Are idli & dosa healthy food items?
Posted on: 07/Oct/2015 2:51:40 PM
Some of us are not very aware about the benefits of taking idli, the most popular South Indian food item, now famous world-wide. Here are a few of the benefits of idlis.
We soak 4 portions of rice & 1 portion of black-gram separately and keep it for some time and then grind it to a batter form. We allow this ferment for some time, say 5 to 10 hours (preferably overnight).
The next morning, we use the batter to make idlis or dosas.
It has been established in a world-based research that these doubly nutritious.
The vitamins, fibre, minerals, iron, Calcium, and Phosphorous contained in the rice & black-gram help in the detoxification of various toxic elements. Amino-acids also increase in multiples. The amino-acid Lycin which helps repair and renew the tissues gets generated 3 time more. Gamma Aminotric, another fatty acid, which helps in the functioning of kidneys also multiplies.
When the batter is allowed to ferment overnight, minerals & amino acids are produced in larger quantities as mentioned above just like we use to soak the chick-peas and other varieties of peas overnight for the same benefits.
Lycin Acid helps sustain and control hunger. As idli contains this acid, we get the feeling of getting full after taking idlis while content with the taste as well.
The gravies (sambar in Tamil) made from drumstick or raita (yogurt-like item) made from drumstick are great and ideal as side-dishes for idli & dosa.
Any gravy made from greens is also ok. Otherwise, chutneys made from coriander or mint is also ok. This is because, vitamin C contained in these items helps preserving the Lycin Acid in the body. This is available in all greens.
However, idlis & dosas have to be taken in limited quantities. It is not ok to eat more than 3 idlis. Limited quantity helps the body better.
Thus, it is established beyond doubt that idli & dosa are excellent food items for health and even far better than rice & wheat!
