Buttermilk is a great drink for the summer

With the summer, the temperatures are rapidly increasing. As a result, we feel hot and this causes us to sweat more, causing us to need to increase our fluid intake drastically. What could be a better way to beat the heat than to sip on a cold glass of healthy, refreshing, buttermilk?

Sweating, tiredness, muscle cramps, nausea and headaches would reduce significantly if buttermilk is added to your diet. There are other benefits too.

To begin, buttermilk contains active cultures. This means that it has healthy bacteria that become active in the intestines. These probiotic properties of buttermilk cause it to soothe the intestinal tract. These bacteria perform functions such as manufacturing vitamins, boosting immunity and manufacturing nutrients.

Buttermilk can also be used as a substitute for milk for people who have high lactose intolerance, since the process of making buttermilk converts the lactose to a more digestible substance — lactic acid. As a result of the higher lactic acid content, it helps in boosting digestion as well. Thus, more minerals such as proteins and calcium (from the milk) can be taken up by the body more easily.

Ways to have your buttermilk:
Add rock salt with roasted and powdered cumin (jeera), to a cold glass of buttermilk. You could also add mint leaves or coriander to it.

One could also substitute sour cream with buttermilk. Add it to dips or even salad dressings; it will add a tangy, slightly sour twist to your food.

So this summer, instead of reaching for aerated drinks,  simply opt for a glass of buttermilk with or without the seasoning.