Know your food.
Nourish your everyday.

The natural power of plant foods

Food education helps us understand where food comes from, what it contains and how it supports everyday well-being. Rishi Ahara shares practical knowledge about traditional Sri Lankan foods, plant diversity, responsible preparation and balanced eating.

Plant foods contain nutrients and naturally occurring compounds known as phytochemicals. The Rishi educational presentation states that plant foods contain more than 25,000 phytochemicals.

Traditional rice, grains, vegetables, fruits, leafy greens, herbs and spices contribute to this diversity. Eating a wider variety of plant foods can help create a more diverse and balanced diet.

Prebiotics, probiotics and digestion

The digestive system contains a large community of microorganisms.

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are plant fibres that provide nourishment for beneficial microorganisms in the gut. Sources include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, roots and tubers.

Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms associated with the digestive system and certain fermented foods.

The Rishi presentation connects plant fibre, beneficial microorganisms and the human gut microbiota with the functional properties of food.

More colours. More ingredients.

A varied diet should not depend on only a few commonly used foods. Different traditional ingredients provide different nutrients, flavours, textures, plant compounds and culinary uses.

Choosing a mixture of rice, grains, vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices and legumes can make everyday meals more diverse.

Sri Lanka’s underused food heritage

The Rishi educational presentation describes more than 3,000 food varieties as underutilised and around 30 as commonly used by approximately 90% of the population. It also describes 99.2% of available food varieties as underutilised.

These figures are presented as part of the initiative’s educational material.

Rishi Ahara encourages families to rediscover lesser-used ingredients through simple meals, drinks, porridges, snacks and flour products.

Explore traditional food knowledge

Traditional ingredients

Local rice, grains, herbs, vegetables, roots, fruits and spices.

Better meal variety

Simple ways to include more local plant foods in everyday meals.

Food preparation

Washing, storing, cooking and preparing ingredients responsibly.

Herbal foods and drinks

How traditional porridges and beverages are prepared and commonly used.

Family food awareness

Practical ideas for introducing traditional food to children, young people and older family members.

The initiative’s food education work brings these themes together through articles, videos and guides.

Personalised food guidance

Connect with the Rishi Ahara team at Dharma Vijaya Foundation for guidance about traditional ingredients, food variety and preparation.

Contact our team