Is Curd Really a Summer Cooler? Or Is It A Myth?

During the summer, we crave cool and refreshing foods to soothe our bodies in the hot weather. From a variety of seasonal fruits like mangoes and watermelons to hydrating ingredients like coconut and sattu. These summer foods not only protect us from the unbearable heat but also provide essential nutrients that are beneficial for the overall health of the body. Curd is another nutritious food that is widely consumed in India during the summer.

Loaded with a good amount of calcium, vitamin B, magnesium, and potassium, this fermented food has various health benefits. Apart from eating it directly, there are a variety of ways to consume it, such as kadhi, raita, and curd rice. Curd has a lot of active bacteria that help build immunity, support bone health, and keep blood sugar under control. But does curd really have cooling properties? Not really. 

This might have surprised you, but according to Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, curd has heating properties instead of cooling. It states that curd is warm in nature, which makes it difficult to digest. Due to this reason, consuming it daily during the summer can cause problems like acne, skin allergies, and digestive issues. Nutritionist Dr Bhawesh, on his YouTube channel, says that curd has heating properties, and that it is better to consume it during cold weather instead of summer.

Ways To Consume Curd

During the summer, you can replace curd with buttermilk or lassi, as they are cool and easy to digest. However, if you are really fond of curd, then add a little water to it before consuming it. This balances the heating effects and makes it cool. Also, try to avoid heating the curd, as doing so makes it lose important nutrients.

Here are a few points to remember:

• As curd takes time to digest, never overeat, or else you will get constipation.
• If you have a weak digestive system, then avoid eating curd daily, as it can cause digestive disorders.
• Avoid eating curd at night as its sweet and astringent properties can create mucus, which can lead to breathing problems, nasal congestion, and inflammation.