5 Reasons Buttermilk Is Light Summer Drink

Buttermilk Health Benefits:  Buttermilk is a fermented dairy drink made using lactic acid bacteria in milk. And as the temperature starts peaking, this soothing refreshment becomes a go-to for many, especially among Indians, who cherish its cultural roots. It is a tangy drink packed with cooling and refreshing elements that keep your body cool, especially when in the summer people are boiling at 40 degrees. Here are 5 reasons that make buttermilk a light summer drink.

5 Reasons Buttermilk Is a Light Summer Drink

The following are five reasons why buttermilk can be the ideal beverage during summer:

1. Refreshes Without Heaviness:

Buttermilk is mainly made up of water, and thus, it helps in replenishing your body with fluids that it loses due to sweating. Since buttermilk is a dilute preparation (chaas), it doesn’t make you feel sluggish after consuming it, unlike milkshakes or lassis. Buttermilk, with its refreshing and hydrating qualities, especially when consumed with a little salt and roasted cumin powder, gives you renewed vigour.

Buttermilk To Consume During Midday Lunch (Image Credits: Canva) 

2. It Is Easy On The Stomach

Bacterial cultures are introduced to ferment curd for buttermilk, which helps in maintaining a healthy bacterial balance in the intestine. This may make digestion easier, as in summer the digestive system needs to cope with changes towards a lighter diet or street foods. The acidity in buttermilk is said to stimulate the secretion of gastric juices in addition to making one feel lighter after having food. Thus, for those suffering from stomach problems related to heat, a glass of buttermilk will be both comforting and curative.

3. Low-Calorie But Satiating Drink

Another special characteristic of buttermilk is that it is a drink which is low in calorie content and yet gives satiety to some extent. Buttermilk has fewer calories than other drinks like milkshakes or fruit drinks, and also adds protein and calcium to the body, which gives a sense of satisfaction. Thus, for all those looking for a refreshing and satisfying beverage at mid-morning, buttermilk should be considered an ideal choice.

Consume Buttermilk In Summer (Image Credits: Canva)

4. Natural Electrolyte And Nutrient Boost

The body tends to lose its essential electrolytes, like salts, due to excessive sweating. Naturally, buttermilk contains potassium, calcium, and traces of sodium, which are essential electrolytes. Buttermilk can be flavoured further with a bit of black salt or roasted cumin seeds for additional electrolytes and flavour. Moreover, buttermilk provides B vitamins as well as easily absorbable forms of calcium, which contribute to increased energy and bone strength during the period of high activity.

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5. Customisable And Refreshing: 

Buttermilk offers one more benefit: versatility. Being a natural canvas for adding flavours, all it takes is just a pinch of roasted cumin, some fresh coriander, a few pieces of grated ginger, or a little bit of lemon juice to turn buttermilk into a unique summer elixir. If desired, it can be slightly sweetened using a piece of date or a bit of jaggery; the result will be a refreshing, low-calorie beverage without any risk of becoming too heavy and sweet. It is convenient and quick to make because all it needs is diluted curd mixed with water and seasoned.

Drinking buttermilk everyday in summer can provide great respite from scorching heat (Image Credits: Freepik)

Tips For Consuming Buttermilk In Summer: 

• - Stick to it plain or mildly flavoured; avoid using thickened cream or excess sugars.
• - Refrigerate the beverage and drink it up within a day; only freshly made buttermilk is probiotic.
• - When on a trip or having a picnic, store it in an insulated bottle; add some salt and cumin right before drinking buttermilk.
• - Lactose-intolerant people may prefer low-lactose variants of yoghurt or yoghurt-like plant beverages; however, their probiotic properties will differ.

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Although traditional yet timeless, buttermilk can offer several benefits, from hydration to digestion and being flexible in terms of flavours. For a refreshing yet healthy traditional summer drink, sip a cold buttermilk, and you won’t regret it.