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- like 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 like L. fermentum, L. acidophilus, L. confusus, and Leconostoc lactis is 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 that of probiotics.

The benefits of probiotic vary for different bacterial strains. The health perks of adding probiotics to your diet include better digestion, boost immunity, and maintains the 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 heals an upset stomach.

Boosts Immune System

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

Bestows Healthy Skin

Curd exhibits a natural moisturizing effect on your skin and eases to heal your dry skin naturally. Acne is very common with people suffering from gastrointestinal issues, curd helps in promoting 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 that 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 and phosphorous. These significantly fortify bones, by increasing their density and power, as well as make 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 the 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 multiplies itself in the correct medium of 30-40 C temperature and in a few hours ferments the milk to form curd. Curd is an abundant source of calcium; protein and it is beneficial for those suffering from lactose intolerance.

Yogurt

Yogurt is 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 also 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 good bacteria it is immensely valuable to boost gut health.