'Wah, chaas!'

With the increasing temperatures in summer there is a constant need to cool down. It’s also important to increase your fluid intake to counter the loss of fluids in the body caused by sweating. What better way to beat the heat than to sip on a cold glass of refreshing and healthy buttermilk?

Says model Aanchal Kumar, “In summer, fluids become very important to keep you from dehydrating, so I try to drink buttermilk whenever possible. It cools me down and gives me the necessary fluids and nutrition.”

According to nutritionist Naini Setalvad, apart from water, buttermilk can keep you hydrated in the heat. “It lowers your body temperature. Adding salt and jeera helps since they are cooling agents and provide with friendly bacteria to prevent stomach disorders,” she says.

Immunity levels
Firstly, buttermilk contains good bacteria that become active in the intestines. There are more chances of stomach upsets during summer due to loss of water in the body. The pro-biotic properties of buttermilk make it soothe the intestinal tract. It helps you deal with the allergies, infections and indigestion caused due to heat.

Beat the heat

Adding buttermilk to meals reduces sweating, tiredness, muscle cramps and the chances of nausea and headaches. It saves you from sunstroke.

Improve digestion

Buttermilk can also be used as a substitute for milk for people who have high lactose intolerance. 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 as it is more quickly digested.

Replace aerated drinks
Aerated drinks can only offer temporary relief from thirst and heat. They do not have any positive health affects on you. So this summer, instead simply opt for a glass of buttermilk with or without seasonings!