Curd, yoghurt or dahi is a semisolid food which is prepared by fermenting milk after addition of bacteria. The bacteria used in the preparation of curd are Streptococcus cremoris, S. lactis, S.thermophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, L. acidophilus, L. helveticus and Lactobacillus cremoris. A small amount of curd is added to previously boiled and cooled milk to produce more amount of curd.
The milk is allowed to ferment for a few hours to get curd. Curd is highly nutritious complete food that not only gives energy to the body but also improves overall health and immunity to fight infection.
If you eat a bowl of fresh curd(dahi) every day then you can prevent various health issues and diseases. Curd contains proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, vitamins and good bacteria. It is richest source of probiotics and good functional food. It gives stamina to the body and promotes flora of good microorganism in gut.
A cup of curd offers numerous health benefits, to know more, read on.
- Good for the digestive system
Curd is richest source of probiotics. Probiotics are living microorganism that are good for flora of gut. These help in better digestion and assimilation of nutrients. - Curd is good food supplement
Curd is full functional food which is easy to digest and gives energy, immunity and stamina to the body. It is easy to digest and absorb. - Cures mineral and vitamin deficiency
Curd is a good source of calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, vitamin B and A. Regular intake of curd cures deficiency of riboflavin, vitamin a, folic acid and iron. - Good source of calcium
Curd is prepared from milk and is a good source of calcium. It cures deficiency of calcium and related diseases such as weak bones, rickets and Osteomalacia. - Curd is Anti-aging
Curd contains Selenium, magnesium which slows down aging and hardening of tissues preventing premature wrinkles. - Lactose intolerance and curd
Although curd is prepared from milk, but it is well tolerated in individual suffering from milk intolerance. - Usefulness in treating Sleeplessness
Insomnia or lack of sleep is very common problem. Many person suffer from this condition. The case of occasional insomnia can be treated by eating a bowl of curd before going to bed for a few months. Curd contains magnesium, calcium, B12, and tryptophan that helps in synthesis of serotonin and melatonin. In studies it is shown that the food rich in melatonin helps to induce sound sleep.