8 Incredible Health Benefits of Buttermilk, Side effects and how to make
Explore the many health benefits of buttermilk with our in-depth guide. Discover how to include buttermilk into your daily routine.
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Who doesn’t know about ‘chaas,’ the popular summer drink? Chaas or buttermilk is one dairy product that needs no introduction. Irrespective of whether you stay in the northern or southern side of India, buttermilk is used everywhere.
A glass full of chilled buttermilk can not only make your tummy a happy tummy but will also give our body calcium and protein, along with other essential nutrients. Beyond its tart flavor and creamy texture, there are a host of health benefits.
Come along as we explore the fascinating realm of chaas advantages and reveal the healthful reasons why this delicious dairy product ought to be a mainstay of your everyday wellness regimen.
How to Make Buttermilk?
The byproduct of churning milk cream into butter is traditional buttermilk. That buttermilk is made by fermenting nonfat milk with the help of lactic acid bacteria.
Another way to make it is to mix and dilute water with curd. You can also purchase chaas from the market, which is available in different flavours.
Nutritional Profile of Buttermilk
The following table lists the various nutrients and how much of each is present in a cup of buttermilk [1]:
| Nutrients | Amount |
| Calories | 151 grams |
| Total Fat | 8.1 grams |
| Protein | 7.8 grams |
| Sodium | 256 mg |
| Calcium | 281 mg |
Health Benefits of Buttermilk
Let’s look at some of the incredible health benefits that buttermilk has to offer:
#1 Buttermilk for Digestion
Do you remember your mother telling you to drink chaas when you had an upset stomach? It is because buttermilk is easy on the stomach and even easier to digest. Thus, it can help in making your tummy a happy tummy. But how?
Buttermilk’s lactic acid can facilitate the easier digestion of its lactose component. Dairy products naturally include lactose as their sugar, thus making it easy to digest [2].
If you want to know more about digestion, take the digestive quotient test from Aashirvaad Atta. It is a simple test where you need to answer a few questions to understand your digestive health.
If feeling constipated, 250 ml buttermilk, pinch of salt, 2-3gm of fine powder of cumin seeds, ajwain (fried in ghee) and few curry leaves can enable smooth bowel movement.
#2 Buttermilk for Cholesterol
Chaas can help regulate heart health effectively. It can accomplish this by lowering blood cholesterol and artery cholesterol levels. Additionally, regular consumption of buttermilk can lower blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
This is because the ingredients in chaas lessen cholesterol’s intestine absorption and assimilation [3].
#3 Excellent Complement for Weight Loss
Chaas is the best option if you’re searching for ways to lose weight. Buttermilk can be an excellent complement to our weight management journey because it frequently contains fewer calories than whole milk.
Therefore, you can attain the calorie deficit required for weight loss by choosing a lower-calorie choice, such as chaas [4].
#4 Buttermilk for Energy
Chaas is full of different vitamins and minerals. It has riboflavin, a B vitamin necessary for your body’s processes that generate energy. Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, are regulated by your body through riboflavin.
Hence, by drinking chaas in the summer, people feel more energetic and revived [5].
#5 Prevents Dehydration
Water and curd are used to make buttermilk. Potassium and water make up about 90% of its composition. Hence, buttermilk prevents dehydration and aids in the body’s water balance. [6].
#6 Buttermilk for Skin
Chaas is an excellent skin cleanser as it moisturizes and brightens the skin quality thus delaying ageing.
The lactic acid present in it rejuvenates the complexion and retains moisture into the skin. It can also be used as a hair care ingredient in daily routine to repair dull and broken hair.
#7 Buttermilk Prevents Hunger Dissatisfaction
Buttermilk is an excellent source of protein that helps in maintaining strong health, bones, and muscles. It reduces the body production of hunger hormones that helps in controlling emotional eating and feeling of hunger dissatisfaction.
#8 Buttermilk for Diarrhea
Chaas is regarded as an effective remedy for diarrhea. You can do the following for the best use of chaas to prevent excess motions-
Rub nutmeg against buttermilk, and add a little lemon juice to it. Consume it to stop the excess of motion.
Side Effects of Buttermilk
Not all people can safely consume buttermilk. Before you proceed, keep the following in mind:
1. Allergies
People ought to be conscious of their allergic reactions, among other things. An allergy to milk proteins can cause rashes, breathing difficulties, and itching, among other allergic symptoms. Thus, before including this drink in your diet, speak with your doctor or dietician [7].
2. High Sodium and Calcium Content
People with high blood pressure and kidney problems must avoid consuming chaas with salt. Although, it can be consumed in an optimal quantity after consulting the doctor.
3. Throat Infections
Chaas must not be consumed by people having throat infections as it can worsen their condition if taken cold at night.
How do you Use Buttermilk in your Daily Routine?
Why should you use chaas only to drink when you can use it in different ways? Let’s look at some of them below:
- Use chaas to marinate your meat and make it tenderer.
- For added creaminess, mix buttermilk into soups and mashed potatoes.
- For your pancake batter, chaas is an additional option. It will make it fluffy and crispy.
- Next time when you bake bread, use chaas. Its acidity can help activate the baking soda and help the bread to rise better.
- Just like bread, chaas can be great when added to cakes. Its moisture can do wonders for the cake.
On the Whole…
Buttermilk stands out among the vast array of culinary pleasures not only as a tasty accompaniment but also as a wellness elixir that infuses health advantages into each drink. It is clear that chaas is more than simply a cool drink; it’s a nutritious ally that can work a little magic on your path to wellness.
Moreover, chaas demonstrates that decadent flavor and optimal health can coexist, providing a protein-rich embrace during your weight loss journey. It also aids with digestion. So, let’s toast the many advantages that chaas offers: a tasty symphony of flavor, sustenance, and a healthful journey that endures.
FAQs
1. Can you drink buttermilk daily?
There is no harm in drinking chaas on a regular basis. However, do remember to check for allergies before planning to include it in your diet. Safe dose that can be consumed is ½ cup if you are not suffering from any side effects mentioned.
2. What are the different health benefits of buttermilk?
Buttermilk can offer numerous health advantages. Chaas is very good for digestion and reducing bad cholesterol. In addition, drinking chaas can save you from dehydration, promote weight loss and give you ample energy.
4. Are there any side effects of drinking chaas?
Even though some people with lactose intolerance appear to digest buttermilk more efficiently, many people may still be sensitive to its lactose content. An upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea are symptoms of lactose intolerance. People with milk allergy should avoid consuming buttermilk.
