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| - Last Updated on July 1, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A video claims that mixing sugar with curd is a slow poison. The claim that mixing sugar with curd is harmful is False.
The Claim
According to an Instagram video, mixing sugar with curd is a slow poison, implying that this combination is harmful to health. According to the video, consuming curd with sugar can lead to various health issues and should be avoided to maintain good health.
Fact Check
What does Ayurveda say about mixing sugar with curd?
Ayurvedic Perspective: Ayurveda provides detailed guidelines on diet and nutrition. According to Ayurvedic texts, curd mixed with sugar is beneficial and recommended under certain conditions. Ayurveda believes sugar helps balance the sourness and heaviness of curd, making it easier to digest.
- Balancing Doshas: Curd is considered heavy (Guru) and has a heating effect (Ushna). Mixing it with sugar, which is cooling (Sheetal) and balancing, can help mitigate any potential imbalances caused by curd, particularly in the Pitta dosha.
- Digestive Health: Sugar is said to enhance the taste (Ruchiprada) and stimulate digestive fire (Agni), making curd more palatable and easier to digest.
- Nutritional Benefits: This combination is also thought to provide quick energy and improve overall nutritional intake, especially in individuals with weak digestion or low appetite.
Traditional Usage: It is common practice in many Indian households to consume curd with sugar before undertaking significant tasks or events, as it is believed to bring good luck and provide a quick source of energy.
What does an Ayurveda practitioner say?
Dr Annusuiya Gohil, MD Scholar, All India Institute of Ayurveda, says, “There is no such reference in Ayurveda that sugar (Sita) and curd taken together act as poison. In fact, there is a direct reference in Charaka Samhita where Acharya mentions that curd should be eaten with Sharkara (sugar), honey, etc. Curd is a channel blocker and has hot potency, and it is also quite difficult to digest. Adding sugar actually balances out the hot potency as it itself is cold in nature and also helps in digestion. However, curd, even if taken with sugar, should be strictly avoided at night time and in the summer season. It is better to consume curd in winters and only during the day.”
What does modern science say about sugar and curd?
Modern nutritional science provides a more refined view of the sugar and curd combination. Here are some key points:
- Probiotic Benefits: Curd, a fermented dairy product, is rich in probiotics which are beneficial for gut health. Adding a small amount of sugar does not negate these benefits. In fact, some probiotic yoghurt available commercially includes added sugars.
- Moderation is Key: Even though sugar itself is not inherently harmful, excessive consumption can lead to health issues such as weight gain, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. The key is moderation. A teaspoon of sugar added to a serving of curd is unlikely to cause harm in a balanced diet.
- Energy Boost: Sugar provides a quick source of energy and can be beneficial. This is particularly applicable for individuals with low energy levels or during high-energy activities.
Can mixing sugar with curd act as a slow poison?
No, mixing sugar with curd is not a slow poison. Scientific evidence does not support that this combination is harmful when consumed in moderation. And, no mixing sugar does not harm the good bacteria present in curd. Here are some of the health benefits of curd:
- Digestive Health: Curd is a rich source of probiotics that support gut health. Adding a small amount of sugar does not interfere with these benefits. Probiotics in curd can improve digestion, boost immunity, and promote a healthy gut microbiota.
- Nutritional Value: Curd provides essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins. A small amount of sugar can make curd more palatable without significantly impacting its nutritional value. Excessive sugar consumption should be avoided, but moderate amounts are generally safe.
- Scientific Consensus: There is no scientific evidence suggesting that curd mixed with sugar is toxic or harmful in the way that the term “slow poison” implies. The main health concern with sugar is its potential contribution to obesity, diabetes, and dental issues when in excess. However, this is true for all sources of added sugars, not just curd.
Dr Swati Dave, PhD Food and Nutrition, shares her expertise, “From a nutritional science perspective, mixing sugar with curd is not a slow poison. In moderation, this combination can be part of a healthy diet, providing probiotics for gut health and a quick energy boost. However, like all added sugars, it should be consumed in moderation to avoid potential health issues related to excessive sugar intake.”
Manasi Banduni, Sports Nutritionist, says, “Mixing sugar with curd is not harmful when consumed in moderation. Curd provides beneficial probiotics, while a small amount of sugar can enhance its taste and energy content. It’s important to avoid excessive sugar intake, but a balanced diet can certainly include this combination without concern.”
Are there any specific health conditions where mixing sugar with curd should be avoided?
Individuals with specific health conditions should be careful while adding sugar, considering their health.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes should monitor their sugar intake carefully. While a small amount of sugar mixed with curd can be part of a controlled diet, it is essential to keep track of overall carbohydrate consumption.
- Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome: Those managing obesity or metabolic syndrome should limit their intake of added sugars to prevent exacerbating their condition.
- Dental Health: Frequent consumption of sugary foods can contribute to dental problems such as cavities and tooth decay.
How does the combination of sugar and curd compare to other common additives?
Curd can be mixed with various ingredients to enhance its flavour and nutritional value. Here are some common additives that you can enjoy with curd:
- Honey: Often considered a healthier alternative to sugar, honey also adds sweetness and has some antibacterial properties. However, it is still a form of sugar and should be used in moderation.
- Fruits: Adding fruits to curd not only sweetens it naturally but also provides additional vitamins, minerals, and fibre. This can be a healthier option compared to adding refined sugar.
- Spices: Spices like cumin and black pepper can enhance the digestive properties of curd without adding calories or sugar.
Conclusion
The claim that mixing sugar with curd is a slow poison is false. Both Ayurveda and modern nutritional science suggest that this combination can be beneficial when consumed in moderation. Ayurveda recommends curd with sugar for its balancing and digestive properties, while modern science acknowledges that a small amount of sugar does not negate the health benefits of curd.
Individuals with specific health conditions like diabetes or obesity should monitor their sugar intake carefully and consider alternative sweeteners or additives. Overall, curd mixed with sugar can be part of a healthy, balanced diet when consumed in appropriate amounts. Avoid basing your health decisions on random social media claims. We advise careful consideration and verification before making any significant changes in your routine or diet.
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