Yogurt is a staple of every Indian meal. You eat it as is, use it in curries, make raita and turn it into lassi and buttermilk for everyday consumption. The creamy texture and cooling nature of yogurt not only makes it versatile but also soothes your stomach and promotes digestion instantly. Additionally, the probiotics help promote healthy gut bacteria, benefiting your overall health. While the goodness of yogurt is undeniable, the question here is – is sour yogurt just as healthy to eat? Now, you must be wondering what is sour yogurt, as yogurt tastes sour anyway. Well, yogurt itself is a fermented version of milk, but we often let it ferment for too long, which spoils the taste and texture.
Is it safe to eat sour curd?
While we understand that sour curd may not taste good, health experts suggest that you can eat it without worrying about your health. NDTV Food spoke to Kiran Dalal, Chief Dietician, Fortis Hospital, Faridabad to understand this in detail.
“Sour yogurt is generally safe to eat, provided it is uncontaminated and properly preserved,” she explains. Yogurt’s high acidity may strengthen its probiotic properties, which may be beneficial for gut health. But there are always a few precautionary measures to keep in mind.
Also read: Curd turned sour? Make some delicious dishes with these saviour recipes
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9 safety measures to keep in mind while eating sour curd.
Health expert Kiran Dalal shares some essential tips that one must keep in mind to consume sour curd safely. Read on.
1. Storage requirements:
Sour yogurt should be refrigerated and stored in an airtight, clean container. When yogurt is stored incorrectly, dangerous germs can grow in it and make it harmful to eat.
2. Smell and appearance:
Yogurt should be discarded if it has an odd texture, strong odor or mold. These signs point to spoilage and potential health hazards.
3. A Brief Overview of Sour Curd:
Lactose or milk sugar is fermented by bacteria to form lactic acid, which makes yogurt sour. Yogurt is allowed to ferment for a long time, as shown by this natural process. Depending on how long the fermentation takes place and under what conditions, the sour taste can range from slightly tart to quite sour.
4. Proper refrigeration:
Yogurt should always be kept in the refrigerator at a constant temperature to slow down the fermentation process and prevent spoilage.
5. Cleanliness:
Use a clean container to remove the curd to avoid contamination. Avoid dipping the curd twice, as this can lead to bacterial contamination.
6. Restraint:
If you are not used to eating sour yogurt, add it to your diet slowly. This will help your digestive system adapt and prevent potential discomfort.
7. Combination with other foods:
To balance the acidity of sour yogurt, you can mix it with other foods like fruits, honey or cereals. This not only makes it more delicious but also adds nutritional variety to your meal.
8. Time of consumption:
It is better to eat sour curd during the day rather than at night. This is because the digestive system is more active during the day, which reduces the chances of digestive problems.
9. Observe the body’s response:
Pay attention to how your body reacts to sour yogurt. If you experience any adverse effects like stomach pain or discomfort, it is better to reduce the amount of yogurt or stop consuming it.
Kiran Dalal concludes by saying that sour curd can be consumed safely if proper storage and hygiene rules are followed. But people with acid reflux and digestive problems should avoid eating it as its acidic nature can worsen the symptoms.
Eat mindfully and stay fit!