Do you know your favorite cucumber raita might not be as healthy as it sounds? According to Ayurveda, while curd is often considered a healthy, probiotic-rich food, we usually overlook specific rules around its consumption.
Let's look at the Ayurvedic perspective on curd—what foods to avoid with curd, the best time to eat it, and who should be cautious about including curd in their diet.
Why is Curd Healthy?
Curd, also known as "dahi," is praised in Ayurveda for its digestive properties. It's cooling and can nourish the body when consumed correctly. However, unlike yogurt, curd is considered heavy to digest, and improper consumption can lead to imbalances in the body's doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). Ayurveda stresses that curd can be beneficial or harmful depending on how, when, and what is consumed.
6 Reasons Why You are Eating in a Wrong Way
Ayurveda strongly emphasises food compatibility, and curd comes with its own set of dos and don’ts. Additionally, there are certain wrong ways of taking curd that might be harmful for you. Read here to know what you are doing wrong while eating curd.
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Fruits: Mixing curd with fruits is common, especially in smoothies or fruit bowls, but Ayurveda advises against this combination. Fruits and curd can produce toxins in the body and disturb digestion.
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Fish: People generally ask if we can eat curd and fish together. Ayurveda strictly prohibits this. Both curd and fish are considered heavy foods in Ayurveda. Combined, they can lead to digestive issues and an imbalance in the doshas.
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Milk: Can we eat curd and milk together? Despite being dairy products, milk and curd should never be eaten together. They have different properties that can hinder digestion and cause discomfort.
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Heating Curd: We often add curd to our curry or gravy to enhance the taste. However, do you know that consuming curd in cooked dishes, like in some curries or gravies, is not recommended by Ayurveda? Heating curd can reduce its health benefits and cause digestive disturbances.
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Cucumber: People often enjoy cucumber and curd together, especially in the form of raita. However, Ayurveda does not favor this combo. As cucumber and curd have opposing properties, their combination can harm your system and lead to fever and skin diseases.
- Eating curd at Night: Ayurveda recommends avoiding curd during the night. Since curd is heavy and cooling, it can aggravate the Kapha dosha when eaten at night, leading to issues like congestion, indigestion, and sluggishness.
4 Foods That Can Be Taken with Curd
On the other hand, certain foods can be combined with curd without any issues, enhancing both taste and health benefits. Here are four foods that can be taken with curd:
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Spices: Curd goes well with cumin, black pepper, and coriander. These help balance the heaviness of curd, making it easier to digest. Remember, not all spices go well with curd; according to Ayurveda, chilli peppers, heavily spiced dishes, and curd are the wrong food combinations.
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Honey: Honey can be paired with curd, but ensuring it’s raw and unheated is essential.
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Rice: A common dish in Indian households, curd and rice are an Ayurvedic-approved combination. The balance of grains and curd can be soothing for digestion. It is best to eat curd rice early in the morning so that the later morning kapha value (heaviness) is not strong.
- Lentils: Adding curd to dishes with lentils can balance the heaviness of the legumes, making the meal easier to digest.
What is the Best Time to Eat Curd?
Timing is critical when it comes to consuming curd. The best time to eat curd is during the day, preferably at lunchtime when your digestive fire (Agni) is vital. Eating curd during the day allows your body to process it more efficiently, reducing the risk of digestive problems.
Who Should Avoid Curd?
Curd may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with certain health conditions or dosha imbalances. Here’s a quick guide on who should avoid it:
- People with Kapha Imbalance: If you have a Kapha constitution or are experiencing a Kapha imbalance (symptoms like weight gain, congestion, or lethargy), curd can exacerbate these conditions due to its heavy and cooling nature.
- Those with Cough and Cold: Since curd is mucus-forming, people suffering from respiratory issues, such as a cough, cold, or asthma, should avoid it as it can worsen the symptoms.
- Individuals with Joint Pain: Curd can increase inflammation and aggravate joint pain in people with arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
- During Periods: It’s best to avoid curd during menstruation as curd can increase the Pitta dosha and lead to heavy bleeding, causing further discomfort.
Conclusion
Curd is healthy when consumed correctly, but timing and food combinations are crucial to getting its full benefits.
This blog is only for informational purposes and should not be replaced by professional medical advice.
