Is Buttermilk The Secret To Better Digestion At Lunch?

Benefits Of Buttermilk: Buttermilk is one of the staple Indian drinks that is available in countless homes, especially during the summer season. It is a refreshing, gut-friendly, cooling and nutritious drink that works wonders to balance out everything in the body. Buttermilk is usually added to the lunchtime routine. Whether they like it spicy, greasy or heavy, this buttermilk is a simple fermented dairy drink, is cherished for all its benefits. Buttermilk is packed with probiotics, enzymes and nutrients and is backed by science for being a midday lunch drink and is making a comeback in the modern wellness arena.

Unlike sugary soft drinks or heavy dairy-based options, buttermilk offers a natural way to support gut health without overwhelming the system. It is probiotic in nature and helps maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive tract, while spices like cumin, ginger and curry leaves that are often added to spiced buttermilk enhance its health benefits. Whether you’re battling bloating, acidity or post-meal fatigue, here’s why a glass of buttermilk with lunch might be a simple, science-backed solution that the body needs.

Benefits Of Consuming Buttermilk At Lunch

A Natural Digestive Aid

Buttermilk is known for its amazing digestive benefits. It is made by churning yoghurt with water, which results in a drink that is rich in lactic acid and live cultures of good bacteria, all of which are fantastic for digestion. These probiotics keep the gut microbiome balanced, which is essential for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients and avoiding stomach ailments. Sipping on buttermilk after a midday meal helps to calm the stomach, kickstart digestive enzymes and ward off bloating, gas and acidity.

ALSO READ: 5 Top Probiotic Drinks That Heal Your Gut And Boost Digestion

Keeps The Body Cool From Within

In a country like India, where the heat is intense during the summer months and spicy dishes are a staple, buttermilk acts as a fantastic natural coolant. It keeps the body temperature in check, wards off heatstroke and ensures that the body stays refreshed and hydrated. You can also toss in mint or curry leaves that can boost the cooling effect.

Low In Fat, Rich In Nutrients

Even though buttermilk has a creamy texture, it is surprisingly low in fat and calories, especially when it is made from curd with the butter taken out. This makes it a great choice for meals, even for those who are watching their weight. Buttermilk is a fantastic source of calcium, which is vital for strong bones, potassium to help keep blood pressure in check and vitamin B12 for a boost in energy and brain function. It also contains small amounts of protein, phosphorus and riboflavin.

Why Should You Consume Buttermilk At Lunch (Image Credits: Canva)

Balances The Effects Of Heavy, Spicy Or Oily Food

If the lunch is filled with spicy curries, crispy snacks or rich gravies, a refreshing glass of buttermilk can really help balance out the acidity and keep you feeling comfortable. While spices and oils add a lot of flavour, they can also upset the stomach or make you feel sluggish if you have too much. However, buttermilk with its soothing, alkaline properties balances out. Its slightly tangy flavour not only cleanses the palate but also aids in digestion.

Supports Heart Health And May Lower Cholesterol

As per recent studies, buttermilk might actually help lower LDL (bad cholesterol) owing to the presence of some bioactive peptides that come from the fermentation process. Besides, it is packed with potassium, which plays a key role in managing blood pressure by keeping sodium levels in check. Adding buttermilk to the midday lunch can also support heart health, especially for those facing issues like hypertension or high cholesterol.

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Ease Of Making It

One of the best things about buttermilk is that it is easy to make and budget-friendly. All you need to do is add a tablespoon or two of curd mixed with some cold water. Whisk it nicely and until frothy and then add roasted cumin, black salt, ginger, chopped coriander or even curry leaves. You are good to go.