India, May 1 -- When summer temperatures climb across India, two traditional drinks dominate household kitchens-buttermilk (chaas) and lassi. Both are curd-based, both are refreshing, and both are widely believed to help the body cope with heat. But they are not identical in how they affect hydration, cooling, and digestion.

Recent nutrition reporting and health insights suggest that while both drinks have benefits, their composition makes them useful for different summer needs.

What Makes Buttermilk and Lassi Different?

At the base level, both drinks come from curd (yoghurt), but preparation changes everything:

-Buttermilk (chaas): Diluted curd, churned with water, often seasoned with salt, cumin, or spices

-Lassi: Thick curd-based ...