“Incorporating probiotic foods in your daily diet can significantly improve your gut health, apart from enhancing your immunity.” That’s was the secret revealed by veteran actress Neetu Kapoor while in conversation with Mira Rajput’s on her popular chat show. Kapoor shared that one of her go-to remedies for maintaining a healthy digestive system is an age-old Indian probiotic recipe – fermented rice. This simple yet powerful dish, a staple in many Indian households, is rich in probiotics that boost gut health and immunity. Inspired by this revelation from Bollywood royalty, here are some probiotic Indian foods that must be included in your daily diet to keep your digestive system functioning smoothly.
Fermented Rice (Panta Bhat): A traditional dish from eastern India, fermented rice is soaked overnight and consumed in the morning. It’s a probiotic powerhouse that improves gut flora and digestion.
Kanji – Kanji is a drink made by fermenting black carrots and beets. It is usually prepared during the winter season and early spring, and also as a part of Holi celebration. Kanji is a rich source of good bacteria and enzymes that aid digestion. Moreover, it has a tangy taste that is quite refreshing and flavourful.
Yoghurt (Dahi) – Yoghurt or curd is one of the most popular probiotc food in India. Almost every household prepares curd everyday by fermenting milk with lactic acid bacteria as it helps maintain a healthy gut. Consuming curd prevents most of the stomach-related ailments, boosts overall immunity and helps in digestion. It is consumed as is or in the form of lassi, kadhi etc.
Pickle (Achaar) – Pickles or achaars are very common in our country and are a popular accompaniment of every meal. Pickles are made by fermenting fruits and vegetables with salt and various spices. The process of fermentation produces good bacteria that helps in digestion. Pickles made from mango, lime, and green and red chillies are not only delicious but good for gut health too.
Sol Kadhi – Sol Kadhi is popular in the Konkan region of Maharashtra and Goa. It is prepared from coconut milk and kokum fruit which may or may not have a dash of buttermilk. It cools the stomach, aids digestion and is the perfect beverage for summers.
Idli and Dosa – Idli and dosa are made by fermenting urad dal and rice and are rich in probiotics. Although the traditional recipe of South India, they are popular in all parts of the country as they are easy to digest and have nutritional value as well.
Buttermilk (Chaas): A cooling, probiotic-rich drink made from curd, it helps in digestion, especially during summers. It’s often spiced with ginger, cumin, and salt, which further aid the digestive process.
Final words
Incorporating a variety of probiotic-rich foods can keep your digestive system in top shape. A healthy gut leads to better overall health, so make these foods a regular part of your diet and say goodbye to gut problems.
