Why Alia Bhatt's Favourite Salad is a Nutritional Powerhouse
Bollywood star Alia Bhatt has revealed her go-to healthy meal that combines simple ingredients with remarkable health benefits. The actress, known for her glowing skin and fit physique, swears by a beetroot salad with dahi tadka that she consumed regularly during the filming of her movie Dear Zindagi.
In an old YouTube video, Alia enthusiastically shared her love for this dish, emphasizing that she never eats beetroot without the flavorful tadka. "Beetroot salad is one of my favourite things. I used to eat it constantly during Dear Zindagi. Beetroot is very good for the skin. And I don't eat it without dahi tadka - the tempering includes mustard, cumin, asafoetida, and curry leaves," the actress explained.
Nutritionist Deepika Sharma Validates the Health Benefits
Nutrition expert Deepika Sharma has confirmed that this simple combination creates a powerful functional food that works wonders for overall health. "When you mix beetroot with curd, you're combining two power-packed ingredients that work beautifully together for your skin, digestion, and overall health," Sharma told indianexpress.com.
The nutritionist elaborated that beetroot enhances blood circulation and supports liver detoxification, while curd provides essential probiotics and nutrients that nourish the gut. What makes this combination particularly effective is how these ingredients interact to boost nutrient absorption.
"The mild acidity of curd helps your body absorb iron from beetroot more efficiently. The probiotics in curd and the detox-supporting compounds in beetroot work together to improve digestion, clean the blood, and result in clearer skin and better energy," Sharma added.
Gut Health and Nutrient Absorption Advantages
The benefits extend beyond skin health to create a natural synbiotic effect. Sharma explained that beetroot provides fiber that feeds healthy gut bacteria, while curd adds live cultures that replenish them. Together, they form a perfect combination of prebiotics and probiotics that maintain balanced gut health.
The traditional Indian tadka plays a crucial role in this dish beyond just adding flavor. The spices - mustard, cumin, asafoetida, and curry leaves - prevent gas and digestive heaviness, making the combination light on the stomach. "If you eat it a few times a week during the day, it supports digestion, liver function, and skin health naturally," the nutritionist recommended.
Sharma also clarified an important nutritional aspect: "While curd contains calcium that can compete with iron absorption if consumed in excessive amounts, in moderate quantities, it actually supports the process." The lactic acid in curd helps convert iron into a more easily absorbable form, while folate from beetroot remains stable in the cool, slightly acidic environment created by curd.
Important Precautions and When to Avoid
Despite the numerous health benefits, there are specific situations when this combination should be avoided. "The only time to avoid this combination is late at night or when you have a cold or sinus infection, since curd can increase mucus," Sharma cautioned.
Otherwise, this dish serves as an excellent everyday food that perfectly balances taste and function. The nutritionist summarized the benefits: "In short, beetroot provides strength and purification, curd provides good bacteria and absorption, and the tadka spices help the body process it all efficiently."
For those inspired to try Alia Bhatt's favourite healthy meal, the recipe is surprisingly simple. You need grated beetroot, fresh curd, and a tempering of mustard seeds, cumin, asafoetida, and curry leaves. This nutrient-dense dish makes for an excellent start to your day when consumed in the morning.
Disclaimer: This information is based on public domain sources and expert opinions. Always consult your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet.
