Curd Vs Yoghurt: What’s better for weight loss?
Curd vs Yoghurt
Curd and Yoghurt are two dairy terms that are often unknowingly used interchangeably. Well, they both are made from milk, both contain strains of live bacteria that are considered good for the gut, digestive system and are vouched for weight loss properties. However, there is a huge difference between the way the two are prepared, their nutritional properties and health benefits. Here in this article, we will tell you which one is healthier and the preferred choice for weight watchers.
How they are prepared
Curd or Dahi is made by curdling milk by adding edible acidic like lemon juice, vinegar or curd itself. Preparing curd is comparatively easier than yoghurt. You just have to add a spoonful of curd or a few drops of lemon juice in a bowl of lukewarm milk and let it sit for 6 to 8 hours.
The process of preparing yoghurt is completely different from this. Yoghurt is prepared through the process of homogenization and fermentation of pasteurized milk. Yoghurt culture consisting of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus is used for preparing yoghurt. It is mostly prepared in industries.
The difference in nutrient content
Curd and yoghurt, both are dairy products, so they both are a rich source of protein, calcium, and potassium. Curd can be prepared at home so it is more natural as compared to yoghurt.
But yoghurt contains other essential nutrients as well that are absent in curd-like vitamin B-12 and zinc. Moreover, curd only contains live strains of Lactobacillus bacterium but yoghurt contains live strains of both Lactobacillus Bulgaricus bacteria and streptococcus thermophilus.
This is not it. As curd is commonly prepared in every household, the number of live bacteria differs. Due to lack of standard amount of live bacteria, curd cannot be considered as probiotic.
Health benefits of yoghurt
Yoghurt contains more vitamins and nutrients than curd. Being a rich source of potassium, it can help manage high blood pressure.
It is a probiotic that can promote healthy gut bacteria, which can improve your digestion and overall health.
There are several studies that prove that daily consumption of yoghurt can help manage weight, lower body fat percentage, and waist circumference.
Yoghurt contains more protein than curd, which can keep you fuller for a longer time.
Health benefits of curd
Curd is good for your digestive system. It may help you digest food easily and may ease the symptoms of an upset tummy.
Due to high calcium content, dahi also helps in strengthening your bones and teeth. 100 grams of curd has about 80 milligrams of calcium.
Consuming curd daily is considered good for skin and hair. You can even apply curd on your face and hair. It is naturally prepared at home and contains good bacteria that can boost your immune health.
Which one is better for weight loss?
Curd may have fewer nutrients than yoghurt, but is a naturally prepared food product and does not contain any additives. But it is not a probiotic, so its role in the process of weight loss is limited.
Yoghurt, however, is a probiotic, which may boost your weight loss process. There are several studies that suggest that probiotics are a good choice of food when you are on a mission to shed kilos. But avoid flavoured yoghurt. Always choose plain yoghurt and add some berries and seeds at home. For better results, it is advised to include both in your diet.
