Aloo paratha, ghee and saag: Saina Nehwal reveals the desi diet that fuels her

Saina Nehwal, India's renowned badminton player, was born in Hisar, Haryana, and raised there before moving to Hyderabad for serious badminton training. The secret to her energy, according to the athlete, lies in her mother's desi cuisine - meals rich in ghee, a staple in Haryana-style cooking. In a recent YouTube interview with macrobiotic coach Dr. Shilpa Arora, Nehwal shared that her diet consists of traditional Haryana food like aloo parathas, milk with almond or badam oil, rajma, kadhi, and chole with rice.

She highlighted that aloo paratha and saag (made with mustard greens) are her favorite dishes. Regarding ghee, Nehwal emphasized its importance for joint health, stating that it's crucial for the joints. Her mother had always fed her ghee and oil to provide strength. Dietitian Deepalakshmi explained that Nehwal's diet is a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

Ghee, rich in healthy fats, aids digestion, strengthens the immune system, and contains anti-inflammatory properties that may prevent cancer. Mustard greens in saag are high in dietary fiber, prebiotics, and contain natural compounds that reduce gut inflammation, promoting a clean digestive tract. Ghee also contains butyrate, which strengthens intestinal cells and supports smoother digestion.

However, Nehwal advises against overeating aloo parathas due to their high calorie content, recommending pairing them with protein, fibre, or low-fat sides to maintain steady energy levels, support digestion, and control blood sugar.