Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt has often spoken about her love for homemade meals, and one of her favourites—dahi chawal or curd rice—has now earned medical approval for being more than just comfort food. Dr. Shubham Vatsya, Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at Fortis Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, shared in an Instagram video that Alia’s food choice is not only emotionally comforting but also clinically beneficial for gut health.
Why Curd Rice Is a “Clinically Smart” Dish
Dr. Vatsya explained that curd rice combines probiotics from yogurt and resistant starch from rice, creating a gut-friendly meal that helps reduce inflammation and promotes digestive balance. He pointed out that this dish is especially effective for those who frequently experience acidity, bloating, or a burning sensation after meals. The presence of these natural probiotics aids in regulating gut inflammation and improving digestion.
The doctor further highlighted that curd rice supports the production of short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which are known to reduce harmful bacteria and promote the growth of beneficial ones in the intestines. These fatty acids also contribute to maintaining a healthy intestinal lining, making dahi chawal a simple yet effective way to care for one’s digestive system.
Nutritional Benefits Beyond Digestion
Apart from aiding gut health, curd rice offers other essential nutrients that benefit overall well-being. Dr. Vatsya noted that the dish provides a good amount of calcium, protein, and vitamin B12—nutrients vital for strong bones, improved brain function, and better immunity. He described it as a naturally cooling, calming, and grounding meal that suits people of all ages.
He also mentioned that consuming curd rice after a course of antibiotics can be particularly helpful, as it helps restore the balance of gut bacteria often disrupted by medication. Whether eaten for breakfast or as a light dinner, the doctor said, curd rice goes beyond being a comfort dish—it acts like medicine for the stomach.
“Gut Science in Action”
In the caption accompanying his post, Dr. Vatsya summarised the message by calling dahi chawal “gut science in action.” He explained that the combination of probiotics and resistant starch helps calm digestive discomfort while boosting butyrate production, which supports both digestion and immunity.
With expert-backed validation, Alia Bhatt’s favourite homemade dish stands out as a wholesome and accessible way to care for gut health—proving that comfort food, when chosen wisely, can indeed double as natural medicine.
Why Curd Rice Is a “Clinically Smart” Dish
Dr. Vatsya explained that curd rice combines probiotics from yogurt and resistant starch from rice, creating a gut-friendly meal that helps reduce inflammation and promotes digestive balance. He pointed out that this dish is especially effective for those who frequently experience acidity, bloating, or a burning sensation after meals. The presence of these natural probiotics aids in regulating gut inflammation and improving digestion.
The doctor further highlighted that curd rice supports the production of short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which are known to reduce harmful bacteria and promote the growth of beneficial ones in the intestines. These fatty acids also contribute to maintaining a healthy intestinal lining, making dahi chawal a simple yet effective way to care for one’s digestive system.
Nutritional Benefits Beyond Digestion
Apart from aiding gut health, curd rice offers other essential nutrients that benefit overall well-being. Dr. Vatsya noted that the dish provides a good amount of calcium, protein, and vitamin B12—nutrients vital for strong bones, improved brain function, and better immunity. He described it as a naturally cooling, calming, and grounding meal that suits people of all ages.
He also mentioned that consuming curd rice after a course of antibiotics can be particularly helpful, as it helps restore the balance of gut bacteria often disrupted by medication. Whether eaten for breakfast or as a light dinner, the doctor said, curd rice goes beyond being a comfort dish—it acts like medicine for the stomach.
“Gut Science in Action”
In the caption accompanying his post, Dr. Vatsya summarised the message by calling dahi chawal “gut science in action.” He explained that the combination of probiotics and resistant starch helps calm digestive discomfort while boosting butyrate production, which supports both digestion and immunity.
With expert-backed validation, Alia Bhatt’s favourite homemade dish stands out as a wholesome and accessible way to care for gut health—proving that comfort food, when chosen wisely, can indeed double as natural medicine.
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