The top benefits of drinking buttermilk are discussed in the sections below.
1. Good for People With Lactose Intolerance
Buttermilk contains lactic acid, which makes the lactose (the natural sugar available in dairy products) content digest easily. There are people who cannot digest lactose, meaning their bodies do not have the enzyme required to break down the sugar content, and they suffer from lactose intolerance. Thus, these types of people can have cultured dairy products, i.e., buttermilk, without experiencing potential side-effect.
2. Boosts Bone Health
Buttermilk has a high amount of calcium, phosphorous and vitamin D (fortified). These vitamins and minerals are essential for strong bone health and help to prevent bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis. Consuming phosphorous and calcium-rich food thus lowers the risk of osteoporosis among adults.
3. Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Daily consumption of reconstituted buttermilk (preparation of items by mixing buttermilk with water) has proven to have a positive effect on cholesterol levels. Individuals can reduce cholesterol and triglyceride, and LDL considerably. The Sphingolipid compounds present in buttermilk are believed to do the magic by restricting cholesterol absorption in the gut.
4. Reduces Blood Pressure Levels
Buttermilk can help individuals with high blood pressure. Some researchers suggest that people consuming buttermilk has seen a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure, Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) and plasma angiotensin-I converting enzyme. The latter element aids in controlling blood pressure by balancing fluid in the body.
Now that individuals know the advantages of drinking buttermilk, let’s find out the nutritional value of this dairy byproduct.