Managing your nutrition involves planning out your food choices. Although it may seem straightforward, mastering the creation of a well-balanced diet tailored to your needs is a skill. The key is to delve deeper into the nutritional content of each food item. Over the past few years, strained curd, known as hung curd, has become increasingly popular as a protein-rich source.
Hung curd is a delicious and nutrient-dense addition to your meal if your goal is to increase your consumption of proteinsaid Dr Dilip Gude, senior consultant physician, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad.
All the whey is removed from regular Indian curd to make it. “Apart from proteinit is abundant in calcium and pre/probiotics. These contents make it an ideal choice for a weight-loss diet. It is also known to reduce cardiovascular risk and improve immunity,” said Dr Gude.
Curd contains bioactive peptides that help regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of hypertension, said health coach Danish Abbasi. “Additionally, the probiotics in curd have been associated with improved cholesterol levels.”
You can add hung curd to a lot of dishes (Source: Freepik)
Overall skin health is also known to improve on regular consumption of hung curd. “Lactose content is also decreased during the process of straining making it better suited for those with lactose intolerance. Unlike regular curd it can be stored for longer up to 5 days if refrigerated,” said Dr Gude.
Because they are necessary for immune system functiontissue maintenance and repair, and the synthesis of hormones and enzymes, proteins are vital to the body. Consuming hanging curd as a stand-alone food or in recipes like ‘mor kozhambu’ can help you meet your recommended daily dose of protein, Dr Gude mentioned.
Furthermore, to further improve the nutritional value of the ‘mor kozhambu’ dish, it is commonly prepared with other components including spices, vegetables, and occasionally lentils.
It’s crucial to remember that the particular components you choose and the recipe you follow will determine the dish’s overall nutritional profile.
Also, listen to your body’s preferences and consider incorporating curd in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
