Milk is widely recognized as a balanced food, abundant in essential elements such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, and beneficial fats. These nutrients play a vital role in maintaining a healthy body. Consequently, experts strongly advise people of all age groups to incorporate milk into their regular diet.
Interestingly, the tradition of consuming milk in India dates back to ancient times, with even the revered sages recognizing its importance. They attributed their good health and longevity to this nourishing beverage. Therefore, it is crucial to cultivate the habit of drinking milk from an early age, ensuring the well-being of children.
In India, cow’s milk is the predominant choice among consumers. It has become a familiar part of our dietary habits. However, some experts advocate for buffalo milk as an alternative to cow’s milk, highlighting its considerable health benefits. Buffalo milk stands on par with any other beverage in terms of its nutrient profile.
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Now the question arises: which type of milk—cow or buffalo—provides greater benefits? Esteemed nutritionist Koel Pal Chowdhury offers insights into this matter. Let us examine the key points.
Cow’s milk boasts a rich nutrient profile
Following mother’s milk, cow’s milk becomes a primary source of nutrition for almost every child. It is an incredibly beneficial beverage, containing high-quality protein, balanced fat and carbohydrate content. Moreover, cow’s milk is rich in calcium, riboflavin, phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin B12, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iodine. Regular consumption of cow’s milk promotes overall health and can even aid in combating various diseases, as emphasized by Koyal Pal Chowdhury.
Buffalo milk takes the lead
Buffalo milk surpasses cow’s milk in terms of its vitamin and mineral content. According to Koel Pal Chowdhury, buffalo milk fulfills 41 percent of the daily phosphorus requirement, 32 percent of the daily calcium requirement, 19 percent of the daily magnesium value, and 14 percent of the daily vitamin A requirement. These figures highlight the substantial contribution buffalo milk can make toward meeting our daily mineral and vitamin needs. Thus, incorporating buffalo milk into our diet is strongly recommended.
Choosing between cow and buffalo milk
In terms of nutritional value, buffalo milk, according to Koel Pal Chowdhury, edges slightly ahead of cow’s milk. Its elevated levels of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial elements make it an excellent choice for those who have access to it. However, since buffalo milk may not be readily available everywhere, cow’s milk remains a highly beneficial alternative. Indians have been relying on cow’s milk for ages, deriving substantial health benefits from its consumption.
Challenges associated with buffalo milk
While buffalo milk undeniably contains an abundance of vitamins and minerals, it may not be suitable for everyone. Some individuals experience intolerance due to certain ingredients present in buffalo milk, resulting in symptoms like gas and acidity. Additionally, buffalo milk has high levels of fat and calories, making it unsuitable for people with conditions such as cholesterol, diabetes, or heart disease. In such cases, opting for low-fat cow’s milk is a better choice.
Milk intolerance and alternatives
Individuals with gas problems, stomach ulcers, pancreatitis, or lactose intolerance may find both cow’s and buffalo milk difficult to digest. Therefore, it is advisable for such individuals to avoid milk altogether. However, they can substitute milk with alternatives like chickpeas and curd, as suggested by Koel Pal Chowdhury. Regular consumption of these dairy products can help address the nutritional deficiencies that may arise from the avoidance of milk.
Please note that this article serves as a source of awareness and does not replace professional medical advice.
It is always prudent to consult a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes or decisions.
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In conclusion, both cow milk and buffalo milk offer notable nutritional benefits. While buffalo milk excels in terms of vitamin and mineral content, cow’s milk remains a widely accessible and beneficial option. Regardless of the choice, prioritizing one’s health by adhering to a nutritionist’s advice is crucial. So, embrace the power of milk and make an informed decision for a healthy lifestyle.
