Why Should You Eat Yogurt Daily, Even In Winter?

There’s

a cold wave going on in most parts of the country with rain and snow conditions prevalent in the north. It is also a season of eating good, healthy, and delicious food. Yogurt or dahi is a popular probiotic eaten every day in most homes. A healthy superfood, the curd is hugely popular in summer as it supports healthy digestion and keeps the body temperature down. However, it is commonly believed that curd should be avoided during winter as it can lead to cold and sore throat. Is it true?

How do you make yogurt?

Yogurt is made by fermenting milk in a bacterial culture in which the bacteria ferment lactose and produce lactic acid. It causes the proteins in milk to curdle, resulting in the tangy yogurt taste and texture. Yogurt is a powerhouse of calcium and protein and enhances healthy probiotic gut bacteria. There are many health benefits of yogurt.

Why should you eat yogurt in winter?

The cool winter air can be stressful for your body and in particular the digestive system. It leads to cramping, bloating, inflammation, and a loss of appetite. So, including dahi in everyday diet can work wonders for the gut health. A few benefits of eating yogurt in winter include:

Improves digestion

Yogurt is known for its digestive health benefits because of the bacterial cultures it contains. Many types of yogurt have probiotics, beneficial bacteria that improve gut health. Those who have irritable bowel syndrome may experience improved symptoms when they eat yogurt regularly. The probiotics in yogurt also help relieve symptoms of chronic diarrhoea and constipation.

Lowers inflammation

Yogurt is packed with probiotics that strengthen the immune system by reducing inflammation. According to the Cleveland Clinic, chronic inflammation can cause several health conditions and infections which include heart attacks and even cancer.Also read: This Winter Habit Could Be Silently Destroying Your Brain, Doctors Warn

Keeps blood pressure low

Including yogurt in your meals even in cold weather helps improve heart health and lower blood pressure levels. Most types of yogurt are packed with B vitamins like vitamin B12 (cobalamin) and vitamin B2 that protect against heart disease and lower the risk of neural tube congenital disabilities. Yogurt is also rich in phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium which regulate blood pressure and metabolism.

Who should not eat yogurt in winter?

Having curd during winter days boosts your overall health. However, if you have any respiratory issues, make sure to avoid eating it after 5 pm as it can create mucus, especially if you are prone to allergies and asthma. If you are sensitive to cold and still want to eat curd, make sure to balance your diet with warm foods.

What type of yogurt is healthy?

Low fat yogurt

Low fat yogurt is usually made from 2 per cent and skim milk. If you add bacterial culture to milk thickens the mixture will add a tangy taste.

Kefir

It is a fermented yogurt drink that has a thinner texture than traditional yogurt. Kefir has a longer fermentation process, with grains blended into it.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt separates liquid and whey from the solid part and so is very thick in consistency than other types of yogurt. It is also loaded with protein and has a tangy taste.