Tamanna Chowdhury
Sour curd or tok doi is considered as the world's healthiest food because of its amazing health benefits. It is prepared through the process of bacterial fermentation of milk. During fermentation process, bacteria produce lactic acid from the lactose of milk and give milk a thick texture. Consuming sour curd is preferred by people across the world as it does lots of benefits to the digestive system. It is used in Bangladesh mostly to make various tasty and presentable dishes.
Sour curd is protein rich food and also it has more calcium and other nutrients than milk.
Some of the health benefits of the yogurt are:
Eating curd every day boosts digestive system and works best for treating stomach upsets, indigestion, bloating etc. Sour curd works as an energy booster. As it is high in calcium and protein, it is beneficial for those who are lactose intolerant and cannot digest milk. Sour curd could be an excellent home remedy for many health conditions like pregnancy, lactation, pre and post exercise etc. Sour curd is very good for hair and skin. Curd has a moisturizing effect on your skin and it heals dry skin naturally. Sour curd helps improve the absorption of vitamins and minerals from other foods in the body. The special proteins in sour curd along with nutrients like potassium and magnesium help in lowering high blood pressure and promoting a healthy heart.
Healthy recipes of curd
Banana shake
Many of us skip breakfast on a regular basis, and those who do not have time to take breakfast, banana shake could be a healthy breakfast option. You can use banana and sour curd to make a healthy banana shake. Drinking a banana breakfast shake provides a source of vitamin B-6, manganese, potassium, protein and calcium. To make the shake healthy and sweet, you can add tea spoon of honey.
Chira doi (Flattened rice with curd)
Soak chira (flattened rice) in water and drain out water of it. In a serving bowl, place a little of the soaked and drained chira, add some sour curd. It is a good source of carbohydrate and protein. This meal is very healthy for breakfast or evening snacks. If a diabetic patient (insulin dependent) takes chira and sour curd as a snack or breakfast it will help prevent hypoglycemia. Furthermore, chira and sour curd is easily digestible that's why it is very healthy for geriatric people.
Sour curd lassi
You can make Lassi using sour curd and fresh water. If you add pinch of salt with it, it become a good energy booster drinks. You can take this drink before or after exercise. It is a natural protein drink for those who are doing exercise and want to build up their muscles.
Sour curd fruit salad
Fruit has been recognized as a good source of vitamins and minerals. People who eat fruit with sour curd as part of an overall healthy diet generally have a reduced risk of chronic diseases. Fruits are important sources of many nutrients, including potassium, fiber, vitamin C and folate (folic acid). After adding sour curd, it becomes more nutritious. Fruits and cour curd mix salad is very healthy for those who want to reduce their weight.
Raita
A common South Indian side dish is raita. You can add onion, cucumber, tomato to your sour curd with some herbs and a healthy option is all set. Even Bangladeshi people now love to take raita as a salad or dip. It is an excellent source of all vital nutrients with amazing healing properties for various health problems. Enjoy this tasty dish to stay healthy. It is better than other salad dressings.
Notes to be careful about:
Yogurt is generally perceived as healthy food. Compared to other dairy, yogurt is more often recommended in diet and health programme. Eating of more sour curd should be avoided as it irritates the throat and causes common cold and headache. Kidney patients should take as per their dietician prescriptions. Substances like sugar, jaggery, and rock salt with sour curd can be taken carefully. Curd should not be heated directly or boiled. People having breathing problems should minimize curd intake especially at night as it may lead to phlegm formation and chest congestion.
