Freshly cooked Indian food, especially the food cooked with fat free oil and less ghee is
healthier. Most Indian foods have a variety of items that combine to provide a rich, healthy, balanced meal. In
many Indian homes a week's menu is prepared in such a way that the strengths of each item in a meal is
doubled by a supporting item and the bad side effects of each item is balanced with an item that has the opposite
effect. Knowledge of the characteristics of each food item and the science of Ayurveda is necessary to
appreciate the beautiful balance that is brought about by a combination of elements. Mostly such exotic and
enriching menus are passed on from one generation to another through oral tradition in such a way that healthy
habits are cultivated right from childhood.