“BUTTERMILK v/s CURDS…battle of choices!!!”

Buttermilk and Curds are the milk products and are the important inclusions of our diet especially in India.Some tell that the buttermilk is good for health and some others tell that curds are better. Even when it comes to the topic so as to which is harmful…the opinions change. This battle of choices between the preferences of buttermilk and curds is not an issue of current day…but has been on table since ancient past. This may be backed up with beliefs, myths, practices of individuals and families, preferences, medical advices…and many more things.

Ok….we shall not beat around the bush and see what medical science and particularly Ayurveda has to say about this.

Though Buttermilk and Curds are similar in their origin, they do differ in composition and benefits. According to Ayurveda, the churning(Manthana) process involved in making Buttermilk makes it different from that of curds.

Buttermilk:

Composition and Nutrient Values of Buttermilk:

To start with lets try to know about the composition and nutrient values of the Buttermilk. They are as below said-

*Buttermilk is rich in Calcium, Pottassium, Vitamin B12 and Lactic Acid.

* Each 100 grams of Buttermilk consists of the Nutrient Values in below mentioned proportions-

• Energy – 40 kcal
• Carbohydrates – 4.8 gms
• Fat – 0.9 gms
• Protein – 3.3 gms
• Calcium – 116 mgs

Read more about Buttermilk here……

When Buttermilk should be preffered?

• The buttermilk can be used even when there is less appettite
• Obese people and all those who want to put down their weight should preferably include buttermilk in their diet.
• Buttermilk is considered as AMRITA or celestial nectar of immortality especially if used during SheetaKala(cold seasons). In this season the buttermilk from which the butter has not been separated should be taken into use.
• Buttemilk is easily digestable and also low in fat content. So it can be consumed even during night times.

When to avoid Buttermilk?

• Buttermilk should not be given to the emaciated persons or a child who is suffering from malnourishment.
• Avoid buttermilk after a long stay in hospital or after a long spell of illness.
• Avoid buttermilk in extreme hot seasons.

Curds:

Composition and Nutrient Values of Curds:

Nutritional Value of Curd (150 gm of curd)

 

 

Nutrients	Whole Curd	Low-fat Curd
Calories	163	85
Carbohydrates	23.6 g	11 g
Proteins	7.7 g	7.7 g
Saturated Fats	4.2 g	1.2 g
Unsaturated Fats	2.3 g	0.8 g
Calcium	240 mg	285 mg

 

 

Health & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Yogurt 

• Consumption of yogurt or curd has been associated with strengthening of the immune system.
• One serving of yogurt per day is said to be beneficial for those suffering from osteoporosis.
• Low-fat or skim curd is good for people who are suffering from higher levels of cholesterol.
• Even those who are lactose-intolerant can consume yogurt, as bacteria present in it breaks down the lactose before it enters your body.
• The bacteria in curd can help digest food and thus, alleviate the problem of stomach infection.
• Those suffering from vaginal infection have also been found to have benefited from yogurt.
• Studies have suggested that consumption of curd might help reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
• The active culture of yogurt has been found to be beneficial in case of constipation and colon cancer.
• Curd is also said to be helpful in treating inflammatory bowel disease and H. pylori infection.
• Yogurt helps you feel fuller and is thus, a very good snack for those trying to lose weight.
• Being rich in calcium, curd is good for the health of bones as well as the teeth.
• Eating yogurt on a regular basis can help you absorb the nutrients in other foods as well.

In Ayurveda Curds are called ‘Dadhi’ Let us now see what are the benefits of curds as said in Ayurveda.

When Curds should be preffered?(Benefits of curds):

• It is very palatable and good for children and lactating mothers
• It gives strength, satiety, comfort, relaxation and plesantness to mind
• Patients suffering from long standing weakness or fatigue should preferably take curds with sugar and ghee
• It is an ideal drink during rainy season and monsoons

When to avoid Curds?

• Curds should preferably avoided during night time.
• Avoid curd when there is loss of appetite
• Beware!!!!!……Curds may precipitate the problems of Obesity and Overweight
• Avoid curds during fever due to winter seasons(fevers which occur due to the effect of cold during winter)
• Avoid curds during acute running nose and in the presence of cough with expectoration of plhlegm

External use of Curds: Curd is a natural bleaching agent which is used in skin lightening therapy(especially in pigmentation disorders) and as a moisturiser.

Now…Which is betterr….Buttermilk or Curds???

It is not a comlicated question though….!!!

After seeing the above said evidences from the most ancient and the most modern concepts it can be concluded that when used in their areas of limitations both buttermilk and curds are equally beneficial. Care should be taken to use them according to recomendations and to avoid them where they are indicated not to be used. None should be taken either in excess nor in defecit.

Dont depend on myths?????

Your family doctor should be the best person to advice you so as to what is beneficial for you and when……

If you dont have one dont hesitate to discuss with me…….

Blog by…………………Dr ManasaRaghu

You are free to contact me at: +91-9480071322

Write to me at: drmanasaraghu@gmail.com

 

“Sarve Janaaha Sukhino Bhavantu……….Sarve Santu Niramaya”

“May Everybody Live Happily……….May Eerybody Live Disease Free and Healthy”