R Madhavan’s trusted rice dish can boost digestion and improve gut health, says celebrity nutritionist
ET Online March 25, 2026 04:19 PM
Synopsis

Lifestyle coach Luke Coutinho highlights the benefits of pazhaya kanji, a traditional South Indian rice-based drink, for gut health. This fermented beverage, made by soaking cooked rice overnight, acts as a natural probiotic, aiding digestion and offering gentle nourishment. Actor R Madhavan also vouches for kanji's role in maintaining fitness.

According to R Madhavan, kanji gives him comfort and sustenance. (Agencies and iStock)
Gut issues may be common, but they can significantly impact our everyday lives. It can develop in the form of bloating after meals, following a sluggish digestion, or having a constant feeling of discomfort that you can’t quite explain. While it’s easy to brush off these minor annoyances, they often point to a deeper imbalance in your digestive system. But a good diet can make a noticeable difference. According to lifestyle coach Luke Coutinho, one particular rice-based drink, popular in South India, can be the solution to all your gut problems.

Luke Coutinho recently shared a post on X, listing the benefits of the starchy beverage known as rice kanji or simply kanji. It is traditionally called pazhaya kanji. As per the celebrity nutritionist, he was served the drink right before lunch while on a trip to South India.

All you need to know about kanji


Luke Coutinho, in his post, added that the small glass of white and slightly sour liquid supports digestion, especially before a heavy lunch. The information was given to him by a South Indian native and the wellness expert acknowledged its benefits right away. He revealed that kanji is a simple and natural probiotic that has been part of culinary traditions for generations.

Kanji is made by soaking cooked rice overnight in water, traditionally in an earthen clay pot for better fermentation. The process ensures that the dish becomes naturally rich in beneficial bacteria by morning. It is typically paired with buttermilk or yogurt and lightly tempered with curry leaves and mustard seeds for added flavour.

Kanji benefits and why R Madhavan loves it


Luke Coutinho further noted that this humble meal has long been consumed across Indian households, especially during periods of digestive discomfort, seasonal infections, or fatigue, when the body needs gentle nourishment. According to him, it is best eaten early in the morning on an empty stomach or before meals to kickstart digestion.



Luke Coutinho contrasted this traditional approach with today’s over-reliance on probiotics and gut health supplements, pointing out that while modern wellness trends promote quick fixes, Indian dietary wisdom has long embraced natural, food-based ways to restore and maintain gut balance.

Do you know that kanji is also the go-to drink for R Madhavan? The actor, who is basking in the success of Dhurandhar 2, in a past interview admitted that kanji is one of the staples in his diet that helps him stay fit even at 55. Madhavan even appreciated kanji’s comfort and sustenance, making it particularly helpful for those aiming to shed extra weight while staying energized.
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