11-07-2025
From balcony to gut: Leafy greens you can grow for better digestion
A healthy gut is the cornerstone of overall well-being, influencing everything from digestion and immunity to mood, skin, and energy levels. While supplements and superfoods are often marketed for gut support, one of the most effective—and accessible—solutions may be growing right in your backyard or understand how home-grown greens can benefit gut health, India Today spoke with Maninder Singh Nayyar, Founder & CEO, CEF Group, who champions urban farming and chemical-free HEALTH BEGINS WITH GREENSLeafy vegetables act as natural prebiotics—plant fibres that nourish the beneficial bacteria in your digestive system. When consumed regularly, they help maintain microbial balance, reduce gut inflammation, and support better nutrient absorption. Unlike probiotics that add microbes, prebiotics like leafy greens help your body sustain its natural gut A NATURAL CONSTIPATION RELIEVERSpinach is loaded with both soluble and insoluble fibre, which helps keep bowel movements also contains magnesium, a mineral that supports muscle movement in the digestive tract and helps relieve constipation ENZYME-BOOSTING AND DIGESTION-FRIENDLYMore than just a flavour-enhancer, coriander promotes better digestion by stimulating enzyme antibacterial properties may also help balance gut microbes and reduce (METHI): A TRADITIONAL REMEDY FOR ACIDITYFenugreek leaves are commonly used in Indian households to reduce acidity, gas, and mucilaginous fibre content soothes the stomach lining while improving digestion and THE GUT-SOOTHING POWERHOUSEAmaranth leaves offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits that can calm a sensitive digestive polyphenols help nurture gut bacteria and improve immune function, making them ideal for people with IBS or gut GREENS: CLEANSING AND DETOXIFYINGRich in fibre, antioxidants, and plant-based compounds, mustard greens (sarson) promote digestion and support liver slightly bitter profile helps stimulate bile production, essential for breaking down FARMING FOR GUT-FRIENDLY LIVINGThese nutrient-rich greens are not just health-boosting—they're also incredibly easy to grow at home. With simple balcony pots or kitchen garden setups, anyone can cultivate fresh spinach, coriander, methi, and more, even in urban apartments. Home-grown produce not only guarantees freshness and chemical-free nutrition, but also reconnects people with what they eat, promoting more conscious and sustainable food vegetables like spinach, fenugreek, coriander, mustard, and amaranth can do wonders for your digestive health—and growing them yourself makes the benefits even richer. In a world increasingly dominated by packaged foods and quick fixes, returning to nature through home-grown greens is a step toward better gut balance, improved immunity, and overall wellness.- EndsMust Watch
