We all have grown up hearing that dahi (curd) is a cool, soothing food, perfect for scorching summers, great for digestion, and a calm companion to your spicy biryani. But what if we told you that Ayurveda calls dahi hot, not cold? Yes, you read that right. The same curd you lovingly scoop into your plate at lunch is classified as ushna—which means it generates heat in the body. And this surprising revelation was further attested to by Sneha Loni, Ayurvedic Diet and Lifestyle Consultant, who says, “Curd is very hot in Ayurveda. It increases both pitta and kapha dosha in the body.”
So, what happens when these doshas go haywire? According to Sneha, an increase in kapha can lead to fat accumulation and inflammation. An excess of pitta can show up on your skin and hair, meaning you will have early greying, heat rashes, and sensitivity.
Why This Matters
Many people load up on curd in summer, assuming it will help beat the heat. But as Sneha warns, that is a mistake. “I have seen people who eat a lot of curd in summer thinking that it is cold,” she says. “Please avoid that. If you eat this in summer, you will have a lot of problems. A lot of pitta dosha will increase in your body.”
And for those leading sedentary lives or struggling with obesity?
Dahi might be doing more harm than good. “It is very heavy to digest, especially for people with a sedentary lifestyle. It will increase fat in your body,” she cautions.
Should You Ditch Dahi?
Curd is not bad; it just needs a little mindful handling. Here is how Sneha suggests you enjoy dahi without the downsides:
1. Skip it in summer.
Sneha puts it plainly: avoid curd in hot weather to prevent aggravating pitta dosha. Instead, go for naturally cooling foods like sharbats or pot-chilled water.
2. No fridge-to-fork curd.
Let the dahi come to room temperature before eating it. Cold curd can slow down digestion and confuse your digestive fire (agni).
3. Turn it into buttermilk.
“Buttermilk is a better option to increase probiotics,” Sneha says. Light, spiced, and diluted with water, chaas is easier to digest and friendlier to your doshas.
4. Avoid mixing it with fruits or meats.
Incompatible food combinations can lead to bloating, acidity, or even long-term gut issues.
5. Do not eat it at night.
Nighttime curd is a recipe for congestion, sluggish digestion, and poor sleep.
