can you eat curd at night - #25203

The question of whether you can eat curd at night can indeed be baffling especially when the opinions are so varied. From an Ayurvedic point of view, there’s a bit of a reason for this. Ayurveda suggests that curd, particularly in the evening, can sometimes aggravate kapha dosha due to its heavy, sour, and cooling nature. This can lead to feelings of heaviness, indigestion or bloatedness — the kind of thing you experienced. So you’re mom was not entirely being superstitious there.

However, curd is supremely nutritious and beneficial for the gut due to it’s good bacteria. Which is why there’s somewhat of a divide in opinions. Now, it’s not entirely forbidden in Ayurveda, but there’s a way to go about it. If you really love curd, try having it in other preparations rather than a big bowl at night.

For instance, you might want to try buttermilk instead of curd. Buttermilk (known as Takra in Ayurveda) is great because it’s lighter and easier to digest. Prepare it by churning a small amount of curd with water and adding some digestive spices like cumin, coriander, and a bit of ginger. Avoid adding raw vegetables or fruits to the curd at night, as it can make it tougher for digestion.

Remember, your body’s indulgence or aversion to certain foods can be dependent on individual digestive fire (agni). It fluctuates throughout the day and night. During nighttime, agni tends to be more subdued, which means anything heavy can contribute to discomfort.

If you ever find yourself with curd on a late evening again like craving is too strong, just ensure it’s consumed in moderation and warmed slightly or with a pinch of black pepper to aid digestion. Also, if your body’s constitution (prakriti) and your current state of health allow, it’s still best enjoyed during lunch - when digestion is at its peak.

Listening to your body is probably the best advice in such matters. If you continouly find curd causes you discomfort at night, it may be best to avoid them then.