Gulab jamun is a milk-solid -based dessert, similar to a dumpling dipped in sugar solution. Like the laddu, it is amongst the most recognised sweets from India and is consumed in every corner of the country. Though the round shape and the name ‘gulab jamun’ is the most commonly used, it is made in different sizes and shapes and sold with different names in different regions of India. But the base ingredients and preparation is the same. It is made mainly from milk solids, freshly curdled milk. Gulab jamun is often served at weddings and festive occasions. How Healthy is Gulab Jamun ?A plate of 2 gulab jamuns has approximately 300 calories. It only provides saturated fat and sugar. It has absolutely no nutrition and benefit. Since it is cooked in sugar and even served in sugar syrup, it is a dangerous food for diabetics and will adversely affect any weight loss plan. It will spike your blood sugar levels, slow your metabolism, make you crave for even more unhealthy food, is packed with saturated fat, simple carbohydrates and empty calories. Try to eat as few as possible. Or even better, completely avoid them. Following are the ingredients which are used in preparation of this sweet:

Refined flour (for dough)Sugar (for soaking)Oil (for frying)Milk Solids (for dough)Approximate Calorie contentCalories - 150 Kcal

  • Fat - 8 g
  • Cholesterol - 10 mg
  • Sodium - 40 mg
  • Carbohydrates - 16.5 g
  • Fiber - 0g
  • Protein - 2 g

As you can see, it has absolutely nothing to offer in terms of nutrition and is nothing short of a junk food, leading to weight gain and blood sugar spikes.

If you’re a gulab jamun fan, here are some tips to help you avoid them:• Drink plenty of water before heading to the dessert counter at weddings or parties, where gulab jamuns and other sugar heavy desserts are a common sight.• If you are being served dry fruits, choose the dry fruits over gulab jamuns and other unhealthy desserts.• Exercise regularly. Regular exercise will help control your cravings for gulab jamuns and other unhealthy foods.• Since gulab jamuns will be consumed post meal in most cases, try to eat a high fibre, balanced meal to minimise your post meal sweet cravings.