Dahi (Yogurt with live culture), Chach (Buttermilk with live culture) and health benefits

In India yogurt with live culture is called Dahi. The skimmed butter milk with live culture is called Chach

How is Dahi made?

Whole milk is heated to at least 185º F to change the protein structure. Then it is cooled down to between 105 and 122º F. The live culture is added, the ambient temperature is kept between 98 and 105º F for about seven hours. The Dahi is ready. The live culture added is a combination of "Lactobacillus bulgaricus" and "Streptococcus thermophilus". The live culture basically converts lactose into lactic acid. The standard nutritional vale of Dahi is same parent whole milk, except for enzymes produced by the culture, and digestion of lactose.
In United States, a combination of four strains is used to create milder flavors (Lactobacillus bulgaricus" and "Streptococcus thermophilus", "Lactobacillus acidophilus" and "Bifidobacterium"). "L. acidophilus" is added by most of the commercial manufacturers including Dannon, Columbo, Yoplait and Breyers. "Pima" is used as a culture by some packers to produce fruit flavored creamy yogurt. Pima is NOT a milk product.

How is Chach made?

Chach is made from Dahi. Dahi is churned so that the butterfat rises to top. The butterfat (Makhan) is removed leaving behind skimmed low-lactose milk with live culture, it is called Chach. Unfortunately, in India Chach is commonly called buttermilk.
In United States, buttermilk is nothing but milk with culture added. The added culture added is not live, minimizing most of the benefits.

Health Benefits

Dahi and Chach are rich source of Calcium and protein just like milk. Here, we will only list benefits beyond those provided by milk.
1. The enzymes produced by the live culture continue to work in the intestines. This helps in strengthening and rebuilding the intestinal flora to absorb nutrients.
2. Helps lactose sensitive persons to avoid flatulence and diarrhea.
3. Helps decrease decreases vaginal yeast infections .
4. Helps prevent cancer of colon
5. Helps prevent anal itch
6. Helps replenish intestines with good bacteria following a treatment with Antibiotics.

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