Best Time to Drink Buttermilk and Its Health Benefits
Introduction
In Indian food culture, curd, milk, and buttermilk hold a special place. Especially buttermilk is considered in Ayurveda as health-promoting, digestive-friendly, and disease-preventive. In rural areas, people still never forget to drink buttermilk after meals. This is not only for taste but also to improve digestion, keep the body cool, and maintain good health.
Buttermilk contains nutrients like protein, calcium, potassium, vitamins, and probiotics, which are highly beneficial for the body. However, its benefits can be reaped only when consumed at the right time and in the right way.
In this article, we will learn in detail:
What is buttermilk and how is it prepared?
Best time to drink buttermilk
15 major health benefits of buttermilk
Precautions while drinking buttermilk
Myths and truths about buttermilk
Easy ways to include buttermilk in diet
What is Buttermilk?
Buttermilk is made from curd. When curd is churned and butter is separated, the remaining liquid is thinned with water and consumed — this is traditional buttermilk.
Nowadays in urban areas, people blend curd with water and add spices to it, which is also called buttermilk.
Method of Making Buttermilk
1. Take one bowl of fresh curd.
2. Add 3–4 bowls of cold water to it.
3. Whisk or blend well.
4. Add black salt, roasted cumin powder, ginger, curry leaves, or mint as per taste.
Best Time to Drink Buttermilk
Everyone should include buttermilk in their daily routine, but the time of drinking matters a lot. Let’s discuss the best timings:
Eating Curd at Night: Good or Bad?
1. On an Empty Stomach in the Morning
In summer, drinking buttermilk on an empty stomach in the morning is considered good for health.
It activates digestion and cools the body.
But those who suffer from cough and cold should avoid it in the morning, otherwise their condition may worsen.
2. After Lunch
According to Ayurveda, the best time to drink buttermilk is after lunch.
Lunch is usually the heaviest meal of the day, so buttermilk helps in digestion.
It gives quick relief from acidity, gas, and heaviness.
3. In the Evening
In summer, drinking buttermilk in the evening keeps the body cool and energized.
In winter, however, one should avoid drinking it in the evening since buttermilk is naturally cooling and can aggravate cold sensations.
4. At Night
According to Ayurveda, drinking buttermilk at night can increase cough and phlegm.
People with asthma, cold, or sinus problems should avoid it at night.
If necessary, add ginger, black salt, and cumin to it — this makes it warmer and protects the body from cold effects.
5. Seasonal Guidelines
Summer: Best during the day.
Winter: Beneficial in the afternoon when it’s sunny.
👉 Overall, the best time to drink buttermilk is after lunch.
Tip: Begin Your Day with a Glass of Lukewarm Water for Digestion
15 Major Health Benefits of Buttermilk
1. Improves Digestion
The lactic acid in buttermilk strengthens the intestines and activates digestive enzymes, relieving constipation, gas, and indigestion.
2. Relieves Acidity and Burning
If you often suffer from acidity or stomach burning, spiced buttermilk with salt and cumin gives instant relief.
3. Helps in Weight Loss
Buttermilk is low in calories and high in water content, keeping the stomach full and reducing frequent hunger.
4. Cools the Body
It acts as a natural coolant, protecting the body from heatstroke during summers.
5. Strengthens Bones and Teeth
Rich in calcium and phosphorus, buttermilk makes bones and teeth stronger.
6. Controls High Blood Pressure
Potassium and magnesium in buttermilk help regulate high blood pressure.
7. Good for Heart Health
Low-fat buttermilk reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) and improves heart health.
8. Boosts Immunity
Probiotics in buttermilk increase good bacteria in the gut, strengthening immunity.
9. Beneficial for Diabetics
It prevents sudden spikes in blood sugar levels and helps maintain balance.
10. Detoxifies Liver and Kidneys
Buttermilk flushes out toxins and keeps the liver clean.
11. Gives Glowing Skin
Lactic acid in buttermilk clears the skin and makes it radiant. It is also used in face packs.
12. Good for Hair
Helps reduce dandruff and hair fall.
13. Prevents Dehydration
Keeps the body hydrated and maintains electrolyte balance in summer.
14. Prevents Cancer
Some studies suggest probiotics and nutrients in buttermilk may help lower the risk of cancer.
15. Reduces Fatigue and Weakness
Instantly energizes the body and relieves tiredness.
Precautions While Drinking Buttermilk
1. Always drink fresh buttermilk — stale buttermilk can be harmful.
2. People with lactose intolerance may face issues.
3. In winter, always add spices to it.
4. Avoid drinking it at night.
Myths and Truth About Buttermilk
Myth: Buttermilk should be consumed only in summer.
Truth: It can be consumed in all seasons, just add spices during winter.
Myth: Buttermilk causes cold and cough.
Truth: Plain cold buttermilk may cause it, but spiced buttermilk is easy to digest and safe.
Easy Ways to Include Buttermilk in Diet
1. Spiced buttermilk after lunch.
2. Mint and lemon buttermilk in summer.
3. Ginger and asafoetida buttermilk for constipation relief.
4. Plain buttermilk in weight-loss diets.
5. Buttermilk face pack for glowing skin.
Conclusion
Buttermilk is not just a delicious drink but also a natural medicine.
It improves digestion, cools the body, boosts immunity, and prevents many diseases.
The best time to drink buttermilk is after lunch.
If consumed at the right time and in the right way, it works like nectar for health.