10 Amazing Benefits of Buttermilk
Buttermilk has long been a favorite drink of Indian households. This curd based drink is refreshing and tasty. It also is a perfect accompaniment for meals on hot summer days. But, this savory is not just delicious; it is packed with a number of health benefits that the ancient science Ayurveda swears by.
Buttermilk or chaas is prepared with watered down curd, blended well, and served with salt, pepper, cumin powder, and coriander. It serves as the perfect digestive and also helps maintain the cool of your body in summer. Here are 8 benefits why you should add Buttermilk to your diet.
Soothes stomach after meals
Dairy products contain ingredients like protein that can neutralize spice and cool the system. So, next time you have a spicy meal that your stomach lining does not appreciate, have a glass of chilled buttermilk to soothe your tummy.
Aids Digestion
Buttermilk is made up of curd, water, and a lot of spices. The curd is loaded with probiotics that aid gut health and encourage the growth of healthy gut flora. The spices added in buttermilk prevent indigestion and burping and help with digestion. A glass or two of buttermilk every day will improve your digestion and immunity.
Fights Acid Reflux
Acid Refluxes are common after heavy, spicy meals. And our basic instinct to fight one off is popping an antacid. If you have buttermilk with or after this heavy meal, then the chances of acid reflux will be reduced to nothing. The spices in buttermilk will fight acidity and curd will cool down your system.
Loaded with Nutrients
Buttermilk is packed with proteins and calcium. One cup of this drink every day can help you maintain your calcium levels to keep your bones and teeth healthy for longer. The same quantity of buttermilk also serves you with 7.86 gm of protein, which your body will use to repair cells, make new cells, and aid in growth and development. Apart from these, buttermilk is also a great source of iron, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and zinc, and vitamins B, A, E, and D.
Keeps you Hydrated
Substituting sugary and soda drinks with buttermilk is a great way to take care of your body, keep your calories in check, staying hydrated, and not adding up to your weight. While buttermilk also contains calories, the other benefit it has to offer cancels the effect of those calories on your body. On the other hand, sugary drinks are just empty calories that do no good for your body.
Lowers Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, and Chances of Heart Attack
Studies have found that buttermilk contains a unique bioactive protein from milk molecules that have anticarcinogenic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, and can work on lowering levels of cholesterol in the body. A glass of buttermilk every day can also keep your blood pressure levels in check.
Washes down fats
Ever experienced food coma after eating so much that you can’t move? Well, buttermilk can help you with that as well. After a heavy meal, chug down a glass of buttermilk, which will wash down fats like ghee and oil, which will make you feel lighter. Also, the spices in your drink will aid digestion and take away the uncomfortable feeling.
Topical Application of Buttermilk is Good for the Skin
- The lactic acid present in buttermilk is alpha-hydroxy acid, which works towards smoothening skin and easing fine lines and wrinkles.
- The same acid also works for exfoliating and lightening skin blemishes, discoloration, and scars.
- The astringent properties of buttermilk can make your skin tighter and firmer.
Buttermilk has the power to make you feel cool even when the sun’s heat and temperature are soaring. On hot summer days, buttermilk will keep you hydrated, fight dehydration, keep acid reflux at bay, and work on improving your immunity to fight allergens and bacterial infections. It is loaded with healthy nutrients and is very tasty. So, what excuse do you have now not to include buttermilk in your everyday diet?