Curd Advantages and Disadvantages: Is Curd Bad for Obesity?

In the world of nutrition and dietary choices, curd has remained a staple for generations. This versatile dairy product, also known as Dahi, is celebrated for its tangy taste and potential health benefits. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the various advantages and disadvantages of consuming curd, while addressing the question of whether curd is truly bad for health.

What is a Curd: A Nutritional Profile

It is a dairy product obtained by fermenting milk with the help of beneficial bacteria. This fermentation process not only gives curd its distinct taste but also enhances its nutritional content. A typical serving of Dahi (100 grams) offers:

• Protein: It is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for the body’s growth, repair, and overall functioning.
• Probiotics: The live cultures present in curd promote gut health by maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive system.
• Calcium: Essential for strong bones and teeth, curd provides a good dose of calcium, contributing to skeletal health.
• Vitamins: It contains vitamins like B12 and riboflavin, playing important roles in metabolism and overall well-being.

Qualities of Curd According to Ayurveda

1. With its tangy(sour taste) flavor,
2. Carries a warm potency and
3. It is heavy to digest (takes a longer period for digestion).

This dairy delight holds the power to enhance fat and strength, while also giving a boost to both Kapha and Pitta doshas

The Advantages of Including Curd in Your Diet (Curd Benefits)

1. Probiotic Powerhouse

It is renowned for its probiotic content, containing strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These friendly bacteria colonize the gut, improving digestion, easing bloating, and even enhancing mood.

2. Bone Health Booster

The amalgamation of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D in curd makes it a natural aid for bone health. Regular consumption can help prevent osteoporosis and maintain bone density.

3. Digestive Aid

Ayurveda views curd as a digestive aid. It contains probiotics that support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, enhancing digestion and promoting a healthy gut flora balance.

4. Protein Prowess

It offers a significant protein content, making it an excellent option for individuals aiming to increase their protein intake. This can be especially beneficial for those engaged in physical activities and muscle-building efforts.

5. Immune System Support

The probiotics not only aid digestion but also play a role in enhancing the immune system. A healthy gut contributes to a stronger defense against infections.

Potential Disadvantages of Excessive Curd Consumption

1. Aggravating Kapha and Ama:

It is believed to increase the Kapha dosha, leading to mucus buildup, congestion, and potentially contributing to colds, coughs, and allergies. It can also increase the production of ama (toxins) in the body if not digested properly.

2. Incompatible Food Combinations:

In Ayurveda, food combining is vital for proper digestion. It should not be mixed with certain foods, such as fruits, as it may lead to indigestion. The enzymes present in curd can curdle the milk in fruits, causing fermentation and digestive distress.

3. Difficult for Some to Digest:

Although it contains digestive enzymes, it can be heavy for those with weak digestion, causing gas, bloating, or indigestion.

4. Excess Fat:

Full-fat curd can be high in saturated fats, which can contribute to weight gain and potentially imbalanced cholesterol levels if consumed excessively.

5. Reduced Agni (Digestive Fire):

In some cases, it can dampen the digestive fire (agni), leading to sluggish digestion(Agnimandya) and potentially causing an accumulation of toxins in the body.

6. Lactose Sensitivity

While the fermentation process reduces lactose content, individuals with lactose intolerance might still experience discomfort or digestive issues with curd consumption.

7. Caloric Content

It can be calorie-dense, particularly if consumed in excess. Monitoring portion sizes is crucial, especially for individuals aiming to manage their weight.

8. High Sodium Levels

Some commercially available variants might have elevated sodium levels, which can be a concern for individuals with hypertension. Opting for low-sodium options is advisable.

Ayurvedic facts about curd

• Do not heat: It shouldn’t be subjected to heat. It’s precious properties wane when exposed to high temperatures. Heating it will destroy all useful bacteria. The useful bacteria prevent putrefaction in the intestines and promote health and well-being. Such properties are lost on heating.
• Avoid in Obesity: If you’re struggling with obesity, Kapha-related imbalances, bleeding issues, or inflammation, it’s wise to skip the curd.
• Avoid in Gastritis: In cases of troublesome gastritis, it’s advisable to avoid it. It might not be the best match for a sensitive stomach.

Ayurvedic Guidelines for Consumption

In Ayurveda, balance is key. While curd offers numerous benefits, moderation and mindful consumption are crucial. Here are some guidelines to consider:

• Time of Consumption: Ayurveda suggests consuming curd during the day, particularly during lunch. Avoid consuming it at night, as it may disrupt digestion. You should also avoid consuming it during the spring and summer seasons.
• Freshness: Opt for freshly prepared curd. Homemade curd is preferred over commercially processed varieties, as it retains more of its beneficial properties. Sour curd should not be consumed by making it hot. However, sour curds mixed with soup of green gram, honey, ghee, sugar and amla is helpful in relieving Dysuria (difficulty in urination) and indigestion.
• Additions: Enhance the digestive properties of curd by adding a pinch of roasted cumin powder or grated ginger.
• Moderation: Enjoy it in moderation. Excessive consumption, especially for those prone to kapha imbalance, should be avoided.

If someone does not follow these rules he is likely to suffer from diseases like fever, bleeding disorders, Erysipelas, skin diseases, Anemia, dizziness and Jaundice.

Side effects of Curd

Inflammation: If you have inflammation, it might not be the best choice, it worsens the inflammation.

Breathing Difficulty: If you eat too much curd, you might get hiccups and even respiratory troubles that make breathing tough.

Skin Disorders: Eating too much curd might trigger or worsen skin problems.

Pitta Imbalance: Sour curd might upset your Pitta dosha. This could mess with your sleep, digestion, and even make headaches worse.

Yogurt vs Curd

Yogurt is commonly associated with Western cultures, produced by fermenting milk with specific bacterial strains. Curd, prevalent in South Asian countries, is created by using a small amount of existing curd as a starter culture for milk fermentation. While yogurt boasts a creamy consistency and is often praised for its probiotic content, other might exhibit a slightly thinner texture. Despite the linguistic variation, both offer tangy flavors and potential health benefits through fermentation processes.

Conclusion

It has its own set of advantages and disadvantages in the realm of Ayurveda. When consumed mindfully and in line with Ayurvedic principles, it can contribute positively to one’s well-being. However, it’s essential to understand your body’s constitution, digestive capacity, and any specific sensitivities before incorporating it into your diet. As with any dietary choices, consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner can provide personalized guidance tailored to your unique needs.

In the journey towards holistic health, embracing the wisdom of Ayurveda and making informed choices will lead to a harmonious balance between traditional practices and modern well-being.

FAQs

Can You Consume Curd At Night?

Ayurveda views curd as a blend of sour and sweet qualities, with the power to raise both Kapha and Pitta doshas in our body. At night, Kapha naturally takes the lead within us. Introducing curd during this time could amplify Kapha, potentially leading to various complications. It can also increases Pitta. Hence, taking it at night might cause problems related to indigestion.

To put it in perspective, it’s like basking in the harsh afternoon sun – a practice discouraged. Afternoons naturally carry a strong Pitta influence, and exposing yourself to the sun can further elevate Pitta dosha.

In both cases, it’s about aligning with your body’s natural rhythms to keep balance. Just as the right timing matters for sun exposure, choosing when to enjoy curd also plays a crucial role in maintaining harmony within. At the night, buttermilk is the perfect curd alternative. Its magic lies in its ability to cleanse your channels and bid farewell to excess mucus.

Who is More Beneficial using Curd: Skinny vs Obese?

When dealing with issues like extreme thirst, feeling very skinny, or needing aphrodisiac, curd with jaggery or sugar can be a helpful part of the treatment. It’s like a little boost in those situations. Plus, if you’re looking to gain weight, this could be a tasty option for you.

But here’s the catch: Having curd and sugar every day especially over a long time, might not be best for people who are generally healthy. Remember, the advantages of curd are vast, as long as you use it wisely and make it in the right way.

Can Curd increases joint stiffness?

Joint stiffness is a classic Kapha symptom. Sweet curd can increase Kapha along with Pitta Dosha.
This leads to increased inflammation of joints with increased stiffness. Hence, it is best to avoid it – sweet or sour, in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Can you take curd with sweet fruits?

Both can boost Kapha. If you’re a low Kapha, high Vata type(on the leaner side) this combo could work for you.

But, if Kapha is high and you’re dealing with things like obesity, weak digestion, or discomforts like nausea, cold, cough, and itchy skin, it might be best to skip this mix.

Can you consume curd everyday?

Because it has Abhishyandi quality, it can stick to inner body channels and induce secretions from them. Considering all the strict rules mentioned for consumption, it is not ideal to take it daily, especially during dinner.

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