Curd is a fermented dairy product, widely used in
the majority of Indian meals and religious ethos for ages. Ayurveda has
mentioned its types, properties, benefits, eating methods, and contraindications in
detail.
Benefits of Curd
Curd is full of calcium, vitamin D, protein, and
healthy gut bacteria. When consumed in the right way, curd offers many health
benefits such as:
1. Improves digestion
A good quality curd is unctuous, a good appetizer,
and develops taste in food. The probiotics in curd help the proper functioning
of the digestive system. It improves the digestion and absorption of nutrients
and is beneficial for lactose-intolerant persons.
Curd is found to be beneficial in constipation, H.
pylori infection, and in inflammatory bowel disease.
2. Helps in controlling blood pressure
A study suggested that adding more curd to the diet
without increasing the number of calories may reduce the risk of hypertension.
Curd contains some special proteins and nutrients like potassium and magnesium
which help in lowering high blood pressure and promoting a healthy heart.
3. Helps improve immunity
The gut-friendly bacteria present in curd fight
disease-causing germs and keep the gut and intestinal tract protected. Various
research studies have shown that intake of curd bacteria has led to an increase
in immunity parameters (IgA) with faster recovery of diseases like diarrhea, and dysentery.
Certain probiotic bacteria can protect against
allergies by increasing the production of the mucosa immune defender, secretory
immunoglobulin A.
4. Skin benefits
Being unctuous, curd has a moisturizing effect on
the skin. It helps in marinating a happy and active gut which leads to healthy
skin.
Lactic acid present in curd acts as an exfoliator
and clears off all dead cells and blemishes when applied externally. This makes
curd a common ingredient of face packs.
5. Strong bones
Curd contains a good amount of calcium that helps in
maintaining bone density.
To get maximum health benefits and avoid ill effects, Ayurveda has laid down a few guidelines on how to consume curd.
1. Curd which is firm, of uniform consistency, sweet
aroma, and slightly acidic taste with a smooth and glossy surface that is free
from cracks and bubbles should be consumed.
2. Consumption of incompletely coagulated curd is
strictly prohibited as it aggravates all three doshas, causes a burning sensation
during digestion, and increases feces and urine excretion.
3. Curd should be eaten with honey, rock sugar, amla
powder, ghee, or green gram soup.
4. Curd should not be taken continuously for a long time and in excess. It may cause diseases like Diabetes, Skin disorders, Bronchial Asthma, etc.
5. Do not consume curd with certain food items like
milk, radish, sour fruits, and melon as they are incompatible foods, difficult to
digest together, and may produce allergic reactions.
6. Heated curd should never be taken as its bacteria
cannot resist the high temperature.
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