Curd is one of those ingredients that are not just tasty but healthy too, so you can go ahead and have a cupful without any guilt unless your physician has specific advice you not to have it for some reason, In our Indian food culture, curd or yogurt has carved a special place for itself. No Indian meal is complete without curd. It is highly versatile and one of the most therapeutic food. Let’s tell you some wonderful effects of curd.
1. It makes your teeth and bones stronger:
Rich in phosphorous and calcium, curd makes your teeth and bones stronger. It helps in the prevention of arthritis and contributes towards healthier teeth and bones. Try to eat curd with every meal to have stronger bones and teeth.
2. It improves immunity:
Curd is among the best probiotic foods, which contains live microorganisms beneficial for our body. Probiotics boost the count of infection-fighting white blood cells. It prevents many infections and improves overall immunity. Look for ‘live active culture’ in the label, as all curd available in the market is not probiotic.
3. It is used as a home remedy to get fair skin and great hair:
Curd is also used as a beauty aid to get a fair complexion. For clear, fair skin, all you need to do is mix curd, lime, and gram flour. Apply this mixture on your face and wash it off after 15 minutes using lukewarm water. Yogurt acts as bleach and will make you look fairer. It is also an effective home remedy to get healthy, shiny hair.
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4. Improves digestion:
The probiotics in curd help the proper functioning of the digestive system. Curd is easy to digest and can be consumed by those who are lactose intolerant as lactose is broken down during the fermentation process.
5. It is good for your heart:
Eating curd every day will help in reducing cholesterol levels, thus lowers the risk of high blood pressure and hypertension. It helps in keeping the level of cholesterol balanced and heart-healthy.
6. It helps lose weight:
More fat is accumulated around the waistline due to an imbalance in a hormone called cortisol and a faulty lifestyle. Curd is rich in calcium, which triggers less production of cortisol and helps in losing weight. Consuming yogurt makes you feel full for a long time. It also helps in making the belly flat by decreasing the calories intake.
7. It removes dandruff:
Curd is one of the best home remedies to fight dandruff. The anti-fungal property of yogurt makes it the best solution for the removal of dandruff. All you need to do is to apply a mixture of curd and henna on your scalp and wash it after half an hour. It will not only help in getting rid of dandruff but will also make your hair shiny and soft.
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8. Helps control blood sugar level:
The live curd culture and easily digestible protein in curd help control the blood sugar level. Greek curd has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease and controls blood sugar in people with diabetes. Avoid the flavored or sweetened variety of curd.
What Is Lemon Curd?
Lemon Curd is a thick, soft, and velvety cream that has a deliciously tart yet sweet citrus flavor. While traditionally it was used as a spread for scones, it also makes a delicious filling or topping for tarts, pies, and cakes. Lemon Curd is that it doesn’t use exotic ingredients; just eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter. It is similar to a lemon filling or custard in that it is cooked on the stove, only it doesn’t contain a thickener like cornstarch. For the best flavor, lemon curd should be made with freshly squeezed lemon juice.
When choosing lemons use organic if possible. Look for ones that are fragrant with brightly colored yellow skins.
The best ones are firm, plump, and heavy for their size. Don’t buy lemons that have blemishes, soft spots, or are hard and wrinkled. Lemons consist of a yellow outer rind (skin) that can be of varying thickness and graininess and can have either a bumpy or a smooth texture. This outer skin is where most of the lemon’s wonderful tangy flavor is located. Here is the Lemon curd recipe
Lemon Curd Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons finely grated fresh lemon zest
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into bits
1. Fill the bottom pot of your double boiler with 1-2 inches of water. (Or use the DIY double boiler method listed in the notes.) Place on high heat. Once the water begins to boil, reduce to low heat to keep the water at a simmer.
2. Place egg yolks, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt into the top pot of your double boiler. Using a silicone whisk, whisk until completely blended, then continue to whisk as the curd cooks. Constant whisking prevents the egg yolks from curdling. Whisk and cook until the mixture becomes thick, resembling the texture of hollandaise sauce, about 10 minutes. If the curd isn’t thickening, turn up the heat and constantly whisk.
3. Remove pan from heat. Cut the butter into 6 separate pieces, then whisk into the curd. The butter will melt from the heat of the curd. Pour curd into a jar or bowl and place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top so it is touching the top of the curd. (This prevents skin from forming on top.) The curd will continue to thicken as it cools. Once cool, the plastic wrap can be removed.
4. Refrigerate the curd for up to about 10 days.