When the hot weather hits, we find solace in Roohafza, Cold drinks, and ice-golas that provide us with much-needed refreshment.
But your kitchen has one food, which is equally refreshing and provides loads of nutrition while fighting the summer heat!
We’re talking about Curd or Dahi, a hero of summer diets, packed with probiotics and a natural cooling effect for your body.
In summer, our digestive systems are particularly sensitive due to heat and humidity, and curd can help better digestion of our food.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the many health benefits of curd in summer and share some easy recipes for making it tastier.
Nutritional Profile of Curd or Dahi:
Most of us had grown up with our nanis and dadis singing praises of homemade dahi and making us have it with rice when we complained of stomach aches.
It’s time to return to our ancient wisdom and have the nutritious “Ghar ka Dahi”, for summer hydration and beating the heat.
Curd is a nutritious superfood that offers a balanced mix of essential macronutrients, a vital addition to our healthy plates.
Nutrition Fact: Dahi, Curd, Yogurt, 100 grams
Like all dairy products, curd is a protein-rich food that supports optimum muscle recovery and muscle repair with low calories.
Curd contains probiotics like lactobacilli, which is a type of bacteria that improves your gut health and aids proper digestion.
Curd is also a great source of calcium, and phosphorous, and packed with vitamins like B12 and riboflavin that will enhance your gut health and immunity.
Health Benefits of Curd in Summer:
As the nutritional facts say, the creamy curd is perfectly refreshing to help us beat the summer heat.
Here are some of the health benefits of curd in the summer months.
1. Curd Provides Natural Coolness:
Dahi or Curd has a natural cooling effect on our bodies, making it a perfect addition when the summer heat disturbs the body balance.
It also helps regulate your body temperature, making you feel refreshed throughout the day.
Whether you enjoy plain curd or make a tasty raita, curd can help you find balance even on the hottest of days.
2. Curd Aids Digestion:
Curd is a probiotic food and contains live bacteria that are fantastic in promoting good gut health.
Our gut is made of bacteria that help digest our food and release essential nutrients; when our gut bacteria is imbalanced, curd can improve gut health and improve the digestive process.
Curd can help you ease bloating, acidity, and indigestion which are common issues during the summer heat.
3. Curd Boosts Immunity:
Our gut bacteria also strengthen our immune system by efficiently absorbing nutrients from the food we eat.
As the curd is rich in probiotics, it helps support the growth of good gut bacteria, preventing infections and promoting overall health.
A strong immune system is crucial in the scorching heat of summers, where humidity tends to weaken our body’s defenses.
4. Curd is Hydrating and Refreshing:
In summer, frequent dehydration is a common issue, and curd can help you rehydrate your body.
Curd is about 80-88% water, which is great for hydrating yourself after facing direct sun.
Curd or dahi can help you replenish the body fluids, keep the skin moist, and summer fatigue. Enjoy a bowl of curd with your favorite fruits with a sprinkle of rock salt or sugar.
5. Curd Nourishes your Skin & Hair:
Curd has natural hydrating properties that are beneficial for your hair skin and hair.
Many people apply a curd face mask as it contains significant vitamins, proteins, and fatty acids for soft and radiant skin.
You can also make DIY curd hair mask. It will nourish your scalp, prevent dryness, and promote soft & shiny hair during the hot weather.
6. Curd is Rich in Proteins and Calcium:
Curd is a protein-rich food, with 11.75 gms of protein per 100 gms, which is great for vegetarians.
Curd is also an excellent source of calcium, like all dairy foods, it can ensure stronger bones and healthy muscles.
As we sweat in summer, the calcium and proteins in curd can replenish the lost energy and help us meet these nutritional requirements.
Try These Curd-Based Recipes to Beat the Summer Heat:
Curd’s versatility makes it ideal for creating refreshing dishes that are both nutritious and delicious. Here are some recipes you can try
1. Mango Lassi: A blend of fresh mango, honey, and a pinch of cardamom powder. Serve this with local and seasonal fruits to get a cooling effect.
2. Spicy Chaas (Buttermilk): You can whisk the curd with water and add roasted cumin powder, black salt, and green chilies to get a tangy buttermilk that aids digestion.
3. Curd Rice: In India, our elders often suggest eating curd rice when we have constipation and digestive issues. Mix some cooked rice with curd, salt, and a mustard seeds tadka.
4. Smoothie Bowl: Blend the curd with frozen bananas or pineapples to create a thick cream base. You can garnish this with some chia seeds, shredded coconut, and nuts for energy.
5. Cucumber Raita: Raita is a refreshing snack made with grated cucumber, roasted cumin powder, and chopped coriander leaves. Serve this with khichdi and parathas.
Conclusion:
From keeping you hydrated to boosting immunity and improving digestion, its benefits are endless.
Whether enjoyed plain or incorporated into creative recipes like lassi or raita, the curd is the ultimate superfood to help you beat the heat while staying healthy and refreshed.
So go ahead—make curd your go-to ingredient this summer and savor its cooling goodness every day!
Note: People with Lactose Intolerance should be careful before consuming curd. Consult a healthcare professional before making any drastic changes to your diet.
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