I would like to share the rarely known benefits of Takra (Ayurvedic Buttermilk/Neer Mor in Tamil). Yogurt is taken in every Indian meal either as a curd rice/ chaas/ Kadhi. While it is already known and loved by many, then what is this article all about? Well, when I ask people about the reason for including yogurt in their meal, I get the following response
- It gives a satisfied feeling if I finish my meal with a curd rice or chaas
- It is a coolant
Both are right and valid reasons too. But many people are not aware of how to use yogurt correctly, when to use and its major contribution to our immune system. Improper usage of yogurt is not good for the body. This article explains how to include yogurt in our everyday meal without getting any side-effect.
What is probiotic and why we need it?
Our body is made up of millions of bacteria and germs. Most of them do good to us and is needed to prevent diseases. These are called "Friendly bacteria (probiotics)" which resides in our gut (Gastrointestinal tract). One of the friendly bacteria which resides in the small intestine is "lactobacillus acidophilus", while large intestine has "bifidobacteria". "Lactobacillus bulgaricus" is a traveling bacteria that helps the other two as it passes through the body. These are the foundation of our overall health. These friendly bacteria helps in assimilation, absorption and elimination. However nutritious your food is, it will be absorbed by your body only when your digestive agni is good and you have good amount of friendly bacteria. Scientists are slowly finding the relationship between the lack of friendly bacteria and diseases. For some diseases, probiotic supplements are prescribed nowadays by allopathy doctors. Ayurveda says that almost all diseases are caused due to lack of friendly bacteria in the body.
What is Takra and how it helps?
Yogurt is the natural probiotic. The word "probiotic" comes from "Pro" meaning "for" and "biotic" means "life". Probiotic means "for life" or "in favor of life". Yogurt is heavy and aggravates all the doshas- Vata, Pitta and Kapha. In order to avoid this, yogurt is always recommended to have in the form of Takra. Takra is a mix of 20% yogurt and 80% water. It is churned well and has the froth removed. Roasted cumin powder and rock salt are the basic spices added to it. Depending upon your body type and current body condition, you can add additional spices like black pepper, ginger, rose, fresh cilantro, roasted fennel, honey etc. Takra is different from lassi, in which, the froth is usually not removed. Lassi is good too, only if you have a good digestive fire. Otherwise, Takra is safe.
Why churning or blending is important?
Takra is very cooling. The churning process will infuse some agni to it and help our body to digest better. The spices helps to balance the doshas. Also Takra should be had only during lunch and not for dinner. If it is had for dinner, then definitely before sunset and that too with appropriate spices and always in room temperature.
In Ayurvedic treatments, Takra is prescribed for almost all the patients suffering from various diseases. It increases the intelligence of the colon. Regaining friendly bacteria is the best way to boost your immune system.
Takra mixed with few teaspoons of fresh cilantro juice is the best medicine for Autistic kids. Heavy metal toxicity is assumed the primary cause for Autism. Cilantro, which is a good heavy metal chelator, when mixed with Takra helps immensely in Autism, Alzheimer's or any neurological/ psychological disorders. The friendly bacteria helps our skin to receive soma (lunar energy) from the environment and produces more ojas (immunity) which helps in producing neurotransmitters. It also prevents the skin from infections and growth of bad bacteria. It prevents yeast overgrowth and also soothes inflammation on the skin.
What NOT to do with Yogurt/ buttermilk/takra OR what kills the friendly bacteria?
- Never heat yogurt.
- Hot environment will deplete the friendly bacteria. Too much spicy, sour and processed foods also kills the friendly bacteria. In Indian cooking, Kadhi and Mor Kuzhambu uses good amount of yogurt but unfortunately many people heat it well and think that it is still cooling to the body. Once you heat it, yogurt turns acidic and heating to the body. This acidic yogurt will heat the liver and causes all Pitta-disorders like heartburn, acidity, rashes, piles, psoriasis, eyesight problem, headache, diarrhea etc.
- Never eat store-bought yogurt.
- Store-bough yogurt will not have live culture and only has preservatives. This includes flavored yogurt. There is limited to no use in consuming it. Always eat fresh homemade yogurt for better results.
- Antibiotics, vaccines, birth control pills, steroids, acidic diet, stress, onion and garlic also kills friendly bacteria.
- In this case, the absorption of nutrients will be reduced and therefore the body will not be well nourished which will lead of all kind of illness.
- Consuming bad sugars also deplete friendly bacteria. Sugar craving is also a sign of lack of friendly bacteria. Taking Takra everyday during lunch will bring back those bacteria and reduces sugar craving.
People often argue with me when I say Onion & Garlic kills friendly bacteria. Suggestions are based on Ayurveda and nothing personal. I agree that both have good medicinal values. Garlic cooked with milk and turmeric is the best remedy for sore throat. Chopped onions kept on forehead and belly button reduces fever. Onion and garlic are high in sulfur content which will create an inhospitable environment for the friendly bacteria. Not just that. Nowadays, peoples' diet are more acidic. Kids as well as adults eat lot of processed foods, spicy and sour foods which already kills friendly bacteria. Onion and garlic on everyday basis will only add fuel to the fire. This is the reason for asking people to avoid onion/garlic on a regular basis. If used as a medicine, only when needed, it does relieve the suffering. Individuals have to decide based on the facts and their illness to get better.
Have a glass of Takra everyday and be friendly to your gut bacteria. Cheers! :)
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