6
What is pure buttermilk, and how does it differ from “regular” buttermilk? People who want to lose weight with buttermilk or maintain a healthy gut flora are likely to ask themselves this question. We’ll explain the difference.
How does pure buttermilk differ from buttermilk?
Both buttermilk and pure buttermilk are produced during the butter-making process.
- To make butter, raw milk is first left to stand until cream forms. The cream is skimmed off and churned into butter. During this process, the solid butter separates from the liquid buttermilk.
- The resulting buttermilk is considered “pure” because it is free of any added substances. Water can also be removed from pure buttermilk, making it thicker.
- Buttermilk, on the other hand, may contain water or skim milk. Water may make up a maximum of 10 percent, and skim milk a maximum of 15 percent, of the buttermilk.
- Both pure buttermilk and buttermilk are healthy: they are high in protein and vitamin B and also provide vitamins A, C, and K.
- Both types promote healthy gut flora because they contain probiotic bacteria.
- Pure buttermilk and buttermilk are popular among people trying to lose weight—since they contain only about 40 calories per 100 grams. The fat and sugar content is also low, at less than 1 gram and about 4 grams per 100 grams of buttermilk, respectively.
- Caution is advised with buttermilk products such as fruit-flavored buttermilk. In these cases, manufacturers may add ingredients such as sugar, fruit juice, starch, thickeners, flavorings, etc. As a result, most products contain about 60 calories and about 10 grams of sugar per 100 grams.
