Buttermilk in simple words is a blend of yogurt and water, with added spices and condiments like cumin powder, pepper, ginger or curry leaves, for the savor purpose. It is great mixture of small amount of fat, essential vitamins such as B-complex and Vitamin D, required minerals such as calcium and small amount of useful bacteria called probiotics. 

The health advantages of buttermilk include:-

It is high in calcium, which can be easily utilized for the strengthening the mineral framework of bones, aiding in keeping osteoporosis at bay. One cup of buttermilk supplies about 30% of our daily requirement of calcium.

Buttermilk boasts of good amounts of Riboflavin or B-2 Vitamin which is essential for the proper functioning of liver, so keeping in detox functions on track.

Buttermilk gives a helping hand to the digestive tract. It has a tendency to wash down spicy food and soothes the lining of the stomach post a hot and spicy meal. It is capable of enhancing the process of digestion, especially with additives like ginger and cumin. It has good amount of acid which maintains a good balance of the microbes in the gut and also in soothing the ailments such as lactose intolerance, stomach infections irregular bowel movements or irritable bowel syndrome.

Effective against heat and dehydration. It is full of electrolytes and is one of the best drinks to fight against the heat and loss of water from the body. It reduces body heat and alleviates many symptoms the post-menopausal women suffer from, like hot flushes.

The only pitfalls of over-consumption of buttermilk are excessive amounts of sodium, which peaks up the blood pressure and fat or cholesterol, predisposing to cardio-vascular events.

-Koya Satyasri