Nutrition check on Bengaluru’s bowl of yummies

Take a stroll around the various parks and shopping streets in Bengaluru, and you’ll come across vendors on push carts or by the side of the road selling peanuts, seasonal fruits, cotton candies and what not. While the hygiene level of these small eats on the streets are always questioned, one cannot deny the quintessential element of these sellers and the bowls of delight they offer to Bengalureans. With days getting warmer and seasonal yummies lining the popular pockets of the city, we hopped on a little food trail in namma ooru, and here’s what we found out…
Mixed fruit bowl

Price: Rs 30

Nutritional value: 80%

Raw mango bowl

Rs 20

Nutritional value: 80%

Guava

Rs 20-30

Nutritional value: 90%

Bhutta

Rs 30

Nutritional value: 70%

Jackfruit

Rs 80

Nutritional value: 80%

Peanuts

Rs 20-30

Nutritional value: 80%



Expert speak:

“Cleanliness is definitely a concern when it comes to eatables sold on the road. But it is also a great attraction for kids to spend time outdoors. Although very popular among the little ones, cotton candy can be very harmful for health. More than the sugar content, it’s the pigment used in these candies that can adversely affect their health. Bhel and Pani Puri get sold out in no time, but the water used in these food items may cause stomach infection and other problems. Instead, parents should encourage children to eat freshly cut fruits such as watermelon, which is also sweet, as well as bananas and guavas, which have very high nutritional value. Cucumber is another healthy option on a sunny day. A bowl of fruits is also rich in vitamin, minerals and iron, and can be an instant energy booster. Peanuts are high in protein, while tender coconut water is good for all seasons,” says Nidhi Nahata, health coach.