Do you enjoy a cold glass of buttermilk in the summer? It’s one of those simple pleasures that cools you down and makes you feel good after a heavy meal. But did you know you can make it even better for your health, especially your gut? With some simple ingredients, you can turn your usual chaas into a refreshing and gut-friendly drink.
Buttermilk is naturally full of probiotics, aids digestion, and replaces fluids and electrolytes. Homemade buttermilk is made by churning curd with water and possibly a dash of salt or spices. It’s not only low in fat but also packed with calcium, vitamin B12, potassium, and probiotics.
A small trial lasting eight weeks in 34 adults demonstrated that a daily intake of 45 grams, approximately 1/5 cup, of reconstituted buttermilk (buttermilk powder and water) resulted in a 3% decrease in total cholesterol and a 10% reduction in triglycerides compared to a placebo.
Tips To Make Buttermilk Better For Gut Health This Summer
1. Ginger and Mint Refresh Chaas
Both ginger and mint aid digestion and add a fresh, summery zing. Ginger also has antimicrobial properties, while mint cools the body from within. To prepare this refreshing drink, blend fresh ginger and mint into your buttermilk, and add black salt.
2. Ajwain-Jeera Mix for Bloating Relief
If your stomach is heavy or bloated, a buttermilk mixture with ajwain (carom seeds) and jeera (cumin) can work wonders. Dry roast the seeds, grind them and add a pinch to your beverage. These spices aid digestion, gas, and acidity and also, provide a warm, earthy flavour to your chaas.
Also Read: From Digestion To Immunity: 7 Amazing Health Benefits Of Drinking Buttermilk
3. Curry Leaves + Asafoetida for a South Indian Twist
Curry leaves are rich in antioxidants and iron, and hing (asafoetida) is a magic ingredient that manages bloating and gut health. Take a handful of curry leaves, add it to your buttermilk, include a teeny pinch of hing, and temper it with mustard seeds for a traditional Tamil Nadu-style mor.
4. Moringa Magic for a Nutrient Boost
Are you looking to sneak in more nutrients? Add a teaspoon of moringa powder, also known as drumstick leaves powder to your glass. Moringa is packed with fibre, calcium, and antioxidants, making your buttermilk not just gut-friendly but also great for immunity and energy.
5. Beetroot or Carrot for a Fermented Twist
Give your buttermilk a beautiful pink or orange hue by blending in some fermented beetroot or carrot juice. This adds additional probiotics and fibre while making your drink look pleasing.
Also Read: Milk Vs Curd Vs Buttermilk: What Is The Right Time To Consume Them?
Bonus: Use Leftover Curd Water
Don’t throw away the liquid remaining after straining curd (whey). It’s full of nutrients and makes a great base for buttermilk. Mixing it with water, spices, and herbs can yield a more digestible, protein-rich drink.
Buttermilk vs Probiotic Supplements: What’s Better?
Food-based probiotics are always more bioavailable. Unlike capsules, buttermilk brings hydration, nutrition, and live cultures in a natural form, especially when it’s homemade or from organic sources. But here’s the catch; most store-bought flavoured buttermilks may contain added sugars or preservatives. So if gut health is your goal, it’s best to whip it up fresh at home and experiment with natural additions.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]