Lahori food is to die for, but is it worth dying for? Lahore is the home of foodies who will eat anything, anytime, anywhere. People plan their gatherings based on what place to eat. The question isn’t ‘want to meet?’ it’s always ‘what should we eat?’ Sunday brunches are a tradition. Families and friends meet up in restaurants to eat delicious food and have a good time together. Paaye, pathooray, chargha etc., are the bonding glue that holds a gathering together.
But do you ever think about the unhealthy effects of all these mouth-watering delights? Keep on reading to learn all the harmful health effects of your favourite Lahori food.
1. Paaye
Yes! The delicious paaye paired with fresh-from-the-oven roghni naans are what the dreams of a foodie are made of. The succulent combination made when you dip a bite of naan in the gravy is a match made in heaven. But, before you drool, let me reveal the hidden harms of this Lahori food.
Paaye are the legs of a goat, cow, buffalo, or sheep cooked thoroughly in many spices and oil or ghee. Nutritionally speaking, paaye are high in saturated fats and cholesterol. Many people pay extra to have them cooked in desi ghee. You do get double the treat but double the cholesterol as well. Overeating this dish can lead to elevated cholesterol levels and disturbed lipid profiles that cause heart disease.
Read more about foods that cause heart diseases here.
2. Pathooray
How many times have you called out the chacha at the pathooray stall to give you another piping hot pathoora? If your answer is more than once, then you might be in trouble. Pathooray is deep-fried in oil that makes it high in saturated fats, i.e. bad fats. And to top it off, the chana (chickpeas) are also cooked in fat. Too much consumption of this Lahori food leads to the buildup of stubborn fat, which is very hard to get rid of. So the next time you look at chacha for another pathoora, look away instantly!
3. Lahori Fried Fish
The name of Lahori fried fish brings water to our mouths. This Lahori food is soaked in a paste made of gram flour and spices and then deep-fried. This fried relish is paired with plum chutney that leaves you licking your fingers. It is commonly eaten in winters.
Many people eat fried fish regularly, which causes an excessive intake of fats. In addition, it is high in sodium because of the added spices. People with cardiac issues and hypertension must lower their consumption and try to eat grilled or steamed fish.
Learn more about the foods that elevate cholesterol in the body here.
4. Brain Masala (Maghaz)
Not only do zombies like brains, but it appears that Lahoris are fond of it too. Almost every foodie much loves this popular Lahori food. The burst of flavour that you get once you take bite forces you to keep on eating it. Brain masala put together with fresh off the flame roti is the perfect match. But do you know that if brain masala is not cooked correctly, it can cause food poisoning? According to studies, food poisoning can become dangerous if left untreated.
5. Tripe Curry (Ojhri)
Ojhri is very popular, especially around Eid-ul-Azha. It is the tripe of cow, goat or sheep cooked in gravy. People mainly go out to eat ojhri as it is difficult to cook it at home. It is very high in cholesterol, and if not cleaned properly before cooking, it can cause health problems. Raw tripe contains pathogens that may transmit the disease of the animal to the human eating it.
6. Makhni Karahi
Makhni karahi is the ultimate Lahori food eaten with hot naans and a cold drink to get the hit. As it is loaded with butter and cream, this dish can be called double trouble Both butter and cream are high in fats. And topping it off with naan adds in the extra calories and sodium. Although this savoury food melts in the mouth, that sensation is only temporary. The adverse effects it has on your lipid profiles, especially for cardiovascular disorders, are just too much. According to research, the high saturated fats in butter and cream are closely linked to cardiovascular diseases.
7. Lahori Chargha
This Lahori favourite food is made by deep-frying whole chicken after marinating it in specific spices. Served with a side of fries and delicious sauce, it is eaten by many. However, deep-fried items contain trans fats as oil is not changed daily. Trans fats lead to high cholesterol that causes atherosclerosis.
Bottom Line
All cravings aside, now you do understand the harmful health effects of your favourite Lahori food. Eating these foods too much and too frequently have a very negative impact on your overall health. It is essential to keep portion control while eating these foods. Do not get carried away. If you find it challenging to understand the caloric counting and portion sizes associated with such foods, you can contact a professional.
FAQs
1. What is saturated fat?
Saturated fat is the bad fat that is harmful to our health. Its sources are butter, oils, ghee, cream etc.
2. Where can I get authentic information regarding the caloric density of foods?
You can reach out to a nutritionist or simply google online from authentic websites.
3. What is portion control?
Portion control means choosing to eat appropriate amounts of food to avoid overeating. It also helps to digest food easily.
Book an appointment now to answer all your queries. You can book an appointment with the top nutritionists in Pakistan through Marham by calling the Marham helpline: 0311-1222398 or by online appointment booking facility through the website or Marham mobile app.
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