Buttermilk also known as chaach in Hindi not only quenches thirst but also uplifts one’s mood. Traditionally, buttermilk is the liquid that is left over after the butter is churned from fermented cream. It can be made by whisking a few spoons of yogurt and water until they are blended properly. One can add some spices such as cumin powder, pepper, ginger, green chilies, curry leaves and coriander leaves to the mixture to enhance its texture. This delicious drink loaded with essential nutrients, provides numerous health benefits, including weight loss. It is a perfect drink for summer as it reduces the stomach heat and keeps you cool. It is very helpful to improve gut health. One cup of buttermilk contains 99 calories and 2.2 grams of fat, whereas whole milk contains 157 calories and 8.9 grams of fat. It is rich in potassium, vitamin B12, calcium, and riboflavin as well as a good source of phosphorus.
The digestive properties make buttermilk a health drink too. Here are some reasons why you should start taking buttermilk for weight loss:
- Packed with proteins: Protein is important for strong bones, muscles, and skin health. One cup of buttermilk contains 8.1 grams of protein, which is about the same as one cup of low-fat milk. Nowadays protein for weight loss has gained popularity among many of us. It helps boosts our metabolism which in turn helps to burn more calories. Proteins also help reduce our appetite and curb our cravings which makes us consume fewer calories throughout the day.
- Improved digestive power: Buttermilk is rich in bacteria which promotes a healthy gastrointestinal tract. It also contains lactic acid bacteria, which contribute to better digestive health, easing constipation and stomach disorders. Buttermilk is an excellent summer drink to keep the person well-hydrated and energized. Buttermilk helps in the secretion of hormones and aids in digestion.
- A Good Substitute for fat: For those watching their calorie or fat intake, one can try putting a couple of tablespoons of buttermilk on a baked potato or in mashed potatoes as a substitute for sour cream or butter. One will get both the buttery flavor and the slight tang of sour cream with fewer calories. One can also make a sour cream substitute using buttermilk powder.
- Detoxify the body: If a person adds buttermilk in the diet, then it increases riboflavin or Vitamin B2 consumption. Riboflavin activates enzymes in the cells, which helps drive energy production. Riboflavin also supports liver function, a key process for detoxifying the body. Riboflavin helps the body make uric acid, a strong antioxidant. One cup of buttermilk has 377 micrograms of riboflavin, which is nearly one-third of the body’s daily requirement.
- Enhances immunity: The lactic acid bacillus, bacteria present in buttermilk not only defends the body from the heat but also helps the body to protect against many infections, diseases and viruses. Lactic acid bacteria boost the immune system. It is a natural probiotic that helps to maintain gut health. The immune system is directly linked to our gut bacteria and their influence on our health and disease.
- Aids in weight loss: Buttermilk contains low calories and low fat. While many other drinks may be barred for the consumption of people suffering from cardiovascular diseases, buttermilk scores well among all these drinks. With minimal fat content and nutritionally rich, buttermilk is actually prescribed for many patients who are on a low-calorie diet. Thus drinking buttermilk instead of high-calorie drinks can help in slimming down and help in inch loss.
- Bone Growth and Osteoporosis: One of the buttermilk’s greatest benefits is its calcium content. One needs 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily, and each cup of low-fat buttermilk gives 284 milligrams. Getting calcium in the diet may help slow bone loss as the person ages, helps support new bone growth, and may stave off osteoporosis. Calcium is known to support cell communication and muscle contraction.
