Daily Dose of Lassi and Chaas: A Refreshing Route to Better Health? Explore the Benefits

It’s crucial to enjoy these beverages in moderation to reap their full benefits without adverse effects. Otherwise, they may end up causing the very ailments they often eradicate.

8 May 2024

By Ishika Kumar

As the sun blazes overhead and mercury jumps high, the quest for refreshing beverages becomes paramount. In the scorching heat of summer, nothing quenches thirst quite like a tall glass of lassi or chaas. Lassi, a staple of North Indian cuisine, is cherished for its delightful taste and cultural significance, serving as a quintessential summer indulgence.

But beyond mere refreshment, these traditional yoghurt-based drinks offer a plethora of health benefits that might surprise you (and certain downsides as well). You can decide if they’re fit for everyday consumption or not.

The Pros

1.     Hydration: The oppressive summer sun can quickly deplete your body of essential fluids, leaving you parched and fatigued. Enter Lassi and Chaas, the hydration main characters. Dr Trupti Padhi, a seasoned dietitian and certified diabetic educator, presents their role as excellent sources of fluids, essential for combating dehydration during hot weather spells. They taste cooling and flavourful, whilst providing due respite from the heat.

2.     Digestion: Ever felt uncomfortable bloating or gas after a heavy meal? Lassi and chaas might just be the antidote you need. Packed with probiotics, these beverages work wonders for your digestive system, promoting smooth digestion and alleviating common discomforts by resetting your system. These keep certain health issues, infections and ailments at bay.

3.     Heart and Cardiovascular Health: In a world plagued by rising cholesterol levels, the heartwarming news is that a daily dose of lassi or chaas could be your heart’s best friend. Regular consumption has been linked to reduced cholesterol levels and blood pressure management, contributing to a healthier cardiovascular system.

4.     Energy Booster: Feeling drained by the midday sun? Lassi and chaas offer a natural energy boost, thanks to their nutrient-rich composition and necessary electrolytes. Bid adieu to those afternoon slumps with a refreshing sip of these revitalising beverages.

5.     Bones and Teeth: Calcium, the cornerstone of strong bones and teeth, abounds in lassi and chaas as they are, after all, milk products and richer in their nutrient content. Incorporating these drinks into your daily routine can fortify your skeletal structure, ensuring longevity and vitality.

6.     Immunity Shield: In times where immunity is paramount and cannot be compromised, lassi and chaas emerge as formidable allies. They aid in regulating blood pressure and bolstering the immune system, providing a shield against common ailments.

7.     Weight Management: Struggling to shed those extra pounds? Lassi and chaas might just tip the scales in your favour. Their gut-friendly properties and satiating effect can aid in weight management efforts, keeping those cravings at bay. If not losing weight, they definitely would contribute to your fitness goals by keeping you fit, hydrated, and healthy.

Moderation is Key

While the benefits of lassi and chaas are undeniable, Dr Padhi underscores the importance of moderation. Excessive consumption, especially of sweetened variants, could lead to digestive discomfort or unwanted weight gain. It’s crucial to enjoy these beverages in moderation to reap their full benefits without adverse effects. Otherwise, they may end up causing the very ailments they often eradicate.

Some examples are:

1.     Calorie Content and Sodium Intake: Flavoured variants of buttermilk or those prepared with added sugars can significantly increase calorie content, potentially contributing to weight gain. Moreover, added salt in commercially available buttermilk can pose concerns for individuals monitoring their sodium intake.

2.     Individual Sensitivities: Certain ingredients present in buttermilk, such as spices or herbs, may trigger gastrointestinal discomfort or other adverse reactions in individuals who are sensitive or allergic to those condiments. That is indeed specific, yet one must be mindful regarding ingredients.

3.     Overconsumption: While buttermilk offers numerous benefits in moderation, excessive consumption may lead to unintended consequences, emphasising the importance of mindful consumption. Once in a day every day is not bad, though. It can be consumed daily for sure.

4.     Weight Gain and Digestive Issues: Consuming lassi, especially before bedtime, can contribute to weight gain due to its calorie-dense composition, while its protein content may pose challenges for digestion during sleep. Though it’s known for weight management properties, the timing of consumption makes the difference.

5.     Skin Sensitivities and Respiratory Issues: For individuals prone to eczema or other skin ailments, lassi consumption may exacerbate symptoms and trigger allergic reactions, while its cold potency can worsen respiratory conditions like asthma, leading to cough and congestion.

6.     Lactose Intolerance: For individuals sensitive to lactose — the sugar found in milk and dairy products — Chaas or Lassi consumption may trigger digestive discomforts such as bloating, gas and diarrhoea (which it does not induce in people who can consume lactose-filled dairy products).

Conclusion

As the summer heat bears down upon us, lassi and chaas stand as beacons of refreshment and vitality. With their myriad health benefits and tantalising flavours, these traditional beverages offer a deliciously healthy way to beat the heat. So, the next time you reach for a cooling drink, consider pouring yourself a glass of lassi or chaas. Your body will thank you for it. 

While lassi and chaas offer a refreshing respite from the heat and boast a plethora of health benefits, it’s essential to approach their consumption with moderation and mindfulness. Another tip is to make them at home, customising them with your bodily and taste preferences. Packaged lassi and chaas are not good for the body and cater more to the cons listed above.

By acknowledging both their pros and cons, we can savour these beloved beverages while safeguarding our health and well-being. With moderation as your guide, embark on a journey towards better health and well-being, one sip at a time. Cheers to a summer filled with cool indulgence and informed choices!