Curd: The Winter Superfood
As winter blankets the world in its chilly embrace, our dietary choices play a pivotal role in fortifying our immune systems and maintaining overall well-being. Amidst the seasonal array of hearty stews and comforting soups, one often underestimated superfood stands out—the humble curd.
While often shunned in the face of dropping temperatures as a hazard for sniffling noses and sore throats, this blog highlights how, in actuality, curd emerges as a winter superfood, offering a multitude of health benefits during the colder months.
Curd is a powerhouse of probiotics, the friendly bacteria that support gut health. Maintaining a robust gut microbiome during winter can be instrumental in bolstering the immune system and preventing common colds and infections. A strengthened immune system is essential for warding off winter ailments and ensuring a healthier season.
Research show that consumption of probiotics reduces the severity of respiratory illnesses and seasonal allergies, (1) while another study shows that more than half the cells that create antibodies to fight infections are found in the intestine and other digestive organs. (2). Furthermore, it is power-packed with nutrients like zinc, selenium, and vitamin B12 that have antioxidative properties and also support the growth and activity of immune cells. Thus, adding a bowl of curd or two to your winter diet is a good way to give your body a much-needed natural immunity boost.
Cold weather can also sometimes lead to a slower, more lethargic digestion. The probiotics in curd not only aid in digestion but also help alleviate issues such as bloating and indigestion, ensuring a more comfortable winter experience.
In Ayurveda, the ancient science of wellness, curd is considered a warming food that generates internal heat. Consuming it in moderation can help combat the cold weather by providing a comforting and warming effect to the body from the inside.
Winter often calls for heartier, protein-rich meals. A diet rich in protein boosts metabolism in what could otherwise be sluggish months. Organic curd crafted from wholesome organic milk serves as an excellent source of high-quality protein, contributing to muscle maintenance and overall energy levels during the colder months.
Apart from protein, curd is a good source of essential vitamins like B2 (riboflavin), B5 (pantothenic acid), and B12, as well as minerals like phosphorus. These nutrients play a crucial role in maintaining energy levels and supporting overall health during winter.
Staying hydrated is essential, even in the colder months. However, we tend to intake lesser water as we often don’t feel thirsty. Curd is a great way to combat this not-so-evident dehydration. The water content in curd contributes to overall hydration of the body, complementing the efforts to consume adequate fluids during winter.
Adding curd to our diet is easy. A versatile ingredient, it can be incorporated into various dishes or enjoyed as a snack by itself. From comforting raitas to delicious smoothies, its adaptability makes it an easy and enjoyable addition to winter meals.
Akshayakalpa Organic offers you a wide range of organic curds to suit every palate. Crafted using organic milk from fodder-fed cows living on organic farms, it is a winter essential that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also provides a nourishing boost to the immune system, making it a delightful and health-conscious choice during the chilly season.
Resources: (1) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25927096/
