R. Madhavan's favourite breakfast is gut-friendly and may help with weight loss
Actor R. Madhavan recently revealed that Kuzhi Paniyaram is one of his favourite breakfast dishes. Doctors say the traditional South Indian recipe is not only delicious but may also support gut health, digestion and weight management.
Traditional Indian breakfasts are once again finding their place in modern healthy-eating conversations, and this time actor R. Madhavan has drawn attention to one of South India’s most-loved dishes, Kuzhi Paniyaram.
During an interaction with Curly Tales, the actor shared that the fermented delicacy is among his favourite breakfast foods, sparking fresh interest in the simple yet nutritious dish.
Made using fermented rice and urad dal batter, Kuzhi Paniyaram is cooked in a special moulded pan that gives it a crispy outer layer and soft centre.
While it is widely loved for its taste and comforting texture, health experts say the dish also comes with several nutritional benefits.
From improving digestion and gut health to helping manage hunger and blood sugar levels, the traditional breakfast could be a smarter morning choice than heavily processed foods.
HOW FERMENTATION SUPPORTS GUT HEALTH
According to Dr Vikas Jindal, Consultant, Department of Gastroenterology at CK Birla Hospital, fermentation plays a key role in making foods like Kuzhi Paniyaram gut-friendly.
“Fermentation makes foods like Kuzhi Paniyaram easier on the gut because it partially breaks down complex carbohydrates and proteins in the batter. This can make digestion smoother, especially compared to heavy, fried, or highly processed breakfast foods,” he explained.
He added that fermented foods help support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which are important for digestive balance, nutrient absorption, and reducing issues such as bloating and constipation. The fibre present in urad dal further helps support regular bowel movements.
Dr. Samiksha Kalra, Dietitian and Lactation Consultant at Rainbow Children's Hospital, also highlighted that fermentation improves the bioavailability of nutrients.
“From a nutrition perspective, fermentation improves the overall quality of the meal. It helps increase the bioavailability of nutrients, meaning the body can use vitamins and minerals more effectively,” she said.
CAN KUZHI PANIYARAM HELP WITH WEIGHT LOSS?
Experts say traditional breakfasts like Kuzhi Paniyaram can support weight management when eaten in balanced portions and cooked with minimal oil.
Dr Jindal explained that the fibre and protein from urad dal help improve satiety, which may reduce unnecessary snacking during the day. “Fibre also slows digestion, which can help avoid sudden blood sugar spikes,” he added.
Dr Kalra noted that the combination of carbohydrates, protein, and fibre makes the dish more filling than many packaged breakfast foods.
“Kuzhi Paniyaram can be a good option for weight management because it offers a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fibre. This combination keeps a person full for longer and helps control unnecessary calorie intake during the day,” she said.
She further pointed out that the dish is naturally gluten-free and can be made even healthier by adding vegetables such as onions, carrots, spinach, coriander, and curry leaves.
WHY EXPERTS PREFER TRADITIONAL BREAKFASTS OVER PACKAGED FOODS
Unlike packaged foods that may contain refined flour, excess sugar, preservatives, and artificial additives, dishes like Kuzhi Paniyaram rely on simple ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
“Compared to packaged breakfast foods, it is less processed and easier for the digestive system to handle,” Dr. Jindal said.
Dr Kalra added that choosing breakfasts with fibre, protein, and fermented ingredients can help improve overall digestive health and keep energy levels stable throughout the day.
OTHER GUT-FRIENDLY BREAKFAST OPTIONS TO TRY
Apart from Kuzhi Paniyaram, experts recommend several other traditional breakfast options that can support digestion and gut health. These include:
Idli with sambar
Vegetable dosa
Moong dal cheela
Besan chilla
Ragi dosa
Vegetable upma
Oats with curd and seeds
Curd with fruits and nuts
Dhokla
Dr Jindal advised people with acidity, IBS, bloating, or diabetes to choose breakfast foods based on their tolerance and avoid very oily or oversized meals in the morning.
As more people move towards mindful eating and healthier food habits, traditional Indian breakfasts are proving that nutritious meals do not need to be complicated. Kuzhi Paniyaram, loved by R. Madhavan, is one such example that combines taste, comfort, and nutrition in a simple plate.
Whether someone is looking to improve digestion, manage weight, or simply enjoy a wholesome breakfast, experts say fermented dishes made with natural ingredients can be a smart addition to daily diets.