Buttermilk is one of the traditional and popular drinks in Iranian food culture, which, in addition to its pleasant taste, has countless properties for the health of the body. This drink, which is prepared from a combination of yogurt, water and sometimes aromatic additives such as mint and oregano, has a special place in Iranian tables due to its impressive benefits. The properties of buttermilk include improving digestion, strengthening the immune system, providing calcium, and even maintaining healthy skin and hair. At the same time, this tasty drink can be a suitable alternative to industrial and harmful drinks. In the following, we will examine the properties of this nutritious drink in more detail.
properties of buttermilk
A rich source of probiotics
One of the properties of buttermilk is probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy digestive system. These bacteria establish the intestinal microbial balance and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Regular consumption of buttermilk can prevent digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. In addition, probiotics can help the body absorb vitamins and minerals better and thus promote overall health.
Improve the function of the digestive system
Buttermilk, with its cooling and relaxing properties, has a significant effect on improving the digestive system. The acidic compounds in buttermilk help to stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes and facilitate the process of food digestion. Consumption of buttermilk, especially after heavy and fatty foods, can prevent the feeling of heaviness and indigestion. Also, due to having less lactose than milk, buttermilk is considered a good choice for people who are allergic to lactose.
Strengthen the immune system
Consumption of buttermilk can play an important role in strengthening the immune system. Probiotics in buttermilk increase the body’s resistance to infections by improving the function of immune cells. In addition, nutrients in buttermilk such as vitamin B12, zinc, and calcium also help strengthen the immune system. Regular consumption of buttermilk can help reduce the risk of seasonal diseases such as colds and flu.
Blood pressure regulation
Due to having adequate amounts of potassium, buttermilk can help regulate blood pressure. Potassium is an element that plays an important role in the balance of electrolytes and reducing the negative effects of sodium on blood pressure. Regular consumption of buttermilk, especially if it is unsalted or low in salt, can reduce the risk of high blood pressure. This property is especially important for people who are exposed to cardiovascular diseases.
Providing calcium and bone health
Buttermilk is one of the rich sources of calcium and its consumption can help the health of bones and teeth. Calcium in buttermilk helps strengthen bone structure and prevent diseases such as osteoporosis. In addition to calcium, phosphorus in buttermilk also plays an important role in strengthening bones and maintaining their strength. Daily consumption of buttermilk, especially in growing age and old age, can help meet the body’s needs for these essential minerals.
Relaxing and stress reducing properties
Because buttermilk contains compounds such as tryptophan, it can have a relaxing effect on the nervous system. This combination helps produce serotonin, a hormone associated with relaxation and happiness. Consumption of buttermilk in times of stress or anxiety can help reduce nervous tension and improve mood. In addition, buttermilk can provide better sleep for people and prevent frequent insomnia.
Help to lose weight
Buttermilk is a low-calorie drink that can have a special place in weight loss diets. This drink helps control calorie consumption by making you feel full and reducing appetite. In addition, the protein and calcium in buttermilk can increase the body’s metabolism and help burn fat. Eating buttermilk as a snack or with meals can be a smart choice for people who want to lose weight.
Prevent dehydration
Due to the high amount of water and electrolytes, buttermilk can help prevent dehydration. This property becomes more important especially on hot days of the year or after intense sports activities. Consumption of buttermilk in these conditions, in addition to providing body water, can also help to provide lost minerals.
Helping to balance acid and base in the body
With its alkaline properties, buttermilk helps to balance acid and base in the body. This property can help prevent diseases such as stomach reflux and heartburn. Consumption of buttermilk along with heavy and high-fat meals can neutralize the acidic effects of food and prevent digestive problems.
Beauty benefits of buttermilk
In addition to therapeutic properties, buttermilk has positive effects on the beauty of skin and hair. Consumption of buttermilk helps to maintain skin moisture, reduce pimples, and improve hair health. Nutrient compounds in buttermilk, including proteins and vitamins, can help strengthen hair roots and prevent hair loss.
Harms of buttermilk
Increased sodium and risk of high blood pressure
One of the most important concerns about buttermilk consumption is the amount of sodium in it. Industrial buttermilk or even homemade buttermilk with a lot of salt added to it can increase blood pressure. Too much sodium in the diet leads to water retention in the body, which increases blood pressure and damages the heart and blood vessels. Consuming high-salt buttermilk can be dangerous, especially for people who suffer from cardiovascular disease or kidney problems. For this reason, it is recommended to use low-salt or salt-free buttermilk.
Digestive problems caused by high acidity
Buttermilk is naturally acidic, which can cause digestive problems in some people. Excessive consumption of buttermilk may increase the secretion of stomach acid and lead to problems such as gastric reflux or heartburn. Also, people who suffer from digestive diseases such as stomach ulcers or intestinal inflammation, should be careful when consuming buttermilk. The acidic compounds in buttermilk can worsen their conditions and cause new digestive problems instead of improving them.
Lactose sensitivity and intolerance
Buttermilk, like other dairy products, contains lactose. Some people are unable to digest lactose due to lack of lactase enzyme in the digestive system. This condition, known as lactose intolerance, can cause symptoms such as bloating, heartburn, diarrhea and gas. People who suffer from this allergy should avoid consuming buttermilk or use lactose-free buttermilk.
Possibility of weight gain in overdose
Although buttermilk has relatively few calories, its excessive consumption, especially if high-fat or industrial buttermilk is used, can lead to weight gain. Industrial buttermilks usually contain large amounts of fat and sometimes additives that cause calorie accumulation and weight gain in the long run. People who are on a weight loss diet should pay special attention to the amount and type of buttermilk they choose and use low-fat buttermilk.
Hypotension in some conditions
While high-salt buttermilk can increase blood pressure, unsalted or low-salt buttermilk may cause a drop in blood pressure in some people. This is especially important for people with naturally low blood pressure. Excessive consumption of buttermilk can aggravate symptoms such as dizziness, weakness and lethargy in these people by lowering blood pressure. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the amount of buttermilk in balance.
Kidney problems caused by high consumption
People with kidney problems should be cautious in consuming buttermilk. High sodium in salted buttermilk can increase the workload of the kidneys and worsen their condition. Also, high consumption of calcium in buttermilk may cause the formation of kidney stones in susceptible people. This issue is especially important for people who have a history of kidney stones and should control the amount of buttermilk consumption with the doctor’s advice.
The possibility of food allergies
Buttermilk, being a dairy product, can cause allergies in some people. People who are allergic to milk proteins may experience allergic reactions such as itching, skin redness, inflammation or even more severe symptoms such as shortness of breath when consuming buttermilk. Such people should avoid consuming buttermilk and use non-dairy alternatives.
The danger of chemical additives in industrial buttermilk
One of the main problems of industrial buttermilk is the presence of additives and chemical preservatives that can harm the health of the body. These substances are added to buttermilk to increase shelf life and improve taste, but their long-term use may lead to problems such as hormonal disorders, damage to the liver and kidneys, and even carcinogenic risks. For this reason, homemade buttermilk or organic products are always a better choice.
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