Buttermilk is not only delicious but also offers incredible health benefits. Buttermilk is excellent to keep you cool and quench your thirst during the summer. However, buttermilk offers much more than that. Its health benefits have made buttermilk popular in India for centuries. But what about buttermilk during pregnancy? Women who are pregnant are often told what not to drink during pregnancy. They are asked to refrain from drinking carbonated drinks, sugary drinks, and alcohol. It is not widely discussed what to drink during pregnancy. This is why some women craving buttermilk during pregnancy hesitate to grab a pack of Amul buttermilk during pregnancy.
Dehydration can trigger various complications during pregnancy, so staying well hydrated during pregnancy is extremely important. It is also important to ensure proper nutrition during pregnancy. A single way to do so is by drinking buttermilk. Let’s discuss eating buttermilk during pregnancy, as well as nutritional and safety concerns.
Buttermilk /Chaach: A Few Words
In simple terms, buttermilk is the product produced when milk cream is churned to make butter. It is usually prepared by combining chilled water with whisked cream and Dahi. On the other hand, commercially produced buttermilk is made by fermenting no-fat milk with lactic acid-generating bacteria. This type of buttermilk has a higher viscosity than traditional buttermilk.
Buttermilk has a thicker consistency than regular cow’s milk in general. It can be flavored sweet, salty, spicy, or a combination of all three. By rehydrating the body, buttermilk replenishes fluid and salt.
There are many vitamins, minerals, and probiotics in buttermilk besides water and casein (milk protein). Buttermilk is well known for its antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties1. Usually, it is consumed plain or with the addition of turmeric, cumin powder, pepper, ginger, green chilies, curry powder, and coriander leaves to enhance its taste and therapeutic effect.
Related Reading: 10 Drinks To Avoid During Pregnancy
Nutritional Value Of Buttermilk
Buttermilk’s calorie content is generally determined by the fat content of the milk. Because of the removal of butter, buttermilk is typically lower in fat and calories than milk. Buttermilk has a high calcium content. It is rich in protein. Moreover, buttermilk contains riboflavin, a vitamin B component that is important for converting food into energy. Zinc, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin D, potassium, and sodium can also be found in buttermilk. The buttermilk is very high in Vitamin B12 and contains traces of Vitamin E and K2. Store-bought buttermilk is often fortified with vitamins and minerals.
Buttermilk During Pregnancy- Is It Safe?
Despite buttermilk’s refreshing taste and nutritional value, young mothers often worry about its safety during pregnancy. As long as you do not have an allergy to milk products, buttermilk is absolutely safe during pregnancy. Buttermilk provides valuable nutrition during pregnancy. Summer pregnancies benefit from their cooling properties. It will keep you hydrated during the hot summer months. . Buttermilk is one of the most suitable alternatives to artificial fruit juices available on the market. Buttermilk is rich in calcium and milk protein, which help strengthen your unborn baby’s bones.
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Related Reading: 7 Benefits Of Drinking Milk During Pregnancy
It is important to take the buttermilk at the right time. “Can we drink buttermilk at night during pregnancy?”is a common doubt. It’s best not to. When consumed at or after dinner, buttermilk can cause acid reflux and aspiration while sleeping, as well as chronic coughing and respiratory problems. . You can include Chaach in the breakfast menu every day for better health and to reap the full benefits of buttermilk during pregnancy. There is no adverse health effect associated with the consumption of pasteurized buttermilk for breakfast and lunch.
Benefits Of Drinking Buttermilk During Pregnancy
Is it good to have buttermilk during pregnancy? Well, buttermilk is a complete food. It contains all the elements essential for a balanced diet. Buttermilk has proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and essential enzymes. Hence, it can be considered as a complete meal that you can “drink” anywhere, at any time. It is acidic in nature as it contains naturally occurring lactic acid produced by microorganisms. Buttermilk also offers several health benefits.
Following are some of the benefits of drinking buttermilk during pregnancy:
1. Improves gut health
There are healthy microorganisms that are in certain foods, especially dairy, that provide us with numerous vitamins and minerals. They are called probiotics. Moreover, probiotics limit the pathogenic microorganisms that enter our gut. Probiotics play an important role in digestion. Buttermilk contains healthy probiotics and lactic acid which are helpful for gut health. It helps to facilitate bowel movements and is an easy way to prevent constipation during pregnancy as well.
Similarly, all the ingredients added to buttermilk to enhance its taste and flavor (like ginger, pepper, and cumin) serve as excellent digestive agents. The carminative properties of these substances cause the stomach to expel gas. Consumed together they have a cooling effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Due to its antibacterial properties, buttermilk can also protect against gastric infections. Thus, this is a great preventative measure for pregnant women who are prone to stomach problems. Buttermilk is also regarded as a natural remedy for irritable bowel syndrome3.
2. Helps to reduce acidity
Chaach assists in combating acidity, which is one of its top benefits. You must start drinking buttermilk after every meal if you often experience acid reflux after eating. Acid reflux is a common problem during pregnancy. Drinking buttermilk daily in pregnancy helps to relieve acidity.
Since buttermilk neutralizes stomach acids by coating the stomach lining, it prevents heartburn and prevents acids from moving up into the esophagus. It is ideal for people suffering from GERD4.
3. Buttermilk is good for the kidneys
Drinking buttermilk is an excellent way to stay hydrated. Moreover, it is rich in minerals like calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. Minerals like these support kidney function and prevent kidney stones. In people with high creatinine levels, buttermilk is beneficial5. Also, because buttermilk enhances liver function in eliminating toxins, it reduces the workload on the kidneys.
4. Helps prevent dehydration
It is a perfect drink to keep your body hydrated, especially during the summer. The natural hydration of your body prevents summer diseases, such as prickly heat. Dehydration during pregnancy can cause health problems and discomfort. Due to its high electrolyte content, buttermilk prevents the loss of body water.
Buttermilk also helps prevent urinary infections that can occur due to inadequate hydration. During pregnancy, dehydration can cause preterm labor, as well as other complications. Pregnancy is also a time when UTIs are very common and dehydration increases the risk of UTIs manyfold.
5. Helps in maintaining bone health
Buttermilk is rich in calcium and phosphorus, minerals that play an important role in enhancing bone density. Pregnant women who do not consume enough calcium increase their risk of contracting diseases such as osteoporosis in the future. These minerals are also essential for the development of bones and teeth in a fetus.
Milk is rich in calcium. There are also plenty of fats in the milk. Buttermilk is a healthier alternative to milk, as one glass of the beverage contains less fat than a glass of milk. Thus, buttermilk is a good source of calcium for pregnant women who must limit their weight gain. Furthermore, buttermilk is one of the best natural calcium sources for lactose-intolerant mothers with no other source of calcium6.
6. Helps to reduce blood pressure and enhance immunity
Buttermilk contains milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), which is rich in bioactive proteins. According to studies, MFGM proteins may have biological properties such as cholesterol-lowering, antiviral, antibacterial, and anticancer. Hence, drinking buttermilk improves immunity during pregnancy, thereby preventing various diseases and health conditions.
Buttermilk consumption significantly reduced mean arterial blood pressure and systolic blood pressure7. Furthermore, the minerals in buttermilk, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium, contribute to lowering blood pressure.
7. May improve oral health
Pregnant women are prone to pathological dental conditions, such as periodontitis. These kinds of dental conditions are likely to cause complications for both mother and unborn baby. These mothers have a high risk of losing their teeth and experiencing preterm birth or low birth weight for their babies8.
Periodontitis refers to inflammation of the gums and tooth-supporting structures. The condition is very common and is caused by periodontal bacteria. When left untreated, the gums can become infected. Infection can lead to losing tooth-supporting bone tissue. With little bone support, teeth can become loose and eventually need extraction.
Fermented dairy products like buttermilk may have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin cells lining your mouth. These effects, in turn, prevent infections.
Related Reading: 11 Easy Tips Glowing Skin During Pregnancy
8. Detoxifies the body and provides instant energy
Among buttermilk’s many benefits is the presence of riboflavin, which aids in the conversion of food into energy. A water-soluble, heat-stable vitamin, Riboflavin helps the body convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into glucose to use as energy9.
Furthermore, riboflavin promotes detoxification of the liver. By drinking buttermilk regularly, you can easily expel toxins from your body. As a result, you feel more energized. Thus, drinking a glass of buttermilk during pregnancy can provide instant energy and can easily combat morning sickness.
9. Suitable for lactose intolerant pregnant women
Pregnant women experiencing lactose intolerance may find buttermilk easier than standard milk to digest. Buttermilk will not cause any adverse reaction as the lactose has been transformed into lactic acid by the healthy bacteria present in buttermilk. This significantly reduces the total amount of lactose10.
10. Effective in treating hemorrhoids
Here comes one of the most effective health benefits of buttermilk. It is one of the best home remedies for hemorrhoids. Women who are pregnant and suffering from hemorrhoids should add a cup of buttermilk to a mixture of rice and banana. Hemorrhoids will quickly subside if you take them twice a day11.
Precautions When Drinking Buttermilk During Pregnancy
If you want to add buttermilk to your daily pregnancy diet, you should be aware of some precautions and things to take into consideration.
- It can be beneficial to drink buttermilk at night to promote digestion, sleep, etc
- Buttermilk is best consumed during the day
- Buttermilk isn’t recommended at night during pregnancy, especially if you are allergic to pollen or have a cold. Otherwise, you may wake up with a sore throat
- It is possible for pregnant women to develop gas, reflux, chronic cough or aspiration, and even pulmonary problems after drinking buttermilk at night
- Plain and chilled buttermilk should never be used in winter. During the cold months, the throat is more sensitive. With the cooling of the atmosphere, buttermilk’s smoothness tends to accumulate in the throat, causing a scratchy sensation in the throat
- Also, buttermilk may contain high levels of sodium, which could harm pregnant women with hypertension. So cut back on salt intake
- Buttermilk should be consumed in moderation daily, about 1-2 glasses are fine
- Pasteurized milk should always be used to make buttermilk. Pasteurized buttermilk does not contain any harmful bacteria. For making low-fat buttermilk at home, you can also purchase low-fat pasteurized milk pouches
Conclusion
The benefits of buttermilk for pregnant women cannot be overstated. Take it in moderation to reap its many benefits. It is safe to consume buttermilk during pregnancy since it helps to meet some nutritional needs. When you drink chaas it has a cooling effect on your body, especially your digestive system. Therefore, it is an ideal summer beverage. If you’re still worried about adding buttermilk to your diet, you should consult your doctor
FAQs
It is safe to consume buttermilk daily. Buttermilk is rich in minerals and vitamins. Some compounds in buttermilk may even improve heart and dental health. Thus, you should incorporate it into your daily diet.
It is completely safe to drink buttermilk during early pregnancy. Buttermilk contains numerous vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for fetal development.
Buttermilk is considered healthier than milk since it contains probiotics. Furthermore, it alleviates acidity resulting from milk consumption.
Certainly. Buttermilk contains riboflavin, which promotes liver function. Furthermore, riboflavin plays a role in the uric acid synthesis, an excretory product. This enables the liver to function efficiently.
Buttermilk contains an amino acid called tryptophan, which helps to synthesize and secrete the hormone melatonin.
Sleep and wake cycles are controlled by this hormone. Consuming buttermilk at night can therefore increase sleep quality.