*Buttermilk refers to a number of dairy drinks. Originally, buttermilk was the liquid left behind after churning butter out of cream. This type of buttermilk is known as traditional buttermilk.
*Buttermilk is lower in fat than regular milk, because the fat has been removed to make butter. It is also high in potassium, vitamin B12, calcium, and riboflavin as well as a good source of phosphorus.
*Strong Bone
One of the health advantages of buttermilk is strong bones. The United States Department of Agriculture states that 1 cup of liquid buttermilk contains 284 mg of calcium. Calcium is a mineral that is important in maintaining healthy teeth and bones. Adequate amounts of calcium when taken on a regular basis can effectively prevent osteoporosis, a condition where in the bone tissue thins out and loses its density. The recommended daily dose of calcium for adults is 1,000 mg; the tolerable maximum upper limit is 2,500 mg per day. Calcium also helps with healthy muscle contraction and relaxation, proper blood clotting, normal heart beat and regular release of certain hormones.
*Lactose Intolerance Prevention
According to Medline Plus, consuming buttermilk can significantly prevent and reduce lactose intolerance. Persons with lactose intolerance are unable to digest lactose, a type of sugar found in milk and other dairy products. This happens because the body’s small intestines cannot make enough lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose. Buttermilk contains a very minimal amount of lactose compared to whole milk and other dairy products, making it more tolerable. Persons with low lactase levels can get enough carbohydrates, protein and calcium from drinking buttermilk.
*Benefits to the Digestive System
Consuming buttermilk can help with the digestive system, as mentioned by The New York Times online. Buttermilk reportedly contains probiotic characteristics, which help regulate the absorption of nutrients and facilitate food passage through the digestive tract. Buttermilk adds more bacteria to the gastrointestinal tract, restoring the balance of bacteria which are normally found in the intestines. This can help reduce gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, bloating, and inflammation.
