Curd – it is tasty, healthy and so delicious. In fact, it is the one ingredient that is evergreen. You can have it as raita, use it to marinate meats, or eat it as it is, this probiotic-rich ingredient never fails to disappoint you. But it's not just its taste but also the health benefits that make it a perfect choice for many. Curd is rich in calcium and probiotics that work wonders for our bone strength and gut health. But have you ever wondered why experts recommend Greek yoghurt instead of regular dahi? Well, Greek yogurt has several health benefits but there's another compelling reason why it's a must-have in your diet, especially if you are a vegetarian. Intrigued? Let's find out how Greek yoghurt helps a vegetarian diet.
Also Read: 5 Ways To Use Curd As Part Of Your Beauty Routine
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Greek Yogurt Vs. Regular Dahi: Which Is Better For Vegetarians?
When it comes to two popular curd options – Greek yoghurt and regular dahi – the former is better for vegetarians for one main reason: Protein.
Why Is Protein Important?
Protein is an important part of a healthy diet since it is made up of chemical ‘building blocks' called amino acids. When consumed, your body uses these amino acids to build and repair muscles and bones and to make hormones and enzymes.
How Are Greek Yogurt And Regular Dahi Different In Terms Of Protein Content?
As per nutritionist Shalini Sudhakar, traditional dahi is usually made with fermented milk solids by lactic acid bacteria which is a great source of probiotics and micronutrients like calcium. But, regular dahi is rich in fat and less in protein, which makes it a bleak option if you consume regular dahi for your daily protein intake.
When compared to regular dahi, Greek yoghurt has excess fat and water removed during its manufacturing process. It only retains milk solids and is fermented in a controlled environment using a special strand of bacteria called Streptococcus. This reduces the fat content of yoghurt and makes it very rich in protein. In fact, just 100 grams of Greek yoghurt gives you 7 to 12 grams of protein. This makes it an excellent source of probiotic, micronutrients and protein.
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5 Ways To Use Greek Yoghurt In Everyday Life:
Now that you know why Greek yoghurt is a better option for you, let's find out how can you include this protein-rich ingredient in your diet.
1. As A Sandwich or Burger Spread
Both sandwiches and burgers are classic dishes but are unnecessarily loaded with calories. Plus we top them with cheese or butter. Instead, make a delicious and healthy Greek yoghurt spread for your dish and enjoy guilt-free. Find the full recipe here.
2. To Thicken Smoothies
We all love delicious and creamy smoothies. Using Greek yogurt instead of regular dahi in your smoothies would give you the same effect and that too without any guilt.
3. As Salad Dressing
Mayonnaise or various kinds of cheese are often used to make salad dressings. However, these add unnecessary calories on top of your food. Instead, use a fresh batch of Greek yoghurt to prepare a high-protein dip that is packed with calcium too.
4. As Muesli Parfait
For those who can't function without sugar, make yourself a healthy muesli parfait. This recipe is made with zero refined sugar, Greek yoghurt and loads of fresh fruits and berries. Click here for the full recipe.
5. Make Healthy Cheesecake
Don't just limit yourself to parfait, and make this healthy cheesecake. Just replace the cream cheese in your cake recipe with Greek yoghurt. You'll be surprised by how delicious the results turn out to be.
Also Read: Curd Turned Sour? Use It To Make Some Yummy Dishes With These Saviour Recipes
How often do you consume Greek yogurt on a daily basis? Let us know in the comments below.