While the summer season brings a wide variety of fruits and vegetables like mango, watermelon, melon, okra, etc, the scorching heat can make a few months unbearable. The high temperature can make you feel dizzy, sweaty, and sluggish. To make sure you feel upbeat, you must add hydrating food options to your diet.
One of the superfoods that can help combat the harsh heat is curd. The probiotic-rich dairy product is already a staple in most Indian households, but having a bowl of curd in summer is a must. To make curd even better, you can have it in the form of chaas, lassi, raita, smoothie, and much more. If you want to know what makes curd a non-negotiable in the summer season, here are the health benefits you must know.
Natural Cooling Effect
Summer's intense heat can lead to dehydration, leaving you feeling sluggish and drained. The cooling properties of the curd make it an ideal food for the summer as it balances the electrolyte levels in the body. Particularly for summers, you can have curd in the form of a cool lassi or make raita and stay refreshed and hydrated.
Boosts Digestion
As per a study published in the journal Indian Journal of Medical Research in 2014, the microbiome in the curd helps boost the digestive system. The good bacteria in curd aid in breaking down food faster, reducing digestive discomfort, and preventing common summer ailments like diarrhoea, bloating, acidity, and even constipation.
Improves Immunity
Since the gut is responsible for 70% of the immune system, if you keep your digestive system healthy, you’re more likely to have stronger immunity. Also, as curd is rich in nutrients like vitamins B12 and D, the body gets better at fighting off seasonal infections and communicable diseases like cough, cold, allergies, etc.
Better Hydration
With approximately 80-88% water content, curd is a must-have food option in the summer. If you spend long hours in the open Sun, you can have a bowl of curd or drink it in the form of lassi or buttermilk to combat dehydration. Furthermore, the electrolytes lost during the heat in the form of sweat can also be quickly replenished by having curd frequently.
Manages Weight
If you face difficulty in losing weight in the summer season, consuming curd can help you shed the extra kilos faster. Since curd has a low-calorie count and is rich in protein, it keeps you full for a long time. Also, if you don’t get hunger pangs often, you can avoid eating fast food and stay on track with your weight goals.