IS IT SAFE TO CONSUME CURD IN RAINY SEASON

Curd or Yogurt had several health benefits. It has been recommended by medical practitioners since ages for relieving many health ailments. It is used widely for herbal and beauty treatments. In some parts of India it is mandatory to have curd along with meals. If curd is not served it is considered an incomplete meal.

According to Ayurveda, curd controls Vata Dosha due to its oily nature , but increases Kapha and Pitta dosha. Many are having this question in mind that consuming curd is safe in rainy season. Eating sour curd will lead to health problems in young and old alike.

Curd is your bowels best friend.  Lactose in milk is converted by Yogurt’s bacteria into lactic acid which helps digest lactose or dairy products. The lactic acid of yoghurt is a perfect medium to maximize calcium absorption. The lactic acid bacteria present in the curd acts as a scavenger and creates a healthy environment in the intestine.

You may get wet in the rains and due to other factors like water conditions and overall viral problems in the air it will lead to sickness.

Health benefits of Curd ( Yogurt)

Curd improves appetite when taken along with sugar and salt, actually stimulates the taste buds. Curd quenches thirst too. By-products like lassi and buttermilk are popular drinks at summer.

Curd improves digestion and also strengthens the digestive system. The acidic nature of curd enhances salivation which finally impacts improving digestion.

Curd keeps bacterial oral infections at bay. Curd prevents tartar and bacteria which are main causes for oral diseases.

Curd is an aphrodisiac . It strengthens body by increasing body fats and therefore you will feel rejuvenated.

Curd is used in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery because curd absorbs water from the intestine and acts as a stool binder.

Curd also strengthens our bones and teeth because of high calcium content. Curd is rich in vitamin D which helps our body to absorb and use calcium. This vitamin is essential for people who are above fifty years of age.

Curd is good for digestive system, immune system, osteoporosis, stomach problems and cures vaginal infection.

Curd flushes out toxic matter that overloads the bowels. Cures intestinal and duodenum problems. Good in treatment of gastroenteritis problems.

Consumption of curd prevents high Blood pressure. People with high cholesterol can have curd made from low fat milk or skimmed milk. Prevents heart attacks.

Curd helps in the treatment of insomnia. Massaging the head with curd helps the patient as it induces sleep.

Side-effects of having curd

If curd is consumed on a regular basis people will put on weight. Obese people should avoid curds as it acts like a stimulant to put on weight.

Curd causes heaviness and excess consumption will lead to constipation.

Curd is basically hot and therefore consumption should be minimized or avoided by people who have recurring acidity and hyper acidity issues.

Patients having arthritis problem should avoid curd as it may add pains to the joints.

Do’s and Don’ts of curd

Avoid eating sour curd as it irritates the throat and causes common cold and headache.

Do not consume curd directly. Recommended to add sugar, salt or jaggery to it prior to consumption.

Curd should be avoided at night. If unavoidable then eat fresh curd.

Do not have curd that has not set or coagulated. This will affect the skin and people suffering with psoriasis, herpes , bleeding problems –piles and ulcers, etc.

Curd should not be heated directly or boiled.

People having breathing problems should minimize curd intake especially at night as it may lead to phlegm formation and chest congestion

Home remedies of curd

Curd minimize hair loss caused due to dandruff on scalp. Apply curd on scalp and leave it for 20 to 30 mins. Wash away with shampoo. Follow this schedule twice a week for better results. Curd is a good hair conditioner.

Curd acts as a face pack , used in herbal and beauty treatments. Mix orange peel powder and curd and apply on face. Leave it for 15 mins and wash.

Use sour curd in salads and recipes that has curd as an ingredient.

To preserve the freshness of the curd, store it in fridge at a temperature less than 5°C.

Curd has several health benefits, it is safe to have curd in all seasons. However if you observe changes in health, do consult the Doctor for further advice.

TENDER COCONUT WATER TREATS KIDNEY STONES

Tender coconut water is a healthy and natural beverage that has been provided by nature. Tender coconut water is a perfect drink to quench the thirst on a sunny day, it also supplements as an electrolyte to balance health. Coconut water has amazing anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties that help to cure diseases.

In Hindi it is known as Nariyal paani . In Sanskrit, Coconut tree is called kalpa vriksh as the entire tree is useful and it gives all that is necessary for living. The botanical name is Cocos nucifera, nucifera meaning nut bearing.

Tender coconut water has numerous medicinal properties:

• Keeps the body cool. Excellent tonic for the old and sick.
• Ideal for feeding infants who have stomach upset and are not accepting regular milk.
• Checks urinary infections and kills intestinal worms.
• Presence of saline and albumen makes it a good drink in cholera cases.
• Cures malnourishment. Oral rehydration medium
• Diuretic
• Effective in the treatment of kidney and urethral stones
• Supports quick absorption of the drugs and makes their peak concentration in the blood easier by its electrolytic effect.
• Studies have confirmed for usage as blood plasma substitute because it is sterile, does not produce heat, does not destroy red blood cells and is readily accepted by the body.
• Urinary antiseptic and eliminates poisons in case of mineral poisoning.
• Contains organic compounds possessing growth promoting properties
• Application on the body prevents prickly heat and summer boils and subsides the rashes caused by chicken pox, prickly heat rashes,  measles, etc.

Coconut water is preferred to be taken fresh, if exposed to air for a long time it starts fermenting and lose natural properties. The health benefits of this natural drink are:

• Coconut water is more nutritious than whole milk. It has less fats and no cholesterol.
• Coconut water is naturally sterile.
• Coconut water is better than processed baby milk as it contains Lauric acid that is present in breast milk.
• Coconut water has less calories- lower than orange juice.
• Coconut water is pure and contains natural sugar, salts, vitamins to keep away fatigue and it is considered an energy drink.
• Tender coconut water contains most of the minerals such as potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorous, iron, copper, sulphur and chlorides.
• Coconut water contains small amounts of protein. It does not contain any complex protein the danger of producing shock to the patients is minimized.

You can store excess coconut water in air tight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 24 to 48 hours to ensure natural properties are not lost. Do not place the tight container of coconut water in the freezer, chances for expansion of water and container bursting.

Pregnant women can have tender coconut water provides nourishment for self and the benefits are transferred to the growing baby. Ideal drink to recover from watery motions.

Ayurveda gives significance for tender coconut water .The flowers, root, coconut water and pulp inside the coconut is used in various medicines . The tender coconut pulp is useful to increase the quantity and quality of semen. It is an aphrodisiac.

Enjoy tender coconut water and keep yourself healthy with nature’s gift to mankind.