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| Edited By: Pooja Makhija |Source: DNA |Updated: Jun 12, 2017, 08:25 AM IST
Are digestive biscuits absolutely healthy? No, most certainly not. But are they relatively healthier than other processed snacks? Yes, if the comparison is to chips, instant noodles, candies and the like.
A plain biscuit contains about 3 to 5 grammes of refined sugar, butter, or vegetable oil, preservatives and a whopping 3 to 5 grammes of saturated fat. These synthetic ingredients make them unhealthy. The only health benefit most of them claim to offer is fibre. But let’s get real — the amount of fibre you can get from fruits is far more than you can get from a biscuit. And what’s more? Fruits will give you an added nutritive bonus of glorious antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Two digestive biscuits pack around 150 calories, which is equivalent to almost three oranges. So you tell me, what’s a better snack?
Having said so, biscuits do have two good things qualities that can be attributed to them — they’re portable and easily available. You can buy a pack of biscuits from any local general store but sometimes it’s way more difficult to find a fruit seller.
My first choice would always be natural food and a home-cooked meal. So for those smaller meals, if you can manage to have fruits, cucumber or carrot sticks, home-cooked poha, khakra, idli, upma, and the likes, then there’s no reason to snack on a biscuit. But if you’re not home or don’t have access to a healthier alternative, biscuits will always be a better substitute to no food, as long as it’s consumed in moderation. Stick to no more than two biscuits at a time. And carry some with you in a zip lock or airtight tiffin box when you’re out in case of emergencies.
Like I said, eating is always a better option than starving.
Pooja Makhija
Consulting nutritionist and clinical dietitian
Mail your queries at: dnahealthpage@gmail.com; you can contact Pooja at: pooja@nourishgenie.com
