Yogurt has been incorporated into Indian cuisine for centuries now. It’s an essential ingredient that is eaten on its own, used to marinate meats and added to everything from cooling dips to refreshing drinks.
Known as dahi, and referred to as curd, the Indian version is much different than what you find in a typical American grocery store. It’s a fermented milk product that is rich in essential nutrients such as probiotics, calcium and more.
It has a sour taste that is also different from other commercial yogurts, and is high in lactic acid bacteria. This has been known to aid in digestive health and have the ability to boost the immune system.
Dahi has also been a staple in Ayurvedic diets for centuries. While some of the traditions of how dahi is used and prepared for Ayurvedic diets is different from other diets, it’s still extremely versatile and can be consumed in various ways, including as a side dish, snack or ingredient in other recipes.
Benefits of Consuming Curd in an Ayurvedic Diet
According to the Ayurveda, consuming curd is a great way to promote digestive health while boosting the immune system. That’s because it includes essential nutrients such as vitamins, calcium and protein — all of which can aid in overall well-being and health.
Not only that, but consuming curd can help to minimize other processed foods in your diet. Those processed foods have been proven to lead to significant health problems, so it’s always best to avoid them whenever possible.
Curd, meanwhile, can also promote the formation of healthy muscle tissue and aid with weight management.
How to Consume Dahi in an Ayurvedic Diet
As mentioned, Ayurveda has certain rules when it comes to consuming dahi that don’t apply to other diets. It’s always recommended to eat dahi in moderation as well as at the right time.
Ayurveda suggests not to eat curd at night, as doing so can lead to digestive issues that can disrupt your sleep. This is because dahi is a heavier food item, and your digestive system isn’t as active at night as it is during the day.
In addition, there are certain foods that you should avoid eating in combination with curd. For instance, you shouldn’t eat sour fruits with curd, as this can lead to an imbalance in your digestive system.
Instead, it’s recommended to combine curd with whole foods such as whole grains, vegetables and some fruits. This will help your digestive health rather than be a detriment to it.
Best Time to Eat Dahi
Ayurveda suggests that the best time to eat curd is in the morning or the early afternoon. That’s because these are the times when your digestive system is most active, which can promote positive digestive health and a boost to the immune system.
Curd takes longer to digest than some foods, which is why it’s recommended to avoid eating it at night. When your body is going to be active and awake for many hours — as it is in the morning or early afternoon — it has plenty of time to properly process the curd and use the vital nutrients that it has in the best way.
Eating Curd for Optimal Health
If you want to eat curd for optimal health, Ayurvedic diets say you need to follow some simple rules. In addition to the ones listed above, certain people should avoid eating curd.
This includes if you have any underlying health conditions such as allergies or digestive issues. Because curd triggers mucus to be secreted, it can result in adverse effects for people who suffer from asthma, for example.
It’s suggested to only eat curd in moderation, which means not eating it every day. Instead, you can try consuming churned buttermilk, which you can add certain spices to, including cumin, black pepper and rock salt.
Ayurvedic diets also believe that curd isn’t compatible with fish and meat. So, even though it’s often used with these proteins in Indian cuisine, it’s not suggested for an Ayurvedic diet.
Traditional Ayurvedic Recipes Using Dahi
Even though there are rules about how you should eat curd according to an Ayurvedic diet, it’s also a valued food for its therapeutic and nutritional properties. That’s why there are many ways to consume it in various traditional Ayurvedic recipes.
It can be used both as a main ingredient or a dish unto itself. Some of the most popular dishes in which dahi is used include curries, soups and salads. It adds a rich texture and tangy flavor to anything that it’s added to.
As such, it can be used plain and served as a topping for other dishes, including whole gains, vegetables and rice.
Preparing Dahi for Regular Use
The best way to prepare dahi for regular use is to make it at home. To do so, you will need a starter culture, which can be purchased online or at a specialty store.
You’ll heat milk and then add your starter culture to it. Once it has been mixed, you’ll allow it to set and ferment for several hours before it’s ready to be served.
After the dahi is prepared and ready for use, you can serve it immediately or even store it in the refrigerator for as long as one week. It’s not recommended to freeze dahi, as it tends to separate once it’s thawed.
Ayurvedic Type of Dahi
Despite the restrictions on how dahi can be consumed according to an Ayurvedic diet, there are still various types of dahi that are recommended. Some of the most popular are plain dahi, probiotic dahi and flavored dahi.
What type you use will depend on your personal flavor preferences as well as the type of dish you’re using it as part of. The great part about dahi in an Ayurvedic diet is that it’s still very versatile and can be consumed in many different ways.
Side Effects of Consuming Dahi
Dahi is a healthy food, but if you consume it in excess, you may experience certain side effects. Some of the most common side effects include bloating, gas and other digestive issues.
Since it can also be high in fat and calories, it’s best to eat it in moderation, as consuming too much can actually lead to weight gain.
Who Can Consume Dahi?
Dahi is a food that can be consumed by anyone, regardless of their age or health status.
That being said, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before you consume dahi if you have an underlying health condition. This includes asthma or certain bleeding disorders, as some of the properties of dahi can actually exacerbate your condition rather than aiding it.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women can benefit greatly from dahi because it’s so rich in essential nutrients. And it’s vital that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding get all of the nutrients they need so they can pass them onto their babies both inside and outside of the womb.
How to Incorporate Dahi into Your Daily Routine
If you’re new to dahi, it’s best to start consuming it in small amounts. Even if you’re adhering to an Ayurvedic diet, you should begin by adding it to breakfast or lunch foods and then gradually increasing how much you consume over time.
To get the biggest benefits in digestive health, combine dahi with whole foods such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
Dahi is the Perfect Food for an Ayurvedic Diet
Dahi is an extremely healthy food that promotes digestive health and boosts the immune system. That’s why it’s so valued in the Ayurvedic diet, as long as you follow the simple rules that are laid out.
When consuming dahi in an Ayurvedic diet, it’s best to avoid eating curd at night and only eat it in moderation. Combining dahi with whole foods can also boost your digestive health even further, giving you the most “bang for your buck” when it comes to packing your body with essential nutrients.
By incorporating dahi properly into your daily routine, you can benefit from the immense advantages that the food has to offer.
