How many calories does one Masala Bhatura have?

One Masala Bhatura gives 154 calories. Out of which carbohydrates comprise 68 calories, proteins account for 10 calories and remaining calories come from fat which is 77 calories.  One Masala Bhatura provides about 8 percent of the total daily calorie requirement of a standard adult diet of 2,000 calories.

See Masala Bhatura recipe. Bhatura are leavened puris usually served with Chole. They are soft and spongy and must be enjoyed while they are hot or else they become chewy. This recipe is a variation of this popular bread that uses a potato filling to add softness to the Bhatura and a blend of other ingredients to flavour them. Moreover the potatoes prevent the Bhatura from turning rubbery and chewy. Another innovation is that they can be cooked lightly on a tava and kept aside. Deep-fry them only when you need to serve them to enjoy them hot and fresh straight out of the kadai!

Is Masala Bhatura healthy?

No, this is not healthy. Let's see why.

Let's understand the Ingredients.

What's good.

1. Whole Wheat flour : Whole wheat flour is excellent for diabetics as they will not shoot up your blood sugar levels as they are a low GI food.  Whole wheat flour is rich in Phosphorus which is a major mineral which works closely with calcium to build our bones. Vitamin B9 helps your body to produce and maintain new cells, especially increase red blood cells. See detailed 11 benefits of whole wheat flour and why it's good for you.

2. Coriander (kothmir, dhania) : The antioxidants vitamin A, vitamin C and the quercetin present in coriander works towards strengthening our immune system. Coriander is a fairly good source of iron and folate – the 2 nutrient which help in the production and maintenance of red blood cells in our blood. Good for reducing cholesterol and good for diabetics. Read 9 benefits of coriander to understand details. 

3. Onions (pyaz, kanda) :  Raw onions are a very valuable source of vitamin C – the immune building vitamin. Along with other phytonutrients from onions, it helps to build WBC (white blood cells) which serves as a line of defence against illness. Yes, it’s a source of many antioxidants, the most important one amongst them being Quercetin. The quercetin which promotes production of HDL (good cholesterol) and lowers total cholesterol in the body. The sulphur in onions act as a blood thinner and prevents blood clotting too. This in turn would lower blood pressure and good for heart,  diabetics. Read the benefits of onions. 

What's the problem?

1. Deep fried foods : This recipe is deep fried. Any food that is deep fried is not suitable for healthy living. Your fat levels increase as deep frying increases oil absorption. Also when you use the same oil again for deep frying then smoking point decreases which leads to the development of blue smoke which is not good for health. It also increases inflammation in the body and shuts down the fat burning process.

Most diseases from heart, to cardio vascular, diabetes, parkinsons, alzheimer, cancer and obesity result when the cells get inflamed and don't then function correctly. Inflammation in the arteries can cause heart attacks. So your diet should contain foods that fight inflammation in the body. That's how your body gets healthier by eating the right stuff. So you have given the cells in your body the right food to stay healthy and that is so important in staying disease free for the rest of your life.  

2. Plain flour (maida) : This recipe uses plain flour or maida which is refined carb not suitable for healthy lifestyle. Maida consumption in any food should be totally avoided or just a little bit of usage as any consumption of this will cause a larger spike in blood levels which is not good for diabetics, heart patients. Read is maida good for you to understand fully.

3. Potatoes (Aloo) : Potatoes being high in simple carbohydrates will lead to weight gain and are not good for people with diabetes, heart problem and obesity. Potatoes are recommended for malnourished children and people with low weight. See full details on why potatoes are bad for you.  

Have healthy parathas as a better option.

Healthy paratha recipes like yellow moong dal and spring onion paratha made with whole wheat flour + yellow moong dal. Paushtic parathas, Green Moong Dal and Spring Onion Paratha recipe are another option. 

Yellow Moong Dal and Spring Onion Paratha

We suggest you use this whole wheat naan which has no plain flour added to it. 

Can diabetics, heart patients and over weight individuals have Masala Bhatura?

No, this recipe is not good for diabetics, heart and weight loss. This recipe is deep fried. Any food that is deep fried is not suitable for healthy living. Your fat levels increase as deep frying increases oil absorption. It also increases inflammation in the body and shuts down the fat burning process.

Most diseases from heart, to cardio vascular, diabetes, parkinsons, alzheimer, cancer and obesity result when the cells get inflamed and don't then function correctly. Inflammation in the arteries can cause heart attacks. So your diet should contain foods that fight inflammation in the body. That's how your body gets healthier by eating the right stuff. So you have given the cells in your body the right food to stay healthy and that is so important in staying disease free for the rest of your life.

Can healthy individuals have Masala Bhatura?

No, there is no short cut by eating fried food. Why make a mess of your gut? You eat healthy, you stay healthy. Simple rule. 

How to burn 154 calories that come from Masala Bhatura?

Walking (6 kmph) = 46 mins

Running (11 kmph) = 15 mins

Cycling (30 kmph) = 21 mins       

Swimming (2 kmph) = 26 mins

Note: These values are approximate and calorie burning differs in each individual.