INDIA AND BIOCHEMISTRY - FACT 1

What better way to start this series than giving the scientific explanation of our age old tradition of giving yogurt mixed with sugar before the beginning of any work. This is considered to be auspicious. Is it just another superstition or is there any scientific relevance to it?

There is a strong scientific base to it. Yogurt contains Lactobacillus which is considered as beneficial bacteria for our gut microenviroment (colon). Basically, the bacteria in yogurt seems to deactivate harmful substances (such as nitrates and nitrites before they are converted to nitrosamines) before they can become carcinogenic.The sugar is mixed to provide energy source for the bacteria to grow. This was the best form of probiotics are ancestors formulated. A splendid mixture of biochemistry, microbiology and fermentation. 

So basically that teaspoon of yogurt is not just for auspicious reasons but to keep your gut healthy all day so that you are able to do your work without any ailments. All medical professionals will agree with the saying "You're only as healthy as your colon." 

So go ahead and lap that teaspoon of "Dahi shakkar" for all the scientific reasons and more importantly for the fact that is filled with motherly love and prayers that her child succeed in all that they do. "Cho Sweet"