Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Buttermilk has a longstanding history in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and other South Asian healing practices, for supporting digestion and improving appetite in individuals with deficient appetite. In Ayurveda, buttermilk (known as "takra") is often recommended as a light, easily digestible drink that stimulates the digestive fire ("agni") and helps in conditions of poor appetite, indigestion, and gastrointestinal discomfort. The rationale is that buttermilk, especially when spiced with digestive herbs like cumin or ginger, can balance digestive disturbances and encourage healthy hunger signals.

Scientific evidence directly supporting buttermilk's effect on appetite is limited. Most modern studies on buttermilk focus on its probiotic content, nutritional value, and benefits to gut health rather than specifically on appetite stimulation. Some indirect evidence suggests that improving gut health and promoting a healthy gut microbiome may positively affect appetite regulation, but this connection is not well-established for buttermilk alone. Thus, while its use is well-rooted in tradition and cultural practices, strong scientific validation is lacking, and the evidence remains primarily anecdotal and historical rather than clinical.

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