Is Buttermilk Heat or Cold for the Body? A Scientific and Ayurvedic Answer

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Ayurveda, while yogurt is considered heating, buttermilk derived from it has a distinct cooling potency, making it ideal for warmer seasons. This traditional knowledge provides a valuable perspective on whether buttermilk is heat or cold for the body, a question also addressed by modern nutritional science.

Quick Summary

Buttermilk is a cooling, probiotic-rich beverage that aids digestion and provides hydration, particularly in hot weather. It's considered lighter and more digestible than yogurt, helping to reduce body heat and inflammation according to both Ayurvedic principles and modern nutrition.

Key Points

Buttermilk is Cooling: While yogurt can have a heating effect, buttermilk is considered a cooling beverage in Ayurveda and by modern science, especially useful for summer.
Easy to Digest: The churning process removes fat and breaks down lactose, making buttermilk lighter and easier on the digestive system compared to milk or curd.
Rich in Probiotics: Buttermilk contains beneficial bacteria that promote a healthy gut, improve digestion, and boost immunity.
Excellent Hydrator: High in water and electrolytes, it is effective at rehydrating the body and replenishing lost minerals, which helps regulate body temperature.
Pacifies Pitta Dosha: In Ayurveda, buttermilk is prized for its ability to balance the fiery Pitta dosha, making it ideal for those with excess body heat.
Alleviates Acidity: The lactic acid and cooling properties can help soothe the stomach and provide relief from acidity and heartburn.
Best Consumed Fresh: For optimal benefits, it is recommended to consume fresh buttermilk, possibly spiced with cumin or ginger, and ideally after meals.

A Tale of Two Temperatures: Understanding Buttermilk's Effect

The simple question of whether buttermilk is heating or cooling is more complex than it appears, as the answer varies depending on the perspective of traditional wisdom versus modern science. However, both agree on its overall benefits, especially for digestion and hydration. According to Ayurveda, buttermilk (known as 'takra' or 'chaas') possesses a 'sheeta virya' or cold potency, which is why it is highly recommended during summer to balance the aggravated Pitta dosha. This stands in contrast to curd (yogurt), which is seen as having a heating effect on the body. The key difference lies in the preparation process. Churning curd and adding water separates the heating fats, leaving behind a light, easily digestible, and cooling drink.

Buttermilk and Body Heat: The Science Behind the Cool

From a scientific standpoint, buttermilk's cooling effect can be attributed to its composition and its impact on the digestive system. Here's why it helps:

Hydration: Buttermilk is high in water and electrolytes, like potassium and sodium, which help replenish fluids lost through sweat, a primary cause of increased body temperature. Proper hydration is essential for regulating core body temperature.
Probiotics and Digestion: It is a rich source of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus, which promote a healthy gut microbiome. Improved gut health can lead to better digestion and reduced inflammation, which, in turn, can help regulate body temperature.
Lower Fat Content: Buttermilk typically has a much lower fat content than curd or milk. The removal of fat makes it easier for the body to digest, preventing the thermic effect of food that generates heat during digestion.
Lactic Acid: The presence of lactic acid helps to soothe the digestive tract and provides a cooling sensation, which can relieve discomfort associated with heat and indigestion.

The Ayurvedic View: Balancing the Doshas

Ayurveda explains the difference between yogurt and buttermilk through the concept of doshas and virya (potency). Curd, with its heavy and fatty nature, is considered to have a hot potency and is best avoided during summer. Buttermilk, however, undergoes a transformation during churning.

Takra's Unique Qualities: The Ayurvedic text 'Bhava Prakasha' states that buttermilk is light ('laghu'), and unlike curd, it does not increase the Pitta dosha (the fiery element). Instead, it pacifies both Vata and Kapha doshas while balancing Pitta, making it a tridosha-pacifying beverage suitable for all body types when consumed correctly.
Herbal Additions: The inclusion of spices like cumin, ginger, or mint enhances its digestive properties (Agni) and amplifies its cooling effect. Cumin, in particular, is known for its ability to aid digestion and further reduce internal heat.

Buttermilk vs. Curd: A Comparative Glance


Feature	Buttermilk (Chaas/Takra)	Curd (Dahi/Yogurt)
Ayurvedic Potency	Predominantly cooling (Sheeta Virya)	Predominantly heating
Digestion	Light ('laghu') and easy to digest	Heavy ('guru') and harder to digest for some
Fat Content	Low in fat; fat is removed during churning	Higher fat content if made from full-fat milk
Effect on Acidity	Helps alleviate acidity by soothing the stomach lining	Can increase acidity in some individuals due to active fermentation in the gut
Best Time to Consume	After meals, especially lunch	During the day, with meals

Buttermilk for Digestive and Overall Health

Beyond its temperature effects, buttermilk offers a wealth of health benefits. Its probiotic content supports the gut, which is vital for nutrient absorption and overall immunity. It can aid in managing weight due to its low-calorie, high-satiety nature. The beverage is also a good source of calcium, helping to strengthen bones. For those with lactose intolerance, the fermentation process breaks down lactose, making it an easier-to-digest dairy option. For anyone looking for a natural, healthy alternative to sugary soft drinks, buttermilk is an excellent choice.

Conclusion

In short, buttermilk is a cooling and hydrating beverage, according to both traditional Ayurvedic knowledge and modern nutritional science. The process of churning and adding water to curd transforms its properties, making it light, easy to digest, and effective at lowering internal body temperature. It is a versatile and beneficial drink, particularly during the warmer months, but can be enjoyed year-round for its digestive and overall health-supporting properties when consumed at room temperature during winter. It stands apart from yogurt, offering a distinct path to maintaining internal balance and comfort.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, buttermilk is often used as a home remedy for acidity. Its cooling properties and lactic acid help neutralize stomach acid, providing relief from heartburn and indigestion.

According to Ayurveda, yes. While yogurt is considered heating, buttermilk's churning process and dilution give it a cooling potency, making it a better choice for reducing body heat, especially in summer.

Yes, but with moderation. While it's a coolant, Ayurvedic tradition suggests consuming it at room temperature and with warming spices like black pepper or ginger during the cooler months to avoid aggravating Kapha dosha.

Yes, absolutely. Buttermilk is a natural probiotic, containing healthy bacteria that promote a balanced gut flora. This improves metabolism, eases bowel movements, and aids in the digestion of heavy meals.

The heating nature of yogurt, particularly according to Ayurveda, is related to its heavy and dense properties, and the fermentation process that continues in the gut. This can increase body heat, especially for those with a Pitta imbalance.

Traditional buttermilk is the leftover liquid from churning butter and is low in fat. Modern cultured buttermilk is made by adding bacterial cultures to pasteurized milk, which ferments the lactose into lactic acid, giving it a thicker texture and sour taste.

For most people, buttermilk actually helps reduce bloating due to its probiotic content and easy digestibility. However, individuals with high dairy sensitivity may still experience some digestive issues.