I know many people have this notion that curd and yogurt are the same!
Well, even I had the same notion, until I came into the field of nutrition. These two products might look similar or even taste similar, but they are completely different.
Both these products are good for digestion. However, nor are they same, neither do they share the same recipe. Overall, there is a great difference between the two.
What is the Difference Between Yogurt And Curd?
What is Curd?
- The curd is a dairy product which is basically processed by curdling milk with rennet or any acidic substance like vinegar or lemon. These products are commonly used to drain off the liquid and allow it to sit.
- The lactic acid bacteria which is produced during the process multiplies on a normal temperature. This entire procedure takes 5-6 hours depending upon the climate. Sometimes the process is faster if the temperature variation is present.
- The home-made curd or dahi as Indians call it, isn’t a standardized product because the preparation differs from one home to another.
What is Rennet?
- Rennet is a complex enzyme which is produced in the stomach of mammals. Chymosin is the key component that curdles casein in milk.
This was about curd! And this is a well-known process that takes place in every Indian household.
Then what is yogurt?
- Yogurt is also a dairy product which is prepared by bacterial fermentation of milk.
- The difference between yogurt and curd is that bacterial cultures are used in yogurt and not in the curd.
- Yogurt cultures, with 2 specific strains – Lactobacillus bulgaris and Streptococcus thermophiles are used for preparing yogurt.
- These bacteria cause fermentation of lactose and as a result, it produces lactic acid.
- Sometimes, other strains are also added. It depends on different companies and their geographical location.
- Yogurt is a standardized and homogeneous product because similar strains are being used.
- Because this is a standardized product, quality and quantity of the yogurt are always maintained.
- If a product is called as a pro-biotic, it should contain a specific strain of live bacteria which can tolerate gastric acid and juices.
You might now be confused that if the two products are different then which one should one consume for better health benefits. but let me tell you, despite the difference between yogurt and curd, both these products are excellent sources to have good digestive health! But for your sake let me elaborate the benefits of both the products individually.
Benefits of Curd
- It helps in proper digestion and improves the digestive cycle.
- It helps in fighting against H. Pylori infections which tends to be the root cause of peptic ulcers.
- It is a tasty source of maintaining a good immune system for your body to fight against germs and bacteria.
- It is also very beneficial for your skin s adding to your home made face pack can yield you glowing skin.
- It also helps you fight against dandruff that gets stuck on your scalp and give your hair a shining elegance due to the presence of lactic acid in it.
- It’s phosphorus and calcium richness allows your bones and teeth to strengthen.
- It also adds to your weight loss process when you add it to your diet in proper quantity as recommended by your nutritionist.
Benefits of Yogurt
- Yogurt is a rich source of Vitamin B5, potassium and contains Molybdenum.
- Yogurt is a friendly component for your weight loss as it contains good amount of protein.
- It is full of pro-biotics which help you to maintain a happy gut and decreases the chance of any diseases related to your gut or digestive system.
- It also is proven beneficial for people who have lactose allergy and can be a great source of protein and other vitamins that the person lacks as he/she cannot consume diary products.
- It can help a person with these types of allergies live longer than usual.
- It also is proven good for people with high blood pressure.
Alternate use of these will be of great benefit to your health!
