Photo by Freepik

Written by Navneet Kaur, M.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics

Diet

Buttermilk vs Kanji: The Best Drink for Digestion & Gut Health

Are you struggling with bloating, indigestion, or acidity? With the rise in temperature, your gut needs probiotic-rich fermented drinks! Kanji and Buttermilk are great for digestion, but which is the ultimate gut champion? Let's find out!

Introduction

Photo by Unsplash

Buttermilk (Chaas) is a light and refreshing dairy drink made by blending curd, water, salt, and spices like cumin, mint, etc. It's a staple in Indian households, especially in summer, because of its cooling and digestive benefits. 

Photo by Unsplash

It is also called the cooling summer elixir as it helps soothe acidity, aids digestion, and keeps your gut cool and hydrated. It is rich in calcium and essential nutrients, too. 

Photo by Freepik

Kanji is a fermented Indian drink made with black carrots, mustard seeds, salt, and water, which is then kept for fermentation for 4-5 days; it turns into a tangy, probiotic-rich powerhouse that supports gut health.

Photo by Unsplash 

It is dairy-free and vegan, helps boost digestion and metabolism and is loaded with good bacteria, making it a go-to drink for detox and digestion.

Photo by Freepik 

Both Buttermilk and Kanji are loaded with gut-friendly probiotics, but Kanji has more fermentation and bacterial diversity benefits. 

Photo by Freepik 

Kanji is high in lactic acid bacteria, which is excellent for gut flora balance. Buttermilk contains live cultures but fewer probiotics than kanji, making kanji a better choice for gut health.

Photo by Freepik 

You can choose kanji for gut cleansing and detox as it helps flush out toxins from the stomach, improves bowel movement, and relieves constipation. It is best consumed in winter and early summer for a natural cleanse and to prepare the gut for summer. 

Photo by Freepik 

Opt for buttermilk for hydration and better metabolism. It is more than just a digestive aid. It cools down the stomach and prevents heat-related indigestion. It is best for hot summer days and post-meal digestion. 

Photo by Freepik 

Kanji is best for probiotic benefits, helps in gut cleansing, and boosts immunity. Buttermilk is perfect for digestion, hydration, and summer cooling effects. For daily gut health, opt for buttermilk; for occasional detox, opt for kanji. 

Conclusion

Photo by Freepik

Photo by Freepik

Here's what to read next