Yogurt and Indian curd are two different types of dairy products. These are two different forms of milk that are created by fermenting milk in some way. Yogurt and curd play an important part in our diet. These are completely different from each other in almost every aspect.

Indian curd is made by boiling and cooling the milk to 30-40°C and adding a spoonful of curd. Curd has lactic acid bacteria or lactobacillus. These bacteria multiplies itself in the ambient temperature of 30-40°C and in few hours ferment the milk to form curd. Curd is a rich source of calcium and protein and is suitable for lactose intolerant people.

Yogurt is prepared using similar techniques like curd but the fermentation of the milk is done by adding two specific strains of bacteria called lactobacillus bulgaris and streptococcus thermophilus. Other strains of lactic acid bacteria may also be added. The addition of these bacteria make the product standardized and homogenous. This ensures both quality and right quantity of bacteria in the yogurt.

Ayurveda recommends taking yogurt in the form of a drink known as lassi. This makes the yogurt even more light and digestible and helps in intestinal comfort after eating a meal. Yogurt is the only "fermented" food recognized as sattvik by Ayurveda.

Fresh yogurt is especially beneficial for individuals following a vegetarian diet. It adds about 13 grams of protein in one cup yogurt, 450 milligrams calcium along with B complex,  potassium, phosphorus and folic acid. Antibiotics can destroy lactic flora  and people taking antibiotics are often advised to eat yogurt to replace the healthy bacteria. Fresh yogurt is digested in about one hour. Individuals who have trouble digesting milk may find that fresh yogurt is much easier to digest and aids in their digestion as well.

9 Health Benefits of Yogurt

1.         Improves digestion

The nutrients present in the curd help in improving the digestion in the body. Eating it before the consuming anything helps in absorbing the nutrients in a better way. Studies have proved that yogurt improves many stomach infections.

2.         Rich in calcium

Yogurt is one of the richest source of calcium and it strengthens the bones & teeth and is good for their development as well. It also has phosphorus which along with calcium helps in the growth of the bones. It has been proved that the daily consumption of curd prevents diseases like arthritis and osteoporosis.

3.         Healthy intestines and colon

Yogurt is probiotic in nature which builds up good bacteria in the gut area. This helps in moving the toxins out from the body. It is rich in lactase which helps in giving a good health to the intestines. Yogurt helps in absorption of minerals in the body and those who consume yogurt in good quantity will have a healthy old age. It also gives relief from colon cancer.

4.         Keeps away stress

Stress and depression should be cured in a natural way to get rid of it. Adding yogurt in the  diet will help in curbing the stress and depression. It helps in lowering the stress in a natural way. It also lowers down the brain's anxiety and relaxes the mind which controls the emotions.

5.         Helps in weight loss and muscle buildup

Yogurt is a great supplement both for reducing weight and building up muscle, to get curves, as it is high in protein and low in fat. For weight loss diet, go for low fat or no sugar yogurt.

6.         Lowers cholesterol

Yogurt helps in lowering down the cholesterol level in the body and keeps the heart healthy. It has good bacteria in it which flushes out all the toxins from the body and builds up good cholesterol in return. It has the quality to bind the bile acids which gives low cholesterol and healthy heart.

7.         Boosts the immunity

There is presence of good bacteria in curd, so any person who consumes it daily will have strong immune system and a better health as well.

8.         Cures yeast infections

Daily consumption of yogurt helps in reducing the yeast build up in vagina and also reduces the infections in women. Yogurt has active cultures that help in reducing the amount of yeast in the body.

9.         Healthy skin and hair

Yogurt has various minerals like vitamin E, zinc and phosphorus which help in improving the texture and complexion of the skin by giving it a radiant look. Dandruff is too cured by yogurt as it acts as an antifungal agent.

Ayurveda recommends use of yogurt in chronic diarrhoea, irregular fever, anorexia, difficulty in passing urine & emaciation.

So, regular consumption of yogurt not only acts as probiotic but also strengthens our bones and joints, protects digestive system and immune-system. All in all, yogurt has a lot going for it, offering many reasons to eat this tasty dairy food on a regular basis.