Diabetes, often referred to as the “Silent Killer,” is one of the most pressing global health crises today. For diabetic patients, managing diet is a crucial aspect of controlling blood sugar levels and overall health. The question of whether curd is a beneficial addition to a diabetic-friendly diet is an important one. This blog post delves into the nutritional profile of curd, exploring its potential benefits and answers the question “Can Diabetic patient eat curd”?
So, let’s get started with some nutritional introduction of curd.
Curd - Nutritional importance
Curd or yogurt, a product of milk fermentation, contains beneficial microorganisms and β-galactosidase, which aids in lactose digestion.
It has a low glycemic index. It’s a protein based probiotic rich in vitamins A, D (in enriched yogurt ), riboflavin, folic acid, B12, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and magnesium.
A Dahi coupled with balanced diet also delayed glucose intolerance, hyperglycemia, and oxidative stress. Thus, dietary dahi may help slow diabetes progression.
How curd helps in diabetes management?
Curd is a probiotic food.
Curd helps regulates body’s insulin level.
Beneficial bacteria’s like lactobacillus is present in curd.
Curd reduce Inflammation and helps manage Diabetes.
Eating curd, which is rich in probiotics, can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is important for managing diabetes.
Inflammation often gets worse with high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance, leading to higher levels of harmful substances like TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1.
Curd helps lower these substances, reducing inflammation and stress on the body. This can improve how your body uses insulin, helping to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
Studies show that eating probiotic curd can significantly lower blood sugar and HbA1c levels, which measure long-term blood sugar control.
The beneficial bacteria in curd, like Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, help by living in your gut and reducing the harmful inflammation that can damage the cells that produce insulin.
They also use up some of the sugar in your gut, so less of it gets absorbed into your blood.
By including curd in your diet, you can take advantage of these natural benefits to better manage your diabetes and improve your overall health.
Role of Curd in Gut Health & Diabetes
Our gut hosts trillions of bacteria, both beneficial and harmful.
In people with T2DM, this balance is often disrupted, leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and a decline in beneficial ones, which can worsen insulin resistance and contribute to diabetes complications.
- Improving Insulin Sensitivity: Probiotics enhance the function of insulin receptors, improving the body’s response to insulin and lowering blood sugar levels.
- Enhancing Glucose Metabolism: A balanced gut microbiota supports better carbohydrate processing, leading to more stable blood sugar levels
- Stronger Bones and Muscles: Yogurt / Curd , rich in protein and calcium, has shown promising potential in enhancing bone mineral density, particularly in the elderly. Studies suggest that regular consumption of yogurt may lead to improved bone health, reducing the risk of osteoporotic fractures.
- Strategy for Health and Weight Management: Yogurt / Curd consumption offers a multifaceted approach to combating obesity, particularly in the elderly, by addressing both nutritional deficiencies and weight maintenance. Research highlights its role in reducing the risk of obesity, indicating inverse associations with weight gain.
Benefits of Curd
1. Rich source of dietary minerals
A 100-g serving of plain low-fat yogurt includes calcium (183 mg), magnesium (17 mg), potassium (234 mg), phosphorus (144 mg), and zinc (0.9 mg), enhancing overall mineral intake compared to milk.
1. Enhanced mineral bioavailability
Fermentation with LAB creates an acidic environment, improving the absorption of calcium, magnesium, and zinc in the intestine due to their ionic forms and increased solubility, potentially leading to better mineral absorption.
1. Good source of B vitamins
Contains riboflavin (0.21 mg), niacin (0.11 mg), vitamin B-6 (0.05 mg), and vitamin B-12 (0.56 mg) per 100-g serving, supporting various metabolic processes and overall health.
Conclusion
Incorporating curd into your diet can be a beneficial strategy for managing diabetes.
Its probiotic properties, combined with essential nutrients, can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve overall gut health.
As part of a balanced diet, curd not only adds nutritional value but also supports a healthy lifestyle for those managing diabetes.
Dt. Ria Hawle is a distinguished Clinical Dietitian and Nutritionist based in Pune, renowned for her expertise in disease reversal, weight management, and specialized dietary plans.
With certifications as a Certified Diabetes Educator, Weight Management Expert, Organ Cleansing Expert, and a Low FODMAP diet specialist from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, Ria brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to her practice.
Whether you’re seeking a diabetes diet, a weight loss plan, or specialized nutrition for a chronic condition, Ria Hawle’s Balanced Bowls offers the best dietary guidance accessible from areas like Aundh, Katraj, Kothrud, Baner, Hinjewadi, and Wakad.
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