Lifestyle Dahi Is Hot, Not Cold! Ayurveda’s Surprising Take on Curd and How to Eat It Right News DeskJune 13, 2025035 views Dahi Is Hot, Not Cold! Ayurveda's Surprising Take on Curd and How to Eat It Right Dahi Is Hot, Not Cold! Ayurveda’s Surprising Take on Curd and How to Eat It Right For generations, curd (dahi) has been a staple in Indian households—celebrated for its cooling properties, digestive benefits, and versatility with everything from biryani to parathas. But Ayurveda offers a surprising twist: dahi is not cold but ushna (heat-generating) in nature. This insight, shared by Ayurvedic Diet and Lifestyle Consultant Sneha Loni, challenges a long-held belief and could change how you view this everyday food. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sneha Loni 🌻 Ayurvedic Diet & lifestyle consultant (@hitaayurved) Why Is Dahi Considered Hot in Ayurveda? According to classical Ayurvedic principles, every food has a virya or energy—either heating (ushna) or cooling (shita). Despite its taste and texture, dahi is classified as ushna, meaning it generates internal heat and influences the body’s doshas, particularly pitta and kapha. “Curd is very hot in Ayurveda. It increases both pitta and kapha dosha in the body,” says Sneha Loni. This means consuming it improperly—especially during summer or at night—can lead to inflammation, skin issues, weight gain, and digestive discomfort. The Dosha Impact: Pitta and Kapha Imbalances An excess of pitta dosha can manifest as: Skin rashes Premature greying Heat sensitivity Acid reflux Meanwhile, too much kapha dosha may result in: Fat accumulation Lethargy Mucus build-up Digestive sluggishness According to Sneha, curd aggravates both these doshas, especially in hot weather or when consumed by people with sedentary lifestyles, obesity, or existing inflammation issues. Mistaken Summer Staple: When Eating Dahi Becomes a Problem Many Indians increase their intake of curd during the hot summer months, thinking it will cool their system. However, Sneha cautions against this practice. “People eat curd in summer thinking it’s cold, but Ayurveda warns against this. It actually increases pitta, which worsens heat-related issues.” Should You Stop Eating Dahi? Not necessarily. Ayurveda doesn’t label foods as good or bad—it focuses on timing, quantity, combinations, and individual constitution (prakriti). Curd can be a valuable food if consumed mindfully. Here’s how: Ayurvedic Tips for Eating Curd the Right Way Avoid It in Summer Ayurveda recommends skipping dahi during hot months. Instead, opt for naturally cooling alternatives like: Mint or rose sharbats Tender coconut water Pot-chilled water Never Eat Cold Curd Direct from the Fridge Always allow it to reach room temperature before consumption. Cold curd hampers the digestive fire (agni), which is essential for nutrient absorption. Turn It into Buttermilk Buttermilk or chaas is a lighter, probiotic-rich, and dosha-friendly option. Add spices like cumin and ginger for enhanced digestion. Avoid Mixing It With Fruits or Meat Combining curd with certain foods (like mangoes, bananas, or non-veg) is considered viruddha ahar (incompatible), which can lead to gut imbalances and toxins. Skip Dahi at Night Dahi at night may cause nasal congestion, poor digestion, and disturbed sleep, especially in individuals with high kapha. Expert View: Curd Is Not the Villain, Just Needs Balance “Dahi isn’t bad—it’s about how, when, and with what you consume it,” explains Sneha. “For someone with a strong digestive fire and active lifestyle, dahi can be beneficial. But if you already have high pitta or kapha, you need to be cautious.” Note : The content above is for general news and not to be treated as a medical advice, Consult your doctor for any specialized advice