A probiotic is a food substance that contains and promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in your body. Some of the probiotic foods are yoghurt, curd, fermented vegetables (sauerkraut- soaked in vinegar, pickled), fermented cheese (cheddar and Swiss) and sour pickles.

The curd is a milk product that contains the sugar lactose and protein casein. The Lactobacillus bacteria grow on lactose and produce lactic acid as a byproduct of fermentation. The lactic acid produced decreases the pH of the milk, which curdles the milk protein casein.

Homemade curd contains several species of the Lactobacillus,s as L. fermentum, L. acidophilus, L. confusus, and Leuconostoc lactis are also present in curd prepared at home.

Curd chiefly contains the lactic acid bacteria genus that converts lactose into lactic acid. A probiotic, on the other hand, is loaded with a wide variety of beneficial bacteria. Though curd is not truly probiotic, its benefits are very similar to those of probiotics.

The benefits of probiotics vary for different bacterial strains. The health perks of adding probiotics to your diet include better digestion, boosting immunity, and maintaining calcium levels in bones.

Spectacular Health Benefits Of Homemade Curd In Daily Diet:

Promotes Gut Health And Digestion

Curd is a great probiotic that contains good beneficial bacteria known to promote gut activity, soothe the inflamed digestive system, and heal an upset stomach.

Boosts Immune System

The live bacteria found in curd fight disease-causing germs and keep the gut and intestinal health protected. Evidence also proves the claims that curd, as a probiotic, is as potent in boosting immunity as popping pills.

Bestows Healthy Skin

Curd exhibits a natural moisturizing effect on your skin and eases your dry skin naturally. Acne is very common in people suffering from gastrointestinal issues. Curd helps promote active gut health, which leads to healthy and radiant skin. It is a wonderful ingredient used widely for various beauty packs as it is loaded with lactic acid, which functions as an excellent exfoliator that clears off all dead cells and blemishes.

Strengthens Bones And Joints

Curd is rich in the vital minerals of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus. These significantly fortify bones by increasing their density and power, as well as making the joints more flexible and teeth very sturdy. Having a small portion of curd as part of the daily diet bolsters the connective tissues and reduces the chances of acquiring debilitating conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis in later years.

Lowers High Blood Pressure

Imbued with beneficial proteins as well as the crucial mineral potassium, curd confers wonderful merits in regulating blood pressure and uplifting heart functions. Potassium aids in eliminating excess salts from the body, thereby decreasing the tension in the cardiac muscles and effectively tackling high BP. Consuming a measured amount of non-fat yoghurt along with meals regularly alleviates symptoms of hypertension for a healthy heart.

Remedies Vaginal Infections

The host of advantageous microbes in curd not only augment digestion by ensuring optimal gut flora, but also thwart vaginal yeast infections in women. Particularly, one strain of microorganism known as Lactobacillus acidophilus, which is present in vast quantities in yoghurt, destroys the harmful yeast growths in the vicinity of the vagina by synthesizing hydrogen peroxide. This suppresses the infectious germs in the vagina and resolves pain, discomfort.

The Difference Between Curd And Yogurt

Curd

Curd is made by boiling and cooling milk and then adding a teaspoon of curd. The curd contains lactic acid bacteria known as Lactobacillus, which multiply in the correct medium of 30-40 °C temperature and a few hours, ferment the milk to form curd. Curd is an abundant source of calcium and protein, and it is beneficial for those suffering from lactose intolerance.

Yogurt

Yogurt is the same as curd, the only variation is that the fermentation of milk is done by adding 2 specific strains of bacteria called Lactobacillus Bulgaris and Streptococcus Thermophilus. Also, other strains of lactic acid bacteria may be added in addition to these in yogurt. The addition of these bacteria makes it standardised and homogenous, which guarantees good quality and quantity of bacteria in the yogurt. Furthermore, packed with the goodness of probiotics, it is immensely valuable to boost gut health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Homemade Curd Have Probiotics?

Curd prepared at home is also a great source of probiotics.  These are live beneficial bacteria, primarily Lactobacillus species, that promote gut health. When milk is fermented to make curd, the natural bacteria multiply, enhancing its probiotic content.

Is Homemade Curd Good for Health?

Homemade curd offers numerous health benefits:

The probiotics support gut flora and improve digestion.

A diet rich in probiotics strengthens the immune system.

Curd is an abundant source of calcium, protein, and vitamins like B12.

The process of fermentation reduces lactose, making it easier to digest.

Does Desi Dahi Have Probiotics?

Yes, Desi Dahi (traditional Indian curd) is a natural source of probiotics. It is typically made by fermenting milk with a small amount of curd from a previous batch, which contains live bacteria. These probiotics support gut health, enhance digestion, and improve nutrient absorption.

Is Homemade Yogurt Higher In Probiotics?

Mostly yes, as it typically contains more live cultures and fewer preservatives than store-bought versions.

What Food Is Highest In Probiotics?

Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, and miso are among the highest in probiotics.

What Are The Benefits Of Homemade Curd?

Rich in calcium and protein, homemade curd can help to fortify bone health, improve digestion, boost immunity, ty and aid gut health.

What Is The Difference Between Normal Curd And Probiotic Curd?

Probiotic curd is enriched with specific strains of beneficial bacteria, while normal curd has naturally occurring cultures.

Can I Eat 200 g of Curd Daily?

Yes, 200g daily is generally safe and beneficial for most people unless lactose intolerant.

How To Eat Curd According To Ayurveda?

Ayurveda recommends eating curd in the daytime, mixed with spices like black pepper, and avoiding it at night.

Which Vitamin Is Present In Curd?

Curd is rich in Vitamin B12, along with B2 (riboflavin) and small amounts of Vitamin A and D.

How Much Protein Is In 250 Grams Of Homemade Curd?

Homemade curd has approximately nine to ten grams of protein, depending on the milk used.

(Preeti Sharma, Wellness Expert, reviews this article)

Author Profile:

M Sowmya Binu:

With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics, including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.

References:

Probiotic curd as an antibacterial agent against pathogens causing oral deformities – in vitro microbiological study

Sarika Balaganesh 1, Pradeep Kumar 1, A S Smiline Girija 1, Pradeep Kumar Rathinavelu 1,

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9926605/

Probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria present in homemade curd in southern India

Ramadass Balamurugan 1, Aarthi Sophia Chandragunasekaran 1, Gowri Chellappan 1, Krithika Rajaram 1, Gayathri Ramamoorthi 1, Balakrishnan S Ramakrishna 1,

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4248380/