Is Your Favourite Poha An Unhealthy Breakfast Option? Sanjeev Kapoor Explains

Poha is one of those types of breakfasts that feels familiar in almost every Indian household. It is easy to make and comforting enough to be included in our weekly breakfast plans. However, celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor recently shared that he does not consider poha a particularly healthy breakfast option. Read on to know more.

What Did Sanjeev Kapoor Say About Poha?

Talking to Smita Prakash on the ANI podcast, the chef talked about popular food myths and gave his take on some famous Indian dishes. During the conversation, Smita Prakash jokingly called poha “overrated”, and Sanjeev Kapoor agreed to an extent. He defined poha as more of a comfort food than a healthy one.

He said Poha is a comfort food, but it is not that healthy. If rice is unhealthy, then poha is even more unhealthy. The statement shocked many people online, especially because poha is often considered a healthier breakfast choice compared to fried or heavy food. He also mentioned that poha can lead to insulin spikes in the morning, especially when eaten without enough protein or when paired with sugary items like jalebi.

Also Read: From Ahmedabad To Tel Aviv: 15 Cities In The World Made For Vegetarians

Is Poha Really Unhealthy?

Poha is made from flattened rice and is usually prepared with mustard seeds, curry leaves, onions, peanuts, and mild spices. Some people add vegetables, while others top it with sev, mixture, or extra sugar and lemon juice.

The health aspect largely depends on how it is prepared and what it is paired with. Since poha is mainly carbohydrate-based and naturally low in protein, it may not keep everyone full for long. Eating carb-heavy breakfasts regularly without balancing them with protein can contribute to faster hunger and sudden sugar spikes.

However, poha does not necessarily need to disappear from the breakfast table. Nutrition experts often recommend making it more balanced by adding protein-rich ingredients like sprouts, paneer, soy chunks, or extra peanuts. Using less oil and limiting fried toppings can also make a difference.

Also Read: Kullu Explains The Difference Between Maharashtra’s Kanda Poha And Indore’s Steamed Poha

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.

Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons, Instagram/Sanjeev Kapoor