Ayran: A nutritional powerhouse for heart health and hydration
Though it tastes like diluted yogurt, Ayran stands out for its wealth of nutrients. This extraordinary drink protects against stroke and heart attack and provides many valuable nutrients.
8 August 2024 15:54
Ayran is considered the healthiest drink in the world. It is consumed in Turkey, as well as in the Balkans and the Middle East. It pairs well with heavy and fatty dishes because it has a light consistency and refreshing taste. Moreover, it can protect against cardiovascular diseases.
What is ayran?
Ayran, known originally as ayran, is a traditional drink originating from Turkey. Nowadays, it can be found not only in well-stocked supermarkets but also in restaurants serving kebabs. This drink, which tastes like a mix of kefir and natural yogurt, is slightly salty and sour. It is most often consumed during hot weather because it quenches thirst excellently. Nutritionists recommend including ayran in the daily diet regardless of the season.
You can prepare ayran at home. The necessary ingredients are 400 grams of thick Greek yogurt, 500 millilitres of mineral water, and optionally mint, parsley, salt, garlic, and mango. All ingredients should be placed in a tall bowl and blended until foamy. This prepared ayran can then be poured into a glass.
Why is it worth drinking ayran?
Ayran is a low-calorie source of micro- and macro-nutrients. It contains live bacterial cultures that support the gut microbiome, which translates to properly functioning the digestive and immune systems. Moreover, ayran provides protein, calcium, B vitamins, vitamin D, sodium, and electrolytes, which are especially important during hot weather and intense physical activity.
Furthermore, ayran improves digestion and protects against diarrhea and constipation. It also has properties that lower high blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels. This way, ayran protects against atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.
Although ayran is consumed mainly in the summer in Arab countries, drinking it regularly year-round can bring many health benefits. Thanks to its high content of vitamins and minerals, consuming one package of ayran daily supports the immune, nervous, skeletal, circulatory, and digestive systems. Moreover, this dairy drink has only 47 calories per glass, making it an ideal choice for people on a low-calorie diet.
