Many people know about buttermilk, which is a traditional dairy product that is delicious because of its tanginess and creaminess. It has been cherished across various cultures for hundreds of years. Although the beverage might be best known as an essential ingredient to make pancakes fluffy or creamy, buttermilk benefits do not end just in the kitchen. Loaded with essential nutrients it provides uncountable health benefits. Here in this article, we explore undoubtedly incredible benefits of buttermilk and why it is absolutely important to include it in your nutrition plan.
What is buttermilk?
Since buttermilk doesn’t include butter, the name is a little deceptive. The liquid that remains after whole milk has been churned into butter is known as traditional buttermilk. While it is still widespread in some areas of Nepal, Pakistan, and India, this sort of buttermilk is becoming less common in Western countries.
Today’s buttermilk is primarily made up of water, casein (a milk protein) and lactose (a milk sugar.) After pasteurisation and homogenization, cultures of lactic-acid-producing bacteria (Lactobacillus Bulgaricus or Lactococcus Lactis) are introduced. One of the key components of buttermilk is its live cultures or probiotics. These beneficial bacteria are crucial for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, aiding in digestion, and even boosting the immune system. Buttermilk stands out as a rich source of probiotics, comparable to yoghurt and kefir, making it an excellent choice for promoting gut health.
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8 Buttermilk Benefits That Everyone Should Know About
1. Buttermilk is full of probiotics
The good bacteria determine the condition of the intestinal microorganisms. Habitual integration of probiotic-rich meals like buttermilk into the diet can help maintain the balance of gut microbiome which is crucial for the absorption of nutrients, digestion and even mental health. This friendly bacteria present in buttermilk can therefore strengthen the immune system, enhancing the effectiveness of the body’s defences against infections.
2. Aids in Digestion
Buttermilk has lactic acid bacteria that help in the digestion process. Such bacteria can assist in fatty food nutrient absorption and thus contribute to fewer issues with the digestive system like bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea. Moreover, buttermilk benefits effectively as an effective natural remedy for people who are having problems of acid reflux or stomach ulcers through its soothing effect on the stomach.
3. Loaded with Vital Nutrients
Buttermilk contains impressive amounts of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, vitamin B12, potassium, and phosphorus, which are essential for our bodies. These foods contain all the nutrients necessary for healthy bones, energy, and for cells to function properly. Calcium is one of the most important nutrients for developing and maintaining strong bones and teeth, so buttermilk is in fact a perfect food for preventing bone loss.
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4. Lowers Blood Pressure
It is also supported by evidence that when buttermilk is taken in moderation, hypertension (which is a severe risk factor for cardiovascular diseases) can be lowered to normal levels. Recent studies have shown that the bioactive peptides that are created during the fermentation period can decrease blood pressure. These buttermilk benefits are referred to as the natural way for managing of blood pressure levels.
5. Promotes Skin Health
Buttermilk is also rich in lactic acid, a form of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) commonly used to exfoliate the skin and promote detoxification. The topical application of buttermilk can help you remove dead skin cells, rejuvenate dull skin and cause the skin to look younger. It acts as a humectant which helps to lock in moisture. Therefore, it is an excellent natural product used for dry and irritated skin.
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6. Supports Weight Management
The addition of buttermilk to your diet is a good substitution for those who are concerned about their weight. It has a lower fat percentage than regular milk but provides a feeling of filling that can aid in reducing your cravings and further help cut your calorie intake. Furthermore, buttermilk boasts a high protein content that also plays a role in the recovery and repair of muscles after training, which also makes it a great option as a post-workout beverage.
7. Hydration
Buttermilk is 90% water, so buttermilk benefits as it helps maintain water level in our body. This can be very advantageous, in hot weather or after an exercise session which is very exhausting when the body needs more fluids to replenish lost electrolytes.
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8. Easier to digest than other dairy products
The lactic acid in buttermilk can make its lactose content easier to digest. Lactose is the natural sugar in dairy products. According to a recent survey, about 60% of Indians are lactose intolerant, meaning that they don’t have the enzyme needed to break down this sugar. Some people with lactose intolerance can drink cultured dairy products with few to no side effects, as the lactose is broken down by the bacteria.
How to Make Buttermilk at Home?
Now the process of making buttermilk is pretty simple and surprisingly doesn’t require any special equipment or ingredients. As one can conveniently make buttermilk at home, it can go well with different dishes such as baking or marinating which can add that signature tanginess and creaminess. Here are some easy steps you can follow to make buttermilk by yourself and enjoy buttermilk benefits at your home.
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Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) of whole milk (you can also use skim or low-fat milk, but whole milk gives a richer flavour and texture)
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a utensil of your choice, pour in the lemon juice or vinegar in the milk. The acid is the one that is responsible for the enzyme which in turn creates sourness in the milk, which is the distinctive tangy taste of buttermilk and thicker texture.
- Rest: Stir the mixture and then leave it for approximately 10 minutes at room temperature. At this stage the solution will be slightly curdled, tangy and on the way to traditional buttermilk.
- Final Stir: Thereafter, stir the mixture with a spoon for it to pass through smoothly. Now it should look like butter milk in both its consistency and taste.
Conclusion
Buttermilk is much more than just a culinary delight; it’s a nutrient-rich drink that offers a dozen of health benefits. From improving gut health to supporting weight management, buttermilk benefits everyone who includes it in their diet. Whether you drink it straight, use it in your cooking, or apply it to your skin, incorporating buttermilk into your daily routine can contribute significantly to your overall well-being.
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Disclaimer: The content of this article is compiled information from generic and public sources. It is in no way a substitute, suggestion, or advice for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. BeatoApp does not claim responsibility for this information.
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