Globally, milk is produced mainly from buffaloes, cows, goats, and camels. Buffalo milk is the second most consumed type after cow's milk.
Buffalo milk, like cow's milk, has good nutritional content and can be used to make dairy products, such as:
- Butter
- Cheese
- Ice cream
Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) are mammals, which means their mammary glands produce milk to feed their young ones. They are milked for commercial reasons in a few countries.
The leading producer of buffalo milk is India, followed by Pakistan, China, and Italy. Cow and buffalo milk are the most produced and consumed types of milk in India. Cow's milk is mostly consumed in Western countries.
What are the nutritional facts of buffalo milk?
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 237 |
| Carbohydrates | 12.6 g (grams) |
| Total fat | 16.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 46.4 mg (milligrams) |
| Protein | 9.15 g |
| Vitamin C | 5.61 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.056 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.878 mcg (micrograms) |
| Folate | 14.6 mcg |
| Potassium | 434 mg |
| Copper | 0.112 mg |
| Calcium | 412 mg |
| Sodium | 127 mg |
| Manganese | 0.044 mg |
| Phosphorus | 285 mg |
| Magnesium | 75.6 mg |
Additionally, buffalo milk contains the following:
- Iron
- Zinc
- Vitamin A
8 health benefits of buffalo milk
Eight important health benefits of buffalo milk include:
- Rich in vitamins:
- Whole buffalo milk contains a good amount of vitamin B12, which lowers the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues and provides various other health benefits.
- It contains other essential nutrients, such as:
- Lowers the risk of high blood pressure:
- Buffalo milk contains 412 mg of calcium per cup. Calcium reduces the risk of hypertension (high blood pressure) by keeping the blood vessels flexible, thereby allowing for the smooth flow of blood.
- Buffalo milk is rich in potassium (434 mg per cup of milk), which plays a major role in reducing blood pressure.
- The milk is very low in cholesterol compared with other milk sources, which is beneficial to the heart.
- Improves bone health:
- Along with high amounts of calcium, buffalo milk contains other minerals that strengthen the bones, such as:
- Copper
- Manganese
- Zinc
- Phosphorus
- All these minerals build strong bones and can aid in the prevention of bone-related diseases, such as osteoporosis and arthritis.
- Along with high amounts of calcium, buffalo milk contains other minerals that strengthen the bones, such as:
- Boosts immunity:
- Buffalo milk is rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for the normal functioning of our immune system.
- These two vitamins function as antioxidants, cleansing the body of dangerous free radicals that can cause chronic diseases.
- Lowers bad cholesterol:
- Buffalo milk is low in cholesterol and is beneficial to people with high cholesterol and heart disease.
- According to research, it aids in the reduction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL; bad) cholesterol.
- High levels of LDL are harmful to your health.
- Improves circulation:
- Buffalo milk can help improve blood circulation by various mechanisms, including cholesterol and blood pressure regulation.
- It provides essential nutrients, such as iron, B vitamins, and vitamin C, which help prevent anemia and improve oxygenation of the organs and tissues, eventually improving their functionality and performance.
- Aids in weight gain:
- Some may consider this a disadvantage, yet buffalo milk is advantageous for individuals trying to gain weight.
- It is delicious, nutritious, and conveniently accessible.
- It contains healthy fats and protein that aid in the growth of muscle mass and the development of a muscular physique.
- It is excellent for the growth and development of children and adolescents because of its high protein content.
- Additionally, it is beneficial for grown-ups.
- However, this does not imply that you should drink milk all day every day. This might lead to health problems.
- You must drink it in moderation along with other healthy foods to get the most benefit out of it.
- Improves skin health:
- Buffalo milk is excellent for your skin because it is high in antioxidants and vitamins.
- Containing a plethora of nutrients, buffalo milk keeps the skin nourished and vitalized.
- You may use buffalo milk to produce a homemade face mask for radiant skin.
SLIDESHOW
Foods That Aren't as Healthy as You Think See SlideshowAre there any downsides with buffalo milk?
Buffalo milk is widely consumed in many nations, and it is gaining popularity in Western countries, along with milk products, such as buffalo mozzarella. Buffalo milk is highly nutritious and has many health benefits. However, it certainly has a few downsides.
Allergic reactions
- Some people are intolerant to lactose in the milk and find it difficult to digest, which leads to various gastrointestinal problems.
- Human milk is typically 60 percent whey and 40 percent casein, whereas buffalo milk contains 20 percent whey and 80 percent casein. This is quite close to cow's milk in composition.
- Researchers believe that the huge variation in the composition of human and buffalo milk may be the cause of IgE-mediated allergic reactions, with most individuals reacting to casein protein in the milk.
Symptoms caused by the allergic response to casein include:
- Swelling of the throat, tongue, mouth, and face
- Breathlessness
- Itchy skin rashes
- Nasal congestion
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
- Itchy eyes
- Death (in case of severe allergic reactions)
Manufacturers of food products marketed in the United States must now indicate on the label whether a food includes any of the most frequent allergens. If a food includes casein, the label should include phrases such as “contains milk components,” “produced with milk ingredients,” or “manufactured in a facility that also processes milk products.” You must read the labels before consuming any food to avoid potential allergic reactions.
Other downsides include:
- Buffalo milk contains more fat; therefore, overconsumption may result in unwanted weight gain.
- Overconsumption may even lead to diabetes.
Health News
- One Death, 10 Hospitalizations in Listeria Outbreak Tied to Peaches, Plums
- Charity Scams Get Active Over the Holidays: Expert Tips to Avoid Them
- Too Few Seniors Get Follow-up Care After a Serious Fall
- AI Could Predict a Nonsmoker's Risk for Lung Cancer
- Breast Cancer Rates Higher in Urban vs. Rural Areas
More Health News »
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Medically Reviewed on 8/31/2022
References
Image Source: ThinkStock image
Milk, Indian buffalo, fluid: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171280/nutrients
Buffalo Milk: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/buffalo-milk
Casein Allergy Overview: https://www.webmd.com/allergies/casein-allergy-overview
Milk, Indian buffalo, fluid: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171280/nutrients
Buffalo Milk: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/buffalo-milk
Casein Allergy Overview: https://www.webmd.com/allergies/casein-allergy-overview
Complete List
Top Is Buffalo Milk Good for Health Related Articles
Can You Suddenly Become Lactose Intolerant?
People may become lactose intolerant at any point of time in their lives.
How Much Lactose Can I Tolerate?
People with lactose intolerance can typically tolerate up to 12 grams of lactose. This is equal to one large cup or about 8 ounces of milk. Some can even have up to 12.5 ounces of milk without experiencing any symptoms.How Do I Know if I Am Lactose Intolerant or Allergic to Milk?
Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of an enzyme (lactase) that helps digest the sugar (lactose) in milk. Milk allergy, on the other hand, is an adverse immune reaction to proteins found in milk. The symptoms of the two conditions are different.
Is Almond Milk Healthier Than Regular Milk?
Almond milk is ideal for people who prefer a vegan diet and want fewer calories, but regular milk is more effective at strengthening bones during youth.
Is Coconut Milk Good for Weight Loss?
Coconut milk is a milky white fluid that is extracted from the flesh of mature coconuts. It has a slightly sweet and nutty taste that is liked by many. Coconut milk is one of the most preferred non-dairy milk substitutes, such as soy milk and almond milk.
Is Milk Bad for UTI?
Milk is safe to drink if you have a UTI. However, yogurt and other fermented dairy products that contain “good” bacteria are better in preventing infections and lowering your risk for UTI.
Is Soy Milk Bad for You?
Soy milk is not bad for you provided it is consumed in less than three servings per day and you do not have a soy allergy. Over the years, soy milk and other soy products have been conceived as bad for health. This is largely attributed to the animal studies that have reported soy in bad light.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a common problem where a person's digestive system cannot digest lactose. Signs and symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal bloating
- Abdominal distention (swelling)
- Nausea
There are several tests to diagnose lactose intolerance. Treatment is generally made with dietary changes, supplements, and adaptation to small amounts of milk.
Lactose Intolerant? How to Get Calcium and Vitamin D
See how to eat right when dairy gives you stomach problems. WebMD shows you ways to get calcium and vitamin D through lactose-free milk, foods, and the sun.
Lactose Tolerance Test
The lactose tolerance test is a test used to diagnose lactoce intolerance. Lactose intolerance occurs when and individual does not have an enzyme breaks down ingested lactose. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include diarrhea, gas, and abdominal pain.What Are the Symptoms of a Milk Allergy in Adults?
Milk allergy reactions may cause immediate or delayed symptoms. Learn to spot the signs and what foods to avoid if you have a dairy allergy.
What Does Milk of Magnesia Do?
Milk of magnesia or Philip’s milk of magnesia is mainly taken as an antacid or a laxative.
Which Milk Is Best For Bones?
Grocery store aisles are stocked with multiple different types of milk — from low-fat and skim milk to plant-based alternatives like almond and soy milk. While most types of milk have some calcium in them, their particular nutrition profiles can be very different.