Buffalo Milk Benefits And Nutritional Value

All over the world, milk is frequently referred to as a complete food. This is because milk's popularity in the health and nutrition community is probably unmatched by any other food or drink. Its vitamin D and calcium content helps the body burn calories more efficiently and maintain a healthy weight, while its healthy fats help lower blood pressure. 

In addition to cow milk, numerous other types of milk are available. For example, buffalo milk, goat milk, sheep milk and camel milk etc. Buffalo milk, while not the most popular, has several health benefits, including fostering growth, developing strong bones, stimulating circulation, muscle gain, lowering blood pressure, safeguarding the heart and fighting several medical conditions.

Compared to cow milk, buffalo milk has more calcium and other minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. Still, cow milk is lower in fat and easier to digest, whereas buffalo milk is slightly heavier in fat. This is the main distinction, but they both are equally very nourishing.

Table Of Contents 

1. An Overview Of Buffalo Milk

2. Nutritional Value Of Buffalo Milk 

3. Health Benefits Of Buffalo Milk 

4. Dietitian’s Recommendation 

5. The Final Say 

6. FAQs 

An Overview Of Buffalo Milk

As the name suggests, buffalo milk is made from the mammary gland of a buffalo. This milk is essential to a balanced diet in some regions of Asia, such as India, where numerous buffalo species are still raised. Buffalo milk is more widely available and in greater demand, which has drawn more attention. 

According to research, there are several differences between buffalo milk and other non-human milk, like cow, goat, etc.; for consumption.  

Buffalo milk is regarded as richer because it contains more nutrients than cow's milk. The scientific name for buffaloes is Bubalus bubalis, and these animals are very adaptable. In the last two decades, the amount of milk produced worldwide has doubled, and buffalo milk has experienced an annual growth rate of roughly 2.5% higher than that of cow's milk. 

China, India, and Pakistan are the countries that produce around 80 % of the world's buffalo milk. Buffalo milk also has nutritional benefits that make it a viable substitute for cow's milk, even for those with a milk allergy.

Nutritional Value Of Buffalo Milk 

Buffalo milk is higher in fat than conventional cow milk and is richer in iron, calcium, protein, vitamin A, phosphorous, and other essential nutrients. 

Approx 100 ml of buffalo milk contains nutrients:

• Calories- 97 kcal   
• Protein- 3.75 g 
• Fats- 6.89 g 
• Carbohydrates- 5.18 g 
• Iron- 0.12 mg 
• Calcium- 169 mg 
• Magnesium- 31 mg 
• Sodium- 52 mg 
• Potassium- 178 mg 
• Phosphorus- 117 mg 
• Manganese- 0.018 mg 
• Copper- 0.046 mg 
• Zinc- 0.22 mg 

Health Benefits Of Buffalo Milk 

Milk has a wide range of health benefits. The health benefits of buffalo milk are listed below: 

1. Keeps The Heart Healthy 

According to studies, lactic bacteria, which is beneficial for the heart, is present in fermented buffalo milk. Consuming it lowers triglyceride, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Therefore, drinking fermented buffalo milk daily may be beneficial for the heart.

2. Aids In Weight Management 

L. paracasei bacteria may be present in buffalo milk and may have an anti-obesity effect on body fat. Besides, proteins and probiotics are also present, which may aid in controlling weight. Consequently, buffalo milk aids in healthy weight management. 

3. Helps To Boost Immunity  

This L. Plantarum improves vitamin and mineral absorption and promotes protein synthesis. These probiotics may strengthen immunity and increase defences against pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, the probiotic properties of buffalo milk help to strengthen immunity. 

4. Rich With Probiotics 

Probiotics, or healthy bacteria, may be present in milk. Probiotic dairy products are suitable for your health and help you manage weight, lower cholesterol, and prevent stroke and heart disease. 

5. Loaded With Vitamins 

Drink this milk to become friends with vitamins. Buffalo milk has a rich, creamy texture. It can take care of your vitamin craving. This milk contains thiamine, vitamin A, and vitamin C and a healthy amount of niacin, folate, and vitamin B6. 

Moreover, this milk contains a lot of vitamin B12, which guards against heart attacks and strokes. Riboflavin is also present in buffalo milk.

Dietitian’s Recommendation 

Buffalo milk is a complete food containing all the essential nutrients our body needs for normal functioning. Therefore including buffalo milk in your meals can be beneficial to your health. You can drink plain milk or convert it into shakes or other delicious recipes. Try and have at least one or two glasses of milk per day.

The Final Say 

The most common milk consumed worldwide, including in India, is buffalo. Along with Pakistan and China, India is one of the countries that produces the most buffalo milk worldwide.

It has a higher nutritional value than cow's milk and offers more protein, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, it has elements that could protect against free radicals and enhance bone and heart health. 

FAQs 

1. What are the disadvantages of buffalo milk?

Buffalo milk contains fat. Therefore, overconsumption may lead to unwanted weight gain. Also, some people are allergic to buffalo milk and show symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating gas, and diarrhoea.

2. Which is better, milk cow or buffalo?

Buffalo milk is thicker and contains more vitamins and minerals than cow milk. However, cow milk more preferred as the fat and protein of cow milk are more easily digestible than those of buffalo milk.

Cow milk also has got a good amount of vitamins and minerals. So, in short, both are equally nutritious, but only fat content varies.

3. Who should not drink buffalo milk?

Buffalo milk contains 10-11 % more protein than cow milk. As a result, it is more heat resistant. However, buffalo milk is not recommended for infants and older people due to its amount of protein.

4. Is it safe to drink buffalo milk during pregnancy? 

Talking to a doctor before consuming buffalo milk during pregnancy is advised. Do not self-medicate. Consumption of buffalo milk without expert recommendation can cause side effects. 

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