Benefits of Yogurt / Curd / Dahi

What is yogurt? How is it made? Why and How is it beneficial?

Yogurt is a thick, custard or pudding-like food, made by the natural bacterial fermentation of milk. The process of making yogurt involves culturing cream or milk with live and active bacterial cultures; this is done by adding bacteria directly to the milk. Commercially, yogurt is made with a culture of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Streptococcus thermophilis (names of the bacterias used in the making of yogurt).

There are many kinds (plain and flavored) yogurts found in the supermarket these days.

It can also be easily made at home by heating the milk to a little more that luke warm (say 45°C) and adding a little (1 Tbsp) of yogurt to it. Stir and keep it undisturbed in a warm place for 6-7 hours or until set. However if you don't have any yogurt, then you can buy yogurt culture packs from a supermarket and follow the manufacturer's instructions, to make wonderful yogurt at home.

What makes yogurt very beneficial is the live cultures. Active live cultures are basically good bacteria that are necessary for the body to function at its best. These friendly bacteria prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that cause bacterial infections and diseases.Eating yogurt regularly can help restore your good bacteria levels.

Yogurt is the best and nutritive dairy alternative for anyone who is lactose intolerant, as the live culture in the yogurt reduces the level of lactose.

Yogurt / Curd and Good Health

Look for yourself how these friendly bacterias can help you

There are many ways that yogurt is beneficial - the friendly bacterias are friendly indeed!

• Friendly bacteria promote digestive health and boost the immune system. Yogurt With Active Cultures Helps the Gut. Hence it may help certain gastrointestinal conditions like Constipation, Diarrhea, Colon cancer and Inflammatory bowel disease.
• Good bacteria prevent imbalances in the body's yeast levels, which can prevent various types of yeast infections. Yogurt With Active Cultures May Discourage Vaginal InfectionsCandida or "yeast" vaginal infections are a common problem for some women.
• Yogurt May Help Prevent Osteoporosis, as yogurt is made from dairy products, it is very high in calcium, which is highly beneficial for bone and teeth health. Calcium is especially important for those seeking to prevent bone density loss and osteoporosis. Healthy levels of calcium can also encourage the body to maintain and lose weight.
• Yogurt is also a good source of protein, which helps give the body energy to keep you going throughout the day. Protein is an essential building block for many systems in the body, including your muscles. Protein is also good for curbing your appetite and helping you feel full for a longer period of time.
• Yogurt May Reduce the Risk of High Blood Pressure




How to incorporate Yogurt in the diet??






Eat Yogurt as a dessert - Chop your favorite fruits in the yogurt, add a little honey or sugar and eat it chilled.

Eat Yogurt as Raita (a yogurt dip) - Add fresh fruits or vegetables to the yogurt and eat it along with your food.

Replace your mayonnaise with a yogurt based healthy mayonnaise - A delicious, healthy and low calorie mayonnaise An excellent replacement, to use on sandwiches, salads or as a dip.

Enjoy cool Yogurt shakes or Lassi - Blend together yogurt, sugar, ice and mango (any other fruit or none at all). Chill out on a summer afternoon.

Eat low fat yogurt as it is. No need to add anything to it. Yogurt can be enjoyed just like that. A bowl of low fat yogurt is healthy, filling and low in calories.

Use yogurt in your cooking - Instead of adding cream, add yogurt to make your curries and stews. It will make the food creamy and taste wonderful.


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Some Home remedies using Yogurt


Yogurt can wonderfully cure a few ailments, by using stuff from the kitchen. Treatment of Heart Burn and Upset Stomach with Yogurt, puts your worries to rest. Now you can avoid strong medication if you get heart burn or diarrhea.

Indigestion

Mix ¼ teaspoon pepper powder, ¼ teaspoon of roasted cumin (jeera) powder to a glass of diluted yogurt (1/2 yogurt and half water). Have this 1-2 times a day.

Cure Heart Burn

Take 1 tsp fenugreek seed (methi daana) powder along with diluted yogurt (1/2 yogurt and 1/2 water) twice daily for a few days.

To treat diarrhea

Crush 8-10 curry leaves (curry patta). Mix with a cup of diluted yogurt and have 2-3 times a day.

or

Mix 1 tsp Isabgol (Psyllium seed husks) in 1 cup yogurt and eat.

and

Eat only yogurt and boiled rice for a few days.

Topical uses of Yogurt - Beauty Tips






Healthy skin with Yogurt Topical application of yogurt to treat skin ailments - Get a beautiful skin

The lactic acid in yogurt soothes, softens and tightens the skin and refines the pores. Its high nutrient content and natural antibacterial and anti fungal properties also get rid of germs and other bacteria.

Here's what you can do to get a clean and glowing skin

Mix one cup of yogurt (plain) with 2 ½ tablespoons of honey. Rub it into your face and neck. Wash off well with warm water after about five minutes.

An excellent way to exfoliate the skin - totally Home made

Mix yogurt with orange peels and apply of the face. Leave it on for about 15 minutes, and then rinse off with water.


Cure Pimples and Acne with Yogurt



Apply yogurt on your acne daily.The rich zinc content will help to clear your skin.

Apply plain yogurt mixed with lime juice on pimples, leave for 15 minutes, then wash off.



Cure Dandruff and Itchy Scalp with Yogurt



Apply some yogurt on your head, wrap your hair in a towel and then rinse after 15 minutes.Shampoo your hair using a mild shampoo, to get rid of the smell.


Try these home made Yogurt Facials and Packs







For Dry Skin Treatment

Mix a little 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp sandalwood powder and 1 tbsp honey in 1/2 cup yogurt. Apply and leave for 15 minutes, then wash off with water.

Yogurt Skin Care Mask

Mix together 1 egg white, 1 tbsp yogurt, 1 tsp fuller's earth (multani mitti) and 1 tsp honey.Apply on face and neck for cleansing, toning, moisturizing and nourishing benefits all in one!

Yogurt Skin Care for Dry Weather

Mix 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tsp fresh lime juice.Apply on the face for five to 10 minutes, and then rinse off with warm water.





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