A simple, inexpensive grocery item like yoghurt can do a lot. However, it is not touted as a powerhouse kitchen ingredient that can aid our skin and health very often, which is unfortunate. However, thanks to my constant bouts of stomach problems, yoghurt was always recommended to me by many, as a result of which it is almost always in my fridge. Because of this, I began to search for alternative uses of it, in case it could serve multiple functions. What followed was a lot of trial with minimal error and very satisfactory results. In the end, I concluded that yoghurt needs to be a staple in my refrigerator, because it is simply that beneficial for me. Here’s why.
Full of nutrients for overall good immunity and health
Calcium, Vitamin D, magnesium, animal proteins, Vitamin B-12 and Vitamin B-2 are just some of the essential nutrients yoghurt contains. From improving bone health and cell renewal, such nutrients benefit the body and boost immunity in numerous ways. The best part is, they are a great low-calorie source of such health benefits.
Excellent for digestion
Apart from its numerous nutritional benefits, yoghurt also contains good bacteria that keep the gut healthy. This is why yoghurt has always been popular for its “probiotic” function. So, if you constantly have an upset stomach for which you find yourself popping antibiotics, try consuming probiotics as they help the body make up for the good bacteria that strong antibiotics kill. Not only that, yoghurt cools down an upset stomach, and generally regulates bowel movements.
Combats certain kinds of acne
Acne caused by stomach infections is very common, because what is going on inside our body, often reflects on our skin. Consuming yoghurt helps tame skin inflamed by gut bacteria that is wreaking havoc in our system. This, in turn, reduces acne. So, before applying loads of gels and toners, consider treating the cause of your breakouts.
Treats dandruff
Very few things treat dandruff as effectively as yoghurt, and we say this as sceptics of DIY treatments for serious conditions. Why? Because yoghurt contains a certain kind of bacteria that kills the fungus which causes dandruff and yeast infections. In addition to that, the lactic acid in yoghurt also sloughs off flakes of dead skin, and leaves the scalp moisturised.
The funny part is, the person who told me this was my Grandma, who knew nothing about why yoghurt works well against dandruff, or how these chemicals reactions between microbes work to kill dandruff-causing fungus.
Great for a quick DIY facial
If you suffer from patchy, uneven, inflamed skin, yoghurt can give you a beautifully smooth and even-toned complexion in a jiffy. Excellent whether you have dry skin or sensitive, oily skin, it softens, tightens and renews dull skin. This is because the lactic acid acts as a mild chemical exfoliator without being harsh. Not only that, it is especially great after a day out in the sun, as yoghurt protein helps skin renew itself, and the lipids in it restore the skin’s protective barrier and leave it feeling smooth.
However, we especially recommend this for people with combination skin, who experience dry flakes, redness and sometimes, acne scars. Those with sensitive skin, who always suffer from inflammation, can also try this to calm their skin, but with caution, because it is a natural product that might react in unexpected ways.
Regardless of your skin type, though, here is the yoghurt facial recipe I recommend.
Ingredients:
Organic fresh rose petals
Rose water
Honey
Plain, chilled yoghurt
Take two tablespoons of thick, cold yoghurt in a bowl. Add a teaspoon of honey to this and mix it in. Soak the rose petals in another small bowl of rose water for five minutes so that they become mushy. Add the petals to the yoghurt mix and crush them to release their oils. Now, mix in the rose water you had soaked them in gradually and cautiously. Do not add too much rosewater, or the mixture will be too runny and will drip off your face. Apply the mask for twenty minutes on clean skin, and wash it off with cool water. You can always follow this up with some of the remaining rose water, but when you see how great your skin looks, you won’t feel you need to!
Source: WebMD, Wikipedia, Livestrong
