(Image source from: Canva.com)
Paneer is often recognized as a nutritious food packed with protein in Indian families. It is flexible, flavorful, and a preferred choice for vegetarians looking for protein sources. Paneer is rich in protein, casein, calcium, and whey protein. Generally, people who are vegans or vegetarians choose paneer to help meet their protein needs. But what might happen if we consume paneer every day for a week? You may find the results surprising. Here’s what three nutrition specialists shared about eating paneer daily. "Do not rely on paneer solely to fulfill your daily protein needs," stated Prachi Mandholia, a Clinical Nutritionist from Mumbai. Enjoy paneer as a snack occasionally and ensure it is accompanied by vegetables to increase your intake of antioxidants. Your body benefits from variety and balance. So, think twice before making paneer a daily habit - your stomach and overall health will appreciate it.
Eating paneer in moderation daily can offer advantages like helping to develop lean muscle, providing calcium for healthy bones, and offering other vital nutrients. However, the key to maintaining good health is to vary your diet and ensure it is balanced to prevent nutrient shortages. Nevertheless, consuming it every day, particularly now, might lead to more issues than benefits. Nutritionists have pointed out potential effects and drawbacks of daily paneer consumption, particularly in large amounts:
Bloating And Indigestion: A common initial problem people may face is bloating and digestive issues. Paneer is a dairy product, and many people unknowingly have trouble digesting lactose or casein, both of which are found in dairy. This can lead to feelings of fullness or discomfort in the stomach.
Quality Of Paneer From Stores And Restaurants Can Be Unreliable: Another issue is the quality of the milk used to produce paneer. The milk we have today is different from what was available years ago. It frequently undergoes tampering, processing, and hormone treatments on dairy farms. Regularly consuming paneer made from such milk can overwhelm the body with harmful substances, chemicals, and excess fats. Furthermore, the paneer offered in restaurants often uses low-quality ingredients, like palm oil, which can be more difficult to digest.
Risk Of Inflammation: Dairy may cause inflammation, placing stress on the digestive system, liver, and insulin response. For those already battling health issues like diabetes, fatty liver, high cholesterol, or polycystic ovary syndrome, which are often associated with inflammation, eating paneer on a daily basis might aggravate these conditions. Experts recommend including plenty of vegetables to create a balanced meal. You can enjoy raw paneer or incorporate it into healthy dishes like tandoori paneer, grilled paneer, or add paneer cubes to tasty salads. It is advised to avoid or limit consuming fried paneer, such as pakoras or restaurant-style chili paneer.
