Sugar-Free Sweet Potato Halwa Recipe and Its Health Benefits: Actor Saumya Tandon Swears By It

Saumya Tandon is a versatile actress and has achieved success in the television industry. Best known for her roles as Anita in Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai and Roop during his Bollywood debut, Jab we metshe captivated the audience with her charm and talent. But beyond her acting skills, Saumya is also a fitness enthusiast who places great emphasis on maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine.

In one of her recent Instagram videos, the 40-year-old claimed that she gave up sugar and all sugar substitutes, including honey and jaggery, four years ago. “I only eat fruits and dried fruits and desserts made from them. This is a game changer. To try ! I will continue to post desserts without using sugar/honey/jaggery and make you believe that we can also eat sweet without sugar. Let me know what you thought of it. (sic),” she shared while narrating the recipe for a sugar-free sweet potato halwa.

• Boiled and mashed sweet potatoes
• Ghee
• Milk
• Almonds, cashews, pistachios and raisins (optional)
• Saffron strands (optional)

How to prepare:

• Step 1: Start by peeling the sweet potatoes and mash them until smooth.
• Step 2: Heat 1 spoon of ghee in a pan and add the sweet potato puree.
• Step 3: Roast it well until it turns brown, stirring continuously.
• Step 4: Add a little milk to the roasted sweet potato.
• Step 5: Continue cooking, stirring to make sure it mixes well and thickens.
• Step 6: You can enhance the halwa by adding saffron strands or almonds (optional).
• Step 7: Cook it for a few more minutes to bring out the flavors.
• Step 8: Serve hot (or warm). It’s slightly less sweet but incredibly healthy.

Perfect for curbing sugar cravings while being guilt-free!

Also Read: Sweet Potatoes for Skin: 7 Ways to Get Healthy Glowing Skin

Health Benefits of Sugar-Free Sweet Potato Halwa

When you think of halwa, you expect a sugar rush. This is a dish that really satisfies your sugar cravings. However, it may not be the healthiest, especially when loaded with added sugar.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA)the human body does not need any amount of added sugar in the body. Natural sugar sources like fruits and vegetables are actually enough to provide you with the necessary amounts. One of them is sweet potato, which is packed with nutrients and has several health benefits. These include:

Better digestion

Sweet potatoes are a winter superfood rich in dietary fiber. Fiber-rich foods help regulate bowel movements, improve digestion, and also promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria, reducing the risk of digestive disorders like bloating, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Full of nutrients

Sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of vitamins, especially vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting glowing skin. It also contains vitamin C and vitamin E, which boost immunity and improve skin elasticity.

Lower glycemic index (GI)

Unlike added sugar or refined sugar, which has a high glycemic index (GI) and causes a rapid rise in blood sugar, sweet potatoes slowly release their natural sugars into the bloodstream, preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar. This makes sugar-free sweet potato halwa a great option for people with diabetes or those looking to control their sugar intake.

Rich in antioxidants to fight inflammation

If you don’t already know, the orange color in sweet potatoes comes from beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances that can help prevent or delay cell damage. Beta-carotene reduces oxidative stress, reduces inflammation and protects the body from chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. Adding saffron or walnuts further increases the antioxidant levels in the dish.

Also Read: 6 Healthy Dishes You Can Make With Sweet Potato in Winter

Healthy weight

Sweet potato halwa is naturally filling due to its high fiber content, which slows down digestion and keeps you fuller for longer, reducing hunger pangs and preventing overeating. This in turn makes weight loss management easier.

Energy booster

Carbohydrates, or carbohydrates, are converted into glucose which gives your body the energy it needs to carry out its daily tasks. There are two main types of carbohydrates: simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are a type of carbohydrate that is high in fiber and nutrients and digests more slowly than simple carbohydrates. Sweet potatoes are rich in complex carbohydrates and digest slowly, which helps you feel full longer and keeps your energy levels high. Additionally, the good fats in ghee provide long-lasting energy, making sugar-free sweet potato halwa ideal as a pre- or post-workout snack or for individuals.

Conclusion

Sweet potato is a healthy food, low GI and rich in nutrients, making it not only suitable for diabetes but also healthy for your overall health. For people looking for dishes to quell their cravings, sweet potato halwa can be a great dessert choice. However, moderation is key and avoid overeating. You can also discover other ways to enjoy sweet potatoes.

Image credit: Instagram/@saumyas_world