Palak paneer hinders nutrient absorption, experts warn

Experts are cautioning against the popular Indian dish palak paneer. This dish combines spinach and paneer. While spinach is rich in iron, paneer has a lot of calcium. Nutritionists say that calcium can block the body’s ability to absorb iron. This means that eating palak paneer might not give you the full benefits of its nutrients. Nutritionist Nmami Agarwal emphasizes that eating the right food combinations is important for healthy eating. She recommends pairing spinach with foods like potatoes or corn instead. Another nutritionist, Simrat Kathuria, has explained that the iron found in spinach is less easily absorbed than the iron found in animal products. Despite these concerns, nutritionists agree that palak paneer is not harmful to health. It provides protein, vitamins, and fiber. Clinical nutritionist Amita Gadre points out that as long as you have a balanced diet, your body can still extract necessary nutrients. To improve nutrient absorption, it’s better to combine spinach with foods high in vitamin C. For optimal iron intake, you might choose to pair spinach with corn or eat it on its own. While palak paneer may not be the best choice for iron absorption, it is still a healthier option compared to junk food.