The Many Benefits Of Buttermilk

Photo credit: bigstock.com

Photo credit: bigstock.com

It might help you lose weight

Buttermilk contains fewer calories and fat per serving than whole milk. One cup of buttermilk has about 100 calories and 2.2. grams of fat, versus 150 calories and 8 grams of fat in whole milk. Replacing whole milk with buttermilk in your diet can contribute to your weight loss goals, as part of a larger diet and exercise program.

 

Good source of protein

When people think  of protein they usually think of meat, but dairy is one of the best sources of protein out there and is comparatively much cheaper. At 8.1 grams of protein per cup, buttermilk is no exception.

 

It can help soothe your stomach after a spicy meal

In traditional Ayurveda (Indian) medicine, drinking buttermilk (or chaas, as is it is called in Ayurveda) is recommended as a way to help soothe stomach discomfort that might come from eating a spicy meal. It is not surprising that buttermilk has been used for this purpose since ancient times, as India has some of the spiciest food in the world (ask anyone who has eaten lamb vindaloo!).

The acidity of spicy dishes can lead to heart burn and indigestion, and even ulcers. It also contributes to the overall acidity of the body, already exacerbated by the excessive acidity of the modern diet. Buttermilk’s alkaline properties help neutralize the acid content in spicy foods and prevent these problems from occurring.

Buttermilk does contain a fair amount of sodium (466 milligrams per 8-ounce cup, or about 20 percent of the daily recommended amount for adults). This could be a potential concern for people who have, or are at risk, of developing high blood pressure. This is a lot higher than whole milk, which only has 107 milligrams per cup.

While buttermilk isn’t dangerous for people to drink, it is simply something to be aware of if you are trying to moderate your sodium intake. As part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle, drinking buttermilk should not cause any problems as long as it is done in moderation.

 

READ ALSO: Should You Drink Milk? Video

 

Buttermilk is an excellent alternative to whole milk for most people. It’s cheap, safe, and can add a unique flavor to many dishes. Pick some up today and try it out for yourself.

References:

www.ndb.nal.usda.gov

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

PrevPage: 2 of 2Next
//

One Comment

  1. Sunny12

    May 21, 2018 at 3:57 am

    Nyc info, I drink Amul buttermilk on daily basis, but never thought that is helps to reduce weight.