Did you know that there are tons of fascinating benefits of Lassi? If you’re a fan of yogurt-based drinks, lassi is a drink that you definitely wouldn’t want to miss out on.
Originating from South Asia, lassi is a refreshing drink for the hot and humid summer of Pakistan. It’s a traditional drink in Pakistan and is loved by many. It’s paired with desi delicacies such as halwa poori, nihari, aloo paratha, or Sarson ka saag.
There are variations of ingredients used in making lassi according to the local taste in different South Asian countries such as India and Pakistan. Some prefer meethi (sweet) lassi, while some prefer namkeen (salty) lassi.
Mango lassi is also very famous in Pakistan as mango is widely popular in the summers. You can add any spices or fruits according to your liking and drink it all year round as well. The best part is you can easily make it at home.
Table of Contents
What is Lassi made of?
There are many variations of lassi and, everyone makes it according to their own choice. The main ingredients in lassi include:
- Yogurt or curd
- Water
- Sugar or salt
- Milk
Churn fresh yogurt or curd until it turns smooth and creamy. You can use a blender, churner, or which for this purpose. Add sugar, salt, or any other spice you would like to add. In the end, add cold water or milk with ice and garnish with nuts on top if you want to. Adding cream and butter is also an option.
Health benefits of Lassi
The combination of ingredients in Lassi have many nutritional benefits. The top 8 best health benefits of lassi are:
1. Helps with digestion
It’s essential to emphasize the importance of good bacteria as yogurt contains probiotics that promote a healthy gut. Lassi contains lactobacilli, which is good bacteria and promotes gut health. It lubricates the intestines, making it easier for you to digest food and absorb essential nutrients.
It also helps in removing acids that can cause heartburn or indigestion. Furthermore, it forms a protective layer around your digestive system and making the digestive juices perform better. This makes it easier to digest heavy meals..
2. Full of Probiotics
A healthy gut needs to have the right amount of good bacteria to fight against bad bacteria. Probiotics do just that! Probiotics in yogurt aid digestion and help relieve the symptoms of digestive conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and colitis.
3. A stomach-friendly drink
Lassi is light on the stomach and, it’s also a natural remedy for stomach bloating. As it’s full of good bacteria, it also prevents many digestive problems such as constipation, indigestion, and others.
4. Promotes bone health
Lassi’s major ingredient, yogurt is a fantastic source of calcium. One glass of lassi has approximately 270 mg of calcium, almost 30% of the recommended daily calcium requirement for your body. As we all know already, calcium makes bones strong and, drinking lassi can benefit your bone health and is also good for your teeth.
5. Perfect for summers
A chilled glass of lassi can make you feel refreshed in summers, especially when the temperature outside is insanely high. It also battles against body heat as it has a cooling effect on your body. Additionally, it also helps with dehydration as it has water, ice, and electrolytes.
6. Immunity Booster
Lactic acid and Vitamin D present in lassi can help fight numerous infections and diseases. Covid-19 has shown us the importance of getting enough Vitamins to boost immunity and, that’s what lassi provides. Lassi is also rich in Vitamin B12 which emulsifies amino and fatty acids in your body and fights against stress and anemia.
7. Aids weight loss
Drinking lassi with added sugar is not the one we’re talking about here. Lassi with yoghurt, water, and salt can help you lose weight as it keeps you full for a long time. It’s nutrient-rich and has fewer calories that make it a great drink even if you’re on a diet. Though we must emphasize, sweet lassi or lassi with butter and cream is unlikely to cause weight loss.
8. Works wonders for your skin
The lactic acid in lassi is not only great for fighting infections but also prevents acne, moisturizes your skin, and reduces blemishes. The combination of lactic acid and Vitamin D has an anti-aging effect on your skin as well.
If all these benefits of Lassi aren’t convincing enough for you, lassi is also beneficial for your hair and liver. Furthermore, it helps in controlling cholesterol and boosting metabolism.
Are there any drawbacks to drinking lassi?
Like all other food and drinks, lassi also has a few side effects, which include:
Excess Consumption
Lassi lovers can relate to the satisfying feeling of chugging down one glass of lassi after another. But that’s not a very good idea. Like almost everything else, moderation is key for the consumption of lassi as well.
Drinking too much salty lassi can increase the risk of high blood pressure due to a high amount of sodium. Moreover, saturated fat in yogurt can have a detrimental effect if taken in high quantity.
Lactose Intolerance
Lassi is not a good fit for those who are lactose intolerant. Milk and yogurt are the main components in lassi that can make lactose intolerant individuals feel sick. It can lead to digestive issues and other issues as well.
Weight gain
If you’re adding lassi to your diet for weight loss, you will have to skip some of the ingredients, sugar being on the top of the list. Some people add cream, butter, bananas, or mangoes to their lassi but all these are high in calories. So, you’ll have to stick to yogurt, water, and salt if you’re looking to lose weight. It’s best to consult a nutritionist on how you can add lassi to your diet plan.
Conclusion
Consuming lassi at least once a day can provide your body with healthy nutrients which branch out into many other benefits.
There are numerous amazing benefits of lassi and it’s a great option for beating the summer heat. It improves your overall health and well-being. Let’s not forget it also tastes amazing, especially when you add your favorite fruit to it.
FAQs
Does lassi increase weight?
It depends on what you’re adding to it. If you’re adding cream, butter, and sugar, then you’re more likely to gain weight.
Is lassi good for bloating?
Yes, the probiotics in lassi are a natural remedy for bloating and reduces inflammation.
Can I drink lassi on an empty stomach?
Fermented milk products or yogurt forms hydrochloric acid if taken on an empty stomach. It can lead to acidity.
