Curd is a fermented dairy product.
It has been consumed across the globe for ages.
Its high nutritious value and other valuable health benefits make it popular among the people.
In this article, we will see the possible health benefits of curd and other important topics related to curd.
What is the difference between curd and yogurt?
It is a myth that generally prevails that the curd and yogurt are the same product. But in reality, both are different.
To understand this we have to see what renowned celeb chef Kunal Kapoor said in his article in Huffingtonpost
The process of making curd and yogurt is similar but the only difference is its fermentation. It is called “Yogurt Culture”.
In yogurt, we have to add specific strains of bacteria called lactobacillus bulgaris and streptococcus thermophilus. This makes the final product standardized and homogeneous and further, it ensures the right quality and the right quantity of bacteria in yogurt. Ultimately, more good bacteria may reach to intestine alive.
If you see nutrition value, both are healthy food. Although yogurt contains more saturated fats than curd.
There are different flavors for yogurt that are available in the market.
Here are some of the impressive benefits of curd.
1.Improves digestion
Curd or yogurt, contain probiotics or live bacteria, these may improve the digestion system. (1)
Some of the bacteria like bifidobacteria and lactobacillus in curd provide comfort to patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). (2)
Remember one thing most of the yogurt available in the market are pasteurized which ultimately kills good bacteria in it so if it is probiotic yogurt then it contains live good bacteria which added in it after pasteurization.
Studies also show that probiotic yogurt may protect against diarrhea and constipation. (3), (4), (5)
2.Rich in nutrients
Curd (Yogurt) contains some of the very important nutrients.
Just one cup curd can fulfill almost 50% of your daily Calcium need which is very important for your bones and teeth. (6), (7)
It is also rich in vitamin B12 and riboflavin which protects against heart diseases and neural birth defects. (8)
Yogurt is also a good source of vitamin D which again is a key factor in bone strengthening. (9)
It contains potassium and magnesium which lowers your blood pressure. (10), (11)
3.Improves immune system
As mentioned above, you have seen that the curd contains important.
Studies show that magnesium has a possible positive role in the immune system. (12)
Studies also show that yogurt with vitamin D has an important role to prevent certain illness like flu and cold. (13)
Daily consumption of curd(yogurt) especially probiotics, may reduce occurrences and duration of the common cold. (14)
4.May help to keep skin healthy and glowing
Curd is very popular for skincare.
The minerals like zinc and vitamin E are present in the curd and that is why it is used for homemade skincare. (15) , (16)
Applying curd on the skin is a conventional method to make skin soft, flow and smooth.
5.A good alternative to milk
People who are lactose intolerant can not consume milk. For those people, the curd is a good alternative. It provides easy digestion of protein and nutrients so one can get the same benefits as milk.
6.Good for heart health
Curd contains saturated fat. Previously it was considered harmful but in recent research it is no me considered as a harmful substance. In fact, saturated fat in curd is beneficial for heart health. (17) , (18), (19)
Curd fat may increase a good HDL cholesterol which lowers the risk of heart diseases and also helps to lower blood pressure. (20), (21), (22)
7.Helps in weight reduction
Curd contains a good amount of calcium and it restricts the creation of cortisol which ultimately restricts body weight to increase. (23)
So the daily consumption of curd is good to fight obesity. (24), (25)
8. May protect against Osteoporosis
As earlier described, curd contains calcium and vitamin d and daily consumption of curd may protect you against Osteoporosis. (26) , (27)
What does Ayurveda say on curd?
In India, Ayurveda is an ancient form of a medicinal branch. Many known books are written in Sanskrit hundreds of years ago. Among them, Charak Samhita is the most popular.
According to Charak Samhita, it clearly provides information on Viruddha Ahara which describes food to food processing when it consumes in combination.
As per Ayurveda consuming curd at night is Krama-Viruddha( order incompatibility). Charak further stated that such wrong orderly food leads to certain diseases. (28)
Is it safe to have curd at night?
If you suffer from congestion and asthma then your physician/ dietician may advise you to stay away with curd at night because sometimes it can create a blockage within a breathing pipe. But otherwise, it is absolutely fine to have curd at night.
Caution:
There are several flavors of yogurt are available in the market but all these products are added with sugar. So if you are diabetic or on weight loss program then avoid such added sugar yogurt.
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