Introduction: The Importance of Buttermilk in Indian Culture
In a hot country like India, natural beverages have been relied upon for centuries to escape the scorching sun and humid heat. One of the most popular and healthy drinks among these is 'Buttermilk', also known as Mattha, Takra, or Chaach in different parts of the country. In Ayurveda, buttermilk is called the 'Nectar of the Earth'. Just as nectar is for the gods, buttermilk is considered beneficial for humans.
In today's modern era, where we are running towards packaged juices and cold drinks, buttermilk is a traditional alternative that is not only cheap but also a treasure trove of qualities. It is prepared by churning curd and adding water to it, which makes its properties even more digestible compared to curd. In this article, we will learn in detail how drinking a glass of buttermilk daily can be beneficial for your body and what is the right way to drink it.
1. A Treasure Trove of Nutrition: Nutritional Value of Buttermilk
Buttermilk is not just a thirst-quenching drink; it is a powerhouse that provides essential nutrients to the body. It has an excellent balance of vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. If we talk about 100 ml of buttermilk, it contains about 40-45 calories, making it a low-calorie drink.
- Vitamins: Buttermilk is an excellent source of Vitamin B12, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), and Vitamin A. Vitamin B12 is crucial for maintaining energy levels and keeping the nervous system healthy.
- Minerals: It is rich in calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and zinc. Especially the calcium present in it is essential for the strength of bones and teeth.
- Probiotics: Buttermilk contains live microorganisms like 'Lactic Acid Bacteria', called probiotics. These are no less than a boon for your gut health.
- Low Fat: Since buttermilk is what remains after extracting butter from curd (traditional method), it is very low in fat, making it safe even for heart patients.
2. A Boon for the Digestive System
There can be no better home remedy than buttermilk for digestive problems. When we eat heavy or spicy food, feeling heaviness and burning in the stomach is common. In such a situation, buttermilk acts like a natural medicine.
Relief from Acidity and Burning: The lactic acid present in buttermilk balances stomach acidity. Drinking buttermilk after a spicy meal forms a protective layer on the stomach wall, which reduces burning. If you add a little roasted cumin and black salt to it, its effect doubles.
Treatment for Constipation and Bloating: Buttermilk acts as a natural laxative. Due to its high water content, it softens the stool and improves bowel movement. By drinking buttermilk daily, one can get rid of chronic problems like gas, bloating, and indigestion. The good bacteria present in it revitalize the intestinal flora, which helps in better absorption of food.
3. Aid in Weight Loss and Metabolism
If you are trying to lose weight, definitely include buttermilk in your diet plan. There are several reasons that make it weight-loss friendly.
Low Calories and High Satiety: After drinking a glass of buttermilk, you feel full for a long time. It helps in reducing the level of 'ghrelin', the hormone that controls hunger. Compared to cold drinks or sugary juices, buttermilk is very low in calories, allowing you to satisfy your cravings without taking in extra calories.
Boosting Metabolism: The vitamins and proteins present in buttermilk speed up metabolism. When your metabolism is good, the body can convert fat into energy more efficiently. Additionally, buttermilk also helps in detoxifying the body, flushing out toxins and making the weight loss process easier.
4. Benefits for Bone Strength and Heart Health
Weakening of bones with age is a common problem, known as osteoporosis. Buttermilk is an excellent source of calcium, which helps in maintaining bone density.
Bone and Teeth Health: From children to the elderly, buttermilk is a cheap and effective medium to meet daily calcium requirements. It not only makes bones strong but also improves the health of gums and teeth.
Cholesterol and Heart Health: Research suggests that regular consumption of buttermilk can help reduce levels of bad cholesterol (LDL). The bioactive proteins present in buttermilk have cholesterol-lowering properties. Additionally, the potassium present in it helps in controlling blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of heart diseases.
5. Buttermilk for the Beauty of Skin and Hair
The benefits of buttermilk are not limited to internal health; it also works wonders in enhancing your beauty. The lactic acid present in it is a natural cleanser and exfoliator.
Glowing Skin and Anti-Tanning: If you have a sunburn, applying buttermilk to the affected area provides instant cooling and the tanning gradually fades away. You can use it as a face pack by mixing it with gram flour (besan) or Multani mitti. It cleanses skin pores and helps prevent acne.
Healthy and Shiny Hair: Buttermilk acts as a natural conditioner for hair. If you have a dandruff problem, washing your head with sour buttermilk is very beneficial. It cleanses the scalp and brings a natural shine to the hair. To nourish the hair roots, you can apply buttermilk mixed with a little lemon juice.
6. Types of Buttermilk and the Right Time for Consumption According to Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, buttermilk is called 'Takra', and different effects are described based on the method of preparation.
- Ghola: Churned curd without adding water. It pacifies Kapha and Pitta.
- Mathita: Curd churned and the butter removed from the top. It is light and digestible.
- Takra: A mixture of curd churned with one-fourth water. This is considered the best.
Right Time to Drink: According to Ayurveda, drinking buttermilk after lunch is most beneficial. It helps in digesting food and protects the body from the afternoon heat. It can also be taken in the morning, but drinking buttermilk at night should be avoided because it has a cooling nature and can cause phlegm or a sore throat in some people.
7. Easy Recipe for Making Masala Chaach at Home
Market-bought buttermilk often contains preservatives and high salt. You can easily make healthy Masala Chaach at home:
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh curd, 2 cups cold water, half a teaspoon roasted cumin powder, black salt to taste, a few mint leaves, and finely chopped green coriander.
Method: Take curd in a vessel and whisk it well. Now add water and churn it well with a whisker or blender until foam appears on top. Now add cumin powder, black salt, and mint leaves. Finally, garnish with green coriander and serve chilled. If you wish, you can also add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) tempering, which is even better for digestion.
Conclusion
Buttermilk is such a magical drink that is a unique blend of taste and health. Whether you want to lose weight, improve digestion, or just get relief from the heat, buttermilk is the solution to every problem. It is a precious heritage given by our ancestors that we should prioritize again in our modern lifestyle. So, leave your bottle of cold drink today and make fresh, homemade buttermilk your companion. Remember, a healthy life begins with your small habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I drink buttermilk daily?
Yes, drinking one to two glasses of buttermilk daily is very beneficial for health, especially in summers. It keeps you hydrated and improves digestion.
2. Does drinking buttermilk increase weight?
No, on the contrary, buttermilk helps in weight loss. It is very low in calories and fat and speeds up metabolism.
3. Is it safe to drink buttermilk at night?
Generally, drinking buttermilk at night should be avoided because its nature is cooling, which can cause problems like phlegm, cough, or joint pain. The best time to drink it is in the afternoon.
4. Can diabetic patients drink buttermilk?
Yes, buttermilk is a safe option for diabetic patients because it has a low glycemic index. Just keep in mind not to add sugar and keep the salt content limited.
5. Are buttermilk and curd the same?
No, curd is thick and can have a higher fat content. Buttermilk is made by churning curd with water, making it more digestible and lighter compared to curd.
Post a Comment