Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Types of Buttermilk and their benefits

Take a look at five different types of Buttermilk and explore their wide range of benefits to your health. Even know the precautions related with buttermilk.

Buttermilk is a yogurt based beverage consumed in many parts of the world. It is considered as nectar on the earth. Although its name is buttermilk, it includes no butter and milk in its pure form. In fact, it has less calories and fat compared to the regular whole milk. Incorporating different types of buttermilk into daily diet can be a healthy and smart choice for health-conscious people. According to Ayurveda, consuming properly prepared buttermilk after meals provide many health benefits even cures various diseases.

traditional buttermilk churner

Buttermilk
is often consumed in warmer regions. It is also used in smoothies, baking, salad dressings, soup recipes and marination. Buttermilk is a very good source of proteins, calcium, vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, riboflavin, and potassium. It is also rich in lactic acid. Two major types of buttermilk are Traditional and Cultured buttermilk.


Traditional buttermilk is a remaining liquid of the butter churning process while cultured/artificial buttermilk is prepared from pasteurized milk adding bacteria to ferment it. Traditional buttermilk is best for healthy person while cultured buttermilk is best for unhealthy and person with weak digestive system. Curd causes inflammation. But when it is churned to make buttermilk, it reduces inflammation.

People suffering from gas should drink buttermilk by adding dry ginger powder and rock salt. People suffering from cough must add a mixture of ginger powder, pepper and long pepper before consuming buttermilk. Generally, cumin powder and salt can be added in buttermilk.

Types of Buttermilk

There are five types of buttermilk that divided according to the quantity of water added in it. All types of buttermilk have different health benefits.

Full cream buttermilk (Ghol & Chatith)
Full cream buttermilk is prepared without adding water in the curd which is made from milk with cream. The benefits of this type of buttermilk are similar to curd. It is very nourishing in nature. It even calms Vata & Pitta, if sugar is added. Avoid full cream buttermilk in Kapha conditions such as cold, cough etc.

Half water buttermilk (Udashwith)
To make this type of buttermilk, water is added in equal quantity of the curd. It increases strength and digestive power.

1/4 water buttermilk (Takra)
In this type of buttermilk, water added in 1/4 quantity of the curd. The buttermilk contains cream or butter. It is light and easily digested, so 1/4 water buttermilk is good for people suffering from indigestion. It has astringent and sour tastes. It is hot in nature and mitigates kapha and vata. It removes toxins, decreases inflammation as well as cures diarrhea, anaemia, vomiting, cough, thirst and gas. It purifies all parts of the body.

No cream buttermilk (Chaccika)
In no cream buttermilk, butter is removed from it and water is added in more quantity. It is just like water in consistency. It calms Vata, Pitta and Kapha. It is natural coolant and good for people suffering from fatigue. It cures gas and causes cough. Salt added buttermilk stimulates the fire.

Buttermilk Benefits

  • Good for dehydration caused due to losing fluid by vomiting, diarrhea.
  • It helps to detoxify body and cleanse the intestines
  • It relieves hemorrhoids symptoms by soothing intestines in IBS
  • It maintains health and protect the body against diseases & viruses.
  • It improves digestion
  • It helps in weight loss
  • Good for lack of appetite, eye health, inflammation, digestive disorders, cholesterol-related problems, anemia, spleen disorders and gastro intestinal disorders
  • It eases constipation as well as replenish intestinal flora
  • It keeps arteries healthy
  • It provides instant energy and strength
  • It improves immunity of the body thanks to The Lactic acid bacteria
  • Buttermilk protects against heart strokes.
  • As it decreases heat in the body, it is good for women suffering from hot flashes.
  • Moisturize skin and add elasticity and glow
Warnings
  • Pregnant women and women, who prone to the pitta sensation, should avoid consumption of buttermilk.
  • Avoid buttermilk if suffering from peptic ulcers and hypertension
Image source:mapsofindia.com

0 comments:

Post a Comment

Twitter Delicious Facebook Digg Stumbleupon Favorites More