Is Pappadam Good for Health? Benefits, Calories, and More

Image of kerala Pappadam with a light, healthy meal setting
Is Pappadam good for health? Discover the benefits and nutritional facts.
Have you ever wondered if that crispy pappadam is a healthy part of your diet or just an indulgence?

Pappadam, a traditional side dish in Indian cuisine, especially loved in Kerala, is often paired with meals for that perfect crunch. But is pappadam good for health?
Made primarily from urad dal, pappadams not only add flavor but can also bring some surprising health benefits.

This blog will explore everything you need to know about pappadams from calories to health advantages, ingredients, and any potential side effects.
By the end of this article, you’ll know if pappadam fits into your healthy lifestyle and how it affects your well-being.

Understanding Pappadam: Ingredients and Preparation

Pappadam, also known as papad, is a thin, crispy accompaniment made primarily from urad dal flour, seasoned with spices, and sun-dried to give it that traditional crunch

 

Pappadam, also known as papad, is a thin, crispy accompaniment made primarily from urad dal flour, seasoned with spices, and sun-dried to give it that traditional crunch

kerala nadan pappdam

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Urad dal, the main ingredient in pappadam, is rich in proteins and essential nutrients. Urad dal is not only rich in protein but also in minerals like magnesium and iron, which are great for maintaining overall health.

 

Is Pappadam Healthy?

 

Pappadam is made with simple ingredients like urad dal, salt, and spices, which can have health benefits when eaten in moderation. But is it truly healthy?

  • Pappadam is low in calories compared to many fried snacks, which makes it a potential healthy option when roasted instead of fried.
  • However, frying pappadams increases fat content significantly, which may not be ideal for people trying to limit oil intake.

Health Benefits of Pappadam

 

Pappadam has various benefits due to its primary ingredient, urad dal, which is a powerhouse of nutrients.

 

Main Ideas

 

  • Protein-Rich: Urad dal, the main component, provides a good amount of protein that helps in maintaining muscle health.
  • Digestive Health: Pappadam contains spices like cumin and black pepper, which can aid digestion.
  • Energy Boosting: Being rich in carbohydrates, pappadam is an instant source of energy.

 

Image showing health benefits of kerala pappadam
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When consumed in moderation, pappadam can add beneficial nutrients to your diet, especially if roasted instead of fried.

 

How Many Calories in a Pappadam?

 

On average, one medium-sized pappadam contains about 40-60 calories. The calorie count depends on how it's prepared roasted or fried.

 

  • Roasted Pappadam: Approximately 40-50 calories.
  • Fried Pappadam: The calorie count can increase to 100-150 calories due to oil absorption.

 

Image explain about calories of roasted and fryed pappadam
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Pappadam Side Effects

 

While pappadam can be part of a healthy diet, there are some potential downsides.

 

Common Mistakes

 

  • High Salt Content: Pappadam is often high in sodium, which can be an issue for those with hypertension.
  • Oil Content When Fried: Deep frying adds unhealthy fats that can increase cholesterol.
  • Digestive Issues: Some people may experience bloating due to urad dal.

Understanding Bloating and Distension
Understanding Bloating and Distension



Eating pappadam in moderation, especially opting for roasted over fried, can help mitigate these potential side effects.

 

How to Eat Pappadam Healthily ?

 

First Step

Roast Instead of Fry: Roasting helps reduce the fat content significantly, making it a healthier choice

Second Step

Pair with Balanced Meals: Enjoy pappadam with lentil-based curries or salads for a complete, balanced meal.

 

Third Step

Limit Consumption: Stick to one pappadam per meal to avoid overconsumption of salt.

 

Understand Step-by-step Instructions of healthy pappadam preparation.

 

👉 Expert Advice: "Opt for roasted pappadams instead of fried ones to keep your sodium and fat intake in check." - No1. Pappadam Making Expert in Kerala, Perinthalmanna,  - Praveen Balakrishnan

 

Want to know more about the benefits of urad dal and how it enhances pappadam's nutritional value? Check out our detailed blog post on "The Nutritional Power of Urad Dal" for more in-depth insights and health tips!

 

In summary, pappadam can be a healthy addition to your meal when enjoyed in moderation and prepared properly. It’s best roasted rather than fried to keep fat and calories low. Venust’s pappadams are made from high-quality urad dal and follow strict food safety standards, ensuring both taste and health benefits.


Before You Go

Want to learn more about Kerala Pappadam? Check out these related articles:

👉 Kerala Pappadam Ingredients

Explore the essential ingredients that make Kerala Pappadam so special. Discover the perfect blend of spices and lentils that create its signature flavor and texture.

👉 How to Make Kerala Pappadam

Looking to make authentic Kerala Pappadam at home? Follow our step-by-step guide to craft the perfect crispy Pappadam and learn where you can buy it online for convenience.



Action Steps:

 

 

Frequently asked questions about pappadam

 

Are pappadams healthy if eaten daily?
Eating pappadam daily in moderation (preferably roasted) can be part of a healthy diet, but be cautious of the salt content.
How many calories are in one pappadam?
A single roasted pappadam contains around 40-50 calories, while a fried one can have up to 150 calories.
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