Chances are that raita or dahi is a part of your daily diet. From keeping your body cool to help in digestion—raita can strike the perfect balance needed for a healthy gut! What’s more, you can give it delectable twists with cucumber, spinach, pineapple, onion and more, all of which can not just boost the taste of your meal but can also improve your overall health. And it can also aid in weight loss! So, come let’s explore some of the best raita recipes for you!

Health Shots spoke to Komal Malik, Head Dietician, Asian Hospital, New Delhi, who suggested some best raita recipes which are good for both weight loss and digestion.

How is raita helpful for digestion and weight loss?

Curd, which is low in unhealthy fats and high in protein, is used to make raita. It has a lot of fibre and few calories, which helps you feel fuller for longer. Additionally, curd keeps you hydrated because it is so light and cool. Here are 5 benefits of raita for digestion and weight loss according to Malik:

1. Raita is a form of fermented milk product that contains live and healthy bacteria. It is prepared by stir curd and garnished with vegetables and fruits that makes it a weight loss friendly condiment.

2. Raita is a nutrient dense food with high quality protein and it is a potential source of vitamins and minerals. It contains live bacteria such i.e., lactobacillus bulgaricus, streptococcus thermophilus.

3. These active bacteria act as probiotics known to have positive effects on digestion. It has beneficial effects in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea and IBS.

4. Raita is a low energy food with low calorie content. It increases the feeling of fullness and decreases the feeling of hunger and this makes it a perfect aid for weight loss.

5. Stirred curd with fruits and vegetables has a protective role against weight gain. In fact, probiotics in raita improves gut microbiota which is involved in weight maintenance as well. In addition the low calorie fruits and vegetables in raita are high fiber and water content, this combination helps in weight management.

Check out 3 raita recipes for weight loss:

1. Peanut raita

Ingredients
Curd 100 grams
Peanuts 20 grams
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper/red chili powder 1/4 teaspoon
Roasted cumin seed powder 1/4 teaspoon

Method

• Beat the curd well till it is smooth and without lumps.
• Roast 20 grams of peanuts. Remove the skin and grind them coarsely and mix with the beaten curd.
• Add salt, pepper and roasted cumin seed powder and serve.

Also, read: This 5-minute recipe of bathua raita is a winter show stealer!

2. Beetroot and spinach raita

Ingredients
Curd 100 grams
Spinach 40 grams
Beetroot 30 grams
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper/ red chili powder 1/4 teaspoon
Roasted cumin seed powder 1/4 teaspoon

Method

• Beat the curd well till it is smooth and without lumps.
• Pick the leaves of spinach, wash and cook on slow fire till tender, grind them to a smooth paste, grate beetroot and mix spinach paste and grated beetroot with the beaten curd.
• Add salt, pepper, roasted cumin seed powder and serve.

3. Mix berries raita

Ingredients
Curd 100 grams
Dry Mix berries (blueberries/cranberries/strawberries) 35 grams
Castor sugar (optional)

Method

• Beat the curd well till it is smooth and without lumps.
• Soak the berries for 20 minutes, chop them and mix with beaten curd
• Add castor sugar according to taste and serve.