Black Carrot Kanji Benefits: Healthy Probiotic Drink

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Benefits of Black Carrot Kanji

Eating fermented foods is a great way to add a daily dose of beneficial probiotics to your diet. Apart from several health benefits, I really like the flavor that fermentation gives. In this post, I am going to discuss my favorite fermented drink, kanji! This traditional Indian probiotic drink is made with black carrots which appear in the market in winters. And when you add some spices in it, this black carrot kanji gets more delicious, hydrating and healthy. I really enjoy its strong pungent, tangy taste.

Recently, celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar has shared a post on her social media handle and explained some of the health benefits of this fermented traditional drink kanji. Let me quickly unveil some of the health benefits of this nutritious drink.

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Kale dil wale bohot mile honge aap ko but have you met the kaali gajjar yet? Or ever had its kaanji? Long before gut bacteria and it’s role in our health was discovered by science or books got written about it or food industry made packaged yogurt with strains of it, our homes made this drink. Especially the communities in North India. They used the local, seasonal kali gajar and turned it into this fermented traditional drink, kaanji. From bloating, cough, weakness in joints, this miracle drink seemed to cure it all. It was empowered after all by the rays of the winter sun, strengthened by the spice of mirch, hing and then perfectly balanced by the addition of kalanamak. If you suffer from constipation, wake up in the nights with cramps in your calf or have a kid who’s down with frequent cold and flu, this is the drink for you. Sip it yet? #notesforhealthykids PS – @soms_g has posted the recipe

A post shared by Rujuta Diwekar (@rujuta.diwekar) on

Black Carrot Kanji Benefits

IMPROVES DIGESTION

If gas, bloating, heartburn, nausea, constipation or diarrhea are some of the common problems of your everyday life, black carrot kanji is a perfect solution for you. Abundant with probiotics from the fermentation process, kanji makes a miracle drink and promotes healthy gut bacteria. Black carrots are extremely high in dietary fiber which improve the overall digestive system of the body.

BOOSTS IMMUNITY

Your body is most susceptible to diseases and infections if it is weak and in a state of imbalance. Consuming a glass of black carrot kanji can help in boosting one’s immunity to a great extent. It has very potent medicinal properties that will attack both bacterial and viral infections and protects you against bouts of cold and flu. Being rich in Vitamin C, kanji helps to stimulate the activities of white blood cells which are primarily responsible for protecting our body from harmful diseases and other foreign objects.

MAKES SKIN YOUNG & GLOWING

Kaanji is a powerhouse for glowing skin due to a large number of antioxidant anthocyanins in it that helps prevent the degeneration of cells. This antioxidant goes a long way to keep your skin glowing all year long. It slows down the signs of aging and making your skin look youthful.

Vitamin C in black carrots aids the collagen production in the body which is vital for the maintenance of the skin elasticity. Isn’t it a simple way to keep your skin hydrated and healthy?

ALSO READ: Karisma Kapoor Anti-Aging Diet Plan

Black Carrot

ENHANCES POOR VISION

Lutein, a carotenoid vitamin in black carrots has eye health-protecting qualities. That is why people think of lutein as “the eye vitamin.” Anthocyanins in carrot can also benefit your vision in many ways. Thus gulping down a glass of kanji enhances your vision, improves circulation, also helps in fighting age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

GOOD FOR HEART HEALTH

This fermented drink is an excellent blood cleanser. It keeps the blood vessels healthy, also protects the arteries against oxidation and thus good for the overall cardiovascular system. The antioxidants in black carrots are higher than red carrots and that helps in lowering bad cholesterol. Black carrot kanji is low in calories and rich in dietary fiber, vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. All these nutrients offer protection against a variety of chronic, life-threatening diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

How To Prepare Black Carrot Kanji?

It is fairly simple to prepare and uses very few ingredients.

  • Black carrots are peeled, washed, and cut down into thin slices.
  • Add them to filtered water along with ground mustard seeds or rai, black salt and a small amount of red chili powder.
  • Store the drink in a glass jar or ceramic jar and then keep it in sunlight or a warm place to ferment naturally. In warm weather, it may ferment in 2-3 days, but in cold weather, it may take around four to five days to ferment.
  • Don’t forget to stir at least twice a day.
  • Once the kanji turns sour, little pungent and the color becomes like wine, it is ready for consumption.
  • You may also serve it with boondi sprinkled on top.
  • If you do not have black carrots, you can even use red carrots and beetroots.

Black Carrot Kanji Benefits

Go, grab a glass of this simple nourishing probiotic drink and reap the benefits!