Actor Abhishek Bachchan recently confessed his love for namkeen snacks during an appearance on The Kapil Sharma Show. He described himself as a full-on foodie who prefers street and junk food over regular meals. Bachchan joked that he could eat sev bhujiya all day and would love to become a brand ambassador for namkeen products. While many Indians share this snacking habit, health experts warn about serious metabolic consequences. Constant savoury snacking keeps insulin levels high, preventing the body from entering a fasting phase. This can lead to insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Most namkeen varieties are fried, salty, and loaded with refined carbs, which spike blood sugar and contribute to weight gain, high cholesterol, and blood pressure issues. Doctors recommend healthier alternatives like roasted chickpeas, sprouts, or air-fried makhana, consumed during mid-morning or mid-evening windows to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Health Risks of Constant Namkeen Snacking Throughout the Day
Medical experts explain that frequent namkeen consumption triggers a metabolic cycle that prevents the body from burning fat. Dr Rashi Agrawal from Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital noted that typical Indian namkeen combines refined carbs with oil, salt, and additives, creating metabolic confusion. This leads to repeated insulin spikes, excess sodium intake, and trans fat consumption. Edwina Raj from Aster CMI Hospital added that when people snack constantly, insulin levels remain chronically high, causing insulin resistance over time. The fried, salty nature of most namkeen raises blood sugar quickly and reduces appetite for nutritious meals. Experts recommend healthier options like roasted chickpeas, sprouts, or air-fried makhana during mid-morning or mid-evening windows, paired with unsweetened beverages to maintain stable glucose levels.
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