If your gut is healthy, you are healthy. In today’s superfast lifecycle, gut health has gone for a toss. From late-night cravings to munching on evening snacks, gut cycles for most Indians are toggling. However, in recent trends, it has been found that younger generations are shifting their go-to options to healthy and gut-friendly food alternatives.
Significance of gut-healthy foods
Gut-friendly or fermented foods have always been a part of Indian delicacies. These foods act as superheroes for the gut microbiome. The gut healthy foods improve digestive issues and reduce inflammation.
Curd, buttermilk, idli, dosa and kanji are some of the common foods good for gut health. The revival of gut healthy foods has emerged as a new trend setter among the younger groups. From traditional staples like idlis and curds to global dishes like kimchi, fermentation has emerged as a new mindful eating.
With rising awareness of these benefits, consumers are prioritising foods that support healthy eating habits. Key gut-healthy ingredients include:
-
Probiotics
— found in yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut
-
Prebiotics
— fiber-rich foods like garlic, onions, bananas, and asparagus
-
High-fiber whole foods
— legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
Food ordering platforms promoting gut healthy options
With the change in mindset and eating habits, online food ordering platforms have also altered their menu list with gut healthy foods. Younger consumers, especially the Gen-Z, are the major driving force for the demand for fermented and fiber-rich foods. Gut-healthy foods like yogurt bowls, idlis, kimchi and kombucha are no longer under the niche food category, but have moved to mainstream ordering carts.
Food delivery platforms are altering healthy eating habits with a change in their menu. The more inclusion of clean meals, the more orders are placed. The food delivery platforms monitor the ordering patterns of consumers in order to customize their menu options. It is a constant follow-up research study carried out by them. In this case, the online delivery platforms are infusing healthy snack bowls, sprouts and whole-grain bowls with probiotic veggies for gut-friendly, low-inflammatory and clean meals.
Apart from a shift in menu options, food ordering platforms are also introducing customisation, promoting individual preferences. Swapping white rice for whole grains, adding fermented sides like kimchi or sauerkraut, requesting dressings on the side or plant-based protein substitutes, personalisation in the menu is providing consumers with a wide range of options.
In order to get hooked up, online food delivery platforms are using healthy eating habits in promotional marketing. Features like health filters are making customisation easier. It is not just eliminating the daunting task of scrolling through, but creating data for the food ordering platforms to set their algorithms.
In short, the online food delivery platforms are making believe that healthy meals are not just limited to home kitchens but can be ordered on the go with personalisation and check on quality control.
Indian Fermented Foods
For ages, our Indian kitchens have been providing probiotic-filled cuisines. Some of the desi gut-healthy foods are as follows:
- Buttermilk or Chaas
A low-calorie drink made with milk is a powdered probiotic beneficial for gut health, an immunity booster and reducing bloating.
-
Pickles or Aachar
An all-weather Indian condiment that completes a meal. From tangy mango to spicy chilli flavour, pickles are a huge trove of antioxidants. It helps in breaking down food and promotes good gut flora
-
Hawaijar
A Manipuri marvel, hawaijar is a fermented soybean product known for its high protein content. It is antidiabetic and helps in improving digestibility
-
Khorisa
A unique bamboo shoot pickle from Assam, khorisa is fermented mustard oil, spices and chillies. It improves gut health and aids in digestion
-
Manipuri purple pudding or chak khao kheer
A black rice fermented dessert filled with antioxidants, immunity boosters, and anti-inflammatory substances.
Conclusion
In recent years, the concept of gut healthy foods has not just limited to wellness but has moved to mainstream food diets. The goodness of probiotics, anti-inflammatory properties and digestive elements, and gut friendly foods are the trendsetters. With the inclusiveness of food ordering platforms, the accessibility of a bowl full of health is now reshaping how consumers perceive meals.
As people prioritize long-term health and functional nutrition, food delivery and menu innovation are evolving in tandem.
