American board-certified gastroenterologist Palaniappan Manickam has addressed 13 frequently asked questions about curd (yoghurt), clearing common myths and explaining its health benefits.
Curd is a staple food in many Indian households and is widely consumed across the world. However, several misconceptions surround its impact on health. According to Dr Manickam, curd is rich in probiotics, protein, calcium and beneficial gut bacteria, making it a healthy addition to a regular diet.
He stated that curd improves digestion in most people because live cultures help balance gut bacteria. On the common belief that curd causes cough and cold, he clarified that it does not affect most individuals, unless someone is personally sensitive to cold foods.
Dr Manickam also said that eating curd at night is acceptable if it suits the person, though dinner should ideally not be very late. Comparing it to milk, he explained that curd is generally easier to digest.
Regarding acidity, curd usually helps provide relief, but very sour curd may trigger symptoms in some cases. He added that homemade curd is often better than packaged varieties as it contains fresher cultures and fewer additives.
For daily intake, one cup of curd is considered a suitable amount for an average person. Plain, unsweetened curd is low in glycemic index and can be consumed by people with diabetes. While curd rarely causes bloating, individuals who are lactose intolerant may experience discomfort.
He further noted that curd can be eaten daily if tolerated well, and the best time to consume it is with meals, especially lunch, as it aids digestion. There is also no scientific evidence suggesting that eating curd with fish is harmful if it suits the individual.