Think ‘dahi' cools you? Ayurveda warns dahi can overheat your body if eaten wrong
In the scorching weather, to cool ourselves, we often consume dahi, or curd, as our staple food in the summer. We listen to our parents urging us to have a bowl of dahi to beat this summer heat and being nagged by them to avoid eating dahi at night so we don't catch a cold.
In this way, we have been taught that curd has cooling properties. But according to Ayurveda, curd is sour in taste and hot in nature and is said to be heavy to digest.
Ayurveda says no to curd or dahi consumption
According to Ayurveda, curd, or dahi, is high in Kapha and Pitta dosha and low in Vata dosha, meaning having Kapha-Pitta dominance with low Vata means your body and mind are governed by the qualities of stability, strength, and focus. Kapha brings calmness, patience, and physical endurance, while Pitta adds sharp intellect, ambition, and strong digestion.
Since Vata is low, you're less likely to experience anxiety, restlessness, or irregular routines. However, you may need to watch out for issues like weight gain and sluggishness (Kapha) or irritability and overheating (Pitta). Balancing both doshas involves staying active, avoiding heavy or spicy foods, and maintaining a cooling yet stimulating lifestyle to stay energised and mentally clear. So there are certain things to keep in mind while having curd in any season.
This is the reason that when you consume curd in summer, it increases the body heat of some people. Also, if you consume it in excess, considering it to be healthy, then you can see pimples and many other important problems on the face.
Guide to consuming dahi by Ayurveda
According to the
Arya Vaidya Chikkitsalayam and Research Institute
, one should not consume curd at night because of the following reasons:
The curd is heavy to digest; it is also hot in potency. Therefore, when consumed at night, it may interfere with your sleep, as extra energy is required for its digestion.
It also triggers the secretion of mucus, making the condition adverse for individuals suffering from asthma, a condition that takes a longer period to manage according to Ayurveda.
Curd should not be heated. If you heat the curd, it can alter its properties, which can lead to suffocation and swelling in your body.
The daily consumption of curd is prohibited in Ayurveda. It is because curd is known to be heavy in nature and increases inflammation in the body. The Ayurvedic experts suggest that the only variation of curd that can be consumed regularly is churned buttermilk that has added spices such as rock salt, black pepper, and cumin.
5 cooling ayurvedic drinks to replace curd this summer
Nimbu sharbat/lemon
: One of the most extensively used remedies to beat the summer heat is a natural cooling drink. Lemon acts as a cooling agent and brings down body heat. So generously add the dash of lemon syrup into your salads, soups, and other dishes, which can taste great after adding this summer wonder.
Mint
: Another commonly used herb to combat the summer heat is mint. The mint has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it one of the best herbs to calm your nerves when you feel the heat dial up a notch during this season.
Tender coconut water
: Naturally sweet and full of electrolytes, coconut water is a natural body coolant. It helps maintain hydration, balances pitta dosha, and is ideal during hot afternoons.
Amla-turmeric refresher
: Amla's vitamin C boosts immunity, turmeric fights inflammation, and mint cools Pitta. This drink energises and detoxifies naturally.
Cucumber-mint-tulsi cooler
: This drink hydrates deeply, cools Pitta, and reduces stress. Cucumber's water content flushes toxins, while Tulsi boosts immunity—perfect for summer resilience.
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