If raitu is served with daily meals, the taste of the meal is doubled. Especially in hot season, people prefer to eat curd and buttermilk based dishes. Boondi Raitoon and Fruit Raitoon are the most popular options in Indian households. Boondi raita consists of fried boondi made from chickpea flour with curd, while fruit raita uses different fruits like apple, banana, pomegranate. Since curd is the main ingredient in both, the body gets nutrients like protein and calcium, but fresh fruits and bundi fried in oil make a big difference in the nutritional value of the two. In such a situation, it is important to know which raitu is more imperative to eat in terms of health.
Benefits of Eating Fruit Raita: Vitamins and Antioxidants: Fruit Raita is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that the body needs by mixing nutritious fruits like apple, banana and pomegranate with curd. Digestion and Fiber: Fruits contain natural fiber, which improves digestion and helps in keeping the stomach full for longer, thus preventing frequent hunger pangs.
Probiotics and Protein: The good bacteria (probiotics) in yogurt are great for gut health, while the calcium and protein strengthen bones and muscles. (Note: Adding sugar or sweet syrup to fruit raita adds calories, so it’s best to use unsweetened plain yogurt and naturally sweetened fresh fruit when making it.)
How healthy is Boondi Raitu? The chickpea flour (besan) used to make Boondi Rayatu contains some protein and calcium from curd, so it cannot be called completely unhealthy. But most of the bundi available in the market is deep-fried in oil, which makes it high in fat and calories. If you are trying to lose weight, eating a large amount of fried boondi can increase your daily calorie intake. However, it can be relatively healthy if the quantity of boondi is kept very low or if the excess oil is removed by soaking the boondi in hot water and making it with fresh curd.
Which diet to choose for weight and health? If you want to eat foods that are high in fiber, vitamins and low in fat, sugar free fruit raita is the best and healthiest option. If you like boondi raita more, it should be eaten in limited quantity and with less oil boondi.
It is imperative to use low-fat plain yogurt while making both types of raita. Avoid adding extra sugar in fruit raita and limit the quantity of boondi in boondi raita. Both types of raita can be made part of the diet in proper amounts with a balanced diet, adequate water and regular physical exercise.
