What is yogurt? How is it made? Why and how is it beneficial?

Yogurt also known as curd is a thick, custard or pudding-like food, made by the natural bacterial fermentation of milk. The process of making it involves culturing cream or milk with live and active bacterial cultures; this is done by adding bacteria directly to the milk. Commercially, it is made with a culture of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Streptococcus thermophilis (names of the bacteria used in the making of yogurt).

There are many kinds (plain and flavored) yogurts found in the supermarket these days.

It can also be easily made at home by heating the milk to a little more that luke warm (say 45°C) and adding a little (1 Tbsp) of yogurt to it. Stir and keep it undisturbed in a warm place for 6-7 hours or until set. However if you don't have any at home, you can buy yogurt culture packs from the supermarket and follow the instructions given, to make a wonderful yogurt at home.

What makes curd very beneficial is the live cultures. Active live cultures are basically good bacteria that are necessary for the body to function at its best. These friendly bacteria prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that cause bacterial infections and diseases. Eating curd regularly can help restore your good bacteria levels.

Yogurt is the best and nutritive dairy alternative for anyone who is lactose intolerant, as the live culture in it reduces the level of lactose.

Yogurt / Curd and Good Health

There are many ways that yogurt is beneficial - the friendly bacteria are friendly indeed!

1) Friendly bacteria promote digestive health and boost the immune system. Curd With Active Cultures Helps the Gut.

2) Yogurt with active cultures may help certain gastrointestinal conditions like constipation, diarrhea, colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.

3) Good bacteria prevent stamenin the body's yeast levels, which can prevent various types of yeast infections.

4) Prevents urinary tract infections.

5) If you are taking antibiotics, they may be destroying the good bacteria present in your body. Eating yogurt regularly can help restore your good bacteria levels.