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The Benefits of Buttermilk

Until recently I have had to avoid dairy products- except yogurt, buttermilk and cheese in small portions. I have been curious as to why, and I have just recently learned why along with some other wonderful facts about buttermilk, and why it's not as bad as we think it is.
Buttermilk gets its name because it is the milk left over after the fat is removed to make butter. Buttermilk is lower in fat than milk (in comparison to whole milk, and reduced-fat milk, as long as you check the labels), and helps to reduce body heat which makes it a popular drink during summer months. It is high in calcium, potassium (which helps regulate blood pressure), phosphorus, and vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin that plays a key role in the formation of blood, functioning of the brain and nervous system, and the metabolism of every cell in the body. Pretty important, huh?
For those who are lactose intolerant, buttermilk is now your best friend. It is more tolerable for you, and more easily digestible for all of us because it contains more lactic acid, and less lactose. However, for those worried about its comparison with regular milk, it still has the same amount of protein, and is often prescribed for weight loss, and to regulate and improve digestion with the cultures and active bacteria it contains.
Buttermilk is a fantastic substitute for cream, including heavy cream and sour cream, and is also a healthy agent for soaking nuts (the soaking process increases the nutritional value of the nuts because they also become more easily digestible- but that's another post)! Try some buttermilk today- as a drink, a substitute, or in your baking- look for the Buttermilk pancake recipe. Enjoy the benefits of buttermilk!

Comments

  1. We use it to make Soda bread and it gives it just the right amount of sweetness. I think it's yummy!

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  2. I never knew buttermilk was so great! Do you drink it straight? Just wondering. I've never really tried drinking it on its own--but love using it in baking. I'll have to incorporate it more into our diet. :-) All I know is that in the book, "Farmer Boy" (part of the Little House series), Almanzo's mother often serves fresh buttermilk to the men of her family out working in the hot fields. Those early settlers were so wise, weren't they?!

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  3. I remember my parents drinking straight buttermilk. I never cold do it. Too bad it's a bit pricey.

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  4. Steph,
    Bonnie is right- it is expensive, so I only use it for baking too. Some people do drink it straight though. It's very similar to the texture of cream, just a little more on the "sour" side (I think most buttermilk now uses vinegar to culture it). But, you just confirm what I have learned about buttermilk- it can actually help lower your internal body temperature, so people drink it especially in the summertime! You're moving to Florida where it's especially warm- maybe you can tell me if that works for you! :-)

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  5. IT'S EXPENSIVE!?!?! So that is where all our money is going!!!

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