The Hidden Dangers in Processed Batter – Choose Healthy, Stay Healthy
Steaming hot idlis and crispy dosas – for centuries, these have been the favourite staple of South-Indian breakfast. Known for their easily digestible and nutritious values, idli and dosa never go out of league. The cooking time is generally short while the batter preparation takes a night for healthy and natural fermentation of the ground rice and lentils. Hence, with busy lifestyles, many people opt for store-bought processed batter instead of making it fresh at home. While convenient, these ready-made batters often contain preservatives, artificial enhancers, and excessive fermentation, which can negatively impact gut health, digestion, and overall well-being. Let’s dive into the ill effects of processed idli batter and why it’s essential to make the switch to homemade batter.
Perilous Preservatives
Preservatives in processed batter help extend shelf life and maintain freshness. Common preservatives include citric acid, lactic acid, sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate, which inhibit microbial growth. Some manufacturers use natural alternatives like vinegar, excess salt, or fermented ingredients to keep the batter fresh without synthetic additives. However, excessive preservatives can impact taste, texture, and health. Chemical preservatives can also lead to severe health implications like allergic reactions, digestive issues and stomach ulcers.
Microplastic Menace
Microplastics in packaged batter are a growing concern due to plastic contamination during processing, packaging, and storage. These tiny plastic particles can leach from the plastic packages, especially when exposed to heat or acidic ingredients. Studies suggest that prolonged consumption of microplastics may pose health risks, including hormonal imbalances and digestive issues. Opting for homemade batter can help minimize the ingestion of microplastics and promote healthier food choices.
Additive Artificial Colours
Adding artificial colours in processed batter is rare but can be used to enhance the batter’s appearance, making it look fresher or more appealing. Some manufacturers may add colourants to mask aging or oxidation. These colourants can pose health risks, including allergies and digestive issues. Long-term consumption may contribute to hyperactivity in children or other health concerns. Homemade batter or products using only natural ingredients like fermented rice and lentils ensure a healthier, more authentic idli-dosa experience without unnecessary additives.
Prolonged Shelf-life and Nutrient Depletion
Batter preparation, processing and packaging is a prolonged process for a stretch of three to four days. After that, the batter is shipped to the market where it stays for a day or two. Consumers bring it home, refrigerate and use the batter for two or three days. Prolonging the shelf life of idli-dosa batter through refrigeration, preservatives, and packaging techniques can lead to nutrient depletion over time. Natural fermentation enhances the bioavailability of nutrients like B vitamins and probiotics, but extended storage slows this process, reducing its benefits. Artificial preservatives and pasteurization may further impact the batter’s natural enzymatic activity, affecting taste and texture.
When processed batter is not consumed immediately, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms. This can lead to food poisoning, gastrointestinal issues, allergic reactions, intolerance, and increased risk of infections and diseases.
Other Negative Effects
In addition to the above-mentioned risks, store-bought processed idli dosa batter can also contain high amounts of salt and sugar, which delay the fermentation and extend the shelf life. The batter may also be contaminated or prepared using low-quality ingredients and also pose hygiene issues during the process of preparation.
The Perfect Solution: Homemade Idli Batter
While store-bought idli batter may seem convenient, the risks associated with it significantly exceed the benefits. Making the switch to homemade batter is a simple and effective way to avoid these negative effects. By using fresh, wholesome ingredients and avoiding preservatives, additives, and other harmful substances, you can ensure a healthier and more nutritious breakfast for yourself and your loved ones.
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