Curd, or yoghurt, is a staple in Indian cuisine and is usually enjoyed with dishes like paratha (flatbread), rice, and even vegetables. Made by fermenting milk with beneficial bacteria, curd helps your stomach work smoothly and efficiently. It contains probiotic properties that can help you lose weight loss, improve digestion, boost immunity, and more. While curd can be consumed plain, most people enjoy it with salt or sugar. Both salt and sugar enhance curd flavour in different ways, is it a good idea to do so? Or is one better than the other? Let us find out.

What is the difference between curd with sugar and curd with salt?

While curd is super healthy and nutritious, adding sugar and salt can have negative impacts on your health. Here’s how they are different from each other:

Curd with sugar

Curd is enjoyed by many people around the world due to its rich array of nutrients like calcium, protein, vitamins, and probiotics. Being one of the most widely consumed fermented dairy products, curd is known to support digestion, improve bone health, and boost immunity. Since consuming plain curd tastes tart or sour, many people add sugar to it to enhance the flavour. While adding sugar makes curd more enjoyable and may be beneficial for people with higher calorie demands, it is not a healthy choice.

Excessive consumption of sugar can take a toll on your heart health Image courtesy: Freepik

It is important to note that consuming curd with sugar can be problematic for people who are trying to lose weight and have diabetes. In fact, excessive sugar intake is linked to various health issues, including obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart disease, according to a study published in Clinical Diabetes. The key is balance! Enjoy sweetened curd in moderation while also following a healthy diet.

Curd with salt

Adding salt to curd is more common than adding sugar because it can make food taste better. We know that curd is rich in calcium, protein, and probiotics, which are great for digestion, muscle growth, etc. But adding salt to curd increases the sodium content, which has its own pros and cons. It balances the tangy nature of curd and adding a pinch of salt does not cause any harm. However, excessive salt intake can contribute to hypertension (high blood pressure) and other health issues, as found in a study published by Nutrients. Therefore, you must keep a check on your overall salt intake throughout the day.

Curd with salt or curd with sugar: What is the difference?

Curd can be either enjoyed with salt or sugar. Each offers its own unique flavour and side effects. On one hand, curd with salt is a savory delight that reduces the tanginess of the yoghurt. It is not only refreshing and cooling, especially during those sweltering days but it can also help replenish electrolytes lost through sweat, making it a great choice for hydration and balance.

Adding sugar to curd, on the other hand, turns the plain yoghurt into a sweet indulgence. This combination creates a dessert-like treat that satisfies sweet cravings while reducing the taste of the natural tang in curd. Plus, sugar can provide a quick energy boost, but moderation is key to avoiding potential health issues like weight gain or blood sugar spikes.

Don’t overdo salt, because it can land you in trouble. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

So, while salt and sugar both enhance the flavour of curd, excessive consumption of either can pose risks to your heart health and contribute to weight gain. To enjoy the benefits of curd without compromising or putting your health at risk, avoid adding salt or sugar or consume it in moderation.

Why should you consume curd?

Here are 6 reasons why you should add curd to your daily diet:

1. Packed with nutrients

Curd not only enhances the flavour of food, but it is also nutrient-dense and packed with essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, vitamins B2 (riboflavin), B12, and potassium. Therefore, it is beneficial to support your overall health and well-being.

2. High in protein

One of the reasons why you should consume curd is its high protein content, which plays a crucial role in muscle repair, growth, and overall bodily functions. The protein in curd also contributes to satiety, helping with weight management by reducing hunger and preventing overeating.

3. Good for digestion

Curd contains live probiotics such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus, which have been proven to reduce the symptoms of indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common disorder that affects the colon, reveals a study published in the Gastroenterol Hepatol. These bacteria can help maintain a healthy gut flora, enhance nutrient absorption in the body, and relieve common digestive issues such as constipation and bloating.

Probiotics for digestion can be helpful! Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

4. Boost immunity

Curd contains probiotics, which can strengthen immune system if consumed regularly. By promoting a balanced gut microbiome, curd helps the body ward off infections and supports a robust immune response.

5. Improves heart health

Curd also supports heart health. Its calcium and potassium content can help manage blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, the presence of probiotics has been linked to lower cholesterol levels, further benefiting heart health.

6. Promotes weight loss

If you are looking to lose weight, curd can be a great addition to your regular diet. Its high protein content has been shown to increase the feeling of fullness, reduce calorie intake, and suppress appetite, which are all beneficial for weight management, as per the Journal of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome. Plus, curd is a probiotic that can boost metabolism by increasing your energy expenditure.

How to consume curd?

Here are 3 easy but healthy ways to consume curd without salt and sugar:

1. Mix fruits

You may add fresh fruits, such as berries, apples, or bananas, to your curd. This adds natural sweetness and increases fibre content without added sugars, preparing a nutritious and satisfying snack.

Add healthy food combinations to your curd for healthy digestion. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

2. Add dry fruits and seeds

Sprinkling nuts (such as almonds or walnuts) or seeds (such as chia or flaxseeds) on top of curd is the best way to consume curd. This adds a crunchy texture and boosts nutritional value by increasing the intake of healthy fats and protein.

3. Vegetable raita

Apart from fruits, dry fruits, and seeds, adding veggies is another way to consume curd. Incorporate finely chopped vegetables such as cucumber, tomatoes, and onions into the curd. It prepares it as a refreshing, low-calorie side dish rich in vitamins and minerals.

Whether you are adding sugar or salt in your curd, add it in moderation to avoid any of it affect your health!

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