As opposed to appetizers that the West use, we in India have quite a few of those foods that we eat after a meal. Most of these habits are handed down through generations. Today, most of these are also backed by scientific evidence and we can only salute the wisdom of our ancestors. Without a doubt, they had healthy practices that kept the most diseases at bay, they lived longer in peace. When compared to our list of common diseases like blood pressure, diabetes, and many other chronic ailments, we know our ancestors were certainly, better off. One of the most important aspects of a good life lies in good digestion. When your digestive system is not working properly, it makes you uncomfortable, it also aids a lot of other health issues to crop up. From ancient times, in India, we follow certain simple hacks to help the digestive process:
Fennel Seeds (Saunf)
Not just in our homes, but most restaurants in India too, provide this after meal accompaniment. Sometimes Saunf is also sugar coated, otherwise, it is offered as–is. Either way, you reach out and grab a spoonful and start chewing after your meal. Fennel seeds are very good for the digestive system and even work as a mouth freshener. They even purify the blood, help avoid flatulence (having gas), and have an overall cooling effect on your body. The oils in the fennel seeds help secrete digestive juices, aiding the digestive process, while acid in it soothes the stomach. Chewing on fennel seeds are a good practice to avoid nausea while traveling. Fibre content in the fennel seed aids easy bowel movement. Fennel seeds even contain components that help lower cholesterol and blood sugar. They effectively work as antacids, and their anti-microbial properties also help in keeping us safe from infections. So, the next time you feel a bit heavy after a meal, pop a spoonful of fennel seeds.
Buttermilk
Wash down a meal with a glass of buttermilk or chaas, could just help your gut and overall health. It helps digest a meal and washes the fats from the stomach and intestine lining. The electrolytes present in it keeps you hydrated and energetic as well. The masala buttermilk is a wonderful concoction as it contains digestive aids like cumin, curry leaves, coriander leaves, ginger, etc. All these ingredients only help the buttermilk to act as an antacid. The bioactive protein in buttermilk helps lower cholesterol and also helps with our muscle, bone, and skin health. Its anticancer and antimicrobial properties are added incentives to reach out for a glass of buttermilk at the end of a meal.
Paan (Beeda)
It is a very common after-meal accompaniment in India, does have its benefits. It is not just a ‘shaukh’ or a mouth freshener. It is made from special leaves, into which you put in gulkand, betel nuts (supari), fennel seeds, honey, cloves, coconut powder, and a few other ingredients. The bêtel leaves help fasten digestion because it aids saliva secretion from the mouth, the starting point of the digestive process. It also has anti-flatulent properties and aids the secretion of digestive juices in the stomach. It even contains a slew of antioxidants that helps balance the pH levels in the stomach. The added things like fennel seeds, cloves, etc., each add on the hastening of the digestion process. Perhaps, that’s why paan is still a much sought-after food.
Some other common accompaniments are dried ginger pieces as is, or in candy form, tamarind (sweet imli) toffee, or lime water or tea. In many parts, people just eat a banana after a meal to ensure that meal is digested well.
Follow whichever practice suits you well to ensure that your health does not suffer due to indigestion.
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Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
23rd March 2022