Curd, a staple in many households, is enjoyed in various forms, often with either a pinch of salt or a dash of sugar. Whether you're reaching for it to complement a meal or satisfy a sweet craving, curd offers more than just flavour as it brings numerous health benefits. But how does the addition of salt or sugar impact its effects on your body? We spoke to our expert Eshanka Wahi, Culinary Nutritionist and Holistic Wellness Coach, Founder, Eat Clean with Eshanka, who helped us understand the key differences between curd with salt and sugar.
According to a 2018 study, curd is a dairy product, white in colour, formed through bacterial fermentation. Regular consumption of fresh curd can help prevent certain diseases due to its rich nutrients and probiotic content. As a functional food, it enhances natural and acquired immunity while improving stamina. Curd, a rich source of probiotics, introduces beneficial and healthy microflora to the digestive system.
When consumed with salt or sugar, the taste and some of the effects on your body can differ.
Curd with Salt
Adding salt to curd gives it a savoury edge, making it an ideal accompaniment to meals. In many households, salted curd is paired with rice, rotis, or added to raitas. But what does the salt do to curd beyond taste? Here’s what our expert has to say:
- Digestive Impact: Salt can stimulate the digestive system and enhance the probiotic effects of curd. It aids in better digestion and can help prevent bloating, making it a good option for people who experience digestive discomfort after meals.
- Electrolyte Balance: Salt is an important source of sodium, which is essential for maintaining the body’s electrolyte balance. This can be especially beneficial in hot climates or after a workout, where you may lose sodium through sweat. Having curd with salt can help replenish those lost electrolytes.
- Taste: From a taste perspective, curd with salt is a savoury delight that can complement various dishes, providing a refreshing balance to spicy or rich foods.
Curd with Sugar
For those with a sweet tooth, adding sugar to curd transforms it into a dessert-like treat. Sweetened curd is commonly found in desserts like shrikhand or simply eaten on its own. But how does this sugary addition affect your body?
- Taste: Sugar makes curd sweet, which can make it more palatable for those who prefer a sweet taste. It's often used in desserts like shrikhand or sweetened yoghurt.
- Energy Boost: Sugar in curd provides an immediate spike in blood sugar, making it a quick energy source. This can be helpful if you're feeling low on energy or need a quick pick-me-up. However, it's worth noting that this spike is temporary and may not be ideal for those managing blood sugar levels, such as individuals with diabetes.
- Impact on Gut Health: While sugar doesn’t directly harm the probiotics in curd, excessive sugar consumption over time can contribute to an imbalance in gut flora. This means that while an occasional serving of curd with sugar is fine, regular consumption could have a long-term impact on your digestive health.
Nutritional Consideration
The choice between curd with salt or sugar also depends on your nutritional goals.
- Calorie Content: Curd with sugar will have more calories due to the added sugars. If you're watching your calorie intake or trying to maintain a balanced diet, you may want to limit the amount of sugar you add to curd.
- Suitability: If you're following a low-sodium diet, curd with salt might not be the best choice. On the other hand, curd with sugar may not be suitable for those managing conditions like diabetes or for individuals trying to cut down on added sugars.
Ayurvedic Perspective
“In Ayurveda, it's often recommended to consume curd with salt during the day for better digestion, while curd with sugar is sometimes suggested to be avoided at night as it may lead to indigestion or increase kapha dosha,” added Wahi.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]