9 Health Benefits Of Buttermilk (Chaas)

Did you know that chaas is catagorised as a sattvic food in Ayurveda? The next time you get acidity after eating a heavy or spicy meal, drink a glass of chaas instead of popping an antacid. This yoghurt-based drink is both delicious and healthy, making it the perfect accompaniment to your meals. Its also a great way to cool off when the heat is unbearable! 

Here are some of the amazing benefits of buttermilk (chaas).

1. Fights acidity.

If you tend to suffer from acid reflux after a meal, start including chaas in your diet. The yoghurt will cool your stomach and soothe any irritation, while the ginger and spices will help prevent the acidity.

2. Soothes the stomach after a spicy meal.

Spicy food irritates the stomach lining, but chaas can help soothe it. Milk and milk-based products are actually the best remedies for spice they contain proteins that neutralise the spice and cool off your system. 

3. Improves digestion.

The spices in chaas are excellent digestive aids that prevent indigestion and excessive burping. Yoghurt is loaded with probiotics, which encourage the growth of healthy gut flora. This will improve everything from your digestion to your immunity. 

4. Boosts your calcium intake.

Adults require 1,000 1,200 mg of calcium per day, to maintain healthy bones and teeth. 1 cup of milk contains about 300 mg, while 1 cup of yoghurt contains about 420 mg of calcium. Adding just 1 cup of chaas to your daily diet can boost your calcium intake by 350 mg.

5. Washes down fats.

Do you know that feeling, when youve eaten so much that you think youre in a food coma? Drinking chaas after your meal will make you feel better, since it washes down the oil, butter and ghee that coat your oesophagus and stomach, making you feel much lighter.

6. Contains several other nutrients, apart from calcium.

Chaas is a good source of proteins, potassium and B vitamins. Each of the ingredients inchaas is extremely healthy, with plenty of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These nutrients boost immunity, improve sleep, enable hormone synthesis and much more. 

7. Lowers cholesterol, reduces blood pressure and prevents cancer.

A study found that the milk fat molecules in buttermilk contain a unique bioactive protein that lowers cholesterol and has antiviral, antibacterial and anticarcinogenic properties. The same study found that drinking chaas every day can reduce blood pressure significantly.

8. Prevents dehydration. 

Carry a bottle of chaas with you if you know youre going to be out in the heat, or have a chilled glass as soon as you get home. The combination of water, yoghurt, salt and spices will replenish your fluid and electrolyte levels instantly, helping you ward off dehydration. 

9. Works for lactose-intolerant people.

Many people who are lactose intolerant are actually able to digest yoghurt without a problem. If youre lactose intolerant, drinking chaas is one way to make sure you get your calcium.

Masala chaas recipe

Ingredients

400 ml yoghurt

1 tsp black salt

1 tsp chaat masala

1/2 inch piece of ginger

2 green chillies, finely chopped

A pinch asafoetida (hing)

Salt to taste

1 tsp lemon juice

A few curry leaves (kadi patta)

2 tbsp chopped coriander 

Method

Put the green chillies, coriander, ginger and 2-3 curry leaves in a mixer and blend them till they form a smooth paste.

Add the yoghurt and blend using a hand blender, till smooth.

Pour this mixture into a glass.

Add the chaat masala, black salt, salt, lemon juice and asafoetida and mix well.

Chill in the refrigerator.

Garnish with one curry leaf and a few coriander leaves and serve.