As a nation we love takeaways. No matter whether you would like a pizza or a Chinese, the majority of people will opt for a takeaway over going out to eat – especially because it is now so easy to order food online.
Unfortunately, although these takeaways taste incredible, they are often very unhealthy for you. If you’re looking out for your waistline then some cuisines are definitely better for you than others. For example, try swapping your burger for an Indian. But why is an Indian one of the healthiest takeaways available?
Variety
Unlike the majority of takeaway restaurants, you will find that Indian restaurants have a huge variety of food on their menu. Being presented with healthier options isn’t very common when you think of a takeaway but there are plenty to choose from at an Indian. For example, by choosing tandoori dishes this is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a healthier takeaway as the meat is normally grilled rather than fried, cutting down calories and saturated fat.
As well as main meals, there are also lots of healthy side options available on an Indian takeaway menu. By simply swapping your pilau rice for plain rice and your bhajis for a vegetable side dish, you are instantly cutting both the calories and amount of fat in your takeaway. We can guarantee that it will still taste just as good though.
Fresh ingredients
The majority of takeaway restaurants are all about prepping, cooking and delivering the food as quickly as possible. This often means that frozen vegetables are chosen over fresh and lots of processed meats are favoured.
It isn’t uncommon for Indian chefs to prefer to work with fresh ingredients, which is why you may find that your fresh Indian dish takes a little bit longer and is more expensive than other alternatives. Using fresh ingredients will prevent the additional unwanted preservatives you are getting in your meal. You will also find that Indian chefs will make their sauce and pastes from scratch using spices, rather than opting for the convenient pre-made jar.
Nutritional value
As well as using fresh ingredients, the cooking methods of Indian food will help retain the nutrients found in the ingredients of Indian food. Many traditional Indian chefs cook very slowly, this allows the flavour of the spices to seep out into the whole dish leading to delicious and healthy food.
Of course, the spices used within the dishes – like turmeric, ginger, garlic and green chillies – all have medicinal and healing properties which is another bonus. So, when people think of Indian food as being spicy, what they are not realising is that the spices used to make the dishes are actually good for the body and don’t just taste nice.
Higher metabolism
It is a well-known fact that spicy food can affect your metabolism. Research has shown that eating spicy foods can increase your heart rate and, in turn, give your metabolism a boost. It is thought that the main element that gives chilis their heat (capsaicin) is responsible for creating this effect, as it generates heat and raises the body temperature upon consumption.
Summary
Being generally low in fat, high in vegetables, fruit and lean meat, an Indian takeaway is a better option than the majority of other takeaways. However, like any takeaways with an Indian, you can, of course, make your chosen meal as healthy or unhealthy as you decide. So, when ordering your Indian takeaway be sure to stick to the healthier options such as tomato-based curries, vegetable dishes and choose fish or chicken over lamb.
If you’re looking for somewhere to order your takeaway online visit ChefOnline. You can view a wide variety of local Indian restaurants and their menus to help you make decisions in regard to your food order. You will find a description of every item on the menu which can aid your smart food choices. Enjoy eating well-cooked high-quality food from restaurants and takeaways without feeling guilty.
