Idli and appam are hands down the most healthy breakfast. And even nutritionists agree

Do you know what the trickiest meal of the day is? Breakfast, we’d say. Because if you kick-start your day with just the right meal, your entire day could go on smoothly and on a very healthy, energetic note too.

But that sleepy head in the morning can make it difficult for you to make a sensible breakfast choice. So, here’s making it easier for you.

Enter: South Indian food to the rescue. Yes, you read that right. It can actually make for a perfectly healthy, wholesome breakfast and the health experts agree. Check out what they have to say on the matter:

It’s great for the gut
“Many food items from the South Indian cuisine, such as idli are fermented and thus, rich in vitamin B12. They can be easily digested and are good for your gut,” points out Delhi-based nutritionist,” says Rashim Malhotra.

Hence, eating South Indian food for breakfast can make sure you don’t face any gastric problems like acidity or constipation, she adds.

It can boost your immunity and overall health
“Fresh and traditional ingredients used in making South Indian dishes include spices and condiments like turmeric, curry leaves, rai, etc., all of which have medicinal and healing properties,” according to Dr. Himanshi, senior dietitian, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.

Also, read: Trust these 5 desi superfoods to boost your immunity this winter

It can help you lose weight
“Pulses, nuts, and veggies used extensively in South Indian foods make for an excellent source of protein, fibre, and complex carbohydrates,” says Seema Singh, chief clinical nutritionist, Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, Delhi.

All this makes it a balanced, healthy breakfast, which is easy to digest, can keep you satiated and energetic for long, thus, avoiding unnecessary food cravings.

In fact, most items from this cuisine are also low in calories, which further make it the perfect breakfast for the ones who are watching their weight.

“Idli, for instance has only 39 calories and three to four idlis for breakfast can keep you full for a long time. Even appams are a great option as one appam contains only 120 calories and eating two of them can fill your stomach easily,” Malhotra adds.

Its cooking method makes it even better
Usually South Indian food is cooked in coconut oil, which is great for your skin, hair, and heart health, according to Malhotra.

Additionally, the steam cooking method used to cook many of the items of this cuisine can make sure your oil intake is under control too. Win, win we say.

But said and done, you’ve got to be cautious too…
When it comes to your diet, you’ve got to remember that moderation is key as eating the healthiest food in excess can make you exceed your required calorie intake and even give you acidity.

Secondly, you’ve got to be careful about the food options you choose from the cuisine as not all of them are healthy. While idlis, appams, uttapams, rawa dosa, poha, and upma can be great options; fried, high-cal ones like vada and masala dosa can backfire and how!

And finally, using less oil and more vegetables can simply enhance the goodness of your South Indian breakfast.