India, Dec. 30 -- In the season of feasts and festivities, a warm plate of mutton biryani is what desi dreams are made of. However, for the fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals among us, the welcoming food is often the stuff of nightmares.

Taking to Instagram on 30 December, American board-certified gastroenterologist Dr Palaniappan Manickam clarified that it should not be the case. It is perfectly alright to partake in the food as long as we keep portion size in check.

"Mutton is high-quality protein," noted Dr Manickam, "but it is also high in saturated fat. And biryani rice is a fast-digesting carb."

Combining huge quantities of both in a single meal results in two things happening instantaneously in the body:

The s...