Buttermilk Is Good For You!

We Indians love our dairy- in the form of milk- as kheer, haldi doodh, payasam, and curd- for sweet and filling lassi, refreshing buttermilk, curd rice, tangy kadhi, to marinate meat for biryanis and tikkas- the list and possibilities are endless. Buttermilk is traditionally made at home by taking the liquid out, after churning cream for some yummy butter. But, on a commercial scale, non-fat milk is fermented with lactic acid bacteria (also called lactobacillus – these rod shaped bacterial fermentation factories), and packed into tetrapaks or containers for use. So, let’s focus on all the nutritional benefits of buttermilk.

How Buttermilk Aids In Digestion

Buttermilk is a good coolant for our body, and since it is rich in lactobacillus bacteria, it is great for digestion. It is low in calories and hence is light on the tummy too.

Probiotic Benefits Of Buttermilk For Gut Health

Probiotic-rich buttermilk keeps our gut microbiome happy, and there are lesser chances of you getting diarrhoea or feeling constipated. It can also reduce the probability of having to deal with colon cancer or tummy infections

Buttermilk Benefits For Skin Health

Buttermilk can be used to prepare DIY face masks of sorts, when paired with multani mitti, egg whites, or honey. Buttermilk rinses are mild and can have a great exfoliating effect on your skin- helping you to get rid of any impurities and dead skin cells.

Buttermilk As A Natural Remedy For Dehydration

Since buttermilk is mostly water, it greatly helps with dehydration. It is also full of electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and calcium.

How Buttermilk Supports Bone Health

Did you know that a glass of buttermilk can take care of almost 30% of your daily calcium requirement? If you are someone who is lactose intolerant, then you could just drink some buttermilk or curd or fermented cheeses- all of these don’t contain lactose, and you won’t feel bloated or uncomfortable. But in moderation is the operative term here.

Conclusion

Buttermilk is a low-calorie, nutritious alternative to any sugary soda or beverage. So, you can drink about 2 cups of buttermilk every day, without any serious consequences. Ayurveda also places high value on the nutritional and medicinal properties of spiced buttermilk. Just some zing with hing, jeera, garlic or ginger, and some curry leaves – all of these complement the flavour of buttermilk to make it tastier, and you are all set!