Pani Puri, gol gappe, puchka, or gup-chup – whatever you call it, it’s the unbeatable street food that almost everyone loves. Indulging in those sweet and sour water balls filled with mashed potatoes is a whole other feeling. It’s by far one of the best street foods to try, whether it’s a guilty pleasure, a go-to snack, or simply a blissful indulgence for foodies. Despite its reputation as street food, Pani Puri actually offers surprising health benefits that many people may not know about.

Every year on July 12th, Pani Puri Day is celebrated. If you opened your Google browser this morning, you might have seen the Google Doodle Pani Puri Game – it’s a fun time pass, honestly. On this day in 2015, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, a restaurant called Indori Zayka and Dainik Bhaskar achieved the World Record for serving the most flavors of pani puri by offering 51 options, under the guidance of Masterchef Neha Shah.

Though there are many variations in fillings and pani flavors to suit everyone’s unique palate, there are two things everyone can agree on: eat the pani puri quickly to avoid the puri getting soggy or leaking, and always eat it in one bite to avoid a crumbly mess.

Health Benefits of Pani Puri:

1. Good for Digestion: The blend of spices and ingredients in pani puri aids digestion. Ingredients like cumin, sooji, and jeera water can stimulate digestive enzymes.
2. Packed With Nutrients: Despite being surprising, pani puri contains a good amount of nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C, which are beneficial for the body.
3. May Help With Weight Loss: Consuming gol gappe in moderation can aid in weight loss as it is high in fiber content, which boosts metabolism and is low in calories.
4. May Regulate Blood Sugar: The mix of spices like cumin, black pepper, and ginger in pani puri may help regulate blood sugar levels.
5. May Help With Acidity: The jaljeera water in gol gape can alleviate acidity discomfort due to spices like coriander and mint, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

Quick Tips for a Healthier Pani Puri Experience:

• Opt for baked gol gappa for a healthier choice.
• Use mashed boiled potatoes and sprouts for filling to increase fiber content.
• DIY chutneys can be healthier than store-bought preservative-laden ones.
• Use low-calorie water like jal jeera instead of tangy and sweet tamarind water.
• Remember, exercising should go hand in hand with enjoying gol gappa.

Note: This information is generic and not a substitute for a doctor or dietitian’s advice.