A Close Look at Nutrition in Popular Street Foods Like India & Mexico (South America)
Street food is an integral part of cultures around the world. From tacos in Mexico City to Samosas and Dosa in India to dumplings in Shanghai, street food offers tasty, affordable snacks and meals made for sharing with friends or enjoying on the go while being very cheap and affordable. However, despite its popularity and deep cultural roots, street food is often criticized as being unhealthy and even unsafe. But is this true?
A new study published in Clinical Nutrition aims to better understand the nutritional pros and cons of popular street foods. Researchers analyzed over 100 samples of common street foods from major cities in India, including Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi and Kolkata. They found that while street food can be high in calories, fat and salt, many options also provide important vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. As with all cuisine, moderation and balance are key.
The researchers focused on some of India’s most popular street foods like panipuri, a puffed pastry ball filled with potatoes, chickpeas, and a flavored water; vada pav, a fried potato patty in a bun; and pav bhaji, a mix of spiced mashed vegetables with bread. Not surprisingly, many of these fried or pastry-based snacks were high in calories, fat and carbohydrates. A single panipuri contained over 100 calories and 4-5 grams of fat, while a vada pav averaged nearly 300 calories. However, the researchers also found that these snacks provide nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B9 (folate) and more. A single vada pav, for example, provides nearly 10% of the daily folate requirement.
While the nutritional value of Indian street food is still an open debate,this research shows that many popular options are not as unhealthy as often assumed. Like all cuisine, moderation and balance are key. An occasional indulgence in cultural street food favorites may have little impact on health for most people and even provides important benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle. However, for some individuals, especially those with health conditions like diabetes or heart disease, street food may need to remain an occasional treat.
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As with many areas of nutrition, there are no “good” or “bad” foods. All foods can potentially be part of a balanced diet. However, in places like India where street food makes up a large part of the diet, nutrition education is especially important. Choosing baked or grilled items over fried when possible, watching portion sizes, and balancing street food snacks with nutritious home-cooked meals and plenty of physical activity can help maximize the benefits of traditional cuisine while minimizing risks.
Street food is an important part of culture, society and food heritage across the world. With balanced and informed choices, people everywhere can continue to enjoy their favorite snacks for years to come. Moderation, as in all areas of nutrition and life, is key.
