Grandma Said What? Top 5 Indian Food Myths We Grew Up With, Busted!

Growing up in an Indian household, we’ve all heard some wild food advice from our grandmothers. From "Beta, eat more ghee; it’s good for you!" to "Don’t you dare mix fish with milk, or else!"—our nani and dadi had a say in everything that landed on our plates. But how much of this advice is a fact, and how much is a myth? Spoiler alert: Grandma wasn’t always right! Let’s take a fun walk down memory lane and bust some of the most common food myths we’ve all heard at the dining table.

1. Avoid Sugar to Avoid Diabetes

   
   

   

   
   

   Ah, the classic *"No sugar, no diabetes!"* line we’ve heard a million times. Grandma might have given you the side-eye every time you reached for a second *gulab jamun*, warning you about diabetes. But here's the deal—while reducing sugar is a good thing for your health, it’s not the only thing that causes diabetes.

   
   

   Diabetes is much more complex than just sugar. It’s got to do with how your body processes carbohydrates, your genetics (*thanks, family!*), and even your lifestyle choices like diet and exercise. So, while we understand why grandma wanted you to eat less of those sugary treats, remember that the *chawal* on your plate also contributes to those pesky blood sugar spikes.

   
   

   Pro tip: Keep sugar in check, but don't obsess—balanced meals and daily movement are your best friends in avoiding diabetes!

   
   

2. Suji (Semolina) Is a Super-Nutritious Whole Grain

   
   

   

   “Suji ka upma khilaungi, bohot healthy hai!” Oh, the number of times grandma made us eat upma or halwa, calling it super nutritious. Here’s a surprise—suji (semolina) isn’t actually a whole grain! Gasp!!!

   
   

   Suji is a refined grain, which means it’s been stripped of its fiber and nutrients during processing. While it gives you quick energy thanks to its carbs, it’s not the magical "whole grain" we’ve been led to believe. Think of it as more of a treat or a comfort food rather than a health bomb.

   
   

   Want to feel like a superhuman after breakfast? Switch up the suji for whole grains like oats or brown rice instead!

   
   

3. Honey Is Better Than Sugar

   
   

   

   
   

   “Chai mein chini mat daal, shahed dal, it’s healthier!”* We all love that golden drizzle of honey on pancakes or in our *dadi's* special *kadha*, but is it really the knight in shining armor it’s made out to be? Well, kind of…but not really.

   
   

   Sure, honey is natural and contains a tiny bit of antioxidants and minerals, but it’s still high in fructose (a type of sugar) and actually has MORE calories than regular sugar! That's right, that tablespoon of honey has about 64 calories compared to sugar’s 49. Plus, both honey and sugar raise your blood sugar similarly. So, while honey might add a delicious flavor and that feel-good factor, it’s not much healthier than sugar.

   
   

   Moral of the story? Everything in moderation. Whether it’s sugar or honey, too much sweetness can still mess with your health!

   
   

4. Non-Vegetarian Food Makes You Aggressive

   
   

   

   
   

   “Meat khane se gussa zyada aata hai!” Ever hear your grandma say that eating non-vegetarian food will make you more aggressive? It’s a belief that’s been passed down through generations, but there’s no scientific truth behind it.

   
   

   Aggression is influenced by factors like individual temperament, upbringing, social environment, and even stress—not what’s on your dinner plate. Whether you’re a peaceful paneer lover or a calm chicken curry enthusiast, your personality has much more to do with how you behave than whether you eat meat or not.

   
   

   So, feel free to enjoy that biryani without worrying about it turning you into the Hulk!

   
   

5. Microwaving Food Causes Cancer

   
   

   

   
   

   “Microwave ka khana cancer deta hai!” We’ve all heard this one, and it’s made a lot of us paranoid about reheating our food. But the truth is, microwaving food is a perfectly safe method of cooking.

   
   

   Microwaves work by using electromagnetic waves to agitate water molecules in food, creating heat. But—and here’s the important part—microwaves do not make food radioactive! They simply heat your food from the inside out. There’s absolutely no evidence linking microwave-cooked food to cancer, so you can confidently enjoy that reheated curry without worrying about any health risks.

What Would Grandma Say?

Don’t get us wrong—our grandmas had some pretty solid advice when it came to food. But, when it comes to these myths, it’s clear that some of those old wives' tales don’t hold up against science. So, next time your nani tells you to stay away from fish and milk or insists that suji is the best thing for your health, feel free to share these facts with her... Just make sure you do it gently—you know how grandmas can be!

At the end of the day, keeping a balanced diet, staying active, and enjoying your food (with a little moderation) are the true keys to health.