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NDTV
09-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Bowel Problems? Curd Rice Might Be The Gut-Friendly Hero You Need
Let us be honest, digestive issues show up uninvited and mess with everything. A late-night chaat craving, a round of antibiotics, or your gut just going rogue for no reason, and suddenly, your whole day is off track. You feel drained, out of sync, and stuck near a bathroom. The go-to fix? A quick grab from the medicine shelf - sachets, syrups, probiotics. But the real relief might not come with a price tag. It could be sitting in your fridge already: curd rice. This dish is not just something grandma insisted on. Over time, curd rice has stepped into the spotlight for being more than comfort food. It is now a go-to home remedy for constipation, loose motions, and even post-antibiotic gut care. Want to know why it works so well for digestion? Let us break down how curd rice can support gut health every day, not just when your stomach throws a tantrum. Also Read: From Curd Rice to Kadhi Chawal: 5 Classic Indian Curd-Based Comfort Foods Of All Times Why Curd Rice Is A Natural Remedy For Gut Health A creamy mix of rice and curd, finished with a tadka of mustard seeds and curry leaves, this South Indian staple is loved all over India. Some like it plain, some load it with toppings, but the goal stays the same - it cools the system and feels like a warm hug for your insides. The recipe might change from state to state, but the effect is universal: it calms your gut like few things can. Curd In Curd Rice: A Natural Source Of Probiotics The book 'Healing Foods' by DK Publishing House puts it simply-"Live cultures in dahi can improve the microflora of the gut, which, in turn, helps ease symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease and lowers the incidence of ulcers." Nutrition expert Dr. Rupali Datta explains it further: "Curd is rich in probiotics, which aid digestion and treat an upset tummy. It also contains calcium, which not only strengthens bones but also enhances nutrient absorption, further promoting digestion." How Rice Supports Digestion With Prebiotics Dietitian Manpreet Kalra points out that parboiled rice acts as a strong prebiotic, giving the helpful bacteria in your digestive system something to munch on. Even better, once rice is cooked and cooled, it creates resistant starch - a type of fibre that supports gut-friendly bacteria. Fermented Rice For IBS And Bowel Health A study in Frontiers in Microbiology found that fermented rice produces probiotics, too, and they help bring back the balance of good bacteria in the digestive tract. These probiotics are also said to reduce symptoms of IBS, like bloating, cramps, and irregular bowel habits. Also Read: 5 Mistakes To Avoid While Making Curd Rice Image Credit: Pexels Easy Curd Rice Recipes For Digestion And Gut Health: Curd Rice Recipe 1: Basic But Brilliant Curd Rice Step 1: Cook rice, then let it cool down fully. Step 2: Add curd and a bit of salt, and mix it all well. Step 3: Make a tempering with mustard seeds, peanuts, curry leaves, red chillies, hing, and chana dal. Step 4: Pour the tadka into the curd rice and give it one last mix. Step 5: Top with pomegranate seeds and pair with papad or pickle. Curd Rice Recipe 2: Fermented Curd Rice For Gut-friendly Mornings Step 1: Cook rice and leave it soaked in water overnight. Step 2: The next morning, drain and mix with curd and salt. Step 3: Prepare the usual tadka and stir it into the rice. Step 4: Eat it for breakfast on warm days and keep your stomach cool and calm. Also Read: Leftover Rice? These 5 South Indian Recipes Will Save The Day Why Curd Rice Deserves A Spot In Your Gut Health Routine Curd rice does more than taste good. It is a smart, gut-loving choice that bridges age-old food habits with science-backed health benefits. Whether you are recovering from stomach issues or just want to support your digestive system naturally, this dish delivers. The next time your stomach acts up, do not reach for a pill. Grab a bowl of curd rice instead - it is the kind of comfort your gut actually needs. Advertisement Comments About Somdatta Saha Explorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day. For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Curd Rice Curd Rice For Gut Tips For Healthy Bowel Movement Show full article Comments
NDTV
07-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Start Your Day Right: 6 Okra Water Benefits You Can't Miss
Who knew that the humble bhindi, often overlooked for its slimy texture, held such surprising secrets? When soaked in water overnight, this everyday vegetable transforms into a nourishing wellness drink that may support everything from digestive health to glowing skin. Okra water is not just another fleeting health fad. It is, in fact, a time-tested remedy, backed by both traditional wisdom and growing scientific research. Consultant nutritionist Rupali Datta explains, "Today, okra water is assuming the status of a super drink. It has been in use for centuries. But with recent scientific studies supporting its health benefits, it is fast becoming popular." So, if you are looking to elevate your morning ritual with something simple, natural, and deeply nourishing, okra water might just be the wellness boost your existing regimen needs. What Is Okra Water? Okra water is pretty much what it sounds like. You need to slice up a few okra pods, soak them in water overnight and drink the slimy and tasteless liquid the next morning. Although the drink may not appear glamorous, it compensates with its rich nutrients and potential health benefits. Also Read: 5 Health Benefits Of Drinking Jeera Saunf Water In Morning Okra Water Health Benefits: 6 Reasons To Add It To Your Morning Ritual Okra is a powerhouse of nutrients, offering a pool of health benefits. According to the book 'Healing Foods' by DK Publishing House, it is "a rich source of many nutrients, including fibre, vitamin B6, and folate". All these factors make the humble drink a true gem for your good health. 1. Okra water for hydration: Okra is rich in minerals like magnesium and potassium, which are essential for balancing electrolytes in the body. Adding okra water to your morning routine can provide a refreshing hydration boost, setting a healthy tone for the day. 2. Okra water for weight loss: The fibre in okra helps curb appetite, while vitamin C works to flush out toxins. Together, these factors boost metabolism, accelerating the fat-burning process. Additionally, okra is incredibly low in calories, with less than 33 calories per 100 grams, according to USDA data. 3. Okra water for women's health: Okra is an excellent source of folate, which plays a crucial role in hormonal regulation, particularly for women. For those who may not know, folate is vital in preventing neural tube defects during the early stages of pregnancy. 4. Okra for blood sugar regulation: One of the remarkable qualities of okra is its very low glycaemic index (GI). This helps maintain stable blood sugar levels by releasing sugar gradually into the bloodstream. The American Diabetes Association also recognises non-starchy vegetables like okra as safe and beneficial for individuals with diabetes. 5. Okra water for reducing inflammation: Okra is packed with flavonoids and antioxidants, which are great for reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. This powerful combination not only strengthens your immune system but also improves blood and oxygen flow to skin cells, resulting in healthier, more radiant skin. 6. Okra water for heart health: Okra is a nutritional powerhouse, boasting soluble fibre, antioxidants like polyphenols, and vitamins A and C. These components work together to lower cholesterol, prevent blood clots, and shield against oxidative damage, all of which contribute to better heart health. Also Read: How To Cut Bhindi Without Slime Photo Credit: iStock How To Make Okra Water? Consultant nutritionist Rupali Datta shares a quick recipe to prepare okra water the right way. Step 1. Slit 5 okra pods and soak in 2 glasses of water. Step 2. Keep it overnight. Step 3. The next morning, squeeze these soaked pods and mix the slime in water. Step 4. Drink the water. Also Read: Why You Should Start Your Day With Lemon Water Can You Drink Okra Water Every Day? Rupali Datta states that okra water can easily be a part of your daily morning ritual. To get the best result, the expert suggests having it empty stomach. "It is found to be the most effective and safe when had like this," she adds. The Takeaway: Okra water totally lives up to the hype, courtesy of the amazing benefits of this nutrient-packed vegetable. Adding it to your daily diet can give your mornings a healthy boost. However, it is wise to consult an expert if you are allergic to okra or have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as the fructan in okra might worsen your symptoms. Choose your diet mindfully to fully enjoy the benefits of okra water. Advertisement Comments About Somdatta Saha Explorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day. For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Okra Water Benefits Okra Water Okra Water Diet Show full article Comments
