Is Your Favourite Golgappa Dangerous for Your Heart?
Golgappa, also called pani puri, is one of the most loved Indian street foods. The crisp puri filled with spicy water and tangy chutney is a treat that instantly excites the taste buds. But while it feels light and fun, experts warn that eating golgappa too often may put your heart health at risk. From excess salt to reused oil and unhygienic water, several hidden factors in this snack could harm the cardiovascular system over time.
Why Golgappa May Stress Your Heart
Even though golgappa looks harmless, its ingredients can silently affect your heart in multiple ways:
- Excessive salt in the pani and masala can raise blood pressure.
- Reusing frying oil in puris may produce unhealthy trans fats and free radicals.
- Artificial colours such as tartrazine or sunset yellow in chutneys may increase oxidative stress.
- Unclean water can trigger infections, indirectly adding strain to the body and heart.
How Salt in Golgappa Raises Cardiac Risk
One of the biggest concerns with golgappa is its sodium content. Too much salt increases blood volume, putting pressure on artery walls. Over time, this can lead to high blood pressure and stiff arteries, forcing the heart to pump harder. Research, including a large UK Biobank study, found that frequent salt intake significantly raised the risk of both heart failure and ischemic heart disease. Since golgappa water is heavily salted, eating it often can quietly add to long-term cardiovascular risk.
Hygiene Issues in Street-Style Golgappa
Another red flag is hygiene. Street vendors may not always use filtered water or store ingredients safely. Contaminated water and spoiled chutneys can cause infections, which may trigger chronic low-grade inflammation. In medical terms, this inflammation is now recognised as a key factor in the development of heart disease. Even repeated stomach infections from unclean golgappa can indirectly weaken overall vascular health.
Artificial Colours and Their Impact on Arteries
Many vendors add bright food dyes to make the chutney or pani more attractive. Studies suggest that these synthetic colours may increase oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress damages cells, accelerates artery ageing, and raises the chances of plaque formation. Over the years, this can lead to serious heart problems, including heart attacks and strokes.
Safer Ways to Enjoy Golgappa
The good news is you do not have to completely avoid your favourite snack. With some caution, golgappa can still be an occasional indulgence:
- Choose clean vendors who use filtered water and fresh oil.
- Limit frequency reserve it for rare cravings, not a weekly routine.
- Eat fewer puris at one time to control salt and oil intake.
- Skip the sweetened pani if you also want to manage sugar levels.
- Balance your diet with fruits, vegetables, and other heart-friendly foods.
Conclusion
Golgappa may be the king of Indian street food, but it is not always kind to your heart. Excess sodium, poor hygiene, reused oils, and artificial colours all add up to cardiovascular strain when consumed regularly. However, by practising moderation and making smarter choices, you can still enjoy this spicy, tangy treat without putting too much burden on your heart. Think of golgappa as a special indulgence, delicious, but best enjoyed occasionally and from clean, trusted sources.
Source:Â Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 25 September 2025
- 13:00
