Crispy on the outside, soft and spiced on the inside, the humble samosa is a snack that few can resist. Whether it’s paired with steaming chai on a rainy evening or served at festive gatherings, this deep-fried delicacy has earned a permanent place in India’s food culture. But have you ever wondered what happens after that last delicious bite? While your taste buds may be satisfied in minutes, your digestive system embarks on a far longer and more complex journey to break it down.
The digestion time of a samosa depends on several factors, from the ingredients and cooking method to your overall health and metabolism. A samosa’s combination of refined flour, oil, and spiced potato filling can make it a bit more demanding on your stomach than lighter foods. In conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr Pavan Reddy Thondapu, HOD- Medical Gastroenterology, Arete Hospitals, shares the time that a samosa takes to get digested.
How Long Does A Samosa Take To Digest?
A samosa is a deep-fried pastry stuffed with potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat. Because it’s high in fat and refined flour (maida), it’s far from easy on the stomach. Dr Pavan Reddy Thondapu states “While something like fruit passes through your system in under an hour, a samosa can sit in your stomach for 6–8 hours or more.” That thick, fried shell slows everything down, often leaving you feeling heavy or weighed down.
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How Unhealthy Is Samosa?
One medium samosa packs about 250–300 calories, mostly from trans fats and simple carbs. Dr Pavan Reddy Thondapu mentions, “Its glycaemic load can spike blood sugar, and repeated consumption can contribute to weight gain, insulin resistance, and increased cholesterol levels.” The use of unhygienic oil in street food preparation may also pose a risk of trans fats, which are linked to heart disease and inflammation.
Is Eating Samosa Healthy? (Image Credits: Canva)
How Much Consumption Of Samosa Is Bad For Health?
Having a samosa once in a while isn’t likely to cause much harm, especially if your other meals are balanced and nutritious. Dr Pavan Reddy Thondapu explains, “The problem starts when it turns into a regular habit—more than once or twice a week—particularly if you’re also eating other fried or processed items.” He adds, “Over time, this may raise your chances of issues like high blood pressure, fatty liver, or type 2 diabetes.” It’s wiser to enjoy samosas once in a while, not make them a regular part of your meals.