If you’re someone who often struggles with bloating, acidity or digestion issues, a simple spoonful of curd might be just what your gut needs. Yes, that bowl of dahi can do wonders—not just for your digestion but for your overall health too. Bollywood’s favourite celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar shared how to make the perfect curd at home and why it’s worth the effort.
In a recent Instagram post, Rujuta—who has guided stars like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan recently took to her Instagram where she shared how to make the perfect curd at home and why it’s worth the effort.
Rujuta Diwekar shares the secret to perfect dahi
In her Instagram post, Rujuta introduced the ‘spoon test’—a way to check if your homemade dahi is well-set and full of live bacteria that support digestion.
She also shared a step-by-step method to make the best curd:
Try it at home:
- Buy whole milk, preferably buffalo milk (it sets thicker curd).
- While heating, pour a little into a small bowl (katori)—use silver, ceramic, or clay.
- While still slightly hotter than warm, add a small amount of curd from a previous batch.
- Stir 32 times.
- Let the milk settle.
- Cover with a light cloth (avoid metal lids).
- Store in a cool, dark place for 8–12 hours.
- Once set, use it to start the next batch, and refrigerate if not eating right away.
The curd is formed through the fermentation of milk by lactic acid bacteria. These bacteria produce lactic acid, which helps form the thick, gel-like curd and supports a healthy gut. But if the curd is too loose or sour, it won’t help your digestion as much.
So, what’s the best time to eat curd?
Experts recommend eating curd in the afternoon or during lunch for best results. This is because your digestive system is most active around mid-day, making it easier for your body to absorb the good bacteria found in curd. Having curd at night is generally avoided, especially if you’re prone to colds or sinus issues, as it may aggravate mucus production.
- Why lunchtime or early afternoon helps: Many nutritionists agree that our digestive system reaches peak activity around midday. An expert review in the Journal of Applied Nutrition suggests probiotic absorption is more effective when the stomach isn’t too acidic—a condition more likely to be met after lunch than early morning or late evening.
- Why nighttime intake is discouraged: Ayurvedic and other health experts caution against eating curd at night, particularly for those prone to sinus issues or colds. The International Journal of Respiratory Health explains that evening dairy intake can slightly increase mucus production, though the effect is mild and varies from person to person.
Why curd is great for your gut
Curd is made by fermenting milk with lactic acid bacteria. These good bacteria break down the milk and turn it into a thick, probiotic-rich food. When eaten regularly, curd helps increase the good bacteria in your gut, which improves digestion, reduces acidity, boosts immunity and can even help with mood and skin health.
