An authentic Indian meal can never be complete without a glass of buttermilk, more popularly known as chaas, in the subcontinent. Buttermilk does not only make the meal more palatable but it is highly preferred for consumption owing to the health advantages that it provides. These advantages have also been mentioned in the ancient Ayurvedic texts that recommend drinking buttermilk regularly.
However, if you are lactose intolerant and think that buttermilk might do you more harm than good, you couldn’t be much farther from the spectrum of truth. Despite being lactose intolerant, you can have a glass full of buttermilk without any worries about the ramifications of it on your body. (But it’s important to consult your doctor first before running to grab a glass full of buttermilk if you are lactose intolerant or have any other allergies since different bodies can react differently)
For those unversed in the culinary arena, buttermilk does not interestingly contain any butter, however, it does contain milk or is processed rather, from leftovers of milk, which is then eventually mixed with curd. Owing to its high proportion of lactic acid, the consumption of buttermilk ceases any bacterial growth. This is one of the major benefits of drinking buttermilk daily. Apart from this, there is a plethora of benefits that you should know, especially if you are looking towards making your meals healthier.
5 Benefits of drinking buttermilk daily
1. Keeps your body hydrated
With the advent of summer, it is important to keep your body hydrated. And what better drink than a glass full of buttermilk to hydrate your body? Buttermilk contains several electrolytes, which maintain the water content in your body and prevents dehydration. It protects your body from getting other summer illnesses such as prickly heat.
2. May reduce blood pressure and cholesterol
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, titled Effect of buttermilk consumption on blood pressure in moderately hypercholesterolemic men and women, buttermilk may plummet blood pressure significantly. Owing to its high content of bioactive proteins that harbor cholesterol-reducing properties, buttermilk is often recommended by medical professionals for high BP patients.
In addition to this, Ayurvedic texts contend that drinking buttermilk daily can manage your cholesterol levels as well. Interestingly, it is backed by science and some studies also corroborate the statement.
3. May escalate detoxification
One of the most remarkable qualities of buttermilk is its high content of riboflavin which aids in transforming food into energy. Not only that, but it also helps in the secretion of certain hormones. It can be considered one of the best detoxifiers since it also ameliorates liver function. Therefore, daily consumption of buttermilk can lead to the secretion of toxins outside your body and escalate the detoxification process.
4. Can reduce acidity
Spicy meals are undoubtedly an adventure for your tongue, but sometimes this adventure can cause you more harm than good, especially to your stomach. But does that mean, you should stop having spicy food? Not at all. In fact, why should you miss out on the good? Just add better things to make it healthy. And by better things, we obviously mean chaas. This yogurt-based drink can help in plummeting acidity and induce a cooling effect in your stomach by reducing irritation in the lining of the stomach. Not only that but drinking buttermilk during or after meals can also ameliorate the digestion process and prevent acid reflux.
5. May enhance oral health
One of the most common oral conditions that most people face today is periodontitis, which causes inflammation of your gums and the scaffolding that supports your teeth. However, according to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, titled The anti-inflammatory effect of milk and dairy products on periodontal cells: an in vitro approach, fermented dairy productions like buttermilk harbor anti-inflammatory properties. This, compounded with its rich calcium content can prevent the development of periodontitis.
Disclaimer: It’s important to consult a professional before adding or eliminating anything from your diet. The above-mentioned information should be used for reference purposes only and should not be used as an alternative to an expert’s advice.