If you’ve grown up in an Indian household , you’ve likely heard the familiar refrain: “Why are you always eating out? It’s unhealthy!” Home-cooked meals are often touted as the healthier option, primarily because they allow for control over hygiene and ingredient quality. You know exactly what goes into your food, and the absence of harmful preservatives is a major plus. Plus, there’s an undeniable warmth and love infused into every dish.
Research supports this notion; a 2019 study highlights that home-cooked meals are more likely to include nutritious ingredients compared to pre-packaged options. Health experts continuously advocate for home-cooked meals over takeout, especially in a world where convenience often trumps nutrition. With just a few clicks, you can have a meal delivered to your doorstep, making it all too easy to bypass the kitchen.
However, health professionals urge caution, reminding us that not all home-cooked meals are created equal. The belief that homemade meals are automatically healthier can be misleading. While it’s true that cooking at home allows you to control ingredient quality, portion sizes, and cooking methods, it’s important to remember that the healthiness of a meal depends significantly on how it’s prepared.
Many of us might be guilty of overindulging in oil, butter, sugar, or spices to enhance flavor. For instance, that extra spoonful of ghee or butter is often seen as a gesture of love in Indian cooking, but it can add unn.