Buttermilk health benefits include nourishing the body, reducing body heat, aiding digestion, preventing dehydration, supporting bone health, detoxifying the body, decreasing blood pressure, promoting weight loss, preventing yeast infection, supporting skeletal health, enhancing the skin, and boosting immune system.
Buttermilk is the white liquid left during the buttering of milk. Many people think it is made by mixing butter and water, just like almond milk is made by mixing almonds and water. It is common beverage found in most Indian and Pakistani homes. This south-east Asian drink is loaded with minerals and vitamins and may even be suitable for people who are lactose intolerant.
Nutrition Facts of Buttermilk
Amount Per 100 grams
- Calories 40
- Total Fat 9 g
- Saturated fat 5 g
- Monounsaturated fat 3 g
- Cholesterol 4 mg
- Sodium 105 mg
- Potassium 151 mg
- Total Carbohydrate 8 g
- Sugar 8 g
- Protein 3 g
- Vitamin C 1%
- Calcium 11%
- Vitamin B-12 3%
- Magnesium 2%
Percentage Based on a 2000-calorie diet
12 Amazing Benefits of Buttermilk
1. Nourishes Your Entire Body
Buttermilk packs plenty of minerals and vitamins that your body needs to stay strong. It is a natural supplement that can help keep healthy and make sure you never go low on most of your nutrients. It is not just a rich source of calcium and protein but also contains other nutrients like iron, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and zinc along with vitamins A, D, E, and B.
2. Reduces Body Heat
Buttermilk has a cooling effect on your entire body, especially your digestive tract. The drink makes it easier for you to wash down spicy food and soothe the lining of your stomach. People who want to deal with hot flashes can choose to drink a cold glass of buttermilk to deal with the symptoms.
3. Aid the Digestive System
If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, buttermilk may help you in more ways than you realize. It contains antimicrobial properties that help in defeating Infectious diarrhea caused by bacteria. It even helps you wash down oily foods and makes sure you do not feel stuffed. It even clears the lining of our stomachs and food pipe. Buttermilk has been found to help with conditions like lactose intolerance, colon cancer, and stomach infections.
4. Prevents Dehydration
The drink is loaded with electrolytes and is your best shot against heat and loss of water during the strong summers. It comes from yogurt which makes it an effective treatment for dehydration. It is one of the best summer drinks that you can get as, not only does the drink cools down your body, but it also helps get rid of general uneasiness.
5. Loaded with Calcium
It is very important to keep your calcium levels on the positive side, but it is not so easy for everyone. Many people who are lactose intolerant do not have a natural alternative to milk. You don’t want just need calcium for good skeletal health as it is also an important component of cell communication and the contraction of muscles. Proper intake can help you avoid serious problems like osteoporosis and even help you deal with arthritis. Buttermilk provides you with the calcium and other nutrients without the fat.
6. Detoxifies the Body
As you consume numerous items, the body breaks them down and uses the beneficial elements. As a result of this continuous process, your body also produces a lot of harmful elements that should not stay in your body. Buttermilk contains riboflavin that helps your liver to function properly and detoxify the body. It is also an anti oxidizing agent and is vital for the release of hormones that aid in the digestion process.
7. Decreases Blood Pressure
It is very important to have regulated blood pressure to avoid major heart problems and stroke. According to studies, buttermilk contains an abundance of bioactive proteins that help in lowering your cholesterol levels. These components are also anti-bacterial and antiviral. According to research, regularly drinking the beverage can help lower your blood pressure, quite significantly.
8. Help Lose Weight
Buttermilk has very low-fat content and is rich with other beneficial nutrients. You can get all the nutrition from milk or cheese by replacing it with buttermilk. If you drink it regularly, you can avoid dehydration and remain energetic, even when you are on a diet. It can help satisfy hunger so that you stay away from unhealthy junk foods.
9. Prevents Yeast Infections
Many women suffer from the problem at some point in their lives, but such a condition is avoidable. You need to maintain your urogenital health to avoid yeast infections. The probiotic present in buttermilk can keep the ecosystem balanced so that harmful microorganisms cannot come from in the area. Sometimes the balance is disturbed due to antibiotics and birth control pills; you can bring the balance back by adding buttermilk to your diet.
10. Good for Skeletal Heath
Buttermilk has an abundance of calcium, which means it can keep your bones strong. It is a very good way to avoid osteoporosis if you are lactose intolerant. It doesn’t just maintain bone density but also provides nourishment to other organs in your body.
11. Good for Your Skin
By getting rid of toxins and keeping you nourished, your skin automatically gets smoother, brighter and zit-free. It is used to exfoliate your skin and even treat freckles. Buttermilk can be used in masks and or as a facial cleanser to deal with the effects of sunlight. Moreover, people also use it as an anti-aging product. There are numerous buttermilk mask recipes that you can find online, through a simple search, if you want to improve your skin.
12. Boosts Immune System
The bacterium present in buttermilk empowers the immune system and helps you avoid various diseases. It is a great way of fending off vaginal infection as it is a probiotic. Moreover, it takes care of your heart due to its low-fat content and even keeps your blood pressure in check. Some people like to add either salt or sugar to add some flavor to it, but remember an excess of these two can admonish the beneficial effects of the drink. According to a research, regular consumption of buttermilk can ward off candida infections in diabetic women.
Bottom Line
This south-east Asian drink is better than any industrial beverage you can find around the world. The best part is you can make it at your home and be sure that it is entirely organic and is preservative free. It is a great way to deal with the summer heat and keep your nutrition in good shape. The best part is that you do not even have to worry about gaining weight. But as with all things, do not forget to consult your doctor before you add anything to your diet for medicinal purposes.