Buffalo Milk Benefits: Insights from 100 Research Papers [Wellhealthorganic Buffalo Milk Tag]

WellHealthOrganic Buffalo Milk Tag: Who doesn’t enjoy the rich aroma of butter melting over hot parathas? This delightful experience often begins with buffalo milk, a staple in many of our kitchens.

As the second most consumed type of milk globally, buffalo milk offers remarkable health benefits that go beyond its culinary uses. [1]

In this article, you will see the various aspects of buffalo milk, and discover how it’s beneficial for your health, its nutritional values and its side effects in detail.

WellHealthOrganic Buffalo Milk Tag
WellHealthOrganic Buffalo Milk Tag

What is Buffalo Milk?

Buffalo milk is the creamy milk that comes from water buffaloes. These big, friendly animals are mostly raised in India and Pakistan, where people have been milking them for thousands of years. [2]

Nutritional Value of Buffalo Milk: 

Buffalo milk is a bit like cow’s milk but is thicker and creamier because it has more fat and protein. [3]

Table 1: Nutritional values of buffalo milk (Per 100 g):

Nutrient Amount per 100 g 
Protein 4.5 g 
Fats 8.5 g 
Carbohydrates (Lactose)4.5 g 
Water  83 g 
Energy  100 kcal 
Iron  0.16 mg 
Calcium  178.5 mg 
Magnesium 18 mg 
Sodium 36 mg 
Potassium  178 mg 
Phosphorus 110 mg 
Manganese 0.05 mg 
Copper 0.04 mg 
Zinc  0.45 mg 
Reference: WellHealthOrganic Buffalo Milk Tag [4] [5] [6]

Table 2: Vitamin content of buffalo milk (mg/L)

Vitaminmg/L
Vitamin A0.4
Vitamin D0.001
Vitamin B1 0.4
Vitamin B2 1.7
Vitamin B6 0.6
Vitamin E1.0
Vitamin B12 0.005
Vitamin C 20
Folic Acid0.05
Reference: WellHealthOrganic Buffalo Milk Tag [22]

Buffalo Milk vs. Cow’s Milk: A Nutritional Comparison

WellHealthOrganic Buffalo Milk Tag
WellHealthOrganic Buffalo Milk vs. Cow’s Milk

When comparing buffalo milk to cow’s milk, several important nutritional differences stand out, read the following:

  1. Caloric and Nutrient Density:  Buffalo milk contains more calories and higher levels of fat and protein per serving.
  2. Mineral Content: Buffalo milk is rich in calcium, phosphorus and other nutrients.
  3. Vitamin Content:  Buffalo milk also has more vitamins and minerals per serving, including higher levels of vitamin A and magnesium. [7]

Table 3: Nutritional Comparison per 100 ml Buffalo and Cow’s milk.

NutrientBuffalo MilkCow’s Milk
Carbohydrates(Lactose)4.5 g5.0 g
Protein4.5 g3.5 g
Fat8.5 g5.0 g
Calcium178.5 mg120 mg
Magnesium12 mg18 µg
Phosphorous88 mg110 mg
Cholesterol3.6 mg3.0 mg
Reference: [8] [9]

The higher fat content improves the taste and provides a texture that is preferred for making quality milk products.

Benefits of Buffalo Milk:  

Buffalo milk has these benefits: WellHealthOrganic Buffalo Milk Tag

  • Works as an antioxidant [19] [20]
  • Reduces inflammation [40]
  • Helps regulate blood sugar [41] [42]
  • Offers cancer-fighting properties [39]
  • Help lower blood pressure [10] [11] [12]
  • Fight off harmful microbes [40]
  • Supports digestive health with its probiotic properties [27]

Benefits of Buffalo Milk

Some of the most significant health benefits:

  1. Lowers The Risk of High Blood Pressure: Buffalo milk is rich in calcium and potassium, both are essential for blood pressure control and ensure smooth blood flow. [10] [11] [12]
  2. Rich in Vitamins: Whole buffalo milk is rich in vitamin B12, which is linked to a reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues. [13] [21]
  3. Improves Bone Health: Buffalo milk is rich in calcium, casein protein and other minerals, which are crucial for strong bones and dental health. [14] [15] [16]
  4. Other minerals that are present in buffalo milk and support bone integrity:-
  • Copper
  • Manganese
  • Zinc
  • Phosphorus [8] [9]
  1. Heart Health: Although buffalo milk has a higher fat content than cow’s milk, it contains beneficial monounsaturated fats and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), beta-lactoglobulin and other important bioactive compounds associated with good heart health. [17] [18]
  1. Boosts immunity: Buffalo milk is rich in vitamins A, E and C, crucial for the normal functioning of our immune system. These vitamins also act as antioxidants, remove free radicals and prevent chronic diseases. [19] [20]
  1. Useful for weight gain: Buffalo milk is rich in healthy fats and protein, supporting muscle growth. [21] [4] [5] [6]
  1. Improves skin health: Buffalo milk is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, beneficial for skin health. It can be used in homemade face masks for radiant skin. [22] [23] [24]
  1. Digestive Health: Contains more magnesium, which can aid in digestion by activating digestive enzymes and relaxing intestine muscles [26]. Buffalo milk is also rich in probiotic content which improves digestion and gut health [27]. It also has high casein which is slower to digest and helps in sustained nutrient absorption. [25]

Table 4: Health Benefits of Buffalo Milk: WellHealthOrganic Buffalo Milk Tag

Health BenefitDescription
Blood PressureHelps maintain blood pressure due to high calcium content.
Heart HealthContains beneficial fats, and may reduce LDL cholesterol.
Bone HealthRich in calcium and phosphorus for strong bones.
Immune SupportHigh in vitamins A and C, vital for immune function.
Circulation & Blood SugarAids in regulating cholesterol and blood sugar.
Weight ManagementHigh in healthy fats and protein.
Skin HealthContains magnesium and probiotics, and aids digestion.
Digestive HealthContains magnesium and probiotics, aids digestion.
Antioxidant ActivityCombats oxidative stress.
Anti-inflammatory & AntimicrobialReduces inflammation and fights harmful microbes.
Cancer PreventionContains cancer-fighting compounds.
Reference: [10] [11] [12] [19] [20] [22] [23] [24] [27] [39] [40] [41] [42]

Potential Downsides of Buffalo Milk: WellHealthOrganic Buffalo Milk Tag

While buffalo milk offers numerous health benefits, there are a few considerations to keep in mind before making it a regular part of your diet:

  1. High Caloric Content: Buffalo milk’s higher calorie and fat content could concern those monitoring their intake or with specific dietary needs, potentially contributing to weight gain. [28]
  2. Lactose Content: Despite containing slightly less lactose than cow’s milk, buffalo milk still has significant amounts, triggering symptoms in lactose-intolerant individuals. [29] [30]
  3. Allergenic Potential: Like cow’s milk, buffalo milk contains allergenic proteins such as casein and whey, posing risks of allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. [31

Some researchers believe that if you have a cow’s milk allergy, buffalo milk may be a suitable allergy-friendly substitute for you, but some disagree. [32] [33] [34] [35]

  1. Availability and Cost: Outside South Asia, buffalo milk may be less available and more expensive than cow’s milk, limiting access and affordability for some consumers. [36] [37]
  2. Sometimes buffalo milk may cause: [38
  • Bloating 
  • Gas 
  • Pain 
  • Diarrhoea

Use buffalo milk in moderation for optimum results.

Table 5: Potential Downsides of Buffalo Milk: WellHealthOrganic Buffalo Milk Tag

DownsideDescription
Caloric ContentHigher calories, may contribute to unwanted weight gain.
Lactose ContentContains lactose, which can cause digestive issues in intolerant individuals.
AllergensContains proteins that might trigger allergies.
AvailabilityLess widely available and generally more expensive than cow’s milk.
Reference: [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] [37] [38]

The Bottom Line:

Buffalo milk is a widely accepted popular choice of milk and a delicacy for the Indian people.

It is rich and nutritious, with higher levels of fat, protein, calcium, and vitamins. We have read its benefits ranging from enhancing bone health, reducing blood pressure and providing antioxidant protection to supporting heart health and improving digestive processes. 

However, it is important to consider its higher caloric content, potential allergenic properties, and availability issues, especially if you are managing dietary restrictions or have specific health concerns.

Table 6: Summary of Buffalo Milk: WellHealthOrganic Buffalo Milk Tag

AspectBenefitConsideration
Nutritional ValueHigher in protein, fat, and minerals.Higher calories could impact weight management.
Health BenefitsSupports bone health, heart health, and digestion.Possible allergens could affect sensitive individuals.
AvailabilityValued for its rich taste and nutritional benefits.Less available and may cost more than cow’s milk.
Taste ProfileRich and creamy, enhances the flavour of dairy products.Subjective taste preference may vary among individuals.
Culinary UsesIdeal for making butter, cheese, yoghurt, and desserts.May not be suitable for individuals with specific dietary restrictions or preferences.
Reference: [4] [5] [6] [10] [11] [12] [19] [20] [22] [23] [24] [27] [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] [37] [38]  [39] [40] [41] [42

In conclusion, buffalo milk is an excellent choice for those looking for a nutrient-dense milk option. It’s particularly beneficial for those who can tolerate its lactose content and are not allergic to dairy proteins (Casein and Whey). 

Why not give it a try and see the difference for yourself? Explore the creamy richness of buffalo milk in your next meal.

Have we addressed all your questions about buffalo milk in our blog? If not, feel free to ask in the comments section.

Frequently Asked Questions: WellHealthOrganic Buffalo Milk Tag

Q. Can we drink buffalo milk daily?

Yes, buffalo milk can be consumed daily as part of a balanced diet. It is rich in essential nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamins, making it beneficial for bone health, cardiovascular health, and more. However, its high caloric and fat content means it should be consumed in moderation. Source

Q. Which is better: cow milk or buffalo milk?

Both buffalo and cow milk have their unique nutritional benefits. Buffalo milk is richer in fat, protein, calcium, and vitamins but higher in calories, making it creamier and more nutritious but also more calorie-dense. Cow’s milk is lower in fat and calories, which might be preferable for those monitoring their calorie intake. Source

Q. Why do Indians drink buffalo milk?

Buffalo milk has been a staple in Indian diets for thousands of years due to its availability, nutritional richness, and suitability for producing a wide range of dairy products like ghee, butter, and cheese that are integral to Indian cuisine. Source

Q. Who should not drink buffalo milk?

Individuals who are lactose intolerant, allergic to dairy proteins like casein, or those who have specific dietary restrictions regarding fat intake should avoid or limit their consumption of buffalo milk. Source

Q. Should we boil buffalo milk?

Yes, boiling buffalo milk before consumption is advisable to ensure safety by killing any harmful bacteria and pathogens present. Boiling also helps stabilize the milk by reducing the risk of spoilage. Source

Q. Does buffalo milk increase fat?

Due to its higher fat content, excessive consumption of buffalo milk could contribute to weight gain if not balanced with other dietary components. It is advisable for those monitoring their weight or fat intake to consume it judiciously. Source

Q. Which milk is best for health?

The best type of milk for health depends on individual nutritional needs and health conditions. Buffalo milk is richer in nutrients and beneficial for those needing higher caloric and nutrient intake, while cow’s milk might be better for those requiring lower fat content. Source

Q. Which milk has high protein?

Buffalo milk has a higher protein content compared to cow’s milk, making it a superior choice for those seeking to increase their protein intake for muscle building or general health. Source

Q. Is buffalo milk good for health?

Yes, buffalo milk is good for health due to its rich content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It supports bone health, and cardiovascular health, and provides anti-inflammatory benefits. Source

Q. What are the side effects of buffalo milk?

The side effects of buffalo milk may include gastrointestinal issues such as bloating and diarrhoea, especially in those with lactose intolerance or milk protein allergies. Source

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

Buffalo milk can be safe during pregnancy if consumed in moderation and it is pasteurized to eliminate any harmful bacteria. However, pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider to consider any personal health issues. Source

Disclaimer: While the information is sourced from highly cited research papers and reviewed by medical professionals, it is intended for educational purposes only. Readers are encouraged to consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.

Dr. P.Kumar, MD

Dr. P.Kumar, MD

WellHealth Tips

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