Benefits of Yogurt

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

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

There are many kinds (plain and flavoured) 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 at home, you can buy yogurt culture packs from the supermarket and follow the instructions given, to make a wonderful yogurt at home.

What makes curd 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 curd 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 it reduces the level of lactose.

Yogurt / Curd and Good Health

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

1) Friendly bacteria promote digestive health and boost the immune system. Curd With Active Cultures Helps the Gut.

2) Yogurt with active cultures may help certain gastrointestinal conditions like constipation, diarrhea, colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.

3) Good bacteria prevent imbalances in the body's yeast levels, which can prevent various types of yeast infections.

4) Prevents urinary tract infections.

5) If you are taking antibiotics, they may be destroying the good bacteria present in your body. Eating yogurt regularly can help restore your good bacteria levels.

6)Prevents Osteoporosis

7) It 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.

8) May Reduce the Risk of High Blood Pressure.

How to incorporate Yogurt in your daily diet

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

* Eat Raita (a yogurt dip) - Add fresh fruits or vegetables to the yogurt, flavour it with herbs and spices and eat it along with your food.

* Replace your regular mayonnaise with a yogurt based healthy mayonnaise.

* 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. A bowl of low fat curd is healthy, filling and low in calories.

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

Yogurt based home remedies

1) Having Indigestion? Don't worry. Treat it with Yogurt.
Yogurt remedy for Indigestion or heaviness in stomach.

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.

2) To Subside 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.

3) 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

* Cure your pimples and acne.

* Cures dandruff and itchy scalp.

* Treats dry skin and removes blemishes.

* Use yogurt for a soft, clear and supple skin.