Buttermilk: 8 Benefits of this Tangy and Creamy Delight

• Written by Farina Khan

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Ever wondered what makes buttermilk so special? Or wondering why your elders keep insisting for a cool and soothing buttermilk on a scorching hot day? Well, the humble tangy drink might seem simple but it is fully-packed with flavour, history, tradition, and health benefits. 

Not just a refreshing drink, buttermilk is actually a century-old elixir enjoyed across the globe. Curious to know about the health benefits of buttermilk and is it good for weight loss, acidity, and what is the best time to drink? The wait is over, as we will be addressing all your queries in this blog. So, stay tuned! 

What is Buttermilk?

Once a by-product of churning milk, buttermilk is a tangy, creamy, and traditional drink renowned for its benefits. The leftover of the churning milk that was the traditional form of buttermilk is sour in taste and naturally low in fat. The commercially produced buttermilk available on the grocery stores is prepared with a blend of lactic acid bacteria and fermented milk. This refreshing and revitalising buttermilk can aid digestion, boost immunity, and enhance skin health. 

Buttermilk Benefits You Can’t Ignore

The health benefits of buttermilk is a value addition to the balanced diet. Let’s have a look at the buttermilk benefits and its value addition to our diet:

Promotes Digestive Health - Buttermilk is rich in probiotics which is helpful to maintain a healthy balance of gut flora. And hence regular consumption of buttermilk helps in digestion, prevents bloating, improves bowel movements, and helps in common digestive issues like constipation and indigestion.

• Aids in Weight Management - This is another one of the most effective buttermilk benefits you can’t deny from. Buttermilk is a great low-calorie and low-fat beverage that helps in controlling weight. The proteins in buttermilk is a healthy snack that curbs hunger pangs and reduces overeating.
• Excellent Source of Nutrition - Buttermilk is one of the most refreshing healthy drinks, which is full of vitamin B12, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, carbohydrates, and minerals.
• Improves Hydration - The electrolytes like potassium and sodium found in the buttermilk improves hydration in the body and helps replenish the body’s fluids.
• Reduce Cholesterol Level - The bioactive compound in buttermilk like sphingolipids may contribute to removing the bad cholesterol from the body, as suggested by many studies.
• Boosts Immune Function - Another major benefit of buttermilk is its boost to the immune system. The probiotics in the buttermilk improve gut health and boosts the immune system. 
• Maintains Healthy Skin - Buttermilk is rich in lactic acid, natural Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) which is good for skin. It is used in beauty treatments also to brighten and soften the skin naturally.
• Aids in Reducing Acidity - Is buttermilk good for acidity? Indeed! The lactic acid in buttermilk neutralises stomach acid which leads to reducing the acidity. It is a natural and very effective remedy to soothe the digestive tract.

Buttermilk as a Source of Nutrition 

Buttermilk is often mistaken for high in fat but it is actually low in calories and fat. Buttermilk is actually rich in calcium, Vitamin B12, and potassium. Check out the breakdown of the major nutrients in a 100gm buttermilk.

Buttermilk: Preparation Tips at Home

If you don’t want to have buttermilk from outside and willing  to prepare it at home, you may find these tips super handy. 

• Take a cup or a container to prepare buttermilk.
• Add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to it.
• Stir the mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice.
• Keep it aside for 8-10 minutes.
• After a period of 10 minutes, it will start curdling.
• And, your homemade buttermilk is ready.

With these simple steps you can prepare buttermilk in just 10 minutes. Here are some tips for using and storing homemade buttermilk:

• To maintain the freshness of buttermilk, always store it in the refrigerator.
• For the best taste and nutrition, try to consume it within a week.
• You can use homemade buttermilk in baking or making dishes like Kadhi as well.
• Fresh homemade buttermilk can be added to smoothies and pancakes also.

>>Read More: Green Chillies: Friends or Enemies?

The Bottom Line

Buttermilk is a nutritious traditional choice worth incorporating into a balanced diet. From enhancing digestion to contribution in weight management and boosting immune functions, the benefits of buttermilk can’t be ignored. So, the next time you are looking for a refreshing drink, consider choosing buttermilk-It is surely a treat to tempt your taste buds and a boost for the body. 

Additionally, consider investing in a comprehensive health plan from Care Health Insurance that covers almost everything from hospitalisation expenses to a medical emergency. The dedicated and personalised plans that cover doctor consultation and nutritionist appointments will surely be an advantage for you.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.