffing inside it. It is eaten with chutney (coconut, tomato, etc) and sambar (a curry of various vegetables). Also check out the recipe for Adai dosa. Also Read - Reach for these comfort foods to stay healthy this spring

A good source of carbohydrates: Dosa contains healthy carbs which provide our body with the energy needed to carry out different functions. It is a good option for people on a weight loss diet as well. Cutting out carbs from your diet can make you lethargic, low on energy and also lead to depression in some cases. It is best to get your carbs from healthy sources and dosa is one of them. Also read about the health benefits of rava idli.

Provides protein: Protein is another essential nutrient required by our body. It keeps us full for longer as it slowly releases energy and also helps make our hair, bones and muscles stronger. Vegetarians often complain of having very few sources of protein unlike meat eaters. Including dosa in your diet plan will help you. Though it does not have too much of protein, it supplies moderate amounts of it. Also see 6 protein sources for vegetarians.

Low in calories: Dosa is quite light and so does not add too many calories in your body. A single serving of plain dosa has about 37 calories. Though when you eat a stuffed dosa the calorie count will be much higher, you can therefore eat that in the morning as a hearty breakfast meal. You may like to know the calorie count of your favorite Indian desserts.

Is tasty and healthy: Many who are on a diet often miss out on tasty foods which they would have eaten otherwise. Include dosa in your meal plan to make up for this loss. It is a healthy and yummy option. In order to make it more nutritious, Neha recommends adding spinach, carrot, low-fat paneer, tofu, oats into the batter. You can also grind the oats or flaxseeds along with the rice and dal to make it extremely rich in fibre.

Calorie count of various types of dosa

Plain dosa 37 calories

Oats dosa 304 calories

Masala dosa 415 calories

Set dosa 52 calories

Paneer dosa 200 calories

Mysore masala dosa 171 calories

Image source: Getty Images

Published : February 20, 2014 10:09 am | Updated:November 12, 2014 11:40 am

Read Disclaimer