Buttermilk, or chaas, is a popular drink that is recognised all around the world, but it is most common in India. It is a dairy product made by fermenting milk, giving it a sour flavour from the addition of bacterial culture. Most frequently, this dairy ingredient is used in baking biscuits, pancakes, muffins, and quick breads. On this page, you will find the buttermilk benefits, or you can say the chaas benefits.
What is Buttermilk?
The by-product of churning milk cream into butter is traditionally known as buttermilk. It can also be produced by combining curd and water for dilution. Buttermilk sold commercially is made by fermenting non-fat milk with lactic acid-producing microorganisms. It is thicker than regular buttermilk.
Buttermilk Health Benefits
The health benefits of drinking buttermilk are as follows:
1. Improves digestion: One of the primary benefits of drinking buttermilk is that it helps you digest. Buttermilk contains lactic acid that breaks down the food in the stomach. It aids in maintaining regular bowel movements and provides relief for constipation sufferers. Buttermilk will treat you with the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Colon cancer, stomach infections, and lactose intolerance may also be reduced with buttermilk.
2. Increases Energy: It gives you additional energy and keeps you moving all day. Buttermilk contains riboflavin, a vitamin B type essential for your body’s processes for producing energy. The amino acids that make up proteins in your body are also better controlled by it.
3. Promotes immunity: Buttermilk consumption also strengthens your immune system. A strong immune system depends on a diet that consists of vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, B12, calcium, and phosphorus. These micronutrients are found abundantly in buttermilk. By increasing the development of beneficial gut bacteria, the probiotics in buttermilk also help to improve the immune system.
4. Beneficial for Teeth & Bones: Chaas is a great source of calcium necessary for strong bones and teeth. The consumption of buttermilk is beneficial in preventing osteoporosis and other bone-related issues. Furthermore, it contains phosphorus, which helps calcium to build healthy bones.
5. Lowers blood pressure: Potassium, which is abundant in buttermilk, helps to lower and regulate blood pressure. Potassium relaxes blood arteries and lessens tension in artery walls, helping to counteract the unfavourable effects of sodium on blood pressure. Regular buttermilk consumption can aid in reducing blood pressure and preventing hypertension.
6. Suitable for Your Skin: Buttermilk health benefits include improving skin’s overall health. The lactic acid present in buttermilk is beneficial to our skin. It is a fantastic skin cleanser and toner that keeps our skin radiant. Plus, it aids in the removal of acne and scars tan. With buttermilk, your skin becomes brightened and moisturised, which slows down ageing.
7. Reduces cholesterol levels: Studies in Ayurveda show consuming buttermilk on a daily basis can lower cholesterol levels. Modern science has also confirmed these claims, revealing that those with high cholesterol levels who routinely consume recommended volumes of buttermilk have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
8. Detoxification of the Body: One of the most common buttermilk benefits is the purification of the body. The riboflavin or vitamin B2 in buttermilk detoxifies the body. While transforming our food into energy, riboflavin supports liver health. The major job of the liver is to remove the toxins from the body and blood. Riboflavin also aids in the formation of the excretory substance uric acid. As a result, it promotes the liver’s effective operation.
Anticancer Effects of Buttermilk
Research shows that buttermilk inhibits the proliferation of cancerous cells. Proteins found in buttermilk that transports selenium can prevent the growth and differentiation of breast cancer cells.
Bioactive lipids and proteins are the parts of buttermilk that help it have anticancer qualities. Phospholipids and sphingolipids are the names of two lipids in the buttermilk. By a process known as apoptosis, these lipids can damage the cause of cancer cells. It can interrupt the cancerous cells’ ability to synthesise DNA, causing defects that lead to the death of the cell.
Buttermilk benefits cancer patients in a variety of other ways. For instance, chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer patients frequently leave them weak, dehydrated, and unable to digest dense foods. Therefore, giving these patients buttermilk can give them enough nutrition while putting less strain on their digestive systems.
Buttermilk Benefits Weight Loss
You can make your weight loss journey smoother by incorporating buttermilk into your diet chart. Below are the ways in which buttermilk aids in weight loss.
• Low in calories: The main reason buttermilk is good for weight loss is that it is low in calories. There are 100 calories in a cup of buttermilk, which can be used as a drink for people who are trying to lose weight.
• High in protein: Buttermilk is also high in protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles. Protein is also known to keep you feeling full for longer, which can prevent over-eating and snacking between meals.
• Lowers BMI: Drinking buttermilk regularly has been found to lower body mass index (BMI) in overweight individuals.
When and How to Consume Buttermilk?
You can have buttermilk at any time of day, including before meals and at night. It is best to drink buttermilk on an empty stomach if you have digestive issues. The bacteria can function effectively throughout this time in this fashion. Buttermilk can be preserved for up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. You should throw it out after this time frame since it can contain dangerous elements.
Consuming buttermilk at night can improve your sleep. Tryptophan, an amino acid found in buttermilk, and calcium both help to generate melatonin. The brain releases melatonin, which in turn helps you to regulate the sleeping cycle. Thus, consuming buttermilk at night can encourage better sleep. Buttermilk also improves the flavour and aroma of many foods. These include baked goods like sauce, scones and classic Indian dishes like curries and sambar.
