Dairy products include all the food items made using milk. There are many different types of dairy products available in India. Curd and yoghurt are two of the most common dairy items consumed. People love them because of the various curd and yoghurt benefits. Yet, they are often confused. Many people are not aware that curd and yoghurt are different products. They believe they are synonyms for the same product and yoghurt is the name used in the West.
However, the truth is that they are completely different products. They have different preparation methods and also taste different. Even the benefits of yoghurt and curd are not similar. Here are a few points that will help you to understand the difference between the two:
- The preparation method
As mentioned earlier, both products have different preparation methods. Curd is actually easier to make. It is made in many Indian households by a process called curdling, where you just have to add lemon juice to milk and wait. Your curd will be ready in a few hours. However, making yoghurt is not so easy. You cannot prepare it in your kitchen. Artificial acids are required for fermenting yoghurt.
- Curd can be made at home by curdling milk with lime.
- Yoghurt is fermented with artificial acids.
2. Probiotics
Probiotics are good bacteria that improve your gut health and help in digestion. They are essential for a healthy life. Both curd and yoghurt contain probiotics. However, the amount of good bacteria present in them is not the same. Yoghurt contains a higher amount of good bacteria compared to curd. Hence, there are many more yoghurt benefits. Also, there are a few specific strains of good bacteria found only. However, the case for curd is different. It has various types of good bacteria.
- Various types of lactic acid bacteria are available in curd.
- Yoghurt is fermented by using specific bacteria.
3. Amount of lactose
Lactose-intolerance is a common issue faced by many people across the globe. People with this condition cannot consume dairy products that contain lactose. Although the percentage of lactose in curd is lower compared to milk, it is not the best option for lactose-intolerant people. Yoghurt is considered a better option for them, especially Greek yoghurt. Greek yoghurt is prepared after straining out the whey, which is why it is thicker as well. Moreover, it is a great source of nutrition.
- Curd has a low concentration of lactose but is not the best solution for lactose-intolerant people.
- Yoghurt is great for lactose-intolerant people, especially Greek yoghurt.
There are lots of benefits of yoghurt and curd. To ensure that you enjoy these benefits, always buy them from renowned brands like Lactel. Lactel flavoured yoghurt is very nutritious and tasty. Grab one today!