Archive · 8 Jun 2025
Ayurveda's Take on Curd: Not Cool, but How to Eat It Right
You might think curd is a cool treat for summer, but according to Ayurveda, it can actually heat you up!
This is because it increases something called 'pitta' in your body, which can lead to problems.
Eating too much curd, especially in hot weather, isn't a good idea.
If you have a busy life or have a lot of fat, curd may not be easy to digest.
But don't ditch curd altogether!
You can eat it in a few smart ways: skip it when it's hot, let it sit at room temperature, or choose buttermilk instead.
Avoiding mixing it with other foods at night can also help your digestion.
Ayurveda classifies dahi (curd) as ushna, meaning it generates heat in the body.
Excess curd can increase pitta and kapha doshas, potentially leading to inflammation and skin issues.
Eating curd in summer can aggravate pitta dosha, which can lead to health problems.
Curd is heavy to digest, especially for those with sedentary lifestyles, and it may increase fat in the body.
To enjoy curd mindfully, avoid it in summer and consume it at room temperature, or opt for buttermilk.
- Who
- Sneha Loni, Ayurvedic Diet and Lifestyle Consultant.
- What
- The effects of eating curd (dahi) according to Ayurveda.
- When
- Summer season, and during the day.
- Where
- N/A
- Why
- To provide guidance on how to eat curd mindfully to prevent health issues, especially in summer.
Ayurvedic Perspective
Traditional Perspective
Temperature and Effect on Body
Ayurvedic Perspective
Dahi is a cooling food, suitable for summers and beneficial for digestion.
Traditional Perspective
Dahi is considered hot (ushna) in Ayurveda and can increase heat in the body.
- Ayurvedic classification of Dahi
- Ushna (heat-generating)
- Doshas increased by excessive dahi
- Pitta and Kapha
- Side effects of eating curd in summer
- Aggravation of pitta dosha, leading to health problems
- Alternative to curd for better digestion
- Buttermilk
- Ideal temperature of curd to consume
- Room temperature