Move over kombucha, there’s a tangy, fermented star in town! Meet kanji, an age-old Indian probiotic drink that has been gracing winter tables with its deep purple hue and punchy flavour. But wait—before you go bottoms-up on this vibrant elixir, let’s talk about what makes it special and how to drink it without inviting trouble.

Kanji is a traditional North Indian fermented drink made from black carrots or sometimes beetroots. Mustard seeds, salt, and little red chilli powder along with black carrots are soaked in water. Left to ferment naturally in the sun for a few days, this probiotic powerhouse is full of gut-friendly bacteria that help our gut in digesting food better and enhancing our immunity.

While kanji is celebrated for its health benefits, Ayurveda consultant Dr. Sugandha Sharma, BAMS, MD (Ayu), warns against blindly gulping it down like a health-shot you saw on social media. In her Instagram post, she dishes out four key tips on how to drink kanji the right way:

• Kanji is Cold—Timing is Key!

This deep-hued drink is naturally cooling, which means drinking it at the wrong time could backfire. Dr. Sharma suggests consuming it only when the sun is out to balance its cold potency with the warmth of the day.

• Less is More

Chugging a full glass of kanji? Hold that thought! Dr. Sharma advises drinking just 1/4th to 1/2 of a glass at a time. A small dose is all you need to reap its probiotic goodness without overwhelming your system.

• High BP? Steer Clear!

Hypertensive folks, this one is for you! Kanji contains high amounts of salt, which can spike blood pressure levels. Dr. Sharma strongly warns those with high BP to avoid this drink, no matter how tempting it looks on your Instagram feed.

• Stomach Issues? Think Twice

Got ulcers or gastritis? Then kanji’s tangy and fermented nature might not be your best friend. Its acidity can aggravate ulcers and irritate the stomach lining, making things worse rather than better.

Kanji is an amazing gut-friendly drink when consumed correctly. But like all good things in life, moderation and timing are key. So, the next time you find yourself reaching for a glass, remember Dr. Sharma’s golden rules.

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