Western cultures are starting to pay attention to something that eastern cultures have known for centuries — that gut health is extremely important to overall well-being.
The stomach is responsible for breaking down every food you eat as well as ensuring that your body absorbs nutrients. This, in turn, helps to support your body’s other main functions.
Recent research has proven that your gut microbiome can have profound effects on every one of the body’s organs. As such, a direct link has been made between the health of your gut and your immune system and autoimmune diseases, endocrine disorders including type 2 diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders including irritable bowel syndrome, cardiovascular disease and much more.
That’s why following a healthy and nutritious diet is so important.
Dahi, which is also known as curd, is a dairy product that’s created by fermenting milk with beneficial bacterial cultures. A staple in many Indian households for centuries, it’s also a rich source of nutrients including probiotics, calcium and protein.
Modern science now affirms the health benefits of dahi, which make it such a great addition to any healthy diet.
We’ll describe the role of dahi in gut health in more detail below.
Health Benefits of Dahi
There are numerous health benefits that dahi can provide. This includes boosted immunity, stronger bones and improved digestion.
The fermentation process is what creates the probiotics that dahi is rich in, and they in turn help to maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Studies have also shown that dahi can have a positive impact on heart health, actually reducing the risk of many cardiovascular diseases.
Those looking to lose weight or keep weight off will also welcome the fact that since dahi is high in protein, it can help to reduce hunger pangs.
Dahi and Gut Health
When your gut bacteria is at a good balance, many important bodily functions can be carried out properly. This includes healthy digestion, which dahi is known to promote.
Since curd is rich in probiotics, it helps to alleviate the symptoms of disorders such as IBD and IBS. It’s also known to reduce inflammation in your gut, which can improve overall digestive health.
As modern science now knows, if you want to have a strong immune system, you need to have a healthy gut microbiome. So, consuming foods that help contribute to that is always a good idea.
Blood Pressure and Dahi
High blood pressure has become a major problem of sorts for many people in western cultures. This can have a huge negative impact on health, leading to cardiovascular diseases and early sudden death.
By consuming dahi regularly, you can lower your blood pressure and reduce the risk of you getting cardiovascular diseases. The bioactive properties in dahi have also been shown to have an anti-hypertensive property.
Since high blood pressure is known to be a significant risk factor for both heart disease and stroke, it’s essential that you keep that in check. Whether you’re suffering from hypertension or not, then, dahi can serve as a valuable addition to any balanced diet.
Consuming Curd for Health Benefits
Eating curd on a daily basis can provide you with many health benefits, including boosted immunity and improved digestion. This is because of the fact that it’s a rich source of essential nutrients such as probiotics, calcium and protein.
If you’re looking to manage your weight, curd can help significantly. The high levels of protein in dahi help to reduce hunger and quell cravings.
It’s also been proven to help reduce the risk of chronic diseases including cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.
Dahi and Chronic Diseases
Chronic diseases have become a major problem in many countries in recent years and especially in America. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for instance, estimates that at least 129 million people have at least one chronic disease, and that number is projected to increase to 170 million in just five years.
This is another reason why consuming foods such as dahi is so important. Curd has been shown to have a positive impact on chronic diseases. The probiotics it contains can help to regulate glucose metabolism, which leads to better control of blood sugar.
It can also reduce the risk of osteoporosis, as it is a rich source of both vitamin D and calcium. And since it aids in digestion, consuming dahi regularly can reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Dahi and Immunity
Immunity came into hyper-focus during the COVID-19 pandemic. More and more people realize the importance of the immune system and the role that it plays in reducing the risk of diseases and infections.
Dahi is one of those powerful foods that can boost the body’s immune response. Its probiotics help to maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for building and maintaining a strong immune system.
Not only that, but it helps to reduce inflammation, which, if not regulated, can also lead to the development of chronic diseases. All in all, daily consumption of dahi can help to reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases.
Dahi and Overall Well-being
Dahi is valued in Indian culture not just for the benefits it provides to physical health but for what it can do for mental well-being, too. Probiotics are extremely beneficial because they promote a healthy gut-brain connection, which helps to reduce anxiety and stress.
Regular consumption of dahi can improve skin health, reducing the appearance of dead skin cells and promoting a more “natural glow.” It also reduces hair loss and overall hair health.
Best Way to Eat Dahi
One of the great parts about dahi is that it’s such a versatile food. It can be eaten plain, with additives such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, or as an ingredient in many different recipes.
In Indian cuisine, it is used as a base for dips, for side dishes that can cool off spicy main dishes and even in cool beverages that are consumed on hot summer days. It’s also used to tenderize meats.
If you’ve never consumed dahi before, it’s best to eat it in moderation — as is the case with any food. Excessive consumption of curd can actually lead to lactose intolerance.
No matter what diet you follow, dahi can be added to give a delicious and nutritious balance, providing you with numerous health benefits. Make sure that whatever dahi you choose is high quality and rich in probiotics and essential nutrients.
Integrate Dahi into Your Diet for Amazing Health Benefits
Dahi, or curd, is a nutritious food that provides numerous health benefits, from boosted immunity to improved digestion. It’s rich in essential nutrients such as probiotics, calcium and protein.
Regularly consuming dahi can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This is why it can be a valuable addition to any balanced diet, promoting overall health and well-being.
