Buffalo Vs Cow milk: Which is best?

We get our milk from a multitude of animals and sources, the most common of course being cow’s milk. But depending on where you were born and raised in the world, you have most probably been used to drinking a certain kind of milk that is specific to your region or country. The Middle East uses camels, the
Indian sub-continent uses mainly buffalos while many African nations are particularly fond of goat’s milk. In fact beyond the traditional sources of milk (mammals), there is also soy, almond, rice and even coconut milk just to name a few.

Being the second most consumed milk in the world, we are going to focus our attention only on buffalo milk and see how it compares to that of a cow. We’ll glance over its nutritional content and its supposed health benefits so that you can make the informed decision of which is best for you.

Milk is milk right?

At a first glance, you might be right, but did you know that because of the buffalo’s natural ability of converting beta-carotene into vitamin A, its milk is actually whiter than usual. And that not all! Buffalo milk has been proven to contain a higher fat, protein, lactose and vitamin & mineral content than its
counterparts.

So how does that help you?

Two words: Health benefits. Growth, Development and Rebuilding. The amount of protein found in buffalo milk alone makes it an extremely wholesome milk. Since your body takes longer to digest it, it keeps you full for a longer period of time reducing the likelihood of you needing to “snack” throughout the day. For those constantly working out or hitting the gym regularly, protein rich buffalo milk as an alternative is the perfect choice, as it also helps repair muscles from excessive usage and strain. Buffalo milk is also higher in fat content than cow milk, making it perfect for those looking to gain weight while also trying to keep their cholesterol levels in check. Coupled with its rich protein from earlier, and you’ve got the perfect formula for growing kids.

Strengthens your bones

One of the major benefits of consuming buffalo milk however is its contribution towards bone health. Its rich content in calcium and other minerals like copper, manganese zinc and phosphorous, are essential for proper bone development and can in the long term help stave off diseases such as osteoporosis
which may lead to brittle bones and a higher chance of bones fracturing as you grow older. As an additional benefit this same calcium and minerals also help improve overall dental health and hygiene.

Boosting your immunity

Rich in vitamins A & C, regular consumption of buffalo milk can help you reach your daily requirements
and boost your body’s natural defenses. Rich in antioxidants, these will help your body fight off things called free radicals which have been proven to be a group of compounds with harmful effects on your body and are also sometimes the cause of certain diseases. One study found that the antioxidant concentration capacity in buffalo milk was around 40% higher than that of cow’s milk. Vitamin C is also known to increase your body’s production of white blood cells, preventing things like infections from occurring. Vitamins and antioxidants are also the reason for good skin health as they keep the skin well-nourished and vitalized throughout, with many people applying buffalo milk directly to their faces in the form of masks.

Strengthening your heart

While it is generally considered to be a more fatty type of milk, buffalo milk does have its upsides. Having less cholesterol is one of them. And in addition to having less to begin with, it also help reduce the already bad cholesterol (LDL) that’s running in your system. In other studies it was found that it was useful in the fight against naturally occurring enzymes in the body that increased blood pressure by tightening the vessels. The potassium in buffalo milk also assists in balancing and reducing blood pressure levels reducing the risk of disease such as atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes.

Allergies be gone!

Some believe that buffalo milk could be a substitute for those that are allergic to cow milk (Cows Milk Allergy/CMA). While this has never been proven conclusively, in recent studies it was shown that the structural composition of buffalo milk may make it less allergenic than sheep, cow or goat milk.

Downsides?

By this point you must be wondering, buffalo milk can’t be all good surely. And you would be right. Like we mentioned earlier in this article while it does have less cholesterol, buffalo milk remains a fatty milk to be consumed, hence the importance of keeping an eye out on your diet and what you consume. It is also true that buffalo milk contains a higher level of lactose than cow milk, making it difficult or
impossible for some to consume. Interestingly though when transformed into cheese or other by-products, lactose levels usually fall to a level that is suitable for people with lactose intolerance.
Lastly, do remember that buffalos produce less milk than their counterparts. On average a buffalo might only produce around 10 liters a day, while cows can sometime produce up to 30 liters day. In fact certain types dairy cows who find themselves at their peak can produce up to 60 liters a day. Because of this
limitation buffalo milk is generally slightly more expensive.

Ultimately it’s a question of preference. If you have been used to buffalo or cow milk from an early age you may be reluctant to switch. Other aspects like how convenient is it to find; does it suit your budget; and can my body handle this new product are also important to take into account, as buffalo milk is not
a one-suits-all kind of beverage and what is good for some might not be for others. However for those curious enough to try, the health benefits are certainly there for the taking. Will you make the switch anytime soon?

References:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/buffalo-milk#comparison
https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/5-amazing-benefits-of-buffalo-milk-which-may-make-you-want-to-switch-1821795
https://krishijagran.com/health-lifestyle/five-good-reasons-to-switch-over-to-buffalo-milk/