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On a busy Monday morning, wouldn’t you prefer to have a breakfast smoothie on the go rather than waste time eating parathas or dosas on the table? Besides being sweet and delicious, did you know breakfast drinks can also be healthy?
Let’s see how we can pack an extra punch into the drinks and make them gut-friendly. This blog presents a few probiotic health drinks in India to energise and nourish your digestive health.
Our gut is home to several good or beneficial bacteria that aid in the proper functioning of our body. These friendly bacteria are called probiotics and play a vital role in maintaining a balanced gut, boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, and other health benefits.
Besides probiotic-rich foods and supplements, probiotic health drinks can bring good bacteria into your gut. Let’s gulp down the popular Indian probiotic drinks and understand their unique benefits in the following blog.
For those who prefer the convenience of ready-made solutions, The Good Bug offers a range of gut-friendly probiotics designed to enhance your digestive health effortlessly.
Types of probiotic bacteria in health drinks
Probiotic drinks are simply beverages that contain live bacteria. Due to their refreshing and delicious taste and varied benefits, they’re rising in popularity and quickly replacing traditional probiotics.
Before we list probiotic health drinks in India, shouldn’t you be aware of what types of bacteria are present in these drinks? These tiny, beneficial bugs work magic to keep your gut happy and healthy. Here are some of the common types you'll find in Indian probiotic drinks:
- Lactobacillus: These friendly bacteria are the most common ones. They’re present in yoghurt and traditional Indian fermented drinks like buttermilk (chaas) and lassi. They're like the generals of your gut, keeping things balanced and functioning smoothly.
- Bifidobacterium: Another champion found in dairy products, Bifidobacterium also appears in some Indian fermented beverages. These helpful bacteria help with digestion and support the immune system's defences.
- Other unique strains: Some Indian probiotic drinks contain particular strains you might not find elsewhere. These include powerhouses like Enterococcus, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Saccharomyces boulardii. Each of these unique strains has specific benefits for gut health.
Now, let's splash through the world of these delicious and potent Indian probiotic drinks to see how they can supercharge your gut health! Come, let’s explore the fermented treasures India has to offer.
Traditional Probiotic Drinks in India
Fermented foods and drinks have been a part of our culture for centuries. Beyond tasty concoctions, these drinks are packed with beneficial bacteria, making them natural probiotics!
While we have different varieties of probiotic drinks—milk-based, cereal and legume-based, fruit-based, vegetable-based, and mixed, we’ll look at the most popular Indian drinks here:
- Koozh, toddy, and kanji: These time-tested drinks boast historical and cultural significance in India. But beyond their heritage, they're treasure troves of probiotics! From fermented millet gruel (koozh) to palm sap (toddy) and regional specialties like kanji (made with vegetables or fruits), these drinks offer a taste of tradition with a healthy dose of gut-friendly bacteria.
- Hamei and handia: Hailing from the Northeast of India, hamei (fermented rice beverage) and handia (made from finger millet) are lesser-known probiotic drinks. While research is ongoing to unlock their full potential, they're already revered for their taste and gut-supporting properties. These hidden gems could be the next big thing in the world of probiotic health drinks!
- Buttermilk: This creamy probiotic drink is a staple in most Indian homes. Homemade buttermilk (chaas) is a delicious way to replenish electrolytes and keep your gut happy after a spicy meal. The goodness of lactic acid bacteria, naturally present during fermentation, makes it a simple yet powerful probiotic beverage.
- Milk kefir: Kefir is a fermented milk drink with a global following. The beauty of kefir in India is that it perfectly blends traditional fermentation techniques with a modern health-conscious approach. By incorporating milk kefir into your diet, you get a trendy drink packed with the goodness of probiotic bacteria, keeping your gut flora balanced and thriving.
Exploring traditional drinks is fascinating, but you might not be convinced of their workings. The Good Bug explains the science behind maintaining a healthy gut balance.
Are you inspired to whip up your gut-friendly concoctions? Here's how to get started right in your kitchen.
Indian probiotic health drink recipes
Though you can find probiotic drinks and bottled beverages on your nearby grocery store shelves, wouldn’t it be nice to have something homemade?
Let’s retrace our steps to the traditional Indian roots and blend the natural ingredients to make healthy probiotic drinks.
Buttermilk
A staple in Indian households, buttermilk is a cool summer drink rich in probiotics.
Ingredients:
- Curd - 1 cup
- Water - 1 cup
- Ginger - a small piece
- Shallots - 2 or 3 (optional)
- Green chilli - 2 or 3 (based on your spice levels)
- Curry leaves - 1 sprig
- Salt - for taste
Method:
- Put all the ingredients in a mixie jar and blend until the drink becomes smooth and frothy.
- Pour it into a glass, add cumin/coriander powder (optional), and serve it chilled.
Pro tip: Do not boil buttermilk while cooking or the live bacteria will be destroyed.
Milk kefir
Made using fermented milk, kefir is a probiotic-rich Indian drink that helps improve your gut health.
Ingredients:
- Milk - 1 cup
- Kefir grains - 1 tsp
Method:
- Add kefir grains to 1 cup of milk.
- Cover and let it rest for 24 hours at room temperature.
- Once it ferments, strain the milk and drink.
- Reuse the kefir grains to make milk kefir.
Probiotic lemonade
Everyone knows how to make a lemonade, but the probiotic lemonade has a healthy twist.
Ingredients:
- Lemon - 5
- Sugar - 2 tbsp
- Whey - ½ cup
- Hot water - 1 litre
Method:
- Squeeze the juice of lemons in a bowl.
- Mix and dissolve the sugar in a large jar of hot water.
- Add the lemon juice to the jar and let the mixture cool down.
- Once it reaches room temperature, add whey to it and stir slowly.
- Cover the jar tightly and let it sit for 2-3 days.
- Keep it in the fridge, and drink a glass of probiotic lemonade daily.
Coconut water kefir
Coconut water kefir is a modern blend with an amazing dose of flavours, antioxidants, and probiotics.
Ingredients:
- Fresh coconut water - 3 cups
- Kefir grains - 1 tbsp
- Lemon or orange juice - ¼ cup
Method:
- Add coconut water and kefir grains into a large jar.
- Cover the jar tightly and keep it at room temperature for 48 hours.
- Strain the coconut water and reserve the grains for future use.
- Add lemon or orange juice, mix it gently, and seal the jar.
- After fermenting for 48 hours, transfer the mixture into a bottle and refrigerate it.
Fermented orange juice
Squeeze the oranges for a sensory and digestive treat with this sparkling drink known for lowering your temperature.
Ingredients:
- Fresh orange juice - 1 cup
- Kefir grains - ¼ tsp, or whey - 1 tbsp
- Water - 1 litre
- Salt - for taste
Method:
- Mix the freshly squeezed orange juice, kefir grains or whey, and salt in a glass jar.
- Add 1 litre of water to it.
- Give it a good mix and cover the jar.
- Keep it at room temperature for 48 hours.
- Afterward, refrigerate it and drink a glass daily.
Apple cider vinegar drink
Beat your stomach woes with this refreshing and healthy apple cider vinegar drink.
Ingredients:
- Apple cider vinegar - 2 tbsp
- Apple juice - 2 tbsp (optional)
- Water - 1 glass
- Cinnamon powder - a sprinkle
Method:
- Add apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and stir well.
- Pour apple juice into this mixture (this step is optional) and combine them.
- Garnish it with a sprinkle of cinnamon, and enjoy.
Special notes:
- You can use hot or cold water to make apple cider vinegar, depending on the weather.
- Always buy raw and organic apple cider vinegar from the store.
Probiotic green juice
Eating greens is healthy, so why not whisk them together to bring all the nutrients under one roof with the help of this probiotic drink?
Ingredients:
- Spinach leaves - a handful
- Celery - 2 stalks
- Kale leaves - a handful
- Parsley - a handful
- Water - 1 glass
Method:
- Add all the leafy ingredients in a mixie jar.
- Pour one glass of water and blend them well.
- Empty the contents of the jar into a serving glass.
- Add salt and pepper or sugar to taste.
- Mix well and drink up.
Isn’t it so simple to make these Indian probiotic drinks? So, if you wish to add probiotics to your diet, try making these drinks at home.
For those interested in creating probiotic drinks but short on time, The Good Bug offers ready-to-drink prebiotic detox shots, saving you time without compromising health benefits.
Now that you’ve tasted the probiotic world, let's zoom into how these tiny warriors can rev up your health.
Health benefits of probiotic drinks
Nobody buys a dress without trying it on and checking the fit, right? So, before turning your kitchen into a smoothie/mocktail battlefield, it’s crucial to understand how probiotic drinks in India benefit you.
More than being refreshing beverages, they're a treasure trove of gut-friendly bacteria offering many health benefits. These tiny live organisms work wonders inside your digestive system, promoting overall well-being. Let's delve deeper into the impressive ways probiotic drinks can elevate your health:
- Improve digestive health: Do you struggle with occasional bloating, gas, or stomach cramps? Probiotic drinks come to the rescue! The friendly bacteria in these drinks help regulate your digestive system, promoting the proper breakdown of food and nutrient absorption. They not only ease discomfort but also contribute to a healthier gut environment.
- Boost immunity: A healthy gut is a strong defence against illness. Probiotic drinks contain beneficial bacteria that help boost your immune system. These tiny warriors fight off harmful pathogens and keep you feeling your best. It’s interesting to note that regular consumption of probiotics can reduce the frequency and severity of common colds and infections. So, why not juice them up for a faster relief?
- Reduce inflammation: Chronic inflammation is linked to various health problems. The good news is that probiotic drinks might help! Certain probiotic strains possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the gut and potentially throughout the body. It can be beneficial for managing conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Protect your heart: Probiotic drinks might be a valuable addition to your diet to keep your heart healthy. They help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which are risk factors for heart disease. While more research is needed, incorporating probiotic drinks alongside a healthy lifestyle can contribute to a heart-healthy approach.
- Promote weight management: Probiotic drinks are beneficial for those looking to maintain a healthy weight. They can help regulate appetite hormones and promote feelings of fullness, leading to reduced calorie intake and weight management. However, it's important to remember that probiotics are not a magic bullet for weight loss; a balanced diet and regular exercise are still crucial.
The benefits of probiotic drinks extend beyond the digestive system. Though research is ongoing to study the relationship between probiotics and urinary tract infections (UTIs), probiotics help rebuild your natural microbiome, preventing harmful bacteria from colonising the urinary tract.
Studies are progressing to understand the link between probiotics and improved cognitive function, allergy management, and oral health. While more research is needed in these areas, the potential benefits are promising.
These benefits of probiotic drinks are just a speck in a circle. As research continues to explore the gut microbiome and its connection to overall health, we expect to discover more ways these gut-friendly beverages can contribute to our well-being.
To easily incorporate these health benefits into your daily routine, consider The Good Bug's carefully crafted prebiotics and probiotics, which are your convenient allies in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
But wait, what's all this buzz about gut health and probiotics? Let's peel back the layers and understand why your gut is your second brain.
Understanding gut health and probiotics
So far, we've been discussing the benefits of including probiotic drinks in the Indian diet, but to truly appreciate their power, let's take a closer look at the world within your gut. This complex ecosystem plays a crucial role in your overall health, and probiotic drinks can be a fantastic tool to keep it thriving. Are you wondering how?
Imagine your gut as a bustling city, teeming with trillions of tiny residents—bacteria! Both good and bad bacteria coexist in a delicate balance. However, unhealthy eating habits, stress, or certain medications can disrupt this harmony. This imbalance can lead to digestive woes like bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea and weaken your immune system.
Here comes the power of probiotic drinks! These beverages are packed with beneficial bacteria, acting like reinforcements for your gut's natural defences. Think of them as tiny ambassadors promoting peace and harmony within your digestive system. They help maintain a healthy gut flora through the following ways:
- Crowding out harmful bacteria: Probiotics compete for space and resources with harmful bacteria, giving the good guys an edge.
- Promoting beneficial bacteria: Probiotics create a favourable environment for the growth of good bacteria, further tipping the scales in favour of a healthy gut microbiome.
- Restoring balance: By promoting good bacteria and hindering bad ones, probiotics help restore the natural balance in your gut, leading to improved digestion and overall well-being.
So, probiotic drinks are gut-friendly, but do you know their daily or weekly drinking limit? Is it wise to consume Indian probiotic drinks throughout the day? Let’s find out in the next section.
How much and when should probiotic drinks be consumed?
While there's no perfect answer, a general recommendation is to consume 1-2 servings of probiotic drinks daily. The best time to drink them can vary depending on the specific drink and your preferences.
- Morning: Some people prefer to have their probiotic drinks on an empty stomach first thing in the morning, allowing the good bacteria to get a head start.
- Afternoon: A probiotic drink can be refreshing and gut-friendly to combat the afternoon slump.
- Post-Meal: Enjoying a probiotic drink after a meal can aid digestion, especially if you've indulged in a heavier meal.
Experiment and see what works best for you!
We've explored the fascinating world of probiotic drinks in India, uncovering their rich history and potent health benefits.
But this journey doesn't end here! Let's raise a glass (or a buttermilk pitcher) to the significance of incorporating these gut-friendly beverages into the Indian diet.
Now, no more scrabbling around to find the perfect healthy drink. Probiotic drinks offer a delicious and natural way to support a healthy digestive system.
For more gut-friendly resources, visit The Good Bug today and unlock a new world! Witness the magic of The Good Bug’s products with each delicious sip of probiotic drinks. Transform your health and experience the difference firsthand!
Frequently asked questions
Are probiotic drinks safe to consume regularly?
Generally, probiotic drinks are safe for most healthy adults when consumed in reasonable amounts (1-2 servings daily). However, it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
Will probiotic drinks make me poop more or less?
Probiotics can help regulate your bowel movements. If you're experiencing occasional constipation, probiotics may help things move along more smoothly. On the other hand, if you have loose stools, some probiotic strains help firm them up. The key takeaway is that probiotics can help achieve a healthy balance in your gut, leading to more regular bowel movements.
Can probiotic drinks help me lose weight?
While probiotics may play a role in weight management by influencing appetite hormones and promoting feelings of fullness, they are not a magic bullet for weight loss. A healthy diet and regular exercise are still crucial for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Are there any side effects of drinking probiotic drinks?
Some people may experience mild bloating or gas, especially when they consume probiotics for the first time. These symptoms usually subside within a few days as your body adjusts. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, stop drinking the probiotic drink and consult your doctor.
When should I consult a doctor before drinking probiotic drinks?
If you have a weakened immune system, a chronic health condition, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, it's best to speak to your doctor before incorporating probiotic drinks into your diet. They can advise you on the best approach for your individual needs.
References
https://www.healthifyme.com/blog/probiotic-drink-recipes/
https://silkymahajan.com/homemade-gut-health-drinks-to-keep-your-gut-healthy/
