Top 8 Proven Nutritional Benefits of Khichdi

by Ishani Bose last updated -

The nutritional health benefits of khichdi, a traditional Indian comfort food made of rice, lentils, and turmeric, include its ability to nourish the body, aid in digestion, lower cholesterol, and boost heart health. It is an important part of an Ayurvedic diet as it is a simple, wholesome, and nutritious meal that contains a combination of macro-nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. Khichdi also contains essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin B complex, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus.

What is Khichdi?

Khichdi or khichadi is an Indian porridge-like blend that is made by cooking rice, green or yellow lentils, turmeric, cumin, clarified butter (ghee), and salt in a pre-heated large pot. It can be had plain or with minimal spices. This humble dish has gained popularity internationally because of its powerful medicinal properties.

In India, khichdi is often given to babies as it is easily digestible and nourishing. Most doctors recommend this dish as the ‘go-to’ food to people when they have digestive problems, fever, or are in poor health. To put it simply, the importance of this dish in an Indian’s life is perhaps the same as that of chicken soup in an American’s life.  [1]

A plate of warm khichdi garnished with coriander and bay leaves on a light green placemat

Call it by any name, a khichdi is just about the greatest Indian comfort food ever invented. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Khichdi Health Benefits

The nutritional benefits of khichdi are as follows :

Wholesome & Nutritious Meal

The rice and lentil combination in khichdi may help give the right mix of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and protein. This gluten-free simple vegetarian meal has all 10 essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, white rice is packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B, potassium, phosphorus, folic acid, and manganese. Lentils, on the other hand, are0 also power-packed with protein and similar minerals and vitamins. [2] [3] [4]

May Aid in Digestion

Cumin used in khichdi aids in digestion by possibly increasing the activity of digestive enzymes in the body. This spice also releases bile from the liver, which helps in the digestion of fats and certain nutrients in the gut. Furthermore, the consumption of khichdi may help detoxify the system which keeps the digestive system in order and helps promote weight loss.

Possibly Anti-inflammatory

Turmeric, used in khichdi, is known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric contains curcumin and aids in relieving arthritis pain. The spice contains bioactive compounds with powerful medicinal properties that increase the antioxidant capacity of the body whilst improving brain function. In the ‘Turmeric, the Golden Spice’ chapter of Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, it is stated that turmeric is a well-documented treatment for various respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchial hyperactivity, runny nose, cough, and sinusitis. It may also helps treat allergies, liver disorders, anorexia, rheumatism, and helps heal diabetic wounds. [5] [6]

May Reduce Blood Sugar Levels

Lentils used in khichadi can significantly reduce blood sugar levels. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Nutrition stated that replacing half of your portion with lentils can lower your blood glucose levels by more than 20 percent and improve your body’s response to carbohydrates, benefiting people with diabetes. [7]

Might Boost Heart Health

Lentils are possibly rich in polyphenols which may have the ability to lower blood pressure and help prevent various cardiovascular diseases. According to an NIH study, lentils administered to laboratory animals showed that it actively reduced the total cholesterol, LDL or bad cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. The study recommended that lentils should be consumed on a regular basis as it has the potential to reduce the risk of coronary artery diseases. [8]

Possibly A Great Source of Macro-nutrients

Freshly prepared khichdi is usually eaten with clarified butter (pure cow’s ghee), which is a great source of macro-nutrients, protein, complex carbohydrates, and fat. Hari Sharma, a researcher at the Center for Integrative Medicine and Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, USA, calls ghee the healthiest source of edible fat that promotes longevity, strengthens the brain and nervous system, and lubricates the connective tissues and joints. If you were to add vegetables to it, it would further add to the nutritional component. [9]

Possibly Gluten-free

Another advantage of eating khichdi is that it is possibly gluten-free, which is beneficial for people who suffer from gluten sensitivity or celiac diseaseCeliac disease gives rise to a number of gastrointestinal symptoms. Patients who have substantial and rapid symptoms of the disease should thus opt for a gluten-free diet, such as khichdi, as it will aid in their weight loss and also prevent ailments like diarrhea and steatorrhea. [10]

May Aid in Detoxification

Khichdi is a staple of an Ayurvedic diet and is known to be the perfect detox food. It’s tridoshic that means it can help balance the basic elements such as earth, water, and fire in the body, thereby increasing overall energy and immunity levels while stimulating the digestive enzymes. [11]
To sum it up, khichdi is one of the most nutritious meals, which is fairly easy to prepare. Taking no more than 30 minutes to cook, it is a soothing mixture of rice and lentils, simmered to preferred consistency, and seasoned with a tinge of turmeric and salt, with a dollop of clarified butter on top. 
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About the Author

An alumnus of St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, Ishani Bose has worked as a reporter/features writer for several leading newspapers and organizations in India. It was her love for food, health, and wellness that brought her to Organic Facts. She is also passionate about mental health and enjoys writing about it to educate more and more people about the same. She is an avid Instagrammer who knows the latest social media trends. When not writing or cooking, you’ll find her reading, traveling, soaking herself in music, arts, and culture in every way possible. Ishani has completed an online program on “Introduction to Food and Health” by Stanford University, US. Furthermore, she has completed an online course on “The Science of Wellbeing” by the Department of Psychology, Yale University.

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