By: Lifestyle DeskNew Delhi | November 2, 2025 03:25 PM IST 4 min readThe famous ABC juice — made from apples, beetroots, and carrots — is believed to be an excellent detoxifier and a fantastic immunity booster. But celebrity macrobiotic coach Dr Shilpa Arora believes that the juice is loaded with hidden sugars that can spike your insulin levels. Taking to Instagram, she suggested trying an ‘ABC achaar’ instead for improved gut health and digestion. “ABC juice ❌ ABC achaar ✅. Your daily dose of glow, energy & health,” she captioned her post, adding that making a fermented achaar instead, using amla, beetroots, and carrots, is a wonderful way to improve your gut health.To gain a deeper understanding, we reached out to Deepalakshmi, a registered dietitian at Shree Balaji Medical Centre, Chennai, who gave us a quick breakdown of the ABC juice’s ingredients:Apple: Apples are considered nutrient-dense fruits, and are particularly filling due to their high fibre and water content. Their polyphenols have anti-obesity effects and help lower cholesterol.Beetroot: Betalains are powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation and help protect against cancer and other diseases. It increases stamina and helps your heart and lungs work better during exercise. “Nitric oxide from beet increases blood flow to muscles. So drinking beetroot juice can add to your exercise performance,” said Dr Pandey.Carrot: Carrots are rich in compounds called carotenoids. A diet rich in carotenoids protects skin against UV damage and sunlight. Vitamin A improves skin and eye health.Deepalakshmi agreed with her, stating that the ‘ABC Achaar’, made by fermenting amla (Indian gooseberry), beetroot, and carrots, is more than just a tangy side dish – it’s a natural gut-friendly food.“Fermentation encourages the growth of beneficial lactic acid bacteria, which improve digestion, nutrient absorption, and gut microbial balance. This process not only enhances the vegetables’ flavour and shelf life but also makes their nutrients more bioavailable while supporting gut health through natural probiotics and organic acids,” she elaborated.Story continues below this ad Making a fermented achaar is a wonderful way to improve your gut health (Source: Freepik)Each ingredient adds its own strength. “Instead of apples, amla in this concoction adds vitamin C and antioxidants that protect the gut lining and support immunity. Beetroot provides nitrates and betalains that boost circulation and reduce inflammation, while carrots supply fibre and beta-carotene to nourish beneficial gut microbes and promote regular digestion,” she explained, adding that together, when fermented, they become easier to digest and deliver a mix of prebiotic fibre and probiotic bacteria.The flavourful additions make this achaar even more functional:Mustard oil acts as a natural preservative and provides healthy fats with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits.Saunf (fennel seeds), dhania (coriander seeds), and jeera (cumin seeds)are classic digestive spices that ease bloating, stimulate digestive enzymes, and add aroma.Green chilli brings capsaicin, which enhances metabolism and supports circulation, while a pinch of chaat masala lends tang and zest, though it’s best enjoyed in moderation due to its salt content.Make it a part of your daily dietFor most healthy individuals, Deepalakhsmi suggested 1–2 teaspoons of ABC Achaar, 3–4 times a week, to be an ideal amount to enjoy its benefits. It’s best paired with meals such as dal, rice, or roti, rather than eaten on an empty stomach. “Choose homemade or unpasteurised versions to retain live cultures, and store the achaar in a clean glass jar under refrigeration after fermentation. Discard if you notice mould or an unpleasant odour,” she shared.ALSO READ | ‘There is achaar everywhere in the house’: Parineeti Chopra gives us a peek into her ‘luxury collection’ of achaarWhen prepared hygienically and consumed mindfully, this fermented blend of amla, beetroot, carrot, mustard oil, and aromatic spices like saunf, dhania, jeera, and green chilli offers more than flavour – it’s a probiotic-rich, digestion-friendly addition that naturally supports gut health while adding a wholesome zing to everyday meals.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine. For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd