Buffalo Milk Health Benefits – Nutritional Value, Side Effects

Buffalo milk is great for healthy bones, dental health, and cardiovascular health. It is also a good source of minerals, such as magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. Buffalo milk also has a much higher Vitamin A content than cow’s milk (which is what gives it its milky white color, as opposed to creamy yellow).

When most people think of milk, they naturally picture the udders of a cow, the classic bovine, but there are many people in parts of the world who use buffalo milk instead. You might never have had a glass of this milk, but you’ve likely consumed it in your “buffalo” mozzarella at one point or another. As the name implies, it is the milk from the mammary gland of a buffalo. In parts of the world like India and parts of Asia where different buffalo species are still in high supply, this milk represents a key component of a healthy diet. The increased availability and demand for buffalo milk have boosted the attention, and research has found a number of differences between buffalo milk and other varieties of non-human milk for consumption. ^[1]

This milk is rich in protein, calcium, iron, phosphorous, vitamin A, and other important compounds, but is also notably higher in fat content than traditional cow milk. Depending on your present health condition and lifestyle, the milk of a buffalo can be good for some things, but bad for others, which makes it important to know the nutritional profile and potential health benefits of this cow milk alternative. ^[2]

Buffalo milk is not a popular type of milk and it is not used everywhere in the world. But this type of milk also many health benefits such as protect the heart, lower blood pressure, stimulate circulation, build strong bones and promote growth. When we talk about the milk we usually think of cow milk. Many of us do not know that buffalo milk exists. But also there are many people who want to drink this type of milk. In Asia and India there are many different varieties of buffalo and there this kind of milk is it in the primary diet. In the last years, the number of people who start using buffalo milk is increasing. There are many scientific types of research in which is proven that this kind of milk has many health benefits. It is rich in Vitamin A, phosphorous, calcium, protein, iron, and many other components. But also you should know that this kind of milk has higher amounts of fat compared with the cow’s milk.

Buffalo milk Facts

When most people think of milk, they naturally picture the udders of a cow, the classic bovine, but there are many people in parts of the world who use buffalo milk instead. You might never have had a glass of buffalo milk, but you’ve likely consumed it in your “buffalo” mozzarella at one point or another. Buffalo milk constitutes over 12% of the global milk production, and it provides more energy per unit volume than provided by cow’s milk due to its higher fat and protein content. Besides, if compared with cow’s milk, buffalo milk is richer in fat and produces milk with a higher percentage of proteins

Buffalo milk has relatively lower cholesterol but then again more calories and fat in comparison to cow’s milk. Buffalo milk is prominently utilized in South Asian countries considering India, China and Pakistan being the largest producers. Since it is extremely nutritional, it is richer in calcium and protein than cow’s milk and has less cholesterol and sodium. Buffalo milk is wonderful for healthy bones, dental health, and cardiovascular health. It is also a good source of minerals, such as magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. Buffalo milk also has much higher Vitamin A content than cow’s milk (which is what gives it its milky white color, as opposed to creamy yellow).

Buffalo milk has many benefits for cooking. It is rich in fat, which is what makes it so creamy and thick. It also preserves longer than other milk varieties, and is more heat resistant (perfect for our Southeast Asian heat!). Buffalo milk produce is also high yielding, so although buffalo produce less milk, each liter goes much further in the kitchen.

Nutritional Value

Apart from their sweet taste, buffalo milk is a good source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Consuming 244 gram of buffalo milk offers 16.81 g of Total Fat, 412 mg of Calcium, 285 mg of Phosphorus, 0.88 µg of Vitamin B-12, 0.329 mg of Vitamin B2, 129 µg of Vitamin A, 9.15 g of Protein, 76 mg of Magnesium, 0.112 mg of Copper, 0.127 mg of Vitamin B1 and 12.64 g of Carbohydrate. Moreover many Amino acids 0.129 g of Tryptophan, 0.444 g of Threonine, 0.495 g of Isoleucine, 0.893 g of Leucine, 0.683 g of Lysine, 0.237 g of Methionine and 0.117 g of Cystine are also found in 244 gram of buffalo milk.

Minerals	Amount	% DV
Calcium, Ca	412 mg	41.20%
Iron, Fe	0.29 mg	3.63%
Magnesium, Mg	76 mg	18.10%
Phosphorus, P	285 mg	40.71%
Potassium, K	434 mg	9.23%
Sodium, Na	127 mg	8.47%
Zinc, Zn	0.54 mg	4.91%
Copper, Cu	0.112 mg	12.44%
Manganese, Mn	0.044 mg	1.91%

Vitamins	Amount	% DV
Water-soluble Vitamins
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)	0.127 mg	10.58%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	0.329 mg	25.31%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)	0.222 mg	1.39%
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)	0.468 mg	9.36%
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)	0.056 mg	4.31%
Vitamin B9 (Folate)	15 µg	3.75%
Folate, food	15 µg	N/D
Folate, DEF	15 µg	N/D
Vitamin B-12 (Cobalamine)	0.88 µg	36.67%
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)	5.6 mg	6.22%
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Vitamin A, RAE	129 µg	18.43%
Vitamin A, IU	434 IU	N/D
Retinol	129 µg	N/D

Lipids	Amount	% DV
Fatty acids, total saturated	11.217 g	N/D
4:00	0.673 g	N/D
Caproic acid 6:00 (hexanoic acid)	0.373 g	N/D
Caprylic acid 8:00 (octanoic acid)	0.173 g	N/D
capric acid 10:00 (decanoic acid)	0.344 g	N/D
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) 12:00	0.407 g	N/D
Myristic acid  14:00(Tetradecanoic acid)	1.715 g	N/D
Palmitic acid 16:00 (Hexadecanoic acid)	4.878 g	N/D
Stearic acid 18:00 (Octadecanoic acid)	1.664 g	N/D
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated	4.36 g	N/D
Palmitoleic acid 16:1 (hexadecenoic acid)	0.346 g	N/D
Oleic acid 18:1 (octadecenoic acid)	3.821 g	N/D
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated	0.356 g	N/D
Linoleic acid 18:2 (octadecadienoic acid)	0.171 g	N/D
Linolenic acid 18:3 (Octadecatrienoic acid)	0.185 g	N/D
Cholesterol	46 mg	N/D

Amino acids	Amount	% DV
Tryptophan	0.129 g	29.32%
Threonine	0.444 g	25.23%
Isoleucine	0.495 g	29.61%
Leucine	0.893 g	24.16%
Lysine	0.683 g	20.42%
Methionine	0.237 g	N/D
Cystine	0.117 g	N/D
Phenylalanine	0.395 g	N/D
Tyrosine	0.447 g	N/D
Valine	0.534 g	25.28%
Arginine	0.278 g	N/D
Histidine	0.19 g	15.42%
Alanine	0.322 g	N/D
Aspartic acid	0.754 g	N/D
Glutamic acid	1.164 g	N/D
Glycine	0.195 g	N/D
Proline	0.888 g	N/D
Serine	0.554 g	N/D

*Above mentioned Percent Daily Values (%DVs) are based on 2,000 calorie diet intake. Daily values (DVs) may be different depending upon your daily calorie needs. Mentioned values are recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are not rxharun.com recommendations. Calculations are based on average age of 19 to 50 years and weigh 194 lbs. Source: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ 

Health benefits of Buffalo milk

Buffalo milk has become food for the majority of the world population. India and some other Asian made buffalo milk as a milk substitute for other species. Buffalo milk is milk that comes out of the mammary gland stem buffalo. Many people request the buffalo milk in some areas have encouraged researchers to examine the content of nutrients within. Perhaps regular use of buffalo milk helps to meet the body’s nutritional requirement. Now let’s see more detail about the health benefits of buffalo milk.

Heart Health

In comparison to cow milk, buffalo milk consists of less cholesterol, which is a good thing for anyone concerned about their cardiovascular health. Given the widespread epidemic of cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes around the world, adopting buffalo milk and rebalancing your cholesterol isn’t a bad idea.(1)

May support bone health

Buffalo milk provides high amounts of calcium, a mineral needed for bone development. It’s also a source of casein-derived peptides that may promote bone health and reduce your risk of osteoporosis, a disease characterized by bone weakening and increased risk of fractures (10). Casein is a major protein found in milk, comprising about 89% of buffalo milk’s total protein content (1).

Studies in rats show that some casein-derived peptides may increase bone density and strength, enhance bone formation, and reduce bone resorption — the process of releasing minerals from the bones into the blood (10). Though these results are promising for osteoporosis therapy, further research is needed to verify these effects in humans.

May provide antioxidant activity

Like other dairy products, buffalo milk has antioxidant properties due to its vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals, a group of compounds with harmful effects on your body that have been linked to certain diseases.

One test-tube study determined that the total antioxidant capacity of buffalo milk ranged between 56–58%, compared with 40–42% for cow’s milk. Buffalo milk’s higher antioxidant ability was credited to its higher monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content (4).

Similarly, another study found that buffalo milk fat provides small amounts of phenolic compounds and fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A and E, all of which have potent antioxidant properties (13).

May improve cardiovascular health

Beta-lactoglobulin and potassium in buffalo milk may help reduce high blood pressure. Beta-lactoglobulin is a primary whey protein and an important source of bioactive compounds associated with health benefits (14).

One test-tube study found beta-lactoglobulin in buffalo milk to inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme — an enzyme that increases blood pressure by tightening blood vessels — thus reducing blood pressure levels (15). What’s more, potassium is a key mineral involved in blood pressure control, and buffalo milk boasts a high potassium content, providing 9% of the DV per 8-ounce (244-ml) serving (6).

Buffalo milk is rich in bioactive compounds that may promote bone and heart health and protect your body from oxidative stress.

Bone Strength

It seems that milk of all varieties is quite well known for its impact on bone strength and development. As it turns out, milk from buffalo actually has more calcium than cow milk, making it even better for the prevention of osteoporosis and general bone strength and resilience. This is in addition to the number of other essential minerals found in buffalo milk, including copper, manganese, phosphorous, and zinc.(2)

Growth and Development

Research has shown that buffalo milk is also impressively high in protein content. In fact, milk from a buffalo has about 10% more protein than its cow-derived cousin. This is good news for the growth and development of children and adolescents, as well as adults, considering that protein is needed for nearly every bodily process. Buffalo milk also offers complete proteins, which are extremely valuable and can be converted into usable energy or applied for the repair and growth of our body.(3)

Blood Pressure

This isn’t a well-known benefit of buffalo milk, as the potassium content of this milk variety is often ignored. However, there is more potassium in buffalo milk than regular cow’s milk, and since potassium functions as a vasodilator, buffalo milk can help you lower your blood pressure. By reducing the strain on blood vessels and arteries, milk from buffalo help to prevent the development of atherosclerosis and other coronary complications.(4)

Immune System

Buffalo milk contains good amount of Vitamin A and vitamin C and these two vitamins are key to the functioning of our immune system and the overall protection of the body. Both of these vitamins act as antioxidants, cleansing the body of dangerous free radicals and toxins that may cause chronic illness. Additionally, vitamin C encourages the immune system into producing more white blood cells, the first line of defense for the body. Zinc and certain other trace minerals in this milk variety act as antioxidants and immune system boosters.(5)

Circulation

Anemia is the formal term for iron deficiency, and this is a major problem for people all over the world. A great cure for this condition is high-iron foods, as iron is an important component of red blood cells. By increasing RBC count in the body, you are able to increase circulation, which boosts oxygenation to the extremities and organ systems, keeping them operating at full capacity. It also speeds the healing and growth of new cells and tissues.(6)

Traditional uses and benefits of Buffalo Milk

• If you have sleep problems, try drinking half a cup of warm buffalo milk at night, one hour before food.
• It helps to decrease digestive fire, improves strength and immunity.
• It nourishes the body.
• It calms Pitta, relieves burning sensation, and is useful in skin conditions.
• Buffalo milk provides strength and energy to the body.

Buffalo milk vs. cow’s milk

Both buffalo and cow’s milk are highly nutritious and provide a great number of vitamins and minerals, but buffalo milk packs more nutrients and calories per serving.

Below is a comparison between 1 cup (244 ml) of buffalo and whole cow’s milk (6, 8):

Buffalo milk has more protein, fat, and lactose than whole cow’s milk.

Consuming milk with higher protein content increases your feelings of fullness. This may help reduce food intake throughout the day, thus helping you lose weight and body fat (rx).

On the other hand, if you want to reduce your fat intake or have mild lactose intolerance, opting for cow’s milk may be better.

Buffalo milk also has more vitamins and minerals. It provides 41% of the DV for phosphorus, 32% of the DV for calcium, 19% of the DV for magnesium, and 14% of the DV for vitamin A, compared with 29%, 21%, 6%, and 12% in cow’s milk, respectively (rx, rx).

It’s also worth noting that because buffaloes are more effective at converting beta-carotene — an antioxidant with a distinctive yellow color — into vitamin A, their milk is whiter than cow’s milk (rx, rx).

Lastly, since buffalo milk is lower in water but higher in fat, it has a thicker texture that’s suitable in the production of fat-based dairy products like butter, ghee, cheese, and ice cream (rx, rx).

Buffalo milk has a higher fat, protein, lactose, vitamin, and mineral content than cow’s milk. It’s also whiter and has a thicker consistency, which makes it perfect for the production of fat-based dairy products.

How to Eat

• Buffalo milk is used in some Western countries for the production of buffalo mozzarella cheese.
• It is suitable for the manufacture of traditional (indigenous Indian) milk products like khoa, dahi, paneer, kheer, payasam, malai, kulfi and ghee.
• Italian Mozzarella and Borelli cheeses and traditional South Asian paneer, khoa, and ghee are all made from buffalo milk.

Other Facts

• Buffalo milk has lower cholesterol but more calories and fat compared with cow’s milk.
• Buffalo yields anywhere between 7 to 11 liters of milk per day.
• India followed by Pakistan is the top producer of buffalo milk.
• Buffalo milk produces thick and creamy dairy products suitable for the manufacture of traditional (indigenous Indian) milk products like khoa, dahi, paneer, kheer, payasam, malai, kulfi, and ghee.
• It can be stored for a longer time due to its high peroxiding activity.
• Buffalo milk yields nearly twice as much cheese per liter compared with cow’s milk.
• Buffalo milk may provide a delicious alternative for people suffering from an intolerance or allergy to cow’s milk products.

References

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