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Are you team lassi or team chaas? This summer you may have played both sides, but which one is really healthier? Lassi and chaas stand out as two popular traditional drinks cherished for their refreshing qualities and nutritional benefits. While both are yoghurt-based drinks, they differ in their ingredients and preparation and also, of course, taste.
Typically chaas tends to be lower in calories and sugar compared to lassi, making it a preferable choice for those watching their calorie intake or managing diabetes. However, lassi also brings quite a lot to the table and can be more healthier. Let’s break it down.
Let’s look at the nutrients
Lassi and chaas share yoghurt as their primary ingredient, providing essential nutrients such as calcium, protein, and probiotics. However, their additional components set them apart. Lassi typically incorporates sugar and sometimes fruit or flavoured syrups, contributing to its sweetness and caloric content. On the other hand, chaas contain water, salt, spices like cumin and mint, and occasionally herbs like coriander, imparting a savoury and tangy flavour without added sugars.
Hydration and Electrolytes
Both lassi and chaas serve as hydrating drinks in the summer. However, chaas, with its water content and inclusion of salt and spices, offers additional benefits in terms of electrolyte replenishment. Electrolytes like sodium and potassium play crucial roles in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions.
By incorporating salt and spices, chaas helps replenish electrolytes lost through sweat, making it an excellent choice for rehydration after exercise or during periods of dehydration. This aspect gives chaas an edge over lassi in terms of supporting overall hydration and electrolyte balance.
Digestive Health
Probiotics, beneficial bacteria present in fermented foods like yoghurt, play a vital role in supporting digestive health. Both lassi and chaas, being yoghurt-based beverages, contain probiotics that can aid in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome and improving digestion.
However, the inclusion of digestive spices like cumin and mint in chaas provides additional digestive benefits. Cumin, for example, is known for its carminative properties, which can help alleviate bloating and gas. Mint is revered for its soothing effect on the digestive system, promoting smoother digestion and reducing gastrointestinal discomfort.
Therefore, while lassi provides probiotics for digestive health, chaas incorporates spices that enhance digestive function and may aid gastrointestinal wellness.
Blood Sugar Management
For individuals managing blood sugar levels, the glycemic impact of beverages is a crucial aspect. Lassi, particularly when sweetened with sugar or fruit syrups, can have a higher glycemic index (GI), leading to spikes in blood sugar levels, especially in those with diabetes or insulin resistance.
Chaas, with its savoury and tangy flavour profile and absence of added sugars, tends to have a lower GI. Additionally, the presence of spices like cumin and coriander in chaas may further contribute to blood sugar regulation by improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. So if you need to drink something to stabilize blood sugar levels during the middle of the day or minimize glycemic fluctuations, you may find chaas to be a more suitable option compared to lassi.
