Highlights

• Eating curd without adulteration is most beneficial
• Adding salt may reduce the effect of probiotics
• Adding sugar can increase blood sugar

Rishikesh: Yogurt is an important part of the Indian diet and is considered extremely beneficial in terms of nutrition and health. The probiotics, calcium, and protein present in it help in strengthening bones, improving digestion and boosting immunity. But when salt or sugar is added to it, its properties can change. Both science and Ayurveda have different opinions on whether it is right to add salt or sugar to yogurt.

While talking to Local18, Dr Rajkumar (DUM) of Kayakalp Herbal Clinic, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand said that according to both science and Ayurveda, curd is most beneficial in its natural form. From a scientific point of view, adding salt can reduce the effect of probiotics, while sugar can increase blood sugar. Ayurveda says that limited amount of salt is good for digestion, while sugar can increase mucus. Therefore, the best option is to eat curd without any adulteration or take it with healthy options like rock salt, jaggery, honey or fruits. This will help in getting maximum health benefits from it.

Benefits of adding salt to curd

According to Ayurveda, adding salt to curd is considered good for digestion. It helps in increasing appetite, relieving stomach problems and making food more digestible. Especially in summers, adding rock salt to curd is considered beneficial as it cools the body and helps in maintaining electrolyte balance.

Benefits and disadvantages of adding sugar to curd

Adding sugar to curd increases its glycemic index (GI), that is, it is digested faster and can quickly increase blood sugar levels. This can be especially harmful for diabetic patients. Adding sugar makes curd taste sweet, but it can also cause weight gain and metabolic disorders. Even in Ayurveda, eating sugar with curd is not considered completely appropriate. However, eating curd mixed with jaggery or honey is considered beneficial in the summer season, as it cools the body. But adding too much sugar can cause mucus (phlegm) problems and can have a negative effect on the digestive system.

What is the better option?

If health is kept in mind, then the best way is to eat curd without any adulteration. If something has to be added for taste, then rock salt or black salt can be a better option instead of salt. On the other hand, for those who like sweets, it is more beneficial to eat curd with honey, jaggery or fresh fruits instead of sugar. This keeps the nutritional level of curd intact and also provides additional benefits to the body.