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The benefits (and drawbacks) of consuming kadhi-chawal

The benefits (and drawbacks) of consuming kadhi-chawal

Indian Express07-05-2025
Social media can leave you feeling bemused, one post at a time. That's exactly how we felt when we chanced upon a video by Sugandha Sharma, an ayurveda consultant, claiming that kadhi made with curd instead of buttermilk can lead to joint pains and aches later in life.
'Curd and gram flour (besan) combination is not good for health. Both these items increase inflammation in the body. Moreover, curd should not be heated. Instead, prepare kadhi authentically from buttermilk derived from butter rather than curd. It is more tasty and is better for health,' said Sharma.
Since we could not digest this piece of information, we immediately reached out to Fauziya Ansari, dietitian, Apollo Spectra Mumbai, who said 'more concrete research' is needed to prove that having kadhi made with curd can potentially lead to joint and knee pain.
'There is no proven link between eating kadhi — an Indian delicacy — and knee pain. While it might cause discomfort for those with lactose intolerance or sensitive stomachs, it isn't always the case,' said Ansari.
Instead of relying on social media, consult a nutritionist or dietician to weigh the possible consequences and benefits of different dishes for overall health, asserted Ansari.
Concurring, Dr Haricharan G, senior consultant physician, HoD, internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi Ka Pul, Hyderabad, added that while it has no relation to knee pain, kadhi is 'rich in protein and probiotics due to its yogurt content, which supports gut health. However, it is often prepared with significant amounts of oil, which can increase its calorie content and make it less suitable for those managing weight or cholesterol levels,' he added.
'The addition of deep-fried pakoras in some versions further adds to the unhealthy fat content,' he continued.
Should you have buttermilk-made kadhi? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Kadhi is usually paired with a type of rice with a high glycemic index, which can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. 'This may not be ideal for individuals with diabetes or those trying to manage their blood sugar levels,' stressed Dr Haricharan.
For a healthier version, consider using less oil, avoiding deep-fried additions, and pairing the kadhi with brown or smaller portion of white rice. 'Including plenty of vegetables and balancing your overall diet with fibre-rich foods can help mitigate some of the less healthy aspects of this dish,' said Dr Haricharan.
If you suffer from joint pain for an extended period, consider consulting an expert.
'After closely examining your lifestyle and dietary choices, your dietician may suggest a customised diet plan that meets your daily intake of essential nutrients and vitamins to strengthen your bones and joints,' said Ansari.
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A post shared by Sugandha Sharma (@dr.sugandha07)
This can effectively help combat knee pain while alleviating the symptoms. While it is natural to be curious about various health tips you see online it's vital to approach them with critical thinking.
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