In India, devouring hot samosas and jalebis during the monsoon is almost a tradition. Enjoying the rain seems incomplete without these treats. However, recent revelations about these snacks have shattered the hearts of many enthusiasts. With rising obesity rates, the Health Ministry has urged all central institutions, including AIIMS Nagpur, to implement 'Oil and Sugar Boards' to raise awareness about their consumption. This government initiative has raised questions among samosa and jalebi lovers. Since these treats are deep-fried with high sugar content, regular consumption could escalate serious health risks.
The Indian government has announced that popular snacks like samosas, jalebis, pakoras, vada pav, and chai biscuits will soon come with cigarette-like health warnings. These warnings will detail the ingredients used in their preparation along with sugar, oil, and trans fat content.
Why has the government taken this step?
In recent years, India has seen a steep increase in obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Hence, the government wants people to know exactly what they are consuming. According to an estimate by Lancet Journal, by 2050, 440 million Indians might face obesity issues.
Steps towards raising awareness
The government clarified that samosas, jalebis, pakoras, laddoos, etc., are traditional Indian dishes. So, they cannot be banned, but consumers should know how healthy or unhealthy their food choice is. Authorities believe this step could pivot public preferences towards healthier eating. Amidst the skepticism about samosas and jalebis, other foods like pizzas and burgers have gained popularity. Many argue that if samosas and jalebis are seen as health risks, then how healthy are pizzas and burgers? This initiative has sparked a battle of samosa-jalebi vs. pizza-burger in the market. Let's dive into which is more harmful to our health.
Source: aajtak
One samosa, weighing 100 grams, contains 261 calories.
Total Fat: 17 grams
Saturated Fat: 7.1 grams
Trans Fat: 0.6 grams
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.8 grams
Monounsaturated Fat: 4.2 grams
Cholesterol: 27 milligrams
Sodium: 423 milligrams
Total Carbohydrates: 24 grams
Protein: 3.5 grams
Fiber: 2.1 grams
Sugar: 1.6 grams
How long to burn 260 calories?
Walking off 260 calories requires a 70-minute walk. Running will take around 25 minutes, while cycling needs 36 minutes.
Two pieces of jalebi, weighing 100 grams, contain 300 calories.
Total Fat: 7 grams
Saturated Fat: 4.2 grams
Trans Fat: 0
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4 grams
Monounsaturated Fat: 2 grams
Cholesterol: 17 milligrams
Sodium: 9.4 milligrams
Total Carbohydrates: 58 grams
Sugar: 38 grams
Protein: 2.6 grams
Fiber: 0.8 grams
How long to burn 300 calories?
To burn 300 calories, you need an 80-minute walk or a 25-minute run. Cycling requires 45 minutes.
A single pizza slice, weighing 100 grams, has 285 calories.
Total Fat: 10 grams
Saturated Fat: 4.8 grams
Trans Fat: 0.3 grams
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.8 grams
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.8 grams
Cholesterol: 18 milligrams
Sodium: 640 milligrams
Total Carbohydrates: 36 grams
Sugar: 3.8 grams
Protein: 12 grams
Fiber: 2.5 grams
How long to burn 285 calories?
Walking requires 77 minutes to burn 285 calories. Running takes 27 minutes, while cycling takes 39 minutes.
A burger, also weighing 100 grams, contains 226 calories.
Total Fat: 12 grams
Saturated Fat: 4 grams
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.1 grams
Monounsaturated Fat: 4.7 grams
Cholesterol: 33 milligrams
Sodium: 342 milligrams
Total Carbohydrates: 17 grams
Sugar: 4 grams
Protein: 11 grams
Fiber: 1.5 grams
How long to burn 226 calories?
Burning 226 calories through walking takes 61 minutes, whereas running takes 22 minutes, and cycling takes 31 minutes.
Applying the same rules to foreign junk food companies
The central government's regulations on samosa-jalebi have faced opposition. Many argue that the same rules should apply to foreign junk foods like pizzas, burgers, and donuts.
What do fitness experts say?
Celebrity fitness coach Yogesh Bhateja says that eating a piece of samosa or jalebi demands 45 to 50 minutes of exercise to burn off. He emphasizes the importance of the type of calories one consumes. Good calories and bad calories significantly differ, with calories from samosas and jalebis being particularly unhealthy for the body.
