Benefits Of Curd You Might Not Know

Curd, popularly known as Dahi, is one of the most loved and favorite supplements used by people. It is most popular during summers to keep us hydrated and refreshed. Most of us can recollect from our childhood days when we were always fed a spoonful of curd before leaving for any auspicious work or writing our exams, so all of us have some sweet memories associated with curd.

Curd is one of the dairy products, often considered the staple Indian food, obtained by an easy process called curdling. One does not need to purchase curd from the market for daily consumption as it can be easily obtained through a simple homemade process. We all have grown up seeing our mother preparing curd through this very method and exciting us with its sour flavor.

Curdling is a process where milk is coagulated by adding rennet. Rennet initiates coagulation and helps in the formulation of solid mass like substance or Curd. The other method that is mostly used by Indians in curd formation is through the use of acidic substances like lemon juice or vinegar. The increase in acidity in milk allows the milk to thicken and form this solid substance, which is sour. During winters, to allow the curd to settle well, one is generally cautioned to put the coagulated milk in a thermocol box until the curd settles down. Both the methods of preparation are so easy that most Indian homes prepare it on a daily for a daily intake of curd. Following are the benefits of curd for good health and other purposes:

Uses of Curd in Kitchen:

The benefits of curd in the kitchen cannot be ignored. A bowl of curd is always a fun loaded thing used in the kitchen for direct consumption. Curd is also served with paranthas. It is also used to make refreshing drinks like lassi, chanch and is also made into raita, acting as a perfect supplement. It is also used to marinate various items like chicken so that the texture remains intact and thereon also adds a great flavor to the other food items.

Benefits of Curd for Hair:

Curd is used not only as a food item but is also highly valuable for our hair. Most of us face common hair problems like dry hair, dandruff, hair fall, and other issues. As curd contains a good amount of lactic acid and carries various nutrients essential for our body; therefore, it adds a good amount of nutrients and protein to our hair; thus conditions the hair. All these reduce hair fall and dandruff, and when the curd is added with other substances like henna, it shows more effective results.

Benefits of Curd for Skin:

All of us want our skin to glow, but while moving out in the sun, we face the problem of tanning. But due to the benefits of curd for the skin, we need not worry about it too, as the minerals present in curd allow the skin to glow and look radiant. Curd is used in homemade skincare as it contains a good amount of Vitamin E that helps in softening the skin and makes it look shiny. It also prevents the growth of acne and acts as a perfect face pack for oily skin.

Benefits of Curd for Weight Loss:

Curd is a very light food item and thus benefits in reducing body weight. The presence of calcium in curd restricts the growth of cholesterol and thus prevents obesity. So, the ones facing the problem of increased body fat is advised to take a good amount of curd. So there is no further growth of cholesterol and thus control the growth of body weight.

Side Effects of Curd:

Though the benefits of curd for weight loss are effective, we must also take care of taking a proper amount of curd such that we don’t tend to further increase our weight. A certain amount of curd is advised to be consumed every week to provide a balanced amount of calcium. An increased amount of intake in curd in the body leads not only to obesity but also constipation. Curd in heavy amount should also not be taken by people suffering from arthritis as it can sometimes increase joint pain. So, keeping the side effects of curd in mind, one should eat a proper amount of curd such that it benefits us and produces no negative effect on our body.

What is the Right Quantity to Have Curd:

A daily intake of about 250 g is considered healthy by doctors. But their advice varies due to the number of calories required by the different bodies. However, eating low-fat curd is suggested in almost all cases; otherwise, the side effects of curd get visible in the form of the increased weight of the body.

What Time We Should and Avoid Eating Curd:

Curd provides an instant cooling effect and is thus consumed in good quantities during summer. It is because of this cooling property of curd that its consumption should be avoided during the night. Consumption of curd during the night also leads to the growth of mucus. So, the best time to consume curd is the day time during, which curd provides healthy effects on the body. Keeping in mind the benefits of curd for hair, one is also advised to apply curd on the scalp only during the daytime.

What Food Should We Have With Curd:

North Indians mostly consume curd with parathas. It is also eaten along with Biryani to provide a balanced taste. It is also consumed with fruits like bananas to provide the required nutrients to our body.

Conclusion:

There are other benefits of curd for good health, as it helps in better digestion, strengthens the bone, and also increases immunity. Curd thus becomes a highly versatile food item carrying high nutritional value, as discussed above. The benefits of curd are well explained from the fact that it is widely consumed, both directly and indirectly. Its high value makes it no less than a wonder amongst all the dairy products.