Buttermilk is available in almost every kitchen or food shelves. This tasty, cool and nutritious food is nourished by all.
People of all ages can choose buttermilk as their regular diet.
Buttermilk is actually a byproduct of milk. The leftover liquid part from the churned butter is known to be buttermilk. Since the butter is separated, the drained buttermilk remains with low fat.
There are two types of buttermilk: traditional and cultured.
In the South-Asian region, especially in India and Pakistan, the traditional buttermilk is more popular. The cultured buttermilk has become a norm in western countries.
Keep reading this article for knowing more about the health benefits of buttermilk.
Health Benefits of Buttermilk:
Indian Ayurvedic tradition has treasured buttermilk widely.
Buttermilk contains protein, carbohydrate, calcium, potassium, electrolyte, etc. and promises many health benefits.
It’s wonderful to know how health-friendly this beverage can be. We have selected 10 important health aspects where buttermilk play a vital role.
Here goes:
1. Buttermilk is a Whole Nutrient Diet
You will be amazed to know that buttermilk is the whole diet food. It contains all essential macronutrients [1] which makes it a complete diet. Since it is low in fat, one can drink buttermilk at least once daily.
It is good for tissues and water balance in the body.
2. It has Detoxifying Ability
Buttermilk contains Riboflavin or vitamin B2 which treats liver and kidney problems. This helps to detoxify your body [2].
Riboflavin also activates an enzyme that re-energizes physical function [3].
3. Buttermilk Cools Body Heat and Helps Digestion
Buttermilk is best for cooling the body during high temperatures.
Many women in pre-menopausal and post-menopausal stages like to drink buttermilk. This comforts their abdomen from heat and pain.
In certain parts of India and Pakistan, it is a regular habit to drink buttermilk (Chaas; Indian name) after the meal. They prefer this drink for quick digestion and soothing stomach.
It also helps digest oily or puffy food quickly.
4. It Provides Calcium without Fat
Buttermilk is a liquid extracted after separating the cream or butter. It may contain cream in a very low amount but it is absolutely low in fat.
The calcium in buttermilk is a sure source for skeleton maintenance and bone strengthening. It has the potential to fight different types of osteoporosis [4, 5].
Though calcium may not have the same beneficial skeletal effect on older people, especially over the 40s, they can still drink buttermilk as a safe beverage.
5. Buttermilk Can Prevent Dehydration
Buttermilk is full of electrolytes that fight against heat and loss of water in the body. Water loss or dehydration are of different types and the electrolyte present in buttermilk can treat the worst dehydration among them [6].
In Asian countries, traditional buttermilk is a favorite drink in the summertime. It is a pure joy that these people relish during extreme heat.
At home, it is a wise choice to make it your summer drink too.
6. It May Benefit Gastrointestinal Tract
Buttermilk has good bacteria which is good for the gastrointestinal tract in the human body. It also helps in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and relieves from constipation.
More reliable studies are necessary to know if buttermilk can treat IBS in all stages of all ages.
7. Buttermilk Grows and Repairs Muscle
Muscle tissues in a human body highly depend on protein. Buttermilk is rich in protein which may help in muscle growth and repair.
A few studies supported that the whey protein gained from buttermilk plays an active role in muscle and strength development [7].
Naturally, liquid buttermilk or powdered buttermilk is a favorite protein supplement for every gym-goer.
If you dream of gaining mass in your physic, concentrate on this super drink. But it’s wise to consult your physician before diving into a daily diet.
8. It Nourishes Beauty
Since buttermilk helps to detoxify your body, it naturally reflects in your skin. Getting rid of all dirt and poison, your skin will glow from within.
Besides drinking, you can also apply buttermilk on your skin and hair.
Applying buttermilk on the face will remove your suntan. It will make your skin softer.
You can make a hair mask with buttermilk and honey blend. Want shiny and silky hair?- apply this mask once or twice a week.
9. Buttermilk is a Safe Weight Loss Supplement
You want to lose your weight, but you are scared of becoming weak. Don’t worry anymore.
Buttermilk has become a friendly supplement for those who want to lose weight. It is low in fat but high in protein and enzyme. Both these nutrients can help you remain hydrated and strong with a minimum diet.
10. It Revitalizes Immune System
Regular drinking of buttermilk can revitalize your immune system. Lactic acid bacteria in buttermilk can fight off some health degrading elements and improve physical function [8].
Precautions
Buttermilk may be a safe drink for adults but you should be cautious with your babies, especially the toddlers.
You should avoid feeding buttermilk to your child if he or she is suffering from eczema. Toddlers may catch oral allergy due to the presence of bacteria in buttermilk.
You should check buttermilk’s condition while drinking. It’s good to know the expiry timeline of this nutritious drink.
Shelf life for traditional buttermilk is short as it may rot in regular room temperature in no time. Powdered buttermilk can stay good for a much longer time.
Endnote
One must know the difference between traditional and cultured buttermilk before drinking or using for food recipes.
Besides a number of health benefits, buttermilk can work as a tricky food ingredient. Many use buttermilk for baked food items and seasoning meat.
Buttermilk almost outdated a few years ago in the US but it is getting popular again nowadays.
One must choose the supermarket buttermilk wisely because many of them lack the desired nutritious qualities.
Remember, dairy food is always sensitive and alarming for your kidneys and guts. It may not act friendly and similarly to all ages. So, be responsible for your health and take a doctor’s suggestion before dairy food consumption.
