Saumya Tandon is a versatile actress and has made it big in the television industry. Best known for her roles as Anita in Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai and Roop in her Bollywood debut, Jab We Met, she has captivated audiences with her charm and talent. But beyond her acting skills, Saumya is also a dedicated fitness enthusiast who places great importance on maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine.
In one of her recent Instagram videos, the 40-year-old claimed that she gave up sugar and all sugar substitutes, including honey and jaggery, four years ago. “I only eat fruits and dry fruits and desserts made of them. It’s a game changer. Try ! Will keep posting desserts without using sugar/honey/jaggery and make you all believe we can eat sweet without sugar too😉. Let me know what you thought. (sic),” she shared while narrating the recipe for a sugar-free sweet potato halwa.
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Saumya’s sugar-free sweet potato recipe:
Ingredients:
- Boiled and mashed sweet potatoes
- Ghee
- Milk
- Almonds, cashews, pistachios, and raisins (optional)
- Saffron strands (optional)
How to prepare:
- Step 1: Begin by peeling the sweet potatoes and mashing them until smooth.
- Step 2: Heat 1 spoon of ghee in a pan and add the mashed sweet potato.
- Step 3: Roast it well until it turns brown, stirring continuously.
- Step 4: Add a little bit of milk to the roasted sweet potato.
- Step 5: Cook it further while stirring to ensure it mixes well and thickens.
- Step 6: You can enhance the halwa by adding saffron strands or almonds (optional).
- Step 7: Cook it for a few more minutes to bring out the flavours.
- Step 8: Serve hot (or warm). It's slightly less sweet but incredibly healthy.
Perfect to curb sugar cravings while being guilt-free!
Also Read: Sweet Potatoes For Skin: 7 Ways To Get A Healthy Skin Glow
Health Benefits Of Sugar-Free Sweet Potato Halwa
When you think of halwa, you expect a sugar rush. It is a dish that really tends to your sugar cravings. However, it may not be the healthiest, especially when it is loaded with added sugar.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the human body does not need any amount of added sugar in the body. Naturally occurring sugar sources like fruits and vegetables are actually enough to provide you with the required amounts. One of them is sweet potato, which is full of nutrients and has several health benefits. These include:
Better digestion
Sweet potatoes are a winter superfood that is high in dietary fibre. High-fibre foods aid in regulating bowel movements, improve digestion, and also promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria, reducing the risk of digestive disorders like bloating, constipation, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Packed with nutrients
Sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of vitamins, especially vitamin A, which is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting glowing skin. It also contains vitamin C and vitamin E, which boost immunity and improve skin elasticity.
Lower Glycaemic Index (GI)
Unlike added sugar, or refined sugar, which has a high Glycaemic Index (GI) and causes blood sugar levels to rise quickly, sweet potatoes release their natural sugars slowly into the bloodstream, preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar. This makes sugar-free sweet potato halwa a great option for people with diabetes or those looking to control their sugar intake.
High in antioxidants to fight inflammation
If you don't already know, the orange colour of sweet potatoes comes from beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances that can help prevent or delay cell damage. Beta-carotene reduces oxidative stress, lowers inflammation, and protects the body from chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. Adding saffron or nuts further boosts the antioxidant levels in the dish.
Also Read: 6 Healthy Dishes That You Can Make With Sweet Potato In Winters
Healthy weight
Sweet potato halwa is naturally filling because of its high fibre content, which slows digestion and keeps you full longer, curbing hunger pangs and preventing overeating. This in turn aids in weight loss management.
Energy booster
Carbohydrates, or carbs, are turned into glucose that gives your body the energy to go about your daily tasks. There are two main types of carbs: simple and complex carbs. Complex carbs are a type of carbohydrate that are high in fibre and nutrients and digest more slowly than simple carbohydrates. Sweet potatoes are rich in complex carbs and digest slowly, helping you feel fuller for longer periods and keeping your energy levels high. Additionally, good fats from ghee provide long-lasting energy, making sugar-free sweet potato halwa ideal as a pre- or post-workout snack or for individuals.
Conclusion
Sweet potato is a healthy food that is low in GI and packed with nutrients, which not only make it diabetes-friendly but also healthy for your overall health. For people looking for dishes to curb their cravings, sweet potato halwa can be a great dessert choice. However, moderation is key, and avoid overeating. You can also find out other ways to enjoy the sweet potato.
Image credit: Instagram/@saumyas_world