Having an Indian meal may be Britain's favourite culinary pastime, but researchers say curries are more fattening than either Chinese food or pizzas.
A single meal of Indian curry has been found to have more fat than what is recommended for the entire day. In a comparison of Indian, Chinese and pizza takeaways, researchers found that an average Indian takeaway contained 23.2gm of saturated fat, 3.2gm more what than a woman should eat in a day.
The popularity of curries among Britons prompted the late minister Robin Cook to describe Chicken tikka masala as Britain's national dish. However, the study comes amid mounting concern because the genetic make-up of South Asians means that they are at a higher risk group for heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Indian takeaway meals are known for their liberal use of oil and ghee, not only in curries but also breads. The researchers found that a naan contained more calories than a chicken tikka masala.
The research was conducted by Which magazine, which tested the takeaways for calorie, sugar, saturated fat and salt content and rated each meal against the recommended daily allowance in Britain. Researchers found Chinese takeaways, despite having lower saturated fat content, contained nearly three times as much sugar as an Indian meal. One portion contained more than 19 teaspoons of sugar.
The report found that the fat content in pizzas from popular fast food chains differed from information on their websites.
Four such cheese and tomato pizzas tested by 'Which' contained at least 50 per cent more fat per 100gm than stated on the website.
Neil Fowler, editor of Which, said, "We don't want to be killjoys when it comes to takeaways, but we would like people to be aware of just how much of their daily food intake comes in just one meal. Highlighting healthier options is useful, but ultimately we want consumers to have much clearer information about fat, sugar and salt levels.
Takeaway outlets in Britain are not legally required to give nutritional content of their food, making it difficult for people to know about the calorie or salt content.
FAQs
A single meal of Indian curry has been found to have more fat than what is recommended for the entire day. In a comparison of Indian, Chinese and pizza takeaways, researchers found that an average Indian takeaway contained 23.2gm of saturated fat, 3.2gm more what than a woman should eat in a day.
Are Indian curries fattening? ›
Are all Indian curries healthy? Not all Indian curries are healthy. Some curries can be high in calories and saturated fats, which can be detrimental to your health if consumed excessively.
What's more fattening, Chinese or Indian? ›
They found that Indian foods were generally high in fat and Chinese food could be high in sugar - one portion contained the equivalent of 19 teaspoons. The average calorie content of these takeaways was high - 1,338 for Indian food and 1,436 for a similar-sized Chinese takeaway.
What Indian curry is most healthy? ›
Any Indian curries that are tomato-based, like tandoori, madras, jalfrezi, rogan and bhuna, are the lowest in calories. They average around 200-300 calories. If you want an even healthier option, consider a sauce-free dish like fish tikka (which is only 180 calories).
Does curry have a lot of calories? ›
A single portion of takeaway curry can contain over 1,000 calories so while it's great as the occasional treat, if you're having it more regularly, you might be better off making your own. If you want to experience all the tastes but with less calories there are some easy swaps you can make…
Is curry more fattening than pizza? ›
A single meal of Indian curry has been found to have more fat than what is recommended for the entire day. In a comparison of Indian, Chinese and pizza takeaways, researchers found that an average Indian takeaway contained 23.2gm of saturated fat, 3.2gm more what than a woman should eat in a day.
What is the least fattening Indian dish? ›
Tomato-based curries like Chicken Tikka Masala or Chana Masala (chickpea curry) are generally lower in calories and healthier options.
What is the healthiest Indian curry to order? ›
Healthy options to indulge in when ordering your next Indian...
- Dhal.
- Fish Tikka Masala.
- Chicken Jalfrezi.
- Madras.
What is the most fattening Indian food? ›
Which are those foods that are high in levels of bad fat?
- Samosas. Samosas, a popular Indian snack, are deep-fried pastries filled with a variety of savory ingredients. ...
- Pakoras. ...
- Butter Chicken. ...
- Biryani. ...
- Vada Pav. ...
- Gulab Jamun.
What is the healthiest Indian dish to order? ›
Best 5 Lowest Calorie Indian Food You'll Love
- Tandoori Chicken. A classic Indian dish, tandoori chicken is both low in calories and bursting with flavour. ...
- Vegetable Biriyani. Vegetable biriyani is a delicious and healthy Indian dish with flavour and low calories. ...
- Chana masala. ...
- Raita. ...
- Aloo gobi.
While it can offer diverse flavors and some health benefits, consuming it excessively could lead to issues like excessive spice intake or potential digestive discomfort. Variety in your diet is key for balanced nutrition, so enjoying curry occasionally alongside other foods is a healthier approach.
Can I eat curry while dieting? ›
When we think of Indian curry, we often think it cannot be eaten on a weight loss diet. However, Indian food is such that, at its heart, it is ideal for you and your health. But the point about weight loss is right – as long as we add butter or cream or too much ghee in our curries.
Is curry junk food? ›
Is curry fattening? Curry nutrition facts will vary from dish to dish, and while some curries are light and full of nutrient-dense veggies and spice, others can get quite fattening and high in calories.
Are curries bad for weight loss? ›
While curry and its constituent spices may offer weight loss benefits, they should be consumed as part of a balanced diet with regular physical activity and in moderation, considering that some curry dishes can be high in calories due to oil and coconut milk usage.
Which curry is best for weight loss? ›
10 low-carb Indian curries for weight loss
- Palak Paneer. This spinach and paneer curry is low in carbs and packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and tasty option. ...
- Baingan Bharta. ...
- Bhindi Masala. ...
- Methi Malai Matar. ...
- Aloo Gobi. ...
- Chana Saag. ...
- Paneer Bhurji. ...
- Karela Sabzi.
Is Indian food OK for weight loss? ›
From flavorful curries featuring nutrient-rich vegetables like spinach, cauliflower, and eggplant to lentil-based preparations like dal makhani or dal tadka, you'll find ample choices to satisfy your taste buds and support your weight loss journey.
Does curry cause weight gain? ›
It's possible, therefore, to maintain or even lose weight if you indulge in a rich curry daily, as long as you keep your total calorie count under control. But the converse is true too — it's possible to gain weight if you eat a healthy curry dish in addition to your usual fare.