Curries are a popular dish in the UK, whether it be homemade or a takeaway.
But some of the nation’s most popular curries are not the healthiest, said Abbie.
She said: “Some popular curries that are not the healthiest include the chicken korma and lamb Rogan Josh.
“Known for its creamy and rich sauce, the chicken korma can be high in saturated fats and calories.”
Too many saturated fats in the diet can raise “bad” cholesterol levels, the NHS says. High cholesterol levels put a person at risk of heart disease and stroke.
As for lamb Rogan Josh, Abbie said: “Two key ingredients of the Rogan Josh are red meat (lamb) and ghee, making it a less heart-healthy option.”
Ghee contains saturated fat, so eating too much of it can lead to elevated cholesterol and heart disease risk.
In addition, red meat, such as lamb, can increase the risk of bowel cancer, the NHS warns.
Healthier curries
Vegetable-based curries tend to be the healthiest options, said Abbie, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
These tend to be lower in cholesterol and can help to promote stable blood sugars.
Healthier curries include:
- Vegetable tikka masala
- Chana saag (chickpea and spinach curry)
Abbie said: “For meat eaters looking for a healthier curry, it’s recommended to look for one that is made with lean protein.
“For example, chicken jalfrezi is made with lean chicken breast and plenty of vegetables, making it a balanced and relatively healthy choice.
“Tandoori chicken is another great example of a healthier curry as it is low in fat and a good source of lean protein.”
Dietitian Daisy Mercer, on behalf of nutritional app MyFitnessPal, also agreed with Abbie about vegetable curries and chicken jalfrezi being healthier options.
Daisy said: “Chicken jalfrezi is a low-calorie Indian curry as it’s packed with peppers and chilis.
“It is made in a tomato-based sauce, which is healthier than cream-based sauces, which are high in fat.”
As for vegetable curries, she added: “These curries are lower in calories and fat, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight and boost their vegetable intake.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
