If you grew up in an Indian household, you’ve heard this warning more times than you can count:
“Raat ko dahi mat khana.”
No explanation.
No science.
Just fear.
Some people follow it blindly.
Some people ignore it completely.
And some people eat curd at night… and then feel guilty 😅
So what’s the truth?
Is curd at night actually harmful for Indians — or is this one of those rules that survived without logic?
Let’s break it calmly.
Why Indians Were Told to Avoid Curd at Night
This advice didn’t come from nowhere.
Traditionally, curd was avoided at night because it was believed to:
- Increase cold and cough
- Increase mucus
- Slow down digestion
- Cause heaviness during sleep
In old times, people:
- Slept on floors
- Had no heaters
- Lived in colder, open environments
So food rules were based on environment + lifestyle, not modern homes.
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https://aboutfitness.in/top-best-whey-protein-brands-india/: Is Eating Curd at Night Really Bad for Indians — Or Is This Just Another Food Myth?What Actually Happens When You Eat Curd at Night
Curd is:
- Cooling in nature
- Rich in probiotics
- Slightly heavy to digest for some people
At night, your digestion naturally slows down.
So if someone already has:
- Weak digestion
- Sinus issues
- Frequent cold/cough
- Acid reflux
Curd at night can cause discomfort.
But notice — not everyone.
Why Some Indians Feel Fine Eating Curd at Night
Plenty of people eat:
- Curd rice
- Dahi with roti
- Buttermilk at dinner
And feel absolutely normal.
That’s because:
- Their digestion is strong
- They eat light dinners
- They don’t sleep immediately after eating
For them, curd doesn’t create any issue.
This is where the myth breaks.
The Real Problem Is Not Curd — It’s How You Eat It
Curd becomes problematic at night when:
- You eat it ice-cold
- You eat it in large quantity
- You mix it with heavy fried food
- You sleep immediately after dinner
That’s when people blame curd — but digestion was already stressed.
Smart Indian Way to Eat Curd at Night (If You Want)
If you like curd at dinner, do this instead:
✅ Eat small quantity
✅ Mix it with:
- Black pepper
- Roasted jeera powder
- A pinch of rock salt
✅ Eat at least 2–3 hours before sleep
Avoid:
❌ Cold curd straight from fridge
❌ Curd with pakoras or heavy sabzi
❌ Daily night consumption if you have sinus issues
Who Should Avoid Curd at Night
Better to skip if you:
- Catch cold easily
- Have chronic sinus
- Feel bloated after dinner
- Have acid reflux at night
Listen to your body, not blanket rules.
Honest Indian Verdict
Curd at night is not poison.
And avoiding it is not compulsory.
This rule made sense once —
but lifestyle has changed.
Indian food rules were guidelines, not laws.
Final Thought (Very Important)
In India, we often ask:
“Is this food good or bad?”
But the better question is:
“Is this food good for me?”
Your digestion matters more than tradition.
Your body matters more than myths.
Eat with awareness — not fear.
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