Curd With Jaggery Ayurveda

Question

I love eating curd with jaggery, and my grandma always said it’s healthy. But now I’m hearing mixed things about it from different people. Some say curd with jaggery Ayurveda-wise is a good combo because it helps digestion and keeps you cool. But others say curd and jaggery shouldn’t be eaten together because it can upset your doshas.

I eat curd with jaggery every morning with breakfast, and honestly, I feel fine most days. But a few times, I noticed bloating or heaviness after having it. Is this because of how curd with jaggery Ayurveda sees their combination? Should I stop eating it in the morning?

Also, someone told me curd with jaggery is fine in winter but not in summer. Is there really a seasonal rule for this? I thought jaggery was supposed to balance the sourness of curd, so why would it matter what season it is?

Please help me understand whether I can continue having curd with jaggery or if I need to change how or when I eat it. Does it make a difference if the curd is fresh or sour? And what about mixing it with other things like fruits or spices?

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

In Ayurveda, curd (yogurt) and jaggery are both considered beneficial, but their combination is often viewed with caution due to their different qualities. Here's a breakdown of the concerns and how to approach this combination:

Why it can be problematic:
Curd is cooling, moist, and slightly sour, which can aggravate kapha and pitta doshas if consumed in excess, particularly when it's sour or in the wrong season.
Jaggery, on the other hand, is heating and is considered beneficial for vata dosha due to its grounding qualities. However, when paired with curd, it can cause digestive imbalance for some people, particularly those with a pitta or kapha imbalance.
This combination can lead to issues like bloating, heaviness, or gas, especially if your digestion is already weak.
Why it may be fine for some:
For people with a vata imbalance, the heating nature of jaggery balances the cooling effect of curd, making the combination beneficial for digestion.
If you feel fine most of the time but occasionally experience bloating or heaviness, it might be due to your digestive capacity (agni) being temporarily weak, or it could be an issue with the type of curd used (sour curd can be more difficult to digest).
Ayurveda's Seasonal Rule:
Winter: In colder months, when the digestive fire (agni) is stronger, curd with jaggery may be easier to digest. Jaggery's warming quality helps balance the coldness of curd.
Summer: In warmer months, the combination of curd and jaggery can potentially aggravate pitta dosha (which governs heat) and lead to issues like acidity or indigestion.
Tips for Better Digestion:
Fresh curd (less sour) is generally easier to digest than sour curd.
Avoid combining curd with too many fruits or spicy foods, as these can further complicate digestion.
Add spices like cardamom or cumin to aid digestion if you’re sensitive to this combination.
Timing: If you experience discomfort, try having this combination in moderation or during colder months when your digestive fire is stronger.
Conclusion:
If you're feeling fine most of the time, but occasionally experience bloating or heaviness, it could be due to the seasonal or doshic imbalance in your body. You might want to experiment with consuming this combo in moderation during winter or with some digestive aids like spices. If the discomfort persists, consider adjusting the timing or switching to a more dosha-friendly breakfast.

Curd With Jaggery Ayurveda - #5339

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