Unlocking the Power of Curd for Weight Loss: A Nutrient-Packed Addition to Your Diet

Curd, also known as dahi, has been an integral part of our culture and cuisine. It has been a tradition to have curd with sugar before leaving for any critical task. Whether consumed with rice or parathas, used as an ingredient in other dishes, or enjoyed independently, curd is a popular food item in every Indian kitchen. It can instantly enhance the taste of any dish. Curd is excellent for Digestion, lowering cholesterol levels, controlling blood pressure, and providing essential calcium and Protein. It is low in carbohydrates but rich in protein and calcium dietary item that is also an outstanding probiotic. From Ayurveda to our mothers and grandmothers, everyone has told us about the benefits of curd. But still, many of us must know that curd is also a weight loss superfood. However, curd use for a weight loss diet has recently grabbed everyone’s attention.

Excess weight gain or obesity is increasingly becoming a common health concern these days. This can be attributed to factors like poor sleep habits, high-stress levels, a sedentary lifestyle, and the fast-paced nature of contemporary living. Obesity never troubles me alone. It often leads to various other health concerns and impacts our daily lives. It puts excess pressure on our hearts and lungs and affects our ability to perform routine tasks.

Additionally, it breaks our hearts when we cannot wear our preferred clothing because we fear people’s comments and mean stares. Unfortunately, some individuals with obesity even resort to extreme dieting and consuming bland food, which only exacerbates their situation. However, incorporating curd or yoghurt into your diet can help you lose weight deliciously. It would not even be an exaggeration to say that including curd in a weight loss diet plan is indispensable.

Curd for Weight Loss – A Delicious Journey to a Healthier You

Curd is an excellent fat burner. Including curd in a weight loss diet aiming for low calories helps shed more weight than a diet without Protein and calcium. Let us look at some incredible ways in which curd is helpful for weight loss and managing healthy body weight.

• Improves overall Digestion

Curd is known to aid in Digestion due to its probiotic properties. It contains a type of lactic acid bacteria that is great for producing good bacteria in our stomach, which is beneficial for our gut health. Our gut plays a vital role in our immunity, as almost 70% depends on our gut. Curd creates an acidic environment in the small intestine by raising lactic acid levels, which is crucial for adequate calcium absorption. Additionally, curd can help manage irregular bowel movement and waste disposal, thus relieving constipation and boosting digestion, and healing an upset stomach. This, in turn, prevents excess fat accumulation in the body. By making our gut healthy, curd contributes to quick weight loss.

• Calcium-rich curd for weight loss

Calcium, found in curd, is crucial for developing healthy bones and teeth. It helps regulate BMI( body mass index), which helps attain an appropriate height-to-weight ratio.

A calcium-rich diet has been proven to reduce excessive weight gain significantly. By using calcium-loaded curd for weight loss, our body reduces the production of cortisol hormone. This, in turn, reduces the accumulation of fat deposits in various parts of our body. Having a single bowl of curd daily is enough to satiate our daily calcium requirements.

• Terrific source of Protein

Curd contains even more Protein than milk. By consuming a high-protein diet, you may feel less hungry and naturally have less urge to eat fewer calories. Protein in curd will give your body the energy it requires to stay active and going throughout the day. Curd helps burn more calories and build lean muscle mass. Being a very healthy and tasty source of high Protein, curd is highly recommended for a weight loss diet.

• Benefit of Curd in Weight Loss with its Mineral Wealth

Curd is an excellent source of vital minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, Vitamin B12, and B2. These minerals are essential in regulating blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels, and promoting overall health. The potent combination of potassium and magnesium in curd helps drain excess fluids from the cells and flush out toxins from the body. Magnesium found in curd manages insulin function and glucose storage. Curd keeps your body’s magnesium levels under control, which is a powerful aid for weight loss.

• Improved Metabolism

Curd improves our metabolism because of its probiotic nature and nutrient content. The Protein in the curd keeps your tummy full for longer, preventing sudden hunger pangs and helping in mindful eating. Due to its fantastic character of curbing such hunger, the use of curd for weight loss is gaining much popularity. People include smoothies, raitas and other curd preparations to control their guilt of eating between meals.

•  Lactose-free curd for weight loss

Milk is a wholesome option for individuals pursuing a low-fat diet for their weight loss goals. However, people with lactose resistance cannot consume milk and milk products. For such individuals, curd is an advantageous option. It is low in calories and carbs, and being lactose-free, curd fulfils the need for all the vitamins and minerals in milk. Curd is formed by the fermentation process that converts lactose in milk into lactic acid and makes curd a good probiotic. Therefore, lactose-sensitive individuals should consider including curd in their weight loss meal plan.

FAQ’s:

What is the best time to eat curd?

According to Ayurveda, one should consume curd only in the morning or afternoon. Avoiding night-time consumption of curd is advisable to prevent excess mucus production. This can irritate asthmatic and cold or cough patients.

Can curd substitute milk?

Curd can be a good substitute for milk as it is a rich source of calcium and Protein. It is an ideal choice for people with lactose intolerance.

Is curd good for weight loss?

Curd is an excellent weight-loss food, rich in calcium and Protein. It’s also a natural probiotic, low in calories and carbohydrates. Curd regulates the hunger hormones and helps manage metabolism. Moreover, it’s beneficial in preserving muscle mass while losing weight, making it an excellent choice.

How do you include curd in your diet for weight loss?

Numerous healthy and delicious ways to incorporate curd into your weight loss diet exist. For instance, you can have it with overnight-soaked oats by adding a pinch of black salt and pepper. Also, you can have curd by mixing fresh and dry fruits for added flavour and nutrition. South Indian-style curd rice is also a healthy way of eating curd. If you want something sweet, try having curd with some honey or jaggery powder. It can be consumed as buttermilk with black salt, roasted cumin powder, and dried pudina leaves. It can also be used to make smoothies. The healthiest way to eat curd is by adding honey, nuts, fruits, and cereals. You can consume curd in any of the above ways and experience the taste and skillfulness of curd for weight loss.

Can you eat curd daily?

Yes, curd should be an essential part of our everyday diet. According to experts, 2-3 servings of fat-free, unsweetened curd can be consumed daily. But always keep in mind that moderation is the key. Excess of everything couldn’t be better. So, overconsumption should be avoided.

How to choose the right type of curd for weight loss?

Homemade curd from cow’s milk is best for low-fat, healthy consumption. But if you are buying it from the store, buy only plain, unsweetened, and fat-free curd.

Conclusion: 

Curd can be an excellent choice for your weight loss diet. It’s packed with all the essential nutrients, including calcium and Protein. It is also a wonderful probiotic. These features make it an excellent fat burner for Digestion and metabolism. Curd makes maintaining a healthy BMI easy and prevents overeating. This speeds up the weight loss process. Curd is great for weight loss and healthy living. So, don’t hesitate to add this nutritious food item to your diet today and experience its significant benefits.

Dietitian Rukhsana Azhar

Hello My Name is Dt. Ruksana Azhar and I am a certified dietician and providing online & offline services for Weight Management, PCOS/PCOD Management, Diabetes Management ,  etc. I have 12+ years of experience in the Apollo Hospital Delhi , Max Super Specialty Hospital Delhi, Lilavati Hospital Mumbai and VLCC healthcare Mumbai. I  loves to write healthcare and lifestyle related blog. My favorite part of being a doctor is the opportunity to directly improve the health and wellbeing of my patients and to develop professional and personal relationships with them.