You should never underestimate the power of simple Indian foods. Most simple meals prepared in Indian households are actually very effective. These foods help your stomach feel better. As a result, your body feels that comfort. Health experts, especially an oncology dietitian (also known as dietitian of cancer patients) often recommend gentle and home-cooked Indian meals. They are soft, nutrient-rich, and most importantly, good for gut healing.
Top Indian Foods That Are Good for Digestion
Most Indian foods mentioned below are good for the stomach and easy to digest. You can have any of them when recovering from a serious illness. Or, if you have poor digestion. Alternatively, these are great if you want to enjoy a soothing meal.
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Curd Rice
At the top comes the best and most preferred curd rice. This comforting food directly hails from South India. It contains soft rice and fresh curd. Both of these combined cool your stomach.
That’s not all, it also supports gut health and helps improve acidity and indigestion. Curd is rich in probiotics. It improves digestion and supports the growth of good bacteria. Top it with grated cucumber for cooling. Or, a pinch of roasted jeera powder to enhance the taste.
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Khichdi
This classic home cooked Indian food is a healer for an upset stomach. Khichdi is prepared with rice and moong daal. It is light and a rich source of energy. Did you know that out of all the dals from the Indian kitchen, moong dal is the easiest to digest? Just add a ghee-tadka with a little bit of jeera and turmeric. This will add a rich aroma and flavour and also reduce inflammation. Besides, khichdi perfectly balances carbs, protein, and comfort. As a result, most nutrition experts recommend it.
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Moong Dal Soup
Well-cooked moong dal soup is surely a great option when you feel like eating something light. Yellow dal provides enough protein when consumed. But it won’t harm your digestive system. Simply sip on a cup of warm dal soup. Or enjoy it with plain rice for a complete meal. Just add ginger and curry leaves for a rich aroma and flavour. It also works as a natural digestion enhancer.
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Sabudana Khichdi
If you want something that is easily digestible and also gives instant energy, Sabudana is the best choice. Mostly it is consumed during fasting. Sabudana khichdi cooked in very little oil, cumin, and some peanuts tastes very delicious. It is also a comforting meal for people with weak digestion. Alternatively, you can try kheer made with sabudana in diluted milk.
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Steamed Idlis
Fermented foods are great because they are gut friendly. And idlis are one of them. They are soft and steamed, and are very easy to digest. Pair idlis with a mild chutney or with light sambar. That’s how it becomes a healthy meal. An oncology dietitian (also known as dietitian of cancer patients) recommends it to people dealing with acidity or bloating issues.
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Blanched Vegetables
Fiber rich foods can be troublesome for a person with weak digestion. Raw vegetables are high in fiber. Hence, it is best to steam them. Boiling vegetables like carrots, pumpkin, spinach, and beans makes them soft. Quite obviously, your body digests them easily. Moreover, it also provides the required vitamins and minerals without being too heavy on the stomach.
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Coconut Water
We all know how miraculous a glass of freshly squeezed coconut water is. It is calming for the digestive system and hydrates the body as well. Coconut water is very powerful for its electrolyte balancing abilities.
Tender coconut flesh is equally nourishing and easy to digest. It helps the body to recover from diarrhoea or heat-related health issues.
How to Plan a Simple and Easily Digestible Diet?
Simple and easy to digest foods are great for everyone. However, planning a structured diet is necessary and challenging. Each body type is different and so is the medical history and food tolerances. Consulting a certified dietitian is best for a safe and nutritious diet plan. A professional dietitian can:
- Understand your health issues
- Recommend food as per your digestion level
- Plan meals and timings that suit your body
- Suggest the correct proportions
- Monitor progress and make changes accordingly
Final Words
The Indian kitchen is a treasure trove of simple and delicious dishes. These foods are gentle, healthy, and maintain energy levels. Consult a certified dietitian today for expert guidance and to find out what’s best for your body!