Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 24: Momos may be one of urban India’s most beloved snacks, but their frequent consumption carries far more risk than most people realise. Soft on the outside and flavour-packed on the inside, they are easy to grab, cheap to buy, and available on almost every street corner. Yet the convenience and taste often mask the nutritional and hygienic pitfalls built into many street-style servings. From refined flour and unhygienic preparation to excessive sodium and unhealthy fats, momos can quietly damage your metabolism, gut health and long-term well-being if they become a routine indulgence.

One of the biggest misconceptions about momos is that they are light and harmless. In reality, the typical street version is prepared using maida — a refined, bleached wheat flour stripped of fibre and nutrients. Because maida breaks down very quickly in the body, it triggers sharp spikes in blood sugar, encouraging fat storage and making you prone to overeating. Fried momos worsen the problem by soaking up oil, adding hundreds of hidden calories without providing satiety. Eating them several times a week steadily raises your overall calorie intake, contributing to weight gain and weakening your body’s ability to manage insulin effectively.

Health risks associated with momos extend beyond calories. Many street vendors operate without proper hygiene practices, exposing consumers to harmful pathogens. Research on street foods in Delhi has already highlighted the presence of coliforms and E. coli in vegetable momos, a strong indicator of contamination through unsafe handling, inadequate washing or improper storage. Vendors often reuse the same cloth to clean utensils, handle ingredients with unwashed hands, or leave fillings exposed to dust and humidity. These conditions create an ideal environment for bacteria such as Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus, increasing the risk of foodborne illness, especially during the monsoon months.

Another often-overlooked danger comes from the chutneys commonly served with momos. These sauces tend to be extremely salty, spicy and sometimes loaded with flavour enhancers. High sodium intake is known to contribute to elevated blood pressure and strain the heart. When momos are pan-fried or deep-fried, the repeated use of overheated oil may also introduce trans fats or oxidised fats, both of which damage cardiovascular health over time. What appears to be a small snack can easily deliver a heavy dose of sodium and unhealthy fats.

Regularly replacing nutritious meals with momos also disrupts your digestive system and overall nutritional balance. With their low-fibre wrappers and sometimes poor-quality fillings, momos can slow digestion and trigger bloating or acidity. Spicy sauces further irritate the stomach lining, and repetitive consumption of refined flour may compromise gut health. Over time, choosing momos instead of balanced meals means missing out on essential vitamins, minerals, protein and fibre — deficiencies that may leave you feeling sluggish and nutritionally depleted.

For those who love momos, giving them up is not necessary — but upgrading how you consume them is essential. Homemade versions or momos from hygienic eateries are far safer and can easily be prepared with whole-wheat, millet or multigrain wrappers instead of maida. Steamed momos filled with fresh vegetables, lean proteins, paneer or tofu offer more nutrition with fewer calories. Making your own chutney with tomatoes, garlic and mild spices allows you to cut down on salt, and air-frying offers a healthier alternative to deep-frying. Choosing vendors who maintain visible hygiene can also reduce the risk of contamination.

What begins as an occasional treat can quickly turn into a repetitive habit with serious consequences. Refined flour, excess sodium, unhealthy fats and inconsistent hygiene together create a pattern that promotes insulin resistance, gradual weight gain and higher risk of hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Because momos are cheap, tasty and readily available, it’s easy to underestimate how much harm frequent consumption may cause over the years.

If momos are a regular part of your routine, it may be time to reassess. Enjoying them occasionally and choosing healthier versions ensures you keep the flavour without sacrificing your long-term health.